Happy Easter.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. The weather here in Bonners Ferry was amazing. I can feel summer coming. It was amazing to sit outside with my family. I'm glad for a family gathering right before my trip. I'll sure miss them but happy to bring stories and photos back to share with them.

Hiking

The past week I have been hiking daily. With 18 days left till Europe I need to get my walking legs going. My hiking adventures have been a great way to start my day. Each morning I get up and hike the two mile trail. Tubbs Hill follows along the beautiful Lake Coeur D' Alene. The trail takes me on a journey up along the lake, traveling next the the cliffs, stepping next to the yellow wild flowers, and crossing two bridges. There is no time or allowance for stress or worry on these hikes. It has been a perfect way to start my day. I am refreshed and awake to begin the daily routine of homework and work.

Beautiful Day

The weather has been nice lately. I am really enjoying being outside and soaking up all the beauty. I have been really caught up in school and planning lately. I decided to "take the day off." Well, I don't have to work today and I wont be doing as much homework. My friend and I are going on a picnic. I am really looking forward to being outdoors for most of the day. I love outside and the fresh air. There is a peace to the outdoors. It makes me happy. I am excited to bring my camera and caption the peace. This is the first time in a while that I have really thought about how much I love the outdoors. I'm finding trouble describing the feeling. When I am outside I feel a sense of freedom. I can't imagine being grumpy in the beauty of nature.

30 days

The panic has begun. 30 days till I leave for Europe. I am so excited but completely scared. I am a home body. This is my first long trip. I love the comfort of my own home and my own bed. I know that I am going to be so home sick and I can not stop stressing over it. This adventure is going to change my life. I am going to see and experience things that I've only dreamed of. I'm looking forward to all the experiences but I can't help but think that I have no idea what life is going to be like when I get home. What am I going to miss? Is time and distance going to change me and the relationships I have with everyone here. I'm sure that I am being dramatic but I tend to stress more than necessary. I fear that the progress I have made in certain relationships will diminish once I get back. I know the only thing I can do is to put my faith in the fact that if a relationship is as meant to be and as strong as I think then it will still be strong when I get back.

Hired!

Its official. I booked the wedding job. The wedding is schedules for August but I am so excited. I met with the bride and she was really happy with my work. We talked a little about my style and what she wanted. I showed her a book I had made and some photos from the only wedding I have done and she loved them. This will be my first really photography job that is not done for friends or family. I'm a little nervous because I know how important wedding photos are for a bride but I have plenty of time to get things worked out. Plus, I will be getting lots of practice in with all the shots I will be taking in Europe. Life sure is getting exciting.

Photo Meeting

Photo Job! I am sitting at a coffee shop waiting to meet a couple who is interested in my photo services. I'm a little nervous to try and "sell" my photo abilities. However, this is so exciting. This will be my first real photo job. All others have been volunteer to build my portfolio. I took the photos at my uncles wedding and it was so stressful. There is no time for mistakes. I hope the meeting goes well. I could use the experience. I brought a photo book that I made and my computer to show her my work.
I was talking to a friend who is starting out with photography as well. She was helpful in making sure that I am prepared, however, she scared my a little. She said that contracts are a good idea in case something goes wrong. Something could happen with equipment or the wedding could be cancelled. She advised to make sure that I am legally covered. Scary. I never would have thought about that. All photo shoots that I have done have been through friends and family. I would never assume or think that I would need to enforce the contract but I guess it would not hurt for add precaution.

43 Days

I never would have thought that planning an amazing trip around Europe would be so stressful. Right now we are in the process of planning our train rides and Hostels. At first we were not going to plan ever thing out but we decided that we need to have a plan for safety and time issues. We are so thankful that we decided to plan. So far we have found out that train planning is not as easy as it seems. We have had to change our route a bit. In three hours at Hastings we accomplished two weeks of train planning. We got stuck getting to Greece. We are having a hard time accepting the 24 hours train ride and flights are so expensive. So its break time. Too much planning can be exhausting. We start to worry about time and money. A break is needed. We do not want any stress to be associated with this trip.

Reading

Our last assignment got me thinking. Great! Now I have a topic for my blog. One of the questions was what literature is important to you know. I am sitting in Hastings surrounded by great literature. And no time to read any of it. Right now school is so important that I accept the fact that I do not have time for outside reading. As a write this I take a few seconds to look around. I am sitting in one of the aisles. Books everywhere. I can look around and find ten right now that I would love to read. The covers and the titles are so inviting. I think about when I would fit reading into my schedule. Not going to happen. Truthfully I probably would be able to sleep less or spend less time with friends to read one of these books but I logically I don't see this happening. Maybe I should start a book list of all the books I wish to read now. Then once I have time I can start my reading journey.

Seaside

I have just returned from my road trip. Seaside was amazing. I have never been there before. The ocean is so beautiful. I found it hard to stress out or think about all I was leaving behind in such a beautiful place. We woke the birthday girl up at four in the morning. Asked her to pack her bags quickly. We were on a mission. Surprised, shocked, and still sleepy we packed and loaded up the truck. We hit the road. A few naps, stops for gas, and eight hours later we arrived at Seaside. Right to the edge of the beach. We checked into our hotel and ventured to the water. Five girls running and laughing. We felt peace and soaked up the beauty. The water was freezing but we still took off our boots and stuck in our toes. After the beach we explored Seaside. I love this little town. We stopped and had a bowl of fresh clam chowder and continued to walk in the rain. We celebrated the birthday girl and relaxed. We left our school work and our daily stress at home. We laughed and laughed and laughed some more. Five girls in the best mood always leads to laughter and good times. Our trip went quickly but we enjoyed our time. We made a few stops on the way home, taking our time. We explored Cannon Beach, Portland, and a few random stops on the roadside. We documented our trip with pictures. What the pictures could not tell will be engraved in our memories. A quick trip to celebrate our friend. Five girls leaving their stress behind. Five girls becoming even closer friends.

Weekend

I am so excited for this weekend. Sunday I have tickets to The Goo Goo Dolls. I got them for my birthday and the day is almost here. I am so happy to be going. Monday morning is my best friends birthday. She is the one that planned all of my surprises for my birthday. Payback is here. She is like me and gets so anxious for surprises. The unknown is nerve-racking. So the plan is to wake the birthday girl up at four in the morning make her pack for the unknown and hit the road. We are going to Seaside for two days. A short trip but needed. There are a total of five girls going. We packed food and games. The hotel is amazing. We have a patio entrance right on the beach. Plus, beach cruiser rentals. The weather will still be a bit cold but nothing is holding us back. We all need a break from school, a break from work, and to celebrate our great friends birthday.

Accomplished

I accomplished my goal. Today is the last day in February. I have completed a new adventure each day. Some exciting. Some more low key. All new to me. I'm having a hard time deciding if I should keep this goal going. With school and work it is sometimes so difficult to find something new. Part of me wants to keep going and try more new adventures. The other part wants to take a break and have more focus on school. I am such an indecisive person. I guess I'll figure it out tomorrow. I really should take a break but I had so much fun being adventurous.

Countdown

Only a few days left in February. This last week has been crazy trying to find new things to do. I have been so busy with school and work and I don't have much time left over. Last night time got away from me. I was working and it was so busy. Once it slowed down it hit me. I haven't done anything new today. At 11:57 last night I tried black coffee. It was disgusting. The taste is to strong for me. It was not a very exciting new idea for the day but I panicked. With only four days left in February I was not going to blow it. I'm glad I work well under pressure. It usually takes a while to think of a new goal. I am so glad that I have stuck with this goal. I sometimes have a hard time following through with my plans. This is me working on it.

Ice Fishing

Today I went ice fishing with my dad, my aunt, and my uncle. We went to Lake Cocolalla. The weather was amazing. The sun was so bright and warm... in the beginning. Four hours and ten fish later I was freezing. I had an amazing time thought. The stress of school melted away. I was able to spend time with my wonderful dad. Plus, I got to do my "new thing" for the day. I've been ice fishing before but dad has always drilled the holes. This time I made my own. It was so difficult. It took me a few minutes vs. my dads 30 seconds. It was a little slanted but it was nice enough to pull a fish out. This fishing trip was so relaxing. Just what I needed. I need a small break to get away and I needed to see dad.

AHHHH!

Homework. Homework. Homework. I don't know how I am surviving. Work has just become crazy. I have been working 40 hours each week. Enough right? Guess not. I was just promoted to head bartender. So I am not in charge of training all new bartenders at Applebees. I am so thankful for the promotion but the time only adds more stress on my life. I am now working overtime thanks to the longtime bartender that just up and quit. Hence the reason I am now the trainer. I love training. Its a teaching job in a way. Added to the stress of many, many assignment due every other day. I just want to scream. I wont because I tend to be quiet but maybe I should. Just let it all out. Who knows it might help.

Magic

Today I grew a magical plant. We each got a plant in a can. We just open it and water it and wait for it to grow. The magic of it is that there is a secret message on the bean sprout. I just love this feel of childhood again. There are reasons and explanations for this magic but I don't want to think about them. I want to think about the magic and wonder of it. This is part of my goal for doing something new. I want to find the wonder in the world again. I hate the feeling of routine and living day to day. Life is so busy that I can easily get caught up in the routine. I would hate to find nothing new in life. I can't imagine a world with no surprises, no magic, or no wonder. I don't need an explanation for everything. Its nice to believe just for the sake of believing.

Baby

Today I got to babysit a two month old little girl. She is the daughter of some work friends. I absolutely love her. I have a big family and have been surrounded by babies growing up. I just love children. This should be no surprise knowing that I aspire to be a teacher. I had the best time with little baby Riley. She is such a happy baby. After her nap she just laid on her blanket looking the world over. Even at two months she has so much personality. I would rub her cheeks or wiggle her legs and she would giggle or smile. I truly enjoyed ever minute with her. I can not wait to have my own children. Having children in my life is my one most important goal. I have a lot of adventures and goals I plan to accomplish in my life. This one is the one that will make my life worthwhile.

82

82 Days! Only 82 days left till I fly to Amsterdam to start my Europe travels. I spent a lot of the day planning. I could feel my excitement rising. Today we reserved our hotel in Seattle, bought our EuroRail train passes, and got our hostel cards. We had such a productive Euro Day. Time has been going by so fast. We were starting to fear that we are not as prepared as we should be. We all have full time jobs and lots of school work. It is sometimes difficult to find time to meet up and plan. Days are dropping off our countdown calendar. It is time to plan. We made lists, and plans, and reservations. A little less stress in our lives. With every one thing that I can check off my to do list I feel relief, whether big or small.

"Radio"

My brother just moved out. I absolutely loved living with him. Which is crazy for how much we use to fight. He moved back home to Bonners. He got offered a job there and decide to move back with mom and dad and take the job. I'm happy for him cause this is what he wants but I am so sad to see him go. I've been thinking about my brother and our childhood a lot lately. One of my best memories of him was when we had our go cart. We lived at the top of a county road. Bumpy, dirt roads that were perfect for flying around in a little go cart. We had this game we played. There was no radio in the go cart so we made our own. Whoever drove was in charger of the "radio." The passenger was the "radio." Driver had the power to turn the radio up or down and to change the station. It was so much fun trying to get my little brother to sing louder and louder. Changing the station was pretty entertaining too. It was difficult at times to come up with a new song to sing.
I love thinking of old childhood memories. This is one that I am very fond of. I'll miss living with my brother. Thankfully, he will be at mom and dads and not to far to visit.

Ice Skating

I am still so battered and bruised from ice skating. My tail bone is so bruised that it hurts and aches to sit. I have dark purple bruise on my knee. I have another, yet bigger, bruise on my leg. This one is has a puncture wound in the center from my skates. Plus on each ankle I have the burns. They are from my skates rubbing on my legs. The left one is so bad it decided to blister. Gross. However, as much pain as this adventure has caused I would do it again. I am so thankful to be able to try something new. I loved skating around the ice with my closest friends, holding the hand of a special boy, and taking so many pictures to remember each moment.
My friends know and support my Elvis obsession. So as an added gift to me they announced my birthday and played me an Elvis tune. So with the crowd skating around looking to see who the birthday girl is I decided to help them out. What do I do? Kaboom. Fall. Everyone already knows each time someone falls. This time was extra special because they were already looking. Their attention was already on me. I wasn't embarrassed just counting the odds of that one. Right before that moment I was doing so good. I hadn't fallen in almost twenty minutes.
I know I'll have to heal up a bit more before I start my skating career but I'm sure I'll go again. Thats that best part of new adventures, trying something new, finding a new passion or hobby, or just realizing that your not missing out.

February 3-4 Adventures

Our adventures have been great. We sang karaoke thursday night. It was so terrifying but so fun. We spent a good hour trying to pick out a song. I think we were indecisive mostly to spare more time. We decided on "Any Man of Mine" by Shania Twain. I'm not going to make singing a weekly thing but I'm glad I did. I'm glad that I could be brave. We picked a good song. I love that the crowd sang with us and danced a few country steps. It was a good time.
Friday was my birthday. As I open bedroom door to go begin my day I see streamers and balloons. My two lovely roommates decorated our house in pink and purple. I had lunch with good friends and coffee with others. The rest of the day was a surprise. I hate surprises. I love the idea and the thought behind them but I hate the unknown. A group of my closest friends went to dinner at Shogun in spokane. After dinner we went ice skating. My new adventure for the day. Ice skating is also on my bucket list. I was so impressed by my friends. My birthday was unique for me. It was such a special day. Ice skating was so fun but so hard. I fell four times and bruised my tail bone. I would do it all over again. Ice skating is hard work. I am definitely sore. After a couple of hours of ice skating we had an after party at a friends house. We laughed and played games and laughed some more. I could not have wished for a better birthday. I am so thankful for my friends and family. It a great feeling to be loved this much.

Day One and Two

So this new daily adventure idea is working pretty well so far. No major events have taken place yet. I realized Jessica and I are very busy girls that are not on the same schedule. Our adventures have had to be quick. On the first we tried Yoohoo. According to our other roommate, Candice, Yoohoo is the best chocolate milk. Nothing compares. I must say it is pretty good. I wasn't really wowed but I'm not a chocolate milk fan. It was good but I'm not in love.
Our second adventure was to try an Asian Pear. I recommend it to no one. Not good. The skin had this dry, rough texture. The inside was better. Really juicy but no flavor. We didn't hate it but I will never eat one again. I actually only took one bite of this one. Jess ate a few. She's a trooper.
Tonight will be good. So far the idea is to sing some karaoke. Both of us sing aloud all the time. At home or in the car. Not with others around. I'm a little nervous but excited. Thats was this goal was all about. Being brave and trying new things even if they make us nervous or disgusted. I'm sure what we will sing but I know it getting late already. We are running out of time to back out. We can only try exotic fruit some many times. Its time to be brave. I'll let you know how this goes.

New Goals

My roommate, Jessica, and I have set this goal. We decided to add more to our lives. Starting tomorrow, February 1st, we are going to try something new each day. We made a deal to try something we have never done before for one month. We talked about the new things we can do each day. I am so excited. Each day after our adventure we are going to write about. Somedays our adventures are going to me more eventful then other but they will all be exciting. We talked about how it might be difficult for us to going on adventures the days we work and are stressed with school work but we have a plan. We made a short list of back up plan ideas. If we don't have much time we will resort to this list. Maybe try a new food or craft project. I am so excited for these new daily adventures. I can't wait to share with all of you.

Lady

A few days ago I was running errands. As I was driving up Canfield I saw this lady. She held a cardboard sign, "Everyone needs a little help sometime." I usually keep driving when I see these signs. I always feel ill when I keep driving. So today I decided to stop. I pulled my truck into a nearby parking lot. I sat in the truck for a while wondering what I should do. Should I give a few dollars or should I help more. This lady was older. She was shaking from the cold and had such sad eyes. I got out of the truck to talk to her. I asked her what she needed help with. I felt embarrassment in her voice. She said she needed propane. We talked a little and I found out that she lived behind Target in a tent with her cat. My heart broke for her. I had to do something. I went to target and bought four cans of propane and two small can of cat food. Only $11. I can easily skip coffee for a few days to help this lady. I brought the bag back to her and showed her what I got. She was so grateful. She told me that she can now go warm up and leave the street corner. As I walked to my 09' Dodge truck she walked to her cold tent. I am thankful for what I have but broken with what she doesn't. As we parted she thanked me a number of times. I am glad that I turned my truck around. I am very blessed in life and I need to share my blessings.

Confusion

With this sudden burst in writing I've been thinking about my writing history. Today I reread some of my journal entries. I did not tear any out this time. I came to the conclusion that I am still one confused girl. I envy people who know exactly who they are. I know who I want to be in life but I am unsure of who I am.

Mail Day

Today was the best mail day ever. A few weeks ago I lost my battery charger for my camera. I can't live without my camera. Buy a charger and problem solved, right? Not when a new charger is $120. So I turned to the next best thing. Ebay! Today I received my charger. Hence, the best mail day ever. My battery is charging now. I can't wait to get out into the photography world again. I love seeing the world through my lens. I love the still world. Freezing moments and freezing time.

Grandpa

My prayers have been answered today. Yesterday I felt so blessed to be a part of my family. We gathered around the game and celebrated. My happiness yesterday cannot compare with the happiness I feel today. I woke up and got ready like any other day. I was sitting in the living room working on my homework. My brother was watching t.v. on couch. My phone and his ring with a text message. When we both get a message at the same time its always a mass text. This time it was from my Dad. At 11:59 am Monday the 24th I get this message, "The cancer is gone in grandpa!" My brother and I look at each other and I instantly shed tears of joy. I have prayed for this moment since I received the bad news. I love my grandpa so much and am thrilled that he is healthy again. My family is my world.

NFC Champs

Today was an intense, exciting, and emotional day for the Navarro family. My roommate and I got up early this morning to decorate our car and truck in green and gold. My white truck has never looked so good. I headed to Bonners right after, driving my truck proud for all of Cda to see. I arrived to my aunts with a house full of excited Packer fans. My Dad was up at four with anticipation of the game. The game began and the house got quiet. Opening drive and the Packers score. With each great play the Navarros scream and roar. Next touchdown and everyone is out of their seat. We hug each other and high five. Even with a lead we still don't feel like we are winning. Anything can happen in a football game. We just hope that we can keep our lead. Bears score and the mood instantly changes. We are at the edge of our seats and becoming ill. We still have the lead but the gap is closing. B.J. Raji picks the ball and another shouting match begins. I can't even explain how intense the mood is. The Packers are our family. They are our team. This game is our game. When the boys won today, my family won. The end was close making the win so much more intense. A few of us cried, most were shaky, and all were overjoyed. After the game we celebrated with a toast. My Dad had the honor. He toasted to our family and he toasted to the big game. It was such a great moment. I felt so proud to be a part of our family. We went for pizza after to continue our celebration. We supported our green and gold attire and talked about our joy. I am thankful for today and so glad that I was lucky enough to make it to Bonners. I love my family and our obsession. Super Bowl here we come!

Home

Its almost game day. I can't wait to go to Bonners and spend time with my family. This sunday the Packers play in the NFC championship. My family will be gathering to cheer on Pack. I am so thankful that I actually get to go home and enjoy this time with my family. There will about twenty of us, laughing, screaming, and cheering in our green and gold. I have not been home since Christmas and I really need to have some family time. School and work have been crazy and sadly it keeps me from traveling up to Bonners. Its all I have been able to think about these last few days. I've been missing home a lot. I hope all goes well with the game. Go, Pack, Go.

Next Goal

So I've been thinking about my bucket book lately. I know I have a big adventure coming up soon but I want to focus on other goals as well. It will be my mission to ice skating. I have never been before. Its the perfect season. There is no reason that I could not make this happen. Money and time should not be the issue. Its up to me to accomplish me goals and live my life how I desire. Let my adventures begin.

Elvis

I was having a little trouble thinking of a topic to write about today. So I figured write about what you know and love. My first thoughts were to write about my family but I don't think I'm ready to share with everyone yet. So I decided to write about Elvis. I have this love for him. I don't know where it came from. I can remember the first time I truly listened to an Elvis song. I was with my family. My dad and my brother were shopping in Tools R' Us while my mom, sister and I were waiting in the truck. I remember everything from that moment. We were in my dad's brown dodge truck. Mom in the passenger seat, me in the back with my sister to the right of me. I listened to "Dont." After that I was hooked. His voice had so much power and emotion. I listened to that song over and over. I took that cd from my dad's truck that night and listened to all the songs. Some got me dancing on my bed and overjoyed and others brought me to tears. I don't know where the connection came from all I know is that its strong. This is a memory that I will never forget. I know we have all heard a few Elvis songs but if you have time sit down, take time and truly listen I suggest "Suspicious Minds" or "It Hurts Me."

New Adventure

So my next grand adventure will begin on May 6th, 2011. Two friends and I will be back packing across Europe. Our adventure begins in Amsterdam. During our 33 day trip we will be exploring 11 different countries. I'm most excited about the culture and the land. I want to take pictures of everything. I spend a lot of my free time on photography. I has become my latest passion. I want to see and do all that I can and document my journey through photos and writing. I already picked the perfect journal. I'm excited to share this adventure with my loved ones, writing and photos are the best way I know how.

A little about Me.

My name is Jennifer Navarro. I grew up in Bonners Ferry. I moved to Cda to work and go to school. My parents are both from Wisconsin and are huge cheese-heads. I love going back for visits. Since I was young I have always wanted a life full of adventure. Years ago I made a book. A bucket book. Each page of my book is dedicated to an adventure or a goal that I want to complete. Once I have accomplished my goal I use the back of the page for photos, writing, or other memorabilia. I still have many blank pages in my book for the new goals and adventure I am dreaming up. I have always been crafty, wanting to document my memories. I have small adventures like ice skating, art classes, and snow boarding for the first time. I have huge, grand adventures like travel across Europe, sky dive, and adopt a child. Each adventure, whether small or large is an accomplishment. I fear regret. Setting my life goals will help to ensure a life without regret.