Elizabeth.Bud.Reeder

Sarah Stickers

2012-01-25T23:29:00.000-08:00

After the news of Sarah came, I automatically wanted to give back. She impacted me so much, I felt as though it was only appropriate. Sites such as Give Forward: Sarah Burke popped up (raising enough essentially overnight to pay back her medical bills), as well as Shreddy Times & Sticker Pack offering ways to support Sarah's family, memorials and foundations in her honor...also linking back to the Giving Forward interweb site.

I immediately jumped on being able to order some stickers from Shreddy Times (Thanks Michelle!), what a great idea -- they come in an array of different colors, and as I saw from social network updates they have been hard at work sending out stickers to those whom have made donations. "Each sticker cost $5.00. The price of the envelope and stamp comes to 47 cents. Each sticker bought will donate $4.53 to Sarah’s fund."

Sticker # 1

Sticker # 2

I added an "I ski for Sarah" to my desk area the other day at Oakley, and I have never been so proud for people to stop by and ask what it is for / what it means -- I love sharing how Sarah impacted my life. Thanks again for being such a fantastic role model, hero, and showing me that any goal I set is obtainable!

Sending Love from SoCal.

I miss

2012-01-22T22:06:00.000-08:00

In the last year and a half my life has changed a lot. I have completely given up the lifestyle which I grew up in (skiing), packed up my belongings headed South and pursued another degree, found a great internship which lead to an adult job...and well...now I call the beach my home. Don't get me wrong...there are a lot of things that I miss tremendously -- I have actually been thinking a lot about this lately and here is what I have come up with... Enjoy.

I miss:

My fantastic family & the beach

Pretending I know how to square dance...

Having enough space to painting

Skiing with mah dad on Christmas day

Coaching

Donner Lake

My amazing mother

My sidekicks Christina & tr(ashley)

Banx. Who has more energy than I do....

Em, and our late night "cheers" and bed parties.

Chrissy.

Working at Chambers Landing

Playing connect the dots

Casey.

College football

Mike Wilson: a person that shares my sense of adventure x 20,000

Burning Man, and the friends I made.

Sheryll.

Court. One of the toughest girls when it comes to injuries that I know!

Museum-ing

Spencer Reeves, and...doing handstands

Sailor

Mashing on my Downhill Bike

Watching Spencer play baseball

A good game of scrabble

Hiking in LA

Racing (yes, the competitive side of me is coming out)

Golfing and making a fool of myself

Waking up to the first snow of the season

I semi-miss chopping wood. Not the stacking part....

Becca & Maria, even though they are only 40 minutes away.

Drinking endless margaritas with friends

X-games with Kev

Video chatting with my American turned Austria..Matt

Anddd....SKIING!

Of course there are a zillion other things that I miss, but these were the first things that came to mind.

Sending love from SoCal.

Sarah Burke

2012-01-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

My heart is heavy -- I can't even muster up the right words to explain how I feel. Yesterday, heaven acquired a new member to their ski team: Sarah Burke. She impacted my life, like many others dramatically, she is a hero, an icon, a friend, a legacy. She had the biggest heart, and one of the most welcoming and comforting smiles, she always made me laugh. She did more for the world of women's freeskiing in her 29 years of life, than most people even do in a lifetime. Every instance that I was able to spend time with her on and off throughout the winters I was always starstruck, she was Sarah Burke the person who paved the way for women's freeskiing -- but, after the nervous would go away I quickly realized every single time that she is one of most genuine people in world. Her heart truly was made of gold.

Sarah, thank you for being my inspiration and my hero and a role model to girls everywhere. Thank you for showing me that any goal I set is obtainable. Thank you for lighting up the room with your smile, and being so open and sincere. Thank you for being you.

I, like many others will miss you greatly. Thank you for showing me anything is possible, you're amazing.

Until we meet again.

Sending Love from SoCal to Rory, and the rest of the Burke family.

Hidden in a folder called 'purty'

2012-01-16T22:50:00.000-08:00

Oddly enough I just found this in my unpublished archives...I thought it was only appropriate to share...

I have been lucky enough to go all over the place to beautiful locations. I was just playing around on my computer tonight when I came across a folder labeled 'purty' I opened it and this is what I found:

Lyme, New Hampshire -- River Road

Las Vegas, NV -- Sky Bar

Las Vegas, NV -- Circle Bar (Thank you Robbie Sell)

Santa Cruz, CA -- Panther Beach

San Fran, CA -- Golden Gate

Kittery, Maine

Truckee, CA -- Boca Res

Lyme, New Hampshire -- Home

Truckee, CA -- Boreal Ski Area

Outer Banx, NC -- Bodie Island Light House

Truckee, CA -- Northstar

Truckee, CA -- Heaven

Tahoma, CA -- Baby Beach

Donner Pass, CA -- Train Tunnels

Yerintgton, NV -- Night in the Country

Mogul, NV -- Train Tracks

Outer Banx, NC -- Pompano Ct.

Kittery, Maine -- Beach

Woodstock, VT -- covered bridge

Crested Butte, Colorado -- Home.

Outer Banx, NC -- Sand Crabs

Salt Lake City, UT -- Make Out Point

Salt Lake City, UT -- Sushi

Duck, NC -- Army Corps Pier

Santa Cruz, CA -- Panther Beach

Crested Butte, CO -- Near...Devil's Punch Bowl

Somewhere in Maryland

Crested Butte, CO -- The most beautiful place on earth!

Noosa Yoghurt

2012-01-16T22:34:00.000-08:00

When Spancy-pants came back from Colorado (which I still call home...) he had this great yoghurt that he insisted on finding and sharing with me. I go through small spouts of thinking I am obsessed with specific companies/flavors/textures and types so I easily bought into the idea of hunting this food down. I wish you could have seen the excitement on Spencer's face when we walked into Whole Foods in Tustin and there the Noosa was sitting in the dairy section he looked like a fat kid chowing down on a big ole' triple layer cake -- funny we get excited about health food right (I guess in the long run that is good)? I grabbed a Komboucha (typical...) and we headed home.....

Noosa is a yoghurt which is an "aussie-style yoghurt" -- an Australian culture, made with truthfully happy cows from Colorado. The yoghurt is made with fresh fruit -- which can vary per season, I of course I have been a sucker for their raspberry. (PS after looking at photos of Noosa Australia I think I might have to add this to my bucket list -- just saying')

We savor every spoonful of this delicious food. It was a treat to find this at Sprouts next to our house the other night -- plus it is on sale until the 18th of January! Try it -- I dare you.....

Sending love from SoCal!

If you were in a fire...

2012-01-15T12:17:00.000-08:00

Bucky

So, last night Spencer and I were sitting around watching the TV show which we are newly addicted to "The Riches" and the fire alarm started going off. Not the one inside our apartment, but the in the hallway that means business. I have been home when it has happened before...and just kind of went of with whatever I was doing.
Well, last night...we clearly wanted to finish our dinner and we figured it was probably just some little kid that pulled the alarm on as a dare. The alarm kept going off, and soon we could hear other people on our floor opening their doors and people outside saying "whats going on!?". I opened our door and could smell smoke..I told spencer and he grabbed his jacket and we both decide it would be good to leave -- just to be safe. At that point my head went blank.
What on earth do I bring? I remember being little and going to the fire department in Basalt and being told not to bring anything -- well, that wasn't in my deck of cards last night. I quickly grabbed my work bag shoved my computer, wallet, keys, and phone in it. Then...I headed into the room and grabbed Bucky. I would never leave Bucky -- No way José! Bucky has been through thick and thin with me (matter of fact, he has gotten quite thin too from lack of stuffing). Yah, so I may be 25 and still sleep with a stuff animal....it's okay. The next thing I grabbed was a little purple earring box that I have in the bathroom. Spencer grabbed his book bag (I later asked him what he would have grabbed after we had some time to thing about it, and his reply was "you" -- awwwww), we reached for the door.....and the alarm turned off. No fire here.
Talk about a rush. I honestly had no clue what to grab, if anything. I sat back down on the couch and evaluated what I took. Spencer made a good point -- what about our bikes?! If you were in a position where you had to scramble out of your house because of a fire...what would you bring?

Sending Love from cloudy & overcast Southern California

2012-01-11T18:09:00.000-08:00

Sending Sarah Burke positive vibes!!!

One of the biggest inspirations in ladies free skiing -- Stay strong!

You'll get through this!!

Sending Love from SoCal

Whatev's

2012-01-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

I just had the oddest craving to do sit-ups. I did them...just now...on my living room floor...hoping Spencer wasn't going to walk in. I could just picture the awkward moment -- "what are you doing?" "Ohhh just laying here...doing nothing..." Strange thing to put so much thought into, right? I mean they are just sit-ups and I have to make sure that I am ready for bikini season -- which has clearly already arrived (or maybe it never left) here in good ole' Newport Beach. Generally, I am at the gym running my tukas off (one of the more rewarding parts of my after sitting at my desk for a solid 9 hours) -- clearly I didn't go tonight...perhaps I am feeling guilty about it hence the reason I am writing about it....whatev's....

Last week was interesting. I am having to face a lot of interesting and stressful situations right now and I just finally realized after spending a lot of time with me, myself and I that all of these situations are completely out of my hands. Yes, they do effect me and yes, they might totally make me emotionally drained...but...there is NOTHING that I can do about them. I am torn from between the idea of "everything happens for a reason", because I do think that can be true...but only in certain situations -- sometimes things just aren't friggin fair at all. Plain and simple. Did I mention to you that I probably have the most supportive boyfriend ever? Gosh, he puts up with a lot...and I loooooooove him for that. He has this magical way of making me feel really pretty even when I am balling my eyes out and I know that my face is now painted like a tribal indian from all my make-up being torn off my eyes from the tears and the smears.

Since I am NOT at the gym tonight...it gave me time to reflect on the list of things I have that I want to blog about - at the rate that I have been typing lately I could be set on topics for the next year. I literally have a list:

Noosa Yoghurt
More for my bucket
Biking
Costco
My Pinterest obsession
Going home
blah, blah, blah.....

Random: I haven't done this in a while...but, this weekend to cure my sadness I caved and went shopping. I am now the proud owner of ANOTHER pair of Jeffrey Campbell's. I have been waiting for months to get my hands on this exact pair of shoes...finally...they are mind.

I was also lucky enough to spend Saturday night with Becca, Maria, and Jake in Venice. It was amazing. Good for the soul. We sat out on a lifeguard town watching the waves crash onto the beach eating popcorn, sharing stories and drinking disgustingly sweet white wine until 4 am.

Yes. I did have my feet on the table (upon request of course...)

Hard core tagging cars on our way to the beach (It was Jake's car. It's Okay).

Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine. MINE!

My first time making turkey soup. It was/is pretty good!

So Socal Brahhh!

Welp. Time to go and do some more sit-ups?

Sending Love from SoCal

2012-01-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

Shawn Lee and The Ping Pong Orchestra The Kiss

I hold my head up just enough to see the sky
And when we go we won't go slow we'll put up such a fight
When they fade into the dust and into ash
All children know this pain will surely pass
Strong and wise and they are love
When the tide it come they will float above and
And you will be one day exactly what you are
Just keep your head up high kiss your fist and touch the sky

It's not too late to keep the world from dying
It's not too late to spread the love you have
One day when we are ready for crying
One day I know we'll all be there

The sound we hear it is our hearts they are in time
They're poundig clear and swift the beat forever in our minds
It gives us hope it gives the strenghth, you know, to carry on
Keep fighting till the end and past the end we will be strong

It's not too late to keep the world from dying
It's not too late to spread the love and share
One day I know we'll all be there

Yes we will

Moby Natural Blues

...its been one of THOSE days...

Oh lordy, trouble so hard
oh lordy, trouble so hard,
don't nobody know my troubles but God
don't nobody know my troubles but God

Went down the hill, other day
soul got happy and stayed all day

Went in the room, didn't stay long,
looked on the bed and brother was dead

.....and just for fun, and bringing back some good memories...

ZZ Top La Grange

Sending some interesting Love from SoCal.

Catch-Up not Ketchup

2012-01-02T17:02:00.000-08:00

Well, day 2 of 2012: success. Slept in, did some errands, watch Spencer get his hairs cut, chopped up some onions which made me cry, attempting to make turkey soup (which, if I may toot my own horn...it smells delicious), cleaned, read Steve Jobs and marked up with fantastic cook book that my mom gave me for Christmas -- sometimes I am convinced that the only reason Spencer sticks around is because of my cooking. I also managed to download some pictures off my phone that I took while I was in NY.....

Breakfast Christmas.

A taste of New York.

West Coast bound. I always have the most emotional time having to leave -- then I get back to California and manage to mope around for a good solid 3 days.

I am fascinated by these Blimp holders in Tustin, CA.

Ma-ma-maria!

Becca wouldn't do a handstand.

So far...so good!

January 1st 2012

The best thing on earth. caramels with dark chocolate and sea salt. Addicting yes?

Between this morning and last night have been stalking fashion blogs like crazy -- I need to get a little creative and change some stuff around on here. Actually, looking through most of these other blogs which are put together from people hailing from NYC and LA makes me really miss LA. I was thinking about how I used to love going to Griffith for runs and hikes in Altadena and behind the library! I still can't get over the food. Orange County...get it together! I will admit having the beach near me is really neat, and mountain biking all the time is rad! But, there is something about LA that I can't get out of my head.

Back to the grind tomorrow. Spencer starts his second semester of med school (he is listening to lectures right now) and I head back to Oakley for a VERY full week of deadlines (I am honestly looking forward to it -- as silly as this sounds sleeping in was getting mundane. I can't wait to see people around the office. I guess that is a good sign that I love where I work!).

I miss my mom.

Sending Love from SoCal.

Twenty-Tweleve.

2012-01-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

2012

2011?

Okay, so normally I go on this giant rant about how I think new years is so stupid, and how most people use the new year as an excuse to put off a something they need to do to better themselves aka resolution.
Well, oddly enough this year I have had some pretty big goals/priorities that fell within the last several days:
1. Learn how to drive stick shift --
Years ago when I was in high school Mr. Warren Witherell took me out in his Subi and taught me how to drive. Clearly, I had forgotten and now the idea of getting a stick is bouncing around in my head. Yesterday, (with a lot of patience) Spencer took me to a big parking lot at UCI and had me hop in the drivers seat of his car. I was able to figure out the gist of it pretty quickly. I still don't understand why people think that driving stick is more fun -- this especially crossed my mind when I had my dabble with hill starts, BROTHER!
2. Don't spend so much money on groceries --
We will go to the store every single night, and spend close to $20 each on our dinner menu. And I wonder where all of my money goes..... So, the other day we did the grown up thing to do and renewed/got Costco Memberships. Hopefully, this works out.

To bring in the new year I had 3 of my closest friends around. Becca & Maria came down from LA (I wouldn't go up there because of the free I might come in contact with the arsonist that no one can seem to find and be set on fire) and of course...Spencer. We had a delicious meal, and played some cranium, cards, and jenga -- and then....I was down for the count -- the holidays have made me exhausted! Seeing Becca and Maria makes me so happy, I really wish that I lived closer to them so that I could spend more time with them. I love them so friggin much! Becca has been a huge support and love to adventure and Maria is always filled great stories! Actually, I am going to try to get my act together and run the LA marathon (I think I can...I think I can...I think I can -- plus it is on my bucket list) with Maria. This will be her second time participating -- I warned her that I may be wicked slow (first I have to figure out if my knee can even handle that much...) but she reassured me that it is totally okay! So, I will just have to scrap together the money for the entrance fee and I am in.

To everyone I didn't get to spend new years with, I hope you had a fantastic (and safe) time saying hasta la vista 2011, and greetings to 2012.

Cliffhanger!

Maria wasn't feeling well -- and she still made the trip down to Newport. I love that girl!

Sending Love from SoCal.

Bucket update

2011-12-27T19:40:00.002-08:00

Have Rachel Ray cook one of MY dishes
Make a case of my own wine at a vineyard
Climb a 14er

Home

2011-12-27T19:40:00.000-08:00

Home -- Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Home -- a song, and the place I am at right now. I haven't been here for Christmas in over 2 years. A lot of things have changed. It is fantastic seeing my family -- they all have such great stories, and the little ones are so energetic! Yesterday, I was able to treat my mom and sister to some Bud cooking. We had "Adult Mac & Cheese", for those of you actually reading this post maybe if you are lucky I will cook it for you sometime....it is to die for.
I received some really neat things for Christmas -- and one of the most AMAZING graduation presents one could ask for.
Something that crossed my mind, isn't it semi-ironic that now two kids that grew up in freezing cold weather whom now live beach front now take their vacations to to cold? Odd wording, I know. But, to me...it seems like the only appropriate place that people vacation would be ski areas -- Crested Butte thrives on tourism so I was always used to it and...well..OBX is a second home for me...so I don't really consider that a vacation.

Babe in Helmets. We went on the coolest road bike ride before we took off for Christmas vacation.

Skullcandy Aviator's. Pretty nice little gift from Utah.....They sound amazing!

Christmas breakfast!!! Tamales and eggs! YUMMO! Ah ya, thank you mista' Chase!

Three cool things: 1) Clearly I am a kitchen fanatic. I LOVE cooking, I am more than happy to cook a lavish meal for anyone! What ever you want, I will cook it up! So, Spencer and I used to go to a cooking store when we lived near Pasadena, and I would DROOL over the utensils there. I found these Bodum cups that I had been googely eyed over, but were way out of my price range. Well, today I found them for $6. Who's stoked? THIS GIRL! 2) I tasted my first Genesee beer. Tomorrow we are trying some cream beer -- turns out, I really like other beers than PBR so I am excited! ha! 3) This was the sign I came home to on the closet doors. Yes, not only do I STILL sleep with a stuff animal -- I also think that I may run into the boogie man and a monster in the closet. All in all -- I have slept 2 out of the three nights I have been here, tonight doesn't seem promising. Oh well.

This trip has been one of the most interest visits I have had to the east coast. I have learned a lot, I have had to confront a lot of issues, and all in all I am ready to just take a deep breath and relax. Fingers crossed I found a car -- hopefully everything works out tomorrow, I am beyond nervous and I wish that I could get more support than I am getting....but....I know something will work out.

I wish I didn't have to leave on Thursday -- leaving my mom is the hardest part. But, I am so excited to get back and see Spencer...I miss him (a lot).

Sending Love from the empire state!

Magic 8-Ball

2011-12-22T23:54:00.000-08:00

I have a magic 8 ball on my desk. I ask it at least 12 questions a day -- today it had some GREAT answers! You could only imagine the question I had just asked this sucker....

Well, lets start this off oddly (since I have had the most oddly outstanding-- by all means I sincerely mean this in the most positive way possible -- week of my life), I have small ears....yep...along with my small feet and stature -- at the end of the day I am small -- BUT -- just to clarify I am legally NOT a midget. Maybe I need to jump on the Kim Jong il train and wear platform shoes er'ryday?

Okay, so I have that out of the way..haha...

I am sure you are wondering where on earth I was going with that rant? Today I got the most amazing box of goodies delivered from Skullcandy as a Thank You (Sidenote: I am so incredibly thankful for this box!!!). I never thought that anything like this would come my way -- oddly enough I was on the market for some new headphones and I found myself having to decide between three different pairs (I am testing out pair number two right now) -- I was reminded today about how small my ears were via the sender of this gift. Oh, thanks! I totally forgot that I was miniature -- I feel like I could be put on a shelf and call it a day. Right? ha.

This week as been oddly amazing for me. I have been able to relate to so many of my friends on so many different levels -- quite honestly I blame it on my new desk ornament: The Magic 8 Ball....which was purchased during our target toy buying spree last week (Hey Wilson, at least I have upgraded my superstition-ist to a magic 8-ball instead of collecting piles of dirty heads up pennies! So you can no longer tell me to stop picking up the pennies I find on the ground and strangely placing them all over Syd). I just couldn't part with it. I have been asking it questions for the last week....the answers have been oddly truthful, almost like a horoscope. Spencer and I looked up Scorpios and Cancers tonight...typical. I am so pumped for all the good news from Colorado that two of my closest friends have graduated...see, oddly amazing!? hahaha!

Okay...ranting again. I am a music nerd (by this I mean, in no way am I musically inclined -- but I can put on a pair of headphones or crank the volume in Syd and know a good song when I hear one). Musical Thursday's? How about it? (and I apologize ahead of the time if A) there are vulgar lyrics B) the video is lame C) you don't like the music I listen to, maybe the songs are on reply 86.3% of my life -- just sayin. D) I am not a lyricist, but, I used to have a dream of being a platinum blonde, gold grill wearin' fashionista in New York City -- clearly that is not going to happen and I have to settle with mah Jeffery Campbell's and my Oakley gear...which at this time of my "mature' (and I use that term ridiculously loosely) life.

The Naked & Famous -- Young Blood

Florence + The Machine -- You've Got the Love (Mr. Wonk's Dubstep Mask Mix)

Billy Currington -- Let Me Down Easy

By far one of my favorites. Go ahead, make fun....

Rihanna -- We Found Love

Okay...seriously...not my kinda jam...but, then again I totally LOVE IT (I think er'ry girl does)

Macklemore -- Hold Ya Head Up

Forever a favorite. Hold ya head up, theres a light in the sky.

Rise Against -- Savior

Strength To Go On -- Rise Against
One, more...why not?

Social Distortion -- Story of My Life

Slackstring -- Sunday Jen
If I could stay in this moment forever I would.....

Atmosphere -- She's Enough

DJ Fresh -- Gold Dust (Flux Pavilion)
Mah Jam

Katy B -- On A Mission
This just makes me want to jump on my bike and climb, climb, climb -- something I love dearly.
Cadence to beat.

Sending SO MUCH holiday love from SoCal.....now get me outta here and back to the East coast!

Bucket.

2011-12-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

The List.

Late one Tahoe winter night my girlfriend Emily and I were sitting at my table which was covered in beer cans (if you have been a follower or over to the TD house -- you have seen the table that we covered in old beer cans) which was the center of attention in the dinning room -- it acted as a desk to study on, a table to eat dinner on, a beer pong table and one to just sit around and share gossip with my girls with.

During a bottle of Cupcake wine (which I don't suggest to anyone...) Em and I decided we need to come up with bucket lists along with a classic video message to her sister..... Okay, so we might only be in our early twenties...but...why not start now? I absolutely love adventuring. After an abrupt change in a relationship I was able to spend an entire summer checking things off my list, of course my bucket list is still growing.

I have this pink (I know, how cliché notebook that I keep shoved in my bedside table -- the secret is out. Which obviously, I didn't do that good of a job of hiding it because after my college graduation party I found that my mom had discovered this and added a few things...embarrassingly enough...my bucket list is not the only thing this nice like pink book contains. And......we are done with that subject.), I have things scratched all over it -- I haven't added anything in a while, but after readying a fellow friends blog I need to get back into the swing of things. I figured it was time to share some of the things I want to do, that maybe some far off person that may come across budreeder.com can help me achieve something on my bucket list...you never know... (and Wilson..I know you can take me Skydiving, I am just not ready. I am still waiting for our Redwood trip, SERIOUSLY) :

Take a trip with TOMS shoes to Africa or Argentina
Go to Thailand and spend a day on Koh Samet
Watch the Tour de France in real life, and ride the course
Ski at Kick Horse, British Columbia
Go to the Olympics, winter or summer to watch (once upon a time I wanted to be on the US team for biking)
Fly in a helicopter
Go to Alaska
See Emeril Lagasse
Meet Rachael Ray and tell her how I love all of her 30-minute meals
Go sky diving
Learn to speak another language (all those year of French, Spanish and Latin didn't stick with me)
Learn how to roll sushi
Have an article in a magazine written about me
Go to Russia and buy a fur hat
Visit NYC and go to MoMA, wax museums, China Town, Grand Central, Central Park, Broadway
Go to Japan and ski some pow
Backpack through Costa Rica with my high school friends
Own some Jimmy Choo's (which has not changed to Christian Louboutin's..a girls gotta dream!)
Go to Fenway
Go on a cruise (which I could go on a cruise to Alaska and check 2 things of my list)
Donate blood (in college I was told I was to small to do this, plus needles are not my forte)
Section hike the Appalachian trail with my mom
Get my Masters
Have a garden
See Dave Matthews live
Open a "Sunnies"
Get my avy cert and EMT level 1
Take a cooking class at King Arthur Flour (which could be difficult now considering my mom and Ed don't live in Hanover anymore -- and I don't foresee myself weekending there)
Ski the Alps
Go Sailing
Learn how to play an instrument
See the big red wood forest (come on wilson....lets get our s*it together...not during flood season)
Coachella
Start a family
Have a nice bottle of champagne
Give my mom a lot of hugs and love her forever (my mom wrote that, graduation 2010)
change someones life -- in a good way
sell a painting
Go boating on Tahoe (believe it or not...I have never been....)
Run a 1/2 marathon
Do a 1/2 triathlon, or a full
See Peter Gabriel live
Touch a snake
Go surfing
Learn how to open camp -- Raven Lake.
Eat the following: Alligator, kangaroo, ostrigde
Bathe in a tub of beer (strange, I know...but the idea is cool I think... & it would be PBR of course)

Things I have checked off my bucket list:

Experience a Boardwalk -- Venice, which I ironically go to at least twice a month to see my best friend who lives there now. 2011
Design some clothes -- Armada 2011
Get a certificate in design -- I went beyond that and actually got a degree. 2011.
Conquer my fear of heights -- I like to think I did this when I flew in a small plane over Tahoe with fellow Northstar ski coach Bryan. 2010
Go to Burning Man -- Best experience of my life, hands down 2010
This was one I won't mention...but I can check it off my list.... 2010
Go paddle boarding -- with Spencer Applegate, 2010
Try Indian food -- Spant's has created a monster, I always want Indian food now. 2010
Shoot a gun -- after I wrote this I remembered I had shot one at camp when I was younger
UNR v. UNLV game -- Thanks to Chrissy 2010, amazing time with my bestie!

Of course there are numerous things I have scratched out -- and tried to forget -- but it is time to start checking some of this stuff off and adding more. Help me.......

Sending Love from SoCal with lots of dreams....

Save those annoying pieces of paper

2011-12-18T21:27:00.000-08:00

January 2011. I sat in my drafting class. 8:30 am. J was my teacher -- it was a love/hate relationship, at the end of the day she has been one of the greatest inspirations and teachers I could ask for. She impacted me, like no one has before (Brad is a close second).

My class sat at our giant drafting desks that day our first day of winter quarter classes and she lectured use on how we cannot be late, and how homework must be on time, how expensive our supplies were going to be, etc. Then....she mentioned the amount of money you can save during tax season by keeping your parking receipts -- SOLD! I am always a person that LOVES to try and save money when I have the opportunity. From that day forward I started to collect a fat stack of those lovely yellow stubs the attended left under my windshield wiper. Tonight, I gathered everything and realized the following:

I have spent $1,865.99 on gas, $1,441.99 on Syd being a piece of poo-car (hopefully soon to be replaced), and over $600 on parking.

All because I saved my receipts. Lesson learned....tax season, I hope you are prepared for this girl!

Sending love from SoCal.

2011-12-18T21:07:00.001-08:00

More soul music.

Trevor Hall.

31 Flavors.

I can hear the fireworks from the last night of the boat parade!

Sending Love from SoCal!

Ansel iPhone

2011-12-18T20:27:00.000-08:00

Okay -- So I have FINALLY downloaded some radical photo apps on my phone (about time, eh?). Enjoy!

Turkey Day

PBR: Prince Bud Reeder. Mah, Fav!

Concrete Jungle at its finest.

Yep. I am fast....again. out of 43 competitors. 2 women. I came in 15th over all. 1st for women. Typically we know how to spell at Oakley too..... just saying...

Apré Aspen. BAM! You can't tell Colorado kids a theme and expect them not to dress up. I have a stud of a boyfriend.

Top of Joplin. You can see LA. Epic!

Top of San Juan! One of the most amazing views I have seen since I arrived in LA, with amazing people too!

Life down south.

IT SNOWED HERE!!!! I was overly excited!

$500 in parking stubs will attending FIDM, I hope the person that does my taxes is ready...

Happy doesn't even justify the way I feel since I have been able to be back on my mt. bike.

Whale Watching.

We both have the chubbiest checks EVER!

Babes.

Art. Kind of.

Road bike ride at sunset on back bay.

Turning 25 with mah best friends.

Jasper.

Sweetest birthday present ever! Yep, computer case and a new iPad cover.

Oh, yah. I got a kindle too because my boyfriend ROCKS!

Sunset from work. Love it!

Enjoying mahself.

Lopes. This was one of the coolest things to watch EVER!

A little bit of art....

It was in a gallery....for Bridge to Skate. NBD.

My SoCal weekends. Art, biking and beer.

Newport Beach Boat parade.

Sending Love from SoCal.

Giving Back.

2011-12-16T10:47:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been really conscious about trying to find ways to give back to my community and those who have helped me along my journey so far. Through high-school I always would clean out my closet and bring everything down to the local thrift store and I defined that as giving back....well...now with a little bit of maturity under my belt I have stepped it up a notch and actually GIVE back.
It all started with the cold weather rolling into Newport and my apartment exploding with extra blankets from living in the mountains my entire life -- no need to clog up the small amount of storage that we have, with un-useful materials. I packed my car with blankets and headed to the library, where I had seen a lot of homeless people.When I arrived I saw two ladies having a conversation, I nervously approached them and asked if they would be interested in some blankets. Of course they wanted them. I have never seen people so grateful in my life -- it was purely amazing! I loved it. I know that those blankets are going being utilized now instead of being useless in my house. It is about time for me to go through our stuff again and make another drop off. When I told Spencer my accomplishment of the day, his response was "You did what?", he was under the impression that I was going to drop them off at Goodwill, not actually hunt people down and give them the pieces. Well, I am glad I did.
Since I started working at Oakley the opportunities to give back have been plentiful. It started with Thanksgiving. It saddens me to know there are people that cannot afford the simplest of foods, while I am stuffing my face with mountains of mashed potatoes, tons of turkey and gravy galore (which I froze in an ice cube tray and still have, great idea!). My department put together a box of food which was then given out. But, it didn't stop there. I was so excited and telling Spencer all about how awesome of an idea this was, and how I felt so great about helping out as we strolled into Sprouts. The floor was covered in "grab bags/donate bags", after some hemming and hawing waiting for our fennel to be brought out, we decided it was time to buy a bag and make sure someone had a full stomach the next day.
Yesterday, was the best out of all of the giving back. Oakley is collecting toys for Toys for Tots. My department started off with a $5 pot for a toy. At lunch a few of the girls and I headed to Target to pick something else -- I went there with the mind set that I wanted to be able to give more...I guess the other girls were on the same brainwave and we went from being able to carry our items around in our arms to quickly having to grab a cart. We were on a spree -- it was so invigorating to know that some little kid is going to be so pumped on Christmas when they get to open one of those gifts! We ended up filling the drop-off bin with games, barbies, transformers and other great things. It was fantastic!

At the end of the day, I know the ways that I am giving back are some what minimal and I would love to somehow contribute more -- maybe that will come with age. I would love to just drop thousands of dollars towards someones educations, or help a person with medical needs. I am looking forward to applying to the OneSight program here (once I am eligible). I like this streak....what a fantastic feeling!

Sending Love from SoCal!

Freshii

2011-12-12T22:16:00.000-08:00

I love to eat. Food and I have the typical girl "love/hate relationship". Spencer introduced me to Freshii about a month ago, Fresh Food. Custom Built. The first time that we went there I was sold. The second visit...ehh. Third time? Not so much. Tonight....sold again. I have a problem of finding what I like and then manipulating my order so that it tastes odd. The idea of Freshii is great though -- fresh food. Just what everyone needs! Green, not brown. Fresh, not fried. I like healthy stuff, I snack on almonds and bananas throughout the day. Greens are a favorite part of my meal -- I admit, I love jalapeño poppers, the occasional onion ring basket and a burger.

Freshii is pretty quick. We can get two meals (to go, of course) under 10-15 minutes. The menu is easy to understand. If you are into sauce and protein I suggest doubling your meats and sauces. The employees have been nothing but nice. The prices are reasonable. It is worth the haul from Newport Beach to UCI. The atmosphere is refreshing and clean. It is worth a try...and actually, I found out there is one up near my old school in LA...sooooo google it - no excuses! In my opinion, we need more eateries like this....

One of my favorite parts of dinning at Freshii is the sticker they put on each meal --

Let's Eat.

Let's eat without regret.

Let's love cucumbers.

Let's embrace mushrooms.

Let's throw caution to the wind and order the inions.

Let's try new things.

Let's try unlikely combos.

Let's eat and feel good.

Let's eat things that are good.

Let's eat things that make us feel good.

Let's not eat and run.

Let's sit eat and sit.

Let's take the whole lunch hour.

Let's slow down. Let's enjoy.

Let's be good to the earth.

Let's let the earth be good to us.

Let's eat and celebrate.

Sending Love from SoCal.

Lime Tree

2011-12-12T22:04:00.000-08:00

Soul Music.

Trevor Hall never gets old.

Spark a match and watch the candle burn
the wick runs out and love takes its turn
on fallen angels and broken sounds
we will last past the final round
it took a while for you to find me
because i was hiding in the lime tree
above the city in the rain cloud
i poked a hole and watched it drain out
parallel to the city streets
our broken crowns beneath our feet
but as we walk across the diamonds
we know that love is always shining
so save me love save me all the time
i'll wash you down with a simple sip of wine
and toast my glass to all my loved ones
to let them know that the stars well they still shine

Sending Love from SoCal

Infographic(ing)

2011-12-12T22:02:00.000-08:00

Infographics. They are pretty cool, and totally eye catching! I have recently become totally obsessed with researching anything and everything that could be put into infographic form -- colors, school expenses, danger of sitting, Apple products, shoes, etc. I really wish that I had something to make infographics about...seems right up my alley! Check out the cool ones I found below --

Sending Love from SoCal

2011-12-11T15:53:00.001-08:00

Finally.
I am sitting in bed, after a ride. I decided it was time to dedicate sometime to my b(LAH)g. Oddly, since I have found myself a big girl job with extra time (as in...no more all-nighters studying, and finishing papers and projects last minute) I still find time to completely neglect budreeder.com. I honestly think that it steams from staring at a computer screen the entire day -- the only think I want to "stare at" is the back of my eyelids.
I have been riding my bike like a manic lately. It has been the best thing on earth for me. Over a year ago when I had knee surgery I knew that I secretly knew it was going to take a lot for me to get back into the whole competitive mountain biking scene.
Well, that changed. I "raced" the other day. Oakley put on a race and I was totally into it. 43 racers. 2 girls (as in me and another girl). 15-20ish miles -- 7 up, 8-10 down on some of the most technical stuff I have ever ridden. I finished 15th overall. It was great! I have been lucky enough to have a really strong group of guys from work let me tag along with them on rides.

Here is the teaser of the trail --

Oakley Backyard Enduro Teaser from Hans Arnesen on Vimeo.

I am slowly getting used to southern California living. I am not completely sold on it yet, though.

T A H O E from Shortt and Epic Productions on Vimeo.

I will admit, I miss Tahoe a lot. There is something about that place (and Colorado too) that just wants to pull me back. At the end of the day I know I can't do that because I have to be realistic about growing up -- for those of my friends who have figured out how to living in those places, good for you! I envy you, I wish I could pull it off.

I am really excited because I am spending Christmas with my family this year. Spencer's parents were so gracious and got me a ticket. It has been over 2 years since I have been there with my mom & my sister. I am really looking forward to it!

Okay -- I have some work to do. Any the apartment needs to be picked up. Ahhhhh, Sundays!

Sending Love from SoCal.

2011-11-20T20:15:00.001-08:00

Well -- I have officially become a horrible blogger again.
Actually, I have become a horrible social networker. To tell you the truth, I kind of like it. By the time I get home from work I am so exhausted and force myself to go the gym the last thing on my mind it longing on to my blog & Facebook. But -- I am going to try to get back into the grove.

Here are highlights of the last few weeks for me:

-I turned 25. Yah, over the hill.
-I saw one of my BFF's and he complained about how I don't update my blog (so there Wilson..updating..)
- Syd is still syd. Talk about a gold digger...between my parents and myself we have poured more money into the car that it was purchased for. I want a new car -- end of story. Frankly, I deserve one to.
-I have been a cooking animal -- cilantro lime pesto tacos, goat cheese roasted chicken macaroni, braised tofu...
-Spencer's parents are truly amazing, they are making it so I am able to travel east for christmas for the first time in two years. Wow, I have no clue how to re-pay them.
- I have become highly addicted to the TV show Lost -- which is on Netflix.
- I learned that Big-O is a Big-money stealing company.
- I decorated my office with photos of people who mean the world to me.
-I started a tumblr -- but, going back to the social media thing..I don't really use it.
-I have been mountain biking!!!!! One of the few things I am overly pumped on right now.
-Made some friends -- really really pumped on this.
-Spent my birthday in Venice with my bestie (s) from LA.
-I am working on an art project for a charity foundation (bridge to skate), pretty excited about that.
-Decided that I am going to walk at the FIDM graduation in June (well I am like 72% sure).
-Donated blankets to homeless people -- it was so rad to see how happy they were.
-Donated food for the less fortunate so that they can enjoy Thanksgiving.
-Got a popcorn maker for my birthday, WHICH I have been using EVERY SINGLE day. AWESOME!
-Become a SoCal gym junky -- that is only until daylight saving again.
-Got my own insurance for the first time in my life -- I ALMOST pay for EVERYTHING myself.
-My neighbor got evicted, which is GREAT for me -- finally some silence.
-IT has been POURING here today, which means the mtn. biking trails will be AWWWESOME!

So, pretty boring. Right? I am trying to get some apps on my phone (like 3 months later so I can actually take rad phones again) and then there can be some more Ansel iPhone.

Sending Love from SoCal.

colors

2011-11-05T22:53:00.000-07:00

I have ALWAYS been fascinated by colors.

One of my favorite books is Tony & Tina's Color Energy

Freshman Yr. Highschool

2011-11-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

" I Alone" by Live

Throw back to Highschool

ABC's

2011-11-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

I found this the other day while I was looking for some inspiration -- The ABC's of work essentially:

ACCOMPLISHMENT -- We all need to feel like we are getting things done & reaching worthwhile goals.

BELONGING -- We need to interact with others in such a ay that our relationship with them influences our definition of who we are.

COMFORT -- We all need to feel some degree of security so that we can relax and be calm and safe.

DEPENDABILITY -- We all need a certain amount of predictability and regularity in our on going life.

ESTEEM -- We need to feel reasonably good about ourselves.

FINANCES -- We all need enough funds to lead a fulfilling life.

I am not sure if there are more -- but I thought these 6 words were great, they are an excerpt from Resilience at Work by Maddi & Khoshaba. I would love to eventually read more of the book...soooo it will be added to the long list of books to read that I have piled up.

Sending Love from SoCal!

Hunter S. Thompson

2011-10-20T22:45:00.000-07:00

This man fascinates me.

His writing is amazing.

His imagination & creativity is next level.

I probably would have voted for him to sheriff of Pitkin County.

I think that the idea of "Fat City" is fantastic.

I wonder if he was ever at the Tavern when my parents would bring me there when I was little?

Hot Glue Dress

2011-10-19T23:40:00.000-07:00

Here are two of the professional photos of the hot glue dress I made (with my team's help in one of my last classes at FIDM). The dress was made out of a black cotton that we got for basically pennies at the student store and then covered in a "lace" that was made from creating circle of hot glue and then painting it black and fitting it to the appropriate form. It was A LOT of work -- but, I am very proud!

Sending Love from SoCal!

Keeping up with Miss Bud

2011-10-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

Sunday Funday -- goes like this:
Wake up, drink coffee, go biking, come home, google random things, go tanning & read books, go running, do some sort of cleaning activity and/or baking, take a nap, repeat.

What I woke up to on Sunday -- yep, as in breakfast in bed. He's a keeper.

Best decal ever. Spant's got me the "giving tree" decal for my computer! I am so excited! I love it! Get it..the giving tree is giving the little boy an apple!

Well - I have been busy with work and trying to catch up on my normal life & sleep. Speaking of...it is WAY past my bedtime!

Sending Love from SoCal!

2011-10-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

I have been finishing books left and right since my wonderful boyfriend got me the new kindle. I LOVE it! So between my iPad & Kindle I am flooding myself with text -- and now of course I have a new piece of technology to occupy me when I don't feel like reading...Apple TV! So amazing! We don't have cable so we rely on our internet (which we ALWAYS have a bad connection, props to Time Warner for that). I have become a NetFlix queen, now I am excited to utilize iTunes for renting movies and TV shoes.

Anyways I was on DailyBeast (my go-to news source) and was looking through the new book suggestions -- I was immediately interested in a book called Failure by Philip Schultz. He also wrote a book called My Dyslexia which is on my reading docket now. Failure is a collection of poetry, that Schultz has complied over the years. Ironically, he originally hails from Rochester, NY (whenever I find a writer, or an artists, a teacher or an athlete that is from the Rochester/Fairport area I always get excited and become curious if they know my family)! Schultz's work encompasses an emotional technique of creative writing -- I was automatically interested in his play on words and how all of his sentences flowed together so beautifully. There is one poem in particular that I absolutely LOVED, it is titled What I Like and Don't Like.

I like to say hello and goodbye.

I like to hug but not shake hands.

I prefer to wave or nod. I enjoy

the company of strangers pushed

together in elevators or subways.

I like talking to cabdrivers

but not receptionists. I like

not knowing what to say.

I like talking to people I know

but care nothing about. I like

inviting anymore anywhere.

I like hearing my opinions

tumble out of my mouth

like toddlers tied together

while crossing the street,

trusting they won't be squashed

by fate. I like greeting-cards cliches

but not dressing up or down.

I like being appropriate

but not all the time.

I could continue with more examples

but I'd rather give too few

than too many. The thought

of no one listening anymore --

I like that least of all.

I really enjoyed reading this book or poetry. It is a quick read, and well wrote. I suggest if you are looking for something simple/ some what inspiring about change, grieve, love, life it is a good thing to pick up.

Time to go running!

Sending Love from SoCal

Face lift.

2011-10-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

Forgive me -- I am trying to give my blog a face life. Things could get ugly for a little bit -- but we all know it turns out beautiful in the end ;)

Jams.

2011-10-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

I love this song right now.

Awolnation -- Sail

Ohhh This is good too!

"Funny How life can go. First you ride high -- then you might lay low"

Love Song - K-Os

Hitting the Nail on the head.

2011-10-11T23:51:00.001-07:00

Catch Up, Not Ketchup.

2011-10-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

The last week of my life has been awesomely hectic! I started my job -- I love going to work everyday and having a somewhat structured list of 'to - do's' I feel so friggin accomplished at the end of the day! The best is coming home and being about to go out on a nice long run or bike ride after a day in the office.
Spants's parents were here over the weekend and we had all sorts of adventures (mainly eating, but that is fine in my book!) We went to a place in Costa Mesa called La Cave on 17th & Irvine. It was amazing -- one of my favorite parts about going out is being able to order fish (Spencer doesn't like fish; well he does like my pet fish Jasper -- the energetic blue beta I have that lives under our living room TV). The atmosphere was like we stepped back into the 60/70s. The food was AWESOME -- the twice baked potatoes are to die for!! Can you say guilty pleasure? I can. We also went to the Chart House -- it was their 50 year anniversary. I had fish again -- we talked about how awesome the boats where that were docked next to us and shared chocolate lava cakes. The next day was the most exciting...we went whale watching!!
Okay, so I know what you are thinking...Whale Watching? YEP, you've got it! We headed down to Dana Point early on a Saturday where Capt. Dave's Dolphin & Whale Safari is based out of (PS, I have been wanting to go to Dana Point for over a year when my friend Jamie told me about it, and he tried to convince me to live there and commute to LA -- haha!). After debating about which snacks would be necessary for our two+ hour adventure on the water and a quick potty break we got on the catamaran with about 45 other people. Basically as soon as we were out of the harbor we started seeing whales -- it was SO neat! During the trip we saw both Blue Whales & Fin Whales -- there were bigger than the boat! We even got to see some of them dive and show off their tail -- it was amazing! There was a lady on the trip who was entirely tooooo passionate about whale watching, it was kind of funny -- by the end of the trip we realized she was a regular on the trip. I'm not sure if you are familiar with the SNL skit about the Target Lady -- but, she was that to a T! We didn't see any dolphins -- but that was okay with me, especially with all of the whales we saw. Seriously we saw in-between 30-50, it seemed like we saw 100. Spenc joked around that one of the things we were told at the start of the trip was "we are not going to chase around the whales when we see them in different locations", but oddly enough as soon as we would see one 25 yards away we would buzz over to that area. haha!
After our Whale Watching adventure we grabbed lunch in Laguna -- ohmygoodness! I love it there, I need to go and explore this area more -- so much smaller and nicer feeling than Newport! We had some tasty Mediterranean food at a place called GG's Cafe Bistro (which Yelp pointed me towards) they had GREAT outside seating.
On Sunday we woke up early again and hoped on our road bikes and road down to Huntington to meet up for one last meal at the Sugar Shack. A little breakfast nook on main street, it reminded me of SqueezeIn -- it was soooooo good, just basic breakfast -- nothing fancy. I told Spencer I wanted to start doing this on Sundays...we will see how that pans out (more or less if I can get out of bed). We road back to our place and passed A BUNCH of other roadies. I think it is funny, the riders down here are SO unfriendly!!!!! They don't smile or wave or anything -- they LOVE the idea of sucking onto your back tire. I purposely just want to slam on my breaks and make them go flying. Let that be a lesson/warning...never draft a person whose riding style you are unfamiliar with.
The rest of the day was pretty relaxing. I learned not to go to South Coast Plaza on Sundays, and that because the sun is setting earlier I need to change my "normal" side of the pool for tanning -- dratttts!
Life is treating me well.

Pretty Flower.

WHALES!

We've been trying to master the Rubix. It isn't working -- Clearly.

Bestboyfriendever.com

PETER! 6 O'CLOCK!

Blow-hole.

Me & Him.

Sending Love from SoCal.

Steve Jobs

2011-10-05T21:51:00.000-07:00

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something -- your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life." -- 2005

May you rest peaceful Steve Jobs. Thank you for impacting my life with your innovative products, ideas, designs, and inspiration.

Sending Love from SoCal.

2011-10-03T22:18:00.001-07:00

I love Lupita from Weeds. Jess (aka Yes)

2011-10-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the BIG day -- I guess you could say it is when I am making the transition from studentkid to a real workingwoman. Yikes. I have been racing around like crazy today trying to get everything in order so that tomorrow goes smoothly.

Funny enough, I was filing papers and I opened up my 'college' folder -- it was a cheesy purple plastic folder, on the front in had College Stuff: UNR, MSU, CU, CSU, Colby-Sawyer. Wow, that seems like forever ago -- there was a copy of all the recommendation letters people had written for me, as well as a copy of my essay. My goodness...WHAT ON EARTH WAS I THINKING?!?! The idea was good, but the way it was put on paper was far from good. It made me giggle a little bit. I can proudly say my writing has improved...a lot in the last 5.5 years.

Spencer has been studying his buns off for a test that he has tomorrow. I am totally glad that I am not in his shoes -- I can't even comprehend half of the words he says when I ask "how was your day?" -- the non-med school person would answer like 'oh well, I went to work and had some coffee, and blah blah blah, gossip gossip gossip' but his answer is 'oh today we studied blood and the jskhdsjkdh part of the aklsdjaklsdj does aksdjalksdj"...yah, that is how hard it is to understand. ha, I am so proud of him for all of the hard work he has put towards school, and especially the countless hours he spends studying.

Well, I am secretly preparing dinner...I have to go and check on the artichoke!

Sending Love from SoCal!

SuperHeavy

2011-09-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

On occasion Spencer has music that I like -- Butttttttttttttt anything he has that is Skrillex/dupstepish I want to rip my hair-out. I have no clue how he is able to concentrate with that stuff -- but, to each his own. When he is DJing I can just give him "the look" (which is different than "the look" that my mom, Sarah and Ed are familiar with) and he knows to change the song. Normally the response will be "well, what do you what to listen to then?" ha. So the other night he said he has something that I would like -- yah, sure whatevs. Then he put on SuperHeavy who is a group make up of: Mick Jagger, Damian Marley, Joss Stone, A.R. Rahman & Dave Stewart. Talk about a great group -- I have only been able to listen to a few of their songs between Spencer & YouTube, but it is amazing. They are a fairly new collaboration group -- they started in 2009 but just released their music within the last two months. It is a great mix of rock, reggae, and the signature Joss Stone Indie style. Give it a listen!

Sending Love from SoCal

Pancakes.

2011-09-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

This morning I woke up craving breakfast -- not like Oatmeal, or cereal, or an egg...I am taking pancakes (or a single pancake in my case). Then I was immediately put off by the idea when I realized I didn't have any sugar. darn. I did know there were some waffles in the freezer, but that wasn't going to be the same. I think I was jonsing to use the syrup that Mr. Warren Witherell has sent me as a graduation present (let me get ahead of myself DELICIOUS!). Once I grabbed a chair and rummaged through the cupboards that are meant to for a giant -- there in the back was a bag of sugar. I found a simple recipe on my phone and went to town.
Why is it the parents tend to make the best pancakes? I remember being a little monster in Colorado and 'helping' make the ever varying weekend breakfast in our spacious house on Sierra Vista before the divorce. Those pancakes were always fluffy and cooked to the perfect consistency (I do know that the secret was sometimes just using Bisquick), and they were the perfect size.
Today my pancake was thick, and heavy. I remembered the trick of watching the top of the uncooked side for bubbles and that was the 'go sign' to flip the cake. The bubbles never came, I took a shot in the dark with turning over my breakfast. Once I decided that the cake looked done I tossed it on a plant a long with an oversized, unhealthy slab of butter & then proceeded to drowned the cake in the amber maple syrup. Well, it tasted amazing -- it is a gut bomb. Every single bit I took all I could think about was how long I am going to have to ride my bike today and how long my run should be this evening, and if calorie wise I deserve lunch.

Sending Love from SoCal

Caffeine study

2011-09-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

Well, Harvard School of Public Health has amazed me the last few days. Maybe I should just keep on reading all the fantastic food/consumption articles that they put out. Today while doing my normal interneting rounds while enjoying breakfast and a giant mug of coffee I came across an article on the Daily Beast (my favorite news source) about coffee consumption and women, concerning the positive effect on lessening depression in women.

I drink coffee like it is going out of style. I started with the fru-fru Starbucks latte stuff with extra carmel & whipped cream and soon evolved my tastebuds into black as night coffee (I wish I could remember when I had my first cup of black coffee & what my reaction was. I know it has a VERY strong taste to it that a lot of people cannot handle -- I love it!). I blame it on biking -- coffee, or caffeine more of less was always prevalent when I was racing. Cold coffee, warm coffee, coffee after the race, coffee before a beer, coffee with dinner, coffee during the start of a ride (actually, a VERY long time ago when I used to meet my dad to ride 'the triangle' I would drive up from Reno. I would stop and grab a cup of crappy burnt tasting Starbucks so by the time I arrive it would be cold and I could down it. If I was lucky my dad would meet me at Wild Cherries -- the local coffee shop-- and he would have an americano or an espresso waiting for me. I would put it in my second water bottle holder and down drink it before we would start climbing over Brockway Pass. I bet people got a good giggle out of seeing a road rider hauling butt chugging on a coffee at 7-8 o'clock in the morning). I got to the point where I convinced myself I couldn't function without a giant cup of coffee in the morning -- I think that was all a mind game. Coffee is like drinking water for me now (which in some cases isn't good because I opt for caffeine more than tap water).

Anyways, a study was done performed from 1996-2006 with 51,000 women where they stats were taken every two years -- looking specifically at caffeine intake, health, depression, etc these women were said to consume 6-8 cups of coffee a day (which if you think about all the 'vent's' or large's which are ordered at Startbucks that is NOT that much -- although the study did not say what they qualified as a 'cup' of coffee size wise). There were around 2,500 cases of clinical depression which happened during the study -- the study showed that those who drank coffee showed a much lower likelihood of depression. The study showed that the consumption of coffee did not effect men the way that it did women, oddly enough. AND that symptoms of depression remained prevalent when the person was taking non-caffinated coffee -- the study also showed that things like black teas, sodas & other caffeinated beverages (and sugar-filled latte's go under this category too) do not provide the correct amount of caffeine needed to keep the symptoms at bay. Dr. Ascherio, whom preformed the study said that there are link to caffeine which are beneficial for neruodegenerative disorders.

Doctors are not going to start prescribing coffee & caffeine just yet -- more test need to be done. I think this is all pretty interesting, since I am an avid coffee drinker (actually it looks like it is time to go and re-fill). I am curious in the difference caffeine can really make, top that off with some endorphins from exercising and you are set! ha!

Sending Love from SoCal.

2011-09-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

I think that Daphne Guinness is amazing. She is a fashion icon.

Eating right

2011-09-26T11:14:00.000-07:00

I am no nutritionist. Luckily, my mother did teacher me right from wrong when it came to dining. I will be the first to say that...yes...I do on occasion enjoy chowing down on Bacon, M&M's and jalapeño poppers (not together of course). I try my hardest to consume greens, and proteins and the right kind of grains. I remember growing up, and the short time that I spent in public school we would all be guided into the cafeteria for lunch -- you would join your friends at a table and trade food back and forth. A majority of the time I would have my lunch box at my side; I don't remember what it would be baring -- but I would always get milk. I vividly remember on the milk carton there was the food pyramid -- which really to me didn't mean anything. I remember it saying essentially "drink your milk, because it promotes strong bones!", and sugar is bad. I didn't see the pyramid for a while after there...actually years and years -- once I was in college sitting through my basic nutrition class.

Yes -- at one point I thought that I was going to be able to pull off being a nutritionist. UNR has a great program. Then I realized math was involved and I darted. One of the cool things that was an emphasis throughout the class was tracking your diet (well, for me this was a little difficult because throughout college food & I were either best buddies or not even friends at all), we were instructed to use Mypyramid.gov, which has now changed to choosemyplate.gov. The site basically gave you a run down on all of the good/bad stuff American citizens consume, and made a "special eating plan" for you -- of course this wasn't always correct, and it was very general but it was part of the class and eating healthy with all of the beers people drink in college isn't that bad.

This morning while checking my normal blogs I came across an article about the nutrition & cholesterol in eggs has changed according to USDA and fellow high school classmate GiGi DuBois (who writes great, easy to read articles for the Boulder Nutrition Examiner). One of the articles that really caught my eye was the food pyramid again.....dunnn dunnn dunnnnnnnn!

Harvard School of Public Health released a new take on the direction we should eat (the .gov sites have created a similar idea too. I really like this Healthy Eating Plate -- It gives you the down and dirty of how you should choose your food fore instance "use healthy oils (like olive & canola oil) for cooking, on salads and at the table. Limit butter" -- sorry Paula Deen. Harvard puts an emphasis on water intake throughout your day, and less dairy. They also share the hard truth that french fries don't count as a vegetable -- darn! I really enjoy the part about healthy proteins -- her in our humble little Newport apartment I try to limit the consumption of red meat -- I think I was red meat-ed out as a kid. The chosemyplate.gov link above is really interesting and has a bunch of fun facts -- if you have some extra interneting time on your hands it is well worth the click of the mouse.

It was funny a few weeks ago Spencer and I went to The Counter for dinner. On the table they had a small guide to making your own burger. It started with saying "Grain", where you would pick out the bread you want. Then I think it said "meat" or something like that, and then it went back to "vegetables". I thought out loud that this would be a perfect opportunity for them to try and play off the food pyramid -- I know.."play off", bad use of words..but it is the truth. A lot of restaurants and grocery stores hid how bad some foods really are.

Three of the best tips I ever found about eating were in Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food (which I highly suggest reading one of his books here is a little review I did on IDoF Click here).They were something like this:

1) Shop on the OUTSIDE of the grocery store. That is where the must under processed foods are (think about it...the meat section, vegetables, dairy, bakery, etc) as soon as you enter the aisle you are entering a dark territory where who knows WHAT you are putting in your body.

2) If your grandmother/great-grandmother didn't eat it they you shouldn't either. I love to hear about my great grandmother being a HUGE fan of popcorn. Ironic we have the same name & popcorn is my go to for snacks.

3) This goes hand-in-hand with the one above, but If you can't pronounce the ingredients then you probably shouldn't be eating it.

Let's face it...with the busy life that a majority of Americans live it is hard to eat healthy and cook every single day. Sometimes there is nothing better than getting home and melting into the couch after a long day of school / work -- BUT -- try to get out of that routine. Pay attention to what you are consuming. If you feel like you need something crummy that do it, but don't make it a habit.

Okay --time for me to have something to eat. My tummy is growling.

Sending Love From SoCal.

SHOOOOES

2011-09-26T00:34:00.000-07:00

Shoes have always been my weakness. I LOVE shoes. I like to wear them, I like to draw them, I enjoy everything about them. Shoes can get you noticed. I love Nike hi-tops (and Creative Rec's), I have a thing for TOMS (but not on the level that people down here in Newport do...yikes! I love boots. Riding boots, rain boots, emu boots (yes...although I am soooooo anti that style I do wear boots similar to uggs -- yep, I said it), boots with heals, booties, you name it!

I go back and forth with liking heels -- sometimes I enjoying being wicked short...until I got a pair of Lita's. Awwwwwhhhhhh -- I wear them with everything. Jeans. Shorts. Skirts. Dressed. My PJ's. When I first got them I cried because I was so skeptical about the style and a few other reasons.... I taped the soles with the idea that if I wore them around and decided they were not my thing I could return them...yah...that lasted long. All of my firsts that own a pair are obsessed too...A major upgrade from my last pair of Steve Madden booties I purchased (although I do still love those too!).

Lita's. My fav. I would LOOOOVE to get them in a different color, and/or the Foxy.

Totally in love with these Balenciaga boots. WAY out of my price range -- Sam Edelman makes a VERY similar pair ( I think the Roza & the Lorissa are neat, but I hear they are strictly "Out to Dinner" shoes -- as in, they are so painful you can only wear them out to dinner! ha!)

And of course....the late Alexander McQueen Armadillo Shoe.

One of my favorite parts about fashion week(s) is the preview of shoes...I feel as time goes on I can peep the details of the shoes even more...They are beautiful! If I ever had the opportunity to design a pair of shoes they would probably be giant....and AMAZZZING!

Okay...off to bed to dream of shoes...

Sending Love from SoCal.

2011-09-25T22:05:00.000-07:00

A word of advice i was given by my FIDM teachers when I left was don't stop being creative, always try to improve your talents. I have been down with school for close to a week and a 1/2 now and I have been dying to get creative -- I just didn't know which medium I wanted to explore. I thought about getting out the water colors, nah. Pastels, nope. Paints? Maybe. And then I decided to grab my bag of markers and go to town. Well...kind of.

For some reason I was consumed by the idea of pin-up girls today. Not the new era ones...but the Norman Keith Collins (aka Sailor Jerry. Yes, like the liquor -- pictured above). Something about his tattoos & sketches really captured me today so I decided I wanted to take the idea of his work and transform it into something of my own, mixed with a twist of Andy Warhol-esque color....odd I know. It probably doesn't make sense as you read this...but in my head it all comes together so nicely. Today I started sketching while the clouds engulfed the coast -- I had the TV on for noise but was not paying attention what so ever. I played around with various papers and paints, markers and colored pencils. It was making -- this type of thing is so relaxing for me. I honestly didn't even realize the time go by -- it was hard for me to stop but I knew I needed to get outside. As I stepped away from my rough first sketch I knew that I could only make it better and better and better. Then the idea crossed my mind of how I can incorporate something I love...shoes! I will admit the finishing paintings/sketches will be interesting.

Art is a wonderful thing. I look at the different thinks I have created, or the different message/emotion that I am trying to portray. Being creative has been a release for me since I was a little girl -- there was nothing better than going to town on my Fisher-Price easel. All through college and through the growth of this blog I realized that writing was another strong way of communicating what the heck is going on in my head -- sometimes things don't makes sense at all...but just typing them or painting or sketching them out brings so much relief. Heck, half of the time I don't even know what I am releasing -- but deep down I know there is something I am trying to share with the world whether it be positive or negative.

I am really looking forward to the upcoming week & the adventure that is ahead. Thank you all for the tremendous support -- I am so excited to take the step into 'big girl' life with my job opportunity and taking a break from the hustle & bustle lifestyle. This is awesome.

Sending Love from SoCal.

2011-09-22T10:54:00.000-07:00

Today is another "relaxing" day for me. My job hasn't started yet & school is over. SO in order to find some excitement in my life I decided to re-take my drivers license test!! YAHH! ha, okay, so evidently at the age of 25 you have to renew your license here in the sunny (well actually very overcast today) state of California. Wowzer, I am getting old. With the new exciting life transition I am going through I decided that I mind as well get this fun filled DMV day out of the way and for once not save it for last minute. So far my morning has consisted of taking written practice test for my license (yes, there are practice exams. And well, lets just say when I moved from Colorado to California it took me a few tests to pass...). I have also been exploring old (or as my sister would say "olden days") music from the 60/70/80's with my handy dandy cup of coffee. I cannot stand the Beatles. Ew, Gross, Yuck. I have NEVER liked their music, I think it is annoying & over played. My favorite part about exploring older music is the video's and the lyrics. So far I have really enjoyed Queen's 'We Will Rock You' hahahha, Heart 'Crazy On You' for the lyrics (the lead singer reminds me of Adele), The Rolling Stone's never get old, I tried to listen to David Bowie -- I just couldn't do it.

Heart -- Crazy On You

Queen -- We Will Rock You

The Rolling Stones -- Satisfaction

Eurythmics -- Sweet Dreams

I am sure that my list could go on....but I have to study :)

Sending Love from SoCal

Burger

2011-09-22T10:35:00.000-07:00

Which is better?

Since I started dating Spencer I have become a burger connoisseur. Something about Southern California & burgers just seem so right. We had our favorite places in LA that we would visit (Oinkster & Jake's) but now that we are down South a littler further we had been on the hunt for good eating establishments. We have been to two different burger eateries: The Counter & Jimmy's Burger Joint. Like all restaurants they have good attributes & bad -- they are totally greasy and hit the spot. The prices are very similar, and we live in walking distance to both. The plus about Jimmy's is that they have actual Onion rings, The Counter has onion shoe strings which are a MESS to eat. The beer at Jimmy's was a huge disappointment -- we had Hef's and they tasted like soap water. Both places have burger customization options...you can go wild. The service at both is pretty funny. The Counter's people are always SOOO energetic.

Any other burger eating suggestions in the Costa Mesa/ Newport Area?

Sending Love from SoCal.

Social Media

2011-09-21T00:08:00.000-07:00

In my mind Social Media is similar to the old saying about guys "can't live with 'em, can't live without 'em" especially when talking about my generation and younger (actually if you didn't already know, most new subscribers of Facebook are woman over the age of 50-something). There are constant updates, and just when you think you have figured out any social media site it is bound to change, from Facebook & Twitter, to Wordpress & Blogger -- the list goes on -- I am sure there are thousands of social sites I am unaware of.
My biggest question is, how do you gage if your company is changing their way of reaching out to the target market to quickly? Do they worry about loosing those who have signed on? After the latest Facebook update that many of us were VERY surprised to find when logging in tonight I think people are starting to get fed up, and over the constant change. As petty as it is to get frustrated over something so simple we do need those simplicities. I don't know to know that my friend Courtney has become friends with someone named Ryan from Iowa that I don't even know and probably never will.
So, why do we use social networks? I feel like the obvious answer is going to be 'so I can keep in touch with my friends', that is what I say when confronted with the question. I have friends all over the world from growing up being an athlete. I admit I use it to look at other peoples pictures and read status updates -- see what people in Tahoe are doing....you know. I feel like there is no privacy on social networking anymore (as much as that might sound like an oxymoron) -- you can set your privacy settings to as restricted as they can be, but then you are faced with two issues 1) you can't do anything being a part of that network 2) people can still find you & see photos that perhaps you only wanted to stare with friends.
Growing up in an age of technology I think the social media realm is advancing far too quickly. Baby steps, please! And not so often.
Never in my life did I think I was going to go off the popular path of Facebook and veer towards Twitter & strictly blogging. I will be interested to see the other changes that are instated soon -- I did read something tonight and a person had a good point they said 'technology moves at a fast pace, and we need to keep up. But, let us keep up at our own level of comfort'. Maybe I am just getting older and finicky about how I do technology related things...

A trick I figured out from some more reading was...if you are interested in getting the normal Facebook back you can. Scroll to the bottom of any page, on the left where is says the language (English, US) click on that. A menu will open allowing you to pick which language you want to use. If you go with English, UK than you have the normal everything -- you can go with Pirate too! Spencer and I are trying to make sense of that right now -- funny!

Sorry about my little rant, but sometimes technology just drives me up the wall. I adapted somewhat easily, but I have enough change going on in my day-to-day...let the computer stuff come slowly (sometimes)

Sending Love from SoCal

Am I a Hoarder?

2011-09-19T11:53:00.000-07:00

That as been the overall joke in our house the last few days -- we have been having a dinner time marathon watching every season that Netflix has to offer of Hoarders. Some of the houses are repulsive, so me of the dwellings just look like the people are wicked lazy (similar to how our living room has looked a time or two when we have both been juggling late nights and early mornings due to school). All of these yucky houses gave me a kick start to clean yesterday -- now that I am done with school, intern less, jobless, I figured I could use the time wisely to clean out my closet (which I haven't done since May), organize my recipe tear sheets so we can figure dinner out.

One of the larger tasks I had to tackle yesterday was going throw a pile of magazines that were only appropriate to move from LA to Newport so that I could go through them and see if there were any articles worth saving, inspirational pieces, etc. One of the most interesting articles that I found was about energy -- how to boost it, how to save it, and all that fun stuff.

During my last few weeks of school I was so exhausted from the 4:30 am wake ups and the 1-2 pm bedtimes, on top of interning 3 days a week, by the time the weekend rolled around I had completely ditched my outgoing/outdoors morals and become the epitome of a 24 year old laying in bed until noon, then slouching out onto the couch, maybe eating, spending countless hours on Facebook and twitter, then doing some homework, then going biking or running for a maximum of 10 miles -- god for bid it was too strenuous -- then back to the couch for more homework, maybe a coffee, popcorn, and documentary intermission and a nap, then make dinner and then I would kick into over drive with homework making another close to sleepless night. Not the ideal way to spend your last month of school.

Now, I am in a completely different situation. This is going to be the first time of my life where I haven't gone to school EVER. Weird. I am trying to think of online/CC classes I can take to perhaps peruse yet another degree at a reasonable price..I am thinking French? Spanish? Something? Well, before I get ahead of myself here are tidbits from the article in Real Simple I came across -- with fall upon us I feel as though the sun starts to hid more frequently and we get less and less gung-ho about activites (similar to mud season aka spring, when everyone wants to disappear).

WHEN YOU WAKE UP:

1. LET THE SUN IN -- Open your curtains! Exposure to light stimulates your brain. Light also gets your body out of the Z's mood.

2. LOOK AT SOMETHING YOU LOVE -- Have something you are grateful for next to your bed. I normally have a wall of pictures of my family, friends and meaningful locations next to my bed -- I am having to swap/update some of them so hanging them is on the docket for today.

3. MORNING WORKG OUTS -- effects of exercise in the morning can last up to 6 to 8 hours -- longer if you do both cardio & strength training (ha, strength that sure is a thing of the past for me, no more skier thighs here).

4. SMELL SOMETHING YUMMY -- Try having something with a citrus, eucalyptus or mint in your shower routine. It clears your mind of clutter and wakes you up.

5. CHANGE YOUR ROUTINE -- try doing something a little bit different in the morning.

6. EAT A GOOD COLORFUL BREAKIE -- I have skimmed out on breakfast since my first day at college. It wasn't until Spencer ground it into me the importance of eating something, I constantly complain about my weight and he told me basically if I eat breakfast it will help -- sold! Try to eat colorful things, and no fruity pebbles doesn't count. Try fruits, and veggies, whole grain toast and eggs! A side note: I actually went and made breakfast as I started to type this.

7. VIT-A-MINS! -- Some people claim they are a placebo, other live by them. Vitamin B has done me wonders (thanks to Jill teaching me that trick at Burning Man last year), and licorice root has been good too! I go back and forth with multivitamins.

MID-MORNING/AFTERNOON:

1. CHALLENGE YOURSELF -- Take the stairs for a burst of physical exercise, do a quick puzzle, challenge yourself emotionally.

2. BREATHE -- Sometimes easier said than done. Sit up straight take a deep breath.

3. DRINK MORE COFFEE -- of course, this was my FAVORITE thing to read. I am a coffee connoisseur. I am always interested in having a good cup of coffee and enjoying the special tones and flavors of every roast.

4. EAT LUNCH -- This has been something I have reminded my mom often. Eating lunch is really important because it keeps you fueled throughout your afternoon. Countless afternoons I haven't had time to have a hearty lunch -- but I do my best to grab something and eat is quickly.

5. TO-DO LISTS -- Make a list of the important things that you need to do tomorrow so you don't forget.

6. HAVE A SNACK -- Make sure that you have a snack that is full of protein, it will help your boost your energy.

7. MOOOOOVE -- Make sure that you take a few seconds to move -- get up from your desk, get away from the computer, shake your legs, MOVE!

8. EXERCISE -- If you haven't had the opportunity to exercise yet, make sure you set the time aside to get to the gym, take a walk outside, run, bike, skip, roller-blade (ha!). An early-evening workout can help you sleep better -- and we all love sleep!

9. COMPLEX CARBS AKA PASTA -- Although your not supposed to eat a bunch of pasta and then hit the hay (unless you want to be a sumo wrestler) sometimes it is the right thing to do for some extra energy. Back when I used to be racing bikes constantly my dinners consisted of A LOT of pasta for the extra energy -- I miss those dinners! If you do have pasta before bed make sure you allow about 3 hours for it to digest properly.

10. SLEEP -- The most important part. Experts say you should be in a cool environment (65-70 degrees), make sure it is dark, and of course quiet (where we live that is close to impossible -- when we used to live in LA and before that I was big about having soothing music on).

11. READ -- I think this is the classic trick of how to make yourself sleep -- of course when I am reading something I am into that is a completely different story. One night Spencer came in and I guess I was asleep and dropped my iPad on my face! ha! Right now I am working on Tom Wolfe Hooking Up VERY easy to fall asleep to.

12. TAKE A HOT BATH -- If you have a bath tub, or in the case of all us 20 something year old college roommate people -- if you have our OWN BATH THAT YOU DON'T SHARE, take a bath. Lather & Fizz in Tahoe, and Lush have an amazing collection of bath accessories (bubbles, bombs, soaps, etc) that can help you relax after a stressful day.

I think these are all really fantastic tips, maybe you can't do them all because of busy lifestyles, but, I am sure that just adding in a few throughout your daily routine could mean you have a less exhausted day ahead of you! I know most of the tips seem elementary, but try to think of how many of the above you over look and?

Sending Love from SoCal!

2011-09-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

Well, I have lived in Southern California for about a year now. Now that I am done with school (for good...or until I pay off this student loan, gimme 10 years -- ugh!), jobless (my internship ended on Friday, and I am busting my behind to find a career) and essentially friendly due to the fact that I have been so busy with all of the other things...I REALLY REALLY REALLY miss the mountains.
If I could just jump in my car right now and drive I would probably end up in Tahoe -- maybe I would make it as far as Colorado. Who knows.....heck, it would give me something to do!

Sending Love and Missing my roots feelin' stuck in SoCAL.

Found that inspiration

2011-09-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

A few blog posts ago I was interested in finding an inspirational women. Well, I think I found her...okay so I know a lot of people idolize Jackie O -- BUT, I find her more interesting especially with all of the 'dark secrets' that are being released courtesy of Jackie O's daughter Caroline in Jacqueline Kennedy: Historic Conversations On Life with John F. Kennedy. Once I finish the Tom Wolfe book I am working on right now I foresee lots of Jackie O reading in my future! Any other inspirational female characters people suggest?

Sending Love from SoCal.

Marchesa

2011-09-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

I am COMPLETELY in love with the Marchesa S/S 2012 line.

YES PLEASE! It is GORGEOUS!

Photos courtesy of DailyBeast.com

Sending Love from SoCal!

The Little Engine That Could.

2011-09-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time there was a girl. She lived in a small ski town in desolate Colorado, in the winter there was one way in, and one way out. Her family has relocated so that she could attend a private High school which catered towards her passion for ski racing. The days were cold and long. She faced responsibilities that a normal high school student would never have to manage, from 'living on the road', to cooking, cleaning, ski tuning, video...the list goes on. School was on the back burner from the months of November until April -- the idea of being self-taught was the way class was conducted. This little blonde haired girl did this for four winters -- traveling all over the United States. It came time for her to apply for college. Many people doubted that she would finish a degree, if she even got into school. She was voted as the person that would end up becoming rich and shopping every day within her classmates -- She know the importance of school and was on a mission to defy the odds. The bubbly little high school girl realized where she wanted to go to school, a public University in the western part of Nevada. At first she was not accepted, she wasn't accepted to a single school actually. After contacting the admission's office, having some amazing recommendations and showing her creative side the girl was admitted to the University of Nevada. She joined her close friend Casey at the school in 2005, where they shared numerous adventures down to the dining hall and endless bowls of soft serve ice-cream. Five years later that little girl wore a black cap and gown and walked along side thousands of other graduates. She had done it -- graduated from college. She had proven to those who said she wouldn't make through school that she indeed could.

BUT, that wasn't enough. The girl was so interested in education. Her passion was always 'anything creative', it could be painting, sketching, or sewing. The day before she joined the University of Nevada, Reno graduating class of 2010 she was on the phone having another admissions interview for yet another college degree. Accepted. The tears flowed. The moment was surreal. In September 2010, the small town girl moved to the big city -- a place that had more than 2 major roads/highways -- where people were stacked and traffic something she'd never experienced. The girl started a program which condensed a two year Associates degree into 9 months -- hard to believe right? With many sleepless nights, grumpy days, band-aid's, printing fees, slow computer programs, hundreds of xacto blades, gallons of glue (literally), she walked off campus on the 14th of September with another degree.

That girl is me.

Today I finished my 9 month trek at FIDM. It was one of the best life experiences I could have had -- I realized today as I walked away from the building I spent what seemed like hundreds of hours in that your education really is what you make it. I heard a lot of people say 'Oh, FIDM was a waste of time..' or 'I didn't learn anything!'. Really? You didn't learn anything? Or did you chose not to learn anything? I am going to miss those late night project cram sessions, the "quarterly cry", and the 50 pound canvass tote and tool box that became my best friend while I was on campus.

To everyone that supported me through my 9 months at FIDM, I cannot thank you enough.
I am so proud of myself, I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would have two degrees. Now, it is time for me to step out into the big girl world and add my skills, abilities and creativity to the rest of the design world!

Sending Love from SoCal!

Happy Graduation FIDM summer quarter grads -- To the PD's that endured that program with me, all those nights we wanted to just call it quits were well worth it, no one will ever understand the course load we carried but some how we managed to walk away. We did it! HOORAY!

White Rappers

2011-09-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

I am a hip-hop fanatic. I like more underground stuff -- but not aggressive nasty underground stuff. I like the stuff that people don't really listen to that much, that I can enjoy and not hear it being blasted over XM radio (for the most part...). Right now I am listening to Grieves on repeat -- Macklemore is closely following. I used to think that Sam Adams was amazing too.

Sam Adams is a good ole' east coast boy -- he is a soccer player, and started recording on his MacBook while in college. His voice is sooo legit.

I am completely in love with Macklemore (Ben Haggerty) -- like waaaooh. He is a Seattle based rapper that is amazing -- I could listen to him for days! Gosh, everything cool is happening in Seattle and Portland theses days. I am a huge fan of "Can't Hold Us", I honestly wake up in the morning and dance around to it (when I am not waking up for school at 4:30 am) -- his lyrics are so innovative and his beats are so fresh (Ryan Lewis). Plus....I think he is a stud.

Grieves. Another Seattle based rapper. I somehow came across one of his songs, and was interested so I goggled more about him -- and the first thing that popped up on google was a picture of him in Aspen with my elementary school friend Sage. ha! A few weeks ago his "On the Rocks" seemed to be the theme song of my life. I downloaded his stuff and listen to is on the way up to school in LA. I love walking down the sidewalks jamming to it -- I feel so powerful, like I am listening to the most legit music ever, what are you listening to? Brittany? ha! I am completely in love with his voice -- actually the first time I watched "On The Rocks" I didn't think it was him singing...and as soon as I realized it was I was sold!

These guys get me through my endless days in Newport.

Sending love from SoCal.

Syrup snob

2011-09-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

My mom has one of these, I always wanted to try the different grades in this SPECIFIC collection.

A question that I am constantly asked is "where are you from?", I always answer with "Do you really want me to explain?" Normally they say yes. First I explain that my family lived in Jacksonville (just literally up the hill from all the devastation that just happened to Vermont from Hurricane Irene). "Oh so you're from VT?", "No, well kind of". The closest hospital was in Massachusetts -- so technically I am from Mass -- but I lived in Jacksonville until I was 6. They we moved to Aspen, Colorado, eventually settling in a house down valley up on another hill (or mountain) on Sierra Vista. After my parents divorce we moved off the mountain, and then eventually relocating to Crested Butte, Colorado -- only of the most beautiful places in the entire world. There is something so mythical about it -- I will never forget going there for the first time, coming down Kebler onto Whiterock Ave and seeing all the PERFECT little colorful houses, with people on their cruiser bikes with baskets, blooming flowers everywhere -- it was like I was in a fairytale. From there I moved to Reno, and back to Crested Butte a few time. Then I finally moved up another hill (or up the highway) to Truckee. I liked it there. I liked living near the lakes and the amazing summers that I shared with friends. After graduating college I moved to Los Angeles. It was so much different from the slow-going lifestyle I had lived for 23 years. Then I moved to Newport Beach -- So far I am not a fan of this place, nothing has really worked out in my favorite since. So, just think this is what I have to explain to a person when they ask where I am from. If I am feeling lazy I just turn to the answer "Colorado" or "New England". Where am I going with this rant?! Well, I had to actually BUY syrup last night. Normally, I have a surplus of it in my fridge -- no longer. I only like eating white cheese, and drizzling real maple syrup -- call me a pain. Milk does not come out of a cow yellow, it comes out white. Maple syrup comes out of trees and is boiled, there is nothing added to it -- Aunt Jemima is not syrup.

Spencer and I make breakfast for dinner every now and again. We always start it off with waffles while we wait on the bacon, eggs and hash browns. Last night I felt like I roamed the isles at Ralph's (which is EXACTLY the same thing as City Market and/ or Vons in my mind) looking for syrup -- I was afraid that all they would have is that aunt jemima crap. Low and behold they had the "real" stuff too. BUT, it is not even real. It is from CANADA! It totally doesn't taste the same, way to fake sweet -- but, I knew we needed syrup so I sucked it up and paid $9 for the Canadian sugar water. My parents always had real syrup in our fridge where ever we lived (thank goodness), when my mom and Ed moved back east it was was comforting knowing that when we would go to Farmer's Diner in Quechee we would have the real deal. You can taste the difference in Vermont verses New York verses whoever else thinks they can make syrup -- there are all sorts of different grades. Have you ever been to a sap house? It is the most amazing thing on earth. The smells, ohhh my goodness!

I will admit I had more of the faux syrup (and by fake I mean canadian) again this morning.

Sending Love from SoCal.

Today has been one of THOSE days....

2011-09-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

1. I thought I sold my iPad -- the person who bought is is now returning it. I was banking on that money. Ugh.

2. I had my announcements printed out today and they totally didn't turn out the right way -- so when you receive one PLEASE don't judge my designing capabilities. I will opening blame this on technology.

3. Fingers crossed I don't come across any other problems today.

Maybe I should just go back to sleep? I could totally drink a soda right now, you know what that means....BADD DAY.

Grumpy Love from SoCal.

2011-09-10T00:47:00.000-07:00

I am in LOVE with this photo

Photo by Alexander Neumann

PT's blog -- Mom & Pop Shops

2011-09-10T00:28:00.000-07:00

Today while aimlessly wasting time on Twitter I came across my friend PT's blog. It is AMAZING -- and it really represents him to a T (in my opinion). It makes me want to hunt down all these amazing businesses that he blogs about. I totally dig that he talks about food -- one of the loves of my life! I met PT through my best friend Vance (Matt) and randomly started bumping into him alllll over the place, he is a great person!

Check it out: Mom and Pop Shops (Paul Terry Supat II -- Small Business Connoisseur)

Sending Reno/Tahoe LOVE from SoCal

Annie Lennox

2011-09-10T00:23:00.000-07:00

So, tonight my boyfriend informed me that as he was growing up his parents preferred to listen to talk radio and Dr. Laura (?) -- clearly I was raised a little differently. I remember the nights and car rides that my mom and sister would take were we would CRANK Annie Lennox, Paul Simon, even Madonna from time to time (wingy, wingy, wingy). I so glad that I was raised on music -- although I have NO musical talent (unlike my sister who stuck with piano lessons and has taught herself guitar).

Sending Love from SoCal! <3

2011-09-07T22:10:00.000-07:00

"Knee Deep" Zac Brown Band & Jimmy Buffet

Never thought I would be listening to Jimmy Buffet after the endless Saab rides I used to share with my dad up to Aspen Country Day School jamming to "Cheese Burger in Paradise".....

2011-09-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

“I don’t think we’re afraid of love, no. I think we’re frightened by the thought that we might actually be happy. It’s as if we were pre-conditioned, and battle-ready to get our souls trampled upon, heart betrayed and mind torn. So the moment we can’t see the pain, we bail. Because we’ve become disenchanted with the happy endings.” -- AJ

Sistema

2011-08-31T23:53:00.000-07:00

Sistema food storage

Okay -- I have an odd obsession for cooking ware, shoes, red wine, my coffee cup(s), and M&M's. The latest COOL thing I (or shall I say we...more like HE(Spencer) found) -- Sistema food storage containers. He is notorious for leaving Tupperware where ever he goes; just like me with my glass cups. When we moved I went through the plastic and narrowed it down to about 10 pieces. Perfect -- we are very space challenged here in Newps. But, low & behold he comes back from a trip to Ikea with a 20ish pack of containers -- those have since been stored in a cupboard so high I have to be wearing heels, or jump in order to reach them. While at our favorite grocery store the other day (Fresh & Easy) we came across these Plastic Containers which we've been fascinated by when they were first put on the shelves wickedly over priced....
Well, once day while participating in Sunday Funday with Becca & Jake I saw that $6 "perfect yogurt container" was on sale for $2. I quickly swooped two of them. Spencer later dubbed them "blue for boy, green for girl" -- that has actually been a theme of my dinning ware since the first meal I fed him close to a year ago now (WOOOOWWWWZER!).
So, what's this big deal? Well, these are the neatest most amazing plastic containers on earth! They are from New Zealand -- they are not your typical Ziploc. Sistema makes all of their products out of recycled plastic. The one I have dubbed the 'perfect yogurt container' is round and can fit about 2-3 cups of food in it -- BUT, it gets better -- they are divided AND it come with the appropriate (and color coordinated) flatware! Let's face it, there is nothing worse than soggy granola in your yogurt in the morning! With the Sistema you can separate your food until you are ready to eat!
So -- the story gets better! All of the sudden we happened to come across the salad/lunch containers on sale the other day! Don't you worry, we now own them. Same story, separate your your salad from its toppings -- there is EVEN a spot specifically for just the right amount of dressing (there is nothing worse than a soggy salad!), a fork, a knife -- you are in business!

If you are interested in investing in some awesome plastic containers try to find where Sistema is sold near you, I guarntee you won't be bummed -- plus they look totally awesome and they have proven to be WICKED durable!

Sending Love from SoCal!

Burning Man 2011

2011-08-30T23:51:00.000-07:00

Sadly, this year I was unable to find my way out to the Playa. I know there were quite a few people in the same vote as me -- total bummer. I was really looking forward to it -- but, exchange for a dust filled, showerless week I am busting my butt with final projects and in return I will have gained another college degree. I GUESS that seems like a semi-fair trade.

Last year this time I ventured out on to the dried up lake bed with two girls I never really got a long with -- but the end we left close friends. I learned a tremendous amount about myself. There is something about being out in the middle of nowhere, in the dark, in a dust storm with no cares in the world. No monetary worries, just a lot of support, love, happiness and full of adventurous spirits.

This year Burning Man sold out. I am happy about it, but at the same time I am not. That took away from those people planning on buying tickets from the gate like they have for years. It means that Burning Man really is taking a turn for the mainstream world. Burning Man is supposed to be for everyone, but, is there a line that should be drawn? (especially with those who decided to sneak in -- I know several myself. One word: Karma) But....I guess the more the merrier, but make sure that the same moral tidings are instilled in everyone (no money transactions except for your ticket, coffee & ice, take out what you brought in, etc) -- I am interested to hear what it was like this year.

Here is a link so you can see a livestream of the Black Rock City. It is amazing -- so beautiful. I hope that all of my friends and my playa family are being safe out there, but most importantly having the time of their lives!

BURNING MAN LIVESTREAM

Sending Love from SoCal

Random Thoughts.

2011-08-24T23:43:00.000-07:00

1. Dierks Bentley "What was I thinking"...just listen to it. It mentioned corn fields. Something about corn fields and country music bring back silly memories. Oh, Yerington Nevada -- Night In the Country, I miss you sooooo!

2. Jeffrey Campbell Lita's (or Foxy's) YOU WILL BE MINE! I want them more than I want Louboutin's ...now that is A LOT!

3. 20 sleeps until I will successfully have degree numero dos

4. There is an off ramp on the 710 (to the 405 S) that reminds me of the beach (aka, Outer Banx)

5. Hire me?

Sending Love from SoCal

willow lamp

2011-08-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

I have always been a fan of lights -- whether there is a really neat/innovative fixture design or just manipulating curtains to get the most use out of natural light. I was just peering around some other blogs when I found the photo's below. The light fixtures are called "Willow Lamps" by Adam Hoet; the lights are all made up out of ball chain (semi-ironic, seeing that I just used ball chain as an element in one of my final project designs for Advanced Digital imaging! ha!

Well -- the portfolio site is almost up. I have been working hard trying to get my resume out to the big girl job world.

I had a great weekend catching up with tons of friends via in-person, e-mail, text and phone calls. It was refreshing! I miss all my Tahoe friends boatloads!

Sending love from soCal.

Interesting

2011-08-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

Recently I became obsessed with Trendland.com -- I was looking for editorial shoots featuring the staple Little Black Dress, when I came across this info filled site. After a long day at school the last think I want to do is think...so although I should be proof reading my cover-letters that need to go out tomorrow morning I am aimlessly going to blog about a very interesting thing I found...glasses. No big deal, right? WRONG on so many levels! They are made out of hair! Yep, you read that right -- glasses made out of human hair -- talk about a renewable material?! (that is semi-ironic that this product is green because of my Lifestyle's class it is centered on sustainability and my teacher wears black hornrimmed-esque glasses daily). These amusing pieces are created by a UK bases design company, Studio Swine. They also make sunglasses (which in my personal opinion they look like Tory Burch -- that isn't a bad thing). Pretty neat, eh? I would love to be creative enough to invent a crazy product such as these glasses -- time to put my thinking cap on!

Sending Love from SoCal

2011-08-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

Back to the basics.

2011-08-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

Since I have moved to Newport I have been lucky enough to ride my bike close to 75-100 miles in the last week. It has been so relaxing to get back on a bike. When I moved to LA I got really into trail running (actually when I was living in Olympic Valley I started getting into trail running). I pedaled about 4 times since I moved South in September -- now it is time for me to get into it again.

PLUS, today I received the most amazing phone call from two of my favorite friends Dave & Priscilla whom moved from Tahoe to SLC the same time that I left Tahoe too. They are the cutest couple on earth and so friendly and loving. I really hope that they are able to find reasonable airfare and come visit. I love how friends prevail, even through long distance.

OHHHHHHHHH -- and, how on earth could I forget!?!?! I got a fish today. It is a betta. It's name is Jasper. He is blue. I tried to get another pearl goldfish but the lady at Petsmart wasn't buying it after I told her that I didn't keep my fish in a 20+ gallon tank that was conditioned. She then informed me that those type of fish can live for 30ish years. Sorry, but I don't need to keep a finish until I am 54 -- I at least plan on upgraded to a dog by then....

Sending Love from SoCal.

2011-08-12T23:40:00.001-07:00

I am totally in love with this.

2011-08-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

A distant alarm sounded, it isn't my phone but I automatically and urgently jump out of bed. There is no way it is time to get up already. Light has yet to peer into the apartment. I check my phone, 5 am. I have thirty more minutes -- back to the comfort of our bed. 30 more minutes until the 'real' alarm sounds. Back to sleep. Every minute of sleep is precious on Thursday mornings. After 9 hours of class I suddenly become a couch potato for the evening.

Beep, beep, beep. That was my cue. Time to open my eyes for real. No more dream time.

I stumble through our unpacked room -- quietly tripping of the extra bed frame and bags filled with homeless belongings. The flooring changes from carpet to tile, I know I have made it to the bathroom. I close the door and hope the boogieman hasn't decided to call this home while the lights are still off -- with a quick switch of the lights I am blinded by white light. I turn the shower on and fidget for the perfect temperature.

Once I think I have found it I slowly crawl in -- testing the water with my toes before I submerge my body. I am immediately brought back to memories of Crested Butte. The freezing mornings. The steam with would fill the maroon and white trim painted bathroom that my sister and I shared. The distance from my cozy king sized bed, across the cold tile in the winter. The morning greeting from my mom drinking her tea and making breakfast before we headed in town. The silence of the house, until it was time to hustle down to the car -- Sarah's heavy foot steps down the wooden stairs (which hasn't changed). The burning sensation of the water on my skin. It is has to explain unless you have experienced subzero temperatures in the morning.

Here in Newport Beach it is different. No sibling to burst into the room to brush her teeth letting all the warm air out; no reason to yell "Sarah close the door!". No need to figure best method to stay warm -- perhaps a quick hop back into bed before dressing in long underwear layers. Now it is just a boyfriend fast asleep and a humid, non-airconditioned room. Polar opposites.

Day old, cold coffee and a dried out blueberry muffin awaits me in the kitchen. Homemade fast food. I quickly toss my school supplies for the day in one of my many over sized bags. Folder, pen, calendar, sketchbook, computer, charger. Out the door, 6:30 am.

Small sprinkles of rain greet me as I walk outside. Syd is awaiting me in the parking lot; covered in dew. I climb in, cool inside. No need for heat -- but turning on the de-frost is a must. I whip down the windows quickly so I can guide myself to the gas station. Fill 'er up. Time to endure the 405 traffic.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some of you know today has been a rough day for me, and I thank you tremendously for all of the support I have been given as well as the open ears and arms. What goes up, must come down -- but, not for long. There is only a bigger and better opportunity out there for me. Actually, chatting with my Portfolio teacher today, and an e-mail received later on really made me realize that getting a big girl job can/will be a challenge, but with perseverance it will come. It is time to show people what I am made of.

THANK YOU!

Sending love from SoCal.

A numbers game.

2011-08-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

T-minus 35 days until degree #2 is complete.

Then what?

catch up, not Ketchup?

2011-08-07T23:32:00.000-07:00

Lunch break at FIDM.

Last hike up to the top of Griffith

Me and my Maria

Dinner and drinks at Malo to celebrate moving with mah girls....and Jake.

Bucky. He needs a bath, I believe that would be the 3rd one he has ever had.

We have enough spices....I think.

HD in the OC.

Our view....yuck.

Dad, he knows how to work a screw driver.

Decor.

Hansom. I am lucky.

Cutest couple.

Finally, a kitchen table.

...and other fancy things like a book case.


Becca came down today and we experienced Sharkeez today.

Well, we are in the OC. We are almost unpacked, now we are down to the small things that you can't find a home for. Today I was able to explore Newport (and the poolside) with my good girlfriend Becca --we had coffee talk and then we went to Sharkeez, had a marg..it was awesome. Spence and I had curry for dindin. AWESOME.

Spence had his white coat the other day, he looked soooo hansom..I am beyond proud of him. His parents were here for the ceremony -- it was fantastic to catch up. They are great people.

Today Spant's and I went on a road ride to the school. I loved being back out on a bike, I am going to look for a women's riding club around here I think....

I am starting 2 new blogs. About 3 years ago I wrote a blog about resolutions, and new years....there is no reason why I can make a resolution right now to write now. So...there it is..I am going to do my best to write as much as I can (now that I have internet....granted I have a FAILING computer...I will make it work).

Sending love from SoCal.

Thanks for following!

There I go again...

2011-07-29T16:51:00.000-07:00

Slacking on posts. I have been pretty busy here in LA. School is going really well -- Spencer got accepted to UCI. We found a place to live. Finding a job in the OC is next on the agenda.

Knowing that I will be graduating in September from FIDM I decided that I need to start getting some ideas of other, I guess you could call them hobbies, things I can do. So far I have come up with two ideas:

Teach myself another language
Start another blog

I am hoping that my list grows rapidly. I can also turn to my bucket list to get things done too -- once I unpack everything I am hoping to find it again.

Some of the most EXCITING news that from this week would be: I get to start riding bikes again! It has been since I left Tahoe that I went out for a good long pedal. Granted, Spance and I went out on our roadies a few time. But I can't wait to get back out on Sparky II and romp around on some dirt. It is going to be blissful!

Sending Love from SoCal.

The End.

2011-07-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

"'It’s just hard after all the years of hearing the snickers that Burning Man has become too commercial, or that it jumped the shark, only to see it actually happen.” Choking back tears Harvey concluded, “We had a good run though, didn’t we? Even the Dead had to quit at some point.'"

The news was just released that 2011 was going to be the final year that the Man will Burn. Yesterday google & facebook was flooded with the news that the playa had been sold out -- over 60,000 tickets. I thought to myself 'okay, I will find a ticket some how...if not I can always go next year'...well, that can't happen. I of course do not have a coveted ticket -- I would do honestly any thing to have a ticket and know that I would be able to spend time with my BM family just one last time. BM was a huge learning experience for me, I became friends with people that I never thought I would love in a million years. I watched some of the most amazing sunsets & sunrises, I lived on tequila, water, champagne, and cheezits. Baby wipes became my new shower. The saying "dance like no one is watching" all the sudden was true -- I was able to be myself. It was amazing.

Oddly enough, yesterday I was speaking to one of my friends and I said it is a bummer that there are so many people going this year. It has become over popularized because of the music scene. No longer was it people that wanted to experience the true culture of Burning Man, but now it was just turning into a Coachelle.

I really wish I could go this year. I am happy to say that I was able to cross burning man off my bucket list -- and I will have memories and stories for years to come. The playa is a fantastic place. Thank you for your invention Mr. Harvey.

OR...is this fake?

Make Everything Okay Button

2011-07-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

With all of this talk about needing a magic wand...or a magic button to make every thing better with the stress of 'growing up' upon me.... my friend Sarah posted something on her Facebook which made me giggle. It is called the "Make Everything Okay Button".Very smart -- just what I wanted to see!

Check out the link below:

http://make-everything-ok.com/

So suiting

2011-07-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

Fleetwood Mac

"Go Your Own Way"

PERFECT SONG

Loving you isn't the right thing to do
How can I ever change things that I feel?
If I could, maybe I'd give you my world
How can I, when you won't take it from me?
You can go your own way, go your own way
You can call it another lonely day
You can go your own way, go your own way
Tell me why everything turned around?
Packing up, shacking up, is all you wanna do
If I could baby I'd give you my world
Open up, everything's waiting for you
You can go your own way, go your own way
You can call it another lonely day
You can go your own way, go your own way

You can go your own way, go your own way
You can call it another lonely day (Another lonely day)
You can go your own way, go your own way
You can call it another lonely day

You can go your own way
You can call it another lonely day
You can go your own way

2011-07-16T16:04:00.001-07:00

Patience, understanding and acceptance are a few of the many gates to happiness. Your personal happiness is often out of your control but possitive or negative you are always an influence on those around you.

On the Rocks

2011-07-15T21:28:00.000-07:00

Today during a break from a tedious project of making barcodes I discovered Grieves. I love him. In a strange way he reminds me of Atmosphere.

I ain’t no scholar, I don’t write no books
I don’t spend my money on the last girl honey
Cus she hates my guts.
I paid my rent late, so my landlord's angry
And all this shit keeps piling up and trying to hang me.
I Give my love in on the run, on the run, on the run
So don’t you try to slow me down and walk around yeah
Sick of trying to strum along with your love song
So leave me leave me here to pour another drink on the rocks

Chorus:
All of this will hold you
Down on to the ground until your crawling on the gravel like a regular guy.
All, all of this will hold you down on to the ground
Until your drowning in your sorrows with a bottle of rye.

I ain’t got no savior, I ain’t got no time,
I know i'm stuck with a problem that will come through and swallow up my last dime.
All I wanted was some peace and quiet, to take me out of here
Find More lyrics at www.sweetslyrics.com
Before I start a riot.
Lost my reason, I done lost my way
I done sat here for hours and heard all the songs in the jukebox plays
So keep your sunny days away from here
and I'll pour the liquor down and smile while I say.

Life’s been on the rocks I’ve taken
my last shot at holding on to
Life’s been on the rock’s I’ve taken
my last shot at holding on to

Chorus
All of this will hold you
Down on to the ground until your crawling on the gravel like a regular guy.
All, all of this will hold you down on to the ground
Until your drowning in your sorrows with a bottle of rye... Like a regular guy

Spence is out of town for the evening so I am sitting here alone in our "room". I must admit it is pretty boring -- although I have decided to explore the depths of my computer and read some old word doc's that I wrote (of course containing my creative writing that I would love to publish someday). It brings a good full smile to my face.

Sending love from SoCal

(Don't worry carmageddon isn't going to get me-- hehehe)

Ansel iPhone

2011-07-10T22:33:00.000-07:00

This week has sure been a whirlwind of emotion. Stack the idea of graduation, Spencer going to med school, no place to live, no mattress, and having to find a big girl job and well....I explode. I have been running almost every day so that has helped a lot, I have consumed more soda than I normally do in one year -- I guess it has been interesting to say the least. But, like my mom always says "take it one day at a time -- and -- everything is going to work out". (Spencer is currently teaching him self how to remix songs, I must say I am impressed). Luckily, yesterday we were able to get back on to our normally weekend routine of hike, breakfast out, random errands and then baseball today -- so, that was a nice breath of fresh air. It is really crazy to watch all of my friends (and myself) starting to grow up and all go our own directions, it makes me semi-miss my teen years of ski racing (gosh, and I thought that was stressful & strange). Life sure is a journey -- and I appreciate every single person who has been there for me lately!

So, with all that being said....here are some photos from this week....

To celebrate Spencer's birthday we went to Bottega Louie. It is some of the BEST Italian food I have EVER had in my entire life. We had all sorts of amazing things, but I just LOVED the portobella mushroom fries -- and I had awesome clam linguine, of course it doesn't come CLOSE to Mista' Chase's Clam linguine yumminess!

It was a 7-11 coffee day the other day at work (with 2 vanillas)

I could miss this Cali sunsets.

I FINALLY experienced Roscoes Chicken and Waffles. I took a nap afterwards & only finished a quarter of my plate.

My mess of technology right now. I REALLY need a new computer. :(

Had some margs with Becca, Jake & Spence the other night at Pita Jungle! Yum!I totally suggest the Broil Chicken Pita, there is this garlic sauce on it that is INSANE!!!

Rocket Fizz in Old Pas has EVERY kind of soda & old school candy one could dream of

That is ALL taffy!

Sending Love from SoCal!

If this were to go under, It's a risk I'd take

2011-07-10T21:47:00.000-07:00

A perfect song for me right now. I am a huge fan of lyrics.

The XX "Island"

I don't have to leave anymore
What I have is right here
Spend my nights and days before
Searching the world for what's right here

Underneath and unexplored
Islands and cities I have looked
Here I saw
Something I couldn't over look

I am yours now
So now I don't ever have to leave
I've been found out
So now I'll never explore

See what I've done
That bridge is on fire
Going back to where I've been
I'm froze by desire
No need to leave

Where would I be
IF this were to go under
It's a risk I'd take
I'm froze by desire
As if a choice I'd make

I am yours now
So now I don't ever have to leave
I've been found out
So now I'll never explore

Sending A LOT of Love from SoCal

Searching...

2011-07-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

Okay, so after reading some of Kelly Cutrone's Normal Gets You Nowhere today at Spencer's game I decided that I want to become obsessed with some type of influential American woman -- Not in some weird way, but more in a appreciative way. Kelly mentions her interest in Elanor Roosevelt, I all the sudden realized there are so many amazing women out there that have done AMAZING things for this country and perhaps it is time for me to find a 'mentor' through one of them (living or not). I am not interested in someone like Oprah, or Hilary Clinton (although I do think she is quite an interesting character) I want someone cool to look up to maybe Florence Harding, personally I think Annie Oakley is pretty neat (but not exactly the type of person I was looking for) or Lucy Ware Webb Hayes, or what about Victoria Woodhull? (I bet many of you were unaware that she was actually the first women to run for president).

Suggestions?

Reading

2011-07-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

Although I am getting ready to go back to school tomorrow for my last quarter at FIDM I am trying to make myself read. I love reading and there is NO reason why I should be slacking -- I could clearly spend less time on the internet and more time...well, on my iPad. My iPad which I was gifted for my last graduation has become my new favorite toy (again) I learned how to take notes and highlight on it finally so I am cruising -- that is the reason I hesitated with using it for reading previously. I do miss having books just to have them, verses digitally having them but I think I will live. PLUS it is going to make my next move (where ever that is going to be a little tiny bit easier).

I just finished my idol, Kelly Cutrone, book If You Have to Cry Go Outside and now I am working on Normal Gets You Nowhere. I will let you know how they both are once I finish NGYNW.

I am also working on Mika Brzezinski Knowing Your Value which Ed gifted to my mom while I was in New York. So far I am about halfway done with the book and I LOVE it. Talk about inspirational, but it also gets you in check for the 'do's and don'ts' of the work place. I'll update you on it as soon as I finish it!

But I am open for other book suggestions right now! Leme know -- I am thinking about tackling Intern Nation by Ross Perlin next, a book I wish I would have known of months and months and months ago.

Sending Love from So Cal!!!

4th of July

2011-07-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

So...my 4th of July was WAY different than any other I have ever 'celebrated' (4th of July falls under one of the holidays I am guided not to go out on kudo's to my dad). On July 2nd (Spant's birthday) Spencer's alarm sounded at 2:45 am, just shortly after we had fallen asleep. It was time to head to Lake Mead with Spencer's athletic trainer from college and a few other people. I fell right back asleep in the car, and woke for a gas station stop to fill up on a Tiger Bar and a scalding cup of coffee -- I read the rest of the way (on my iPad which I have FINALLY figured out how to highlight and take notes on). We rolled in to the Vegas/Henderson area and met with the other couples that were joining us (a previous Oxy basketball player, his girlfriend and his brother and wife). Before we even gotten to the lake the birthday boy was challenge to chug two beers in order to make a repair on the trailer ha! I was stoked to see water & boats since I haven't been around them all summer (after going to 3 summer straight of boats and lakes). The high that day was 117, the water temp was 77 -- I wasn't prepared for those temps at all as we backed the boat off the trailer. We had to tow the other boat behind us the marina for a jump, in that time another boat managed to hit us (the other driver clearly had no idea how to drive a boat. They left a nice dent in their boat, leaving our close to untouched. Tip: you don't gas it when a boat is coming towards you in neutral, you push off of them. duh!).
We headed out on the lake, about 5 miles in we stopped for a swim. The other boat had a 6 yr old yellow lab with them, Kobe, who LOVES swimming and over the years taught himself have to use the swim ladder! Impressive! We got back in the boats and heads another 15 miles (towards Temple Bar, AZ) and deliberated over a camping spot. Finally we found one and got set up.
Highlights from the trip:

Spencer learned how to wakeboard
We didn't sleep because we found out that A) reclining seats are NOT comfortable and B) sand is not good to sleep in, even after you have had some tequila.
Gourmet camping is the best (we had the most AMAZING breakfast, lunch and dinners and desserts out there!)
It is hot!!!!!!!
We went cliff diving. It was safe. We checked it with the depth checker.
Bug bites are the pits

The ride back was hard because a storm moved in. We actually left a lot early than we expected because of the wind and choppiness. I felt like my brain was slamming against my skull. BUT, we got back all is one piece. I managed to load the boat onto the trailer (even though I didn't do it exactly perfect like I wanted to) which I had NEVER done before. Now we are really back in LA....boooooo

Sending Love from SoCal.

Spencer the Stud.

Home Sweet Home for a few days.

Wakeboarder!

2011-07-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Mista' Chase I was able to get back to the East coast to visit my fantastic family. I haven't seen my mom in over a year, so it was sure time for us to spend some quality mom & daughter time together. I was able to see my grandmother & aunt before they left to go to North Carolina (jealous!). Sarah joined them. That left my mom time to explore and catch up. I was able to see all the fantastic landscaping jobs that she has done all over the greater Rochester area and I was able to spend time with my dad's side of the family which was nice. Here are some random pics from the trip....

3 am west coast time in Dulles. Rochester & Reno...two places I wanted to be.

Tied my mom some flied.

The best dessert at Grandmom's

Opppppsssy.

Sunset on the canal.

Giantor & the best mother ever.


Three Beagles Cafe

TBC is a little place that my mom and I found while driving through Bushnell's Basin. The interior is super nice, they have lots of choice and the best part is -- is that they have accommodated their menu to Vegetarian's, Vegan's and those who need Gluten-free products. Have no fear they still have chicken & turkey! The sandwich menu is next level -- I had the Chautauqua and my mom had the Saratoga. The sami's are a good size, and the prices are good. They also have an extensive coffee menu, as well as a bakery selection. I highly recommend this place in you are in the Rochester area!

One of the houses my mom is working on.

Fish hatchery..

Rochester Public Market.

Banxie at the farm.

Farm.

Barn at the farm.

Add caption

Homemade Pizza. My white sauce, fresh pepper from the public market, mushrooms sauteed in white wine, fresh mozzarella, arugula, chicken and roasted potatoes.

California Rollin'

On Saturday my mom had lined up a museum adventure, we started with The Memorial Art Gallery where we saw 'Fiber Art'. It was pretty cool -- I wish I could have taken pictures so that I could explain more about what the exhibit was, but it was essentially a collection of woven, sew and other ways to manufacture goods in art form. Once piece in-particular that I remember was a recreation of American Gothic all made out of different spools of thread (986 to be exact -- it was conjured up by Devorah Sperber). Then for lunch we headed just across the street to California Rollin', a sushi place that my cuzzie had recommend. The atmoshphere was a little odd, but the food and lunch specials were AWESOME. 3 rolls for $12! Let me leave you with this....I ate so much by the time we got to our next stop I almost had an incident in the well groomed gardens. BUT -- CA Rollin' has a deal that happens every day -- I suggest you check out their menu. I highly suggest the Roman Roll (Salmon, Spinach, Portabella & Pesto!) and the Dancing Diablo (topped with Dinosaur BBQ sauce!!!). After watching the comic nerds play games while we ate we headed to the Eastman Kodak House just down the street.
Once of the rooms had almost all the, if not ALL, the camera's that Kodak has ever made, it was SO FRIGGIN cool! We adventured into Eastman's actually house and I was amazing at the luxurious accommodations he lived in. HAha...A highlight of our visit there was when we heard loud organ noises flowing throughout the house we ran down to see if anyone was playing but to our surprise their was no one their. Haunted? Maybe....After the music was stop and go for about 5 times you could tell that other visitors were starting to get confused too. My mom and I headed downstairs to poke around when I found the person behind the jams...ha. All the music had been previously recorded and was being played again to perhaps make the visit to the house more realistic since Eastman was a fan of music (He is an interesting person...I suggest you google him).

Eastman Kodak House.

Prisoner wine.

This was a wine that I was introduced to last summer and have not been able to really find it at all in CA -- oddly enough, where it is from. For my price range it is fairly expensive. After a visit to the new Lisa's Liquor Barn (which is HUGE!) We came home, popped it open and were semi-surprised by the deep taste it had (I swear it wasn't like that before?) I FINALLY was able to have cheese grits that night and beer can chicken. It was supposed to be my last night -- I wasn't ready to leave the next day.
After dealing with crappy weather and a pointless trip to a rock store up in irondequiot (I actually did get to go to the HOUSE OF GUITARS! Which was AAAWWWESOME -- I wish I could have spent more time in there) the next morning we finally thought we had found some time when we got back to Fairport we thought we would bring the kayaks out for a paddle. I was extra excited because I had never had the opportunity to do so. So we loaded them, any one watching must have had a good laugh because we looking like monkeys trying to figure out how to get their ginormous things on top of the car. We drove a quarter of a mile, only to be forced back home by a big gray cloud. We got the boats of right in the nick of time. I was bummed I didn't get to go, and I could tell my mom was too. THEN a text message came through from the airline I was on saying my flight was delayed, due to the delay I was going to miss my connection and that just so happened to be the last flight to LA that night. With a simple phone call to United/Conntinential/No one really knows right now I was able to change my flight until the next day. Literally, the moment I changed my flight the sun came out and we were able to go and paddle. Talk about luck! I even got to have a white hot for dinner! The next day when I got on my flight I was very motivated (and sad to leave my mom) to figure out a way to get back east once I graduate from FIDM in September. I spoke to my mom, I spoke to Ed, and I spoke with Spencer that day about how I need to figure some stuff out. On my flight from Newark to LA I sat next to a new nice (and inspirational) man named Dave. I honestly, couldn't have asked for anyone better to sit next to -- he opened my eyes to a lot of neat thing (like Victor Wooten and a few wines to check out), like life stories and guidance. It was nice to talk to a person who was not bias and could just feed me the facts straight.

Now I am back in LA -- I start school again on Thursday (tomorrow, yikes!) I am full of drive right now to figure out my future (well, at least for the next few months. I would hate to rush something and then have it fall through). I am starting to think that maybe I have worn my welcome in California for the time being. LA will always be here -- that is until a giant earthquake comes....ha! So...we will see what happens of the course of the next couple months. Exciting!!!

Sending Love from SoCal.

Pop Bottles.

2011-06-21T12:10:00.001-07:00

2011-06-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

Who needs keeping up with the Kardashian's when you can try to keep up with me? ha.The last week as been pretty hectic. I had finals, I had my internship and Spencer and I had to move all of our crap once again. (I keep hitting Apple + Z, when I make a mistake on here. Clearly Illustrator has gotten to me today).

I have officially completed 3 quarters at FIDM. It seems like a lifetime...but then again it is hard to believe that I am slowly encroaching on having another degree under my belt and it has been just over a year since I earned by Bachelors. I was beyond pumped to get my first day of finals over with on Monday. It was just finding out my grade for one class and then installing a window display for the other (which I still can't decide if I am pleased with or not). Monday night consisted of cramming in final projects, baking pizza and just generally being over the quarter. I finished the project which was due at 8:30 with the intentions of finishing the one due at noon in my 8:30 class and then the project that as due at 3 was supposed to be finished in my noon class. Well, that was a big fat back fire. I had everything finished for the first two projects. One was printed out and turned in, the other still needed to be printed. Lucky for us FIDM students there was a virus on the thumb-drives at school. Mine just so happened to get it when I was trying to print out the project which was due in 15 minutes. After the IT guys claimed they cleaned it up, I hooked back up to a school computer to find out that it (and I am using 'it' because I am not sure if that would be considered the virus or the IT guys -- whom are all very nice) had deleted all the info. I literally sprinted from the Annex to the normally building (in a Maxi dress) to tell my partner about our latest crisis (we had also tried to print in a lab but the printers where down -- typical finals week). We decided it would be best to explain to our teacher what was going on. Thank goodness she is the most understanding person on earth and so she let us leave presentations and go 'do what we need to do'. I then started uploading everything to google doc. 2 hours later, I headed over to the Annex to try and print again. All four printers broken. At that point I was over it. I went to go explain to my teacher what was going on -- again, very understanding she said get it to her within the week. I gave her access to see that the project was done and then decided that I would deal with the rest of the catastrophe later on, because at this point I needed to finish my 3rd project and study for my final that I had in 30 minutes. My friend and partner for my last class project, Adrienne, showed me some really cool Photoshop tricks that honestly saved my life when it came to crunching out my final project. I then proceeded to my comp graphics final with the intentions to print out my project there, and of course....the print was done. At this point I wanted to throw every single computer in arms reach out of a window and onto Grand Ave. My teacher graciously went and printed out my project for me as I took the final. I was done. Let me tell you, a glass of wine never tasted so good.

The rest of the week was pretty relaxed considering I still had to deal with printing and binding my marketing project, getting the glass out of my foot that I stepped on LAST weekend, and moving into another vacant room -- I cannot even start to explain how much of a luxury it is going to be once we move into a NORMAL place again and we have SPACE! This room bouncing is something I would picture my younger self doing...maybe like 5 years ago....yikes. But, to make up for the moving we have a pretty awesome sun deck right outside of our bedroom which has made for a good place to relax.

Spanc' is still waiting to hear back from UCI. So, my fingers are still crossed -- you should cross yours too!

I have been learning a bunch at my internship and I absolutely love it. I never thought I would be creating half of the stuff I have come up with!

Final window display. Vera Wang inspired.

Tuesday was a soda day. If you know me, you know that means I am stressed.

Signed, sealed and delivered...after 48 hrs of printing problems.

The room we are staying in reminds me of an old person home.

View from the deck.

Enjoying an Austria brewskidoodle.

Sushi.

Our mission to find cinnamon rolls occurred on Saturday. Clearly, we found them...

AMAZING bakery in Altadena.

I have seen a lot of pretty flowers lately.

There is a lemon tree outside our house.

Sweet tat, eh?

Boyfriend.

We enjoyed some New Age on the beach.

Sunday = baseball day. TYP.

another...

And another...

And another....

Dinner in the driveway.

Spance being spants.

I let Spencer win in Battleship. Its so ridiculous.

OH I forgot! So far I have 4 out of 5 A's! Still waiting for grade 5 to be posted.

And I am NEW YORK bound in t-minus 72 hours!!!

Sending love from SoCal!

MoCA, Art in the Streets

2011-06-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

So -- MoCA has had this exhibit for a few weeks featuring a bunch of street art (graffiti) by all sorts of well known artists. Spencer and I have been really into watching documentaries about the art so I was super excited to go to the exhibit this afternoon (after a nice walk around Eagle Rock this morning). We met my good east coast-LA relocated friend Rebecca and dove into the exhibit -- here is some of the stuff we saw....

Spray paint

Blondie

Part of the craziness

ha..story of my life when it comes to illustrator

Banky

More Banky....

and more...

and more (loved this....)

and more...I agree with him...

This was weird....

This was rad! It was a shadow room...

Shepard Fary

Cartoon

L.A.

Some cool work....

WeHo Jesus

Cartoon

It sparkled

Bizarre

Cartoon

The BF and I

What it looked like

So overall, I would give it a 7 out of 10. There was some really cool stuff and then some really weird stuff -- super glad I went though. Next--Tim Burton!!!

Sending Love from SoCal