tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49980047107303229292024-02-18T23:40:23.089-08:00Watermelon SmilesWatermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-57179157954191083442017-11-29T20:30:00.000-08:002017-11-29T20:30:17.104-08:00 2016 Memories<div>
2016 was the year of life events. I got married, honeymooned in Greece, and moved gracefully away from posting personal details. But during Outsidelands (fourth year attending!), my iPhone was stolen and I quickly discovered my photos were not backed up. Within the same month, my honeymoon journal was nowhere to be found and the whole search resulted in my annual appreciation for blogging where memories are safe from festival pickpockets or lost luggage.</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnmAicPz9Qb4L2aBp_P7WKZa27MXnfGZR4y5WB4NmgiYmxP7LLZd3Zs3l9UNF47s2DGWd13kwGC6qSHk0gr42pOli7ZAWwtHl5yxuWULgq0BZKOVmNqRxkw3svKSmNhQFIHKo3PmnDaQn/s1600/Julia+Duston+Favorites-0304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="267" id="id_f362_a2c7_7392_e211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnmAicPz9Qb4L2aBp_P7WKZa27MXnfGZR4y5WB4NmgiYmxP7LLZd3Zs3l9UNF47s2DGWd13kwGC6qSHk0gr42pOli7ZAWwtHl5yxuWULgq0BZKOVmNqRxkw3svKSmNhQFIHKo3PmnDaQn/s400/Julia+Duston+Favorites-0304.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
When I look back, 2016 had two parts: wedding celebrations and everything else. The wedding was such a unique and beautiful experience that gave me a year worth of inspiration, projects, trips, and excitement. While planning, I realized the paradox of weddings is that they are all so similar but to the couple so much thought goes into each detail that it feels incredibly personal and representative of you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8RDM5q8-jaLvLj5Dpp0imAjJw9tDch4ikbV-REgDmF4uVxF61_QuiJ-pajyNPbrWHSJcdqA5TPnxhICZb2auh1UOpkJ1wlr4VBTSAOf9WZaDrmvqiqkcE1FdvKpkV5aALhx0bAe4rkve/s1600/Julia+Duston+Favorites-0058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="267" id="id_cb4e_c40e_8c1f_cc23" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8RDM5q8-jaLvLj5Dpp0imAjJw9tDch4ikbV-REgDmF4uVxF61_QuiJ-pajyNPbrWHSJcdqA5TPnxhICZb2auh1UOpkJ1wlr4VBTSAOf9WZaDrmvqiqkcE1FdvKpkV5aALhx0bAe4rkve/s400/Julia+Duston+Favorites-0058.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rE_HZj1N5WgjXAWRRS-tZGXWKVpqqXfd-1HSa91U67DuFm19AbWUA7QcgHmHLSBLr1XLQJWm6bijlj7x65C35GRQsazDSW__5C_FKJOOQHEuqqsfE3TIZOee1vIkwCHnUYYeZLMQHiYu/s1600/Julia+Duston+Favorites-0299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="267" id="id_bb27_45ec_224b_ade5" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rE_HZj1N5WgjXAWRRS-tZGXWKVpqqXfd-1HSa91U67DuFm19AbWUA7QcgHmHLSBLr1XLQJWm6bijlj7x65C35GRQsazDSW__5C_FKJOOQHEuqqsfE3TIZOee1vIkwCHnUYYeZLMQHiYu/s400/Julia+Duston+Favorites-0299.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 400px;" width="400" /></a></div>
The wedding year kicked off with all the major celebrations:<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>Engagement photos</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbHWqEzA8nXxQBlDOlB3A1_9OfQCW_118ngfJK5FNudWVmz9Qif_VTO3drW86OPGK2UYMjnNVd_14yLuYUJsY5YTlntg8cm0fhKDPWW1SvBK-WQgJfW37_MJ1PtG3cTWosbmvzgTu3ZKE/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="344" id="id_d4f9_a45e_e7c_637c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbHWqEzA8nXxQBlDOlB3A1_9OfQCW_118ngfJK5FNudWVmz9Qif_VTO3drW86OPGK2UYMjnNVd_14yLuYUJsY5YTlntg8cm0fhKDPWW1SvBK-WQgJfW37_MJ1PtG3cTWosbmvzgTu3ZKE/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 400px;" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li> A bridal shower in my home town.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuWQMF8lksk9OAf_ATRe7kGcv9_qUZmjX4o8zsZDyTsJWbnYuRopoLVlfDQ3ixoBel6u-_glVLcyb5zv0y_Ju4T_UA4ItY-wY0OULntuGijIzyOVNEp1HdFhZNY7Dytunmoypb4Zd5odr/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="299" id="id_1066_8d59_4cc9_a8c4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuWQMF8lksk9OAf_ATRe7kGcv9_qUZmjX4o8zsZDyTsJWbnYuRopoLVlfDQ3ixoBel6u-_glVLcyb5zv0y_Ju4T_UA4ItY-wY0OULntuGijIzyOVNEp1HdFhZNY7Dytunmoypb4Zd5odr/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>A bachelorette in Vegas.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMf90in5H81ZfveuAShNwLOsJ0XZTA5jCbKx9rm4vK6Z6AejkIkJHr7ZBR86ASX_PTpL9YS9VTKL-xu4FaSh1kxYJnYQr7ndPXfRQdiGMxYfdEBJN1ahm5AfGviNcalLHlp2A6G4E8Bqdw/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="299" id="id_b8f3_bb91_1a8f_abe4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMf90in5H81ZfveuAShNwLOsJ0XZTA5jCbKx9rm4vK6Z6AejkIkJHr7ZBR86ASX_PTpL9YS9VTKL-xu4FaSh1kxYJnYQr7ndPXfRQdiGMxYfdEBJN1ahm5AfGviNcalLHlp2A6G4E8Bqdw/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>The wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJ5xBZLaXGR2AVGbsboFaWY8SraNCteCmOoQY6ASha1GCbPhSA1X5pGuX2EJ5LXFAkLadWD5lxwNQSAUFxnW_No8DAv8MsYVAwB7dGh-TkZt94vAbI4swhZT1FTnwq_4yd2bXPvKalTa7/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="id_d128_ad39_5099_bb89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJ5xBZLaXGR2AVGbsboFaWY8SraNCteCmOoQY6ASha1GCbPhSA1X5pGuX2EJ5LXFAkLadWD5lxwNQSAUFxnW_No8DAv8MsYVAwB7dGh-TkZt94vAbI4swhZT1FTnwq_4yd2bXPvKalTa7/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 325px;" title="" tooltip="" width="325" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>Our wedding day! One of the most amazing days filled with beautiful details that our friends and family helped to make happen.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQg7073z5NPm5WdsugYA5f4eJR2kNEsbwXdUrs6G-vuwavT-WuJr3CUYNa5_nTC4V4N7wuYN0uOgD3t7CwA4imveFRN0sbeM4r1kDifnHZ3h1XuEqhekh8QANY8iXFXPc-kH57oRHzyfnh/s1600/Julia+Duston+Favorites-0221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" id="id_766e_8334_732e_9ff9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQg7073z5NPm5WdsugYA5f4eJR2kNEsbwXdUrs6G-vuwavT-WuJr3CUYNa5_nTC4V4N7wuYN0uOgD3t7CwA4imveFRN0sbeM4r1kDifnHZ3h1XuEqhekh8QANY8iXFXPc-kH57oRHzyfnh/s400/Julia+Duston+Favorites-0221.jpg" style="height: auto; width: 267px;" width="267" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
Before we had any wedding plans in place, Scott and I knew that we were going to Greece for our honeymoon -- it was even on our bucket list that I wrote out a few years ago. Despite traveling together to Brussels and Paris or visiting each other in Prague and Copenhagen, we realized our honeymoon was our first international trip together of a substantial amount of time. Our 2 weeks in Athens, Naxos, and Santorini ended up being the best vacation of my life and lived up to the hype I've built around the country for years. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob3X5fsmeJ0hU2xfJ2Slw1n2F_RhUiA4o92kPw2MfP2JPJDXRz51NGA72JbKLzuSQAU-QZaDmEYm7Xmv6p_rUXY4hw7dH4rZ9K-6v9-TA2K-28kqPhZtvkzV10w95G4T4leVLiWvp3oGM/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="id_9aa8_7e04_bf6d_b39" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiob3X5fsmeJ0hU2xfJ2Slw1n2F_RhUiA4o92kPw2MfP2JPJDXRz51NGA72JbKLzuSQAU-QZaDmEYm7Xmv6p_rUXY4hw7dH4rZ9K-6v9-TA2K-28kqPhZtvkzV10w95G4T4leVLiWvp3oGM/s320/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYu0E1F4a40jp7skVegFZg_DYkp3xDg0BOTl9V_DF3chNh5uExUutpfVbTGIfapuXtCfX0YZMy23xlQAy5_v2OWurOKrAY6iDm1fIxJS1n3qnFaDPoT0zSsM3aCwOasA0JcvbkcbxnGhAk/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="id_1fc8_cfc_12_2b0a" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYu0E1F4a40jp7skVegFZg_DYkp3xDg0BOTl9V_DF3chNh5uExUutpfVbTGIfapuXtCfX0YZMy23xlQAy5_v2OWurOKrAY6iDm1fIxJS1n3qnFaDPoT0zSsM3aCwOasA0JcvbkcbxnGhAk/s320/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1l8bNVE16I9rNBVa1cQLQLjTeTX_BVme3udEFvNcKo4XtsTNMmHjx9X1Sn2l2bD_2pCOLgQLxcxNsg_FrERn74NIouxPNtdwqIRJjPRIgoCEVw7F5tuqeRJarRzsbEUdswoVvZ0zA3YF/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" id="id_ee2e_d169_a9bd_8388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1l8bNVE16I9rNBVa1cQLQLjTeTX_BVme3udEFvNcKo4XtsTNMmHjx9X1Sn2l2bD_2pCOLgQLxcxNsg_FrERn74NIouxPNtdwqIRJjPRIgoCEVw7F5tuqeRJarRzsbEUdswoVvZ0zA3YF/s320/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="239" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
While the wedding was the main theme, so many amazing things happened this year:</div>
<div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe5tYvVMj_CpF-AoC0RHlODZD-VQazSGzcDBCLxUv79TRVuZI6Rg4KfoD1NV748OglnZyQAy8hdIChqxjpxs3OQ-u4vYllZfFvgaxS5ANf-6Hfp6aHqaWXknOPkYBPx7VfuQx5wnfMxD0/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="299" id="id_b99d_aa39_5c58_33df" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFe5tYvVMj_CpF-AoC0RHlODZD-VQazSGzcDBCLxUv79TRVuZI6Rg4KfoD1NV748OglnZyQAy8hdIChqxjpxs3OQ-u4vYllZfFvgaxS5ANf-6Hfp6aHqaWXknOPkYBPx7VfuQx5wnfMxD0/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
Especially when New Years Day kicks off with a camel ride and sweet green tea in the Moroccan desert. I headed over right after Christmas to visiting my sister while she studied abroad in Alicante, Spain. She showed off her favorite places in the city, and we managed to sneak in a few days of traipsing through Madrid and Marrakesh. <br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHtfGQoEGweJdppAuw5kKfxDO7xFbiLD7Q2PKOx4nIQ_k74gWLgq-ZJksfnqKyaA0_51seYEsnQwXBi8Gq3gEDzjV9IV6OJLJTkxJRGtvui9P8t-eoJSgObYfakww73VkKrg2CIyS9Jxr/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="id_2114_70f0_7c41_7734" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHtfGQoEGweJdppAuw5kKfxDO7xFbiLD7Q2PKOx4nIQ_k74gWLgq-ZJksfnqKyaA0_51seYEsnQwXBi8Gq3gEDzjV9IV6OJLJTkxJRGtvui9P8t-eoJSgObYfakww73VkKrg2CIyS9Jxr/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="299" /></a></div>
Over Valentines weekend, Scott and I went to June Lake with his brother and girlfriend in our first trip back since the proposal. We spent the weekend at the new brewery, played in snow without waterproof clothes, and skied for the first time in about a decade. I grew up going to June Lake Mountain with my family and had been down every run in high school. Back on my skis, I could not have had more fun showing off the mountain to Scott and realizing that there is finally one sport where I beat him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPO1eojlob5Nv-s4LrEvbAqTBwyzIE3r_tQl8U_AlIXujTJs0XpYwB6ZfIcjSkUyAgKZKdc1teU16QXkOAQjbQV6QG_Nro4eYebwv6ZqVIj6IwCeEquAq3zYxnWgNC5bFV0Qt4URvLY0ba/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="299" id="id_2b88_decd_2fdb_f7af" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPO1eojlob5Nv-s4LrEvbAqTBwyzIE3r_tQl8U_AlIXujTJs0XpYwB6ZfIcjSkUyAgKZKdc1teU16QXkOAQjbQV6QG_Nro4eYebwv6ZqVIj6IwCeEquAq3zYxnWgNC5bFV0Qt4URvLY0ba/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pp8EFlV3dip5Ura-myICpfnO2HYta9XVKV9jSso0cImcEJxeHN-uZJT35H43-kuU2q-Ncbog4Qcz_C1wK9QVWsyESdY-3SjdXLti0XAMs2crH62dx-F7jgbbl3aEL7OOjJMGjGF9gaiv/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="id_c19d_1cf2_4724_151e" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2pp8EFlV3dip5Ura-myICpfnO2HYta9XVKV9jSso0cImcEJxeHN-uZJT35H43-kuU2q-Ncbog4Qcz_C1wK9QVWsyESdY-3SjdXLti0XAMs2crH62dx-F7jgbbl3aEL7OOjJMGjGF9gaiv/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="299" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
Halfway through the year, my grandma took us to one last Hawaiian vacation with just our immediate family before the wedding. Scott, you are invited next time! It was a perfect quick trip since the honeymoon was taking most of my time off, but it was enough time to relax and feel the Hawaiian vibes that always draw me in. I worked on my tan and mai tais while boating, snorkeling, and pool hopping. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5c4-ULsQ0Ngo8uYd8ULs9kfy-elgFMVoX6R0UAFx4y36n2pAQid0tHKTgErzOI4_MGlvCsUAmLVdK6jelHUZbCNM8MTADqGQVP7gh1CR-a2x8_uSp0QDrFo3KMWif6NvIo6o_e4ngP7Ke/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="id_bc02_c8b8_77e1_cde4" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5c4-ULsQ0Ngo8uYd8ULs9kfy-elgFMVoX6R0UAFx4y36n2pAQid0tHKTgErzOI4_MGlvCsUAmLVdK6jelHUZbCNM8MTADqGQVP7gh1CR-a2x8_uSp0QDrFo3KMWif6NvIo6o_e4ngP7Ke/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="299" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
We spent our 10 year anniversary in Waco, Texas for a family wedding. Scott's brother was getting married and gave Scott and I an opportunity to practice walking down the aisle together before our big day. After flying into Dallas a few days early, we road tripped over to Waco. Between some adorable coffee shops and a stop at Czech bakery in the middle of nowhere, the few days before the weekend were super sweet. Scott had planned a dinner at the fanciest steak house in Waco where we enjoyed Texas portions of rosemary popovers, lobster bisque, and amazing steak. With the low lighting, flowers on the table, amazing food, and corner booth, that Texas summer dinner was easily one of our top 5 romantic dinners. The next days included a wedding rehearsal with Mexican food by the river and an amazing wedding with true Texas BBQ followed by all night dancing. Not to mention, I gained a sister in law!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8sAqgErm_PJp6hwPU3nd22tfZ2C3W-3YThQIrF5z0BlAVd6Vj8Lo9hPLF7hlJEWBW9bciCBEvPpjGJ4O7VGk53H2JcyxgIM7_-4CvVG3zRrtdbgmuNvqZqcqL1yjZp01ACWX8Wfvs2tP/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="210" id="id_f602_459f_82d4_5b84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT8sAqgErm_PJp6hwPU3nd22tfZ2C3W-3YThQIrF5z0BlAVd6Vj8Lo9hPLF7hlJEWBW9bciCBEvPpjGJ4O7VGk53H2JcyxgIM7_-4CvVG3zRrtdbgmuNvqZqcqL1yjZp01ACWX8Wfvs2tP/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3fWH1xaPR4ODgjo6M0B4n2Y5qwWrFLfergUrX5xUX7dP5Us5SY5CDCFASldzH-yW25MSSemICJGZk2ysdCEgeVPcVFS26HEbcvCOBHbFnsGncD7vMg-uCG5GIZl0vSJUB6selk-28laL/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="id_c94_bea7_cad0_6c60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3fWH1xaPR4ODgjo6M0B4n2Y5qwWrFLfergUrX5xUX7dP5Us5SY5CDCFASldzH-yW25MSSemICJGZk2ysdCEgeVPcVFS26HEbcvCOBHbFnsGncD7vMg-uCG5GIZl0vSJUB6selk-28laL/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="299" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
My 24th Birthday was low key since it meant we were less than a month away from the wedding, but it included a day that was surprisingly perfect. Scott and I headed over to the Treasure Island Flea Market, grabbed donuts from a food truck, and started exploring some of the booths. Within minutes we celebrated some major wedding wins. I had been on a fruitless search for frames for the table seating and decades of couple photos, and we found huge, beautiful frames on the cheap that were too good to be true. With just a few weeks before the wedding, crossing off that find and starting with some donuts was the perfect gift for that year.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRuBYow1GuHxRw9-7NDG-kBfSespUCWeeJ1JfP9HPp-AYNzYoH41dwd2URGEE5qMy7UGX8bMZ37PKKYQCGLNXsnbjii_E2xw9pNoh9H4p2_7sgzyqBmjl0o375zi8DtP0WKdCYTEVnncx/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="id_8760_c426_b7f9_7b2d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZRuBYow1GuHxRw9-7NDG-kBfSespUCWeeJ1JfP9HPp-AYNzYoH41dwd2URGEE5qMy7UGX8bMZ37PKKYQCGLNXsnbjii_E2xw9pNoh9H4p2_7sgzyqBmjl0o375zi8DtP0WKdCYTEVnncx/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<div>
In what's becoming an annual tradition since moving to San Francisco, we had a huge group together for our third round of Outsidelands. This year we grabbed a day pass and enjoyed playing around the festival. It ended up being so much fun and the perfect amount of time to fit into a busy summer. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZ-kLzd3mcgHmR7XFWn0VcgmQbSOf19YB9IA-nKSHoqNz65NUXA4HvSZJR1R6oJyZvL6FP3a1xyi_JUsU2wqatuHZqB8xXLK-BaiIAmKvxAVFW4H42LVQ_KScsdViYTiBwLjS9tEEAaDO/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="299" id="id_98be_f4f6_797e_fc0c" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZ-kLzd3mcgHmR7XFWn0VcgmQbSOf19YB9IA-nKSHoqNz65NUXA4HvSZJR1R6oJyZvL6FP3a1xyi_JUsU2wqatuHZqB8xXLK-BaiIAmKvxAVFW4H42LVQ_KScsdViYTiBwLjS9tEEAaDO/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2aJPmWhT76BgiS6edb3Vi4FfVkzarkoySNBPOPLZN6MnvwcpIhhHg2AHJTp0g9VeM7BBnxojvIZXt_5phoZRF7WYL83tgrAX_UtYfenWOQQIc0VLtKUqZgtmWzI2Rbxq_K9GcWJ335HH/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="id_9b7e_19f8_6c34_4fb0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2aJPmWhT76BgiS6edb3Vi4FfVkzarkoySNBPOPLZN6MnvwcpIhhHg2AHJTp0g9VeM7BBnxojvIZXt_5phoZRF7WYL83tgrAX_UtYfenWOQQIc0VLtKUqZgtmWzI2Rbxq_K9GcWJ335HH/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" title="" tooltip="" width="299" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div>
We spent the rest of the year attending two more weddings (taking our total count including ours to 6!), moving our focus away from the wedding to our financial goals, careers, and decorating our apartment, and finally celebrating our first holiday as a married couple. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp82OhtoLFi2U7lmEmv2muT6_byhm7HVoovu5FCv9-iFrqg7P-94kIhqk5yjUVg8f03VrJ8hNkBEDX51EOkWaPUmRcgorFCrdIyJVYmsoHd6E8bL7Nl0aXWhmWe_CqbJKM87-Rp4czPqF/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="id_2e76_2e4c_a371_854f" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp82OhtoLFi2U7lmEmv2muT6_byhm7HVoovu5FCv9-iFrqg7P-94kIhqk5yjUVg8f03VrJ8hNkBEDX51EOkWaPUmRcgorFCrdIyJVYmsoHd6E8bL7Nl0aXWhmWe_CqbJKM87-Rp4czPqF/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ry3wQlOi-LqRdFi8FLWOYIFl-cL9GbfdxHjeguA_I6aMHuovPW9u4jJvvB3jPg3SN_Nl5cSxrps33qxftZqqtVElSYt73IyrMv0J2jVAS9juckpYACL64DJgQkkyPVq1L2cGmHVvzgoS/s1600/%255BUNSET%255D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" id="id_3e9a_d6f5_8a7f_4a2d" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ry3wQlOi-LqRdFi8FLWOYIFl-cL9GbfdxHjeguA_I6aMHuovPW9u4jJvvB3jPg3SN_Nl5cSxrps33qxftZqqtVElSYt73IyrMv0J2jVAS9juckpYACL64DJgQkkyPVq1L2cGmHVvzgoS/s400/%255BUNSET%255D" style="height: auto; width: 353px;" title="" tooltip="" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
It was such a great year, it seems like a waste to not document it as much as possible. Especially since this blog has proved that even years I keep coming back to and fills me with so much gratitude.<br />
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-69919131559947104802016-03-19T14:41:00.000-07:002016-03-19T14:41:01.956-07:00Engagement partyBefore my engagement party, my only knowledge of them came from the movie Bridesmaids. While that scene remains one of my favorite movie references ("the dessert wine is out," anyone?), my engagement party turned out to be one of the most lovely nights of the engagement so far. My grandma took the reigns for this party, and I simply gave a few names to invite. My mom had bought me a cute white dress for my birthday a few weeks before and I took the opportunity to don my first white dress since the proposal (btw props to mom for picking out the perfect dress on her own, I loved it!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFINwkX5xiMHOFK_p0wNlpQ7RnjWbD9bMYxY-g-Y7RYuQOyQ8d4cMTNn8M9LqP-0b6k-Tt6nayo8f7-4FRxwRZTpjk_kcoOgRA91BIM_QHSPYO4xnTxDk95nB9_KRSB7loaVdRRfFaaxk/s1600/E+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghFINwkX5xiMHOFK_p0wNlpQ7RnjWbD9bMYxY-g-Y7RYuQOyQ8d4cMTNn8M9LqP-0b6k-Tt6nayo8f7-4FRxwRZTpjk_kcoOgRA91BIM_QHSPYO4xnTxDk95nB9_KRSB7loaVdRRfFaaxk/s400/E+party.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
I was blown away. The house was marked with adorable champagne and gold balloons, and you walked into the most elegant outdoor dinner party that could exist. I wandered around checking out all the details -- the bride and groom signs above the chairs, the queen of hearts card wine marker, and lights strung everywhere. I was so overwhelmed with and the beautiful decorations that it felt like the small backyard wedding of my dreams.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lWOo3XGMsi10gbluQTru6X-6uE6IOxc7XDdKbwuORITmZUyd3CcRFjSRvmJY94Gfute5XWC-QK5qOhRQ6A4F5tiqCoN7H2251bBBBf7Saj9DRURlenjtw_tKCyQOiaK6q3hcRUUrbrI4/s1600/E+party1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lWOo3XGMsi10gbluQTru6X-6uE6IOxc7XDdKbwuORITmZUyd3CcRFjSRvmJY94Gfute5XWC-QK5qOhRQ6A4F5tiqCoN7H2251bBBBf7Saj9DRURlenjtw_tKCyQOiaK6q3hcRUUrbrI4/s400/E+party1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsp8a7vU5KEPpGn77qiavCcPpKskTZoOPIeje3YLLsrsZy3BU59ICeNHt6kEDgWDR_EKPqWdR4KlmG5xO4j2BYKvXuHoxZ079NLM7AMVFuahMs5iIypOiDsx-1vFS1lxs5aXmvh_S8VR1/s1600/Eparty9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsp8a7vU5KEPpGn77qiavCcPpKskTZoOPIeje3YLLsrsZy3BU59ICeNHt6kEDgWDR_EKPqWdR4KlmG5xO4j2BYKvXuHoxZ079NLM7AMVFuahMs5iIypOiDsx-1vFS1lxs5aXmvh_S8VR1/s400/Eparty9.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgig4DjtcdiuCstdzpB-Nd_dIWWe4ufGxAp9rUhFhJ4bPdfu7tvQI98pKgSh9-RqDfr29rrqYmIrijqnWkaNYEHljZSmM3jcyivkWKPWcB8wSOZsxWCKXHnP2bjs3USBdZZTaJ0roRodcJK/s1600/Eparty10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgig4DjtcdiuCstdzpB-Nd_dIWWe4ufGxAp9rUhFhJ4bPdfu7tvQI98pKgSh9-RqDfr29rrqYmIrijqnWkaNYEHljZSmM3jcyivkWKPWcB8wSOZsxWCKXHnP2bjs3USBdZZTaJ0roRodcJK/s400/Eparty10.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRt6ynoA0_Ogib8b1-0DJVyqU9LODTjwuZTNb_04swdPNX5uYAVb5vd24g8UcfaoDgsVWawmIDEfgN9tCPoyJgjUlvvt1k8I4RX04jTJu8q-7H1-p1cw146GVXLDdncpKgcyoaR1tCL8ee/s1600/Eparty11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRt6ynoA0_Ogib8b1-0DJVyqU9LODTjwuZTNb_04swdPNX5uYAVb5vd24g8UcfaoDgsVWawmIDEfgN9tCPoyJgjUlvvt1k8I4RX04jTJu8q-7H1-p1cw146GVXLDdncpKgcyoaR1tCL8ee/s400/Eparty11.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAa8ykpGGubSBbBTuw96fjA42946OaP1c2CYhp-6Ar9NWD03hExvio8JhhcsP60LJApvXRgcKvxI6QngRTpREnXtLZLqqZ3OLxkx9a1ZPYnxQlCZG-VBTNGBmhM97sW_iMIcpywJLwH1I/s1600/Eparty12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnAa8ykpGGubSBbBTuw96fjA42946OaP1c2CYhp-6Ar9NWD03hExvio8JhhcsP60LJApvXRgcKvxI6QngRTpREnXtLZLqqZ3OLxkx9a1ZPYnxQlCZG-VBTNGBmhM97sW_iMIcpywJLwH1I/s400/Eparty12.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The craziest part is that Wendy didn't have any knowledge of Pinterest and is simply an amazing hostess, cook, and design genius. Event better, having all my high school friends, family, future inlaws, and most college friends in one place was an incredible feeling and led to a great party. There were many reunions with friends I hadn't seen in months (years?), and it felt so odd and fun having everyone there to celebrate me and Scott. It was wonderful and gave me a slight idea of what the actual wedding will feel like.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSw-hodkTKnvYpLIVfpkGaSfMo72N8Br5gOlWxkRL8FUQT3yNASccckrWgFYsiK1dKF9i4po8wE9RSkj0ocHQ4iXP6wDByGUAlb1f8BlFSGX_k8MW0QyibD7Xjj759yXMks1bW7WTZ687/s1600/Eparty6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrSw-hodkTKnvYpLIVfpkGaSfMo72N8Br5gOlWxkRL8FUQT3yNASccckrWgFYsiK1dKF9i4po8wE9RSkj0ocHQ4iXP6wDByGUAlb1f8BlFSGX_k8MW0QyibD7Xjj759yXMks1bW7WTZ687/s400/Eparty6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yfhyphenhyphenZNhz-bY9d1lIUdxLf0hZGKLi9boV-pWols5mos5COmimFwN-wm99e-fCwdouvnzPyv7-TvOWgzyDMoKmBC39JezWa03YZbcT6tQ65E9irc4xpd-sXCKHrmrOOXjsb2ERz-3aN_8L/s1600/Eparty+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yfhyphenhyphenZNhz-bY9d1lIUdxLf0hZGKLi9boV-pWols5mos5COmimFwN-wm99e-fCwdouvnzPyv7-TvOWgzyDMoKmBC39JezWa03YZbcT6tQ65E9irc4xpd-sXCKHrmrOOXjsb2ERz-3aN_8L/s400/Eparty+7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1Ww2jivWPUhusXGcrEafyJnsyA0TCtwJo6pPGtpJSvdARKYdUsvCgcWOYgb-XDgei39_ECVbNBPt10OWhytI8_6gR2bPo3BFsmfbRCb-ZMrNmTQNZknuwqD_GQS7q0NVcfljjxTLikwG/s1600/Eparty5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1Ww2jivWPUhusXGcrEafyJnsyA0TCtwJo6pPGtpJSvdARKYdUsvCgcWOYgb-XDgei39_ECVbNBPt10OWhytI8_6gR2bPo3BFsmfbRCb-ZMrNmTQNZknuwqD_GQS7q0NVcfljjxTLikwG/s400/Eparty5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVl8mhZj64Cj-a63b-GJT247nEEaMo66Oej4cC2VllBERftw_-DnPPtGztlCCkxFiQ4LC19dGp2K567c24JBqrMAlpKfBOTpy4xOHMcJeIwPQkB2P-HgFnqzcLrKW-V9S8V6zwKyL5Nng/s1600/Eparty15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVl8mhZj64Cj-a63b-GJT247nEEaMo66Oej4cC2VllBERftw_-DnPPtGztlCCkxFiQ4LC19dGp2K567c24JBqrMAlpKfBOTpy4xOHMcJeIwPQkB2P-HgFnqzcLrKW-V9S8V6zwKyL5Nng/s400/Eparty15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTm4X3dbYfvA6fSNlR66dza5BJKeYd20NFQ9bFpqJg0hE7r-HsA98E6CpztmhyphenhyphensmsxBR-CFvZNnrdYYlA5PNhASMIx0IbWIaHf-oJDkmBxdzfiRW-nXayDFa9G_2t3rrgzEX-NEyIzgFz/s1600/Eparty18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTm4X3dbYfvA6fSNlR66dza5BJKeYd20NFQ9bFpqJg0hE7r-HsA98E6CpztmhyphenhyphensmsxBR-CFvZNnrdYYlA5PNhASMIx0IbWIaHf-oJDkmBxdzfiRW-nXayDFa9G_2t3rrgzEX-NEyIzgFz/s400/Eparty18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ824DSyf4JdsAhOXylQ2S3iWE8RtT8x7phrw0nYeaosR26e-xwjBaqJ1O_v4f_HrftKWTDv1fXBf0_SHCBPiP0pT7cWBPVnEYuGTkuSZXtK2uABDq4sMjtDqzNcEqU7Vx0gS5y48CUy9/s1600/Eparty16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQ824DSyf4JdsAhOXylQ2S3iWE8RtT8x7phrw0nYeaosR26e-xwjBaqJ1O_v4f_HrftKWTDv1fXBf0_SHCBPiP0pT7cWBPVnEYuGTkuSZXtK2uABDq4sMjtDqzNcEqU7Vx0gS5y48CUy9/s400/Eparty16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our meal was served on long tables on the raised green backyard area, and Scott and I sat in front of a the old clay fire pit surrounded by friends and family. After dinner, Wendy surprised us with a cake (which included a classic college beach picture) and gave us a knife to make the first cut. Just to add to the warm fuzzy feelings, she let us know that it was the knife my parents used to cut their wedding cake decades ago. Sure enough, it had their names and wedding date engraved on the blade.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa-xOBjtLmy9LQ6Df1a2mPhWCe_uhzdBR3u_eZHoyh3weNOOFsAHMeIVNSExfKo_w9Te1RerpKX11llwloKIaQZA2O0vXZtp3-R78o5R57IS4Wx8Gh2OkrUZScN8L2extMW7Di2VG9sIR/s1600/Eparty7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWa-xOBjtLmy9LQ6Df1a2mPhWCe_uhzdBR3u_eZHoyh3weNOOFsAHMeIVNSExfKo_w9Te1RerpKX11llwloKIaQZA2O0vXZtp3-R78o5R57IS4Wx8Gh2OkrUZScN8L2extMW7Di2VG9sIR/s400/Eparty7.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttrJQnJCYz0aG0Nn5ei9Tx5Q8dYjj2E1wp7k2g98iGsS6J0hx49MWvdscNtbwTwcJr87sw-pGF9h3UuEDkBN_lvdkGCH5lBSzVC_4m932os6FkSAtbNWR0VNstm6XeIAyJJARfIF_ksmp/s1600/Eparty4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgttrJQnJCYz0aG0Nn5ei9Tx5Q8dYjj2E1wp7k2g98iGsS6J0hx49MWvdscNtbwTwcJr87sw-pGF9h3UuEDkBN_lvdkGCH5lBSzVC_4m932os6FkSAtbNWR0VNstm6XeIAyJJARfIF_ksmp/s400/Eparty4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With cake passed around and champagne glasses filled, both of our dads stood up to give a toast. Scott's introverted Dad had everyone cracking up with hilarious jokes, while my extroverted Dad started tearing up--leading to chain reaction. I had no idea I would love (the slightly ironic) toasts as much I did, but I have realized it's such a unique experience to have your loved ones talk about how they view your relationship and love. Needless to say, I am taking note while planning the rehearsal dinner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpfPYmGufTi-uSWnwcTAId3MpzilR89kChbiq50TjSf4UTVCM5XprOB2kMcYymDK2Mhck8Kx4FoTskBUZ9beE10k7SNTz1XvtTxGoPG12QX5XWFCOypU5FviMrj8PFtvlFukGCuzuHFu3/s1600/Eparty20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibpfPYmGufTi-uSWnwcTAId3MpzilR89kChbiq50TjSf4UTVCM5XprOB2kMcYymDK2Mhck8Kx4FoTskBUZ9beE10k7SNTz1XvtTxGoPG12QX5XWFCOypU5FviMrj8PFtvlFukGCuzuHFu3/s400/Eparty20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
We ended the night staying up late with a few lingering friends, finishing off the cake, and opening up gifts and cards. My love of paper products and stationary exponentially grew with each engagement card as they became increasingly adorable and thoughtful. Although unexpected (we hadn't registered), we also received some amazing gifts. A beautiful Anthropology blanket, adorable pillow cases, candles, mugs (which we use daily), and a thoughtful Greece travel guide book for honeymoon planning plus more. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQILPRSnhMPr4oZyaZjCDMMM8GS7QMBM3zBuHJi4wrnmEQxCe3ihLiSPYjcpvTNaT-HjrZTNxXweGG8LzvZJkfEus86Jx6H-q1Aqi5sIAiCeFJ4SwXuq1gyx-1TjdlMLMM0otAx6Ytgse/s1600/Eparty8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQILPRSnhMPr4oZyaZjCDMMM8GS7QMBM3zBuHJi4wrnmEQxCe3ihLiSPYjcpvTNaT-HjrZTNxXweGG8LzvZJkfEus86Jx6H-q1Aqi5sIAiCeFJ4SwXuq1gyx-1TjdlMLMM0otAx6Ytgse/s400/Eparty8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I ended that night feeling so grateful for the friends and family who came to celebrate, happy to have a hostess who knows how to perfectly execute an event on my wedding planning team, and most of all excited that the wedding process had officially started. It was only one month prior that we had picked out our venue and date, and a few weeks since I started asking bridesmaids. This event sealed the deal on the fact that wedding planning and the engagement had truly started.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_T8Rxrbdjn-vDmnYyoLm4wiLRKQ3R4XcaIQFmaXOs5m1JlTvGmjqpF2BV1JW-5VNH8gnc5NaZcMotkpd51c7V-5iZVKhxOoKCHnPthJG6ZY85ThS6rBEM6zh2O9SRc_Wmecu4pJ5BlpG/s1600/Eparty13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_T8Rxrbdjn-vDmnYyoLm4wiLRKQ3R4XcaIQFmaXOs5m1JlTvGmjqpF2BV1JW-5VNH8gnc5NaZcMotkpd51c7V-5iZVKhxOoKCHnPthJG6ZY85ThS6rBEM6zh2O9SRc_Wmecu4pJ5BlpG/s400/Eparty13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking around at the engagement party, I could see my wedding vision pictured. Elegant, natural, European rustic and surrounded by love. Several months have passed since that night as we are now under the 6 month mark, but I can't let a beautiful memory that kickstarted a fun momentous period of Scott and my lives not go recorded.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
.Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-50279439629139942712016-01-23T00:51:00.001-08:002016-01-23T00:55:43.739-08:00A Lakeside Proposal<div>
I grew up going to my family's cabin in June Lake my whole life.
It's been the source of amazing memories--summer days filled by jumping in the lake, rock climbing with siblings, and tons of time
with family and friends; not to mention, winters of skiing June Mountain and building snow forts in the cabin driveway. Scott
has been up to the cabin in the past few years on a family vacation and
he fell in love with it as much as I have (a positive sign, if you ask me). This blog has seen a few posts on
adventures I've had in the Mammoth area, and it just feels right that one of
my favorite places that been a part of my life since childhood, is now the story of my engagement and soon future major milestones. <br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT34UKtdg_4MJBypECptQyQZI64vt-TCXtsL2gvyZ7CI6RlB1FqFUNCpj0jfEOfO2uXiR4gt0cnMUrPoimMVR29hnqF5MKtAjp0ZiBHLwgx88t7jNaeZ8dozDShR-Yex9D4CbATHExHSGX/s640/blogger-image-1399554080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT34UKtdg_4MJBypECptQyQZI64vt-TCXtsL2gvyZ7CI6RlB1FqFUNCpj0jfEOfO2uXiR4gt0cnMUrPoimMVR29hnqF5MKtAjp0ZiBHLwgx88t7jNaeZ8dozDShR-Yex9D4CbATHExHSGX/s400/blogger-image-1399554080.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
<b>The plan:</b> My childhood friend Turner and I left our beloved southern California and ended up in Portland and San Francisco. We decided to plan a girl's weekend together at my grandparent's cabin in June Lake, CA. Since her parents and my aunt recently moved to Reno, we decided it was the perfect place to join forces and drive out to the cabin for a weekend.<br>
<br>
<b>What actually happened: </b>Scott and Turner had been orchestrating a secret proposal, and I somehow had no idea.</div><div><br></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
One reason the proposal was such a surprise was because it was such a crazy weekend leading up to it. I spent the week on my first independent business trip in Chicago (aka not a conference) and first time in Illinois. Between the time change, work events, and meeting with a friend for dinner, it was fun but hectic. After Chicago, it was a bumpy flight back to Reno where I saw my aunt's new house and hung out for two days with them. The funniest part is that she knew what was coming and subtly planned a day of activities including getting a manicure and shooting some rifles (aunt and uncle came from Texas, y'all). Finally, my friend flew into Reno and we were off on the drive to June Lake. We got in late, headed to bed to be rested for what was going to be an eventful day.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljo-xzGSFp60yoxaPyy15NB3uw8HPLU5r-lJwbU6SAXg3Ox3IjVRvOM8xlIfWquLVJeh9JpFxhXMiK3y7xW-wcjyu2WzhFM8eXgtUK7Ed07-caItyO5exhC-vioUyTvw3QpMeu17IjXYw/s640/blogger-image-889874135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljo-xzGSFp60yoxaPyy15NB3uw8HPLU5r-lJwbU6SAXg3Ox3IjVRvOM8xlIfWquLVJeh9JpFxhXMiK3y7xW-wcjyu2WzhFM8eXgtUK7Ed07-caItyO5exhC-vioUyTvw3QpMeu17IjXYw/s400/blogger-image-889874135.jpg" width="300"></a></div>
The next morning was spent at a cute little mountain town coffee shop complete with a sugared up coffee drinks, fresh made pastries, and the owner's old golden retriever laying by the wood burning stove. Once we were fed and caffeinated, Turner and I went on a short walk down the small one street town center and the small winding roads filled with old timey motels, cabins, and lake views.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMnrMXz1w1lrI_y7fkjIVDhXi_-Lo8xXZ-CuuQ1qvE00-ya8MaN_f26CB9uZOvJkAOMJUcQebUaUsoWM2dJYtPWyWWTgpYT3pCZyeXQHxtI0nvjAoSeW6DoWh0kNptUXkvVCG9XQhhZMw/s640/blogger-image--1096616473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMnrMXz1w1lrI_y7fkjIVDhXi_-Lo8xXZ-CuuQ1qvE00-ya8MaN_f26CB9uZOvJkAOMJUcQebUaUsoWM2dJYtPWyWWTgpYT3pCZyeXQHxtI0nvjAoSeW6DoWh0kNptUXkvVCG9XQhhZMw/s400/blogger-image--1096616473.jpg" width="300"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbc6mcQSUklZSFbEJvNtBnzeJWtExTaeQA_pDFHbAzcAl84Mq1fucceVuku81FQWN5Exh5u663zZ8Zr3_brN7AjDg5YfyJVBmHNWlVobHtxs7exTuA3YavCfwbdrduUewIkCQ0eF_Bco95/s640/blogger-image--1976109458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbc6mcQSUklZSFbEJvNtBnzeJWtExTaeQA_pDFHbAzcAl84Mq1fucceVuku81FQWN5Exh5u663zZ8Zr3_brN7AjDg5YfyJVBmHNWlVobHtxs7exTuA3YavCfwbdrduUewIkCQ0eF_Bco95/s400/blogger-image--1976109458.jpg" width="300"></a></div>
One of the most impressive parts of the proposal weekend was that while I was enjoying my mountain retreat and talking to Turner for hours (including conversations about possible engagement), she didn't give a single clue away. I'm not sure exactly how she managed to keep it a surprise or a straight face, but she convinced me to throw on a maxi dress and some makeup before we were off to June Lake's new brewery. There she tried to stop me from ordering the pulled pork quesadilla, but I continued my blissful ignorance and ate the entire thing. A few beer flights later, and Turner suggested we walk back to the cabin.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuWNVp38DQkOb8fKRnK0jntJoSBggFvchNnRU2JF20wyLyNrpS6ja2aKWtXNPk4L-QLHmpK3Uvnb3_Rg-aBtYYurThP95VscfOhJAasAFRCQqhfuKecVrohVNahHMhxdJYUJEq4x2ZSwg/s640/blogger-image--971462569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuWNVp38DQkOb8fKRnK0jntJoSBggFvchNnRU2JF20wyLyNrpS6ja2aKWtXNPk4L-QLHmpK3Uvnb3_Rg-aBtYYurThP95VscfOhJAasAFRCQqhfuKecVrohVNahHMhxdJYUJEq4x2ZSwg/s400/blogger-image--971462569.jpg" width="300"></a></div>
As we were about to turn up the driveway to the cabin, I saw Scott standing in a suit at the path to the dock and I immediately knew what was happening. Turner ran up to the cabin, and Scott led me down to the edge of the dock talking about us, our future, and even the role that June Lake will play in our lives. He was being sweet and romantic, and unfortunately I was in so much shock that I wasn't quite reacting to anything (outwardly). Finally, he got one one knee and showed me the most beautiful ring that he had created and I managed to get out my yes. A few people on their fishing boats cheered, we kissed, and Scott turned me around back towards the cabin. On the deck popped out some of our closest friends cheering -- and I was even more shocked then I knew possible. Turner, my sister, my high school bestie and current SF roommate, Scott's best friend, my college best friend, and another high school friend had all driven multiple hours to watch and celebrate.<br>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkKBD02zWhFowUtQENssTu7_lXxhO0ijdDVaiwF8Uikk4zlLWOPhYhDmKkmXfrRPW02ewqFRIampEiv4wsRRAm5A9U4ZLYn9QvsR9fzulPKBcD8E4yUhGo62WOpPMyinv4XApp-Y2_wj4/s1600/1a.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkKBD02zWhFowUtQENssTu7_lXxhO0ijdDVaiwF8Uikk4zlLWOPhYhDmKkmXfrRPW02ewqFRIampEiv4wsRRAm5A9U4ZLYn9QvsR9fzulPKBcD8E4yUhGo62WOpPMyinv4XApp-Y2_wj4/s640/1a.PNG" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t58qCcMosCkzLZLw5lCwIVU-0frNg-UCNEMxVHzStPy49jnAHnMVXMR0ZHqo2k0q88KtxIU8hAzCwv99bMn9lmq1yDwypFSh-Hebcsa7H6WJvMw2MJcbnseywC1bowd3f4N6_RkBe-K6/s1600/2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t58qCcMosCkzLZLw5lCwIVU-0frNg-UCNEMxVHzStPy49jnAHnMVXMR0ZHqo2k0q88KtxIU8hAzCwv99bMn9lmq1yDwypFSh-Hebcsa7H6WJvMw2MJcbnseywC1bowd3f4N6_RkBe-K6/s640/2.PNG" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXj6uJDsLK6k1NPnJnFuQp0hdxC28J0o6JxnvRUfLamfR-frC5cbmUNQeH0TDS2tKGiGg2AV0SinQS4-5_10ZFXZcSXp4fE9H7tiBaN-OofVUG9R2dO5OXNwzi9gaaemlGJrAW6tQX9LWD/s1600/3.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXj6uJDsLK6k1NPnJnFuQp0hdxC28J0o6JxnvRUfLamfR-frC5cbmUNQeH0TDS2tKGiGg2AV0SinQS4-5_10ZFXZcSXp4fE9H7tiBaN-OofVUG9R2dO5OXNwzi9gaaemlGJrAW6tQX9LWD/s640/3.PNG" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpIXBCsoa0veAC2jjXMgCrG2JYK9KRQOSvjsqz6ur_pQNQralgxprZ1kQuwbsMRvP8cxDr6KxN_VJ0TuTLOcH_etIP-5yToSS4QVIh_LpsxQCuT5dNX1rAMMflDAUqD0CLpAVqhrLyHyM/s1600/4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpIXBCsoa0veAC2jjXMgCrG2JYK9KRQOSvjsqz6ur_pQNQralgxprZ1kQuwbsMRvP8cxDr6KxN_VJ0TuTLOcH_etIP-5yToSS4QVIh_LpsxQCuT5dNX1rAMMflDAUqD0CLpAVqhrLyHyM/s640/4.PNG" width="640"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLzbQY2PRJ87W9-aVQfKIciDCcfKCyKYC8bb8jfEe62q1byGybcByiX1Y1R3IJbAFSzB3IMR6uDeebhA_5HhCTK031P9CZLL5duf9ofWdTrBCh9GHFUQHLRrXnsYExSWRXQ382xX_Wj0i/s1600/1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzLzbQY2PRJ87W9-aVQfKIciDCcfKCyKYC8bb8jfEe62q1byGybcByiX1Y1R3IJbAFSzB3IMR6uDeebhA_5HhCTK031P9CZLL5duf9ofWdTrBCh9GHFUQHLRrXnsYExSWRXQ382xX_Wj0i/s640/1.PNG" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzl0CvyvaF6Xm-TToSCSkFZX_RC3PoqGenl5b3osJ4RWNw20yx6gvxzeP9qZURHaoCM-1HVyzF8q2O5L0Ho5KfdmVwHyQFlGjCi5RPkzsz6Qr_HT-3kD6ViOkAS-7ge75RAcpJUkVtnRR/s1600/5.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzl0CvyvaF6Xm-TToSCSkFZX_RC3PoqGenl5b3osJ4RWNw20yx6gvxzeP9qZURHaoCM-1HVyzF8q2O5L0Ho5KfdmVwHyQFlGjCi5RPkzsz6Qr_HT-3kD6ViOkAS-7ge75RAcpJUkVtnRR/s640/5.PNG" width="640"></a></div>
<br>
The rest of the night was spent with bottles of champagne, pizza from the local shop, jumping in the lake in our underwear (and amazing friends who somehow forgave us for being a casualty of that), Harry Potter movies as we lost a few to sleep, and a lot of staring at my new ring finger.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-akWQKlDTRAhP61e5vPHz9QP6ynR_kWoqVVM0gv_FbGiLnDvzqMkVcGWt3XzRjCBsYsQN_VdJWezVf34deikB0n3F0Lyipk5rfzxeaa4OlZLA95oiTQCXLcYyRri415Q2oApR7nQ4OQJy/s640/blogger-image-2125317041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-akWQKlDTRAhP61e5vPHz9QP6ynR_kWoqVVM0gv_FbGiLnDvzqMkVcGWt3XzRjCBsYsQN_VdJWezVf34deikB0n3F0Lyipk5rfzxeaa4OlZLA95oiTQCXLcYyRri415Q2oApR7nQ4OQJy/s400/blogger-image-2125317041.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
The next morning was spent at the same coffee shop and a similar walk this time as a newly engaged women surrounded by my fiance and friends. A quick clean up later, and it was time to say our goodbyes as we all parted ways. I wish I could better put into words how much this weekend meant to me. For Scott to know one of my favorite places and make it a lifelong memory for us, for him to orchestrate a real genuine surprise (and my friend to pull it off), and to know that I would love to celebrate with friends after. It was proof that he really does know me, and I wouldn't change a thing -- except maybe have a stronger reaction. Ends up when I am truly, mind blowingly shocked my face kinda becomes expressionless haha.<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndBoDm3ZroDblkryoqNB6INE9cq8ENL7dm6xYy1CeVTsmxpmF9f1NfpHqogAjTnOAI8P9ORqc62dMHzfpfcvbi3OMzGNv0cHyi3Jr8Z6eethjZWya_i3rQx5u4oAVC_AJ2P2bLbz42tcX/s640/blogger-image-1573387141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndBoDm3ZroDblkryoqNB6INE9cq8ENL7dm6xYy1CeVTsmxpmF9f1NfpHqogAjTnOAI8P9ORqc62dMHzfpfcvbi3OMzGNv0cHyi3Jr8Z6eethjZWya_i3rQx5u4oAVC_AJ2P2bLbz42tcX/s400/blogger-image-1573387141.jpg" width="300"></a></div>
Just as touching was the fact that our friends had traveled hours to a remote cabin in the mountains to be there for that special moment and celebrate. I have a "behind the stage" video and it just means so much to me to hear the support, love and excitement are friends had and the fact that they were willing to dedicate their weekend (and the majority of it to travel) to be there for us. I already feel so lucky and loved.<br>
<br>
This is obviously a few months late and wedding planning is already underway, but I'm excited to get it on the blog for memories and years to come. </div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<br>Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-60017878341986718302015-12-27T10:56:00.001-08:002015-12-27T10:56:33.240-08:002015 Catch Up<b></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b></b></div>
<b>2015 was a big year. </b><br />
<br />
I feel like that is something I say (and mean) every year, but this time I mean it in a less sentimental way and more of a "life is happening, this is undeniably milestone huge year for me." Why? Scott and I are engaged! And just to add a little more excitement to an already huge life decision, we also moved in together, I interviewed and received a new role at my company, my brother returned to college, and this summer was filled with more than a few trips. Apparently, I'm also one to end the year strong since this is being written on a layover in Miami airport waiting to get to Spain to visit my sister who is studying abroad.<br />
<br />
This year has been on the of the best in my life. I've felt deliriously happy at simply decorating our apartment with Scott or watching Netflix's Jessica Jones on a Friday night in a place that embodies our present relationship and future marriage (12 month lease and 10 months to the wedding when signed!). There has been such a feeling of belonging in an adorable tiny apartment in San Francisco after all the years and different cities traveled to see each other.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, this year has also seen anxiety for the first time as I realized that you can have too much of a good thing. Ends up moving and apartment hunting in SF (aka the hunger games), interviewing and then starting an advanced new job, planning back to back trips all summer and a wedding, plus processing the healing of a previous family emergency all at the same time isn't the most relaxing mental state. My 2016 resolutions now include enjoying all of the above, but winding down a little.<br />
<br />
I've said it a million times before, but I use this blog as a journal. Every time I write a post, I always am amazed at how precious it is to look back and relive my favorite memories and trips or to see things that have totally slipped my memory. Which leaves me with the problem that I have an entire year of amazing memories, life steps, travels--and this my first blog post in months. Where to start? I've decided to get it on paper with the highlights below, but I'm holding myself accountable for bigger blog posts - specifically on all engagement, once in a lifetime memories. Stay posted!<br />
<br />
<b>Highlights of 2015:</b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Engagement!</i><br />
<div>
- Scott's elaborate proposal at June Lake, CA. Home of our family's beloved cabin and and years of childhood memories. Fun fact, I also make the third person in my extended family to be engaged there.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOrAWU75Mc8P3MqW03xEvIyfpWcioIsQ5i4xQgVUbHR46Ld3nIRvv2_MaK1HFXiIb0Smn5WX6JknPgbtULKDowiZzX6WrSnsT8Hy3E5pHIWTNTT4VNzu2Ke0QxvTFpiMtVNjrTAe1Bu_2/s640/blogger-image-121196317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOrAWU75Mc8P3MqW03xEvIyfpWcioIsQ5i4xQgVUbHR46Ld3nIRvv2_MaK1HFXiIb0Smn5WX6JknPgbtULKDowiZzX6WrSnsT8Hy3E5pHIWTNTT4VNzu2Ke0QxvTFpiMtVNjrTAe1Bu_2/s640/blogger-image-121196317.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- My grandmother threw me the most adorable and classy engagement party I could imagine. The craziest part? Her bride and groom signs for the chairs, hand monogrammed take out boxes filled with salad starters, and deck of card drink tags were all created without any knowledge of Pinterest. Those are some real life hosting goals. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J6zKQ_kvsH-DQSjcuPTtD8P1hicnJMJ1dZFwwDkHAzYfnbOuwv_HrbYt53SCC1wjbYAsod7SQzQ9GcTwVIGXbYg9JToBMQ96QwQf0xlSeucXxpXHEQtYcEVYUDLDi5FGpHLJc6LCvuW_/s640/blogger-image--51191909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1J6zKQ_kvsH-DQSjcuPTtD8P1hicnJMJ1dZFwwDkHAzYfnbOuwv_HrbYt53SCC1wjbYAsod7SQzQ9GcTwVIGXbYg9JToBMQ96QwQf0xlSeucXxpXHEQtYcEVYUDLDi5FGpHLJc6LCvuW_/s640/blogger-image--51191909.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- My San Francisco friends who couldn't make the engagement party decided to throw a little one of their own a few months later! Another insanely well decorated party that ended up a little more tispy than any of us expected in the best way. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgifNF7c3Fovy_uzQSxKsPtiUVyajxGKNcKbhHS0-8HEte0g9Pf4IlrYL5IslrE4gCrUqNU97jZqJD70W5vY_Soq54NXjnFBdEJ_aL6jZNZ4v2FE55IFLRHIomVX1DgpBoc0Syl7Go_yud/s640/blogger-image--648377991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgifNF7c3Fovy_uzQSxKsPtiUVyajxGKNcKbhHS0-8HEte0g9Pf4IlrYL5IslrE4gCrUqNU97jZqJD70W5vY_Soq54NXjnFBdEJ_aL6jZNZ4v2FE55IFLRHIomVX1DgpBoc0Syl7Go_yud/s640/blogger-image--648377991.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Wedding planning - it was a tough pill to swallow at first, but I am now loving it. Dates are set, venues are booked, and I have not 1, but 2 secret Pinterest boards in rotation. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2gYY3hghC9r8hqLaEC0RAdKKDLH1krHcOh1bTdvqM_8208V4HkNXACO1-bAMk84lYcBsqmfabdjVV6_r_bRlrb_uJLhl-FSxxSNCwBj7Kjdv8J0ncqLZubHc8e1yuNrUpAQzSjhjKQzF/s640/blogger-image-2010906095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2gYY3hghC9r8hqLaEC0RAdKKDLH1krHcOh1bTdvqM_8208V4HkNXACO1-bAMk84lYcBsqmfabdjVV6_r_bRlrb_uJLhl-FSxxSNCwBj7Kjdv8J0ncqLZubHc8e1yuNrUpAQzSjhjKQzF/s640/blogger-image-2010906095.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Apartment</i></div>
<div>
- Moved in with Scott and started with basically nothing--we were sneaking some plastic utensils from the grocery store for a few weeks there. Decorating has been so much fun, and I never would have guessed I would reach such high excitement levels about a rug at the ripe age of 23. But actually I promise, it's an adorable rug.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImNvciqMBgMB6geYZbDDGISyePcw5voMQY5XES3c24luaMIG0FAV0tm9j5_s92uF1QGgEuhHUEE6SmJpp6ZfbI-mb2QVhjUP4yTdoDbyxYQRzs_AelEPKEGmzU00WnwmVUZmX1ALYKAjj/s640/blogger-image-893202304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgImNvciqMBgMB6geYZbDDGISyePcw5voMQY5XES3c24luaMIG0FAV0tm9j5_s92uF1QGgEuhHUEE6SmJpp6ZfbI-mb2QVhjUP4yTdoDbyxYQRzs_AelEPKEGmzU00WnwmVUZmX1ALYKAjj/s640/blogger-image-893202304.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Career</i></div>
<div>
- I've been promoted! And it's hard work. I now have a lot more responsibilities and communication with clients, but I am excited about the step I've taken in content marketing while still keeping a foot in ad operations. </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3tn1C1w8aW6b4ksLYwS_JHhH-MlJ0WgriPWo46TOM7j1EyQVhJSccwjvm6h90Yyisd2Cy4D1Nb8CzFPU08AxOjhF4Fd-4dxGJ7I_ns7MQameNfUih0wbkDHQGv4O7xmMcNX5eyhGHkku/s640/blogger-image-550287139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3tn1C1w8aW6b4ksLYwS_JHhH-MlJ0WgriPWo46TOM7j1EyQVhJSccwjvm6h90Yyisd2Cy4D1Nb8CzFPU08AxOjhF4Fd-4dxGJ7I_ns7MQameNfUih0wbkDHQGv4O7xmMcNX5eyhGHkku/s640/blogger-image-550287139.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Company holiday party</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Travel</i></div>
<div>
- Chicago (x2): One for work and one for play while visiting my friend from abroad! It also marks my first state in the midwest to visit.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHgAH8KTbG3x4UcZdBhA-NaPs8y9OIVzLHCGgZlHLhbjtH6J1RdL-G7_ypuXI0Lg8pu-NHiXkklAy0sEE_KFznITcUcZM9jak0eL16H0sLTpjLIHj-oyaBgB8HW3K1mmySlG3E3_5821Z/s640/blogger-image--115659016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHgAH8KTbG3x4UcZdBhA-NaPs8y9OIVzLHCGgZlHLhbjtH6J1RdL-G7_ypuXI0Lg8pu-NHiXkklAy0sEE_KFznITcUcZM9jak0eL16H0sLTpjLIHj-oyaBgB8HW3K1mmySlG3E3_5821Z/s640/blogger-image--115659016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- June Lake: girls weekend turned surprise proposal</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrnOEnqfObhxCsiTKZcDFz1tj66fkCH_eUNpz1WlGyJ_W_444qKCuTzcl_QS30vRT-FkVYRDPlPtQcyZdD05a-8ICBXAr_9aQF074Bz6UfLQ0_NY5cahlmPVihJtqHN01K-o1G9GaChek/s640/blogger-image--1756757481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqrnOEnqfObhxCsiTKZcDFz1tj66fkCH_eUNpz1WlGyJ_W_444qKCuTzcl_QS30vRT-FkVYRDPlPtQcyZdD05a-8ICBXAr_9aQF074Bz6UfLQ0_NY5cahlmPVihJtqHN01K-o1G9GaChek/s640/blogger-image--1756757481.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Hawaii: first annual girls trip! Also a new island to me since we stayed at Waikiki Beach which was determined by our group to be the Vegas of Hawaii. </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJABuPyTA0Hhd2g1N_ypOMxA5Sl2uDdRZglTC9SOcmLKczeo878-87ZmNYqucpux5fKPE0f8RsiSjrKXKa3LqEhOqwaI8S1CSWXJ8CR3xHNgzJNcc6YdwpSiN2feVUS1S_-qjBwPfU-Auz/s640/blogger-image--981309618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJABuPyTA0Hhd2g1N_ypOMxA5Sl2uDdRZglTC9SOcmLKczeo878-87ZmNYqucpux5fKPE0f8RsiSjrKXKa3LqEhOqwaI8S1CSWXJ8CR3xHNgzJNcc6YdwpSiN2feVUS1S_-qjBwPfU-Auz/s640/blogger-image--981309618.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our hotel window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
- Portland: Visit to one of my best childhood friends in her new city!</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG35xEgYKr8sRRIljU87IhPcqhJBMyS1ueZzl0ulr1HZXP33EsJ0nFUEAd8-Inx_rdQzR5XoOb9QkF34nNui8TYyp5z7N-YDYeVp88DZMhkMaps_LpUUh53hjfUoBpOmPXhESTsBq845kW/s640/blogger-image--526905542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG35xEgYKr8sRRIljU87IhPcqhJBMyS1ueZzl0ulr1HZXP33EsJ0nFUEAd8-Inx_rdQzR5XoOb9QkF34nNui8TYyp5z7N-YDYeVp88DZMhkMaps_LpUUh53hjfUoBpOmPXhESTsBq845kW/s640/blogger-image--526905542.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-11938923201711508162015-05-28T23:15:00.000-07:002015-05-28T23:15:53.352-07:00Brothers' first trip to SF!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXq7TuWO0Q3iLi6yHT-99_uvqIGdxKg5M_QjI-Uv0oKle_8gTXhfWzQDKxnp3yWNHey7ZX-4vp3pZIYlTKPMYsBQ8kSaRrxLvPlHAYualD6UZ1RQZe4tBSRwKAMWn5lm5YLOMuIq0e_Da/s640/blogger-image--1826041750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Even though I have been living in San Francisco for almost a year now (!), my younger brothers had never been up to the Bay area. After hearing me talk about SF during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and a weekend trip to LA in January, a sibling visit was overdo. My parents and brothers (Jessica would be flying up the next week) finally had planned a trip to see me over the President's/Valentines weekend. <i>On that note, let's ignore how I'm writing this months later..</i> In true tech culture, I set them up with their first Airbnb and immediately started planning a weekend for the SF newbies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSGi6hXbnmPQ87DHqpT2T3CIJV6U2DaYyIz1jVGWu6-Z5S0JQ66dxLdp2wdAYGLEVs2bbFrtpcqOJoey2YtvLFCAxfg3eqddOUCtL4r5wqZJqF9ak5UggaLdim7RuZua3LZZ7KUP31nzW/s1600/blogger-image--1797883427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSGi6hXbnmPQ87DHqpT2T3CIJV6U2DaYyIz1jVGWu6-Z5S0JQ66dxLdp2wdAYGLEVs2bbFrtpcqOJoey2YtvLFCAxfg3eqddOUCtL4r5wqZJqF9ak5UggaLdim7RuZua3LZZ7KUP31nzW/s400/blogger-image--1797883427.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My brothers and parents live for hikes, and I could not have gotten luckier with the weather. I knew rain or shine we would be outside exploring, but I was thrilled that the rain came the weekend before--leaving President's day 75 degrees and sunny. While my parents drove up that Friday, I worked from home/the La Boulange on my street and was lucky to finish up my work right as they rolled in to Inner Sunset at 2pm.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEMlPfnwSMmVZU5FcoCR8yeEWyyHQN39G2VXOtJubttZkXJYF303LgluQQt_XDOrx5OU1E4UnQsR7Rj1kV8s5QMHz8VzQc1s2A4V-apBHnR9ptQDBXvPnYPmMCUSUQKjOiFfyzTwfmON9/s1600/blogger-image-315528254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEMlPfnwSMmVZU5FcoCR8yeEWyyHQN39G2VXOtJubttZkXJYF303LgluQQt_XDOrx5OU1E4UnQsR7Rj1kV8s5QMHz8VzQc1s2A4V-apBHnR9ptQDBXvPnYPmMCUSUQKjOiFfyzTwfmON9/s400/blogger-image-315528254.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yv7Dg1XFPjjdh_6REP7vOP0pMO7aOYBNb-jjC-ztP9-sPi8NDCIrQFxT7f9oNGNR-QbEa5m8DkY-TbQWGLg_7MBohEZJmA1Qh_0dmIeI9zECT2nReYK-CC5znGPiGAgQW02B4VEzMRlj/s1600/blogger-image--902932619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0yv7Dg1XFPjjdh_6REP7vOP0pMO7aOYBNb-jjC-ztP9-sPi8NDCIrQFxT7f9oNGNR-QbEa5m8DkY-TbQWGLg_7MBohEZJmA1Qh_0dmIeI9zECT2nReYK-CC5znGPiGAgQW02B4VEzMRlj/s400/blogger-image--902932619.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
I joked that I was giving my parents the true San Francisco experience as they ordered lunch and coffees while I kept my laptop (complete with my tech company sticker) open at the coffee shop. I may have kept attacking my younger brothers with hugs and picture requests because I was so excited for them to be at my new home. After walking the few blocks back to my place, I gave them the tour of my apartment before heading out to explore the best part of my neighborhood --Golden Gate Park. We walked all around Stow Lake, hiked up to the top of Strawberry hill to get a view of the Golden Gate bridge, and kept walking for another hour or two until we got to the DeYoung Museum. I actually had not been before, but I was blown away by the top floor views of the city which was an awesome and free surprise. Our luck got even better when we realized that after 4:30 the art gallery is free for visitors. We browsed through the exhibits before walking back to my place.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXq7TuWO0Q3iLi6yHT-99_uvqIGdxKg5M_QjI-Uv0oKle_8gTXhfWzQDKxnp3yWNHey7ZX-4vp3pZIYlTKPMYsBQ8kSaRrxLvPlHAYualD6UZ1RQZe4tBSRwKAMWn5lm5YLOMuIq0e_Da/s1600/blogger-image--1826041750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXq7TuWO0Q3iLi6yHT-99_uvqIGdxKg5M_QjI-Uv0oKle_8gTXhfWzQDKxnp3yWNHey7ZX-4vp3pZIYlTKPMYsBQ8kSaRrxLvPlHAYualD6UZ1RQZe4tBSRwKAMWn5lm5YLOMuIq0e_Da/s400/blogger-image--1826041750.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUup_Fkqrf8QdEe6pe95la-hNWrnIvA5D_ETVfoVqBAF5sY3Icv9BEetzluKPyWyYrpfV5Z3CoAciYyQI9BX-as4arlR4ZWvwtAANm0bV0-O5bd5XCRGqpY7fP3ZbGv9GWADGog6yhuTM/s1600/blogger-image--1068824489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUup_Fkqrf8QdEe6pe95la-hNWrnIvA5D_ETVfoVqBAF5sY3Icv9BEetzluKPyWyYrpfV5Z3CoAciYyQI9BX-as4arlR4ZWvwtAANm0bV0-O5bd5XCRGqpY7fP3ZbGv9GWADGog6yhuTM/s400/blogger-image--1068824489.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRFGwIjNj-efhwh0yfSQx8bwbyE0EjEQcK9480u52KGnLuFBM__6HxbYD2LxbwkqbB8KrhThvGupHDu2ZvCy4ID22fy3iXyfVZZs1rVQVU2lgzhHQjAGFWemPfr99Qbqd9ZN9SlnB2mdP/s1600/blogger-image--1586888493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRFGwIjNj-efhwh0yfSQx8bwbyE0EjEQcK9480u52KGnLuFBM__6HxbYD2LxbwkqbB8KrhThvGupHDu2ZvCy4ID22fy3iXyfVZZs1rVQVU2lgzhHQjAGFWemPfr99Qbqd9ZN9SlnB2mdP/s400/blogger-image--1586888493.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSwDhgmGFRq9Q7O2VBA_jZoLVuMiG7dAg9MsewIDDVMKznMOhdqBWQ17mZwkRQIlllhyphenhyphenTkR_YFJL9q-tn8d9OmioMQNKDG_CNz_L7fArO_Rz8dtmPQGUoBBkodqJLdzSZMVQcqaTDTux-/s1600/blogger-image-357132956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSwDhgmGFRq9Q7O2VBA_jZoLVuMiG7dAg9MsewIDDVMKznMOhdqBWQ17mZwkRQIlllhyphenhyphenTkR_YFJL9q-tn8d9OmioMQNKDG_CNz_L7fArO_Rz8dtmPQGUoBBkodqJLdzSZMVQcqaTDTux-/s400/blogger-image-357132956.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7lNIQ7YFnhPFHBU5kvQSP8SVtVUs0RkoMJPSvUA6MpSmXke0CgWwqJnGKG1auPxwbSAJXkMyI6M84u1Ft-htmV9bRmIx6-VkULKx1ge44w8ndAyM31xF376tremciDXEF-6JKUpRElbE/s640/blogger-image--2090035293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7lNIQ7YFnhPFHBU5kvQSP8SVtVUs0RkoMJPSvUA6MpSmXke0CgWwqJnGKG1auPxwbSAJXkMyI6M84u1Ft-htmV9bRmIx6-VkULKx1ge44w8ndAyM31xF376tremciDXEF-6JKUpRElbE/s400/blogger-image--2090035293.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a quick break, the family met us back at the apartment to head to dinner. While I would usually take visitors to a nicer restaurant like Park Chow on my street or my mom to a more trendy venue, I ultimately decided to go for the more laid back option of Cybelles with a cute interior and simple food. The second my brothers got their hands on cheesy garlic bread I knew I made the right choice. We left full and with plans for an early start Saturday morning at Sutro Baths.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The last time I hiked Sutro Baths I immediately knew I had to take my my parents and brothers when they came to visit. Our hike took us from climbing on the ruins to walking the labyrinth at Land's End; down to the beach hopping on a makeshift driftwood seesaw to finally taking in the view and photo opportunities at Eagles Nest. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPo8DFIyEsCxc5ihKmxlzUdOoLgb_sTRfOS13LML3DEL96bQeHFjaQ7FFK0Q0GAaGchB-9Zt4HbWqAQgleTF4jKUF17IXMvQrQwwYZX0AzxZ_7_Qc4SZ2AbIWOmyZo8Enyi4Y-Dd3pWkC/s1600/blogger-image--1374925140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPo8DFIyEsCxc5ihKmxlzUdOoLgb_sTRfOS13LML3DEL96bQeHFjaQ7FFK0Q0GAaGchB-9Zt4HbWqAQgleTF4jKUF17IXMvQrQwwYZX0AzxZ_7_Qc4SZ2AbIWOmyZo8Enyi4Y-Dd3pWkC/s400/blogger-image--1374925140.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6TSuh-4H-yv8if1BkLNDc6r9V_MqSEo7jRA8aXGrOc0FP8IuM1HLVItunVC7OYttWn_Ql2wrCV-Q460b74FoczaItttvynSn4VwYgwYG5U9YICWNcQrLYyXrDt-5p-CjPySvp_c7c7gY/s1600/blogger-image-274720803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6TSuh-4H-yv8if1BkLNDc6r9V_MqSEo7jRA8aXGrOc0FP8IuM1HLVItunVC7OYttWn_Ql2wrCV-Q460b74FoczaItttvynSn4VwYgwYG5U9YICWNcQrLYyXrDt-5p-CjPySvp_c7c7gY/s400/blogger-image-274720803.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aaIzhRmxyAMo45vWkVrpbbGW2BNMsvJd-ig0pWOXzZAJI9DnTUCY2x6l3G0RZGmp4Tm0eJbZHAEkFruFaoO9K1hK5fX72vhbndB6Nhxg_tyLwd7gPTy_TUzlBUz6VNfusqHkq_NxvfFR/s1600/blogger-image--1775758088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aaIzhRmxyAMo45vWkVrpbbGW2BNMsvJd-ig0pWOXzZAJI9DnTUCY2x6l3G0RZGmp4Tm0eJbZHAEkFruFaoO9K1hK5fX72vhbndB6Nhxg_tyLwd7gPTy_TUzlBUz6VNfusqHkq_NxvfFR/s400/blogger-image--1775758088.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ohkIAqfavCs_fj8Om_gAsGz3VzxRs6UyzLxOf6WzbhEP1y3oPwtf-hQwnaET00B78McxWgwaQGfDNQ54urxapA8t-AFKhW8fybi0tDolmS7NYyotfO59Vg1CH_YoDPZtd5EWmm-6UcZW/s1600/blogger-image--505810547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ohkIAqfavCs_fj8Om_gAsGz3VzxRs6UyzLxOf6WzbhEP1y3oPwtf-hQwnaET00B78McxWgwaQGfDNQ54urxapA8t-AFKhW8fybi0tDolmS7NYyotfO59Vg1CH_YoDPZtd5EWmm-6UcZW/s400/blogger-image--505810547.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcOVfLuyW2bG7fjwY2ybtwmS1VXrbYp47QIQkFo0lOJ_VdSnGDt5XMbk84tF1K_BO_y63Pdi8fqZNebImd0WXNfpk2ZwT9iyUKcd5qHu-iGbY9-6aMzCbMxnUlugT4yu1WrcYUFlbGrf1/s1600/blogger-image-706136092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcOVfLuyW2bG7fjwY2ybtwmS1VXrbYp47QIQkFo0lOJ_VdSnGDt5XMbk84tF1K_BO_y63Pdi8fqZNebImd0WXNfpk2ZwT9iyUKcd5qHu-iGbY9-6aMzCbMxnUlugT4yu1WrcYUFlbGrf1/s400/blogger-image-706136092.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz6d69vrYVT9gb0YnZP6HAhMjt-EHfM00OqdHxspvHmTIF0Uj0M1kAWpvF7_XIWvBaIRDMQ93BkUmUVR8Fk5hHiXeSiDi6NeHZfe1SAUJTwrDhkfWR3zPedsS4RYlCugFuFttWOFCX_ds/s1600/blogger-image--337534379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz6d69vrYVT9gb0YnZP6HAhMjt-EHfM00OqdHxspvHmTIF0Uj0M1kAWpvF7_XIWvBaIRDMQ93BkUmUVR8Fk5hHiXeSiDi6NeHZfe1SAUJTwrDhkfWR3zPedsS4RYlCugFuFttWOFCX_ds/s400/blogger-image--337534379.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After realizing we had spent a few hours walking around and hiking it was (not so calmly/hangerily) decided it was time to head back to the car and grab lunch.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCmwoqO3uAoviWuss5FRMKL9NE1O9PTtM16_rLk4qCS_4ghyphenhyphenGuuv8FCWk-Y7Q-o4MSD1_5tDgKlnsIXQCWXxNb0I2TJabgMW7I9Gpk_cm2D7uUlMNGDhehF7SkRIgVoUnMpj6heaxi31R/s1600/blogger-image--1150841985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCmwoqO3uAoviWuss5FRMKL9NE1O9PTtM16_rLk4qCS_4ghyphenhyphenGuuv8FCWk-Y7Q-o4MSD1_5tDgKlnsIXQCWXxNb0I2TJabgMW7I9Gpk_cm2D7uUlMNGDhehF7SkRIgVoUnMpj6heaxi31R/s400/blogger-image--1150841985.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Since it was still Johnny and James' first visit to San Francisco, it was officially time to hit some of the touristy spots. First stop: off to Fisherman's Wharf to grab bread bowls from Boudin. I originally was not overly excited about the idea (I had a trendy brunch place more in mind), but I re-realized how exciting it is to be at Boudin for the first time. My brothers (true lovers of bread) watched the loafs made in the window, and Johnny bought a little turtle shaped loaf of sourdough for his girlfriend. We ate bread bowls and clam chowder in the sun until we were energized enough to start our hike up to Lombard Street.<br />
<br />
While it may be the curviest street in San Francisco, it was funny to see my brothers so confused on exactly why it was so immensely popular. After long hike up with the dozens of other tourists, I can definitely say I that I have no answer either. Our next stop was a little more exciting to the crew, as we were just quick cable car ride away from Gharadelli ice cream sundaes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW109He8xlEPTqH8yh5RMetuvjKjteeyXA3PVME38IdTlu83rp-4j6PfaoKgGUEKTrgXLdSAazjqT38uRHifjPOiF2v8CW3IXp1I3-w2fi1iM3P3b3GqJ-I4XDufj8iXCH8cPvBcHIpAhh/s1600/blogger-image-476295852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW109He8xlEPTqH8yh5RMetuvjKjteeyXA3PVME38IdTlu83rp-4j6PfaoKgGUEKTrgXLdSAazjqT38uRHifjPOiF2v8CW3IXp1I3-w2fi1iM3P3b3GqJ-I4XDufj8iXCH8cPvBcHIpAhh/s400/blogger-image-476295852.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Everyone left feeling full and tired after hours and hours of walking throughout the day (which my mom and her beloved fitbit can attest too). While we had big plans to meet up for dinner, once we got to our separate apartments it was game over. Scott and I ordered in Chinese food while my brothers and parents relaxed at their Airbnb and did homework.<br />
<br />
I thought I had created the perfect plan for Valentines for Scott and I: late night reservations at Zazie for dessert. A cute, well known cafe near my apartment with late enough reservations to take into account my parent's visit. However, after getting all dressed up we arrived at the restaurant and quickly realized it was a very expensive prix fixe menu. Although a little disappointing, we walked back to my neighborhood, grabbed a pastry from an open bakery and headed to a bar for some drinks. A testament to my adorable ability to not double check details (one of my many endearing qualities), it was still a great and more natural end to Valentine's with the best boyfriend ever.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzEQaAsuK9vfSB-paE1u9OD_cTeRgWlEI3532WGl6H0RG90sjWt4AvRx_hJbOfDQ4jYiHR5ThU7FCqJChjEVH4UWAp5b1wiK4q5V5zFMgfP1LcOjptzC8AUhc3pHUuzzWc-LM7cXhloum/s640/blogger-image-2035293382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzEQaAsuK9vfSB-paE1u9OD_cTeRgWlEI3532WGl6H0RG90sjWt4AvRx_hJbOfDQ4jYiHR5ThU7FCqJChjEVH4UWAp5b1wiK4q5V5zFMgfP1LcOjptzC8AUhc3pHUuzzWc-LM7cXhloum/s400/blogger-image-2035293382.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The next morning we were up bright and early to grab brunch. My parents had grand plans of spending the remaining part of the holiday weekend driving down the California coast, so they had to leave San Francisco early that morning. My Dad and Mom had one request for breakfast: Art's Cafe. They had both been on their last visit, and were excited to show off the small, one counter wide diner to my brothers. My brothers are not easy to impress, but they left promising me they had a great time and loved San Francisco.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
My sightseeing, exploring, decision making, and entertaining duties left with my parents, brothers, and Scott that Sunday, and the pace of my holiday weekend turned from a whirlwind of adventure, laughter, bonding, and hangriness to a slow lull. The lively (and early) Sunday brunch morphed into long naps, an early dinner with friends, and Netflix in bed. Lucky for me, I still had one more activity planned to enjoy the Monday off. I met my friend Hannah the next day, for a picnic at Alamo park. While I strolled up to the grass, she had grabbed a prime spot in front of the painted ladies with a bag full of baguettes and bruschetta, salad, lemonade, and other goodies. We basked in the sun and lurked French bulldogs until we decided to stop at Birite grocery for San Francisco's famous BiRite ice cream. Tip: the Nopa location lines are only 5-10 minutes compared to an hour in the mission.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJyHrju9Gh142y1BQEATCQtrmu1irqt6mGN1G7vYUTr8oYlYtuhJCdeNv4xVN_CTUiU4tUPnB_QmhAxHKpbzZagvJFq7qIuY4DLxvOayeNWGpFP1dvXyrOppulN4tseC8sg-BiIw6Uzya/s640/blogger-image-1903909307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJyHrju9Gh142y1BQEATCQtrmu1irqt6mGN1G7vYUTr8oYlYtuhJCdeNv4xVN_CTUiU4tUPnB_QmhAxHKpbzZagvJFq7qIuY4DLxvOayeNWGpFP1dvXyrOppulN4tseC8sg-BiIw6Uzya/s400/blogger-image-1903909307.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Just as the sun started to go down, the fog rolled in. Although I will always love sunny, hot days, there is a special charm to the SF fog coming right at the end of the weekend. It gives you time to bundle up, reflect on the amazing weekend, and feel a little less bad about spending the work week inside. Although, this weekend was months ago, my parents and brothers visiting was too great of a memory not to document and relive through blogging.
Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-30306039826097570432015-02-25T21:12:00.001-08:002015-02-25T21:12:29.173-08:00Adventures in the New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3i33-L7TUiB8uD-o_UodoV3mC8Q-2Kgrg1VleHyqY9bF-F1kVKH_qPZ8si1990ODwU8sDNjrlC93okfhgKPbKAHT_whk9fotzGYheSqFfTsWt3X6ICSSbn9-uvN8TblU6UwEL1GvulS_/s640/blogger-image-50206408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3i33-L7TUiB8uD-o_UodoV3mC8Q-2Kgrg1VleHyqY9bF-F1kVKH_qPZ8si1990ODwU8sDNjrlC93okfhgKPbKAHT_whk9fotzGYheSqFfTsWt3X6ICSSbn9-uvN8TblU6UwEL1GvulS_/s640/blogger-image-50206408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr_PzgxKi8PuP8AzRVCej4fvR1jkaL0wjJVPdd7-dKEKg-JpJAAq3uhOUUpXu8qc49FPc71j_2CnfYE9UQQdWrIvESURmQ0sOre_hDfpsPglaAW8lpYM4vxQBOjrzn3lZBpSyEdQa7HEt/s640/blogger-image-357795559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
My big goal for the new year was to survive a crazy transition at work and to start taking advantage of living in San Francisco and Bay area more. It may have been a few late nights and some crazy schedules, but it's still been a great start to 2015:<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. While I've visited Scott's apartment in San Jose several times, I haven't done much exploring of the area. So when my grandparents asked what a good Christmas gift for him would be, I knew exactly what to suggest: two tickets to the Winchester Mystery House. It's a San Jose landmark, and something that Scott and I had contemplated doing for months. The first weekend we got back from our holiday break, we cashed in the gift certificates and took a tour. The house was designed by Mrs. Winchester who believed that if she ever stopped building, she would be haunted by all the people who died from the guns her company produced. It was the craziest house possible--doors that lead to two story drops, over a hundred small steps to go up one floor, and rooms with 4 exits but only one entrance. It was a super cool tour, and a fun thing to check off the bay area bucket list.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3i33-L7TUiB8uD-o_UodoV3mC8Q-2Kgrg1VleHyqY9bF-F1kVKH_qPZ8si1990ODwU8sDNjrlC93okfhgKPbKAHT_whk9fotzGYheSqFfTsWt3X6ICSSbn9-uvN8TblU6UwEL1GvulS_/s1600/blogger-image-50206408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3i33-L7TUiB8uD-o_UodoV3mC8Q-2Kgrg1VleHyqY9bF-F1kVKH_qPZ8si1990ODwU8sDNjrlC93okfhgKPbKAHT_whk9fotzGYheSqFfTsWt3X6ICSSbn9-uvN8TblU6UwEL1GvulS_/s400/blogger-image-50206408.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr_PzgxKi8PuP8AzRVCej4fvR1jkaL0wjJVPdd7-dKEKg-JpJAAq3uhOUUpXu8qc49FPc71j_2CnfYE9UQQdWrIvESURmQ0sOre_hDfpsPglaAW8lpYM4vxQBOjrzn3lZBpSyEdQa7HEt/s1600/blogger-image-357795559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkr_PzgxKi8PuP8AzRVCej4fvR1jkaL0wjJVPdd7-dKEKg-JpJAAq3uhOUUpXu8qc49FPc71j_2CnfYE9UQQdWrIvESURmQ0sOre_hDfpsPglaAW8lpYM4vxQBOjrzn3lZBpSyEdQa7HEt/s400/blogger-image-357795559.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDTcKMgQURliMADhgjN47yH95UQXELSwGVEQs1wiNnEEj7KQIrJu47SJS2tWa20wTixLsqie-vl7HiDiLGScNusB80He8jgqj4uLjtWcV8BDMKfBXGhIwKQ93_NEkHCYqtLMKQYvgm65F/s640/blogger-image-1833559921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDTcKMgQURliMADhgjN47yH95UQXELSwGVEQs1wiNnEEj7KQIrJu47SJS2tWa20wTixLsqie-vl7HiDiLGScNusB80He8jgqj4uLjtWcV8BDMKfBXGhIwKQ93_NEkHCYqtLMKQYvgm65F/s400/blogger-image-1833559921.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. Our company's annual rallying cry/celebration/look forward to the new year took place in LA this year. I decided to fly down a few days early so I could get a whole weekend with my family and friends. MLK weekend was filled with hiking, homemade food, and hours of watching Parks and Recreation with my Mom. Just when I thought my relaxing weekend at home couldn't be topped, I checked into a luxurious hotel downtown and met up with my coworkers. The whole event was planned with extraordinary detail, extravagance, and enthusiasm from a half pipe with BMX bikers at the dinner party to watching our CEO dance to Uptown Funk. To top it all off, one night may have ended past 4am at The Pantry eating late night bacon and eggs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzp3FIbbLHObfdoTvbKXyIlIqYMrUqVZQxtN9A8opGQq2iE6wWNx5ryrt2q1JGP_jY3CgA1wmKIZq_08YBkIpOWB4NfusgbfEhgE0QAqjhnUidXJzRYYEUwE-9MlfQ7oUCysGGQsRRr-X/s1600/blogger-image--1835276658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzp3FIbbLHObfdoTvbKXyIlIqYMrUqVZQxtN9A8opGQq2iE6wWNx5ryrt2q1JGP_jY3CgA1wmKIZq_08YBkIpOWB4NfusgbfEhgE0QAqjhnUidXJzRYYEUwE-9MlfQ7oUCysGGQsRRr-X/s1600/blogger-image--1835276658.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnljuI3wvP_hYX5QcX7BHKNCH8gVol3Z0g1pgH3AQCSC37GrjXvE3eYEh5atjTcX7MEmM0sBj1V6HtRP8XFpP8JaUcvweebACjlOR7-uc84ubQL0MrvFu1woAkQMzQA_QgN7MRDJFwIE_/s1600/blogger-image-284606748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTnljuI3wvP_hYX5QcX7BHKNCH8gVol3Z0g1pgH3AQCSC37GrjXvE3eYEh5atjTcX7MEmM0sBj1V6HtRP8XFpP8JaUcvweebACjlOR7-uc84ubQL0MrvFu1woAkQMzQA_QgN7MRDJFwIE_/s1600/blogger-image-284606748.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
3. One of my Dad's Christmas presents to me was coming up to SF and painting my room. I was excited for him to see my apartment and my neighborhood for the first time, but if I knew what a difference he would make at my place I would have been jumping off the walls. He got in Monday night, so my Dad and I grabbed dinner with drinks, an appetizer of mussels, and delicious food at Park Chow before heading back to my apartment. I made up the couch (he's the first person to sleep on it and exactly why I bought such a large couch whee!) and headed to bed. I worked during the days and my dad would work on my house/explore the neighborhood/surf/keep the local Ace hardware in business while I was gone. After work we would have dinners at Crepevine, Marnee Thai, or grab pizza to take to the local bar before saying goodbye with brunch at Art's Place (which my Dad and Mom now love). I underestimated how much painting my room and the million of other fixes to my apartment would help, and I now finally feel like my room is a finished product and am proud of my apartment. I'm getting obsessed with fixing the rest up!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-R0o7qwbNre6uBxNQyMG9ZcGzwYJLEJ4lR5AY-kJI5XGXz7NGVbQ9-WA4bJ5cqGVUUpUt20tVe2GsYI1tkpzk1EHiAiaX5t5YMBG-aw6vSAjK52Xdesjqr5_lH_VqTD4yQ0647IGQGsy/s1600/blogger-image-1965311616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-R0o7qwbNre6uBxNQyMG9ZcGzwYJLEJ4lR5AY-kJI5XGXz7NGVbQ9-WA4bJ5cqGVUUpUt20tVe2GsYI1tkpzk1EHiAiaX5t5YMBG-aw6vSAjK52Xdesjqr5_lH_VqTD4yQ0647IGQGsy/s1600/blogger-image-1965311616.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
4. San Francisco is known for being a foodie city, and I definitely love all types of food. One of my New Year's resolutions was to explore more of the delicious restaurants and go on some food adventures. Brenda's Meat and Three was perfect meal out. It was a talked about restaurant, but small and down to earth, and most importantly delicious. They have a few things on the menu, but the best is a choice one of four entrees (meat) and 3 sides. 2 of my college friends and I decided to share two plates and ordered the fried chicken and BBQ ribs with roasted Brussels sprouts, Mac n cheese, sweet potato fries, cauliflower grautin, cole slaw, and red beans. Everything was unbelievable and the sides were just as good if not better than the meat itself. The best part is with a beer for each of us and a shared blueberry cobbler for dessert the whole meal came out to around $25 each. I'm already planning on taking Scott back to try it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSx0dJu4BG54uzH4CUUQWC8JKFL4WSJPgLF182VIyshNKkLvSRwoF37Vf8xW4pAEgPLt01rdxtN20cA-nalvDc0ju_YUMOsZ1iQCDoiiMlSH-XliTGqIvveSPwvi77offFEpR1BQ_KQD3D/s1600/blogger-image--595804600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSx0dJu4BG54uzH4CUUQWC8JKFL4WSJPgLF182VIyshNKkLvSRwoF37Vf8xW4pAEgPLt01rdxtN20cA-nalvDc0ju_YUMOsZ1iQCDoiiMlSH-XliTGqIvveSPwvi77offFEpR1BQ_KQD3D/s1600/blogger-image--595804600.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5. Scott and I went on an adventure to Ocean Beach and walked on the sand checking out the water--but mostly checking out all the dogs running around and wishing we had our own. From there, we decided to take the more complicated way to the baths and head up the dunes to Sutro tower for great views and a quick workout. Our only plan was to see Sutro Baths, a ruined pool house from the late 19th century, but it was such a beautiful place and weather that we continued exploring along the path for a few hours. We hiked the path from Sutro Baths to Lands End, and I immediately fell in love with it. I instantly made plans to take my parents when they came to visit, and have decided that I will make this a usual occurrence.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60-KTEUVgvvppc7vTr2BMByrpi3xRn5pvOJ-fnateD-FAdDq8LrecQ-e0UqByaEghMoH-jdZpLA7Ewei6ie8GNAEPv-yfNySdOhFdXhWtR_fPSx9XNy8zva09JwgOp03P6igvFHO6xOgd/s1600/blogger-image-1151661083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60-KTEUVgvvppc7vTr2BMByrpi3xRn5pvOJ-fnateD-FAdDq8LrecQ-e0UqByaEghMoH-jdZpLA7Ewei6ie8GNAEPv-yfNySdOhFdXhWtR_fPSx9XNy8zva09JwgOp03P6igvFHO6xOgd/s1600/blogger-image-1151661083.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-VjlSq2nXcNH_gFGdSkriMr5G5I-PjNdzcGEmgqsZlHYqSgGHLsvABaF5gbSsNI55KIFlUTfhLjkiDewCfTQHC5MoK7Kgu6SriFpmWZ_OzqdCc1KbEqokkHWV0M_C-1w7zAAmypAHAuO/s1600/blogger-image--1691243123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-VjlSq2nXcNH_gFGdSkriMr5G5I-PjNdzcGEmgqsZlHYqSgGHLsvABaF5gbSsNI55KIFlUTfhLjkiDewCfTQHC5MoK7Kgu6SriFpmWZ_OzqdCc1KbEqokkHWV0M_C-1w7zAAmypAHAuO/s1600/blogger-image--1691243123.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhec2FGzy8p1m3T5d5r0v_IvarYDx3315QSWO-T8r8Xd6BIhXBxaRue3yACvLGyg9_a6dlY7DeCrf93GIhjx47TKRNl6_1MSz6tWX7iU0b97hQJZguYca283XM9hqg-x1qzjjyWLZCo2fI/s640/blogger-image-1116161690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhec2FGzy8p1m3T5d5r0v_IvarYDx3315QSWO-T8r8Xd6BIhXBxaRue3yACvLGyg9_a6dlY7DeCrf93GIhjx47TKRNl6_1MSz6tWX7iU0b97hQJZguYca283XM9hqg-x1qzjjyWLZCo2fI/s400/blogger-image-1116161690.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxMue4PhfTFVQkTPanX6nHn1WFdJN5voIniNYIhxSa74cadgJ9Aq3e0TPSBA-GYMwbI3-f4gfzThZq-Mg37p80Rrhov5BwmphX4Z8utXeuMT6R2FsH3L843uhLmRQnvonoi0b_CzT-_FO/s1600/blogger-image-1107953740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxMue4PhfTFVQkTPanX6nHn1WFdJN5voIniNYIhxSa74cadgJ9Aq3e0TPSBA-GYMwbI3-f4gfzThZq-Mg37p80Rrhov5BwmphX4Z8utXeuMT6R2FsH3L843uhLmRQnvonoi0b_CzT-_FO/s1600/blogger-image-1107953740.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
February brings a different type of crazy, but in the best way. All four weekends, I have visitors to San Francisco including family, a childhood friend, and college friends. It's a good thing I've been exploring so much lately because it's helping me plan fun weekends for the rest of the month!</div>
Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-34102356026424873472014-12-31T16:39:00.001-08:002015-01-02T19:33:28.926-08:00Winter BreakWorking full time has made me appreciate holidays and time off more than I ever thought possible. My company is AMAZING and gives us 5 full days off over the holidays, so I've been back in PV spending time with family and friends. Q1 is going to be a hectic quarter at work, so I've been trying to use these past couple days to actively relax in order to maximize my time off. I usually walk back into the office grateful for the break but realizing I didn't really do anything or really even relish in the holiday while it was happening.<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBnIhFHqJVBIR1ihmIN1dK_J3UmZ7t329YoeMjJyhefNsi9iK51853q1VQFx-nb_LN-WjJuN3rvHF7EVOuCdMW6hARNp43PwUozHS3JpdRXAV-eSGcivYJcW7UUlFqB2MoYQlf39WBVCC/s640/blogger-image-1810376896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdBnIhFHqJVBIR1ihmIN1dK_J3UmZ7t329YoeMjJyhefNsi9iK51853q1VQFx-nb_LN-WjJuN3rvHF7EVOuCdMW6hARNp43PwUozHS3JpdRXAV-eSGcivYJcW7UUlFqB2MoYQlf39WBVCC/s640/blogger-image-1810376896.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div>
And as contradictory as it sounds, making myself do relaxing activities has been actually a million times more wonderful. So wonderful, in fact, that I thought I would blog about it: a day in the life of a girl who's having her first vacation that's longer than a 3 day weekend in 6 months. Maybe not the most exciting topic, but I have a feeling I'm going to look longingly back at this blog post in the upcoming weeks.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>
<div>
9:15 am. Wake up! I'm sharing a room with Johnny, and we both sleep in more than the rest of the family. It still feels earlier than I want, but there is no alarm waking me up and I can roll around in bed for 15 minutes before deciding that I want breakfast. I grab cereal and a yogurt, and my Mom offers to make James and I eggs since Jessica is off surfing and Johnny is off at brunch then a PT appointment.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBItTJ-vQVCGlq1lsS7ndwJvwAu_l7CeU9ZSOo7VLcbo7FjqYtVA1Z7uFeSI_EMh0u5-kRV035eFFFECq6tAUlxsovzCwKFhDkB-hpyn4_1mpMi8G1iZmwnQwNkJ1nMtIYkXwkFIZ_zfql/s640/blogger-image-781562711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBItTJ-vQVCGlq1lsS7ndwJvwAu_l7CeU9ZSOo7VLcbo7FjqYtVA1Z7uFeSI_EMh0u5-kRV035eFFFECq6tAUlxsovzCwKFhDkB-hpyn4_1mpMi8G1iZmwnQwNkJ1nMtIYkXwkFIZ_zfql/s640/blogger-image-781562711.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div>
10:30 I've been going for a hike almost every day of break (or a work out class thanks to the wonders of classpass), and today is no different! My Mom and I managed to convince James to come with us, so we head down to the Trump Golf Course to walk along the cliffs and down to Portugese Beach Club while talking about random things. I snap a few pictures as usual, before we head back up to the car to pick up Johnny from his appointment. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlT9Zuu5oHPF8_G__hQa8c7BAv5J7YizDeDPS93AI_pqDMnv2DHeu1MacxsqsTDb9JgwmX3wfhOXaokyJe0yetLFN-sNscoGzQWlcz7to5ncMmyPGBLiQK_GQKrY_u7Yy1YnPsrh9haccD/s640/blogger-image-1819959086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlT9Zuu5oHPF8_G__hQa8c7BAv5J7YizDeDPS93AI_pqDMnv2DHeu1MacxsqsTDb9JgwmX3wfhOXaokyJe0yetLFN-sNscoGzQWlcz7to5ncMmyPGBLiQK_GQKrY_u7Yy1YnPsrh9haccD/s640/blogger-image-1819959086.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div>
1:00 We're all packed up in the car, and head over to our family friend's house. I had spent the previous day crafting with Sara and we both wanted to finish up our projects together. James joined us, and while I attempted to make art for my room that was simple enough for even me to not mess up, he actually painted. His paintings were amazing and I'm happy to say the pop art version of Abalone Cove is for me! Mwahaha. I'm still proud of myself for not ruining my projects, but we know who the artist is in the family. To keep us entertained, we also had How To Get Away with Murder going on in the background (now hooked) and ate Mac n Cheese while not trying to spill in the paint.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMsGtUc-Teu7kC2yd-UJ1j07QcGXKBLe8v5U4Or2DcDpY216gJsnN-_nGmSd_k98iKD9D3-aaz2DLz8snwUcNgt4Qwi8CG3JYh16CrM04k4FfMm5U3pqGIaFhFI0N3H10bzJANZtqJov1/s640/blogger-image-563396407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMsGtUc-Teu7kC2yd-UJ1j07QcGXKBLe8v5U4Or2DcDpY216gJsnN-_nGmSd_k98iKD9D3-aaz2DLz8snwUcNgt4Qwi8CG3JYh16CrM04k4FfMm5U3pqGIaFhFI0N3H10bzJANZtqJov1/s640/blogger-image-563396407.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx0OuAeETgd3vSGb03UNwxeYmylnf1-teFwRksUHVkffv8FGs0swPW1T5sXSj-8K9RoPupPEfoCiy3OttsepqGgONDG10pEdlmMJawwNbnHWSfHVSXGHqHkd3lzNCmunEa47UB_VvyvyH/s640/blogger-image-2001629406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivx0OuAeETgd3vSGb03UNwxeYmylnf1-teFwRksUHVkffv8FGs0swPW1T5sXSj-8K9RoPupPEfoCiy3OttsepqGgONDG10pEdlmMJawwNbnHWSfHVSXGHqHkd3lzNCmunEa47UB_VvyvyH/s640/blogger-image-2001629406.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div>
4:00pm Sara drives us to our house and we swap out James for my Mom. It's $5 movie ticket Tuesday at Regal, and we went to see Wild in theaters. I had read the book a few months ago and loved it, but didn't totally get in to the movie. I think the problem with long journeys alone is that no matter how great the acting is there's only so much dialogue you can say out loud.</div><div><br></div>
<div>
6:20 Back home to find my friend Brigitte got to my house earlier than I expected. We caught up and talked, then headed over to my grandma's house to jacuzzi. It was a shocking 48 degrees outside which made it even more fun to run out to the jacuzzi and stay in as long as possible.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BDxXYAkn8CqlA8Hy3aTtT1deRC-XBdYGs_ablacmDX1ZkLaZSXjGVyB_v2HbETkTRhbkNN8eg-iZ4JpuFDQaJiTfg-XKzgu-4nSjNW0jm0Ulb9lqAuV6BiFJ7Y52L6WtedOxq9dyPTZ_/s640/blogger-image--37510018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1BDxXYAkn8CqlA8Hy3aTtT1deRC-XBdYGs_ablacmDX1ZkLaZSXjGVyB_v2HbETkTRhbkNN8eg-iZ4JpuFDQaJiTfg-XKzgu-4nSjNW0jm0Ulb9lqAuV6BiFJ7Y52L6WtedOxq9dyPTZ_/s640/blogger-image--37510018.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div>9:00 Brigette unfortunately had work the next morning and couldn't stay with me forever like I wanted, so I hop on the couch and watch a few episodes of Parks and Rec with my parents. My Mom and I have been watching it almost every night since I've been home. I'm obsessed with the show so most of the time I wait for my favorite jokes and bug my Mom making sure she heard them and then making her tell me if she thought it was funny. My Dad usually resists, but this time I even caught him laughing at Ron Swanson. </div><div><br></div>
<div>
11:30 I'm not sure how it got this late, but I run into Jessica and James' room and tackle her. We spend the next hour in the bathroom with the heater on (warmest spot in the house plus has a mirror) talking about life decisions and watching Panda videos.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYk-l9587zVQq-hkQ5LeP4AwskJfSI1JDR1wy32I8KKzMrVzyvpPZQ_ylTBOY3gAHBvsrd4cCu48kM9Zu1nJ4oynwpZ5qn-vtov_AF5C6YON56yRfYveZ-txbgs1xfRsQ9gDex2nW3U_g/s640/blogger-image-291905319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilYk-l9587zVQq-hkQ5LeP4AwskJfSI1JDR1wy32I8KKzMrVzyvpPZQ_ylTBOY3gAHBvsrd4cCu48kM9Zu1nJ4oynwpZ5qn-vtov_AF5C6YON56yRfYveZ-txbgs1xfRsQ9gDex2nW3U_g/s640/blogger-image-291905319.jpg"></a></div><br></div>
<div>
12:30 In bed and regretting my decision to take a 9:15 bar method class. I set my alarm for 8:15 even though I know I will snooze til 8:45 and fall asleep.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
My normal lazy days consist of me watching Netflix around the house and aimlessly checking the fridge. While I did get in some solid days like that, I've realized that making an effort to unwind with family, friends, projects, and sunshine have been some of my favorite parts of break! Not to mention I will now be heading back to SF with 2 wall decorations that cost a total of $20 and a very personal touch :)</div>
Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-40159500639435955052014-12-26T00:17:00.000-08:002014-12-26T00:17:02.804-08:00Gifts from NapaThe gifts have been unwrapped and the family is all cozied up together for the holiday season! After feeling particularly proud of my wrapping of my Mom's present-- wine from Napa in a branded box and fancy wrapping paper--I realized I never shared one of my favorite memories since my move up to the Bay Area. I didn't go on too many big trips this year--though graduating, getting a job and apartment, moving to a new city, and family emergencies have been more than enough adventure for one year--but I did check another thing off my bucket list! With Scott's secret planning, he whisked me away for a quick trip north of the city to go wine tasting in Napa and explore Petaluma for an afternoon.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5heIHjFS6OWWR5B-rjM5RJHtM6HJ0Uv7zCq1c9x7nLquTOPJfa0mc42QTvN3hd60XFEzCxlxLRbRlLx96r-DA4ElO8Uts1OfdDsAe8_7S7jN7o7zEU4Z0XGZCCAhggZ6CUkzLlw277LzF/s640/blogger-image-703860827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5heIHjFS6OWWR5B-rjM5RJHtM6HJ0Uv7zCq1c9x7nLquTOPJfa0mc42QTvN3hd60XFEzCxlxLRbRlLx96r-DA4ElO8Uts1OfdDsAe8_7S7jN7o7zEU4Z0XGZCCAhggZ6CUkzLlw277LzF/s400/blogger-image-703860827.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbAufktk8ZrnwJ5hDu-B6akX9cWh_6i-VbVEvMT9Uoef_XErI_OF9oESC6BTYfxILnIKtSR_m5HsEK49IXoAd_1Q0jjJ-7q_zX8ohMlqqZnHrYvwfayCZxWE2-5yfBgMMEipkff7qq7OI/s640/blogger-image-986305344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbAufktk8ZrnwJ5hDu-B6akX9cWh_6i-VbVEvMT9Uoef_XErI_OF9oESC6BTYfxILnIKtSR_m5HsEK49IXoAd_1Q0jjJ-7q_zX8ohMlqqZnHrYvwfayCZxWE2-5yfBgMMEipkff7qq7OI/s400/blogger-image-986305344.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We drove up to the Castillo de Amorosa winery in Napa and after my giddy freak out, Scott and I parked the car and instantly set out exploring. The whole winery is built to look like an Italian castle, and the building materials actually came from Tuscany. Scott had signed us up for a tour, so we grabbed some pictures of the flowers, vineyards, views and sampled grape seed oil before meeting our enthusiastic tour guide.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZelQJb0rtwYcGSNYqa-QPm0jbsym6DZc1qFUETZwUYMHqHc8R4f-0steXcrcABKnKYffGXbGFkPDqkyO-hE45I0J5bEsjUG44zIyZtbRSrwH8FiDkgFpkf09kd1gx7Mr3qzuabVSTrim6/s640/blogger-image-1578377103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZelQJb0rtwYcGSNYqa-QPm0jbsym6DZc1qFUETZwUYMHqHc8R4f-0steXcrcABKnKYffGXbGFkPDqkyO-hE45I0J5bEsjUG44zIyZtbRSrwH8FiDkgFpkf09kd1gx7Mr3qzuabVSTrim6/s400/blogger-image-1578377103.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlkuXLz9kYQ4R2kc5l-LGB32Cryvdgsvb6_nv_JkbJpAJvwhtYkg9W4KN_5s3Skf0RU0rWgdV-vkD8W5pajUQms1BWe11SrAWcCVRXjh9oHmGIe7tuKCx3Zu0XHKHHu_124U29WYobcTh/s640/blogger-image-1806862970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDlkuXLz9kYQ4R2kc5l-LGB32Cryvdgsvb6_nv_JkbJpAJvwhtYkg9W4KN_5s3Skf0RU0rWgdV-vkD8W5pajUQms1BWe11SrAWcCVRXjh9oHmGIe7tuKCx3Zu0XHKHHu_124U29WYobcTh/s400/blogger-image-1806862970.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphene9SuidkFRb8ldcLaDFGYXnSBbg96X7T9rsY130LDMSuqTrEOO48jlVo_UWlK9IFG9s8fKbi4Sg7n0VNpC-IZxysLhIxwG4kJ26XVDbqXYvwkBXVWpXQW-QpN0ddDt7oVxLgON6P55Nq/s640/blogger-image--833301504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphene9SuidkFRb8ldcLaDFGYXnSBbg96X7T9rsY130LDMSuqTrEOO48jlVo_UWlK9IFG9s8fKbi4Sg7n0VNpC-IZxysLhIxwG4kJ26XVDbqXYvwkBXVWpXQW-QpN0ddDt7oVxLgON6P55Nq/s400/blogger-image--833301504.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfhKSQ1QxJRiPg35Xmw3YcOntFGoUzjrHeEqizp2HkICPBE7AVZJMk_5dAXxVtSfrQXCyp-YsJOo4yvwbuBxsPH4t3KxwzQ_Y8XvbZLKWn_NXROD79JKyXGcgZ3ZRcPALe9kxL96UqCoH/s640/blogger-image-542945179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfhKSQ1QxJRiPg35Xmw3YcOntFGoUzjrHeEqizp2HkICPBE7AVZJMk_5dAXxVtSfrQXCyp-YsJOo4yvwbuBxsPH4t3KxwzQ_Y8XvbZLKWn_NXROD79JKyXGcgZ3ZRcPALe9kxL96UqCoH/s400/blogger-image-542945179.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_J9KpoUG-RewcO7_CEw0lKe6F9XqDswMZxU8MRyFzt1jRa5j_s5zEt1YppFcKp8L_cl6D7tVKpbKPU4GIWAi73GfSlBXpZViFYW3HF1MT0kATT9yFU-GuSx3Fyk2iZsckhu0JMtbEzX0X/s640/blogger-image-858608902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_J9KpoUG-RewcO7_CEw0lKe6F9XqDswMZxU8MRyFzt1jRa5j_s5zEt1YppFcKp8L_cl6D7tVKpbKPU4GIWAi73GfSlBXpZViFYW3HF1MT0kATT9yFU-GuSx3Fyk2iZsckhu0JMtbEzX0X/s400/blogger-image-858608902.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp9yowzxMViBgOUbzlrOy2Z-CwJPMDf5gqylZx43WA236wKbYk0HJZnJZ80a45btog-qotl1j1KJ3-9Ez6zdb3_fQnDCflrR6Yd3GLwmkQUK6gaO_zH52fn-g43D1ugpLyUTdhDq_uv4P/s640/blogger-image-625189760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJp9yowzxMViBgOUbzlrOy2Z-CwJPMDf5gqylZx43WA236wKbYk0HJZnJZ80a45btog-qotl1j1KJ3-9Ez6zdb3_fQnDCflrR6Yd3GLwmkQUK6gaO_zH52fn-g43D1ugpLyUTdhDq_uv4P/s400/blogger-image-625189760.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAcJdq0gio9Rh-uHKk6WaYy5f721NYZFDi432A0_Cr9VIecUvxLEUzTlqvhOnsqVuoEbnnTmmrQuHWvcmiILfeFri9S1eGMz6DuMUC9twWsyrXXXNpDntCs6a1rcM-CtYdruIrJHBCLuC/s640/blogger-image-1078463071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAcJdq0gio9Rh-uHKk6WaYy5f721NYZFDi432A0_Cr9VIecUvxLEUzTlqvhOnsqVuoEbnnTmmrQuHWvcmiILfeFri9S1eGMz6DuMUC9twWsyrXXXNpDntCs6a1rcM-CtYdruIrJHBCLuC/s400/blogger-image-1078463071.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After pointing out the careful details of the decoration and walking around the castle, our tour finally made our way down to the cellars and learned more about the wine we were going to taste. It was so fun seeing the rows and rows of barrels underground, and we made a stop to taste wine that was still fermenting.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJnRf7WzdIecDyhikkbA3NsQxWsssC9UyBP5ZggE3ZgZHLZ_jMo8d9KCs7KTkvw5U7iskzLpwvqli3LGWBXXerpCA6OlMOOwhL4tseHD5GrHPzetDq88vOe1p1tXRgzb2M6cuztxAjWyH/s640/blogger-image-508130644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJnRf7WzdIecDyhikkbA3NsQxWsssC9UyBP5ZggE3ZgZHLZ_jMo8d9KCs7KTkvw5U7iskzLpwvqli3LGWBXXerpCA6OlMOOwhL4tseHD5GrHPzetDq88vOe1p1tXRgzb2M6cuztxAjWyH/s400/blogger-image-508130644.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I1wHm_iO9cyiIvStado72Nfpf_6LA2Zmg72HygnSybA8aECHuXyRHlENBP_Dvhx06pv42U-7Eyao2C4zO1ysr_tJ4KXxOyRYSZegfaZrfhQ6USdHKui6Iu2gAgTzvGtI3a9n9TcATtYz/s640/blogger-image--354871036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9I1wHm_iO9cyiIvStado72Nfpf_6LA2Zmg72HygnSybA8aECHuXyRHlENBP_Dvhx06pv42U-7Eyao2C4zO1ysr_tJ4KXxOyRYSZegfaZrfhQ6USdHKui6Iu2gAgTzvGtI3a9n9TcATtYz/s400/blogger-image--354871036.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfrTLBWj9wUAb0b04UXvrnPLxI-5hIOvCRs3468H53RbXjMEagQiheEvdotltU61FTzIZlt4Bic09HThshlui4M7N5qxGN3yhmw12knfNyUHUEvjVBWByXITy1RiFWssXJtTcuXkhtI6j/s640/blogger-image-1114348237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEfrTLBWj9wUAb0b04UXvrnPLxI-5hIOvCRs3468H53RbXjMEagQiheEvdotltU61FTzIZlt4Bic09HThshlui4M7N5qxGN3yhmw12knfNyUHUEvjVBWByXITy1RiFWssXJtTcuXkhtI6j/s400/blogger-image-1114348237.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhwvnA8miIVfpLh1R0LAUltuwzw9Zf4UlZNTbqe1jElpH8WHSyBB-pu60JQEXInbWAIVltU7iuRmcv8B9oXQ6n_iXPsaq08rUgxDn2kThOhhf_BroVJU8A98UfSY6NAh7yhTVBe1Itd55/s640/blogger-image--1303711849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhwvnA8miIVfpLh1R0LAUltuwzw9Zf4UlZNTbqe1jElpH8WHSyBB-pu60JQEXInbWAIVltU7iuRmcv8B9oXQ6n_iXPsaq08rUgxDn2kThOhhf_BroVJU8A98UfSY6NAh7yhTVBe1Itd55/s400/blogger-image--1303711849.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Finally, it was time to actually wine taste! Scott splurged and bought us the better wine tasting package so we got to try a ton of different wines. The experience of being in a dimly lit wine cellar trying glasses of $80 bottles of wine in Napa was exhilarating and hilarious at the same time. Scott and I had fun acting fancier than we were while both admitting that at this point of in our lives wine tastes like wine. One exception was a dessert wine that tasted like "liquid gold," and I could have the whole bottle of sweet wine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyu1vpu4BtkErhOYmRnil16A9pIp-bnYIJGh2JpY2wnm6sQuMfTZLcUovZw3dfK17i-0EZDlkZhRg1ivRMNNrsFa74ytaL6ktkCpfc0eGa90LmocTNigJRyq5ABvUCcPayiytfqY8mVrR/s640/blogger-image-1199942705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTyu1vpu4BtkErhOYmRnil16A9pIp-bnYIJGh2JpY2wnm6sQuMfTZLcUovZw3dfK17i-0EZDlkZhRg1ivRMNNrsFa74ytaL6ktkCpfc0eGa90LmocTNigJRyq5ABvUCcPayiytfqY8mVrR/s400/blogger-image-1199942705.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbs9HD6hsuMV8MpGkiVMwA8Nhcep3j-78Z7f0HZZrlcUIat-IYIf278Qc874RYxNSDdoPSXrS9MlcQpQBOq3irN1fic6JMTZqppostxSwz8VcLKmq7zxUaSpNkxztLKODtwVCQ-HDdJ3ds/s640/blogger-image-1963752628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbs9HD6hsuMV8MpGkiVMwA8Nhcep3j-78Z7f0HZZrlcUIat-IYIf278Qc874RYxNSDdoPSXrS9MlcQpQBOq3irN1fic6JMTZqppostxSwz8VcLKmq7zxUaSpNkxztLKODtwVCQ-HDdJ3ds/s400/blogger-image-1963752628.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
Scott and I got caught up in our wine tasting experience and totally got sucked into the gift shop allure. We got three bottles of a Pinot Grigio that we had liked and I threw in an adorable wood box with the winery logo stamped on. I've had two bottles and the box decorating my room for so long, it's nice that I could finally give the gifts away today for Christmas! And I even have to admit the cute box looks even better in my Mom's kitchen.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO71wMOEMQbvOjK1FIsTXjr1WeW6shcYifAjpo8orI_nVU1gcM4xDYF012TlWaGa_-A2goCv1-YPnzr11oydW9XGGN0r4cfA0doeh-pQZvVBq5_DcXTQsYxxBV968sl9wiZTLS-4Yl699z/s640/blogger-image-757154507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO71wMOEMQbvOjK1FIsTXjr1WeW6shcYifAjpo8orI_nVU1gcM4xDYF012TlWaGa_-A2goCv1-YPnzr11oydW9XGGN0r4cfA0doeh-pQZvVBq5_DcXTQsYxxBV968sl9wiZTLS-4Yl699z/s400/blogger-image-757154507.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We ended our wine tasting trip back at the car, but not before sneaking a grape or two from the vine! </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfn87cN3Wx9mHpM9eW65Xvfp61OFABtMfWdsw1F2Ix2IPg2Aow2ZMvFdkA4Lp7Op1uVJcMip1j68y_wGncUoCOjryOfzWaYpzpPI0y0xilbfrIyo-BwAsezZjnSHxOS0M1zl4lt6exeTqR/s640/blogger-image--1184928558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfn87cN3Wx9mHpM9eW65Xvfp61OFABtMfWdsw1F2Ix2IPg2Aow2ZMvFdkA4Lp7Op1uVJcMip1j68y_wGncUoCOjryOfzWaYpzpPI0y0xilbfrIyo-BwAsezZjnSHxOS0M1zl4lt6exeTqR/s400/blogger-image--1184928558.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCt96gfDtlIV9psQuGb0IVKn6R1t71bd6mx7aKv5BNm7YdfhMJb1RswoGEtNCf543dMoRApxIIC47rN3iV1MTuNu8YHnuOV86fEmKlGhG0cZBTEOSPlEKa0g7-N6doVPl8yxD2UeP3e-a/s640/blogger-image-1446929098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCt96gfDtlIV9psQuGb0IVKn6R1t71bd6mx7aKv5BNm7YdfhMJb1RswoGEtNCf543dMoRApxIIC47rN3iV1MTuNu8YHnuOV86fEmKlGhG0cZBTEOSPlEKa0g7-N6doVPl8yxD2UeP3e-a/s400/blogger-image-1446929098.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The rest of the night was filled with lots and lots of sushi for dinner before checking into our hotel and watching some guilty pleasure reality TV. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next morning we started our drive back to SF with plans (by Scott) to stop in Petaluma for a fun lunch. We grabbed a patio seat at a restaurant right by the river that runs through the town. While eating we saw a little brewery across the water, and decided to check it out after we paid our check. Sitting on a patio now on the opposite side of the river, we tried a few beers including a sample of mead for the first time. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUJtIwntz5_vxDjbq5q75Hlm6ZIa29_JY4rPK3XaNEM-24r7PDa1CP3mL6Eh1NfniXE0nTl6mbDRESJdnYcbycqvf28C0Ufn8Ykavnp7wRxIVmy3cyhtnUEUCDLAmrxfdxyuPOvMPfIFh/s640/blogger-image--1172785668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUJtIwntz5_vxDjbq5q75Hlm6ZIa29_JY4rPK3XaNEM-24r7PDa1CP3mL6Eh1NfniXE0nTl6mbDRESJdnYcbycqvf28C0Ufn8Ykavnp7wRxIVmy3cyhtnUEUCDLAmrxfdxyuPOvMPfIFh/s400/blogger-image--1172785668.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAl1WXi5vg0NexgIUY4Zjw0TiiC6cVE9AkOUXPIkWuryJDEJb40yvFqVMudA-teAfTBIRXpFR9fX0vO-d-R2mpkfIpOZhA2mul5U6mUaZCt4HOPJspwJeJe7MvJidC8AfHXAOgh0gz_P0u/s640/blogger-image--1484585207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAl1WXi5vg0NexgIUY4Zjw0TiiC6cVE9AkOUXPIkWuryJDEJb40yvFqVMudA-teAfTBIRXpFR9fX0vO-d-R2mpkfIpOZhA2mul5U6mUaZCt4HOPJspwJeJe7MvJidC8AfHXAOgh0gz_P0u/s400/blogger-image--1484585207.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
We ended the weekend's little day trip by l<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">ooking through a few of the many antique shops that lined the downtown street before stopping at a retro ice cream parlor for some sundaes.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ54E53fiRL90k_hwT-cmcMUZCRM16bFKzN-Hxin6kyQ-kpQgHoGiP8U-OpKioLZHWF1F0-PlHRlovEGHvwt1RWcOTo0Gv_rOqbDhrD8xSZcDDcZpmZkEA8XYIItdpC3cHwJ3lrwbquQvY/s640/blogger-image--1555202606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ54E53fiRL90k_hwT-cmcMUZCRM16bFKzN-Hxin6kyQ-kpQgHoGiP8U-OpKioLZHWF1F0-PlHRlovEGHvwt1RWcOTo0Gv_rOqbDhrD8xSZcDDcZpmZkEA8XYIItdpC3cHwJ3lrwbquQvY/s400/blogger-image--1555202606.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Napa and Petaluma was a perfect mini trip and a fun part of exploring a new part of the Bay Area. It also makes me happy that I could turn an amazing weekend into a great story and gift for my Mom and grandparents during the holidays (especially if it means I get another glass)! Tis the season after all!</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-81475830180044526012014-10-24T18:35:00.000-07:002014-10-24T18:35:24.814-07:00A Summer in San FranciscoMy summer in San Francisco has been full of great memories. I've had spontaneous Beyonce fueled nights out, music festivals with my boyfriend, work adventures and trainings, trips to wine country, Giants games, and more than a few delicious restaurants.<br />
<br />
These past few weeks have also been filled with a traumatic family emergency at the beginning of September, and the only thing on my mind for the past five weeks has revolved around that. Although things are on the way up, I know that I will remember the more traumatic memories of my first summer in San Francisco before some of the great experiences I had. The best part of this blog is being able to look back and remember all the fun things I did or trips I've taken, so I'm going to back track a little and write about the amazing things I've done since I moved up to San Francisco.<br />
<br />
5 Highlights of Summer 2014:<br />
<br />
1. Spontaneous Beyonce Concert - Nothing feels more young and spontaneous than deciding to buy tickets to see Beyonce and Jay the morning of the concert. From our nosebleeds seats, we spent the whole concert dancing and fan girling out over Bey. Seeing Beyonce (and Jay Z for a second time) perform was the best last minute plans to ever happen on a Wednesday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjbDApIlasVlYP-S8uGnpCdE2hmkvfrlMrvuJkVMUsCvYiTAICTCBXPSq6rcuFObzWyI93y-8BjCMVR41ykdDb7LzUcoeL45oxoBHe2i_yTD6HGFyyLbREJzOXh84tdsYFMsymV1680cF/s640/blogger-image--366837452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwjbDApIlasVlYP-S8uGnpCdE2hmkvfrlMrvuJkVMUsCvYiTAICTCBXPSq6rcuFObzWyI93y-8BjCMVR41ykdDb7LzUcoeL45oxoBHe2i_yTD6HGFyyLbREJzOXh84tdsYFMsymV1680cF/s400/blogger-image--366837452.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
2. Outsidelands - A SF experience and summer festival done right. Also a belated anniversary celebration for Scott and I and worthy of a much longer post to unload a million pictures. But highlights were Arctic Monkeys, Flume, The Killers, and delicious Gilroy garlic Mac n cheese.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_LuLetQI6EeiCiJLp3yAr7373OHSxtFtGeKlM2cnyOHixERaeqLKA5HQ5t6IyKiUq4FGIqbs_xK6jTBKO7OwkTFwtOg1DJXGJSuG_XDiEIdNn1oOWC_LPP97M_3PW7LhIgISpT3dUBmV/s640/blogger-image-915557611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_LuLetQI6EeiCiJLp3yAr7373OHSxtFtGeKlM2cnyOHixERaeqLKA5HQ5t6IyKiUq4FGIqbs_xK6jTBKO7OwkTFwtOg1DJXGJSuG_XDiEIdNn1oOWC_LPP97M_3PW7LhIgISpT3dUBmV/s400/blogger-image-915557611.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
3. Ad Ops Work Trip to San Diego - After my hometown and Los Angeles, San Diego is one of the cities I've visited most (and I was just there for Comic Con!), but I have never experienced San Diego like I did for a work training. Spending a few days at the island resort Paradise Point with unusually warm and humid weather felt like taking a tropical vacation - except with a bunch of hilarious coworkers and an amazing company. Plus, beach volleyball was an activity, which always leaves me happy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD40hCSJwe0Rrr3GffjllWASZirSTtzXRnlmK7BZqfXPHBpzIHo00UV2q_GxZLHx5tSI4i0jHUfOZPQP_BwKaGvGja8IQdd_W2yRCbhtImbV2n-XqW2fWNp27K4p3qgCOp2H5yAnrY4t89/s640/blogger-image--1688346553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD40hCSJwe0Rrr3GffjllWASZirSTtzXRnlmK7BZqfXPHBpzIHo00UV2q_GxZLHx5tSI4i0jHUfOZPQP_BwKaGvGja8IQdd_W2yRCbhtImbV2n-XqW2fWNp27K4p3qgCOp2H5yAnrY4t89/s400/blogger-image--1688346553.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
4. Exploring Golden Gate Park - I only live a few blocks away, but it took me a few weeks to get off the main roads during a sunny (unusual) after work run. All of a sudden I found myself on forest paths, running by lakes, and checking out views of the Golden Gate Bridge. So, of course I had to go back a few times with my new wolf friend.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj484lP9P6bDsrfV8OUdcn-RK0dsFctYFVP6CbQvqsDtwQm4hHuQ4YbXyoPg5F8ENiGU7hJ2EQ936oUY6OPE4DLHpIwR80duGUhHDXa8_gTChJFRFnYuu_QR2b5S8UX0yR9ahH2RqL8ifuE/s640/blogger-image--1588634645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj484lP9P6bDsrfV8OUdcn-RK0dsFctYFVP6CbQvqsDtwQm4hHuQ4YbXyoPg5F8ENiGU7hJ2EQ936oUY6OPE4DLHpIwR80duGUhHDXa8_gTChJFRFnYuu_QR2b5S8UX0yR9ahH2RqL8ifuE/s400/blogger-image--1588634645.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
5. Belated Birthday trip to with Scott - Also deserving of another post. Scott whisked me away on a romantic trip to Napa and Petaluma for the weekend where we wine tasted $80 bottles and felt particularly classy.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho6dVeG1r88kWK733fAuKSP8COBBdTLersuhqFSqt9L_vL9MT5ChqUH-hTBObsx0-jO01MoYsyDVsmqPc-bJSVY8MGZ3TDQ80WFHW3d3GHQsIJ3FYCM62L4GHQvP7EqN8fJXYHu-4Dr3G/s640/blogger-image--270763403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho6dVeG1r88kWK733fAuKSP8COBBdTLersuhqFSqt9L_vL9MT5ChqUH-hTBObsx0-jO01MoYsyDVsmqPc-bJSVY8MGZ3TDQ80WFHW3d3GHQsIJ3FYCM62L4GHQvP7EqN8fJXYHu-4Dr3G/s400/blogger-image--270763403.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm excited to bring blogging back as I'm officially into my post grad life. There's a lot of good things happening, and even more things to be grateful about.</div>
Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-74103585875744655012014-09-02T21:06:00.000-07:002014-09-02T21:06:05.733-07:00Comic Con Road TripScott has been going to Comic Con since high school, and my jealously has been slowly growing each year. I've gone from not watching any TV in high school to slowly developing a (too?) large amount of dedicated shows that I can quote and happily discuss. From a Game of Thrones obsession (Kahlessi) to casually doing Troy and Abed's friendship hand shake, my dedication to the shows that Scott and I watch has grown exponentially. In the last year or two, I've decided that some way or another I was going to join Scott and experience the nerdiness myself. Even better, this year one of my best friends from college was going to be there working at Marvel's booth.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvabdoPnzPM5DteMT7ZRPbvqbdMKeJsmrvpN-d_Jah23M16LumeRs0WN_C-Th63k-5GNWsBRP4Urkdu1w0O7_1ct-dPc9lHbMNQk4SxCVaeIMfzadEqOUEjWhn-MLaklD8OAsMWMAzJENc/s1600/P1020785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvabdoPnzPM5DteMT7ZRPbvqbdMKeJsmrvpN-d_Jah23M16LumeRs0WN_C-Th63k-5GNWsBRP4Urkdu1w0O7_1ct-dPc9lHbMNQk4SxCVaeIMfzadEqOUEjWhn-MLaklD8OAsMWMAzJENc/s1600/P1020785.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After pulling some strings, Scott got us tickets for Saturday. Once I heard the news, I made an appropriate Game of Thrones T shirt purchase (You know nothing, John Snow) and started planning.<br />
<br />
Our brilliant plan was to drive down to San Diego after we both finished work on Friday. I got off a few hours early to make it to San Jose, and by 6pm we were in a car full of snacks and slight delusions about the length of the drive. Luckily, we've mastered road trips with a formula of rediscovering songs from high school and making an In -n- Out stop at Kettleman city for dinner. All it took was a little caffeine and finding some country radio stations, and we finally managed to roll into Encinitas at 1am.<br />
<br />
While we had plans to get up early, the long car ride had taken its toll and we waited until a few minutes before the con started to slip inside. We were really lucky to get some free passes in exchange for helping out at opening and closing through Scott's family friend, so after hanging around at the booth for a bit, it was time to explore.<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Bgc0sIYDHa_38X0tHWOJ1LteLWX0j4pA4T9HK2xCopg-VpENCio7d_sYhag3iiPSGi05M2Mj3mTPp8JdZXVUNQTnCDQAOW-PcA4VNR0KYuVHcDlNlDiM0u3CuSaX5gk1fQ-xk2S-VghF/s1600/P1020777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Bgc0sIYDHa_38X0tHWOJ1LteLWX0j4pA4T9HK2xCopg-VpENCio7d_sYhag3iiPSGi05M2Mj3mTPp8JdZXVUNQTnCDQAOW-PcA4VNR0KYuVHcDlNlDiM0u3CuSaX5gk1fQ-xk2S-VghF/s1600/P1020777.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My first impression was that Comic Con literally had the best people watching I think I've ever seen in my life. While not everyone was in costume, there were all types of outfits out there that ranged from impressive and expensive to extremely questionable. Besides an impressive GOT cosplay, it was more fun to watch and <strike>judge</strike> discuss the outfits with Scott than take any pictures.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hrg2O4_IjukhxnaxYiEdLrX8-Nu75HFKYsLc4qftmp-9LYODXqrbtckVmD2WCCXPR-AKn9zq49zjBVT4tBzo34In4KwC09JmhEarsK6-rtVn1R_UmvfK77WwCYF8W63hemCb-6GnmyGT/s1600/P1020779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7hrg2O4_IjukhxnaxYiEdLrX8-Nu75HFKYsLc4qftmp-9LYODXqrbtckVmD2WCCXPR-AKn9zq49zjBVT4tBzo34In4KwC09JmhEarsK6-rtVn1R_UmvfK77WwCYF8W63hemCb-6GnmyGT/s1600/P1020779.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The actual expo itself was a little overwhelming during the first walk through. There were lines, people pushing, and a bunch of things/booths that I didn't recognize. But I still managed to grab a creepy photo (it's a special talent), see the cast of Arrow (I only have seen a few episodes from when my brother had a control of the TV after his wisdom teeth, but that is a beautiful man), and walk by the man behind The Oatmeal (who is also good looking?! What about all that talk about the blerg?).</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZFegiMGBrzXG5_N7Q7dVTBCOOHBq9qQ4obNVbV51l9QEGJrbLu4EP-R3MQUZxvV1BG0EatIzSvnk3DSu_Ntbn-Dayi-F2kmLs6Y0rOH1PODUy58rd7sL6_J_7c04SuiUgscYy7nOr7mq/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBZFegiMGBrzXG5_N7Q7dVTBCOOHBq9qQ4obNVbV51l9QEGJrbLu4EP-R3MQUZxvV1BG0EatIzSvnk3DSu_Ntbn-Dayi-F2kmLs6Y0rOH1PODUy58rd7sL6_J_7c04SuiUgscYy7nOr7mq/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yBQf1J8vYX1gFQiFu3GRSWmWL1mPxHIpuWGA-iXfuala7Ut2rcR6iuaY0GTD1I3mt2apCQfBM0pPiT_8NHIiFsIKoh1ta42g0ue-sFIZupCUWQa1Ltyl8SxfQ3_YmiB3soyYUOKQhQm9/s1600/P1020778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yBQf1J8vYX1gFQiFu3GRSWmWL1mPxHIpuWGA-iXfuala7Ut2rcR6iuaY0GTD1I3mt2apCQfBM0pPiT_8NHIiFsIKoh1ta42g0ue-sFIZupCUWQa1Ltyl8SxfQ3_YmiB3soyYUOKQhQm9/s1600/P1020778.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Once we were back at our booth, Scott and I made a game plan for our next couple of hours. We decided to sit in on a panel for Grimm since we had finally caught up on the season finale the weekend before. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were able to get into the conference room quickly, and listened to the Family Guy (funny) then American Dad (so awkward and quiet) panels before Grimm came on. Since it's not crazy popular, it was awesome to see the entire cast at the panel and be pretty close to the front. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ym5N9TE1wknSblhtZKybfKemD05kQ152t6bNr8VmnqWBVuaPiTyo5aKQodk-BBvBrTPf9Dd2n9_aVuVKymqqCUqs_YvAaqcbH4_aTVJ9V_ihzeKafFP3nfEmDeTxzhbMHe5pVdSLxlkP/s1600/P1020783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ym5N9TE1wknSblhtZKybfKemD05kQ152t6bNr8VmnqWBVuaPiTyo5aKQodk-BBvBrTPf9Dd2n9_aVuVKymqqCUqs_YvAaqcbH4_aTVJ9V_ihzeKafFP3nfEmDeTxzhbMHe5pVdSLxlkP/s1600/P1020783.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaDBgjj6wQkFg5Y-wSmMdiqugTcmcYk3BhNMcNIQpWt4SIerqncNRWHSD6hmdYYtKuLle-aKXm3ZZ_8uJCEq2TtyMGFdCUf16rPSK_mr1Qnlcn-Jd7OVPOWV8LJDVWwDzwJH5P-IvCsjM/s1600/P1020780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaaDBgjj6wQkFg5Y-wSmMdiqugTcmcYk3BhNMcNIQpWt4SIerqncNRWHSD6hmdYYtKuLle-aKXm3ZZ_8uJCEq2TtyMGFdCUf16rPSK_mr1Qnlcn-Jd7OVPOWV8LJDVWwDzwJH5P-IvCsjM/s1600/P1020780.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After, Scott and I headed back down to the main area in an attempt to say hi to my friend at Marvel. Instead we stumbled upon the Avengers signing, and with a boost from Scott (best boyfriend ever), I saw Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, and Colbie Smulders in all their good looking glory. My day was made, and luckily I was able to stop by and say hi an hour later once the mob died down. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The rest of our time at Comic Con was spent grabbing some food from Ralph's before helping to close the booth we were working at. Although I think Scott and I were both exhausted, we had big plans to go out in the gas lamp district.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
We swung by Point Loma to pick up Scott's friend, and wandered around downtown San Diego until we decided to try out Lucky Bastard. We grabbed beers and a booth and hung out until Maddie swung by for a half an hour. Eventually, we called it a night and headed back to Encinitas with a lazy Sunday and long drive ahead of us the next day. It was a perfect mini trip to San Diego, and a check off the bucket list that I hope to cross off next year. </div>
Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-61200005989057169012014-08-14T23:18:00.001-07:002014-08-14T23:50:22.561-07:00I Got It From My MommaI was looking forward to my Mom coming for weeks! As an early birthday present she was flying up from LA to spend my third weekend in SF with me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQSzMsMT1Octh98MYZAtThmlDU1bYDKhNBpScmwsIOZsr_jk1C8sX9o2vhWItblgKdR4Bbk9KLdjl8Gb8kOKPHGedK5ZHQ9DbkCT8Kf295Ivhi5JdFXoLX91lUX7qAuBbmFO8Adef6Mbi/s1600/IMG_0296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQSzMsMT1Octh98MYZAtThmlDU1bYDKhNBpScmwsIOZsr_jk1C8sX9o2vhWItblgKdR4Bbk9KLdjl8Gb8kOKPHGedK5ZHQ9DbkCT8Kf295Ivhi5JdFXoLX91lUX7qAuBbmFO8Adef6Mbi/s1600/IMG_0296.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Moving to San Francisco was not an easy transition. Although I was excited and nervous to start my job, I had a million other things on my mind. My first priority was finding an apartment to rent as soon as possible. I made the five hour drive up to San Jose in a car packed to the brim with suitcases stacked together with tetris like precision. After meeting up with Scott, we drove around the city with everything I owned in the trunk, looking at places I found on craigslist. It was not an easy experience (one apartment used to be a massage room, no thank you), but luckily the next day, I met with some friends of a friend in Inner Sunset and decided in 10 minutes that I would be moving in later that week.<br />
<br />
An hour drive back down to San Jose and a celebratory call to my mom later, I was headed down to San Diego with Scott for his graduation party. There we had a few drinks, I said my real and official goodbye to the family, and made the official drive back up to the bay on Sunday.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bIOh8CGoNQ5KWKPQNC2ASl6U5YrxhYOHUznVtaWvptPLbsT-Cavpo5uQ8DdLchSy8LqPueXmCZK3LdrUI_VBr2dhbCVuQDDfOeXocCqxgZtOvcC3PuxaGBLAP5yybrd9h-Wwd3-sbyMy/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bIOh8CGoNQ5KWKPQNC2ASl6U5YrxhYOHUznVtaWvptPLbsT-Cavpo5uQ8DdLchSy8LqPueXmCZK3LdrUI_VBr2dhbCVuQDDfOeXocCqxgZtOvcC3PuxaGBLAP5yybrd9h-Wwd3-sbyMy/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The following week was a whirlwind of starting my first week of work ever, living out of my car, signing leases, and shacking up with a sorority sister. Finally, I moved into my new apartment complete with only a bed, mattress cover, blanket, and pillows.<br />
<br />
Needless to say my first two weekends proved a little busy, as I slowly pulled my apartment together and tried to get everything in order. So, I could not have been more excited knowing that my Mom was flying up to visit for my third weekend in the city. Not only was it going to be great seeing her, but it finally was a weekend where I could play tourist in my brand new home (instead of spending all weekend attempting to put together Ikea furniture).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1P-DFPTgPHgzpNVeDTleqIuMs5qmPpe00h5Mh5W5-6IhFBSwya_iJjlv2ihaVfDjwqVuA0pCoXFmQcORpG4_ac-v4ViVk6JbN8WJH7lvgmzXCIjyTzYF69M_0rf1btrGZVEoUT10sHTwr/s1600/IMG_1722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1P-DFPTgPHgzpNVeDTleqIuMs5qmPpe00h5Mh5W5-6IhFBSwya_iJjlv2ihaVfDjwqVuA0pCoXFmQcORpG4_ac-v4ViVk6JbN8WJH7lvgmzXCIjyTzYF69M_0rf1btrGZVEoUT10sHTwr/s1600/IMG_1722.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Scott and I picked up my Mom bright and early from the San Francisco airport, and headed to my apartment to grab food<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">. A quick look around and we were off for breakfast at a tiny local brunch restaurant. Art's Cafe is a single bar breakfast place, that is known for it's delicious hash browns (and cheap food!). My Mom and I shared an omelet with hash browns, and almost ordered more, but decided to save our appetite for the rest of the food ahead.</span><br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5XkyGqTmw9GD_owWonHUey-ZiZV_3zary_dX5VJhByuSL_dqdZXYX2G3l1WFzfjaEIAQdY1NFslORgVz1WklEh1BYQ0yPzmZbZV9WdSgAmxDxgIplr_9WuvR3z3pQtren28-0C28TqVI/s1600/P1000328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN5XkyGqTmw9GD_owWonHUey-ZiZV_3zary_dX5VJhByuSL_dqdZXYX2G3l1WFzfjaEIAQdY1NFslORgVz1WklEh1BYQ0yPzmZbZV9WdSgAmxDxgIplr_9WuvR3z3pQtren28-0C28TqVI/s1600/P1000328.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfne4YYOsKTnV2fXwXHPp6RuvvOsHPRcbJe7Q4aqoMqADXzmtcYUFIqr99gGcXxQPZlTvbbnR3N8sDaPmfBvF9COnH-qtl1hxSdq1W54ULeymVNCQW0un29m3EOAE_DAWU_E9b4axDlOL9/s1600/P1000329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfne4YYOsKTnV2fXwXHPp6RuvvOsHPRcbJe7Q4aqoMqADXzmtcYUFIqr99gGcXxQPZlTvbbnR3N8sDaPmfBvF9COnH-qtl1hxSdq1W54ULeymVNCQW0un29m3EOAE_DAWU_E9b4axDlOL9/s1600/P1000329.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Scott was nice enough to drive us around, and we started our day off at the Golden Gate bridge to walk part of it and take tons of pictures. Our next stop, was Fisherman's Wharf for clam chowder bread bowls and hanging out outside to enjoy the rare sunny day. After lunch, we decided to work off breakfast and took a long hike up to Chinatown. We enjoyed the sun, and passed by Lombard street, and checked out the shops selling jade carvings and whole fried geese.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi12Qxi1DFBFjCFe5LMdVNyx7fmpIhf-kF8HZgnYvOJo1Oei7zH7gCdSGpRnaUVlU9CrhkyIWmvWzg5xxPy3dMbyWabt6kCMF952vggtd9cpaWi0z-BG3swvBWIZbpU0e2y4mhXj7mZHcA/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi12Qxi1DFBFjCFe5LMdVNyx7fmpIhf-kF8HZgnYvOJo1Oei7zH7gCdSGpRnaUVlU9CrhkyIWmvWzg5xxPy3dMbyWabt6kCMF952vggtd9cpaWi0z-BG3swvBWIZbpU0e2y4mhXj7mZHcA/s1600/IMG_0288.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbjmB5OG4ozH6XW1MrK9jYY1jG6jz_5efNOkLkbx-DMCHl1eYHPa09Jxz6AzFVbSyu5gKk0iqaFT1zg7T0v8eVtRjW0w0FdHfhyaYSq3VUar-EOOLZlZsnoi3BfSYiMxlCJLwE3xV2Bnw/s1600/P1000340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPbjmB5OG4ozH6XW1MrK9jYY1jG6jz_5efNOkLkbx-DMCHl1eYHPa09Jxz6AzFVbSyu5gKk0iqaFT1zg7T0v8eVtRjW0w0FdHfhyaYSq3VUar-EOOLZlZsnoi3BfSYiMxlCJLwE3xV2Bnw/s1600/P1000340.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSgiADz2YNzqlZaPG_MmmGR8WgH-HE9U120OE4mPHQj_1vSg77sQdIEe_8einBYf3y0EC85GCSOyUy8NW_wvHo6Hl-4zkYqMWXaIgoaKn2wdztwZTPpJXX-nL5_yX5msI2PXonN-uRJ9A/s1600/IMG_1726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSgiADz2YNzqlZaPG_MmmGR8WgH-HE9U120OE4mPHQj_1vSg77sQdIEe_8einBYf3y0EC85GCSOyUy8NW_wvHo6Hl-4zkYqMWXaIgoaKn2wdztwZTPpJXX-nL5_yX5msI2PXonN-uRJ9A/s1600/IMG_1726.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LpWbkPMzOM1VkJUuCH522WY-x3hHN3nMvip-PHRcNBer0-udHtEZIi-OqfeWV3S0exVTEQ6_a1ilxPNh5EMmL7_5BQg3ZiC9f1kLXSGV0aY9_zP2BEIekRWSUhgpHOHDf0xGNwUHLthm/s1600/IMG_1727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LpWbkPMzOM1VkJUuCH522WY-x3hHN3nMvip-PHRcNBer0-udHtEZIi-OqfeWV3S0exVTEQ6_a1ilxPNh5EMmL7_5BQg3ZiC9f1kLXSGV0aY9_zP2BEIekRWSUhgpHOHDf0xGNwUHLthm/s1600/IMG_1727.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEXfQEcJvGtpPdwkNybDgkz8WBfmdQ7TJW2cUnxnM2mZd0WN5ECD2HZhb7T4CJniHy-J3U-Oe2v8kv6UHR4Iyi-E7bK1XaDWv1tJotRfHVOOfASokcOz8aAP-HqKD88a66YmOaafAiQeH/s1600/IMG_1729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEXfQEcJvGtpPdwkNybDgkz8WBfmdQ7TJW2cUnxnM2mZd0WN5ECD2HZhb7T4CJniHy-J3U-Oe2v8kv6UHR4Iyi-E7bK1XaDWv1tJotRfHVOOfASokcOz8aAP-HqKD88a66YmOaafAiQeH/s1600/IMG_1729.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRYuK9BJTK9iwfhvkN3qXHQ4yzFg78hkQTbtdaXObgQKFV4Rnm8OmwGRh0TSNLzkTovLoqf52sj9WvsRKI1APBNZ-mdr6Tyy_MsItJ5sKwDcHMdvYOqsny0ZM1c_6YS4jw_5ggjHuniuC/s1600/IMG_1730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRYuK9BJTK9iwfhvkN3qXHQ4yzFg78hkQTbtdaXObgQKFV4Rnm8OmwGRh0TSNLzkTovLoqf52sj9WvsRKI1APBNZ-mdr6Tyy_MsItJ5sKwDcHMdvYOqsny0ZM1c_6YS4jw_5ggjHuniuC/s1600/IMG_1730.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLmZsc4AkhF2lwFiHaLRZeEC_LYMgAXWNpWVURI8AMuKmpw5-cRw1vleTRry3SSYlLoNN4fXcvZVqDrN2tSOy4USiwkD1RMP1KWCKdyThxjrfMQp-2KXCnytY7w__Y2qcrzedCgQ03FRp/s1600/P1000354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLmZsc4AkhF2lwFiHaLRZeEC_LYMgAXWNpWVURI8AMuKmpw5-cRw1vleTRry3SSYlLoNN4fXcvZVqDrN2tSOy4USiwkD1RMP1KWCKdyThxjrfMQp-2KXCnytY7w__Y2qcrzedCgQ03FRp/s1600/P1000354.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
My Mom's first activity on her to do list was to ride a cable car in SF. We were lucky enough to unknowingly skip the huge lines and prices by jumping on at the Chinatown stop, and were<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> literally holding on tight as we hung off the side. Once we made it back to the wharf area, we headed straight for Ghiradelli Square where my Mom and I shared and inhaled a salted carmel sundae.</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc09YbIG1qLXcg1b5VIGXbtqLwqJy7MQ9yuBbdrhA1RuT76i2kh3xLpqavt8hglqZJJjzTkGChOTZDHtbxqo1tw1-U7ia9iiFlZhclKlsSt9WiiZDDQ3adEmxwGJTdadiah7aY-zsOCqBU/s1600/IMG_1732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc09YbIG1qLXcg1b5VIGXbtqLwqJy7MQ9yuBbdrhA1RuT76i2kh3xLpqavt8hglqZJJjzTkGChOTZDHtbxqo1tw1-U7ia9iiFlZhclKlsSt9WiiZDDQ3adEmxwGJTdadiah7aY-zsOCqBU/s1600/IMG_1732.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNofqvYW-EUloDK2Jyq7SaT7f0Rs9ZD5TmfG9ULM9xGUhvIbucKelK5_nconwhN3oqYRdgbvQZjvXaQPNQb-cxjiHZxT_5Ktp379m9VbgQWowoEz_8RkBt3yT3yoc20UgCmCYFR_dOCv5/s1600/P1000358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNofqvYW-EUloDK2Jyq7SaT7f0Rs9ZD5TmfG9ULM9xGUhvIbucKelK5_nconwhN3oqYRdgbvQZjvXaQPNQb-cxjiHZxT_5Ktp379m9VbgQWowoEz_8RkBt3yT3yoc20UgCmCYFR_dOCv5/s1600/P1000358.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Soon, it was time to check into our hotel. As excited as I was to have an apartment in the city and a new couch, I was even more excited to stay in a fancy hotel with my Mom. Scott dropped us off at the hotel, and we had just enough time to run up to our room, get excited about the "Happy Birthday" bottle of champagne, and make it to the free happy hour in time for a few glasses of wine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1M2oHmXzGaZ4s9qBD-Y_GFy_jc9JxRQqetzXeeR0ud8w1UjU5kCnoj7NmhQwEFYchF3XlLMP_RKG792sC-0PyK27NPpHqufq53R5g43DwIyb8kI9W0ayT4m_jkl6lJ9ETYUsUi2HDP2-/s1600/IMG_1735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1M2oHmXzGaZ4s9qBD-Y_GFy_jc9JxRQqetzXeeR0ud8w1UjU5kCnoj7NmhQwEFYchF3XlLMP_RKG792sC-0PyK27NPpHqufq53R5g43DwIyb8kI9W0ayT4m_jkl6lJ9ETYUsUi2HDP2-/s1600/IMG_1735.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_CagoKQgS7-lBCsmIrDlXS3YNWVw_s7q9V7kOAb11zj_LKEhuXjRj8bkPhko_A6OWhxDt747ja0biigOpRMBvSVtsSg_WbvjEHiCJk1oIL0w3ltgrB3riYEUXkAOhyrM9eWk3WMX9god/s1600/P1000359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc_CagoKQgS7-lBCsmIrDlXS3YNWVw_s7q9V7kOAb11zj_LKEhuXjRj8bkPhko_A6OWhxDt747ja0biigOpRMBvSVtsSg_WbvjEHiCJk1oIL0w3ltgrB3riYEUXkAOhyrM9eWk3WMX9god/s1600/P1000359.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW2aaQJD07Y23UpSiKx1JLmYuz-ZAnz501b_AlZVT0FRQCnmdGpvmLvcliSEYpj504uXjT2OyARjypd3hh1J4dHYCynUMXbIX7v0-f2vrMjUnjHRmbTTD2TOGlHwme6vFPMy3rmlR7cLl/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTW2aaQJD07Y23UpSiKx1JLmYuz-ZAnz501b_AlZVT0FRQCnmdGpvmLvcliSEYpj504uXjT2OyARjypd3hh1J4dHYCynUMXbIX7v0-f2vrMjUnjHRmbTTD2TOGlHwme6vFPMy3rmlR7cLl/s1600/IMG_1734.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was the ideal amount of wine to help ignore the cold while hopping back on the trolley to North Beach in a little black dress. From that point on, we had a classic night in the city and one of my top two nights out in SF. From befriending the owners of a small Italian seafood restaurants, and managing to bypass the two hour wait, to tisply devouring a steaming bowl of cioppino. Filled to the brim with seafood, eating at Sotto Mare was the best food decision I've made in the city to date. We grabbed a photo of us sitting at the booth before rushing off to our next activity.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ1LeQw8_wDlK9dM13cqsW1s5g_YjxLTgmZG0AduLBFWyNH1_d7boIMcbgOEk6QZD2J1GzT2dzNktThUEkb9r_ezCcWjZoWOL5bgc-5CNyZDuhLixdA4bgIvKDQWbuzjapxgCPLScXwh-/s1600/IMG_0302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJ1LeQw8_wDlK9dM13cqsW1s5g_YjxLTgmZG0AduLBFWyNH1_d7boIMcbgOEk6QZD2J1GzT2dzNktThUEkb9r_ezCcWjZoWOL5bgc-5CNyZDuhLixdA4bgIvKDQWbuzjapxgCPLScXwh-/s1600/IMG_0302.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLnmWLgTg2J4jqmE4xwjCiiE85sx_i5aed2LcrM23lMonMgcvEWM4k7I_Yg88yOeVQR0OwOdtfTdO4HalXwTmS_tpgRWx1bCVPPDN14HX5M_mKj46obpfTDhJ5M_44ubD7BDXpm9ye7F4/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLnmWLgTg2J4jqmE4xwjCiiE85sx_i5aed2LcrM23lMonMgcvEWM4k7I_Yg88yOeVQR0OwOdtfTdO4HalXwTmS_tpgRWx1bCVPPDN14HX5M_mKj46obpfTDhJ5M_44ubD7BDXpm9ye7F4/s1600/IMG_0305.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uVAlXz0wVFTry45ut-gfYtjzpwYJeZaPHQaK2xVZukxwEhoBhXgjD-uksLXhfPnRfusT9yH2IxMtEE4ZTwNbCV85cBuLybmvLLbnwnLSeirYOWUQfcASeybh1zn52_ct79k9l6UFP82J/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uVAlXz0wVFTry45ut-gfYtjzpwYJeZaPHQaK2xVZukxwEhoBhXgjD-uksLXhfPnRfusT9yH2IxMtEE4ZTwNbCV85cBuLybmvLLbnwnLSeirYOWUQfcASeybh1zn52_ct79k9l6UFP82J/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My mom had been told to go see Beach City Babylon by her friend and had bought us tickets in advance. I hadn't heard anything about it or done any research, so I walked into the theatre not expecting anything. I was blown away by the performance and spent the whole time laughing. The costumes were amazing (and amusing) and the pop culture references were hilarious. Afterwards, I introduced my mom to the wonders of Uber and we grabbed a ride back to the hotel. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm7DlUzB9n1UczeWwnQvZbbb8Ebq7HRPyu1sTgWFZ9XQmqwRjGq3LffKytCpIuLCysE24xyVdSZLBhEYI_LjYhyIghKrAoopOqtAZodnQ7FwOvr2pp_g5gHG8GMGrVgbXAjq-rxnsX4Ek/s1600/IMG_1740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjm7DlUzB9n1UczeWwnQvZbbb8Ebq7HRPyu1sTgWFZ9XQmqwRjGq3LffKytCpIuLCysE24xyVdSZLBhEYI_LjYhyIghKrAoopOqtAZodnQ7FwOvr2pp_g5gHG8GMGrVgbXAjq-rxnsX4Ek/s1600/IMG_1740.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKFBH2kMHJJbAhYYQz-Y7G9AO4pvJV5S9wZQZB5hBCgtSoiEbZi0imBSmYW33fUzj0_M_TJAPddJ6bOXHsSbkE9U5c81BEHIHy56gmmawgONQbnsP_j5I9wd-n34Yl4We8RT7iqG-jEGf/s1600/IMG_1742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKFBH2kMHJJbAhYYQz-Y7G9AO4pvJV5S9wZQZB5hBCgtSoiEbZi0imBSmYW33fUzj0_M_TJAPddJ6bOXHsSbkE9U5c81BEHIHy56gmmawgONQbnsP_j5I9wd-n34Yl4We8RT7iqG-jEGf/s1600/IMG_1742.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The next morning we sadly checked out of the hotel and shared an omelette at a neighboring diner. A quick walk around Union Square and a tour of the area where I work, and we were off on MUNI back to my apartment where maternal instincts took over and my Mom helped mop my floors to get rid of the ridiculous amount of dog hair in my room. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrbddXZtixA2sVIl-2oX4x_HoLzKXIpEhoHAMb2Hd94_KI8jjxKtC55d7_0rThe7WBwT8zS8AgFhb4Uly9yw8LmgGY3gfO28NjO5AO1d9Hum5qdW0Bd7yoxPTmn6iSqctET6ISAn3xoQD/s1600/IMG_0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrbddXZtixA2sVIl-2oX4x_HoLzKXIpEhoHAMb2Hd94_KI8jjxKtC55d7_0rThe7WBwT8zS8AgFhb4Uly9yw8LmgGY3gfO28NjO5AO1d9Hum5qdW0Bd7yoxPTmn6iSqctET6ISAn3xoQD/s1600/IMG_0308.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAruzfn-TN-Jy_HW_sGdX4iLYkPNUTB-5Sq5UpilIZQV5K33yISrdNunC261KnZ5NhIUplwT10b12ilze_A_hwX8wOZR1yKwkpe9Q4kWsAwAK9kIbvfvytgzVNkrFgwz1UfIQDVxkmSwl/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAruzfn-TN-Jy_HW_sGdX4iLYkPNUTB-5Sq5UpilIZQV5K33yISrdNunC261KnZ5NhIUplwT10b12ilze_A_hwX8wOZR1yKwkpe9Q4kWsAwAK9kIbvfvytgzVNkrFgwz1UfIQDVxkmSwl/s1600/IMG_0321.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The rest of the day was spent fighting off tourist for a quick photo opp of the Japanese tea garden, before walking back to my place stopping only for a late lunch and dessert at La Boulange.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ve38cZ6CXOl0I_A2cmfy0a4j3CfWL6F67W0s2Zk4hinf7ofeJSZE2x4-UXZKNuje45TjHVRlxBF0-jWqdaQs17eBx-1mA6MaBLiHWwFSkHRj8G4qtxhMZrxAo5IZ5qbckkl8JNojNo7o/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ve38cZ6CXOl0I_A2cmfy0a4j3CfWL6F67W0s2Zk4hinf7ofeJSZE2x4-UXZKNuje45TjHVRlxBF0-jWqdaQs17eBx-1mA6MaBLiHWwFSkHRj8G4qtxhMZrxAo5IZ5qbckkl8JNojNo7o/s1600/IMG_0323.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint6oBM5wMdQnFXNCuGDpSS1nG3Pug6k25cVYtIzq1fcEEMFRp9Y2_-0qlcpU1lScc-gOZqwwI6Ev5IQIh8MiZbZb2KPCHq-7fDL9QGnQ7_ax9YIUgIRJFsbX-nUfZzIHXzEx_fVPJRpbq/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEint6oBM5wMdQnFXNCuGDpSS1nG3Pug6k25cVYtIzq1fcEEMFRp9Y2_-0qlcpU1lScc-gOZqwwI6Ev5IQIh8MiZbZb2KPCHq-7fDL9QGnQ7_ax9YIUgIRJFsbX-nUfZzIHXzEx_fVPJRpbq/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha81DLj3qP55FOa4qa5qRY9TVMs5acNTuycMtn8fNUDdTo-V6DbBzVKCG82uW5mn_fFRN9PbVKfuwCscz7iYzsRUPp5G1BBPlK-OTbW5eec71QYYYuGDwF3TETzwSDSUAM6dUfmU3-m40K/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha81DLj3qP55FOa4qa5qRY9TVMs5acNTuycMtn8fNUDdTo-V6DbBzVKCG82uW5mn_fFRN9PbVKfuwCscz7iYzsRUPp5G1BBPlK-OTbW5eec71QYYYuGDwF3TETzwSDSUAM6dUfmU3-m40K/s1600/IMG_0326.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was sad driving back to the airport, but it was one of my favorite weekends in the Bay Area to date! I'm so happy my Mom could help me celebrate my birthday a little early and see my new start in SF.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-16893919100479822692014-06-28T01:10:00.000-07:002014-06-28T01:12:24.410-07:00Suprise!This beach loving, SoCal native has gotten a job in the tech industry and moved to San Francisco! The apartment has been found, the first real weekend has been reached, and the bags are (slowly) being unpacked. It's time for new adventures!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5zqMr3fkTYfgOIRep2QGgQAkoVPhtAvKTNsg8oXGgVyqh8cru18aIuIzrVmMqm6kxix-qQ_lcoGvZItIoHtUqJibYZF6b5E1eVQLZAdFiSAWR71Us8q9VDosL5L-dfpIzsWHif3QEpVG/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5zqMr3fkTYfgOIRep2QGgQAkoVPhtAvKTNsg8oXGgVyqh8cru18aIuIzrVmMqm6kxix-qQ_lcoGvZItIoHtUqJibYZF6b5E1eVQLZAdFiSAWR71Us8q9VDosL5L-dfpIzsWHif3QEpVG/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfd3fY0DIzvtLq_ME_zZPHegs4PnNESw83DODljsLGyQQXM08H9ptTHgkXLpyUt1HRmxKnBKpvBp2xlGChynQNQp8JjmiLEDvOrBCW8u00ksF-0tY1NZC4ZGnCA_VQXIQRdHVngOt5IoOK/s1600/P1020762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfd3fY0DIzvtLq_ME_zZPHegs4PnNESw83DODljsLGyQQXM08H9ptTHgkXLpyUt1HRmxKnBKpvBp2xlGChynQNQp8JjmiLEDvOrBCW8u00ksF-0tY1NZC4ZGnCA_VQXIQRdHVngOt5IoOK/s1600/P1020762.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<br />Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-50425664253893773762014-05-29T17:51:00.000-07:002014-05-29T18:32:01.709-07:00College Graduation"Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."<br>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMAxfwTtmPkdczU9bMdLRBLUt2GkzKRQgyUpPXbik1mZ1V858mQizYjiUJkD5xm-YcloWO1OqLzYlfeo8sYNrqm_E4-3zjOTvJX3UnpoiBYukt2yVTmwFM3RC4AJQGFuyNxClfK0sH8Nf/s1600/10304872_10201210781991984_7416448301279003229_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMAxfwTtmPkdczU9bMdLRBLUt2GkzKRQgyUpPXbik1mZ1V858mQizYjiUJkD5xm-YcloWO1OqLzYlfeo8sYNrqm_E4-3zjOTvJX3UnpoiBYukt2yVTmwFM3RC4AJQGFuyNxClfK0sH8Nf/s1600/10304872_10201210781991984_7416448301279003229_n.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-Tzw4R9dnxI9zatETkRAiP4tBRLAxtcCTAJv7F0bdnl-06vEughotaCMbQIVCQbB5tlaWxDpXsb3hXpHjb04Ks5Cc-uHXtlKDX9Q0lEiVI6Gc-dgjqh26TAYmMcf5Gm9B5pYsjtyxhYG/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-Tzw4R9dnxI9zatETkRAiP4tBRLAxtcCTAJv7F0bdnl-06vEughotaCMbQIVCQbB5tlaWxDpXsb3hXpHjb04Ks5Cc-uHXtlKDX9Q0lEiVI6Gc-dgjqh26TAYmMcf5Gm9B5pYsjtyxhYG/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
<br></div>
<div>
My final weeks as a USC student passed by in a blur. It all started with Scott's graduation weekend. I joined his parents, siblings, grandparents, and my mom for one last weekend in Redlands to cheer while he walked across the stage. The ceremony was followed by celebratory pictures and lunch that consisted of calzones the size of my head. My mom hadn't seen Redlands before, so Scott gave his last tour of the campus complete with one last stop at A La Minut for an Orange Honey ice cream.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V-f78GvK6qVQLtGk0QJmQFEdrgW23Y9cj-fxbMgYwFRDM0sxX7iaqRgGQbffA0qlKmOXTvubRrOQIBzJCr8lstwh8Q1XVhD8rvvPBds18w9qD7TdSLdvPBgOm6utXLXNE1nVhpV0Nn3Z/s1600/photo+1+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_V-f78GvK6qVQLtGk0QJmQFEdrgW23Y9cj-fxbMgYwFRDM0sxX7iaqRgGQbffA0qlKmOXTvubRrOQIBzJCr8lstwh8Q1XVhD8rvvPBds18w9qD7TdSLdvPBgOm6utXLXNE1nVhpV0Nn3Z/s1600/photo+1+%25281%2529.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
Graduation felt closer once I left Redlands for the last time and realized it was my last week of classes in college. After my hardest final on Monday, it was time for the senior celebrations. One last Whiskey Wednesday night at the 90, sorority senior wills, and of course the Fountain Run. An SC tradition is that the last Thursday night of classes, all seniors run around campus and jump in the dozens of fountains on campus. It's filled with debauchery, ridiculousness, and some inevitable bruises. It was an unbelievably fun experience and madness on campus.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-iNEegibKM1fZDakhlSHe04r0zIaJt430gsnhFLP82ur9cZgSgUXWte4_lBzzEax5u6AmXHlXzNT7UHEgrAcl5el-a5aP8oZC4MaDV2UFDW4Gbn2rVE6nDHOzAc53fYVUgtSJJ1T2jQY/s1600/10329215_10201110747691189_2515143369240891074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7-iNEegibKM1fZDakhlSHe04r0zIaJt430gsnhFLP82ur9cZgSgUXWte4_lBzzEax5u6AmXHlXzNT7UHEgrAcl5el-a5aP8oZC4MaDV2UFDW4Gbn2rVE6nDHOzAc53fYVUgtSJJ1T2jQY/s1600/10329215_10201110747691189_2515143369240891074_n.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3tsKJPGaQ0umVpoPaYx34DiurHDw_q8fEF0P8c_fFIGFKQbxWGdLPlGg-MCcvQp7xxqNQKD0_gXyXpy39TvWTB8FcHk6HQJ7Ijw6Gm8PTXqlti-MjynjhCrHxfIYpZ6z4DTQQH_FAq16/s1600/10250150_10201110742931070_366431045125414281_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX3tsKJPGaQ0umVpoPaYx34DiurHDw_q8fEF0P8c_fFIGFKQbxWGdLPlGg-MCcvQp7xxqNQKD0_gXyXpy39TvWTB8FcHk6HQJ7Ijw6Gm8PTXqlti-MjynjhCrHxfIYpZ6z4DTQQH_FAq16/s1600/10250150_10201110742931070_366431045125414281_n.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzdsNzWSbH3NRuQ9wHWsPSTA5DgWcAjhTaRXRpPgcOcSqstISaPekjyGgvYOQVHmXl4S0oSu0qe-X02ky9DG3byJ4MK8u_kT0f8CWTKpSbrVVauYCxgkXTwAoGtuAB6yI-K1_pV552R9X/s1600/photo+2+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtzdsNzWSbH3NRuQ9wHWsPSTA5DgWcAjhTaRXRpPgcOcSqstISaPekjyGgvYOQVHmXl4S0oSu0qe-X02ky9DG3byJ4MK8u_kT0f8CWTKpSbrVVauYCxgkXTwAoGtuAB6yI-K1_pV552R9X/s1600/photo+2+%25281%2529.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq8GDFMJzmprh-AGk5L9AMouNQkXxLZ0-pL9I-6i5CgSLxiMDIMvNFCE9uhPRB1KrnYshBdid12Fo-9ELaHTBf-G27t76gwcMgTso-IEpvtd94iRC2myh9C7Hwp3V5TaywNIEOCa5FHN0/s1600/photo+3+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCq8GDFMJzmprh-AGk5L9AMouNQkXxLZ0-pL9I-6i5CgSLxiMDIMvNFCE9uhPRB1KrnYshBdid12Fo-9ELaHTBf-G27t76gwcMgTso-IEpvtd94iRC2myh9C7Hwp3V5TaywNIEOCa5FHN0/s1600/photo+3+%25281%2529.JPG" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUS6TN6BRf9D_TWKH_8TbYqGH-MTrSnNiCOoZnkpEqX5OJk0JBPZm8eirVIo3c_K-VOE8_uTlBmpfuv1QVfEsRXPAGJ7J-k5-lpl7_2qYNgnKreBZQlMmg-WkgX8FX4Tu5hG-UhjFQxap6/s1600/photo+5+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUS6TN6BRf9D_TWKH_8TbYqGH-MTrSnNiCOoZnkpEqX5OJk0JBPZm8eirVIo3c_K-VOE8_uTlBmpfuv1QVfEsRXPAGJ7J-k5-lpl7_2qYNgnKreBZQlMmg-WkgX8FX4Tu5hG-UhjFQxap6/s1600/photo+5+%25281%2529.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
The marathon week continued with our final invite that Friday. Luau falls on the last friday of classes every year, and all the seniors celebrated with a party bus to Manhattan Beach for drinks at Sharkeezs and then took the party bus back to the sorority. Everyone was a little nostalgic about our past four years of invites, and I was so happy that Scott could make it to be my date from the first invite to the last. The actual invite was at Gladstones in Malibu--right over the beach and with free calamari and snacks. It was a great way to end the week, and I spent the rest of the weekend at Scott's house in San Diego before taking the train back to school.</div>
<div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpsD5xgZNVP6tI6A3y1Pw6s2Hj4ETCXly49_XEgh2vIEvyZrvDzFkz9tyI3YRGw-W95F0gZVs7LDfbMFgmerJKtnRwUOxpvZ_j2d9rzH9loU7R__22jVqgkQlq-b0iXtBJ3iYVm5TpuL6/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBpsD5xgZNVP6tI6A3y1Pw6s2Hj4ETCXly49_XEgh2vIEvyZrvDzFkz9tyI3YRGw-W95F0gZVs7LDfbMFgmerJKtnRwUOxpvZ_j2d9rzH9loU7R__22jVqgkQlq-b0iXtBJ3iYVm5TpuL6/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhfMw1tXfIhp30WRttYiHQBOPt19zaOI-aBep9hGqct6qChWdD0T4_J0vz4eBSGIIgeCixsSlkaoTp5knTJeSjEoY73fT4dM5DyatqeGjrgwxi5D2DD0ULSutAcR6gMfIoEWhI0f3ppO7/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhfMw1tXfIhp30WRttYiHQBOPt19zaOI-aBep9hGqct6qChWdD0T4_J0vz4eBSGIIgeCixsSlkaoTp5knTJeSjEoY73fT4dM5DyatqeGjrgwxi5D2DD0ULSutAcR6gMfIoEWhI0f3ppO7/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="300"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHFDzT4PZ6g43TJzhnlhFHRHdYHg8RRrXLh13Y6P51oFYGT5z0wbcvkQKVACmxPYhWFIbtBPBZS0JbhtOqEUBW36nIZIyYBLzZJSHF_trW8jcw1ORZyrUpI4e6sBB3OuSEI8-zNEjovrA/s1600/10177276_10202670870267327_1499969284158105555_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxHFDzT4PZ6g43TJzhnlhFHRHdYHg8RRrXLh13Y6P51oFYGT5z0wbcvkQKVACmxPYhWFIbtBPBZS0JbhtOqEUBW36nIZIyYBLzZJSHF_trW8jcw1ORZyrUpI4e6sBB3OuSEI8-zNEjovrA/s1600/10177276_10202670870267327_1499969284158105555_n.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
Before I knew it, it was graduation. The day before we had a mother daughter brunch at the Jonathan Club downtown. It was a little rough in the beginning because the seniors had "senior bonding" the night before, but the food was delicious and the club was beautiful.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcteNuSnQCv11Y98H4_VVSrUA0qLqlL6VJqSdjAGkRJMAkKWdM5Zm_h0qJqHyXGjbQtETzgWDDPPwkWZjiNlGGcISoJrPWoieGHXqeQlSkQO1txD0PY8qyTm4y4RHeN9J1rbyBA3FvKMvC/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcteNuSnQCv11Y98H4_VVSrUA0qLqlL6VJqSdjAGkRJMAkKWdM5Zm_h0qJqHyXGjbQtETzgWDDPPwkWZjiNlGGcISoJrPWoieGHXqeQlSkQO1txD0PY8qyTm4y4RHeN9J1rbyBA3FvKMvC/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
<br>
Graduation day started with a 4am wakeup call since we were heading to the 90 bar to open its door at 6am! By 4:45 we were standing in line with coffee cups full of mimosa watching the sun rise and the line turn into hundreds of students (with a few parents thrown in there). The 90 was completely packed with loud 80s rock, and a lot of spirited seniors screaming out the lyrics. By 7 am, we back at the house eating breakfast before snapping a few pictures with friends and making our way to campus.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAjLAVBkTbEY5s9rZl4Fsp8ZHud71dK7bR38oovGlP5Ndy1m9A-RMeo29YkxTCoYWDXrjnmV9bMN6LIGdi79XLlay_Ag_8e9NOnj8B2d8cj-cAr4uPld8tsnYJWXXJirzECyl2xJApgg8/s1600/10294339_10201210737350868_5676971691372775234_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwAjLAVBkTbEY5s9rZl4Fsp8ZHud71dK7bR38oovGlP5Ndy1m9A-RMeo29YkxTCoYWDXrjnmV9bMN6LIGdi79XLlay_Ag_8e9NOnj8B2d8cj-cAr4uPld8tsnYJWXXJirzECyl2xJApgg8/s1600/10294339_10201210737350868_5676971691372775234_n.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T81b-7Xno9zQ4d-nEmVKfY0roKaDb0K5anhW4sAd6m3ZCaQex-JJYdCfa-AWRaCZC-j0ACX_TPnyOKM7iuXpKhfHN9WQLJWdRPEjdSpLtuHVFIeLvKpFXsDuOLeHbbh5Zr5bbDZPwKbc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1T81b-7Xno9zQ4d-nEmVKfY0roKaDb0K5anhW4sAd6m3ZCaQex-JJYdCfa-AWRaCZC-j0ACX_TPnyOKM7iuXpKhfHN9WQLJWdRPEjdSpLtuHVFIeLvKpFXsDuOLeHbbh5Zr5bbDZPwKbc/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgutmgkA2srwR-R2lBgL3ObvVJWC44cbYu3UnqJM_HdsphmZbLY1w0SfSCgUmByAerstNi6zOjUBwpPWrvYxW7vw5l2loOv-Vb1VEIwOywBlOFiY7JP2pxuRnBMUJ8shvmEUIfdxC6kgE/s1600/10402872_10201210712350243_4375343860714127687_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgutmgkA2srwR-R2lBgL3ObvVJWC44cbYu3UnqJM_HdsphmZbLY1w0SfSCgUmByAerstNi6zOjUBwpPWrvYxW7vw5l2loOv-Vb1VEIwOywBlOFiY7JP2pxuRnBMUJ8shvmEUIfdxC6kgE/s1600/10402872_10201210712350243_4375343860714127687_n.jpg" height="400" width="300"></a></div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br>
After a horribly hot main ceremony with 92 degree weather and thick black robes, we headed to The Shrine for the Political Science graduation. It was such a relief to be in a beautiful and air conditioned venue, and I'm proud to say I <strike>graduated</strike> walked across the stage without falling.<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMJ8u-ByK97YpTL6InLbHcbduoCEV-EIQgJ9Lvi8dgW3zdTBEOsAksIeLmgy5p1fLDT-JH_pkLBGy68ECcp4TZirbRR3NXDaUmMY-TPLOInXzZp6ORVicf1-5XjH9jXwIkrQVP6meHtwa/s1600/10264933_10202810160069425_2535672477235261640_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMJ8u-ByK97YpTL6InLbHcbduoCEV-EIQgJ9Lvi8dgW3zdTBEOsAksIeLmgy5p1fLDT-JH_pkLBGy68ECcp4TZirbRR3NXDaUmMY-TPLOInXzZp6ORVicf1-5XjH9jXwIkrQVP6meHtwa/s1600/10264933_10202810160069425_2535672477235261640_n.jpg" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpKKGPgF1MWPwWO-N1v0Y5DtHsfesJ1Pl-wWjXTuY5I05yADO6i6T-ypy2vl6sazJFcR8qZlHzm_WseK_l9rXnDxtyxtyXcHPCyM1APpnEYM4cmUlUHUvX09TOu-ggFh_GWt2a-YzJb7z/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpKKGPgF1MWPwWO-N1v0Y5DtHsfesJ1Pl-wWjXTuY5I05yADO6i6T-ypy2vl6sazJFcR8qZlHzm_WseK_l9rXnDxtyxtyXcHPCyM1APpnEYM4cmUlUHUvX09TOu-ggFh_GWt2a-YzJb7z/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a></div>
<br>
The rest of the night was spent celebrating at home for a graduation dinner with all the family. My college experience was absolutely amazing, and it's bittersweet to end my career as a student of USC. </div>
Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-77168860483876564382014-05-05T16:33:00.000-07:002014-05-05T16:33:48.021-07:00Coachella Part 2Saturday ended up to be a little bit of fail which had something to do with dehydration and missing all the concerts, so we will move swiftly past it.<br />
<br />
Easter Sunday included brunch with Madison's family and a nap before heading out at 3. Outfit--my daisy sneakers, cut off shorts, blue crochet top, and a flower crown.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU11OgjTZsHL0XxF8QP6nPBMnkAYwTaE1rSGexBT4HJdwvKEgtPznzZhDT1BB8XNTfBB_GfALezEk8PJQzsgxI-pc1dbExNevY64VptRg4dpmaqzwFWOBRxQWqZfqJX4aaoOC2-6xCSY6Z/s1600/IMG_1407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU11OgjTZsHL0XxF8QP6nPBMnkAYwTaE1rSGexBT4HJdwvKEgtPznzZhDT1BB8XNTfBB_GfALezEk8PJQzsgxI-pc1dbExNevY64VptRg4dpmaqzwFWOBRxQWqZfqJX4aaoOC2-6xCSY6Z/s1600/IMG_1407.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqJWvSAIgC72HsqZnAE65zc4nz_yK_vzdZAfN5QqwWcSwPuwb2qaZ5OaULDnnPhmyIiTlAfLCGhE5s8M-m9Ln3DYSo6lZh9tKBxh_88mnDibchj3Rujh12pTa-khUw00syOapnA1fYByD/s1600/IMG_1424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqJWvSAIgC72HsqZnAE65zc4nz_yK_vzdZAfN5QqwWcSwPuwb2qaZ5OaULDnnPhmyIiTlAfLCGhE5s8M-m9Ln3DYSo6lZh9tKBxh_88mnDibchj3Rujh12pTa-khUw00syOapnA1fYByD/s1600/IMG_1424.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtC4Bpc04xYzyYrE3lGniUs5YOBbAhrbHdw_TV75TJmLxg2YZ7etRouf8tia8G9pa3SeYP1oM61NptVWhb5in-9RaJTmV3qepVufzAIMs8MjS11Dp6KN_IlGP27XlXWeq8cdY19SphnJO/s1600/IMG_1408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtC4Bpc04xYzyYrE3lGniUs5YOBbAhrbHdw_TV75TJmLxg2YZ7etRouf8tia8G9pa3SeYP1oM61NptVWhb5in-9RaJTmV3qepVufzAIMs8MjS11Dp6KN_IlGP27XlXWeq8cdY19SphnJO/s1600/IMG_1408.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
Although I didn't know The 1975 that well, we started off our day by sitting on the grass and watching their set before heading off to explore a little bit. We had already seen a lot of the art installations--it's a little hard to miss the moving giant astronaut or the tall robot in the middle of the festival--but we wanted to check out the Do Lab.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9EQ33rrrEr7to4zzYmYvME4Zn5Gv6tgsu3IAGVF5UbY1ZWieTVCTq_auC-KFUtmF6q7WyUEYlocOnpYUVUFRLpNTsRy1GsDuTx0bltATev-eMyoVviQSxA_JAG4BwYB9Z7_hpfSYLFI9/s1600/P1020759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9EQ33rrrEr7to4zzYmYvME4Zn5Gv6tgsu3IAGVF5UbY1ZWieTVCTq_auC-KFUtmF6q7WyUEYlocOnpYUVUFRLpNTsRy1GsDuTx0bltATev-eMyoVviQSxA_JAG4BwYB9Z7_hpfSYLFI9/s1600/P1020759.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj0u_hLxpY_8I1SfwZ3yseWYBS__tvEHfG9tkYfdZ4Ei2nvkYuMsLxrOqMwcrm218_APODaJTzeuhFDZbXKbaYV-83Ioaw5rouWvEeOB8HBaM_L718So6WjRuPJrXLwvYuedXar9P3Qtu/s1600/P1020744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGj0u_hLxpY_8I1SfwZ3yseWYBS__tvEHfG9tkYfdZ4Ei2nvkYuMsLxrOqMwcrm218_APODaJTzeuhFDZbXKbaYV-83Ioaw5rouWvEeOB8HBaM_L718So6WjRuPJrXLwvYuedXar9P3Qtu/s1600/P1020744.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We met up with a few other friends from SC, and took their advice on trying a famous Portland ice cream stand to fuel our exploring. After grabbing a salted ice cream with carmel cone, we had fun looking around and listening to a random DJ at the Do Lab. It was made even more fun by the fact that there were misters and water guns all over the area to keep us cool too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2foiPzJ2AbAJWunQyD1YukqtxkSUDGMkadVSy8Hj9LY-xtm3xqIYgg6Pb_mmJ2v1gaAwDiWFrr23TZBNinO0BfdLFFCOJwzHbKO6_Qk2CfcS73h4qDZtYzIv9Ud3s8AUNn8sC8TwsVEI/s1600/IMG_1422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2foiPzJ2AbAJWunQyD1YukqtxkSUDGMkadVSy8Hj9LY-xtm3xqIYgg6Pb_mmJ2v1gaAwDiWFrr23TZBNinO0BfdLFFCOJwzHbKO6_Qk2CfcS73h4qDZtYzIv9Ud3s8AUNn8sC8TwsVEI/s1600/IMG_1422.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglva22MVtM1wUQeIIwYFdAm6KdLYizs6el89SPti12FYri5kh08SY_IKxd82Em5BU17O_UOqAucijCZV22s3FTHijQcqbwdAtkGiwdPgMPO4lxUOzjehbL5gpn2IGhcSDnemlM51bOGag0/s1600/IMG_1414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglva22MVtM1wUQeIIwYFdAm6KdLYizs6el89SPti12FYri5kh08SY_IKxd82Em5BU17O_UOqAucijCZV22s3FTHijQcqbwdAtkGiwdPgMPO4lxUOzjehbL5gpn2IGhcSDnemlM51bOGag0/s1600/IMG_1414.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We eventually found ourselves wandering into the beer garden by the Coachella stage for a beer (expensive but cold and so nice) while we sat on our scarves/handkerchiefs and listened to The Naked and Famous in the background. Sitting, talking and listening to live music with a beer was the definition of pleasant, and in that moment I kept saying I couldn't be more content.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidl0TgkpKqtRuYVB9D3b_JkhwrbcOPACPK2plqbBcMcasqyh2sbQT_-sY-ijyfmfH1TYBZrFCsj36XXL2pXzqPNdIfOceR3rkTwWe51tGkKWuE_tU80i2C4Xx1mUBGCDSJvZL1-QKYmrGM/s1600/IMG_1438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidl0TgkpKqtRuYVB9D3b_JkhwrbcOPACPK2plqbBcMcasqyh2sbQT_-sY-ijyfmfH1TYBZrFCsj36XXL2pXzqPNdIfOceR3rkTwWe51tGkKWuE_tU80i2C4Xx1mUBGCDSJvZL1-QKYmrGM/s1600/IMG_1438.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJveuRjyJQMUkTfcD2fWlRETsZuRPjO1lQJ_762_yVC9djMc2PMYzJfyNxbN7_iRm0aC8YRj08U2aCaQKnYbSzK3k6Tb7c6ICLobaXTBk1rCACEwAB8UeUbqUmk_SupPkgelG9sRaPFxbw/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJveuRjyJQMUkTfcD2fWlRETsZuRPjO1lQJ_762_yVC9djMc2PMYzJfyNxbN7_iRm0aC8YRj08U2aCaQKnYbSzK3k6Tb7c6ICLobaXTBk1rCACEwAB8UeUbqUmk_SupPkgelG9sRaPFxbw/s1600/IMG_1439.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Calvin Harris was amazing and the crowd was going crazy (me included since I ended up on someone's shoulders for part of a song), but we knew going into it that we were going to leave early so we could make sure that we wouldn't miss Lana Del Rey.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-MMEwgfJVZc3-6jqwRariDSVi9nDSPqn-48OgcMJ0AJSa8wcqsHpNWM3aM2bQ7QjhL5efSVwaCvD-dKjuNWW4peAKt0FkwjsLPuEvfrJ5QjyerqAeCWjaSpIDZPo5xaM-R12xh6UHDXH/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-MMEwgfJVZc3-6jqwRariDSVi9nDSPqn-48OgcMJ0AJSa8wcqsHpNWM3aM2bQ7QjhL5efSVwaCvD-dKjuNWW4peAKt0FkwjsLPuEvfrJ5QjyerqAeCWjaSpIDZPo5xaM-R12xh6UHDXH/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Going into the weekend, Lana was the one of the artists I was most excited for and she did not disappoint. From being barefoot on stage and kissing her fans on the cheek when she walked into the crowd, she was flawless. It may have also been from the stress of the weekend, but I almost teared up during her set.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcTnxq5S-AERFPqF_jEc-isQyFf8iN_ORmAZYTCHp9asCVc99eAEmPh__kv-OOeVA2Okayi_gum7YYg-QvPI0Vx2CLun_a9yEKIcm0M3ZvyINAMyWqdHTHhIwaBr-FSxpA_hht80mUYkQ/s1600/IMG_1431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLcTnxq5S-AERFPqF_jEc-isQyFf8iN_ORmAZYTCHp9asCVc99eAEmPh__kv-OOeVA2Okayi_gum7YYg-QvPI0Vx2CLun_a9yEKIcm0M3ZvyINAMyWqdHTHhIwaBr-FSxpA_hht80mUYkQ/s1600/IMG_1431.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
After her performance ended, we fought our way to get food (I got crab fries, but they made me feel a little sick) before seeing Disclosure. We left Disclosure a little early because we wanted to make sure we had decent spots to see Arcade Fire. I wish I had words for how amazing Arcade Fire was--it was the perfect way to end the weekend and they are one of the most incredible live bands I've ever seen. Everything from their outfits and dancers to the short appearance of Beck (who we missed due to Disclosure) was amazingly well done.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIqQAx6a4YZwxUEUuLjNh1v_ROm_buxNL098gPEdW9SG-Ejv0Xrvlo65aivf89plfYt0r3X5X0C7RclgtOPGgKwVU6_r1kjjmqE0NRNnjA438g0cWsmB9C4v8mt9DE39-5G3hLRL0OaLu/s1600/IMG_1436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIqQAx6a4YZwxUEUuLjNh1v_ROm_buxNL098gPEdW9SG-Ejv0Xrvlo65aivf89plfYt0r3X5X0C7RclgtOPGgKwVU6_r1kjjmqE0NRNnjA438g0cWsmB9C4v8mt9DE39-5G3hLRL0OaLu/s1600/IMG_1436.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The best part was at the end after everyone is pumped up, and they walk out into the crowd and the every person at the Coachella stage starts singing. It was an unforgettable experience, and truthfully it made me so happy because I knew that even missing Saturday, I walked away from this weekend with positive memories and seeing acts that were incredible.Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-16750943735314164562014-05-02T16:01:00.000-07:002014-05-13T13:29:52.417-07:00Coachella Part 1Two weekends ago, I spent the weekend dancing my life away at Coachella. While it seems everyone from LA makes the trek our to Palm Springs for the festival, this was my first time going. The price may have been outrageous and Weekend 2 was over Easter, but it was definitely an experience to be remembered.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2d1gG8l8af7oZ6XZCx1ZfEYIT2tDRPTlU9WMbvvaW0itjUwK2kjbfBU2mAMK47w36HooQf4yU5x9FNt5_dGIbzs3TvG32BEBRZKHoOElkU1iHKXziUIkhk71G3S2jHvrl0bMO40l9X7u/s1600/P1020735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu2d1gG8l8af7oZ6XZCx1ZfEYIT2tDRPTlU9WMbvvaW0itjUwK2kjbfBU2mAMK47w36HooQf4yU5x9FNt5_dGIbzs3TvG32BEBRZKHoOElkU1iHKXziUIkhk71G3S2jHvrl0bMO40l9X7u/s1600/P1020735.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Half the fun of Coachella is picking out outfits to wear, but since the tickets are already so expensive I decided to limit my budget. After scouring my closet, I pulled out a gold lace vintage vest I bought in San Francisco in high school (and have never worn because it's a little much), a dress I already bought, and leather boots. I allowed myself to splurge on a new pair of jean cutoffs for $50 since my other pair is frayed past the point of comfort, a cheap crochet top and an $4 flower crown along with an $8 head chain. Armed with my outfits for the weekend, my friends and I started the road trip Thursday night complete with a Coachella playlist and newly downloaded Coachella app.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDJamFXqIGDqD_e7typBp5UDOQhCKVkHMZ8z7QsSxd5EQqXQHstRPTTk7nw_aoIR2GePfUqrOrH7OC5KNcZ0iOo2LhjH4oerk7f7iF_uApgjs49jTUFQFVklEDYAJ40efMa-sxL_vSCA4/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDJamFXqIGDqD_e7typBp5UDOQhCKVkHMZ8z7QsSxd5EQqXQHstRPTTk7nw_aoIR2GePfUqrOrH7OC5KNcZ0iOo2LhjH4oerk7f7iF_uApgjs49jTUFQFVklEDYAJ40efMa-sxL_vSCA4/s1600/IMG_1379.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
Even though this weekend had been planned for so long and a lot of money was saved for it, I think our whole group was a little overwhelmed by going. All of us had gone to Vegas at some point in the two weekends before, final projects were approaching, and graduation was (let's be real, still is) looming. Part of me was wishing just to have a weekend to lay around and sleep all day, but we all finally got in the spirit in the car as we used the Coachella app to start making a plan about who we wanted to see each day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiyaRxUBxd1LfUH1DO4fzQlBd-37tg0fLXscDdHkfDqnigqBRv9H-H3WC_drGIxaSokM-qvkDu7ZmqlgYd8B-iRui8F9muXI5WQrZ-63MgtLZAfjGmwTvILpqOPJ0LKahdAU_Ax18y37_/s1600/P1020734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxiyaRxUBxd1LfUH1DO4fzQlBd-37tg0fLXscDdHkfDqnigqBRv9H-H3WC_drGIxaSokM-qvkDu7ZmqlgYd8B-iRui8F9muXI5WQrZ-63MgtLZAfjGmwTvILpqOPJ0LKahdAU_Ax18y37_/s1600/P1020734.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We were lucky enough to stay at Madison's place <a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/2014/03/brunch-in-palm-springs.html">again</a>, so we were able to escape the craziness and sleep in a real bed each night with air conditioning. We had bought shuttle pass tickets, so we had an easy way to get dropped off at the gates.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjRZoUkfzmORxp9SEREWxuyfGzj8ztFtmvSOIx9YnKIa7B9fB5ZL44p0iPZmDtoAxik-axfombzxKG46hWiiAFIKcgSwMBfOm9ZRs5fmO6H8dmhjiNSOn5ROuNiI6lwZv-mqgHMLBrSj3/s1600/P1020732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTjRZoUkfzmORxp9SEREWxuyfGzj8ztFtmvSOIx9YnKIa7B9fB5ZL44p0iPZmDtoAxik-axfombzxKG46hWiiAFIKcgSwMBfOm9ZRs5fmO6H8dmhjiNSOn5ROuNiI6lwZv-mqgHMLBrSj3/s1600/P1020732.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Our Friday began a little before 2:45 to see our first show MS MR. I knew a few of their songs, but I was blown away by their performance. I didn't realize how much I would like every song they played (plus their cover of Arctic Monkeys), and the lead singer looked like she was having as much fun as we were. We all decided that we would recruit her as a new best friend, and once their set ended we hunted down some watermelon slices on our way to Aloe Blacc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsb62uEeHqVjN6R7f1RIz7VociK7dBZX7Lvdrm0ajM_pdjQT9pKvJUwoYEfunuD_NJEiZYTBBzMh5xhPaqfTrCAuaDNz2k0Pfv7alruJg_Gebs2vsEim8pllfMfvev8VAge6Qh_x_3TFAU/s1600/IMG_1359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsb62uEeHqVjN6R7f1RIz7VociK7dBZX7Lvdrm0ajM_pdjQT9pKvJUwoYEfunuD_NJEiZYTBBzMh5xhPaqfTrCAuaDNz2k0Pfv7alruJg_Gebs2vsEim8pllfMfvev8VAge6Qh_x_3TFAU/s1600/IMG_1359.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihn6skzpe05oY4pMmRtc2XeTeectH4DAp8oSdzpcyzmPffs4-YCPYYaOaEARVSEso579pQzQY5jnjwIAxsL-siGn7VT-Gfq8gXUFQHPYi_SYgybOJDHwMJDgSABLr3fqx01TcXOUYT4J3h/s1600/IMG_1360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihn6skzpe05oY4pMmRtc2XeTeectH4DAp8oSdzpcyzmPffs4-YCPYYaOaEARVSEso579pQzQY5jnjwIAxsL-siGn7VT-Gfq8gXUFQHPYi_SYgybOJDHwMJDgSABLr3fqx01TcXOUYT4J3h/s1600/IMG_1360.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2ySQVC0Sp-wFNoGcqVDjHz7Dt6wJn0-_xcVzqvmE1kheiah3zkB8DJ4ZqZrjFvRVKF5tlgeO_x9ga8l0MHgRW35rlkjDGrDqS9RQ5_lNTSd8FGyJMOPoYmlNfGfh4O0NnzgBJKNu6Z2e/s1600/IMG_1352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2ySQVC0Sp-wFNoGcqVDjHz7Dt6wJn0-_xcVzqvmE1kheiah3zkB8DJ4ZqZrjFvRVKF5tlgeO_x9ga8l0MHgRW35rlkjDGrDqS9RQ5_lNTSd8FGyJMOPoYmlNfGfh4O0NnzgBJKNu6Z2e/s1600/IMG_1352.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqbhHIJAkrLM27J9mWn7nMLGXAnPezPAETn5pwKrfYiJ5mK5j6dQWYg1On4hitec9AHFnicCLO0qRsMBCKtY5SpzO-vsIVxsdbx7YQTILnrqSU5uBQCIK3cGxZMpjd5T8FGeNIyTxfYy_/s1600/IMG_1361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaqbhHIJAkrLM27J9mWn7nMLGXAnPezPAETn5pwKrfYiJ5mK5j6dQWYg1On4hitec9AHFnicCLO0qRsMBCKtY5SpzO-vsIVxsdbx7YQTILnrqSU5uBQCIK3cGxZMpjd5T8FGeNIyTxfYy_/s1600/IMG_1361.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Our feeling from the night before was completely gone after watching our first band and running around the grounds. We checked out some of the art pieces on our way to the tent, including an obligatory selfie at the large group of mirrored rectangles. But, my favorite was definitely the giant hollow caterpillar that was made out of flowers, grass, and succulents. It was not only pretty and hippyish, but also gave necessary shade while we waited for people to run to the restroom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoMru0BZTQxzIwYrTzouaPFN72abRLmcX0ouvvb7qP3aTF3kwaHjcQvzJlWBOkLjPC9ejcFksa7t1ryVJkEqwHQEfrnxc2YCzQ-UeP0OBsbBG9zOd52DTtf7ndDoyoYJK38LcZGsM8Ol7/s1600/IMG_1370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoMru0BZTQxzIwYrTzouaPFN72abRLmcX0ouvvb7qP3aTF3kwaHjcQvzJlWBOkLjPC9ejcFksa7t1ryVJkEqwHQEfrnxc2YCzQ-UeP0OBsbBG9zOd52DTtf7ndDoyoYJK38LcZGsM8Ol7/s1600/IMG_1370.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0L7yWvG-vARiTeH20M0VfdnF6RuBnP85-1xvHEHoz5EJGra_2JiklPy6mo3qldLmKPD1VrGJzcy8xasklvjOsW1hRuJ2JeuctcliRC2Wp7JxiU1vAo49xazWNbYLY5REX5t8UrjSJZWhyphenhyphen/s1600/P1020738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0L7yWvG-vARiTeH20M0VfdnF6RuBnP85-1xvHEHoz5EJGra_2JiklPy6mo3qldLmKPD1VrGJzcy8xasklvjOsW1hRuJ2JeuctcliRC2Wp7JxiU1vAo49xazWNbYLY5REX5t8UrjSJZWhyphenhyphen/s1600/P1020738.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObIIkzFakUHwNz22rrq8VHoXCd-sWkSFthzh8Ky_275QHiknPeojMSKiUZYhrwNcoo7BweSOb_5UO7w-xqvgsXs8ePsUTqHDsusHHq0zC9TW0hTZoT-f-0icn0jP_VUpHduV9Jt4a2xZM/s1600/P1020736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObIIkzFakUHwNz22rrq8VHoXCd-sWkSFthzh8Ky_275QHiknPeojMSKiUZYhrwNcoo7BweSOb_5UO7w-xqvgsXs8ePsUTqHDsusHHq0zC9TW0hTZoT-f-0icn0jP_VUpHduV9Jt4a2xZM/s1600/P1020736.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After some watermelon photo ops--note the head chain and vintage vest--Aloe Blacc began. He was really great, and once we heard the songs we were excited for we left a few minutes early to make it to Haim.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUs1g-EcpJmi2j3hkPzLrG0OhrfXDuRtOfbl9mb0gviim8MPddXyHtHNuYzUGYxQA152pcqZbon6VfRmC49ZlCpaQpuWYmVC4fYEa3tuDSOIen8bvmhClxT__cwskpJbT8fW5mWUz9fHe/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUs1g-EcpJmi2j3hkPzLrG0OhrfXDuRtOfbl9mb0gviim8MPddXyHtHNuYzUGYxQA152pcqZbon6VfRmC49ZlCpaQpuWYmVC4fYEa3tuDSOIen8bvmhClxT__cwskpJbT8fW5mWUz9fHe/s1600/IMG_1374.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4qCQMBF8GUBfrt6UV6WrZvG-O7nWpz_uJgczqoKml7uKdljsAlhBE0fAQbFNG5snhBZ8mi6wSf_yjH45YxpAp8I3K_0fxHS-TqTYoSNei0RvM7FJJB1Z2BwbW2UOEoESIVejd0rxuLII/s1600/IMG_1368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4qCQMBF8GUBfrt6UV6WrZvG-O7nWpz_uJgczqoKml7uKdljsAlhBE0fAQbFNG5snhBZ8mi6wSf_yjH45YxpAp8I3K_0fxHS-TqTYoSNei0RvM7FJJB1Z2BwbW2UOEoESIVejd0rxuLII/s1600/IMG_1368.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
It was nice to be able just to sit on the grass, but I wasn't really impressed with them. I think their whole attitude isn't for everyone, I enjoyed being able to just hang out. The only down side is that by the time we made our way to Bastille the tent was so filled that even all the pushing in the world couldn't get us inside. We heard a few songs, but not being able to see or move had us leaving before the set ended to grab some food.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaovW5wX6P08J6oKVvCkQPz8s1zoEzApfnj7J6W9Pyb5Erg22owjeSStT59s_v8D5VQ6dyEjW-mh_LqmFJyK56H7OiXz4y7_KWUtW_wFd4jVmkjyGVK2O9wDpAFR7P80LYC5BfiNRWBUx/s1600/IMG_1375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcaovW5wX6P08J6oKVvCkQPz8s1zoEzApfnj7J6W9Pyb5Erg22owjeSStT59s_v8D5VQ6dyEjW-mh_LqmFJyK56H7OiXz4y7_KWUtW_wFd4jVmkjyGVK2O9wDpAFR7P80LYC5BfiNRWBUx/s1600/IMG_1375.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lx-TpyqNtPVzgGwdI_73fwDz3YqzqdbGhsmRPntNbtigOZekH4zDwCQmhUru-8Slq4BL-B8zWlcP6xyo188OeoTSn0tD2a4yd-AurUOsH99NZiNC9b_ljvM4nHjXKWXKP4pckXlKrIR7/s1600/IMG_1372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lx-TpyqNtPVzgGwdI_73fwDz3YqzqdbGhsmRPntNbtigOZekH4zDwCQmhUru-8Slq4BL-B8zWlcP6xyo188OeoTSn0tD2a4yd-AurUOsH99NZiNC9b_ljvM4nHjXKWXKP4pckXlKrIR7/s1600/IMG_1372.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I had an amazing gyro followed by some fries from the Pink's hot dogs stand for dinner which was delicious (and expensive). After we headed to the Coachella stage to see Ellie Goulding (great) followed by Chromeo. I didn't know them very well, so I wasn't really into it, but I was excited to stay at the Coachella stage so we could get close for Girl Talk.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0Qw7m7Z9nubuHBjH2zPoseTnsAzgDBO72t0ChOW93BsZQXmMY_7VVGD7mAQURgGUVxwoScrExl9Id3rgHjLVdtCPsIQbLXimBLFV2xfARQ1aSFiQ8OHOe7BdHPpHxT6tZsTS_ARlA2Af/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR0Qw7m7Z9nubuHBjH2zPoseTnsAzgDBO72t0ChOW93BsZQXmMY_7VVGD7mAQURgGUVxwoScrExl9Id3rgHjLVdtCPsIQbLXimBLFV2xfARQ1aSFiQ8OHOe7BdHPpHxT6tZsTS_ARlA2Af/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMtoU3oEXX-6GyTSrINqOGEZhBbt4bxTvY0GzaaJClvltmdyXZjO8IlWUNbZOy-Y4KXpFYMpT2S_505eP5NKA69nETXfqsloEj8qoGvfB_6_Zmrnzt1lIAOAsqoqsOv7yPvdtNm6tES1A/s1600/IMG_1400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMtoU3oEXX-6GyTSrINqOGEZhBbt4bxTvY0GzaaJClvltmdyXZjO8IlWUNbZOy-Y4KXpFYMpT2S_505eP5NKA69nETXfqsloEj8qoGvfB_6_Zmrnzt1lIAOAsqoqsOv7yPvdtNm6tES1A/s1600/IMG_1400.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was worth hanging out because Girl Talk was amazing, and there set was complete with fun dance songs and confetti being blasted from the stage. Finally, we waited in the area for Outkast, and while I thought it was fun, I didn't know Outkast well enough for an hour and a half set.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcDsAwCmrHm1KRUmjd8-0G4MfSivqo-Z4O7cKbZJjyIEQOT4_5y6tqi4Ask9XtFHKQaMppertGodmZxNzQ2CgLTo_cvhA1n1JdFchtux75jkV9u3wAZBAxUi9lk8-qrAwgsCOE6gQ8Udg/s1600/IMG_1391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcDsAwCmrHm1KRUmjd8-0G4MfSivqo-Z4O7cKbZJjyIEQOT4_5y6tqi4Ask9XtFHKQaMppertGodmZxNzQ2CgLTo_cvhA1n1JdFchtux75jkV9u3wAZBAxUi9lk8-qrAwgsCOE6gQ8Udg/s1600/IMG_1391.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtanwOYa0HOL7ogM4-CiTbuNeFLxPsek32srfTNQ0xKrFErl9U2wTceZa-xO1K5cqgGimrWI2w122-39_KQpLn1dqfuq-2frcP6ESpS8J3DdGvbtetL0H9bqr5Lb8x3ipQ-zhv9bvoJTj/s1600/IMG_1392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtanwOYa0HOL7ogM4-CiTbuNeFLxPsek32srfTNQ0xKrFErl9U2wTceZa-xO1K5cqgGimrWI2w122-39_KQpLn1dqfuq-2frcP6ESpS8J3DdGvbtetL0H9bqr5Lb8x3ipQ-zhv9bvoJTj/s1600/IMG_1392.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHzNA9I5roQXdU_2Plo29exxhz5T4ol4eJRj47-E857Fd1Ndl1owduznKuz4q978IUrpAbsR2K-ApjVYWQ878kACuBaRpspFIHBKJyHUk1u7t3xTFD93E7dh20O7pw1O8Fd_-N2YCDUMl/s1600/IMG_1385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHzNA9I5roQXdU_2Plo29exxhz5T4ol4eJRj47-E857Fd1Ndl1owduznKuz4q978IUrpAbsR2K-ApjVYWQ878kACuBaRpspFIHBKJyHUk1u7t3xTFD93E7dh20O7pw1O8Fd_-N2YCDUMl/s1600/IMG_1385.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWzqUcdXGkU1UcqR5nDfsCNon0ComzS29Zos0ntF3lry-oUcohy6eeTb6h3oOfyOK0yqzpUsVel5pFgO6CXywN_D1Yo-OHgmBHAPZ8gbrnblUdwoUoX_UXDap62DbHh-VdF4GmFrJMDyL/s1600/IMG_1402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaWzqUcdXGkU1UcqR5nDfsCNon0ComzS29Zos0ntF3lry-oUcohy6eeTb6h3oOfyOK0yqzpUsVel5pFgO6CXywN_D1Yo-OHgmBHAPZ8gbrnblUdwoUoX_UXDap62DbHh-VdF4GmFrJMDyL/s1600/IMG_1402.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
We left day 1 feeling happy and exhausted, but we still managed to have some fun avoiding the dust storms with our handkerchiefs. PS handkerchiefs were the best thing I could have possibly brought. They kept dust out of mouths and nose walking back and also served as seat when hay or dirt was irritating. Once we were back at our place, we all went to sleep happy and excited for the rest of Coachella.<br />
<br />Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-32725522563181799962014-04-18T11:20:00.001-07:002014-04-18T11:20:47.867-07:00Seniors Take On VegasSo after my first visit to Las Vegas last semester, I've been excited to go back. Vegas is like Disneyland for adults and being 21 is the age when the magic is out in full force. A group of seniors in my sorority house decided to plan a senior trip together to celebrate the fact that we have only a few weeks less until graduation.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So despite the fact that I'm going to Coachella this weekend and trying to save a little money, I gave my $115 for the room (14 girls in two rooms in the Venetian..shh) and packed my bags.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The weekend was spent at Hakkasan on Friday night, waking up for a <strike>coffee run</strike> jello shots and Fat Tuesday drinks before spending Saturday at the Marquee day club, and finally XS to see David Guetta on Saturday night. It was whirlwind and amazing. Instead of going into detail (half the stories are funnier in person), I'll just give some snapshots of the weekend:</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7djum8poXbjQ8Bl6BWT2TfAEjef35Y8SbEXyxjIQkvJJtNJ9OFEezevCoxfgWMU2YOJJXzl3Fy6iYTv3P6AiH_CpZOXJP-D97VcwPZDSrFIHmHdc5RnqrkMwiBb3l3JuLO3WeO4VvfZ7/s1600/1512420_10201447143374007_2372929747692295810_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7djum8poXbjQ8Bl6BWT2TfAEjef35Y8SbEXyxjIQkvJJtNJ9OFEezevCoxfgWMU2YOJJXzl3Fy6iYTv3P6AiH_CpZOXJP-D97VcwPZDSrFIHmHdc5RnqrkMwiBb3l3JuLO3WeO4VvfZ7/s1600/1512420_10201447143374007_2372929747692295810_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fat Tuesday in the Venetian</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleNPA4ffKa7ah_8nDex27zx-jpCdRlkVgtzPNsZlJQMxoxHIhNjvKHfxbI_A1GWo84JqjIkxgoRR8-wcZrAukOFh0iRce53jTnkefkrffKa4u7Us-DfYbhAqehyphenhyphenA6AMnu6VKfU0u8OgpK/s1600/1536578_10152059624955893_3236469430576697893_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleNPA4ffKa7ah_8nDex27zx-jpCdRlkVgtzPNsZlJQMxoxHIhNjvKHfxbI_A1GWo84JqjIkxgoRR8-wcZrAukOFh0iRce53jTnkefkrffKa4u7Us-DfYbhAqehyphenhyphenA6AMnu6VKfU0u8OgpK/s1600/1536578_10152059624955893_3236469430576697893_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marquee!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RnJznDv-adGN_8x2RwFLtxaaWmfVcLXyuhnacE9zkIVsRTC29bag6SecwG5kNXXEwjHHyZ_IoT-ZFViRI1uOtHxJ_hffJzR_2rxJpK1M-JTl8wMa8DRoGoDyd5V0tDcHGSZGsJDR6x9f/s1600/1781928_10152059622120893_7827896513202559214_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RnJznDv-adGN_8x2RwFLtxaaWmfVcLXyuhnacE9zkIVsRTC29bag6SecwG5kNXXEwjHHyZ_IoT-ZFViRI1uOtHxJ_hffJzR_2rxJpK1M-JTl8wMa8DRoGoDyd5V0tDcHGSZGsJDR6x9f/s1600/1781928_10152059622120893_7827896513202559214_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">XC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLkTFIKReccPlOG5EK4YV_UdsrS43iodFYnml5Tnn99JeMTWgMo6KR5f6gubNGJ-mqjUxm0sk6m3G19klA_2GKtwADiNzQTXP8jiRFughnqroIXRNxMjDbXKHtMOIwzgWEXaWRqCzzBwd/s1600/1798247_2599146667369_5877579796721607708_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSLkTFIKReccPlOG5EK4YV_UdsrS43iodFYnml5Tnn99JeMTWgMo6KR5f6gubNGJ-mqjUxm0sk6m3G19klA_2GKtwADiNzQTXP8jiRFughnqroIXRNxMjDbXKHtMOIwzgWEXaWRqCzzBwd/s1600/1798247_2599146667369_5877579796721607708_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DtcvXH0Ai0VMzpRp-DcHT5b-YK-I1ztwesRHS1C0r_Isdo_pY-pRD12GkooQcTSboQEmrJS1QcGHZWM-_S5gADJs5WDg9qFuna-8-xaxiHcuzflpiaWpidUXdL9wz-mgNFgwWCzKt97p/s1600/1907305_10201447143894020_4615412341123646487_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DtcvXH0Ai0VMzpRp-DcHT5b-YK-I1ztwesRHS1C0r_Isdo_pY-pRD12GkooQcTSboQEmrJS1QcGHZWM-_S5gADJs5WDg9qFuna-8-xaxiHcuzflpiaWpidUXdL9wz-mgNFgwWCzKt97p/s1600/1907305_10201447143894020_4615412341123646487_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozkHC7Nj6tYbjWd6qG5LwA6zfohZrBBKL9aL5NW9NZbiHS1A4umDIIfI1MsqBIvIKscyM34lBKBnWFrV-8ZKJDCwA6LITRaXNCHy-eZ8vhjL7EYZX_fXt7VCRVzDgMIqzTvDT-jMO_nIe/s1600/10245552_10201447144774042_838858728466071303_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgozkHC7Nj6tYbjWd6qG5LwA6zfohZrBBKL9aL5NW9NZbiHS1A4umDIIfI1MsqBIvIKscyM34lBKBnWFrV-8ZKJDCwA6LITRaXNCHy-eZ8vhjL7EYZX_fXt7VCRVzDgMIqzTvDT-jMO_nIe/s1600/10245552_10201447144774042_838858728466071303_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the group</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was one of those weekends that I know I will look back on as I remember being crazy with my sorority sisters. We spent the whole weekend together with no drama and with a group that doesn't regularly hang out, but could not have had a better time bonding. I'm not ashamed of my giant love affair with Vegas, and I know I'm going to be back soon!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-15201194212822289362014-03-31T12:49:00.001-07:002014-03-31T12:49:57.570-07:00Brunch in Palm Springs<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Spring break was relaxed. It was the "lay in the sun until you get too hot and need to lounge in the pool" type of relaxed. I headed to Palm Springs and stayed a friend's luxurious family house where I read a book, attempted to get a tan, and ate delicious food. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1CZ7hBocZnLzEdMO7AhMX-DNpYCyJCcxTljYKHCX5f8s-fLR5jXoo7iOtL6sSSRAGkq7D1No-VF4X1xrH4H7XhjYV6CeBn4rTT0xrQlUvawbEZQVD6nFOhZOXuODhOGCAGmtOvkbxi0W/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb1CZ7hBocZnLzEdMO7AhMX-DNpYCyJCcxTljYKHCX5f8s-fLR5jXoo7iOtL6sSSRAGkq7D1No-VF4X1xrH4H7XhjYV6CeBn4rTT0xrQlUvawbEZQVD6nFOhZOXuODhOGCAGmtOvkbxi0W/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
The weather was perfect in Palm Springs and the pool and community was beautiful. But, the most notable thing was the food. To be specific, brunch I had on Saturday morning. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also known as the BEST BRUNCH OF MY LIFE (so far). Yes, the caps are necessary and it is a very bold statement. I love my breakfast food and brunch is my favorite meal, so this statement is big one and 100% not exaggerated. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
While the rest of my week was filled with fun times--Palm Springs, Redlands, Sarah visiting, going out to eat, the Beach Club, jello shot syringes, and job applications--the one notable thing I have to blog about is this breakfast.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
We went to Wilma and Frieda in Palm Desert around noon, excited and very hungry. The restaurant was in a mall next to ritzy stores and filled with fashionable retirees (aka the heart of the Palm Springs population). The restaurant already won me over when we walked in and there were small free samples of raspberry oatmeal bar pastries. Since I wanted to eat desperately, I snuck two samples and was blown away by how delicious they were. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By the time we were sat, everyone already knew what they were going to order. Andrea and I decided to get our top two choices (one savory and one sweet). We ordered the strawberry french toast and the Crabs Egg Bennie with a side of salad with poppyseed dressing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPP856bL-fOlGxOdz7vPC-QXj8pnEpmXuXfsH3krdQMuhBEZe2ehIVo8KJtX5aASV4S9aeykEgV9tKYA7hkRDbLHnbtpl_KmJjFLOki3Q_2A7Ba9WKLRsIzM3pyNgJ3iQmxJ_MxWHtJVa/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPP856bL-fOlGxOdz7vPC-QXj8pnEpmXuXfsH3krdQMuhBEZe2ehIVo8KJtX5aASV4S9aeykEgV9tKYA7hkRDbLHnbtpl_KmJjFLOki3Q_2A7Ba9WKLRsIzM3pyNgJ3iQmxJ_MxWHtJVa/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It was hand down the best breakfast food I've ever tasted--even the salad came with delicious dressing. The Eggs Bennie came on a home-made English muffin and a TON of crab meat. Since Andrea and I are both obsessed with seafood, I appreciated that it was more than just a few pieces thrown in. The hollandaise sauce was also on the lighter side which meant the whole dish felt refreshing and perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo6v5bDB0Qssd3AHFV3lLyndxdQzZY5q6I1XokxYW2cfHlLZvHtTtpcnH32VSrq08IWa2AU3KljP2r630E8bow_e6LfdqGb48Wl6WuP9XYvxKP9FpEj7P727Y4uEW_IwI6lbfe-XdgHRT/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo6v5bDB0Qssd3AHFV3lLyndxdQzZY5q6I1XokxYW2cfHlLZvHtTtpcnH32VSrq08IWa2AU3KljP2r630E8bow_e6LfdqGb48Wl6WuP9XYvxKP9FpEj7P727Y4uEW_IwI6lbfe-XdgHRT/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The french toast was just as equally amazing. It was more bread pudding with baked strawberries than toast and covered with fresh strawberries and a little icing. It was sweet enough to not need maple syrup and the portion was just enough to where you wanted one more bite without getting too much sweetness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnU-HoOC_-C_gR5xI2YLPQ61RH0YRjn2mvkoyT7Mit3bv0t6JhzU9A-IWau_OuW1bihRi42iqcR9QDp9Kl6wIv2nzTam5xHr4xe2DaiNgDt0dBFLL7-kBbGtyVqMQ8_5U8k-YVn54_T_V/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnU-HoOC_-C_gR5xI2YLPQ61RH0YRjn2mvkoyT7Mit3bv0t6JhzU9A-IWau_OuW1bihRi42iqcR9QDp9Kl6wIv2nzTam5xHr4xe2DaiNgDt0dBFLL7-kBbGtyVqMQ8_5U8k-YVn54_T_V/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I could write poems about this brunch, and for $17 dollars including tip it was worth every penny. I've never felt the need to document a meal in awhile (my trip to Italy aside), but I can't wait until I make it to Palm Springs to eat here again. Luckily, t</span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he rest of my spring break was just as enjoyable as the brunch and included lots of pool time both at Palm Springs and back at home. I should be back in Palm Springs in a few weeks for Coachella as well, so this needs to be on the schedule!</span>Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-90061610351725629382014-03-11T15:13:00.001-07:002014-03-11T16:58:44.708-07:00Weekend Trip to Eugene, Oregon A trip to Oregon has been in the making for years. One of my best friends from home and I spent all of our last semester in high school making pro and con lists for our top college choices. When I finally decided USC and she decided U of O, we promised that we would visit each other. Fast forward to senior year of college, and we both realized that the time to visit needed to happen soon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZs-1gyKxye0DTGJu9EN8pTLLGFV7NWxt7JNB9-MFGAto4olZ6TLXt9abUk0raE3KdZP9ps59JTFAlgHSBtxxAH9s7LoEdZCSBE13kbJWVbrseO9oHRLjIMn0wffY4e5SUgee_nPhYY1pb/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZs-1gyKxye0DTGJu9EN8pTLLGFV7NWxt7JNB9-MFGAto4olZ6TLXt9abUk0raE3KdZP9ps59JTFAlgHSBtxxAH9s7LoEdZCSBE13kbJWVbrseO9oHRLjIMn0wffY4e5SUgee_nPhYY1pb/s1600/unnamed-3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I booked my tickets to Eugene through Allegiant Air for only $98 round trip (!). Sure the airline only had one flight in on Thursday and one flight out on Sunday and charged for not only checked but carry on luggage, but I was ecstatic about the price. Since my friend Turner and I can share clothes and I don't have Friday class, I didn't end up paying any extra fees. (Unless you count the In'n'Out bribes I made to get a ride to LAX and back.) I stuffed everything I could into a backpack for my one free personal item, and promptly fell asleep for the whole plane ride.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvzzsGXGUGbjG9eNvp3zDk_oj1ibQJ0-1pUSI8OMc3Lhqhj-03DCPOcY6jM7S2jUwd5EnIaim1kQJGdMQje9bGzx02lkx36wxJM-qgSkjk680Gv_MfbUad8PI_yAoOYfB8OYIDOzluPfc/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvzzsGXGUGbjG9eNvp3zDk_oj1ibQJ0-1pUSI8OMc3Lhqhj-03DCPOcY6jM7S2jUwd5EnIaim1kQJGdMQje9bGzx02lkx36wxJM-qgSkjk680Gv_MfbUad8PI_yAoOYfB8OYIDOzluPfc/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
I got into Oregon in the afternoon, and updated Turner on my life while we drove around Eugene and through campus. While LA was about to have a huge rain storm, Eugene was beautiful with clear skies, suburbs, and pine trees all over campus. I definitely missed all the nature. Our first activity was heading to the U of O gym to take a Zumba class. After subtly finding a way to get me into the gym, we realized that we had forgotten the tickets to get in the class. Instead, we ran a few laps around the indoor track and finished with a 15 minutes on the stepper. It was fun seeing how nice their gym was (especially in comparison to our school) and I was getting a little envious.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnDVBwClu9mtzKzbBIR83NI2UM9YYxbvlpRuV6OUJl3VlUJQbIA62TPpWWfJV7smxdjL83UUsoYtCmFVvIoNoLgPnbo76e_tg6_Is9iXsPJehj4-csE2x5VzRnDgy7VZosT7DuBf7LxIz/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrnDVBwClu9mtzKzbBIR83NI2UM9YYxbvlpRuV6OUJl3VlUJQbIA62TPpWWfJV7smxdjL83UUsoYtCmFVvIoNoLgPnbo76e_tg6_Is9iXsPJehj4-csE2x5VzRnDgy7VZosT7DuBf7LxIz/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Once we got back to Turner's apartment, we made a frozen pizza and watched some mindless TV while getting ready to go out to the bars around the area. It was a ton of fun, and as always I reveled at how cheap drinks were everywhere outside of LA. The whole night was such a good time and may have ended with us eating two boxes of gluten free mac and cheese.<br />
<br />
Friday was a much needed lazy day with the exception of walking around campus and Turner giving me a quick tour. Since we checked campus tour off of our weekend to do list, the rest of the night was spent guilt free watching America's Next Top Model marathons, cooking a crock pot dinner, making cookies (and eating cookie dough), and talking about nothing in the best way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCfuluwrVnHnxIbPPWMadtT9xCbZMmQIHgIFDQfy_fh9uwSPIHylm_UYMBopEyre2nhxCfLU1YkzO6FIzcFqUmoZ2PU4byXRpm4tx54LYCZ7P8L2yFbzblXqriqTt-WElDJ0URLlaDqM5/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCfuluwrVnHnxIbPPWMadtT9xCbZMmQIHgIFDQfy_fh9uwSPIHylm_UYMBopEyre2nhxCfLU1YkzO6FIzcFqUmoZ2PU4byXRpm4tx54LYCZ7P8L2yFbzblXqriqTt-WElDJ0URLlaDqM5/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
In the weeks leading up to the trip, I only had one request: to eat a VooDoo donut. I <strike>may</strike> have a slight obsession with donuts* so visiting one of the more famous donut shops in the US was a bucket list item. *<i>Actually my whole family does--it was the one dessert everyone liked, so we all went crazy. Plus any surf trips came with a guaranteed promise of a donut stop.</i> Saturday morning, we slept in and made our way to downtown Eugene. There was a decent line, so I had time to check out all the options and look around at the hilarious signs and donut names (so many dirty puns) and decorations. In typical fashion, I got too excited once there and ordered my top 3 choices--maple bacon bar, chocolate and rice crispy with drizzled peanut butter, and a VooDoo man.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPUKchJ1UAoMUIBda5JYL5USfHIkWmrdfJg2Pjn8IT4FIHCNI280RU1EmLv8egn74SKYU_Druzwn5v-VXkKBRxQoCzjlBA2spxVqQ3dnvRu1CEd9bCOthM_ESphL0Qvkpnek_hEZLcbzy/s1600/unnamed-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZPUKchJ1UAoMUIBda5JYL5USfHIkWmrdfJg2Pjn8IT4FIHCNI280RU1EmLv8egn74SKYU_Druzwn5v-VXkKBRxQoCzjlBA2spxVqQ3dnvRu1CEd9bCOthM_ESphL0Qvkpnek_hEZLcbzy/s1600/unnamed-8.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4y-Kof1fYmhYHS5RK03xyEl20pD_PEeCwLqMREINIc4soc2RapXMXE2DxqXN3kaP5BQldSEYY90trYMRHLdd-TiLfNYXPFI1LVNkJlC-ldPdTUKwyahrMMLU7JRy-YcgsxMB5jVKpj53x/s1600/unnamed-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4y-Kof1fYmhYHS5RK03xyEl20pD_PEeCwLqMREINIc4soc2RapXMXE2DxqXN3kaP5BQldSEYY90trYMRHLdd-TiLfNYXPFI1LVNkJlC-ldPdTUKwyahrMMLU7JRy-YcgsxMB5jVKpj53x/s1600/unnamed-11.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGavV2Tz16s2ST7naQ76mIlS-tASXiEynuTolvuA9iuF2N0Hmp-w04a58ywaObhQx9rUTn9lHHa9WQzIMtefsiKwYkIEq46dmr0-8MslFPUBrnRUwF-8WNQuDYjR4YYwZv3QSNnK8eUDGL/s1600/unnamed-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGavV2Tz16s2ST7naQ76mIlS-tASXiEynuTolvuA9iuF2N0Hmp-w04a58ywaObhQx9rUTn9lHHa9WQzIMtefsiKwYkIEq46dmr0-8MslFPUBrnRUwF-8WNQuDYjR4YYwZv3QSNnK8eUDGL/s1600/unnamed-10.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
I ate the delicious maple bacon bar for breakfast (because the bacon makes it the most breakfasty, duh) as we drove to beat the rain and go shopping. I was enjoying the zero sales tax (craziness compared to CA's 9%). I obviously had not gotten into the Oregon spirit (or realization that I was going to eat three huge donuts by the end of the weekend) because while it was raining out I bought a new bikini top and Los Angeles tote bag.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0dIzNFy3zqa4AUUyIKx_iBoW4-G411XfREQknFBapZ63A-1tTsA8nkEHrdwCulqEi7j_yzRHWOoZhhATm5WOF09mN2lPCHvKaNMyX23q-RHk10wND4z-LtQpm3eVmVA_xjVJCi95N8i3/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0dIzNFy3zqa4AUUyIKx_iBoW4-G411XfREQknFBapZ63A-1tTsA8nkEHrdwCulqEi7j_yzRHWOoZhhATm5WOF09mN2lPCHvKaNMyX23q-RHk10wND4z-LtQpm3eVmVA_xjVJCi95N8i3/s1600/unnamed-5.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
After shopping and dropping off the rest of the donuts off at the apartment, Turner, her friend and I all met up to take a Top 40 workout dance class that I had heard about all weekend. It was a different teacher than usual so the class turned out to be more comical than anything, but it felt good to be active and work off at least part of the donut.<br />
<br />
And speaking of the donuts, I ate half the rice crispy donut between the workout class and dinner just because it was unbelievably delicious.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bzwF2bM2S35Siq9TWeGXjlfmJK4uV6rC79gCmuZbOi6sIENxUVOcYS2mJ1YSMWO6H7O2-uGCDh5lYDuxCtKL0Dx76Wsx3F0wnr2IxczkWUh8NZIDDnov_I2xz55EQuNzZtNmN7Iy-GzG/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bzwF2bM2S35Siq9TWeGXjlfmJK4uV6rC79gCmuZbOi6sIENxUVOcYS2mJ1YSMWO6H7O2-uGCDh5lYDuxCtKL0Dx76Wsx3F0wnr2IxczkWUh8NZIDDnov_I2xz55EQuNzZtNmN7Iy-GzG/s1600/unnamed-6.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Turner's boyfriend and friend joined us for dinner and we went out to a local restaurant that for the life of me I can't remember the name of. After sharing an order of cajun tater tots with the table (which we were told was a necessity), I ordered a mushroom sandwich with cheese and sun dried tomatoes which I happily demolished.<br />
<br />
To celebrate our last night together, we headed out again to the bars for one more night out. After dancing and bar hopping, we ended our night with late night Taco Bell (plus the last half of the rice crispy donut) and having heart to hearts. The whole weekend was so much fun, and it was nice to spend it with such a good friend and in a new place. Instead of it feeling like a trip, being in Eugene felt exactly like being home and hanging out with my high school friends. This visit was in the making for 4 years and it was great to finally come the full circle from senior year of high school to senior year of college together.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERexHENPtrRHedQ8xsbCxIlDWa4EDQ3nqemB3rZtVC-HIxkKOqv9nX5XJshfUJc7y0CCYVmioDUkX9tLRcMiprXX9fwYV5E5YFn1XwYR06gJP7SoR8g5CHAmYEwI5DwnlsqlOOVH1eBYv/s1600/1982088_10152303920564853_1075875176_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERexHENPtrRHedQ8xsbCxIlDWa4EDQ3nqemB3rZtVC-HIxkKOqv9nX5XJshfUJc7y0CCYVmioDUkX9tLRcMiprXX9fwYV5E5YFn1XwYR06gJP7SoR8g5CHAmYEwI5DwnlsqlOOVH1eBYv/s1600/1982088_10152303920564853_1075875176_n.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
PS When I got up early to catch my plane, I ate half of my VooDoo donut. It had a pretzel stick through its heart and jelly filling on the inside when you bit it. Very clever and a huge relief that apparently I was starting to get my fill of donuts for the weekend.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBLr_PCZFpGOn8Qf-dgiDAJjqHtGHdXCcn-XxxtRLNtK9sGtg0zLqa9fwJ2oN9ebFTZZdXGf80dVxvz3-nCFEY-LTNxpveuPTHs6FDqPzDMOY73bW7IkdIMu2woj6XlmQwxzUDlowdaRb/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNBLr_PCZFpGOn8Qf-dgiDAJjqHtGHdXCcn-XxxtRLNtK9sGtg0zLqa9fwJ2oN9ebFTZZdXGf80dVxvz3-nCFEY-LTNxpveuPTHs6FDqPzDMOY73bW7IkdIMu2woj6XlmQwxzUDlowdaRb/s1600/unnamed-7.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-50110917790804016732014-02-14T12:03:00.001-08:002014-02-14T12:03:20.071-08:00Bang Bang (Guns and Stuff in LA)It's Valentine's day! So let's talk about guns, sausages, and beer!<br />
<br />
I'm currently waiting for Scott to get out of class to have some adventures around Redlands, so I thought I would celebrate now by talking about last week's "Explore LA" date. Last Friday, Scott was in town for my sorority invite (in which we were decked out as Hugh Hefner and a Playboy bunny). Usually, the following Saturday we catch up on all our shows and have a lazy day, but this time my house was holding a conference.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiFnbO32_ZZNorc4AdIPLMeHdrUfygQ6lI29-uUNY1-DwEzy007uWUb7RNV6MxyPsGSzD_J5oP7osbEB2f1RIMhs52oalsgBVW0gDXDeL2MtGILOx8VOrnuQzPltIV8Ip4Q-q_UQ-SiMl/s1600/IMG_1047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiFnbO32_ZZNorc4AdIPLMeHdrUfygQ6lI29-uUNY1-DwEzy007uWUb7RNV6MxyPsGSzD_J5oP7osbEB2f1RIMhs52oalsgBVW0gDXDeL2MtGILOx8VOrnuQzPltIV8Ip4Q-q_UQ-SiMl/s1600/IMG_1047.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwv5qvnv48byFaL79pLZ5WLaja2VeSnf2sM3NQiuPqswyy20dFEWr1L4sPppSbQ9MbSuQ98PaQdwOTwynRmcPcfOOPwPw1GAf6dVrqTaKq0u75IIt9F-7yj4h8sdOP3GKo1PNULdlpfUS8/s1600/IMG_1053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwv5qvnv48byFaL79pLZ5WLaja2VeSnf2sM3NQiuPqswyy20dFEWr1L4sPppSbQ9MbSuQ98PaQdwOTwynRmcPcfOOPwPw1GAf6dVrqTaKq0u75IIt9F-7yj4h8sdOP3GKo1PNULdlpfUS8/s1600/IMG_1053.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The conference left us with no where to stay, so we decided to spend the day out and about downtown. After a quick lunch (breakfast?) at Pizza Studio, we drove to the LA Gun Club by the arts district in Downtown LA. I knew a few people who had gone before, and it was on my "do before I graduate" list.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTqzgc5W_rg-e54yjMpKkY-gMZ321ERMmZcKbteZJ9Ke1Mi-e_hYQuKrBLx4aUeGNe8esvxCSVsJb18StTop-opjw6r6uPw96pun4nOk9qe03n6ChyfpGIEPMFldgBuE79XH1wIkwPCrh/s1600/IMG_1105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcTqzgc5W_rg-e54yjMpKkY-gMZ321ERMmZcKbteZJ9Ke1Mi-e_hYQuKrBLx4aUeGNe8esvxCSVsJb18StTop-opjw6r6uPw96pun4nOk9qe03n6ChyfpGIEPMFldgBuE79XH1wIkwPCrh/s1600/IMG_1105.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Scott and I had never shot a gun--I don't think I've even held one--so I was getting the nervous/excited feeling as we walked in. I'm not sure what I expected from a gun club, but I was shocked at all the options and was getting antsy as we took our numbers and waited to be called.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlsiYaPFTJfYWMJtRYhZhzCs6JNoQVeBkzPvVZIV4zO1OF4AG0mwXOk8KdEDOKXvu7FVEKcAPLSmaReZNsL8eoXCvGXWwd28y5w-beznjYUEcmFwXlwYKpqmCJikdzkbwu1hq1VYV2XfR/s1600/IMG_1056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxlsiYaPFTJfYWMJtRYhZhzCs6JNoQVeBkzPvVZIV4zO1OF4AG0mwXOk8KdEDOKXvu7FVEKcAPLSmaReZNsL8eoXCvGXWwd28y5w-beznjYUEcmFwXlwYKpqmCJikdzkbwu1hq1VYV2XfR/s1600/IMG_1056.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Luckily, we seemed to have beat the large crowd that came in after us, and soon we were talking to an employee about the best gun for beginners. The place gets mostly beginners looking for a fun activity, so I was't self conscious asking a bunch of questions. I wish I could remember the name of the guns we used, but we started off by renting a handgun that I can only describe as the Russian roulette type. I picked a target, and we were given headphones, glasses, and an aisle number.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyT18CyymucaINnHiJCr-Df2WJYv3xnGPSC9D52Xkw-BRLNs_dXf5OrqTpa4ioIip-aZFOEuc-4T5O9zYZL_Yxre30voU7YjqdktplWG_EZ7RN3h3r_XUo3e_gOV8HqGHcavJtTksKEugb/s1600/IMG_1064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyT18CyymucaINnHiJCr-Df2WJYv3xnGPSC9D52Xkw-BRLNs_dXf5OrqTpa4ioIip-aZFOEuc-4T5O9zYZL_Yxre30voU7YjqdktplWG_EZ7RN3h3r_XUo3e_gOV8HqGHcavJtTksKEugb/s1600/IMG_1064.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We had bought a round of 50 to share, and I started off the first shot. Even with my first bad couple shots, the experience was exhilarating. I also was shocked at how well I got the hang of it. By the time I had finished my portion of the rounds (we switched off every barrel), I was spending most of the time admiring my handiwork.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHyPZuepDS-uV3_BLrBUbeJM81PZyxrOU149OgtU5Jo7Jn9yySnnNiZrOtPYD2gU8NX-tQfFU0J6KTylcqta0sHQhZ8klHK-wjDDZ7HfxOtQWXGh2g5-OYwl-fxAQUboQzZul7N6LzVqE/s1600/IMG_1083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIHyPZuepDS-uV3_BLrBUbeJM81PZyxrOU149OgtU5Jo7Jn9yySnnNiZrOtPYD2gU8NX-tQfFU0J6KTylcqta0sHQhZ8klHK-wjDDZ7HfxOtQWXGh2g5-OYwl-fxAQUboQzZul7N6LzVqE/s1600/IMG_1083.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Scott and I ended up having so much fun that we decided to rent another gun and go for one more round. This time we went for a semi automatic handgun that the army uses, and grabbed another target. This gun had more of a kick to it, and all my previous "skills" from before were completely gone. I think I only hit my target about 5 times throughout the whole practice. Scott on the other hand was killing it, and getting everything on target.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvW1zBqP_6YQKvJexmWtJgKDXUB01WaAjxSNIMzs0xtVG652sUdIoBXNmZWrzarnN2LENrRw80nPR45NO-NOvX1ODnBPntCBn3_dYNiKCYpFJQgmc5Ta97Kzt9GBgjqsfdnHaG8dqS7lC/s1600/IMG_1060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmvW1zBqP_6YQKvJexmWtJgKDXUB01WaAjxSNIMzs0xtVG652sUdIoBXNmZWrzarnN2LENrRw80nPR45NO-NOvX1ODnBPntCBn3_dYNiKCYpFJQgmc5Ta97Kzt9GBgjqsfdnHaG8dqS7lC/s1600/IMG_1060.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, our bullets had run out, and we decided to finish up. We were there for probably about 2.5 hours (including wait time), and the club doesn't rush you to finish which was really great. The whole thing cost about $70 between two people so it was a fairly affordable date (as long as you split it) and was an adrenaline pumping activity. It was so much more fun than I expected, and it's always fun when even after 7 years there are still "firsts" for Scott and I to do together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik7G5KyfHixwDR5TpQJfQQLCXK-vYKXmPXosEFCVoU_CertDRLx7T284gv4Ngc4y4GmQZNCNWsGU5ecAZ-43UKRqCRtaB54ven0WXkbnyjqPCQhQYvOB93-k5SqsBD8-uHUdjdmFoOaDA/s1600/IMG_1104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgik7G5KyfHixwDR5TpQJfQQLCXK-vYKXmPXosEFCVoU_CertDRLx7T284gv4Ngc4y4GmQZNCNWsGU5ecAZ-43UKRqCRtaB54ven0WXkbnyjqPCQhQYvOB93-k5SqsBD8-uHUdjdmFoOaDA/s1600/IMG_1104.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeTIxi4YesYJ4ufBd-goX30lFTVXYU_LeLvIMa9G7mKit9reknCMK0WQXKUKlJ-NiprfmFwI629P8FTnMtXHrdtlgimJXFDHD3IbOifSv8Zz4lQ5K99gXyN9jxzZVPtLMmDo4wGrldjFr/s1600/IMG_1103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioeTIxi4YesYJ4ufBd-goX30lFTVXYU_LeLvIMa9G7mKit9reknCMK0WQXKUKlJ-NiprfmFwI629P8FTnMtXHrdtlgimJXFDHD3IbOifSv8Zz4lQ5K99gXyN9jxzZVPtLMmDo4wGrldjFr/s1600/IMG_1103.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Our next stop was at a popular restaurant in the arts district called Wurstkuche for an early dinner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVMM3jZzJLUaCjCGVfJDbr4Xa8YWsrEB-UMLLdfccyrXuix_IltklkpvI6vdGlWOnx4HY_STPuFvhjhpD_eIenpO8nDbaTib4qSBPlsUQ1kFWjcRjlIe9Zoe54sjIrYtlmu2Hy9ezuHGI/s1600/IMG_1107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbVMM3jZzJLUaCjCGVfJDbr4Xa8YWsrEB-UMLLdfccyrXuix_IltklkpvI6vdGlWOnx4HY_STPuFvhjhpD_eIenpO8nDbaTib4qSBPlsUQ1kFWjcRjlIe9Zoe54sjIrYtlmu2Hy9ezuHGI/s1600/IMG_1107.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
It sells sausages and imported Belgian and German beers, and is one of those hipster-y restaurants that actually lives up to its reputations (so I heard). It was my first time eating there, and I ordered a simple kielbasa and German beer while Scott got the same (different beer) and fries. The food reminded me of Prague but even better. <i>Ok, so Prague's kielbasa will always hold a special place in my heart but having a bun to eat it with instead of a single piece of dark bread was an improvement. </i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AOCiAnVhai6Uo-7hkXJ5lUwh0lHKU2FRoUVaunzLzuc03iBGYxQYtaZIR_3oo9AXiAYtqBQIddG8xi_DM436nPyi0SNAwzBxiYNd0xxBlAw_b_WPtHMiNQO2RRVp6sPECJCksDFWl8BV/s1600/IMG_1108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7AOCiAnVhai6Uo-7hkXJ5lUwh0lHKU2FRoUVaunzLzuc03iBGYxQYtaZIR_3oo9AXiAYtqBQIddG8xi_DM436nPyi0SNAwzBxiYNd0xxBlAw_b_WPtHMiNQO2RRVp6sPECJCksDFWl8BV/s1600/IMG_1108.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2X0A1fI03bfLYe6OJdPDILR2Y74txWcPAqf65O_JILt0As-17eJXldKbczB4gZncA5YZwFMemC50HcWwKOwCxei58SEJlyepYwVOOoIePkO671H7bGZwpw1B0HgZWSSNtTDVqalvm7i1/s1600/IMG_1110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2X0A1fI03bfLYe6OJdPDILR2Y74txWcPAqf65O_JILt0As-17eJXldKbczB4gZncA5YZwFMemC50HcWwKOwCxei58SEJlyepYwVOOoIePkO671H7bGZwpw1B0HgZWSSNtTDVqalvm7i1/s1600/IMG_1110.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamxUGEihLFzSzwwI9IyKXeGhevOGvL_sfxMwkRnrhQ6bpyeq0MAq5yX4cgruBwTZ9UpvsXk4iO6oFa8jUMrFeaCmT5VFsfU1qU-nB2hLAIMHSgLbiq27rgKtt6tQeiBo38vM9v0qFNMlq/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgamxUGEihLFzSzwwI9IyKXeGhevOGvL_sfxMwkRnrhQ6bpyeq0MAq5yX4cgruBwTZ9UpvsXk4iO6oFa8jUMrFeaCmT5VFsfU1qU-nB2hLAIMHSgLbiq27rgKtt6tQeiBo38vM9v0qFNMlq/s1600/IMG_1111.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
It was so much fun just hanging out and eating good food, and by the time we got back to school we had just enough time to squeeze in two episodes of Community before Scott left. It was one of the more perfect weekends I've had all semester. A party with friends, adrenaline, good food, and Scott visiting makes for an amazing couple of days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWN29rlWyccVr3B_tmltPkG1f1LO_DFinABuU7mqv0khRtxzWdRbXJtdXvHUu76G0WDY62F5xGUWglD2VP0PWQniQjcQ0np7xiCAgQ8mqLgkFWpXJEnrn4QITrblYl4olD9Iln5L0P9LV/s1600/IMG_1112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmWN29rlWyccVr3B_tmltPkG1f1LO_DFinABuU7mqv0khRtxzWdRbXJtdXvHUu76G0WDY62F5xGUWglD2VP0PWQniQjcQ0np7xiCAgQ8mqLgkFWpXJEnrn4QITrblYl4olD9Iln5L0P9LV/s1600/IMG_1112.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now I just need him to get out of class!Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-35534734583663249072014-02-06T23:47:00.001-08:002014-02-06T23:47:26.832-08:00Surf City Half Marathon!After 3 months of training and long runs everywhere from San Francisco to Santa Monica, the weekend of the Surf City Half Marathon was finally here. Running a half marathon is also on my new bucket list, so I was both nervous and excited to finally do it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-7Dg12iguCn33entt7uN0jPyL_7ZAkty3JAjOXQkxBBiGTnnYGWMgdOuRbDqTr_r-R1VhRHxISL9HeqJdEbHpvBTnIiayYPW0LoHQ9f02GiBQrKXrP9Fl8QKd97AC14VQ_ybDjaIJ9el/s1600/IMG_1019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-7Dg12iguCn33entt7uN0jPyL_7ZAkty3JAjOXQkxBBiGTnnYGWMgdOuRbDqTr_r-R1VhRHxISL9HeqJdEbHpvBTnIiayYPW0LoHQ9f02GiBQrKXrP9Fl8QKd97AC14VQ_ybDjaIJ9el/s1600/IMG_1019.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
On Saturday, I drove to Long Beach to pick up my sister, and we both headed to the race expo to get my and my roommate's bids and swag bag. It was much funner than I thought it would be and Jessica and I spent most of the time grabbing all the free samples and admiring my new hot pink, long sleeve (!) race shirt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-L9UgRycNYfBY3gI7wqrk5jBWi_vO7lApqXMI0D4tQzT7_hjVCx10Upy8SPEf-TP5b_UqtDwNF5F8KQ9T8iwhORn4rHFrDbHOQbphCU8-P5c5OtGznDTNBkX4bBXZRHdAS3pAuGfGk5oP/s1600/IMG_1006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-L9UgRycNYfBY3gI7wqrk5jBWi_vO7lApqXMI0D4tQzT7_hjVCx10Upy8SPEf-TP5b_UqtDwNF5F8KQ9T8iwhORn4rHFrDbHOQbphCU8-P5c5OtGznDTNBkX4bBXZRHdAS3pAuGfGk5oP/s1600/IMG_1006.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent the rest of the day hanging out until we decided to grab a dinner downtown at Pitfire Pizza. Madison and I shared a pizza and spaghetti and meatballs (tip from my brother for our pre-race meal) before heading back, packing our running stuff, hyperventilating, and setting our alarms for 5:45 before finally heading to bed.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljqa3HsxZumg4abh0I3DvxUW590hUnK0KgY63LiYJlKnwo-no6AqEzpi1itiisRUsbQEH2IuH9IU1yN9enOKaMhNXqLQamKqKmMH4U9-YDtr28kSoyZnwQPoeJ8K_R23XbgxzX9mMlSlt/s1600/IMG_1010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljqa3HsxZumg4abh0I3DvxUW590hUnK0KgY63LiYJlKnwo-no6AqEzpi1itiisRUsbQEH2IuH9IU1yN9enOKaMhNXqLQamKqKmMH4U9-YDtr28kSoyZnwQPoeJ8K_R23XbgxzX9mMlSlt/s1600/IMG_1010.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
5:45 is a time meant for sleeping. Hearing my alarm and realizing that I was getting up to run 13.1 miles (which I had to keep reminding myself was something that I had not only chosen to do but also paid a decent amount of money for) made me wish for a few more hours of sleep. Especially since I found out when I'm nervous, I wake up and switch my pillows every hour of the night. I was happy that I already laid out all my clothes the night before, so it just took a quick change and grabbing my bag before I was downstairs eating my PB&honey English muffin.<br />
<br />
The sun was rising as we drove the 45 minutes to Huntington Beach, and for once there was no LA traffic and the radio wasn't playing ads. We were trying to mentally prepare ourselves for the race, and the drive did actually help.<br />
<br />
What didn't help was waiting almost an hour for the shuttle to take us to the starting line. It was really cold and we went from being intimidated to just wanting to get on the bus so we wouldn't be cold and late. By the time we made it to the start our heat was just about to begin. Without anytime to get nervous, we were instantly running.<br />
<br />
The start was scenic and felt good. I instantly warmed up even though I had tossed my jacket to the side, and running the two miles to a three loop mentally made the first half go quick and painlessly. I ran the first half of the course with Madison which meant that I had someone to talk to.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGat30qzZdZ6nP2_HLixFHd1_-TGeI6jQB7GXOFaBdux_k9aokYkplf3pn3B2svihuBBBLd67ANgu0l3y6ZTZSNmjBWflf_hYvuPSa6aKrH719tYzii_HNmto_WfJ_DhCnmbb3-u2yV809/s1600/1655042_10202074003946042_784051480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGat30qzZdZ6nP2_HLixFHd1_-TGeI6jQB7GXOFaBdux_k9aokYkplf3pn3B2svihuBBBLd67ANgu0l3y6ZTZSNmjBWflf_hYvuPSa6aKrH719tYzii_HNmto_WfJ_DhCnmbb3-u2yV809/s1600/1655042_10202074003946042_784051480_n.jpg" height="400" width="303" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<i>For some reason, I had decided to train for the entire half marathon without listening to any music. It actually made the run feel much more special, and it became a more meditative experience. During a good run, I can just zone out and think about nothing for several miles or focus on mantras that motivate me.</i><br />
<br />
Until mile 8, we were running to Bolsa Chica Beach on PCH. I was shocked about how good I felt--I didn't want to walk, was at a comfortable pace, and was enjoying having so many people around me to "target" since I usually run alone.<br />
<br />
At that point, I grabbed a free Cliff Bloc (first time eating during a run) which helped get a little energy back. I was also tempted to grab a donut that people were handing out, but refrained when I imagined the stomach cramps that could result. As the race took us back to Huntington Beach, I started to get more and more tired. From mile 9-10 I was cursing the slight uphills (while also happy that my house was surrounded by so many hills during my training runs) and debating at what point to turn on my music. Mile 11 was a rough point--I finally turned on some Beyonce before realizing that without headphones, I couldn't hear anything. Luckily, at the point there were more spectators and I had made up several mantras that I was chanting in my head to make sure I didn't stop running.<br />
<br />
Although slightly nauseous, I knew my one goal was to run the whole marathon. I had to keep reminding myself that I would be so disappointed if 2.1 miles from the finish line I started walking. It also made me think about how far I've come and how well the training worked. Achieving a goal was taking actual hard work, and I was amazed that this was possible for me. A red vine handed out by a spectator also may have helped too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9EeXyuE-fhVeJRHYPeOyiwryzIADgQCq1VrJLUvNz-xVgLFO97JbBE62NSG_iRK8luFEjtsi9dcxJE56bIQ6VHhb2p9EeDK67ekoDXhrRl4XcSJw-kVSe8PNg_AhYFeAVz7xSSds49XT/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9EeXyuE-fhVeJRHYPeOyiwryzIADgQCq1VrJLUvNz-xVgLFO97JbBE62NSG_iRK8luFEjtsi9dcxJE56bIQ6VHhb2p9EeDK67ekoDXhrRl4XcSJw-kVSe8PNg_AhYFeAVz7xSSds49XT/s1600/unnamed-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
A huge motivator was also knowing that so many people came to support me. Scott drove out from Redlands, Jessica came to watch, and my two friends from school Andrea and Maddie had driven out as well. It wasn't until I was running the race that truly I realized how much it meant to me, and how much it helped keep me motivated.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ITdVIVvVN6xrdvkNOve2QZWjYr1wkaPhyphenhyphenyqXK5nwd9huR6E3dTT8-j8IWdD7-_sdn7vyp76eXIfcuCOE0vhAMUSfJgVTOB0H0aSi1vExwJJxbhZnUyzhOR6qvkHiFYO6nmNqmuD1OCVd/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ITdVIVvVN6xrdvkNOve2QZWjYr1wkaPhyphenhyphenyqXK5nwd9huR6E3dTT8-j8IWdD7-_sdn7vyp76eXIfcuCOE0vhAMUSfJgVTOB0H0aSi1vExwJJxbhZnUyzhOR6qvkHiFYO6nmNqmuD1OCVd/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
I saw them right at the finish line and waved before crossing over with the biggest smile on my face. That smile quickly turned to shock when I realized that instead of relief, every muscle from my butt down was KILLING me. I could barely walk, but I still managed to grab all the free food and my medal on the way out before meeting up with Scott (who may have offered to carry me ;).<br />
<br />
I cannot put into words how proud of myself I am that I completed the half marathon and stuck to all my goals. Finishing the race was a combination of awe at how feasible the race felt (up until mile 9 I felt strong and in the zone) and how much mental strength it took to not take walking breaks. I was amazed I could run so far and so long without listening to music and really focusing on myself, my goals, and at the same time nothing at all.<br />
<br />
A half marathon has been a goal of mine for years. I would print out half marathon training plans and look up races, but never got past a three mile run. Crossing the finishing line was so empowering, and I'm already looking forward to my next one (not in the near future however). I was also beyond appreciative to have such an amazing support system and people around me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD5zp9CrCcwo2oqwVHPrLnsMTJgh4PYb5gbX0eJxsD_IJXnbjpXa55KuLdbD8aifRxgaQb4VhpMEwxUZvZIj4EapCzFfU5r5HCYLzxVjhZSYqMMiutvereMpKlzHx_Dd7crun4vo5cr6L/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQD5zp9CrCcwo2oqwVHPrLnsMTJgh4PYb5gbX0eJxsD_IJXnbjpXa55KuLdbD8aifRxgaQb4VhpMEwxUZvZIj4EapCzFfU5r5HCYLzxVjhZSYqMMiutvereMpKlzHx_Dd7crun4vo5cr6L/s1600/unnamed-2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Even better, we celebrated with a mimosa and some chicken and waffles from Roscoe's in Long Beach. My eyes may have been a little bigger than my stomach, but it was amazing (and I had the leftovers for dinner). What's the point of a half marathon if you can't brunch?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-52855943374919486212014-01-24T00:16:00.000-08:002014-01-24T00:16:23.739-08:00Disneyland at Christmas2014 started with a little bit of magic. From fireworks and sparklers all New Years Eve to Disneyland on January second, the new year is off to a great start.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrunfNye5d-lNKb6zxb-NHDqVo8rR6iVsR-AtGEHHvGq_dtHl4HY0vMPSwbYAVst4y-QIlF66-jnG1XO7v3LeFBxpGxmRSFBCUjLaVQsFpK86JoJbYU-qFP4swU9OVsS6-Y7AhtuHiDtQk/s1600/IMG_0894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrunfNye5d-lNKb6zxb-NHDqVo8rR6iVsR-AtGEHHvGq_dtHl4HY0vMPSwbYAVst4y-QIlF66-jnG1XO7v3LeFBxpGxmRSFBCUjLaVQsFpK86JoJbYU-qFP4swU9OVsS6-Y7AhtuHiDtQk/s1600/IMG_0894.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaRIgH6gQd2kug4t4tRk_bUTk8W6cHlqiZ-ZJisb2WOsqL08fLjHfq6DursclZMnz4jY-2cGC3iDCLLI0NymI55pWm55MZ0TBAXwdKL6D3cxG8NJZdaHin7nYUN2RAMtVi-GIGmi-tjH7/s1600/IMG_0916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvaRIgH6gQd2kug4t4tRk_bUTk8W6cHlqiZ-ZJisb2WOsqL08fLjHfq6DursclZMnz4jY-2cGC3iDCLLI0NymI55pWm55MZ0TBAXwdKL6D3cxG8NJZdaHin7nYUN2RAMtVi-GIGmi-tjH7/s1600/IMG_0916.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKKvT2w-7kGh4XC1KIy_LKYS-MUpgyMD_OYVd-mVNDpeSKzz0f1GcTuIQUxs8YULlJezC021aEUMv3veUGTHj01orVxQbMMA8gZlcSfe-ub7eY3SBhDd5rhewDEiVJ4zy3XSvAywWLZ1a/s1600/IMG_0919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKKvT2w-7kGh4XC1KIy_LKYS-MUpgyMD_OYVd-mVNDpeSKzz0f1GcTuIQUxs8YULlJezC021aEUMv3veUGTHj01orVxQbMMA8gZlcSfe-ub7eY3SBhDd5rhewDEiVJ4zy3XSvAywWLZ1a/s1600/IMG_0919.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
Right before midnight we lit some Chinese lanterns and all made wishes. It made for a very Pinterestesque event and a great photo op if I do say so myself.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVCBwZ3pzwEL-VVIX5n3YZWl8nfs_ttzLUWtQHQ-Sabk2wTr0iP7BX2CYIwIPFmLpgEcYSToDiXnJfJ6NO8Ez08avE3RBpWK7nvgCFn1vj3hT6ydWlNKQgYZ5QX292b7TwFCW0hfSj9QG/s1600/1510759_10202354093407720_1453364938_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwVCBwZ3pzwEL-VVIX5n3YZWl8nfs_ttzLUWtQHQ-Sabk2wTr0iP7BX2CYIwIPFmLpgEcYSToDiXnJfJ6NO8Ez08avE3RBpWK7nvgCFn1vj3hT6ydWlNKQgYZ5QX292b7TwFCW0hfSj9QG/s1600/1510759_10202354093407720_1453364938_n.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BkL1udfrzHCDnEWbBSqBmfdCq_ImjsfgTvKLRkppWkWDVpIwK5Tua0_dGM4YrbvLq4V-rsc3M9p0lnac0hKSsKv-IbJVgYGypVV_oSKqGCabEM-UJ2MI2l1GByWtpEKg7pObY9T_K2TO/s1600/1558411_10202354093807730_618267785_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BkL1udfrzHCDnEWbBSqBmfdCq_ImjsfgTvKLRkppWkWDVpIwK5Tua0_dGM4YrbvLq4V-rsc3M9p0lnac0hKSsKv-IbJVgYGypVV_oSKqGCabEM-UJ2MI2l1GByWtpEKg7pObY9T_K2TO/s1600/1558411_10202354093807730_618267785_n.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn44chngSPYON3uV9LKLIlBdnvt6FfnMAsrKNLeb8KSKBjPVkVsA6XJ0dOPID5sYoKDHoZtEQ-KAw0rpst00j-6_TDJ8XGEMsWgFQAoQJjmA4OgtH6I22Kvl3PoyXfAMp7UixaInlNJh69/s1600/1549440_10202354094087737_343085113_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn44chngSPYON3uV9LKLIlBdnvt6FfnMAsrKNLeb8KSKBjPVkVsA6XJ0dOPID5sYoKDHoZtEQ-KAw0rpst00j-6_TDJ8XGEMsWgFQAoQJjmA4OgtH6I22Kvl3PoyXfAMp7UixaInlNJh69/s1600/1549440_10202354094087737_343085113_n.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJnSi8Qc1Gn-gM4szfgvSYZctGbzxBNaYnKVO9olce2XzKL9dY0hFhOXMP-s4GLIB69Tlt7-sfzcZ3ekuAYll4fRdzWyb1TccNcmgPWQRAFpxXUBBYmtsZWQSGbYljO-baKROamh3HJ-k/s1600/1495484_10202354094447746_67230465_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJnSi8Qc1Gn-gM4szfgvSYZctGbzxBNaYnKVO9olce2XzKL9dY0hFhOXMP-s4GLIB69Tlt7-sfzcZ3ekuAYll4fRdzWyb1TccNcmgPWQRAFpxXUBBYmtsZWQSGbYljO-baKROamh3HJ-k/s1600/1495484_10202354094447746_67230465_n.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriXX0bvHytCzjEvv3PrtLpMBAXjTIS5zdwFoprhQEC1gQbIFQbca_5CBEzRpRmgsb499DEZFyhYpWaCGe0WwqHNMJ7xPjWIsVGFjXigqgvmLQseged1-vMpm1ejVW3jKiv-ZlOp5qByVn/s1600/1507890_10202354095247766_1679683609_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriXX0bvHytCzjEvv3PrtLpMBAXjTIS5zdwFoprhQEC1gQbIFQbca_5CBEzRpRmgsb499DEZFyhYpWaCGe0WwqHNMJ7xPjWIsVGFjXigqgvmLQseged1-vMpm1ejVW3jKiv-ZlOp5qByVn/s1600/1507890_10202354095247766_1679683609_n.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
The next day to get excited about our Disneyland trip, Scott and I saw Saving Mr. Banks. Besides the fact that I got teary multiple times, it was the perfect way to get in the Disney mood. I was on the look out for a few things from the movie (like Disney's father's name on the window) and was newly inspired to make sure I got a ride on the carousal. It was the last holiday week at Disneyland so I enjoyed the last piece of the Christmas season. Plus, the park just improves when even more glitterly lights are added.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_vFR0k_MEA71Z5sckIG8iHL9dFhV8l_MNkSnMs_xil0jKOK4od6MILoDW6-iU1cdJjeCj1ik4hZA_Eaos_G1YZKxUpcOj77Z-Dr_mvdvx4RWhEST24bzwxm7PyMUJ4m3H5fiL-zLjoGg/s1600/P1020691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib_vFR0k_MEA71Z5sckIG8iHL9dFhV8l_MNkSnMs_xil0jKOK4od6MILoDW6-iU1cdJjeCj1ik4hZA_Eaos_G1YZKxUpcOj77Z-Dr_mvdvx4RWhEST24bzwxm7PyMUJ4m3H5fiL-zLjoGg/s1600/P1020691.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1MI6-p1WWnmQR2bsBU5Wu9LIJpZvMA_8lMk4MHm6AWMLGxYTFN1unUVSdGH-oNebqgPRPnRVTBWlVBxxJOJ52LVrtvkrjPnlJCQckE7a-7Chkk_G_5uXFAXCSYwQua6SPepToIKZ0ujb/s1600/P1020693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC1MI6-p1WWnmQR2bsBU5Wu9LIJpZvMA_8lMk4MHm6AWMLGxYTFN1unUVSdGH-oNebqgPRPnRVTBWlVBxxJOJ52LVrtvkrjPnlJCQckE7a-7Chkk_G_5uXFAXCSYwQua6SPepToIKZ0ujb/s1600/P1020693.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbR5fZJEgThzvILMDVS6k_pDL740Uwyd5ES5gWK4lkh0eH1yaqAdQOE_XB0LrrrLc84Al6lyknUuzv69Vni3r1m9SgOwJD30mEdpEn42QmFwMl2g94r6iGYVRTkTa5cAs9laq6-DU8Z3yX/s1600/P1020694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbR5fZJEgThzvILMDVS6k_pDL740Uwyd5ES5gWK4lkh0eH1yaqAdQOE_XB0LrrrLc84Al6lyknUuzv69Vni3r1m9SgOwJD30mEdpEn42QmFwMl2g94r6iGYVRTkTa5cAs9laq6-DU8Z3yX/s1600/P1020694.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKf7dKbe3ssyXgrpb3qUbQ8j_qVYpeNzHRj6sYoaVNyFHM3NaDFOOsnfcrFyB7EFcKQ6qMD7Rq7A8JUfaB7Gi3fgssDDBaybBd2bXOiM64daBUBqfFRDTlMmeK2z5zMWcj5XVukX7XFxei/s1600/P1020695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKf7dKbe3ssyXgrpb3qUbQ8j_qVYpeNzHRj6sYoaVNyFHM3NaDFOOsnfcrFyB7EFcKQ6qMD7Rq7A8JUfaB7Gi3fgssDDBaybBd2bXOiM64daBUBqfFRDTlMmeK2z5zMWcj5XVukX7XFxei/s1600/P1020695.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9XnrVz0e-8v-KHp_DA12nzB-zmmAisX0uFd9dwxfQxuL2vAJrbAqMOcHw6gqEv4G3FkxYz9QRUW8zAu-OqPRq6SeyAscoC1H-GPxjJyXMgjDThL5DUO6De3jdXrIenzscMRU1M-bXdtd/s1600/P1020696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii9XnrVz0e-8v-KHp_DA12nzB-zmmAisX0uFd9dwxfQxuL2vAJrbAqMOcHw6gqEv4G3FkxYz9QRUW8zAu-OqPRq6SeyAscoC1H-GPxjJyXMgjDThL5DUO6De3jdXrIenzscMRU1M-bXdtd/s1600/P1020696.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB2HDhVDX_Q1rHEHwmnBq5McCx_y9w1-hVEEQViTr9jrfODIo2IDefOd22aQugZh2olB8MMtvWcjMK_52oKyPzT38QTOdkvPr_J4CnQipKz_1Oum3lY_eM_Ovd-HCVvenFrEMNDc2R_6Z/s1600/P1020699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimB2HDhVDX_Q1rHEHwmnBq5McCx_y9w1-hVEEQViTr9jrfODIo2IDefOd22aQugZh2olB8MMtvWcjMK_52oKyPzT38QTOdkvPr_J4CnQipKz_1Oum3lY_eM_Ovd-HCVvenFrEMNDc2R_6Z/s1600/P1020699.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been to Disneyland so many times that there was no rush to get to all the rides. This made our experience pretty ideal since we weren't stressed despite it being peak tourist times and packed. We still made it on to our favorites through out the park including Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, Haunted Mansion, Buzz Lightyear, and obviously It's A Small World.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdyqbo2nQKCu-gNoP8zDFJt5N3N0MCL4-IZeQwRha89PCey7x3gn8o7emsW0Qx2he3w2h8VF0QfTjZndsZe2LpKoks7r-3dpIVStj7hFJMaRkFB5_6e2H9W6UAtogojNYmgtFnKD9-rNY/s1600/P1020700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdyqbo2nQKCu-gNoP8zDFJt5N3N0MCL4-IZeQwRha89PCey7x3gn8o7emsW0Qx2he3w2h8VF0QfTjZndsZe2LpKoks7r-3dpIVStj7hFJMaRkFB5_6e2H9W6UAtogojNYmgtFnKD9-rNY/s1600/P1020700.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZu086tqSkbpinFAu68Ihx1sMuw6TeGlZ3sTuIKCzr0hVYnOEhNiP0w8XLHMltgG8x4N-dLYLZqdXKfPH_PK4_zk6lVSpPsZXVJmxBtiGwmx58JzRCJs60qrP1ieI3fL3vaivPd092XQy/s1600/P1020704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZu086tqSkbpinFAu68Ihx1sMuw6TeGlZ3sTuIKCzr0hVYnOEhNiP0w8XLHMltgG8x4N-dLYLZqdXKfPH_PK4_zk6lVSpPsZXVJmxBtiGwmx58JzRCJs60qrP1ieI3fL3vaivPd092XQy/s1600/P1020704.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6C1iFTwwqR4-xf15043FWur7RSgrNz0VhQeS2osMRfdCDh5nI00JBs5Qd7eQpjx2MbW-8rUIIp4bSsEqfG0sJClHBp8xUON5CjJosS7Q141ruVeIVh7qMutZXOSUFOS6KQ4JFT55ikDL/s1600/P1020712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6C1iFTwwqR4-xf15043FWur7RSgrNz0VhQeS2osMRfdCDh5nI00JBs5Qd7eQpjx2MbW-8rUIIp4bSsEqfG0sJClHBp8xUON5CjJosS7Q141ruVeIVh7qMutZXOSUFOS6KQ4JFT55ikDL/s1600/P1020712.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNKGu1KUR4AYLTNicLIIf7sJqRsxoz2WTmqflg3sUlWyrqIOeN-yrsh4lIG5witFyrYDI0lXoPXGJBPNfrgCWi9gDRscrqhZsDTe6rQY9pwmuQdAM1Oa04S9Ca8DgEcF7Bt4ilU8i5U60/s1600/P1020717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNKGu1KUR4AYLTNicLIIf7sJqRsxoz2WTmqflg3sUlWyrqIOeN-yrsh4lIG5witFyrYDI0lXoPXGJBPNfrgCWi9gDRscrqhZsDTe6rQY9pwmuQdAM1Oa04S9Ca8DgEcF7Bt4ilU8i5U60/s1600/P1020717.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE9CBFD05GctnLLVL8iVaDrYtcwFBY9pcIf_-licxrPSo_Q6yxBAJkpymDxH200CrFC3QUvzwO5UXwfMbvcePeipn36smxkAK-ODIpDrG79w0KIl0UJ8HxdwURoMdNbRuVD7UNqgjwjpi/s1600/IMG_0943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsE9CBFD05GctnLLVL8iVaDrYtcwFBY9pcIf_-licxrPSo_Q6yxBAJkpymDxH200CrFC3QUvzwO5UXwfMbvcePeipn36smxkAK-ODIpDrG79w0KIl0UJ8HxdwURoMdNbRuVD7UNqgjwjpi/s1600/IMG_0943.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEpTmp6kcP2PUAFLuynwdRGu74Fb5z03hdhoQBQMBrmu4ff92Wsxj6HrRLHqAup6Pc-ScfDpRV1rrW25mevkxEt06E83zL5gL5jrps6UlBqhPWx6cBcrQDcEUJp_CRu1C2RUKkpRMvDWV/s1600/IMG_0948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEpTmp6kcP2PUAFLuynwdRGu74Fb5z03hdhoQBQMBrmu4ff92Wsxj6HrRLHqAup6Pc-ScfDpRV1rrW25mevkxEt06E83zL5gL5jrps6UlBqhPWx6cBcrQDcEUJp_CRu1C2RUKkpRMvDWV/s1600/IMG_0948.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0RF3d3X_CpR8gfU25dY5MubGopxgtiPkBbqYSKD-jNTuTUxo-T5yf0CculYHdL7Hgh3V9fkVpvznhpe_yH1AN8kOn_AYUlWxCeDK1qoSVs80ILuXvu4GVQql4uw_KQgwMFllB62VKBHt/s1600/IMG_0941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0RF3d3X_CpR8gfU25dY5MubGopxgtiPkBbqYSKD-jNTuTUxo-T5yf0CculYHdL7Hgh3V9fkVpvznhpe_yH1AN8kOn_AYUlWxCeDK1qoSVs80ILuXvu4GVQql4uw_KQgwMFllB62VKBHt/s1600/IMG_0941.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
Of course there was time for one obligatory photo with Pooh Bear to match the one we took seven (!) years ago on our first date. Disneyland holds a special place in my heart like most SoCal residents, and it's always a million times more fun with Scott.
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-VcNFaem4CSo%2FUuICFCRMNeI%2FAAAAAAAAC7I%2FrqoPHLJTXPE%2Fs1600%2F1558411_10202354093807730_618267785_n.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BkL1udfrzHCDnEWbBSqBmfdCq_ImjsfgTvKLRkppWkWDVpIwK5Tua0_dGM4YrbvLq4V-rsc3M9p0lnac0hKSsKv-IbJVgYGypVV_oSKqGCabEM-UJ2MI2l1GByWtpEKg7pObY9T_K2TO/s1600/1558411_10202354093807730_618267785_n.jpg" -->Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-25967624388268764462014-01-08T00:25:00.001-08:002014-01-09T22:08:49.613-08:0013 Bucket List Items Completed in 2013One of my Christmas break goals was to make a Bucket List. After a full day of blog reading and wanderlusting, I finally finished. Since I have an obsession of making lists, a Bucket List is kind of like the ultimate list project. It also was partly a way for me to deal with fact that this is the year that I graduate and remind myself that there are fun things to do in the real world too. But being myself, I didn't feel completely satisfied that I couldn't include (and more importantly cross off) some bucket list items I already completed so far. Since this whole blog is essentially a self indulgent journal (and proud of it), I figured I would include the bucket list items that would have been completed if I had made the list one year ago:<br />
<br />
13 Bucket List Items completed in 2013:<br />
<br />
- <strike><a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/2013/04/paris-france.html">Paris</a> with my amazing boyfriend</strike>. It's the city of love and staying in an apartment, eating snails, going to the top of the effiel tower, frolicking at Versailles was all made even better by having Scott there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8nz3ourcS169G61N8VkVjlAX2qM81BXxc_N1hFPKf5wPVyNHJnlLcyC6H2EJTHQppyapENswILcgJNVSwIpmJgjPJ1lhZUq9ybGfCAMy-hX8g1j4XYOqsFpPMRA3eTonE9mWeXowVjBD/s1600/P1010120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV8nz3ourcS169G61N8VkVjlAX2qM81BXxc_N1hFPKf5wPVyNHJnlLcyC6H2EJTHQppyapENswILcgJNVSwIpmJgjPJ1lhZUq9ybGfCAMy-hX8g1j4XYOqsFpPMRA3eTonE9mWeXowVjBD/s1600/P1010120.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
- <strike>Go to Aushwitz in Poland</strike>. I never wrote about it on the blog because it felt a little disrespectful, but it was an incredible and depressing experience. It really changes the way you view history and humanity and made for an extremely reflective morning.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1u8xQY8cJpauqal73m9KZFZGSVpKpS3IHFxoZvkOxRGtAj33ZjRTVdHSDocNnfayyDXHm-inMhfwwbjbzEPDI7ZPngb8gqqaxdIIuzN00QtdQT4gbX7InSuB7AbpED-N0rbN0huummKS/s1600/P1000453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1u8xQY8cJpauqal73m9KZFZGSVpKpS3IHFxoZvkOxRGtAj33ZjRTVdHSDocNnfayyDXHm-inMhfwwbjbzEPDI7ZPngb8gqqaxdIIuzN00QtdQT4gbX7InSuB7AbpED-N0rbN0huummKS/s1600/P1000453.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
- <strike>Eat a <a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/2013/03/brussels-belgium.html">belgium waffle</a> in Brussels</strike>. This was pure deliciousness. Somehow, Scott and I only ended up having one Belgium waffle (and one mini one) during our weekend in Brussels, but the taste did not disappoint.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicE8wKFBbjaORSJEMhwojAAq74ij1YiVgnfsJ4c55x8K_zIKe46Xsl9RLozbxtAZZyfTAYs19Rc1fh5ZB3oP27YSAOyFkAJ3sbogpxdNSjMoRLZRuv-fPv2nM9QuLbBEnQE20vs6WR5EP/s1600/P1000688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgicE8wKFBbjaORSJEMhwojAAq74ij1YiVgnfsJ4c55x8K_zIKe46Xsl9RLozbxtAZZyfTAYs19Rc1fh5ZB3oP27YSAOyFkAJ3sbogpxdNSjMoRLZRuv-fPv2nM9QuLbBEnQE20vs6WR5EP/s1600/P1000688.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
- <strike><a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/search/label/Study%20Abroad">Studied abroad</a> in Europe</strike>. I don't even know where to start on this one, but Prague is one of the best cities in the world, and it was the best experience of my life.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqC-a0x_w-m0EBkmn0N4tiZSbS6eMgGz-t7b7EB7vDCuuEJJdYPfRuWZBpiK-AffUnUBLl73a7yBVYWIRBtieJ-Ru6gvSV-8K7kS1X2N7aMghqxLMIqC33Uj9o1RJ4CAT-ZmzrdIbQDWI7/s1600/P1010647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqC-a0x_w-m0EBkmn0N4tiZSbS6eMgGz-t7b7EB7vDCuuEJJdYPfRuWZBpiK-AffUnUBLl73a7yBVYWIRBtieJ-Ru6gvSV-8K7kS1X2N7aMghqxLMIqC33Uj9o1RJ4CAT-ZmzrdIbQDWI7/s1600/P1010647.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
- <strike>Learn some of a new language</strike>. I may not be great, but I was pleasantly surprised by how far my <a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-study-part-of-studying-abroad.html">Czech</a> came along at the end of the semester. A highlight for me was having a little conversation the young Czech girl at the Prague Zoo. I have never felt so accomplished after exchanging names with an 8 year old.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzFxC00zJ4vVJwqZGARaH27U84MJwVKVqI_deeUjQ3a1u2oMiQXlYdQWpLHqQLYuFOkW_ud5f8CoTBislRmLF2dIyAz0xajXyWDYHTbVw1YABMjmZ4r23GLvf-Nc3OPmM4swA6kvQNNsH/s1600/P1010617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAzFxC00zJ4vVJwqZGARaH27U84MJwVKVqI_deeUjQ3a1u2oMiQXlYdQWpLHqQLYuFOkW_ud5f8CoTBislRmLF2dIyAz0xajXyWDYHTbVw1YABMjmZ4r23GLvf-Nc3OPmM4swA6kvQNNsH/s1600/P1010617.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
- <strike>Eat pasta in Italy</strike>. I love food and <a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/2013/05/rome-italy.html">I love carbs </a>even more. I think this is a pretty common bucket list item and something that I was looking forward to ever since deciding to go abroad. From pasta carbonara, gnocchi in white sauce, linguini and mussels, to ravioli with truffle sauce, I ate so much that I had to lay down at one point. That is a sign of success if I've ever heard of one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQOz4OJn8wbxIj0AvACQpUbmLAH06sOgp6DmebBKU-dG46gcVg6HA2clzS2Xd0VHoSkvWjQQtQrWnQa2HI3aoSmbDHnGKa35k6SAXI_QIYHVr5rVv0RzQh3sQ6MEIuDHwR-N9qfCTAKQE/s1600/P1010987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQOz4OJn8wbxIj0AvACQpUbmLAH06sOgp6DmebBKU-dG46gcVg6HA2clzS2Xd0VHoSkvWjQQtQrWnQa2HI3aoSmbDHnGKa35k6SAXI_QIYHVr5rVv0RzQh3sQ6MEIuDHwR-N9qfCTAKQE/s1600/P1010987.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
- <strike>Grand Canyon</strike>. My <a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/2013/07/surprise-trip-to-grand-canyon.html">Grand Canyon bucket list</a> was made possible by Scott. I always wanted to see the Grand Canyon, but I had this idea that I would see it on a spontaneous trip. Seeing and walking around the Grand Canyon as a surprise road trip was perfect.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2kDZPlEBuUHU3xe8PZj50FNHI9dG2RWL9FwT11I7LofPeO4NHYhHz798btC3a2n60P22y642nlC3q1WaGj-ajA0kkAheioHFbzbzio6giw_JQb8ALRMfN_TgYaLSYZfQK6FhkytIORNR/s1600/P1020529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP2kDZPlEBuUHU3xe8PZj50FNHI9dG2RWL9FwT11I7LofPeO4NHYhHz798btC3a2n60P22y642nlC3q1WaGj-ajA0kkAheioHFbzbzio6giw_JQb8ALRMfN_TgYaLSYZfQK6FhkytIORNR/s1600/P1020529.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
- <strike>Swim off the <a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/2013/06/sorrento-and-capri-italy.html">Amalfi Coast</a></strike>. You know those experiences that you can't believe are happening even while they are happening? Boating around Capri and jumping into the water felt like a movie (besides the very cold water) and was one of my favorite memories from abroad.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEENaoEwEAaOHW9aZGI37Xf6PJzNtetwhkXIzROqQ8QIPnHkZ_iCXECoRJISLMl0yFpbH4LxFidTIj1HpQ5wtcCW5KP7ta9UkXP9mPqXU8OIsnXXa3_o-CReAWlh-tTVxF7DAeHy2apX6c/s1600/935229_10200222707825518_1522703615_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEENaoEwEAaOHW9aZGI37Xf6PJzNtetwhkXIzROqQ8QIPnHkZ_iCXECoRJISLMl0yFpbH4LxFidTIj1HpQ5wtcCW5KP7ta9UkXP9mPqXU8OIsnXXa3_o-CReAWlh-tTVxF7DAeHy2apX6c/s1600/935229_10200222707825518_1522703615_n.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
- <strike>Swim in the <a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/2013/07/split-croatia.html">Adriatic Sea</a></strike>. Also cold, but the water was so beautiful. The seafood was amazing, the place was amazing, and the pebble beach was amazing. Also included in this section is river rafting in Croatia and all the adventures there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieajXZFLJ_dkxx_zjYmmPieqD5iWuG_B_STNXIUEy9fI-V21CrTjW5GqvOv4Hr9vrj7yR5lCymYC2GBDqLZKxug5RZl-TRCZEfbRX8bzTpwZ1Ifkb5MMESeff_Biq74tnHroXIpOq0pQlY/s1600/934943_10151486398783597_2028355973_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieajXZFLJ_dkxx_zjYmmPieqD5iWuG_B_STNXIUEy9fI-V21CrTjW5GqvOv4Hr9vrj7yR5lCymYC2GBDqLZKxug5RZl-TRCZEfbRX8bzTpwZ1Ifkb5MMESeff_Biq74tnHroXIpOq0pQlY/s1600/934943_10151486398783597_2028355973_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
- <strike>Go clubbing in <a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/2013/04/berlin-and-dresden-germany.html">Berlin</a></strike>. I had heard about Berlin's crazy nightlife, and I feel like our successful Saturday night met my expectations--a club called Matrix under a subway station complete with gogo dancers playing electric violins and dancing in cages.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5gz6H6pd2ifvAmUSq-NAF5-dMkKL_MS6YSt6gNob54MgpJbcEXxh-aBRQO9OSXXsLDUMFWKNi_GGM1NwBVsChtn2fMbxbdOPFRXIKWyZj9IhS6a2uLFOlGojqTjcwBwP1AMHbGsioP7e/s1600/P1010451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5gz6H6pd2ifvAmUSq-NAF5-dMkKL_MS6YSt6gNob54MgpJbcEXxh-aBRQO9OSXXsLDUMFWKNi_GGM1NwBVsChtn2fMbxbdOPFRXIKWyZj9IhS6a2uLFOlGojqTjcwBwP1AMHbGsioP7e/s1600/P1010451.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
- <strike>Storm a football field. </strike>Also known as the time <a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/2013/11/sc-v-stanford.html">my life felt like a football movie</a> and the time that I did not get trampled. The whole experience ended with purchasing and passing around a bottle of Fireball whiskey.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-GHj-FzAnaqrc4UIwu3geYWYjL3mZoq2kQoeESBZVDmuFsPKWiNrwjdRbtx87yg8QWG0x18yBT7OHhgTFKTG8pQSfdYMLxRVn5MPdC_rRULwByTPT2LfnXuegn_h48FOYY6LBMu2LQB1/s1600/1472884_10151773632853597_1937257412_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO-GHj-FzAnaqrc4UIwu3geYWYjL3mZoq2kQoeESBZVDmuFsPKWiNrwjdRbtx87yg8QWG0x18yBT7OHhgTFKTG8pQSfdYMLxRVn5MPdC_rRULwByTPT2LfnXuegn_h48FOYY6LBMu2LQB1/s1600/1472884_10151773632853597_1937257412_n-1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
- <strike>Girls trip to Vegas.</strike> Oh <a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/2013/10/what-happens-in-vegas.html">Vegas</a>, the <a href="http://watermelonsintosmiles.blogspot.com/2013/10/stays-in-vegas.html">best place</a> to be dressed up and 21. Bonding moments with the crew and ego boosts all around. A girls trip was definitely the way to take on Vegas because 1) getting ready became half of the party and 2) we only spent money on our dinner together.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGTDLqbkLYv-y5NbNw5G2GDH16J2siAM4h2FDiU7BzJnfDTqaZ0ASd7hz23cCbTDE6Weczi8lLAYz0Kp8PDspRWwRGjyUpJJDERzAClhIQlWt07MsrRK6fBrPNNLf84M23IJhWfZiGwX9/s1600/1385834_10200092225148762_1329338646_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrGTDLqbkLYv-y5NbNw5G2GDH16J2siAM4h2FDiU7BzJnfDTqaZ0ASd7hz23cCbTDE6Weczi8lLAYz0Kp8PDspRWwRGjyUpJJDERzAClhIQlWt07MsrRK6fBrPNNLf84M23IJhWfZiGwX9/s1600/1385834_10200092225148762_1329338646_n-1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
- <strike>Have a crazy 21st birthday (and hangover)</strike> With my 21st birthday on a Tuesday and work the next day, I wasn't sure how my crazy birthday dreams would work out. Luckily I have amazing friends who took me out for a fancy drink at Terranea and then for a crazy night in Hermosa. It was fun that on a less crazy night I was the only birthday in the bar, and had a ridiculous number of drinks bought for me as a result. I wouldn't have changed any part of the night even though it brought the birthday appropriate hangover from hell.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20a4NXKeHlpXRATJ26bWEw-Eby9HG5lkV-HlcFGKh_IfS3p81zfo98fvR6Ac0gYgIWmemhgwlSYGxH3PvtD3tmX3ULk0CBHippUJn3MQlFYWVUXR7KRygY_HLYXtf4f3toBKkQ6A9bCr0/s1600/531778_10151788228764935_1861106769_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20a4NXKeHlpXRATJ26bWEw-Eby9HG5lkV-HlcFGKh_IfS3p81zfo98fvR6Ac0gYgIWmemhgwlSYGxH3PvtD3tmX3ULk0CBHippUJn3MQlFYWVUXR7KRygY_HLYXtf4f3toBKkQ6A9bCr0/s1600/531778_10151788228764935_1861106769_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-770499685198748992014-01-04T01:43:00.000-08:002014-01-04T01:43:09.816-08:00Roxy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Rest in peace to my favorite dog in all the world... the most perfect and adorable chocolate lab. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4kXIA0yFP2Twnbv8KYKpkePjAqVaL3EX95K9_Cun9AORPBzxVQOpLeUwocyUbWTFefSzDx1KQ7MP2zFuit5mVrNJPi9kRfKe5Jp5XbFBi9RCcnsMuxLptbbU4If3ODelPcAH7ENuJGfW/s1600/P6080013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4kXIA0yFP2Twnbv8KYKpkePjAqVaL3EX95K9_Cun9AORPBzxVQOpLeUwocyUbWTFefSzDx1KQ7MP2zFuit5mVrNJPi9kRfKe5Jp5XbFBi9RCcnsMuxLptbbU4If3ODelPcAH7ENuJGfW/s400/P6080013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the past 12 years, Roxy has been a best friend to everyone in the family. She played fetch until we we couldn't throw the ball, was the best running partner (but only when she was off the leash), understood the importance of a comfy bed, and was an all around adventurer and diva. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPt0Hz5rmm_yxAig9KD4zvYTEYhSFyK9rqWo1SAivZ-8y0DKFuzO-QdlRajiXoORhrMvMob03eq5WL8Nz67412ko-RosvUWIVnMvPiZyx-XF5sMR06AChWybdEHvRSmiuH_i3Z3012Ifa3/s1600/P6080002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPt0Hz5rmm_yxAig9KD4zvYTEYhSFyK9rqWo1SAivZ-8y0DKFuzO-QdlRajiXoORhrMvMob03eq5WL8Nz67412ko-RosvUWIVnMvPiZyx-XF5sMR06AChWybdEHvRSmiuH_i3Z3012Ifa3/s400/P6080002.JPG" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpGDbef90RpY5tiBkzUwcUiaV-3U4TO5WN881u-uw9z8pNO7nZ6_1e6f-3h3gY35xweRW7HzNsj75BXjf9HzAHwSfCZb7ei9dd2RLzPj7wF-ycXwFB2-zTqAxfZwUSsk7ajpBlkEjTg3E/s1600/P6080001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpGDbef90RpY5tiBkzUwcUiaV-3U4TO5WN881u-uw9z8pNO7nZ6_1e6f-3h3gY35xweRW7HzNsj75BXjf9HzAHwSfCZb7ei9dd2RLzPj7wF-ycXwFB2-zTqAxfZwUSsk7ajpBlkEjTg3E/s400/P6080001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
That's without even mentioning her expert level of begging for food. From reaping the benefits of standing next to my dad at the BBQ to getting sandwiches from Jessica to any part of my dinner, it's going to be weird not feeling a head on my lap while I eat every meal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtumseNKs3nsu60PrAVXv2Frvt4-D3BL6mqv7ttqSdrSUZQv9zeRaNbe2kdX5XW-oZpQAlNs4DZETCHo5fP3BnakrpEgKcfxWlYh4_6orZD4E_-Bz8bRTIIt5gimMm4E6HEJtQZq_HC0Nd/s1600/P7020012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtumseNKs3nsu60PrAVXv2Frvt4-D3BL6mqv7ttqSdrSUZQv9zeRaNbe2kdX5XW-oZpQAlNs4DZETCHo5fP3BnakrpEgKcfxWlYh4_6orZD4E_-Bz8bRTIIt5gimMm4E6HEJtQZq_HC0Nd/s400/P7020012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I will never forget all the love and cuddles you gave me and how you made us all laugh--the time you realized you didn't want to climb down the mountain in June Lake and made my dad carry you; the time you couldn't figure out how to walk with doggie booties on; the time that you were first learning to swim and kept trying to stay vertical instead of dog paddling.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IiZo9PmXFguilMeNpJxbIjb5kQ3ntknXXgeMtMhBaIY-rp2fdjbmwIY2iHaHQGc3ga0cyylMLIPrQsdL9llj-kxK0DWmgHH_3B78ppLPf9LHDPc0V3HneR7cx8Kbp_ipPHgf1qB2EAA6/s1600/P7250015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IiZo9PmXFguilMeNpJxbIjb5kQ3ntknXXgeMtMhBaIY-rp2fdjbmwIY2iHaHQGc3ga0cyylMLIPrQsdL9llj-kxK0DWmgHH_3B78ppLPf9LHDPc0V3HneR7cx8Kbp_ipPHgf1qB2EAA6/s400/P7250015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxj9GDPHu33klmY9EGVKcWbBNgEh69MQ6ouTNep29u8ksJz2kolKl1lUBwpp7HvBOJ47OEkTQUz5pIVNooHKxSJzI6k-XwWjbYIorw-AQNcY-3MD3Nsxt8_MLT2fk3pVUXU_RActFnyE0/s1600/P7250030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxj9GDPHu33klmY9EGVKcWbBNgEh69MQ6ouTNep29u8ksJz2kolKl1lUBwpp7HvBOJ47OEkTQUz5pIVNooHKxSJzI6k-XwWjbYIorw-AQNcY-3MD3Nsxt8_MLT2fk3pVUXU_RActFnyE0/s400/P7250030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkO1wtxLyj3PGY_Bx-xTDBR09HKxcKzytvG2jKQb_MEyvxJO-KYgikxTRcgiyCeM9umtPhyphenhyphenbNSKE361Fw_bUGZD3fjQvZE5TIEu9h_3V4gzD00SnMKJqFABnDlz3M40HycrYOsahQm9Lv/s1600/P7250034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkO1wtxLyj3PGY_Bx-xTDBR09HKxcKzytvG2jKQb_MEyvxJO-KYgikxTRcgiyCeM9umtPhyphenhyphenbNSKE361Fw_bUGZD3fjQvZE5TIEu9h_3V4gzD00SnMKJqFABnDlz3M40HycrYOsahQm9Lv/s400/P7250034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To the dog that I wished for every time I held my breath under a bridge, every time it was 11:11, and every Christmas and birthday until I was 9, I will miss you so much. You are always loved.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW94wJV5hP0VCuIJEk4rv9ytY56pYRxf4p4PLmgltJJNebwIE_tk6kk3fTNEE9swsTnO1vqoVH1rPZM9L5MH00DuzC2g9zSkm7m5OyduHHPZ7ngFtMq0Hm5Zs-tNoiD_FCNY9aAP6AKd7B/s1600/P7250028.AVI" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW94wJV5hP0VCuIJEk4rv9ytY56pYRxf4p4PLmgltJJNebwIE_tk6kk3fTNEE9swsTnO1vqoVH1rPZM9L5MH00DuzC2g9zSkm7m5OyduHHPZ7ngFtMq0Hm5Zs-tNoiD_FCNY9aAP6AKd7B/s320/P7250028.AVI" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-66049371678633087972013-12-28T19:58:00.000-08:002013-12-28T19:58:09.891-08:00Dates in RedlandsI have been to Redlands more times than I can count in the past few years, but I've never actually ventured to far off from the college campus. Just an hour away, the trips there were not based on the location, but revolved around seeing Scott and hanging out with him. The Redlands campus is beautiful, so I had never really thought to explore the surrounding neighborhood.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJYp5G9qrn_bmgw8IUXYjSQ2aN0kNqSOeuhKDIs9iS1cln33v0hU1W1aLEOg34s-EW99YP_xwBhUgVkbxeblk4lamgcQRbUTVjTHLIt-KpKqw_DTkwkD2GxMjGaBv4Np4znyFuCuh_Vt3/s1600/P1020638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJYp5G9qrn_bmgw8IUXYjSQ2aN0kNqSOeuhKDIs9iS1cln33v0hU1W1aLEOg34s-EW99YP_xwBhUgVkbxeblk4lamgcQRbUTVjTHLIt-KpKqw_DTkwkD2GxMjGaBv4Np4znyFuCuh_Vt3/s400/P1020638.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
But a few weeks ago, Scott decided we would have a day full of dates/activities around the area, and it was so much fun. From hiking to waterfalls to more sushi than we could eat, we spent the entire day driving around Redlands exploring the area. Sadly, I lost my iPhone the Tuesday after the weekend so my many pictures of beer, sushi, and ice cream were lost. This post is long overdue, but pictures or not, the date day in Redlands deserves a blog post on it's own if for no reason other than to brag about how awesome my boyfriend is :)<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PO6EvF1Uw_TPR7zD2KKU0VWr7Eq07QpgltnS50Sy_hcQ3B-om2p_tIhlD_kRMTJv4gWV-3KkkXF448J0nExyL_OrFeOpO3v-VM-nKUwLZrB_oN-WbYYQhYFEXiE28JOqNoddto6CFYox/s1600/P1020651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5PO6EvF1Uw_TPR7zD2KKU0VWr7Eq07QpgltnS50Sy_hcQ3B-om2p_tIhlD_kRMTJv4gWV-3KkkXF448J0nExyL_OrFeOpO3v-VM-nKUwLZrB_oN-WbYYQhYFEXiE28JOqNoddto6CFYox/s400/P1020651.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Our day started with the drive to the San Bernardino National Park. 20 minutes away and you're surrounded by much chillier weather and cute little wood cabins. For $5 daily parking, we started our hike to Forest Falls. While it was short hike overall at just around 3 miles, we added our own little excitement by challenging ourselves to take the hardest route to the waterfall. Our little rock climbing shortcuts were briefly interrupted by stopping to take pictures of the beautiful surroundings. It was so much fun making it to the park, and I didn't realize that a quick trip to the Mountains was just about 20 minutes away from Redlands. Scott and I are already talking about going back for a longer hike next time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUzoO6Ni16PVwlZMFTXVkF_VCsEht7qlRYfrqM8WGYAk8SGYnl7bke9Jz2_Bl7dc2H8F74Iwr2u5P5_R0yeGGq4yXyJPYO1Jvigfnr8ViQidcrxihyphenhyphengUoSqKDfLYlrMY67-VZoDmXCuOT/s1600/P1020635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUzoO6Ni16PVwlZMFTXVkF_VCsEht7qlRYfrqM8WGYAk8SGYnl7bke9Jz2_Bl7dc2H8F74Iwr2u5P5_R0yeGGq4yXyJPYO1Jvigfnr8ViQidcrxihyphenhyphengUoSqKDfLYlrMY67-VZoDmXCuOT/s400/P1020635.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNV7ZDFPfOt8QnXRCGmnaGJzqE_ziv-lUHkU1EKevUN_FxtWXLTudEjnRXgSCOkS_N2kKMZwzXmU2ubBPslynn5XQ5YCP8GpdHUPgkIBfbK6ZejR39ePJm9sa9NdMFMN1uaEzimO78aO4/s1600/P1020640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNV7ZDFPfOt8QnXRCGmnaGJzqE_ziv-lUHkU1EKevUN_FxtWXLTudEjnRXgSCOkS_N2kKMZwzXmU2ubBPslynn5XQ5YCP8GpdHUPgkIBfbK6ZejR39ePJm9sa9NdMFMN1uaEzimO78aO4/s400/P1020640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenUQjjpDTYag7FnyCK1PMTgx2NRCoojamyF88rvpGjU3lVJn0XNF2c3mdAkawxC963quXrH95TVPWYDc-hWjp0YFYL5F8AycpzT353O0FWtZZVYpZRkEuQBzAaiQLchqREKOk1_aU6q80/s1600/P1020645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenUQjjpDTYag7FnyCK1PMTgx2NRCoojamyF88rvpGjU3lVJn0XNF2c3mdAkawxC963quXrH95TVPWYDc-hWjp0YFYL5F8AycpzT353O0FWtZZVYpZRkEuQBzAaiQLchqREKOk1_aU6q80/s400/P1020645.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKZ6Na7AFVE1MMJmuTp5UXYI66vBPHHsiMRuhNvErFst_ZDk0c_4o1YOnuDr59xuxrXkJJAH_L3PlfC2jPcA4jxqErBAV5Bz9HgQwI1BCEjKUtjUC3my__csYs3QtoZZd93WNQgDuQQz7/s1600/P1020653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKZ6Na7AFVE1MMJmuTp5UXYI66vBPHHsiMRuhNvErFst_ZDk0c_4o1YOnuDr59xuxrXkJJAH_L3PlfC2jPcA4jxqErBAV5Bz9HgQwI1BCEjKUtjUC3my__csYs3QtoZZd93WNQgDuQQz7/s400/P1020653.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy28RrT3lRCNnTuRagp0i0gy_X-ThHxlFzuWMuO-2JD7pLbwv_MjzeshQDs9zjAVqRvDAjqOl110TwqSiGSrv7k-wod5WbJqN3d_2rcz0GXgNy59DTDjjG6jhdfLrSvqVE7mtd4uIHFKRH/s1600/P1020655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy28RrT3lRCNnTuRagp0i0gy_X-ThHxlFzuWMuO-2JD7pLbwv_MjzeshQDs9zjAVqRvDAjqOl110TwqSiGSrv7k-wod5WbJqN3d_2rcz0GXgNy59DTDjjG6jhdfLrSvqVE7mtd4uIHFKRH/s400/P1020655.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
After we finished the hike, we made a quick stop back at campus to meet Zeus--aka the cutest German Shepard puppy in the world--and to change out of our gym clothes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6Dk-61MGRg-FZvrTI6JGWQUvUsFuVtsq4N_elmFaTU_csd-qLGSfSySlZfa5SLB0tCT2weBhlpa2jKJaHH5wKQuPYWmBQSRA2eKGxaUKSfBaTLXgrbxrVwz3b84bE3179h9wJ4-BbdqL/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd6Dk-61MGRg-FZvrTI6JGWQUvUsFuVtsq4N_elmFaTU_csd-qLGSfSySlZfa5SLB0tCT2weBhlpa2jKJaHH5wKQuPYWmBQSRA2eKGxaUKSfBaTLXgrbxrVwz3b84bE3179h9wJ4-BbdqL/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
Our next stop was to Hangar 24. The business is actually owned by a friend from elementary school, and it's a really laid back brewery across from a private plane hangar. The whole place overlooks the small planes and the mountains, and it would be a fun place to go back and order a tester tray. For now, I just ordered their orange beer and really enjoyed it (although, I'm pretty sure it was the girliest option I could have picked haha).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvs7pR4uTV463-q4dWIsXQiKXecDaF_28coPJDd8H1392dc40keqEN2mYNYmO4dWjPmONwQw5K2kekwxIdlaBaoW9eO047YlkSg0Row8fvflndjd7yTdvZvahZR6rRxU_eAUQ62sDeODhS/s1600/P1020657.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvs7pR4uTV463-q4dWIsXQiKXecDaF_28coPJDd8H1392dc40keqEN2mYNYmO4dWjPmONwQw5K2kekwxIdlaBaoW9eO047YlkSg0Row8fvflndjd7yTdvZvahZR6rRxU_eAUQ62sDeODhS/s400/P1020657.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme84KEe2t7arGLeFO3wwHuCNFqtHxqAykwsT5nbYPA584wHMYpo8B7EYPgLf2RPvi_t8YH9AT7NZ-ydEwmw-My0PPRvsAx7UzSrekzrGpFTjGO78SBPeM1YXOItkjkWAwT_ih8K3rmSVy/s1600/P1020658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme84KEe2t7arGLeFO3wwHuCNFqtHxqAykwsT5nbYPA584wHMYpo8B7EYPgLf2RPvi_t8YH9AT7NZ-ydEwmw-My0PPRvsAx7UzSrekzrGpFTjGO78SBPeM1YXOItkjkWAwT_ih8K3rmSVy/s400/P1020658.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgQUtl8ocFY2LB6n6JtpP-Th_yBLu_ejC07LRtvKpcyA4_Ohej7bKnnsZ0kjFONBc4hmV_SBF2BzuwXSc9ev53qs-3HtDi8PCcCI5J5KZ-qotnCWHNUeZNc1ylQ7rwY1-TOQDnsJ9WZAh/s1600/P1020659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgQUtl8ocFY2LB6n6JtpP-Th_yBLu_ejC07LRtvKpcyA4_Ohej7bKnnsZ0kjFONBc4hmV_SBF2BzuwXSc9ev53qs-3HtDi8PCcCI5J5KZ-qotnCWHNUeZNc1ylQ7rwY1-TOQDnsJ9WZAh/s400/P1020659.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
For dinner, we went to a cheap sushi restaurant that I've been to once before. It has an awesome half off menu, and we decided to be more adventurous since everything was cheap and delicious. We got a little overzealous on ordering and after a side eye from the waitress we mildly toned down our order to California rolls, cucumber rolls, spicy tuna rolls, tiger rolls, scallop and shrimp rolls, and even octopus (which was surprisingly good). They also have an all you can eat option which may be the smarter option for our next date ;)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaVcb3WHd2YT4785t9Q63xjpZmuvpcQgn7D8RMJzD34g3MC3D36_OjejH1nizzhyphenhyphenNx5P6wPaU9zhYwvRTJNRlPcu-sViVuh5CaJJ7Q7O2zD1-QWJib4qnj7Awc-IESt5JYrARdtjPoMlz/s1600/P1020660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaVcb3WHd2YT4785t9Q63xjpZmuvpcQgn7D8RMJzD34g3MC3D36_OjejH1nizzhyphenhyphenNx5P6wPaU9zhYwvRTJNRlPcu-sViVuh5CaJJ7Q7O2zD1-QWJib4qnj7Awc-IESt5JYrARdtjPoMlz/s400/P1020660.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The date ended in downtown Redlands at the ice cream shop A La Minute. It's a super cute shop which makes the ice cream using dry ice and liquid nitrogen, and the end result is super creamy and delicious. I got salted carmel which was delicious and stole bites of Scott's mint and chip. The rest of the weekend was spent doing our usual hang out on campus and get breakfast burritos routine, but I was so happy that Scott had planned a whole day of dates for us. Any day filled with hiking, food, and visiting puppies is pretty much a perfect day in my book. </div>
Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4998004710730322929.post-13640521780666880212013-12-19T22:00:00.000-08:002013-12-19T22:14:32.104-08:00The Last Weekender: San FranciscoSan Francisco is one of my happy places. It was one of the first places I ever traveled too, and one of the few cities that I've had the chance to visit over and over. From going to Berkeley with my Model United Nations team twice during high school (complete with a day of sight seeing in SF both times) to two weekend trips to San Francisco in college for the Weekender, I was excited to spend the weekend in the Bay area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-0R9CzEUNbSSgPiWjlws32ZlwE0w1ftQ1dinzbU-wpkgQgU5y8FHPzBFzWAAaDXtdjYFzFB6kFOHl-GQySeeK2leAtSFgM4q0KjBjXfZTfeVFbIp2HnKE3M6FTgrkTaZG3hXZVvwAbWm/s1600/P1020668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9-0R9CzEUNbSSgPiWjlws32ZlwE0w1ftQ1dinzbU-wpkgQgU5y8FHPzBFzWAAaDXtdjYFzFB6kFOHl-GQySeeK2leAtSFgM4q0KjBjXfZTfeVFbIp2HnKE3M6FTgrkTaZG3hXZVvwAbWm/s400/P1020668.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>(Every year, USC students head up to San Francisco for the Weekender--the weekend that our football team plays either Stanford or Berkeley.)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxi5JsuYId-8-PHReADfBeP9rAol1nds8ZwdkGkZ5NCR4fgWCPtVlfLG01yZTumbzNE2GGumirzachaIFdj4LcuBF1MPIHHRLp0Vw_yOwIxTaoxp2dtG1fLs94J6V0HpoxLBriM-73G7O/s1600/P1020669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxi5JsuYId-8-PHReADfBeP9rAol1nds8ZwdkGkZ5NCR4fgWCPtVlfLG01yZTumbzNE2GGumirzachaIFdj4LcuBF1MPIHHRLp0Vw_yOwIxTaoxp2dtG1fLs94J6V0HpoxLBriM-73G7O/s400/P1020669.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
Every trip has been spent with good friends and have only lasted a weekend, but slowly and surely I've been checking off all the To Do's around San Fran---multiple trips and vintage shopping adventures on Haight & Ashbury, Golden Gate Bridge photo ops, eating a bread bowl with clam chowder at Fisherman's Wharf, shopping in Union Square, riding Bart and Muni all over the city, and exploring Berkeley. I was excited to relax this trip and just spend the weekend hanging out without worrying I was missing anything. I only had one goal for the weekend: to make it to Ghirardelli Square for the first time to try an ice cream sundae.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0XH7ITjqAoYqnOtmQihW8z5oPo50TBiBymv46mUZU9QdwDWgIVKK-u0JByEADfPzeOLLbWqgH9WBHMuF09ByXr1cSXuJsb9cHLyAtHbIaMiYmwKFCyo87yFQiC41IgN0rSEy2JumztgP/s1600/P1020682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0XH7ITjqAoYqnOtmQihW8z5oPo50TBiBymv46mUZU9QdwDWgIVKK-u0JByEADfPzeOLLbWqgH9WBHMuF09ByXr1cSXuJsb9cHLyAtHbIaMiYmwKFCyo87yFQiC41IgN0rSEy2JumztgP/s400/P1020682.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Since I had a night class until 8, we left for our road trip at 8:30 and started the long drive to my roommate's house in Los Gatos for the night. Despite an I'n'Out drive through stop (sense a theme happening?) and stop for gas and snacks, we made it to her house by 2am. After sleeping in and eating a Starbucks breakfast, we drove the last hour into the city. It was my first time staying in a hotel in the city, so I had zero expectations. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt in Union Square because my roomie's dad had work connections with the hotel. I was already impressed by the location and skyscraper, but my jaw dropped when we walked into our room and raised the blinds. Our room was on the 31st floor (woo! highest I've been in a building) and the view of the bay, city, and Alcatraz was incredible.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzhjjTlhSJ8xv8BsD-G-p4t26zoRyxnCY3sxytxEePgasY_1-latEfJb9HA45w2HPiGyJhlUp4AfQBRspAWnH_XjuOdS5Nr8Mw7WFsuYfFg0VufnghxPfyNdQJJ5DKZiakzeTe6jpIM-j/s1600/P1020679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzhjjTlhSJ8xv8BsD-G-p4t26zoRyxnCY3sxytxEePgasY_1-latEfJb9HA45w2HPiGyJhlUp4AfQBRspAWnH_XjuOdS5Nr8Mw7WFsuYfFg0VufnghxPfyNdQJJ5DKZiakzeTe6jpIM-j/s400/P1020679.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19ZZ2mCljkxy2nDwq5DtBKxYkMif4BeRDLcUrzhmrhQJOqCUOBfWl_FA7BtYFZ7ivzJpAfJdSNRHOLbZubhpDLbrO5mn9wXESysU_iNp7en8an38DUjjBr5tdts7MVqjUuBntko1v5dQh/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg19ZZ2mCljkxy2nDwq5DtBKxYkMif4BeRDLcUrzhmrhQJOqCUOBfWl_FA7BtYFZ7ivzJpAfJdSNRHOLbZubhpDLbrO5mn9wXESysU_iNp7en8an38DUjjBr5tdts7MVqjUuBntko1v5dQh/s400/IMG_0609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3v06xl-L7xS5gK2DrTysKM5sgdhWeYVTlxJcjROjLYIM-87_xpSIoLDyeOdsBBiLQHElyq0g401J9GqhsD3hguO-0Yy8c-HxRt4M1uamURcD5eE4wpous9QlElHC5b4jgRm58tNtXTp5/s1600/IMG_0605.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3v06xl-L7xS5gK2DrTysKM5sgdhWeYVTlxJcjROjLYIM-87_xpSIoLDyeOdsBBiLQHElyq0g401J9GqhsD3hguO-0Yy8c-HxRt4M1uamURcD5eE4wpous9QlElHC5b4jgRm58tNtXTp5/s400/IMG_0605.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRDGLTiKL4lXPhyc6K2YGXrE699Piq1ajrebj1EVkqwlqdpf3-Q_YMDDot77EiLVCl8g_gGYY_-S2rIjsY5NUbjQV53T66UMGqnKKIR75gFdDb6u37q5VjLNWQ0RbWCegsUbSz7jswBNW/s1600/IMG_0603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNRDGLTiKL4lXPhyc6K2YGXrE699Piq1ajrebj1EVkqwlqdpf3-Q_YMDDot77EiLVCl8g_gGYY_-S2rIjsY5NUbjQV53T66UMGqnKKIR75gFdDb6u37q5VjLNWQ0RbWCegsUbSz7jswBNW/s400/IMG_0603.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
It was around noon and we started looking Ike's place's online menu for lunch. With some scandalous names and crazy combinations--the Kryptonite sandwich has 7 meats and 6 fried food items shoved in there--Ike's Place was recommended to us as having the the best sandwiches that are also the size of a small child. After ordering the Nacho Girl sandwich with avocado, lettuce, cheese, and salmon burger, we all hopped onto Muni to grab the food. Once we walked a few blocks and found the shop, we skipped the growing line and picked up our sandwiches, chips, and Ike's sodas to go. The concierge at the hotel told us the local thing to do would be to picnic in the park, so we grabbed a spot on the hill at Dolores Park and dug in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJ2FTx56jgVXXBvkOpZdui2Bgj3b_WpICJVv6nxDrBiXzXAgUb1Xb4NHRdNuj-MmYklkQjOUlSCCL-QneN0ARGD-uRG_HzqIGpynsQ4MIxY_84jWP3YggnRD-RZ-3MbAml5a6NbkMo6xX/s1600/P1020672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJ2FTx56jgVXXBvkOpZdui2Bgj3b_WpICJVv6nxDrBiXzXAgUb1Xb4NHRdNuj-MmYklkQjOUlSCCL-QneN0ARGD-uRG_HzqIGpynsQ4MIxY_84jWP3YggnRD-RZ-3MbAml5a6NbkMo6xX/s400/P1020672.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2P4bkAZGOh8zxX9JtsBX2lZs2_J4AId6tbb3H8TXNfggLSL5VzI2t510AASdmwfhRspK208nREHi3Ph9ZagzNDSoLGUVLIt4vPdxUf_ZtWJnULA621leuV6fv4eaDswFjJUdzwsIv7ha/s1600/P1020673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje2P4bkAZGOh8zxX9JtsBX2lZs2_J4AId6tbb3H8TXNfggLSL5VzI2t510AASdmwfhRspK208nREHi3Ph9ZagzNDSoLGUVLIt4vPdxUf_ZtWJnULA621leuV6fv4eaDswFjJUdzwsIv7ha/s400/P1020673.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpTQxGjyIAUP3ypTWN2YLbjaf08TPgDINLW7SKbAy_Obn-PzPsLO4KwIhThjgd5Y42ZiuE_cU9-jrYGuOZayOSYGg-Gi5Bh59BptozIQENlGTUOtPOuIoYUxKGtqIzapYNeWpVAnP2qXJ/s1600/P1020677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIpTQxGjyIAUP3ypTWN2YLbjaf08TPgDINLW7SKbAy_Obn-PzPsLO4KwIhThjgd5Y42ZiuE_cU9-jrYGuOZayOSYGg-Gi5Bh59BptozIQENlGTUOtPOuIoYUxKGtqIzapYNeWpVAnP2qXJ/s400/P1020677.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQqEvTF7n-lS34QxaIc_qsaBV7B4HTIhJE3j_cYzA0uS5_Yv5B6smDGtYuk3txB1xGMiDh6wsSRFBN_L48Sfe4E9X2Fc2fcsLNggdYtuUZUGS6xv15w20RFUuskEeM3r9aP1e7Z5nIGaJ/s1600/P1020678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnQqEvTF7n-lS34QxaIc_qsaBV7B4HTIhJE3j_cYzA0uS5_Yv5B6smDGtYuk3txB1xGMiDh6wsSRFBN_L48Sfe4E9X2Fc2fcsLNggdYtuUZUGS6xv15w20RFUuskEeM3r9aP1e7Z5nIGaJ/s400/P1020678.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
With one brief stint of someone crazy yelling and strangers helping people fly kites barefoot, I think we all felt pretty satisfied that we were experiencing the true city. We hung out for awhile and somehow all of us managed to eat our entire sandwiches while promising we were never going to eat again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtdJVOc4yw8Ix1HXAQUqobBrNQ1NAFb_gvE2vGYe7nsSY8BvIM2ua7Tqj29VF8QR48cHL2GY63PFFb-5Y3bqPLeF72Mv3sVeXSwPVbR_964FehSV8I-_pif3ZtufPIZtyvna81kQX9_L-/s1600/P1020671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKtdJVOc4yw8Ix1HXAQUqobBrNQ1NAFb_gvE2vGYe7nsSY8BvIM2ua7Tqj29VF8QR48cHL2GY63PFFb-5Y3bqPLeF72Mv3sVeXSwPVbR_964FehSV8I-_pif3ZtufPIZtyvna81kQX9_L-/s400/P1020671.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Our never eating again plan quickly ended once we got back to the hotel, put on some warmer clothes, and taxied over to Gharadelli Square. While it was underwhelming, I wanted to finally check this tourist stop off my list. I wish I had saved more room to have a sundae all to my own, but the bites of the original sundae were absolutely delicious. After eating, we moved on to the next stop request of irish coffees. I tried a sip of a friend's, but seeing as how I don't drink coffee and don't like whiskey I was happy not ordering my own.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjDF2d2FHKCM2JikeiRAEVUBm5dGY4sM3yKiCKxWfCw3hnqGwhGVsCE0_3l9k8NNvPqT2azGF_6c9JBxoDPY71HFOb9K9StH0hxE0vzkD19u3HM9r3G_G9oZW67FBcr8NnIKsx5NhG8QM/s1600/P1020685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjDF2d2FHKCM2JikeiRAEVUBm5dGY4sM3yKiCKxWfCw3hnqGwhGVsCE0_3l9k8NNvPqT2azGF_6c9JBxoDPY71HFOb9K9StH0hxE0vzkD19u3HM9r3G_G9oZW67FBcr8NnIKsx5NhG8QM/s400/P1020685.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKHiZZiIR3LezBeDiIRJnmasWq_xx-Rf5OJeMDROkFxtrgNbSnZ4zxhcRzLNKnlDss9l_wM5s_xBfIfU7HlLRAJoGeaDDd5bFjs0Xyt0l3-zOHeh0Sm515rRC7ZyhuN5UqTjGi3EypwRE/s1600/IMG_0614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQKHiZZiIR3LezBeDiIRJnmasWq_xx-Rf5OJeMDROkFxtrgNbSnZ4zxhcRzLNKnlDss9l_wM5s_xBfIfU7HlLRAJoGeaDDd5bFjs0Xyt0l3-zOHeh0Sm515rRC7ZyhuN5UqTjGi3EypwRE/s400/IMG_0614.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrJN6m-ZNzipu00F7TtJc0HtLopz8Z3n89-g7t0QHhSPv5AOqbUirepEvNQh6qJm0fRW8JvjjrlXlWFoadYWfhRvQIvI2tpBvwXovg3iWwPWNWV-yIMjLtTqlarkEVYF9dJv1g_wC14bU/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrJN6m-ZNzipu00F7TtJc0HtLopz8Z3n89-g7t0QHhSPv5AOqbUirepEvNQh6qJm0fRW8JvjjrlXlWFoadYWfhRvQIvI2tpBvwXovg3iWwPWNWV-yIMjLtTqlarkEVYF9dJv1g_wC14bU/s400/IMG_0615.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A quick taxi ride back to the hotel, and our food adventure continued with hotel treats. One of the best parts about our hotel was that we were allowed into the hotel's "club" which had free breakfast, snacks, and appetizers at 6. Our food intake for the day was already reaching all time highs, but we managed to grab several fried macaroni and cheese appetizers and fruit for dinner in the room while we got ready to go out for the night.<br />
<br />
Friday night was spent at the Triangle Bars, and although I had a great time there last year, I ended up in a bad mood and having a pretty meh night. I'm going to blame it on sleeping on a couch the night before and walking all over San Fran that made me get tired and grumpy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSMcgy0WYjh-CTXmPh0Bzl0wnqHPaKLzLw4UGEA3k02XXJhMJoCgI2nkkoObbT6ih8WkbJCS6gieabe-m8_7yqbAhZ8tX0oee6PRfzR7GuQJjH6o6kJs3SH4fFsl0vuE6rqe1dhoQKY9O/s1600/P1020670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUSMcgy0WYjh-CTXmPh0Bzl0wnqHPaKLzLw4UGEA3k02XXJhMJoCgI2nkkoObbT6ih8WkbJCS6gieabe-m8_7yqbAhZ8tX0oee6PRfzR7GuQJjH6o6kJs3SH4fFsl0vuE6rqe1dhoQKY9O/s400/P1020670.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
The next day we had breakfast and quickly threw on our USC game day outfits before catching BART to UC Berkeley. I always geek out over public transportation and BART has always been my favorite, so I was very happy to start off game day that way. The weekender game day went pretty similar to USC: we stopped at the frats to tailgate, ate a bacon wrapped hot dog, and headed to the stadium. It was fun hanging out with so many Trojans and friendly Cal students at a few frat houses. After spending half the game in the stadium and realizing we were going to win, we celebrated at the college sports bar Pappy's next to campus. It was so much fun being at a college bar which was actually affordable and nicer than the bar at USC. As much love as I have for the 90, having actual cheap drinks and a bright atmosphere was a very nice change of scenery. It was a ton of fun, but by the time we finally took BART back to the hotel we were all so exhausted that we napped and rested until dinner.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB23TpPLgT6orU-ZbHyIHbPshuEAK2sBveivVUB9OwS4b7isNL_b2SkcQeFM-3zK_edQWnKzzUF-EqRg54WTev6bJJauFQ323VVhSr4oqHnp_jAm1_qAC-AxXwCp12wt1O3luH9_Oq2eQ/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB23TpPLgT6orU-ZbHyIHbPshuEAK2sBveivVUB9OwS4b7isNL_b2SkcQeFM-3zK_edQWnKzzUF-EqRg54WTev6bJJauFQ323VVhSr4oqHnp_jAm1_qAC-AxXwCp12wt1O3luH9_Oq2eQ/s400/IMG_0620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FDasXQuKxU0Pkycq6YvoceaqXdgSKpJNGPeTjZUETe7DOG4ZCaDfFrh_ygWjZZqBAczwHX1-1pOyFehXXLlI-YxPt9A00As95kFq7xcSqXAlKcuZCN-HGiY-y8s4fsZRi_eaqFsn1KkD/s1600/IMG_0619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FDasXQuKxU0Pkycq6YvoceaqXdgSKpJNGPeTjZUETe7DOG4ZCaDfFrh_ygWjZZqBAczwHX1-1pOyFehXXLlI-YxPt9A00As95kFq7xcSqXAlKcuZCN-HGiY-y8s4fsZRi_eaqFsn1KkD/s400/IMG_0619.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndF6IGmzn9xxO_K8-p4Kmmb4aIGZptcVWz0xNqrejICR6chnDUuJlfk0V4uC-DNNr56Mp89lLmI0d-d8g1ur31DbmaG1S5H-VVMhea-X1gCBId-9PHODng3NmRMRAWghwqXvcgMvCXUXa/s1600/IMG_0620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhndF6IGmzn9xxO_K8-p4Kmmb4aIGZptcVWz0xNqrejICR6chnDUuJlfk0V4uC-DNNr56Mp89lLmI0d-d8g1ur31DbmaG1S5H-VVMhea-X1gCBId-9PHODng3NmRMRAWghwqXvcgMvCXUXa/s400/IMG_0620.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We ate dinner down the street from the hotel which was slightly expensive and average (except for an amazing Russian Mule drink) before heading to a bar called Playland. Although we were skeptical of the name, it ended up being so much fun. With a chiller bar on the first floor and a dance area on the second, we stayed there for most of the night and had a great time. A little after 1 we decided to try to bar hop with little success--we made it to another bar before realizing that it was a little too odd to hang out in or mention on the blog and called it a night.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidD7nTxhBJarCIf9hpIje8oCESEvGLcrRx_L8Dz7nhY_U85SW-W3Gj8zaAIot-5RoIcqdpjTYj818sGUVjsLHCfBPQ6XA-4jlAJ4yJQFdSMLtLOBAHA4xqXmFnmLSjLiSkNjJ55HKKw4Ur/s1600/IMG_0624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidD7nTxhBJarCIf9hpIje8oCESEvGLcrRx_L8Dz7nhY_U85SW-W3Gj8zaAIot-5RoIcqdpjTYj818sGUVjsLHCfBPQ6XA-4jlAJ4yJQFdSMLtLOBAHA4xqXmFnmLSjLiSkNjJ55HKKw4Ur/s400/IMG_0624.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best drink of the night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
That Sunday was the end of my first week of half marathon training (btw training for my first half marathon!), so I knew I had to do my first long run or lose the momentum I had just started. I ran 4 miles down Market Street and along the harbor. It was nice being in cool air and getting to run downtown and along the ocean in such a pretty city before having to make the 7 hour drive back. Before leaving, I took advantage of free breakfast with a view at the club one last time before throwing all my stuff in my suitcase and heading out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE4bDJkJP2aEpTYFfXtELrfHQYKKnijEAREwvsk1KmDB6Zd3mduLgX3YFHzPGhS0s93mQPjia5RDutEO4G2x9hbixngGsaFm-ZY89xC0VQz3GV5OtYpI-tVPaaoOZDfrZBjBqIURHC7RD/s1600/IMG_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhE4bDJkJP2aEpTYFfXtELrfHQYKKnijEAREwvsk1KmDB6Zd3mduLgX3YFHzPGhS0s93mQPjia5RDutEO4G2x9hbixngGsaFm-ZY89xC0VQz3GV5OtYpI-tVPaaoOZDfrZBjBqIURHC7RD/s400/IMG_0628.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSiXm5WFIUqAM521KCnvA88KhnRiWQT1Kn_Z7QuMlV3flhWNaVBBNbGxy0uIA_5ShM_iDjZmxtq6-vs5Dl58OWQ2owDL7FwsrcbN18GGHMamjiipjfF_Ov69Y04nYDJhSE23tcXTF1sWU/s1600/IMG_0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGSiXm5WFIUqAM521KCnvA88KhnRiWQT1Kn_Z7QuMlV3flhWNaVBBNbGxy0uIA_5ShM_iDjZmxtq6-vs5Dl58OWQ2owDL7FwsrcbN18GGHMamjiipjfF_Ov69Y04nYDJhSE23tcXTF1sWU/s400/IMG_0630.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The rest of the road trip back was filled with In'n'Out (duh), playlists, traffic, and a million weird conversations. It was a little sad knowing that was our last Weekender as students, but if Instagram is any indicator of after grad life (obviously the best source to take seriously) then we will soon be one of the millions of alum that make the annual trip up to the Bay next year. </div>
<br />Watermelonsmileshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17912004879618197036noreply@blogger.com0