Family and Food

SATURDAY OCTOBER 22, 2011

 

It was that time again - time for family dinner night.  So, we brainstormed a meal, Lo and I hit up the grocery store, and we all convened at Mattie's for some fun cooking, dance partying, and great food.  We had italian sausage, mixed veggies (red skinned potatoes, grean beans), baked beans, and a white cheddar noodle thing.  Amazing food.  Amazing fun.  Tons of laughs. 

Blue Skies and Smiles

FRIDAY OCTOBER 21, 2011

 This may just look like a jumble of crap in a casserole dish...and it sort of is, but it is soooo much better.  So, I finally actually had time to cook dinner for myself tonight, so I made one of my favorite dishes.  (I LOVE cooking, I just lack the time to do it.) It's boneless chicken breast with cream of broccoli on top and stuffing on top of that - baked in the oven at 350 for one hour.  Amazing doesn't even do it justice.  Just try it; you will be addicted...like I am. :) 

THURSDAY OCTOBER 20, 2011

 

 This was my fortune from my fortune cookie.  I liked it and hope it happens.  Soon.  Especially since I'm sick...and not happy about it. :)

 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19, 2011

 No, I was not in a meadow.  No, I was in a valley.  I was not on a picnic or hike or near some other beautiful landscape.  I was actually walking down my street to my car.  Yes.  It's crazy how you take so many things for granted and forget to look around.  This was a really beautiful image, and it's something I've passed everyday, if not numerous times a day.

 TUESDAY OCTOBER 18, 2011

 I went for a walk and this is a privacy fence a few blocks away from my apartment.  I love it...everything about it.  Obviously, the color caught my eye at first, though.  I love finding art in everything - even in a simple privacy fence.

 MONDAY OCTOBER 17, 2011

 

 The Starbucks Crew...or most of us, at least.  We all went out to dinner at Maggiano's Italian Restaurant near The Grove.  Simply amazing food. (It was family style, and I of course made sure we ordered gnocci.) We had such a fun time.  My stomach ended up hurting from being so full and also from laughing so much. Starbucks gave us a certain amount of money as a reward for sales during the frappuccino happy hour period during the summer.  This is how we spent the money. :)

SUNDAY OCTOBER 16, 2011

 I kept asking for a sign that I was being watched over, and then I came home and this was on my wall.  Sure, maybe it was just some sort of reflection from the sun in the window, however, in my entire year of living in this apartment, I've never witnessed this before.  I've read before that a rainbow is a sign that someone is watching over you, that God is watching over you.  (The next day, I happened to look in the sky, and around the sun and through the clouds, there was yet another rainbow.  I think I am being watched over..)

SATURDAY OCTOBER 15, 2011

 This makes me smile every time I see it.  This is a sign on a garage not too far from my apartment.

 FRIDAY OCTOBER 14, 2011

Beautiful blue skies.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2011

I went Downtown to the Art Walk for the first time.  I also rode the LA Metro for the first time.  I felt like I was back in NYC slightly.  I was ridiculously excited about it, and had an amazing time.  Lo and I found a mechanical bull at one point, and I made her ride it.  Why not?  You only live once. :)

A little sun, a little zen

Over the last few days, I have been in some sticky situations, mostly because I don't have any "family" out here in California.  However, after thinking, I was thinking of the family I do have.  Sure, we may not be blood related, but if I ever needed anything, these people would be there for me as if we were, and vice versa.  It was one of those "realization" moments that kind of puts a tear in your eye, wakes you up, and reminds you that the bonds and relationships you have formed with the people in your life are irreplaceable.  I have a close knit family in NYC.  I have a beautiful new family in LA.  And of course, I will always have my family in MI.  It's just nice to know that I have been given some of the most amazing and best people in the world, and I wouldn't change it for a thing.  I am thankful for them every moment of everyday, and love them to the fullest, and I know the feeling is mutual.  Don't let the days pass you by without realizing and appreciating the people in your life; you never know when they won't be around anymore.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 12, 2011

 I was extremely productive this morning, and even after I completed my "To-Do" List (Yes, completed), I had time to spare.  Although I had just finished a pretty great work out a few hours earlier, I decided to go for a walk - just around the neighborhood.  It was actually a pretty nice and relaxing walk; no expectations, no destination, just me living and taking in every moment.  I looked at the amazingly clear blue sky.  I looked around at the copious amounts of eclectic shoppers and walkers.  I looked down at the designs engraved in the sidewalks.  I checked out the shadows of the palm trees.  Shadow.  When is the last time you even noticed your shadow was there?  I never actually pay attention (unless it gets in the way of a good picture, ugh.)  However, I stopped in my tracks, turned around and looked at my shadow.  Her was what I saw.  An outline, and yet a reflection of you.  Sometimes you just have to stop and check remember to take in everything and everyone around you - especially those you take for granted.

 TUESDAY OCTOBER 11, 2011

 

 It was superhero day at the bux.  Or, shall I say, Jonathan and I decided to make it superhero day at the bux.  You've got to make fun and live every moment.  Make yourself laugh...even at yourself. :)

MONDAY OCTOBER 10, 2011

 

 I was walking home and I saw a ginormous flower bush with these beautiful bright flowers.  It caught my attention, made me stop and really take in the beauty.  It's cool how the flowers are pretty small, but make a lasting affect when compiled together.  Directly under the sun's light - stood out like crazy.  Finding the beauty everywhere.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 9, 2011

I will never get sick of seeing palm trees, or seeing the sun creep its light through the branches.  This is where I am meant to be, and I am reminded each day I wake up.  The sun, the warmth, my life; I love it all.

A Free Mind

 SATURDAY OCTOBER 8, 2011

I was getting sick.  My head hurt.  I was stressed.  I had an insurmountable plethora (redundant?) of overwhelming situations and stresses on my mind.  I needed a break.  I went to the beach.  I was cured.  Yes, just like that.  It's amazing how a trip to the beach, even for a short period of time, can soothe the body and mind.  The calming of the waves, the heat of the sun, the salty smell of the ocean.  After the short hour I spent there, I felt like I had retreated to a week long spa, but alas, this was the faster and freer version.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 7, 2011

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."  Ain't that the truth.  This is art on the side of the building near my apartment.  I absolutely loved it; I think it is so true.  Without the people you love beside you, life is so much harder and not as fun or worthwhile.  We have to hold on to each other for so many reasons, but especially to share the love.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 6, 2011

...and the apartment search commences.  Sort of.  The first apartment we saw, we fell in love with - with every aspect. From the woman in the office, to the front doors (yes, the front doors), to the lobby, pool, and the amazingly beautiful apartment itself - we were sold.  Then, to top it off, when they started talking about how they only take in friendly good energied people and turn away negative people?!  Dream come true?!  My type of place?!  Keep your fingers crossed, send out prayers and white light and all that stuff so that Lo and I may get this opportunity.  I will cry if I don't get it, and I will definitely cry if I get it.  Mush much? ha.

22 days worth. whew.

 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2011

 

 I am in charge of clover coffee sales at Starbucks, and improving them.  Well, one of the ways to meet our goal was to innovate a new idea.  So, with the help of Lo, some customers, and some other partners, I came up with this idea: a Clover of the week.  (For those who do not know: the clover machine is a coffee press that works like a reverse french press and makes an amazing cup of coffee full of flavor and rich in body.  There's only 100 in the world, and our store has one.  Special "Reserve" coffees are also only served at our stores.  Therefore, we really should be selling more.)  So, every week, we will come up with a new combination of coffee for customers to try and post it on the board.  The combination will include a coffee, syrup, and a milk.  This way, people will see that they can make it their own and really enjoy it.  This week, our "Clovie Clover Coffee of the Week" is an Iced Honduras Coffee with 2 pumps of Pumpkin Spice and topped with a little bit of Soy.  So good. :)  I'll keep you posted on the results in the coming weeks.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 4, 2011

Lo and Matthew returned from Pheonix, AZ where they were for the weekend with a pack of Oberon; my favorite beer, as you will recall.  Arizona is the only Western state that carries this beer, and they remembered that when they went and wanted to surprise me when they came back.  I was beyond excited.  I know it sounds stupid because it's "just a beer," however the word "Oberon" holds so many memories with so many friends and family members.  It's not just a beer; it's amazing. :)

MONDAY OCTOBER 3, 2011

 The Lion King 3D?! YES, PLEASE!  Josh and I went to see The Lion King in 3D during its limited release.  Truly amazing.  This is one of my favorite Disney movies, so to be able to see it on the big screen again, and in 3D, was definitely a pretty cool experience.

SUNDAY OCTOBER 2, 2011

 Julie and Anthony got married!  I'm so glad I was able to be a part of this special day for them.  Julie has been such a great friend to me over the years and I don't even know where I'd be without her.  Anthony has been a blessing to have around, too.  They are a perfect pair and I wish them both the best in their future together.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 1, 2011

 I have the greatest friends in the world.  Whitney, Marnie, Martha, and Candace chipped in the extra I needed and bought me a plane ticket to NYC to perform with my Tuesdays @ 4 group in November.  I am beyond excited/thrilled/speechless at this opportunity and the generosity and love that my friends share.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

 The clouds were super crazy looking tonight.  This picture doesn't even do them justice.  The craziest part is that a bunch of my friends from all over the US were posting pictures on FB of their crazy/cool looking skies, too.  It was a great night for sunsets apparently.  Awesome.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 29, 2011

DISNEYLAND with TJ, Steven, and Terah.  No matter how life may be treating at any given time, a day at Disney with some awesome friends will totally change your world around.  Not only did we get to spend the day at the most magical place on earth, but we got to go on every ride we wanted to go on, got to see all of the Halloween decorations, and ended the evening watching Terah perform in the parade.  Beautiful day.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2011

 My drive home from work everyday.  I don't I can ever get sick of the palm trees.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2011

 The fountain at the Grove, the shopping area near my apartment.  It's such a cute, quaint little area for shopping, movies, and the farmer's market is right next to it.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2011

 I was walking home one night and I noticed these little dinosaurs on top of the address to the clothing store at the corner of my street.  It made me laugh, so I took a picture.  It's the little things in life.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2011

 Emily and Danielle ran into each other at the CMU vs. MSU game while tailgating.  It's moments/pictures like this that make me miss being home because I'd love to be in this picture, too.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 24, 2011

 Tonight was my final night with "Urban Death."  It was an exciting three month run, but it was time for me to move on.  I had such an amazing time and learned so much about myself as an individual, actor, and artist.  I was stretched and challenged in so many ways.  Awesome experience.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2011

 Today is the first day of FALL!  So, I put up a picture of Fall from last year.  We carved pumpkins, went to the apple orchard, had fun in the leaves, and of course drank pumpkin spice lattes.  Autumn is definitely a favorite season of mine...although, I don't like the cold aspect.  I just LOVE everything to do with pumpkin, though - pumpkin pies, pumpkin beer pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin spice martinis, pumpkin enchiladas...you get the point.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2011

 Yes, this is my sister standing on a tub.  How else are you supposed to get your brother's opinion on what you are wearing when he lives across the country?  These texts always make my day.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2011

 This is Crystal's other dog, Oscar.  We met back in Chicago many years ago.  It's so cute because I don't see him all the time, but he ALWAYS remembers me and gets excited to see me.  The dogs and I had a really good time together.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2011

 I watched Crystal's house for a few days while she was in Michigan.  I absolutely loved watching her dogs.  This is Georgie, she belongs to Oliver, her boyfriend.  Georgie would follow me around everywhere.  So cute.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2011

 

This was posted on my wall for my birthday and I just re-found it.  It made me smile.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2011

 Super dorky, but I enjoy designing the pastry case everyday.  At around 11am everyday, we have to "change over" the pastry case to fit in the afternoon pastries.  Sure, it could be a simple task.  However, Lo and I have made it into an art.  Everyday we come up with new and innovative designs and ideas to better present what we have.  The result: we really have begun selling a lot more pastries.  A great looking case = great sales.  I love being able to use my creative side at work.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2011

 It's official: I am a shift supervisor at my Starbucks.  I got my keys today.  The coolest part about the pair of keys I got is that they used to belong to Terah when she was a shift supervisor at my store.  :)

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

 

 Tora posted the professional pictures from her wedding on facebook; this was one of the pictures.  I chose this because it makes me laugh really hard just from looking at it, as well as the memory of all of us cramming into that photo booth so many time throughout the night.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2011

 I love when you have a really amazing friend that you can count on to ALWAYS laugh and have a good time with.  Lauren is that and a whole lot more.  Shes is a definition of a true friend.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2011

Taking on a new fashion.  I got this scarf for my birthday from Matthew and Lo and I finally wore it.  I've never worn a scarf before just for the fashion sense; it was always for the practical reasons i.e. it's freezing and my neck and chin are FREEZING.  Shocking, considering I lived in NYC for two years and wearing a scarf is as common as having your cell phone on you.  Oh well.  Anyway, this was my attempt at being somewhat fashionable, and I ended up liking the end result.