A Day of Remembrance

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2011

In honor of the ten year memorial for the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center, I decided to use a picture of me from when I first moved to NYC in 2008 on the Brooklyn Bridge with the Manhattan skyline behind me.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2011

Lo, Matt, Mattie, and I decided to randomly have a bbq. So, I brought italian sausage that mom sent back with me from MI and sautee-ed some peppers and onions. Lo made mac and cheese and beans. Matt bbqed. Mattie provided the location and the soundtrack for the day. It was a beautiful day for a family dinner, and the food, as well as the company, made for an incredible afternoon.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2011

Lauren and I met up at The Grove to see "The Help" (Go see it if you haven't yet!), and since we got there early, we decided to stop by the Farmer's Market for a drink beforehand. Lauren is also one of those amazing people in my life and I'm so glad we became such good friends through "Shudder." What I love about big cities is that there are always fun and fresh things happening. This evening, there happened to be a jazz band playing...and awesome jazz band. These guys could play. I know that sounds dumb, but it ended up being a truly awesome evening with a great friend, good brew, and terrific music.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2011

Sometimes you need a day to yourself...or even a couple of hours. I try to do this as often as I can, just as a way to sort of collect my thoughts, be by myself, and ponder life. I got to the beach at about 1o am and no one was really there yet. I stayed until about 12:30 when more people began coming. Those two and half hours I spent on the beach alone were glorious. All I could hear were the crash of the waves on the shore. All I could feel was the heat of the sun on my back. All I could see was the horizon drifting off to the other side of the world. Zen.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 7, 2011

I love supporting my friends and their endeavors and watching them in the midst of what they are passionate about as much as I love pursuing my own endeavors and feeling that high while acting or singing or whatever. This night, I got to go see my friend Terah play with her band, D Hollywood, at one of the bars on Hollywood Blvd. She is an awesome drummer and her genuine love and excitement for her art pours out as she plays; it's awesome to watch. In the middle of the bar was a little fountain with this candle set up. I thought it was neat and appropriate for the mood of the evening.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 6, 2011

I was supposed to have a lunch/business meeting, but we had to reschedule. So, I picked up Lo from work and we headed to my favorite little Mexican restaurant and stuffed our faces with authentic mexican food, flaming margaritas, and beans and rice. I have come to the conclusion that when the two of us are together we never stop talking. It's not a bad thing, it's just surprising that we still have so much to say after seeing each other already for an entire eight hour shift. ha. True friends, that's for sure.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 5, 2011

This is the entrance to my apartment after you walk through the front gates. I've made this walk a bazillion times over the past year that I kind of took it for granted, however it really is a sort of pretty entrance.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2011

I was walking back from my car this evening and happened to notice these white flowers on three of the trees near of the complexes down the street. They've never bloomed for as long as I've been here so they naturally compelled me. They're really beautiful, especially in the light; the picture doesn't do it justice.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 3, 2011

...and Lauren and I. What I love most about Lauren is that I feel like being stupid and crazy, she jumps on board as if it was her idea, too. Clearly, I'm the same with her. Most likely, we were both thinking it anyway. I love being able to have fun and not have to worry about making a fool of myself. ever. And by the way, (bbq) pringles and(pumpkin) beer are an amazing combo.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

I always try to make a difference in someone's life every day, especially at work. You never know what someone may be going through and how a flash of a smile may totally change their day around. I've know I've been on the receiving end of a smile when my day was gross before and it made me feel so much better. The thing is, I don't want or expect anything in return. So, you can imagine the genuine shock when people reciprocate and then tell you how much they appreciate you. Two of our favorite customers baked me cinnamon rolls for my birthday and then proceeded to tell me how much they enjoyed coming in everyday to see me and the rest of my friends (co-workers) smiling and happy everyday, and that we make their day. It's nice to know that what you're doing is having an effect. Making me cinnamon rolls for my birthday was so simple, but so sweet and amazing. and OH MY GOD WERE THEY THE BEST CINNAMON ROLLS EVER. Just saying...

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
(MY BIRTHDAY!)

Well, I turned 26 today. I wasn't necessarily super excited about it, however I was sort of excited to leave 25 behind. 25 was a year of change, of struggles, of life lessons, of learning, of growing, and of new friends. If ever there were to be a testament to how many people I have in my life that love me (if I ever doubted), my 26th birthday would have been it. I cried numerous times over the course of the day (yes, I'm a mush, you should know this already) because of how much love I received. I received phone calls at midnight from Mom and Julie, both competing to be the first to wish me a happy birthday. Jamie had her art class sing me happy birthday in another voicemail, and one of her students even drew me a picture! I walked into work and everyone broke into song with "Happy Birthday" followed by hugs and kisses. It turned out to be a truly amazing day. THEN! Adrianna showed up at Happy Hour and surprised me. (Note: Remember, she lives in Carlsbad now). I couldn't believe it. I shrieked. I cried. I laughed. I hugged. It was an amazing birthday surprise. I honestly could not have asked for a better day. This is a picture of my second family out here. :)

Thanks for the love. All of it.

The end of August

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 31, 2011

Nothing compares to a cup of coffee and a good book. The relaxation, the stretching of the imagination, the moment to be taken into another world; it's the best. I love spending mornings, evenings, or even all day doing this. It is so easy to get sucked into a good book, and before you know it, the day is gone. It's a blessing and a curse to love reading as much I do. :)

TUESDAY AUGUST 30, 2011

On our last day in Traverse City, we walked around the Downtown area and we spotted this. I instantly smiled. I don't know if that was the artist's intention, however I'm sure his or her intention was to make a difference in someone. It worked.

MONDAY AUGUST 29, 2011

Our last day in Traverse City. Here is a picture of my family sans my dad in the lobby of the Great Wold Lodge where we spent the weekend. It was the first family vacation we had taken since our Hawaii trip in 2004. It was a fun weekend and one of my favorite weekends back in MI since I've been away these past three years.

SUNDAY AUGUST 28, 2011

What do you do when you are in Northern Michigan and near at least ten vineyards? Wine Tasting, of course! Here's the group at Black Star Farms spending the afternoon wine tasting. All of their wines were pretty delicious, but my favorite was a cherry wine, which I bought a bottle of. Traverse City is known for growing cherries, therefore all of the vineyards had a cherry wine. Amazing.

SATURDAY AUGUST 27, 2011

It's a beautiful thing when friends are able to withstand distance and time and still remain as close as they used to be. Amy is one of those to me. We became really close friends in high school, and now twelve years after meeting, I got to be at her wedding, as well as do a reading. It was a beautiful wedding and I couldn't have wished for a better guy for Amy to be married to. I'm so grateful that I was able to be a part of her special day.

FRIDAY AUGUST 26, 2011

Julie and Frank. Jalochie and Frankels. NYC and LA. Back in MI. Luckily for us both, our trips back home coordinated with each other. That clearly equals: trouble, oberon, story telling, an excessive amount of laughing, and a photo shoot at some point. Here is one of my favorite pictures from our photo shoot for the day. This is a great representation of our friendship and basically who we are.

THURSDAY AUGUST 25, 2011

Before I headed to the airport, I decided to stop at the beach for a few hours to kill time/avoid traffic. Here was the view when I got off the beach and headed back to me car. I said one last goodbye before I headed off to MI for the weekend. Beautiful.

Trying new things

I always talk of trying new things and attempting new experiences. Have you ever thought about what it would be like to step into someone else's shoes and work their job for a little bit? To live their life for a little bit? Just to see what it's life? Today, I visited Steven and his brother Mike at their family owned "Pacific Cheesecake Company," which has been getting rave reviews on yelp by the way. I also had the opportunity to step behind the counter and help out with making some of the cheesecakes and see how they're made. I spent about an hour learning about all of the stuff they do, as well as (of course) talking and laughing a lot. :) Great way to spend the afternoon. I spent the evening grabbing dinner with another really close of friend of mine. We're good for each other in that we're both very positive energies and we keep each other motivated. I feel blessed to have such amazing people in my life...Speaking of, off to MI tomorrow. :)

Making some scrumptious cheesecakes!

To check out Steven and his family's cheesecakes, go to: www.pacificcheesecakecompany.com

A little update from yours truly

Today was a reminder for me to live. A reminder that I am capable of so much more. A reminder that I can do anything if I put my mind to it...and believe...

TUESDAY AUGUST 23, 2011

This picture was from when I went to the beach last Thursday. I keep staring it. Everyday. There's something about it that just puts me in a serene and beautiful place.

MONDAY AUGUST 22, 2011

This is the background on my phone. I took this picture on Venice Beach on Thursday, as well. Melissa and I met up for a drink and walked the beach as the sun was setting. It's so beautiful, I can't help but be awed by all of the wonders God has given us; we just have to remember to open our eyes and take it all in.

SUNDAY AUGUST 21, 2011

I met up with Jeremy and we hung out by the pool at the apartment he's staying at right now. Sun, good friend, good convos, corona, chips and salsa, pool, hot tub, and banana boat tanning lotion...How could you not be relaxed? Great Sunday afternoon.

SATURDAY AUGUST 20, 2011

The cast of "Urban Death" with two of the critics from LA Weekly. They've come to the see the show a few times and absolutely love it. It's going to be featured in the LA Weekley's "LA's Best" in the coming months. Pretty exciting!

FRIDAY AUGUST 19, 2011

This would be my breakfast. I had been craving amazing breakfast foods, so I met up with Matt and we headed to one of my favorite cafe's on Melrose, "Blu Jam Cafe." Always superb food. I ordered the French Toast, which the waiter informed me was voted one of the best in LA. (Judging from this picture, how can you not agree?!) I also ordered a fresh squeezed orange juice, which was amazing. The french toast was the perfect blend of soft and smooth and crunchy and perfect, and topped with fresh organic bananas, strawberries, and blueberries, and served with maple syrup on the side. My day could not have started any better.

THURSDAY AUGUST 18, 2011

I took a "Me Day" today. I left work and headed to the beach...by myself. I've been too stressed, frustrated, worried about everything else but my general well-being. So, the only way to fix that is to take a day to yourself. My cure: the beach. I sat on the beach for about four hours. I watched the waves crash against the shore, the kids playing in the sand, the surfers waiting for the perfect wave, the sun begin to set, and my skin begin to brown. My mind was clear. I was refreshed. My plan worked.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 17, 2011

I found this picture today and it made me smile. We're such little babies in this picture! This is me and Jamie in April 2004. One day when we were all studying for finals while at Western, we decided to head to the beach. So, all of us crammed into the car and headed on over. This is still to date one of my favorite pictures - Jamie and I in South Haven seven years ago...and she's still one of my best friends.

TUESDAY AUGUST 16, 2011

Today, Whitney threw Marnie a surprise going away party at The Hallmark with all of the residents, staff, and Tuesdays at 4 volunteers during the Tuesdays at 4 time slot. I really wish I could have been there to see her face. I'm so proud of her for following her heart and leaving to continue her education into art therapy. So, I decided to dedicate today's picture to a picture of me with two of the best friends I've ever had. I'm so thankful I was placed at The Hallmark so that I could meet these two incredible individuals.

MONDAY AUGUST 15, 2011

Today was Jeremy's birthday so we all met up for dinner. Here's me, Jeremy, Crystal, and Oliver after drinks. Funny how different we are now from when we met in the Fall of 2004...They're pretty great.

SUNDAY AUGUST 14, 2011

I thought this was pretty neat: a view of the Full moon over the city of Los Angeles from the top of a parking structure at Hollywood and Vine. All the way in the back in the center of the picture is Downtown.

SATURDAY AUGUST 13, 2011

Today was a long day. I had to open, then we had a 5 1/2 hour rehearsal, a three hour break, and then had to perform. (I also had to open the next day). During our break, Lauren and I grabbed some dinner at Little Tony's (the best little authentic Italian restaurant, located in North Hollywood), grabbed a blanket from my trunk, and took a 40 minute nap in my car. I would like to say we were well rested, but napping in the car is still fun.

FRIDAY AUGUST 12, 2011

This is the crazy picture that the full moon produced. Kind of really neat.

THURSDAY AUGUST 11, 2011


TJ is one of those people that can always make you feel good and always make you laugh. We're currently working on a scene for him to audition for a scene study class with, and that we'll later film for our reels. This picture was taken during our small "break" when we felt it necessary for a slurpee. Amazing.

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 10, 2011

I enjoy surrounding myself with people who have amazing personalities, good souls, happy personas, and positive outlook. Adrianna is all of those and more. She is such an amazing friend and a joy to have around, always. We had a wine night and talked about everything under the sun and the grabbed sushi (our standard). You think I talk a lot? Wait until you have the two of us in the same room together; a third person would never be able to interject. I bought this bottle, without knowing what it tasted like because it reminded me of the two of us - we're always smiling and looking for good in the people we see and the world around us.

TUESDAY AUGUST 9, 2011

I enjoy laughing, smiling, and having a wonderful evening. Leon and Lo, along with my other friends, always make for all of those thins to happen. :)

A walk

So, I ran into this building while taking a stroll today; the Hollywood Foreign Press. I've grown up with people thanking them in their acceptance speeches; it's still so strange to me sometime that I am living here. I love it. Every second of it...through the good, and the bad. I was going to crop my finger out of the picture, but kind of enjoy it being there. Adds an element of "eh. we're all human." :)

The beginning of August

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7, 2011

What is your view at 5:30am? This is mine. Sometimes you see the same things everyday, but never actually take them in. I see these same palm trees outside of the parking structure at work everyday, but I never noticed there were lights wrapped around their trunks...until I was walking into work at 5:30am today. Note to self: be more observant.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2011

"Graffiti is art & is art is a crime, let God forgive us all." I love this. When this was saying posted on the wall of one of the stores a few blocks down, it was the only thing against a blank white wall. Now, more has been added. Usually, this wall's art changes every couple of weeks, but actually "graffiti" is never added or anything. So, what I loved about this was that once this saying posted, the other graffiti began pouring in...I kind of even want to write something. I love the artistic expression it represents.

FRIDAY, JULY 5, 2011

Thinking outside the box...We made Raspberry flavored whipped cream at work today. It was pretty amazing and reminds me of Valentine's Day. I cannot wait to try this exact same thing...but with PUMPKIN SPICE. It's going to be addicting.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011

I love me some good bagels. Nothing beats a toasted fresh onion bagel smeared with homemade vegetable cream cheese on a beautiful sunny morning. I finally a bagel place worth speaking of out here in LA. I miss Eastside Bagel (let's me real - nothing could ever beat Eastside Bagel), however, Noah's New York Bagels have the exquisite-ness of a freshly made New York bagel, as well as the decor...and as we know, I love NY. :)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2011

I'm not generally a person that goes out to bars or clubs. I'm more of a person that loves spending the evening in with a good friend, a glass of wine, and some great conversation. Those are the kinds of evenings I cherish. Well, tonight Samantha came over and we had some wine, watched a movie, and talked (she talks as much as me. it's true. haha). It was such a nice, chill, and relaxing evening. The wine was great...and I only bought it because it has a "?" on it; no name. Love it.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 2, 2011

I keep looking at the picture from when Jamie was here and I can hardly believe that this is where I live...well, it's only 3o minutes away. This is the Pacific Ocean as viewed at sunset on Hermosa Beach. Jamie and I walked all down the beach, feet (and sometimes our whole legs) getting wet from the incoming tide. Beautiful day.

MONDAY, AUGUST 1, 2011

Everything about this picture is beautiful and artistic.

The end of July

SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2011

On the evenings in which I want to veg out and chill and have a "me" night, you will be sure to find popcorn of some sort (kettle corn or extra butter) with the addition of a glass of wine or a beer. It is the best way to conclude a day.

SATURDAY, JULY 30, 2011

I was sent this picture from one of my co-workers...While at work, a "mock election" took place with all of the baristas being the people voted on. Regular customers also helped come up with some of the nominations/wins. "Most likely to succeed" is me. :)

FRIDAY, JULY 29, 2011

After ten performances and about three months together, the cast of "Hamlet: Prince of Darkness" parted ways after this closing night. It's always bittersweet: closing night; the end of something truly special, but the beginning of the amazing things to come.

THURSDAY JULY 28, 2011

It's amazing when you have certain people in your life that are there for years and are still the same best friend they were when you met. Jamie is one of those. Funny - we took a picture exactly like this eight years ago when we first became friends. The difference now is the Pacific Ocean versus Lake Michigan. Interesting where life takes us.

WEDNESDAY JULY 27, 2011

A Wednesday afternoon cocktail at my friend, Steven's. I'm not a fruity drink type of person, I definitely love a beer if I am going to have a drink at all (as you know), or a margarita. However, this was some type of Dragonberry slushy thing. It tasted like a pixie stick. It was good. We all had a drink, hung out in the hot tub, talked, and the ended day relaxed. It was definitely needed and appreciated.