Nature

TUESDAY JANUARY 10, 2012

Sometimes out of the ordinary is some of the most beautiful.  

 MONDAY JANUARY 9, 2012

 Sometimes we are surrounded by breathtaking moments in everyday life, but we forget to take them in...

SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Bring on the crazies!  Check out this crazy bright full moon.  This picture doesn't do it justice, however, you can still tell how bright it is from it.

What is underneath

I am a human being.  I have great qualities about myself, but I also have faults; we all do.  I breathe.  I love.  I feel.  I hurt.  I work extremely hard...all the time, no matter what the task.  I take on challenges so as to better my quality of life, overcome obstacles, learn, fail, win, lose, and ultimately become a better individual.  I have a drive and a passion within me that responds with yes; "I can't" is not a part of my vocabulary.  I try to brighten peoples' days, whether a friend or a stranger, by smiling, helping him or her with their groceries, or shooting a friendly "hello" their way.  My goal in life is to be at a point where I can use my image, my likeness, my words, to better humankind.  To provide literacy programs to those who do not have the resources.  To start a homeless persons shelter that not only provides a roof and food, but also the tools to help these people get back on their feet, to get back into the work force, to provide the proper nutrition and medications that may be needed, to get a second chance.  To provide new big brother/big sister programs within communities to aid in the development of kids and teens and for someone for them to look up to, a friend to them if they are a loner.  To figure out a way to prevent teen suicide and show that things do get better no matter what may be bothering them at the time whether lack of friends, sexual orientation, rape, bullying, or whatever the case.  To improve programs, housing, and care for senior citizens across the nation.  They are people, too, and need just as much attention and love. My goal in life is to become a successful, hard working, life altering artist that ends up changing the world.

So why is it, then, that someone (that I should respect) would not only yell at me condescendingly, but also call me a "snotty a** hole."?  Yes, I have my moments in which I am not exuding my full potential or personality 100% of the time, but what could I possibly do to someone to bring them to such a state of aggravation that they must stoop to such a low level so as to call me names and attempt to bring me down?  This, my friends, is bullying.  Whether you are in elementary school, high school, or in the work force - it's all the same, isn't it?  The whole point of bullying is to bring someone else down.  You succeed when you see that person shrink, right?  You feel that instant gratification when you see the tears well up in their eyes, right?  And right at about the point where they're at their smallest, you want to kick them until they can't move.  Sometimes this happens, sometimes it doesn't - figuratively and literally.  Nothing could possibly be more exhilarating than this feeling, right?!  Wrong.  This is what is wrong with society today.  People make up their own rules as to what is right and wrong.   It is NEVER ok to talk to someone else as if they do not exist, as if they are unimportant, as if the world would be better without them.  That they are a complete idiot.  Never.  Because that isn't true.  What this person that called me names today doesn't know is how many lives I have already changed at only 26.  That I have made people's dreams come true - even when they thought it impossible because they were 96 years old.  I had a 101 year old woman tell me I've changed her life, that she learned so much from me, and she is better because I was in it.  I've had students of mine tell me that I helped them get through high school because they knew they had someone rooting for them.  I had a woman tell me just today that she was having the worst day, but when she walked in and I greeted her so nicely with my "huge smile," I turned her day around.  You see, it really is the little things.  It's being there when someone needs you.  It's really listening, I mean, really listening when someone needs a friend to talk to.  It's providing those words of encouragement to someone that is just about to give up.  It's knowing that no matter what happens, you will always listen and lead with your heart.

So where does bullying fit in with this?  Where does name calling fit in with this?  Where does talking to someone in a condescending manner fit in with this?  They don't.  And they never will.  Instead of being angry or upset with these people, we need to figure what they may need.  Instead of dealing with their inner conflicts in a healthy manner, they are taking it out on others.  That's not ok.  We, as a human population, need to work together to spread love not hate, equality not segregation, and friendship instead of a cold shoulder.

So the next time you see someone, flash a smile.  You never know the world of a difference you may be making in their day, or even their life.

We are human beings.  We have great qualities about ourselves, but we also have faults.  We breathe.  We love.  We feel.  We hurt...

Life as I know it

SATURDAY JANUARY 7, 2012

 Having a drink rooftop style at my friend Zach's place, who lives just down the street.  One of the other things I love about LA are the sunsets.  There's always a beautiful sunset and sunrise; you just have to be around to watch it.  I fall more and more in love with this city everyday.

FRIDAY JANUARY 6, 2012

 Went hiking with Lauren today at Runyon Canyon.  I didn't realize this, but Runyon is literally a two minute drive and maybe a fifteen minute walk.  I need to do this more.  It's such a freeing experience and a lot of fun with someone.  The view from the top is awesome - you can see all of Los Angeles from Downtown to Beverly Hills to the Hollywood sign and even the ocean some days.  

THURSDAY JANUARY 5, 2012

 Dinner night at Apt. 12.  Per usual, Matt grilled and I made all of the sides and sauteed the peppers and onions.  The two of us are a really great team in the kitchen.  I love cooking; it's so much fun to be able to create and make something and be able to enjoy the end result - and share it.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 4, 2012

 Today was my last day watching Georgie and Oscar.  I'm gonna miss the little guys.  Here's Oscar; he always tends to be by my side.  I'm fairly certain they love me just as much as I love them. :)

TUESDAY JANUARY 3, 2012

 The beach.  My zen place.  The ocean holds my heart.  I realized I hadn't been to the beach in a while and needed some time to reflect.  So, I packed up my bag, grabbed a coffee, and picked up Mattie.  We headed to the beach, played in the *very cold* water (only up to our shins of course), took in some sun, and just relaxed.  I need to remember to do this more.  The best way to clear your mind and bring your back to your center.

A new chapter...

MONDAY JANUARY 2, 2012

 

 I am currently in the process of teaching myself piano.  I got a keyboard for Christmas from Mattie, and I absolutely love it.  New beginnings, right?  I've already taught myself a few chords, written a song, and learned some of the fingerings.  I think piano is a good route for me.  Now I can finally write my own music to put with the lyrics that I've written.  Songwriter in 2012?  Why not?  The possibilities are endless.  Never say no.  Never doubt yourself and your abilities.

SUNDAY JANUARY 1, 2012

 ...And so begins 2012.  A new chapter.  A new beginning.  More and more breathtaking sunsets on the horizon.  This year is going to be a beautiful one.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 31, 2011

 HAPPY NEW YEAR!  We celebrated the New Year in style by wearing pj's and playing games!!!  Lo and I decided last minute that we'd host a small new year's gathering.  We picked up some small appetizers after work and drinks.  I made the mexican dip and crack cheese.  Everyone came over around 9:30 and we spent the evening talking the night away, laughing a ton, and laughing almost every minute.  It was an amazing way to bring in the new year with people you love in exactly the way you it.

 FRIDAY DECEMBER 30, 2011

 You know you're best friends when you wake up in the morning and you end up putting the same type of shirt on.  ...And no, this was not planned.  I went to pick Lo to drive her to work and we both started laughing because of our matching shirts.  Her exact response "TWINSIES!!!!!"  Love it.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 29, 2011

 I ventured out of my comfort zone and submitted myself to a photographer that was casting for a commercial shoot.  It didn't pay, but I get the pictures/he gets the pictures for his portfolio.  It went terrifically.  He was great and really helped me out a lot.  It was an excellent learning experience for me in so many ways.  1.  It was a great acting exercise, to remember to constantly have intentions, active choices, etc.  Everything resonates.  You can't be "dead" in the shot, just as on camera or on stage.  Nothing resonates.  2.  It showed me how the world sees me versus how I see myself.  Sometimes we're just a little too critical on ourselves; myself most definitely included.  Instead of searching for the flows, we should work on finding the beauty in everything...not just ourselves.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 28, 2011

 I came downstairs and noticed the living was a pink-ish/purple-ish color.  Then I saw the light coming through the windows; that indescribable beautiful sunset that puts you in awe just by looking at it.  Pictures don't give it justice at all.  I shot straight into the sky to get the palm tree and to make sure I could get the color, light, and shadow variations.  Beautiful.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 27, 2011

 I hung out with Matthew after work today and we grabbed food and stopped at one of our favorite coffee houses; Intelligencia.  It's located in Silver Lake and has a very hipster vibe with excellent espresso beverages.  They melt their own chocolate for their mochas and their espresso has a perfect balance of sweet and bitter.  It's kind of a nice break and a treat to venture on over to this coffee house

MONDAY DECEMBER 26, 2011

 Although I haven't been in my own home for the past ten days, I have enjoyed the company of Oscar and Georgie.  As I was about to fall asleep, I looked up and saw them lying there.  They're such sweet dogs and they reminded me of how much I really enjoy having the company of an animal.  (Don't worry, I'm not going out and getting myself a dog.  It also reminded me of how I am not a place in my life to own my own puppy. :)

SUNDAY DECEMBER 25, 2011

 

 I love my Cassie Dew.  After skyping with the family and opening gifts via satellite, as well as eating Grandma's poppyseed roll with Mom and Danielle, Danielle sent me this picture.  How can you not love her with all of your heart?! 

SATURDAY DECEMBER 24, 2011

 My cousin Jenna sent this to me.  The family was over my Grandma's for Christmas Eve and all of the picture cards I have sent over the past four years were on her fridge still.  It was kind of cool to look at when she sent it to me because you get to see the different places I've lived and how I've changed throughout each picture.  I've matured and grown in so many ways.  Can you tell a difference between all of them?  (Times Square was 2008, Rockefeller Tree was 2009, Santa Monica Beach was 2010, Hollywood sign was 2011).

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2011

 

 I discovered a new Chinese Food place near my apartment.  I'm in love.  It is sooooo good.  It's not the Detroit priced five dollar chinese, but it's definitely worth every penny, and anyone who knows me, knows my love for chinese food. Excellent find.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 22, 2011

 I was sitting outside reading, looked down, and saw this.  It kind of kept my attention for a bit because of how cool it looked and the juxtaposition between nature, man made objects, and reflections.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 21, 2011

 My LA Family Christmas.  Me, Mattie, Matt, and Lo.  We made an excellent taco dinner and opened gifts.  It was a beautiful evening full of laughs, stories, and tons of wrapping paper.  :)

TUESDAY DECEMBER 20, 2011

 The stockings are all filled and ready for our Family Christmas dinner tomorrow!  I absolutely loving getting gifts for people and watching their reactions.  This is Mattie's first time ever having a stocking, so it's pretty exciting!!

 MONDAY DECEMBER 19, 2011

 It's hard to believe that it has been a year and a half since I've lived in New York City.  Time sure flies.  Here is a picture of Whitney and Marnie on our annual "Christmas walk."  Three years ago, I got all of us together (and Martha) and we toured NYC's Christmas decorations.  We started at 34th St. with Macy's, grabbed a coffee, and headed down Fifth Avenue.  We would stop at the tree at Rockefeller Center and continue down Fifth Avenue admiring the lights, talking away, and enjoying the company.  I'm glad they've kept this tradition going; I'll be back to do it with them again one of these years. :)

Remember to love....

How often do we, as people, go through the motions of everyday?  How often do we just complain about the not-so-important, or the things in life that just don't "go our way."?  I'm guilty.  Shoot.  I'm guilty of it as of a few hours ago.  We get so wrapped up in our everyday, and sometimes monotonous, lives that we forget about what really is important in life...living.  We need to remember to not just set the alarm, show up to work on time, and do the same thing we do every other day, but to really wake up, to do our job, and to do take in everything we do throughout the day.  How often to we listen to the breeze in the trees?  Or smell the flowers that sit outside our apartment building or house?  Or really feel the warmth a smile generates?  Better yet, how often do you say "How are you?" and really actually mean it?  We live in a world where are so concerned with so many facets of life that we forget to take in the simplistic ones or the ones we may take for granted.

I found out today that I basically don't have a Christmas because I work the entire day (11-7:30) and then open the following the day (5:30-1:45).  I'm sure you are probably having the same "wtf" face as I had when I saw the schedule, but alas, I made the best of it.  Yes, Christmas is a specific day; every year it falls on December 25.  We all know this.  I don't know about you, but Christmas for me is kind of a big deal.  It has nothing to do with the presents.  It has nothing to do with the amazing food.  It has everything to do with the people I spend it with.  I love my family, my second families, and my friends.  They mean the world to me.  Them being in my life is the greatest gift.  Christmas always been a day of memories, of waking up at 6am to open gifts, of eating Grandma's poppyseed roll first thing in the morning, playing games with cousins, spending time with those you only get to see maybe once a year, of enjoying the people you love's presence.  Throughout the years, my journey has taken me all over the country...and world, actually.  However, those that are still in my life are here for a reason, and we need to recognize that.  We need to remember that those people are there for a reason.  The essence of Christmas shouldn't be just one day a year, but everyday.  Looking at my past year, I've had a few Christmases.

Getting coffee with my second family in New York, or grabbing drinks, brings back amazing memories.  Luckily, I was able to do this a couple times this year.  These people made my time in NYC the best ever, and they have become forever friends.  I visited Michigan three times this summer for three different people's weddings.  Throughout each, I was re-acclimated with different portions of my life.  I felt honored to be a part of my cousin Victoria's wedding; she has been such a huge aspect of my life since childhood and has always remained a good friend.  I got to be with family for an entire weekend of debauchery and good times.  I came home for Emily's wedding.  I got to spend time with my first friends outside of Southeastern Detroit.  They helped shape me into the person I am today and taught me what it means to love and have make yourself a family.  I got to do a reading at Amy's wedding in late August.  Some friendships from high school will never fade; this is one of them.  It was an honor to read at her wedding.  Although we don't talk everyday, she will always be one of those people I have in my life that I know I can count on whenever for whatever.  Throughout all of these visits, new memories were formed, vacations were made, and pictures were taken.   They were my Christmas.  Why?  Because I got to be with those I love, get myself presents, and eat amazing food.  I just had my first LA Christmas yesterday with Lo, Matt, and Mattie.  We made a homemade taco feast complete with chicken tacos, queso dip, and guacamole, as well as gift exchanges and opening stockings.  It was the perfect Christmas away from home with my second family.

It's the simple things in life.  We need to remember to love.  To remember to take in the positive that life gives us, and learn from the negative.  To allow ourselves to be greater than we ever thought could be.  To dream big.  To make those dreams come true.  To try something new and allow it to come to fruition.  We need to say yes more.  We need to breathe...

I watched this movie this evening entitled "Listen to your Heart."  I recommend it wholeheartedly.  It was one of the most brilliant movies I've seen.  It's an independent film about a man falling in love with a woman who cannot hear, and losing the one you love.  It reminds you about what is important in life and what we all seem to take for granted all too often. Please watch.  I guarantee you will not be disappointed, but rather enlightened.  It's on netflix.

This Christmas/holiday season, remember to love.  Remember to appreciate those around you and let them know you love them.  Take everything in, from the sight of the snow on the ground to the sound of the breeze in the trees.  Use your senses to heighten your sense of life and your sense of living.


Merry Christmas to you.  Much Love.  Always.

The sun will come out...

SUNDAY DECEMBER 18, 2011

 

 Again, reading my book outside, looked up and a pivotal moment in the book and saw this.  I call it "God Light."  It's those rays of hope and beauty that just put you in awe and make you smile.  It's those moments that make you stop, breathe in, and really notice the world around you...we need to make more of a habit of that.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 17, 2011

 Georgie.  She loves attention.  She's definitely the princess.  I love dogs/animals because of the various personalities and love they offer.  I've only been here a few days this time around, but I love it.  I know I'm not at a point in my life where I could have a dog, but I'm so thankful I can "borrow" others for the time being. :)

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16, 2011

I was sitting outside reading an enlightening book, looked up, and saw this.  The way the sun is peeking around the trees kind of went with the theme of the book and made me smile.  The sun will always come out eventually, you just have to stay strong and keep living in the moment and pushing forward.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 15, 2011

 I'm watching Crystal and Oliver's house/dogs again. Oscar clearly runs the house. ha.  The dogs love to get up on the roof, and it's hilarious.  They have a beautiful view.

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2011

 

 Lo and My's task was to decorate the store for Christmas.  So, we bought garland and baby stockings, wrote everyone's names on them, and then hung them up.  The bows were also added for a little extra Christmas fun.  It's amazing how even the slightest change or Christmas decoration can really change the whole environment.  Love it.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 13, 2011

 I have presents under the tree!  Well, just for one night, at least.  I bought and wrapped all of my family's presents.  This is how great they looked...before I packed them into a box and shipped them off to MI ready to opened Christmas morning via skype. :)

MONDAY DECEMBER 12, 2011

 Sometimes, instead of grabbing for seconds or thirds, you might as well just grab the whole bowl and giant spoon and dig in.  How could you not when it's gnocchi and your mom's pasta sauce?!  Exactly.  That's when the chubby kid comes out...and I'm not even sorry about it.

Christmas is coming!

SUNDAY DECEMBER 11, 2011

 After a day of shopping, Lo and I ended the evening with arts and crafts.  Here are all of the mini stockings with all of my co-workers' names on them.  To personalize our store a little more and bring in a little more of the holiday spirit, we decided to buy garland and these stockings to hang at work in front of the bar.  I'm excited to see how it'll end up looking.  (A picture, I'm sure, will follow.)

 SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2011

I was sitting on the futon watching a movie and glanced to my left.  This was what I saw.  How could this not make you smile and appreciate life.  Christmas brings with it so much beauty and pure happiness.  Love.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 9, 2011

I was walking into my apartment building and I noticed this flower bush.  It's clearly always been there, but I've never really noticed it/taken it in.  I think I need to open my eyes more to see what's around me.  I used to be so good at that; I need to get back to that place.  I think we should all try to be in that place.  Can you imagine how much we bypass and don't even give a second glance to everyday?  How many times have you passed the same thing and never really noticed it until way later.  It's time to open our eyes and take in the world.  The time is now, the moment is ours.  Carpe diem - Seize the day.

 THURSDAY DECEMBER 8, 2011

Disneyland with Steven and Terah!  Going to Disneyland with these people has become one of the things I look forward to most.  We don't get to hang out all of the time because of our schedules, so it's nice that we schedule time to hang out every month...at Disneyland.  (Thanks Terah!)  A good time is sure to be had, laughter is sure to be hearty and plenty, and an insane amount of pictures are sure to be taken.  Love them.  (This picture was us on the Matterhorn.)

WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 7, 2011

I bought this picture of a painting from the Fairfax trading post a few weeks ago, but finally hung it on my wall.  I absolutely love everything about it.  I love the beauty that comes with the supposed "death" of the tree.  Is it death?  or is it a new life?  With death comes new life and a new beauty or new view of life?  I just the artistic and spiritual value symbolized within.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 6, 2011

We got stockings!!!  It's really feeling like Christmas, now!  Lo and I clearly have stockings, but we also got one for our honorary roomies, Mattie and Martin.

MONDAY DECEMBER 5, 2011

 Carrying over from Sunday night, this picture is taken at about 12:30am, Martin is making an apple pie.  Who ever said making apple pies at midnight was a bad idea?  It's the BEST idea.  If you haven't done it, I suggest this, too.  Kind of fun to be hanging out in the kitchen and baking...or watching your friends bake...at 1am.

SUNDAY DECEMBER 4, 2011

Peppermint Hot Chocolate night!  If you haven't done this yet this year, I suggest you do.  Grab some good friends, grab the hot cocoa mix, the almond milk (my favorite), and peppermint schnapps.  Throw on some Christmas tunes and you're good to go.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 3, 2011

Lo and I decided to be even more festive and bought garland to hang on the wall with Christmas lights!  AND we hung it all by ourselves.  Teamwork and determination.  Pretty exciting.  It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas.

 FRIDAY DECEMBER 2, 2011

 It's funny how something (even something weird or stupid) you see can spark memories, whether good or bad.  I saw these pants while at the mall with Martin and instantly started audibly laughing hysterically.  Red pants.  The story behind it? Two years ago in NYC, Paula and I headed out of the bar from Marnie's birthday festivities to get to the subway.  While waiting for the train, some guy with BRIGHT RED leather pants walked on by.  We thought it was hilarious (we may or may not have consumed some...um...beverages) and talked about them and made jokes about them and thought they were the funniest things ever.  This then prompted a photo shoot by trying to be inconspicuous, as well as taking pictures of the ground and in front of the handicapped signs once on the train.  Not funny to anybody else, but these pants brought back a flood of memories and laughter.  Love it.  It's the simple things in life.

THURSDAY DECEMBER 1, 2011

This is a picture of all of us at El Compadre - one of my favorite restaurants.  This was taken the first night that my mom and Danielle were in town, but I keep looking at it because I'm so glad that they finally got to meet my second family, and my second family got to meet my family...all over margaritas.  The best.