Weddings.

My sister's best friend got married yesterday out in Dana Point.  It was a beautiful wedding, and the bride looked absolutely beautiful. I ran into some girls from high school there as well.  It was good to reminisce with them...we took some pictures together at the photobooth:

A Wednesday Photo Shoot.

I forced my two friends to be in a photo shoot today.  I wish there had been a bit more sun, but I think the photos turned out alright.

Disappointing Pumpkin.

I feel like I have been a horrible blogger these past couple of weeks.  Can I blame it on working alot and call it a day?  Well I have been working about 30 hours a week, which isnt too bad so I feel like I cant blame it on that.  It's not that I haven't been doing anything, I just forget to take pictures?  Still, not a good excuse.

This past weekend I carved pumpkins with some friends (We had an Italian themed wine night, and even made our own pizza!- probably not very Italian, but hey we tried).  I had really high hopes for my pumpkin.  I am not even one that really enjoys carving pumpkins...but I was so excited because I was going to put a mustache on it.  Well, it turned out horribly.  I shunned my pumpkin and refused to take a picture of it.  I think my friends took some pictures of it, but I don't even want those memories back! (Wow, am I being dramatic much?)  I hope your pumpkins turn out better than mine did!

I was going to save this for a later time but it is just too funny.  I can't wait, and must show you now: Click Here please.

200.

This is my 200th post!  How exciting!  I have had this blog for a little over 2 years...it doesn't seem that long at all!  I feel like I should write something about how much I have seen myself grow and how much fun I have with this blog...and I do... but I think that I am just going to do a regular ol' post!  I should have written about this a while ago, but I forgot that I had taken pictures!  So two weeks ago-ish I went to DBA Wine Bar in P-town (that's what we call Pomona) with my friend.  She was studying to take her Master Sommelier level 2 test, and we went down there so she could sample the wines...I went along to help her study...I'm such a good friend.  She sampled a few of the wines, and I had the Malbec..it was amazing.  I would like to go back again for sure.

Once again....taken with my phone...I like to be inconspicuous when taking photos of strangers!

The Bruery.

I went out on Friday with a couple of friends to The Bruery.  I had never heard of it before, but one of my friends boyfriend just got a job there, and we went to go visit him.  It was in this industrial complex I guess you could say, and I would have never expected The Bruery (or anything) to be there.  Once we turned the corner though, there were SO many people!  There was also a Kogi truck outside...which I am  sure helps the beer business out a lot with getting people to come by.  We grabbed our first beer:  Hottenroth.  We also got this syrup added to it...it made it taste like the end of a bowl of lucky charms, and it turned it green...not my favorite.  The second beer we tried was the Saison Rue.  Also, not my favorite, at least the beers were really cheap!  Although the ones that I had tried were not to my liking, I think I would still go back to try the other ones and then if I still don't like any of their beers I won't go back, but I figure one more try won't hurt!

This is the Hottenroth.

The view from inside... I am glad no one noticed I was taking a picture!

Pictures taken with my phone... in case you were wondering why they are so blurry!

Birthdays and Baby Showers.

This weekend was so busy...but tons of fun.  On Saturday, I went to my niece Lily's birthday party (after all year of hearing that I wasn't "invited to her birthday part" I am surprised that I got to go!  She always tells me that I am not invited to her birthday party when she is being mean to me at least!)  I can't believe she is 3 already!  It was a cute little party at the park, themed Ariel...her favorite Disney Princess- though I wish she would like Belle because she reads!

Right after her party I headed over to my friend Kristin's baby shower...it was the cutest thing I have ever seen!  You can find the pictures here (and she will learn some "big words" from that book Kristin!).  Kristin is such a cute little pregnant woman...you can only tell she is pregnant from the front!  I can't wait to meet her little baby.  It is a very exciting time in their life and I am glad that I got to share it with her!

Upland Street Fair.

The Upland Street Fair

My friend Cheryl and I have been wanting to go to a Farmer's market for a while now.  The other day our other friend Lanee asked us to come and visit her at work, and it just so happens that she works on the street of the Farmer's market and it was going at the same time!  It was meant to be.  Cheryl and I walked around for a bit at first (it was unbelievably hot, 100 degrees...yikes!) So we headed over to Lanee's work.  We enjoyed some refreshing pear cider, and Lanee was able to eat with us too before she started work.  It was nice to be able to catch up with her since I haven't seen her in a few weeks

After that, we headed back outside.  It was SO much cooler than before.  We walked around a little more, then happened across a thrift store.  Cheryl enticed me inside by pointing out a large collection of books....I was soo excited, but as it turns out they were VHS tapes!  Easily mistakable from far, right?  As we looked around, there were shelves and shelves, and boxes and boxes of vinyl records.  I was wishing that my family still has a record player but I am pretty sure that it was given away a long time ago.  Luckily Cheryl's family still has theirs!  We thought it absolutely necessary to invest in the $1 records.  We chose some really good ones like: Dance hits of the 60's, Sweet Charity soundtrack, Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, Paul Anka, (Gilmore Girls inspired me to purchase it!) and (the best find of the night) Journey!  We are going to get together tomorrow and have a listen...I am too excited for it!

African Wine Night.

Our wine nights have been especially successful these past two times.  Last night we "traveled" to Africa.  Luckily, my friend Olivia is from Kenya and my other friend Teresa's husband is from South Africa...so it helps our authenticity, right?  Olivia made Ugali and Sukumwiki (pictured on the right).  I had to ask her several times what it was called, and how to spell it.  I just was not getting it.  Teresa made a stew (pictured on the left)

Taken with my phone....I always forget to bring my camera!

I didn't ask her what it was called more than once because I thought that I would be able to remember it, but I have forgotten!  The more important thing is that it was delicious!  Cheryl brought a rice and pita dish (I forgot the name of this one as well!  I am horrible!)  We enjoyed some yummy wine, and Danielle also brought Tucker beer (I know, beer at wine night?  But Africa is mostly known for the beer than their wine...or so I'm told).   I brought a dessert call Bananas Ghana.  I wasn't a huge fan of it, but the other girls liked it all right...it didn't stop us from finishing it! We finished off the night playing Loaded Questions.  A very successful wine night.

#15-- Check!

Number 15 on my list: Go on a blind date.  Now stop.  Stop right there.  This was no ordinary blind date.  I had a little phone date with my lovely friend Jordan (all the way on the left) this morning.  So literally, a blind date.  We decided yesterday that since we have not talked in quite a while, we should have a little coffee phone date this morning.  It was so good to talk to her.  (I had meant to call her earlier this morning since we are on a 2 hour time difference, but I woke up a smidge late!  But it was perfect timing since she had just put down her baby for a nap)  We caught up on everything that she was doing:  going back to school and doing her student teaching so that she will finally be able to teach in Minnesota, how her church is growing, and how much she loves her 4 month old son!  I am sad that we didn't get to talk in person but I think they are planning a trip out here in December...I can't wait!

Here is her dear little family!

Image courtesy of Jordan

Early Bird.

Can I tell you a secret?  I have been sleeping in late these past few days.  Not late as in 9..or even 10.  But more like 11...11:30.  Sheesh!  My day is half over practically (I have been working the closing shift at work...as if that is a good excuse!)!  Blah.  How awful to spend half my day sleeping! 

Tomorrow is my day off.  I wish I could spend it going to the bookstore that I have been dieing to go to since I saw it over on Jenna's blog.  Unfortunately, I have already promised my day to my sister for shopping.  Perhaps I will be able to make it down on Friday... my next day off.  Or maybe I will wait until I have a full day to spend in L.A. (my friends and I are having wine night again...this time we are "traveling" to Africa!) and go to the Griffith Observatory since I have never been. 

But one thing is for sure...I will not sleep late!  I hope to wake up like this tomorrow...maybe instead of tap dancing I'll go out and take some early morning pictures!  Yes, that sounds lovely indeed.

Baguette.

Nearly every Friday night my friends and I get together for wine night.  Sometimes we will do themed nights where we "travel" around the world.  Once we went to Poland (accompanied by some bland food and ketchup) and this week we went to France.  This was a very successful wine night.  Some of the girls brought macaroons, some cheese, some ratatouille, and I made...a french bread baguette!  (probably a pitiful display of French food, but we tried!)  I had made loaves of bread before through the mentoring of my meemaw, but this was a little different.  This is the recipe I used...and i took some pictures of the process:

Kneading the dough:

Letting it rise:

Fresh out of the oven:

It was pretty easy to make...but my meemaw's bread is SO much better!

#7-- Check!

Even though #7 on my list says to go to Galleano Winery and San Antonio Winery I am still going to check it off my list because I went out to Temecula with some friends and hit up a few wineries there that Cheryl says are personally better than Galleano and San Antonio.  So that's that.  The first winery we went to was Ponte Winery.  My initial thought was, "I'm going to have my wedding here!" Except for the fact that I am missing a groom...but that's just a minor detail, right?  The inside is adorable, and country-esque.  The wine was pretty good too. 

The next winery we went to was Mount Palomar.  My initial thought here was...THIS is where I am going to get married! I liked this place better because it was more secluded and random people couldn't just walk by and watch the ceremony. (again, still missing the groom!)  The people here were so nice, and their wine was SO good.  We were so close to checking off #12 on my list... if only we had gotten there a little bit earlier!  But we did see the bride and groom taking pictures!  You can kind of see her in the picture.

We then headed over to Robert Renzoni.  On the outside, it looked so quiet...like no one was there.  But once we opened the door, it was like there was a party inside!  We got to talk to one of the owners who was so nice, actually everyone that worked there was really nice!  Sorry I didn't get any pictures here!

Our next stop was Oak Mountain.  This place was really fun.  Apparently every Saturday they have gourmet pizza and music.  While we were waiting to start the wine tasting...there was an avocado oil tasting.  There were different flavors to try like Tuscan herb, or lemon herb.  So good.  It was then that we realized how hungry we were!  We didn't even do a tasting here! We left and headed over to Bailey winery, and had lunch and their restaurant called Carols.  A perfect end to the excursion!

Once we got back...I headed straight over to my lovely friend Steph's going away party.  She is movie to Nashville with her husband and band.  I am sad that she is leaving...but so excited for her at the same time.  Love you Steph! (And seriously...if you ever need me to house and dog sit for you...I will!)

Wow...long post!  What a fun weekend!

Day 29: Keepsakes photo

This photo was taken when I was in high school with one of my Best Friends, Liz when we were on a church house boating trip.  I love pictures and how they can remind you of all the emotions and experiences that you have had over the years.  This is one of my favorites.

Day 24: Relationships that have had the greatest impact on my life.

There are my friends, and friends, and friends, and friends, and friends.

There are people I've only run into once.

There is my family, and mom and meemaw, and nieces, and sister, and sisters.

There are fictional characters who shape my own life.

There are people I have never met.

There are professors and other teachers who inspire me and encourage me.

Day 21: I Can't believe that I...

... called the cops on someone else's neighbors!

Here's the scene: Kay was house sitting for our pastor...Kristin, myself, and another Kaylin were over to keep her company.  We were watching a movie (I forget which one...I want to say something with Johnny Depp, but this was a few years ago)...its dark.... we hear somebody trying to break into the house next door...

We are freaking out! The "burglars" have dark clothes on with hood, and they are trying to open the side door.  We call the cops.  A few minutes later we look out the front window.  There are all these cops combing the neighbor hood...jumping over things...looking incognito.  Then we hear..."Drop your tool!  Drop your tool!" Other commotion...then we come to find out that these people actually lived there.  Oops!  But I mean...come on...who would look so suspicious with hoods up trying to get into their own house?  After the cops left, we heard them complaining that we called the cops on them.  Better safe than sorry I suppose! 

This is one of my favorite memories.

Day 4: My Best Friend

You know when you're little and you have such a huge dilemma over who your best friend is because you can only have one?  Well I have too many...Most include these girls, but today I am going to focus on my longest friendship.  My Best Friend Chanel.

It's hard to believe that I have been friends with Chanel since we were twelve.  It doesn't feel like it has been that long, or that I am old enough to have a friend for over 11 years!

Sorry they are pictures of pictures...I really should learn how to use the scanner!

In high school we were on the cheer team together, and we always hung out.  I never imagined that she would be married and with a family of her own already.  I am so proud of her.  She is an amazing woman who always encourages her children, and loves her husband with all that she is.

Although she is busy with her family, we are still able to talk and hangout.  Our friendship has grown so much in the past 11 years, and I wonder what it will be like in the coming years!

Friendliest Friends.

This photo is one of my absolute favorites (sorry it is a picture of a picture, but it is my only copy, and I couldn't figure out how to work the scanner!). It is from one of our Winter trips that we took as leaders for the high school group, and I want to say that it is probably about 4 years old, if not more.  It is tucked neatly in my bookshelves (my most favorite places). These girls are so special to me, and have brought so many different dynamics to my life, and each other's. We have seen each other through ups and downs, marriages, moving, and now pregnancy! I love these girls so much.  Although I don't talk all of them on a daily (or even weekly!) basis, whenever we do get to catch up, it feels like no time has passed at all.  We seem to pick right back up where we started.  I know that these girls are my friends for life, and I can't wait to see what the next 4+ years have to hold for each of them!

I love my BFF's

I think that every girl has those few close friends that no matter what, they can talk to them about anything. Those girls that you can call day or night and will be there to help no matter what the cause. They will stand behind you with ANYTHING, even if it is unreasonable. But are also there to talk some sense into your crazy brain! They make you feel good about yourself, and help you to see what everyone else does. Girls that will go on crazy adventures with you and call you a minimum of 20 times a day.

I'm glad that I can talk to them even at 3 o'clock in the morning. That we do the same weird things. I think that I would be completely lost without them! Love the Tripod.

The Beginning.

So here I am writing my very first blog of my entire life, (I always swore that I would never have one, but I guess that's out the door, as well as never having a myspace!) Lately, I've come to a point where I want to write things down, and see how I progress....if that makes sense. So, with that, I can't think of a better thing to write about than to announce that my BEST FRIEND has gone into labor today!



This woman, that I have known since the seventh grade, who I fought with about everything and anything, who I share everything with: secrets, frustrations, joys, as well as boys, and things that I can't even remember anymore, is now bringing a baby boy into this world. Now, although I am not one for babies, I can't help but be excited for her. She is so caring, and ever since I can remember she has wanted to be not only a loving wife to her husband but a loving mother to a baby of her own, and it is so exciting that this day has FINALLY come, especially after the first few rough months of her pregnancy. This baby is going to bring so much joy to her and her husband, and I can't wait to see her raise this boy, who will grow into a great man, because of the Great Love that she, and her husband Adrien, will show him.