Delicious December Days

This Christmas was all I could ever ask for. My family of five, plus Mike, headed down to Palm Springs for the festivities this year because my uncle is renting out a house there until the remodeling on his house in Hollywood is done. It was fabulous just to get away and have three and a half days to ourselves and family. The house was great, filled with games galore and Troy even heated the pool outside (which costs about $60 a day to do) for two nights and we went swimming all weekend. Words can't describe how much fun we all had but it was terrific. Here are some pictures of opening presents. 

We all got a designer something... of course what else would we expect from high roller uncle Troy? I am  also grateful and thankful of how much my parents did for this Christmas. Thanks mom and dad! The gifts were great but it was apparent that the love in our family is strong. Now, we are all counting down the days until the last piece to that puzzle arrives from snowy Rockford. Fourteen and counting...

Where Did The Year Go?

It's amazing how fast 365 days go. We have all heard someone say "time flies" but is it really true or do we just assume that time is going by quickly? For a calendar year I would say I accomplished a lot this year. If I wrote all the things I wanted to accomplish in the near future and told myself that I would do it in a year, I would be surprised. Time may feel like it goes by quickly but it is what you do with your time that truly counts. Quality over quantity. 

I feel like this year has been very eventful. Things come to mind like school, trips, birthdays, anniversaries, parties, and work. One of the best things about this year was I finished my sophomore year in college! I am officially a junior and ecstatic about starting at CSUF next semester. I am so fortunate that I have a job that allows me to make my own schedule or else I wouldn't be able to attend school the way I do (which is full time and intense). I still can't believe I am half way done with my bachelor's degree (boy how time flies). It's all down hill from here, well kind of... I have many papers and exams ahead but I am so ready for them.

Another big adventure this year was our (Mike and I)  first big trip. We went to Chicago together for a week to visit family in Illinois. It was amazing and just great to get away from "SoCal" and experience another world practically. I got to see my grandma and loved every minute I was there. Thankfully she will be visiting us next month because I won't lie... it's been hard without her in California. I miss her so much some nights it's unbearable at times but I understand that she has to do what she has to do. I'm just glad she is in my life and can impact me even over our one hour phone calls one a week. I love her dearly.

A current milestone that is bound to happen frequently was a friend turning 21! All my friends are starting to hit their twenty-first birthday as I slowly wait for mine at the end of next year. At least I can go to a bar for mine because all my friends will be legal by then. 

Sarah was the first in our group of tight friends and she, well, got wasted. What else were you expecting? It was a blast though and it's pretty much a friend every month for the next year and a half which can get a little pricey. I should start working overtime for all these dinners and shots I will be forced to buy. All in good fun though. And to think that we were all just seventh graders not to long ago (boy how time flies).

Christmas is just around the corner, seven days to be exact, and I love shopping for other people. Surprisingly, it makes me feel better than actually shopping for myself. Shocking, I know. I am so thankful my uncle isn't on the other side of the world this Christmas and we can spend time with my close knit family. This end of the year couldn't get any better.......

Until..... Jessica and I bought Britney Spears tickets last night!!!!! We are so stoked! The concert isn't until April 20 but it is so something worth looking forward to. Britney is my dirty pleasure and Jess and I are going to have so much fun. I suggest buying tickets for something four months in advance every four months because then you always looking forward to something. It will be amazing... even though she isn't the best singer in the world, she is an amazing entertainer and she is back! It seems like yesterday she was shaving her hair off and hitting cars with bats (boy how time flies).

Quick facts of the year:

-I turned 20... no longer a teenager!

-I lived through a historical election.. first African-American president (but aren't all elections "historical").

-Mike and I celebrated our five year anniversary.

-I saw a baby be born... my god daughter Jennie.

-I got straight A's!

-I lost weight then gained it back!

-I got a Macbook (thanks for the loan Tony... 2/3 paid off!!!)

-Saw a million movies in the theater... great year for movies, finally.

-Made my friendships stronger and rekindled some!

-Went to San Diego for my first non-relative vacation ;-)

-I voted NO on prop 8... too bad it didn't pass.

-Grew as a person... sounds cheesy but true nonetheless.

-Got a raise!

-Fell more in love with the man of my dreams... if that's even possible.

With all that said... I need to blog more. I got so busy during the end of the semester that blogging was always second in line to school and working out. Sorry blog... will you forgive me? Okay good. It's settled then... more blogging it is, at least until the new semester starts :]

<3

At Peace

Alas, peace... for now. I always get into these weird moods where I get super anal about where my life is heading and how I will achieve everything. I set these huge goals up for myself and strive towards them... for a couple of weeks. Then tiredness, work, lack of time, or laziness kicks in and I forget about the so-called huge goals I set for myself. Not this time though!!! I laid out a plan for my life not including anyone else and I am extremely happy with the path it has taken me and I am excited for the near future. I will be starting at CSUF in January and I am for one really thrilled that I know what I am doing with my education and now there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It may be a long tunnel but there is still a glimmer I can see. I have decided that I am double majoring at CSUF because I want to give myself more options when I finish my degree(s). I will be majoring in Sociology and Psychology (90% sure) so I will have more opportunities for graduate school. This path will take me a semester longer in school than I had hoped but who cares. If I get a whole second degree out of my basic education then it will be worth it. I am excited for this decision because I know I have the disciple to stay focused and succeed in doing so. 

The education aspect of my "plan" is just the beginning. I have been thinking a lot about life in general and we are all alone. As "emo" as that may sound it is true. We wake up alone, we work alone, eat alone, and sleep alone. Even though people might be in the room, conversation, or bed with you... you are still living alone. This has made me realize how much time is in a day and how much a person can take on. I can do so much in a day and why not live it up? I only have this one life to live and I need to make it the best I can. I am so lucky that I have people in my life to share these experiences with. 

I have also come to realize how important exercise is to my overall being. I haven't worked out in two weeks and I feel like I am going to bite some one's head off. Not only is it good for the body, it is good for the mind. I usually do some form of physical activity four times a week and it keeps my mind sane. I am relatively a happy, optimistic person and I believe cardio has a lot to do with that. (I guess I could just be a happy person but I tell myself that so I work out). 

Lastly, I have realized what each and every one of my friendships mean to me. All my friends hold a special place in my heart and even if we only see each other once a year or once a week, you are still special to me and serve a purpose in my life. Relationships are hard to maintain and I am not the most perfect friend but I truly care about people and their lives and I hope that all my friends know that. 

Overall, I have so many things on my mind but in a refreshing way! I want to do so many things right now but I know time will bring them to me. I need to take one step at a time and I will eventually achieve everything I want out of life. I think I am finally maturing and becoming a responsible little adult. :-) That's exciting news because I need to eventually grow up. I feel like I want to do so much that I am never going to have time for a family or for kids. It's weird because when I was in high school I always thought I would just get my degree done, get a job, and have a family. My views have changed so much since then and now I am thinking... will I even have time for a family? I hope so.

<3

Another Year Down

I'm two hours away from another birthday and I feel a little different than usual because, well, it is different. I am an adult and have technically been one since my eighteen birthday but I think it is finally kicking in. My birthday this year at home had no steamers, balloons or extravagant cake but it was simple with family and a good dinner courtesy of my mommy. Don't get me wrong, my birthday dinner was excellent but it wasn't the same. I have finally realized that I will not have a "twelve year old birthday party" anymore and coming to grips with that is a little disappointing. A part of me wants to still be a kid and have a fun vivacious party but then a part of me wants to grow up and hang out with the adults and have interesting, intelligent conversations. Can't there be a middle ground? I hope I can find it because I think inside I will always be a kid. 

This week will be jam packed with two tests and a paper due but it is also filled with birthday plans as well. I think I have three dinners this week alone with people I love and I am so excited to see the ones I haven't seen in a long time. I love birthdays because it brings people together. I have already received a few gifts from a few special people and you know who you are! Thank you so much for your kindness and love! I don't know why I always feel guilty on my birthday when I get stuff... it's weird. I feel like you shouldn't be getting me something this great if anything at all. I guess I would rather give than receive (that's what she said) but it is nice to have a day all to yourself. I hope this week goes smoothly and I get enough sleep! Luckily we put the clocks back this past weekend, maybe that will help my cause. Hope you all have a good week. Don't forget to vote on Tuesday!

<3

A Whale's Vagina

I headed out to San Diego (a whale's vagina for all you Anchorman lovers out there) this past weekend. Adrienne works at the Woodfin Hotel in Cypress and gets discounted rooms on all the other Woodfin Hotel locations so we decided to make a trip down to San Diego before she quits next month. We got a two-bedroom suite, priced at $429 a night, for $99 a night. Split that price four ways and you have a cheap room for a great bargain! We had a full kitchen and living room with two complete separate rooms. It was an amazing room despite the fact we were about fifteen minutes away from all the happenings of the weekend but who can complain about a $99 room? Not me. 

That Friday we left around 1:45 pm and got to San Diego around 3 pm that afternoon. We got situated and did a quick grocery store stop because we had two boys in the room who get hungry on the hour, every hour so we needed food in our hotel room at all times. Later that night, we made reservations at an Italian restaurant, Acqua Al 2, at 7 pm and it was named Best Italian Food in San Diego for four years. I thought it was delicious. Adrienne and Justin weren't as impressed but they ordered simple meals that would not be extravagant otherwise. Mike and I, on the other hand, loved our meals. I had stuffed shells filled with ricotta cheese and spinach then baked in red sauce topped with cheese. It was the best baked pasta dish I have ever had. Delicious! The hot waiter straight out of Italy didn't disappoint either. M-E-O-W. It was overall a good first night and relaxing... Justin even reminded the waiter that it was my birthday (even though it is still a week away) and we got a free dessert.

 Good night.

The next day, Saturday, we headed down to Pacific Beach after a long night of sleeping. I slept so good the first night, I need to get curtains that block out the sun for my room so I can sleep like a rock every night. Pacific Beach was fun, it was shopping galore. The boys hated it! The little shops had some pretty good finds. Adrienne and I spotted a store where almost everything was $5 and a few fancy things for about $15. I spent a good amount of money in that store but left with a ton of stuff. While the girlies were shopping the boys went down to the pier and spent their bored hours walking around. I felt bad for them because there was no real "man shopping." One thing I noticed about San Diego is that it is normal to start drinking at 11 am in the morning. People are just drinking their Coronas at sports bars on Saturday in the morning. I was like, huh? After the long hours shopping, which is tiresome, we decided to head back to the hotel and go swimming and have a little fun. The two nights went by so fast and it was weird waking up Sunday knowing we were leaving in three hours. 

Sunday morning was relaxing because there was no set agenda. We had breakfast in the hotel restaurant, then got packed up to leave. On our way back from San Diego we stopped at the Carlsbad Outlets and shopped, again! That outlet center was an excellent find and would recommend it to anyone living in the San Diego/Orange county area. I bought a few things from the Banana Republic outlet and saved about 40% off on all the things I bought. I had to drop everyone off when we got back home and I pulled into my own garage around 5 pm. I was exhausted and needed to study for a test that I thought was going to be today but got pushed back to Wednesday. Tonight has been my recuperating night and I am going to bed a little early. 

I also had my CSUF orientation on Friday morning and that went beautifully. It was a long morning though. Check-in was 8 am and I didn't get out of there until 12:45. I got some good information about my general education and transfer units and all that. Luckily, all my UCI classes transferred perfectly and all my units are being counted towards something. I am currently a Sociology major with a Deviance/Social Problems concentration but I am seriously considering a double major option or at lease a minor in either Psychology or Criminal Justice. We will see what happens after I get in there and start taking some of those classes. It may take me a semester longer but I think it would be well worth it. 

This weekend is Halloween and I will be with Jessica and the babies, Colin and Jennie, to take them trick-or-treating. It should be fun because it will be Colin's first time out and about and he has no idea what is in store for him. He is gonna have a blast! Then Monday is my birthday and I only have one week left of my teenage-hood. Sadness... it is a big milestone. I hope all of you have an excellent Halloween! Be safe and have fun!

<3

Columbus Day

I wish everyday was Columbus Day. The freeways were amazing today! I got to school in no time and I got on the freeway from work at 5:15 pm and there was no stopping, even at interchanges! It was definitely a good day on the roads.

Busy, Busy, Busy

It seems like the days are slipping away from me. It is already almost half way through the month of October and I have still not bought a Halloween costume. It still feels like August, or at least the weather does in Orange County. 

This past weekend was a busy one with volunteer work at my sister's school. My sister is in color guard and their school was hosting a band competition this past Saturday. I decided to volunteer along with the parents and help with concessions. It was fun and I got to meet some of the students and they were super nice. Band kids are smart and fun to talk to and these were not geeky band kids like media makes them out to be. The whole day was fun but tiring. I was in charge of the hamburger line... haha and put in a total of seven hours. If that was a day at my job I would have made a good amount of money! It was nice to donate my time though. 

After the volunteering I did, I got home and started studying for some classes. I am half way through my last semester at Cypress College and trying to soak up all the last moments there with friends. In a couple of months I will be off to a new adventure again and have to adjust to a new school. I am used to this considering I have been to a total of seven schools in my sixteen years of education (including pre-school) and I am off to my eighth school. My orientation for Cal State Fullerton is next Friday and I'm excited to get the information I need to be a success and get my bachelor's degree as efficiently as possible. Good stuff. Until then I am focusing on finishing off my Cypress transcripts with all A's. This semester has been a relatively tough one though. Oceanography was nothing I was expecting and rocks are definitely not my thing. All my classes are going well and I am learning a lot so that is good. I technically only need C's in all my classes because I am already accepted to a university but if you know me... that is not acceptable. 

Other than school... I am going to San Diego next weekend for a getaway with Mike, Adrienne, and Justin. It should be true fun. We got a two-bedroom suite for real cheap because Adrienne works with a hotel chain that has a property in San Diego. It's an amazing deal and we all are excited to just get away from all worries. School, work, and parents. ;-)

Three weeks until my birthday. What are you getting me? I actually don't need anything but stuff is always nice. I just wish my grandma was here for my birthday and my uncle Troy. I feel like my whole family is gone. Grandma is in Illinois but will be coming out to California soon. Troy will be in New Zealand directing a show but that's okay, it will still hopefully be a great birthday. 

Halloween is just around the corner and I think I might be a bumble bee. I found a non-slutty one on Amazon and hope I can buy it soon. I need to get paid first. It's real cute and I have been wanting to be a bee for quite some time. We will see.

I guess that is all for now lovelies. Here is a picture that Mike and I took this past weekend. Don't we look smart? I think it's the glasses.

<3

Homecoming

Tonight was the lovely night for my brother and sister. It was my sister's first homecoming with a date and the whole day consisted of hair, nails, and makeup. On the other hand, Josh got ready in about thirty minutes. Kendra got her dress from Macy's and luckily my mom and I work with a lady who works part-time there and let us buy Kendra's homecoming dress with her employee discount so we got it for almost half off. It was adorable. Since we are trying to save money in all ways possible... I did Kendra's nails (which looked fabulous) and makeup and Adrienne did her hair. Salon quality at no cost. Pictures are worth more than words so I will let the pictures do some explaining. 

Lovely Adrienne with Kendra's mop of hair which included red and brown homemade extensions. Voluptuous.

The bottom curls.

Look at the nails!!! Courtesy of Tanya.

Final product. Doesn't she look beautiful? All grown up.

First big occasion sporting the braces.

And of course... a blast from the past. It has been about three years since my senior Homecoming and here are the pictures of my night. I loved that beaded dress. Got it off Melrose St. in Los Angeles for $40. What a bargain. It's still hanging in my closet. 

<3

It's Opera Season!

Yes... opera indeed. I was first introduced to opera a couple of years ago when I went to my first ever show with my mother. It was a fascinating experience and I have unfortunately not been able to go back until now. Bill, a partner at the law firm I work at, is a huge part of the opera scene in Orange County and he has a small part in the upcoming opera, Barber of Seville. Whenever he gets minor parts that means free seats and I was lucky enough to get them. Yippie! Some of you may be thinking what's the big deal? Opera is a great art and the best part about it is the language and voices. It's amazing how much is communicated through tone of voice and non-verbal communication. Of course there are subtitles for the audience but sometimes you get wrapped up in the beauty of the music and performance that you don't need a line by line explanation. So I can not wait to make my way down to Costa Mesa in a few weeks to root my boss on as he is apart of this great art form.

<3

TGIF

Good afternoon everyone! Hope you all had a great week and you're probably just as excited as I am for it to be Friday. I am going to my first high school football game since I was in high school so it should be interesting to get back in that realm again. I will probably have flashbacks to a lot of memories while I am there. It will be good to just get out in the open air and hang with friends. I am truly only going to the game because my sister is performing at half time with colorguard. I hope you all have a great weekend. I will be catching up on my sleep this weekend. 

<3

Still at Home

Do you ever feel like you don't really belong to any form of unity? Or, you don't know exactly how others feel about you and you try to hold and keep good relationships going but somehow the other side fails or just gives up and you are left alone. I feel like I try really hard to keep in touch with people (for the most part, I am not perfect either) and it gets frustrating. Besides that, I have felt really unwanted I guess you could say, or not needed in my house. Why do I even live here? 

Southern California is expensive and I only work 25 hours a week because I go to school and can't afford an apartment so I am "stuck" at home still sharing a room with my sister. I am almost twenty years old and my generation is seeing more young adults staying with their parents longer because of our economy and high rent prices. I get bitterness from every person in this house and yes, I give it back because I hate having to explain myself. If I leave for dinner and don't eat at home my mom gives me "the look." I am not dissing her cooking, I just want to go out to eat with whoever it is I am eating with. It is a constant struggle with living at home and being a mature adult. No, I don't pay rent so you may think that I should abide by all the rules and be grateful (which I am) that they still let me live here but I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing. I go to college, get good grades, work at my job, pay my car payment, car insurance, gas, cell phone bill, and everything extra. How much more can you ask for? And, I help around the house, I clean my room... which is cleaning my sister's room as well... and our (brother, sister, and myself) bathroom mostly. All I want is respect that I don't get from siblings, who are old enough to know better, and my parents. I know I am sounding really bitter because I am. I am sick of all of this and sometimes cry over it. I am going to escape to Mike's house tonight to cool off but I don't know how to change it or if I just have to suck it up for the next two-three years until I get my degree and start making good enough money to support myself completely. I know my mother is going to read this and probably think hmmm well then just move out! If only it were that easy...

Would anyone?

Would anyone like to buy me this purse?  It is only $2,020.  Okay, let's be realistic here... I can buy this for $50 at a fake designer purses website but still!  The price tag does not take away from the beauty of this Chloe purse.  I spotted it at Nordstrom at The Grove when I was with my uncle about a week ago.  I guess I will have to settle with my Harvey's purses... 

which I love!!!  They are sturdy, unique, and pretty.  Sigh, I guess I will have to wait until I start making all my money to buy the Chloe one.  That's alright :]

<3

Sas-a-Fras

I had good lighting in my room this past weekend and decided that I would give Sassy, my cat of nearly eleven years, her own photo shoot.  If you aren't into the felines and are a "dog person" then you wouldn't understand the loveliness of these pictures.  Cats are so beautiful so here are some pictures of my little baby.

Sassy's birthday is next Tuesday.  She will be eleven years old (44 in cat years) and every year I always get her some form of a treat.  She loves turkey and chicken flavored baby food.  Yes, baby food.  She loves soft food so baby food is right up her alley.  If you have a cat, what does he/she love?  And do you celebrate your dog, cat, turtle, or fish's birthday or am I the only odd one?

<3

Obama

Real quick before I head off to study for an exam... I came across a blog from A Cup of Jo and it featured this website for Obama pins.  Check it out... it is hilarious and very clever!  I need to order a few for myself.

Best Game Ever

Tonight was the Yankees series opener at Angel stadium and I got some great tickets from the lovely Karen.  I decided to take Matt, Luke, and Luke's new girlfriend Julie [whom I like by the way].  It was Julie's first major league game for baseball or any sport for that matter.  Weird huh?  Too bad she went to an action packed one because she will now be expecting an awesome game every time she heads out to Angel stadium.  The night started off with a home run and they kept coming all night. Our section got a load of "fun" too as two people got seriously injured.  The first guy was walking down the steps to his seat holding two beers in his hands then bam!  He was gone and somehow his legs were up in the air and his beers were secure (of course).  The fall was harsh but he seemed alright, maybe just a little embarrassed because everyone was trying to help him and staring.  It didn't help that people were calling him a Yankee fan when he wasn't.  The second issue involved a lady who was sitting in her seat bawling her eyes out a few rows above ours and we had no clue what had happened.  I guess a guy had tumbled four rows down and hit her on the back of the head igniting an injury that was in need of a stretcher!  This lady got rescued from the stands on a stretcher.  How bad could it have been?  Basically, Angel stadium should be ready for two lawsuits.  Good stuff though.

That was all the action just in the stands... then there was the Hunter-Rodriguez conflict.  It was more like a school playground pushy fight but great nonetheless.  They cleared the benches and the crowd went wild.  Chants of "Yankees suck!" went flowing through the stadium.  It was awesome.  Hunter got caught in a pickle between third and home and gave up as he was running towards home then lightly shoved his way passed Rodriguez, then Rodriguez nudged him with the back of his elbow and Hunter pushed Rodriguez from behind and everyone got involved.  In the end, Hunter and Rodriguez were ejected from the game and the Angels went on to win 12-1 with four home runs total.  Great job guys!! Here are some pictures of the fabulous night.

Matt, Me, Luke, and Julie

For those of you who read my Dodger blog... I finally went to a winning Angel game!!! I didn't go defeated for the season.  All ends well!  Have a great week everyone!

<3

Happy Saturday

Good Morning!  I hope everyone had an eventful Friday night or maybe just a nice relaxing one.  I am falling for a certain someone and his name is Michael...... Michael Kors.  His Hanna pumps make me drool. 

These are the cutest pumps I have seen in awhile.  I love the peep toe in general but the buckle makes these more sophisticated and bossy.  I am not the best walker in heels so I tend to lean more towards thicker bases because they wobble less.  The heel is 3.5 inches which makes me 2 inches taller than Mike if I were to wear them or buy them for that matter.  I'm not too self-conscious about the height factor anymore though.  I used to be but look at Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, or Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman.  Tall women shouldn't be ashamed of their beautiful height. 

Those pumps are only $109.  Not bad for designer shoes.  I would pay more but I'm glad Kors made the executive decision of $109.

Hope you all have a wonderful rest of your weekend.  Take advantage of the summer days left.  Fall is right around the corner... which just means a drop in ten degrees.  :]

<3

Romance

This may sound totally cheesy but I still feel all the romance and intimacy in my relationship with Mike that I felt from day 1.  Well over five years later I still get cute little reminders that I have the best man out there. Mike called me last night after work and did the cutest little "skit." The conversation went a little something like this:

"Hello."

"Hey Tanya, it's Mike from History class."

"Oh, hey.  Yeah I have seen you around."

"Yeah, so I was wondering if you wanted to go on a date with me this Friday."

"Um... sure."

"I was a little nervous in asking you but I needed to do it."

"Oh, well I would love to go out."

"Okay, well I can pick you up by 6, is that okay?"

"Yeah sure, I'll see you then."

"Alright, see you tomorrow in class."

Okay so many of you are probably thinking... that was lame. I, on the other hand, thought it was the cutest thing ever. I like Mike's lameness. He went out of his way to think of that scenario to ask me out this Friday.  Instead of just asking... What are we going to do this Friday, he puts his Mike touch on it.  I love how he can make me so overwhelmingly happy in twenty seconds.  Even after over five years we still have this strong connection romantically and emotionally.  This makes me think that we seriously are going to make it.  By make it... I mean get married eventually and lalala. I don't want to get ahead of myself but you have to think about it at some point.  If the five years of dedication and happiness isn't enough then I don't know what a great relationship needs.  I'm just plain and simply in love and have been for a long time.  I feel so lucky to have found my mate so early.  I always hear these stories of girls never finding the one and some of my friends get their hearts broken monthly but I don't have to deal with all that and I still have sparks in my own relationship.  I am 100% grateful.  I love you Mike.

  <3

3-Day Weekend

This extended weekend was a great one to catch up on chores, friends, and family. Friday night was supposed to be a "date night" but somehow Kendra ended up spending the night with Mike and I.  We ate at the Cheesecake Factory and saw Tropic Thunder.  I had no clue the movie was rated-R until we are sitting a half hour through the movie and there has been cursing in every scene.  Thankfully, Kendra can handle a few f-bombs and sexual references.  She does have all older siblings.  While we were waiting to get into the movie we took these pictures for $3.  True excitement!

Saturday was a day to catch up on my cleaning and get my room spiffy.  I got a call from Adrienne and she wants to go see House Bunny (totally her style).  I was down since I had nothing else to do that night so we "attempted" to go see it.  We had dinner as well then made our way over to the movie theatre and it turned out that I mixed up movie times and theatres.  Oops, my bad.  The night was still nice and we went back to my house and played Catchphrase with my brother and his friend.  The house was filled with a pancake aroma because they were making pancakes at ten o'clock at night.  Don't ask.

Sunday was a "double-header" for all you baseball fans out there.  I went to lunch with my high school softball friends. Adriana, Lupe, and I went to lunch and hung out for an afternoon catching up on gossip (spreading the pregnancy news of some friends), our own relationships, school, and family.  It was real nice to see Lupe because I hadn't seen her since the going away of one of our good friends to Iraq.  Adriana and I see each other more so it was great to get back in touch with Lupe before she goes back to school and disappears for a year!

After my lunch with the girls, Mike and I went to Jessica's house to see my god daughter and hang with the hot mama herself.  It was nice, we watched a movie, Google imaged searched a bunch of hilarious things, and talked talked talked.  I got to hold the baby while she was putting down Colin

 and she fell asleep in my arms, so cute.  It was nice to see Jess and hopefully Mike and I can visit more often than we have been. 

All this non-stop action means a kick back day for Labor Day.  I need to do laundry, study for a test tomorrow, and catch up on some reading for classes.  My family is BBQ-ing so that will be something to look forward to.  Hope you all had a great three day weekend as well!

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Accepted

I just got home from house sitting Tony's lovely home in Mission Viejo and it feels good to be back.  I love to get away for awhile and as my mom puts it "play house" with Mike but I miss my own bed, pillow, and furniture.  Most of all, I missed my precious Sassy.  I guess she acts a little weird when I am gone.  She makes sounds in the middle of the night as if she needs her mommy.  So, it feels good to be back!

In other news, I received my acceptance letter from Cal State Fullerton for the Spring 09 semester.  Hooray.  I was 98% sure I would get in but now those 2% fears are put to rest and I can finally get ready for the move again.  This time wont be as nerve wrecking though because I am not seventeen years old, going to drive 45 minutes to school, and not knowing 

what to do with my academic career.  I am now a more confident individual who knows exactly what she wants out of her college degree.  Cal State Fullerton is also closer, cheaper, and more convenient with class scheduling.  I believe this is a good move for me and I am certain that Cypress was the best move I made in my college history thus far.  I have seen so many types of college styles and it will be interesting to see how CSUF works and operates.  As for now I am just working towards that bachelor's degree then we will worry about my master's program (maybe even law school :]).  Let's get through these next two-two and a half years first!

I just finished watching the last night of the Democratic National Convention and wow... I absolutely love Barack Obama.  I have been a fan since the entering of his campaign but tonight strengthened my dedication.  Obama is an amazing speaker and inspiring with his words.  It will be interesting to watch the Republicans next week and the debates coming up.  Politics are so interesting but take a lot of brain power.  I get frustrated, excited, and tense all in the same minute.  Good stuff.

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Jewelry Galore!

Yesterday was the awaited date of the Silpada jewelry party.  Karen, one of my co-workers at the office, hosted this great get together.  I tagged Mike along so I could maybe test the champagne punch that Karen had been talking about a week before.  It was magnificent actually.  It was a mix of champagne, ginger ale, pink lemonade, and strawberries.  Delicious.  The party was great with amazing jewelry all around.  The necklaces were elegant, the bracelets to match, and the earrings were phenomenal.  Too bad I was low on cash and could only get one item.  I chose the garnet necklace that features a bunch of little purple stones all around.  Very elegant and sophisticated if you ask me.  I needed a "big girl" necklace like that for special occasions.  It cost me $45 for the necklace, tax, plus ship and handling but it was worth it... hopefully.  Now I await my little package in the mail this week.  

Karen's house was great.  She had an amazing backyard that made you feel as if you were in a Hawaiian resort.  Calm music played the entire afternoon and it was just relaxing.  Good to get away and have fun with the work girls away from the office.  Not only did I meet some of Karen's friends... I also met Clarice and Hannibal, Karen's two little puppies. They were so sweet and adorable.  They just laid flat on the dining room floor as people walked around the jewelry table and minded their own business but they enjoyed a good rub down as well.  Overall, the party was great and we should do it again.... maybe lingerie next time ;)

The Wall, McCormick girls (top: Karen and Deanna; bottom: Julie, Annie, and me).

The hundreds of dollars worth of jewelry... I wish I was rich!

Mike petting Clarice.  She loved him.

Thanks Mike for going!  Mike was surrounded by women... why wouldn't men want to go to a jewelry party?!?!?

Little Hannibal striking a pose.

Clarice was getting anxious.

The yummy concoction that Karen had made for the girlies. 

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