The big 5-0h for the daddyo

I just want to give a shout out to the best dad in the world.....

Don Kleifgen.

Because it is his 50th birthday today! 

Finally (he has been saying he's 50 for the last 5 or so years now)

So happy birthday dad!!

My dad (and mom and I) back in the day

My dad (and his mom) more recently

Bathroom Poetry

I used to write poems a lot....

Just in my free time, scribbled on a napkin and shoved in my sock drawer, or on a random blank page in the middle of a notbook sitting in history class.

See everynow and then my brain goes into "rhyming mode" where I can't think of anything without making it ryme and flow together with a little rhythm. For a breif moment I feel all inspired and artistic, so I would try to write it down....with hopes to put it in a song somewhere someday or something...

I havent written a poem in a long long time, but recently my brain went into "rhyming mode" again and I came up with a little bathroom poetry.

Maybe some girls can relate...

I live in my bathroom, there's clothes on the floor.
The trash can overfloweth with tissues galore.
I live in my bathroom, I unplugged the fan.
The hum was so loud, I couldn't hear my favorite band.
I live in my bathroom, there's spots on the mirror.
When the shower heats up, you can hardly see clear.
I live in my bathroom, makeup is spewed around.
But with a quick swipe of mascara, I'm beach bound.
I live in my bathroom, landing pad for the purse.
Backdrop for cellphone photos, not sure what's worse.
I live in my bathroom, my own little space,
And to live anywhere else would be just a waste.


So ladies, do you have a spot like this? That (or seems to be) all yours?

Where is the landing spot for your purse??

How Did This Happen?

How did this happen to me?

How could I have possibly come down with....

BIEBER FEVER!?!?

It just swept me out of nowhere.

I swore I wouldn't.

But I did.

I blame this song....

It's a cold rainy day here in sunnyville CA,

perfect for a grilled cheese, soup, and a pepermint mocha.

Holiday season's around the corner.

You getting excited yet!?

I am.

Sorry for the lack of posts, its due to lack of inspiration. 

I plan to be back with raging ideas soon....



Year One

No, not the movie.....

But the first year that I have been living the dream (my dream at least).

The first year I could go to the beach whenever I wanted.

The first year I could wear shorts and a tank on christmas.

The first year I actually felt like I was where I belong.

Growing up, I had all these dreams of how amazing it would be to live in SoCal. I dreamed of walking the beach on foggy mornings, meeting people who were one with the ocean, and so comfortable in their surroundings. I dreamed of rolling green hills, warm sunny days, light jackets in the crisp evenings, swaying palm trees, and much much more.

I was surprised, though, that every single one of those dreams came true.

SoCal and surpassed my expectations, which has led me to believe that I can never leave this place.

The people here are so friendly, and I feel like they really get me.


There are of course a few things I miss about Northern AZ, like monsoon season, low rent rates, and curling up by the fire.

But nothing beats waking up in the morning, and going outside to the freshest scent in the world, and dew drops all over everything. Spiderwebs glisten, and you honestly feel like you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

It has been an amazing Year One here in San Diego.

I have a great job.
Great friends.
Amazing apartment.

(off our porch)

This year flew by like you couldn't imagine.

And I can't wait for many more years here in Paradise.

When the Lights Go Out in the City....

You have FREE REIGN to raid the freezer....including ice cream. (or else it will all melt!)

The candles are lit and the windows open up, allowing you to hear the world without the hum of computers, fans, ac's, etc. etc.

The streets go haywire. No traffic lights-no rules.

No food places are open, no means to cook your own food (unless you have a grill)..and you can forget about an ice cold beer....

Dogs communicate out the window, 101 Dalmatians style.

The world becomes a dark dark place, waiting for those delayed flights.

And once your cell phone dies, you are communication-less with the world. 

And unable to listen to music. 

Last night, from about 3pm to 1am, San Diego was still in its silent, dark self. 

1.4 million people without power.

dun dun dun.

We will just blame it on AZ. :) And now i'm going to turn off the computer to "save power". ciao for now.

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Massive-Power-Outage-Hits-San-Diego-OC-129498468.html

Fall Cleaning

Well, we are soaking up the last few days of summer, and Fall is among us. 

Fall has become one of my favorite seasons, leaving me dreaming of pumpkins, colorful leaves, and cool crisp air. 

(even though, living in San Diego now means the temperature only drops from the high 80's to the mid 70's, but still)

And I have always despised "Spring Cleaning"....

Maybe its because I hate spring with its wind, and bugs, and pollen floating around. 

And does it really make sense to deep clean everything RIGHT before the season of being outside. The season where there are sure to be masses of sand, dirt, and chlorine covered bodies tracing in and out of the house?? 

Not to mention monsoon season which leaves everything muddy...

Turning our homes right back into the mess it was before the inevitable "Spring Cleaning". 

Well I wont do it. (not that I ever really did...)

AND, I'm going on a limb and trying my own thing: Fall Cleaning. 

I will wipe away the mess from that sweet, sweet, sweaty, sticky summer. Leaving the house crisp and clean for the Fall/Winter seasons, where I can curl up with some cocoa by the fire and watch the.....trees.? 

A girl can dream right?

Here, let me try to set the mood

(borrowed images)

Eh...I tried

Anyhoo, this is my Fall Cleaning List:

Scrub (and I mean SCRUB) the grill

Clean off the porch

Go through all the stacks of papers from the last year and get rid of them or file them

Clean out/stock the fridge

Get rid of the 'ol text books

Gather all the clothes that I don't wear or don't fit me, and give them to Good-Will

Wash out the iced chest

Dust

Decorate

Scrub the Bathrooms

Rearrange

etc., etc.

My biggest goal lately is to get rid of things that are not of importance. I am so tired of having so much "stuff". 

My pack rat days are over.

Do you have any cleaning/chores you need to get done?

Maybe a haul of boxes before the snow?

So long summer. You were bitter-sweet, as always.

Until next time.

Pause for the little things....

....like love.

She says it best.....

Amazing performance

it almost makes me cry...

The Hunger Games

I recently read a book, for the very first time,

              The Hunger Games

                (The first book)
And during those two in a half days it took me to read it (I never read books that fast), it consumed my soul.

WARNING- If you have not read this book, and you plan to I will be talking about some character traits and struggles that may be best discovered by reading the book yourself. There will be no story line plot spoilers.

The book was all I could think about during those days, and a few days after. The characters and scenery that  the author portrayed were so rich (in characteristics, not money) and real. Although the book is set in a sort of alternate reality, you can't help but feel that the situations are realistic and heart wrenching.

In the moments I wasn't reading the pages of the book, I was constantly watching and noting my surroundings. When outdoors I felt as though I was going out to hunt my game, and I was constantly watching my back; survival mode. I started questioning my peers, and my trust with them. I wondered how different those people would be if our world was like the world in the book. I was confident I could take on any battle at any point and time.

(I have a very large imagination)

I absolutely loved the main character, Katniss. Not only was her name unique and symbolical, but she was realistic and raw, yet hopeful.
It was hard to earn her trust or catch her smile.
She was honest and upfront.
I couldn't help thinking that I would be similar to her if I was in her situation.
I also couldn't help thinking how thrilling and real being in her situation would be. I would never be bored, and life would feel so important and edgy.

I also know that it would be very painful, physically and emotionally. And if I was ever put in a position like hers, I would regret thinking that in an instant.

This book is an easy reading level, and if you have not read it yet (and you are still reading this post...) you should defiantly check it out.

It was absolutely wonderful, and I can't wait to read the other books.

   Good luck in  your journey through the Hunger Games,

          And may the odds ever be in your favor.

Photography: Trial and Error and Error....

I LOVE photography.

I love to look at it, I love to practice it, and I love following blogs with good photographers. 

But I have yet to take a class, and I feel my skills are lacking. I really want to get good at it!

You see, I love to practice on my dog (because he is so cute), but whenever we take him out to good photography spots, he gets a little too excited, and most my pictures end up like this:

or like this

(he loved chasing the birds)

Every now and then I catch an okay one

Or a goofy one

By they are few and far between

Now I have read hundreds of tips online and such, but I want to know what really works for you!
What quick and successful tips do you have for taking pictures?
(It doesn't have to be just action/dog shots, I like taking still shots too)

We did have a lot of fun at the park though :D

Also.......

I celebrated my birthday not too long ago, and look at my amazing cake!

Yes, its a Mrs. Pac Man

And yes, that is an upside down stuffed Mario mushroom in the background.

It was a great 22nd birthday!

Anyhoo, have a great week and leave me your photography secrets!
 ( please ;D )

P.S. These are a couple of my favorite photography bloggers. Their blogs are not focused around photography, but they always include multiple excellent photos in each blog post all taken by them!

http://manditremayne.blogspot.com/

http://tracys-trinkets-treasures.blogspot.com/

http://russandselena.blogspot.com/

The Conclusion, of Facebook...

Well it has been close to a week now since I did it,

I took the plunge,

I deleted Facebook. 

I don't feel conflicted or left out like I thought I might....

I also don't feel relieved or like I 'have more time'. 

I just feels ........ normal.

And I like that.

I copied all my pictures to my computer, so there were no strings attached.

Goodbye social networking drama that I despised like so, 

Goodbye.

Simple Mathematics Folks

Yes, that's all it takes; Addition.

When did we learn that again? First...Second grade?

So please tell me why I CONSTANTLY see people adding their tips to their bill incorrectly.

A $115.75 dollar check plus a $16.05 dollar tip does NOT equal $123.05! How do you even get that??

Okay, lets take into consideration that you are a bit tipsy. So a few drinks makes you completely forget the basis of your entire math knowledge?

Let's all just slow down, take a deep breath, and actually pay attention to what we are doing.

A 'lil bit of restaurant ranting for ya. 

You.Are.Awesome

Are you ever like.....
           "Damn, I'm awesome!"


if so....
   What are you doing that makes you say that?

I wanna know what brings you to that high point. That thing that gives you adrenaline that makes you feel on top of the world.


For me its usually right after I successfully jam out to a good song....
.... or after I beat an Expert level Sudoku puzzle.

I'm pretty sure this little guy thinks that phrase every day....

Or at least he should think it....because he is!!

This is one of Snoop's favorite places in the house, with one of his beat up toys that he left there.

Have a great week!

Pacific Beach, California

I have decided to (every now and then) do a review on one of the beaches here in Southern California (mostly sandy-eggo beaches).

I am going to start with one of my favorites (so far): Pacific Beach....or as absolutlyeveryone calls it here, PB.

Recently I decided to practice my photography skillz with my new-ish camera, so I headed down to PB with our roommate to take some photos. 

There are sooo many reason's why I love it here in PB, but to some it up: They have good bars, lot's of CLEAN sand, not too many bugs, and the place is full of color. 

Now, when I say "full of color" I really do mean it. Many of the people who hang out here have very colorful personalities, and don't mind showing it off.

You may get a random person asking you an off-the-wall question here and there,

and I can guaranteed that 15 bucks will get you a 'love the free world' tie-dyed t-shirt!

But, that is why I love it so much. People come here to relax, be themselves, and have a drink or two. 

Sometimes I look into that ocean blue and just know that I could stare into it forever.

Not to mention I absolutely love the old town rustic scenery

 

Now if you are planning a trip to Southern California, and would like to make a stop at good 'ol PB,

Here are some places you should DEFINITELY check out.

 Moondoggies

Yummy food, good pours, live bands/Dj's, indoor AND outdoor seating, and GREAT prices.

This quiet little bar will also quickly turn into a hoppin' night club on the weekends.

Kabuki Sushi

If you like sushi, this place is cheap and delish.

(right across the street from Moondoggies)

And the Lahaina Beach House

This place has been here for years. You can go inside, order a burger, fries, and a pitcher of beer, and then sit on the patio that is just feet from the ocean blue. 

Great drinks, good prices, and an AMAZING view.

I remember my parents coming here when I was a youngin'. Defiantly a great place to hang out, BUT cash only so be prepared.  

Another great place to go in PB (that I do not have a picture of) is Miller Field. 

This place has tasty food, good prices and a nice bar.

Now....where NOT to go.

Awful food, service and prices. 

Don't even waste your time.

(this is really the only place I have had an awful experience at)

The rules in PB are similar to rules at most all the San Diego beaches

And although the parking can be a little rough at times, 

it is totally worth it. 

Because in MY OPINION there is no better place to put your toes in the sand and just relax.....

<3

How Old Are You, Really?

and How old would you be, if you didn't know how old you were?

I have been thinking about this ...... question.....over and over again for a while now.
What is with our country's big obsession with age?

You have to be a certain age to legally do certain things (drive, drink, smoke, vote, gamble, etc.).
Children are grouped by their age and are stuck with the same people to socialize and interact with for their entire childhood. (I could go on and on about this one)
You can receive money from the government, at a certain age.
Your car insurance goes down, once you are a certain age.


but, who is to say you will learn best with the other twelve year olds in your 6th grade class? And what if you're not ready to drive when you're 16? What if you know more about our government, and the current election when your 17, then most 40 year olds do? They still get to cast their vote, but you do not.

Is this system really fair??


Maybe I'm just bitter because I'm 21 and I feel like I'm 35.

Or maybe I'm going through an I'm.only.going.to.be.young.once.I.must.capture.my.youth faze of some sort.

All I know is, at my place of employment, my two closest friends are 18 and 50.

And in my professional opinion, you gain knowledge with experience.......not age.
(because we all know there are some old ass baby-boomers out there with an IQ still stuck in the mid 60's)

To me, your age is the number of years you have been alive, and that's it. So why does everyone make it so complicated?

What are your thoughts on age?

Empathy of Dreams

Hello friends and followers.  

I have something new that I have been working on, and I believe I am ready to announce it. 

See.... when I sleep, I dream. And I mean I dream CRAZY dreams. And I have always wanted to record them down somehow, but every time I started to write down dreams in a journal, I lost interest. 

SO.....

I am recording some of my dreams in my new blog Empathy of Dreams.

The dreams are written in short story format, and they are all real dreams that I have had. 

I am excited to write this blog because: 

1. It will help improve my writing skillz.

2. I can record my dreams in a fun and interesting way.

3. I can finally share my dreams without nagging people to listen, and then getting blank and confused stares in return. :D

So HERE is the link to my new blog:

http://empathyofdreams.blogspot.com/

NOW for some fun sleep facts to get you in-ze-mood:

1. The average person in my age group (19-55) needs 8 hours of sleep. I get like 10 every night. 

2. Dreaming is perfectly normal! People who don't have dreams usually have personality disorders. 

3. 1 in 4 married couples sleep in separate beds. 

4. You will die from sleep deprivation before food deprivation. You can go 2 weeks before starving to death, but you can only go 10 days without sleep. 

5. Within 5 minutes of waking up, 50% of your dream is forgotten. Within 10 minutes, 90% is gone. I believe this is not the case for me. I remember my dreams days after I have them. Sometimes even weeks/years. 

6. When we sleep, our cells repair themselves, our brain recharges, and our body releases important hormones.

7. When dolphins sleep, only have their brain shuts down so they can continue breathing cycles. 

8. People who are blind can see in their dreams. 

9. 12% of people dream only in black and white. My only dream that is in black and white is my reoccurring dream. 

10. Men have dreams of other men 70% of the time, but women dream about men and women equally.

11. We can ONLY dream of faces we have already seen, whether or not we actively remember them. 

12. Koalas sleep 22 hours a day. Giraffes sleep 1.9 hours a day. 

Now come and join me through my journey of dreams....... 

The Best Of....

No, not the best of The High Tide, but the best of Kassie Amber Stewart(Kleifgen)'s life.

(me)

No, i'm not jumping off the edge of the earth, or dying or anything, 

But there were a lot of great times that were had before this blog was born, and I believe some credit is due.

 These memories have shaped me

(warning, there are a lot of pictures)

I challenge you to listen to this amazing song while reading...

go ahead and skip to 0:17

Some of my fondest memories....

My first dog, Buffy

My first dance recital, with a woman who ended up being like my 2nd mom, RIP Bev

Back when I played sports (Jr high-ish, fourth in from the left)

The most epic Disneyland trip of all time (high school choir trip)- 3 days of complete freedom and fun

My adorable niece and nephew

Great times with good friends

Meeting/dating the love of my life

My amazing dance company, Encore

Getting Engaged

Graduation

Our little baby

ANDDD the happiest day of my life

Looking through these photos was like a timeline of my most treasured moments in life. There are many more moments that I think of frequently, and always bring a smile to my face, like these ones, that I left out. 

Consider this an electronic photo album of my life up until now. 

I will never forget these memories.

And I can't wait to see the memories that are in store for the future!

<3

What are your happiest times?