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/