10 things I learned this weekend...

1. Books are the gateway to my serenity.
2. Spin class is a fucking kick in the ass!
3. I wish I could reach my brother. Really reach and help him.
4. Movie popcorn makes a perfectly acceptable meal in my book.
5. Organized is better than unorganized.
6. Sometimes the issue, is not really the issue.
7. I miss spending time with my best friend Rachelle.
8. This snowboard season sucks right now :(  
9. Its fun to play house, when you are house sitting a real "grown up" place.
10. My dreams and goals are growing exponentially. 

I am...

I am feeling really good lately. Its a nice change having all of the happy and uplifting thoughts flood my mind. They are all coming so quickly and in massive groups, its slightly overwhelming. But wonderful, so wonderful. So much is changing, my days, my thoughts, my reactions. I couldnt be happier about it all.


I am reading like crazy. I have piles of books, new and old, that I cant wait to dive into. And, I am actually enjoying working out. Crazy huh? Dance is great, and always so much fun! I took my very first spin class and, oh my god, it was intense. I literally thought I was going to die.  But afterwards, I felt amazing. And Im doing stuff again, just getting out and doing stuff, just to do stuff. 


I am learning Italian! AH! I am so excited I might just pee myself. I have always wanted to learn Italian, I mean I am Italian after all. But Ive always heard people tell me to take something more practical. So I did, I learned Spanish in high school, and dont get me wrong, I loved it. I would still like to continue to learn more. But Italian...its in me. It has always had this seductive quality about it, luring me in. I want to speak Italian, I need to speak Italian. I am going to speak Italian!


I am content. I like where I am at right now. Yes, I need to keep working hard on my goals and dreams, I know. I am no where near where I would like to be, but for now, right now, I feel content. I feel happy. I feel that I am doing good things for myself. And I dont think it gets any better than that.

How are you? 

Are you happy/content, 

or still working to get there?

I will dare...

"I will dare to do just what I do. Be just what I am.

And dance whenever I want to." -Sabrina Ward Harrison

10 things I learned this holiday season...

1. I have the most amazing family I could hope for.
2. Its the little things that mean the most.
3. I am more appreciative (and impressed) of the thoughtfulness behind the gifts I was given.
4. This year absolutely flew by.
5. Im getting anxious about the future.
6. I am lucky and loved.
7. Its getting harder to keep good and meaningful friendships going.
8. Im tired of not feeling health.
9. Im still the one that organizes all of the plans. :)
10. I absolutely adore the holidays, I honestly didnt know just how much until this year.

What did you learn?

HIGHLIGHTS OF '09

Here are just a few of my favorite highlights of the past year...


I moved to Portland.
Got an amazing apartment.
Rekindled an old friendship/gained a new roomie.
Heard John Maxwell speak.
Fell in love with my bestfriend.
Made tons of new friends.
Made the decision to do it on my own.
Lost a job.
The most amazing job fell into my lap.
Interned over the summer.
Made the photography contact I was dying for, and now we are even friends.
Finally grew out of the bar scene. For the most part.
Grew up, for the first time I honestly feel more grown up.

I cant wait for 2010. 

Its gonna be even better!

My New Years Eve...

The boyfriend and I had our New Years Eve all planned out...


We woke up early and drove to the mountain! SNOWBOARDING! The roads were really snowy and we finally had to chain up for the first time this season. After a much longer trip than usual, we had arrived. Only to realized that the rain had never turned to snow. As we sat in the car, the rain came pouring down more and more. After a short snowball fight in the parking lot we realized that the rain wasnt going to turn in to snow any time soon, and we headed home. Such a bummer.

Outside my apartment building.

So gangsta.

Playin in the car hoping the rain will

turn into snow.

But...things looked up when it was time for our NYE festivities!!! We went to the store and dropped a buncha cash on tons of yummy food and booze! Then it was back to my cozy apartment for the HARRY POTTER MARATHON! Yay! It was really really fun. New years, to me, is always a let down. There is so much build up but its so often a disappointment. So we decided to stay in this year. I didnt get all dolled up. I didnt stress about what to wear. I didnt put on my makeup. I got in my sweats ate way too much food and fully relaxed! I was thrilled with the way it all turned out. I had so so so much fun just cuddling with my best friend at midnight.

Right after our New Years kiss.
First photo of the 2010.

I couldnt have had a better NYE. 

How was your night?

I shut my eyes...

"I shut my eyes in order to see."

-Paul Gauquin

The Christmas Post.

Please listen while you enjoy.

I truly had a wonderful Christmas this year. Thanks to my amazing job, I had 2 full weeks off. The plan was to spend a handful of days in my hometown of Eugene. However, I was in major need of a dentist visit so one opening landed me at my parents house the tuesday night before Christmas. It was weird and lovely to be at my parents house for that long. It finally doesnt feel like my home anymore. A bittersweet feeling, I admit. But I filled my time with last minute crafting and wrapping, sitting and talking with my parents, getting to know their new and wonderful little dog lily, and going out with good and old friends. It was pretty amazing. The best part? I got my dog (a joint custody pup) for the day (and one night). He is my best little buddy and I miss him already.


As for the gifts... I couldn't be happier. About what I got and what I gave this year.


For my family (mom, dad and brother) I got practical mostly items off of their lists. This is how my family thrives. And they loved each one.


For my best girlfriends...Knitted cowl neck scarves, homemade headbands and individual specific paintings or photography (not pictured) for them.

For Bryce, my "nephew"... a nike shirt and a truck, I think he liked it.

For the boyfriend...
Another flannel for the collection (to be stolen by me very shortly)

A nerf shotgun (big hit)

A vintage 49er starter jacket than he has aparently been wanting since birth (even bigger hit)

What did I get you ask? Too much, but here are some of my faves...


From my parents... a much needed and super cute purple vaccuum. And new white sheets! Yes! (see, the practical gifts)

From my little brother... A mirror with a little engraving on the bottom saying I love you Sis. (what he always calls me)

From my roommate Kait... A pinhole camera!

From my bestfriend Andi... a snuggie! I knew Id eventually join the club!

From my other bestie Rachelle... 2 bags of cottoncandy, a new travel coffee cup (which is eco friendly and mainly why she bought it for me), the twilight dvd and the best... a mix tape cd of all of our favorite dance songs, my favorite songs from high school or any of my gangsta ish! Basically our friendships soundtrack. She couldnt have done better!

And last but so not least, from my amazing boyfriend...The new fuji instax camera I have been dying for and truly NEVER thought I would own. I adore it!

My Christmas was perfect.

How was yours?

Happy New Year...

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” — Neil Gaima