Girlfriends

Yesterday, the girls gathered at Heather's home to take some summer photos before she headed back to Boston.  Seriously, It's like a mini-Hawaii in her backyard.   (Safe travels, Heath.  Miss you!)  It was the perfect place to capture the sunset and of course the pretty faces of my friends :).  I wish California, Australia, Massachusetts and Tennessee were all within walking distance.  I always look forward to our summer gatherings together.  Love you, girls! X.

Inspired by the Sistine Chapel ;)

I hope everyone has a wonderful upcoming weekend. Head to the theaters to watch Magic Mike and Ted!  I know I will! ;)

For You

“Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you’ve never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can’t wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around. You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it’s like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn’t exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day’s work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there’s no need for continuous conversation, but you find you’re quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you. You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that’s so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life.”  - BOB MARLEY.

Huntington

Last weekend, a little Texas reunion was set to take place in Costa Mesa, followed by Huntington Beach for s'mores and a pretty sunset.  I'm grateful for the family/friends that remain close no matter where we are in our own lives.  Thank you again to Charity and Jordan for having us at your awesome place!

Happy Thurs!

TEST.TEST.TEST.

The Lumineers playing aloud.  My dog laying beside me.  Windows are wide open and the slight summer breeze is welcoming itself into the house.  I am currently craving a veggie-turkey avocado sandwich with a side of summer plump strawberries.  I can't believe June is almost coming to a close and July will be welcomed soon.  My girlfriend leaves to Boston on Friday.  I look forward to my Tuesday nights even if it means a mild headache Wednesday morning.  In six months, I'll have my first college degree and be thankful for getting through school in a whole different environment than I'm used to.  I am a happy happy girlfriend with a wonderful boyfriend.  I'm grateful for the friendships that were established in high school and still standing strong now.  When I hear Bon Iver's music, I'm always taken to another place.  There is an endless amount of Porto's goodies in my kitchen; please stop by for some guava rolls.  My relationship with running has gone from a love/hate to a love/love.  Here are all the rants and rambles going on in my head.  Happy noon!

X3

I am thankful.

The family that will continually support me in all that I do.

The friends that I can always turn to.

The boyfriend that loves me unconditionally.

The pup that greets me every time I walk through the door.

The roof over my head.

The clothes on my back.

The food on the table.

I never want to overlook these blessings.

{No subject}

que sera, sera.

Mini-vacay

My family + Randy are out here in Carlsbad at my parents' timeshare.  

Enjoying the California coasts' weather.  More photos soon.

A Blessing

Warning:  (Please send your cursor to the 'exit option' if you're not in the mood to read something lovie-dovie).  A few days ago, Randy and I were on the phone for a good two hours. Something that we don't do as often anymore-- to just pick up the phone, lay on our beds and just talk.  Four years ago, when we started dating, I would anticipate his phone call with such eagerness.  Also, the home we lived in had terrible reception.  So. . .I would find myself rotating my phone in order to receive the most bars possible.  And when he called, I was the giddiest girl in the world.  Our phone conversations would last from 9 in the evening until 3 in the morning.  At times, I would pretend to be sleepy just so that I could save some of our conversation for the next night.  I really really enjoyed talking to this guy.  I've come to realize that even after four years of being his girlfriend, there is never a dull moment in conversation.  I still laugh until my stomach hurts, smile until my face hurts or get heated about little debates that we have.  Randy's not a big texter.  In fact, he'd prefer that I call instead.  (He was a little irked once I got my iPhone.  I became a text maniac).  At first, I never understood why.  "IT'S EASIER TO JUST TEXT YOU!". . .but, he mentioned possibly something very lame to some, and possibly very sweet to others.  "I'd rather hear your voice."  (D'aww).  I'm not really sure where this whole post is going, but I guess I'm just very thankful that our relationship still consists of hearty and good conversation.

Indonesian

I)  Attended a traditional Balinese wedding in Beverly Hills with my boyfriend and his family.  Indonesians know how to throw a wedding.  The cultural garb was so lovely.

II)  Afterwards, Santa Monica welcomed us with good weather.  Shopped around the promenade and enjoyed the street performances.  Coincidentally, my classmate from Miami was also in Santa Monica visiting her family.  Met up, caught up and (surprisingly) talked about how we sorta kinda just a little bit miss school.  Ew.  We'll regret saying that once we have to hit study mode again.

III)  Ended the afternoon with Randy's favorite Indonesian restaurant in Los Angeles.  I think I was Indonesian for the day ;).

Photos and updates coming soon.  Happy Week.

4 & 9.

The Lumineers - Ho Hey

the household

A few random photos of life in our home.

J (and his long long hair) sorting his laundry in his room.  
A lazy sunday afternoon.

Baby grand

Marc Jacob's Daisy.

Hi,

I'm lacking on updates!  Whoops. . .hopefully this'll be a lengthy post to compensate.  First off, I want to welcome back two of my close girlfriends, Sabrina and Heather, who arrived safely from their journey out in Austraila and Ireland!  I can't wait to hear about all your adventures and stories from abroad!  In the mean time, best of luck as you overcome any jet-lag ;).

I can't believe June is already here.  One month of summer has flown right on by.  T'was definitely a good month.  I've been able to rekindle my relationship with running and get ten miles of running each week in May.  On Fridays, I've redirected my attention to bouldering!  I've missed climbing so much. . .and it's comforting to know that my body can slowly remember all the techniques of bouldering from a few years ago.  A little upsetting to go form a V4 to a V1, but I'm hoping I'll be able to hit a v4 once summer comes to a close.

Looking for some blogspiration?  I've fallen in love with the blog:  line x shape x colour.  The photographs are so full of life and vibrant with color.  She's definitely a travel-bug and you can live through her pictures. . .(and be slightly jealous of the stunning sites and places she has the opportunity to visit).

^ She makes me want to take pictures of everywhere I go.  Even if it is just my backyard ;).  I WILL be taking more photos this summer using my Canon.  Stay tuned.  In the mean time, enjoy your summer and best of luck to those approaching Finals week and congrats to graduates of 2012!