And So She Says...

Kitty Christmas

2011-12-12T01:32:00.000-08:00

Since I was leaving for Christmas the kitties got to open their gifts from Grandma and enjoy. Of course the package was addressed to them and they were the most appreciative kitties although a bit dazed by the amount of catnip they ingested.

Kim's visit

2011-12-09T01:29:00.000-08:00

Kim was in town and I was so excited as I love spending time with friends from my past so we had lunch together (with these worm like baked potatoes...very weird...in the pciture). It is so nice to catch up!

Oh boo boo Amy

2011-12-08T01:25:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately Amy had to go home early on our shopping day to go to a party that night but never quite made it as she fell down her stairs and badly sprained her ankle having to be off it for the next two weeks! I went over to her house and helped her a little bit but then took her to the airport and of course took pictures in the bathroom for the blog. But Amy got on her way safely and I went home to take a nap.

Lots of Christmas Cheer

2011-12-06T01:23:00.000-08:00

Amy and I went out for the day of shopping but when we first stopped to eat we were mobbed with many many Santas! Oh and cupcake women in the first picture.

Brian's Birthday Bash

2011-12-02T01:14:00.000-08:00

Candy themed party for Brian. I only got to stay a little while but it was enough time to hold back from eating all the candy in that apartment. I think Brian was Willie Wonka or something with his wig but it turns out he might just have been trying to look like Jess. The scared picture is of us trying to shoot off poppers but mine wouldn't go...and it was making me nervous.

Spa Finale

2011-12-02T01:08:00.000-08:00

Before leaving we had to do the moisturizer under ground that we didn't get to do last time so first to the stinky hot springs, then to the mud, and finally to be painted by men (okay they were boys but I still have to make it sound good) in green moisturizer and then you go through the underground caves to sweat it off and then shower it off. Then you end with a room where you can have tea and apples (still underground)...yeah I could do this more often!

Spa Part #2

2011-12-02T01:03:00.000-08:00

I forgot our entrance picture...and then our serious of the sauna. It was actually REALLY hot and that sign does say "alcohol in the sauna may lead to unconsciousness" guess we should have read that before enjoying the last of our mimosas in the sauna. But if heat and alcohol didn't cause unconsciousness the super awesome lunch we had after left us in a coma that we needed to sleep off in the sun.

Shadavia's Birthday

2011-12-02T00:52:00.000-08:00

YEAH!!! We got to go back to Glen Ivy Spa for Shadavia's birthday because we went free for my birthday so now it was her turn. It was a great day and there was no one there....it was so nice. It was also extremely entertaining to watch the fight between Shadavia and the floating mat. This is how you live up a spa to yourself...

Holy Wind Storm!!!

2011-12-01T00:33:00.000-08:00

We had a seriously destructive wind storm here and it was very scary! My glass door was bowing in and the whole building would shake like an earthquake. I had to bring everything in my bedroom and bunker down in there for the night, but unfortunately I could not sleep as I was pretty sure my glass door was going to blow out...thank goodness it didn't. I had sticks and leaves that blew in under my door and where all over the inside of my apartment(although I cleaned up some before taking the picture). And many trees were down and it smelled like pine trees all over Pasadena because so many pine trees were destroyed. Of course the pictures don't give it justice.

Kayla and Jeremy's new addition!

2011-11-22T00:29:00.000-08:00

We tried to smoosh a quick visit to see Kayla and Jeremy's new baby girl. She was so sweet and only a few weeks old. It was so nice of them to let us stop by on our way home before going to get some dinner at my favorite....Cracker Barrel!

Thanksgiving at Jason's Family's Farm

2011-11-20T00:22:00.000-08:00

We decided to head to Jason's family to spend Thanksgiving as Jason was going to come to my parents for Christmas. It was so nice of them to have me too. His brother picked us up at the airport and we got some food. Then the next day we headed to his parents from his apartment and got to see a table of pies that makes me very happy. I took pictures of all the people that came as it was a great good group, but Jason's family doesn't love me taking pictures so I had to just take them even if everyone wasn't smiling. We all had a great time and it was nice to spend time with family.

Grilling out and hot tubbing

2011-11-18T00:13:00.000-08:00

I loved when Amy and I had a grilling/ hot tub evening so Jason and I had one...plus Jason wanted to go into the hot tub in late November just to say we could swim in late November in the outside pool, unlike North Dakota. It was funny because we thought we would go freeze ourselves by going to jump into the pool and then come back to the hot tub, but the funny part was that the pool was actually a really nice temperature and we wanted to stay in there too! Oh I also got some nice fresh limes from the lime trees that surround our hot tub.

Christmas in Pasadena

2011-11-10T00:19:00.000-08:00

On our way to a nice dinner we went through the square that was decorated for christmas and took some pictures...it was really nice! I love getting to have Jason here to share fun times like this with me.

Mission Station Farmer's Market

2011-11-07T00:09:00.000-08:00

I had been wanting to go and didn't know it was a night so I met Jason there and we ate and bought some yummy fresh foods, along with tasting to many things it almost made us sick. And this was by far a SERIOUS radish (and yes I know I look possessed by the radish)!

Happy Birthday AMY!

2011-11-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

We went to Amy's birthday bonfire. It was nice and of course I love any opportunity to eat SMORES!

Visit with friends

2011-11-05T23:51:00.000-07:00

I had a visit with Molly (which I forgot to get a picture of), and Belle all at the same time. It felt like there was some deal on traveling to LA because there were a few others in around the same time. I remembered a picture with Belle, who was visiting for a conference, but shared a little time with us...YEAH!

Joys of having Jason around

2011-11-04T23:45:00.000-07:00

The first dinner is after Jason and I got our hair cut we went out for a nice dinner which was AMAZING! Then we made it to Barney's which is a bit overwhelming with their decor but fun and of course the beach!

Post graduation celebration

2011-11-02T23:55:00.000-07:00

Jason and I tagged alone with Jess's Family to get to meet them and they were as amazing as she says...making us all laugh. Then Jason and I went to go and try Yard House as I had told him we would. He got a big boy beer and I got a little baby beer...both tasted mighty good!

Graduated with my Masters!

2011-11-02T23:28:00.000-07:00

So I got my master's in clinical psychology as we do half way through the program as a carrot dangling to keep us in school. I did not walk so Jason and I went and watched those who were walking . It was a really nice time espeically since it was in Pasadena and around the corner from my house!

tasty treats when jason visits

2011-11-01T22:31:00.000-07:00

Halloween treats from Grandma!

2011-10-31T23:23:00.000-07:00

Kitties wanting to get into the Halloween box from Grandma....they already know there is something for them.

Universal...Halloween Part #2

2011-10-31T23:11:00.000-07:00

So on actual Halloween we went to Universal CIty and had dinner with people from school who were going to Universal but instead we went to the candy store....ohhhhh candyyyy!!!!!!!! It was like a heaven on earth! Thank goodness I made it through another Halloween.

Are you ready for some FOOOOTBALL!

2011-10-30T22:24:00.000-07:00

We of course are always ready for some football. So we went to a USC versus Stanford game but only could get there by half time...the good news is that it went into triple overtime so we really got a full game. It was really exciting!!!!

Jason's visit begins with Halloween Part #1

2011-10-29T22:02:00.000-07:00

So Jason came to visit in mid October and he enjoys Halloween and I most certainly do not as it is way too scary for me. My first year here I was convinced that Knott's Berry Farm, turned into Knott's Scary Farm during Halloween, wasn't scary....oh but it was and I am still petrified of it and it pretty much put me over the edge to "scared of Halloween" to "absolutely hating Halloween". But I thought Jason would like it so we set up for him and some friends to go. I would have to say that I just got my new phone and you can see in the first shot I did not know how to work the camera yet. They enjoyed it and I very much enjoyed sitting at the store outside the park doing work.

Fun times with Amy and Brian

2011-09-20T21:57:00.000-07:00

Amy came over to enjoy my building's grill and hot tub. It was great we cooked it up, ate, and food coma-ed in the hot tub. Brian, Amy and I went out to dinner to enjoy Red Robin...oh I love Red Robin and all they do!

Cuteness and helpers

2011-09-18T21:48:00.000-07:00

This is kitties being cute and trying to help do school work. And yes Chloe got in the shoes like that herself as she LOVES snuggling up with a good sweaty shoe! And Zoe has to be where I am at all times.

No more building for me!

2011-09-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

After this desk build I think I am done for a while...this was the hardest one. Especially as it said "make sure there are two people to lift the hutch onto the desk" and then I looked at myself and myself and had to figure out a way to do it with one person. So it may not be the most stable desk ever but it works!

GO VANDY!

2011-09-16T21:37:00.000-07:00

These are scores your alumni like to see!!! Go VANDY!!!

Food Fun and Football!!!

2011-09-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

We had a few more tasty meals, trying what Pasadena has to offer and then went to a show about Al Jolson and it was great! Then we hit a UCLA football game at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Fun times and fun visit!

Finally Reached the Beach!

2011-09-12T19:11:00.000-07:00

My dad had been wanting to get close to the beach but after waiting a few days he finally got to the beach and got to enjoy a seafood feast at Gladstones!

Dad Day 2

2011-09-11T19:05:00.000-07:00

Wewent on a hike but it was so hot that we just took in a little nature and headed back so we didn't pass out. Then a tasty dinner as well a little outdoor concert in my backyard (well the park behind my apartment building).

Visit from the Big Guy

2011-09-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

Dad came to visit and we of course hit up Target ASAP as we had a rented car! But after a long day he used the cart to get around....pretty sure they should give you a little lesson on speed and proper use of these as it was not always used at an appropriate speed but at least I could always hear where he was. The day ended in a VERY yummy dinner at my favorite Cameron's fish place in Pasadena!

Great Pet Sitter

2011-08-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

When I went away I got a pet sitter but had no idea what to expect because I had just moved to Pasadena, and the kitties couldn't have Camp Leader Jess (who had them in kitty camp when I was gone) come and watch them so I tried Arf We Go, Pet Care. WOW they were great! Not only did they take great care of them but they also left this great plant gift because she saw how sad my porch was with my one folding chair. Thank you to Arf We Go and if you need a pet sitter use them for sure! http://www.arfwegopetcare.com/

Kitties enduring the CA heat!

2011-08-30T12:13:00.000-07:00

It has been so hot here that the kitties and I have had trouble doing anything. The kitties "enjoyed" the catnip so much that they then passed out. Zoe was sitting between the shades because I was trying to keep them closed to keep the sunny heat out, but they always have a different plan then I do. Such as protecting their catnip plant, or laying across my leg and foot while I try to get work done. Oh cats....minds of their own and determination that is unmeasurable.

PRESENTS!!!

2011-08-26T12:07:00.000-07:00

Here are beautiful flowers that my family sent me, Hawaiian flowers. The note is from my gifts from Priss and Ivan (Jess and Bryan's cats), and then I took a picture of all my gifts and then another one of the card that came to my old address. I really appreciate everyone who sent me messages, cards, and gifts, it was really nice of everyone and know that I am happy to have you all in my life.

Flaunt it if you got it!

2011-08-26T11:59:00.000-07:00

These two girls GOT IT! Here are Zoe and Chloe in the dresses Jess gave them for the birthday. They were actually kinda cool with wearing them or just gave up...its hard to tell. But wow it was pretty cute!

Birthday candles and gifts at dinner

2011-08-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

I got loud cheers and birthday celebrations and then made my wish for year 31! Then I opened my gifts which were from Priss and Ivan (Jess and Bryan's cats) which were treats and dresses! You will need to check into the next posts to see the kitties in their new party dresses! Oh it was such a great surprise and I had a wonderful dinner...thank you all!

SURPRISE! It's a celebration of ME...yeah!

2011-08-26T11:39:00.000-07:00

So after Shadavia and I went to see "The Help" and it was great. So then we went to meet Amy at dinner and SURPRISE! It was so fun to see everyone's face and get to have dinner with everyone, as well as it was so nice of everyone to come and celebrate with me. We had an amazing meal and spending time with friends.

Spa finale

2011-08-26T11:29:00.000-07:00

This was our amazing lunch (well minus the home made cookies but who needs to know about those...if you hide them in your purse while eating them then the calories don't count...interesting fact!). Then there are some pool photo shoot photos and scenic pictures. It was a great day and we relaxed, enjoyed, and celebrated..it was a great day! Thank you Shadavia for planning it and celebrating with me.

Mud bath at the spa...

2011-08-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

There was a whole area that had these pedestals and after we sat in the mineral bath (which smelled pretty close to a sewer) then we go in here rub mud on, let it dry in the sun, and then, at least if you are Shadavia and Tara you pose in large mirrors nearby and take pictures. After you wash off the mud and your skin feels AMAZING!!!

Spa birthday celebration!

2011-08-26T11:10:00.000-07:00

Shadavia and I went to celebrate my birthday with a relaxing spa called Glen Ivy Hot Springs, where all the water comes from hot springs at 114 degrees and they cool it in cooling baths to 104 I think. These are some random shots...we were really excited about wanting to do everything so we got started! It was around 106 degrees out on my birthday so we had to hide in the shade or water...it was a hard life!

31ish begins wonderfully!!!

2011-08-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

So the day before my birthday I received an awesome edible arrangement from Jason to get the birthday started, although as Kayla knows August is my whole birthday month! This year August hasn't been to kind to me but this day was one of the few exceptions. The bouquet had to be removed from Zoe's view because she became SERIOUSLY OBSESSED with scratching her head on it to the point that she stalked it into the kitchen and attacked it there too. The guy who delivered the bouquet was funny, he basically screamed "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" when I opened the door, but I think I scared him when he saw my workout outfit on and that I was sweating a ridiculous amount...haha. Thank you Jason for a tasty treat, it was GREAT! And a great way to start the festivities!

Dinner at the "chop chop" place

2011-08-22T23:19:00.000-07:00

Jason had never been to one of these places because this is the first one in Bismarck and I LOVE these places where they cook in front of you, Jason knows what that is called but I call it "chop chop". We started by having Jason attempt california rolls which he was very concentrated on covering up the fishy flavor with wasabi, but he enjoyed. Our chef was great and he made the fire onion volcano that I think is so cool, and then acted like he was going to cook the chicken on the volcano fire. We had a great time and REALLY enjoyed the food!

Dam Day..in a good way!

2011-08-18T23:14:00.000-07:00

This is the beginning of birthday gifts and celebrations. Thank you Jason and mom and dad for kicking off the birthday celebration. Jason and I went to the Dam to sit out in the sun and enjoy the Vitamin D but unfortunately many new people have discovered the dam too and so it was a bit busy but still beautiful. We usually bike around the dam but today we decided to just relax.

Toasted Frog adventure

2011-08-17T23:10:00.000-07:00

We met up with Kayla, Jeremy, and Jess at the toasted frog where we tried frog legs, but I was a little overwhelmed when they came out looking like someone fried them while they were jumping away...awww. But we tried them and all our yummy food. Wanted to get a picture of Kayla's baby bump and I think you she looks so good and glowing. It was great to spend time with Jess as she is usually not able to come out with us.

Relaxing and eating at Jason's

2011-08-17T23:04:00.000-07:00

Jason and I went to our favorite place to have a wonderful dinner (fake birthday celebration). The next day went to Grill Fest in Mandan and had some really tasty food and walked around enjoying the Grill Fest festivities. On Jason's grill he smoked lobster tails and made a lobster roll as well as smoked corn...as you can see it all on the plates for dinner...it was AWESOME! Then Jason also smoked a turkey and we had that with mac and cheese and drunken mushrooms...oh it all tasted so good!

Active Life Chiropractors and staff have been missed!

2011-08-16T22:56:00.000-07:00

I went to visit Jason and the first stop was Active Life Chiropractic because they are friends and amazing at adjustments and got to meet their new daughter, and see Jess and Kayla and Kayla's baby belly! So excited for Kayla and Jeremy to have their first baby that I made them a diaper cake that they can hopefully enjoy. I was so excited to see them all because I miss them and I'm sure taking pictures didn't make business move smoothly but at least its because I love it there!

Jacklyn's birthday bowling

2011-08-15T22:49:00.000-07:00

The second part of her party was at the bowling alley. We had fun playing arcade games and bowling, and trying to beat Amy (Ohio bowling champion secretly) at bowling!

Jacklyn's Birthday and serious CAKE!

2011-08-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

So we celebrated Jacklyn's birthday at Amy's first with yummy pizza and Jackyln's mother made an amazing cake that was peanut butter and chocolate cake that was unreal...I would like to have another piece or half!

Night Hike in Eaton

2011-08-14T22:35:00.000-07:00

Amy's mom was in town and we all went on a night hike in Eaton...it was more of an educational walk as the leader REALLY liked to stop and educate us, but it was nice. The moon was beautiful. And we took a picture of the NASA satellite that was passing the moon, but the picture didn't come out to well. Then on our way out we saw these ants eating this bug...oh nature can be brutal! Then we had dinner at Norms which was very yummy!

AMAZING Candle Creation!

2011-08-05T22:21:00.000-07:00

Jason made this unbelievable candle holder creation. He made it all to hold the glass flower and made all the leaves from scratch resembling leaves he found outside. The color of it is cool because it is from the flame and welding but it is hard to see in the pictures. It is my center piece on my dinning table so it is visible when I arrive and leave and have meals. Thank you Jason for sharing with my your talent, it is beautiful!

New place after

2011-08-03T22:17:00.000-07:00

It still has some work to do but here it is in what I can do with it with what I had from the last place. Love the new place and the change.

New Apartment before...

2011-08-03T22:15:00.000-07:00

So this is the new place in shambles...

Downtown apartment after

2011-08-03T22:10:00.000-07:00

Bye bye apartment...you have served me well...you will be missed although the bar across the street will not be missed.

Downtown Apartment Before

2011-08-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

Here is the apartment before the move...

moving and adjustment kitty way

2011-08-02T22:03:00.000-07:00

So goodbye to the last picture of the view from my downtown apartment and hello car ride with kitties and crap, and then adjustment of the kitties to the new place.

Six Flags Part 2

2011-08-01T21:56:00.000-07:00

I loved the sign for Six Flags against the mountains...looked cool. The capes are for Jason...LOOK they can make all different kinds. I was shoving my face full of food as that is what the sign said. Then if I wasn't a broke student I would have tried to win you this Kenny doll Jason, but then again I have no idea what you would do with it...haha.

Six Flags Mental Break!

2011-08-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

We went to six flags to take a summer fun day. We had a fun day and it was about a billion degrees which made moments of it hard to handle, but the fact that we were racing through the heat at many miles per hour twirling around holding on for dear life made it easy to forget the heat for those moments.

Moving memories

2011-07-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

Teri, this is for you! I found this when I was moving and of course kept it becuase it reminds me of our fun funny trip and not only does the list of our IKEA event make me tired but the "Little America" paper makes me laugh! So this is for you to remind you of fun times and friendship!

moving friends

2011-07-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

Picture of Amy's moving crew, minus me, and her empty house. Then later int he week I helped another friend move but there are no pictures because she put me to work so there was no time for photos. Oh we are all moving this year in the middle of our schooling.

Helping to move...or the opposite

2011-07-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Kitties trying to help by being on or in the furniture. Not so helpful!

part 4

2011-07-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

...laundry, bedroom, view of my apartment from the hallway (that is my porch and bedroom window), end of hallway view of the mountains, and outside the building view of the street and right to the right is the train stop. YEAH new home....we will have to see it once set up.

part 3

2011-07-29T20:34:00.000-07:00

View from the porch in, bathroom, walk in closet...

apartment part 2...video

2011-07-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a video of the apartment.

The apartment layout...part 1

2011-07-29T20:14:00.000-07:00

So it starts with the hallway when you walk in, the dining room, then the kitchen to your right and bedroom to your left. Shadavia was making sure all appliances were working while I was doing the photo shoot. Then the view from the porch...nice and QUIET!

Shared excitement!

2011-07-29T20:09:00.000-07:00

Shadavia was a great friend and helped me with the apartment decision and discussion. She endured a day of decision making with Tara which is no easy day! She also benefited by a day of stopping at a store she loves and now pretending as if she also has a place in Pasadena because she can visit mine...haha. So here is us posing with flowers, the building area, the courtyard I look out on, my new mailbox, and me opening the door to my NEW place!

NEW home sweet home

2011-07-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

I am moving to Pasadena...old town! Here are pictures of the entrance, pool, me excited, grill area, and jacuzzi. Just to get an idea of the amenities, and there is a gym too.

Last day of SECOND year in grad school !!!!

2011-07-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

We were happy to be done fully with our second year of grad school! So a couple of us went out to lunch and then to grab some yogurt. Jess found a little cow friend and one that needed a friend to protect it from getting its head cut off! Oh the love of animals. Jess probably would want to take a bite out of the happy little cow's face and so would some other people but their's would be in the form of steak and Jess's would be in the form of love!

Hiking it up

2011-07-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

Amy and I hiked a hike near her new place in Tarzana called LA Nike Missile Control Site and it used to be a missile control post...pretty cool because all the old stuff is still there. We walked through all the old stuff but really we were lost and couldn't find the path to hike on...yes we ARE in grad school but hiking paths can trip us up too! So here are some shots, but some moments were kept out of the photographs, due to "professionalism" haha.

two for one!

2011-07-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

Alli put two of our pictures together and made this super cool picture and I thought it was too cool to keep to myself so I thought I would put it on the blog. Thanks Alli for your creativity!

Tasty treats!

2011-07-17T22:06:00.000-07:00

I wish I had taken pictures but I was too excited to eat that I just dug in with out a picture. But Jason made mushroom, spinach, chicken, cheese calzones (sp?) and strawberry with cream cheesy sauce quesadillas (sp?) for dessert. They were both amazing! I had been asking to try his calzones as they always sound tasty. He also made pistachio ice cream the night before, which I will have to try to make on my own too as my dad LOVES pistachios too. All the food was so yummy, and the calzones and quesadillas worked out perfectly as it was a cloudy day on Monday so comfort food feels good! Next time I will take a picture!

Bismarck's river swelling

2011-07-17T12:25:00.000-07:00

On Monday before I flew back to LA we rode our bikes around to see the damage that the river flooding had caused as I had not seen it yet. It may be hard to tell as most of you all have not seen it before the flood so let me put it in perspective. The first picture you can tell that the water is to the bottom of the volleyball net, the playground is under water, and the roof over the picnic tables has water all under it. This whole area was never even CLOSE to the river's edge, much less under water. If you can see the little red monument in both the first and second picture, the bike path was on the far side of it and the river bank was out past the large group of trees in the second picture. The third picture is of a restaurant on the water where you can ride on the historic boat, but as you can see it looks like it is on an island surrounded by water since it and all the parking lot is underwater. The river bank was located about halfway between the road and the first support for the bridge. The fourth picture shows the whole road and all houses beyond that point under water...at the edge you see a canoe that the home owners have to take in to check on their homes, and then last picture is of the buildings under water. All this damage is near to the river and mostly on the same level as the river so needless to say "not a safe place to build" but still so sad to have so much destruction and the water is just sitting and will until probably end of August or more.

Evening adventures

2011-07-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

So after getting too much sun, tired from the wind and riding, and dehydrated we all thought the best remedy was to hang out all night, while drinking, eating, and laughing. This seemed to work out until the next day when Jason and I had to get up early and drive home. Jason grilled up some dinner. We hung out on the porch of the guys house we stay at and the guy in the yellow hat (no not Curious George's owner) was telling a story and as you can see he puts his whole body into it...haha. Then we went into the town to hear the bands, but instead was met with exhaustion. After we got back we crashed. The next day we drove to Billings and had lunch at our favorite place, Montana Brewing Company, and after 2 hours of driving we had to help friends who were riding their bikes home as they got a flat tire and we loaded up their bike and rode the last 4 hours back together. Then home to eat and finally get a proper sleep in.

SNOW in July REALLY!!!

2011-07-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

So the rivers were high and ferocious. The water that is running off the mountains adds to their rivers and then eventually runs to Bismarck (where Jason lives and you will see pictures soon of the floods there). But on the ride it was nice because there were a ton of little pretty waterfalls, and I think one of my favorite things is little creek waterfalls! Then it got chilly when we were faced with the snow on the ride. As you can see in the picture with the bend in the road, we had just come out of that snow tunnel about 10 feet tall on both sides...it was so cool that I forgot to take a picture till we were out of it. Then the sign that we are entering Montana and our ride and stops with lunch and stretch break were coming to a close, yet it had been 7 hours already!

motorcycle madness....

2011-07-16T12:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of us during the day...the helmet may be protecting my head and brains (which at the current time needs any protection it can get) but it was doing a number on my hair! I found snow...and a VERY loud cat (looks like Styles and Chloe could have a friend to chat with). I did not have on my appropriate "biker attire" because when packing I couldn't find anything to wear so I kinda don't fit into the crowd...haha.

Scenery while riding...breathtaking!

2011-07-16T11:56:00.000-07:00

We started and ended in Montana but most of the ride is actually through Wyoming. These pictures I took while riding on the back of the bike. It is just so beautiful out there that it almost looks fake. I should say these pictures are taken when I could unclench my grip from Jason's sides between moments of being terrified enough to take a picture.

Bike weekend BEGINS!

2011-07-16T11:48:00.000-07:00

While back in LA they were dealing with "Carmageden" (due to highway closure the traffic would be backed up and was even given it's own title of "carmageden"), Jason and I were renting our bike for our mountain ride with friends and weekend in Montana (and a little in Wyoming). We posed with our bike and told it to behave, as well as would like to inform the public of why squatting down to take a picture from a lower angle NEVER looks good! Then OF COURSE I had to get a picture with this bear, I mean COME ON...he was begging me to be on the blog. The mountain scenery is what I was looking at as I followed Jason in the car to where we would be staying on Saturday night. Then picture of Red Lodge, the town where the bike rally took place, and us in the mirror ready for a day of riding!

Trip to Montana starts with LIGHTENING

2011-07-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

On my layover in Denver airport (all 10 minutes of it due to delays) there was a lightening storm that was amazing to watch. I got a bunch of pictures but I think these are the clearest. You can see the white light in the sky is lightening...it was so cool to watch it but not so cool to think we were going to fly amongst it! So needless to say the trip started off with intensity.

Moving in and moving out...

2011-07-13T22:51:00.000-07:00

I helped Amy move into her new place, well I just did two car loads but we worked it! I liked her passanger friend, also known as "The Garbage Can" who got to be upgraded to first class riding with a seat belt and all. And Amy took a risk figuring out her back seats by putting her whole body in the trunk, while I took picutres of the full moon at her new place. The house picture is the place Amy is moving out of.

Lunch break

2011-07-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

Shadavia and I ate at Spitz, which is in Little Tokyo that Jess recommended and is now my favorite place. It was super yummy and of course we needed a picture to remember that we DO actually hang out! Plus everyone should go there because I need it to stay open since I LOVE IT!

Not sure if VIDA appreciated the dance moves...but looks like a YES!

2011-07-09T23:25:00.000-07:00

We were actually the tamest of the dancers, and kept all our clothes on that we came with, but Brian led the dance party and then led the congo line...haha. There are some INTENSLY serious dance faces going on, and you just have to love the appreciation for the dance!

VIDA dinner...continued

2011-07-09T23:22:00.000-07:00

Pictures with friends who went to the VIDA dinner appreciation.

VIDA appreciates us...YEAH!

2011-07-09T23:04:00.000-07:00

VIDA, which stands for Vital Intervention Directional Alternative is a program through the Sheriffs Department to work with at risk youth. Our part in it is the psychological side and we work with parents and teens to psycho-educate and process with them. The sheriffs department decided that they wanted to thank all volunteers for all programs at the sheriffs department with a fancy dinner and dancing. As usual the venue is interesting, it happened to be in the warehouse where they process all the counterfeit goods, which is why, as Jess stated, "oh look it looks like we are hanging out in a basketball gym." They also presented us with these awards/posters, which we were totally unprepared for. I took a picture of their cool table decor for Chad, so enjoy. It was a black and white theme...in case you couldn't see that. These pictures are of us receiving and posing with our LARGE awards! It was a practice run to temp us into how good it will feel to get out doctorate degree!

Puppy alert

2011-07-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

Zoe and I were all snuggled in doing some school work when the puppy across the hall was leaving for a walk and then it was "Puppy Alert Time". As if he is going to, or has ever, BUST through the door and made himself at home. But as you can see Zoe as well as Chloe (in her chair, as moving would be wasted effort in her mind) are staring at the door in great anticipation, which usually fades after 2 minutes.

KIMMMMMMMMM!!!!

2011-07-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

So I was bummed I couldn't go with friends to San Fransisco for the weekend but low and behold guess who arrives in LA...Kim and Brian! I would have gone to see them if I was in San Fran but obviously would have missed them! I was so excited to meet them out for dinner on Sunday (a perfect 4th of July holiday weekend treat!) It was soooooo great to see them and I miss them dearly! One dinner was just NOT enough time to catch up but we made it work. Kim's extended family member Matt was there too to enjoy time with these two rock stars! In the group picture Tate Donavon (we believe) is in the background. Then of course we needed one more shot of IPS alumni outside the restaurant trying to help children on the west coast now. I had a great dinner and was so excited to get to spend time with them.

Holiday kitty adventure!

2011-07-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

So it is the holiday weekend and the kitties requested a walk. I am not sure they requested all the benches in the park to be covered with homeless people, a party to block off half the park, and a random group of boys/men who were doing that "running up walls and fountains and jumping and flipping off them thing" (I think it has a name but I don't know it), as their energy almost gave Zoe a heart attack. BUT we walked and got out in the hot sunny air. Then they came home to pass out on the floor! Big holiday!

Red Robin Recovery

2011-07-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

YUMMMMMM! So yes hike equals food, and as Amy says, which I am going to stick to as well, "I would have done it anyways but at least this time I hiked before!" I like it! So we attacked Red Robin, I mean ate at Red Robin and were FOR SURE the sweatiest and smelliest ones there, oh and should mention the only ones with dirt/rock ridden soaking wet sneakers on. But oddly we were still served and had a great lunch/dinner. Thanks Amy for the pit stop!

Eaton Falls!

2011-07-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

When we walked up to the falls these guys were rock climbing with ropes down the falls...CLEARLY unaware of the path! It's the last picture (because they are backwards, sorry). Then we took about 30 pictures because people who assumed everyone wanted to see them with their shirts off (and NO ONE did) KEPT walking through the background...and I was getting a bit frustrated, which was making Amy laugh and why she is laughing in the picture. Besides it all...the falls were so beautiful and perfectly freezing cold as we were so HOT!

On the hike to Eaton waterfall...

2011-07-02T18:16:00.000-07:00

This tall yellow flower is my favorite..it is so cool! So Amy found me one with this crazy plant on the bottom...two for one deal! This hike you have to walk through the water...no not ON water, we can't compete with Jesus, and honestly we didn't try.

Los Angeles

2011-06-23T23:06:00.000-07:00

Shadavia and I decided to start walking to get in shape and then also added to my 5K prep program. The other day we walked around downtown and Little Tokyo and took a break to go to the top of City Hall and take some pictures. It was an amazing view....city and mountains....interesting.

Laser fun

2011-06-23T23:01:00.000-07:00

Zoe and Chloe got a new toy when Amy and I stopped at the cat store on the way home from our hike (not to mention the stop at Yogurtland for some hungry hikers). I got them a laser toy thing and this is them trying to figure out what it happening. It was funny to watch until I put it on the counter and Zoe tried to bit the counter and then looked confused why her teeth hurt...haha but not haha.

Hike is ON!

2011-06-23T22:51:00.000-07:00

Amy and I went on a new hike, in Tonpanga Canyon (i think) and it was so pretty. Looking out over Santa Monica and then Malibu and it became very scenic which was good because the first part Amy and I were pretty sure we were going to die after vomiting and passing out. It was ALL up hill! Oh the houses were HUGE on the Malibu side and I am not sure you can see how big they were but it was unreal! Amy and I are getting ready to run one to a few more 5 K's and so we are walking, running, and hiking in preparation!

burn baby burn....but controlled!

2011-06-12T00:53:00.000-07:00

Jason made me an amazing gift! He always makes amazing pieces and so I was beginning to get sad that I hadn't gotten anything yet so low and behold I GOT A HANDMADE GIFT! I think he is so talented and here is more evidence. These are obviously candle holders and he twisted the metal himself and I think the look AWESOME. The color matches my apartment perfectly and i LOVE them. Thank you!

Belle visits....so FUN!

2011-05-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

So Annabelle came to visit me and her family here. I was so excited to see her and have a friend in town. We got Belle her fix of California Pizza Kitchen, and some drinks, and then breakfast and cookie sandwich treats! I am aware that all of our pictures are with food....but I mean she's on vacation so by defect I am on vacation too...yeah! We had a great time and before she left I got to meet her brother and his family for dinner at their house, and her brother's good friend. It was a really nice visit and thank you belle for coming to visit!!! I can't wait to visit you next which will be at your WEDDING! that's crazy!

YEAH friends!

2011-05-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

So Amy (from school), Brian (from school), and Brian's sister and I did a little afternoon of shopping and then Amy and Brian and I went to Amy's house to cook and eat our faces off. Amy and I cooked, okay Amy cooked, this amazing white chicken lasagna and made sugar free brownies and we ate it all up....it was some yummy food. Then we looked at each other's pics because Amy went to study abroad in Peru like I went to Africa. Then Brian hooked us up so we could watch a run of Dexter episodes.....that show is AMAZING! Thanks Brian for the hook up on the show and Amy for the hook up on the foodness. The picture is in Amy's houses back yard....so nice!

Dinner at sunset

2011-05-21T12:35:00.000-07:00

This was us at the dinner and we got oysters that were amazing! The dinner was GREAT seafood and then they usually wrap up your to go food in these tin foil sea animal creations, but of course we had no food to go but asked if they could make a whale. So he made a whale with a mermaid sitting on the water coming out of the blow hole. It was so big and crazy creative! I now have it on my shelf. We had a great dinner, and I thank my parents for helping me out and my mom for our visit after.

Dinner at sunset

2011-05-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

Mom and I went to the restaurant we went to for my birthday in the past because mom had a craving to go there. It is so beautiful there at sunset, it is near Malibu. These are some shots of the views.

Mom's visit

2011-05-21T12:26:00.001-07:00

When I was away my parents really helped me out and came and stayed at my place to take care of my cats, especially after my terrible cat sitting experience. So my mom stayed a few days after I got back so this is us eating crab in Pasadena after looking at pictures, and we went to the Grove to eat and shop, and we stopped at sprinkles because one of mom's friends children supposedly worked here but she actually worked at the call center. So we just got cupcakes out of it....yummmmmmy!

Yummy and beautiful treats!

2011-05-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

These were the nice flowers that Jason had at his house and they really made it cheerful, i loved all the colors and freshness. Then I mean who can leave when you have AMAZING looking food on the grill or ready to eat....I love Jason's cooking!

BISMARCK and JASON...YEAH!

2011-05-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

After many flights and a few days I finally made it to see jason before heading back to LA. It was so nice to get to spend time together. We had drinks at a new place and then dinner, and then the next day a beautiful bike ride around this lake. It was a relaxing and great but quick trip!