Journal-mania

The other day I was browsing around a store when I came across a journal that I fell in love with. I put the journal back since I had no reason for one, but I kept thinking about it and for only $5 I simply could not pass it up. I figure I will find a purpose for it later, or give it as a gift if I can't. Lately I really enjoy writing to help record my life. Not only doing I enjoy blogging, but I've recently rediscovered my enjoyment adding to my quote book. I also kept a journal for the first time since I was a little girl last year to capture my experiences living abroad in Ireland. Only now that I am back and missing last year terribly do I appreciate the time I took to record my thoughts, feelings and experiences. It's so fun re-reading what I wrote, laughing about the funny stories and looking at all the random notes from friends I taped in that journal. I figure life will take me on yet another exciting adventure in the near future and when that time comes, I will have the perfect journal to capture those memories.

The brown one is the new addition :)



Warning: Objects in photo are cooler than they appear... the best part about my new journal is the pattern which you can't see.

Twinsies

I came home from class today and found these adorable slippers waiting for me on my bed! I absolutely LOVE my roomie, who surprised me with these cozy things. Now that fall is officially here, we've found that our apartment gets ridiculously cold (it was also extremely hot during the summer - we've concluded that the insulation in our place sucks). Now that we have these matching slippers, our feet will stay warm :) I also came downstairs to study and yet again she proved herself as the best roomie ever and made me a delicious cup of coffee. I just love her ♥

Friends; Oldies But Goodies

This weekend I got to finally catch up with one of my very good friends, who I had not seen in about two years (the fact that we can't remember exactly how long means it had been far too long). She and her boyfriend came to Sacramento and we got together as soon as I got off work. We headed to my sister's place where we were awed by her homemade spinach artichoke dip and pita chips. She never ceases to amaze me. We had intentions of having a few glasses of wine before heading to sushi and a bar, but were having so much fun that we stayed at her house the entire night because time was just passing too quickly! We had plenty of wine and laughs, accompanied by bop-it and a board game that we found both entertaining and challenging.

I love that we can go so long without seeing each other (which btw needs to be changed) and pick up right where we left off, never skipping a bit. That's how you know you have a good friend. I'm lucky to have so many good ones, and a handful that I have had since grade school.

I also love that the majority of my close friends don't previously know one another, yet always get along so well and have a great time. I think that may be a result of my friends being so awesome :)

So ready...

I am SO ready to graduate! It doesn't matter that I still don't know what I want to do or where I want to be, but I just want to be finished with school already! It's funny because it was possible to graduate after this semester (although it would have been ridiculously overwhelming and stressful), but I opted for waiting because I was scared of the idea of being a college graduate with no distinct plans. Now, I say screw it! This semester may be quite possibly the semester from hell. It might have something to do with my last year being ridiculously fun and easy at DCU ♥ in Ireland and my lack of errr... motivation of receiving good grades. I treated it as my year off of complete enjoyment consisting of adventures from traveling Europe to drinking in the pubs. But also as I'm nearing the end, classes are getting a lot harder. I feel like I've worked SO hard this semester and should be nearly finished with my classes, but I'm still only halfway done. I am glad that next semester will give me the opportunity to get a much-needed internship to hopefully lead me to a possible career choice or at least some kind of direction. Right now I'm thinking interning for a non-profit organization would be extremely fulfilling and worthwhile.



May 2011, I am so ready!

Leisure Activities

I'm currently taking a writing intensive class, Perspectives on Leisure, which I absolutely LOVE. A few weekends ago our entire class participated in a 6 hour long playday, including the ropes course on campus. This was the kind of thing I successfully completed:






I couldn't find a picture of my absolute favorite, which required climbing up a 45 ft pole and jumping off the platform at the top. Most people attempt to jump and grab something similiar to this:



After observing this multiple times with my classmates repeatedly missing it, I decided to just jump off backwards. I walked to the edge and leaned back... it was a rush! But a little scary, as your stomach drops (like the feeling when on a rollercoaster).

I love that this day was a required activity for our class, as I wouldn't have experienced the ropes course, which is conveniently located on campus, otherwise. The class also stresses the importances of a successful leisure lifestyle, and I've been putting greater emphasis on my leisure lifestyle since taking the class. I used to be so active, but have neglected these activities due to my hectic schedule of school and work. But I've learned that I need to make time for these activities, and participating in them makes me a happier and healthier person. Last weekend I went to the driving range to hit some golf balls with one of my friends and today I played basketball for the first time in years after my run along the river trail. I have so much more energy on the days I make time to be active!

Chevy's Happy Hour

Chevy's Happy Hour is one of my favorites! When I first lived in Sac & was a newly 21 year old, it seemed like we went every week. Now that I'm back I've probably gone about 6 times or so. They serve $3 drinks and appetizers. My usual is a margarita (or two) and flautas. Can't beat the prices and the comida!


The perfect margaritas, although I typically prefer mine blended. They serve seasonal fresh fruit margaritas and they are amazing! My favorites are mango & watermelon.



and my beloved flautas:




... and all this is making me crave some Chevy's! Good thing we're going tomorrow in replace of girls wine night.

Quotes ♥

One of my friends has been struggling with a death in her family, so I went through my quote book and came across a few quotes that I think are very comforting in times of sorrow.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

"Although it is difficult to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow."

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure."

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die."

Love you C!



I just recently rediscovered this quote book. It was given to me as a present when I was in grade school from one of my best friends. I have some quotes in there that were given to me at a basketball camp and dated as far back as 2002 (even though I believe the journal was given to me a few years prior and I didn't know what to do with it at that time). It's so interesting to see what quotes I found inspirational, motivational and touching over the years. I love quotes and plan to keep adding to this book for many years.

Forever Young

This weekend was my friend Laura's 21st birthday, on 10/10/10! On Sunday night we went to a bar downtown to celebrate the occasion. Yes, a Sunday night. Despite her birthday falling on the worst day of the week, we still had a blast! We got there around 10ish and stayed until closing. It was a great night, but I had a very exhausting Monday school day.

With the birthday girl and all her necessary birthday gear :)




Oh and her parents were there, how awesome is that?!





Happy 21st Laura!

Not pictured are my adorable new shoes that I got for only $15! They are the black heels in the middle, I just ♥ them!

Best Parents Ever

It's official. I have the best parents in the world. Technically I already knew this, but their recent actions just confirmed what I already knew :)

My truck hasn't been very reliable lately. Fortunately for me, it still has got me to where I need to go when needed (with just a few scares & multiple turnings of the engine). Since my sister was planning on visiting the parentals last weekend, we switched cars so she could take my truck for my dad to look at. My stupid truck wouldn't start when she was trying to go to work, my poor sister :( It did make it to my parents house, but died while my dad was attempting to diagnose the problem. So my thoughtful, generous, spilling-over-with-kindness parents decided to send my sister back with their car while they figured out what was wrong with mine. Leaving my mom stranded and carless in the meantime. All just so I wouldn't have to worry or stress. I just love them ♥



Thanks D!



& Muth!



Love you guys!

Tuesday Wine Nights

... the best creation EVER! It's something I find myself looking forward to all week, and having girly nights with the occasional cocktail is a perfect combination. Our drink of choice is typically margaritas or wine, and lately we've been having a delicious dinner along with the drinks. QT girl time is always important :)

New Discovered Love

I have a new discovered love. RUNNING! Over the years running had always been punishment in the various sports I played, so I'm extremely surprised that I actually enjoy it. Now that we have this fabulous fall weather, it is so relaxing to go for a jog along the river trail (which is basically in my back yard), ipod in hand. Speaking of which, I think I need to purchase one of these badboys:



What I enjoy almost more than the act itself, is afterwards. Stretching :) I consider it more of a meditation these days, as I use my skills learned in an African-Caribbean Dance class over a year ago to really elongate my neck and back. In the past two weeks I've nearly fallen asleep in the process, not noticed another person enter the gym and run on the treadmill for God knows how long, and been told by a complete stranger to 'enjoy my yoga.'

My Sweet Ride

I live extremely close to my college. Parking passes are ridiculously expensive. Solution: Walk/ride my bike to school. AND I LOVE IT! I have more energy than when I used to roll out of bed and drive to school. I’m getting exercise without having to make time for it. I’m helping to save the environment. And gas money. And my bike is so cute! It’s a baby blue beach cruiser and it has a basket to hold my books (thanks Dad for the bike & Mom for the basket). Since I got used to riding my bike to school, I occasionally ride my bike to run errands. Lifestyle change can ya dig?! :)

♥

I started blogging last year while I was living in Dublin, Ireland. Even though I'm back in my rather boring and normal life, I thought I'd continue to write. The change in location called for a change in my blog title, as 'A California Girl in Dublin' no longer seemed fitting. You can find that blog at www.a-california-girl-in-dublin.blogspot.com

I can finally say that I am starting to get used to life back in the states, although it wasn't and still isn't easy. The immediate reverse culture shock was a bit unexpected and difficult, but I thought it would pass quickly. I was caught off-guard when it stayed with me months after my return, and even now I'm struggling.

As of tomorrow, I will have been back in California for three months. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to catch up with family and friends that I appreciate even more so than before I had left. I took a small (annual) trip to the coast with my mom which was just what I needed to get adjusted to things back here. I moved back to Sacramento, where my friend Kelly and I found the most adorable two-story townhome that we love. I went back to Red Lobster and started serving again. My managers and coworkers were more than welcoming with my return. As maid of honor, I planned my sister's bridal shower and bachelorette party, both of which were a huge success and so much fun. I I started my last year of college and have been working hard and maintaining very good grades. Next on my list is finding an internship and figuring out what I'm going to do after I graduate.

I am so excited and determined for this year and the future. I’m still unsure about what exactly I’ll be doing, but I’ve finally accepted it. I know I’m going to do great things and it’s kind of exciting not knowing what’s going to happen. Yes,