It’s been 13 days since I’ve written!  Ahhh.  I’m determined not to let my busy schedule get the best of this blog, my baby, and hobby that brings so much joy into my life!  Before accepting my current employment position, I was warned upfront how much work it was going to be in the beginning, and man-they weren’t kidding!  Being so busy makes you appreciate the little things in your life that you once took for granted when having more allotted time in your schedule to blow.  I long for the days when I had the energy to stay up and watch television past 10 pm.  Now, I rethink this action before I do it.  Will watching the latest episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills make me a better person?  Likely not, and so I opt for sleep instead.  Sleep definitely helps me be a better version of myself and that’s what it’s all about.

One of the best people I’ve ever met, Vanessa.

I may be naïve in thinking that soccer is growing popularity in the United States, but it’s so exciting to watch a game with thousands of screaming fans supporting our US men’s team.  After work on Friday, I changed into 10-year-old jeans, a thin white tank top and Rainbow sandals, then drove to meet my old college teammates to tailgate at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA.  I got a solid 2 hours of parking lot shenanigans in before the US men kicked off to Costa Rica.  They lost, 1-0, but fortunately I had a light buzz on to keep my spirits high.  One of my girlfriends got particularly intoxicated, which caused me lots of joy.  She emulates perfectly what it means to be a happy drunk.  She organized all of us to go and arranged the tickets, so props to Vtown, her nickname on and off the field for as long as I’ve had the pleasure of knowing her.

PS. This morning I realized that I left the work clothes I changed out of on Friday evening in my work bathroom!!  I chastised myself during my commute for potentially losing $100 worth of clothes and for being the dumbest person on the planet.   Thank god my slacks and blouse were right where I left them.  Winning!!

The Crowd.

Too priceless not to blog: my happy friend, Sean, and myself, who is in this moment unhappy with our inability to finish a goal.

About a month ago on my way home from a run I noticed a chair placed outside one of my neighbor’s trashcans unwanted.  After some examination, I thought I could turn it into something special, and so I carried it home with me.  After some needed TLC: sanding, priming and two spray cans of Claret Wine, the main frame of the chair was done.  I went to Joann Fabric’s and was delighted to find a bold black and white print on sale!  My mom and I took turns pulling the fabric tightly over the cushion base and stapling securely.  Dad anchored the cushion to the chair.  All in all the chair cost me about 4 hours, $25 bucks and some big hugs to my parents.  Totally worth it!  

Brunch at Taps in Brea, CA.

When half the magic leaves you have to make sure to celebrate in a big way!  With half our Breakfast Club moving to Europe, we decided that a bottomless, swanky, champagne brunch was just the ticket!  The Breakfast Club, consisting of four high school girlfriends keeping the magic alive for 10 plus years and who can be seen in such previous posts as here and here are going on hiatus.  This group is so special to me and while I’m thrilled for my girlfriends who are leaving the country (one is studying in London for her PHD and the other will be in the Netherlands studying for her Masters), I’m also very sad.  We have had the best summer together with mini weekend vacations, pee-your-pants-hysteria, and 7 am breakfasts at Millie’s with buy one get one half off coupons.  It’s a nice feeling to know your friends are doing great things with their lives.  It’s a reminder to continue to surround yourself with the best and to make sure you work on constantly bettering yourself.  Always. 

A bad idea after 10+ glasses of champagne.