Here i am

Trip Back to the CO

2009-06-05T22:19:00.000-07:00

Recently i returned for a visit to Colorado for Lisa's Bridal Shower (I am one of the brides maids) and for my 23 Birthday. Luckily I was born on the 24th of May and every year people gather at weekend to BBQ... but not really because of me, rather it is Memorial day weekend... Hooray for the 3 day Holiday! so in this jam packed weekend of fun i went to a BBQ at my old boss's house with my friend Jay, had a double birthday dinner with Chrissy, received my bridesmaids dress (thank goodness it fits), helped set up and throw Lisa's Bridal Shower, and Had another BBQ with family on Monday. these are pictures from that adventure.

this little boy is the son of one of the regulars at the bowling center that i worked and bartended at... what a cutie

This is my old friend Jay, he is a good guy, and can grow facial hair like no ones business.

Oh Look!! I am really excited in this picture only because that guy is my friend and old co-bartender Drew that will never have his picture taken, this is my birthday present from him.

Annie and Dave Regulars with hearts of gold, it is funny how much you learn about people from the other side of a neighborhood bar.

One of Roy and Delia's (old bosses) Sweet dogs.

And here are all my girls, we really know no personal space around each other.

Lisa's Bridal Shower, Note it was a stormy day and about a half hour to an hour into the shower (after everyone had time to eat) the power went out. but the party continued and was Wonderful!

Beautiful Amanda (Lisa's Maid of Honor) and I.

"Lisa are you enjoying the shower?" ..... Lisa's response "Cheese"

The Bridal party from left to right: Minny (the grooms little sister), Chrissy, Amanda (maid of Honor), Lisa (bride), Jenny (brides sister), and the funny one on the end is me.

And here's Monday at the house. Say hi to Mom! out in her amazing garden. (i have a cute mom)

Nephew Tyler is always thinking, and he also knows which flowers in Grandmas lawn he can eat.

Tyler

Austin (my oldest Nephew) what a surprise he is turning into a little man. I can't believe how much he has grown.

the first morning in town i woke up to Tyler playing on the stairs and asking me if i knew his brother (Austin)

the boys found some of my old art stuff at Grandma and Grandpas house, and Austin now enjoys drawing... i could swear only yesterday he was learning to write his name

Oh and there's my mom again, got to love her.

Aaron (my Brother) is doing great things and following his dreams to. his two beautiful boys and growing up to fast and I am just happy to have them in my life.

The icing on the cake was this really cool sundae dish from kyles parents, put to use right away. Well i came back to L.A. a year older and more determined than ever to make my dreams come to life. I look forward to everything the next year brings me, bring it on!

Santa Monica Pier

2009-04-16T20:01:00.000-07:00

Having mom in LA was the perfect excuse to take out my camera... Finally. For Easter we walked that pier and beach of Santa Monica. (Above: the Carousel)

me taking the typical self snapshot, using my awesome new on camera flash Gary Fong attachment... wow that's a mouth full.

My mother being her truly happy self, the nut doesn't fall far from the tree Ladies and Gentlemen

RIDES... what more could you want?

On the beach was crosses and symbols to memorialize those lost in the war

Mom in here natural habitat

Fortune teller in a box

All in all after working off the candy by walking all day and a bird misshape on the beach (love you mom) It was a great Easter.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

Some just aren't into Easter (like adders)... some really are, either way let me show you how i spent Easter.

Mom came to town
and chaos ensued.... and this is what we have to show for it

Take 1 fancy glass, 1 part Jellybeans

2 parts Pina Colada

and you get an...... Easter Colada.

that was just the Saturday night, stay tuned to hear about Sunday

Happy Easter Colada to all

PARK

2009-03-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

A few days back I looked up local parks to find one that we could maybe jog to; I found one a little over a mile away. That is pretty close to the place Kyle jogs to daily (he has a crazy amount of endurance) myself on the other hand, all though still giving jogging a shot, get winded going around the block. So rather than run we loaded up lunch and walked to the park for a picnic today. It is a really nice park, still not anyplace you would want to be stuck in at night though. It is pretty small compared to normal Colorado parks but it was so full of life. We obviously weren't the only ones with the picnic in the park idea, people were coming near and far bringing their mini BBQ pits and everything. we had a great time.

here is the proof that we really did get out of the house

And we couldn't forget the Addmaster3000...he was reunited with the mysterious and elusive squirrel. he enjoyed the walk and it was a beautiful day but by the time we got home that little dog was ready to sleep the rest of the day away.

for Kyle and I, our day goes as follows.

Make yogurt sauce

make pasta salad

pack a lunch and go to the park

make tamales

Drink Kool-aid

make a quiche

Drink Kool-aid

make grape leaves

Drink Kool-aid

make pita bread

do 6 loads of laundry

and I get ready for my Orientation for my new Bank Teller job tomorrow
BED?

Going to the Getty

2009-03-01T17:46:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went to the Getty with our friend Brain. /\
^

that is not Brian, that is a boy in a dress painted in Victorian times

Somethings are larger than life. and the small guy in front is Brain.

there is a great view of a hill vineyard

Picture of old men... the art seems as if it is looking at them and they are not looking at it.

I like that they must post no poking the art.

stairs to nowhere

view of the city

Tamales

2009-02-21T17:31:00.000-08:00

We spent last weekend making food, (yeah, I know) and you missed it. On the menu tamales!! Green Chilies, corn and pepper jack cheese with masa dough.

despite what it looks like I really did help make them
Show off!

See I really am a hard worker

In total we had about 30 tamales, 24 made it to the freezer, 6 went "missing" m'mmm.

The Spot and a Job

2009-02-15T10:56:00.000-08:00

A lot has happened since we last spent time together so allowed me to do a quick synopsis of the events you missed.

Mom flew in for lunch; We went to The Spot at Hermosa beach(as seen on the food network) All vegetarian. I had a Burger made of nuts on a nut and oats bun, it was good but by the end sometime you feel like a nut and sometimes you Don't.

As always it is great to see Mom.

...and that is about the only thing you missed

I did had a second interview before the Bank Teller position was discontinued... so close yet so far. In the mean time I talked to over 20 companies about job possibility's, Photo labs, Studios, Equipment Rentals, Production Companies... none of which are hiring and many have started laying off employees (but I am lucky to still have my foot in the door when they pick back up)... So in loo of recent events I have broaden my search, applying to Grocery stores, smoothie shops, Framing/art stores, and ice cream parlors. And I GOT A JOB.

I am now employed at Baskin Robins and am responsible for all 31 Flavors. the best part is it is part time and I can pursue photography on the other time.

a Job is a Job and i am happy to have it.

Dog days

2009-01-21T21:24:00.000-08:00

Interview 1 is under my belt, it was a group interview so I will be left waiting up to 10 days to hear back.

So in other news I was going to create an up date blog on how Adder and took pictures of him for a whole week, lets check the results. Note the grey thing is a space heater and Adders loves warmth

And that is Adders' week

Interview 1 (bank teller)

2009-01-19T20:49:00.000-08:00

So a girl needs to do what a girl needs to do. Wish me luck I have an interview tomorrow morning. This is not a photo job or dream of any kind but a bank teller opening. The way I see it there is nothing wrong with getting my feet beneath me. Make no mistake I am still a photographer without doubt, but in air of the clouded economy a job is a job. I am really excited and hope that I get it, learning something new is a hobby of mine. I have bartended, managed a bowling center, moved out of state; I know how to line dance, pack a bullet, and give speeches. I have many more things I want to know and managing my money better may be small but boy it is something. so cross those fingers and cross those toes cause here we come.

Back from the Holidays

2009-01-07T18:37:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone, it has been a while. First things first the hole in the wall was patched up and it hard to notice any difference. Now back to where I have been and why it hasn't been blogging. We just returned back to Los Angeles from Colorado where we spent the holidays. It was wonderful to be home and see everyone. we barely missed snow in Las Vegas, and arrived for the nicest weather Denver has had in a while. Although Adders still thought it was too cold. So let me show you what I've been doing starting at Christmas lunch at Mom and Dads.

My Nephew Tyler
and Austin

And my Brother and I

Us with Mom

Dad and the boys

Austins getting in touch with his art side

Tyler.... well i don't know what he is doing, but he is cute

on New Years Eve we through a small party with friends, but what is everyone looking at?Oh that's what they are looking at. here's Kyle and Dad jamming before we headed home This is the ice on inside window on the driving home through the mountains.

And here is to leaving Colorado

Oh and Adders is back in LA too but this time with what he thinks was his Christmas present. Our Space heater for chilly mornings. Also known as Adders new best friend.

and there's Us too

I want to extend special thanks to Kyles parents (two of the most amazing people I will ever meet). For everything, the comfortable bed to sleep in, a beautiful Christmas and opening your hearts to me. oh and having Kyle.
Also A huge Thank you to Mom and Dad (Jim) it was so great to spend time with you and it makes me realize how much I miss you guys. Christmas lunch was the best so far and it was good to hear that guitar again.

It was a great time so for all of you Happy Holidays and may the New Year be a good one.

hole in the wall

2008-12-10T15:05:00.000-08:00

We have a hole in our wall! Last night around 1:30 am we noticed water on our floor in the kitchen. about an hour before we heard water running that sounded a lot like someone was taking a shower in a near by apartment. Turns out the unit next to use is vacant and water must have been leaking, we heard the manager vacuuming and wiping things down than the sound no one wants to here POUNDING on the wall. A few moments later we get a knock on the door he said there was a problem with the pipe that connects between the 2 sinks and he would need to put a hole in the wall. NO NOT MY PRETTY TILE... oh well after about 30-45 mins he was done.

The problem was a small hole in the pipe about the size of a nail hole. anyway who says tape and trash bags don't fix anything?

Trip to Florida

2008-12-09T18:46:00.000-08:00

Wednesday I left to Florida to photograph my nephew Jack and see my step Brother Jamey and Sister in Law Jamie (I LOVE Them!!). The journey began with a stop in Colorado for a night to see friends, the sweet Chrissy D, Manda and Ryan. Hung out with mom too. Thursday was a lucky day when at the airport it started to snow and a flight at the gate that I was to leave threatened to delay my flight to Florida by over 2 hours. A quick change of gates and the flight left only a half hour behind schedule.

In the morning I saw baby Jack! He is growing up to fast and is adorable!!! We got a lot of real fun photos this weekend. Jamie girl also had an event with her and her company Confetti that she put together a candy bar for. I took a Real Goody bag home!! (thank you)

On the way home to Los Angeles there was another stop over in Colorado... when I landed I called mom to tell her we were in the same state. she said we are waiting for you. When exited to plane there at the gate was Mom and Jim. He was catching a flight for work and mom printed herself out a ticket (she works for the airlines) to get threw security so we could eat lunch together. That was a great surprise.

the flight home

Before leaving Jamie Girl and I decided to lend my services to the neighborhood families that had not had Christmas pictures taken. The appointments filled up nicely and I made enough to pay my half of rent and met some really wonderful families! It felt good to be taking pictures and although I am not really into retail photography I can't replace the joy of having the camera in my hands. On the flight into Florida I was siting next to a co-worker of my moms, a real nice lady. We talked about photography, and in that conversation I told her a lot about my dreams and passion for it, things I thought may come crashing down when college was done and I relocated to Los Angeles. I realize now even with a dead job market, in a new place with no job I am still just as passionate about photography as I ever was.

Skyfox Comes to Town

2008-12-09T17:22:00.000-08:00

A lot has happened in the past few week. lets start with the Sunday before last, my Friends from Skyfox (a great Colorado band) came into town to record their EP. It was a great day out, Hollywood Blvd. was having a Christmas parade and concert ( don't get to excited it was put on by Disney). T.P. wanted to see the real Freddy Kruger's house... which is a real residential house. I know because we tried not to be creepers watching the house as the daughter friend come over.

Lunch was at a hole in the wall Mexican joint that is the self proclaimed "Home of the Famous Flaming Margaritas" 2 of the guys tried them...both fruit flavored Very manly.

After that we headed back to the hotel that backed up into the Kodak Theater. Took in some kiddy music in the Disney concert, and saw the Hollywood tree in the mall.

Welcome Home

2008-12-01T13:38:00.000-08:00

so if you have ever wondered what the apartment look like and how we arranged things, hold your hats on cause this is the moment you've been waiting for. Drum room please. the Retro Kitchenwith mating dinning room

our Black and White bathroom

the office area

And the main room, our bed is the futon couch that is against the black and white striped wall. the Kitchen/Dinning room is the doorway to the right and the doorway on the left is the bathroom

Mom Comes to Town

2008-12-01T13:16:00.000-08:00

We picked my mom up at LAX at 1am Saturday morning after snow delays coming out of Denver. Lets say see really enjoys California weather right now.

After a quick night sleep we were off to my mothers favorite place in the world... the beach.

And there she is... doesn't she look happy? I told you it is her favorite place. Behind her is the Santa Monica Pier.

After walking around four miles may be more, it was time to sit down. We eat at a restaurant called "poon tai" (not a well thought out name) to watch the ugliest fish ever swim around and the server make a sacrifice of berry soda to her Gods. than it was back to the airport to drop mom off. It was great to see her and sad to see her go.

MOM

2008-11-29T09:56:00.000-08:00

Mom is here

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

MMmmm Thanksgiving again. It is skip breakfast to eat more at the feast of lunch, reheat or eat lukewarm turkey for dinner, leftover jello-salad for breakfast tomorrow, Turkey sandwich at noon, turkey and potatoes for dinner. By day 3 everything becomes one mash that is eaten daily until the beginning of October leaving time for everyone to forget how much the hate turkey by the end of November...Day.

My plan for the day
As most of you know Kyle is a vegetarian... No we are not having Tufurkey. On your fixed budget instant potatoes and boxed stuffing fallowed by easy bake snickerdoodle will do just fine.

Next year I may try and make a Turkey just for fun. I think it will be a themed: Hollywood Thanksgiving. Red carpet with a paparazzi wall, per-Madonna potatoes (young baby ones), the Hollywood hills of stuffing and a Turkey with tan lines and sunglasses.

I am Thankful to be here, Thankful that I have the love and support of family and friends and home in Colorado. Cheers to all

Joy of winter in LA

2008-11-25T20:22:00.000-08:00

Little flash of fresh happiness. It Rained in Los Angeles tonight. I love the rain

Table up 4 flights of Stairs

2008-11-23T13:36:00.000-08:00

So we started something new for the past three days we have decided to start running... with the wrong shoes on hard sidewalks. Needless to say it hurts to sit down, it hurts to stand up, it hurts to walk, it hurts to bend and walk up the stairs. So we bought 14 dollar running shoes! No giving up just whining!
Also let me introduce you to the kitchen, who has a new addition... besides being really cute already.

A Table This is the real deal, table, 1950's. I now for the first time since living with parents, have a real dinning room table. And it is AWESOME, not any table would do, we searched this puppy out and the wait paid off.

To break in the table I am putting out a call for new recipes. If you have any recipes please chip in and tell use about it. Thanks

Rubik's Cube

2008-11-20T10:23:00.000-08:00

Kyle learned how to solve a rubik's cube... I have never seen one that was finish that wasn't in a store. NICE. It still takes a few hours but he is in training.

Fires in California

2008-11-19T10:48:00.000-08:00

If you were concerned (i.e. mom) about the fires have no free we are in the clear. Like always at this time of year California has many fires burning. For 2 days the strong smell of fire lingered in the air as well as smoke felled sky that left everything in a brownish yellow tint. The fire is contained the smoke is gone and everyone breath easy.

On the upside of things Kyle meets with a few contacts today to get his foot in the door. Mom is planing a trip to come out for a day, I can't wait to take her around LA. And I am excited to take a trip to Florida and photography my sweet nephew Jack Jack. The hunt for a job continues with high hopes.

To the Library!

2008-11-14T20:26:00.000-08:00

Finding things to do... Yesterday we went to the Downtown LA Library. It has 4 below ground levels and 4 above and is one of the largest in the nation. Although worth checking out I wish the Photography section wasn't so weak. Getting there was another adventure, by Metro (Subway). Getting on is based mostly on the honor system and like the rumor has it the Metro here in LA unlike New York isn't very efficient. But hey it was worth a shot.

In other news Adders is back to normal weight and continues to eat his way back to health and then some. I am currently looking for work at Equipment rental houses, to become better educated on the newest gear. And Kyle put up his mini Christmas tree (pictures coming soon), I have yet to put mine up but it's still early. Oh and I hear it may have snowed in Denver?? let me know.

Dog Face

2008-11-12T20:22:00.000-08:00

So I found who Adders really looks like today. Gizmo or Adders whos who?

Just another day in November

2008-11-11T18:45:00.000-08:00

So the job hunt is a little bleak, life in LA without a car is not easy. My plan is to find a bartending gig to get my feet under me and save some money for a down payment on a car. Still i am very happy to be here though. It is an adventure everyday.

Again that is the apartment building

I am all for equal rights but really Homo milk can't we change the name :)

And in our building this is our fire alarm... in case of emergency we are... Fuct?

Around 4:45ish the building to the left of us (all you really see from our window) turned pink. i had yet to take in a California sunset, so thought going to the roof would be worth the time. Lo and behold it was great. i hope this cures moms ailing for a clear sky.

Little guy thought it was great too.

Other thoughts of the day are needed to do laundry, and what to do for Thanksgiving... I don't think we are doing Tofurky (Kyle is a Vieggie)... I am not a huge tofu fan. may be pizza :)

well anyway wish me luck and I will write soon

A few things from here

2008-11-10T18:29:00.000-08:00

Yep that is the 10 into LA through a bug splattered windshield

So here this is our building, it is a little dark but that is what you get with a little point and shoot camera. That is the moon in the upper left corner of the screen.

That's right I leave in a Manor :)

We have palm trees here... thats not normal for me, but I like it.

We went to the beach the other day

Eww pretty view!

Brought Adders, he liked it but it was a little windy so we put him in the bag

Why am i here?

2008-11-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

So this is my contact and tracking of my adventures in my life. As a recent college graduate in Denver, CO (where I have lived all my life) I decided to move to Los Angeles, CA. I know, I know big change, but i have big dreams of becoming a famous photographer and this city is the place to do that. Now join me on my journey as I pursue my passion in a big new city.

The adventure starts with myself, my boyfriend Kyle and his little doggy, Atticus. First on the to do list was the pack and move. There was a deal at budget on 16footers so we had way more room than needed.

Hitting the road early on Thursday Oct. 30

The first leg of the trip is taking on the Rocky Mountains and Vail pass.... We Survived

Stopped in Glennwood Springs and the Budget truck features Mr. Kyle and little dog face... Adders
And Here I am as the star of the Ford Explorer. ( oh yeah I am traveling to L.A. without a car with hopes of buying one when I get an amazing job.) And the camera that gets the job done for the trip... JVCLeaving Colorado on i-70 heading into UtahI had to take a picture of this and make sure I wasn't making it up.... HOLY WATER... yes you know you are in Utah when...I Drove Kyles car into old age

Lunch in at a gas station in Greenriver, Utah with a view... but didn't see any greenrivers

So there are pretty parts of Utah

Yeah just passing time being artsyThe BIGGEST bug casualty of the trip

If you look very close on the right side of this picture is the welcome to Nevada sign

Just take one guess what All those lights are off in the distance... Vegas

And this is where I parked after getting separated from the boys after a mix up trying to get on the highway after filling up the gas in Vegas...I don't really think I like this city!

So we drove to Primm to sleep.

Neither of the boys are morning types

yep that is where we stayed

Welcome to California

They say it barely rains here but it rained twice in the first week, once on the way in and a few days later, so that could be all the rain for the year

It felt so good to have everything out of the truck and in the 4th floor apartment that it never crossed my mind to take a pic of the building... so that will come soon

The boys... Sadly in a different turn of events Adders got very sick the second day and had to go to the dog hospital and stay about two days. he is back at home now and has been diagnosed with adisions ( he can't take rushes of adrenaline) but will be okay and just needs to take a pill everyday and gain some weight And I fit in the kitchen

So here we are.... California or Bust!