2008: The Year in Review

2008 was full of lessons in heartbreak. Career wise, very successful. I got promoted to Account Executive in June. Responsibility wise, very successful as well. I got my very own place, decorated it my own way and brought home my very own puppy, Sir Gordon Snacks a Lot. I got a Mac Book for Christmas. Oh which reminds me, (my apologies for being so rude, I've been really putting a lot of thought into this blog entry...)I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and before I forget, allow me to wish you a very safe and Happy New Year.

Ok, now where were we...oh yes, the successes of the year. Mexico, building that house was a big success. My 25th Birthday was the best yet to date. Jay-Z concert, I would consider that a success. My first big event at work, bringing in $271,000 worth of publicity in two months, major success. Gossip Girl, just because I love it so much, I will consider it a success. Winning 80's Prom Queen at Renee's birthday party, an evening to be remembered, for sure. Running in the Race for the Cure, better than I thought I was going to do. Thumbs up. I tapped into my creative side, liked it. Spent lots of time at the beach, which HAS to be considered a great part of the year. Becoming a proud owner of plants, shall we say....developing my green thumb. All plants are alive, check check check. Being in the LA Times (even if the photo looks like I'm about to throw up), that's not a thing people get to really achieve in their lifetimes. Oh, yes, speaking of achieving...the weave. Lived through that.

Obama, although I can't take all the credit for that one.

I tried SO many new foods this year. Seriously, that was my New Year's resolution for 2008 and I totally succeeded at that. Pretty good over all. Now I don't even want to get to the not-so-much-successes part but it must be done, I suppose.

I'm not sure if I've ever addressed this but I broke up with my boyfriend of a year and a half back in September. I know, a shocker, right? It rocked my world, too. Now at this moment, I would love to talk about how there are no hard feelings and we are still friends and so on and so forth, which was the case until some information recently...let's say...presented itself. I thought that guy and I would be "boobies" for life. But I recently had a meeting with the Boobie board (that would be Miss Sienna Miller, Sir Gordon and myself), and we decided that he needed to be stripped off his membership because Boobies don't cheat, especially not on other Boobies. It turns out, he just wasn't the person I thought he was. Which really is a damn shame, because I thought he was pretty fantastic. But no regrets, right? Regrets are only mistakes we don't learn from. I learned from this. The lesson? If he does it with you, he'll do it to you. Without a doubt.

But as we like to say, everything happens for a reason, right? And people in your life are seasons. And I got to revisit a season after my break-up. The season of The Bear. It's incredibly refreshing to be with someone that I trust whole-heartedly. For the past few months, I'd been trying to figure out what exactly it was about Bear that made it feel so different. It came to me the other day, it's this certain calmness that I have never experienced in my love life before. I'm liking it, and no worries, I'll be sure to keep you updated ;)

So there it is, my dears. My first Year in Review.

Can I add this blog to my list of successes? I think so.

To 2009, cheers!

Valley of Fire : Brag Book

Last weekend when my Dad and Stepmom were out for their Christmas visit, we took Sir Gordon Snacks a Lot on a trip to Valley of Fire. This made for a fantastic photoshoot day and I just had to post some on here to show off a bit. (God, can you imagine if I'm this obnoxious with my puppy, what I will be like with my kids??)




And this one was just taken at lunch today, a rare moment:

The Happiest Place on Earth

On the 5th day of December, 2008, my family made our annual trip to Disneyland. This has been a family tradition with my mom and I since I was 7. You see Pep never got to visit Disneyland until she was 40 so we've been making up for lost time ever since. My darling Lisa G. accompanied us this year as she had in many years past.

I'm not sure if you've ever made it to Disneyland during the holiday season but it truly is even more magical than usual. The Haunted Mansion is transformed into the Nightmare Before Christmas and it even snows on Main Street during the final fireworks show of the evening.

I admit it, my eyes water when they send that single shooting star over Sleeping Beauty's castle...just like in all the movies when I was little.

There is something about Disneyland that makes you believe that it really is the Happiest Place on Earth. Photo coverage below.

The Hope is Still Alive

I'm Sleepy

I have had one of the longest weeks of my life and it's not over yet. I had my first big event on Tuesday night and it was a total success, I am happy to report! We got a TON of media coverage, the entertainment was FANTASTIC and it was like 72 degrees the whole night.

So now it's Friday but feels like Thursday because I have to be at a shoot tomorrow morning at 5:30 a.m. and then back for a radio broadcast at 3 p.m. That will not stop me though from having somewhat of a Friday night though by meeting the girls at Lindo Michechan for some fideo, quesadilla and of course, a margarita or two.

Since this is just a mini update on ME, I decided to include a bonus by posting a really cute photo of Sir Gordon above.

Have a great weekend my friends!

What Happened That Night

So, as previously mentioned, Lauren and I were out in Denver for Halloween. The Wiz had a party at her house and Lauren and I ended up playing a classic game of High/Low with Cookie Monster and Elmo (we went as Daisy and Donald Duck BTW), actually, let me explain that first...we had borrowed these costumes from Double L. These things are so large (and in-charge) that they required their own giant red SUITCASE. So as we were checking them in Vegas, Lauren said, "Wouldn't it be funny if the ducks didn't make it there?" Can you guess what happened next?

We arrive in Denver and get our suitcases but no ducks. There was another red suitcase that hadn't been picked up going round and round on the carousel so we assumed that the owner of that case had taken ours instead. So we took matters into our own hands, pulled the other red suitcase off and proceeded to call the woman whose number was listed on the baggage tag. As Lauren is leaving a message, I say "Tell her there are giant ducks inside" and I am dying laughing, which causes Lauren to start laughing and THEN come to find out, that lady just hadn't picked up her bag yet so we left that message for nothing. So we have to file a claim, etc. etc. and when the guy asks me if there are any unique contents inside, I die as I say, "Um yes, two giant duck costumes." They were delivered safe and sound that night to the house.

So, back to Cookie Monster and Elmo high/low face-off. I am HORRIBLE at this game. Seriously, if you're ever looking to get me plastered QUICK for whatever reason...pull out a deck of cards and challenge me to a game of high/low. For the life of me I could not guess higher or lower or red or black for HALF THE DECK. I took down a full pear cider in about 3 minutes and this was after I'd already been drinking. (and yes, I am getting somewhere with this story)...

Daisy and I had to escort one another to the bathroom to assist getting out of these duck costumes. So here we are, a few hours into the night, I unzip Lauren and go to lean against the wall. Now, you know how when you're drunk, you don't gently lean into anything, you fall into it, well come to find out, this wall that I went to lean against...was actually a shower curtain. So back I went, duck feet in the air, using my elbows to break my fall. And seriously, that duck butt saved my life, I would've done some major damage to my tailbone had it not be protected by feathers. So Lauren is trying to pull me out of the tub with her duck costume around her ankles, both of us are crying from laughter (and some pain on my part) as someone comes to open the door which sends us into even more laughter. Then having to come out and explain "what happened in there?" to everyone.

I couldn't bend my elbows for three days. I'm surprised I don't have a photo to post here to show you b/c that is totally something I would do (see my first crash post). But the elbows are healed and the duck costumes are safely back with their rightful owner.

I love Halloween.

Did You Know That My Little One is Getting Married?

It's true...in just 24 hours, The Giz will become The Wiz. And I couldn't be happier for her.

Lauren and I were out in Denver for the long Halloween weekend (we made it long by taking off Friday). We had booked these tickets a month a half ago, before the little one planned on getting married. It was THAT quick and at first I was a little concerned (I tend to be a bit over-protective of my B.F.F.s) but after spending three full days and nights with them as a couple, I realized that it's THAT quick because it's THAT real.

Josh is Linzi and Linzi is Josh. Linzi and I have been friends for a long time and I have never seen her this happy. I thought only I could make her laugh like that :)

Now, the Wiz is getting married this Saturday in Red Rocks in a small ceremony and I will not be there. This breaks my heart. I had asked her if she had wanted Lauren and I to change our tickets to come out this weekend instead of last but she explained that what mattered to her was that we got to spend some quality time with them as a couple and really get to know who THEY are. And that we did...

We got in Thursday night and all went to have Mexican together and then went to this drive bar called Mozart's Lounge. Friday they had to go to work so Lauren and I spent the day in LoDo eating lunch, shopping, talking and drinking Starbucks (if you just added Big Buck Hunting in there, it would be all of our favorite things). Friday night was Halloween (more coverage to come later). Saturday we ate and shopped around. Saturday night we went to Rock Bottom downtown and then to a bar called Double Daughters where I proceeded to drink TWO drinks containing 17 different libatations. Sunday we met up with my dear cousin Andy and I got to meet Teagan, his little pug puppy.

The moments that meant the most were the times when it was just the four of us (Linzi, Josh, Lauren and I) driving around and listening to Kings of Leon and the times when we just sat in their backyard swinging on the hammock with a beer in hand. Just living their life with them.

And what a wonderful life it will be.

Those of you who know me know that I am a sucker for romance. I have been planning my big day in my head since age 5. I want to get married on the beach. I want 3 kids. And I can now add one more thing to that list...I want a man who looks at me the way Josh looks at Linzi.

So I toast...even though I cannot be there tomorrow, I will be there in spirit. And I will be there for the ceremony in the Fall and every step of the way up until that day and beyond.

Josh, I am so happy that you will be part of our little family. That is all I will say for now because I am saving the rest for my speech next year.

I love you, Giz Wiz...Congratulations!

Vote.

Ode to Lisa G.

One of the my B.F.F.s was out here this past weekend and I told her that on Monday, I was going to post a blog just about her because she is officially the #1 reader of Heart Shaped Cut-Outs of Cheese, so this here...is my ode to Lisa G.

Lisa G. and I met waaayy back in 1995 in 7th grade band class. We both played (or pretended to, at least) the clarinet (that is until my case was invaded by fire ants due to a (presumably) FAT kid stuffing chocolate in the velvet casing the year prior to my rental, I digress...) Lisa and I always got lucky with our schedules and had a number of classes together. In Science glass, I used to share my Starbursts with her. I confessed a number of years ago that I was actually just passing the red and yellow ones off to her since they weren't my favorite but nonetheless, it brought us together.

Lisa came over every day after school and it's a damn shame that my mother reads this on a regular occasion as well because I would just LOVE to tell you all the trouble we used to get into together. But don't worry, ma, most of it just consisted of listening to punk rock and sitting on the driveway.

Here are some memories for Lisa and I to share together. Now I realize that most of you will not understand but HEY! don't get upset...this is an ode to LISA after all. Ok here goes...

Lisa G. What up Girl?! MXPX, Backside Ollie, The Huntridge, Camping in Newport Beach, Disneyland, Walking to the movies, YOUR BLACK TRUCK, my head breaking the whole back windshield, Corpus Cristie, TX trip, Me getting so drunk and then so sick in Andy's car and us going to NY, NY at the crack of dawn the next day, Courtney's house and the night of the jeans, Your blue Koston's, 90210, The beach, the beach, the beach, You going to D.C. with just Carl, Jeremy Chilton, Michael Jackson "brace yo'self!", Happy Campers, Jesse Hidemma, i.d.s taken in SD, You passing out, The trailer, Notes passed back and forth in the halls of Brinley Middle School and Cimarron Memorial, Stevie and Gustavo, N*SYNC Pop Odyssey Tour (do you remember that message Justin left on your phone singing Dirty Pop?!?), Elton John complete with OUTFITS and GLASSES, In N Out's potato stop, Mega Mixes Vol. 1-245 with me talking to you in between songs, 25th Birthday party and the night of the flower (see above), Tye dye tanks, disc golf, 4th of July, Party of the Duffy Year One and Two, Big Buck Safari....

The best part is those last few mentions happened just recently which just goes to show that our friendship continues to be the source of so many unsurpassed memories.

After all...there are good times and then there are good times.

I love you, girl.

Meet Katie, the World's Pickiest Eater

Some of you may be wondering why there is a photo of me at age 3 above (it's not just to show off my wicked bowl cut), those of you who DO know me, know that that picture is there because I eat the exact same things today as I did then. No joke.

I was at Panda's wedding last month and was talking to Chloe's husband, Alex, and brought up the interesting FACT (notice that FACT is capitalized) that I am the World's Pickiest Eater. Now most people will argue with this FACT, saying "No, no, my brother Joe is the world's pickiest eater." To which I reply with, "Oh yeah? Has Joe ever been hypnotized to get him to try new foods?" Oh no? That's what I thought.

It's true, Pep had me hypnotized at age 18 in the hopes that I could be tricked into trying new foods. My poor mother was worried sick about me because my diet consisted of mostly yellow foods, no greens...anywhere...I'd never eaten a salad. Lettuce? Ick. Get. It. Away.

I do not know if any of you have ever been hypnotized but it actually is a cool experience and depending on the person, it can really work. I went in and talked to him about why I think I'm such a picky eater, how I can just assume that I won't like a food, why I want it to change, etc. etc. I then came back for a session and the magic began. His whole line was "Freedom from control, equals choice." If I gave up the need to control what I would eat/try, then I would have a whole world of choices. One of my complaints going into the session was that I was tired of eating the same 5 things (grilled cheese, chicken fingers, plain pasta, pizza and seafood which I've never had an issue with, oddly enough.) The session worked, I listened to my tape every night before I went to sleep and before I knew it, I was eating Macayo's salsa and Olive Garden's salads. (progress, kids, progress)

So this all lasted a wonderful month or so until I went to visit PY in Philly and forgot my earphones. I was forced to listen to the tape aloud with giggles the whole way through. That was the last time I listened to it and I have since searched for it but alas, no luck.

Let me give you some examples, in case you've never been out to eat with me and this way, if somehow, someday we DO go eat together, you will expect this...

In N Out: Grilled Cheese Plain, just the cheese and the bun

Any Chilis, Applebees, Fast Food Joint that I want a chicken sandwich from: Um, can I please get a #7 plain just the bread and the meat?

Macayos: Plain cheese quesadilla, no sour cream, no garnish (garnish?!? gross.)

Jimmy Johns, Subway, Port of Subs, etc.: Turkey and provolone on white. No, nothing on it. "Nothing?" Yes, nothing, now please just give me the damn sandwich and be happy you didn't have to pile a bunch of stuff on it.

Paymons Mediterranean Restaurant: Just hummus, please.

Catching a trend here? I think you get the point. In my defense, I've improved A LOT over the past year or so. Work has made a huge difference since somehow I have fallen into this PR food/restaurant niche and take journalists to restaurants I represent on a fairly regular occasion. When a journalist is reviewing a restaurant, typically the chef will send out a tasting menu. I want my client to get a good review so I can't exactly turn down anything. Hence, I have tried fried alligator, chilled pea soup, caviar, crab cakes and a ton of different barbecued meats. I also had my first bite of steak this year.

Baby steps. Baby steps.

Lipstick Hottie

As a T.G.I.F., I decided to post a photo of the sexiest guy on TV right now. Robert Buckley and trust me, the name does not do him justice. He plays Kirby on one of my favorite shows, Lipstick Jungle. Hubba, Hubba ladies...brace yourselves...


Yeah...I knew you would thank me :)

Knochers' Ingredients for Happiness

This was the first weekend in awhile when I really started to feel like myself again. I had someone ask me what I like to do on Friday night and I explained that I was recently rediscovering the answer to that question. I started to think "what makes me happy?" and I came up with this list which includes the big and little things in life that tend to make my day in one way or another (in no particular order).

1. Friends. Saturday night we had game night over at Lauren's house and I get more excited for those activities these days than going out raging at the bar. The atmosphere of just a few friends, some good ol' beer bong, dogs running around and lots and lots of laughs.

2. Family. I don't know if you know this about me but I talk to my mom on the phone at least three times a day. My cousin is coming out this weekend and I am overwhelmed with excitement. My dad and step mom are coming out in December and I cannot wait to show them my humble abode. I'll add Gordon and Sienna here. Sienna, if you know her...you understand when I say she is in charge. Gordon has just become the best companion and has truly filled a void that I don't know what I would've done without over the past month.

3. Movies. I friggin' LOVE going to the movies. I see everything (I saw The Women, OK?) I love almost everything I see, if you can entertain me for two hours or so...I have no problem handing over my $8.

4. Letters. It's funny, over the past two weeks...I have picked up three pen pals. It started with my baby intern that moved away and then my Bookie in Florida and then my dearest Lisa G. wrote me and just like in high school (like she said) I wrote her back right away. There is something about getting a letter, card or package that really makes things so much more sincere and personal.

5. Music. I know this is a big one for everyone. Music + Dancing can both go here. I am your typical pop-loving princess with a strong stripe of hip-hop in her blood. Jay-Z, Kanye, Biggie...give it to me...JT, Britney, Rihanna, Elton...anything I can move to. Recently, I've been in a throw-back kind of mood listening to my own personal classics like The Get Up Kids, Saves the Day and Coheed and Cambria. Those albums conjure up such nostalgic feelings.

6. Big Buck Hunter.

7. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with multiple cheeses.

8. Baking. Cooking. (for sure Pep is going to comment on this one.) Over the past year or so, I've taken up a little cooking and baking. My list is still short and simple but I really do enjoy actually following a recipe and enjoying it. The past two Sunday mornings I have made blueberry muffins. I love blueberry muffins.

9. Stargazer Lillies.

10. The beach. Anytime of the year. I mean of course I prefer to spend 8 hours basking in the sun and the sand but even a short walk in December barefoot in a hoodie does the trick. I breathe so easily by the ocean, it gives me a sense of calm I only feel in those moments.

11. Domino Magazine. Rolling Stone. US Weekly. Entertainment Weekly.

12. My job. And I realize that I am really lucky to say that. I work in a fun environment surrounded by creative people who are all very driven. My team is small and personal. I feel very accomplished for such a young age.

13. Joe's Stone Crab. If I'm ever mad at you (which I'm sure I won't be), this is the place to take me to to make up for it.

14. The MAC Counter.

15. Traveling, trips. I haven't been fortunate enough to travel anywhere outside of the United States other than to Ensenada, Mexico on a cruise or two but I love taking trips. Lauren and I are going to see The Giz and my cousin at the end of the month and I've got a countdown on my Google page for it. I love experiencing different places and this passport is burning a hole in my pocket.

16. Decorating. The condo I am in now is really the first time I've had a blank canvas to work with and I've really enjoyed pulling this place together. Especially over the past few weeks when I have really gotten creative with the crafts (inspired by Nie).

17. Golden Spoon.

18. Reading. I do more of it in the summer but I am trying to make it a year-round thing. I love getting wrapped up in a book. My favorite one I read this year has to be The Time Traveler's Wife. Seriously, pick it up if you haven't already.

19. Gossip Girl. At least until LOST comes back in January 2009.

20. Pictures. Taking, looking, creating, hanging, posting...

21. New outfits.

22. Wine.

23. Road trips with mix c.d's themed for the car ride.

24. Clip-art based work emails with Lobo.

And of course....heart shaped cut-outs of cheese.

Don't Vote?

Here is to me hoping that at least five people read this post.

Burton Does Alice in Wonderland

So I may be behind the times in getting my little hands on this information, but I just read this...

Alice in Wonderland by Tim Burton: filming begins
By Anita Singh, Showbusiness Editor
Last Updated: 12:01am BST 26/09/2008

A Hollywood version of Alice's Adventures In Wonderland has begun filming in Cornwall, with newcomer Mia Wasikowska, an 18-year-old from Canberra, Australia, in the title role.

Lewis Carroll's much-loved tale is being adapted for the big screen by US director Tim Burton.

Johnny Depp will play the Mad Hatter while Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the stars of television show Little Britain, have been cast as Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee.

The film, titled Alice in Wonderland, will be a mixture of live action and computer-generated effects. It is due for release in the spring of 2010.

Burton's previous box offices successes include Edward Scissorhands and an adaptation of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The Mad Hatter is one of several roles that will keep Depp busy over the coming year.

He is reprising his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in a fourth Pirates of the Caribbean instalment. It was announced yesterday that he is to play Tonto in a Disney film version of The Lone Ranger. The tale of a masked hero and his Native American sidekick started out as a 1930s radio serial but is best remembered as a 1950s television show starring Clayton Moore and Jay Silverheels.

Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter??? Wow. That is as good as the rumor of Depp playing the Riddler and Phillip Seymour Hoffman playing the Penguin in the next Batman movie. Although this is no rumor, kids.

"Let's all congratulate us with another cup of tea
A very merry unbirthday to you!"

The NieNie Dialogues: An Inspiration

My friend, Chloe, suggested a blog to me recently called the NieNie Dialogues. Over the past week, I have saturated my time with this blog. Chloe suggested I start from the beginning and I did, September 2005. I read three years of someone's life in three days. I couldn't wait to get up in the morning just so I could log on and read more. This woman is not much older than I (27) and lives in Mesa, Arizona with her LOVING (that word is in caps for a reason) husband and four beautiful children. She is a stay at home mother and one of the most creative people I have ever, well I guess, read about. This woman puts Martha to shame.
Now, if you know me...you know that I tend to become obsessed with things pretty easily. After reading Nie's life...I think it's safe to say that I am in love with her and her family. She has inspired me and made me realize what is important in my own life and the direction I want to be headed.
Unfortunately, Stephanie (Nie) and her husband, Christian, were in a private plane crash on August 16th. Both were admitted under critical condition although he is doing much better now but suffers 30% of his body being burned. Nie is in a chemically induced coma with over 80% of her body burned. It is going to take months and months and dollars and dollars for them to recover. Her four children are with her sisters now.
I have been praying for their family and have not been able to stop thinking about their situation over the last four days. When talking to friends and family about it, I describe her blog as the best book I've read all year.
I highly suggest it to you.
http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/
(Sorry I haven't figured out how to insert links quite yet)
Also, if you would like to check out the recovery site which is also incredibly moving it is here
The recovery site talks about her family devotion and eternal romance. I couldn't think of two better ways to describe it.
My thoughts are with the family. I hope they get back to afternoons of cookie baking, evenings of dancing and birthdays of balloon wishes as soon as possible.

Change.

Maybe it's that the first day of Fall is on Monday. Maybe it's that some important things in my life have recently changed. Maybe it's my 1/4 life crisis. But what I can tell you, my friends, is that I am no longer blonde.

I'm not crazy about it, either. I'm not unhappy. I think right now I'm just not recognizing myself but I am not sure how much of that has to do with my hair color. I will tell you that I'm SO tired of explaining "Why", people are just fascinated with the idea of doing something so dramatic I guess. I think I'm going to have it lightened when I go back in October.
Speaking of change, I have been considering moving out of Las Vegas recently. When Jenner and I were on our East Coast trip, it just reminded me that there is so much more out there than neon and desert. Don't get me wrong, I am FOR Vegas but I've been here for 18 years now. I've never lived anywhere else in my adult life. So I went on this site called "Find Your Spot". It's really cool, you just answer a bunch of questions about what you like to do, what kind of environment you want to be in, what is important to you in life, etc. then they give you a 24 places that fit your criteria.
So without further adieu...Here is my list:

1. Portland, Oregon
2. Honolulu, Hawaii
3. Santa Cruz, California
4. Alexandria, Louisiana
5. Seattle, Washington
6. San Bernadino, California
7. Charleston, South Carolina
8. Santa Barbara, California
9. Little Rock, Arkansas
10. Charlotte, North Carolina
11. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
12. Jacksonville, Florida
13. Palo Atlo, California
14. Ventura, California
15. Greenville, South Carolina
16. Augusta, Georgia
17. Baltimore, Maryland
18. Chesapeake-Virginia Beach, Virginia
19. Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
20. Hartford, Connecticut
21. El Cajon, California
22. Gainsville, Florida
23. Sacramento, California
24. Nashville, Tennessee

I feel like I should make it a goal of mine to at least go visit five of these places. I've always wanted to visit the Northern Pacific Region, Hawaii...um yes, please and South Carolina because I know good people who came from there.
You should try it, friend....go on www.findyourspot.com and let me know what you find! Maybe if we match, we can make some plans.

VMA 2008: Re-Cap

The MTV's VMA's have always been my favorite awards show. I was lucky enough to live it live last year. This year I snuggled up on the couch with Sir Gordon, some cheese and a bottle of Pinot Noir. I tried not to get too excited about the much-buzzed about Britney opening and PY was a little disappointed that she held the mic directly in front her face so you couldn't see her mouth but I explained to her that it's just because she's used to the headphone microphone. Russell Brand was "OK", I expected more and I keep trying to figure out why MTV has become obsessed with having British VJ's within the past year. I digress.

Brit Brit had been nominated 16 times for a VMA and had never won. However, she SWEPT this year with a total of three wins including Video of the Year. I thought Larry Rudolf was going to break into tears and she seemed very humbled. It may have been a confidence boost from the network that exploited her for so long but I like to believe that most people want to see her make a comeback.


I'm not sure if you know this, but The Jonas Brothers are Gordon's favorite band and he was kind of let down by their performance of LoveBug. Made him kind of sleepy in fact. Though he did get excited when they pumped it up a bit and all the kids rushed the stage.


Lil' Wayne REALLY needs to do something about his pant sagging.

My friend Chris suggested he visit this site in fact http://tightsag.wordpress.com/

Tokio Hotel creeps me out. I would include an image of them here but I don't even want them on my blog.

Kanye closed the show this year with a performance of his new song "Love Lockdown" which reminded me of The Olympics. He did well on his own which I was happy with since I was not able to be there to perform with him this year. I really like the new song. Notice the heart on his jacket is breaking for me.


Overall, I would rate these VMA's with a B+.

A Fix

Until I can get photos from my East Coast trip from Jenner (I lost my camera, R.I.P.), this is just going to have to do....

http://renz-o.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!

Michael Phelps Wins The Gold(s) and My Heart

This is the first year that I have been interested in the Olympics. A lot of it has to do with Michael Phelps, Morgan Freeman's Voice and Visa.

I have become obsessed with watching this man compete. Last night I fell asleep on the couch and every time I woke up, I asked Jenner, "Did I miss him?" Luckily, no, I woke up just in time to see the U.S. break the world record in the 800 meter freestyle relay in under 7 minutes.

Jenner was out at a local swim shop yesterday and found this shirt

We are going to purchase them in bulk.

Sienna the Stalker

So week two is going well at the condo. Last night I got the most sleep yet (6.25 hours!) and we are about 65/35 with the potty training. We visited Uncle Darb and Aunt Allie over at Pep's last night and the little guy is still tuckered out from all the excitement.

The picture above is how it is most of the time that we are all in the same room together. Gordon has taking a liking to Miss Miller's toys and to her. He never closes his mouth and thinks her tail is the best thing since Puppy Chow so he's gotten punched a number of times this week. Not that that matters though since she is declawed making her paws like little pom-pom puffs of cotton.

He's Totally Worth It.

Tax refund. Stimulus Check. Drive to California. No sleep. Pick up poop. Potty pads in my new house. Sienna living in the closet. Sick. Pick up poop. Wet dog food. No sleep. Petsmart. Biting. Chewing. Crate. Whining. Crying. Pick up poop. Baby gate. Toys. Bones. Barking. Pee. Bargh. Chasing. Laundry. Pick up poop. No sleep. Heart and soul.

Unconditional love.

Sir. Gordon. Snacks. A. Lot.

Meet Gordon

It's official. This is the little fluff monster that will be coming home to me one week from tomorrow.

(insert ohhhs and ahhhs here)

Today I leave for the beach with the family and we're making a stop at IKEA on the way back to get some last minute items needed for my place. I make the big SOLO move next week. I get the keys on Monday and need to be settled by Thursday.

I am also making this post a CALL FOR MOVERS. I've got some hefty items that I will need some assistance with on Thursday. All you need to volunteer is a muscle or two and a smile. I'll provide the beer :)

I Heart Pep

This post is dedicated to my mother who made the adorable puppy cupcakes pictured above. These puppies (haha) were a big hit at the shower last weekend.

I love you, ma. Thank you for all that you do for me.

I know I'm worth it :) J K J K!

Two Degrees of Lohan

So last night I decided I was 21 again and went to the new QUACK! Pool Party at Palms Place. They fill the pool with thousands of rubber duckies. Samantha Ronson (Lohan's are-they-or-aren't-they girlfriend) was Dj'ing and I was out with Lindsay Lile so therefore, I was pretty much partying with Lindsay Lohan last night.

Happy Birthday America Re-Cap

It was a dream come true to have the 4th fall on a Friday this year for everyone in the corporate world. I took advantage of it by avoiding the 115 degrees heat and heading to Costa Mesa, CA to visit B.F.F.'s Lisa and Clayton for the long weekend. Boyfriend and I showed up around 10 p.m. Thursday night to a tie-dye party. Awesome. It was dark which made the mystery of how our shirts would turn out even more fun. Props to Hille for the originality of that one.
Friday we rode bikes down to Newport Beach and WOW. I have never seen anything like it. I've never done Spring Break but I would imagine it's just like this. The sidewalks were packed with guys and gals in nothing but their bathing suits and streets were closed for all the bikes. We made a stop on the boardwalk for an afternoon Corona and ice cream cone before relaxing on the sand.
Saturday was spent snacking, boozing and playing Cranium until we went to this bar, Avalon, for THE BROWN BAG SPECIAL. That's right, kids, a 32 oz. of Miller High Life for $5.
Sunday we went to the "Second Oldest Frisbee Golf Course" for a quick game. This was my first game of Flof and I've got to admit, my aim was pretty off at first but around Hole 4, I started to get the hang of it. I figure this was good practice for...GORDON!
Oh yes, the puppy update. I pick him out on Friday and he should be here around July 25th. Puppy shower is this Saturday, coverage to come.

It's Hot Here.

That is what I am officially blaming my lack of blogging on.

25 and AE

First, my apologies to my loyal readers (yes, all three of you) but things have been a little hectic in the valley. I had a little storm cloud over my head for a few weeks that included trying to move out on my own with no money and not one, not two but THREE flat tires in TWO weeks. I also continued my jet setting affair with California with a trip to San Diego for the big 2-5.
This is where things started to look up. We went to a Padres game on Friday night (wow, the 51's had made me forget what actual fans can be like), Gordon was born on the 6th, June 7th was spent getting a massage at The Four seasons (Thanks, Lobo!) and relaxin' on the beach. That night, we went down to The Gas Lamp with my favorite couple, Lisa and Claydoh, for some margaritas and cheese quesadillas at Fred's. Afterwards, we headed to 'The Bitter End' which is now my favorite bar in the whole friggin' United States. Once they found out it was my birthday celebration, they comped us a bottle of champagne and we took over the third floor that had this really cool library feel complete with plush chairs and a fireplace. Stayed there until closing time and then walked the streets and ate some pizza.
Dress above: courtesy of boyfriend. Flower above: courtesy of Lisa Marie.
Sunday was Oceanside which I won't even get into, I'll just say...I still hate Oceanside.
Hitting 25 was the first time I felt like it was SERIOUS. And for good reason because just a few days later I was promoted to Account Executive.
So my 1/4 life crisis seemed to turn around after all. Stick around, kids, it should be a good year.

Well, That's Unfortunate

So Jenner and I made our big debut in The LA Times this past Sunday. DJT is one of our clients at the agency so we sat for the photo shoot. And they used this photo. Fantastic.

I won't be surprised if The Donald calls me with the two dreaded words of 'You're Fired!'

Save the Date

What: Puppy Shower for Sir Gordon Snacks A Lot Knoch

When: Sunday, July 13 at 1 p.m.

Where: TBD

Why: Oh, this really shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who knows me.

American Boy

I haven't loved a song this much since Jesse McCartney.

Best Cupcake Picture Ever.

It's Like a Jungle in Here!

This past weekend, we took a trip to Southern California for Lauren's birthday celebration and a little R&R over the three-day break. We had quite a few birthdays to celebrate which all turned out to be a success.

As a surprise for my upcoming birthday (June 7....mark your calendars, readers!), Lisa took me to her favorite local nursery to get some plants for the pots we had bought in Mexico after Habitat. Her place is AWESOME with many-a-different plants and she has become a house plant expert because of it.

I picked out the three above and turns out the hot pink one is on the tropical side of species so I'm trying my best to fake it out about living in the desert by spraying it down with a water bottle multiple times a day.

5 plants, a cat, and a puppy on the way...I've got a whole lot of life in my hands.