Life's Uncommon Events

Surprise Dessert at Sushi Lunch!

2010-09-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

So I was having a nice huge lunch at RuSan's in Alpharetta at the sushi bar, enjoying my food! After wrapping up and waiting for the check, I see one of the guys behind the bar hand over this awesomely sculpted creature made from an orange! My eyes lit up and my face was just beaming with laughter! I've never seen something so cute, with a tongue sticking out at me! I couldn't tell if it was a duck, a mouse or a pikachu!? Whatever it was...it definitely made my day! :) And the orange was juicy sweet, domo arigato!

Petaled Pillow Puff

2010-09-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

I saw this on JoAnn's project site the other day and thought it was precious! I really want to try to make one of these, especially in different colors! That would make any bedspread just pop with those soft shapes and puffy textures!

Draw what you cook!

2010-09-10T06:08:00.001-07:00

I thought this was the cutest way to visually display recipes! Here's a link to www.theydrawandcook.com that has more for you to check out! I hope to include some of these types of illustrations in my Sketchbook Project soon.

Wacky Contest Day!

2010-07-29T09:44:00.001-07:00

I thought this would be a fun creative juice flowing day! Ever since I woke up today I knew I had some challenges to face...getting a new website up and pondering the future. I found this awesome site, www.bludomain.com that hosts really cool Flash sites for portfolios and such. And since I am low on cash, I'd figure I would bank in somehow with winning either a free site or freebie in their hourly contests celebrating their 7th birthday!

The first challenge was to take a picture of yourself with a 7 on your face written in lipstick. Submitted photos had to be 125 x 125 pixels. Prize: Free site + New pair of Nike's from nike.com!

My face is up on their blogpost, but not a winner! :( http://www.bludomain.com/blog.cfm?postID=627

My 2nd challenge has been to take a picture with 7 articles of clothing. Photo should be 500 px high. The prize is a FREE site, and a bose sound dock station! Please note, this is all improv, while I am at work during my lunch break...

Far from a Manic Monday!

2010-07-27T12:55:00.000-07:00

Even through the sudden thunderstorm yesterday evening, I was able to catch up with my time at the studio. I have a few projects to get started on, but I want to begin my painting with a peaceful scene. I know it needs more work, this is just phase 1: blocking in color. I need to go buy some more oil paints!

My inspiration for this painting was from a photo I took on the train ride from Newburyport into Boston last week.

Lobstah Rolls in Bahston!

2010-07-22T19:18:00.001-07:00

This picture does not say justice to the delectable sweet taste of the plump chunks of lobster in this Lobster Roll! I was in heaven when I took that first bite. This is just one of the many highlights from my most recent one week summer vacation with Matt's family.

We enjoyed watching the Red Sox win against the Rangers behind home plate! While in town, we also went to the Museum of Fine Art Boston, and hit up the North End for authentic Italian and gelato!

We got to relax at the beach at Plum Island, and the peaceful Lake Ossipee in New Hampshire. The best of both worlds. I couldn't ask for a better vacation!!

Refresher!

2010-03-26T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hello folks! As you can see I've changed up my layout a bit on my blog to freshen up the site. I hope it gets you in a sprightly mood! I can't wait to post some fun stuff that's been going on, super soon!!

More paintings

2010-03-23T11:50:00.001-07:00

This is the nude I worked on last Monday evening. I was happy to get it to this point, even though it looks almost unfinished. I experimented with colors all across the palette, and tried to bring a looser style to the canvas.

I Painted...

2010-03-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

This painting was my latest commission for my fellow co-worker, Aisha's lovely condo. Her bedroom space has lots of open light and she wanted something with impact that had splotches of color incorporating tones of lavender, white and silver.

Using her beach picture from her recent trip to Puerto Rico as inspiration, I transformed this landscape into an abstract expression that could take you beyond the beach.

When I arrived for the installation, I had it on her bar counter, so I could sign it. And while it was upside down, turned sideways, we looked at it twice and saw a totally different light in the work, and decided to hang it on her wall sideways. I think it expresses itself even more as an abstract piece!

Her room has luxury meets modern lines, with a beaded headboard, mirrored nightstands, a refinished antique dresser, and the most glamorous chandelier dancing above.

Cupcakes for all Occasions!

2009-11-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

So, I admit I got a little festive with my dessert dish for Thanksgiving this year! I went with a basic yellow cupcake with assorted decorations for the toppings! From turkeys and pilgrim hats , to fall scenes, these cupcakes utilized some different concoctions of ingredients I'm not used to using! I got some inspiration online and found that different sweet treats can be used to create fun shapes! Can you figure out every kind of candy/sweet I used?

Sculpturades!

2009-11-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

So now I think I'm addicted to playing with kneaded erasers now! I am starting to understand Matt's fascination with the maleability of such a substance! I've taken one to work and make myself sculpt at least one object, person, or animal a day to keep my creative juices flowing! As you can see through these pictures, I got my hula girl going *no that's not a stripper pole* and my gobble gobble turkey for Thanksgiving tomorrow! Stay tuned for more random creations!

In the Big Easy Baby

2009-11-25T19:58:00.001-08:00

Matt and I decided to make it a little tradition for ourselves to take a quick weekend trip right before Thanksgiving every year! This time last year we were headed down to Bradenton Beach Fl, but this go-round we detoured to Jackson, MS and New Orleans! It was my turn to show him my stomping grounds from the places I would go during the earlier years of my life.

We stayed in the lovely Le Pavillon hotel, which is a historically French landmark built in 1907 It was just 6 blocks from the French Quarter. It was quite fancy with the doorman greeting you outside in tails and gloves and top hat. Too bad we missed out on their traditional 10pm PBJ's and hot cocoa!

We found ourselves at Cafe du Monde for our daily beignets and cafe au laits! Sooo yum!

We hung out a bunch at Harrah's to watch the games, gamble a little, and ate at so many good places! (Mothers, Jacques-Imo's, Central Grocery, Bourbon Street!) We got to see a little bit of the North End of the city while we passed by Tulane, the huge mansions on St. Charles Ave, and the Real World House! Next time we'll be sure to hit up Willie Mae's Scotch House, ACME Oyster Bar, and take a carriage ride through the French Qtr!

Thanks NoLa for showing us a great time! We can't wait to come back!

The Color of Changes in Time

2009-11-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Matt and I decided it was time to cruise up to north Georgia and check out what Momma nature has been doing to the scenery up there. Of course with my crazy polarized sunglasses they made everything look twenty different shades of neon colors. Imagine if I sported 3-D glasses? I think my eyes would have blown up.

The crisp cool, but sunny weather was perfect for a top-down ride in the coupe. And I couldn't ask for a more beautiful day to end the relaxing weekend. The way the sunlight hit the trees created such a surreal environment. It was such a good idea to get out and enjoy being outside! Here's a shot of one of the outlooks we walked down to at Fort Mountain State Park near Chatsworth, GA. I advise you get your butt up there before all of the foliage is gone! Here's a site that stays updated you can check the best places to go.

We're taking jumping pics to a whole new level...

2009-10-05T09:53:00.001-07:00

Last summer a group of us made a deal to all scare ourselves crazy and go skydiving to celebrate Maggie's grad school graduation! So...a year has passed, and look how we stuck to our guns! A few of the folks in our group fizzled out of the deal due to previous plans and unexpected happenings, but it's all good! I give mad props to my girls Pauline, Maggie and Erin for sharing this experience with me! I couldn't have done it with out your positive spirit and sense of adventure! Thanks to Skydive Monroe for allowing this thrill and above all, keeping us safe!

Pauline and I paired up and went first up in the tiny King Air plane with no seats. As we felt the vibration of the engine and the propellers through the floor of the plane, we were so nervous as we lifted off! My face went from super excited, to totally regretting my decision. I felt waves of vertigo as I looked out the plane, thinking to myself, "What the hell am I doing?!" As much as I didn't want to go first, my tandem teacher and I crawled over to the edge of the door, and pushed me out on the count of two. The feelings of freefall were just overwhelming. I felt scared, but invigorated, I couldn't breathe, but I could scream. There were baby pellets of sleet hitting my face during our 47 seconds of freefall!

As soon as the chute opened, it was a huge relief knowing that we'd be safely floating down with a wonderful view. Awesome Bruce let me steer the parachute and pointed out the Atlanta skyline, Stone Mountain, and the Athens area from a birds eye view. Once we landed safely on the ground all I felt was just a sense of accomplishment and a pure adrenaline rush!!

It felt like everything just happened so fast. It's kinda like life, that is why you have to be passionate about what you want to fulfill those unforgettable moments! This experience is something you just have to live, and its impossible to really describe it. Never in a million years did I ever think I would do this. But the opportunity came, and its finally checked off the list of my things to do in my life! Our next years fall endeavor: Horseback riding in Napa anyone?

This is why I snooze...

2009-10-01T09:04:00.000-07:00

So they say your creative prowess peaks for those crazy, crafty folk around 11am and 10pm. But I find my most creative time of day to be late night! Clearly last night I reached my "wide-eyed and bushy-tailed" mode between 12am to 2:30 a.m. I'd been working on this painting for my mom's birthday for about a good solid 4 hours, and I am regretting not having taken a picture of its progress from Monday night.

Anyways, after meticulously painting til the wee hours of the morning, I finally stepped back and came to terms of a final stopping point! Here's a detail shot of what I think looks like Where's Waldo when he was 8. Happy Birthday, Mom! Hope this Venetian canal scene brings back fond memories from our Italy trip several years ago!

Holy Smokes Batman! (and Robin)

2009-09-08T10:20:00.000-07:00

I suggested posing with these g-string and tights-wearing superheroes when we were at Six Flags this past August! This was the first time I'd been here since the Batman Ride was the newest coaster on the block (that's like 10 years ago at least!).

Below you can watch as Matt and I ride the Batman coaster 3 times in a row. Talk about making up for lost time! It was so funny, because after the 2nd time, I was like: "Again! Again!" Matt goes, "Are you serious?!" I ate my words, because after we got off I thought I was seriously going to get sick. I'm never doing that again! Matt, you're right this time!

I had so much fun living it up like we were kids again! Screams and all! This time, though, I had some good whiplash-aches the following couple days. I'm getting elderly!

The Finishing Touch

2009-09-08T10:04:00.000-07:00

So the time's finally come to celebrate Mrs. LoPilato's birthday! A few weeks ago, I presented the painting birthday to her, sketch-style (in the back parking lot of Sugo restaurant like we were smuggling stolen art from the Louvre!) When I showed it to her, she was just so surprised she had tears welling up, which made me tear up a little too! I was explaining to her the process, and how I got wonderful help from Cat on building out the frame! I would say that this was a successful project! I can't wait to see it up above their fireplace! I will update with a final picture of it in place!

Family group picture at Sugo Italian Restaurant in Duluth.

Matt helped buy the framing supplies as part of the gift. Haha he's carrying a to go box!

Holy Moly! Lobster Ravioli!

2009-07-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

After Matt defeated me in a tennis match on a hot muggy July evening, the last thing I wanted to do was come home and cook an elaborate meal. But why sacrifice the palette of delectable cuisine, when you can heat up a hearty and tasty dinner in a matter of 10 minutes? I'm not talking about anything instant like mac-n-cheese or ramen either...

So, I did a little research online and found that you can get super reasonable and delicious lobster stuffed ravioli's from Trader Joe's at $2.99 a pack (in the coldcuts section). I grabbed a bottle of creamy alfredo sauce, and a batch of fresh asparagus to complete the menu. I threw in some crushed red pepper flakes, garlic salt, and italian herbs to my sauce for a zesty kick with a spicy lingering aftertaste. I threw the seasoned asparagus on a evoo coated grill pan and grilled them up! In about 10 minutes, everything was ready!

It was so yum, that it got another "add it to the list"! I think anything that gets added to the list will be blogged about! Hopefully it'll keep you reading for more simple dinner ideas!

Panini Bikini

2009-07-14T12:52:00.001-07:00

I told myself yesterday that I was going to blog about panini's! My whole inspiration came from one of those moments when you happen to surprise yourself of your own capabilities! This one sprouted from the cooking department.

So, the other day, Matt and I were contemplating on what to have for lunch. At first we thought, "Mmm Panera sounds yum!", but since we're trying to manage our budgets, I volunteered to make our own paninis! It was actually pretty simple, and not expensive at all! I just bought some Foccacia bread from Kroger, threw together some frozen grilled chicken strips on the skillet and seasoned it, put some provolone and spinach in the bread and pressed it on the grill pan for 15 secs on each side. I even managed to improv a mayo concoction of lemon pepper, garlic salt, and a drop of white wine vinegar so it wasn't so dry! It turned out to be pretty tasty. I knew it had to be good once I got the "Make sure you add this one to the list!"

I'm soon to try the chocolate/nutella panini. That just looks sooo delish! Maybe I'll give Athens' former Uncle Otto's some credit and add some banana slices!

Refound Passion

2009-07-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

It's been since Jan since I've posted anything. Life has been good and oh-so-crazy! With each and every day there is always something going on in the different avenues of my life! I wanted to share with you my most recent musings in the art department. Through my good friend and mentor at work, Mary Erna, I have found a new safe haven to persue my passions in fine art and painting. Here at the mueo studio, I've found myself losing track of time painting and sharing good company with like-minded folks who have this instinctive need to create. I know this sounds self-indulgent, but whenever I come here, I feel like it's a getaway from everything and I can clear my mind and really focus on improving the way I see.

The current painting I am working on now, which captures the treelined pathway at the Champ Elysees, is actually a surprise b-day gift for Matt's mom. I'm somewhat happy with how it's turning out with the texture and monet-ish qualities. But I foresee at least 4-8 more hours of work into it until it's done! Check back and I'll show you a progression from beginning to framing it at the end!

Blue Skies and Green Pastures

2009-01-14T22:22:00.001-08:00

I know it's been like decades since I've posted! The beginning of this year has already been extremely jam-packed full of fun events and busy schedules... but, I feel like with this new year ahead of me, I want to take the time to really embrace NEW opportunities each month. I've made it a goal to try at least something life-changingly new. So far, I have scoped out what adventures await me...

Jan: Figure drawing classes, Kansas City trip, Wailers Concert
Feb: Enota Sweat Lodge, Columbus trip?, Delta Spirit Concert
Mar: Snowboarding in New Hampshire
April: Charleston, maybe a 5k?

Even though those might not sound like super life-changing occasions, I've never been to any of these places before... And I think going to new places, seeing new cultures, and experiencing new environments can really bring out something surprising in you. It's all about keeping an open-mind...exploring...and most of all, learning.

So watch out 2009!! I'm coming full force and ready to pounce with sweet ambition! Moo.

Belay! Belay On!

2008-12-14T18:20:00.000-08:00

I'm really surprised I have never gone rock climbing back at Ramsey after having adventuring out to Atlanta Rocks this weekend! It's so much fun getting to challenge your mental strength and physical endurance to get to the top. We had Maggie, our certified climber, help guide us with move strategies and for belaying our butts!

After learning "the ropes" we got checked by Mr. Shady Instructor Greg that we could tie the correct knots and belay others to be able to climb the wall.

Here's a nice action shot of Matt attempting his way to the top! There were so many ways to maneuver up the wall, but only so many routes to get there by using the right nubs. Stay away from the brain nubs!

My favorite part, but Leslie's absolute worst, was coming down from the crazy tall heights. Make sure you trust your belayer before flying back down the wall! Commitment issues? What??

After much fun and laughs, I know I will definitely be back for more...as soon as my wrists and arms stop quivering from our initial rock climbing session! Climbing! Climb on!

4th & Swift Birthday

2008-12-14T17:53:00.001-08:00

For Leslie's birthday this year we tried a new place for an urban, yet intimate dinner, 4th and Swift. The loft-style atmosphere of this restaurant evokes a contemporary flavor, as their menu brings the freshest local ingredients to the table.

We all were excited to try a new spin on the entrees that have been known to be American staple comfort foods, like Fried Pickles and Truffle Devil Eggs. Not only did we have a cozy space to celebrate birthday times, we also got a first-hand view of the kitchen team artfully concocting our gourmet eats!

There's our food all lined up to be served!

I ordered the super delicious Bank Diver Scallops with Pumpkin Risotto, topped with pumpkin seeds and golden raisin pesto. To top off our palette for dessert, Leslie shared her wonderful log of Toblerone (under the table)!

Louleepalooza Time!

2008-12-08T22:01:00.000-08:00

Cheers to Louisa and Lee's Birthday! The Back to the 70's & 80's theme brought us all back to the days of tacky, neon-colored apparel and retro hip beats! With full decor in check along with a decent amount of booze, we had some good times bringin' it back to the days of our youth.

We had moments of laughter and nostalgia as we had some interesting party moves from folks that like to strip, to kids that like taking chocolate peppermint schnapps shots. Ugh!

It's crazy to say that the clothes we acquired for our gettup are being sold in retail stores today as everyday wear! Whoever wears this stuff normally kinda scares me?! Stirrup pants. Really?

Gobble-dy Wobble-dy!

2008-11-28T15:02:00.000-08:00

This year our Thanksgiving was spent at home, here in Atlanta! We had our immediate Mississippi crew come up for some yummy eats, followed by shifts of local visitors to share our thanks!

Stacey tried out her new Cupcake Heaven caulking gun and made the most beautiful and quite tasty Red Velvet cupcakes from scratch! I had one for breakfast the next morning!

Our family got to meet Kevin's family this year, and we all shared a long-lasting Thanksgiving lunch feast! We all went back for seconds, and had tons of desserts! I think we'll be eating the leftovers for the rest of the weekend! My all time favorite would have to be my mom's Broccoli Cheese casserole and the yummy smashed sweet potatoes with marshmallows!

Kevin's sister, Nancy, and her boyfriend, Craig.

Little Anna devouring the yummy cream cheese icing!

Beachbound

2008-11-28T13:50:00.000-08:00

What a better way to break up the frigidy cold fall air than to take a hop, skip and a drive down to the Florida gulf! Matt and I took a long weekend down to Bradenton Beach to soak up some rays and live it up with all those retired old fogeys. Boy do they live the life!

We had perfect weather (maxing up to the mid 70's), fresh seafood, and beautiful views outside our villa. We even got to take our new rollerblades for a spin! And I kinda think we might need new ones... after I kept getting shin splints!

Overall, it was a great getaway that ended way too short. I had the best time getting to know a new beach, and of course, a new friend.

Viva la Vida!

2008-11-17T10:43:00.000-08:00

Coldplay, my all-time fave band from forever ago, blessed us with their amazing presence last Tuesday! Of course, my trusty Coldplay partner, Laura got ahead of the game to make sure we got tix on time. Their playlist was a great mixture of their old stuff, with some of the new album songs. Chris melted me when he played Green Eyes with just him and the piano under the spotlight. Way to bring it back...old school.

So we were trying to "call" which song they would encore with. Lars totally thought it was going to be Shiver, and I was pretty definite it was going to be Yellow. I mean come on, why else would I wear that color sweater? I do have to say that although this year's concert was definitely shorter than the other one we'd gone to, I'm definitely glad I went! It was an awesome time!!

Don't forget the pots!!

2008-11-10T18:50:00.000-08:00

So our first annual non-turkey Thanksgiving get together has finally passed! We had much fun at Leslie's hangin and grubbing out on our collective pot luck, with dishes traveling all the way from Athens! (which happened to be the source of inspiration from The Grit).

Martha sported her readiness (see fork in pocket) to munch down on the yummy food! For apps, Matt and I pulled a rebellious move of bringing a party platter that had BOTH cheese & meat!! We also had yummy spinach artichoke "dip on a ship" and Tomato, Feta, Basil soup. Pauline and Maggie went all out with the casseroles, salads, and some awesome improv YAMS! Heyyy!

For dessert we had "light" eclair treats, and rice krispies, and of course...the gingerbread pots!!! (I'm not going to even talk about the neglected pumpkin pie.) I'd have to say everything turned out great! We had more than enough food, good laughs, and great ideas flowing about how we're going to help Leslie work the corner with bake sales, bedazzler hats, and airbrush shirts!

At least that midget's massive fro helps with his height!

2008-11-10T18:12:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a fun-filled time to catch up with good friends and just kick-it. My good friend Laura came up to the ATL so we could celebrate her recently passing the Bar!! Awesome, I know! Now I can have a lawyer for the next time I decide to steal a scarecrow!

So we got to hang out with Thomas and watch Georgia barely win vs. Kentucky! I swear I thought it was going to be another upsetting repeat from last weekend. I am disappointed in you GA! But at least you pulled it off the last minute. Just my style!

To begin the night of celebration, Laura totally deserved a delectable Asian sandwich! With a bloody mary on the side! Tasty!

So apparently, random strangers like to think we'd have beautiful Hasian babies? Thanks, I think, Miss Kroger Bakery lady? Awkwaard!

This was the midget who would not let his vertically-challenged-self lose out on the night scene. I think he had fun livin' it up, throwin back the fro wit style! Crazy dude. Totally made my night!

When Nature Calls

2008-11-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

It's been since this past summer that I've gotten a day to get away and absorb the yummy smell of the outdoors at Kennesaw Mtn. With the weather being so gorgeous in the middle of fall, I couldn't resist the urge to be free within nature's boundaries. The vivid colors of the sunkissed leaves lined the path to new possibilities and a new season.

Here's to bringin' new friends to play in nature's element! Next time we'll make sure to find the top of the mountain! ;)

Gnilleps

2008-11-10T16:33:00.000-08:00

Asian Cranium Domination time! Pauline and I finally worked our way to getting another Asian team together to challenge our unbeatableness. Of course this was just a training session so we'll be ready to conquer all of those amateurs in the near future! This pic was when the newbies were trying to spell "incognito" backwards. I like how Stacey has to look up, and Kevin has to keep his eyes shut. Nice methods.

Stacey and Kevin, Cranium virgins, basically went through the whole stack of Red Data Head cards, friggen braniacs! We found their weakest link was Star Performer and the Word Worm! After lots of laughs and last minute wins, we totally had them beat! Of course, we challenged ourselves even further and offered them a sudden death round. Whoever lost the next card, lost the whole game. Let's just say it was good practice. :)

I like how their identifier card was totally random and sitting on the kitchen counter. What the heck is a persimmon anyways?

It's Tricky to Rock Around!

2008-11-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

So this Halloween we got crazy and dressed up to make total fools of ourselves. That's all halloween is about, right? My understanding of Halloween costumes is that it's the only time for for chicks to be excused for lookin like complete ho's! And of course, my costume of Eskiho fulfilled that. At least I wasn't the only one! I would have to say my faves were: african baby mama, jamaica-mon, lance armstrong w/steroid shots in his arse, and a whoopie cushion.

All in all, we had a blast getting to live it up incognito, and bust out some moves! Of course we made Maggie detour to the closest Chinese restaurant for our night cap! What else is better than BBQ Corner II at 1:30 am?! That was the best dinner I've had in a while. Wonton Noodle Soup & Soy Sauce Chicken Mmm!

Karma Chameleon

2008-11-08T07:43:00.000-08:00

So I know this is long overdue, but I promised I would post pictures from the crazy scarecrow stealing night! We were contemplating whether to dump the body in a dumpster out back, or to dress him up in a hawaiian shirt and a straw hat, and put a sign on him that says, "Back from Vaca!" But our instincts kept telling us to do the right thing, and apologize and return him to his rightful owner. I know this is a lame ending to the story, but I just know my karma has to be in less jeopardy now that we attempted to correct our drunken foolery.

So along with my guilt and embarrassment, Chris was a lot more devastated and shameful of the whole happening at work, so we decided to play a little prank on her! We got a guy friend to call the office, ask for her, and say he was Sargeant Jones from the Alpharetta Police Dept. following up on a complaint of stolen property to pick her up and take her back to the station. Of course when she answered, she was freaking out with sweaty palms, and the biggest shock on her face. Talk about priceless. Yay for Friday Pranks!

It’s like having a little pet for your face.

2008-10-31T06:16:00.000-07:00

What's a better way to celebrate Halloween eve than a nice cold beer break after work! We just popped over across the street, at SmokeJack, to get into some fun lovin' happy hour times. According to the beginning of the night, we planned to take it easy and just chill...but you know plans like that never stick especially when there are mustaches involved.

And apparently right now there is a 6 ft, 70lb. man laying face down in overalls in my truck as we speak. I don't know how to get rid of the evidence of our shenanigans? That's what lunch break today is for! Pictures of the hostage are soon to follow... stay tuned!

Today's Blue Light Special, Aisle 13: Fishing Rod Poles

2008-10-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

So we had a wonderful long weekend in Charlotte to veg out and do what you're supposed to do on the weekends: Find that quality time with lost long buddies...and of course, watch the Dawgs kick ass! While reconnecting with Amstel & Chris, we got to do some yummy dining, and had a lil too much fun at Black Finn at the Epicenter. This aftermath pic was from the elevator that seriously looked like a padded room.

Yesterday, we had a great time chilling outside, eating lunch in the sun, & planning our next getaway. While we were famishly waiting to eat our yummy cheesesteaks at Laspada's, we couldn't help but stare at our server's lovely tattoo. Who gets Mr. Potato Head tattooed on their leg?? Wow.

GD Reunion Time!

2008-10-15T09:41:00.001-07:00

United at last! It's been three years and way too long for all of us graphic design gals to finally get together! We had a blast catching up with each other's lives. It's so much fun to hear the stories about life after slaving away til 3 a.m. in the Tanner building. We got to reconnect and reminisce on all of those crazy parties and delirious nights of huffing spray mount. From the nights when we would jump the curb on the north deck to avoid the parking fee, to the eclectic folk we would always meet at Helen's keg parties, to the trips to ERC, to the totally inappropriate music we would play for Ms. Roberts...I'd have to say we had some really great times. But we still have no idea who it was that hooked up on the couch down in Tanner, for them to buy and replace with uncomfortable Herman Miller plasticware!? It must have been hot and heavy for them to get rid of that couch.

Lost in translation

2008-10-14T12:35:00.001-07:00

So it's been like two weeks since I've been back from our wonderful trip in Spain. I've come back wondering where I left off from. I'm still not back in the flow yet. I have been living so in the moment to find something to distract me from going back to the basics. It seems like while I was on the trip I really got to experience life on a simple note. Wandering around in a foreign city can really help you know yourself. You trust your instincts, trust your perfect strangers, and trust that everyone is all in this together.

I am grateful that I got to immerse myself in a totally different culture, except it's really not all that foreign. In reality we're all humans, doing our thang. Living life. Language isn't that huge of a barrier either. You can totally get by with just gestures and facial expressions. The only difference between us and the Catalan is our environment. This different world boasts a fusion of local and ancient history, where the architecture is amazing and so unworldly compared to our straight angled structures we pass by in our cars on the highway everyday. I've learned to appreciate all of the design that was put into their city planning. Little details, like the Gaudi street stones, just flaunt unique charm and character. And why can't we have roundabouts to replace all stoplights? Yeah, some dummies might get turned around and keep going in circles, but at least everyone is always moving. Constantly moving.

2007-10-01T21:25:00.000-07:00

Velkomen!

2007-10-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

The sights and sounds of nature are so calming, especially if you get to watch the sun set over a quiet and restful horizon of mountains. The beauty of everything that is existing around you keeps you humble and appreciative of your life. Knowing that these events in nature happen everyday in beautiful, remote areas makes you wonder...where have I been this whole time?? It lives on constantly, and awaits your next visit from the busy city life. I can't wait to share this experience with new people! They will understand where I'm coming from once they are in nature's element.