The San Diego Airport Story

"what do you think I should write about"
"me"
"what about you"
"That I'm cute and cuddly and adorable. I have three dogs, and an auntie and a grandma and a whole ginormous family" (Yes, ginormous is in her vocabulary)

This was my suggestion from P today. As we sit in the San Diego airport. Its funny how life imitates art as art imitates life. As she said this all I could say is, "that is just about all I do talk about, love." My good little traveler is continuing to read as I type which is not usually the case. She's much more likely to be watching netflix, creating epic sagas with her mounds of unusual characters in her room, or splashing in the pools with the dogs. It's a little funny to listen to her read the words as they pour out of my head.

Usually we are not sitting in an airport with 4 hours to go before our flight. Even though this week (that I'll recap in a separate post) has been a very busy one, and totally worth it. I could do without 4 hours at the airport. People watching does make it easier.

Airports have always been an interesting place to me, so much transition, so many people mildly anxious about their next step, about all the things that travel brings. New places, new foods, new sights, or smells. So many ready to go home, much like us, you can see it in their faces. Too much sun, maybe also a few too many cocktails. Recovering from days of rich food and super soft beds lead to feeling a little dazed while awaiting our boarding call. Looking for the comforts of home on the other side of this flight.

killing time

Among the typical airport chaos The World Cup is raging on behind me. While I'm not a soccer fan, the whole process is interesting. I'm glad so see the US doing well, and so many cultures brought together. The tiny airport bar, usually only frequented by day drinkers and business travelers that need use of their outlets, is currently standing room only as fans shout, gasp, and sigh with each turn of events. It makes me want to be more passionate about it, but really I'll probably just continue to admire those dedicated fans and read the recaps tomorrow online.

I think I like airports because of the people they bring together. So many faces, going so many different destinations. A million story-lines to be fulfilled. I'm really a little surprised there aren't more stories that involve airports and their travelers, it all seems so full of potential.

Putting my Best of the Best foward | Sunday Social

Hi friends, before we get started, will you do me a favor and go follow any one of my social media sites today; please and thank you... links in the pretty circles to the right ->

I'm joining Ashley and Neely with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this week!

1. What was your best birthday?
26 was pretty epic. Honey bought me tickets to Armin Van Buren in San Francisco and we stayed the night in the city, ate way too much great food. Really a perfect weekend!

2. What was your best vacation?
At 17 I went on a 2 week trip with my school, to tour Western Europe. I didn't know anyone and there were only a few kids from my school. It was an enlightening experience.

3. What is the best date you've ever been on?
My guy's 30th birthday. We spend the day with family, then got amazing sandwiches at our favorite deli, Guigni's. We had a divine dinner at Bottega courteous of a gift certificate. Then went to dance at Ruby Skye with 15 of our closest friends. It was 18 hours of perfection. 

4. What is the best movie(quality) you've seen?
I think Earth is the most beautiful and stunning movie I've ever seen

5. What is the best TV show ending of all time?

When Rachel got off the Plane! 

As always I hope you participate with us, I love reading these.  If you repost please be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my Sunday morning is now dedicated to couch time while reading all of these! Have a wonderful weekend. 

And then we all went POP

Last Saturday was one of my favorite parties of the year. Skills presents Pop 2014 The Dream   this massive event brings tens of thousands of music lovers together, for a night of glorious dancing, new connections and stunning lights. I would even call it a little Crazy.

There are many negative stereotypes and unflattering mainstream views of the idea of a rave. But in reality, there is something ethereal about events like this rave, party, edm event,whatever you want to call them. In my experience they are a blessed look at the true beauty in all people.

Everyone I met was offering bracelets, sharing stories, passing around water and checking on their fellow dancers. I have new instafriends, tweeps to follow and fan pages to keep up with. I am only now getting fully rehydrated and remembering each and every detail.

There were many things I want to dive into about this party, the memorizing music, awesome light show, and fantastic people... but there weren't the words. I could give you a play by play, my favorite song from each act, I can try to recall all the people we met, the thrill of having a VIP wristband and the wonder of getting to see some of my favorite people. I kept trying to find the words... and then went to visit the event page and found this:

I think this very well spoken young man hit the nail on the head. He speaks to why we attend these parties. It's about feeling accepted and fitting in, no matter who you are. People come with good intentions, people come to dance and laugh, people just come out. It's a wonderful beautiful sense of camaraderie. I feel blessed to be part of such a gracious crowd.

Okay I'll leave you with one song so you can understand just how awesome it all was. Here was the first tracks (one of my favorites) played by the headliner Dash Berlin:

A Tale of Threes - Sunday Social

Hi friends, before we get started, will you do me a favor and go follow any one of my social media sites today; please and thank you... links in the pretty circles to the right ->

I'm joining Ashley and Neely with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this week!

1. What are the top 3 things you can't go a day without doing?
drinking coffee, laughing, checking my phone 

2. What are 3 things that scare you the most?
losing someone I love, missing out on a great opportunity, not living honestly

3. What are 3 places you want to see before you kick the bucket?
The Tulip Fields in the Netherlands, Half-Dome in Yosemite, 

1 | 2 | 3

4. What are 3 movies you will always love?
Dirty Dancing,  The Family Stone, White Christmas

5. What are your 3 favorite current songs?

All of Me (Dash Berlin Rework), Baby Come Back (Kill Paris), and Tennis Court (Lorde)

As always I hope you participate with us, I love reading these.  If you repost please be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my Sunday morning is now dedicated to couch time while reading all of these! Have a wonderful weekend.  

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Letting the Crazy In

So Tuesdays tend to be my nights "off". P goes to grandma's and I get to focus on me a bit. My honey works until 10 or 11 so I tend to break into his house (also known as borrowing his keys, with his and his roommates permission) and hang out on his couch. With TV edited movies and sitcoms in syndication. I write and catch up with my favorite bloggers. I appreciate the quiet, and lack of obligation to clean something. So in tonight's glow of Big Bang Theory and getting snuggled by Roommates cat; I ran past the upstairs window to see people on the front stoop. Three odd nomads in from their migration of California.

As Arty, his roommate got home, and a few others came by, we were quickly settled to spend some time catching up and somehow got to telling tales from high school and college. Days long before we all knew each other. The sight made me chuckle a group of kids that never knew eachother then, that lived on opposing corners of campus, well and different campuses for most of us, who strangely seem to have similar stories to tell and views of the last 10 to15 years.

To be honest, we looked a little like the breakfast club sitting there. However there was one thing that we all seemed to have in common that held true. Social construct was not something any of us held ourselves to.We weren't the kids that wanted to fit the mold, we had no desire to plan pep rallies or make the Varsity squad in anything.We'd rather make memories and make things last.

We all spent weekends catching live shows in small clubs, really connecting with strangers, and trying things we may never get the chance to again. (Riding shopping carts down the most crooked road in Napa anyone?) I realized these friends now, like the friends I had in Highschool, taught me that I want to have memories. I want stories to tell my future teenagers that make them want to take a chance on themselves. Maybe go for a night hike rather than to the football game, pickup book instead just an iPhone, watch the sunrise rather than pass-out drunk at 2am. The best stories we had, the real memories, the things that made us smile were the things that started out as crazy ideas. Those moments that made the 'cool kids' think you were nuts.

POP - Sound go Round 2012

Even now, when I leave after a full workday bound for a full night in the city. Plan to go to the desert for 7 days with nothing but what I can pack. When my daughter and I wear feather boas and dance around the house. When I looked in the mirror, 7 years ago, and decided that I princess and I would be just fine alone. These are moments when I forgot convention, I skipped the hesitation that comes with being judged and I threw the door open to crazy. Try it! Next time the voice in your head proclaims "that's crazy" answer it with "that's what I like about the idea."

Getting a plan so we can organize our plan to plan

Source

Burning man shopping has commenced. Tickets have been purchased today and our tent, cot, camp stove, picnic table, sleeping bag, 2 chairs, and various LED lights are on their way to my house. I find myself focusing on the details on the things I can plan and prepare for. On the packing and the checklists... so many lists! I have Need Lists and Want Lists and Already Purchased Lists. Costume ideas,  food ideas, and shoes. Pinterest is a mess, my notebook is a mess. All I keep trying to do is get less messy and working these lists simply provokes more inspiration of more things to be done.

So where is the break in all this ranting to be genuine? I think I found it. I've realized I can ask all the questions, and read all the blog stories, and advice I want. I can absorb guidance from friends and family, and continue to mull over all my lists. I can be prepared physically.

When was the last time new experience you have absolutely no reference for?

However I have no idea what I'm getting myself into. Really no clue. I can't begin to imagine the smells, sounds and actual feelings of being there. I can't prepare myself for the emotions I'll feel. I feel like I'm going in blind and that part is really starting to scare me. This will be the first time in a very long time that I will do something that I have nothing in my past to really compare it to. 

So here I am terrified, of being exposed. Both emotionally and possibly somewhat physically, but openly exposed in a way I never have been before. That this may not be as amazing as the wonderful thing that I have imagined, what if it just isn't good enough. What if its not worth the suffering and I'm not the camper I used to be, and lack of pillow-top mattresses and overpriced coffee actually peels back my tough exterior to expose the city girl that lurks underneath.

I see it going grand. I think I'll be fine to camp and figure out how to make real food while we're there. I'll appropriately press my fashion limits to just beyond my usual level of comfort. I'll take the time to meet more new people than I usually would and find an easy way to get to know them in just a few questions. (suggestions are welcomed). And then there's a little question mark, in the very back of what if?

And all I have now is 6 months (TO THE DAY) to dwell on it.

Breakfast foods and getaways | Sunday Social

I'm joining Ashley and Neely with their link-up today for Sunday Social! Visit one of their pages to find the full listed of linked up blogs that participated this week!

1. What is your favorite breakfast food?
Huevos Racheros from Fume or a breakfast burrito from Golden Bagel 
(I'm too healthy for my own good when I'm home)

2. What is the best way to spend a free day?
 Hanging out with my TheDJ and my Princess. Walking the dogs, going out to eat, catching a movie. 

3. If you had an airline ticket to anywhere in the world....where would you go and why?
 Go visit my cousin and his new baby in Hong Kong

4. You can only leave the house with one thing...what is it?
Sunglasses I'm just miserable with out them

5. How do you take your coffee?
Black at home or a diner at Peet's its a latte with almond milk

As always I hope you participate with us, I love reading these.  If you repost please be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my Sunday morning is now dedicated to couch time while reading all of these! Have a wonderful weekend.  

Have a wonderful Sunday!

radical self-expression and self-reliance

Okay so I have one of my most massive bucket list items planned for this year. On the 20th of February I will be purchasing my ticket to the Burning Man Festival. If you're not familiar with burning man you can click the link to visit their site, but here is a quick synopsis.

source

Burning Man is an annual event and a thriving year-round culture. The event takes place the
week leading up to and including Labor Day, in Nevada's Black Rock Desert. The Burning Man organization (Black Rock City LLC) creates the infrastructure of Black Rock City, wherein attendees (or "participants") dedicate themselves to the spirit of community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance. They depart one week later, leaving no trace. As simple as this may seem, trying to explain what Burning Man is to someone who has never been to the event is a bit like trying to explain what a particular color looks like to someone who is blind.

So I guess heed this is a warning, this whole festival, and prep and planning and packing will be a big part of my life for the next six months. Which means you all get to hear about it. It is part of what is driving my urge to get organized and find new ways to STAY organized. 

Step 1- Paper and Pen - I am one of those archaic types that feels the need to write things down, it helps me remember and feel more productive. I just cant seep to keep focused using my phone's calendar especially since it seems to be all muddled up with Facebook events. So I opt for a non-virtual hardback planner. This is my third year with this brand & format. This design is apparently unavailable on line but the have several others. Isn't she pretty!

Step 2 - Gift culture and contributions.  There is a gifting culture of Burning Man, most vets will tell you the best thing you can do is a smile and contact, but most people hand out trinkets or small necessities while wandering the playa. Everything I've heard says First timers (like yours truly) really don't need to bring anything, but that's not really my style. I'm planning on carrying a bag with essentials to start (lip balm, sunscreen, dusk masks). Now I want to find small hand made gifts to share. Maybe something to help deplete my yarn collection. I made fingerless gloves for my man last year and might make a few different sets to pass out.

Step 3 - List the lists of lists - I have lists. EVERYWHERE. Amazon Wish lists, Pinterest boards, packing lists printed and taped to by camping Tupperware Tubs. I think the next step is to actually make a list of my lists. Sounds a little neurotic but when you live in the desert for a week with nothing but what you bring and or are given you'll really want to be prepared.

Do I have any Burners among my readers?

What would you like to receive as a random gift?

Is there anything you're checking off your bucket list this year?

Welcome to Sunday Social

I'm joining Ashley and Neely with their link-up today for Sunday Social!

1. Top 3 favorite kinds of food

Only 3? Hah!

a) Fancy Cheeses, I really love a good cheese board.(here's a way to make a great one: Anatomy of a Cheese Board)
b) Pasta my favorite is tossed with tomatoes, basil, olive oil and cheese. This may be worth a shot soon: Zucchini Noodle
c) Grapes (fermented!) well not just fermented actually, fresh and frozen are often part of my daily snacks.

2. First 3 things you do in the morning

a) let the dogs out
b) drink water
c) fire up the Keurig! mmm coffee

3. Last 3 things you do at night

a) stretch- these are great: Bed Time Stretches
b) drink water
c) put the dogs in their bed

4. 3 TV shows you NEVER miss. forget to DVR.

a) The Walking Dead, b) Parenthood, c) American Horror Story

5. 3 places you want to visit  
(again only 3?)

a) Australia
b) Italy (again so I can take Princess)
c) Africa

6. 3 people you can always count on

a) My momma -to make me a better mom
b) The DJ - to keep me from going batshitcrazy losing sight of what's important
c) James- for a cocktail, history lesson, or giggle

 If you repost please be sure to link up with the girls above. Part of my Sunday morning is now dedicated to couch time while reading all of these! Have a wonderful weekend.

Christmas Hangover

Hello,

Hope everyone's holiday was amazing, even if it was just a day off to eat Chinese. Ready for my post-Christmas confession:

I had fudge for breakfast. Well I had a yogurt and grapes after that, but fudge was the first thing I consumed today. It just sounded so good and is fantastic when it's fresh.

Now on to playing catch-up, we spend last Sunday to Tuesday in South Lake Tahoe. Tahoe is about 2.5 hours from Napa so it's a great getaway spot. If you've never been to the California foothills, definitely put it on your bucket list.We're lucky enough to have lakeside condos there to enjoy. Had to share some of the beauty

Our lakefront view

 On Monday we took the Hevenly Resort Gondola to the top of the mountain which allows for stunning views.

 There is a view point half way up with a great coffee shop and mimosas yum! Its a great place to stop and take pictures and just really enjoy the view of the lake. We spend about 30 minutes walking around and enjoying all the different sides of this view, they also had viewfinders which were fun for P; they helped her really understand how far up we were.

The one thing I didn't really get pictures of were all the tracks in the snow you could see from both this view and out the sides of the gondola car. 

We enjoyed trying to name them all, deer, rabbits, and what we assumed to be mountain lion or bear.

This is an adorable picture of my parents that I just love. 37years going strong and they make me so happy.

We all made it the 2.5 miles to the top to enjoy a beer and some really excellent garlic fries and a little people watching.  We all had a discussion on the groups of people filing in and out of the 1 door open rather than the 3 other doors available, and pure inability to hold doors for others. Funny the cold must have frozen off their manners.

After all was said and done it was a nice quick trip to the snow, I'm not a huge cold fan so just a few days was great. However I do wish I had more excuses to dress P up like this. <<
We also enjoyed a dinner of Prime Rib and a fantastic bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from 1982 to share. I caught up with some cousins I almost never see anymore and had some quiet time to stitch'n'bitch with my cousin lola.

Hope everyone's holidays were wonderful also, I'd love to hear all about it. Back to work next week and planning a fresh start to the new year!

Did you travel during the holdiays?

Plane, train, or automobile? 

Are you a fan of snow?

The happiest season of all - just try to catch your breath

My coworker just found out there is a town named Center Sandwich in New Hampshire... We are now making plans to go there, sit in the center of town and eat the center of a sandwich... I think the holidays are officially affecting our sanity. 

In the wine industry we are currently  nearing the end of OND (October, November, December). I have prepared for this season reorganized my files and stocked my desk with sparkling water and Larabars, found extra care for Little P and have countless to-do lists floating around. This is crunch time were incessantly busy for 12 weeks trying to process thousands of orders and ensure every single customer's Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Kwanza, Christmas, and New Years tables hold the exact perfect wine to make their holiday season.

Yountville's newest #charliebrowntree

Please don't take this all as a bad
thing. Its my favorite season at work really. I thrive on chaos and constant movement, and in January when it's all said and done the members that call us back just to say thank you for our recommendation, sweet note, or extra-effort that helped their family celebrate the way they should. Which helps but doesn't completely account for the stress, because there's still a bit of a disconnect. So on Monday our team took a mini field trip out of the office to the overpass we're closest to in Yountville. Under the overpass is the sweetest little scraggly tree (fern?) that seems to have been there forever. We felt the sweet little tree needed some love and decided to do something about it.

How do you all spread cheer this time of year?

What is your busiest time of year? 

Where is the strangest city name you've heard lately?

Californian: Let's go to the Beach in October!

As of October 22, my honey and I have been together for 2 years officially. It doesn't sound too long, but it's the longest relationship I've ever had, and the least difficult (which is probably what attributes to its going so well). Regardless our adorable obnoxious success I came in here to express one of the most glorious perks of being a Californian: Nearly year round beach trips! We snuck off to Sea Ranch which is on the Sonoma County Coast, just south of the Mendocino County Line.

Found it!

We had a wonderful relaxing few days and I just have to share so I can brag about the beauty of our coast:

Stopped on the road just for this great shot.

Shell Beach in Sea Ranch

I love tide pools - so much going on!

What's an anniversary without bubbles?

Stunning place for a panoramic

Celebrating the wonder

Thank you for indulging me while bragging about sharing our recent get-away.

Whats your favorite get away spot?

When was the last time you put your feet in the Ocean? 

Which ocean?

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