Friday, April 30, 2010

Home Alone


This weekend for the first time since I moved in, I have the house to myself. My roommates are both headed out of town, one to Redlands, CA and the other to Joshua Tree, CA. Yet, I'm excited that I have a pretty jam packed weekend planned. Tonight I'll be home alone and just plan on perhaps opening a bottle of wine, taking a bath and getting to bed early with a new book.

Tomorrow morning at 8 am my official marathon training begins!! Woo hoo! I'm kinda nervous but anxious to meet other runners and the coaching staff too. There will be a few clinics and then we'll run a mile altogether. I am really hoping that I can get through the mile without too much of my pesky calf pain.

Then after the training session, my friend Courtney, her bf and I are headed to a ASU baseball game against UCLA. I never thought that I would be attending an ASU sporting event. I mean, as a U of A student, we sort of hated the dreaded ASU folks..but whatcha gonna do? I feel like I gotta support any and all Arizona peeps now that I live here in California. After a fun afternoon of baseball watching and all that comes with that, beer, hotdogs and general fun in the sun, I am going to babysit at night. I think it will be the perfect relaxing way to end the day.

On Sunday, I have a double date planned. So, all in all, a very busy weekend so I won't really be able to take advantage of an empty house.. Oh well... I'm glad that I won't be sitting at home alone wishing I was out enjoying the weekend in LA.

“This is my house, I have to defend it.” –Kevin from Home Alone

Running Post #1


This week I ran outside for the first time. I figured that it was time I get off the treadmill and experience the great outdoors on foot. I ran around my super cute neighborhood and it is totally cute-lots of family homes, awesome gardens full of blooming flowers, beautiful tall trees everywhere and very few cars and pedestrians. I never thought that I would be running outside but thanks to my bright idea to run a half marathon in September I gotta train. And when I say train, I mean that I got to bust my ass training for it. I am absolutely terrified of running and the idea of this marathon scares the crap out of me which is why I know it's something that I should do. They say you should do something everyday that scares you, well, this is my thing for the year.

Now I am totally pissed because I recently discovered that I must have pulled a muscle or something in my right calf because after about 5 minutes of running, I get this horrible intense pain. It's actually been happening for a long time but since I am running often now, I am more aware of it. Actually, I felt this same pain two years ago when I walked the 60 mile Breast Cancer Walk. However, at the time I thought it was just because that was a ton of walking on one weekend. Yet, here we are, almost two full years later and I still have this awful pain in my right calf. Well, everyone told me that there were going to setbacks with marathon training, I guess this is my first setback. I hope this is my first and only setback, even though I am sure I have several blisters and broken toenails to look forward to... : (

So obviously yesterday's and today's runs were not long at all due to this pain. In fact, sadly, I couldn't even quite run a mile, I do know that I will get better at this. I will get better at running and I'll figure out how to stop this calf muscle from hurting. I'm even keeping track of my progress on my very own excel spreadsheet. Yep, I'm a dork! But I think that it will help motivate me to run more every time.

"The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." -John Bingham, running speaker and writer

Thursday, April 29, 2010

More on the Perfect Guy


Ironically, I just found this list in the latest Glamour and I absolutely adore it! I hope you do too! I really don't think I could ever ask for more than this.
  • I want us to laugh our tails off.
  • I want to be madly attracted to him.
  • I want to feel we're living an anti-couch potato lifestyle.
  • I want to feel safe and, yes, feminine in his arms.
  • I want to feel like he gives my brain a workout.
  • I want to feel secure and proud of him, socially and privately.
  • I want to feel pretty, makeup optional.
  • I want to feel heard and understood.
  • I want to feel like he "gets" me.

The Perfect Guy

So, being a single gal means plenty of time to obsess over the perfect guy. Let's be honest, we all do it from time to time. Well, I decided to ask several of my favorite girls what traits they need most in their dream man.

Now I've finally created the ultimate list of essentials that the perfect guy must have based on all my friend's answers and what I want as well. What do you think of this list? Do you agree? Thanks ladies for all your emails and for letting me interview you in person. I think we all deserve each and every one of these qualities!
(In no particular order)
  • Loving/Kindhearted (Loves his family and has a good relationship with them)
  • Aim to Please (Mostly selfless)
  • Chivalrous
  • Intelligence (He can verbally spar with you and perhaps an expert in something)
  • Confident (But not cocky)
  • Sense of Humor (Sarcastic without being mean and obnoxious, Someone who can make us laugh everyday because looks fade and that's what we are going to be stuck with when we're 80! And a sense of humor that gels with mine and the ability to laugh at himself)
  • Loyal/Faithful/Protective
  • Honest/Sincere
  • Creative/Artistic
  • Grounded/Reliable
  • Shared Values
  • Passion for Life (Ambitious and action-oriented)
  • Some musical ability (Or very interested in music)
  • Physically Attractive (Nice proportional body and has a few muscles and he has got to be taller/bigger than me and has a great smile and good teeth)
  • Sense of Adventure (Enjoys going to new places and trying new things but also doesn't mind an occasional night in)
  • Independent (Has his own transportation, job, set of friends, his own hobbies and interests, etc)
  • Never acts abusive towards women or loved ones (this is a no-brainer but I love that a friend thought of it)
  • Likes/wants marriage/family
  • Affectionate (Will show affection in front of other people (Gotta love holding hands but doesn't need to go overboard with PDA)
  • Loves me for me (Another basic one but I just had to add it to the list)
  • Laid back (He doesn't freak out about the small stuff and can roll with the punches)
  • Healthy ( Enjoys a healthy lifestyle)
  • Understanding/Supportive/Open (Able to see things from other people's views)
  • Handy (Can fix things)
  • Worldly (Can't deal with with a home grown boy whose wanted to live in the same town all his life)
  • Sporty (Enjoys sports and maybe can play a sport well)
FYI- The most popular traits were sense of humor, supportive, passion for life, understanding and honest. The most unique trait someone said was that he had to be a Republican!

One friend thought this was a harder question than the rest and she told me something that I thought was so true and sweet-
"Ahhhh that is the question. To be honest. There are no characteristics. It's all feelings and connections. Having a list will ruin the perfect guy. Be open to love, every kind of love. It's not supposed to make sense or fit a mold or list."

Another friend gave me this great quote. I absolutely love it and think it's totally true. Find me a guy who can do both and I'll marry him!
"I want a guy that can have hot dogs and beer at the baseball game during the day...then wine and dine me and take me to the Met at night."

Another friend told me the following. I love this friend dearly and I hate that she has had to go through heartbreak. I would really like to kick that dude's ass! For that matter, i would like to kick a lot of guys asses out there that have wronged my friends! Well, what can u do but live it and learn from it.
"It's hard to remain hopeful that someone like this exists (who isn't already married or gay!) I'm becoming more and more skeptical and almost cynical. I never used to be cynical...but I guess that's what heartbreak and disillusion get you!"

Next up, I'm going to ask my guy friends the same question!! Wish me luck!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

What's with all the shoes on wires?

You see them everywhere. But what does it mean, all of those pairs of sneakers hanging by their laces over phone, cable, and power lines? I used to see it a little in Arizona but I see them everyone here in LA. It's been really driving my crazy lately so I decided to do some research and figure out what it means.
From the little research that I’ve done, a pair of sneakers draped over power lines is a sure sign of gang or drug activity in that exact location. However, a couple of high school kids recently showed in their science fair project in a Pennsylvania city that this is not likely, as they matched known drug and gang activity with where sneakers hanging on power lines were found, showing that there was no correlation.

But the urban legend of gangs and drug dealers marking their territory with a pair of sneakers dangling from these lines is so entrenched, that drug dealers and gang bangers themselves may possibly think they need to do this to follow proper etiquette. If I was going to start selling drugs, would I want to alert every cop in the neighborhood that this was my intent by hoisting a pair of my old Nikes up in the wires?

Well, most people are divided on the issue. A website that debunks urban legends suggests its believed that tennis shoes hanging from utility lines designate "gang territory" or a location to buy street drugs. But most official police gang unit say that it does not have information suggesting that is true at all.

So maybe it means nothing. Maybe there is no gang activity or drug dealing in the area. But it does mean something. Someone, somewhere is without a pair of shoes today. : )


Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Hollywood Sign


So, even though my sister, Tonya is all the way in New Caledonia right now with her family, she still somehow manages to send me an idea for a topic to blog about! Wow! Gotta love that!

The Hollywood sign will forever hold a special place in my heart and I can’t help but feel a little excited every time I see it. Fortunately, I do not have to go too far to get a good view of it. It is certainly a top priority of things to see for visitors. I don’t know what it is exactly but that one sign holds so much promise and possibility for the future. I also find the general history of the sign very interesting.


The Hollywood Sign is truly one of the most famous landmarks and certainly is the renown in the Hollywood Hills area. It was created as an advertisement in 1923 to promote a new housing development in the hills. The sign was officially dedicated on July 13th, 1923. Originally, each letter of the sign was 30 feet wide and 50 feet high and was studded with about 4000 light bulbs. The sign also first read HOLLYWOODLAND. Sadly, not long after the dedication, in September 1932, Broadway actress Peg Entwisle committed suicide by jumping to her death from the letter H. How awful, right?!

After the rise of American cinema in LA, the sign became an internationally recognized symbol, and was left up. The sign became a frequent target of pranks and vandalism and underwent a lot of restoration, including a security system to deter vandalism. The sign is protected and promoted by the Hollywood Sign Trust, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to physically maintain, repair and secure the sign, to educate the world about its historical and cultural importance, and to raise the funds necessary to accomplish these projects.

The sign makes frequent appearances in popular culture, particularly in establishing shots for films and television programs set in or around Hollywood. During the early 1940s, Albert Kothe (the sign's official caretaker) caused an accident that destroyed the letter H, as seen in many historical pictures. While Kothe was driving drunk, he lost control of his car and drove off the cliff behind the H, destroying it completely. In 1949 the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce began a contract with the City of Los Angeles Parks Department to repair and rebuild the sign. The contract stipulated that "LAND" be removed to spell "Hollywood" and reflect the district, not the "Hollywoodland" housing development. The Parks Department dictated that all subsequent illumination would be at the cost of the Chamber, so the Chamber opted not to replace the light bulbs. The 1949 effort gave it new life, but the sign's unprotected wood and sheet metal structure continued to deteriorate. Eventually the first O splintered and broke, resembling a lowercase u, and the third O fell down completely, leaving the severely dilapidated sign reading "HuLLYWO D".

In 1978, in large part because of the public campaign to restore the landmark by rocker Alice Cooper (who donated the missing O), the Chamber set out to replace the intensely deteriorated sign with a more permanent structure. Nine donors gave US$27,777 each (totaling US$250,000) to sponsor replacement letters made of steel, guaranteed to last for many years. The new letters were 45 feet (14 m) tall and ranged from 31 to 39 feet (9.4 to 12 m) wide. The new version of the sign was unveiled on Hollywood's 75th anniversary, 14 November 1978, before a live television audience of 60 million people. Refurbishment, donated by Bay Cal Commercial Painting, began again in November 2005, as workers stripped the letters back to their metal base and repainted them white. Also in 2005, the original 1923 sign was put up for sale on eBay by producer/entrepreneur Dan Bliss.

This brings us up to date to just this week’s new developments. Thanks to Hugh Hefner and many other donors who have contributed to keep the property that houses the iconic Hollywood sign out of developers' hands. Hefner donated $900,000 and brought the final tally to $12.5 million, enough to protect the 138 acres of land. "My childhood dreams and fantasies came from the movies, and the images created in Hollywood had a major influence on my life and Playboy," Hef says. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger adds: "It's a symbol of dreams and opportunity. The Hollywood sign will welcome dreamers, artists and Austrian bodybuilders for generations to come. I did what the Terminator was supposed to do, and that was to jump into action." I am glad that the Hollywood Sign will be around for many many more generations to enjoy.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Amazing Bachelorette Weekend in San Diego

Words will never do this weekend justice, so these few pictures will have to do the explaining for me. If my Bachelorette celebration is even half as fun as this weekend was, then I'll be happy! All I can say is the Gaslamp District in San Diego still doesn't know what hit this weekend. The six of us girls certainly became celebrities!



Saturday, April 24, 2010

Hopeless Romantics

No real reason why I threw this in my blog today but this is my absolute favorite scene from my guilty pleasure TV show, "One Tree Hill". Lucas finally realizes that he has been in love with Peyton all along. He cannot imagine spending his life with anyone else but her. I just love the way he calls her name from across the basketball court and she kind of suspects what he is about to say to her. Then, as he tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, he says those sweet words, "It's you Peyton. It's almost been you. I love you." Aaahh!! I love it! Perhaps this makes me the ultimate hopeless romantic but I'm ok with that. I think we need more hopeless romantics in the world. Don't you?

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Happy Earth Day!

Another Earth Day is upon us and I couldn't help but wonder, what does it really mean and what is going on around the globe to celebrate mother nature? Here's some info I found online:

Earth Day has grown dramatically since its inception in 1970, when some 20 million Americans participated in environmental rallies, mainly on college campuses. Today, on the cusp of its fortieth anniversary, Earth Day is featured in standard calendar printings, and this April 22nd more than one billion people in 190 countries are expected to attend related events. Whoa, that's a lot of people!

And though the world is in greater peril than ever, organizers are trying to use Earth Day 2010 as a catalyst to advance climate policy, corporate accountability, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs programs. Whether you're an activist, gardener, urban pioneer, bicyclist, and recycler, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day this week. From a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to raise awareness for clean water projects, to a carbon-neutral festival on the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, to the Green Apple Festival in the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago to a mass march on the National Mall in Washington, DC, there's something for everyone. Sadly, I didn't read about the festival in Santa Monica till late tonight so I wasn't able to attend that.

For those of you who like big, national events, the Earth Day Network is organizing what should be a huge rally on the Mall in Washington DC on Sunday, April 25. The goal is to demand tough, effective climate legislation and a swift transition away from 19th century energy sources. You can hear speakers James Hansen, Jesse Jackson, James Cameron, EPA head Lisa Jackson and, very important politically, Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO, not always a staunch ally of environmentalists. Musical guests include Joss Stone, Jimmy Cliff, Sting, Bob Weir, Mavis Staples and John Legend.

Meanwhile New York City is celebrating Earth Day all week long with more than 100 events across the five boroughs, including a special commemoration of the 40th anniversary in Times Square on Thursday running from 11am to 2pm and featuring short talks, musical guests, and an eco-fashion parade; a sustainable banquet combining a vegan dinner with a panel presentation from keynote speaker Andrew Revkin of the New York Times blog, Dot Earth, and panel speakers Karen Washington of Just Food, and Amanda Park Taylor of The L Magazine, and a block party featuring local artists, musicians, "green games", interactive booths, and food. There's even a self-guided tour of urban wildlife that you can listen to while riding the 7 train. I hope that my friends living in New York will check out some of these events.

There are thousands of all different types of Earth Day happening this week coast to coast. Check out the official Earth Day site to find an event near you.

Other ways to help combat climate change:

  • If you're the volunteer type, the Earth Day Network's Billion Acts of Green program encourages individuals and groups to get involved in environmental stewardship and helps channel their energies while registering their activities on its website.
  • The Environmental Justice Foundation offers a useful guide to reducing your energy consumption.
  • Organize your neighbors to consider working toward creating a "Transition Town" which essentially involves a community (lots of examples here) working together to look Peak Oil and Climate Change squarely in the eye and address the question of how the community as a whole can become less reliant on it.
  • 350.org suggests devoting time to a community garden and getting involved in solar projects, whether helping install a solar panel on a local school, building a solar cooker for your community, or putting a solar hot water heater on your house.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Open Book


Most people would say that I like to talk and will willingly tell you just about everything. What can I say, I'm an open book! Well, last night Gina asked me what was one thing that really has helped me get through losing my parents and I told her that it was my openness. I don't like to keep things locked away. I have this need to tell a friend what is bothering me or making me sad. I just don't think any good will come from keeping most things to myself. I also usually feel like I need advice or their input on whatever is happening in my life.

It's been super therapeutic for me to talk about my parents with others. I love when my friends ask me what movies my dad enjoyed or about my mom's favorite music. So please go ahead and ask me anything about their lives. This keeps them alive in today's world. I enjoy telling my sister when she does something that is just like our Mom and Dad. I hope she enjoys hearing it too.

Well, here's hoping you'll continue to listen and be patient with me. : )

Me, an LA resident?!


Yep, tonight my friend Courtney and I were asked for directions to an art gallery in Hollywood! We had just enjoyed some yummy dessert at the delicious Yogurtland (go there asap) and were stopped on our way back to the car. We were taken for long-time residents of LA which is super cool!! Unfortunately, we couldn't help the visitors out but it was sweet of them to ask us for help. Let's hope next time I can be of more assistance!

"The difference between Los Angeles and yogurt is that yogurt comes with less fruit." - Rush Limbaugh

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Not so sunny California

So, normally LA has amazing beautiful sunny weather but today is not of those days. All day has been super overcast and raining on and off. It's actually pretty chilly right now in the house! But I guess we have to have days like this every once in awhile to truly appreciate the great weather. Having said that, I know that I could never live somewhere where it's rains all the time. I crave sunshine and clear skies. This is why the west coast and I get along very well! Well, here's hoping for better weather this week and this weekend.

"Rain! whose soft architectural hands have power to cut stones, and chisel to shapes of grandeur the very mountains." -Henry Ward Beecher

"Rainbows apologize for angry skies." -Sylvia Voirol

100th Post!


Wow, this is my 100th post! I cannot believe that I've made it this far! Whew! I never ever would have guessed that I would even have a blog, let alone make it to 100 posts!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all my readers and encourage you to spread the word about my blog to others. Please go ahead and become an official follower too. It makes me happy to see new followers and It's very easy. I always welcome new readers and I also would love more comments on my posts. I want to know what you guys are thinking about what I am writing. For that matter, what would you like me to write more on? Got any suggestions? Are there any LA hot spots that I need to be checking out asap?
Well, I hope to only get better at this and learn how to get my point across easier. So, stay tuned for more of my crazy fun adventure here in Los Angeles! Here's to the next 100 posts!

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Frozen Yogurt and Dumplings

This weekend I've had the wonderful pleasure of learning about two amazing restaurants here in LA. It really helps to have friends that have lived here awhile and know all the best places to go.

The first is Yogurtland, a delicious frozen yogurt joint. Unlike Pinkberry, most of the flavors aren't tangy and tart. Their flavors range from Artic Vanilla, Fresh Strawberry to the absolutely yummy Red Velvet Cupcake Batter. Of course, there are also a variety things to mix into the yogurt too, like nuts, chocolate chips, gummy bears, assorted fruits, cereal and several candies. You truly become the architect of your frozen yogurt creation. I hope for your sake that you live in one of the lucky places that have a Yogurtland.


The next place is the Din Tai Fung Dumpling House. I met a few friends from high school here tonight for an early dinner. This restaurant can only be found here in LA and in Asia so it's very well loved here. It was in a word, mouthwatering! Seriously, who knew that these little guys, dumplings, could be so awesome?! Check out the website for the full history for the legend of the Din Tai Fung Dumpling. And if you have a chance to make it out here, take a side trip to Arcadia for these dumplings. I promise you will not be disappointed!


Laundry Experiment!

"We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry." -E.B. White

Be warned, this is a slightly silly and random post today!

The Great Laundry Experiment of 2010 has come to an end today. Yes, I was conducting my own little dirty laundry experiment to see how long I could go before washing my clothes. The verdict is in and I went exactly a month and a half! Whew! Surprisingly, it wasn't too difficult and I somehow managed to still have a few underwear and bras left. I know that my friends in New York are hating me for this since I only have a few steps to walk to get to my washer and dryer in the other room while they have several blocks to the nearest laundromat. Sorry Tracy and Leslie! : )

This experiment really just happened because I've been so busy lately and traveling a ton so I never found the time to just throw some clothes in the washer. Honestly, I enjoy doing laundry. Ok, not all of it, I hate folding and hanging everything after it's all clean. I wish that part would do itself. I do absolutely love the feeling of having nothing dirty in my dirty clothes hamper. I also enjoy being able to get a bunch of stuff done while the washer and/or dryer and running. It's the ultimate multitasking! One really annoying thing about waiting so long to do laundry is that it takes forever to get done. I started at 11 am this morning and it's 3 pm now and I still have one more load to do!! That would be 6 loads total! YIKES! I am washing my bed sheets and a couple throw rugs too though. Well, here's to having fresh clean clothes for this week.

"Now they show you how detergents take out bloodstains, a pretty violent image there. I think if you've got a T-shirt with a bloodstain all over it, maybe laundry isn't your biggest problem.Maybe you should get rid of the body before you do the wash." -Jerry Seinfeld

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Chain Blog?!

So, Tonya has kindly tagged me in a game of One Word Meme on her blog, Letters for Lucas. It's a chain-like e-mail you complete and them pass along to others. Call it "Chain Blog". It's a neat way to get to know other bloggers and majorly increase blog traffic.

Enjoy!:

Hair: Brown
Your Mother: Adored
Your Father: Respected
Favorite Food: Cheese
Dream Last Night: Unmemorable
Favorite Drink: Lemonade
Room You're In: Kitchen
Hobby: Music
Fear: Loneliness
Where Were You Last Night? Home
Something You Aren't: Satisfied
Muffins: Banana
Wish List Item: Job!
Where You Grew Up: Everywhere
What Are You Wearing: Jammies
Your Pet: None
Friends: Many
Something You're Not Wearing: Watch
Favorite Store: Target
Favorite Color: Lavender
Last Time You Laughed: Today
Your Best Friend: Missed
Place You Go Over And Over: Gym
Person You E-Mail Regularly: Tonya
Favorite Place To Eat: Chipotle

Ok, now it's my turn to tag...

Leslie, you're it! Leslie has a very neat blog all about food, recipes she has tried out at home and all the different restaurants she goes to in New York city. It's called MY NY PLATE. While I usually don't know what restaurant she is talking about, it's still such a fun blog and oftentimes, full of useful food information. I can't help but always feel a little hungry after reading her daily post. Go ahead and check it out!

Friday, April 16, 2010

2 and a Half Years Ago


I could just direct you to my sister's blog but I thought her post yesterday was so sweet and thoughtful that I had to put it here in my own blog. For the real thing though, feel free to go to her blog, Letters For Lucas.

Thank you Tonya for letting me borrow your words since I currently lack my own. You are always better then me at explaining how you feel. Thankfully, your words here define my emotions now too. Together, we will get through the next 2 and a half years and beyond without mom and dad.

"Loss is a part of my life and I can't deny or ignore it, but I don't want to own it and I certainly don't know how to embrace it... yet.

My parents have been gone for two and a half years today, April 15th.

Two and a half years too many.

There is no escape from loss.

Loss follows you wherever you go.

Reminders are everywhere.

Grief and loss are exhausting.

Time is no cure for grief or loss; they are constant.

As much as I don't want the loss of my parents to define who I am, it is part of me.

I think about them every day and miss them more than words can describe.

I'm angry that they were taken from me too soon and heartbroken that you will never get to meet them.

I am grateful for the 35 years I had with my mom and dad, my memories of happier times, the lessons they taught me, photos I have of them, letters they wrote me, books, music and movies that we shared and enjoyed as a family and my sister, who shares my loss. Together, along with your father, we will make sure that you know your grandparents.

I press on because I know that my parents would want me to and because I believe that best is yet to be."

Back in San Diego!

Yep, as if going to Phoenix and then D.C weren't enough, the day after we got back to LA from D.C, I drove to San Diego. Tonya's husband had to go out of town for work so she asked me if I'd like to come spend the rest of the week with her and Lucas in San Diego. I was more than happy to oblige!

We've had a great few days here and I've really enjoyed being with family. I think it's so important to get away and be with you family for a little while. We may not do a whole lot but it's not about what we do, it's that we are together doing it. Ok, now that I've become super cheesy, here's some more... : )

Since losing my parents two and a half years ago, my time with Tonya and Lucas means everything to me. I always excited to be here and sad to leave. They are about to go to Australia for two weeks and it will seriously be torture knowing they are so far from me. Thank goodness for international phones and email of course!!

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

I ❤ D.C


Well, I am back home in LA! I must say that I absolutely loved my trip to D.C and can really see myself possibly living there in the future. I would like to be able to say that I gave the east coast a try. There is so much to see and do and of course, you can't help but feel patriotic being in D.C. I also love that it doesn't feel overwhelming like New York often does to me. The metro system is super easy and CLEAN, there are tons of cute guys and apparently plenty of single people.

This was a great trip and I feel so blessed that Gina invited me to go along with her. I am so fortunate that I got to see an inside look into her project, Pin Ups for Vets. Visiting the two Veteran hospitals was such a rewarding experience. We met some incredible men and women and I hope we made their day a little better. They seemed to really love Gina's calendars!

I'm already thinking about our next hospital trip! Ready Gina?!