mmmmKAY I'm back!

Cousin Ian frolicking in Portugal "yipee!"

First things first, I really hate posts without pictures, but my busy butt didn't have time to take any so today's totally irrelevant picture is there simply because it makes me happy. But while I'm on the subject, I'm going to make it a goal to start carrying around my camera and get "picture happy." I feel like I don't take photos anymore - SO not good - from here on out I'll be that annoying person who always wants to pause for group photos....



I just got the call asking if I would like the day off?.....yes please, yes paaleeeeeeeeeze! I could always use the extra money, but after working a few 12 hour days, the blisters on my feet and dark circles around my eyes won fair and square. What's with the 12 hour days you ask!??? Seems unlikely "Liza behavior" you say.....well, not this Summer - it's going to be bi-zay!

Things at the restaurant are good - I really like some of the people I work with, major plus! The managers are great, however, I am a bit frustrated about the way we do "service;" it could be so much more efficient - servers could be walking out with more money - guests would be happier and more satisfied with the overall experience, and I think everyone could potentially make more money, SERIOUSLY. I've worked in a lot of different restaurants and definitely have a feel for achieving ways to maximize the efficiency of "flow" and increase customer and employee satisfaction. I could say a lot more on this, but I know it's super boring to anyone but me, so there, I'm done.

This girl finally landed a marketing internship! It's at a really awesome IT company (Information Technology) that is all about helping organizations to increase and enhance their capacity to do good. We work primarily with non-profits, schools, and organizations striving for a "greener" approach. I really like the people I'm working with and think that it will give me some great experience to get involved and increase my knowledge / understanding of marketing. I've done a bit of freelance as well, hence the 12 hour days, but it's all good because I'm meeting great people and could use a bit of organized chaos in my life.

I've also been reconnecting with some old friends from Sonoma - I can't even express how happy this makes me. I met some seriously incredible people during those early college years. It does my heart so much good to reconnect.

Oh, I completely forgot to update you all on the CLEANSE. Well, I went for three days strong and it actually was easier than I thought it would be. On the third day however, I worked at the restaurant and felt totally sluggish and a little faint...to follow would be 6 more days of work, so I just couldn't do it without a little nutrition. But I really didn't get headaches surprisingly, and I think the fatigue would have gone away by day 6 or 7, and be replaced with an abundance of energy (apparently this is the effect....). I will definitely be trying this again when I don't have to be running around a restaurant, carrying heavy plates, and having cheery interactions with guests. I have also been sick on and off three times in the last month, so haven't been doing much running unfortunately...back at it tomorrow!

Last but not least, I saw The Hangover 2 last night and actually, I think I liked it better than the first one! The sequel focuses even more on Ed Helms (Andy from The Office), and he is super laugh-out-loud / make-everyone-stare FUNNY in this sequel. Loved it.

That's all for now, much more in the way of pictures and fun posts to come!

Recap of fun festivities in the past week...!

This past week has had its ups and downs. I've been a bit sick, and trying to take care of myself so only went jogging twice as it's been really cold and probably not a good idea for a sicky like me. I finally took a trip to Whole Foods, first time ever. I know, what!?! I got a ton of organic foods and have been trying to eat "raw" whenever possible. I've been trying really hard to be more mindful of what I put into my body. So for the last week I've been eating a lot of green smoothies, salads, cliff bars, granola, yogurt, and detoxing Yogi tea. Yummy yummy. I've also been trying to stay away from sugar, but for goodness sake I've got a sweet tooth that just can't say no. Aaaaaand there have been some emotional ups and downs, but hey, it happens.

ANYHOOOOOO

Let's recap the fun SF happenings of the past week!

1) Last Sunday was Mother's Day! While I didn't get to spend the day with my own mother, I got the next best thing. My Aunt Shelley came into town and I spent the afternoon with her and my awesome cousin Lily. We wandered into Golden Gate Park and feasted on Lily's picnic-perfect garden-fresh salad, dried white peaches, kettle chips and dark chocolate. If this doesn't make you want to shout with glee, well I don't know what would. Then we went to the de Young and visited the Balenciaga and Spain exhibit. Fashionistas be warned - drooling may occur. It was fab, and a lovely day.

goodies from Lily's garden

2) Monday I got out and ran, yeah! EX-ER-CISE! BEACH BODY NOW! MAKE BUTT FIRM! GET SEXY! (This is my mantra....i'm kidding, but really....) Then I went to the garden at Lily's school and she helped me pick - and when I say "helped me pick," I mean she did everything but hold the container; this girl is a hot commodity AND a gardening pro - some delicious lettuce, leeks, kale, and oregano, which I have been feasting on all week.

3) Tuesday I had two interviews and got one job! I'm still waiting to hear back about the internship, crossing my fingers and toes. But anyway, one job obtained "on the spot" is something to celebrate! I also attended my roommate's writing workshop, entitled "Words Which Work." She is a seriously talented writer, and soon to be published journalist!

4) Wednesday I went to an awesome concert venue: Bimbo's 365. I love the feel of this place, very classy / art deco meets edgy and cool. Loved it. An old friend of mine had an extra ticket to see an amazing band called Pinback. I had never heard of them before (a little behind in the music scene), but I guess they are from San Diego and wow, they rocked! It was so great catching up with an old friend as well and feeling as if no time had passed.

5) Thursday I went to a Giant's game!! I've been wanting to go to one since I got here. AT&T Park is awesome! We sat in the bleacher seats, which for 15 - 20 bucks really aren't bad at all. The seats are behind the outfield positions, but they're surprisingly close to the field. And the bleachers are filled with all the crazy hell raisers! No, just kidding, but really they've got some spirit. It was a great time.

6) Friday I shopped in Union Square all day to piece together my all black ensemble for work then came home and did 3 loads of laundry. I've also been fighting a cold so it was early to bed for me.

7) Saturday I trained at the new job, came home and went jogging with my roommates, then went to see an interesting documentary in 3D called, The Cave Of Forgotten Dreams. It is about the somewhat recent discovery in France of the oldest cave drawings or markings ever found, dating back some 33,000 years ago, which is more than twice as old as anything found prior. It was pretty cool in 3D, but isn't worth this feature if the theatre itself isn't up to par on the 3D front. My Uncle Brian treated me to the movie and then we went to dinner in the Mission at a great German restaurant, Schmidt's. We indulged in delicious beer along with tasty delights like pretzel rolls, crab cakes, shaved asparagus salad, and of course, bratwurst and sauerkraut. Mmmmmmm. The ambiance was modern and chic with a cozy European feel. 


So those were my adventures for the week! Let's see what unfolds for me this week.... 

An Honest Reflection, And Confession

I am deeply grateful and humbled that you stopped by to check out my blog. I love to write, and strive to portray myself honestly in the hope that when we are able to reflect on ourselves - truly as we are, not how we wish to be - clarity, confidence, appreciation, and vitality will become more easily attainable. It is easy to be jealous and envious, but too much time is wasted on these emotions, and for what? We are who we are. When we can look at the success of others and feel genuinely happy for them, rather than secretly covet their delightful contentment (in all honesty, this is no easy feat), then we can freely embrace our own lives and live joyously, fully, and with gratitude for the life we were given -- OR at least we can move forward in this positive direction without inhibition. I will admit, I battle with this every day. It is my goal to arrive at this level of satisfaction where I can say, "HELL YEAH, I love myself, love my life; I am so grateful to be me!" 

Okay, I've said my piece....now here's one more! Please let me entice you to read on by stating that, I don't think I've ever said this to anyone (for fear that no one would believe me and instead just laugh); I am secretly a wanna-be fashion fanatic! I am secretly obsessed, and you would never know it by looking at me (sad).

Okay I know, who cares! If I want to secretly or not so secretly adore fashion, and shamelessly covet those who live/work in such a glamorous world (ooops! I forgot, no coveting....okay, working on it!), then so be it. But actually, it's not that I covet anyone or anything in this lovely world, I just truly enjoy it, and I feel great when, on the rare occasion, I get it right.

I am truly rambling, but please bare with me. I have two things to address while you enjoy my pretend "fashion forward moments and faux pas." Good or bad, this is me!

1. With so many incredibly trendy and "in-the-know" bloggers out there in regards to fashion, why should I even pretend that people will care about my 2 cents? But ya know something, fashion is one of the most popular and talked about topics in the world for a reason: it is everywhere, it is interpreted and conveyed in boundless ways, it is endlessly interesting and changing, it is highly individualistic, and it is incredibly expressive and a beautiful aspect of life that is always within view. It is a world that encompasses not only the clothing we wear, the makeup we apply, the accessories we adorn ourselves with, and the way we style our hair, but it is also apart of our homes, our food, the arts, lifestyle, our pets, mode of transportation, and on and on.

Fashion is everywhere, and that is why I think I am so intrigued. I love it because it is expressive and beautiful and always at our fingertips. So whether people care about what I have to say or not, it is a world for me to explore, and I enjoy it tremendously, so why wouldn't I write about it?! It's silly for me to try to compete, ridiculous actually because there is no competition - if someone wants to read the words of a fashion guru (I do!) they won't find it here. Instead you will find someone who doesn't know what the hell she is talking about, but is deeply interested in trying! Maybe that will inspire others to not be discouraged if they are not immediate trend-setters - only a lucky few truly are (good for them!).  Instead, like myself, I would encourage one to focus on exploring their own unique and fresh take on what fashion means to them! Yay!

2. I've done so much rambling that I've completely blanked on this one, hmmmmm, probably for the best at this point ; )

Bottom line, I like to feel great about how I look. If I am feeling iffy about an outfit, and decide later on in the day that I must have suffered from a mental lapse rendering me useless in the decision making process about the outfit in question, then, well, I'll have a bad day. That is the honest truth. And I will covet (there's that word again!) other's outfits and their mental capacity to make fabulously informed wardrobe decisions. *deep. long. sigh*

It's okay to make a "fashion faux pas" every now and then (if one never experiments, one will never know...eheh). And it's also okay to feel great about yourself. I said earlier, occasionally I will feel as if I "got it right," but really what I love is being able to express myself in clothing that makes me feel great as an individual, on the cusp of the latest trends or not (usually not). At the end of the day, you want to feel like you put forth the best representation of yourself, whatever that may be. Only requirement that matters is that you feel great about you.

Fabulous Flea Market Finds!!

Eugene Oregon has one fantastic Flea Market! The Picadilly Flea Market was bustling and lively by the time we arrived with one hour to spare before closing. This is actually an amazing time to go, although I definitely want to try going earlier before things have been snatched up. At this time people are ready to sell sell sell! This is bargain time people. And omigoooooooodness gracious I found some fantastic items. I've never really been into flea market digging or antiquing - that was always something my mom loved and come'on, how uncool would it be if I actually acknowledged that she might be onto something....well, luckily I've finally come around. I can't wait to explore some of the awesome markets I've recently heard about in San Francisco!

Check out some of the awesome things I found....

INCREDIBLE English made beaded vintage purse, super awesome corked bottle (broke the bank at .25 cents hah!!!) - would look lovely as is or with some fresh flower sprigs and a bit of lavender. I had also been searching high and low for a tan/brown leather belt - can't believe how hard it was to find in the color I was looking for, but viola, there it was! And a bargain at 5 bucks. The large purse on the right by a Parisian watch designer, Charles Hubert was not purchased at this flea market, but I did recently find it at a vintage thrift store and am in love with the color and soft leather, yay! I shamelessly use it as a laptop purse, I don't even care how silly I look prying my laptop out of its tight grib everyday...it fits. I swear!

Also found this super cute sterling silver ring with turquoise stone. Just the kind of simple and easy accessory I've been looking for. Love it. All of this, including giant brown purse was about $60. Not bad! Always fun to go rummaging and find some totally unique and inexpensive items.

Twas A Festive Day Indeed at Mcmenamins

This Saint Patricks Day was one of the best I've ever had. Usually I don't find it to be a very big deal, and along with New Years, often over-rated. Yesterday however was a blast. Drank some delicious pints, pleased my palette with traditional Irish fare - corn beef and cabbage (nom nom), listened to some Irish jigs, and of course adorned my greenest of green wardrobe, which sadly didn't consist of much so had to make do with some fun green accessories.

Beer AND water...I know, good thinkin!

Despite the freezing cold weather here in Oregon and the many drunkards about, my family made it a day to remember. 

bundled up!

          Corn Beef and Cabbage, yes paleeeez!

the art of the "kissy face" after a couple pints...

Leah and Chad

Mom and me

Irish Coffee happiness

Oscar Fever!

All I can say is, I have OSCAR FEVER!!! I'm not sure why, but I am tickled to death about watching the Oscars this year. I don't know if it's because I've managed to watch 8 out of the 10 Best Picture nominees, or because I'm obsessed with the gorgeous dresses - especially Mila Kunis, Scarlett Johansson, Halle Berry, Anne Hathaway, and especially Hailee Steinfeld from True Grit who I'm absolutely in love with, or the fabulous hosts this year, but WOW I'm excited!

The film industry really shined this past year. Movies are a fantastic way to escape for a couple hours and be blissfully entertained. Sometimes it's all we need to get out of a funk and relax a bit. I love movies! Hope the coming season is a great one.