PHOTO CHRONICLES (Vol. 10)

My goodness. I just realized that it’s been 5 months since I’ve done a “Photo Chronicles” post. I totally failed on my once-a-month goal here, good thing I didn’t tell you guys about it. Otherwise you’d probably keep me accountable about it (like you do about the 5TT posts).  

Anyways - I absolutely LOVE these photos. It was taken on Joanna’s birthday at a chocolatier place in Orlando, FL. She and Maya (both pictured in the last photo) are the wives of my former bosses at RELEVANT - which makes for awkward moments, but not really. At least I try not to think of it as awkward. Moving on, reconciliation, winning. Yes.

That’s beside the point. This picture was a small group of the women who worked at RELEVANT - which we liked to call ourselves the “Finer Things Ladies” because we like to enjoy the finer things in life. I just loved these memories because our time together was so short, with those specific women, that I want to remember it like this. 

Favorites:

  • The sheer fact that Hemarie had written “Don’t Judge Me” on her paper hat and found out that it was actually upside-down. Classic. That’s our Senior Marketing Manager at her best!
  • This is where I started my Asian Peace Sign phase. Totally did it ironically for this shoot, to make fun of stereotypes and such. But dude, totally rocked out in every photo after that for months.
  • This showcased some of my finer catering skillz. I made those desserts and everyone was like “WHAT?!” Yeah. I strongly considered culinary school at one point of life.  I’m really craving chocolate covered pretzels right now. And chocolate covered gummi bears.  Yes please.
  • Shots with Brandi Michelle. This is like right before her time with RMG ended, so I’m glad to have a few pics with her here.  

5 Things Tuesday

Tuesday, Tuesday. Oh 5 Things Tuesday.

Sorry I’m late. It’s been a long (but productive!) day today. But I’m here. And here’s 5 things going on with me:

1  PORTLAND RECAP - So my mini vacay in Portland was exactly what I needed: REST.  I didn’t even realize how exhausted I was until I had the chance to stop. My life has kind of been on overdrive lately and I’m just tired. So actually being there to not have any plans (besides the concert) was perfect.

And honestly, my sister and I were bummed that the internet didn’t work at the hotel - but maybe that’s just what I needed. To NOT be on the internet. To NOT work during those 5 days. It was so nice.

Favorites:

Definitely need to go to Voodoo Doughnuts next time.

2  THE BONGS & THE LEES - While in Portland I was able to have dinner with some incredible people. The Lee’s took us to an amazing Italian restaurant that had probably the BEST tiramisu I’ve ever had before in my life. I honestly love how much they love food - they really have a refined taste!

And then we had dinner with a college friend, Koes. I got to meet his lovely (and awesome!) wife and his two kiddos. OMG. They are the CUTEST kids ever. And I must say, Koes and Lindsay are some of the best parents I’ve ever seen (they were so good with Aven!). If they ever wrote a parenting book, I’d totally buy it. For the one day I have children …

3  NEW STORE FOR WALK IN LOVE  - I recently bought a shirt from Walk In Love (which I’m excited about) but also realized that they are planning on opening up a second store! It makes me want to buy another one! You know, to support them and to wear a stylish (and edifying) t-shirt. Plus, I’m a big fan of helping out the small businesses.

4  MTV CHALLENGES RETURNS - I’m so excited for this: Battle of the Seasons! That RW Austin Team is definitely going to be a CRAZY situation. Seriously. But excited about it coming back. Love me some MTV Challenges.

5  CAN I HAVE A SECOND VACATION? Is it possible to still be tired after a mini-vacation? Because I still am. And I’m still behind on work stuff and biz stuff. I’m just kind of at the point where my brain is fried. I’m ready to hire an intern. 

In other news, I’ve got a new commercial shoot coming up soon. Exciting stuff! Today I went out and scoped out some studios to rent - we’re working with kid models this time around. I’m really pumped.  

One day I’m going to have some studio space. It’s going to happen. It’ll probably be half photography studio, half office, half creative space. You know, for my Etsy stuff and my sewing machine. Oh yeah, I’m totally going to sew up a storm soon. Going to rock out the pillows and bows - anything shaped as a rectangle is about all I can do right now. Ha!

Ok bye.


MONDAY MUSIC SHARE: fun. - The Gambler (Bing Lounge)


I’m still on a fun. high from the concert last Friday. Oh man, to say it was amazing is an understatement. It was SOOO good. 

There’s just something about being in a theater full of people who sing along with the band. It makes shows about a thousand times better. They played songs from both the Aim & Ignite and Some Nights album (both good - buy them!). 

But my favorite song from the night was when they did this song - “The Gambler.” Nate Reuss, the lead singer, had mentioned that his sister and parents were in the audience and that they had breakfast together for the first time in 15 years. Then he dedicated this song to them and sang it. 

I’ve listened to this song so many times in the past but never paid attention to the words. But when you really take it in, it’s like you’re hearing it for the first time. It’s just so much more real. 

I think this may be one of my new favorite songs.



5 Things Tuesday

Hello Tuesday friendos. I got up super early this morning for a networking meeting and now I’m kind of coffee wired. So I figured I’d knock out this week’s 5TT before I eventually have a sugar crash and nap all afternoon. That seems to be what’s happening ever since California has been stupid hot.

I really thought I left stupid hot weather in Florida. For some reason, LA has decided to be ridiculously hot for no reason.  Anyways - enough ranting about the weather.  Here’s 5 things going on with me lately:

1  BEST BIRTHDAY DINNER - This is the 3rd time I celebrated my birthday at PF Changs and I’m so happy to have done it with a close group of friends. It’s so strange to think that I didn’t know any of them six months ago, but I’m so glad they’re in my life.

I really tried to make sure the group wasn’t too big because it’s harder to have conversations across a long table. But the dinner party was 8 people and there were lots of laughs, good food, and a HUGE 7 layer chocolate cake to share.  

I posted a photo on Instagram of me and the cake and got the most likes ever. Whoohoo! I wish I could make it to the Popular Page … that’s a mini-life goal of mine.

2  I JUST DID A BALLOON SHOOT - I have this mood board on my Pinterest where I secretly want to try doing similar types of shoots. One of which happens to be a photo shoot with balloons.  

The idea seems simple enough, but I did not think through all the elements. Balloons, wind, beach, harsh sunlight, little kids that don’t want to pose … it was a difficult shoot.  But I’m still happy with some of the photos. But I definitely learned what to do for next time. 

3  I REALLY DON’T LIKE THE BEACH - Shooting on the beach on one of the hottest days of the summer was not a good idea. What was even worse was driving to the beach in my non-air-conditioned car with the windows rolled up (so that the balloons don’t fly everywhere). I seriously was DYING in my car.  

And then just being hot & uncomfortable, sand all up in my TOMS, and having difficulty with the shoot - I was miserable. It just emphasized my whole “I don’t like the beach” stance on life. 

  • I have no clue as to what to do when I get there. I get bored after a few minutes and usually leave.
  • Sand in your TOMS are just bad news bears. Actually sand everywhere is just stupid. No thank you.
  • Rocky waterfronts are really the way to go for me. Stare out at the water and then go and eat some Bread Pudding (at The Ram!).
  • 4  BEEN CATCHING UP ON MY WONG FU WEEKENDS - It’s been awhile since I’ve watched some of the Youtube videos, but I’ve been actually making an effort to watch some of WFW. This one during their tour in Southeast Asia made me crack up. Seriously, counting his fingers (at 2:12)?  Hilarious.

    5  A FEW DAYS TO RELAX & A QUICK VISIT HOME - I’m bouts to go to Portland for a few days, chillax, enjoy me a fun. concert and then go home for a bit. The birthday festivities will continue with the fam there. I’m really excited about getting some Korean Cake!  Yeah!

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