Skateistan

I watched this video yesterday and found it to be very inspirational.  Just It is amazing the different kind of things that can be done to provide hope to people all over the world.  The video does have some less than "PG" rated images in the short film, mostly dead livestock, so be warned.

The group also provides a variety of classes for the kids too.  Check out their site here if you want to find out more.

Gone

Well, as you may have noticed I've been on and off of this lovely little blog for the last couple weeks.  A few things have been going on in our lives and several of them have been sad.  Basically it went like this: I got sick, went to the ER, recovered, visited Northern California with friends and family, came home to LA, our car got broken into, and work work work.  Although, we have several things to be happy about, it was really hard saying good-bye to our friends and family, especially after the traumatic couple weeks we've had.  I'll never forget as D and I drove down the "Grapevine" and looked down onto the Valley and further into LA, we both looked at each other and said simultaneously that we wanted to turn around and go back to the Bay. Despite the bumps that we’ve had in the road the last couple weeks, the good news is that I’m fully recovered and am about to start training for my first marathon. D is back at work and I’m up to ears in work as well. We have lots of things to be thankful for. Although I’m on the mend and things are pretty much back to normal, there are times when I get sad. Every day is a little better. Have faith that things will get better, because everything in the end will work out.

That’s all for now!  I’ll be back with some more upbeat fare soon, I promise!  Sometimes in life, you need to dip down low to help you feel the height of the highs.  For now, I shall leave you with a song that I love right now:

Ray LaMontagne - Beg Steal or Borrow

Easter

D and I decided to give each other Easter baskets on Easter Sunday. Unfortunately, we both started a little late in collecting goodies for the baskets, hence the fact that I couldn't even find an actual basket for D.  Bad job easter bunny!  We'll definitely plan better next year. Also went to see a Cirque du Soleil show in Long Beach that evening.  Fun show and interesting exploring the downtown Long Beach area too.  Definitely need to explore down there.

Santa Anita Racetrack

D and I spend the day at the races in Santa Anita.  Beautiful day, beautiful horses, and tons of fun having a weekend off together.

Flying V

I went on a walk this morning along a local trail.  It was wonderful to be outside and smell the salty air of the Pacific Ocean and feel the cool breeze against my skin.  One of things that still astounds me about living on the coast, is the amount of wild birds.  Especially now, as so many birds are commuting on to their next destination.  For whatever reason, our home to seems to be a proverbial highway of wild animals. So far I've seen migrating Pacific Grey Whales, dolphins, butterflies, and lots and lots of birds.  Most recently, I've found myself being drawn to the California Brown Pelicans.  Its fun to look down the coast and try to count the number of consecutive "flying-v's" of pelicans.  They look so regal and powerful as they glide over the beaches or as they swoop down and skimp the ocean's surface for a snack.  I never really paid much attention to pelicans before, but here, they're everywhere and you can't help but be drawn to their elegant flight patterns. I found a cute poem about pelicans by Dixon Lanier Merritt, that I'd like to share with you:

"A wonderful bird is the pelican
 His bill can hold more than his belican.
 He can take in his beak
 Food enough for a week;
 But I'm damned if I see how the helican."

Perhaps in my next reincarnation into this world, I'll be a pelican?  Or maybe a golden eagle?  I've always thought mountain lions were cool too.  Will have to think about that one for a while, before I make my final decision.  Its good to have those kind of decisions made ahead of time.

Smiling Faces

"Smiling faces . . . smiling faces sometimes . . ."  Name that tune!

Recently, D and I finished a mini project around our apartment. The project was putting up happy pictures of friends and family throughout our apartment.  This may sound like a minor project, and realistically it is, but the effect of our newly decorated home has had amazing results.  It is amazing what putting up a few pictures here and there of smiling faces or happy memories can do to the ole' morale.  D and I have had a rough couple weeks struggling with work and being down in LaLa land.  Although we certainly enjoy the sunny weather down here and there are plenty of cool places left to explore, we needed a little pick me up.  Most of the pictures that we put up are from our wedding or things surrounding our wedding.  We have some right by our front entrance and as soon as we walk in the door we are greeted by an array of smiling faces.  So if there's anyone else out there feeling a little blue or needs a little pick me up, I highly recommend making a trip to Target grabbing some cheapy frames and throwing up some happy memories on the wall.  Or as one unknown author said once "The world always looks brighter from behind a smile."

Baby Shower

Two weeks ago I took a trip up to the PNW (aka Pacific Northwest) and had a ball catching up with family and friends. One of my dear friends brought two beautiful twin girls into the world this past December and my other close friend is expecting her own little bundle of joy to make her appearance in May.  Here are some pictures from the day:

Pink Sweets Bar - Cake pops, sugar cookies, donuts, apple fritters, rock candy, taffy, gum balls, and pink chocolate kisses (red velvet cupcakes were added later)

Cuddling with the beautiful girls