Modern Romance

2012-02-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

“I am satisfied that happiness in marriage is not so much a matter of romance as it is an anxious concern for the comfort and well-being of one’s companion.”
-Gordon B. Hinckley

photo by thearith seng

I remember reading that before I was married and really liking the thought of it, the concept. I read it at a time I was very confused about love and romance; confused with what love really was, confused at what loving someone really meant, confused and confused some more. I learned a lot about love during that time, and reading this quote was a big part in that. After being married I realize how true it is, and thankful I have the ability to see romance and love as two separate entities.
It's interesting to look back on certain times in life and realize it was preparing you for something great that was waiting just around the corner, and you didn't even see it coming.

Compassion

2012-02-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

"The winning photo shows a poignant, compassionate moment, the human consequence of an enormous event, an event that is still going on," said chairman Aidan Sullivan. "We might never know who this woman is, cradling an injured relative, but together they become a living image of the courage of ordinary people that helped create an important chapter in the history of the Middle East."

article here

Star Birthday Closed

2012-01-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

My star birthday came and went. Here is what went down:

Pictures from top to bottom:

Emily came to celebrate the day
We had breakfast at Rae's-- the only good things about that place are their orange booth seats and whip cream [not even the hot chocolate was good, just the whip cream]-- Yelp fail.
We went to the temple, Em's first time inside [of LA]
Lette's for macarons
Paul's pizza for lunch,
and the MJ mural that is right outside
Scoops for yummy ice cream-- pistachio honey and strawberry balsamic vinaigrette-- the yummiest
Then we booked it home-- G told me to be home at 5, I was a little late, he had my outfit laying on the bed for me, I hurried and changed and we were off! I didn't know where we were going until we parked. The Capital Grill! For a three course meal. Unfortunately I had two large pieces of pizza and two scoops of ice cream just a couple hours before. But it was so good I managed to still eat most of it :) I started with a ceasar salad with white anchovies on top, then creamed spinach and salmon for the main dish, and creme brulee for dessert [G's three course meal was clam chowder, aged sirloin, and flourless chocolate cake, which I also had a taste of]-- everything was so delicious! I was beyond stuffed to say the least, but it was worth it.
After dinner we went to the Grove and walked around and exchanged my birthday present Em got me for a bigger size-- I'm loving my first pair of Toms
And yesterday we headed to the Shaws for birthday dinner and presents and cake. My mother-in-law makes the best pineapple upside down cake.
Lastly, of course, the annual ecard my sister sends me. Bday 2010 here, bday 2011 here.

Oh, and you wanna know what my birthday present from Greg was? He paid for this. Yep, it is happ-e-ning! And if you must know, two things made me sad re-reading that post.

#1 no baby

#2 no bunny

[those aren't necessarily in order]

What Happens in Vegas...

2012-01-28T15:58:00.000-08:00

... Jesus knows.

I saw that on a billboard while we were there.

Greg and I got to go to an all paid for trip to Vegas! Courtesy of his work. They take the 1st year residents and their spouses/girlfriends/boyfriends every year. Before we left I was a bit worried I wasn't going to enjoy myself. I knew they had already scheduled nightclubs for us to go to both nights we were there, and seeing I don't categorize myself as a nightclub goer, I wasn't sure how the weekend was going to pan out. I do love to go dancing with girlfriends, but I am a rookie. I had never done the Vegas nightclub scene before. Well, now we have, and we had a BLAST. Everyone in our group was so much fun. We danced our little hearts out all through the night and into the early morning. The time we started our nights is the time Greg and I are usually already in bed! I will always think of this trip every time I hear "We Found Love" by Rihanna. When we weren't tearing up the dance floor, we walked the strip. One day we had lunch at Mon Ami Gabi at Paris and it was deeelicious.

My apologies for the poor quality photos. iphone photos in the dark with the flash on aren't always the best-- [crazy eyes/blurry/poor color]

Night #1: The Marquee//Post dancing, we were ready for a rest. Both our feet hurt, and he wasn't even wearing heels.

Night #2: Pure//by now we're practically pros at this late night clubbing stuff

Denny's was right next door to our hotel so we hit that up after Pure at about 3am.

After spending time with doctors outside of doctor visits, I just can't seem to take them seriously anymore...

The posse

[last three photos courtesy of Soroosh via facebook]

We made some great new friends. I kinda feel like Monica after she and Chandler meet new friends on their honeymoon... "is it too soon to call them?"

Star Birthday

2012-01-19T18:07:00.000-08:00

My birthday is just over yonder. aka my birthday is nigh at hand. aka my birthday is next week. But this birthday of mine this year is like no other. I have been waiting for this birthday of 2012 since eighth grade [that's 1998-99] when I learned from my friend [shout out to Kit!] as we were walking between classes what a star birthday is. She told me it is when you turn the age that the day of your birth is on. For example, my birthday is the 27th, and I am turning 27. I could go on and tell you how I feel about turning 27, but I think it doesn't belong in this post, and it'd most likely turn out to be a bore. Besides, I am not sure how I feel about it anyway.
So, considering I've been waiting for this birthday for about 13 years, it's a pretty big deal. Or so you'd think. I thought I would have been more excited about it... maybe my excitement just needs a little more time to show up. It has about 8 days until it misses its chance.
Greg and I are leaving town this weekend. I hope my current manly sick voice leaves by the time I have to meet his doctor friends.
Here are some tunes from my playlist that I am listening to while packing. Happy [almost] weekending!

I Got the Black Lung Pop

2012-01-17T15:02:00.000-08:00

So, I'm sick again. Not the flu this time, but a cold with the works- sore throat, cough, mucus, deep voice, and all. I'm sure you are very interested in this, but it is not what I came to post about. However, what I came to post about is kind of thanks to me being sick, so...

I've been making a lot of drinks lately. It soothes my throat and the hot drinks keep me warm. I've been drinking various herbal teas, a favorite being Yogi's throat comfort. I also recently discovered my new love for PERO. It's a coffee alternative made of barley, chicory, and rye. If you don't drink coffee, but like the taste of it, Pero is the drink for you [as long as you don't have celiac disease]. I found a French vanilla creamer recipe on pinterest that I now make often for my new love of Pero. Greg and I have been drinking it daily.

Another drink I've been making is this banana oatmeal smoothie. It is SO good! It tastes so healthy [in a good way ;)]. Greg likes that it's not too sweet. It's delicious and it just feels like you're getting a lot of good nutrition from it, well, because you are. It's kind of the opposite of how you feel when you eat Twizzlers. I bought steel cut oats for the first time to use in this recipe. I think they are perfect for it, very yummy.

Before The World Was Made

2012-01-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

If I make the lashesdark/ And the eyes more bright/ And the lips more scarlet/ Orask if all be right/ From mirror after mirror/ No vanity'sdisplayed/ I'm looking for the face Ihad  Before the world was made/ What if I look upon aman/ As though on my beloved/ And my blood be cold the while/ Andmy heart unmoved?/ Why should he think me cruel/ Or that he isbetrayed?/ I'd have him love the thing that was/ Before the world wasmade.

William Butler Yeats

The New Year and Adventure and Such

2012-01-05T21:05:00.000-08:00

Adventure makes me happy. Not just happy, but it makes me feel like myself, like who I'm supposed to be. I love to learn and explore new things and when you have someone so special to you to share it with, it makes it all the better.
Perhaps it's why I love the month of January so much. It brings a new year and with it, adventure waiting to happen. I don't like to live life by only looking forward to the next thing. I hope to [and strive to] live life loving it in the present while simultaneously growing and preparing and looking forward to life in the future. Lately, I might be doing a little more of the latter. But how can I resist, with San Diego in our future?! I am SO excited for what our SD adventures will be. I will miss certain people/places/things that currently make up our present, I always do when change happens, but ever since we started the residency applying/matching process I've felt so strong about the place we end up being where we are supposed to be. And I'm anxious to get there.

In the meantime, I've been reminiscing on past adventures. Here are a couple pictures from one of our adventures on the CA-1.

Blue with the Flu

2012-01-04T08:46:00.000-08:00

Last night I was in and out of the bathroom all.night.long.

Literally running at first, then crawling by the end. I was so weak.

I got smart and made a little bed in the hall between our bedroom and bathroom so I was in crawling distance of the toilet.

I had chills, too. I love that little space heater of mine.

I was in so much pain. My body has never ached like that before. I couldn't get comfortable. I kept moving around, trying different positions. It was finally relieved when my husbs got me some tylenol.

I determined two things from last night's experience.
[and no, I am not pregnant, I just think about these things]

Maybe I won't do natural birth after all... if I can barely handle some flu aches.

And I am reeeeaaally not looking forward to morning sickness. Let's hope I'm one of the lucky ones.

Oh, and one more thing. Flu shots are crap.

Also, wanna know something crappy/kinda funny?

My co-worker is out sick too. My boss is going to have to step it up.

Bad timing.

Oops.

This picture has nothing to do with this post, but I noticed something that I hadn't before.

Seriously? We couldn't have kicked that diaper out of the shot?

Christmas Present

2011-12-27T19:48:00.000-08:00

I got a shiny new lens for Christmas.

Here are some of its first photos around my mom's house.

First, a random box of citrus.

Then I went outside to the Chevy truck

that my grandpa restored.

Lastly, some nature shots surrounding the truck in my mom's yard.

The tree pom pom was a hit.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T14:54:00.000-08:00

From the Shaws

Holiday Cheer Re: Shopping and Such

2011-12-23T20:30:00.000-08:00

Emskee came to town to do some shopping.

I took her to my favorite thrifting location on Fairfax in Los Angeles.

She came out winning with a very cute cream pleated skirt, a bow tie dress, and a yellow jacket.

I, however, was an even bigger winner when I found this little get up.

The poofy sleeves and butt bow are my favorite.

On the way home we stopped by our neighborhood taco truck

[it's beyond delicious]

Then we had some lounging time after dinner with G-love and brother Daniel,

and Em and I shared some dessert.

I love how they have sandwich baggies to take the garnishes home in

Ok, so basically there is no holiday related cheer in this post

since everything we bought today was for ourselves.

But before Em came over, I did wrap more presents

and I also decided to display some of our Christmas cards more appropriately.

Holiday Cheer Re: Parties

2011-12-22T21:33:00.000-08:00

So all that baking I've been doing?

Some [most] of it was for work secret santa parties.

I had two today

number one for our nutrition department

and numero dos for the bariatric clinic I do counseling at once a week.

I got some great gifts today, but I was most excited about the almond butter

mostly because it was so thoughtful [my co-worker knows I love this stuff]

and also mostly because it is heaven in a spread.

Then G and I finally had some time to just relax
so we watched the Christmas episode of New Girl
and some random Jimmy Fallon Christmas clips.

Holiday Cheer Re: Caroling and Etc.

2011-12-21T22:23:00.000-08:00

Tonight I went caroling with the YM/YW

We sang heartily

Even if we did sing Jingle Bells wrong

Then we had some peppermint hot chocolate

or hot apple cider

and cookies

I also did some last minute shopping after work

[scored big time at a new thrift store I discovered; I love when that happens!]

I also baked more

and wrapped more

I am officially holiday cheered out today

aka

I'm pooped.

Holiday Cheer Re: Christmas Movies

2011-12-20T19:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am painting my nails sparkly red and watching Miracle on 34th Street

the black and white version

I already have Elf and A Charlie Brown Christmas under my belt

If only I could get my hands on Prancer and A Smoky Mountain Christmas

[Two movies we grew up watching, thanks to mom]

Holiday Cheer Re: Lights

2011-12-19T21:41:00.000-08:00

We went to see the temple lights tonight, and a couple weeks ago we checked out "candy cane lane" in Palos Verdes. I grew up in a family that loved to drive around looking at lights... I like to keep that tradition alive.

The temple lights must be trying for more of a Dr Seuss Goes to Vegas look this year...

Holiday Cheer Re: Baking

2011-12-18T22:10:00.000-08:00

I baked my little heart out today.

It all started with peppermint bark,

and ended with a lot of pumpkin.

Recipes used here, here, and here

Holiday Cheer, Commence!

2011-12-17T16:27:00.000-08:00

While I was hustling and bustling around work today, I decided I am going to make the most out of the final week before Christmas [despite it being like any other week in my working world]. Tomorrow is dedicated to baking holiday treats. I haven't thought of what Monday-Friday will be dedicated to, but you better believe it will involve some kind of holiday cheer! Got any ideas for me?

I am thinking, too. I will let you know what I come up with.

Maybe I should start by not dressing in all black. It's not very Christmasy of me.

Christmas Related

2011-12-16T20:08:00.000-08:00

I had a little panic attack when I realized Christmas is next weekend. And I got all down and out about it with residual negativity seeping out my pores.

In hopes of helping turn my frown upside down, I will write the positive to my negative.

I am thankful I have a job.

I am thankful I have a husband to miss on Christmas day.

I am thankful that Greg and I have the opportunity to serve those people in the hospital on holidays [even if it is because we're forced to] because I'd bet they are sad they have to be there, too.

I am thankful for the rain, even if it postpones my Disney Christmas trips. There is always next year.

I am thankful we live close to family, and that we have them to spend the holidays with.

I am thankful Greg and I will be able to spend the evening/night of Christmas Eve together. I've always liked Christmas Eve better than Christmas Day anyway.

Sandy Claus and Butterfingers.

2011-12-13T18:39:00.000-08:00

SPOILER ALERT

If you are a Santa believing child, stop reading.

Guess who got to be Santa at our ward Christmas party?!

The no neck santa/kid can barely sit on his lap is the best.

Greg makes a great Santa, who knew? It was hilarious.

What I brought to share at the party is something that deserves to be a part of this post. I love the taste of butterfingers, but I hate how they stick in your teeth. I never ate them for that reason alone. But then I made these homemade butterfingers, and I am here to sing their praises.

The recipe is simple... and strange.

It involves candy corn.

I hate candy corn.

But melted and mixed with peanut butter and lathered in chocolate?!

Divine. And it tastes exactly like butterfinger, but doesn't stick in your teeth!

I've made them again and again. You'll prooobably want to, too.

Recipe here.

EuroTour 2011: Paris Day 2 and 3

2011-12-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

Paris Day 2

"Louvre- Mona Lisa, Wedding Feast, Venus de Milo, Madonna with Angels. Arc de Triumph, Cafe Ladurèe for Macarons, a cafe for lunch- baguette sandwiches eaten on the steps of Magdalene, dinner at L'Andalousie- kebab (veil)- called Grec."

This is a picture of our hotel window (and my feet)

The round about around (that all sounds very redundant) Arc de Triumph is insane! At first we didn't know how to get across the street and I was scared for my life. Then we realized there was an underground walkway.

There are a few Cafe Ladurèe locations in Paris. We went to two of them. But if you want the one with the pretty awning, which I did, you have to go to the one on Avenue des Champs-Èlysèes.

I want to make this macaron cake someday

Steps de Magdalene where we enjoyed the macarons with some lunch.

Please take special note of the chubster above us.

We decided to brave the Louvre, but we rested up real nice on the grass before we went in.

My Mona Lisa shot. There was a crowd surrounding it, and I didn't care to squeeze my way through.

Venus de Milo.

Inside that massive black hole of a museum.

We were there for two hours and got only a very tiny sliver of the entire place.

Kebabs for dinner. Didn't even come close to the ones we had in Florence, but still yummy.

Somewhere near our hotel.

Paris Day 3

"Versailles, rented a scooter, another nutella crepe and baguette for lunch, pizza for dinner, souvenir shopping, Naf Naf"

We rented a scooter and it was the best idea ever! It was so fun cruising around Paris! I highly recommend everyone do this. But don't cruise too fast or you will get a ticket! It happened to us. We are very prone to tickets these days.

Lunch

We took our scooter out to Versailles.

About to go in...

Standing at the top of the stairs overlooking the backyard. It's unfathomable how massive it is.

This is after we had walked a ways and turned around to take this shot. Where the chateau is way back there is what we were standing near in the above picture.

They had French music playing over loud speakers that you could hear as you walked all throughout the garden. I loved that.

We walked all the way to Marie Antoinette's personal chateau aka The Petit Trianon. It was at least a twenty minute walk through the garden.

Inside the Petit Trianon

So the bed situation. I doubt anyone really cares about this, but I was so confused after I got home as to what bed belonged to who (whom?). I thought the picture below was Marie Antoinette's bed because it was in her small chateau (apparently I don't read the signs that are in front of these things), but I was looking at these pictures after we got back and also searching Google images only to find out this was not her bed! It actually belonged to a few people, but the last occupant of it was Marie-Amelie, Marie Antoinette's niece.

This is Marie Antoinette's bed in the main chateau (which I originally thought was the King's bed. I really need to read the signs)

This was the end of our adventurous day. After we returned the scooter we were ready to head back to our hotel. We decided to grab some pizza for dinner and eat in!

Waiting for our pizza...

Our final morning in Europe!

We took the chunnel back to London to catch our flight home.

And that is the END of our EuroTour 2011.

Thanks for hanging in there.

EuroTour 2011: Paris, Day 1

2011-12-06T17:20:00.000-08:00

Once Geneva had her way with us, we found ourselves in Paris. PARIS! When we got back several people asked me what my favorite place was. I went with England as an overall fave. But now that we've been back for several months, I find myself thinking more about our Paris adventures and missing it oh so much. There is a reason Paris is so well loved, and now I am dreaming of a future trip back to that magical place.

While we were in Europe I carried around a journal of sorts and wrote little blurbs throughout our day for memories sake. It is this book that is the only reason I am able to recall such detail in these Europe posts after all these months. Below is word for word what I wrote in that book on our first day in Paris.

"We are having a blast so far! Nutella crepe, baguette at Eiffel Tower (+ photoshoot!), the Louvre at night, yummy chocolate orange cookie thingies, walked across Paris, really. Bought finger puppets at outside market, Notre Dame, Bastille, several people carrying flowers and baguettes- this is Paris!

PS our hotel sucks- no hot water, hardly a shower- more like a hose, toilet barely flushes. Gets dark at about 11 pm! Stayed out late, got back to hotel about 1 am."

I have to apologize to our hotel for saying it sucked. Turns out Greg and I are just a little slow in figuring out how old things work. We figured out how to extend the shower head so it was a normal shower and not hose-like. The shower was tiny though. Like one person could barely fit in it, no joke. We had hot water as soon as we let the manager know it was cold- just a switch of a button, or something like that. And once we figured out the toilet just needed a little TLC, it flushed just fine. Our hotel was small, but quaint and darling. I really felt like we were staying in Paris! Speaking of really being in Paris, as mentioned above, I saw several people carrying flowers and baguettes in hand just as a typical part of their day. I loved it. Our first day we walked everywhere and stayed out late and it was everything I imagined.

Now for the pictures.

Our first legit European nutella crepe. Yes, it was to die for.

Another finger wag telling me to not take his picture. I just liked his marionettes!

Filling up our water bottle from a cool fountain.

The "chocolate orange cookie thingies"

so yummy

Lovers bridge as I like to call it

And the lovers locks

Eiffel Tower time. You know how I mentioned a photoshoot? Well, it felt like one. We took so many pictures of it. Prepare yourselves. And this isn't even the half of them.

On our way we stopped and bought a couple baguettes.

Here I am in mid chew.

On our walk back, heading to the Louvre.

This was 10 pm and look how light it still is.

Getting a little frisky on the Louvre grounds

Night shots of the Louvre done by Greg

A less quality iphone shot of us

Earlier in the day, before we made it to the Eiffel Tower, we stopped by Notre Dame

Inside Notre Dame

One of my favorites of Greg, outside of Hotel de Invalides

Something we found on our walk and me trying to be a part of it

Bastille

I love how there were so many people out just enjoying the beautiful weather

Note to future self, Greg wants this.

They had stands all along the pathway where you could buy stuff.

We bought some coasters here as a souvenir.

And that's our Paris day 1 of 3. Stay tuned... only two more full days in Europe left!

Turns Out SoCal Does Have Fall.

2011-11-28T20:42:00.001-08:00

And I just want everyone to know
Emily did not throw her pile of leaves up
but rather
directly at me.

I had leaves down my shirt.

I was driving and while listening to the radio I heard this Target commercial and I liked it

2011-11-18T14:27:00.001-08:00

EuroTour 2011: Geneva, Switzerland

2011-11-12T08:50:00.000-08:00

After Venice, Florence, and Rome we were ready to experience another country.

Experience it we did.

Geneva is probably the most expensive place on earth. We could hardly communicate with anyone, which of course was a downfall, but listening to the French was beautiful. Our first day there we did a lot of relaxing. I was so exhausted at this point. I think all the walking we did in Italy really did us in. AND it was the first (and only) nice hotel we stayed in so I took advantage. It's a clue to how expensive Geneva is when the cheapest hotel (including hostels) is the Ramada. Ooh yeeesssss. I took a very long nap in that luscious Ramada bed, we finished the Hunger Games series, watched some television, and then finally showered and got ready to see what Geneva was all about. We also got free public transit with our hotel so we didn't have to walk anywhere. The food is SO expensive. We found a little cafe to eat at and ordered the cheapest thing on the menu. It cost the same as an average meal at any restaurant in the US, but we did not get a meal. We got more like finger foods. We also were trying to ask for cups of water, you know the free ones?! They could not understand us so finally we gave up and they brought us two glass bottles of water that came out to be about $5 each. Needless to say, it was a very expensive "meal" and we were still hungry after that.

Geneva 1, Shaws 0

We decided to go to a grocery store and buy some food (and a lot of chocolate) we could live off of the 2 days we were there instead of breaking the bank eating out every meal. Funny side note: you know how I was talking about Greg making up words? Well he said to the cashier, "como tale vu?" She responded, "huh?" As we were leaving I asked Greg, "what does that mean?" And he said, "I don't know, I thought it meant something." We looked it up and it doesn't mean anything. It's what Americans would say if they wanted to speak pretend French. It was a very humorous moment. Also, they don't give you bags to take your groceries home in. So getting back to our hotel with all our food was interesting. Remember we bought a lot of chocolate.

Geneva 2, Shaws 0

So the next day we spent the whole day not spending a dime (or franc), and we were so very happy about that!

Geneva 2 Shaws 1

In your face, Geneva! So we thought...

Our free day included walking around the city, Bastions park, St Peter's Cathedral, and then we utilized our free transportation and took a bus, a boat, and a train and ended up walking around the lake and through a Botanical garden, but really I think this "garden" was just Geneva's outdoors. It was massive and so beautiful.

We wanted to try some fondue so we decided to splurge (in Shaw terms) on dinner that night. It was as we were walking to dinner that I brought up how proud I was of us having such a wonderful day and "we didn't spend any money!"

Well, Geneva must hate the Shaws because this is what happened at dinner. With the language barrier they couldn't understand we wanted to share one pot of fondue. We thought they understood us, but when we got the bill we realized they charged us for a pot for two. Remember Geneva is way overpriced as it is. So we huffed and puffed to ourselves and then handed over our credit card... only to find out they only take cash. So we had to go to the ATM across the street, which said ATM charges $5 service fee just to get money out. On top of that we didn't even like the fondue! Fondue au fromage is not good. At this point it just became humorous, and we left that place only able to laugh and be thankful we were leaving the next morning.

Geneva 100,000,000, Shaws 0

Now for pictures.

Here is an example of the finger food we got

and the chocolate we bought

Greg and the fondue au fromage

Our hotel was in a mall so when we got cravings we went to their bakery.

A delicious apricot danish

A gigantic pistachio macaron

Bastions Park playing checkers with chess pieces because I don't know how to play chess

Setting up our picnic with our store bought goods

Post picnic lounging

Some sites from our walk around the city

I wish all streets everywhere were cobblestone

A random tiny door

Someone's apartment window

Inside St Peter's Cathedral

On the boat to get to the other side of the lake

Some sites from our walk around the lake and through the botanical garden.

There were a ton of sailboats out

There were people laying out all over near the lake, but there wasn't sand. Instead it was more of a grass field. This guy ditched the grass though and found his own little space.

There were houses all around the lake too. All different and all so amazing.

See the grass? You can get an idea of where the people were laying out.

Taking a break

There was also a greenhouse where this flower lived.

Beehives

Next to the dock where we caught the boat

Greg was blocking the way and a little girl wanted to get by so she said,

"Pardon Monsieur"

and it just about melted my heart

A random vintage carousel that was really cool

they were playing mariachi music which just didn't seem to fit with the vintage French style

It was superb weather and so beautiful, I really enjoyed our free day out.

Next and final stop... last but definitely not least... save the best for last...

PARIS

!!!

Wait Upon the Lord

2011-11-06T17:51:00.000-08:00

Then, in the dawn of our increased faith and understanding, we arise and choose to wait upon the Lord, saying, “Thy will be done.”

What, then, does it mean to wait upon the Lord? In the scriptures, the word wait means to hope, to anticipate, and to trust. To hope and trust in the Lord requires faith, patience, humility, meekness, long-suffering, keeping the commandments, and enduring to the end.

To wait upon the Lord means:

planting the seed of faith and nourishing it “with great diligence, and … patience"
praying as the Savior did—to God, our Heavenly Father—saying: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done.” It is a prayer we offer with our whole souls in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
pondering in our hearts and “receiv[ing] the Holy Ghost” so that we can know “all things what [we] should do.” ... “continue in patience until [we] are perfected.”
to “stand fast” and “press forward” in faith, “having a perfect brightness of hope.”
“relying alone upon the merits of Christ” and “with [His] grace assisting [us, saying]: Thy will be done, O Lord, and not ours.”

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Sincere prayer is answered "sometime, somewhere.”

Source here.

Long Hair Don't Care

2011-10-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

There is an important topic to discuss. My hair. This post is to document its length, which length is the longest it's ever been. The Miles sisters were blessed with what they call "fine" hair. We joke that in the preexistence we had the choice to have great hair or be skinny.

So, I always kept it short and never believed I could even grow it out. We [my sisters and I] have all had short hair for years. And then you know what happened?! My sister grew her hair out! And I was like, "Whaaaa? If she can do it, I can do it!" So after calling her up straight away and asking what her hair growing secret was, I was determined I could do it too. A bottle of coconut oil later and trims less frequently, I did it. I did it! I've always thought the perfect length for long hair was to the bra strap. I can hardly believe my little fine hairs made it. I reached my goal, and now I am ready for something different.

I had to consult first though. A great thing about the iphone is that I can have group text sessions with ACE.

C: How do we feel about cutting my hair to my chinny chin chin?

A: yessity yes yes. You look so so cute with that hair cut to your chinny chin chin.

E: the only reason I think no is because you worked so hard to get it long, but I do like it short.

A: Worked so hard. That made me lol.

C: Haha! Yeah, but I see it as an accomplishment. I reached my goal! So now I just want cute hair again. At least I know I CAN grow it out now.

A: I vote cute.

E: I say don't cut. After you have babies you'll want to have it [short] so enjoy it long now while you can.

A: cut damn it!

I have made an appt for that long awaited salon visit. Please note my husband has been trimming my hair for the past 2 years. It has been 2 years since I have been to a salon. TWO YEARS.

I'm already missing my hair, and I haven't even cut it yet! I am rethinking cutting it to my chinny chin chin.

But I am ready to do something.

Yes, I am.

I think.

EuroTour 2011: Rome

2011-10-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

ROME. Holy ruins. I had no idea there were so many. We loved how they kept the original ruins throughout the city and just built on top or around them. We got a 12 euro ticket that allowed us to see SO much- coliseum, House of Augustos, arch of Titan, Julius Caesar's temple, Roman forum, Palatine Hill, Nero's palace. We also went to the Pantheon, Spanish steps, Trevi fountain.
We stayed in a hotel/hostel. We had a private room but shared a bathroom. The guy running the place was a really grumpy Italian. We got free breakfast. "Breakfast" that included juice, a really good something or other that involved chocolate, and something else that I can't remember. Greg clogged the toilet for like a half hour. There was nothing we could do! But when I went in later it was gone so... [I wonder if he is going to be embarrassed I am including this in this post?] [I just asked him, he chuckled and said kinda. I think that means I can leave it.] Our bed appeared to be a queen but was really two twins pushed together with a queen sized sheet covering them both. It was a winner.

We ran into a farmer's market type place and bought some fruit.

Greg is holding a Nìspero fruit.

This guy giving me the finger wag like, "No-a no-a no-a, you cannot-a take my peecture-a."

Those Romans are so camera shy.

"Roming" around town. Get it?

G and D just chatting like there isn't a 2,000 yr old ruin behind them [and eating cherries. or I think it was apricots this time]

Poppies.

Gypsy lady

Outside of the Coliseum

Nero's palace or House of Augustos, can't remember which.

Us on Palatine Hill with an awesome view of the Coliseum.

Walking into the Roman Forum/Julius Caesar's temple

Awesome right?! You have to see it in person!

I thought it was cool how they left pieces everywhere and didn't block them off. Everyone was sitting on them. I sat on one and when I got up realized I sat in gum!

Arch of Titan

Julius Caesar's tomb where fresh flowers are still laid

Inside the coliseum

The Vittoriano. It's massive and has bronze chariot statues on top of it.

The Pantheon

We stopped at this place and had really good pizza again.

I liked the skinny Coke cans.

Greg with his basil leaf

Spanish Steps, can you spot us?

Trevi fountain where we sat for awhile and ate [more] gelato.
Rome was really hot, and the gelato was really good. It was the perfect combination.

Butt grab.

Another thing I loved was that in the midst of all these ruins there were wild flowers everywhere!

I love this memory and that it was captured! We were walking along and Greg all the sudden grabs me, dips me and gives me the best Roman smooch I ever had! It kinda hurt though, the grabbing part. Just look at that grip around my neck.

Rome is amazing. One of my favorite places for sure.

This was our last stop in Italy.

We then jumped on a plane to Sveetzerland, yeah!

2011-10-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:119

EuroTour 2011: Florence, Italy

2011-10-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

After Venice we took the train to Florence (when you will want to buy a train ticket to avoid a 50 euro extra charge for each ticket). We stayed in a little hotel that I quite enjoyed. There were a lot of study abroad students staying there so we got to meet and chat with some people our age. The bathroom was tiny, so tiny that the entire bathroom was actually the shower. Have you ever experienced that before? It is quite the experience.

Again, we walked a lot and saw a lot. Florence is so beautiful with so many wonderful sites and things to see. The Duomo is insane; so beautiful and intricate! Not only did the amazing architecture make it beautiful, but I thought the color scheme really made its beauty complete. We also saw Santa Croce, Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria (a square with tons of beautiful statues), Piazza di San Giovani where the famous gold doors on the Florence Baptistery are. We ate some of the best food, too. Kebabs at Mesopalitan and pizza at Le Compane [both recommended by friends- thank you!], more gelato, and lots of cherries. May I suggest taking full advantage of the fruit stands. I love cherries, but rarely buy them here because they are usually too expensive in my book. But in Florence? You can get a huge bag for a steal! They were delicious.

Our first morning there, just starting our day [I am holding cherries].

This is one of my very most favorite pictures of Greg.

Brother Daniel. Ladies?

A glimpse of the Duomo. This picture is so inception-like.

This is one of my favorite pictures. Just a little tidbit about Daniel- he is a HAM. If he sees you have your camera out, he will get in front of it. I was taking a picture of that street sign and statue and in comes jumping Daniel. So, this unplanned picture turned out to be one of my faves.

This happened.

Let me explain this picture so I don't look like a complete perv. We were walking behind this guy and the dog started molesting him, and the guy didn't even push the dog off! So as we were walking by I looked back to see if it was still going on... and it was! Who knows how long that went on.

This was taken right before we were tainted by the dog humping.

Oh pleasant times.

Kebabs! I got mine without the bread, but you can also get them as a kind of sandwich. You can see in the picture below Daniel enjoying one. They are SO good. By far my favorite thing I ate in Europe.

The pizza that Greg absolutely loved from Le Campane

Enjoying some more gelato

Ponte Vecchio

The lovers' locks

A true Italian arteest

"Do you want me to leave you alone with my face?"

The gold doors

Duomo

The doors on Santa Croce. Check out how HUGE they are!

See the little kid in the bottom right corner? Yeah, they are enormous. And that kid was adorable by the way. I took a few pics of him. Im sure his parents were standing by thinking I was a creep. Oh well.

Gnocci with pesto, another dish we tried per Natalie's suggestion

My favorite statue at the Piazza della Signoria, Perseus and Medusa

Holy a million pictures. Hope you enjoyed. Next, ROME!

cicLAvia 2011

2011-10-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos from our downtown LA bike ride with brother Daniel, cousin Brandon, and wife of cousin Brandon, Marie, whom I did not seem to get a picture of, which is terribly unfortunate because she is a real doll.

The Weekend

2011-10-10T23:43:00.001-07:00

Unplanned weekends can turn out to be so fun sometimes. Like this past weekend, which included:
Paul F. Tompkins free comedy show
In n Out afterwards
Torrance farmer's market where I bought honey lavender goat cheese (for cryin' out loud!)
Home Fabrics visit where I came out with lovely fabric (for a steal!)
Used book store where I left with three more books to add to my ever growing to-read list (ah!)
Shaved ice with my favorite Indian
Babysitting the three cutest kids on the block (the only part of our weekend that was planned in 24-hr's notice)
Finished with a nice afternoon ride around town, thanks to cicLAvia and Brandon for always informing us of cool things to do (pictured above with more pics to come!)

Such a great weekend.
I love when that happens.

"Glow sticks, fist pumping, fist pumping hard."

2011-10-08T22:46:00.000-07:00

Train Wrecks & Cat Fights from The Girls With Glasses on Vimeo.

"Do you guys watch the Hills? Do you live under a rock?"

Triple Baby Shower

2011-10-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

Three of my friends pregnant, all having girls, all due in October (except one couldn't wait and surprised us in September!) called for something big. So, we decided to have a triple baby shower back in August. With mine and Makenna's forces combined (and wonderful ladies offering to make some scrumptious dishes), it somehow all came together.

We had a "guess who" sort of game with childhood photos of the mamas to be and their spouses

I've never done any sort of shower before, it was so fun! And stressful! But more fun :)
Love you girls, and I can't wait to meet all your leettle bebes!

Greg's Birthday

2011-09-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

Which included:

Long Beach Aquarium

Warby Parker home try-on + decision making

Yellow cake with chocolate frosting [and one birthday candle]

Family lunch

Dinner with these friends

And rocking out on a drum set

We were trying to capture that gigantic barracuda in our photo. It was hideous.

Sharks give me the heebie jeebies

Our very most favorite exhibit was the Lorikeet Forest.

I have never gotten pooped on by a bird, and I still haven't!

Greg was not so lucky...

It is my life goal to die without being pooped on by a bird.

The birds loved Greg.

I had to fight for their affection, but Greg just stood there and they flocked to him. He tried to make me feel better by saying they probably didn't like the feel of my sweater, but I'm still heartbroken.

At least I didn't get pooped on...

Then Greg got a drum set from his parents in which they rocked out with for about 5 minutes

but now it is safely back at Target where it belongs.

[Greg was excited about it, but it wasn't compatible with Macs]

Maybe someday he can get one when we have our sound proof room

[this is a true statement- Greg has decided that our future house must have a sound proof room. I agreed whole heartedly. He thinks it's going to be his office/music room when really it's going to be where I lock the kids in when they start annoying me].

We had birthday cake, and I thought we had candles, but we didn't.

Then I found a lone candle rolling around the kitchen drawer, so we pretended he was turning one.

Next year is thirty!

EuroTour 2011: Venice

2011-09-23T08:27:00.000-07:00

After London, Dublin, and more of England we landed in Venice where we met back up with brother Daniel. Being only in places where English was spoken since we got to Europe, this was a new experience. Greg did [or at least tried to do] most of the communicating. When they weren't understanding his English he tried Spanish. And since he also speaks Fijian, Fijian words will come out sometimes when he's speaking spanish. My favorite was when he wasn't speaking English, Spanish, or Fijian, but some sort of made up word that perhaps combined them all together. But you know what's awesome? Somehow it worked because by golly, we found our hotel! Seriously a pain though. How did we function without the internet wherever we go and Google maps? Geez, we're spoiled.

This is how we got to places.

Lots of pointing, broken English/Spanish/Fijian/nonsense, and head bobbing.

This was our hotel. It was such a cool building that had a lot of potential, but don't be fooled by its cover. The inside was huge and it had beautiful marble, but it was rundown. It was hostel-like. We had our own room, but shared a bathroom. The rooms were separated more by dividers than walls, kinda like the curtain "walls" in our church buildings, but more sturdy than that. It was quite the experience.

My favorite was hearing the old Italian woman singing her heart out.

That little person is me in the doorway

I loved just walking around. The buildings were so neat...

... and they had clotheslines hanging from them...

... then all the sudden you'd run into a canal.

This was a market where I bought Anish and Em bracelets.

Our first night there as we were wandering to our hotel we stopped in this hole in the wall pizza place run by a cute Asian couple. This pizza is still the best pizza I've had to date. We also ate gelato multiple times which was also so so good.

In our hotel lobby, Greg playing with the mirrors.

Produce stand on the water

Riding the water bus. This baby took us everywhere! What was also cool is that we downloaded a podcast by Rick Steves that points out all the history of the city and buildings you pass while you're riding the water bus! Listening to an audio tour without walking? Genius!

The gondoliers of course. I love that they truly do wear striped shirts and hats with bows on them.

We decided we weren't going to ride them [hello, expensive!]

when it was just as good [for us] to watch them from our [free] water bus.

We went to St Mark's Basilica where Greg and Dan showed us what extreme tourism is all about!

The story of this picture is that we needed to buy something

so I could use the bathroom, and we came out with a $5 can of Coke! sheesh. Kill me.

Being hams.

We then took the water bus across Venice to the beach where we swam in the Adriatic. The water was so nice. The beach was full of naked and/or speedo-wearing kids and old guys. Then Daniel jumped in with his sunglasses on and came out without them. It's a sad day when that happens.

G and I on the other hand held onto our sunglasses

So many cute nuns in their tennis shoes

Lunch!

Deciding on a gelato flavor.

Our last day, heading to the train.

Venice is so unlike anything I'm used to, it was neat to see. They are friendly sometimes and true angry Italians other times. They stay up until the wee hours of the morning, enjoy their pizza and gelato, sing authentic Italian songs like nobody's business, and my favorite- they really do add an "a" to the end of their English words: "You take-a right-a at the bridge-a and don't-a forget-a to cross-a the second bridge-a."

We stayed one night and one day; I'd say that's about all you need there. Then take the train south...

Early Birthday Ramblings

2011-09-21T17:39:00.000-07:00

From last year

G-money's day of birth is coming up. I know what I am getting him, even though he never tells me what he wants. Or if he does it's never anything exciting. Good thing I am awesome at coming up with exciting gifts all on my own. Except, not really. Want an idea of what unexciting things he's asked for in the past?

school books

a cord for his computer

a computer program that speeds up his lectures

... this one takes the cake, the unbirthday cake...

a trash can

And that's all he needs. He is a simple, humble man who finds happiness in every day things. And I love him for it. So, this birthday will be like all the rest. I will get him the ~~boring~~ practical thing he asks for and also an exciting thing I'll come up with that he'll probably return. I'll bake him his favorite cake, but not from scratch because he likes it out of the box better, and shoot I'm not complaining. I might attempt to throw him a party, even though he doesn't love parties that are for him [there's that simple, humble man again], and we'll have a birthday dinner with his family, and we will go out just me and him to somewhere that I'll come up with and hope he loves. And we'll celebrate like it's 2011 and he's in the last year of his twenties, well, because he IS!!!

I love birthdays. I love making them a big deal and special. So you maybe can imagine how excited and how much I am looking forward to his thirtieth!! Only since like 3 years ago have I been looking forward to his birthday in 2012. I haven't started planning it or anything, because that'd just be crazy, buuut I think about it. We'll still be fairly new residents to San Diego, we'll hopefully have our first house, and I will have all the time in the world to plan it because I will not be working [most likely] at that point. BECAUSE it's either a baby for us or a Masters for me [maybe I will be busy no matter what?]. At least that is the tentative plan. But usually when I plan things, the plan never goes according to the plan that I had planned.

I hope he likes what I've come up with for his birthday this year. I'll try to do a post to report.

One more thing.

I have accepted defeat.

I will not be finishing that photo challenge!

You're welcome!

Double Rainbow Remake

2011-09-16T10:52:00.000-07:00

My brother has been sending me random texts of him rapping the last couple of weeks, which have been very entertaining. This morning I woke up to something other than rapping though. It's my brother's version of this.

San Francisco Get-a-Way

2011-09-13T23:46:00.000-07:00

I had a few days off in a row, so you know what I did? I bought myself a ticket to SF. That's how I roll.

Sometimes you just need a bunch of girls to hang out with and be girly with and have girl time with.

Girls just want to have fun, you know?

It was just what I needed. I love that city, and I love the Shish!

Bought that ACE jug for under a dollar at Scraps.

Tried my first raw oyster!

A couple trips to Miette.

Had Anisha's birthday dinner at Straw with the roommates

Where they have menus in old book covers

and really cool hanging lights in mason jars.

My very most faaaavorite place to eat in the whole wide world

Brenda's French Soul Food

Oh my great goodness I am craving that crawfish beignet

and the jam, mmm. Just ask Emily, she'll tell you all about it.

Now I really want to go to New Orleans.

And then. I fell in love. With a bright pink lipstick by Mac.

{Just a note, I am jumping in that picture. I'm not usually that spastic. [Or am I?]}

Not from my SF trip, but from Em's SF trip she took a few weeks ago.

I just love this photo.

I'm thinking we really need to plan an ACE rendezvous in SF

and stop this going separately stuff.

Okay Emskee?

EuroTour 2011 Continues: Birmingham, Wales, Cotswolds, Chetnum, Bristol

2011-09-06T08:03:00.000-07:00

After London and Dublin, we flew back to England, this time to visit my aunt and uncle. This was one of my favorite parts of the trip for several reasons. They took such good care of us, and after sleeping in hostels with several people, either separated by bunk beds or cramming onto a twin together, we felt like royalty having our own room and a queen size bed. Not only that, we didn't have to walk ANYWHERE! The luxury of having family in England with a car! And they took us to all the sites to see and fed us all the good food to eat. I even got to take a nice relaxing bubble bath. Aaah.

Here is some of what we did:

Walked around and lunched in Cotswolds where I ate a tomato, goat cheese, and pesto baquette. I still dream about it... and the Cotswolds are somewhere I definitely want to go back to someday!

Dreamy, right?

Everything was picture perfect.

We went to church in Wales and got to hear my Aunt and Uncle speak, then headed to Caerphilly Castle and toured some historical sites of the church.

Inside the chapel where many were taught

We had a picnic just outside the chapel. I love picnics, but picnics in England? Can't beat it.

The pond where thousands were baptized

A traditional English breakfast- minus the banana. I liked it all except for the sausage and deep fried bread. I prefer my bread toasted.

One night we had fish 'n chips for dinner which were delicious. We had eaten some in London that we weren't too fond of, so it was nice to eat some that were actually good.

My aunt introduced us to J2O which we, and by we I mean Greg, drank a lot of.

We flew out of Bristol [which is over an hour drive from Birmingham] and my aunt and uncle had to be somewhere in that area that same week so we stayed at this adorable bed and breakfast in Chetnum the night before we left. It was perfect. Greg and I took a walk around the area and got to explore a little bit of the town. The next morning we drove to Bristol, walked around downtown, then headed to the airport.

We also got to see Stratford-Upon-Avon which I didn't think we'd make it to, but so happy we did!

Those few days we spent with my aunt and uncle were gloooorious. We are so glad we got to see them and so thankful for everything they did for us! I just barely sent out a thank you card to them... I'm a horrible person.

Next stop, Venice.

If you be my boat, I'll be your sea...

2011-09-01T08:10:00.000-07:00

Today is a good day. For one, I have an unexpected day off work [which used to give me anxiety when that happened, but now that the doctor is making money, it's not so bad, plus I think I get to go browse some thrift stores]; two, I have splendid memories of anniversary celebrations lingering from last weekend [which seemed like it just happened, where did the week go??]; and three, there is something wonderful about the first day of September. Once August leaves and September arrives, it's almost like a mood makeover. It's a close to fun summer days, kids back to school, and holidays just around the corner. It's an excuse to get some order back in your life. That's how the first day of September feels for me.
Here are some photos we snapped on our anniversary outings,
and a brief description of what went down [we celebrated for a couple days]:

Woke up to a love note, flowers, a potted plant, and donuts! [Does my husband know me or what?!]

El Tarasco for dinner

Old Town Music Hall for Rudolph Valentino

attempted herbal tea post movie

Sherman Library and Gardens

Beach front grassy knoll for a little lounging and naps

Buffalo wings which were too spicy for me even though I ordered mild

80's cover band in the park

3 years, not too shabby.

Three Years.

2011-08-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

"I'm trying to do my homework"

2011-08-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

I do have plans on blogging about things that matter, like our car accident recovery, anniversary, baby shower, wedding, other random events... actually if we're being honest on this blog, which we are, I really have no such plans for any of this. But don't even think I gave up on that photo challenge! I will finish it, even if it be the death of me! But for now, here is a video I found on my phone that I didn't know existed until today. Don't you love when that happens?

You can tell why I love this video based on the title of this post, even though it gets cut off at the end, and please notice what he is playing with.

All Because I Thought I Looked Like a Lesbian.

2011-08-06T21:08:00.000-07:00

We were just about to leave to a party when I thought, "I look like a lesbian." So, naturally, the next thing to do is document it on instagram.

And so, once that photo was snapped we were out the door. Just minutes later we were driving along when

BRAKE

SCREECH

"OH MY GOSH!"

BANG

CRASH

KAPOW

"WAS IT THEIR FAULT?"

Yeah, I did all the screaming and yelling.

Why is the male species so calm in these situations?

Yeah. That happened.

And those good for nothin's hit and ran!! Well technically we hit, they ran. You see, the driving genius must have thought he had time to make a left turn in front of us as we were going straight through a green light. WHY he thought he had time is beyond me because we hit them STRAIGHT ON. No, not nicked the tale end of their car. If that were the case then maybe, maybe, I'd be a bit more understanding of why they thought they had time. But no.

Greg slammed on the brakes, I looked up (because I was looking at my phone preparing my lesbian photo for instagram) saw us approaching that white SOB, I mean SUV, then shut my eyes right as we hit. Just to open them right after and see that jerk staring at us in disbelief only to keep driving!!! And then to look over and realize my sugarpiehoneylips was bleeding! Luckily, no stitches were needed. We are a-okay, just a couple of sore necks and one nose bridge battle wound. A tow truck driver witnessed the accident and said, "I'll try to catch him!" As he sped around to go after them in true hero fashion! But to no avail, he returned and said he couldn't keep up with him.

You know how in movies they have the camera angle in the car as they are about to get hit and it's really scary? Yeah, it really looks like that, but it's scarier in real life.

And uh, eh, we only have liability insurance. Funny how I thought the other week that we should get better insurance now that we are both working and can afford it. Somehow I thought that thought just once and then it completely left me. Too bad, so sad.

The best part? I was the one to call the police so I left my number with them. The police showed up, took our report, and were finishing up when my phone began to ring with an unknown number. I picked it up.

Me: "Hello?"

Caller: "Hi is this Cori Shaw?"

Me: "Uh huh"

Caller: "Did you call to report a witnessed collision?"

Me: "Well, yes I was in the collision but the police are already here." As I look over to see the policeman sitting in his car on the cell phone.

Me: "Are you calling me?" Pointing to him and then my phone.

Caller/policeman: "Oh, uh yeah. That was awkward."

Then we both drove off. Hilarious, Right?!

And yes I did say we both drove off. My trooper of a crap Civic could still drive!

But I mean, if my car wasn't embarrassing to drive before with all it's loud noises...

We drove the beat up Civic home, got into Greg's car, and still made it to the party for some good chatting, BBQ, and cookies.

This is probably goodbye little Civic, I'm sad it was premature... although I had a feeling our time would be up soon.

And to think if I didn't stop to take my lesbian photo we would have missed that hit and run jerk. Oh well.

Alls I's gotsta say is KARMA.

Oh, and uh, Traci. I haven't told mom yet so don't show this to her until I call her tomorrow.

Photo Challenge Day #24: L-O-V-E spells Love

2011-08-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

There is/was [not sure it's still there?] this abandoned something or other with this love graffitied wall that our wedding photog/friend found and took us to for our engagements. I love it so much. He's the bomb.com.

Photo Challenge Day #23: Black & White

2011-08-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

There was a time when I pretty much put all of my pictures in black and white. As of late? Not so much. I rarely if ever change a picture to black and white these days. So instead of changing some current picture black and white, I thought I'd rummage through my photo library and see which ones were already black and white. Here's some of what I found.

Completely not in order ranging from 2004-2009.

Doing this post has kinda made me want to do more black and whites again...

Photo Challenge Day #22: Landscape

2011-08-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

What is it about flowers?

A bouquet of flowers in hand makes my heart melt, potted flowers on the table makes me smile, a field of flowers makes me want to frolic, which is exactly what Anisha and I did in the field pictured above.

Any and all flowers make me beam.

Isn't it wonderful we have such beautiful things?

Photo Challenge Day #21: Close Up

2011-08-02T20:45:00.000-07:00

Um, close up? Up close and personal? Ok. This is an open invitation to get up close and personal with my wardrobe troubles. So. Before you come to any conclusions. Let me go first.

This dress is a.dor.able. I know. There is this quaint and lovely vintage shop, called Hobo's, in a city just as quaint and lovely, called Redlands. Sometimes I find great treasures there and this dress was one of them. My troubles? Hmm, size A and toothpick legs about sums it up aka I felt like it hung on me. This one time I went to lunch with some cute gals, which was the same day I bought the dress, so I was talking about how I love-my-new-dress but not sure I love-my-new-dress-on-me troubles. Well, I wore it for the first time this Sunday, and remembering the conversation I had at lunch I took a picture to show these gals. In conclusion, my friends said I was super cute in it. Since one of my top love languages is words of affirmation, I decided I love-it-after-all-even-on-me, after they approved.

So, that's that. Don't doubt love at first sight is the moral of this story, or something like that.

Photo Challenge Day #20: Water.

2011-07-30T21:19:00.001-07:00

I'm trying to bust the rest of these out pronto-like. I can't just stop even though I was over it about 7 challenge days ago. The end is near in sight! But isn't this picture cool? I took it awhile ago in front of Nordstroms.

Photo Challenge Day #19: Summertime.

2011-07-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

Summertime? What's that?

I've been working like a dog. Greg is about to be working like a dog too. He finally started his first official rotation as a doctor at the hospital. This past month he has been on a research rotation, aka stay at home husband, and a mighty fine one at that! I'll miss having a dishwasher. I'm completely serious when I say I think I've washed the dishes a total of 5 times since we've moved here... in April.

So my used-to-be-dishwashing-stay-at-home-husband started his real doctor business yesterday. When he walked in the door last night I was very enthusiastic seeing him in his long white coat for the first time! Sometimes I forget I'm married to a doctor.

Anyway, back to summertime. Despite being insanely busy, we've still managed to have some fun. Here's what our summer has looked like:

Sister Traci (the super blonde one, and it's natural) turned 23.

I love when we have birthdays because that means we meet up to do lunch and shopping!

We've gone to some museums. Here we are at the LACMA...

..and the MOCA

We had a good 4th of July with G's family.

Here is my up and coming favorite niece, Cynthia.

We've been spending lots of time with friends, old and new.

This is darling Audrey.

Every time you ask her what's in her mouth she does this:

This is Angels Flight next to the 500 Days of Summer park. We first went there with Brandon and Marie, and then we took our friends, Natalie and David.

Natalie and me taking the Angels Flight tram

The park in 500 Days of Summer

And of course there have been beach trips...

...and Disneyland. Before the block-out happened.

My friend Melissa and cute Audrey.

On Peter Pan with Emily.

One of my favorite rides thank-you-very-much-I-am-still-5-years-old.

Only about 3 more weeks until I am unblocked!

Woot.

Photo Challenge Day #I Don't Remember: Eyes.

2011-07-26T22:25:00.001-07:00

Gregory and I sometimes like to talk about what our future kids will look like. Well, mainly I like to talk about it, but he humors me. We joke that our girls will take after G and get a sturdy build and bushy eyebrows (I mean, I have to comb those babies- which you'll notice I failed to do in the picture below), and our boys will take after me and have girly eyebrows that dont grow and scrawny 4th grader bodies for all their lives.
Which leads me to direct the conversation to more hopeful possibilities such as what I want our kids to get and not get from each of us as far as certain characteristics go. But what I wouldn't mind they got from either one of us is our eyes. G-Love has some pretty amazing ones, and I think mine are alright too. I mean, I did win most beautiful eyes for the end of the year awards in 7th grade. You know, the ones that are super important and meaningful that they stick in the back of the yearbook? That was also the year I wore blue eyeliner and thought I was really cool.
Yikes.

Be You.

2011-07-25T10:04:00.000-07:00

I loved this post by stephmodo who had a link to this post. I love when people can be true and honest and down to earth.

I've had similar thoughts. And I almost didn't go to this, but so glad I made myself go. I did not regret it, and I know I was supposed to be there.

Just wanted to share.

Photo Challenge Day #17: Bokeh

2011-07-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my very much missed friend Dr. Seng [who is now being all doctor-y in SF!] I didn't have to google what bokeh was [bokeh is basically the blur in a picture]. He taught me all about camera stuffs when I got mine. He's a good friend. This is a picture of my friend's Gerber baby look alike, Ethan, from that one day we took pics in the middle of the day at the beach [bad BAD idea]. But we got a few good ones, this being one of my personal favorites.

Photo Challenge Day #16: Mason/Jelly Jar

2011-07-24T17:34:00.001-07:00

This photo challenge is getting really dull. Don't you agree? Instead of a mason/jelly jar, I decided to use our center pieces from our wedding for this boring challenge day.

It's in the jar family... close enough.

Greg and I picked the oranges with our own bare hands.

You can't have a wedding in Redlands without oranges. That's how I felt about it anyway.

And yes, some are lemons.

Baby Mama

2011-07-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

I bought this little treasure of a movie the other day. One of my very most favorite scenes is the monologue by the gay guy at the surrogate support group.

"I feel really bad because Karen and I have been fighting a lot because I think she's becoming morbidly obese. Then I realized that I'm manorexic, and it's really hard because she's so fat, and I love christopher so much and he's fat, and I'm afraid the baby's gonna be fat, and it's just me and two fatties."

I hope you know what I'm talking about. Sooo funny.

Photo Challenge Day #15: Action [Packed!]

2011-07-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

We took our annual family boat trip and just in time for this challenge day #15.

Observe:

Brother Bryan [above] and Dad [below] on the slalom ski

Brother Topher [above] and husband Greg [below] on the wakeboard

Sister-in-law Carolina [above] and first time going out of the wake [do you see her face?! So funny.] and yours truly [below]

Cliff jumping is a must every year. My husband is effin' crazy! [I say effin' just so you get a feel for how crazy he really is.] And it gives me a heart attack. Every year.

Here are some more not so action shots from our trip:

Cousins [my nieces] at 13 yrs old. Same age, but Piper is a head taller than Madalyn.

It's been that way since they were babies.

Babies and life jackets are so funny.

It's like a full body cast.

Dad and his boat. And grandbaby.

G on the wakeboard, Brother Bryan looking cool.

G holding Annabella while her mom wakeboards.

She kept yelling out for her mom, cheering for her.

The whole fam damily [those that were able to make the trip this year] minus Traci who is taking the picture and a couple nephews.

Nephew Trey being important with the flag, saving peoples' lives.

Trey with his pops

I had Traci send this to me after I saw it on her blog post of our trip.

I love it, and I quote her, "Like father like son like son."

You know, just peeing and talking about the weather.

Cousins [that's nieces and nephews to me]

Traci hanging out in the hotel, dinner time.

And the iphone/instagram/hipstamatic photos.

6am on our early morning boat run.

One minute it was hot and sunny and the next it was hot and pouring rain.

Hunter is such a good big brother.

Don't you love that mullet?!

Cousins/brothers

From left to right: Trey, Hunter, Corbin

EuroTour 2011: Dublin

2011-07-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

After London, we separated from Daniel and headed to Dublin.

Here we are on the coach on the way to the airport.

Fresh off the bus, our first few minutes in Dublin.

What we did in Dublin that I think you should do (or not do) too.

Don't spend too much time in downtown.

Take a quick gander and move on...

Statue of Molly Malone [notice that quirky guy's hat and vest- I'm pretty sure you can't miss it]

Stay at The Times Hostel. Very nice and if you leave your iphone there, they'll get it back to you! [yeah, that really happened.]

Stop by The Temple Bar. It's so pretty with all the lights and there's live music.

Eat at O'Neills. May we suggest the beef and guinness stew, shepherds pie, and whatever that mash potato, beef, and vegetable dish is on the right.

You can skip the Dublin castle. This picture pretty much is all there is to it.

[it's surrounded by modern office buildings- yuck]

Be sure to go to Christ's Church Cathedral! And talk to the grounds keeper. In fact, talk to as many people as you can- their accents are amazing.

Then head over to St Auden's Church and see the Gates of Dublin

Then to St Patrick's Cathedral.

and stop to sit on the grass and enjoy the scene [and for leg recovery]

stop by Trinity college.

Then take a shuttle van through the countryside

And go to Knowth!

and crawl through the tunnel.

Then go to Newgrange!

Knowth and Newgrange at Bru na Boinne are ancient tombs [3200 bc] and... I don't feel like explaining it. Google it if you're interested. But it was honestly one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

Highly recommended by the Shaws.

[Waiting for the bus]

Also, go to a free Irish dancing class!

Greg and I have a video of us almost perfecting our Irish dance moves.

We had a blast.

Little things I enjoyed:

"You're very welcome to Dublin"

[instead of 'welcome to...']

"Mind your head"

[instead of 'watch your head...']

You know how they say Irish people are some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet?

Well, it's true.

Everyone is so nice!

Photo Challenge Day #14: Someone You Love

2011-07-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

Seriously.

I have an unhealthy fondness for this guy. And I am still 110% jealous my cousin had a conversation with him, which conversation made my heart go pitter patter inside my chest and my love grew ten [thousand] fold.

If only I could see him face to face but just once, and tell him how I really feel.

The Winepress

2011-07-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

Today in Sunday school we talked about a winepress. It reminded me of the I Love Lucy episode when she's stomping on grapes. Then that reminded me of how I should have put I Love Lucy in my photo challenge post below. I grew up with Lucy because My mom watched I Love Lucy what seemed like every single day. Which also reminds me of another childhood memory. My mom's love for antiques! I used to hate being dragged to antique store after antique store. Now we go antique shopping together happily. Funny how things change.

[I really love this show. Thanks, Mom.]

Photo Challenge Day #13: Reminds You of Childhood

2011-07-02T08:35:00.000-07:00

These things came to mind:

Berenstain Bears
Strawberry Shortcake
Rainbow Brite
My Little Pony

Nancy Drew

Frequent visits to Idyllwild
Swimming at the grandparents everyday during the summer... and eating their homegrown blackberries
Picking weeds and/or strawberries out of our strawberry patch every Saturday morning
and these two songs:

Mony Mony by Billy Idol-

reminds me of my mom who'd play this as we drove in our big blue van
and
Don't Worry Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin- reminds me of my Dad who'd play it when we drove in his Acura. I can still picture him singing it. Maybe because he still does...

Might I add both parents sang these songs loud and proud.

Since this is a PHOTO challenge, I'll add this one for good measure. Even though it really has nothing to do with this post [it is a childhood picture, just not mine], but it's a cute old photo of my older sister and my mom. And that's no 1977 filter, that's the real deal.

EuroTour 2011: London

2011-06-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

I didn't know if I wanted to blog this because it seemed so daunting a task! But I mean, I have to, right? Besides, we're [greg] is watching something really boring right now, so...

We flew into Heathrow airport. We arrived 12pm London time, 4am Cori/Greg time. 1 hr max sleep on the plane. Met up with G's brother Daniel as soon as we got there. Wait, let's back up 2 minutes. As soon as we got up to the street from the tube, Greg was slightly in front of me about to cross the street, I saw a car coming, and I froze. But not because I was panicked, it felt like it didn't even phase me really, even though I saw it coming, and I just watched Greg almost, this close, get hit by a car. He jumped SO high, it was hilarious! All within minutes of being in London, so glad we had that hilarious moment to start us off. And so glad he didn't actually get hit. How guilty would I have felt being so relaxed watching the whole thing happen? I blame it on being awake for almost 24 hrs. Needless to say, G got it in his head real quick to remember they drive on the opposite side of the road.

So we met up with Dan at St Paul's Cathedral, found our hostel to drop off our backpacks [yes, we only had backpacks!], and went on our merry way. Our hostel slept 12 people in a tiiiiny room- they had 4 triple bunks. Actually, there were 13 people in our room because Dan stayed with us. That meant G and I shared a twin bed so Dan could have a bed. It wasn't as bad as it sounds. btw, I'm not going to worry too much about appropriate grammar, so please forgive my run-on or fragment sentences and other mistakes. I just need to get this all out in a timely manner or I'll be here all night.

G & D at St. P's

[you like what I did there?]

On our way to find our hostel when we happened upon this Shaw Booksellers.

Notice the backpacks.

Half of the pictures I took of the London Eye.

3 of 20 we took of Big Ben.

G is SO against even the littlest PDA [but when in Ro... London?], so it was hard for him to kiss me in front of Big B over there. But so glad he did because I love how it turned out.

It's so pretty at night!

This is what we did in London that I think you should do too when you're in London:

Rent bikes. But only if you're brave and are okay with maybe not making it out alive.

London drivers are CRAZY and the streets aren't so bike friendly most of the time.

The changing of the guards. Meh. I'd still go if you haven't, but a looot of people go, and I don't like crowds much. You'll have to go early to get a good view, which we didn't so I think that was another reason I felt "meh" about it. But G did put me on top of his shoulders, that helped.

GO TO EVENSONG at Westminster abbey. So neat! But maybe not the first day you're there with no sleep, otherwise you might fall asleep like G did.

Walk through St. James Park which is super pretty and has a great view of the Buckingham Palace. It also has crazy fearless squirrels.

Buy a crepe while you're there, too. I had the apple and sauce one, deeeelicious.

Take at least one picture [again, I took a million] of a red telephone booth.

Silly bro-in-law optional.

Go to Covent Garden and watch the street performers. They're actually good because they have to try out to perform there.

Then go just around the corner to the best Indian food you'll ever eat under hanging dolls.

Masala Zone.

Walk the Thames and see all there is to see, museums, Shakespeare Globe, bridges, etc. Oh, and if you see a Cornish ice cream stand, STOP. And get one. Best ice cream I've ever had.

Enjoy the London Tower and Tower Bridge- a sight to see!

And feel free to take a nap after walking the Thames... it's long [depending on where you start]. Especially if you've been awake for more than 24 hrs.

Go to the National Art Gallery. It's amazing. And free.

Enjoy any food your heart desires, like how Greg is enjoying his sausage roll.

You can find them in the train station.

I passed on that one.

I asked him how it was:

C: "did you like it?"

G: "It was alright."

C: "Not the best?"

G: "No."

C: "Wouldn't get it again?"

G: "Yeah I would, it was cheap."

Little things I enjoyed:

trash being called "liter" or "rubbish"

"take away" instead of "to go"

Seeing a lot of "Shaw"

The "female toilet" and the picture- it's a poofy dress instead of a triangle dress

The taxis

G having the most English name ever and hearing it in an English accent

Try it:

Gregory Arthur Shaw

Photo Challenge Day #12: Sun Flare

2011-06-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

I had to Google what a sun flare was.

This is the best I can do.

From our Valentine's Day Weekend get-a-way.

Photo Challenge Day #11: Silhouette

2011-06-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

This is my profile. I took it many moons ago, along with G's profile, to give to my friend who is an arteest. She said she would make silhouette pictures for us... hmmm, still haven't gotten them [ahem, you-know-who!]

I might be able to forgive her. Maybe if she gives me her firstborn... due in October.