But sometimes when I sit down to write a blog, I can't think of what to say. I know I recap my life a lot, but that's mainly for my family who reads this blog. Thinking back, I started this blog just because it was the new, hip thing to do. And here I am, wordless.
In this world of social media, we have a lack of guarding our lives. Back in the day, (I'm talking when you had shared phone lines) you worried of conversations being overheard. Nowadays, you cannot go anywhere without hearing the person next you telling whoever is on the other end of their phone what they did that day, where they were, etc etc. It's quite mind boggling if you stop to think about it.
We log onto Facebook and Twitter, and the question "What's on your mind?" looks us in the face. Of course I want to know that someone just had In N Out! Of course I want to know you just took a shower. And the winner, absolutely, hands down...OF COURSE I want to know you are tweeting/status updating during church.
Now, I'm not here to hate. It's all love, baby. I'm simply thinking with my fingers here, and wondering why we are ok with letting the world know our lives. Sometimes, and only sometimes, I toy with the idea of deleting Facebook. *GASP!* I know. Treason right there. But seriously! I talk with those I'm friends with in real life, and hardly talk to those I was friends with in the past. But yet I, along with many others, are guilty of trolling the pages of those I one knew, just to know what they are doing with their lives. Sometimes I'm jealous, sometimes I'm not, but bottom line-it's not personal anymore.
I'm old school. I love sending cards, letters, small gifts in the mail. And I love getting them too! I feel all them move loved, knowing someone took the time to sit down and write me a note. Or that someone thought of me when they saw this item, and knew I had to have it.
Anyways. This is me, having nothing to say. :)
Hi!
Hey there!
Remember me?
Stacey? That girl who lives in California?
Oh, right. It's ok. I've been gone.
BUT I'M BACK!
I do apologize for my absence of late, I've been a leeeeeetle busy.
I went to Kentucky over Labor Day to visit my family, and had such a great time! I feel like it was a whirlwind, and I was super caffeinated the entire time I was there. I flew in Thursday evening, and met up with my dad and sister to have dinner at my favorite place in the Louisville area, Buckheads. Not just any Buckheads, but the one across the river in Jeffersonville. Tasty tastiness in my mouth! We enjoyed a fantastic meal while the sun set over the city, outlining Louisville in a fantastic light.
Friday I was up and at 'em early to take my grandmother to breakfast, then coffee with my dear dear friend Heather (who is having her baby any day!!) and lunch with another longtime friend, Sarah. It was so good to catch up with these ladies, I wish we had more time! So thankful for their friendship over the years.
Friday afternoon I had the pleasure of visiting my sisters work; she is a stylist at Zappos.com. I had a fantastic afternoon watching her style the models, and seeing how the operation worked. I'm a process person, so seeing how the models are styled, photos taken, and sent to site. Site being, THE site. After Steph got off work, we headed to the outlet on campus and shoe shopped our little hearts out! I bought FIVE pairs of shoes. FIVE. Don't judge.. if you had a chance to buy shoes 95% off, wouldn't you do it?
Uh huh. Yeah, that's what I thought.
Friday evening I headed out to my mom's place in Lebanon Junction, KY. Had a wonderful meal, my favorite meal she cooks; "The Good Chicken", mashed potatoes, green beans. DELISH! Saturday morning I was up early to meet my dad and visit my older brother, Scott. Later in the afternoon, I met up with my sister to attend the much rivaled, UKvs. UofL football game. Her boyfriend plays for UofL, so we went to cheer him on. They lost, sadly, but we had a great time tailgating and cheering the guys on.
Sunday we were up early again to go boating all day! The entire fam (menos Scott and Sam) got together for a fantastic day of conquering fears, jumping in the water, and just chilling out. I think it was one of our favorite family days in a long time.
Monday came too soon, and I boarded a plane for home. I haven't stopped working since I've been home, but it's all worth it. I love what I do and I'm thankful to be employed.
Until next time...
Katie flew into LAX and we headed straight for Hollywood to meet Manny for dinner at a fantastic place called Aroma Bakery. It was delicious and so fun to be in the city for an evening. Saturday we went shopping, then to dinner at my favorite restaurant in Newport Beach, the Bluewater Grill. From there we went to see Dave Matthews in concert! I will never get tired of seeing that band perform. So talented!
Sunday we got up early and headed for the water. We rode bikes all along the boardwalk, ate lunch at Sharkee's, and partied til' the sun went down. Monday and Tuesday I had to work, so we played with the kiddos in the morning, and hit Huntington Beach for dinner on Monday; and the John Mayer concert on Tuesday.
John Mayer deserves a whole other paragraph. He was incredible! First let me tell you about his opening act, Owl City. His name is Adam, and he makes good music. Well, more than that, his lyrics are catchy, somewhat ironic and mostly stick in your head goodness. I was intrigued to see him perform live, because his music is so heavily electronic. Surprisingly, he stood in front of a microphone, playing an electric guitar. His band played so well, and he closed the night with "Fireflies".
Enter John Mayer. In his plaid pants and ugly polo, he stole the crowd instantly. Playing his classics, we all stood and swayed to the goodness that comes from his melodic guitar. Aside from his constant cursing, what he said in between songs wasn't too bad! He made us laugh, made some people cry, and over all played an incredible set. All too soon it was over, and we had to go home.
Enter the football.
Traffic was a nightmare, so Katie and I stood by my car munching on snacks we had brought, when I saw some guys playing football. Knowing we had time to kill, we jumped in the game and killed some time. I'm pretty sure I kept nailing the same white Toyota Camry over and over...oops!!
Wednesday came and I had to say goodbye to my bestest friend in the whole wide world. We had a great time, and I can't wait for the holidays so I can see her again!
I saw Eat.Pray.Love the other day, and it was incredible. If you aren't familiar with the story, a single woman goes on a year long quest to find herself, and find God in three different countries. While her story is different than mine, it made me again question why I'm not pursuing certain things in my life.
I love to travel. I'm thankful I've had the opportunities to travel all over the world. I have yet to travel to Europe, and I'm so excited to go in the spring. I've planned to go with my sister and mom, but watching the movie the other day made me think of "what if they can't go". And here's what I've decided. I'M GOING. I know it's not the safest thing to do, or the smartest, but I can't let fear of the unknown keep me from living my life. I've wanted to go and do things for the past few years, but have watched opportunities pass me by because I was afraid to go alone. Well, no longer.
Now, I'm not going to be a complete idiot and walk into things unprepared, no way. I'm just finished with watching life pass by while I stand still. So, Ireland, here I come, with or without my travel companions. I mean, it's IRELAND. In March. Which means one thing...
ST. PATTY'S DAY IN IRELAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was reading my favorite blog The Pioneer Woman today, and she recaps her recent trip to the Big City. It got me thinking about my upcoming trip in the fall and I realized that I'm terrified to go! What if I don't fit in?
Don't worry, you won't.
What if it's terribly cold?
It will be. Get over it.
I have to meet a million new people. Awkward conversations.....GO!
Again, get over it.
I'm scared I'll feel claustrophobic.
Go to Central Park.
Oh, you'll take me to Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken, NJ?
Ok. :)
The legendary Manuel Garcia celebrated his birthday in style Saturday night; he celebrated with about 50 of his friend in the Fashion District of Los Angeles. Host Alastair Chang opened his LA loft for the amazing party....
Manny's cake I made, it's one of my favorites!
We all had such a great time! I met so many new friends, and reconnected with a few old ones. What's ironic, I met two people from Nashville, and we are connected in all these random ways! The world really is a small place sometimes. Alastair has a fantastic home, the perfect place for an intimate party. The talented Noel L preformed, as did Vinyl Siding and others.
For the seven years I have known Manny, each birthday he outdoes himself. One of my favorites was his 30th, two years ago at a mutual friends home in Green Hills, Nashville, TN. It was an outdoor event, complete with a pool, pool house, wine, gourmet snacks and much much more. I'd have to say that this year tops even that. Or, maybe not tops, but definitely matches in display, entertainment, etc etc.
One of my favorite elements from this years bash was the photobooth. A new favorite trend at parties and weddings, it adds a fun element as well as lasting photos for years to come. Here are just a few snapshots!
Photography by Brandon and Serra Wright
One of the things I've been wanting to find is a traveler to attach to my bike. They are a little pricey, and I'm sure we won't use it but for a year or two more. So, we've looked and looked but never made the purchase. Until today.
I was a Target, and happened to run through the bike equipment aisle, and there on the shelf for 50% off was a Schwinn Bike Traveler!
I was so excited! I quickly confirmed with my boss that I could purchase it, and the kids and I are so excited to put it together! I love bike riding, there are SO many trails around where I live; just another reason to be outdoors!
I've been talking about visiting Europe for years, and in 2011, it will become a reality. While there are many countries I will visit in the coming years (Hello...Norway/Finland/Sweden!), Ireland will most likely be the destination for next year.
I've been thinking about taking my mom with me, seeing as it will be her 50th birthday next year. I'm planning on keeping it on the down-low, and I know she never reads my blog; so I'm good to share it here.
If you have visited Ireland, please let me know of any tips, places, B&B's, etc! I can't wait to make this trip happen!
I went a little concert crazy this year....I'm blaming it on living in a place where big name artists come more than once a year! Living in Nashville was fantastic for indie artists; but big name concerts happened maybe once a year. I've gathered quite the list, and I am so excited!
I kicked off my Summer Concert Series in June with Tim McGraw, Lady Antelbellum andLove & Theft. It was an outdoor venue in Rancho Cucamonga, and I went with my dear friend Dani. My dad and sister gave me the tickets for my birthday. I loved Love & Theft, love love loved Lady A, and absolutely melted during Tim McGraw. What a fantastic concert to start the summer, and what a better friend than Dani to go with!
Next up is Dave Matthews Band with Brett Dennen in August. Katie is flying out for this show, and I am so excited to make this our third summer seeing DMB together! It'll be at the Irvine Ampitheater, and we have really great seats. Should be a fantastic show, as usual! Dave never lets me down!
Just a few days later is the ever popular (and sometimes not) John Mayer with Owl City. I was so surprised by my employers with tickets to this concert for my birthday. I've never seen either artists in concert; so I am so very excited to see them! Owl City had a show a few months back at a smaller venue, and I so badly wanted to go, but was unable to find a wingman (or woman) to join me. Luckily I'll get to see their show on an even grander stage and a great venue! BONUS?! Katie will still be in town! Woohoo! Two great concerts, in California, with my bestest friend ever........happy girl right here.
Wrapping up the summer is Jack Johnson. You have no idea how long I've waited to see him in concert! I am so excited, I just can't hide it! For the past few years I've wanted to see him, but he has never played inland close enough to where I've lived (Nashville, TN). Lucky for me I moved to a coastal town! Ironically, he chose this year to play inland, and my friends back home will be able to see him in Indiana and Georgia.
There may or may not be another concert in there somewhere.....I'd love to see a little Maroon 5/OneRepublic action....
Drew, Jenni, myself and Katie
My Nashville peoples :)
Culture shock.
A year later, there are things that I am still getting used to: freeway drivers, u-turns, constant traffic, etc etc. Although the people aren't seemingly as hospitable as they are in the South, they are every bit as nice. Granted, don't ask to be let over in a lane, and don't apologize for being in someones way in the grocery store...things I took for granted in Tennessee. :)
A year ago I was unraveled. I was knee deep in drastic changes in my life, and added to that was leaving everything I'd known to move to a place I'd never been. I was leaving friends who are so dear to me, friends who had stood by me when no one else would. I was leaving my family, who although they were just a few hours away, gone was the convenience of visiting whenever I wanted.
So I took a deep breath, and boarded a plane.
And I've not once looked back.
Oh, I miss Kentucky. I miss Tennessee. Maybe one day I'll live there again. But I was, and am, determined to live my life to the fullest. And in this moment, it's here, in California. I've gotten to know some incredible people who were so obviously put in my life for redeeming what was stolen to me. Dear, sweet "California best friends" who have been a continual lifesaver. Courtney is from Oklahoma, and I believe God brought us together just so we would have someone to relate to! He's awesome like that.
Dani, myself and Courtney
Cali friends :)
So one year later, I'm a better person. And I would relive the past year again and again if its to learn the lessons that I have.
So take a deep breath, and choose the path less traveled...you'll be a better person for it.
As soon as we got to Paso, we went to Micah's parents house for a "siesta"; and oh, how fabulous it was! It was surprisingly hot in Paso, so we sat outside in a divine backyard full of almond trees. Dani and I fell asleep sitting under the patio, it was so fabulously relaxing!
Saturday evening we walked around downtown Paso, and I highly recommend visiting if you haven't already. It's a small, quaint town, but large enough to accommodate most major retailers. We visited every nook and cranny of the downtown shops, loving Powell's Sweet Shoppe the most! We enjoyed it so much, we went back the next day. Dani scooped up Hello Kitty tattoos, and Dots; Tyler got hilarious men and woman's moustaches! Micah grabbed the always hilarious classic Mad Libs for our trip back. Powell's even has the original Willy Wonka playing during store hours, with vintage theater chairs to kick back and watch the show.
Saturday night we met up with Drew and Courtney, who were in town for a friends wedding. We had such a fabulous time laughing, dancing, and just being together. Sunday morning was the beginning of the madness! We made their engagement cake (the party was that day) in ONE HOUR! I had pre-made the cakes, so all we did was fill and fondant. Luckily, we had about 4 people helping out, so the process went pretty quick. It was my first time making a fruit filling, and I learned a few things that I will do differently next time. It was a vanilla cake with strawberry and blueberry filling, for the 4th of July.
We had a great afternoon chilling at Drew's parents house, listened to his old band play music, and celebrating their engagement! Sunday night we went to Meridian Vineyards for music, down home cookin' and amazing fireworks. Being in the city for the past year, I had forgotten what it looked like to see a million stars in the sky; but laying back and watching the fireworks go off, I remembered why I love where I'm from.
Monday morning we hopped on the road, headed for lunch at Firestone Grill in San Luis Obispo. We walked around downtown SLO, shopped a bit, then took our grub to Avila Beach. We waited as long as we could before making the sad trip home-no one wanted to leave! We had such a great time celebrating Drew and Courtney, and loved meeting all of their friends and family!
We had the time of our lives driving out to the Grand Canyon! We left late Friday night due to a serious accident on the freeway, and drove through the night. Now, most of you who know me know that I am NOT a night owl. 9, 10pm, I'm out for the night. However, I made it until 3 AM before chugging the nasty energy drink. I taught Grant and Nicole how to drive my truck (a stick shift), and we were off. I've never driven through Arizona before, and sadly, I didn't see a thing since it was the middle of the night.
Nasty Necessity
I didn't know there wouldn't be any gas stations along Interstate 40....so about 2 am we had to pull over and thank GOD we had reception on our iPhone's to find the nearest one. Good Ole' Roy was kind enough to turn on the pumps for us (he must do this regularly) in the middle of the night to fuel up; at the tune of $3.59/gallon!! On our way back to the 40, we decided to take a different way and this happened...
We found the Route 66!
Sunrise on the way to the GC.
We finally arrived off the 40 about 4:45 am, and drove the remaining hour to the sight of the sunrise. I was so amazed at the landscape around me; again I've never been out "west". I took photo after photo, and just couldn't stop! We drove straight to the South Rim, at about 6am. The park had just opened and it was deserted. Seeing the Grand Canyon as the sun was rising, on a crystal clear day was something out of a movie. I've never seen anything so incredible; it almost seemed fake. No photo could ever do it justice.
Little chickens wouldn't venture out with me!
One of my favorite photos.
Nicole, Grant and I
Waiting for the sunset. We had the best seat in the house!
I still can't believe we didn't sleep for almost 40 hours! Other than a 20 minute cat nap here or there, we powered through the day. We were hoping to luck out and get a campsite IN the Grand Canyon National Park, but that didn't happen. Luckily the Park Ranger told us that we would camp anywhere outside of the GCNP, for free. Well heck yeah! We found the first dirt road, turned down, and claimed our wild spot. It was in a perfect clearing, just right for a fire pit. Grant was quite the nature man (he claimed watching Bear Grylls helped:), and made us the best rogue fire I've ever seen. After a good night's sleep, we were on the road again back to SoCal. We were all so surprised at the Arizona landscape, seeing as it was pitch black when we drove the night before.
It was a whirlwind trip, I was exhausted and slept A LOT when I got home, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. What better travel buddies than Grant and Nicole?! Oh, and the love bug bit them somewhere on the trail. They're now dating. How cute :)
Beautiful Franklin, TN
It felt so good to go home! I was craving the smell of the freshly sprung green leaves on trees, seeing wildflowers blowing in the wind, feel fresh raindrops on my skin, and feeling the humidity expand my hair. Just kidding on that last one. But seriously, when I walked out of the airport, I literally said out loud: "Holy humidity, Batman!" It was so nasty humid!
Friday I was able to get my hairs did by my favorite hairstylist, Amanda. I've gone to her for years, and it was sooooo good to catch up and see her cute lil' baby bump! Anyone reading this in Nashville, check her out. Amanda Pierce at Serenity Hair Studio in Cool Springs. Tell her Stacey sent ya!
I had lunch with the incredible Kelly Williams, who filled me in on her kids lives (I've known them since they were in middle school!), college, proms, girlfriends....kids grow up too fast these days. Friday night the ladies (Katie, Jenni and I, also known as the Tennessee Trio), went to Tin Roof 2 for a night of dinner and drinks. Man, I've missed my girls. You know you've found your "people" when you can maintain the same depth of relationship thousands of miles away, and pick right back up. THAT'S a friendship.
Drew, Jenni, myself and Katie
The Melton's came by to say hi! Love these two :)
Jon and Bethany Melton
Preston's wedding was awesome! It was in Arrington, TN, which is a little bit in the middle of nowhere. It was held at the cutest little white church surrounded by miles and miles of nothing but green green fields. I was able to catch up with many friends, old and new, that I didn't realize would be there. Saturday night we went straight to the Stardust Drive In, which was one of my favorite things to do while living in TN. It's literally in the middle of nowhere, in Watertown, TN. We watched Robin Hood, and I loved it!
Gotta be a a little goofy here and there :)
One of my dearest and closest friends, Preston.
Congratulations, Preston and Erin!
Sunday my dad and sister drove down from Kentucky, and we had lunch at Puckett's in downtown Franklin. I miss them so much, and was so glad that they came down to see me. It seemed like the weekend flew by, which it always does, and all too soon I had to board my plane back to California.
Dad and I
Or so I thought.
And so begins the worst flight nightmare of my life.
Original flight departure: 6pm.
ACTUAL flight departure: 9pm.
Missed connection, have to stay in Denver.
And I can't get my luggage.
It's 1am.
I'm standing in the umpteenth line, for the umpteenth time, waiting for my hotel assignment.
I stand in line for the shuttle.
I stand in line at the hotel to check in.
I stand and stare at my bed.
It's 3am.
Moral of the story? NEVER fly Frontier Airlines. EVER. Well, I'll need to use my flight coupon, but after that, NEVER again.
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