Feeling a Bit Odd

This weekend was weird for me. On one hand, I got to spend so much time with amazing people. I hit up Brite Spot and Scoops with Max and V. (The maple brownie was legitttt). I went hiking and ate brunch with Alene at The Trails in Griffith - must go back! (Three words: lavender shortbread cookies). I drank wine with Aline, Greg and Evan at my fave spot, The Hermosillo. And I spent Beyonce Bowl with my lovely housemates and besties, Jacy and Ellie, inhaling kale chips and cuddling puppies. I also got some good hugs from my mom, great mail, and some leads on the foreboding future.

That aside, I was in a weird weird weird schizo bipolar cray cray mood. I think its passing, but sometimes I get what I call the "sky is falling syndrome," where everything is shattering and I can't deal and I stay in bed and force cuddle Sophie and watch reruns of Criminal Minds and SVU and call my mom and ask for cake. Yeah, I know - its weird. It's also torture for the lovely people around me. I miss out on a lot of Friday - birthdays and shows and dinner. But it was nice to gather my thoughts and indulge in a little ridiculousness.

All I know is I am so grateful for those who put up with me, even when I'm less bubbly and obnoxious than usual.

Things I'm looking forward to:

- My Dinner for 12 Strangers that I'm hosting with Anthony
- Hiking with Megan
- Getting on the yoga train
- The various meetings I have this week (more on that later)
- Going to Trader Joes (Its the little things)

Two Best Things

Well, three actually: Tegan and Sara AND Andy Samberg. love.

Things That Make Me {Happy} - Old Music

A rediscovery of old, great music:

{Inspiration}

Been MIA - writing my law review note and spending time with Max, aka my cupcake, while he is visiting from Oakland. The days are filled with sailing and sun, beers and meat, good company and lots of laughter. Here are a few things I've been enjoying in the little time I have to spare :-)

want Writer's Tears whiskey

Interesting stories on tattooed women of yore/I want another tattoo (as always)

New Tegan and Sara - omg must see:

Comprehensive bottomless mimosas in LA - who's going with me?

Other things:

Shrimp Asiago Bisque

Lace Hoodie DIY

Chargrilled Peach and Roasted Fig Salad with Prosciutto, Blue Cheese and Walnuts

This gorgeous Tumblr

Tattoo Inspiration:

Source: thightattoos.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: fyeahtattoos.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: stumptownmag.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

Exciting Things Afoot

Sophie (right) and her BF, Freddy, who I've been puppysitting

Well, update #1 is about my cleanse. I think I've kept to it about 80% of the time. I haven't had any coffee, no dairy, no red meat, no soy, and no gluten - except for my splurge night. My one major fail: I've had two glasses of wine over the last ten days.

However, two days ago, I wanted to take my brother to Tommy's Burgers and we splurged on chili cheese burgers with chipotle cheddar and sliced chilis. UM SO GOOD. Also I had root beer. So a few thoughts on this. One of these things makes me want to throw up. I'm not sure if its the meat, the gluten, or the dairy. I guess a chili cheese burger wasn't the best combination to test out my cleanse thing. Despite the scrumptiousness and the fact I only had half a burger, it was really rich and I woke up the next morning feeling nauseous and sluggish. I also had a root beer - no caffeine, but a ton of sugar. My jeopardy performance was phenomenal.

However, I'm back on the cleanse now and I feel really good about it. I think I'm going to try to apply it to whatever food I make at home. That way at least 60% my meals are balanced and healthy and I can keep my energy stable.

Okay - more interesting things:

1) My Santa Cruz boys: Grant is moving home and I can't wait. Max is coming to visit over MLK weekend - like omgmycupcakewillbehere! and Jas and I are still planning a visit up to SF this month to visit my honeybun Rob.

2) I've booked a wine tasting weekend in the Central Coast for my mom, my aunt and me. So excited!

3) Planning a trip to Japan and maybe one (or two) to NYC.

4) I ended my unpaid internship at the LACA. It was a phenomenal experience and I love everyone there. But it had been six months and I have a few other opportunities I need to focus on, so it was time to bid them adieu. I learned so much and I'm so grateful for that experience.

5) I've been hiking/running with the Sophs everyday and next week, I add in my regular yoga classes, which haven't been regular in ages. WOOOOO!

6) Thinking about new volunteer opps and also expanding this lil blog :-)

7) I'm hosting my own Dinners for 12 Strangers with my friend Anthony! I loved D12 at UCLA and I'm so excited I get to facilitate a social/networking experience for students, alumni and faculty. It's one of the many unique things that SAA offers Bruins. :-)

okay thats all I got so far... off to buy books and make lists. xoxo

{I Want} Free People

Everything in the new Free People catalog is amazing. I want to be in it and wear everything. Also I want to be warm, because I'm far too cold with this winter weather and my lips are chapped.

Source: refinery29.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: refinery29.com via Amber on Pinterest

Source: refinery29.com via Amber on Pinterest

Elysian Park Hiking

Uh, so I didn't realize that Elysian Park had such a lovely little trail. Jacy and I took our wolves, Tucker and Sophie, for a jaunt and ran into Sophie's love Freddy. We had them off leash for quite a bit of the trail, which and great views of Mt. Washington, different grove things, and downtown. It was just the type of afternoon I needed. xoxo.

Sophie and her Freddy

 Sophie with Uncle Tucker leading the way

Beautiful afternoon glow