Why apple picking, you ask? Firstly, do you see this photo here? This view is exactly what I was hoping to experience when completing this goal.. isn't it so pretty? Ya, I know *dust ya shoulda off*
This list is all about doing things you maybe wouldn't normally think of, wouldn't normally take the opportunity or time to complete, things that open your eyes to the world around you. Apple picking is probably the perfect example of all of that put together. Living in Orange County, I remember seeing groves of orange trees and large strawberry fields in my community. I used to think how cool it would be to pick my own fruit (I obviously wasn't interested in growing anything, just picking the end results!). So when a friend told me she was going, I thought, Oh! Why not? And that's how it ended up on this list, and now on this blog as happily completed.
What made goal even more fun to complete, was the friend I had there to complete it with! Let me introduce you to Amanda....
Amanda is my coworker at my latest, and absolutely greatest job (will share in a separate post soon). She's a super fun and energetic person that I freakin' love! I couldn't be more blessed to know her and continue to get to know her every week. And, you will all be happy to hear that she's going to be starting a DZP list! It should be no surprise, it's kind of contagious.
So everyone, this is Amanda, say hi and be nice. I have a feeling you'll be seeing a lot of her...
Photo credits: Alex took the fabulous drive through photo, I snapped the photo of the receipt, and Madalyn used her mad-design-skillz and made it look amazing. And for all of you photo police out there, I did make sure I had full and complete permission from MMW to use her fabulous photo documentation, she obviously approved.
This fabulous goal was completed quite a bit ago. Half of me wants to kick my own ass for being a slacker at documenting these awesome adventures. But the other half loves reminiscing about how the adventure came to fruition.
This was yet another goal that Madalyn and I both shared on our lists, and one Sunday morning as we set off for a different DZP adventure with Alex, we all decided Starby's was a must-do before said-adventure could begin. Next came the decision as to which location to go to. And that's when it happened... LET'S GO TO THE DRIVE-THRU AND CROSS THIS OFF OUR LISTS TOO, TOO! Boom! Voila! Bazinga! and whatever bam-boom-voila-word you prefer!
So, very excitedly we ordered our drinks... went to the window and in the cheeriest voices prompted the cashier that we'd like to pay for the person behind us. Without hesitation he ran our cards, handed us our receipt and as we slowly exited the lane, our entire car was peeking back to see the woman behind us receive her free Caramel Macchiato.
Have you ever done this? Did you look to see the reaction or just go on your merry way? I know it's better to do such gestures without anything in return, including recognition and such... But I don't think we were looking for recognition. We were just so excited to see her face brighten up! I'd love to hear your stories of nice gestures. Do share.
It's pretty sad how many amazing spaces and places surrounds us in this great country, and yet we can sometimes completely overlook them. When it comes to the Fullerton Arboretum, that is exactly what happened to me. I went to Fullerton College and CSUF, and I never knew that this little gem was walking distance from my classes. So of course, if I never visited the Arboretum while studying on the very campus it resides, I had to put it on my list to make certain I would actually go.
During a sister-date where Alex and I spent the day shopping for future centerpieces and selecting the perfect flowers to fill them with, we decided we would finish off the day with a visit to the Arboretum. Which wasn't completely selfish of me considering it is the location of my sister's future wedding!
Awesomely enough, a wedding was already set up and only hours away from taking place at the verysame spot she has reserved for her big day! I snapped this little gem in complete excitement at what we have to look forward come July 2013.
The only bummer about visiting after a day of shopping around, was that neither of us were dressed for the occasion. I will not lie, I expected a lot, lot more grass and less dirt trails. So tennis shoes would have been much more appropriate than my sandals. All this means is, next time - very soon, next time - I will be much more prepared and even more willing to venture around the land that is the Fullerton Arboretum.
If there's one thing you should know about my mom. It's that she loves, loves, loves, loves, lighthouses!
LOVES!
So when planning my DZP list, I decided this would be a sweet goal to complete. The best part of it all, was that my sister made sure to have it on her list too! - Or maybe she had it first, and I added it... I don't remember!
So for Mother's Day, my sister and I made a cute photo book listing all the reasons why we love her (see my favorite below).
Well, after some many planning, rescheduling, and delaying of this blessed event... we finally made it happen! We went to Long Beach and visited Long Beach Harbor Lighthouse and walked throughout Shoreline Village. We took a water taxi around the harbor and got to see the Queen Mary up close and personal. It was pretty damn fun hanging out with my fam.
Sorry to say it's been a long time since this goal was completed and I'm finally getting around to sharing about it. These lovely ladies and I attended the live taping of...drum-roll-please...The Voice!
Photos provided by FB profiles: shans, me, shannon
It's an Erin sandwich on some Shannon bread!
Let me tell you how excited these three kats were to go to this taping - extremely! Why you ask? Because we anticipated seeing the judges' performances that day. Yes. I repeat. We were scheduled to watch the judges' performances, LIVE!
But to our broken hearts, there weren't any performances - at all. But we did get to see the hottie judges, and it was an experience. I'm glad these girls were able and willing bodies to come cross this off my list, even if it was a bust.
Now for the only photo to commemorate this experience:
Spontaneity is probably one of the top sought after qualities people aim to be in their daily lives. The structure of having a continuous routine can make people koo-koo and therefore have this desire to break away from the monotony and just do somethin' crazay!
That, is not what I did.
I didn't set this goal because I'm too rigid and structured. While some may argue that my planning side definitely can come out more often than my spontaneous side, I am by far one of the lesser rigid members of Orange County. And with completing this goal, spontaneity kicked structure's ass!
And this is what happened...
Back story #1: Life is fucking hard. Period. Everyone knows it, and believe me! I know I'm not the only one fighting. Everyone is struggling with something. We're all fighting through bumps in the road to achieve an over-arching goal... whether it be finding that perfect career, the blissful relationship, that adorably-put-together-home, the bestest friends, the sweetest and most supportive family and the cutest pets. We're all going through life to reach that perfect plateau.
Through that bumpy road, some of those bumps are big, some of those valleys are low, and it can feel so hard and borderline unbearable.
Some days I find myself having to talk myself out of bed. Push myself to be presentable and not just a lazy mess. I'm literally giving myself a pep talk in the shower on most days, and praying so hard for positivity to push me through the day.
I can proudly say I get the job done, and by the time I'm standing in front of the barista at Starbucks, my coworkers, friends, family, puppy, I have a smile on my face. I have a pep in my attitude. I have hope for the sun to shine, because I have found a state of mind where I really am, hopeful.
If I couldn't acheive this state of mind, I would find myself holed up under the covers never to come out. Believe this.
And so, the planning side of things: I've been searching for a quote that I wanted to get tattooed that basically said, "life is hard, but keep moving forward." Something to remind me to keep my head up even at my lowest of lowest points, and serve as a visual pep talk that takes only a single look.
I would come across a few little lines here and there, but nothing ever stuck. Then one day I saw a photo of a girl's side-tattoo of this poster and I was furious! While I'm all about unique-make-it-your-own tattoos - that's what they're for anyways, right? - but this chick defamed this poster by changing the font, changing the crown, *grrrrr* oh my goodness!! *clenched-fists* I instantly thought, how could you ruin such an already perfect design??
And that's when it hit me.
Why am I searching for that perfect quote, when this crown says everything I could ever want it to say and more. Thanks to that awful tattoo, I decided, this is what I want - when I'm ready.
Back story #2: The poster. Not many people even know the history behind the Keep Calm and Carry On posters, but here's the make-a-long-story-short story... During WW2 the British gov't designed a series of morale-boosting-propaganda posters and used them across the country to motivate and uplift the people during the testing times that were to lay ahead.
Here's a quick three minute video that gives you the background, plus how it came to be commercialized:
Now, where spontaneity rules all: I had a rather tough week last week, followed by receiving some piss-poor news on Monday that completely thrusted me in one of the crappiest valleys of emotions where even a smile was just not going to happen.
The following morning I was going through some of my favorite blogs, one of which being Fuck Yeah, Tattoos! and I decided this needs to happen, today! I called my tattoo guy Todd at Ace's High in Fullerton, CA and not to my surprise he was completely booked up! Although he promised to call me if anyone cancelled and an opening would spring up, I was immediately bummed out and my spark was starting to fizzle.
I decided to, Keep Calm and Carry On with my day. I went home and started a mass amount of laundry and then *BOOM!* fate must have been on my side because one of his appointments finished extra early, and I found myself trying to decide if I was going to get this tattoo or finish drying my six loads of wet laundry (not an exaggeration). Todd gave me a window to get my shit done and get my ass in there no later than 8:30pm and I was in just under the clock. Next thing I knew, the stencil was on, needles were preped and it was done 'n' done.
I couldn't be happier.
For me, this tattoo symbolizes my daily motivation, my three-second morning pep talk, and my instantaneous reminder that no matter how hard life gets, keep my head up, Keep Calm and Carry On, because there's a light at the end of this tunnel.
It was pretty damn fun. I walked in, ear plugs in hand, expecting it to be beyond words loud and was surprised that I didn't need them at all! Must be my generation of blasting my musak while growing up... If anything I thought it could have been more extreme than it was already.
Highlights would include the entire stadium successfully doing the wave more than five times over, hanging with fun friends and of course the trucks put on a great show! My man was laughing at me every time I was actually hoping they'd flip their trucks - horrible, I know! But what's a monster truck show without trucks flipping over, right?! It was fun times. This is an event I think I would do again..
The only odd part was my crazy ass camera making my photos look far less manly with all the purple hues. *laughing out loud* Literally every picture looked like it was taken with a pastel filter. So not monster-truck-esque, huh? All well!
Every Labor Day weekend for the past three decades, the Orange International Street Fair is going down in the downtown Orange Circle. This is the eventto experience a wide variety of food, music and dance from cultures and ethnicities throughout the world. Even better, what I didn't know, is that the entire event is put on to benefit non-profit charities that help people in our community.
So why have I never been? I don't know. But I'm definitely going this year with my man and our good friends Toni, Rich and maybe a few others..? We will see. After taking a look at all the street participants and the different cultural foods and entertainment they're bringing - we couldn't be more excited! Here's the line up of food items each organization is bringing for your taste buds...
All American | Diocese Of Orange | Wine, Margaritas
All American | Villa Park High School Girls’ Basketball | Beer
All American | El Modena High School Softball | Chicken Wings
All American | Orange North Rotary Club | Roasted Corn
All American | St. Paul’s Lutheran Church | BBQ Beef Sandwiches, Hot Dogs
All American | Fairhaven PTA | Cookies
All American | Job’s Daughters | Donuts and Corn Dogs
All American | Int. Order of Rainbow Girls | Funnel Cakes
All American | El Bekal Shrine | Beer
All American | Orange Rotary Club | Kettle Korn
All American | Girl Scout Troop 1475 | Snow Cones, Cotton Candy
All American | El Modena High School Wrestling | BBQ Corn-on-the-cob
All American | Assisteens of Orange | Dippin’ Dots, Root Beer Floats
All American | Central Orange Girls’ Softball | Indian Fried Bread (Native American Tacos)
All American | Orange Junior Chamber of Commerce | Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory
All American | Orange High School Vocal Music | Hamburgers, Cotton Candy
All American | Canyon High School Education Foundation | Phlly Cheesesteak Sandwiches
Asian | Tustin High School Baseball | Teriyaki Skewers, Rice, Shrimp Rolls
Asian | Casa Teresa | Beer
Asian | Wat Lao Buddhasamakhee | BBQ Beef & Chicken, Fried Rice & Noodles, Shrimp Tempura, Eggrolls
Australian | YMCA of Orange | Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Pickles, Australian Ice
Australian | Orange County High School of the Arts | Aussie Ice Cream, Broasted Potato wedges and chicken
Danish | Danish American Club | Danish Pastries, Beer
Danish | Rebuild National Park Society | Danish Donuts, Fruit Jams
Danish | Orange Host Lion Club | Sausage Sandwiches
Dutch | United Netherlands Organization | French Fries, Dutch Pastries, Beer
English | Orange Elks Lodge 1475 | Fish and Chips, Beer
German | Knights of Columbus | Beer
German | Lutheran High School | Bratwurst, Sauerkraut
Ginza | Orange County Kodokan Judo Foundation | Beer
Ginza | Orange Coast Gakuen | Edamame, Beef Teriyaki Sticks, Rice, Candy, Corn
Ginza | Long Beach Japanese Language Booster Assn. | California Rolls, Oinari Sushi, Shaved Ice (Japanese Flavors)
Greek | Saint John The Baptist Greek Orthodox Church | Souvlaka Sandwiches, Gyros Sandwiches, Greek Pastries, Calamari, Loukoumathes
Irish | La Purismia Catholic School | Irish Bangers Sausage, Irish Breakfast Burritos
Irish | Old Town Preservation | Beer
Italian | Sons of Italy Renaissance Lodge | Sausage and Meat Ball sandwiches, Pizza, Fried bread, Pasta, Cookies and Italian Ice
Mexican | El Modena Tennis and Cross Country | Burritos, Tacos, Quesadillas, Nachos, Taquitos, Chimichangas, Churros Raspados
Mexican | Apostolic Church of Orange | Carne Asada Tacos, Quesadillas, Tamales, Sopes, Burritos
Mexican | Friendly Center | Tacos, Ceviche, Nachos, Quesadillas, Churros, Horchata
Norwegian | Sons of Norway | Rosettes (Cookies), Beer
Polynesian | Orange Youth Sports | Pork Sliders, Frozen Fruit Bars, Watermelon Slices, Beer
Swiss | Izaak Walton League | Bratwurst, Polish Sausage, Spicy Swiss Sausage, Lemonade, Beer
Ok my OC friends, I'll see you there? Here are the details:
Woodstock was a groovy blast! Let me tell you! The bands were awesome and the people were great! Not your typical concert where it's common to see people fighting - literally - for a spot in the front. Here we just walked on up and shared the space with everyone. I did not witness a single fight amongst the crowd... too much love, I say. There were all kinds of walks of life.. from your everyday Joes, to the original hippies, to your costume clad Austin Powers. The best contest for best Woodstock outfits was amazing. Some very creative people went through a lot of trouble to make sure their outfits dawned everything from peace sign necklaces, tie-dye shirts, flowered headbands and bandanas, hemp bracelets, you name it - it was there. The venue is "smaller" than most concert arenas, but there was more than enough room for the hundreds of people who attended. Blankets and chairs covered the grass entirely, and it was the nicest, most relaxing venue EVER!
My friends & I all got airbrushed tattoos done first thing to set the day off right!
All in all, the day was AMAZING! If you didn't attend, next year will be a must!
This coming Saturday the 15th, Irvine Lake is hosting the 4th Annual Music Festival from 1:00pm - 9:00pm. I attended this event last year and had a blast!
You can buy tickets online for $15 or or at the door for $20. They even have VIP tickets for $50 which includes appetizers, discounted drinks and reserved seating. If you don't go VIP this Saturday, you can bring in blankets, chairs, umbrellas, etc. to make your party more comfortable on the grassy knowl. They have beer tents, great food, vendors, etc. Great for kids, families, hippies of all ages.
Hopefully you have a chance to come down and enjoy the fun!
Open late Wednesdays - Sundays. Admission is definitely doable, $10 for adults (13-59), $7 for seniors (60+) and only $5 for kiddies (6-12), not to mention any cute kids under the age of 6 get in for free!
The best part that I just discovered, is the Super Pass they are offering this year. You pay a lump sum of $30 (for adults) and you get in for all 23 days the Super Fair is open! Amazing! They even offer you a bunch of cool benefits like the express lane for all entry gates, 10% off reserved seating at any events held in the Action Sports Arena (which is awesome for the Bull Riding events I'm definitely going to), an RCS Carnival coupon book, OC Marketplace admission valid all the way through September 2009, an OC Marketplace VIP Savings Book, and 2-4-1 concert tickets at select shows held at the Pacific Amphitheatre. It's a great buy that will help you save on those summer memories!
I'll update you on my OC fair trip(s), coming soon..
This list is all about doing things you maybe wouldn't normally think of, wouldn't normally take the opportunity or time to complete, things that open your eyes to the world around you. Apple picking is probably the perfect example of all of that put together. Living in Orange County, I remember seeing groves of orange trees and large strawberry fields in my community. I used to think how cool it would be to pick my own fruit (I obviously wasn't interested in growing anything, just picking the end results!). So when a friend told me she was going, I thought, Oh! Why not? And that's how it ended up on this list, and now on this blog as happily completed.
