4.29.12

1. A awesome smoked salmon sandwich with a side of corn bread from Tupelo Junction.

2. A productive evening--homework, cooking, organizing, and spending time with B.

3. As of tomorrow morning, we are starting a sugar detox for at least one week. I'm not a huge sugar eater in general, but for some reason, I have been consuming it like it's nobody's business. So, to celebrate the end of our sugar binge and kick of the cleanse, it was only natural that we would have McConnell's in tribute. No sugar, here we come!

4.28.12

1. A beautiful spring day of wine tasting at Municipal and Oreana. It was so nice to not only see everyone out and about, but it was so nice to see everyone happy. Yea, it could have been the wine, but I have the feeling that the glorious sun had something to do with it too :)

2. An awesome 6 mile beach walk with Liz.

3. A night of carefree, silly, and uninhibited fun. A night of dart throwing, dancing (who needs a dance floor?) and laughing....lots of laughing. A night of our perfection.

4.27.12

1. After a beautiful beach walk this morning I was walking into buy my morning Starbucks and noticed a homeless man standing outside. He didn't ask me for money, he didn't have a sign, he was just standing observing the morning light. I asked him if I could buy him a coffee, and he kindly smiled with acceptance. It was a brief exchange and one that I don't need credit or recognition for. More importantly, I felt appreciative of the fact that with all the complexity of the world, the world is still simple enough that one person can buy a stranger a cup of coffee with only a smile as payment.

2. I have pink eye. YUCK! My eye is gooping with green mucus. DOUBLE YUCK! My eye is so red that it looks like I'm growing a tomato on my face. TRIPLE YUCK! But, through the puss, the redness, the eye drops, Urgent Care, and the throbbing lids, I have B by my side....puss and all.

3. My friend Liz arrives into town any minute. I love this girl more than words can describe, and I can't wait to spend the weekend with her!

4.26.12

1. Morning weightlifting.

2. Freshly baked cookies (to follow the workout of course!).

3. A productive day filled with applications, assignments, emails, and good conversation.

4.25.12

1. Today, I had a great session with a client. She has been trapped underneath fear for most of her life. Fear of being alone, fear of failing, fear of being judged, and fear of always being depressed. After spending 45min talking about her fear, I stopped her and asked her, "If I were to take all of your fear away for you, what do you really want from your life?" She responded with, "I want to be loved and I want to be happy." I can't think of anything better to want from life!

2. The perfect date night paired with an awesome bottle of wine, a blazing fire, homemade turkey meatballs and spaghetti, fresh bread, salad, and great company :)

3. Homemade rice pudding with almond milk, agave, and a dried berry blend...the best end to the day!

4.24.12

1. After three years of clinical training, five supervisors, 110+ units of coursework, countless workshops, conferences, and thousands of journal articles....today, I learned one of THE most important therapeutic lessons: Be a person.

2. Hershey kisses dropped off by my friend Chelsea this past weekend. My lips and my hips (yea right) thank you!

3. Mayor Corey Booker. I've always been a BIG fan of his, not just for his charismatic personality, but for the amazing work he is doing with underserved youth. He is a living representation of the power of one person.

4.23.12

1. When I was little, I was OBSESSED with Grease. Actually, this is an understatement. My poor VHS player worked overtime playing my video tape over and over and over again. Why did I love Grease so much? Two words: Danny Zuko. As I got older, my fondness for Danny Zuko grew into a true love for John Travolta. Right now, Wild Hogs is on, and although it's somewhat painful to watch, I can't turn off his face from my TV. I appreciate JT for teaching me how to disco, providing me the lyrics to "Summer Lovin," and making me believe in Phenomenon's. No matter how old I get (or he gets), I will always love JT for giving me one of the best movies of all time.

2. I had the great pleasure of hearing an amazing Native American woman speak today. She taught me the true meaning of culture, pride, family, and tradition. She reminded me that in order to live life and overcome challenges, we must, "Walk slow, drink lots of water, and take it easy." Such a simple concept, but one that is all too easy to forget!

3. Re-inspired creativity!

4.22.12

1. A great day at Earth Day!

2. Discovered a new park today that I'm so excited to explore further.

3. An awful dinner saved by McConnell's...does the trick every time!

4.21.12

1. I have been craving a turkey burger for weeks. Finally made it to the Habit for dinner, and it was deeee-lish!

2. Tonight, my cohort at school reenacted "prom" in order to relive our glory (or dreadful for some) days of high school. It was fun to stand around the punch bowl, pose for pictures, and dance to old school KC&JoJo. Lucky for me, I not only got to put on a pretty dress and dance the night away, but I got to kiss my date under the disco ball.

3. I have a new hobby, and I am SO excited about it. I've always loved succulents, and I potted my first few today. I've always had anything but a green thumb, but lately, I'm feeling particularly fond of nature, and excited to get this thumb (even if it is black) into the ground!

4.20.12

1. After a very intense session, I treated myself to a great salad and a little retail therapy...talk therapy's good, but retail therapy is even better!

2. Had a reunion with my girls tonight! We haven't seen each other in over a month, so it was so great to laugh, catch up, and share stories from the last few weeks. I absolutely adore these amazing ladies!

3. My first glass of wine in over 3 weeks...this was definitely something to appreciate :)

4.19.12

1. Got to sleep in a little today.

2. The weather was GORGEOUS today!

3. An awesome sandwich from South Coast Deli...yum!

4.18.12

1. Another great meal at Milk and Honey to celebrate 4 blissful months together!

2. I am FINALLY feeling better and back to life....thank god!

3. Got a great card today, that put a HUGE smile on my face :)

4.17.12

1. I had a really great talk with my dad tonight. With how busy we both are, we don't get to do it often, but he always knows how to make me feel inspired and rejuvenated. We took some time to reflect on our lives, our special father-daughter relationship, and our hopes for the future. I've been feeling like total and complete crap lately with how sick I've been. My dad helped me to get re-centered and reminded me of what's most important in life. Thanks Dad!

2. Kale and chicken for dinner--starting to get back on a healthy kick, and it feels great!

3. And....followed up that "healthy" dinner with a homemade chocolate chip cookie. Yup, the perfect compliment to kale :)

4.16.12

1. Got to sleep in a little bit this morning....a great way to start a Monday!

2. An afternoon nap (well, more like a lay in bed and work on the laptop...but it was close enough!)

3. Another great episode of SMASH :) As cheesy as it is, I'm sad there's only 3 episodes left!

4.15.12

1. A nice Sunday evening walk along the beach.

2. Finally got my nails done today!

3. Another great relaxing day on the couch :)

4.14.12

1. Morning breakfast burritos.

2. Put all my goodies to use today...the perfect day to stay home and bake. I am officially in love with my new muffin pan! Featured above: Cranberry, blueberry, and almond muffins.

3. Homemade chicken fajitas.

4.13.12

1. I took the entire day off today to rest and recuperate. I truly cannot remember the last time I did this. Four naps and two movies later, I'm very appreciative of the opportunity to just lay on the couch, cuddle up, and enjoy doing nothing.

2. My friend Jay dropped off some great tea today to help soothe my sore throat and reduce my coughing--thanks Jay!

3. A great rainy day.

4.12.12

1. A great conversation with my mom today. No matter when I call my mom, she knows exactly how I'm doing just based on the way I say "hello." Today was one of those days when I needed my mom. No matter how old I get, I still need her. I've been sick for almost two weeks now, and it was starting to wear me down, both physically and emotionally. Not only did my mom give me a prescription to take care of myself, but her voice alone was just the medicine I needed!

2. I came home today to lots of surprise gifts from Brian (featured above)! After drooling over these adorable kitchen necessities at Anthropologie, he went back a few days later and got them all for me. I was so shocked and appreciative of his thoughtfulness and generosity. I am a lucky girl!

3. Yummy Thai soup to help me kick this nasty cold.

4.11.12

1. A great salad for lunch.

2. Finally got my taxes done and sent off.

3. Renewed my passport today--Costa Rica, here we come!!

4.10.12

1. A great phone conversation with my sister today!

2. Rocked out to Adele's 21 album on my way to school today. No matter how many times I listen to this album, it gets me each time.

3. Got to come home today in between classes. This is a rare treat. Although it was filled with work, it was nice to get off campus for a bit and eat lunch on a real plate as opposed to out of tupperware.

4.9.12

1. My favorite aunt and uncle are in town this week celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary! We had a great dinner at Olio Pizzeria and an even better time sharing stories, catching up, and talking about the future.

2. Great leftovers for lunch today.

3. A highly productive meeting.

4.8.12

1. My family and I had a WONDERFUL Easter brunch this morning at Tavern in LA. I had the most amazing brisket hash covered with two sunny side up eggs and horseradish cream. It was pure perfection! As if the meal and great company weren't enough, we topped it off with two big celebrity sightings--Conan O'Brien and Steven Spielberg!

2. I saw my sister and her new husband Tim today for the first time since their wedding. They looked beyond happy and relaxed. It was a true gift to witness the joy radiating from each of their faces. Married life is looking good on them!

3. I created a new soup recipe tonight--chicken sausage, whole wheat pasta shells, lentils, white beans, carrots, tomato, garlic, and onion, and topped with parmesan cheese shavings. All and all, it was a big success!

4.7.12

1. I sent B on an Easter egg hunt at 10:00pm tonight. He had 15minutes to find 10 eggs that I cleverly hid (or so I thought) throughout the house. Although he had fun, I think I was the one that got the real kick out of it, as I giggled with every moment of egg hiding.

2. Sat outside today to enjoy the beautiful weather while I worked. If I have to work on a Saturday, this was the way to do it!

3. Toy Story 2--loved it! Being sick has helped me to get caught up on movie time and channel my inner child :)

4.6.12

1. Today was opening game of the Giants vs. Diamondbacks. Although I'm not a huge baseball fan, there was nothing better than watching the look of pure joy and excitement on B's face throughout every moment of the game. Go Giants!

2. Another beautiful Santa Barbara day!

3. Watched the 6th Harry Potter movie....only 2 more to go!

4.5.12

1. A birthday celebration for one of my absolute faves! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAY!!!

2. Didn't get out of bed until 10:30am (on a Thursday nonetheless)--pure heaven!

3. Homemade granola and almond milk--my new favorite breakfast treat!

4.4.12

1. Chinese takeout and Toy Story.

2. I'm digging the new series, SMASH. It's cheesy as hell, but I love challenging my inner Broadway persona....a five, six, seven, eight!

3. A nice evening walk to McConnell's for some peanut butter and cookies n' cream fro yo!

4.3.12

1. A good hair day.

2. Another beautiful Santa Barbara day--I'm getting so excited for Spring!

3. I'm starting to feel sick this week...yuck! I'm not so appreciative of the burning hole in my throat right now, but I'm appreciative of the early quarter reminder to rest, remain connected with my body, and to make my health a top priority.

4.2.12

1. A productive morning including lots of emails, organization, cleaning, and a great spin class.

2. A great first day of the Spring quarter.

3. Solid laughter for a good 15 minutes....thanks to my sister and taco eating brother-in-law!

4.1.12

1. A productive morning workout followed by a great walk with my friend Courtney. Feels so good to be active after so many days of eating my way throughout California.

2. Homemade Vietnamese spring rolls--springtime perfection!

3. Taxes are finally complete! Fingers crossed that money is coming my way....puh-lease!

3.31.12

1. An awesome breakfast at Universal Cafe with my friends Paul and Emily.

2. A rainy drive.

3. We have had an incredible spring break filled with fun, laughter, adventure, travel, family and friends. But, I have never been so appreciative as I was the moment I got to crawl back into my own bed. Although this week's travel has been great, there truly is nothing like home.

3.30.12

1. A night out in SF with friends that I've known since both elementary school and junior high. It was another great night in the city!

2. B and I went on a gorgeous walk around the Palace of Fine Arts today. Despite all the hustle and bustle of the city, this little hideaway is one of the most peaceful and inspiring places in SF!

3. Lunch with my professor Elena, who is not only my teacher, but my confidante, my friend, and my second mother.

3.29.12

1. Drove to San Francisco today to visit all of my old friends and professors. It was great to be back in the city and to catch up with so many great people.

2. Ice cream at Humphry Slocombe--the Secret Breakfast is legendary!

3. Dinner at one of my all time favorite restaurants! Limon Rotisserie is bomb!!

3.28.12

1. Officially booked our Costa Rica trip!! We'll be spending 7 nights hiking, zip lining, tanning, and enjoying the beauty of this tropical wonder. Let the countdown begin!

2. We slept in til 10:00am this morning and then laid on the couch watching TV for most of the morning. I am NEVER able to sleep past 7:00am, so this was a big joy!

3. A great spin class!

3.27.12

1. Went to see my grandma today. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to make it to the wedding because she took a turn for the worse, but I'm glad to say that she is recovering well.

2. Had the best sandwich from the infamous, Le Diplomate at the University Town Center in Irvine (aka: The Marketplace for all Irvine natives).

3. Got to bed by 10:00pm! This rarely happens, so I'm VERY appreciative when it does :)

3.26.12

1. DISNEYLAND!!!

2. A close family friend was incredibly generous in allowing us to use her Club 33 membership for the day. We started our meal with a gorgeous seafood buffet and then dined on incredible entree's and almost 'too beautiful to eat' desserts. My cupcake was dusted in glitter....yes, glitter!

3. When I was 13, I used to dream of going to Disneyland with a boyfriend. I thought it would be the most romantic, special, and coolest thing to do. Well, at age 29, I'm happy to say that going to Disneyland with B was all that I imagined it would be. We cuddled on Pirate's, laughed in all the lines, and kissed under the fireworks. Sure enough, it was the most romantic, special and coolest thing we could do.

3.25.12

1. A much needed nap!

2. Dinner with great friends.

3. Staying warm during a rainy night.

3.24.12

1. Today is the DAY!! I had the honor of watching my sister marry her love, her best friend, and the man who makes her smile brighter than ever before.

2. I gave my maid of honor speech without shedding one tear. Given the fact that for the week before the wedding, I could barely look at my sister without bursting out into hysterics, this was a big accomplishment!

3. I am so appreciative of how much love filled one room.