Day 31: Anniversary Celebrations

In keeping with this blogger challenge, which I have done thus far, and with our anniversary week in full swing, I thought I would share the vivid memory of our 2nd Anniversary celebration, that was on Wednesday.

Rich and I have been married 2 whole years, as of last Wednesday! What a bummer treat that our anniversary landed smack in the middle of the week, and a short one at that!

We are celebrating our anniversary this summer with a fun trip to Peru (we are so excited!) but the day before and the day of, May 29th, we celebrated with friends, drinks, some cake from our wedding day (not our cake, cake we gave to the guests, but we figured we would try something else this year), work and school for myself and Rich, and a sushi dinner date.

Tuesday night, we went out for drinks for a friends birthday. We went to the Bungalows in Santa Monica and enjoyed good company, fun ambiance and tasty drinks.

On Wednesday, I woke up to many love and sweet notes. I had breakfast, went to work, and came home to beautiful roses. We went for a walk around the neighborhood and then headed to Sugarfish in Santa Monica for dinner. This place has been recommended to us for a while, so we finally decided to try it out. We got there around 7:30 and the wait for 45 minutes. We were starving and a little cranky and were glad to be seated when we were! We looked over the menu for 1.5 seconds and ordered beer and sake (cold, first time drinking it cold), the Trust Me plate and 2 other rolls to share. O.M.G. The sushi was so fresh and delicious. Totally worth the wait!

We headed home and ate some deliciously decadent cake and watched an episode or 2 of Frasier. :-)

The perfect way to bring on our 3rd year of marriage!

Cheers to one hundred more years of happiness!

--- Challenge: A Vivid Memory

Day 30: 5 Songs

In coordination with yesterday's post about my wedding anniversary, I wanted to post 5 of my favorite and meaningful songs!

500 Miles - The Proclaimers

Rich and I spent the majority of our "courtship" away from each other. We lived in different cities and sometimes different continents, depending on his schedule. We would use the words in this song and say things like "I would swim 500 miles" etc.
The pianist at our wedding played this song as we exited the church and the DJ played this song as we entered the reception as husband and wife!

Time - Hootie & the Blowfish
This song has a lot of different meanings to me. It reminds me of my mom - this is the kind of music she likes - it reminds me of high school - I saw Hootie in concert with my mom and a girlfriend - it reminds me of all of the long road trips that Rich and I have taken. This is a song that we also quote daily :-) I mean, how could you not!

Chicken Fried - Zac Brown Band
This song reminds me of the first deployment Rich and I endured. It came out the summer/fall of 2008 and every time I heard it it would bring me to tears (those of you who have listened to the song know which part I'm talking about). And it so happened that the song would play on the base that Rich was at.

It Happens - Sugarland
I know this is a silly one...but I can't leave it out. When Rich and I went to Hawai'i in 2009, this song was played constantly on the radio. Sugarland is known for the country twang and so we had a great time driving with all of the windows out belting the words in our best southern drawl. It makes me laugh every time I hear it.

When I Fall in Love - Nat King Cole
I love Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole. Their voices are like butter to my ears! I just can't get enough! This song was our first wedding dance song. It is actually really easy to dance to because there is no beat/rhythm to the music so you can dance really any dance to it and go as fast or as slow as you want. Before our wedding, Rich and I took some dancing lessons: Ballroom and Salsa. We had such a great experience during those 8 weeks and we had so much fun together! We still dance in our living room :-)

And one more for the road...
Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison/Rod Stewart (or whoever - it seems everyone has covered it)
I know that this is totally a romantic song, but it's the song that my mom would sing to me as a little girl and we say/sing to each other now. This song has a special place in my heart. Always.

---

Challenge: React to Letting Go 5 Songs

Happy Anniversary

Today is our 2 year anniversary.

1. Our first picture together 2.USMC Ball 3. Engagement Photo - Palace of Fine Arts 4. Engagement Photo - Stinson Beach 5. Wedding 6. Wedding 7. Honeymoon 8. Thanksgiving 2012

It has been the most exciting, fun, adventurous, hard, loving, amazing, wild ride that I could have ever imagined. I wouldn't want to live my life with any other person, on this earth. We have grown, gone through easy and hard times, learned, supported each other, tried new things. And all of this: together. 

Cheers to a million more years just like the last 2 (ok, well almost 5)! 

Day 28: Only Pictures

A few of my favorite places:

my grandparents old house.

stinson beach.

san francisco.

san clemente.     venice.     switzerland.     Challenge: Only Pictures

Happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day.

I am going to take today to thank all of our service men and women.

Dear Service Men and Women,

Thank you for the sacrifices that you make each day serving our country and protecting all of us civilians while placing yourself in potentially dangerous and life threatening situations. Some of you fight and die in the line of duty and I want to send my most sincerely condolences to your friends and families and my most utmost gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice that you made, to protect me, my rights, my liberties and my family.

Thank you.

These two little words don't do justice to the amount of respect and esteem that I hold for each of you.

Thank you.

Unfortunately, there are no other words that can be used. No words do you justice. 

I do not, personally, know anyone who has been killed in action; however, my husband knows plenty, and mourns their loss every day. With their RIP dates are listed on our calendars we celebrate their memory and will always remember, never forget. 

I do, however, know many men and women who have served or are still serving our country and I pray for your health, courage and safe return every day. 

While I am one of many blessed women who's husband deployed twice and returned home unscathed, my heart aches for the families and friends of those who were less fortunate than I and are suffering from such a loss that I cannot even begin to pretend to imagine. Please know that I am praying for you as well. Praying for you to have strength, courage and to heal. 

May all who have fallen, rest in peace and know that we are forever in debt to your memory, your courage and your sacrifice.

We love you.

La Tache

---

Challenge: A Letter to Your Readers Memorial Day 

Day 26: Something I Read Online

I found a couple of articles recently that I thought were great!

3 Reasons to Travel While You're Young

I absolutely believe in this. Traveling when you are young allows you to experience new cultures and experiences. 

A Mountain I'm Willing to Die On
I loved this article. Please read it.

"Traffic jams are to be tolerated. People are to be celebrated."

--

Challenge: Something You Read Online. Leave a link and discuss, if you'd like.

Day 25: Something Someone Told Me About Myself

Alright, the first two stories that came to my mind = mean things I have been told...

Story One:
A sweet fellow student said that I had a big forehead and proceeded to call me "five - head"

Story Two:
In high school, I was "made fun of" for having hairy arms.
exhibit a: a fellow student said that I had "man" arms.
exhibit b: (back story: one of my best friends, still to this day, and I decided that we wanted to grow out our leg hair and then get it waxed. Yes I know, whhaaat? ha) so When we went to get our legs waxed the esthetician (we will call her) was telling us a story about how she had a client who was really hairy. I looked down at my arms and recounted the story above and she looked at my arms in disgust and said, "yeah you do have hair arms, you look like a monkey"

Yes, lets just say: my 14 year old self was absolutely mortified. So ever since, I have been extremely self conscious of my "hairy" arms and big forehead. (in hindsight - which is always 20/20, my arms aren't that hairy and my forehead isn't that big...)

But as my mom always told me, they were all just super jealous of me...right?!

--

Challenge: Something someone told you about yourself that you'll never forget (good or bad)

Day 24: Top 3 Worst Traits

(1) I can be a little judgmental... I am working on this this year - I promise

(2) I am neurotic quirky in that I like everything things to be a certain way

(3) I can't whisper, I may get my husband myself into a fight

---

Challenge: Top 3 Worst Traits

Day 23: Things I Learned Outside of School

This is a tough topic!

I would say that the number one thing I didn't learn in school is how important it is to take care of your skin. Your skin is the only skin you will ever have, so it is of the utmost importance to take the best care of it that you can. Use the best organic and chemical free products you can find, if you have to go without happy hour once a week to afford the good stuff, go without and splurge on the skin care products. I mean, your skin is what everyone else sees before you even open your mouth. Why not make it as clear, clean and healthy as you can??

Seriously. 
Wear Sunscreen. 

Just put it on. You will still get a nice glow without all of the potential damage the sun can do to your skin if you don't put it on at all. Especially put it on your face. If you don't put it anywhere else, slather it on your face and pay extra attention to your sweet button nose and the top of your forehead.

Seriously.
Wear Sunscreen.

As I have gotten older, not that I am old, please, I have noticed that some lovely sunspots are surfacing. At first, I thought they were cute freckles, and then I realized that that spots only showed where I have ever been sunburned. Not good. Now I spend my morning ritual trying to cover them up and pinteresting at home remedies.

Seriously.
Wear Sunscreen.

Drink lots of water. Keep yourself hydrated so you can keep that natural, beautiful glow to your skin.

--
Challenge: Things you've learned that school won't teach you

Day 22: Rant

1. Don't put your cell phone on the floor of a public bathroom - you know that you put it on your face, right? 2. When flushing, always close the toilet lid - there are all kinds of particles flying around after your flush, you don't want all of those particles on your toothbrush, right? 3. Please don't drag your feet when walking, it's annoying for everyone 4. Use your blinker when driving 5. If you say you are going to do something, do it! If you aren't going to do it, don't say you will 6. Retire your microwave, like, yesterday 7. Take breaks at work - step away from your desk to rest your eyes and body, it really is important to take care of yourself, it's the only one you've got 8. Travel to places that have different cultures than your own - it's the best way to learn about people 9. Work out to keep your mind and body healthy, take your vitamins and stretch 10. When I am sitting outside on the phone, don't come up to me and start up a conversations, hello? I am on the phone!
This went from a rant to an advice post - ha! Sorry, I'm not sorry...
Challenge: Rant about something. Get up on your soapbox and tell us how you really feel.

Day 21: A List of my Favorite Posts

This is a tough one, because I don't really keep up with my favorite posts...

Here are a few of my favorite recent posts...

My Name = Alcoholic Beverages
LSAT Update
This Squirrel Picture makes me laugh
Don't Use Your Microwave
I love this sweet Quote

Day 21, Tuesday: A list of links to your favorite posts in your archives

Day 20: I am Struggling with Shin Splints

Back in September 2011, I fell on my knee when playing tennis and have been recovering ever since. Basically, the problem was that I had a really tight IT Band which was putting a lot of strain on my knee. It made everything really difficult, to say the least. So skip ahead to this year. My knee is finally not bothering me any more. Now, I am able to wear high heels, run, pretty much do whatever I want without knee pain (side note: I stretch a ton and I use this thing call The Stick every day.)

Now that I am able to run without pain, I have been hitting the pavement, literally, which is causing me to have excruciating shin splints! I was a running high school, if you can call me that, and I remember getting them every now and then, but nothing like this. Granted in high school I would run on a track and in my situation now, I run on the sidewalk and roads which are much harder on our bodies.

So, I run for a couple of days until I can't run anymore, and then I rest for about a week, sometimes more, until I feel better. I repeat this terribly annoying cycle and can't seem to kick it.

Any thoughts/ideas??

Challenge: Get real. Share something you're struggling with right now.

Day 19: A few of My Favorite Blogs

This is a tough one! I have some many that I enjoy reading. I guess the following are the ones I conciously check, and don't just wait to see them come up. In alpha order :-) Adrienne at AOD Daily I love to keep up with her life! We met in college and we both have come so far in our lives and its always fun to stay in touch! Ty at Arkansassy I love the tone of this blog! She is hilarious and sarcastic and I love it! Jessica at Heart on Homestead Jessica has a sweet little boy who is too cute not to look at! Nicole at La Mia Vita Nicole is a great photographer and loves to travel, eat, drink and have a grea time! She and I met in college and I love to keep in touch! Lacey at Lacey in the City Lacey has been on so many awesome adventures around the country, is beautiful inside and out and has a zest for life that everyone should aspire to have! Lacey and I are friends from college and I enjoy keeping in touch! Kingsley at Life as Griki Kingsley and I are friends from high school and she started her blog when she moved out of CA to live with her husband. I think we bonded because her husband was in the Army and mine the Marine Corps so it is neat to swap military stories! Rebekah at Life with the Edwards I am excited to see where her life takes her on this amazing adventure of motherhood and military life! Lindsay at Love in Her Eyes I love reading this lifestyle blog - it is funny because since I started following Lindsay she has had more than one blog name and each one has been better than the last! She is passionate about her husband and health and I enjoy reading about her LA adventures! Hilary at Pearls & Hoses Hilary is a newer addition to my favorites. She has a fun blog to read! Jenni at Story of My Life Jenni is hosting this awesome linkup! And I enjoy reading her blogging "how-to's" and getting inspired by her.

Tracy at Then I Got to Thinking

Tracy is a sweet, loving and adventurous woman who is also very inspiring and always has been! She and I were friends in college and I enjoy staying involved in her life through her blog!

Nicole at Treasure Tromp

Nicole and I just met through a sorority function and we found out we each had a blog and I have been checking in with her life ever since!

Jenn at West Sac Honey Jenn is so honest and candid in her posts and I love to read about what she is up to! Jenn was the chapter president of my sorority when I initiated, so I, obviously, look up to her and love to see what she is up to! Challenge: Day 19: Five A Few of My Favorite Blogs & Why

Day 18: A Story From My Childhood

Ok...So this is totally random, and sadly, I can't find a picture to prove it. So, picture this: I am in 4th or 5th grade.  We have 2 cats, Teek (boy) and Yoda (girl).  Yoda gets pregnant and has a litter of kittens.  I am in elementary school girl heaven.  I mean, there are little kittens running around everywhere and I get to play with them all! Yoda has 4 kittens: Yo-He, Yo-She, Yo-Ghi & YoBubba (I know, creative), we sell 2 and keep 2. We keep Yo-She & Yo-Bubba who then turn into Redhead (Red for short) and Bubba. Bubba turns into my cat. Once the kittens turn into adolescent cats, Redhead disappears for about a week. We had no idea where she had gotten off to but hoped that she would come back soon. It turns out she had a little kitty-fling and returned home knock-up! Yes, teen mom pregnant! Ew. So she decided to keep the kittens (ha! I am funny)and when it came time for her to give birth she decided to do it when we were all out. We came home, we looked high and low for Redhead in all of her favorite spots, but she was nowhere to be found. At some point during the day, I went into my room to find Redhead giving kitty birth on.my.bed. --Yes this story just got interesting!-- So, I freak out because at this point, she has had 3 kittens and made a mess all over my bed! I call for my mom and, long story short, we ended up having to take her to the vet because she was acting weird and having trouble birthing the 4 kitten. I must have been told this as a child (so I am not sure if it's true), but when cats give birth they usually pick a safe and comfortable place and after the birth they keep their kittens close by the original location, if not in the original spot. So, since she decided that this safe place was smack in the middle of my twin-sized bed, we had to come up with a new plan for her.  She decided to move her kittens to two different locations. The first was in my closet in a pile of blankets to keep her sweet baby-kitties warm. Then, probably because of the high traffic in my closet, she decided to move them into the box spring of my bed. Yes, you read that right. She started out with them under my bed, but to keep them more secluded and better protected, she decided to claw her way into my box spring and then she brought the kittens in there with her. So imagine, looking under your bed, and seeing this huge bulge with 1 momma kitty and 4 baby kittens hanging down from your box spring! It always made me laugh and I will never forget it. Honestly, I was so honored that Redhead felt safe/comfortable to have her kittens in my room, so I could see them all the time and play with them whenever I wanted! --- Challenge: A Story From My Childhood

Day 17: My favorite Photo of Myself

Every time I see this photo I am overwhelmed with love, support, happiness, joy, and some more love. 

The flowers at our wedding were split between my mom and a family friend, Rachel. Rachel made all of the bouquets and boutonnieres and my mom did the rest. This picture was taken when she brought my bouquet to the hotel room where I was getting ready with my best/favorite girl friends. 

I wanted white flowers and I wanted something simple, as to not distract from my gown. I wanted pretty flowers, but it wasn't at the top of my list of items that had to be a certain way, so I let Rachel and my mom handle the rest. This was the first time I had seen the bouquet. It was gorgeous, perfect for the occasion, and totally me.

I love this photo because it's such a candid shot of me enjoying, savoring, loving every moment, every small detail, of my wedding day where I was surrounded by all of our family and friends. Celebrating each other and the bond that we had built and the journey we were about to embark on.

Words cannot explain how much I love this photo.

---

Challenge: Favorite Photo of Myself

Day 16: Why 30 is Not the new 20

I am taking today to share this TED video with you. As a woman in my twenties this video/talk is very inspiring, uplifting and empowering. "30 is not the new 20. So claim your adulthood. Get some identity capital. Use your weak ties. Pick your family. Don't be defined by what you didn't know or didn't do. You're deciding right now." What this video and bask in all of its glory!  --- Today's challenge: My Lot in Life Why 30 is NOT the new 20.

Challenge: A Day in the Life

Challenge: A Day in the life 

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My typical day, which I would say is a work day since I work 5 out of the 7 days in a week, is filled with sitting at a desk in front of a computer.
6am: I snooze my alarm...3 times 6:30am: I finally get out of bed 6:30am-7am: I make myself breakfast, take my vitamins, drinks some water, pack up my lunch 7am-7:30am: I am getting dressed, teeth flossed and brushed, makeup on, heading out the door 7:30-7:45am: Drive to and arrive at work  7:30/7:45am- 4pm: I am at work. 4-4:30pm: Leave work and drive home 4:30-9:30pm: Make dinner, catch up on my shows that I didn't watch the night before, hang out with Rich, exercise, clean up, shower, floss, brush my teeth, sleep.
I do my best to be in bed by 9:30ish - the earlier I am in bed, the less times I snooze my alarm.. That's a day in the life of La Tache. Riveting stuff, huh?

Day 14: Ten Things that Make Me Happy

Challenge: Ten Things that Make Me Happy ---

There are so many things that make me happy, it is hard to pick just 10! Here it goes - in no particular order, except that my husband is number 1... my husband//my family//my new family//traveling//my alpha gamm family//inspirational quotes//cooking//girlfriends//my siblings

My Name - in all its Boozy Glory

I am sure you all wonder what my name is all about. Yes I know that that seems vain, because probably none of you do - but I am going to tell you anyway.

Alright, I am almost positive that I have written a post about where my name came from, but I can't seem to find it right now. So...let me give you a brief back story:

My father was a Sommelier - a wine steward/connoisseur. Long story short, I was named after a very nice/fancy French Bordeaux. In French, my name means "the spot."

With this name comes the lack of having my name on touristy items (read: key chains, toothbrushes, license plates etc etc). There used to be a restaurant in Chicago called La Tache and I even enlisted a friend to go to the restaurant and get me a matchbook or something, so I have a matchbook (somewhere) with my name on it! It's pure amazing-ness! Whenever I see my name on something, my husband can attest, I get extremely excited! And whenever someone comes across the wine or my name written on something I usually get a picture text :-)

So, every once in a while, I will do a google search of my name and look to see if any restaurants carry the La Tache wine. Let me just tell you now: most places don't. So I did a search back in 2008 when I turned 21, to see if there was a restaurant in SF that carried it and, well to my surprise, I found one! I immediately called the restaurant, asked how much it cost and then was dejected because I knew that I couldn't get a bottle. Anyway, long story short, we went to the restaurant for FRIEND's birthday and I asked our waiter if I could see the bottle, so he brought it out for me and I was able to hold it! (As long as I kept it at the angle that he brought it out to me in - as you can see in the awkward image below)

the wine

Every now and then people have heard of the wine or have drank the wine and we always have a fun conversation about my name.

Actually, last summer, we met a friend of a friend and when I introduced myself, he said "La Tache, like the wine?" I almost died! No One has ever recognized that before!

This past weekend, my Alpha Gamm Big Sister sent me a text message telling me that there is a beer with my name on it! I almost peed myself in excitement! The beer is brewed and bottled in Bend, Oregon by The Ale Apothocary!! (And just think of the few times we have been to Oregon and I haven't known about it! AND that I have done countless name searches and never come across this before!) So I went to the site, and read up on the beer. Rich and I decided that I will call the brewer and ask about the origin of the name and hopefully they will sell us some bottles or a case over the phone!

the beer!

I am seriously over the moon with this news!! Seriously! How cool is this!?
I keep thinking: "Ok, so there is a wine, now a beer, what else could there be?!"

Have any of you had the La Tache Wine or Beer?

My family had 2 bottles. We opened one of the bottles for my 21st birthday. I had just turned 21 and, for real life, I didn't really drink before I turned 21, so I didn't appreciate the wine for all that it was because I didn't have a wine tongue yet. And the 2nd bottle, we are saving for another special occasion...what that may be? I am not sure yet!

my 21st birthday celebration

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Day 13: Issue a Public Apology My Name

Happy Mother's Day

Aside from my birth mother, there are many women in my life who have been and who have become like mothers to me. I am grateful each day for the women in my life who have shaped me to be the woman I am today. I would not be even half of the strong, independent, outgoing, optimistic woman I am today without these influential people in my life. So thank you. Thank You. THANK YOU. 
My Mom. I love you more than words.

My Mother-in-Law. You are kind, loving and warm. I love you.

My grandmother. You are have been a huge part of my life and I am grateful every day for you. I love you.

 I could seriously go on and on about so many more women! But don't have the space!

One more shout out to my beautiful sister on her first Mother's Day! She is an inspiration to all mothers and little Vincent is one lucky/blessed boy to have her as his mother!

--- Challenge: What do I miss Happy Mother's Day!

Hilarious Video & Day 11: Sell Yourself in 10 Words or Less

1st of all - this video is freaking.amazing!  Watch it.
--- Challenge: Sell yourself in 10 words or less
I am outgoing, friendly, optimistic, engaging, personable and supportive.
{9 words...BOOM!}
---

Day 10, Most Embarrassing Moments

Challenge: Most embarrassing moment

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I truly cannot think of an embarrassing moment. I am sure I have lots that I have just conveniently chosen to forget...I guess I can think of a few habits that I have that have proven to be embarrassing. 
1) I have a staring problem. Like a serious staring problem. And I don't realize that I am doing it until someone either (a) points out that I'm doing it or (b) I make eye contact who the person I am staring at. I will stare at anyone and everyone.
2) I can't whisper. I.Seriously.Cannot.Whisper. Example: Rich and I were sitting on the seawall in Carlsbad and someone walked by, on the sand, maybe 15-20 below and I "whispered" that I loved the gal's dress. She immediately looked up in my direction, smiled, and thanked me! Ha! I was shocked she could hear me since, you know, I whispered. Rich, to prove his point, jumped off of the seawall, and reenacted the entire scenario and told me in fact that I am incapable of whispering.
3) It has become a funny joke in our house...when I find something interesting, I making this high pitched "HM" sound, without realizing it. We mock the "HM" all of the time but when I do it for reals I don't even realize it, and Rich will catch me and give me a hard time. How it all started: We were sitting at a patio table at a restaurant in Paris on our honeymoon. (Those of you who have been to little places like this know that the seats are all very close together.) So, anyway, two men sit down at the table beside us and, in French, order something. The waiter comes back with a glass filled of random veggies, and a can of tomato and carrot juice. Apparently, as the waiter placed each item on the table I made the aforementioned "HM" sound as Rich sat mortified because I was practically doing it in these guy's ears! Rich yelled at me and told me to stop staring and asked me what the heck sound I was making.
I just have some embarrassing habits, that have grown into quirks (?)

Day 9: A moment in My Day

Challenge: A moment in My Day

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Well, I guess this constitutes for a lot of moments in my day...
As I mentioned/advised yesterday, drink a lot of liquids during the day. This keeps you hydrated, your skin glowing and keeps you active while sitting at work in front of your computer. I, almost like clockwork, get up to use the little girls room every hour. It takes 2 minutes and it also takes effort. I have to get up, walk through the office, open the door, walk down the hall, use said ladies room, and then repeat to get back to my desk.  This little break gives my eyes, wrists, elbows and butt a rest from sitting and staring at a computer screen all day. And it give my legs a little exercise {hey, it's better than nothing, right?}
So...during breakfast, I drink a big glass of water, I also brew a big cup of tea in the morning and drink it when I get to work. I make sure to drink the blue bottle of water (lemon water, thanks RNL) all in the first four hours and then the second 1/2 of my day I drink the purple bottle(regular water). When I get home, I fill up the purple bottle again and drink at least another one at night!