free wine and free perspective

I have to love how I am, without fail, enticed to these "free" networking events that include wine and gross appetizers. I always get a kick out of how insanely awkward they are...head quickly to the bar, and then realize this is not the kind of place one can get f*ed up in. Then, I leave with a mild to moderate buzz and walk home with the same number of business cards I entered with. Tonight I was particularly thankful that I am not single, given the level of sleeze and disgusting testosterone types walking around in there. Like just sweaty gross slime balls with nothing better to talk about than their "big firm" job and all the great benefits of working 80 hour weeks. Ewww. I love my babe so much.

One guy was like totally the guy I would have gone for if I was single. handsome, in a rugged way, tall, etc. However, he grossed me out as soon as he opened his mouth. Like all he could talk about was who he knew and what he knew. Anyway maybe I am being selfish, but sorry, I don't care about YOU, guy.

any who...work is back to a sense of normalcy after nightmare trial of the decade (and hopefully my life) ended. We are to hear about Australia soon, which I avoid even thinking about to minimize the crush if it does not work out, so I will not dwell.

We have been finalizing our awesome wedding invitations... i hope everyone thinks they are as adorable as we do, but ultimately, I am glad that I have a man that will sit and fill 10 oz bottles with sand and paper umbrellas with me for 5 hours.

xoxoxoxoxo

looking back and looking forward

The past year has flown by and no doubt the next one will too. The next one is full of big changes for me- primarily getting married and *hopefully* looking at a move abroad with my new husband. I am jumping in arms and eyes wide open and am thrilled to see what the year holds. In the meantime, I want to reminisce a bit on the one just concluded.

Chili cook off 2011 was a good time as always. Got the ball rolling on wedding plans... spent a couple of weekends down in the keys checking out venues, trying food, meeting with the photographer, and even spending Valentine's night in the hotel next door to our spot. .Went to Vegas for Baz's birthday..saw my girls and had some wild times... champagne by the pool, fab hotel, gambling and actually winning, 7 dollar water, visits to the old hood with Alex, Went back down to the Keys for Memorial day for a great boating day with friends followed by an endless night....Mom came to visit in June and we picked out my wedding dress -- definitely a highlight of the year. Went to the beach less and less and worked more and more...fall brought a couple of big cases and the months simply slipped away...Rascall Flatlts concert in August was a great time with friends, as was camping in late December. Thanksgiving was spent in my hometown with my soon-to-be in laws and my parents -- actually a fabulous time. Dust came to visit in October with his mom, and then I went to Seattle for my first "work" conference -- what fun. My life seems to be defined and remembered by trips, but I know there is so much more in between that happens every day that I just can't remember. Fell more in love with my honey each day and closer to our big moment and our lives together. Was rejected from my scholarship app/ticket to Australia. Got to know KF a lot better and found a good and crazy fun friend and mentor. Picked out bridesmaids dresses that I hope my girls love. Spent a weekend in April having a mini bachelorette with two friends from grade school -- what a special experience. Haven't been to SF in way too long -- need to get out there. Went to Alaska with my mom and dad in August -- went on a dog sled ride, tried amazing small-brewery beer, got some cool jewelry and native type stuff, relaxed and enjoyed my parents. Fourth of July was low key this year -- I think we went on the boat with BBQ or something. Oh yeah, bought a condo! that was kind of a big deal, closed in June. Dealt with months of remodeling and a temporary roommate due to displacing our 'tenant.' We came through that stronger and with a new opinion about following city and condo rules. Went to Saturday morning classes at LA Fitness with KF and had great memories of that and meeting new friends. started doing pilates quite regularly in August after developing consistent knee pain. Knee has been better but I have found a new love. Maybe thinking about certification in 2012. Took Honey to visit my grandparents in July and had fun at Kennywood and hanging out with my uncles.

It has been a fabulous year. Here's to many more.

Happy 2012

What a fabulous party last night.... really a great time with good food, good drinks, and awesome friends followed by drunken attempts at karaoke. New Years is always hit or miss it seems...this one was a total hit...that is until about 3 a.m. when I had random freak out. I won't go in to the details about what happened because I think, looking back, that I over-reacted to something that I had the right to be upset about. I just didn't handle it well. Instead, I stormed out of the party and tried to get a cab. That was nearly impossible so after walking (barefoot by now) probably close to a mile I randomly started talking to another girl that looked to be in the same sort of predicament and we rode home together as we live in same neighborhood. She told me that her boyfriend got shot in the head last week and all kinds of other random wierd-ness that she is involved in, drugs, sketchy car rental businesses, etc. Very interesting and kind of a random fun that I had not had in awhile. There is something about hearing vents from total strangers and venting to them that is very cathartic. she was really dumping it out. Upon getting back home I realized that (after doing full purse dump at the party) I had lost my car and house keys. Awesome. After unsuccessfully trying to break my lock (stupid, I know) I called the front desk who I never dreamed would let me in, but they did and were super nice about it. So even with the drama it was just a typical funny New Years where something whack-o always happens. Fortunately my keys are at lost and found - big relief. Was beating self up over that one all day. I woke up, ordered pizza, and laid on the couch all day with my hunny. Overall great day.

Yesterday was super fun too -- we decided to get each other outfits for new years and spent all day trolling the mall...he got me full dress, jacket, earrings, shoes, bra, all of it. Too cute. I got him dolled up in a new shirt and tie. Not gonna lie...we looked hot. He is just all around my bestie -- like who shops with their girlfriend for six hours for some crazy outfit for one night? And we just joked around and played the whole time. Another perspective-giver as to why my random freak-out last night was not necessary. Me and hard alcohol really should just stay away from each other for everyone's sake. But a girl does need a good stiff drink and some craziness once in a while.

Tomorrow is technically a holiday but basically on call for trial stuff so we shall see how much of a day off it is. Keeping fingers crossed for another one like today :)