"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile."~William Cullen Bryant
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
"That happened."
All I can say about this past weekend is, "that happened."
I have been so fortunate to work with girls that I can confide in and laugh with. We have made an art of daily chat sessions that involve funny office stories, guy drama and everything in between. So this past weekend, we had our annual event in San Francisco. All I can say is that it has still left me in a haze. I kid you not, there are dark circles under my eyes, my diet has been nothing short of erratic and my speech has started to slur. What started out as a weekend getaway mixed with some work duties turned into full-fledged slave trade that involved us as the worker bees. In the blink of an eye, Landrie sunk her dreams of the sea lions, Kate put away the idea of Ashbury street and I decided that Full House would have to wait.
We left Friday and headed westbound on Virgin America Flight 15 in a morning fog and never seemed to fully recover. We landed, scarfed down a quick In-N-Out burger, got our weekend itineraries and headed to the hotel. I knew before we left NY that I would be assisting Nate Berkus in all of his adorable glory, Landrie was assisting Suze Orman, and Kate was part of the main stage crew that involved none other than the musical styling of Martin Luther (Jimi Hendrix from Across The Universe). Needless to say, we were warned, prepped, and ready to go. I met with Nate for dress rehearsal on Friday night and we had a fun and casual exchange:
Nate: "Where are you from?"
Me: "Texas...do you hear an accent?"
Nate: "No, I just knew you had to be from the South [smile & wink]"
...I knew it was going to be a great day.
We planned to meet at 7:45am sharp, put him in hair and makeup before the press line and then get the day started. Sure enough, he was true to form even early in the morning. He asked me, "are you sure you can't see my zit?!" Me, "No, I promise you can't see anything...don't worry anyway, all the ladies will be looking at your McDreamy hair." Yep, that happened. Needless to say, we spent the day trekking from press, to seminar, to book signing, to meet and greet, until the day finally came to a close. When it was all said and done, I put him in a town car, got a kiss on the cheek and waved goodbye. Looking back, it was such a fun experience and one that I'll never forget. That night we were rewarded with cocktails, dinner and a night out. It was a great end to a successful day - new friends, crazy stories, and lots of new material.
Sunday morning Landrie and I decided to take Nate's suggestion and head to his favorite brunch place before everyone else woke up. We munched on famous pancakes, hash browns and coffee - what more could a girl ask for? We then headed to fisherman's wharf in search of sea lions, saltwater taffy and new sunglasses. After ending our trip on a high note, we then headed back East to our world of celebrity-less living and 9 to 5 work days.
IDK my bff Nate
O You! 2008
Night out with the girls
Animal Style
Hey there little buddy
California Dreamers
Our new shades...
I have been so fortunate to work with girls that I can confide in and laugh with. We have made an art of daily chat sessions that involve funny office stories, guy drama and everything in between. So this past weekend, we had our annual event in San Francisco. All I can say is that it has still left me in a haze. I kid you not, there are dark circles under my eyes, my diet has been nothing short of erratic and my speech has started to slur. What started out as a weekend getaway mixed with some work duties turned into full-fledged slave trade that involved us as the worker bees. In the blink of an eye, Landrie sunk her dreams of the sea lions, Kate put away the idea of Ashbury street and I decided that Full House would have to wait.
We left Friday and headed westbound on Virgin America Flight 15 in a morning fog and never seemed to fully recover. We landed, scarfed down a quick In-N-Out burger, got our weekend itineraries and headed to the hotel. I knew before we left NY that I would be assisting Nate Berkus in all of his adorable glory, Landrie was assisting Suze Orman, and Kate was part of the main stage crew that involved none other than the musical styling of Martin Luther (Jimi Hendrix from Across The Universe). Needless to say, we were warned, prepped, and ready to go. I met with Nate for dress rehearsal on Friday night and we had a fun and casual exchange:
Nate: "Where are you from?"
Me: "Texas...do you hear an accent?"
Nate: "No, I just knew you had to be from the South [smile & wink]"
...I knew it was going to be a great day.
We planned to meet at 7:45am sharp, put him in hair and makeup before the press line and then get the day started. Sure enough, he was true to form even early in the morning. He asked me, "are you sure you can't see my zit?!" Me, "No, I promise you can't see anything...don't worry anyway, all the ladies will be looking at your McDreamy hair." Yep, that happened. Needless to say, we spent the day trekking from press, to seminar, to book signing, to meet and greet, until the day finally came to a close. When it was all said and done, I put him in a town car, got a kiss on the cheek and waved goodbye. Looking back, it was such a fun experience and one that I'll never forget. That night we were rewarded with cocktails, dinner and a night out. It was a great end to a successful day - new friends, crazy stories, and lots of new material.
Sunday morning Landrie and I decided to take Nate's suggestion and head to his favorite brunch place before everyone else woke up. We munched on famous pancakes, hash browns and coffee - what more could a girl ask for? We then headed to fisherman's wharf in search of sea lions, saltwater taffy and new sunglasses. After ending our trip on a high note, we then headed back East to our world of celebrity-less living and 9 to 5 work days.
IDK my bff Nate
O You! 2008
Night out with the girls
Animal Style
Hey there little buddy
California Dreamers
Our new shades...
Friday, October 17, 2008
Favorites
My friends and I used to send around these little questionnaires. We would have so much fun seeing who would respond and how well we knew each other. Back then, my answers would never have a clear favorite and would reveal just how indecisive I really am. Luckily, I feel like I have made some serious strides in that department, so I thought it'd be fun to share some of my answers with you. Enjoy!
Nicknames: K-Rog, Keta, KR, Kris
How many family members do you have? Technically 5. Six including Dave and eight including the Gyllenhaals:)
What time do you wake up in the morning? 7:45am - ish
Gold or Silver? Gold
What was the last film you saw at the movies? Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist
Favorite TV show? I seriously can't decide - Gossip Girl, brothers & sisters, So You Think You Can Dance, The Office OR Top Chef
What do you have for breakfast? usually cereal (I like to mix a few)
Who would you hate to be left in a room with? Madonna. Literally terrifying.
Can you touch your nose with your tongue? yes
What inspires you? Survivors
What's your middle name? Nicole
Beach, City or Country? city to live, beach to visit
Summer or Winter? Summer all the way
Favorite Ice Cream flavor? Blue Bell birthday cake ice cream. But a "honey pot" (coffee ice cream, honey and salted peanuts) comes in a close second.
Buttered, plain or salted popcorn? buttered
Favorite color? pink
Favorite car? old vw convertible bugs
Favorite sandwich filling? chicken salad from the Kitchen door, preferably poolside with Z and Embug
What characteristics do you despise? dishonesty. Oh AND, I hate it when people tell you that they don't like something about your outfit while you're wearing it. I mean, really?
Favorite flower? pink peonies. "Every girl likes flowers, Gary." - name that movie
If you had a big win in the lottery, how long would you wait to tell people? about 4 seconds
Fizzy or still water as a drink? Neither - Diet Dr. Pepper please.
What color is your bathroom? ugh...white walls with black and white tile (think beetlejuice)
How many keys are on your key ring? three
Where would you like to retire? on the lake in Austin, TX
Can you juggle? No. But you know who can? My main man, Patrick Dempsey.
Favorite meal? splitting brunch with Alyssa at Penelope
Favorite holiday? Christmas. Love, love, love it.
Favorite accessory? Oh gosh - shoes. Definitely shoes. But wait, a good bag....yes, yes a good bag. Wait, good earrings. Definitely earrings. You know what...that's a "can't answer" question. Sorry.
Favorite day of the week? Saturday
Red or white wine? Red
What did you do for your last birthday? I went to have margaritas and Mexican food with my New York friends!
Nicknames: K-Rog, Keta, KR, Kris
How many family members do you have? Technically 5. Six including Dave and eight including the Gyllenhaals:)
What time do you wake up in the morning? 7:45am - ish
Gold or Silver? Gold
What was the last film you saw at the movies? Nick & Nora's Infinite Playlist
Favorite TV show? I seriously can't decide - Gossip Girl, brothers & sisters, So You Think You Can Dance, The Office OR Top Chef
What do you have for breakfast? usually cereal (I like to mix a few)
Who would you hate to be left in a room with? Madonna. Literally terrifying.
Can you touch your nose with your tongue? yes
What inspires you? Survivors
What's your middle name? Nicole
Beach, City or Country? city to live, beach to visit
Summer or Winter? Summer all the way
Favorite Ice Cream flavor? Blue Bell birthday cake ice cream. But a "honey pot" (coffee ice cream, honey and salted peanuts) comes in a close second.
Buttered, plain or salted popcorn? buttered
Favorite color? pink
Favorite car? old vw convertible bugs
Favorite sandwich filling? chicken salad from the Kitchen door, preferably poolside with Z and Embug
What characteristics do you despise? dishonesty. Oh AND, I hate it when people tell you that they don't like something about your outfit while you're wearing it. I mean, really?
Favorite flower? pink peonies. "Every girl likes flowers, Gary." - name that movie
If you had a big win in the lottery, how long would you wait to tell people? about 4 seconds
Fizzy or still water as a drink? Neither - Diet Dr. Pepper please.
What color is your bathroom? ugh...white walls with black and white tile (think beetlejuice)
How many keys are on your key ring? three
Where would you like to retire? on the lake in Austin, TX
Can you juggle? No. But you know who can? My main man, Patrick Dempsey.
Favorite meal? splitting brunch with Alyssa at Penelope
Favorite holiday? Christmas. Love, love, love it.
Favorite accessory? Oh gosh - shoes. Definitely shoes. But wait, a good bag....yes, yes a good bag. Wait, good earrings. Definitely earrings. You know what...that's a "can't answer" question. Sorry.
Favorite day of the week? Saturday
Red or white wine? Red
What did you do for your last birthday? I went to have margaritas and Mexican food with my New York friends!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
God's Country
Also known as...Texas. For those of you that know me (you all do), you might know that I have not shied away from the fact that I think Texas is the best. Not only do I think it is the most superior state, I also lean towards the idea that it has the most wonderful people. Moving to New York not only solidified my bias, but it has also instilled a deeply-rooted love for Texas that I will never take for granted.
This past week I found myself in a sort of funk. Nothing earth shattering, but the kind of funk that could only be fixed by:
a) family
b) friends
c) queso
d) all of the above
Not only was it TX* v. ou weekend (my favorite sporting event), but it happened to be a weekend where my family AND friends would be conveniently located in the same zip code. This does not happen often, and when it does, I am left incredibly jealous. So imagine my excitement when my parents informed me (on Thursday afternoon no less) that they would not only be going to Dallas, but they would also be attending the Red Rival Rivalry WITH an extra ticket. Plus, the added bonus of seeing my newly engaged best friend AND fried food** from the State Fair were too much for this girl to handle. Can you say...
"Sold to the highest bidder!"
I kid you not, I jumped on the horn, scrambled around and found myself on a 9:35pm flight out of NYC. My nervous system was shot and Lord knows what I had managed to pack, but I was going. I emailed Kever, asked her to pick me up at midnight and the deal was done. I will admit, the fear of losing my job did cross my mind, but there was no turning back. The next morning I woke up, grabbed a cup of coffee, read the paper, and never looked back. I can honestly tell you that a good dose of God's country was all this girl needed. Friends, fun and healthy competition restored me back to health and put me at ease.
Peace, love & Texas.
*Please note, I am a proud A&M graduate and would not consider myself a traitor in any way. However, having been raised a longhorn my whole life has led me to a devotion that I could never give up. Thanks and Gig 'Em
**Also note, the calories were not in vain: 1.5 Fletcher's corn dogs, funnel cake, corn on the cob (2), diet dr. pepper, fried oreos and fried snickers.
How sweet it is...
Salt, Bride & Eggs
Red Rival Rivalry 2008
Dadski
Hyped
45-35
This past week I found myself in a sort of funk. Nothing earth shattering, but the kind of funk that could only be fixed by:
a) family
b) friends
c) queso
d) all of the above
Not only was it TX* v. ou weekend (my favorite sporting event), but it happened to be a weekend where my family AND friends would be conveniently located in the same zip code. This does not happen often, and when it does, I am left incredibly jealous. So imagine my excitement when my parents informed me (on Thursday afternoon no less) that they would not only be going to Dallas, but they would also be attending the Red Rival Rivalry WITH an extra ticket. Plus, the added bonus of seeing my newly engaged best friend AND fried food** from the State Fair were too much for this girl to handle. Can you say...
"Sold to the highest bidder!"
I kid you not, I jumped on the horn, scrambled around and found myself on a 9:35pm flight out of NYC. My nervous system was shot and Lord knows what I had managed to pack, but I was going. I emailed Kever, asked her to pick me up at midnight and the deal was done. I will admit, the fear of losing my job did cross my mind, but there was no turning back. The next morning I woke up, grabbed a cup of coffee, read the paper, and never looked back. I can honestly tell you that a good dose of God's country was all this girl needed. Friends, fun and healthy competition restored me back to health and put me at ease.
Peace, love & Texas.
*Please note, I am a proud A&M graduate and would not consider myself a traitor in any way. However, having been raised a longhorn my whole life has led me to a devotion that I could never give up. Thanks and Gig 'Em
**Also note, the calories were not in vain: 1.5 Fletcher's corn dogs, funnel cake, corn on the cob (2), diet dr. pepper, fried oreos and fried snickers.
How sweet it is...
Salt, Bride & Eggs
Red Rival Rivalry 2008
Dadski
Hyped
45-35
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Debates, Cakes & Hot Plates
It doesn't matter if you're in New York or New Guinea, you are hearing about this Presidential election. If you are like me and happen to be in one of the most liberal cities in the United States, it is safe to say that you are getting bombarded with electoral-driven messages. Whether you are to "Choose or Lose" or "Vote or Die," the one sentiment is get yourself out there and vote. So tonight, we did what any group of 20-somethings do, we ordered Thai, grabbed some wine and watched with anticipation as Biden and Palin went at it. Half of the group lurved Obama and half were praying that Palin wouldn't buckle under the pressure.
After watching both debates, it has become abundantly clear that this race is becoming one of the most popular political spectacles that anyone has ever experienced - regardless of your party affiliation. First, there was the new, young Senator on the scene from Chicago. Then, there was the experienced POW that has served in the US Senate for nearly 30 years. However, it wasn't until the Governor from Alaska jumped into the mix that things really started to get interesting. Whether it's her bold claims, proximity to Russia, Midwestern accent, or her fancy up dos - people officially have Palin fever. Some of the funnier elements of the Palin mania are Tina Fey's uncanny skits as the VP candidate. It doesn't matter what side of the party you stand on...it's just completely funny.
Either way, it will be fun to see how this election shapes up. Hope to see everyone at the polls!
Who doesn't like a political baked good? (Thanks Rob)
After watching both debates, it has become abundantly clear that this race is becoming one of the most popular political spectacles that anyone has ever experienced - regardless of your party affiliation. First, there was the new, young Senator on the scene from Chicago. Then, there was the experienced POW that has served in the US Senate for nearly 30 years. However, it wasn't until the Governor from Alaska jumped into the mix that things really started to get interesting. Whether it's her bold claims, proximity to Russia, Midwestern accent, or her fancy up dos - people officially have Palin fever. Some of the funnier elements of the Palin mania are Tina Fey's uncanny skits as the VP candidate. It doesn't matter what side of the party you stand on...it's just completely funny.
Either way, it will be fun to see how this election shapes up. Hope to see everyone at the polls!
Who doesn't like a political baked good? (Thanks Rob)
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
The Four Loves
Please run, don't walk, to your nearest Barnes & Noble to grab this book. It's by this little known theologian/author out there named C.S. Lewis - ever heard of him?
Kidding.
For years now, I have heard of people being transformed by the writing and thinking of Lewis. I have even tried to pick up several of his books a few times and felt that his ideas were a little too lofty for my wandering mind to grasp. However, I decided that I was going to do it. I went to the bookstore one random evening this summer, picked out a book that I was unfamiliar with, and got started. Here's what I learned - that he has a gift for articulating the Christian perspective. Now, I know what you're thinking. And believe me, I know that I'm not onto something groundbreaking here...I mean, people have studied and revered him for almost a century now. But there is just something so exciting about a personal relationship with Christ that goes deeper. One day you can hardly fight through a chapter of a book and then the next day you can't put it down. Just like everything in life, it's all about timing. The words that spoke to me today will not be the words that will speak to me next year and so on. The book is broken up into four chapters and I won't even pretend to summarize it, but I will tell you that it has an amazing perspective on how we view love and where Christ falls into place.
The chapter that that I felt most connected with was the chapter on Friendship. Lewis outlines it perfectly, there is no better portrait of a true friend than God. It was such a fresh perspective for me to realize that some of Christ's most loyal and intimate relationships occured through this kind of spiritual bond. Anyway, I encourage you to check it out - it's a great read with lots of wonderful quotes.
The preceding pages have, I hope, made clear why to me at least it seems no wonder if our ancestors regarded Friendship as something that raised us above humanity. This love, free from instinct, free from all duties but those which love has freely assume, almost wholly free from jealousy, and free without qualification from the need to be needed, is eminently spiritual. It is sort of love one can imagine between angels. Have we here found a natural love which is Love itself?
~C.S. Lewis
Kidding.
For years now, I have heard of people being transformed by the writing and thinking of Lewis. I have even tried to pick up several of his books a few times and felt that his ideas were a little too lofty for my wandering mind to grasp. However, I decided that I was going to do it. I went to the bookstore one random evening this summer, picked out a book that I was unfamiliar with, and got started. Here's what I learned - that he has a gift for articulating the Christian perspective. Now, I know what you're thinking. And believe me, I know that I'm not onto something groundbreaking here...I mean, people have studied and revered him for almost a century now. But there is just something so exciting about a personal relationship with Christ that goes deeper. One day you can hardly fight through a chapter of a book and then the next day you can't put it down. Just like everything in life, it's all about timing. The words that spoke to me today will not be the words that will speak to me next year and so on. The book is broken up into four chapters and I won't even pretend to summarize it, but I will tell you that it has an amazing perspective on how we view love and where Christ falls into place.
The chapter that that I felt most connected with was the chapter on Friendship. Lewis outlines it perfectly, there is no better portrait of a true friend than God. It was such a fresh perspective for me to realize that some of Christ's most loyal and intimate relationships occured through this kind of spiritual bond. Anyway, I encourage you to check it out - it's a great read with lots of wonderful quotes.
The preceding pages have, I hope, made clear why to me at least it seems no wonder if our ancestors regarded Friendship as something that raised us above humanity. This love, free from instinct, free from all duties but those which love has freely assume, almost wholly free from jealousy, and free without qualification from the need to be needed, is eminently spiritual. It is sort of love one can imagine between angels. Have we here found a natural love which is Love itself?
~C.S. Lewis
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