One Day!

Oh my goodness, I cannot believe the big move day is tomorrow.  And I don't mean big in terms of miles (its only about 32), but imagining my dad and I driving a moving truck through the hills of San Francisco has me on the edge of my seat.  I have finally made a dent in packing, and it actually makes me a little nostalgic packing up the pieces of my first "home."  Considering I lived with 50+ gals in college in a sorority house for three years, this apartment, this job and my new fun life in the Bay made me feel really independent.  This was the first time I completely managed every aspect of my life: bills, killing spiders, taking out the trash and other similar, glamorous tasks.  I loved hosting my family here and having my Fresno friends and college friends visit.  It's safe to say this has been a very magical year. My teeny apartment will always represent my first step into the adult world.

Even though moving isn't necessarily one of my favorite things to do, the Hello Kitty duct tape my friend Brittany makes taping my boxes up a little fun.

Current state of affairs.

See you on the other side folks!

What A Piece of Work is Man

My friend shared this with me over the weekend, and my inner English nerd almost died. There are a variety of Ryan Gosling-related blogs out there, but this one my friends, is pure perfection.  Confession: other than the beauuuutiful pics of Ryan, my favorite part of this is trying to guess what Shakespeare work the quotes came from.

A little Much Ado About Nothing.

This one is from Henry V.

A little bit of delicious-ness with a Twelfth Night quote.

In other Shakespeare news of the week, did you ladies see this on Huffington Post?  I hope it isn't a sign of our times that folks don't even know how to spell this famous author's name!

Via.

Almost the weekend friends!

All Gosling pics courtesy of Shakespeare Ryan Gosling.

Apartment Wishes

I didn't do much in terms of decorating in my apartment this past year, but this move is leaving me itching for an extreme makeover of my bedroom.  In a moment of excitement this weekend, I almost spontaneously bought a new mattress, but decided I want to settle into my new apartment, dream up a fabulous bedroom, and find the pieces in the nooks and crannies of San Francisco.  Here are a few things I am wishing for in my new apartment!

1. A Vintage Bar Cart

They look so classy, and would ensure I am prepared for any kind of get together.

Via.

2. A New Bed

I have been loving the idea of simply creating a headboard (rather than buy a new bed set). And considering my affinity for inspiring quotes, integrating a chalkboard would be awesome.

Via.

3.  Old School Decorations

I would totally pretend I was a writer in the 1930's if I had this. 

4. Mason Jars

I think these babies are such a sweet, easy way to decorate.  And perfect for pouring drinks into ;)  Such versatile objects.

Via.

5. A Guest Book

Wouldn't it be fun to have something like this for an apartment to record hilarious moments, memorable evenings and spontaneous guests?

Via.

Head over to Brooke's blog for more fun wishes! 

Tag!

I kind of love these Tag games going around the blogosphere because I always learn new fun things about the lovely ladies behind the blogs I love to read.  Allyssa at Breakfast at the Zemkes tagged me recently.  While reading the answers she wrote on her blog, I realized we both share a huge passion for Audrey Hepburn; love it! Definitely check out her DIY projects when you check out her blog (especially this magnet idea).

Here are my answers to the questions posed:

 1. Are you a coffee or a tea drinker?

Coffee.  I cannot imagine starting my day any other way.

Via.

2. What is your favorite room in your home?

In my current apartment, I guess it would be my kitchen since I love to bake so much.  But in my new apartment (five days and counting), I am excited for the family room I will share with my new roomie.

3. What is your favorite quote?

This quote always reminds me to be open-minded, kind and genuine with everyone I meet. 

The quote is Plato.  Image via Post Secret ages ago. 

4. What is your favorite pastime?

My favorite thing to do outside of work is read.  I probably spend 10-12 hours a day looking at a computer, so I love the change of pace.  And books can take you anywhere!

One of my favorite books.  Via.

 5. Who is the person you admire the most?

Definitely my mom.  She inspires me every single day, and has the most amazing go-getter spirit.  I am so grateful to have a mama like her.

6. Where is your favorite place to go on holidays?

My family went to Cayucos almost every summer growing up, so visiting this small beach town makes my heart nostalgic and happy. But I haven't been to Europe yet, so I may have to keep you posted.

Via.

7. What is your favorite food?

Avocado.  I hope I can have an avocado tree someday.  These babies just taste so good with everything!  (They're actually one of the things I gave up for Lent.)

Via.

8. How do you recharge and re-energize yourself?

 A trip to the gym really helps me recharge and keep my energy up.  I'm working on going on a more regular basis, and am lucky to have a few friends (like Jo), who inspire me to lead a fit, healthy lifestyle.

Via.

9. What is your favorite song?

I could never pick! But some of my favorites include Should've Been A Cowboy by Toby Keith, Always Love by Nada Surf (I included their song lyrics in my finial piece for my high school newspaper ha), and most recently this from The Civil Wars. 

10. Do you prefer dogs or cats?

I had both growing up, and have a soft spot for both kinds of furry babies.  However, I would probably choose cats, only because I am obsessed with teeny kittens.  My family fostered kittens for nearly five years (fattening them up for adoption), and I also think lolcats are an awesome pick-me-up.

11. Who is someone you would like to meet?

 Oprah.  Enough said.

Via.

Let me know if you want to play along so I can learn more about you!

Times, They Are a-Changin'

When I was a 17-year-old high school senior, I wanted to attend college in Southern California so much.  I had the hardest time choosing between UCLA and UC Irvine, but Cal was quickly nixed after I visited them campus.  Cal may be one of the best public schools in the country (along with UCLA!), but I didn't think the Bay Area was for me.  I craved sunshine, bright lights and big dreams; all things I didn't think Cal held for me.  Los Angeles was where it was at, and I am so grateful I got to attend UCLA for three and a half magical years.  It was everything I wanted and so much more.

I think it's so funny how perspective can change over just a few short years.  While applying for jobs a little over a year ago, I honestly would have moved to the most podunk-y of towns so long as it came with an awesome job. When I accepted my job, I was nervous about moving to the Bay Area, wondering if I would fit in with everything I imagined the it to be.   I've lived in Mountain View (about 30 minutes south of San Francisco) for the last year, and have fallen head over heels in love with this area - San Fran especially.  I am so excited for the opportunity to actually live in such a fantastic city, the cultural heart of the Bay area.
 
I love how that SF is a city of acceptance, a city of delicious food, and a city where folks actually use public transportation.  Four years ago, I never imagined that I could accept a place so wholly and completely.  My greatest desire has always been to love my life as I am living it, and I am excited for the new adventures this move will bring.  A move of 32 miles will bring an adventure the Bethany of today is ready to embrace.

New Home!  Via.

Source Unknown.

Via.

A Few Letters

Dear sissy, I am so so jealous you are in Seattle.  I wish you could have stuffed me in your suitcase.  Even though you are doing work up there with your forensics team, I would love to just take a big drink of that crisp Northwestern air.  You make me happy and my memories of Seattle make me happy, so I guess you and Seattle can have your weekend... I'll get mine soon enough!  Dear apartment, I wish you would pack yourself.  I realize that the more I want to explore (rather than settle down), the more I will have to move, but I wish I had Harry Potter powers or something to make this easier.  I am moving from the South Bay to San Francisco a week from Saturday, and packing procrastination is in full force.  Dear rainy weather, you sure made me want to snuggle up with a good book this week and enjoy my flannel sheets.  I may live for sunshine, but this weather is so cozy and wonderful.   Dear random co-worker, thank you for telling me that the brownies I made were the best you ever had.  I confess, they were from a box.  I sprinkled on powdered sugar to make them a little special, but I was really crunched for time and actually felt bad my treats weren't completely homemade.  You made me smile.  Dear "Auntie" Claire, your emails make my day.  I hope to be as legit as you when I am 80-something years young.   You were one of my idols growing up, but it's funny how close we've become since I started my post-college life.  I don't think there is anything like knowing and appreciating people in a whole new light.  Dear readers/followers/blogs that I read and love, you inspire me every day to be a more open, genuine and caring woman.  You make me feel like I can accomplish anything.  Thanks for being you!

Harry Potter-esque troll outside of Seattle.  Pure vacation bliss with my sisters. Summer 2009.

Ashley from Adventures of Newlyweds is currently living in Los Angeles, and her tales of the city make me nostalgic for SoCal life.  Go check out her blog and other fab letters!

Who Needs Neilsen Ratings, Anyways?

Disclaimer: I could never have a job where I review television shows.  I like my reality show trashy, I like my Law & Order: SVU predictable, and I never "got" Lost.  I also have a passion for shows that end up getting canceled wayyy too quickly, like the currently on-the-bubble show Smash.  An affinity for shows that live a very short life is probably the best indicator of my taste in TV.

Via.

Have you watched Smash?  I think Katherine McPhee is adorable, the music is a refreshing change from Glee, and the Broadway elements make my heart soar.  Entertainment Weekly offered up some solid theories about why it isn't catching on, and I'm afraid Smash might take the same road some of my other favorite short-lived series did.

Here are a few of the dearly departed over the years:

October Road

My friend (and fellow blogger) Ashley and I both loved this show, and even met the cast when they came to UCLA our freshman year of college.  Bryan Greenberg and Laura Prepon were so cute in this show!  Bryan Greenberg played a guy who returns to his small town after writing a best-selling book based on his hometown friends.  He spends the series reconnecting with his former girlfriend (played by Prepon), trying to figure out if her son is actually his, and facing the folks he turned his back on.  This show also turned me on to REO Speedwagon.  Gone too soon, let me tell you!

Via.

Joan of Arcadia

I used to watch this with my fam bam every single week.  Definitely a feel good kind of show, but it never felt too religious-y nor did it focus on any particular faith.  I thought Amber Tamblyn was really funny, and her older brother was played by Jason Ritter.  Despite only running two seasons, the show was nominated for an Emmy... maybe I do have good taste after all.

Via.

Lipstick Jungle

Confession: I didn't actually watch this show when it was on TV.  I discovered it a year or so after it went off the air, and watched nearly all of the series on a lazy weekend.  The three main characters were bada** women in NYC, juggling careers, family and hot dates.  Who says you cannot have it all?  Considering how much craziness was fit into two seasons, NBC should have let it run for a few more!

Via.

 Do you have a favorite show that was gone too soon?