Three Months Away From My Life

Three months to do what ever I'd like. Wow! The things I could do. The people I could see. If I had three months to get away from the life I currently live, I would definitely have to travel. Three months, three continents! Here they are in no particular order.

africa

If you've been around here lately, it's probably no surprise to you that I plan to go to Africa. I don't know when. All I know is that I feel a push to go there. To love the children and families who have nothing and to be inspired and changed forever by their love. Their hearts of gold in such horrible conditions. I know without a doubt that it will be one of the most humbling experiences of my life. While I'm there, it'd be wonderful to experience and see the wildlife in their own, true habitat, although, I don't want to impose on them so the idea of a safari isn't the route I will take. I'll keep you updated on that...

Africa inspires me so much, even this far away. I look forward to the day when the emotions of my surroundings there will fill me. If you haven't already watched one of my favorite YouTube videos ever, about joyful, jubilant children in an orphanage and their beautiful song, please head over to watch it!

australia

Australia has always been on my list. Mainly because I have family there which means there is no excuse for me not going to visit one day. Maybe on my honeymoon? I'd visit my family in the Brisbane area and explore the beautiful Gold Coast. Then, I'd head down to Victoria where I'd spend some time in Melbourne and then off to Bells Beach I'd go to watch some epic surf! Have you heard my Australian accent yet? It's pretty awesome :)

scandinavia

I remember my mom's dream of going to see the beautiful people of Scandinavia. From an early age, I dreamt of that area of our Earth and what it'd be like to experience those cultures. I've been to several countries in Europe and Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, and Finland are next on the list! How romantic! Maybe I'll go here on my future honeymoon instead? I can hear the echo of my heels on the cobblestone on a brisk, Fall evening. Swoon!

I'd spend about a month or so on each different continent, getting to know the culture, the people, the food, the stories, the sights. I'd soak it all up. Let it sink in. It'd be life-changing! And to me, that's what life is all about. Stepping outside of your comfort zone. Connecting with strangers through love. Seeing all that is out there to be seen.

Have you visited any of these places? What would you do in your three months away?

Sources:

One | Two | Three | Four

Check That Off The Bucket List: Dinosaurs

I must be pretty good at breaking up stories to keep you coming back for more. Remember that time I wrote about Part One of my Palm Springs trip and then later wrote about Part Two? Well, today it is time for the third and final part. Let me first begin with a little story:

Years and years ago, I was a young little lass who watched lots of quirky movies. Maybe because I'm a quirky girl. I had a love for movies like Adventures in Babysitting and... PeeWee's Great Adventure. That movie is so odd and one-of-a-kind that you literally can't forget it once you've seen it. Well, I always thought it would be cool to see those dinosaurs. You know, the "life-sized" dinosaurs on the side of the road where PeeWee gets dropped off after riding in the tractor trailer with crazy "Large Marge."

I thought maybe, just maybe I might drive by the dinosaurs on the drive out to San Diego from Virginia but sadly, we took a different route. However, little did I know at the time, the opportunity to see those roadside beasts wasn't too far away in the future. On the way back from Palm Springs, Ashley and I made a stop in Cabazon for two things: 1. To see the Cabazon Dinosaurs so I could finally check that off my bucket list and 2. To get date shakes at Hadley's!

There are few things I love more than quirky places [maybe that explains my love for roadside attractions] so when I had randomly read one day on Yelp about the "date shake" concept, I knew I had to partake. It wasn't a strawberry shake or a chocolate shake. It was a date shake. A shake with dates. And it was amazing. If I could have taken a picture that would have portrayed its deliciousness I would have. So, if you're passing through Cabazon, California... you MUST stop for a date shake at Hadley's. 

Now, on to the most important part...

It was everything I've dreamed of and more. Okay, maybe not, since I didn't run into PeeWee nor did we go up into one of the dinosaurs (how many times do you get the chance to say that in life?) but it was still pretty darn cool after all this time.

Can you believe that thing would have been even larger in real life? Rawr.

I'm glad I can finally say I've been there and seen the dinosaurs in real life. I'm sure one of these days, I'll be back again and I can say, "Large Marge sent me!" (Insert PeeWee laugh here!)

What quirky bucket list items do you have?

Check That Off The Bucket List: US Open

I mentioned yesterday how I had an even greater life experience on Saturday than I did the day before. Early Saturday morning, I woke up in Newport Beach and drove over to Huntington Beach for a big bucket list item of mine.

As we drove down Main Street in HB, it was all becoming a little surreal. Again, here I was, this East Coast girl now living the Southern California life. It was truly a place for many years that I only saw on TV and in movies and now I was seeing this cute little beach town with my own eyes. Not only that, but I was there to see the biggest surf event in the United States: The US Open of Surfing.

Since we arrived on the second to last day of the championship, all of my favorite surfers [yes, even Kelly Slater] had been knocked out the day prior. I was totally bummed. Completely. But it was still so inspiring and fun to see so many pro surfers giving everything they had for a chance to win. I was most inspired by Courtney Conlogue for her back-to-back rides through the pier, a very tricky and dangerous maneuver but she did it and it just so happened to be right when we were standing underneath the pier. And as soon as she finished, she turned around and paddled right back out to catch another. Talk about strength and determination!

The US Open was nothing like the time I was at Volcom Pipe Pro on the North Shore. In Huntington, the waves were smaller, the crowds were larger [and much more rowdy as I'm sure many of you heard about the riots], and it was just an entirely different experience. However, I enjoyed the time I spent watching heats from up above on the pier or below on the sand as the tide rolled in.

It was a nice treat for me. A reminder of the determination it takes to do well, insanely well, at what you love. Throughout life, we have certain passions that never leave us. I've written about this before and how important I believe it is to bring those passions to life throughout our time here. The art and sport of surfing has been one of those passions for me. I stopped for a moment and reminded myself that I was there, among the world's top surfers, in Surf City, USA... something I had only dreamt of for so long.

Check That Off The Bucket List: My Kind of Trade Show

When this weekend came to a close, I had to take a look back on it in astonishment. Did it really happen? Is this really the life I'm living? It used to be something I only dreamt about as a girl on the East Coast.

Friday was an early morning as we made the drive up to Long Beach for AGENDA Trade Show - "a forum for the most inspired in the streetwear and action sports industries to unite." All the big-name companies in the surf/skate apparel industry were there (Billabong, Volcom, RVCA, Hurley, Rip Curl, etc.) I went as a buyer so I was able to get an inside look at the designs and trends that will be hitting stores in Spring 2014. It was a phenomenal experience for me personally, to say the least.

Trade shows are overwhelming, regardless of what side you're on. It was interesting and eye-opening to be on the other side of things this weekend than where I usually am. Instead of working the booth, I was walking the floor. I allowed myself to be inspired by the creativity of all of these brands, however big or small they were. I listened to the stories of two chill guys with a start-up company and was in awe of the size of the successful Volcom team in their rad uniforms.

Here's a little sneak peek:

It was eye-opening. Amazing. Inspiring.

It inspired the entrepreneur in me, the designer in me, the event planner in me, and the lover of life.

I walked in the front door one way and left forever changed. As every event in life, it is what ever you make it. Not only was that trade show the first of its kind that I've finally been able to go to, but it will also mark the spot of a huge learning experience in my life.

Check back tomorrow to hear all about an even greater experience of mine that took place the following day!

Check That Off The Bucket List: Palm Springs Part Two

A month ago, I went on a girls' trip to Palm Springs! I cannot believe it was one whole month ago but I'll tell you one thing - it has practically felt like Winter here in San Diego compared to that grueling 120 degree weather we were hit with on our weekend getaway. [In case you missed it, here's Part One of the trip!]

On our last morning/afternoon in Palm Springs, we were pretty excited to hit up brunch at the Ace Hotel. Cara-Mia had nothing but wonderful things to say about it and I just wanted to take in the beauty of this Mid-Century-esque hotel I had seen all over Pinterest! I was not disappointed - by the food OR the scenery.

Why, yes, that was the largest piece of French Toast bread I've ever seen as well. And I ate every single bite. It was delightful. In fact, each of our meals ended up looking phenomenal. Two thumbs up for King's Hwy - an old school diner feel with food that certainly does not disappoint.

There's really just something magical about Palm Springs. And that's what I love about California. You don't have to venture very far away in order to find something magical. The majestic mountains against the sky. The richness of the green palm trees literally everywhere you look. And, of course, the history. I mean, after all, Marilyn vacationed there...

And now I can say I had my picture taken with Marilyn Monroe ;) She will always be my favorite Hollywood star. We drove away from Palm Springs soon after that picture was taken [and we made a Starbucks pit stop for ice cold anything because that's just how hot it was. Even to be outside for those five minutes!]

We had one more stop left. And this next one... this was a huge bucket list item for me. Stay tuned!

Check That Off The Bucket List: Palm Springs

Palm Springs.

It's been on my bucket list and, luckily, a girls' weekend trip took me there sooner than expected.

It was me, Ash, Cara-Mia, Lisa, and Tammy.

It just so happened to fall on the hottest weekend of the year with the temps hitting 120.

But I like to think that made it the true Palm Springs experience.

We stayed at The Saguaro. We ate yummy food. We got a LOT of sun. And did a little desert exploring.

If you haven't been to Palm Springs, it's like taking a step back in time to the 1950's. Everything is Mid-Century modern and marvelous. I just couldn't get enough of it.

Palm Springs is like it's own little private island [even if it's land-locked]

You get that small town feel, at a resort, in the middle of a beautiful community.

You feel the history there.

The old Hollywood mystique where stars used to go to getaway for a while.

And that's exactly what Palm Springs is...

A beautiful getaway.

A step back in time.

An oasis.

For pictures of the rest of our Palm Springs stay, stay tuned!

And, yes, I did color coordinate my nails with the hotel. What can I say, I "merchandise" myself well ;)

Check That Off The Bucket List: Dane Cook

Do you have a bucket list? A bucket list that really means something to you? I do. And for some reason [okay, I know what the reason is] I've been checking more and more items off my list. It's one of the greatest feelings in the world.

When we're younger, we start our bucket list. And our bucket list items are most likely a bit cliche. Like, "Marry Nick Carter." But as we mature, we add items to our list that really mean something to us. Or they're something totally, completely out there that we just HAVE to do. Some are more serious and others are just off the wall. Either way, I love my bucket list and I am so absolutely pumped to see how so many of my items are coming into actual existence.

Since I've taken this blog of mine down the "here's what I'm learning about life as I go" path instead of the "here's what I'm doing every weekend" path, I've realized that I have been leaving some fun stuff out. Oh, like that time I went to Palm Springs for the first time? [Bucket list!] I should probably start with that bucket list item but since something so exciting just happened yesterday morning, I'm going to just let you in on another fun item I'll be checking off soon:

✔ See my favorite comedian live!

Bam. It's happening. In September, I'll be face to face with Dane Cook during his UnderOath Tour! Thanks to good ole Dane, I found out the password for the pre-sale tickets and scored some killer seats for the show two days before they officially went on sale! I am thrilled. If you know me, you know how much I have loved Dane for years. No matter how many times I watch his skits, it just seems to get even more hilarious. Not to mention, I quote him/reference his stand-up in everyday conversation. 

Here is the skit I've been referencing the most lately! Dane likes his swear words, so let this be your warning ;)

Is that not the truth? Man, he's good. Dane just gets me. He gets my sense of humor, that man. I love how physical and animated he gets on stage too. Marching around. Listen, some people like Will Ferrell one-liners. Me? I live for Dane Cook one-liners. Hang out with me for a while and you're bound to hear one. There may or may not even be titles of my Pinterest boards named after some of his lines...
Okay so, where are my fellow criers? I'm a crier. I cry during The Bachelorette. I cry during every single ASPCA commercial. I cry reading The Daily Love. If you're like me, you'll probably like this skit... on crying.
I'll just let you guess how many times I watched/listened to these skits yesterday. And, yes, I just wrote an entire blog post about Dane Cook. So if that doesn't tell you how much I look forward to checking this item off my bucket list, I don't know what will.
Who is your favorite comedian?
"You don't even know."