Laguna Art Festival and the Pageant of the Masters

Today was our annual visit to the Laguna Art Festival and the Pageant of the Masters. If you haven't been, it is a definite must-see!

In any case, I spent the day walking around Laguna Beach. My first stop was the bookstore, which won't surprise many of you. It reminds me of my own sorely missed bookshop from days gone past. (By which, I picked up this book. I am enjoying it.)

Next it was off to to a few boutiques and the La Rue Du Chocolat shop (for the obvious). I finally found my grandmother and her friends for a little more shopping, dinner at BJs, and, finally, the Pageant. While the pageant was mildly disappointing (they can't be spectacular EVERY year), it was a lovely evening.

:)

To note:
The first photo is that of a statue in Laguna Beach.
The second photo is of me ready for my day of shopping, eating, and art. I'm obviously excited.

Lamest Blog of Summer 2008

Before. After.

Liz has a LOT of time on her hands, so it seems. You'd think she'd be off reading a book, writing a paper, saving the world.

But no.

She's scrubbing tile.

And she likes it.

-Liz, letting out a sweet sigh of relief

Pretty, pretty bride

I was so happy to go to my friend's wedding! I hadn't seen her in ages and was delighted to meet some of her family.

My thanks to the bride and groom for such a lovely evening!

-Liz

Japanese Garden at CSULB

Today, a friend and I visited the Japanese Garden on the campus of Cal State Long Beach. It was a gorgeous, sunny Southern California day and the koi were ready for some food! (Those guys can really pack away a lot of grub, by the way. Sheesh.) We had a lovely, short visit before heading off to other activities, which included an impromptu picnic. Definitely a relaxing day. :)

Hiking at Santiago Oaks Park

Yesterday, my sister and I went for a hike at Santiago Oaks Park. It was a beautiful day and I certainly hope I get the chance to go back in the near future. Alas, no photographic proof.

Balboa Park

So, I spent a whopping hour at Balboa Park yesterday. I managed to do a few of my favorite things, however. Eat lunch, slurp down soft-serve, and hit my favorite museum gift shops. That's right. Food and shopping.

Looks like I'll be going back at another date to visit MOPA and the Museum of Art. Georga O'Keeffe is in and I will not be deterred! :)

A Visit with Aunt Gloria

Memorial Day Weekend.

Today I returned home from a visit with my Great Aunt Gloria. She's a sweet lady of 82 years and is a hoot to be with! She happily gave my sister and me a plethora of old family photos, so we officially have pictures of some great, great grandparents. That's CRAZY talk, dude!

The weather was nice, but the 6 hour drive each way is a downer. As always, we did some shopping, some eating, and entirely too much talking. Good times.

My Very Belated Birthday Party

My grandmother threw me a Very Belated Birthday party today! That's her in the photo with me.

It was simple, sweet, and freakin' HOT! ... you can't trust that sun, can you? I loved it. It was nice to see some of friends and get the chance to relax.

Thank you, everyone!

... perhaps it goes without say?

It recently came to my attention that my student loans will come due if I take less than 6 units a semester. I had planned on taking one three unit course next semester and the same the following semester. Looks like Liz will, again, be a December graduate. *sigh*

This means I have to get a jump start on my thesis this summer. This will severly reduce my fun time, but it does mean that I will have my advanced degree months sooner and, with any luck, a decent paying job by this time next year.

Such is life.

As well you know...

Some of you know how grand my plans can be. I want to take over the world in an afternoon, and still be home in time to watch a movie and have a glass of wine. Heck, it might even be fun stop at Disneyland on my way home.

What happens to my scheme when summer comes? I nap.

Don't get me wrong, napping is a great thing, but this year I am DETERMINED to have my cake and eat it too.

Way down below you will find several lists. They will grow longer as I find activities to do, and shorter when a task is completed. The plan is to post about them as a record of accomplishment -- I might even remember to take a photo or two.

If you have a suggestion -- pray tell! I am also looking for partners-in-crime, so if anything looks particularly exciting to you, let's plan to get together.

... and we're off...


-Liz