P365: Late Summer Dawn [105]

God paints the most beautiful pictures in the sky. :)

P365: Middle of Nowhere [104]

Contrary to popular belief, California isn’t always sunny or completely populated by cities. Take a drive down I-5 you’ll see what I mean…

9/11: 10 Years Later...

When I woke up this morning, the first thing I thought about was the 10th anniversary of September 11.

I put up an American flag outside in memory of those lost that day before leaving my sister's house in San Luis Obispo.

On the drive home, the rain sprinkled the windshield. It felt like the world was crying in remembrance.

Back home, Sunday night football showcased the New York Jets against the Dallas Cowboys. The memorial opening was to perfection with the taps played on a bugle, the traditional French horn playing, bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace" during the unfurling of the American flag by members of the NYPD and FDNY, and then finally a performance of the national anthem by Lady Antebellum.  To top it off, the Jets won.

After the game, I watched "102 Minutes that Changed America" on The History Channel.  This documentary highlights a series of video clips recorded by civilians on September 11 from different areas in New York City.  It gives you a completely different view of the events, especially views from the street as well as from surrounding apartment buildings.  It puts the events of that day in a unique perspective from the people who were actually experiencing it and gives people across the country more than what the media covered.

Watching this, I actually recognized one of my coworkers from Macy's in the video taken in Times Square.  Seeing him there brought this closer to home - realizing that the friends and many of the people I met in New York were actually there that day and experienced the terror first-hand.  I was brought to tears watching the second plane crashed and when both towers collapsed.  It's heart-wrenching to watch, but it's a part of our history that we will never forget.

On this day, Americans will stand united and always remember the nearly 3000 lives that were lost - the innocent civilians, the first responders.  God bless America.

P365: Butterfly [103]

"Butterfly in the sky! / I can go twice as high...!"

P365: Woodstock's Pizza [102]

A San Luis Obispo staple. Yum! :)

P.S. Yes I know there’s one in Davis, but this one is way better. haha

Taken on Sony Cybershot.

P365: Night Lights [101]

Although I need a tripod, I still want to practice with long shutter speed.  Here, my fiber optic lamp is my subject.  The fan kept blowing the little lights, so I captured its movement in one second. 

P365: The Walk Home [100]

I’m glad I get to walk to and from work, enjoying the sights of suburbia.

P365: Caprese Salad [099]

The simple, yet filling salad is so delicious!

I made this by layering Roma tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar as well as a pinch of salt and paper. 

P365: Backyard Sunset [098]

Chilling in the backyard and captured the sun setting.  Sepia makes the sky that color, so don’t worry - the sky wasn’t completely orange! haha 

Taken with Sony Cybershot.

NYC: A Year Later

New York City from Top of the Rock

A year ago today, I embarked on my New York adventure...

Back in January, I was convinced I'd still be in New York at this time, but my plans were never finalized as I just tried to make it a day at a time.  I miss being there.  However, I'm so thankful for the opportunity to be there.  Thankful for experiencing life in a big city through all the seasons.  Thankful for the skills and experiences I gained from my internships and jobs.  And of course, thankful for the friends I made there.

I know I'm supposed to be there, and I really hope I get the opportunity to return.  It may not be this year or next, but I know someday I'll be back in New York City.  I'll do it right with a plan and everything.

But for now, my life is back on the West coast.  Still making adjustments but things should be fine.  Might as well enjoy it while I can.  Who knows what's in store next? 

P365: Fast Times [097]

First time watching Fast Times at Ridgemont High. It’s interesting how it is still relevant to audiences today with the cliques and the issues high school students face. 

P365: Juxtaposition [096]

It’s interesting how a prickly, defensive plant produces such a delicate flower…

P365: Birthday Girls [095]

September starts off with the celebration of birthdays for my cousin, Brooklyn Mireya (Sept. 1) and my mom (Sept. 3)!

Happy birthday! ;D

P365: Food Fair Comes Home...[094]

My sister and I busted out our funnel cake recipe and made some awesome funnel cakes! I topped mine with Nutella (of course!), powered sugar, strawberries and whipped cream! Scrumdiddlyumptious! :D

P365: Holiday Weekend = Higher Gas Prices [093]

It’s Labor Day weekend, and of course, gas prices went up considerably! Totally unnecessary!