Hometown Visitors

Got to hang out with Amanda and Jess last weekend. It was really, really fun - we hung out in Santa Monica, did some shopping on Melrose and had dinner and drinks at Chateau Marmont, went to the Farmers Market, etc. I absolutely love all my new LA friends, but it's really nice to spend time with people that have known you since 1st grade (Jess) or 9th grade (Amanda). As you can see, not a lot has changed...:) Our whole group of high school friend seem healthy and happy, so we've been really blessed. I honestly can't believe we're all grown up now - or that grown ups get to have as much fun as we're all having!:) I'm sitting with a lot of gratitude, as they say in my yoga class.

Soy Joy and My New Office

First pic is of Tatiana and Landon at a fashion show thing we went to last week. It was sponsored by Soy Joy and the only thing to eat was Soy Joy bars...look how yummy they were:) The other pictures are of my office. Jenny, Bridgette and I are modeling our gifts from the care package that Bridgette's mom sent us. Apparently, Bridge's mom found out about the care packages MY mom sends me and it incited quite the competitive spirit in her mom. Of course, it ended up being a win-win for all of us - more care packages! Last week I got a Halloween card that contained $20, a Starbucks gift card and an article about how to have a successful first date. Now not to be conceited here, but I'm not sure that's the area that I need the most help. Dates 2 - infinity? Sure, I could use some tips. But, I think as long as you look reasonably cute and try not to be a flaming weirdo that's really the best advice for a first date.

Claire's APLA Fundraiser

Last Tuesday, Claire had a fundraiser for AIDS Project of Los Angeles (APLA). I'm not sure what Dave and Mills are doing in that photo. And I was trying the Hollywood red carpet, over-the-shoulder pose with Tatiana. I'm not sure that I nailed it. The party was fun. I won a free subscription to Netflix (which I also donated). Sigh. But, I had a great tarot card reading. One of Hally's friends reads tarot cards and donated her services in exchange for donations to APLA. She seems to think that things will turn out pretty well for me.:)

Little Brother Ties the Knot

Ryan and Jess got married in Springfield on October 4. The reception was held at this beautiful old mansion/plantation compound. Most of the pics are family pics - not sure you can tell just how amazing the venue was from the pictures. The ceremony was outside in front of the mansion and reception was in the carriage house next door. It was great to see most of the family, drink bellini's (the signature cocktail - yay!), watch my little cousin Megan discover dancing for the first time (adorable) and get in some time with Jo Jo the monkey (don't ask). Ry and Jess were really cute and it really special to watch them get married. It's a little weird to watch your little brother get married (I mean, he used to hide beer in the backyard, for crying out loud). But, they are absolutely right for each other - and totally grown up right before my eyes.