Hello again SG friends!

It seems my posts are getting fewer and further in between. As much as I miss all of you, my life just seems to stay busy and hectic! I have a Friday night off for once and instead of going out, I am here, at home, enjoying some quiet time and catching up on old email and of course with all of you.

The year 2011 is almost gone and I like to think back and reflect on the things that have shaped it. The good and the bad make up our lives and I like to look back with a smile.

The past few months have been really great. I love my job, my apartment and my very sweet boyfriend.
In early October I got to go up to New Hampshire for the first time ever! The leaves were changing and the weather was cool and nice. I would have loved to spend more time up there but it was a quick trip as Ben was only going for a track race. I spent the day riding horses instead of being one of those women that waits around all day at the track for her man. Horses are more fun.


At the end of the day I went to pick Ben up and he was thrilled to announce that he had won. Just look at that happy face!

We recently took a trip back to Portland visit my mom and grandmother. It was Ben's first time to Portland and meeting them but it went very well. We really packed the sight seeing in with family, friends, the city, the gorge, OMSI, the coast and of course a trip to my grandparents' farm. Here's a few photos from the trip!





I went shooting with my mom, her husband and Ben. Here I am holding an AK-47 which might be the most terrifying and exciting experience of power.


With my lovely grandmother!



So thats that! My year and the last few months! I work a lot and who knows when Ill get back to you next! I hope everyone had a happy holiday and a beautiful new year!

xoxox
July

I almost forgot to mention that I am in the 2012 Sailor Jerry Calendar! You're looking at Miss October! HAHA.

Oh hello lovelies! Ive missed SG the past few months!

Things are changing rapidly in my life and I find I just dont have a lot of time to spend here with you. It doesnt help that I have been without the internet for almost a month now but that finally changed a few days ago.

Since I last checked in I have managed to move to a new apartment with two friends, gain a second job and I even found myself a new romantic interest! Its been a great two months.

Other than working and settling into the new apartment I haven't had much else going on. Our home is still in shambles but its slowly coming together. My bedroom is the only room in the house that is completely finished and organized. I can be sort of a freak about keeping my surroundings tidy. I find it helps me think and keep my brain from being distracted and muddled with chaotic thoughts.
Ive managed to create a very serene spot for myself and I am in love with the outcome. I just need to hang a few pictures and a shelf and I will be done. My lovely roommates are far less eager to get settled in so it leaves me with a lot of responsibility. SOON! Soon it will all be in order and I will be content.
This is my new serene bedroom. What do you think?


My new job is great. I work a few nights a week, picking up shifts for people and going in when its busy. The bar is like the university of classic cocktails. Super intense and rigorous but worth every bit of stress. Ive learned a lot since I started and I'm sure my knowledge will only continue to grow. Just the idea makes me very happy.

I will be headed up to New Hampshire next month for just two days with my dude. He is going to get his racing license and start racing Ducatis just for the hell of it. And while he does that I will get to wander around the country side and maybe take a riding lesson or go for a hike. I havent been on a horse in years! I miss it. I barrel raced as a kid so I know my way around a stable but its been a long time. Either way, just being near a horse again will make me incredibly happy.

So thats all my news on life. As I have been promising for some time now......I finally shot a new set with Brooklyn! I really love the way it came out and I think it was well worth the wait. September 22 is the member review date so keep an eye out! We have plans to shoot again very soon but it took two years of saying that to finally shoot this set.....who knows when the next one will be!

Some teasers for you.....





I will have to leave you with that and say goodnight.

Ciao darlings!

Hello darlings!
Its been a long time and Im too lazy to write these days so here is a nice little video for you!

Sorry for all the "umms" and "uhhhs." The whole thing is a little awkward for me but I hope you like it.

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And here are some photos of my trip to Istanbul..... If you're interested.

xoxox

Happy New Year, Darlings!

I hope everyone had a nice evening celebrating the end of another year. Most people seem to be happy that 2010 is gone but I think it was an ok year for me. It had its rough moments but overall it was good.

But now its time to look forward to 2011and I get the feeling it will be another great year! Im not usually a resolutions kind of girl but I thought it would be good for me to try it this year.
1. A classic but with a twist. No smoking unless its offered. I will be cutting back significantly but not completely quitting. I like to smoke. Its a gross habit and Im not sure where I got it from in the first place but I do love it. So this is a little compromise. Only smoking when I go out and my peers are smoking and offer it. Most of them have agreed to say no most of the time anyway....
2. Stop stressing on the little things. I get really worked up sometimes and I need to learn to relax!
3. Incorporate more jewelery into my life. Im not a dressy girl but jewelery is a simple way to spruce up and feel more feminine.

I feel like my resolutions are a little cliche but I guess we all have to start somewhere.



Last night was a whirlwind of weird/awesome/frustrating drunkenness. There was a lot of drinking and Klonopin, dancing, walking and texting and more drinking. I ended up wandering away from my friends around 3am and went to a dive bar and had drinks by my self. All in all it was a good night.

The last half of November and all of December was spent working. I literally had one day off from Thanksgiving to Christmas. It was intense. I quit working at the coffee shop and now I just work the bar five days a week. It was getting to be too much with both jobs.

Unfortunately because I work all the time, my social life has been lacking a little. As a result, I dont have nearly as many photos to share with you!

Here's one of me while I was getting dressed to go out last night....

Wow! Its been a month since my last post already!
I feel like I say that every time but its true! I'm shocked at the way time flies by these days.

Well, as expected so much has happened in the past month and I'm feeling like a whole lot more is coming on fast!

The weather changed drastically and quickly over the past month. Its so cold now I am ready to break out my pea-coat and gloves. Ive already started wearing boots and a hat all the time. I miss the summer but there is something so wonderfully refreshing about the cold weather.

Im going to break this post up into sections with spoilers for the pictures because its a long one. You can decide how much you want to read/look at!

TUGBOATS

APPLES, sort of.

My friend Farrell was visiting for a week around Halloween. She has a crazy diet so we were hunting for juice places most of the week. This is one place we found. She got upset because I wouldnt take a nice pictures. This is one of the better ones......



Farrell also took a picture of me studying. This is what I look like 90% of the time now. In a sweater, in bed with books, papers, note cards and my computer. In any case, I like the picture.



I did manage to go out one night with some coworkers to the wonderful Milk and Honey. Its a speakeasy style cocktail bar in the LES. I love it there and if I could go every night I would. I dont have any pictures of the place but I did wear a dress! I really want to do my next set in this dress but it isnt mine and I need to send it back ASAP!!!!



OREGON

So that was my month! Its been great! I started working on the floor at my new job. The restaurant is finally open and its busy and fun. I really enjoy making cocktails. I have a lot to learn still and its exhausting trying to cram my brain with so much info but its all going to be worth it in the end.

Before I forget....... A lot of you already know or have seen the article already but....... I was featured as the Inked Girl for November in Inked Magazine! Its been pretty cool and its opening up some other doors. If you havent seen it go LOOK! I took a picture of the magazine if you want a little peek....



Well, I think thats everything my lovelies!!! I hope all is well in your world and I wish you all the best until next time!

xoxox
July

P.S. I apologize for any misspellings or errors in punctuation or grammar. Its been a long week.

Hello darlings!

I hope life is treating you well. The summer is officially gone here and wont be back for a very long time. Sweater and Jacket weather from here on out. I love this time of year but part of me hates it too because I know that soon it will be very cold and dark all the time.
For now its just nice to experience the crisp air and to see the leaves changing and falling all around.

Things are getting better and better for me these days. Im not really sure how to process it but it seems things are falling into place.

I have been in New York for one year as of yesterday. It feels amazing. People keep telling me that the first year is the worst and that it only gets better. They also tell me that after the first year you think its good but you have no idea how much better it will be. I dont know but if things keep going this way I may have a heart attack from excitement.

My life in nonstop on the go. I seem to like it like that.

Other than the usual adventures and hangouts in my life I have started trotting off down some new paths. The biggest change so far is the fact that I cut back my hours at the cafe to make way for a new job!
I couldnt be more thrilled about this new opportunity! The best part is that it just fell into my lap.

As of next week I will begin training with one of the biggest names in cocktails and mixology in NYC. A friend of mine happened to mention that I was a good barista at one of his favorite coffee bars. Before I knew it I was being offered a job as a bartender at a new hot restaurant in the city. I have no training or background so its going to be a lot of work. I am SO EXCITED!

My loose dreams of one day owning a restaurant are finally looking like they could be reality. With a background in coffee and cocktails (and hopefully I will finally get it together and go to school to learn the art of the pastry chef.....) it seems like a decent base.

I will be keeping my job at the cafe too but only two days a week and one of those days will be at the cafe in Brooklyn. Its a big change but Im feeling good about it.

In other news, I had my chest tattooed last month. I haven't taken any great pictures yet but hopefully I will shoot a new set soon so you can see it all healed! But this is it so far. Sorry the picture is backward.... It says "Isn't It Pretty To Think So"
You get a gold star if you know the reference (without googling it!).



Ive been spending a lot of time with the men in my life....Its strange sometimes when I think that 90% of my friends are guys. Boys are just easier to understand or something, I dont know.....

Kevin and I went on a shopping adventure in the Flower District and found some pretty strange things.


My dear friend and coworker Johnny and I were locked out of the roastery last week and we passed the time lying on the sidewalk being silly. This is one of the nicer pictures taken.


And once we got in....the space is SO beautiful. I love it down there.


Andrew and I are finally hanging out a little more these days. Its nice to have him back around. Summer got busy and flew by. I spent my anniversary with him last night drinking scotch, eating pizza and watching the Yankees game.

Its apple season and I baked an apple pie to celebrate. I was pissed while I did it though because my roommate was having a party and I was asked to pose with my pie for a drunken party photo. Usually when I bake I do it to relax, not really to be harassed by two dozen drunks. Oh well. The pie was excellent.



There has been a fair amount of post season baseball watching or planning for parties and watching. Ive had a weird month of circus/carnival adventures, karaoke mishaps, long bike rides, baseball games, flooded streets and cafes, job offers, strange offers in general, Big Apple Comic Con, dance parties, hardcore shows, food poisoning and so many other little bits and pieces of insanity.

I have so many things to look forward to right now as well.
Two weeks from now one of my dearest friends is coming to visit. She will be here for Halloween which should be fun. I have no idea what Im going to do with her other than what I usually do but that should be good enough.

And then next month I will be taking a little trip back home to Portland. It should be interesting to say the least. My closest friend from childhood is getting married and I would hate to miss the wedding. She seems so happy. Its also my grandmothers birthday and when I need to cash in my vacation time at work. Ill be out there for a week with my friends and family. The plan is to spend a day or two out at the coast by myself to get some perspective and regroup a little and the rest of the time catching up with folks. Hopefully I will get to meet some of the lovely PDX SGs too!

So all in all things are wonderful. Im just as happy as a clam. Busy but happy.

I must run now. I have a full evening ahead of me with studying and dinner with friends.....

xoxoxox
July

Good Morning Darlings!

Its a beautiful day today! The sun is shining and its warm enough for shorts again. The perfect Saturday. I would usually be out enjoying the fine weather but today I am covering for a friend at his gallery in Williamsburg. Because I believe in making the most of it Im taking advantage of the space and dancing around to Beyonce and doing yoga in the big open gallery! So far its been an enjoyable morning. Coffee from Marlow & Sons and yoga, it doesn't get much better for me.

The month of September has been hectic to say the least. I've loved every second of it. I've had fall formal soirees, special events at work, lots of dates, friends in town, tattoo appointments, and a billion other activities to keep me busy.

My achilles is almost completely back to normal. I couldn't be happier to hear that. Its been a long six weeks of recovery and I am more than ready to get back to yoga! I also recently took up running! I've never been a runner but I bought my first pair of running shoes the other day. I've been taking it slow, just a half mile every couple of days until I build up some stamina and my achilles is completely healed. I never thought I would be a runner but it feels so good. Something about "the zone," I get kind of high and focused and its incredibly relaxing. Maybe the best part of getting so much exercise is the guilt free eating. I love to eat and its hard to have self control when Im used to eating whatever I want and just work it out later.

Work is going well. Its been so busy that our tips have almost doubled but it comes at the cost of never getting a break and having lines out the door for six hours straight. We did an extra event at Lincoln Center last week for fashion week that was interesting. Hitting a whole new demographic that would otherwise be overlooked. It was a stressful week but I learned a lot. Our tasting room opens this weekend too! I've been looking forward to this for quite some time now. One day a week Ill be hanging out in Red Hook playing with coffee. What could be better? Were offering all of our coffees brewed by the cup in several brew methods. Siphons, Chemex, Melita, Hario V60, Press Pots....!!! We're leading cuppings too! Im basically getting paid to geek out for an extra six hours a week! They are talking about having a few drafts from Six Point too. Beer and coffee....? Best Saturdays EVER.

I wish I could share pictures with you today but you will have to wait to see my newest tattoo! I had my collar done this past week with script. It was the worst experience Ive ever had sitting with an artist (not because of pain, it was incredibly easy, but the artist was just a terrible person) but it looks great and its healing well. I had settled on the last line of The Sun Also Rises. "Isn't It Pretty To Think So" Beautifully tragic. I will have pictures for you soon!

Speaking of pictures!!!! I am finally shooting with Brooklyn again on Monday! I dont want to give away too much but were driving out of the city for some apple picking and picture taking. Its been a year since I last shot a set so I am very excited to shoot again!

So thats life. Some friends just stopped by the gallery and we are talking about renting a cabin in Vermont next month to see the leaves change. It will be nice to have a break from the city and spend a weekend with good friends and some nature. I've been trying to make the most of my time. Were only young once so I may as well make the most of it.

Im hoping to spend a day or two at ComicCon next week. I have an incredibly busy schedule but it would be so nice to meet more of the girls and members. I had a nice time last year. We shall see if I can swing it! I think Friday from 5-9 and Saturday from 4 or 5 to 7 will be the hours Im there! So if you're around and want to say hello.....


Thats that! I hope all of you are having a great month and iI will post some pictures when I get home tonight if I have time.


xoxox
July

So its a new month and I guess that means its time for a new blog! Things have changed drastically since our last meeting, some for the better and some not.

I'll start with saying Thank you all so much for all the wonderful comments and PMs on my set Almost Golden! I was starting to think it would never be purchased but low and behold it was! I cant wait to shoot again very soon! I have a crazy schedule these days but Im GOING to make it happen!

And in the wonderful world of coffee: This month the company I work for has opened an annex in Brooklyn for all brewed coffees. Its terribly exciting news for a nerd like me because I can take an extra shift and play all day!

I also started working on stuff for competition. Pulling shots of single origin espresso. Lately Ive been working with a coffee we call the Mordecofe from Ethiopia. I like it a lot but it wont be what I finally use in March.






This past week I also started a new job. Its a second in addition to the cafe, at Babycakes. Its a vegan and allergy friendly bakery where Ill frost cupcakes and make cookie sandwiches all day. Ill be working a lot but its really the best use of my time at this point.

In the past month Ive also managed to pull my achilles! yay! Well not so much yay because Ive been wearing a boot for three weeks and a brace at night. Its going to be ok. I have physical therapy twice a week and I go back to the doctor on the 20th. Hopefully they will tell me Im back to normal!

My sexy boot.....


Since all of this started I havent been doing much. Ive watched almost the entire series of Lost. What a sad life it has become. Going out hasnt been much of an option since I started wearing the boot. Im back to normal shoes except while I work now though so Ill be back to my ways in no time.

In all of my spare time spent at home Ive gone through some old things and came across these photos:
I think youll find most of these amusing.

Halloween 2003?


Halloween 1987


age 13. I was a hippy....


Age 15. Im trying to grow my hair back to this length.


This afternoon I looked at the millionth apartment. I am moving on the first! Its going to be nice to have a nice space, with just a few people and a clean kitchen. I miss that. What I will miss after I move is having access to this view just three blocks away!





So thats that. Nothing terribly exciting. Working six days a week and doubles here and there. Hopefully I will have more to share next time.

xoxox
July

Its August already and another great month has gone by! The summer has been good to me and I will be sad to see it go. But for now I hope you are enjoying the season as much as I am and there are at least a few weeks left before the wind changes again.

July was all around a good month. My only complaint is that it went by to fast and before I knew it, it was gone! Ill sum it up in pictures!

I did a lot of cuppings, otherwise known as coffee tastings!


4th of July






There have been some pretty epic sunrises and sunsets.



I explored a building still under construction with a friend in Brooklyn. This was the view from the top.


And I saw Best Coast for free at Seaport. They are rad.


I also saw Manhattanhnege for the first time. So fucking cool how this works.... Google it if you dont already know.


Drunkenly found a carnival at 5am and turned it on. This is the only picture that turned out.


Played mini-golf for the first time in a decade.


Lots of pick-nicks and trips to the park. I mostly read or study coffee while Im there.



I took a trip to the beach in Delaware. Did a lot of yoga and reading, made a lot of coffee, rode bikes, played carnival games, sunbathing and swimming and saw some epic sunrises and sunsets.








It always feels good to see this sight after a few days away from Brooklyn. Its like a big welcome home banner.



And finally, my favorite picture from the month.... I made some very special coffee in my Chemex and watched the sun rise.


There were midnight trips to the beach, taco cart adventures, thunderstorms, bike rides, more sunrises, views of bridges, scoops of ice cream, never ending supplies of popsicles, long work weeks, drunken debauchery (including lap dances, oops), dancing with friends and coworkers, birthday parties and a whole slough of other amazing fun things!

Happy August! Here's to this month being a good as the last! Cheers!

xoxox
July