Friday, October 5, 2012

Cue "Closing Time" Track...



Click HERE before reading this post!  
Maybe the first time a post has had a soundtrack!

It's been joked about that the Hotel is a black hole which sucks former employees right back in once they leave.  (Seriously, I've lost track of how many times this has happened!)  I don't foresee that happening for me. (Onward and upward!)  So, it was good to take one last look around a place that I've spent such a huge chunk of my life.  I've definitely left my mark. You'll never be as organized or have great professional grade signs.  See ya 'round Plaza.  It's been real.











Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Sunday, September 30, 2012

San Francisco Treats...


I had a great time in one of my all-time favorite destinations.
Enjoy some snapshots of my super-duper San Francisco getaway.
(Finally!)  










Saturday, September 29, 2012

♥LIST: September Edition...




After several year hiatus (too damn long!) I got to head back to the Bay area this month.  It was a non-stop holiday with plenty to see and do.  (Some pics will eventually find their way to the Blog.)  It was fantastic reuniting with old friends, and making new ones as well!   I even got to venture out for Monday afternoon of solo-site seeing which meant lots of walking.  For the record the Painted Ladies are not in Russian Hill. (Lesson learned-- but got a great leg workout with all those hills.)  Each time I'm there, I'm reminded on just how  much I love this beautiful, charming and quirky city.  There's just something about San Francisco.You can see why I left my heart there yet again.  I need to head back soon.  And I will.  Until next time...



Love List MVP, Pink does it again!  Her latest album was rocking my world this month. Some of my favorite tracks are The Truth About Love, Slut Like Me, Blow Me (One Last Kiss), Just Give Me a Reason, True Love...  oh there's too many to list.  It's amazing from start to finish. The Truth about it, is that I Absolutely LOVE it all!


For the record, I was TEAM PAM before it was cool or trendy to be Team Pam. But I must admit, she was the shining star of what was an entertaining season of True Blood. (After last year's slightly disappointing one, especially.)  But, I can see why so many of you jumped on that Pam boat.  Walmart sweatsuit anyone?  Anyway,  I was finally able to catch up on the most recent Bon Temps adventures thanks to HBO-GO on my iPad.  (Thanks Shila!)  



This boutique hotel located in the heart of Union Square (duh!) was absolutely charming and stylish, with a great central location.  I found a pretty great deal (all things considered) on Expedia. If you're ever in San Fran, I strongly recommend them.  They're the hotel with personality!  Just thinking of it makes me want to head back.  Like right now...


Mumford and Sons are, like, really popular right now; With their beautiful new sophomore album Babel, it's not hard to see why.   Über-obsessed with the song: I Will Wait, but the whole album is fantastic!  Great job boys!


One of the best things about Autumn (other than comfy sweaters and pumpkin flavored things) is getting new seasons of my beloved television shows.  September brought forth fresh episodes of Modern Family, Parks and Recreation and Up All Night.  Thanks to Hulu, it means watching them all on my schedule-- usually in a big comedy laugh-out-loud marathon. As for the rest of my favorite stories, they'll be back, come October. Not to spoil anything, but I have a feeling you'll be seeing some more familiar TV-land faces mentioned here next month! 


While I was in San Francisco I was dying to check out the amazing bands playing FSF However, sadly I missed Little Boots and The Limousines, but I caught Ladyhawke and she brought down the house.  Amazing!  It was great winding down a fantastic day singing along with some of my favorite tunes from the year!  


As you may know, my apartment's kitchen is undergoing a big long overdue transformation.    (I really do have the best landlords!)  Over the past few weeks, I've spent more time in the big orange box-store, than I think I ever have in my entire life.  Combined.  I used to get a bit overwhelmed when visiting HD, but now I could tell you where pretty much everything is.  No doubt I've still got several more trips left before it's all said and done.  So I'll put that new skill to use.  Speaking of, photos and updates to come as the progress unfolds.  



This treat is a trick and a my number one non-diet approved craving this month.  Shakes fist at which ever evil genius thought up this tasty seasonal treat.  You got me.  I have had moments of weakness. I'm not going to lie.


I'm watching...
and Loving 



FORWARD.


I wanted to catch this blockbuster when it was re-released in theaters this past Spring;  but never got around to it. So when it came back on DVD I was happy to journey back to 1912 with Jack Rose and the rest of the passengers on the doomed ship. As you may remember, I'm fascinated by everything Titanic,  so this entry should come as no surprise.



Wow, talk about some vintage Spotify action!  I have no idea how I got on a Queen kick this month, but my work and home computers seemed to be playing their greatest hits in a constant and steady stream.  Nothing wrong with goin' a little retro now and then!



Woah!  
It's coming!  
Hang on tight!
Jumping in 3...2...

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Just Because...


 My Bubbas


Thursday, August 30, 2012

♥LIST: August Edition...



 I haven't been to Lagoon in over a decade (no checking in on Facebook or snapping Instagram pics back then)  so, I figured  it was time to head back.  (I need to do something fun this Summer!)  I convinced my friend Jeff to join in on my little adventure since most of my other local friends are lame "Don't like roller coasters."  A lot of things have changed in 12 years... but it was odd at how strangely familiar it felt.  Yes they still have the little boats that I rode as a child and the the white wood rollercoaster looks like it's seen better days (but it it's still operating safely) but there were also plenty of new and exciting thrill rides as well to enjoy.  This Sunday getaway filled my void for some quality theme park time until I can make it back to the likes of Disneyland or Six Flags.. but while I'm stuck here in Utah, "It's what fun is."


I haven't read the very popular books and I missed it in theaters this Spring.  Going into it, I had no clue what The Hunger Games was actually about.  (No, it's not a documentary about my latest diet)  So, if you're in the same boat and clueless, here's a primer.  It's set in a future  post-apocalyptic nation of Panem. The prosperous Capitol City selects a boy and girl from the twelve districts to fight to the death on live television, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister's place.  I thought the movie was great and I can't wait to see the sequel, Catching Fire when it comes out late next year. At least it gives me plenty of time to check out the trilogy in paperback before it hits the big screen.


Anastasia Steele is one lucky lady.  Just sayin'.


Jurassic Park is one of my all time favorite movies!  Bored one night, I stumbled across this new iPad game... You know I had to download it!  Think of it like a Dinosaur Sim City, but only cooler.  I've spent more time than I'd like to admit expanding my park, building roads, buying dinosaurs and making money from visitors.  Still saving up for a T-Rex though!  Welcome to Casey's Jurassic Park!


From the inventive imagination of Louis C.K., Louie puts a spotlight on C.K.’s everyday ordeals, his quest to find love and his pursuit of humor. Each episode features a scripted story and a mix of his stand-up comedy, which is original material for the series. The single-camera comedy is shot in New York.  The series debuted in June of 2010 and was widely hailed by critics as one of the best new series of the year.  I'm only a few episodes in, and I'm already hooked!


Rest assured, it's not what it sounds like. I am not obsessed witih Evangelical Television or anything crazy like that.  This month i just stumbled on up and coming 24-year-old Christian TV (real name: Christian Berishaj) and his aggressive synth-pop  tunes, which are perfect for the gym!  (I found it on a cardio workout playlist after all)  Check out When She Turns 18, Love 2 Baby and especially 1,2,3 Turnaround. See what I mean? I can't wait to see what else he has in store when his forthcoming first album debuts.


I bought my kitties their own tablet game this month, and I think they are now more obsessed with my iPad than I am.  Especially Mit!  He can be in the depths of a cat nap, once he hears me turn it on, he comes a running.   He just needs one more attempt to catch that pesky mouse.  It cracks me up every time.  We know people are addicted to their electronics, gadgets and games.  Apparently they have the same effect on felines.


Look up 'Inspiration' in the dictionary... okay just Google it, since I know you don't have one handy.  This incredible South African Olympic athlete provided plenty of it this month in London.  It really puts things into perspective and how everyone has obstacles in their life, but that doesn't mean they have to prevent us from reaching our goals.


ERMAHGERD! I CERNT STERP LERGHIN! 
I THERNK I JERST WERT MAHSERLF.

Words with Friends
Hanging with Friends
Scramble with Friends
Draw Something with Friends
Matching with Friends



You know I am obsessed with American Horror Story, and the countdown for it's October 17th premiere is on!  Thanks to some awesome short, but creepy teasers, I'm more excited than ever.  We might not be heading back to 'The Murder House this season', but I'm more ready then ever to check into the 'Asylum.'


It's hard believe that Shark Week turned 25 years old this year (I am not old. I am not old. I am not old!) but I was more glued to it this year than any year prior.  Some incredible footage captured this year of one of nature's most fascinating beasts.  Duh nah, duh nah, duhnah....duhnah nah nah nah.


in a few weeks I will get to check out some awesome bands while I'm on vacation.  Little Boots and Ladyhawke are familiar faces in my playlists, but I also got to discover this indietronica duo from San Francisco who are also part of the line-up.  They were definitely my favorite new artist of the month.  They kept my Spotify rocking. I can't wait to  see them do their thing live and in person.  


My evolving palette is growing ever more impressive.  (Pats self on back!)  Joining the likes of sushi and wine... this month, I present the tasty and spicy Sriracha to the mix. I never thought this would find it's way into my fridge, let alone on my food.  It's good on practically anything.  And a tip based from personal experience, you won't find it on the condiment aisle or in the Mexican section.... this is an Asian offering, so look for it there.


Once school wrapped up last May I promised the girls they could have a sleep over at Uncle Casey's house.  Well Summer just flew by and a few days before school started I realized, it's now or never. A packed full day of fun with my Bubbas and Sadester.  We watched movies, wore wigs, snacked on treats, colored, had a bubble bath, fought over my iPad, stayed up until nearly 1:00 am (not my choice) went on a pre-birthday shopping spree at Target, got Happy Meals, watched Ice Age 4, and then back to my house for more quality time with Mit and Mo, and more importantly my iPad.  Pheeew!  It was an exhausting twenty four hours, but it was worth it and hopefully created some great memories for my girls.  Until next Summer when we can make some more!