Flags

Flags.

I am so enjoying this album. It's fun and upbeat and challenging and heart-wrenching, much like Albertine (released in the US in 2008). Flags is full of sentiment and you know that there is meaning behind the lyrics and arrangements.  Brooke released a video on her Vimeo account (http://vimeo.com/14592980) in which she says she wasn't sure what she had to say when considering another album after Albertine, but she chance meetings and experiences gave her new inspiration. So, I guess Flags is really about her life and her adventures. 

The album starts off with "Something in the Water," bright and happy and super sweet. Brooke said she wanted to write a song about wearing bright red rain boots and jumping in puddles :) I can picture it. Her hair is wet in the video, and I guess that explains why! This song makes you smile. Makes you. I'd like to see you frown while it's playing. It reminds me of that feeling you get when you're first falling in love and always smiling for no reason.

"Betty" is equally upbeat, but the subject matter is more serious. This song is about a hip, withdrawn young woman who is hiding her Canada-shaped birthmark and much of who she is. Brooke explained that Betty is simply a character who emulates the reality that, "we all have things that we are embarrassed about." My favorite verse is, "You've got a fool-proof plan for a lonely life/You would be no one's daughter and a drunk man's wife/ If a wife at all, what a silly institution/ Or so you keep insisting." Psshh, ya, who wants to be married anyway :) It's just another testament to how guarded we will become in order to hide our faults from others. Jon Foreman and Ben West assisted in the writing of "Betty," btw, very cool.

On to "Orphans, Kingdoms." The first verse has the best lyrics, "In me, in you/Orphans, kingdoms/Wide eyes and paper crowns." I didn't completely understand this song at first, but it always made me think of the beautiful beaches in Northern California (see below)

and the uncertainty that comes with self-discovery. Then, I watched the intro video and go figure, it turns out it was written while Brooke was staying in Bodega Bay, reading The Interior Castle. Haha :) It's a song about learning and the struggle to become who you really are. 

Wow, how applicable!

"Who Are We Fooling" is next. Oh. My. Goodness. This song is a wonderful illustration of how difficult love can be after the 'honeymoon phase' is over. Should I stay or should I go…Are we going to get through this…"So we're back here again/ Tip-toeing 'round the edge of the end." This song was written/performed with the lead singer of Aqualung, Jethro Tull, so it's a bittersweet duet that kinda haunts you.

How corny does that sound? But seriously, it's stuck in your head all day after you listen to it.

I think I could write a whole post on this song. Maybe I will. This song is one of my favorites on the album. It's also one of Brooke's favorites :)

The saddest song on the album is "Ice On Her Lashes," which is about the cycle of grief. Grief is something everyone experiences, everyone has to live with and everyone handles it differently. The main character's name is Annie and this song tells the tale of the people who have to keep living without her. Life has to keep going, but there's not a day these people don't think about Annie. So sad. But the arrangement with the strings and strong percussion seem so brave and strong.

The next track is a startling contrast to "Ice On Her Lashes." "Coachella" is about the wonderful experience Brooke had at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. If it was anything like this song, then you have to go. It's full of beautiful imagery and makes you want to sing along with the windows down and your sunglasses on.

Haha. I promise I wasn't paid to write this cheesy stuff.

"Jack Kerouac…is an author. One of his most famous books is a book called On the Road…" The song is named after the author and is about Brooke's experience on the road.  She calls is a "jolly-Roger of a song," and it really is. It's a lot like James Taylor's One Man Dog (not the song "One Man Dog," but the whole album)…at least, that's what it reminds me of. It's a great road tripping song. Brooke sums up her touring experience by singing, "Oh it's humorless and comical at once/

Always being a stranger wearing the last town's dust."  Sounds like an adventure to me. Not that I have any personal experience with touring.

"Sailboats" is a song Brooke wrote for her husband. She says she always likes to have a song on her album that people will play at their weddings. 

I'll play this one at mine :)

It's so cute. And I've slow-danced to it. Not going into detail on that one because I don't want to embarrass anyone (guess who), but I have. It was sweet.

"We’re adrift on a sailboat

My love is the sea

Yours is the horizon

Constant and steady

You set my limbs locked hard afloat

Lifted my lonesome sails

The tide is out, the moon is high

We’re sailing

Darling, your love is healing

It makes the bitter sweet

Warms the winter to spring again

Secures the colds defeat

We’re cutting anchor

Casting out into the glorious deep

The tide is out, the moon is high

We’re sailing

When we’ve succumb to decrepitude

Still our love will remain in its youth

The tide is out, the moon is high

We’re sailing"

Awwww….It's over too soon for me, but that's because I'm a sappy girl. Dating will do that to you (hopefully…).

"Crows and Locusts" is a vindicating song and you can hear the suffering of the characters from the words and Brooke's tone and delivery.  She describes it as a subject matter which is very close to her heart. I don't want to make any assumptions about just what that is, but if you listen to the lyrics you can pick up the pain the song holds. This is Brooke's favorite song off the album and is the result of diligence and growth as a songwriter. This image breaks my heart every time: "'Daddy don't cry, it'll be alright'/ She puts some water on the wound/ And hums a little tune/ While her courage puddles on the ground/ Pooling, pooling." It's finished off with a short rendition of "Nothing But the Blood," which promises some hope after the sadness of "Crows and Locusts."

"Here's to You" is a compilation of many artists offering their legacy to the listener. I guess a lot of Brooke's friends and her whole band played/sang in this song. "This is my legacy/ Cheers to you." I played this for the bf on his birthday. It's like a pub song and reminds me of the end of It's a Wonderful Life before the angel gets his wings.

I don't know, that's just what I think of.

The title track of the album is a continuation of the title track of Brooke's last album.  She said that writing "Albertine" led to many questions about why bad things happen to good people, why innocent people suffer under the wicked, etc. Her answer, she said, is,  "I don't know" (which she sings five time throughout the song).  The song starts off with, "I'm not your answer/ But I'm a listening ear." This song reminds me that sinful human nature is often the cause of the pain in the world- "Good intentions lie dormant/ And we're all to blame…While apathy acts like an ally/ My enemy and I are one and the same…I don't know why our words are so proud/ Yet their promise so thin…". It's so true! Why do we do this to ourselves and one another?

No soapbox rants today.

"Flags" is a beautiful expression of a honest answer that ends with comforting quotes from the Beatitudes.

The last song off the Deluxe Version of Flags is "You Can Close Your Eyes," originally written and performed by James Taylor circa 1971. I have always really really liked this song. It's the best lullaby. I saw James in concert years ago and saw him perform this and it was amazing! Ya, I'm one of those born and raised Taylor fans. There aren't many of us ;)

This song is so comforting, but it's gone to a new level of soothing as a duet featuring William Fritzsimmons and acoustic guitar(s). So simple and sweet.

Ok, I honestly can't say enough good stuff about this album. I'm so impressed. I highly recommend it and Albertine. Check it out :)

A Crazy Little Thing Called Love

I was thinking today. Unusual, I know ;)

What makes a good boyfriend, fiance, husband, girlfriend, wife…

I know there are so many people out there (and a lot of my peers) who are looking for a significant other. I was in a coffee shop today (also unusual) and I heard a girl talking to a friend about how she had to break up with her last boyfriend because of how needy he was and now she felt that she was back at square one. Single. Again. She had to start the search all over.

Why do we do this to ourselves? Searching for a boy/girlfriend is so tiring. It is! When you are evaluating everyone around you, it shallows relationships. It seriously limits prospects, too. Think about it. If you go around rating people before befriending them and getting to really know them, you could accidentally sort out some keepers.

I know I did that. Well, for a while. The bf was a good friend and we would text a lot and he would occasionally visit me at work. But, I was dating someone else. And so, obviously, I dismissed the attention he paid me. We were buds and he knew I had a boyfriend. Not that I ever really saw said boyfriend…but I was technically dating. But the current bf was very patient and we ended up together. Funny how that works.

I think guys have it down pretty well. They shoot for girls who are waaayyy out of their league. They go for the best. Girls seem more likely to settle. I dare you to seek out God's best. Is that what you're honestly waiting for?

Some things I learned to look for in a SO:
Ability to forgive. 'Cause let's face it- we all mess up. Relationships are work and sometimes we fall on our faces. If the person you're pursuing holds grudges, beware. Haha, so serious, but I mean it!

Commitment. You wanna know that this person is in it for the long run. Do they easily abandon friendships due to conflict?

Compassion. Compassionate people are usually good listeners, good relaters, and good supporters.

Sense of humor. It helps to break the ice on those first few awkward dates and laughing is good for the soul :)

Protective. Mostly a guy thing. Biblically, men are protectors and providers. They should stand up for you and defend you when appropriate.

Attraction. I don't think I need to explain this one.

Ability to compromise. Chances are you won't agree on everything once you've been together awhile. I think couples discover their differences after they've figured out their similarities. And this is important for solving your issues. As long as you're not compromising about your values…that could get messy.

Work ethic. Because relationships take hard work and a positive attitude.

A sense of self. You don't want to be with someone who becomes the opposite-sex version of you. That would be weird. And everything that attracted you to them would disappear. 

Loyalty. If you're going to share your secrets, dreams and thoughts with someone, you don't want everyone to know the next day.

Sense of adventure. Do stuff together. Have fun! Get out and go try something new.

A common faith. Super important. With this usually comes common values and morals.

Chivalry. It's not dead, I promise. If a guy doesn't pay for dinner on your first date without explaining why beforehand, it's a red flag! The boyfriend still opens doors for me (including the car door), brings me flowers, takes me out…after two years! Keeper!

Someone who's willing to wait for you. If you're not ready to date, don't put up with someone who's pushy and impatient. You're worth it. And chances are, if they can't put your needs before theirs before you're dating, they won't once you are. Just saying'.

As for love languages: my ex didn't speak mine. And it took me three years to figure it out (it's quality time). Three years. Hello!

It's important to identify your partners love language so they feel appreciated and cared for. And then, you have to learn how to speak their love language. It takes some time and practice (at least, it did for me), but it's so worth it.

Some snippets of important things I've learned. I'm off my pink bar-of-soap-shaped soap box :)

If that didn't make sense, you should skim some of my other posts.

Hope you had a lovely Friday!

Rainy Afternoons

Alright, what a great afternoon. I got off work and spent some time with those adorable boys from a few blogs ago and their dad and the boyfriend. We had McDonald's for lunch (I know, I know…gross. But those kids love the chicken nuggets) and watched football and played games and hid inside while it rained. Spent some good time talking to their dad about kidmin and what he would say to the guy who will someday in the distant future ask to date his daughter (she and her mom were out). Stuff like that. Eventually, I started falling asleep with both boys in my lap playing Angry Birds and felt slightly melancholy about how big they were getting and how quickly they were growing up. Time flies. And that's really not a very flattering picture. Then again, it was a lazy rainy afternoon and it's hard to take a really good picture with those two sitting on you :)

Then I went to Whole Foods and grabbed some coconut water. It's supposed to be super hydrating and water doesn't seem to be cutting it for me lately. I'll drink cups and cups of water and still have chapped lips and feel thirsty. I don't know what the deal is.

Anyway, the coconut water. It tastes like the milk at the bottom of your bowl of cereal. Not very appealing, but it's full of potassium and electrolytes and is supposed to be really good for your skin. Next time, I'll pick up a flavored one. I'll let you know how it goes.

I then had a great dinner with my mom, sister, sister's bff and my bf. It was great to catch up, especially since my sister lives in SLO now. She was just here for the weekend. One of her friend's dads has a plane and lives near us. What are the odds?

Now the boy and I are at Bloom. I should be doing homework. But…it's just not happening right now. It's like my brain is rejecting any major effort I try to put into my papers, midterms, book reviews…Oh school, you are such a vex.

Ya. I personified school and used the word vex in that last sentence. Yikes.

Today was really like the first day of fall. It was overcast, chilly, wet, the air smelled amazing. Good practice for Seattle. Where my friends are moving. I've come to terms with it and it'll be ok. I'll see them off with lots of love and scarves and visit them plenty. Which leads me to my tangent.

Tangent:

Dealing with discouragement. I deal with this every once in a while. Who doesn't? I struggle with feeling restrained, I guess. I want to continue to learn what my gifts are and how to best put them into use, but I often feel like there's really no opportunity available for me to do so. My bf's mom, Nina, is great at giving me creative outlets by asking me to do little design projects for her and I really appreciate it. I'm looking for more of these opportunities. I know I have skills in the areas of administration as well. I love music and wish I could be more involved in kids' choirs and productions. I was in dozens and dozens as a child and well into high school and musical theatre is another geeky thing I'm into. And writing. Thus the existence of this blogue. Haha.

I feel called to reach out to the homeless. And we all know by now that I have this thing for San Francisco. I've taken a little initiative on this one on my own, but it always leaves me wishing I could do more. I can't wait to see what my November trip will offer.

I want to be a mother who raises independent, well-rounded young adults who are securely attached to their parents and have a deep love for themselves and Christ.

I also enjoy working with special needs kids. I was able to work with one this summer and he is so dear to my heart. Cole suffers from Lesch Nyhan syndrome and came to a camp I was working at. He was so sweet and had the most beautiful blue eyes.

All this to say that I don't know what to do with these desires and undeveloped gifts. Closed doors sometimes seem more readily available than open ones. But God is faithful. My life is full of testimony pointing to His steadfast love and the restoration only He can offer. I thank Him every day for these wonderful examples and encouraging people in my life. My friend Brandie once told me, "You should do what only you can do."

God created me for a purpose and put these desires in my life for a reason. And that's what pulls me out of the ditch of discouragement.

DoD. I'm coining that. You owe me a dollar if you use it ;)

But seriously. I'm not staying down. Where do you think Satan wants us? Ya, in that ditch.

C.S. Lewis said a lot of incredibly brilliant things, but I always come back to these two when I'm looking for a way out of DoD: "“We were promised sufferings. They were part of the program. We were even told, ''Blessed are they that mourn.''” and "God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain but without stain”. Wow. Thanks C.S. Lewis.

This is a really long post. Thanks for sticking with me…at least, if you got to this sentence ;)
And I haven't listened to Flags enough to post about it yet :( But, I can advise you to order the deluxe because of the bonus track. Beautiful and gripping. Seriously, I know it sounds cheesy, but it really is. Get it on iTunes.

Keep On Truckin'

How was your week? Mine's been going by quickly, but it's been a little bit of a struggle. You know those weeks when being joyful seems like a stretch? I'm so glad my joy doesn't come from my circumstances. I sound like I'm whining.

And yes, I tweet ambiguously. Sorry guys. I really think some people are following me just to try and deduce what I mean from these random tweets. Admit it, you sometimes wonder. I usually explain further here though.

I have some things to recommend to you ladies (I know there are a couple guys who read this blog, but you might not want to read the next few paragraphs…). The first is something that will clear out some drawer space and the second is a new makeup discovery:

1. Gap Body is hosting its second bra recycling event at its stores nationwide until tomorrow at closing. This event is sponsored by The Bra Recyclers (@brarecyclers), an organization that collects and then redistributes gently used bras to women in developing countries or women who are currently living in shelters in our area. All the un-redistributable bras are sent to a recycling plant where the materials are then recycled. Either way it's a win-win. And if you do take bras in, they can be in any sort of condition, made by any brand, etc and they will take them. Not only will Gap Body take them, but they will give you 25% off a full priced item, enter you into a raffle to win some of their merch, and give you a goody bag full of amazing stuff. The stuff will vary depending on where your store is located, but mine had a free mini facial from Origins, samples from Body Shop, Aveda, Bare Minerals and Big Sexy Hair, and coupons to a bunch of stores in the mall. Loot! It was definitely a pick-me-up. They're a fourth of the way to their goal (which is 400 bras) and the employees were so grateful and thanked me all the way out the door.

I really like Gap (I typed love and then went back and deleted it, lol).

2. I love the Dream Mousse products from Maybelline. Dang it! Look <--- I did it again!

I really really like the Dream Mousse products from Maybelline.

That's better.

These are so creamy and natural on my skin. And the concealer is wonderful. It really conceals well and again, looks super natural.

I picked up the concealer (obviously) in light because I was running low on my Clinique stuff and I don't like foundation right now. I'd heard great things about this concealer and I agree with all of it. It covers any sign of under eye circles and blends really well.

I also picked up the blush in rose petal (soft pink with a little shimmer which is recommended for light skin tones). I really like it. It's a little less mousse like in constancy than the concealer, but it blends well and gives a sheer flush.

Ok. This week and why it's been a downer.

My friends are moving :(

My headaches are back for sure :(

And I don't get to take part in an opportunity I was really looking forward to :(

Bummer bummer bummer deals.

But totally livable. I mean, I can provide for myself, I have a place to live, I can place myself within the top wealthiest 5% of the world…

But it's wearing on me. I need thicker skin.

My friend and I had a teary conversation last night when I found out she was moving. Then I cried through worship at college group. Then I cried when I got home. Then I cried in the shower this morning. But I only cried one tear today. I'm going to be encouraging and supportive as she and her family follow the call God is placing on their life. It's not like I won't ever see them again. Right?

As for the opportunity. It is what it is. I can only do so much to make it happen and now it's in God's hands.

I'm being vague, I know.

Everything's going to be fine. Keep on keeping on and go recycle a few bras ;)

Weekend Update

I think my head is going to explode.

You know when you're on information overload and studying and writing papers constantly?

That's what I mean. At least school is presenting what resembles an academic challenge lately.

For example, I have two history classes every week. This week, one class is taken up by a midterm. During the other is a quiz. Next week in this class, I have a paper due one day and a quiz the next.

Ummm…how will there be any content for these quizzes with only one full day of class between them?

Ya, I don't know.

So I'm taking a break from studying and writing a post :)

Alright. I have no super exciting stuff to tell you about this weekend. I can recommend the house salad from Basic Urban Kitchen and Bar and using olive oil as a leave in conditioner. I also had the Fancy Toast from Bloom Coffee and Tea for breakfast on Saturday and it was so good! Chicken apple sausage with brie and apples on toast (obviously) and a balsamic reduction with pomegranate seeds to add a little balance between the sweetness and savoriness, yum. The Guatemala coffee they have is really good, too :)

Most importantly, I found a pair of Billy's in my size this weekend.

Ok, let me explain. These are the True Religion straight leg jeans I've been shopping for for two years. I'm a bargain shopper and I refuse to buy them full price, so I've been looking everywhere for them (including Ebay) and waiting to find a pair on sale. My size is not an easy one to find, either. Many shops (including places like Gap and Nordstrom) only receive two items in my size per shipment. It puts the odds against you to say the least.

But I found them! Another stroke of luck :)

I went into Nordstrom Rack and was not looking to buy anything. I was just trying to waste time when heading to meet someone before college group started. I saw a rack of TR merch and thought, "Unless there's a pair of Billy's in my size, I'm not trying anything on."

And you can guess what happened from there.

Now I just need to get them hemmed. They are soooo long!

The boyfriend and I watched SNL and laughed and cringed. That's while I was eating the Basic salad. Gorgonzola and pears and candied walnuts? Yum.

I had a great coffee date with my friend Brandie on Sunday. It was great to get together and encourage one another. And look wistfully at a beautiful painting currently hanging in Bloom that is a little out of both of our price ranges :) I can't remember the name of the artist, but it's perfect.

Yesterday, the bf and I went up to his parent's house for dinner and the game. Yes, the Vikings lost and we're still in mourning. It's a touchy subject. But we had a great time simply hanging out.

Alright friends, that's all I got. Wish me luck on my midterm?

What did you do this weekend?

Fair Trade

Darlene asked me to write a blog about the Fair Trade movement and what it means to those involved. As you guys have probably noticed, I base a lot of what I purchase and where I shop on whether or not it is produced by a fair trade farmer/participant. Here's why:

Fair Trade Certification is one of the main ways farmers in Africa, Asia and Latin America have been able to overcome poverty because their crops are purchased at a competitive price. These farmers also receive the extra revenue due for their organic produce. Fair Trade bans child/slave labor and the use of chemical pesticides, which means the farmers' crops are cruelty-free and the farmers' families can work in a safer environment. The farmers are also free to represent themselves, which eliminates middlemen who would subtract from their profits and also means the products can go straight from the farm to the seller to the buyer. Nice, right?

Fair Trade Certification is available for many of the dry goods in the US, like coffee and tea (mostly found at Third Wave shops).

In the Third Wave coffee movement, roasters work directly with the farmers to ensure the best beans are purchased to be roasted and used in their shops. This means the farmers are also receiving the credit for the superior quality of the produce, not the shop. Which is how I think it should be. Considering how much we are all willing to spend on a cup of coffee, shouldn't the farmers receive their dues, too?

Fair Trade is often seen as a relationship between the producer and consumer: the producer receives a better price for his product (which allows him to improve his standing) and the consumer is able to help reduce poverty while purchasing a superior product! Pretty great deal for both parties :)

Some of this can get really complicated, like explaining the Fair Trade Premium (which is sometimes responsible for the higher price of Fair Trade products), but I'm not going to put you to sleep. Check it out on Google!

And no, they don't send me money to write that in half of my blogs.

If you go to the store and read the label of a product before purchasing, you'll see whether or not it is certified organic or Fair Trade. And I'll give Starbucks this one break Darlene, every latte and cappuccino is made with 100% Fair Trade espresso :)

Yum. Coffee fruit :)

Bolts of Lightening

Oh man guys. And gals. What a week.

I'm so tired, so I apologize if this is similar to the last blog I posted. I don't want it to be, really, but tiredness triggers a certain behavior in me and it seems to resemble disorganized thought.

There is so much going on in my life and I wish I could just clear some of it off my plate with a fork and scrape it into the trashcan.

But what can I say? Se la vie.

I took French for two years in high school :)

But this stuff, it's stuff I don't want to deal with. It's like, "Hey, aren't we over this yet guys? I thought high school was supposed to be the center for all things dramatic! This is such a burden."

But guess Who always wants to carry my burdens?

Yep, time to get on my soapbox. (When I think of getting on my soapbox, I picture it as a pink bar of soap…).

Jesus wants to.

So why is He sometimes the last person I think of turning to? And why do I sometimes make things worse by trying to handle them myself?

Connected thought:

Why do we hold grudges and push people away instead of asking God to help us forgive?

It's like we are just creating all this trouble for ourselves.

I think our lives would be so much easier if we lived the way God wants us to.

It's not for us to punish others with our hatred or bitterness or whatever may stem from that. And it's not my job to worry when others harbor these things against someone else. I can pray and hope and give it up to the only One who can soften someone else's heart.

So. I'm going to stop worrying about the drama. All I can do is forgive or ask forgiveness when I need to and pray for other situations.

Worrying will shorten my life, I'm convinced of it. It's almost as bad as fast food. Haha :)

Next thing:

On Wednesday, someone said: "Bad things happen because we've done something wrong and God punishes those He loves."

Yikes.
So, I asked on Twitter this week if y'all think that our pain, trials, etc…are directly correlated to God punishing us for our trespasses.

The lovely Lisa responded and gave the example of the healing of the blind man from John chapter nine. In verse three, Jesus tell those questioning Him (about whose sin had caused the man to be blind) that, "It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him."

Ya. God wasn't punishing his sins, or sins which occurred before his birth. His blindness was planned in advance so that God's awesome power would be shown through his healing.

Wow.

Ya. 

Imagine if we allowed the difficult things in our lives to display God's glory. Like, no matter what's happening, we trust that God is in control. Whether it be through the death of a loved one, a broken marriage, a layoff…what if we allowed God to use these situations to show those around us that He can make all things new again?

Can you imagine living your life as a person blinded from birth and being told, "If only your parents hadn't screwed up, then you'd be able to see and support yourself and get married and have a normal life. Too bad for you."

Oh man, that would be so miserable. And there would be nothing you could do to change your situation!

Or what if God was constantly punishing us (because we all sin more than we like to admit), even though we were promised forgiveness?

I'm not saying there are not negative consequences for our actions. I've seen consequences in action, and I know you have, too! But I don't think God's out to get us. No bolts of lightening waiting to fry us (that's Zeus, guys). Discipline and consequences are very different from punishment.

Does this make sense? I think I'm going to read this later and say to myself, "What was I talking about?…this is awkward…"

Imagine I just said that in a funny Kristen Wiig voice. She's my favorite.

Anyway. There are some people in my life who have allowed God to display His glory through their tough times and I am so grateful for their strength and example. I want to be as trusting and willing as they have been.

The phone just rang and freaked me out! Regathering my thoughts.

Go listen to "Tear Down the Walls" by Hillsong United if you want to really get into my head.

I told you this would be really theological. 

But there you have it. That's what's on my heart.

Off the Wall

I haven't written in a bit…

Oops.

But I've had a lot of things on my mind that I'd like to write about.

One thing is very theological, so it'll have to wait. Too serious for me right now. Something you should know before you continue reading:

I am incredibly sleep deprived and I am still at the office.

Not working anymore, but keeping the bf company. We work for the same church, which is super convenient.

Random note: he now says sorrow instead of sorry a lot of the time. It makes me lol.

Who says you need caffeine to be a little spunky?

Ok, anyway. Vera Wang is launching a new collection through David's Bridal in February. Wonderful news for any unmarried woman. Check it out.

I purchased and returned Mac Pro LongWear Concealer. This stuff is very orange. I don't recommend if unless you're Snooki :) jk. But it is rather orange. If you typically wear NC shades, this will work for you!

I really like Old Navy and H&M, but check whatever you're about to buy for holes before you pull out your cash. I found holes in my recent purchases from both stores. Bummer…but glad I saw it before it was unreturnable, you know?

No, that is not a word. But I can pretend, right?

Whole Foods is a wonderful place to go for lunch. Yum…

I don't like MetroMint Water. I really wanted to, but I don't :( Oh well.

If you're sensitive to spicy, be careful when ordering the fajitas at Chipotle. They burn my lips a little. Good thing I have the EOS lip balm in Sweet Mint! Wonderful stuff.

And yes, I wish every day I were wearing that beautiful ring from Brilliant Earth. I'm very patient though.

I'll blog something less random next time…I think.

It's a Brilliant Earth, my dear

Ok, what a weekend.

Funerals, work, San Francisco, engagement rings, great food, coffee, work, hang time…

Busy busy busy.

And emotionally overwhelming. I definitely broke down on Saturday on the way to Brilliant Earth. It's kinda embarrassing. Tears and all and my mascara clumped up. I won't be repurchasing it.

Anyway. Friday was hot and sunny and may have been the true last day of summer. It was also the day of Justin Butler's memorial and graveside service. I can't believe he's gone, it's unreal. But so many people came out to support his family and remember him the way he would've wanted: laughter, food, football…

It was a good celebration.

The next day, I headed down to work with the bf at 9 to set up since I wouldn't be there during the church services. It took forever!

Well, not forever. But way too long.

We finally headed off to the city around 1 and had to book it to our appointment at 3. We probably would've been there on time if I hadn't navigated.

I've been to San Francisco countless times. I've stayed there over-night, for a few days, for a week, for my birthday…but I still get lost. It's impossible for me to figure it out. I had it down for a while…but ya. Not so much anymore.

And then I started crying…embarrassing.

But, the staff at Brilliant Earth were so wonderful and stayed open late and called to see if they could help us find the building. The bf told me he'd been hearing from them throughout the week since he had made the appointment to see if they could do anything for him and answer any of his questions. Amazing!

So, we got there and looked at all of these beautiful rings and the ones I thought I'd love (from the website) I didn't really like! Surprised?

So, I picked something new entirely and was sized (I have a very small finger, 4.75)

and talked to them about customizing the ring. The boyfriend looked at several as well and was sized as a 7.

All in all, I highly recommend this company. And, they can tell me everything I need to know about when the diamonds were mined and where from. I value that.

Btw, the post title is a boyfriend quote. I thought it was funny :)

Then, we wandered around Union Square and headed to dinner at a little restaurant in the Dogpatch Historical District called Piccino. They specialize in seasonal, local and organic cuisine with an emphasis in pizza. It was amazing. We started with the soup of the day (red lentil and peach with creme fraiche and dill) and the antipasti platter with house pickled carrots, watermelon radishes, olives, and sweet chickpea spread (hummus) with flat bread baked in their pizza oven. Yummy, but the carrots were a little spicy!

Then we ordered the white pizza with garlic, zucchini and heirloom tomatoes. The tomatoes were so sweet. For dessert, I ordered the ginger cake with caramel and whipped creme, which was also delicious. I was really impressed.

The restaurant was probably the smallest I'd ever been in (besides farm:table, another place in SF, but they only serve brunch). The feel was very bright and clean with unique place settings and fresh sunflowers.

I highly recommend this place!

We then headed to the Mission District for coffee, but unfortunately Four Barrel was closed.

I am leading a one man campaign to get them to extend their hours! Who's in? They close at eight!

So we headed to Ritual, which wasn't great and was pretty gassy (had only been roasted 3 days before) and nutty.

Here's the view of the city we caught on the way out:

Love it.

Disappointed to not see anyone who needed a bite to eat or a jacket, but I guess that's also a good thing.

I'm hoping we'll spend some time in Golden Gate Park and Bodega Bay soon :) and hit up Four Barrel if they are OPEN!

I'm very passionate about this. 

Oh, we did stop in Golden Gate Park for a few minutes as we were leaving, but it was freezing! And dark, so the picture's not great, but we did take one:

<3

Day Trippin'

Alright, remember how much I said I love San Francisco in my last post? I'm on my way there now with the bf! We're off to a late start, but hopefully we won't be late since we have an appointment at Brilliant Earth :) if you don't know what Brilliant Earth is all about, Google it. Seriously.
I love everything I've heard about this company so far. They create beautiful pieces of jewelry out of recycled precious metals and they only use conflict free gems (most are mined in Canada). So guess what we're looking at...;)
And can I just say...finally! Really excited. Long dating relationships are not easy, but I can't think of anything I would change about mine. I'm a lucky girl.
I can't wait to be in the city! Tell you about it later :)
Oh, and I'm posting this from my iPhone and feeling pretty cool, haha.