my idol.

i am a history lover.

an all american fanatic.

and the biggest patriot.

i LOVE the Revolutionary War

and thus I am obsessed with George Washington.

he is my hero.

and I love him.

and yes, I will be wearing my president shirt "freedom rocks" (featured to the right) all day long in celebration.


In honor of President's Day, here are some interesting facts about my favorite guy:

1. He was born on February 11, 1732 (although the changing of the calendar system, changed his birthday to the 22nd). He was born near the Potomac in Virgina.

2. He served in the French & Indian War, fighting for the British.

3. He fought in the infamous Braddock's Defeat and considered the hero, in which General Braddock lead his men into battle against the Indians. Almost all the men, including Braddock were killed. Both of Washington's horses were killed, he was shot at numerous times, but remained uninjured. His actions here pushed him in the colonial spotlight.

4. He married Martha Dandrige Custis, a widow with two children.

5. His family owned the small farm Mount Vernon but he built it up into the large home himself.

6. He was appointed Commander of the Continental Army, although against his wishes.

7. He wasn't that great of a war strategist, he mostly got lucky. But he was daring, rash, and unconventional.

8. All of the letters between him and Martha were burned after the war, giving us not too much information and insight into their relationship.

9. Numerous times during the war he would march on his horse straight into the cross fire of bullets between his troops and the British. His men believed he was walking straight to his death only to walk out of the gunfire with bullet holes through his coat and hat, but none hitting the General.

10. He was appointed President over the Constitutional Convention held in Independence Hall of Philadelphia. He did not want this appointment, he wanted to be back on his farm at Mount Vernon.

11. He wasn't allowed to voice his opinion at the Convention, just preside. However, after meetings he would meet with members and discuss the issues giving advice and counsel of what needed to be done. And the men all listened to him.

12. The role and duties of the President were all created and molded around the personality and character traits of George Washington.

13. He did not want to be President, he didn't feel as if he was worthy of such a calling.

14. In the Constitution, originally there were no term limits to the President--they could be voted in as many terms as the people allowed. However, Washington only wanted to serve one, then did two because the people loved him. Every President after that--up to FDR--only served 2 limits because the precedent was set by Washington. After FDR it was written into the Constitution.

15. He did not have wooden teeth, but just very few. He did not like to speak publicly because he was embarrassed by it.

16. He died at home due to a inflammation of his throat on December 13, 1799. He is buried at Mount Vernon next to Martha. 

During his farewell speech as Commander of the Continental Army, he pulled out his eyeglasses--something that few people ever saw him wear and said--"Gentlemen, you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country."

I love that man. 

With my combined knowledge of history and the gospel, I truly believe that George Washington was foreordained to lead this country to its independence. His life was preserved countless times throughout the war so that through his leadership he could establish and found this great country in which we live. I am grateful for his knowledge, bravery, wits, strength, and love for this country. Thank you GW. I love you.

Happy President's Day!

Valley Ventures: LA Art Walk

Every second Thursday of the month, Downtown LA offers the Art Walk. 

Street shops close down and reopen as art exhibits and galleries. 

The streets are packed with vendors, musicians and LA's finest. 

Downtown LA isnt well known as a place to hang.

But through events such as this and the buildup of LA Live by Staples Center--it becomes the place to be. 

The NR3 Crew and I hit the streets to experience the Art Walk. 

For ease of transportation, I had decided that we would take the Metro into downtown.

I wish using public transportation was more accessible to use in LA. Because it is easy and so fun to take.

And makes me miss DC like woah.

As we traveled I quickly got back into my designated "navigator" mode as I told the troops how to get around. 

The Art Walk transforms Downtown LA. 

It is so lively, packed with interesting people, and lined with lights.

I am not an art lover by any means--but I can always handle strolling by some art for a few mins.

By far, my favorite part of the ArtWalk are all the food trucks.

I am obsessed with food tucks. And want to try all of them.
Alyssa and I decided to share our meal and try two food trucks.
Our first stop was Argentine food at the Che food truck. We split two yummy empanadas. 

We were also craving some fries, so we stopped at the Frysmith Food Truck.
Our steak and grilled onion topped fries were amazing!

We also stole some of Lillie and Christina's cookies and ice cream from the Chunk-n-Chip truck.
Best ice cream sandwich I have ever had!

We finished our night by walking through more of the vendor and shops area.
I spotted these shirts and fell in love.
And realized I am a sucker for t-shirts.

And so I bought one.
The one on the left.
I love LA and I love bacon wrapped hot dogs.
Done.
We were at the Art Walk for three hours and we only covered about a half block. Which means...

I will definitely be hitting it up next month too. 

Valley Ventures: Roscoe's.

 There are so many perks to living in Los Angeles. 

The amazing weather alone makes me wonder how there aren't more than just a mere 10 million people living in this city.  Enjoying 70 degree weather in February--you think that life cant get much better. 

There are also lots of exciting and fun things to do in the city. 

Things that I haven't done in a really long time, or I haven't ever done, despite living here for most of my life. 

I have single-handedly convinced my friends to hit some of LA hot spots with me in an effort to explore the city--mostly including restaurants and day trips to museums.
Although Im just a Valley Girl. Im trying to Venture out and explore this city and really live this LA life.

And even though this week wasn't a planned city adventure, it definitely fits the criteria. 

First stop: none other than Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles in Hollywood. 

The combination of chicken and waffles is unreal. Its unbelievably gooood. 

The reason for the Roscoe run--Kurt is in town visiting! 

And so we HAD to go. Kurt is from the south and loves waffles. And I love this chicken nugget combo. And for the first time experienced grits. 

Kurt is truly an amazing friend. And Im glad he made the effort to come see me during his trip.

We had so much fun catching up and explaining to Christina the crazy tales of our friendship. 

Although its not the most classy LA spot. Its a must. Everyone has gots to experience Rosoces.
Ill Ill take some pseudo dirty south chicken and waffles anyday. 

i love this boy.

And her name is Alyssa. 

AKA

AJ. Boy. Slaveant. 

Alyssa and her fam moved into the GH ward when I was about 11 and she was 9. And from then on I dont remember a time that we were not friends. 

In HS, along with our other BFFs we formed the Blonde Burgade.

and yes, we know NOW that is it spelled wrong.

We were the GH girls and we bonded over a love for Ronald Reagan, the Spice Girls, putting up with the GH boys, sleepovers, gold fish and creme cheese and taking pictures with statues.

Before my senior year of HS I practically lived at Jennalyn and Alyssa's house. I slept over on most nights, ate dinner with their fam and spent our nights playing hide and go seek in the neighborhood with the boys and then gossiping late at night. 

The Blonde Burgade may have decimated a bit, but Alyssa and I are still going strong.

We think the exact same thing, talk a million miles a minute when we are together, love gnomes and making gremlin noises, still love Ronald, love dancing with each other, Zac Efron and every once in awhile we like to hold hands--I dont know why or how it happens, it just does. We even have this weird thing of taking almost kissing photos. 

We always love telling people we are cousins, and love it even more when they believe us.

Now this lover of mine is getting married in 16 DAYS.

When she texted me the night of the proposal I cried, for three reasons:

1. I was oh so happy for her.

2. I was scared. I know from lots of experience that friendships change once people start getting married and I didnt want that to happen with us. 

3. Honestly, I was sad. I didnt think/ want Alyssa to get married before me.

But Alyssa has turned out to be the best engaged person ever.

Although I attribute a lot of it--most of is--to the fact that her fiance is in Utah.

She still hangs out with all of us and the boys, even her ex. She still holds my hand. She comes to the singles ward, the activities, movie nights, firesides and even dances. She doesnt even know how many days until her wedding. I have to remind her. 

The best part of her wedding--for me at least--is that she asked me to be a bridesmaid. Just me and her sisters--something a true sister or cousin gets to do. 

I could not be more honored that Alyssa asked me to be in her wedding. It means the world to me. This is a title I have always wanted. Most girls may not like it--Always the bridesmaid, and not the bride--but im ok with that. its something you only give to your most closest and loved friends and I couldnt be more excited to help her celebrate her special day. 

Because I am still scared of #2 happening from my list, I made Alyssa pinky promise that our friendship wont change when she gets married. Although we cant hold hands as much and she wont be as excited to have sleepovers with me, I know we will still love each other, gossip and get excited to see each other. 

Thanks Alyssa for being an amazing BFF.

We have been friends for over a decade.
My longest lasting friendship.

I love you girl...I mean, boy.