are we there yet??

i am not much of a camper. 

i dont like the dirt. the bugs. sleeping bags and tents. the lack of good bathrooms and running water. 

I did my time of 6+ years of girls camp, and should just enjoy the comforts of always sleeping at home. 

But somehow I promised Rudy this summer that I would go camping with him sometime. 

I said yes thinking that honestly a camping trip would never get planned. 

So when I got an email from Daniel inviting us to a trip with some LA people I knew I was screwed. 

I may or may not have bailed a few times on this trip which caused some major unforeseen drama,

but alas, I packed my bags, including enough clothes for a week long trip 

(mind you, it was a day and a half trip)

and hit the road right after work for a long trek out to Joshua Tree in the desert. 

With traffic it was a long ride out there. We rolled in at about 10pm and found all of our friends already there. 

We huddled by the camp fire and ate smores, dutch over peach cobbler and upside down pineapple cake. 

We stayed up late laughing and chatting (much to the dismay of some boring and strict married people that somehow got the invite)

We got up way to early the next morning, thanks to the guys taking down our tent while we were still in it....

Our campsite was amazing. Situated in a cove-like location surrounded by amazing rocks to climb, that the boys did right away. 

Us girls did it too, but not as fast and with such ease as the boys. 

We then drove out to the Joshua Tree National Park.

Learned that the Mormons dubbed the trees after Joshua,

and continued to climb more rocks. 

The boys left us in the dust, and us girls were satisfied with chilling, snapping some photos and soaking up the February sun. 

After more hiking, my coveted orange being stolen and eaten and chowing down on the best PB & J I have ever had after a long day, we hit the road back for the valley. 

I will admit that I had a good time. 

I love my crew! 

And I love me some smores by the campfire even more.

(And its even better when all of the food is provided for you.)

However, I think I have my fill of camping for at least another six months...

the best day of my life.

because this happened today. 

A dream come true!

I am a teeny bopper at heart and have loved N Sync from day one. 

And still claim to be their number one fan, and not afraid to admit they are my favorite band. 

One of the perks of my job is I work on the Penthouse, full of offices of entertainment lawyers, music managers and the top guy doing merchandise for some pretty big names. Including my beloved N Sync. 

Ive been dying to run into some celebrities on the floor. 

I freaked when I found out Lance Bass was going to be coming in any day now. 

And today was the big day!

I swear the whole office was out in front when it finally came time for me to meet Lance and witness my attempt to keep cool in front of one of my all time favorite pop singers.

My heart was racing, Im pretty sure I was shaking, and I tried not to hyperventilate as I saw him walk up to me. 

I gushed and told him he was my favorite, that I learned all of the moves to Bye Bye Bye and that Im still obsessed. 

He was super nice and is so cute in person. 

Couldn't be more excited.

And I will be listening N Sync jams for the next few weeks now. 

Valley Ventures: CA Science Center.

Last Saturday we ventured to the California Science Center.

Settled right in the heart of LA and part of USC. 

Its a great hands on museum with lots of interesting and constantly changing exhibits. 

And the best part--its free!

We went to the ecosystems exhibit. We learned about the ocean, desert, arctic, forests, rivers, rotting and my favorite part--the LA Zone. A section all about our beautiful Los Angeles.

In this section we got to act like news anchors. 

(I dont know how that applies to LA--but...we did it anyway)

It was like we were little kids again learning about the environment and touching everything in sight. 

Another favorite exhibit was the Science of Fears.

Too bad we found this just as we needed to go. There were sections on fear of animals, falling, loud noises, and even crowds, and explained why and how we are scared of those things. There were so many things to see in that one, I wish we could have explored more.
The boys definitely had fun--acting all strong lifting a truck

and seeing who could stand against the wall of ice the longest.

As we were leaving the exhibit I looked across the museum and saw the downtown skyline.

I love that view. 

and I love that my friends are also loving exploring our city!

my best friends wedding.

two Saturdays ago, my best friend Alyssa

aka my cousin. my sister. 

went and got MARRIED. 

She looked absolutely stunning. And I am so grateful that she let me spend Friday night and all day Saturday with her celebrating on her special day.

On Friday night I was able to go down to the Temple apartments and spend the night with the whole Richardson clan. We were all so excited and Im sure a little nervous. And as Alyssa and I shared a bed that night I loved being able to have a little sleepover and spend the night before her wedding together. We stayed up a bit late the night before and got up way early to start getting ready.

I gave her a big hug when she had to leave to walk to the temple.

And I gave her a big hug when she came out as Mrs. Clyde.

And I was a little teary eyed too.

We got to take lots of pictures.

And I loved becoming her go-to girl in fixing her hair, carrying her dress and helping her pose for the pictures.
I was astonished at how beautiful she looked all day.
Even in the rain.
Throughout the day Jaron and I became best friends too.

I love that kid. He is a lucky man!
And her reception was just as gorgeous.
I loved so many things about it.

(especially the appearance of hot dj. ha)
Us and the crew danced the night away in celebration too.

I helped her change out of her dress (I was a pro working that dress)
and she was off for her honeymoon!
Congrats Mr. & Mrs. Jaron Clyde!

I love you both.

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.