Good morning, my new little friend.

I woke up early this morning to crank out some work so I can enjoy the weekend. Usually, waking up early on a weekend to work is not something I would say I look forward to when my alarm goes off bright and early, but today, I bounced out of bed.

Why the spring in my step? I have a new toy! The Nespresso LeCube!!

It arrived yesterday from Jackie. It was a far too generous housewarming/thanks-for-watching-rocko present. I tore open the box like a little kid!

Not only was there a machine, but 250 free capsules and a little tasting box.

How cute is that?!

I think this little machine may revolutionize my life. I love, love, love coffee. Despite my frequent patronage, I really dislike Starbuck's coffee (sadly, there aren't many alternatives in L.A.). Plus, the Starbuck's bill adds up! Now, my very own source of good espresso! So excited! Thank you, Jackie!!!

Fabulous weekend.

Ahhh, what a fabulous weekend!!! Let's see...where to begin...

Friday was my mom's birthday. Luckily, she was in town for the weekend, so we got to celebrate it together. We went out to Madre's in Pasadena (yep, that's right, J-Lo's restaurant!) for dinner. I wasn't sure what to expect, but Madre's had a beautiful ambiance (chandeliers and roses, just my style!) and the food was delish! My mom and I split a skirt steak and arroz con pollo and had the best flan for dessert.

After dinner, we took my mom home and then headed to Lucky Baldwin's Pub for a beer. After a couple of beers, Taryn, Josh, and I decided we were "partied out," so we headed back to our casa and hit the sack.

Saturday, Taryn and I headed to the Grove and the L.A. Farmers' Market. We had crepes at The French Crepe Co. in the market for lunch and then a little Pinkberry for dessert! It was a gorgeous, sunny day, so even though we didn't really purchase much (except for some fab sunglasses Taryn snagged), it was lovely just to be outside in the sunshine!

After, we headed back to our house and fired up the bbq. PJ came by with salmon and we had a lovely feast of grilled salmon, baked potatoes, salad, corn-on-the-cob, french bread, and s'mores for dessert! After dinner, we swam in the pool, soaked in the hot tub, listened to music, and chatted. It was a gorgeous night, with a ton of stars out and a big, bright, full moon.

Taryn left early Sunday morning, and Josh and I headed to church and then to my grandma's house for Easter dinner with the fam. We saw my adorable little cousins, uncle, dad, and the rest of the crew. Although, I ended up passing out for a couple of hours in the back room. (These old lady bones aren't used to such an exciting weekend!) In the evening, we picked up Bug and Ajax from the airport in the evening who had just spent their Spring Break in Chicago and NYC.

And so ends another weekend and begins another week. One day down, four to go!

Velvet Margaritas

One of my very best friends, Taryn, is staying with us for the weekend! She arrived on Wednesday night after braving traffic all the way from LAX. After she arrived, we ate some Chinese food, drank some of Josh's homebrew, and watched America's Next Top Model. Then, there was a quick trip to Golden Spoon.

Yesterday, I headed into work for the day, and Taryn worked, poked around town, and put together a lovely dinner for Josh and me (which was so nice)! After dinner, we headed into Hollywood to the Velvet Margarita, where we met up with Jackie, PJ, Susan, and a few of Susan's neighbors.

We ordered the Velvet Margarita, which seemed fitting. It was huge and served in a ridiculous, hollowed-out pineapple!

That huge margarita should have been enough, and yet Taryn and I each had two more. Our bartender was pretty heavy handed, so by the time we were on number three, I happily exclaimed to Taryn: "I'm pretty sure this one is going to be a mistake!" Famous last words, right?

Taryn is already a crack up, so you add a few margaritas in the mix, and I was cracking up all night long. It was the type of uncontrollable laughter that lasted so long my stomach started cramping, eyes watering, and face hurting. Very good times.

Another picture, courtesy of Jackie...

So, I am going to do a little work this morning and then take the second half of the day to run around with Taryn. Happy Easter!

Paint.

Ahh, it's finally the weekend! I skipped out of work a little early yesterday and hit up Nordstrom's on my way home. I am out of all of my make-up and have been going to work with practically a bare face. Very scary. So, I decided to dedicate a small chunk of my bonus to some new goods.

I got a full-fledged makeover from the Laura Mercier counter. I went home with a bag full of Laura Mercier and Smashbox products. I have been a MAC girl for quite awhile, but I think I am in love with the Laura Mercier foundation and other skin stuff! When the gal handed me a mirror to check out her handiwork, I exclaimed: "I look like a girl!" That, I think, is a good thing. :)

My father-in-law also arrived yesterday for the weekend. We went to Home Depot last night to buy painting supplies and then to meet up with Jackie and PJ for dinner.

This morning, I was up early to have my hair cut & colored by Bella. I'm pretty sure this is the best cut of my life, and Bella took my hair back to its natural darkness. The new hair and the new make-up makes me feel like a brand new woman!

After getting the hair cut, it was time to start our big project of the weekend: painting the front of the house!!





We made some progress, but then....it started to RAIN! Ahhhh! Luckily, it was brief and there was no paint streaking, but it was a close call. The plan is to resume tomorrow! I'll be sure to post some after pictures once the mission is accomplished.

"So much to say, so much to say, so much to say..."

I love that Dave Matthews' song! Anyway, as the title indicates, there is a quite a bit to blog about since the last entry! So, here goes...

I had a pretty good week at work. First, on Wednesday I argued my first motion all by my little self, and what do you know? We won!!! And, it was a surprise, since the other attorney on the case and I thought our chances were quite slim. So, it was an especially happy victory. I joked to my secretary that I'd like my business cards reprinted to say "won every motion argued." She almost threw something at me. :)

Thursday, I defended a depo right by my house, so I didn't even have to brave a commute! After, I met up with Jackie and Kristen to hear all about their fabulous 2-week trip to Australia!

Friday morning, I arrived at a client's warehouse in Riverside at 2:30 a.m. to do interviews of folks who work the night shift. I went into my office around 7:00 a.m., and the day itself was pretty uneventful, except for one major item of note. I received my first, annual performance review. The feedback was very positive and was accompanied by a generous bonus. I was very happy (and relieved)!

After my long day, I came home, ordered pizza with Josh, and passed out at 9 p.m. I didn't wake up yesterday morning until 12 p.m.! 15 hours of sleep! Pretty impressive, I think.

Last night, we went and saw "Definitely, Maybe." I thought it was cute, and Ryan Reynolds is so dreamy.

But, perhaps the most exciting news of all is that Josh and I booked plane flights for our trip in June!! We are going to China for ten days!!! Our plan is to fly into Beijing and out of Shanghai. There may be a couple detours (perhaps to Xi'an to see the Terracotta Warriors), but other than that, we have yet to plan out the details. Ten days will be awfully quick (not enough time to do Western China and Tibet, which I really wanted to do), but I will take what I can get! (Josh and I have agreed we will have to return someday and devote an entire trip to Tibet.) We considered booking a tour, but I think we have now decided that we are going to do it on our own. I am so excited!!!!! I couldn't sleep a wink last night!

Weekend.

Eh, what's new? It's been a couple days, so I thought I'd update this thing.

Sooo...the weekend was good. Saturday, I was lazy during the day, which was incredible. We headed out to Palos Verdes for a dinner party at a partner's house. It was for the whole department, and surprisingly, a ton of people came. It was actually pretty fun, despite the long drive.

We ended up back at our casa around 11:30 p.m. to find our dog, Ella, puking and super sick. Being paranoid, we took her to the animal hospital. We got home and finally got into bed around 2:30 a.m. Little Ella is good as new now.

Sunday, we got up bright and early to participate in Run for Justice, a 5k run/walk that benefits Public Counsel. When my alarm went off at 4:30 a.m., I wanted to Sleep In for Justice, but turns out no one would sponsor me for that. Too bad.

After the 5k, we headed north to visit my dad. We had a lovely bbq and swam in the pool. My dad was very cheery, and I had one of those moments where I felt so grateful for my parents. I really did luck out.

In more exciting news, Josh and I are working on planning a vacation in June. I am so hyped!! We are tossing around ideas, and once we finalize the location, I'll post it here. In the meantime, any suggestions? What are your favorite places you've visited?

Well, I think I am going to relive my junior high days and go to bed early tonight. This is kind of a "snoozer" post anyway, so it's probably good to stop riiiight here.

30 by 30

Amber's "30 by 30" post inspired me to create a list of my own. I will be 30 in December 2010. Seems like a lot of time (although some items on the list are more ambitious than others).

So, without further ado, the list:

Body, Health, & Fitness
1. Lose weight
2. Run a 10k

Fashion
3. Clean out my closet
4. Update my wardrobe
5. Get a make-up and hair makeover
6. Buy a classic trench coat
7. Own a Chanel suit

Mind, Heart, & Soul
8. Read the 50 Harvard Classics
9. Watch five "Best Picture" movies I've never seen
10. Visit a new continent
11. Take a dance class
12. Buy a new CD or discover a new album every month
13. Brush up on my Italian and read one book in Italian

Community
14. Get involved with a non-profit organization
15. Attend a community event in our city
16. Become more involved with my political party

Career
17. Go to trial
18. Set long-term goals
19. Become involved in one professional organization

Money
20. Pay off credit cards
21. Buy an investment property

Miscellaneous
22. Get season tickets and go to the Hollywood Bowl
23. Take a romantic, weekend trip with Josh
24. Eat good dim sum
25. Brew a batch of beer with Josh
26. Visit Moos & H in DC
27. Continue quest for the best breakfast burrito
28. Furnish the house
29. Take a golf lesson
30. Throw a party at our new house