NYC, a second time around

I haven't been to NYC since I was 21 years young. Did the city change or what? It's only been 9 years, but so many barrios have had a facelift and NYC is so much dirtier than I remembered. Granted, I have traveled to other cities, and now I can compare subway systems, parks, eateries and just street traffic and NYC is much dirtier. I still <3 NYC. It's still fun to ride on the metro underground and come up to the street level and be transported in a different barrio. It's also a treat to be out so late because the city never sleeps. I work nights and I still follow that crazy vampire schedule and even in L.A. the only places that are open are diners or taco trucks. The highlights were seeing the new MOMA, guggenheim, magnolia bakery, strawberry fields and just walking around taking it all in. I hope to revisit once again NYC!

hello kitty tea party

My sis and I decided to have a nice tea party at Hello Kitty 'Three Apples' Exhibit. It was every little girl's dream to have tea with such an iconic cat like Hello Kitty. We grew up with Sanrio. We bought pencils every weekend because that is what we could afford as little school girls. To own a sanrio pencil box made you luv school and luv to do math since you have a cute pencil to write with. Oh those days. I am still a bit of a nerd because I still use my favorite Ahiru No Pekkle pencil box to house my pencils. I heart sanrio and I heart Hello Kitty.

summer skin

Hello stranger! Didn't I say switching careers will allow me to make time for things I enjoy such as blogging? Well, there is no excuse. I have been busy working, working some more and a bit of travel. My summer was something to remember.

Here are my top events in no particular order.

1) I rode in a hot air ballon. Will I ever do it again? Of course! The spectacular views are something not to be missed. Also wine tasting afterwards and massages are not bad either. It was a unique day.

2) My only Aussie friend visits me. It was good to reminisce about Madrid, past travels and show him L.A. from a true Angeleno like moi.

3) A picnic at the Grove and to watch Twilight under the stars.

4) To see some fireworks at the H.bowl and see 2 of my favorite bands (Death Cab for Cutie and The Killers). Also, my first experience in sitting in the box seats; fine wine dining was just lovely as well.

5) A bike ride from San Mo to Venice to see these beautiful canals, priceless.

6) Sammies! Courtesy from Cool Haus.

7) Meiko. A free outdoor concert. Sweet!!

8) Vegas in the summer.

9) My first, LA County fair.

10) Santa Barbara for some wine tasting in Los Olivos, bike riding in downtown SB and Solvang for some Dutch flavor.

Summer of 09' was summery indeed.

doodles

Since my career switch, I lost a lot of my drawing skills and time dedicated for drawing. I used to finish sketch books, larger than this book in less than a year. This doodle book (size 10cm x 14cm), took me at least 2 years to fill. Shame on me! I switched careers to make time for drawing, designing, and being creative, but all I do is run around to start drips, monitor bodily fluids and talk to stupid doctors who think their god. I yearn to paint, draw (not doodle) and use my pastels until it's all gone. Well, summer is coming and hopefully I will make time for my passion.

cabo wabo birthday

Yes, I left my 20's :), the best years in my life to date. I don't know how my 30's will be, but I just hope it will surpass my memories of living in Europe, switching careers, finding myself, etc. It has been a crazy ride, and I luved it. I had to celebrate this momentous occasion, I mean, you turn 30 once, what a stepping stone. I had to think for a moment of where I could go that wouldn't be so far, but your out of the country. My parents have a timeshare in Cabo, Mexico, which means free lodging. Perfecto, I'm in. I went to Cabo San Jose, Mexico with my sisters to celebrate the BIG 3-O!

It was an amazing time! Los Cabos, Mexico is only 2 hours via plane from LAX, and you just have to pinch at yourself how close it is and how beautiful it is too. I had reservations in going because you think, what the heck are you gonna do in Cabo? Party, drink lots of beer and dance with some frat boys? Please, I'm 30, and I never did that when I was in my 20's. I was never the sorority type-kinda gal, more like the art geek who gets excited that Warhol will be in L.A., or finally Sunland has Cartoon Network. No prejudices here, I looked up of some stuff to do, my sis did some research herself and voila, Los Cabos has got some amazing beaches, el arco, arsty fartsy town like San Jose de Cabo, shit, we were busy with things to do (like lounge by the pool) and places to see (El arco, lovers beach, etc.). To sum it all up Los Cabos is California's gem and which I had great memories of my big 3-O :).
The pool

Me at El Arco

My favorite picture I took in Cabo of my sister Darah.  It was perfect because the cowboys didn't knowwe were taking pictures of them in it.

My sister Lizzi at Lover's beach

Me and my sister Darah at a local ice cream shop.

My birthday dinner at Mona Lisa restaurant that has the best views of Cabo San Lucas.