Cheesecake and Cosmos

30th Birthday

2011-10-10T17:19:00.001-05:00

I have been looking forward to my 30th birthday since the age of 25. Silly right? I've always felt that my life would really begin for me when I turned 30. That's not to say I wasn't happy prior to that, but to me, 30 was going to be magical.

And it was.

I turned 30 on the open seas with some of the greatest people I know. Some of us were best friends, some of us barely knew each other, but by the end of it all, we were bonded. Those 5 days together will forever been ingrained in my heart.

Snow 2011

2011-02-05T20:47:00.003-06:00

Since Feb. 1, Dallas has been inundated with more ice & snow than any city should ever have to deal with. Sure it's beautiful but driving in it is not fun. We're Texans! We can't drive on dry roads so put some ice for us to drive on and its definitely disastrous!

It's been a long time!!

2011-01-19T10:27:00.007-06:00

Here are a few pictures from my 1st cruise with Meroudjie. Enjoy!!

On the ship as we were leaving Miami.

Sunset

Our ship docked in Cozumel

I had an AMAZING time and can't wait to go on my next cruise! It is definitely the best way to travel!!

Ice Skating @ the Plaza of the Americas

2010-01-06T22:07:00.002-06:00

When I was a kid, I used to go the Plaza of the Americas with my Girl Scout troop. It was an annual trip we had. I couldn't skate then just like I can't do it now. I decided to sit out this time and take pictures of the crew having fun.

Basilica of St. Augustine

2010-01-06T21:57:00.004-06:00

Growing up Catholic I've always been fascinated with the candle offerings. I don't know how to describe the feeling, but to me there's just something magical about this picture.

SURPRISE!!

2009-11-15T10:54:00.003-06:00

The other night we threw a surprise party for a dear friend of ours. The plans started a month before the big day and we all did a great job of not ruining the surprise. We told her that we would all go out to eat the Village Burger Bar after she got off work. So when she came downstairs to meet us, she was super surprised at what she found on the other side of the door. Happy Birthday Mo!! We love you!!

State Fair of Texas

2009-10-17T20:06:00.006-05:00

I love love love love the fair. I love the food, the games, the smell, the shows...EVERYTHING!! It's been 2 years since I've been and once again it did not disappoint. This year John and I took the Green line to the fair and that made everything so much easier. No need to worry about paying the ridiculous parking price or dealing with fair traffic....just hopped on the train and 2 stops later we were there. We spent a few hours there and had a blast. I can't wait till next year!

Best View in the House

2009-10-05T22:24:00.002-05:00

This view is by far the BEST view of Downtown Dallas. I LOVE IT and am so glad I get to see it everyday.

Rooftop Patio

2009-08-30T16:27:00.002-05:00

Rooftop patios on a cool summer night = bliss.

Madison Ave

2009-08-30T16:16:00.005-05:00

Last night we went to Madison Ave for a going away party. One of our friends is moving to Austin and we went out to celebrate his new job. I love the rooftop patio at Madison Ave. It has one of the best views of Dallas. It was a breezy clear night - the weather was perfect - not too hot and not too cold. I didn't take my Rebel with me so the pictures didn't turn out as well as I would have liked, but I think I was able to capture this moment. I love with way the light hits everyone's face. There's nothing better than a night out with friends.

Jet Setters

2009-08-25T21:25:00.003-05:00

These are my parents and probably 2 of the most traveled people I know. They are usually jet setting around the US at least 4 times a year plus a yearly trip to the Middle East and India. Since my siblings are older and capable of taking care of ourselves, there are out of town even more frequently so I think this picture of them is very fitting for their lives. They love to travel and would probably do it full time if they got paid for it. Happy travels parentals!

John and Jaime

2009-08-10T19:05:00.005-05:00

I love love love this picture. This was the 3rd take and the best one. It was taken on the rooftop patio at the Iron Cactus. The hustle and bustle of everyday life takes a backseat to enjoying the summer nights with friends. There's nothing else like it.

Balloons

2009-08-10T18:58:00.003-05:00

Dave loves balloons. They make him sooooooooooooo happy. These were given to him after a party at work and it truly made his day.

Mo and Mary

2009-08-09T12:11:00.003-05:00

These 2 have been together for a little over a year. They are a cool couple and the chemistry that they have is clearly visible in the picture.

Iron Cactus

2009-08-09T11:55:00.003-05:00

Last night some friends and I ate at the Iron Cactus in Downtown Dallas. The food was great, the drinks even better! This picture was taken at the rooftop bar. I love the ambiance of this restaurant. It's a great place to celebrate friends, have a few drinks, and enjoy the view.

Candle making

2009-07-26T22:30:00.003-05:00

This weekend I headed out to Henderson, TX to visit my best friend's family. His mom makes candles, perfumes, and lotions under the name Sweet Hope Creations. The candles are AWESOME and come in variety of sizes. John and I came up with a new fragrance which we named Unforgettable. I am actually burning it right now and it smells so good. Renee said she is going to add the fragrance to her list. Woohoo!!

Btw this picture was taken with my iPhone.

Viva Las Vegas!

2009-06-30T22:32:00.003-05:00

I love Vegas and I can't wait to go back in September!!

Best Friends

2009-06-19T18:16:00.010-05:00

I am very fortunate to be surrounded by lots of great people. They have helped mold the person I am today especially my best friend John. I met him 7 years ago at the Credit Union of Texas. We were both tellers at the Las Colinas branch (aka the glory days.) We instantly clicked. We could talk for hours on end at work. He was the only person that read my thesis other than my professors. He even found typos...guess I should've had him proofread it. Hah!

We kept in touch when he transferred to Rockwall and even after I moved to DC. When I was in DC, we became better friends despite the distance. Over the years we have gone through so much together and I am glad that we have grown together. I know that when we are old and senile we will be in the same nursing home together fighting about stupid things just like we do now and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Taken during one of my visits from DC

4 years of declaring "This is Our Year" - our NYE tradition

Spring Storms

2009-06-14T22:26:00.002-05:00

Big tornadic supercell storms to the west means beautiful skyline for us. I was grateful because I am deathly afraid of tornadic storms. Between the months of March through May, I am hooked to the weather especially if there is rain in the forecast. I'm not sure when my fear of tornadoes got so obsessively bad, but after last year's horrible storm (the one where my bed was shaking due to a possible funnel outside my apt during the night) and the previous year's dash against the possibility of a funnel cloud, I am crazy during severe storms. Honestly, its not like I have a basement to hide in if something were to happen, but I still freak out and I will stay glued to the tv till I know the threat has passed.

Either way, the sky was an unusual color Friday night. I ran up to the top of the parking garage to take a few shots and this one was my absolute favorite.

Member Appreciation Day

2009-06-06T18:04:00.003-05:00

Last week we held member appreciation day at the branch. We grilled hot dogs, gave away prizes, and showcased many of the cars we have for sale. At the end of day we sold 4 cars (including a Viper) and made tons of members happy. I had a great time at the event.

Vino 100

2009-05-28T22:21:00.004-05:00

Last weekend a few friends and I went to Vino 100. Loved this place! We tried 7 different wines (Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, etc) between the 8 of us and the Cabernet Sauvignon pictured was my favorite. Granted I am partial to the cabernet anyway and this one did not fail me. Of course with wine, comes good cheese and good conversation. My favorite part of the evening was watching the McKinney Ave trolley go by. Just seeing it inspired me for a possible photography session. A bride riding an empty trolley car...she's standing on the edge of it with bouquet in hand. Just imagine how beautiful that picture could be. One day I will take this picture.

Farmers Market

2009-05-18T23:19:00.001-05:00

Big Girl Camera has been purchased!!!

2009-05-11T22:42:00.005-05:00

I have finally upgraded from my Canon PowerShot SD750 to a Canon Rebel XSi. I am SUPER excited! It was an impulse buy with thought if that makes any sense. I was driving back home after spending Mothers Day with my mom and I was thinking about taking pictures as I was driving home. I've been interested in photography for some time, but haven't really focused too much on it b/c I didn't have a "real" camera. So I was telling John how much I wish I had a better camera and he says "lets go buy one!" That's all the push I needed. We went to Best Buy and the rest is history. :)

West End

2009-05-09T13:24:00.003-05:00

Last night I was out and about with some friends. This was taken on the cusp of the West End and Uptown. The Bank of America building aka the green building to everyone else looms in the background. This building and Reunion Tower are the 2 most identifying landmarks for Downtown and always gives me a sense of comfort. There's just something magical about this city.

Uptown Dallas

2009-05-08T20:10:00.004-05:00

Uptown has been my home for almost 2 years now and I wouldn't have it any other way. There are so many bars, restaurants, shopping boutiques...you name it, Uptown's got it. You can meet friends for brunch at Original, have a burger at Jakes, and then dance the night away at Tribeca. It reminds me alot of the King Street area of Alexandria, VA or the Georgetown area in DC. There's so much life all around and it's going to get even livelier as the temperature starts to rise. Bring on the summer days!!

Parades

2009-04-09T21:59:00.005-05:00

What is it about parades that bring the best out in people? Is it the floats, the beads, the alcohol, the sun, or the combination of all four plus great friends. I believe its the combo. There's nothing better than spending an afternoon with your friends enjoying life.

Happy Hour

2009-03-29T16:45:00.004-05:00

I have a standing weekly happy hour (HH) tradition with some friends. This is our time to vent about what is going on with our lives. It is my after work therapy and I love every minute of it. Some days we have as many 6 people and other times it's just 2 of us. All in all, it makes me happy and lets me unwind.

Leaving on a jetplane

2009-03-21T20:46:00.003-05:00

This is the scanned version of a picture that I took 8 years ago...I can't believe it's been that long. Feels like its only been a couple of years. It was taken in Fiumicino airport in Rome on our last day after a great semester abroad. Pictured is from left to right - Emmy, Becca, Patty, and Lori. I had the best time ever and learned so much about myself. I told myself that I would go back and visit and I really hope to do that again. Till that time, I still have my stories and boy are they doozys? :)

Sunday Funday

2009-03-15T21:58:00.004-05:00

This picture was actually taken 2 years ago. It is probably one of my 5 favorite pictures. It was a unusually warm December Sunday and John, Eric, Hannah, and I decided to spend the day outside. We walked the Katy, played in the playground at Reverchon, and watched traffic on Turtle Creek which is where this picture was taken. I can't remember what it was that caught the guys attention, but they were enveloped long enough that I was able to shoot this picture. Eric actually refers to this day as one of the best days of his life. We were so relaxed that day...no stress, no worries, just a day with friends which is what life is all about.

In Memoriam

2009-03-10T21:44:00.002-05:00

A good friend of mine's father, Mike Campbell, passed away recently. He was war vet and actually met his wife when he was stationed in Germany. Mike was a kind man and had the best stories. He was loved by many and will be missed.

I took this picture at Arlington National Cemetery. I don't even think I can explain what it feels like to be there, but one thing's for sure. All the men and women that are buried there fought for the freedom that we have today and for that I am grateful.

Shooting pool

2009-03-08T22:08:00.002-05:00

Mary is a pool shark...well most of the time anyway. Give her a few drinks and she's ready to play. She was on a roll when this picture was taken. I happened to notice this stance and thought it was a perfect picture opportunity. Unfortunately she had already take the shot before I was able to snap a picture so this photo is actually posed. I wish I had been able to get the actual moment, but this is a close second and I think I was able to capture it as best as I could.

Dear Santa

2009-03-05T22:52:00.005-06:00

Every Friday my branch sends 2 employees to our adopt-a-school for banking. The kids from the elementary school come up and give us money which ranges from 50 cents to $20 to deposit into their account with us. It is the cutest thing to see them so excited to go to the bank. We give them a receipt and sucker for their business. The branch has been doing this for almost 10 years. In addition to banking, we also hand out Christmas gift bags with Santa. I took this picture while we were handing them out last Christmas. All the kids were writing their letters to Santa when we showed up.

Celebration!

2009-03-05T21:57:00.007-06:00

My friend Vanessa became a US Citizen on Monday! We celebrated her achievement on Tuesday with a bottle of champagne and a cookie cake. What more could a girl want?! Too bad she gave up sweets for Lent, but no worries we picked up a fork and helped her with that problem. Congratulations Vane! You're one of us now!!

Welcome!

2009-03-04T22:22:00.005-06:00

As I get older, I believe that I am becoming more creative. I didn't have a creative bone in my body when I was going through school. Now that I've been out, the creative side is working its magic...mostly through a camera lens. I am an amateur photographer...so much so that I don't even own a real camera. I still have a point and shoot. My goal is to one day purchase a big girl camera, but while I wait I will continue to hone my skills and place my work (and fun pictures) on here. All I ask is for your feedback. Enjoy!

♥ me