That Was Then And This Is Now

A small, random collection of pictures I've taken in the past few months/years...



new york, new york



ferry



the wonder wheel



ruby foos decor



to wake up/stay awake



Tea for One

green tea

Last week I caught a cold that still hasn't gone away, so to soothe my throat I started drinking hot tea. Usually I prefer iced tea - I have to be in a certain mood to have hot drinks - and I usually drink black tea. However, I tried green tea for the first time in a long time yesterday and loved it.

Not only is it delicious, there are so many health benefits to green tea!

Here are some of the good things green tea does for you (these are in no particular order):

1. Lowers cholesterol

2. Burns more calories

3. Helps fight cancer and infections

4. Repairs immune system

5. Helps prevent tooth decay

6. Helps prevent diabetes

If you don't like hot drinks or the taste of green tea, try adding ice and lemonade to it to create a sweet flavor while still getting the benefits. Starbucks has a great drink called Iced Green Tea Lemonade and it's the perfect staple drink on a hot (or cold) day.

Now I just have to get to the dining hall so I can get some tea.

For future reference (in case you were wondering): coughing fits where tears stream down your eyes and you pull a muscle in your stomach in the middle of campus is not the best way to make an impression on anyone.

"My dear, if you could give me a cup of tea to clear my muddle of a head I should better understand your affairs."



                       -Charles Dickens

never let go

I can't believe today is the last day of January! It feels like I just toasted to the New Year and made my Resolutions list...by the way, where did I put that?

There is a lot to look forward to this month: birthdays, family visits, trips to the beach, weekend in L.A., pounds of chocolate and heart candies

However, there are some things I am not too excited about: exams, more homework, missing the family reunion

A lot has happened in January, I predict even more unexpected things will happen in February. I'm looking forward to finding out what those will be...



The Little Things

pouring rain



hummus and pita




red vines




tall palm trees



After a long week, sometimes it's just the little things that surround you that make you happiest.

Sundays really are perfect for just lounging, reading, finishing up last minute homework, and snacking on leftovers from the weekdays.

Today is overcast, rainy, and campus is quiet. Candles are burning, music is playing, and homework is being done. Besides a minor cold and distracting daydreams, everything feels as it should. Have a happy Sunday!



Winter Hiatus

After a 2 month hiatus, I am back!

I made a huge move from the East Coast to the West Coast, and while all of the friends and memories I made in the East impacted my life, the West Coast is where I am more than happy to call home.

Some places and things in California that I am adding to my to-do list:

1. Go to the Santa Monica Pier

2. Visit to San Diego

3. Learn how to surf 

4. Be an audience member in a live TV show

5. Visit my friend in San Francisco (and walk the Golden Gate Bridge)

6. Venice Boardwalk

7. Disneyland

8. Universal Studios

9. Museums around L.A.

10. Rodarte exhibit

11. Hike Runyon Canyon

What are some other fun things to do around the L.A. area?