Happy Happy New Year

I rang in 2011 in the most unbelievable way- celebrating the love of an amazing couple with my closest friends & hundreds of strangers. Dear sweet Molly joined her perfect match, Matt in wedded bliss in a beautiful New Years Eve ceremony. The lucky guests danced til 2am, we also ate, and maybe drank a little. My friends make the most stunning brides, and Molly was no exception. The wedding was one of the most elegant events I have had the privilege of attending. Thanks for falling in love and getting married guys! What are we doing next year?

I really needed a hell of a New Years because Christmas was truly miserable. I spent Christmas Eve drinking with well, I forget their names at a hotel bar. That is not even the sad part. I came home the next morning from my trip and spent the rest of the day with the Housewives of New Jersey. While I love these women, they don't really exude the Christmas spirit, especially Danielle ;) I cried all day. If I had anything in the house stronger than a butter knife I'd have been a goner for sure. After years of working and or being alone on holidays you would think I'd be used to it. Not yet....

After the wedding I jetted to Oahu with my loud mouthed Long Island lover, Michelle. We were taken in by my generous friend Billy (you all remember the futon story) and his girlfriend Kellie. They not only put a roof over our heads, but cooked for us (well Kellie did!), and gave us the most incredible insiders tour of the island. It was such a special way to kick off this year, and those memories keep my heart warm on these cold Seattle days.

I have a lot of hope for you 2011, don't let me down!

Sad But True

It is sad but true that my first post of 2011 is about The Bachelor. Also sad but true that Brad Womack is the only man in my life. Let it be known that this show brings me great pleasure, not even guilty pleasure people. That being said, it is so stupid! Each week the women are astounded by the grandiose dates that the show creators have produced, but seemingly give Brad the credit (I guarantee in 6 months he will be saying "I don't know, what you do want to do?"). Who wouldn't feel like they are falling in love drinking red wine on an outdoor bed fire side? They need to go to Applebee's and see how much fun they can really have. Months after these shows wrap, the happy couples break up and everyone asks why. Because real life is not a helicopter ride! Keep it up though ABC, I will be tuning in.

one happy meal, extra happy please!

I have been noticeably absent, or perhaps not from the blogosphere for the last couple of months. For no reason other than I don't have internet at my apartment. I have missed it dearly but the break from the world wide web has given me an opportunity to focus on my first love, cable television.

Speaking of, when I moved into my studio Tom Vaughn gifted me a hand-me-down television. Mind you his idea of a hand-me-down is quite different than most. A 57 inch HD resides in my humble abode. That's right I have a big screen tv and a futon in a studio, I think that officially makes me a bachelor. It looks completely ridiculous and I am sure is doing long term damage to my eyes. It is like sitting in the front row at the movies, but awesome I admit.

Life in Seattle has been a big adjustment particularly now, as the NW weather is sucking a big one. It took me 15 minutes to get my pretty little car out of its snowy spot this morning. I was cursing the car as the tires were spinning and burning. If the Elantra could talk back she'd have said "check the license plate bitch, I belong in California."

I have been so thrilled to be near my wonderful friends, but I still feel displaced. Seattle doesn't feel like home. But neither did Los Angeles, nor New York. They say that home is where the heart is, but sadly I can't live at the Olive Garden. I truly am at a loss for where I belong. I am obviously suffering from the sequel of my quarter life crisis.

In all seriousness I have been battling some nasty blues. I find this particularly excruciating because I consider myself a joyful person. Depression is just plain depressing and I am so over it. The festive season has inspired me to fix myself because I do have so much to be grateful for. My sensational friends who are so supportive and encouraging, my family, the frozen food in my fridge, the expensive roof over my head, and of course my killers legs. This year I am asking Santa for some happy.

I do hope that everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am grateful for you, and you and you. And the other 4 people that read this.

Cheers!

Eat Pizza, Pray Thank You, Love Life

I woke up yesterday 26 years old. I was thrilled to discover no new wrinkles, my boobs were still above my belly button, & not a one gray hair. Miraculously though, I had the acne of a teenager...

Tuesday I treated myself to a Thai foot & body massage. I had a hard time relaxing however because the girl next to me having a chair massage was moaning like the whole rub down was a happy ending. Awkward.

My one birthday wish came true & I got to spend the evening with my beautiful friends. We had dinner at Mamma Melina in Seattle. The setting was just perfect sans the priest that was seated next to our table of 11 twenty somethings. There were quite a few glances our way but he was working on a bottle of red himself so no judging!!

Once again this year I have a laundry list of resolutions. First on the list, stick to the resolutions.

Thanks to everyone for the birthday love, carrying it with me all year long!

Not a Girl, Not Yet a Cougar...

The 10th anniversary of my 16th birthday is coming up on Wednesday. I have been busy complaining about it until my sweet grandpa reminded me I am lucky to be another year older. The time we have, the life we live is a gift. He put my whiny ass in its proverbial place.

I am lucky for that & about 100 other reasons. I may not be where I thought I would be at 26, but maybe this life is better. And maybe baby this year will be the best yet...

Ridin' Solo

Jason Derulo wrote Ridin' Solo for my 20 hour drive from Los Angeles to Seattle, I am convinced. I literally dare you to tell me otherwise. I think I played it about 100 times on the 980 mile trek. Unable to trick anyone into driving with me, I was forced to spend some serious quality time with myself. I left Redondo Beach at noon last Wednesday with tears steadily streaming down my face. I drove for 16.5 hours! Hell bent on making it straight through, I failed. At 4:30 Thursday morning I said uncle & stopped for a nap in Woodburn, OR. Afraid of being assaulted by a trucker while sleeping in my car, I sucked it up & paid for a motel. The Super 8 super sucked. I slept in my clothes & wouldn't even shower there. I caught a few winks & was back on the road at 10am, by 1:00pm the Seattle skyline was on the horizon.

4 pit stops, 1 Wendy's, 2 middle fingers, & 25 hours. What a journey. Good to be home, even if I had to ride solo.

The Dance Continues

Sixty years of marriage is an accomplishment I can't wrap my mind around. Six years is impressive as far as I am concerned! My beautiful grandparents were wed on August 5th, 1950. A couple of kids, they met at the Bowery Dance Hall. Six decades later they are still dancing. Together they've endured the loss of loved ones, cancer, bypasses, falls, aches & pains of mind & body. But they have also rejoiced in building a family, North Dakota road trips, dumpling making marathons, camping, jam sessions, living as Arizona snow birds, & most recently Wii competitions! They are a rare example of what it looks like to say "I do" & mean it. I couldn't be more proud to be apart of the family they've created. Gramps & Grams, I love love love you. Congratulations on sixty years together, do I hear seventy??

yours always,

emily faith