Call A Cab

Driving is such a huge responsibility that most people that for granted.

I lost a best friend to a car accident when I was younger, I work in a law office that deals with car accidents daily, and unfortunately I know too many people who have been convicted of DUI.

Someone very close to me was in an accident 2 years ago.  She was about a mile away from home, down a straight road, late at night. As she turned out of the parking lot onto the road home, she turned onto the wrong side of the divider and ended up crashing head on with another vehicle. 

She was drunk.

It saddens me that people think "I can drink a little and be fine" or "its just a block, i'll make it".

Call a cab, call a friend, call me, call anyone.

Please don't drink and drive.

Both cars were totaled. The person in the other vehicle was okay (thank god). But that doesn't change the fact that a drunk driver could have killed her.

After 2 years, the sentence was given.

180 days in jail & 3 years probation.

She will be without a license for a year. She will miss out on so much life during those years.

A part of me will be missing during that time.

She got off easy.

My mind is all over the place right now. I wish I could change the whole situation but I can't.
I can't express enough the importance of safe driving and drinking responsibly.

Photo from Google

J.Crew Perfection

Oh, J.Crew....Why do you have to be expensive? Why can't you just magically appear in my closet? Sigh.

Photos: J.Crew

P.S.

Dear New Luggage, Welcome to the family <3 I cant wait to travel the world with you! First stop, Dominican Republic... 21 days! 

Balcony Decor

Derek and I went shopping for Patio Furniture for our balcony!

We went to Home Depot and saw one we loved but we had only been there 2 minutes so 

we were hesitant to buy the set.

We drove around to a few other places we found online but none of them existed anymore. whaaat?!

We went over to Target. They had a few nice sets on display but NOTHING in stock at any stores. Ugh.

I didn't realize how frustrating finding a patio set could be!!!

We ended up back at Home Depot. Got the one we originally loved. Happily ever after.

I wore ripped jeans to work (and to a black tie event)

Last night, Derek and I went to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2013 Induction Ceremony at 

Derek's company did the VIP Merchandise for the event so yesterday morning they got asked if they wanted tickets. Yes, please! We went with his parents and some others and ended up with VIP seats! Ah-mazing.

The bad news? I was already at work when we got the news about going....and I wore ripped jeans.

I met the gang down at L.A. Live straight from work. We ate some sushi and watched as everyone walked by in their tux/gowns as I sat there in my Gap jeans and Black sweater. Ugh. Fashion Fail. 

Once we got inside, so many more people were dressed casual so I felt a little better...

The speeches (minus the 30 min ramble from Flavor Flavvvvv i swear i have to say his name so awkwardly every time) were so inspiring. 

2013 Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Inductees:

Randy Newman 

Donna Summer

Lou Adler

RUSH

Public Enemy

Heart

Albert King

Quincy Jones 

The performances were ones i'll never forget. I got to hear Randy Newman sing "We Love L.A." LIVE after hearing it at every Lakers game, Jennifer Hudson sang in honor of Donna Summer, John Mayer spoke and played guitar in honor of his idol Albert King, Carol King performed for Lou Adler's induction, Oprah spoke and Usher performed recognizing Quincy Jones, and we ended the night with Public Enemy, Heart (out seats were right behind their kids!), and RUSH.

You can watch the event on HBO in May!!

ER visits and Prayers for Boston

I took a "personal day" off work yesterday. I needed it. I've been saying for weeks that I just need a day off.

Well, yesterday was not exactly what I had in mind. I went to bed later than usual on Sunday (knowing I could sleep in on Monday when Derek left for work.) That didn't happen.

Derek was up sick ALL night. Like every half hour. So I had to play doctor.

Ironically we had just purchased a million Gatorade's earlier in the day.

Long story short, Derek couldn't even keep down water so he ended up 

in the E.R. to get an IV... poor bubbs. 

And that's when we heard the Breaking News. Boston Marathon bombing.

My heart goes out to everyone affected by this horrible event.

It is another horrible reminder of how precious life is.

Pray for Boston.

How to Share the Bed

Derek and I have this conversation argument almost daily. 

Clearly, he just doesn't understand how "Sharing the Bed" works in relationships.

Luckily, I found a few images that might help him understand the reality of the situation.

images from google

36 Days and Counting

36 Days until I'm on the beach with my Love in the Dominican Republic... 

Dreamyyyy

Is it too early to start packing?

1. Wildfox

Mr. E turns ONE!

My Sister had a baby and claimed she didn't know she was pregnant! 

Grab some popcorn and a comfy seat, this story is a long but interesting one... 

Just over a year ago my life completely changed in so many ways.

I was at a great place in my life. Got my own apartment, got a job at a law firm, was in school for my paralegal certification, etc.

Three weeks into my new job, my mom called to tell me she had gone for her yearly checkup with her heart doctor (she has heart disease and originally had stents put in her arteries when I was a senior in high school).   The Dr had told her that he saw some more blockage and that it was time for him to put a few more stents in. My mom has so many health issues, but long story short - she won the battle with breast cancer, then to find out she had stage 3 lymphoma, and then after found out she has a lymphoma of the blood...Eeekk.

At this point my whole family knows my mom is a fighter and knew that this stent surgery wouldn't be an issue. Shes had it done before, and its (sadly) too common of a surgery. I went in to work

and told my sister to call me when mom got out of surgery.

That was NOT the call I got. Instead I got a text that my mom had to go in for an emergency triple bypass surgery. Really mom? I mean you always said "go big or go home" but TRIPLE BYPASS.

Open heart surgery is no joke.

I told my new bosses and they were SO understanding. I took the rest of the week off and spent it visiting my mom in the hospital. She recovered very quickly (she's a fighter) and she was released after about 48 hours. She went home to relax (pretty much on bed rest). 

So, I was back to work the next Monday, explaining the story to everyone and how my mom was doing great. She was safe at home, and i felt comfortable being back at the office.

One week later, I get a phone call at 2:30 a.m. from my mom. Clearly I freaked out.

Me (half asleep): "MOM, ARE YOU OKAY!!!!"

Mom: "Yes, but your sister bla bla bla hospital bla bla BABY"

Clearly, when i'm half asleep  i can only catch half of what is being said.

Me: "Noah?! what happened to him? hospital? wait WHAT?!"

Mom: "Your sister...had...a...baby..."

Yes, you read that correctly, she HAD a baby and we had NO idea she was pregnant.

She claims SHE didn't know she was pregnant.

You know that TV show? I didn't know I was pregnant? 

Well, I didn't buy it from my sister. My sister didn't look pregnant (she didnt really look pregnant the first time with Noah) But she couldn't have NOT known.

Long story short - I think she hid it from everyone. Baby E was a big baby. She has JUST had a baby a year before. She knows what a baby inside feels like.

I'm not an expert, I've never had a baby, but c'mon!!

I called Derek, freaking out, what would I tell my boss? My mom is on bed rest and can't hold over 5lbs. sooo I have to babysit Noah. How do I change a diaper?!

I got to the Hospital ASAP and met my new nephew. Eli Andrew.

aka: Mr. E 

I took Noah for the day while my sister/bro-in-law/Mr.E had some bonding time.

I took Noah to Derek's parents house (Derek took the day off to help also) and we had the best day.

So. I went back to work, they thought I was crazy. Most people here this story and are just shocked and confused. I laugh at it now because its just all so crazy and unbelievable.

Anyways... Mr. E turned ONE this weekend. 

I can't believe its been a year, but I guess when you miss the whole "i'm pregnant" announcement and the whole pregnancy part of it, it tends to feel like the 1st Birthday comes so fast.

A Thousand Years

love this song. love this man. love the memories behind these pictures. and love LOVE.

A Thousand Years from Allison Shorr on Vimeo.

thursday.

oh Heyyyyyy... Derek (after cooking an amazing dinner for 2) went out for friends with friends! Wooooop whoop, house to myself. 

Actually, he just left and I miss him already (pathetic!!)

I'm not feeling so good so its kinda the perfect night for him to leave me home. 

on the couch. 

with The Real Housewives of OC on dvr. 

drinking Tea (in my pretty new mug).

in my Snuggie.

(I think you get the point)

Lakers - Can You Dig It?!

Derek always wants me to watch every Lakers game with him...no thank you.

But give me some tickets and i'm a jersey-wearing #1 Fan.

There is something about being at the game that brings out the fan in me.

Maybe its the food? Being surrounded by screaming fans? Kiss cam?

Random Fact: being on the Kiss Cam is definitely on my bucket-list (at a Dodger game, but i'll settle for Lakers game) I love the awkward moments when they pick a brother/sister or people who aren't together and I love how excited the cute old couples get when they are on the screen. its the best!

Anyways...I got 2 tickets for the game through my office (read about that here).

Last night was extra special because they retired Shaq's jersey!

It was so exciting to be there in person to witness basketball history.

Forever, Derek and I will be able to look up at the top of Staples Center at #34 and 

know that we were there for it's retirement!

As if one sporting event wasn't enough for the week - Derek and I are going to the Dodger game tonight!!!!!

I <3 Baseball Season!!!

(Kiss Cam - i'll be waiting....)

They gave away free jerseys!!

Phil Jackson

Before.

After.

Insta-Lately

My life Insta-lately...

(1.) The Countdown (today = 45 Days!!!)

(2.) Brandi left me her office mug when she left for Italy! It makes my morning in the office a little brighter <3

 (3.) Friday night we had a bunch of friends over for Sushi Making!!!

This was one of 3 platters soooo we had a lot of left overs but it was worth it...

(I may or may not have cut my finger...ekkkkk)

(4.) Zoey came over for sushi night too and after eating we watched Comedy shows.... Zoey just wanted to make sure we were watching her too <3 

 (5.) Anthropology 

(6.) My best friend Christina (since 12) lives in Pittsburgh but was in L.A. last night!!!! Yayyy!!!

I love seeing her, even if its only for an hour.

 i miss her already.

(6.) Sneak Peak into tonight's Date Night!!

Derek and I are going to the Lakers Game tonight and get to watch as they retire Shaq's jersey!