Day Tripper

She Was A Day Tripper

 a Sunday driver, yea

Hello readers! Even before (but definitely more so since) I wrote my last "alter ego" blog, my mind has been racing with ways to break free from my humdrum life as a stay at home mama. Like I've said, my kids are very amazing and I feel pretty lucky they're mine, but any kind of routine lifestyle can make even the most optimistic go mad. 

I am constantly thankful for my geographical location, I mean - Torrance, California is basically "god's country," but I personally get bored very easily. And living in the same 10 mile radius my entire life just fuels the restlessness. And on top of it, the convenience of having our doctors, shopping, coffee, family, etc. within walking distance or a 10 minute drive just enables us to stay. Although it would be exciting to move far or travel out of the country, I will admit that Southern California is quite amazing. We have so much going on in Los Angeles, but when that gets old, a simple day trip will rejuvenate any tired soul. There is so much outside of L.A. that will make you feel like you're nowhere near the city. It really is amazing how diverse the state of California is. You have different cities, desserts, mountains, snow, lakes, beaches.. That's pretty impressive if you'd care for my opinion. 

Even though I will always plan on traveling internationally one day, until then, I have to make do with my current resources. Luckily for me, my very few friends have similar outlooks. 

Just last weekend my friend since childhood (I'm talking we've been friends since 4 years old) called me at 10am asking if I wanted to go up to the Santa Barbara mountains for the day. I left Nico with my mom, thank someone she was available and willing, and Harrison came with us and my friend's daughter. So the 4 of us made the day trip and it was perfect. 

I always like seeing my kids out of their comfort zones and reacting to nature, if you will. We took the hike up to Seven Falls, and realized there wasn't any waterfall because of our state's drought. Way to go, California. The views were so pretty though and it was dead silent up the trails, so it was still really refreshing. 

101 North

Santa Barbara views

City Girls

City Girls pt. 2

On our way down the mountain, we decided to stop by State Street before heading home. It was a Sunday afternoon so all the shops and restaurants were closing early. They're mostly independent businesses, so it's pretty nice not seeing everyday stores that you can spot anywhere else back home.

(The first time I came to Santa Barbara with Rafael, we went to eat Thai food, and I wanted to take a picture in front of it to show him later.)

now I'm craving Thai Iced Tea.

Everyone has different ideas of what it means to be "successful." What satisfies someone might be totally opposite for the next person. Some work for money and nice things, some love offering up their time for charity work, and others wants experiences. My brother told me that when they've studied Lottery winners, the people who blow their money on homes and cars can become depressed, but those who spend their winnings on traveling are the happiest people because they have memories. I'm not saying I've been completely unsatisfied with my choices in life so far, but I am constantly working on being a better version of myself, and that includes gratitude and happiness. I'm sure it would help a ton if I just stepped back and appreciated everyone/everything I do have in my life, and I do, but I also don't want to settle for my current status. Life has too much to offer for me to just sit here and hear about it. I want to live it myself. 

This past Tuesday was Rafael's birthday (the last of his 20's) so we planned a day trip to Big Bear Mountain. He had never been there or had ever seen snow before. The last time I visited Big Bear was exactly 10 years ago this month, when my aunt rented a cabin and we all went up for Christmas. It was a great idea for both of us. We left on Wednesday around 9:00am with both girls and a bunch of snacks. When we got on the 210 fwy, I realized his childhood friend lived in Covina (on the way) and offered to pick him up for our adventure. Rafael called him around 10am and within 15 minutes he was ready and we continued our trip. His friend had never been to Big Bear either, nor touched snow before! It felt good seeing them experience this for the first time. We got there before noon and spent a good amount of the day letting the kids wreak havoc on a playground, hanging out with like, 30 ducks, walking around the small town, going to a music shop and letting the kids play ukuleles, and taking lots of pictures. There were patches of snow here and there, but on our way back down the mountain there was a lot of snow on the sides of the road. We pulled over and parked in one of those "passing lanes." There was so much fresh snow, we got to throw snowballs and make some sorry excuses of snow angels. None of us had gloves on so our city side was definitely showing. I could've sworn I was gonna get frostbite. 

Big Bear Lake

Toto, I don't think we're in Torrance anymore

Fresh, fluffy snow

Harrison's excitement was very fitting for a first-timer

Nico wasn't quite sure what to make of the frozen white stuff.

Even though I'm only writing about two trips we've taken since my last blog, I gotta start somewhere.  If I'm gonna complain about any situation, I most likely have the freedom to do something about it. And if you have any suggestions for my next day trip, road trip, or adventure abroad, I'm open to new ideas. 

Since I'm on the topic of travel, I'll compile a quick list of every place I can remember I've been to..

Brookings, OR

Maryland

Washington DC

New York City, New York

Jacksonville, Florida

New Orleans, LA

Chicago, IL

Las Vegas, NV

Kona, HI

Tijuana, Mexico

Big Sur, CA

Barstow, CA

San Fransisco, CA

Humbolt, CA

San Diego, CA

Palm Springs, CA

Santa Barbara, CA

San Luis Obispo, CA

Places I'd love to visit..

Tokyo, Japan

London, England

Paris, France

Guadalajara, Mexico

Chihuahua, Mexico

any of the Polynesian Islands

Cape Town, South Africa

Iceland

Spain

Milan, Italy

Athens, Greece

Dublin, Ireland

This past June my passport expired and my heart has been broken, kind of. Now, if anyone says, "but you've been to so many places already?" Maybe to some it could be a decent amount, but that's how I know everyone is different. It isn't that I'm unsatisfied, it's that I don't want to settle when I know what makes me happy. And when I know it's out there!

Anyway, it always feels good for me to write about these thoughts and get them off my chest. I hope if you have the urge to travel and are given the chance, you take it and are safe.

Over and Out:

Sixties Pixie

Imaginary Alter Ego

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

If I could tap into my Alter Ego

Hello readers! This is a silly post on a silly topic. But it's constantly inside my head. 

I'm not sure how many people, if any, have this alternate world in their heads of what they wish their lives could be instead of reality. I'm pretty certain a lot of young people dream of being a celebrity or athlete, I know that's had to cross everyone's mind at least once in their life. I'm no different, except it doesn't have to do with fame at-all. Actually, quite the opposite. I know every human has free choice to live their life however they plan. Some awesome, some regrettable. But if I could go back in time with the knowledge that I have now, I'd prefer to fully live out my introvert lifestyle. Like, single-girl-living-alone lifestyle. This would all take place in my early 20's, and it would be amazing. 

Let's see, a typical day in my alternate world.. first of all, I'd live in a charming, quaint apartment. I'd have tea every morning at my small dining table, alone, quietly. I'd have music playing in the background. And since it'd be the morning, I'd have Belle and Sebastian playing to set the mood for the day. 

(I mean, how cute is this little kitchen?)

I wouldn't have to ask anyone if it was okay that I play music, or what band it was, because it'd just be me, myself, and I. And it'd be decent even if it was at 6:30am. 

I'd go out for a bike ride around the city and take my time because I wouldn't have to rush home to anyone. I'd go get coffee however many times a day felt right, and I'd meet new people daily. I'm pretty good with quick conversations, not chit-chat! Real conversations. Just shortened so it doesn't get awkward before too long. 

I would be wearing whatever I wanted because I wouldn't have to get anyone's approval or see their dismay with my end result. I would experiment with even more hairstyles and colors, because it wouldn't be age-inapporpriate and since I'd be single, I wouldn't be embarrassing anyone other than myself. But I wouldn't care. 

(cotton candy pink. so cute and yummy!)

Even though they already are in some sense, I would make it apparent that my style icons are Audrey Hepburn and Audrey Tautou. I feel like they are part of the ultimate single-girl-guide. 

I'd go out to eat at little café's as often as I'd like because my money would be spent on myself. 

(café where'd I'd get coffee and meet cool new people)

I'd go to museums without having to worry about anyone in my party rushing through it or breaking anything. I'd be more well-rounded with things that stood the test of time. Meeting new and different people would keep me satisfied being single. I wouldn't yearn for change because I'd get it every time I went out. 

Taking road trips would be a seasonal plan, maybe going solo or having a few friends for the adventure. It would be more costly moving every few years, so planning out-of-town trips would keep my juices flowing. This would all be funded because I'd be a flight attendant. So not only would I be traveling within my own country, but across the pond as well. I'd love to visit Japan, England, France, South Africa, Spain, any of the Polynesian islands, and Mexico. It would all be free flight because I'd work for the airlines anyway. And discounted hotels! 

(so stylish: 1960s flight attendants)

(road-tripping, maybe not in a buggy tho)

(my go-to ride to get around other countries)

Obviously I'd have time on my hands to fulfill projects that have been in my head, because I wouldn't have to take care of anyone else. The majority of my wardrobe would be custom-made by me. I already have a sewing machine, but I don't have time. In this alternate world, I would have so much free time to make coats, dresses, pants.. Everything I've mentally designed. 

And my apartment decor would be so cute and so do-not-touch-able. Does that even make sense? It would just look too adorable to mess up. Hello, did I mention above it'd be charming and quaint?

(some interior decor inspo)

And while I'd be cleaning my cozy joint, I'd put on another record of whatever music I prefer. Even if it's at midnight. Why so late? Because I'd be getting back from a late night stroll in the city by myself. 

It would be a leisurely life with tons of style and time. I'd meet enough people in my daily routine, that I'd be just fine coming home to an empty apartment. 

Now listen, I'm not saying I'm totally against my current real life (because obviously it's completely opposite of this dream), but I'm pretty sure this 20-year-old-self would live the single-girl life for about a decade, at least. She would have so many ideas to fulfill first, before settling down and having a family. She'd have goals to work towards with no distraction or deadline. It definitely sounds pretty selfish, but she is 20, and single, and has a life to live.

Now excuse me while I return to my reality of married life and parenthood. And let me just add, it's not a bad reality - it's definitely opposite of everything I mentioned, but I'm thankful nonetheless. I know many girls dream of this life I have, like I used to myself, I'm just saying the timing is a little different than my "dream world." 

Over and Out:

Sixties Pixie

  

Sixth Wedding Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary! To Us!

Hello readers! I am really excited and kind of nervous to write this post. I thought it was fitting to dedicate a blog post to my marriage because the 8th of November is our wedding anniversary. And there is so much material I have to write about! 

If you read my "Intro" blog, you got a glimpse into how we met back in High School. But I'll recap a bit, just to catch you up..

We might have different recollections of how it all went down, but I'm pretty sure my version is the right version. Just kidding. I think Rafael would agree that we were introduced through a mutual friend in our P.E. class in 10th grade. We were kind of outcasts then and never dressed for class, so our "punishment" was to walk around the baseball field the entire class. More time to talk and get to know each other! We were totally opposite. He was really into anarcho punk music and skateboarding, I was a goody-two-shoes Ska girl who loved Gwen Stefani. I never did well in school, but he was definitely a "bad boy" and I wanted a piece. So we dated for a few months until a 3rd person got involved, and that was that. We were donezo. 

Looking back now, I just accept it for being immature kids who were 15 years old. Thank someone we aren't 15 years old anymore. 

Even though my heart was broken, I never held a grudge (after I recovered from it), and we always kept in touch every now and then. 

When I was 20 years old, I ran into a friend of his and she gave me his new number to get in contact with him. He and I were both dating our (now) ex's but made a plan to meet up to share records and listen to music. Trust me, that's all that happened. I was a good girlfriend. Around that time is when my dad died and I let Rafael know. It was weird for me because he knew my dad and that meant a lot to me. Especially after my ex boyfriend broke up with me, and I thought "The guy I'm gonna eventually marry won't understand that part of me," but it turned out to be Rafael, and that was special to me. Does that make sense??

Anyway! About another year went by when I was finally single, and I called Rafael to say "I'm free! I can hang out whenever now!" Meaning: I don't have to report to a boyfriend and can have as many friends as I want, literally. Well, he took is as a second chance. No. Sorry babe, I don't wanna put you out there! But he fought really hard. For months. I had never been approached like this before and it was kind of weird and kind of intriguing. I mean, the difference between him (really chasing me) and my ex boyfriend (really ignoring me), it was new and nice. So eventually I caved and gave him a chance. It started a little rocky with a few red flags, but I'm full of forgiveness, and he is, too, and within two months he proposed to me! It wasn't completely random because my mom even told us, "if you two get married one day, you should where your dad and I did in Las Vegas!" So that was like his "permission" to ask me. Everything was so exciting and so fast-forward, I decided to make my own wedding dress. By hand. In one week.

(champagne colored hand-made wedding dress, by yours truly)

We were engaged for 6 months (longer than we were dating?) and within that time we actually got in a major car crash. It was exactly 2 months before our wedding date, and Rafael broke his hand. Oh my gosh. I had a gash on my forehead, but I wasn't worried because I tend to not scar, except it was a little scary thinking I might have one for my wedding pictures. It was all good, though. No scar.

(my poor '84 Caddi)

We were in physical therapy for a few months and the longest drawn out lawsuit (for two years!). I thought it was a pretty official way to start a life together. Haha? So November came and we got ready to road trip it to Las Vegas. Our family and a few friends trekked over there, too. We were only 22 years old and I couldn't wait to get married. Looking back, I don't regret it, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Twenty-two is a baby!! 

We got married on a Sunday at 5pm at Little Church of the West for sentimental reasons (the same day and time as my parents). And a week later, on November 15th, we had our reception back home in Torrance, CA. 

(bridal party!)

I can't recall how long our "honeymoon phase" lasted because we were both always excited to be married, but within 6 months of our marriage we got pregnant. Well.. Yes, it was very soon. Like, too soon. But before all that, we got a little big of traveling out of the way.

(who doesn't visit the Gum Wall when they're in San Luis Obispo?)

(towards the Santa Barbara pier)

(Fullerton train station hitching a ride)

(New Orleans)

(Treasure Island in Laguna Beach)

(being cheeky down the 101 South)

We got our first apartment the same week we found out we were expecting. I mean, if there's one thing we have perfected, it's moving forward fast. Everything all at once. Not the way to generally do it, but that's our style. 

I was on Cloud 9 for those first 7 months, and then I gained 60 lbs. and wanted the pregnancy to be done and over with. Where's my baby? Of course Harrison was a week late, but she was full and perfect. 

(I don't go easy on myself, therefore it looks like I ate all the meat off my husband's bones)

There was so much transition going on, Rafael got a new job, and becoming first-time parents put a lot of strain on him. Without going into detail, he got sick and that didn't help the situation. It affected his personality before they concluded what it was, and our true colors were coming out. I feel like this is when the "honeymoon phase" came to an ugly, abrupt stop. 

It was nice reflecting on all this, up until now. I've never been one to push myself beyond my limits, and before this time, my only struggles were with school. This was like, really real life. It became such a dark time, I felt like it was baby Harrison and me against the world. In one sense of it, I felt so strong to be this amazing mama, but in the same breath - like everything I dreamt for was falling apart. I'm sure many parents can relate to this transition, and I understand now why marriages don't last. The next few years had taken a toll on my confidence, my mental health, my idea of hope. It was so hard. I was let down in more ways than one, on many levels, but I'm sure Rafael felt the same way (in his own way). We tried getting help from multiple advisors, trying every resource to save our marriage. Some days would be over-the-moon blissful, and some weeks and months would be hell. The bad outweighed the good during this time. I'm telling you, these emotions went on for a solid two-and-a-half years. The next time someone tells me I "don't try," they clearly don't know what I've been through to make this work. What's amazing with Rafael and me is - we've taken turns being the stronger one. When one of us wants to quit, the other rallies through, and vice versa. I have to count my blessings that to this point, neither of us both wanted to quit simultaneously. 

Now, I'm not saying it just eventually worked itself out, I don't think either of us have put so much effort into making anything else work like our marriage. When people say "you can't teach an old dog new tricks" is a liar. 

Even though Rafael and I have always been complete opposites, we (well, he more than I) have adapted to each other's wants and needs. He has become the ideal partner for me. I mean, I have never felt so wanted, admired, and appreciated, and his loyalty is incomparable. Of all the things I see girls want in a guy, I'd give up "money and swag" for respect. It's crazy to witness a complete change in someone, and to be married to them! Sorry again, boo, if you think I'm calling you out. I'm just so grateful where we are now compared to where we were at one point. It's still a daily choice, but it's become easier over time. During this whole transitional period, we had our second daughter, Nico. Now, I'm not a believer that "kids will save a marriage," because trust me. They don't. But I will say that I noticed the efforts right after she was born. It felt like missed time was being made up for, and it was the best feeling for me. 

(second time around, giving birth to baby Nico)

We are constantly trying to keep the spark alive, which everyone knows is important in any long term relationship. It has gotten harder over time because we don't have our moms as available as they used to be, I mean.. who wants to watch two toddlers? Really.. But we've made efforts to go on dates every few months. Most of our time out is spent as a family, so we try to make it exciting.

(San Diego Zoo)

(Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific)

(Disneyland)

(Christmas lights!)

(Lytle Creek hike)

(Family time)

(This is why we can't have nice things)

(at a restaurant)

Like I said, we try to set time aside for just the two of us

(young and in love)

(sister's birthday party)

(New Year's Eve party)

(New Orleans Jazz Fest)

(San Fransisco)

(brother's black and white party)

I know six years doesn't seem like a long time, but in 2015 it's like dog years. I feel like we've been through the worst part already, and can only become stronger after what we survived. I can't even say how we made it work, because it's not one thing alone that helped us. It's just constant effort and the ability to want it to work. It's easy to give up, trust me. Although I don't condone infidelity or physical abuse, so don't think those are actions worth fighting through - because they're not. 

Well, this was a neat topic to reflect on. Now I'm curious what Rafael's take on these past 6 years is.

Over and Out:

Sixties Pixie

Total Inspiration

the1960's:

my total inspiration

(Rockin' Through the 1960's by Charles Fazzino)

Hello Readers! I'm not totally sure how to begin an introduction to an entire decade post, but I gotta figure it out because this has to be the most inspirational one to me, personally. When most people reflect on the 1960's, they think "hippie/peace/Woodstock," and uh, yea! I'm sure those were pretty great times. Although if you ask folks who attended possibly won't be able to tell you how it went, if you know what I mean. 

I see these years more as a revolutionary time where rules were totally thrown out the window to improve people's way of life. It was a time when women were becoming more socially independent, People of Color were finally being heard and recognized for basic human rights, music was taking over the world. It was a future-thinking decade. Mind you, even though we've come a long way since then (and still have a long way to go), it was the start of something great. 

The '60s began with a fresh start and a young President Kennedy. I could turn this post into a history lesson, but I'll lighten it up and mention some iconic influences, like President Kennedy's talented wife Jackie Kennedy:

(Jackie Kennedy photographed by Mark Shaw in 1961)

Just look at her effortless elegance, I love her signature hairstyle (and missing: famous round sunglasses). 

Some of my main inspirational women from this time are Twiggy and Mia Farrow. I love their cute, petite, European style. 

(Mia Farrow in 1968 photographed by Bill Eppridge)

(Twiggy photographed by Terence Donovan in 1966)

Whenever I feel like I'm stuck in a fashion rut, I get totally inspired all over again when I look through photos of these women, including Mary Tyler-Moore, Patty Boyd, Jean Seberg, Francoise Hardy, Jane Birkin, Marianne Faithful, Jean Shrimpton, Sylvie Vartan, Susan Bottomly.. you get it. I've never used this term, but I feel like they "give me life" and I'm rejuvenated again. The fashion and style during that time was getting shorter with cleaner edges. 

The music was getting louder and deeper, too. In the beginning of this decade, there was still classic Rock n Roll like "the early Beatles," but by the end of it, there was heavier music, like CCR and Savoy Brown. I feel like there was a lot of diversity in music during this time, with Garage Rock, Surf music, Soul, classic Country, Doo Wop, Folk, the beginning of early Disco, etc. 

While I'm writing this, Harrison asked to listen to Simon & Garfunkel. 

Our mom and dad definitely introduced my siblings and me to this music very early on (duh, it was the stuff they grew up listening to): Emmylou Harris, The Mamas and The Papas, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, The Beach Boys.. Later in life I started exploring more artists, like Joni Mitchell, 5th Dimension, The Velvet Underground, Etta James, Bob Dylan, etc. 

It's pretty nice that both our kids are really interested in this music as well, but we'll see how long it will last after they enter school and wanna listen to the radio like their friends. Oh, well. They'll be well-rounded. 

Pop Art was becoming huge with the help of Andy Warhol. He ran The Factory in NYC with Edie Sedgwick as his temporary muse, and helped promote The Velvet Underground and Nico. 

(Andy Warhol's Campbell Soup silkscreen 1968)

I love his simple and complex take on every day items and icons. 

Some of my favorite movies happen to be musicals from the 1960's, like Mary Poppins, and The Sound of Music (what's up Julie Andrews!), and haunting movies like Psycho and Rosemary's Baby. One of the earliest movies I saw from this era was To Kill A Mockingbird in school after reading the book. 

I love the pop culture during this time, with TV shows like The Addams Family and The Jetsons, style could go either way. 

(Eye of the Beholder: The Twilight Zone)

My husband and I both share a love for the time, so we agreed to name our kids after icons from this era. 

(George Harrison photographed by Richard Avedon)

(Nico photographed by Billy Name)

I don't know, but I just hope they appreciate their names later in life. 

I think it's only appropriate to share (during this 2016 Presidential campaign) a photo of Bernie Sanders from 1962 speaking at a Civil Rights Movement sit-in.

 (#feelthebern2016) lol?

Like I said, this time was the beginning of a modern revolution, I think, with The March on Washington in August of 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1968. It was a busy decade of moving forward, but also had a few setbacks like the Vietnam war.

(some photos my dad took while parachuting in the 101st Airborne in 1966)

My love for the style of the 1960's stretches as far as my personal appearance (depending on what mood I'm feeling), the majority of my taste in music, and the decor of our apartment.

(mix and match pop art)

(vinyl collection)

(a portion of my mini dress collection)

(I have around 25 mini dresses, but these are some of my favorite)

Now that I've re-read this post, there isn't much to it other than how much I love the 1960's. And to be able to share some of the ways I get to create a feeling with decorating. 

For the record, I wouldn't rather live in the 1960's, but am glad I'm able to reflect on that time from a "distance." 

Over and Out:

Sixties Pixie