Oh What a Night.

I swear, it's the unplanned spontaneous adventures that mean the most in my heart. It is the things that are unprepared, that are sprung upon me in the last minute that end up making a difference.

Or so the pattern seems!

I was taking a nap yesterday evening (when am I not taking naps), and I got a text from one of my coworkers asking if I would like to attend dinner with her and a few other workmates. Jumping (quite literally) at the opportunity to be spending an evening outside of my hovel, I readily agreed.

At about eight, I went on my way, walking about a mile over to the restaurant Zarzuela in Russian Hill. Greeted by my good friends Jay, Justin, and Melissa, we proceeded to celebrate dinner in lieu of Melissa's birthday. There was good talk, many a laughs, lots of red wine (and a misting of wine exiting Jay's mouth on our first cheers), and amazing Spanish food. The waiter sang beautifully to Melissa as we all gobbled down this rich chocolate number and we had quite the dinner.

Most content, and happily satisfied in my tummy, I was all set to go on home until the group invited me out to drinks. Spur of the moment and not looking forward to a lonely night in, I agreed once again.

We danced our way up to Russian Hill, where we proceeded to dance on the grass overlooking the city below and the Bay Bridge in the distance. We popped in and out of bars until we settled upon this restaurant, where we went through two bottles of the pink bubbly and more cake. We giggled our way to Bob's Donuts for their signature massive donut in which we all devoured like little kids. And we ended the night having a sleepover at Melissa's, all of us crammed into this tiny bed, snuggled together like kids (except for the snoring).

There was something magical about all of last night, and in the wee hours of the morning. A haze of happiness and contentment, of blissful youth and extreme gratitude at my amazing friendship with these people I have become so close with. I woke this morning to the sun pouring in, four hours of sleep in my system and just smiled. Who knew my night would end up like this? See, you just never know.

And my morning was even treated right. Melissa, Jay, and I walked down and had these epic scones at an Irish bakery (where I proceeded to sneeze powdered sugar all over that 38 Geary Bus Stop from contagious laughter) and I left feeling incredibly tired, but incredibly satisfied.

It's these little things that mean the most to me. And these friends of mine have no idea how they've touched me, my life, and my experience here in San Francisco. These are the times I'll remember the most.

While I don't have many pictures from last night (I was much too occupied in the present), I did manage to snap one of our view at Russian Hill. Sums up my night pretty darn well...

Orange You Happy.

I just returned from a most lovely weekend away. After midterms and crazy schedules here in the city, I could think of no better excuse to get out of town than my dearest cousin's graduation from high school. I lived with his family my junior year and so I thought it important to be with him on his last day of high school, as I was there for his first day of high school.

Here's the thing: I was not anticipating the reality of change. And with that, I came to the realization that we are all growing up, moving away, starting new chapters of our lives. It's safe to say that I've been hit with graduation smack in the face after coming home from this trip.

I never fully registered the concept of graduating until I saw my cousin walking at the ceremony. But it wasn't just that! My best friend Emma is moving to San Diego next year, and most shockingly is that the house I lived in during my stay in Scottsdale and have spent so many memories in is on the market. Everything around me is adjusting and changing.

And while it is easy to just reminisce about the past and plan for the future, I've realized that the best thing that I can do is to just live in the moment. Wise Lau Tzu once said: "If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the moment."  There's nothing I can do to change the inevitability of things being different, and there's certainly no point in living only in my memories, for if I do either, I'll miss the gift of the present.

I got to spend some quality time with family and friends this weekend. I was able to support my cousin, catchup with my best friend, and catch a few rays. I was able to live one last time at the house I love to much and to eat at my familiar Perk Eatery just down the road. I got to enjoy all the familiarities and take a trip down memory lane. And as much as it frightens me to think about the future and all that will change along with it, I know that it's all for the better and that it will ultimately make me happy. As Socrates said:

"The secret to change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new."

Speaking of change, we officially got our graduation gowns and caps today and let me tell you, it's really happening! I'm really moving forward..

What I wore: black Tom Ford sunglasses (consignment), rhinestone and pearl vintage necklace (antique store), orange Akira Chicago dress (consignment), orange J Crew scarf, and orange Marco Santi pumps (Nordstrom Rack).

These were a few of my favorite pictures from this weekend!

How about that photobomb?

Buddies for life. I'll see you in London next, Emma!

Too Hot To Trot.

I don't know how we do it, but every week, Angelina and I manage to match.

We got stopped multiple times and were asked if it was intentional, but of course we just blushed the colors of our dresses and laughed no. Great minds think alike, that's all.

Anyhow, how do you do? I know it's been awhile. I am proud to announce the finality of midterms, which were just last week and quite consuming. Ah, but then there was a client event at Ted where I met the most handsome gentleman, then the hustle and bustle of balancing school and work.

BUT. Temperatures itched into the eighties today and it was contagious not to feel just a little bit pumped that summer is just around the corner. And with summer comes summer colors, and the realization that holy cow I'm nearly done with college.

I was standing in the café today in our student lounge, waiting for my gooey goodness bar, and it just struck me that I'm almost done. Like, wasn't it just yesterday that I was walking to school with my Ted Baker roller bag, riding the elevator to my first class?

With graduation just beyond the horizon, we've been constantly bombarded with interview opportunities, career center meetings, and the ever present realization that in just a few short weeks, we will be graduated and sent off into the world. Looking around at my peers who still have no idea what they're going to do post-graduation, I can't help but feel a little grateful that I have the opportunity to go to London in August, as I haven't really thought beyond that future. Of course I have my magazine passion, as that drives me everyday to do what I do, but it still scares me just a wee bit that after this year, I'll be done with school. Twenty years later, and I'll be released into the world.

Oh, but I'm ready.

Are our colors not on fleek?

What I wore: black Tom Ford sunglasses (consignment), handmade bright-colored necklace, 1960's orange top with fringe (Relic Vintage), high-waisted hot pink Gianfranco Ferre skirt (Torso Vintage), and tan Mia gladiator sandals (Nordstrom Rack).

ELAN BUILDING.

It's strange. All this time I've been at school, and I never once noticed that across the street was a building, erected in my honor. Standing proudly amongst other fellow tall skyscrapers ELAN BUILDING stands tall.

Ok, maybe it's called (PH)ELAN BUILDING, but it all depends on where you stand! And I know that someday, I may just have my own building. It's okay to dream big! Literally.

It's nearly midterms here at FIDM, which is a thought I can't seem to wrap my head around. As predicted, time is flying by at a most rapid pace and I am enjoying it as it goes.

My classes this quarter have been of quite an interest to me too. I find myself looking forward to my classes, even if some of them are at the weary hour of 8:30am. The prospect of learning something new is too enticing, and I find my curiosity constantly piquing. I couldn't feel more inspired to go out into the world.

What about you? What have you all been up to?

Phelan, Elan... same thing.

How do Angelina and I always seem to match?

Happy May Day.

It's wonderful to believe that things can go from bottom to top.

Just last night, I was lying in bed until two in the morning crying myself to sleep for a hefty hour or so. The bar next door was playing an atrocious amount of top 40 and I was not only frusterated that I could not enjoy a good night's sleep, but I was also incredibly lonely and rethinking about all my past "relationships."

Then this morning- cancellation. Twice I had made plans to spend this lovely Sunday off with two different people, and twice I was cancelled upon. I thought my day was done.

But good things happen to those who are down in the dumps. I was letting my good friend Jackie borrow my steamer and after hearing about my lack of plans for the day (and my resulting loneliness), she invited me to join her and some girlfriends for brunch.

Well I simply could not say no! Besides being a particular fan of the brunch idea, I was eager to spend some time outside of my room and with people. Twenty minutes later, I was dressed and we were on our way to the Cliff House over in Sutro Heights.

Boy oh boy. To replace tears and depressing memories with multiple cups of coffee, champagne, food, and laugher is a marvelous thing. And to be situated by the window overlooking the ocean in an establishment rich with history was simply the cherry on top!

Plate number one, accompanied by my first (but not last) cups of champagne and coffee..

Cheers to Jackie for inviting me along!

Notice how I position myself at the dessert end of the table..

Did I mention the live harp? 

What a view of the Pacific!

See the ruins below? It used to be a bathhouse that was renovated multiple times due to fires, shipwrecks, and the like. The Cliff House was just next door and boasted fine dining and entertainment for the likes of presidents and famous individuals, as well as lots of San Franciscans.

They are too cute!

May the 1st be with you...

Since the day was still young, we decided to hop the trail on the Golden Gate National Recreational Area's Sutro Baths Upper Trail that winds along the coast towards the Golden Gate Bridge.

The trail actually used to be a railroad line that wound from attraction to attraction back in the 1920's. Boy, I wish it were still there!

Finally, some miles later, we arrived at Baker Beach, most content to have been able to work off some of that brunch. I daresay it was the most perfect day.