Lent

For the first time in my life, I am giving up something for Lent.
I'm not Catholic, but I do think there is worth in occasionally giving up something that is valued important when in reality, compared to living for Christ, that 'something' is completely unimportant.
Dessert is wonderful, don't get me wrong. I love it. A lot. Maybe too much?
Baking and eating the results of said baking is a big part of my life...but I think 40 days without it will be a wonderful thing, as well. I'm pretty sure that in 41 days I will appreciate dessert all the more, but until then...

Goodbye unnecessary sweets.

Goodbye cookies, cake, brownies. Goodbye cupcakes, pie (gasp!), chocolate.

(...don't look so shocked. I am a firm believer in leniency. For example, I will be eating a Mocha Cupcake at my future sister-in-law's bridal shower. And I will have s'mores while camping. I'm just being honest.)

Current obsession

You can be safely obsessed with something, right?
Oh wait...
by definition, an obsession is an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone.
These are a few of my favorite things, er, obsessions, as of this third month of 2011:

1) Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. Trader Joe's has done it again - it really shouldn't surprise me when I get hooked on their product...but it always does.

2) An afternoon walk. I learned to love walking during my European wanderings a few summers ago...and my love for it has only grown. There is nothing like a de-stressing, fresh air-filled, walk in the setting sun.

3) Sore muscles. Okay, I sound like an exercise fiend. I'm not. But occasionally I start my day with Tony and his p90x magic and I have grown rather fond of the soreness that follows.

4) My La Poleras. The real Toms...before Toms even became cool. Given to me by my best friend from her South American adventures. It only took me 2 years to appreciate them.

5) Friends - and the realization that I have the best of friends. Seriously. I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging...but I really think that I have some of the best friends out there.

Coffee Shop Quotes, I

"Yeah, she bakes cookies and does Pilates. It almost seems too good to be true."
...from a man (maybe late 20s) as he tells his two friends about the new girl he's dating.

Rain

It is raining, again.
I refuse to complain, though, because 1) we need the rain, 2) I am home and not out in it, and 3) rain always puts me in the baking mood.

Baking on a rainy day is the best because...
the open oven after all the cookies are done = free heating for my apartment.
the Josh Ritter Pandora station serrenades me and drowns out the rain, which makes me forget it isn't sunny outside.
I have a plate of cookies to share...and cookie dough to snack on.
win-win-win.

love.

this is ridiculously cute.
and since it IS Valentine's Day I thought that I should at least post something lovey-dovey.
Valentine's Day is slightly overrated. but this video? love.

Lex & Loren - Engagement/Save the date! from Loren Brinton Films on Vimeo.

Heinz

Heinz.
A commercial made for me.
Not really, but it's flattering to think that it could be...
and yes, I've met all of those actors. Does that make me a half-celebrity??
(never mind that it never actually made it on television...)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJB3mcDmxNQ&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

sunset

Last night's sunset.

It takes your breath away, doesn't it?

Location: the beach below the Ellwood Bluffs in Goleta.

Photographer: yours truly.

Photo credit: God.

Photoshop: none.

Camera: boring old Canon point and shoot digital.

Priceless.