Swim

Best Card Ever

We received this wonderful hand illustrated thank you card from our uber talented neighbor Rachel. See if you can decipher the gift we gave her.

3rd Anniversary Dinner @ Hatfield's

B and I quietly celebrated our 3rd anniversary at Hatfield's. Although the new location is situated only half a block from two of our favorites (Mozza & California Chicken Cafe), we've never eaten there. Everything was delicious and the service was excellent. The "Croque Madame” especially stood out and consisted of yellowtail sashimi, prosciutto, sunny side up quail egg, and grilled brioche. I'm hoping they will have a special pre-fixe for New Year's Eve.

5 Seconds to Eternity

Everyday I make the commute from LA to Cerritos. Some days I exit the freeway still driving like a maniac and probably tailgating my friend's parents down Carmenita. Rush hour is pretty much nonexistent on the surface streets but there are enough cars to provide a peek into suburban life. The license plate frame for one particular blue Dodge truck proclaimed the driver as the "Mayor of Truckville". Next to it was a white mini van with amber tinted windows. In the back sat two young boys, their silhouettes played like funny shadow puppets. Both boys held a small tennis racket. As we waited at the Taco Bell intersection, one boy began bouncing the racket on his head. The other boy subsequently followed. After about 5 seconds (probably an eternity in children time) they started hitting each other's big round heads. Another 5 seconds passed and they began to push one another's face against the racket net and I think laughing or perhaps grimacing. The light turned green and the mini van lurched forward. Reset. Like shaking the Etch-a-Sketch.

La Poissonnerie

I never got around to posting any picture from our belated honeymoon last year. Here is a picture of La Poissonnerie with all its seafood goodness.

Beyond Beauty, Paris

This September will be my first time attending Beyond Beauty - a trade show for the beauty industry. It'll be nearly a year since our last trip to Paris and we are fortunate enough to be returning so soon. We'll be renting a little apartment in Le Marais this time. The pictures online seem nice and and more affordable than a fancy hotel. Besides, I can't imagine eating out for an entire week or going without my own coffee every morning.

Not Your Career Minded

I've always been fascinated by how many of Bill's friends came to be so happy in their careers. These individuals are good at what they do, respected by their peers, and, on most days, love their work. For a while, I had mistakenly believed that it was dumb luck or simply because they were older and had time to figure everything out.

Turning 30 this year hasn't really made me feel any different except that the creeping sense of urgency to accomplish something, anything amazing... is now my daily torment. I was reading recently about how it's important to listen to your gut, to believe in yourself, and to surround yourself with people who will support and propel you forward. This all sounds like elementary bullsh*t but more and more I've been thinking that we've played it wrong. (I say we because I know I'm not the only one that feels this way.)

I imagine young Bill and his friends running blindly forward... at times stumbling, broke, and drunk but almost always doing what they liked and what was fun. On the other hand, it seems like it's been the opposite for me. I chose a career and am working towards loving it. I'm appreciative of all the opportunities my family business has provided for me, but I want to fall in love with work. I think that's the best way to give back to the company.

Finals Game 1

Here is a picture B snapped at the Lakers-Celtics finals game 1.