BARCELONA

CASSIE'S 27TH BIRTHDAY

SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

BIRTHDAY SEASON HAS STARTED!!!

After a beautiful day at the beach we all met up at Carly's to get ready and have drinks. Then it was off to Casa de Bandini for some great margaritas and mexican food! It was a great reunion, so many girls I haven't seen in so long. Cassie was given a special birthday drink in a special little glass that she decided would have to join us wherever we went that night. Our waiter kept us laughing as he kept trying to hit on all of us and then invite himself to join us later.

We were a table of 9 beautiful girls, kind of hard to resist!

(Anna, Tammy, Cassie, Carly, Kristin, & I)

After dinner 6 of us decided to go on a pub crawl starting in Encinitas and ending at Yogis so we could dance. First stop was D Street. We decided that at every bar we would take a shot and then continue to the next bar. I can't remember what shots we even took, it all happened so fast. Cassie insisted to have each shot in her special glass.

Next we went to the Saloon where Tyler and Darrin met up with us. Of course we had another shot except this time we decided to hang out for a little longer...20 minutes max. Then we strolled down to Beachside where Cassie had one shot to many and lost her dinner. We left quickly after and also lost Cassie's special glass she loved so much. We decided to go to Yogi's where the drinks kept coming. The night ended pretty early, but surprising longer than I expected. It was great fun and nice to catch up with all the girls.

Tammy's BDay is next followed by MINE!

CITIZEN COPE

SEPTEMBER 24, 2009

Amazing concert! Luckily we bought tickets earlier that morning since he sold out later that afternoon. The show was at the Wave House which was an outside venue right on the beach. It was packed and right before the show started Bryan found a spot right up front that we could sneak up to by way of the restrooms. The view was perfect. After a lot of people pushing their way through and those of us there making an alliance to not let anyone else through, we were finally able to enjoy the show. We were blessed with a great show and an extended encore. I have included a short video- check it out!

CHICAGO

SEPTEMBER 2-4, 2009

After flying a passenger to Chicago to attend the Oprah show, we knew we would have a full day to go explore the city. There happened to be a rescheduled Cubs vs. White Sox day game so we thought we would jump on the train and head down to Wrigley Field.

When we got there the streets were packed. There were plenty of tickets out there to buy but we decided to wait until the game started and the prices dropped. We headed down the main street near the field where there were tons of restaurants and bars. After overcrowded bar after bar we found a great mexican place to grab lunch.

On our way back to the field we found some general admission seats in the bleachers. When we got in we could not find a seat anywhere. Attendance was over 40,000 and it was an absolutely beautiful day out. We finally found some seats at the top where we could stand and lean against the fence and have a great view.

There was so much rivalry in the crowd, I would say 50/50 White Sox and Cubs fans. We saw a fight break out and a lot of taunting. It was nice to see so many energetic, crazy, fanatic fans. The White Sox ended up winning the game.

After the game there were tons of guys in the street making music on buckets. There would be 2-6 guys in a group drawing a crowd to marvel in their talents. Check out the video below (sorry its going the wrong direction and for the idiot at the end). The streets were flooded with people and there were vendors on every corner selling memorabilia.

After the game we headed back on the train and decided to go explore downtown Chicago. We walked to the Navy Pier which had a museum, some restaurants, a ferris wheel, carousel, etc. There were also boats coming in and out of the harbor.

We went in search of the Sears Tower and along the way we got some great views of the city. The architecture is just absolutely breathtaking.

It was cool to see the famous Chicago theater where Steely Dan happened to be playing.

After walking block after block in search of the Sears Tower, we finally found it, except now it is called the Willis Tower. Jerry and I ventured up to the Skyledge which is 103 floors up. There are 360 degree views of the city along with glass floored observation points where you can look down 103 floors to the ground below you.

The views were amazing and when we finally stepped in the ledge it was really scary. You could feel it the glass shake underneath you and when you look down it seems as if you are going to fall. The illusion can mentally freak you out.

What really scared me was when we were at the train station and saw a huge black widow. Chris pretended like he was going to throw it at me and I screamed at the top of my lungs and ran...I hate spiders! Pilots think they are so funny. It made for a good laugh at least.

OUTSIDE LANDS

AUGUST 29-31 2009

After a hectic month at work and not knowing whether I would get any time off, I was able to squeeze out a few days to make it up to San Francisco for the Outside Lands Music Festival. Tyler and I got a good deal on a pair of 3 day tickets, I had free hotel nights, and our plane tickets were free...how could we pass it up.

We flew in Saturday morning and took the Bart to the Civic Center. From there we decided to make the trek to our hotel. After a few wrong turns and some shady streets we made it to the Holiday Inn which was in a great location. We were able to check-in early and get ready for the festival. We stopped at Mel's Diner for some lunch and then BevMo:) We started to take the bus but when the bus we needed to transfer to was full we finally split a cab with some crazy guy! It was definately some good laughs along the way.

We got there just in time to see Groundation. We were just taking everything in as people were spread out all over the hill on blankets, people dancing, smoking, drinking, and just having a great time. We got lucky that it was a beautiful day and nice and warm.

Along with having a million porta potties, they also had some of the best food. Tyler and I found our 2 most favorite things....poke and sweet potato fries. We also had the best black bean burrito! They also had a WINE tent that you could go wine tasting at.

The festival was spread out over Golden Gate Park, which we were informed, is larger than Central Park. There were 5 stages, 2 huge ones and the others just average. The layout was set up great. There were tents and booths set up between the stages, food and bathrooms near every stage, and just a variety of things to keep you entertained. They were able to accommodate a lot of people.

One of my new favorite bands that I really appreciate after seeing them live is Matt & Kim. They had so much energy and just seemed to be having a great time. Here is a little video of them playing at Outside Lands.

The Barbary Tent and Stage had another group of performers and bands. There were crazy clowns, people walking on stilts, and just a bunch of different things out of the norm.

People were painting or drawing on pieces of paper and then the used each piece to create these birds.

Band of Horses put on an amazing show. I included a short clip of their show as well. All the stages were creative and different. One was even solar powered. The art around each stage made it unique and was just refreshing as you traveled all over the festival. Below you will find the complete line-up from the show. Definetely a festival you won't want to miss out on next year. I know we will be there!

Pearl

Jam
Incubus
Thievery Corporation
Tom Jones
Silversun Pickups
The National
Q-Tip
Built To Spill
Midnite
Kinky
Tea Leaf Green
Autolux
The Dodos
Zap Mama
Los Campesinos!
Akron/Family
Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears
The Duke Spirit
Zee Avi
Blind Pilot
SambaDá
West Indian Girl

Dave Matthews Band
Black Eyed Peas
The Mars Volta
Jason Mraz
TV on the Radio
Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band
Mastodon
Raphael Saadiq
Os Mutantes
Street Sweeper Social Club
JJ Grey & Mofro
Deerhunter
Nortec Collective Presents:
Bostich + Fussible
Zion I
Bat For Lashes
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Groundation
Dengue Fever
The Dirtbombs
Portugal. The Man
Ryan Bingham
Albino!
Extra Golden
Infantree

Tenacious D
M.I.A.
Ween
Modest Mouse
Band of Horses
The Dead Weather
Atmosphere
Lucinda Williams
Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Brett Dennen
The Avett Brothers
Calexico
Bettye LaVette
Heartless Bastards
Cage The Elephant
Lenka
John Vanderslice
Matt & Kim
The Morning Benders
Other Lives
Darondo with Nino Moschella
Big Light

MY 1ST PADDLE

AUGUST 3, 2009

One night Tyler decided that we should go for a paddle together and watch the sun set. I was excited but also a little nervous. Since he has never paddled tandem before and I have never paddled at all I didn’t know if we would be able to do it. We got to the beach and jumped in the water. After battling the sets, we finally made it far enough out to start our adventure. After a few adjustments we finally got going pretty well. I tried to help a bit but I think I was just making it harder.

The water was very warm and there were the most beautiful cloud formations in the sky. We didn’t go too far but we really enjoyed being in the water, getting some exercise and enjoying the sunset. We were so lucky to get such an amazing sunset after many nights of it being cloudy. I really enjoyed my first paddle and I can’t wait to hopefully go again sometime soon.

BREAST CANCER UPDATE

Over the past 5 months I have been training for the Breast Cancer 3 DAY. I will be walking 60 miles in 3 days with thousands of men and women in San Diego. On August 1, 2009, I walked my 300^th mile in my training. I have been walking at least 5 times a week wherever I may be. My teammates and I have been pushing each other and it is nice to walk with them whenever I am home. We have found some new walks that have made it more interesting and also challenging for our bodies. Now that it is summer time it can be hard to bear the heat but we have been strong willed to push ourselves to go the extra mile. I have also raised 74% of my fundraising goal. I only have $600 to go! All of this has been made possible with great friends and family supporting me. The walk is only 3 months away and I am getting both excited and nervous. The walks have already started all over the country and everyone seems to be having a wonderful time. If you want to make a donation and help out my team and I- Taking a Stride for Boobie Pride, you can make a donation at www.the3day.org or click on the link below.

TAKING A STRIDE FOR BOOBIE PRIDE

DEL MAR OPENING DAY

JULY 22, 2009

My favorite day of summer, the day I anticipate all year long, is Opening Day at the Del Mar Race Track. This year I was invited to attend the races with Tyler’s parents, as they always get a table. We started the day off at the Poseidon where we put on our drinking shoes and had lunch. It was an absolutely beautiful day, we couldn’t ask for more.

(Bretta, Myself, Tyler, and Craig)

After lunch, we went over to the track and started picking our horses and placing our bets. Unfortunately I didn’t do to well for the day but you can’t win them all! During the second race a horse broke its ankle. The jockey fell off and was badly injured. As for the horse, it continued to run and as it came closer the ankle was broken all the way and dangling by merely nothing It was a sad sight to see and they had to put the horse down. We were all very shaken up and sad.

Later in the day I met up with Kristin and Anna. They had just waited 45 minutes in line in order to get a drink. We decided that we should get a table in years to come. It’s worth the extra money to have a waiter all day.

(Anna, Kristin, and I)

After the races we walked to the Plaza. We had a few drinks and then ventured back over to the Poseidon. We had a very nice dinner on the patio accompanied with some great wine and great company. Thank god for taxis….

LAS VEGAS

JULY 18-20, 2009

Kylie was finally turning 21, so we decided to venture out to Las Vegas to celebrate. Unfortunately we never saw her for various reasons, which was a big disappointment. Regardless, we still had a wonderful time as everyone does in Sin City.

Tyler and I splurged and stayed at the Encore hotel. It was the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at. The hotel was fairly quiet and very sophisticated.

(Me, Carly, Kristin, and Anna)

The first night we were there we went to TAO at the Venetian. My favorite Vegas promoter, Taboda, took great care of us. The club was packed and almost unbearable but we found a little corner where we all danced then night away.

(Taboda and I)

(Me and Tyler @ TAO)

(Me and Tyler poolside @ Encore)

The pool was absolutely amazing as well. We spent all day Sunday lounging at the pool and I won some money at the poolside craps table.

(Darin, Bryan, Me and Tyler)

Encore is known for its new club called XS. It is one of the top clubs in the world right now. Sunday night they had a pool party where the girls and I decided to jump in. There are some great stories to the night…ask if you dare.

(Carly, Anna, Kristin and I @ Encore Pool Party)

After a late night on Sunday, I was hit w. my first hangover in over 5 years. The drive home was brutal but we made it….oh Vegas…such a love/hate relationship.

JERSEY SHORE

JULY 5-10, 2009

While I was stuck in Millville, NJ with no flights, Chris and I were bored out of our minds and decided to explore the Jersey Shore. The beach cities are very victorian and old fashioned with minature golf around every corner. We went to Cape May on our first day and found out that we had to pay to get onto the beach! It was $5 for the day. I was shocked. I have never had to pay to get on any beach in California, let alone my whole life.

("YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE BOARDWALK OF FAME AND HAPPINESS")

Our second day we went to Wildwood beach because we found out that it is one of the only beaches you don't have to pay to go to. It was also not as nice. They had a boardwalk with a hundred pizzerias, ice cream shops and souvenir stores.

Walking along the boardwalk I was taken back to when I was a child and had a hermit crab. They had so many crabs for sale along the way.

At the end of the boardwalk was an amusement park with arcades, roller coasters and rides. There is definitely something for everyone.

My last day in town I went down to Ocean City to visit a friend from Denver who happened to be at his parents beach house. Ocean City is by far my favorite beach out of the three. It was clean, beautiful and less congested. It was nice to be around my friends family and to have a home cooked meal. I guess if I have to be stuck in Millville at least I have the beach, even if it is the Dirty Jersey Shore.