Romesick

It always starts with an idea.  A half-hearted (but hopeful) "let's go (insert awesome, random activity or place here) tonight!!!!".  So tonight my mission was to study in Little Italy with most sincere desire to find coffee that could take me back to Trastevere.  Accompanied by Yoyo, Daphne, some homework and an address we determined this night was going to be good-- regardless of the coffee.

Caffe Italia welcomed us with gigantic Venetian masks, cannoli, biscotti, espresso, gelato and the flavor of Italy.  The minute we walked in I felt like this was the right place.  I decided on a "Caffe Emmline", a blended gelato drink.  I figured that would be the closest to the real thing that I miss so much.  Their recipe calls for two shots blended with espresso bean gelato and I asked for some chocolate syrup.  My first sip was heavenly.  I was back in Rome.

We studied and relaxed there until closing time and decided to drive and get lost in San Diego.  The end of the evening consisted of blasting the radio, singing to every song we knew and stopping wherever there were awesome shiny lights to take pictures.

The night with my favorite roomies (<3) was just what I needed.  This week I was feeling a little bit homesick and really can't wait to go home and see my parents and my dog.  I think tonight was the motivation I need to get through the next two weeks.  So dearest Daphne and Yoyo, thanks and I love you guys.
"I'll never be the same, If we ever meet again, Won't let you get away-- said if we ever meet again, This free fall's got me so" --Timbland ft. Katy Perry

32 Cupcakes

The little things in life aren't so little.

Yesterday, I saw two men standing outside on one of the busiest paths on campus.  They were standing to the side speaking softly.  As I walked by I heard, "I pray also for your Spirit to wash over him and strengthen him".  That was cool-- people completely tuning out the crazy business around them, completely dedicated to the intimate moment they were sharing with the Creator of the Universe.
Today, walking to class I saw a Boston Terrier running around with a stick that was bigger than him.  Chased by two larger puppies, they were having a blast.  It's so easy for dogs to be happy-- and thankfully for us, its contagious.
And now, in lecture I was nearly falling asleep.  Today one of the T.A.'s is lecturing and his voice is like a sweet lullaby.  "Racism is prevalent...blah,blah,blah.. this study......"  Suddenly the side door opened up and three or four guys came in with nerf swords and proceeded to fight across the front of the lecture hall.  Another guy videoed the ordeal while a couple of the "students" in the lecture stood up, took their shirts off and ran away screaming.  The substitute took the ordeal pretty well while the class muffled laughter.  Yeah, it's definitely the little things.

Car troubles and other things led me to a mood of frustration late Sunday.  I figured retail therapy was out of the question (seriously, malls close early) so the next best thing was in order-- cupcake therapy.  I was bored with making the same cookies so I found a recipe for something new.  An hour later, I was the proud baker of apple cinnamon cupcakes with brown butter carmel icing.  (Check out this site, Cupcake 10.)  I made some more yesterday to finish off the diced apples (thanks to Daphne for the peeling and slicing <3) and now, two days later, my apartment has consumed almost 32 cupcakes.  We are that good.
"I know a girl who's tough but sweet, She's so fine, she can't be beat, She's got everything I desire, Sets the summer sun on fire...  I want candy" --Aaron Carter or the awesome Halloween stuffed animal from my grandma.  Personally, I prefer the latter.

The Halloween Snowball

I stopped dead in my tracks.  With a huge smile on my face I turned to Yoyo and exclaimed, "It's a Christmas tree!!!!!"

SANTA!!!

This happens every year.  It all starts with Costco stocking some wrapping paper and fake trees in September.  Everyone thinks that Christmas is still in the incredibly distant future and that Costco is just a little too Christmas-trigger happy.  But when I see that premature wrapping paper, I just smile and start counting down the days.  Once Halloween approaches, the world begins to face the fact that Christmas is just around the corner.  Costco and I, we are the prepared ones.  When the day comes that the rest of the world catches up, (usually seen through the malls decked out in ornaments and garland, Santas abounding and everything smelling like apple cinnamon spice heaven) I become even happier.

And today was that day.  Yoyo and I decided to catch "Life as We Know It" while it is still in theatres.  The movie was fantastic, albiet an emotional roller coaster.  But I think that is why it was so good-- finally a creative spin on the stereotypical romantic comedy.  We got out of the movie after the stores were closed and I grabbed a coffee at Starbucks.  This Starbucks was cool enough to blog about.  It had a gigantic carved wooden mermaid and automatic doors.  I'm talking serious cool.
Then, we decided what better time to shop than when all the stores were closed?  So we window shopped and ended up stumbling upon the Christmas tree in the middle of the massive outdoor mall which is where this post began.  I stopped walking and stared, perfectly content.

Tiffany and Christmas.... two of my favorite things <3

Good friends, good movies, good shopping and the Christmas countdown stands at 47 days.  The most wonderful time of the year always comes sooner than we expect.
"City lights, as far as the eye can see, You and I, we'll do it differently, With our hearts in our hands, Like loaded guns, We're taking a chance, We're the lucky ones" --Brendan James