Rubystime

As I traveled back from Newport Beach for the third time in the past week, I passed by a little parking lot with a shack in the middle, perched upon a ledge along the beach. I popped two U-ies in order to get be back to the site and parked myself before walking up to Ruby's Shake Shack.

It was pretty cute and I felt real touristy. I ordered a shake and fries before sitting myself down to look out at the ocean view. It was a little strange to be there by myself, but after taking a few pictures and sending a number of snapchats, I pulled out my new Barnes and Noble Nook and read Emma by Jane Austen for a bit. Although the price was outrageous (nearly ten dollars for a shake and fries?! like, what?!), I enjoyed it and I definitely felt a little more appreciative of where I live.

Add these to my summer playlist:

• I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)- The Proclaimers : Bachelorette
• Whole Wide World- Wreckless Eric : Stranger than Fiction
• Diane Young- Vampire Weekend
• All The Right Moves- OneRepublic
• Semi-Charmed Life- Third Eye Blind
• All The Small Things- Blink-182

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I've been really craving coffee recently. I don't feel like I drank a lot of coffee at school, maybe like once a week or two, but recently every time I leave the house I feel like getting at least a medium roast. 

Coffee's one of those things that I don't really like, but I want to like it. So I end up drinking it. And then wanting more. Is that the start of addiction? Let's hope not.

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If anyone knew how difficult it is to shop for digital cameras, I would have appreciated the heads up, thanks. I've been gifted a specified amount of money to spend on a digital camera that I will take to Europe with me. However picking out a camera has surprisingly been a real challenge. Maybe it's because I don't really know what I want. 

Alright here's my list:

1. Quick shutter speed
2. Great picture quality
3. Pop-up flash (not built in)
4. Great zoom
5. Works well in low light/nighttime

At least I know I don't prefer a camera with wifi built in or detachable lens; I know I don't need anything along those lines. Hopefully I can find a camera I like soon because I would love to figure out how to use it before I leave for Europe.

Newporttime

Sometimes I forget how fun it is to roam around a city and see what you find.

Newport Beach is definitely one of those cities. 

The "World Famous" Crab Cooker 

Newport Beach Pier

I'd like to point out the circle of bunny rabbit statues

These songs are kind of fun:

• Next to Me- Emeli Sande
• All The Small Things- blink-182
• Say Hey- Michael Franti & Spearhead Feat. Cherine Anderson

Highschooltime

Alright so I've already helped three of my high school teachers at work. Not only is it weird to see teachers outside of school, but it's now uncomfortable because I don't know if they recognize/remember me. Part of it is, I don't want to put them in the position of Crap I know she was my student for a full year but I have NO idea what her name is. The other side is I personally don't want to have to go through the standard, impersonal "Hi how have you been?" and the "Oh so you're in college now? Wow Georgetown?! No? Oh, yes, of course I'm sure George Washington is just as good." All of this happens while my ex-teacher just wants to eat their lunch.

However I did find it interesting that a teacher from high school that I didn't personally have recognized me. While this does make me feel immensely popular/like, kind of a big deal, it also makes me feel like a giant nerd. Not only is the teacher who recognized me an International Baccalaureate teacher, she is a Full Diploma International Baccalaureate teacher which means I could have never had her as a teacher. Either I'm hot gossip in the teacher's lounge (unlikely) or I had no life in high school and hung out with my even nerdier friends and their teachers (much more likely).

Speaking of high school and work, a friend (loosely used here) that I attended second grade through senior year of high school with came in to the restaurant where I work. When I had a spare moment I made sure I stopped by to say hello to the parents (family friends) and talk a little with the friend. It's amazing to think I know so much about this one person and spent so many years together, but in the end, we'll go our separate ways to only see each other in briefly passing moments. 

It's interesting to see who remembers you, who pretends to not remember you, and who switches from the former category to the latter category as the years pass.

I like these songs:

• My Own Worst Enemy- Lit : Oldie
• Blurred Lines- Robin Thicke ft. Pharrell and TI : Newbie
• One More Night- Maroon 5 : Currentie

Highlight of my day:

As I walked back from seating a customer today, a man and his wife called out "Jessica! There you are!" I quickly wracked my brain for any kind of indication as to who this couple might be and how they knew my name, but came up with nothing. My confusion must have shown on my face because he smiled and mentioned that the other hostess had already informed him that a 'Jessica' would be showing him to his table and he assumed it was me. I laughed and led the couple to their table where they joked with me further about how they were going to pretend they knew me. We laughed as I sheepishly admitted that I probably would have gone along with it.

After dealing with customer after customer in the same robotic speech: "Hello. How are you? How can I help you? A table for how many? That'll be about a half hour. Thank you," it's a nice change of pace to have a customer who really interacts with you as a person. 

In.n.outtime

The food at In-n-out isn't that great.
There I said it.

I think for most people (and by most people I just mean me), In-n-out is more about the experience and/or price. First off, the price is like, ridiculous. What, do the owners of In-n-out still live in the 1930's? I could buy nearly 400 thousand In-n-out burgers for the price of one BTS burger across from my dorm in DC. So no one's complaining about the price. And second, everyone loves California. It's fact. Ergo, everyone loves In-n-out. When you think In-n-out, you think of the simple red and yellow design, the beach, and/or being a part of that cool kids' club that East-Coasters or Mid-Westerns or Southerners can't be a part of. 

Granted the picture above is of the Protein style burger, so many would be quick to point out that my meal wouldn't be a proper representation of In-n-out, however I still feel that my opinion is true. In-n-out's burgers aren't out of this world, but for some reason I definitely feel the need to keep coming back.

Worktime

I watched The Office Finale last night and am totally not ashamed to say I cried. Well, more like sobbed. Multiple times throughout the episode. As much as I've hated watching the past few seasons and as disappointed I was in Steve Carell for leaving, I still felt that they wrapped up the series nicely.

I really did not understand:

• Andy: Yeah his audition video went viral. But he spoke at Cornell. Okay? So his life sucks now or doesn't it? I think maybe I missed something because I really couldn't get a good understanding of what was happening.
• Toby: We all know that everyone hates Toby. So he's supposed to live in NYC now with some roommates, which he says are better than friends because they have to give you one month's notice before they leave. And then he goes on to sob on Pam's shoulder. The Office was kind of known during the 'Michael' era for making the audience uncomfortable, but I felt this was a little unnecessary. Another character story I just didn't really get.
• Nellie: Please leave.

I will fully embrace the fact that I started hyperventilating/sobbing when Michael showed up to the wedding. I felt it was totally necessary for Michael to be there, but not to be the focus of the finale. Yes Michael's screen time may have been short, but it was completely justified. The writers/directors would have taken away from the beauty of the finale and all the hard work the remaining/new cast had put into the last few seasons.

Also, Ryan and Kelly is probably one of my top five favorite TV/movie couples of all time. "We're running off into the sunset together" is the epitome of their relationship.

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On a side note, I tasted a little bit of hell today. Seating guests for a brunch buffet isn't really too bad, but standing in front of a chocolate fountain (see attached photo) surrounded by marshmallows, strawberries, and cookies may be considered a form of slight torture in some countries. The fact that it is so close is what kills me. Oh, and the fact that I'm just dying of hunger. Next time I work brunch, I need to stuff myself prior to coming into work. Lesson learned.

I'm really getting the hang of hostessing though. Not too challenging. Weird side note: Since I'm working at a Mexican restaurant, it's a little strange to be a minority for one of the first times in my life (no racism intended). It's also nice to have a job where I'm busy for most of the time. My previous two jobs tended to be a bit slow which would drag out the day, but hostessing at night or during brunch hours keeps me on my toes.

Speaking of toes I had to buy black shoes for work which, naturally, meant I had to buy black socks. Well I guess I never realized it until now, but I've never ever had black socks before and I must say they are much more exciting than they appear. I've been wearing my black socks and black shoes nearly everywhere. I've decided it must be my rebellious middle school side of me that has never actually been allowed to roam free. And hey, if black socks and all black shoes at the age of twenty is my rebellious stage, I'm not doing too bad.

Songs I like:

• Gone, Gone, Gone- Phillip Phillips (Question: What inspired the name Phillip Phillips? An answer would be greatly appreciated)
• All These Things That I've Done- The Killers: I've always had a soft spot for The Killers

Now I bet you wish you had a chocolate fountain

All Black Everything

Adjustmenttime

I tried going for a run today. Yes. "Tried." The trail behind my house is not kind to my out-of-shape/lack of lung and muscle strength. I'd be much more inclined to run if the trail wasn't so, like, hilly. or arduous. or demanding. or involved running. 

Songs of the day:

• Just Give me a Reason- Pink
• Mountain Sound- Of Monsters and Men

To do:

• Study abroad forms- What is a student visa? Do I need to go to LA? Do they need my passport? Why don't I speak French? Where is this country that I am going to? Who am I? etc. etc.
• Buy a black shirt for work- Like asap. Like before work tomorrow at 11:30.
• Figure out some volunteer work for this summer
• Schedule doctors appointments
• Write a thank you note to my uncle for my birthday present
• Yes, I know, the last three are not funny at all, get over yourself

Fun story of the day:

During the paperwork/HR portion of work today, three separate individuals felt as if they recognized me. This is strange because (a) I have little to no friends and (b) I am almost never recognized/have never been compared to a celebrity (if someone could just lie and tell me I look like Blake Lively that'd be great). It was a new experience to which I responded, "Well, I have a pretty generic white girl face."

...
Facepalm

Who says stuff like that?

Apparently I do.

Jobtime

I GOT A JOB
After applying to a variety of different places with no response, I finally got a place to hire me! I don't know if it was my kickin getup today (new shirt, tight pants, pink lipstick) or my sparkling personality, but I was basically handed a job right on the spot. I'm heading in for training tomorrow at 3:00- but tonight I'll celebrate the death of my previous card-selling job with the traditional celebration food: ice cream. 

My favorite thing right now:
KITCHEN NIGHTMARES
If you have not seen this already, stop what you are doing and spend forty minutes of your day watching these two clips of the season finale of Chef Gordon Ramsay's show, Kitchen Nightmares. 

Part 1
Part 2

All I have to say is two words: Crazy. Eyes.

Lost in Translation:
I had seen this movie before, but I love me some Bill Murray so it's definitely on my watch-again list. Murray plays Bob Harris, a fading actor, husband, and father who spends some time in Japan for a advertisement photo shoot. He meets newly married and recent graduate Charlotte in the hotel and the two bond over their lack of sleep and their unspoken mutual "lostness."

It's hard to watch at points because they have this "Will they?/Won't they?" energy that I can't get a firm grasp on. But I think that's the beauty in their relationship. They both know that they've connected on a different level, something beyond physicality and romance. 

In the end you can see their both upset about Bob leaving. And at the final climax of the film, Bob runs out to kiss, whisper, and say his last goodbye to Charlotte.

The whole film is about miscommunication. Bob literally cannot communicate with his Japanese employers. But he also can't talk to his wife and kids back at home. Charlotte can't talk to her neglectful husband or her distracted friend over the phone. The minimalistic speech and recurring silence between Bob and Charlotte are the true moments of communication in this film and reaffirms the saying, Silence speaks Louder than Words.

Favorite Racist Quote of the Movie:
Charlotte: "Why do they switch the R's and the L's here?"
Bob Harris: "For yucks, you know, just to mix it up."

I feel your pain, Bill, I feel it #tallpeopleprobs 

Easily my fav scene. Not only is Bill Murray the cutest thing, but the two ladies in the background are hysterical

Why do I think this is actually SO cute on Scarlett? Dye your hair like this for like a week for me Scar

Beachtime

I've never been a big beach person.

Well, I mean I guess some of my favorite memories during middle school involved Shannon and I at the beach. Her mom would pack us into the Expedition along with our boogie boards, sunscreen, snacks and towels and we would head off to the beach. The water was always freezing, of course, but after the first five minutes you'd barely notice. We'd have to stop by the 7-11 on the way home for some slurpees which was a treat for me because I wouldn't even imagine asking my mother for a dyed red sugar drink from a convenience store. Those days were long, tan, and a definite highlight of my middle school summers.

But all through high school, I never really felt the desire to head to the beach. If I did, it would be in celebration for finals being over or a big group of friends were spending the day at the beach. Personally, I'd rather tan at home and jump in the pool. I've never totally understood the appeal of the beach unless you were from a landlocked state or your house is literally a short walk away from the sand.

Nevertheless, a beach visit is a necessity at least once a month when I'm home. It was a beautiful blue sky day with a few wisps of cloud over the ocean. I may have gotten sand everywhere (bathing suit, hair, purse, towel, car, book), but it was worth it. And the day spent with the twins is never a day wasted.

Downers:

• Woke up to a man in my bathroom. We're redoing the bathrooms and I have the lovely honor of listening to construction at as early as 8:00 in the morning. At least it prevents me from sleeping in and wasting my day away?
• Didn't really get tan. Three hours in the sun and I didn't even burn? What is this? I thought I got the good skin genes that allows me to tan easily. 
• Minor anxiety attack. Not fun. To do: work on deep breathing
• No job/internship. This will continue to be on this list until I get something. I've already given myself the rest of this week to find something or I'm forcing myself to go back to Hallmark. Motivation? Check

Uppers:

• Beach, sun, weather, sky, car ride
• Song of the day: Badgalriri 1. Badass 2. I love my roommate and our mutual love of this song
• My dad- I had a talk with my dad today. It's interesting how completely different we can be about some issues, but be the same regarding others. Our dynamic has completely changed though over the past two years. I think I give him more advice than anything, and I can tell that he really takes it to heart. He gives me way more credit than I deserve and thinks I'm part genius. He may not be the brightest, but his genuineness and entirely good intentions make up  it. 
• Wedding Crashers- I need to be these people. Like now

Beginningtime

Frustrations:

• Parents!! Like ohmygosh they're SOOO annoying y'all!!%^^# (ps. make sure you read that in a bratty teenager voice) Of all things to complain about, complaining about my parents is my absolute least favorite. Not only do I sound like a middle schooler whose only dream in life is to stay at the movies until 12 (puhhleassse Mom PLEASE), but on top of that, no one takes your complaints seriously. It's always just a phase. If I had a dollar for every time I heard, "I hated my mom when I was in high school/college, but now she's my best friend!!" I would have about $3.00. Maybe. But you get my point
• Headaches and stress- Sometimes I think I'm a real manly man who seriously kicks butt when it comes to dealing with pain. "I've never been carried off the soccer field, like come on, suck it up everyone" But if I sit still for longer than 22 seconds, I turn into the biggest hypochondriac you will ever meet. I've already diagnosed myself with a variety of diseases/disorders, just to let you know. The fact that I have considered buying the new DSM-V seriously concerns me. But to be honest, the fact that I have diagnosed myself as a hypochondriac should be a red flag to even begin with
• My lack of a job of course- Mental side note: Get a job.
• Ben & Jerry's Greek Frozen Yogurt- I bought this pint yesterday and was stoked because I had tried this kind before and loved it. After ranting and raving about it to the 'rents I began take scoop after scoop and quickly realized that it tastes horrid. Just plain awful. It's that detestable, fake banana flavor that makes me want to throw away my love of bananas forever. Makes me wonder what was so crappy that made this taste so j'amazing...

My personal victories:

• 3.48 GPA!!! Yes it's not my goal GPA of 4.0 but it's still quite the accomplishment that I'm actually SO freaking proud of
• Driving- I don't think I'll be able to live in a city forever. I mean don't get me wrong- I love my college life in the city times a hundred million. Walking everywhere is pretty magical for the buns and thighs. But good lord I love that feeling of going anywhere at any time which comes along with a car. And it's not just the promise of freedom! It's the feeling of driving, hugging the corners and moving along with the motion of the road. Second mental side note: research NASCAR. Next Danica Patrick anyone? anyone?
• This song. Again, magical. Mumford's most recent CD, Babel, wasn't as perfect as I was hoping. Maybe it's just because I should have picked a better car CD. Nevertheless, "Beneath my Feet" gets me nearly every stinkin time
• 100 degree weather- The nice warm embrace of sunny California has welcomed me home. There's nothing like burning your bare feet on the way to your car and rolling down the windows as you gasp for air. Maybe it makes me think of my soccer days or just childhood in general, but I love the heat. Goodbye sweaters, hello tanks

Firsttime

A first blogpost is always gonna be awkward, right?

I know this summer won't be perfect- at least I acknowledge it. But I'm thinking that if I start out with less than perfect expectations, it can only go up from there. Positive thinking right hurr.

To dos:

• Find out if I got a 4.0 spring semester (spoiler alert, I didn't)
• PAINT MY NAILS: chipped nails are NOT cute and it's summertime darnit. I should be rocking my best looks right now
• Get a job. I know, I know. I don't have a job yet. I'm slowly but surely on my way though I promise! I'm giving myself until Friday to at least have an interview. I am NOT going back to the previous summer job