Yet ANOther one bites the dust

Have you noticed how all my posts lately are about weddings? Is there something in the water?

My old friend Drew married his dear Jeanette last month in Michigan. He was my dance partner from my back in my fun, Salsa dancing and performing days. It was a great period of my life, he was a great dance partner who taught me a lot about dance and music...and he was always a supportive friend. We wish you the best, Drew and Jeanette!

We were unable to fly out to Michigan for their wedding, but I just HAD to post my favorite two shots their photographer Jeremy Lawson, took. Of COURSE Drew and Jeanette put on a show at their wedding. Wish we could have seen it in person.

(Double click the pics to view them larger)

I can feel that energy in this picture. Fantastic shots!

Another one bites the dust

When I first moved back to California, I ended up in Long Beach, Ca. at an apartment on 1st street. I remember driving to the beach then working my way back from the beach, street by street, looking for "For Rent" signs. I found this apt and loved it instantly. Little did I know that it would end up being like something out of that movie, The Money Pit. It was an old building, and something or other, would break or stop working from time to time.


The day I moved in, one of my windows shattered when I closed it. My neighbors Valerie and Brian, had already introduced themselves and when they heard the shattering glass and my screaming, Brian came right over and told me he just so happened to be "in the glass business." He had my window fixed in no time. That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship with two of the most beautiful people I have ever met. Loving, giving, generous and completely in love with each other. I had a great time living there and Val and Brian were ALWAYS there for me, like a guardian angel. During the course of my stay there, Brian installed metal doors on my two back doors so I could feel safer when I wanted airflow... he put together my exercise bike (spinning) and a few electrical appliances. Not to mention they always had my back when It came to parking...

After several years living together and being each other's best friends, Val and Brian made it "official" and tied the knot.

It was just a celebration of the beautiful relationship that has been there all along.

Val and Brian have an amazing energy...They came to know and love Dan... and they always told me he was "a keeper!" It turns out they were right.

Dano and I got to see and hang out with Jolie again (Another 1st Street neighborhooder)
Val's sister gave me some dance lessons... she was GETTING down!!!
My man. My love. My pre-husband.

Thank you for having us Val and Brian! We wish you many MORE years of happiness!

In love with a ring bearer

Dan and I went to our friends Amber and Dean's wedding and I fell in love....with the ring bearer, Sterling.
Amber and Dean exchange vows...
Amber and Dean as husband and wife.
Such a beautiful bride!
Dano and I got all dressed up for the occassion


The girls back it up
My man and I keep finding ourselves on people's wedding's dance floors lately...
Dan and I congratulate the happy couple!
Dana and I make time for a squeeze
Bouquet toss. Notice Natalie leaping in the opposite direction. Priceless...
Garter toss... Natalie's boyfriend caught it (the girl running away from the bouquet...) Classic.
It was a fantastic location at Tivoli Too in Laguna Beach... a gorgeous night, a great reason to celebrate, and we had a blast! Congratulations Dean and Amber! We love you guys.

Another birthday.

Another birthday just hit. I had just gotten back from spending a few fantastic days in Mammoth with my mom and I gotta say that was the best bday present I could have asked for. But I came home and got to celebrate with both our families AND friends. I feel truly blessed! Birthdays? Bring 'em on!!!

Leslie, Nancy (Dan's mom) and I at Spark restaurant.
Me with both dads. They are SO cute!
Leslie got me some Pirate Girl Wipes. For my bootie. They "keep your bootie high and dry."

We got our drink on.
And on...


Our families. Except we were missing my two brothers and Dan's other sister, Laura. We miss you guys!
Our best and sassiest picture yet. Work it Les! Daddy and I.
The next night it was off to more celebration at Daimon (DIEmon) sushi with good friends...
Even Jeff and Ryan made the drive down from Ventura! Thanks guys! It was the best surprise! We have been friends for like 21 years! It's SO nice that we are still celebrating birthdays and LIFE together!
My smokin' friends, Kim and Annie
The boys. My man, Jeremy (Thumper) Marlon (Specialized Fox) and Kevan The girls. Jessica, Kim, Annie, Moi, Christina, Junko and Valerie
Annie and I.
Kim and Jess enjoy some beer and sake with Jeff and Ry-guy
Junko, Christina, Jeff and the cowboy
Sake shots off Jeff's head are a long standing tradition...
Or you can roll your shots off your cheek...whatever works for you
No caption needed
Dano always has to carry Marlon out of bars...
I'm still one of the boys, you know...
The cowboy and I "looking cute for Dan"
Junko and I finally got a picture together when we DON'T have dirt all over our face and hair. And without a helmet on! Junko, you clean up SO nice! :)
A few beers and some sake is almost always followed by rockclimbing on the side of buildings. In heels.
Jeremy redpoints a 5.7
The party further moved on to Sam's. Amber and I take a little rest...
And yes, the best shot of the evening.
Thanks to everyone who helped me celebrate by bday in absolute style and without lacking debauchery...you are the best!