Chop, chop

Up until 3 years ago, I rocked a short haircut like nobody's business. It was chin-length, razored, bobbed, dyed, and highlighted. You name it. I tried it.

December 2001

March 2005

June 2005

July 2005

December 2005

Then, wedding hair happened. We were engaged the Summer of 2006 and I became obsessed with having long hair for my wedding. Screw getting extensions put in. I was going to have a beautiful updo for my wedding. Well, the wedding came and went. I kept the long hair. I told myself that I had so many options with long hair. I could curl it. I could put it up. I could wear it straight. I could do all kinds of interesting things with it. The problem is that I did none of those things. I washed it and the put it up in some sort of a bun. I kept meaning to keep up with haircuts and highlights. Because my hair was so long, a haircut and a highlight was a half-day affair and very pricey.

I finally got the cut that I didn't have the guts to do back in October. I lopped off 10.5" of hair. For those that follow me on twitter or are my friend on facebook, this is old news and I apologize. Here is a pic of the before and after.

(Photos taken with the camera on my iMac)

A deciding factor for getting my hair cut so short is that I wanted to donate my hair. If I simply got a trim, it would have just been wasted hair. I did my research. After careful consideration, I decided to donate my hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths.

As Pantene Beautiful Lengths wigs are created, they are distributed for free through select American Cancer Society wig banks across the country. Creating a real-hair wig takes approximately three to four months, and each wig requires at least six ponytails to make. Women facing cancer can find out about the availability of a Pantene Beautiful Lengths wig by calling the American Cancer Society at 1-877-227-1596. The Society can also help callers with a number of resources providing educational and emotional support.

Do I regret cutting my hair? Not a chance. My hair grows quickly. If anyone is considering cutting their long hair or doing the Post Bridal Chop, I hope you consider donating your hair. Please see this website for more information.

L.A. Adventure : L.A. Farmers Market

According to Rob, I have not really had the full L.A. experience. I've lived here for 6 years. What L.A. experience is he talking about? And then, I thought about it. Like most people that live in L.A., I have spent the majority of my time in my 'hood, which puts me in the Eagle Rock/Pasadena area. When I was an office drone, I also spent time in Marina del Rey. It was as though all points in between did not exist. There are a slew of well-known L.A. landmarks that I haven't been to. I am a little embarrassed to admit that many of my out-of-town friends have seen more of L.A. than I have. So, I'm going to try to fill in the gaps. Our first trip was to the L.A. Farmers Market on Fairfax and Third.

Here's my pictorial.

We stopped by Shine Gallery and checked out their vintage toy collection

Then, we proceeded to check out the different food stalls.

Rob checks out some of the fresh seafood

I looked at some of my faves...

After all the walking around, we stopped to get a bite to eat.

Of course, I got the fried seafood platter. It was surprisingly good. (I do not associate L.A. with good Southern-style food.)

We also had boiled shirmp served cold. (Boo!)

Rob had the Crawfish Etouffe.

I have my first check off the list:)

Piper Dog

In the midst of my invitation frenzy, I took a photo break. The barrage of paper can get a bit overwhelming. I did a quick impromptu photo shoot with Piper, who I have mentioned before.

I have had a few people ask if I'm trying to get into Pet Photography. The short answer is "no". I've just been doing these shoots for fun. The theory is I'm moving my way up to photographing people. If I can get portraits of creatures that are on the move and I can't necessarily control, people portraits should be a piece of cake.

Back to Piper. She is Kevin's dog, but I think it would be accurate to say Kevin is Piper's Human. They have THAT kind of dynamic. Piper is a Shiba Inu. If I could be reincarnated as a dog, I would be a Shiba Inu. They're deceptively cute, smart, and high energy. Piper is cute, but unbelievably high strung. If Piper had a motto it would be, "Don't call me cute." For the first six months that we knew Kevin, Piper would not even acknowledge my presence. Nowadays, we have an understanding. I bring her pupcakes & other miscellaneous treats. She runs with me from time to time.

Without further adieu, here's Piper.

First, the Portraits

Then, I decided to use a ball as a prop. Piper is not a "ball dog" per se, but she obliged me for these pictures.

"Uh.. What am I supposed to do with this?" - Piper


"If you throw it, I MIGHT bring it back" - Piper


"I'll bring the ball, but not because you want it." - Piper





"Playtime is over. I'm just going to sit here and look cute." - Piper

March Trudges On

iPhone photo

This month has gone by in a blur. I just now I realized that I've only written 4 posts this month. The majority of my time has been eaten up by design projects. I am grateful that Wedding Season has started for me and I have been working non-stop. I've completed some really fun projects.

iPhone photo

If there was a theme for this month (aside from Busy, Busy, Busy), it would be Sugar Overload. First, those pesky Girl Crack Dealers Scouts are peddling their wares. It's Cookie Time! Those persistent little salesgirls are everywhere. I thought I was going to survive this cookie season unscathed and my thighs intact. No such luck. They snagged me on the way out of REI. {The irony!}. I scooped up boxes of the Lemon Chalet Cremes and Dulce de Leche. The former is highly addictive. The latter takes like Carmel Coffee Syrup on a cookie. I had a minor meltdown 2 days later and went cookie hunting. I came home with 6 boxes.... that disappeared in a week...without any help. {I'm such a glutton!}

Cathee, Amanda & Chrisma at the Staples Center (photo borrowed from Amanda's Facebook)

My sister Cathee and her girlfriends Amanda and Chrisma came to town to watch a Laker game. They had planned a full Girls Getaway Weekend. Sadly since I'm neither Girly nor could I get away from my work, I met them for lunch. My days of partying like a video vixen are in my distant past.

Chrisma, Cathee & Amanda on their way out (photo borrowed from Amanda's Facebook)

Of course, I rounded up the usual suspects. My cousins, Janine and Jo met us for lunch along with Janine's daughter Bella and her boyfriend Joe.

In honor of Cathee's and Joe's upcoming birthdays, I made a quick trip to Porto's Bakery. {I told you this month was about Sugar Overload.}

iPhone photo


iPhone photo

We had lunch at Manna Korean BBQ. It's akin to some of the open air eateries you'd find in Southeast Asia. Here are some photos of the action

Galbi (Short Ribs) on the grill


Bulgogi & Galbi (Short Ribs)


Enjoying lunch - Janine, Bella, Amanda, Jo, & Joe


Chrisma, Cathee, Jo, & Joe


Janine & Bella


The fantastic Fruit Tart from Porto's


They have this strange tradition of spraying Champagne on birthday celebrants.
Here's the waiter shaking up the bottle


Cathee contemplating how much of the cake she can run off with


Jo hams it up

Yes, Rob and I were there. We were clever enough to stay out of the photos.

Help a good cause and stimulate the economy!

I found this on Kimberly Michelle's blog and thought I'd share.


Today and for the next couple of days, you can save 30% off during the GAP/BR/ON Friends and Family event. And if you print out the coupon above (also linked here for printing ease), 5% of that purchase will go directly to TEACH FOR AMERICA.

This is a win-win. Buy a few things ON SALE, help a good cause, and stimulate the economy.

Gone to the dogs

Saturday, February 28, 2009

I was first introduced to Pichu and Tico last year. My friend Natalie and her husband Greg rescued Pichu last year. At the time, Pichu was expecting a litter of puppies. Tico and his adorable littermates arrived shortly after Pichu's arrival. I wanted to adopt one so badly, but knew that there was no way we could have managed a second dog. I admire them for their commitment and patience. They went from having no pets to having a dog and 6 puppies. For those that know, puppies are A LOT of work. Newborn puppies or baby puppies as I like to call them are a ridiculous amount of work. The feedings, the cleaning, and whatnot are endless. Of course, it wasn't without its rewards. If you ask either of them, I'm sure Natalie and Greg will tell you its one of their best experiences. Aside from keeping Pichu, they decided to keep Tico who was one of the larger puppies in the litter.

Mother & Son - Pichu & Tico

I was looking forward to this shoot because I was excited to see how both dogs were doing. Rob and I had seen them over the summer, but really wanted to see how much they've both grown. I wasn't disappointed. I couldn't have asked for better dog models. They were playful, yet very well-behaved. They sat patiently. They ran around. Each dog had their own distinct personality, which I tried to capture. Time flew by and I took 200+ photos. I am pleased with the photos I got. Here are my favorites.

Tico


Pichu with her intense "throw-the-frisbee" face

It just so happens that Cheryl, the woman who found Pichu wandering the streets, also dropped by for a visit.

Pichu & Cheryl having a quiet moment


Greg and Pichu


Natalie plays tug-of-war with Tico & Pichu


Pichu & Greg


"Throw the Frisbee!" - Pichu & Tico


Pichu with her Frisbee mask


Tico contemplates the ball in the distance


Pichu with a ball


Pichu with her beloved Frisbee


Tico with a baseball

If you need proof that these dogs are in the best possible home, these photos are it.

Pichu


Tico

Thanks to Natalie and Greg for giving me an opportunity to refresh my photography skills. You and your dogs are fortunate to have found each other.

Update: 03.09.09
Per Natalie's request, here's a photo of Tico from when I met him last year. BIG DIFFERENCE.