changing gears.

I first started this blog in 2008 (though I deleted many of those early posts) as a way to keep family and friends in California updated as I began my college experience at BYU.

In 2012, I left on my mission to Houston, TX and this blog morphed into a space for missionary updates, posted faithfully by my brother, Devin. 

Now, I'm back in California living at home and working full-time. Instead of using this medium to keep in contact with friends living here, this is becoming a platform to keep in contact with all those I met during my eight years living in Utah. I have loved calling several of you recently, and catching up on each other's lives; this small practice adds joy to my soul. It's a tradition I hope I can keep for years to come. 

This blog will continue to evolve, but its main purpose will always be to give loved ones a glimpse into my life. When I first started drafting this post I told myself that at a minimum, I would post monthly updates, well, one month became two. And such is my life as a working woman.

If these last two months are any indication of what the rest of the year will look like, then you're like to have lots and LOTS of photos of Disneyland in these updates. I'm on a mission to get everyone I know and love from out of state to come visit me + Disneyland. How could you say no to a package deal like that!

Early March, I met up with my high school amigas at border X brewrey in Maywood, CA. There wasn't that much for a non-drinker to do, but I loved catching up with these amigas of mine!

In March, Misden, Josh, and I also took a trip to Joshua Tree. The weather was PERFECT. I hardly broke a sweat in our 8mi. hike, and any time I felt my temperature rise, a quick breeze would come in to save the day. With all the rain California has been getting, the park was so green. 

I have proper camera photos, but I just in my business have not made time to edit them, or upload them from my camera even, maybe a goal for this weekend!

My cousin Breanna had a baby shower, and so my family trekked out to Lancaster for the festivities. It is quite the drive from our house, but family time is always the best! One thing I hope to take full advantage of while I'm home the next little while is really spending time with my Mom's side of the family. I've been away for 8 years, so I haven't had the chance to spend much time with my Mendoza cousins, but I'm hoping to change that!

Devin came down for UVU's spring Break back in March, and OF COURSE we had to go to Disneyland. I tried the Lobster nachos at California Adventure, they were yummy, BUT, I felt like the lobster was a little too fishy tasting for my liking.

Went to a Selena tribute concert at the House of Blues in Anaheim with a few of the Latinas in my ward. Bummed I never got to see La Reina in concert, but honestly, this tribute concert was a blast. Didn't get the best pictures at the concert, but you better believe I bought a purple jumpsuit just for the occasion.

Went to the Aquarium of the Pacific!! I forgot just how much I love aquariums, they are my happy place. Maybe this is a bit much, but I'm going to say it anyways, visiting the aquarium just made me feel so small (in a good way) and reaffirmed my belief that Heavenly Father is the master creator. If he can design and create millions of unique sea creatures, then surely he can help me create a wonderful life experience on earth. 

Attended the LA Times Festival of Books with my newest bff down here, Nat. This is probably the nerdiest hangout, but I don't even care, my brain was happy all weekend long. I loved attending the various panels with authors, and it helped that the event took place on USC campus. I miss college lectures so much it's kind of embarrassing, so this fulfilled that desire if only briefly. Also, kind of cool, but the event festival was held across the street from my middle school. I hadn't been back there in over 15 years--talk about full circle. 

Nat ♥

Lastly, ANOTHER slew of Disneyland photos. A few friends from my MPA program gave me the best surprised and came to Disneyland this last weekend. I was telling my Mom not too long ago, I'm not sure how much traveling I'll get to do this year (first year of full-time working), but if anything I'll be perfectly okay making this year a year of Disneyland trips. 

When people come to visit Southern California, they're more than likely squeezing a Disneyland trip into the mix, so I'll be okay if I can't visit far off places, especially if people I love come and visit me!

Seriously, if we're friends and you live out of state, you'll definitely be hearing from me to convince you to come to Disneyland. I will spam you with all my Disneyland photos to try and get you to come!