Monday, November 30, 2009

I AM GOING TO.....

Officially, of all days, today, is the greatest day of my life. You know when in movies, something may happen that causes that awesome music to explode in the background? That happened to me today, of all days.

So what event could cause this?

I got admitted to the University of Cambridge today for a PhD.



It is bittersweet. Probably my life's greatest achievement to date, and the two people, whom would most enjoy knowing, are not here to celebrate.

So this is for you Pa and Baba...

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

Wow, this week is full of birthdays...

To the first man I ever loved, my father. I cannot imagine a single day without him...

HAPPY 55!!!!

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLOG!

Today is my blog's 1st birthday! Yippy! It lead me to look back over the year and see all of the ups and downs. They are very reflective in my old post titled "Christmas List" for 2009...some items came true...others did not...of note:

3) Vacation (i am not greedy, i will save europe ) to Maui, at the Four Seasons Wailea, or the Westin Kaanapali (stayed at both, they are divine!).

*I never went on that European trip. I did go to Hawaii though and stay at the Fairmont Orchid. It was fun!


4) Job? Okay, my job is good, but since this is imaginary, I would like to be the Director of a Transfer Center at a CCC. I can dream :)

*I did get a new job, one close to home, and working with transfer students. But due to budget cuts, I won't have the job for long...

5) Christmas at Pa and Baba's...with all the family, the large Christmas tree (tastefully decorated by my mom), and food by Draegers ... since this would require people who have since passed, this would really be a miracle (and I guess shouldn't really be on this list...)

*This was never destined to come true...but I have a surprise for the family that might make it a little more so this Christmas.

9) UCLA Graduation- for my brother. Once he graduates college, I could die happy, or at least at peace (note: remember from a previous post, I am usually an unhappy person).

*Still waiting...and praying.

10) Watches, by Cartier. The stainless steel tank is the world's most classic watch, and I want one

*Got it!

11) New 2nd home for my parents...to eliminate a house hunt!

*Hmm...if I get into my dream school, this may just have to wait. Otherwise, maybe 2010 is the year!?



Anyway, life has changed. It is constantly changing....but I am so glad I have my blog to remind me. I would be AWFUL at keeping a journal!

Friday, November 13, 2009

THANK GOD! 28 MORE DAYS!

So, as I mentioned before, I moved my GRE. THANK GOD, because today, Friday the 13th, turned out to be horrible. I was awfully sick, so sick in fact that I fell asleep on the floor of my office next to the heater for...over an hour! Yes, over an hour. On the dirty floor, with my head on a trash bag. My boss had me leave at lunch ;) She said I looked awful. I felt it.

Tonight was supposed to be four hours of hard core studying. Oh well, if I only had 12 days, it would be a problem...but I have 28!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Fav J.Crew Items for Winter

Okay, a few are from the Fall 2009 collections, but most are brand new for Winter 2010 and I am in LOVE! I know, I already have enough clothes (my father recently told me I need to stop!) but I cannot help that I feel better in cute new clothes! And particularly, those from J.Crew (and Club Monaco). Here are some of my favs (this curbs my need to shop---it is "virtual shopping" at its best!):


Items in this set:
J Crew dress, $225
J Crew top, $138
J Crew top, $90
J Crew top, $80
Jcrew.com flats, $150

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Veteran's Day

Just when I think I am so consumed with everything going on in my life. Just when I think nothing ever works out for me. Just when I feel like I have hit a brick wall. I try to stop and think about how lucky I really am. I live in a great country (USA!) and live free because of great men and women. And today, I remember veterans.

But one veteran will forever be my most cherished. And today, I honor him.

My grandfather, Andrew Jerome Gawley Sr. (aka Pa) was a witty, young, intelligent man in the Army Air Corps. He fought in the World War, and was stationed in Germany. Unlike others, he was fortunate to live a long and happy life surrounded by those who loved him, and every Veteran's Day, up until his very last, he asked my Mom and I to take him out for a ride, so he could talk to all the other "older" veterans (you know, the ones that sit outside of the grocery store waving their small American flags?). He would wear a "silly" old Army hat, but was as proud as proud could be.

To my most beloved grandfather, my favorite veteran, and my most missed friend, I love you more today, as always...

Your princess,
Dani


Yes, that is me years ago on his lap...


He is the good-looking one on the right ;)

MOVING...

Well, moving the date for my GRE! I needed the time. An extra 3 weeks. So a total of 1 month from today. It is risky, and I give up part of my holiday, and will continue to run through my Xanax as if it is a bottle of skittles. But I praying to God that this is the right decision, and that it all works out in the end.

Monday, November 9, 2009

The Mean Reds...


Holly Golightly: You know those days when you get the mean reds?
Paul Varjak: The mean reds, you mean like the blues?
Holly Golightly: No. The blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling?
Paul Varjak: Sure.
Holly Golightly: Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there.

Today I have the mean reds...except that I know what I am afraid of. And there isn't anything to make me feel better...not even the thought of Christmas, or Tiffany (and their upcoming holiday window displays...).

Hoping that they pass...I even have the new help of little pills in Tiffany Blue.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Another JKL "Twilight" Evening...





For a split second, I thought I was a celebrity. As you may have read earlier, ALL THREE CAST members from Twilight went to Jimmy Kimmel Live (although, it was pre-taped). I saw, and REALLY wanted tickets so I tried to them through the online "lottery". Apparently, they sold out in 2 min. BUT, our good friend is the Producer. So one phone call later, two VIP passes were mine. What made the night so cool?

1) I walked past BARRICADES of fans...easily over 400 hundred.
2) We enjoyed the VIP Green Room lounge...and especially the free food and drinks
3) Our friend (the producer) and I got to hang out...and he had a surprise for me...
4) FRONT ROW DEAD CENTER SEATS TAPED OFF FOR MIKE & I!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5) JK's nephew hit me up with a free t-shirt ;) I love free things!

Anyway, due to the VERY strict no camera policy, all I got to do was enjoy the show...from up close. I made the following observations:

1) Taylor Lautner still looks like a cute little boy...just with a better build.
2) Kristen Stewart has a stylist with great taste in shoes (can you say perfect Vampire-like Christian Louboutin black pumps)...
3)and she is beautiful and down to earth!
4) Robert Pattinson was just pure bliss...

After the event our friend said he never say me so elated. I must admit, I was so excited, it was pathetic. After the show, we went to 25 Degrees at the Roosevelt, then hit up my new fun time-killer...and then to Grauman's Chinese Theater where I "visitted" my favorite past stars...including Cary Grant, Gregory Peck, Sidney Portier and then, Natalie Wood. An old friend of my grandmothers (both were Russian).

p.s. YES THAT IS MY HOT DOG---I TRIED TO WRITE TWILIGHT WITH KETCHUP (note: not successful!)

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Still Studying..

This is me this evening out for dinner...with my self-made GRE study cards...yep.


*Taken with my Blackberry*

I did find time to enjoy a little Yankee victory though :)

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Snail Mail Delivery!

Two fantastic things came for me via snail mail this week! I was super excited that from Teddi's swap I got the FAB Landlocked Mermaid as my partner! She sent me a PERFECT tote for work and HOPEFULLY school next year :) She says it is my good luck tote, and I have a feeling it will be! It is from the classic LL Bean and is in my favorite UCLA Blue! Thank you PATRICIA!

Another fun item that arrived was the infamous Tiffany Blue Book for 2009-2010. I used to NEVER get it...but we have the past three years (that is good for my eyes, bad for our wallets!). But the eye candy is amazing...

Have a look at my treats :)