Melissa Morales, MSW

Ever since the first time we met and she expressed her love for my over the top Dodger shoes, I knew it was going to be a true, lasting friendship. THIS GIRL (thumbs pointed at myself) LOVES Melissa Morales! I don't know what I ever did without her. She makes Huntington Beach that much better. And I hope she stays here ...... for a very long time.... like say, more than the summer : ) She is graduating from USC and so this is a tribute you, Melissa! Love you!
[[Photo Stills by the talented anDREa Filio]]

Pierside Pistols

We are the Pierside Pistols, Huntington Beach's premier powderpuff football team. This Saturday's victim: Palo Alto. All the single ladies of Stanford drove down here for the sole purpose of having some actual competition (apparently San Francisco's team did not provide such). Well, we hope you enjoyed the beach as a consolation prize because final score: Pierside Pistols 13, Palo Alto Bumblebees: 0.

Boo- Yah!

Swine Flu

I don't believe it's as serious as the media makes it out to be. But either way, I couldn't have picked a better week to feed my teacher's pigs and other farm animals. Especially the 3 sick pigs i had to hand feed separately....

The goats were pretty cool though...

And as for Fish Sticks and Mr. Chips, well I just tried to stay out of their way...

My New Favorite Place

Ever since I was introduced by my classmate Jess who I came here to study with last week, the Huntington Beach Library and I have been inseparable. It's my new favorite place and I just love it! It's in the middle of Central Park in Huntington which is this crazy huge park with trails and trees and ponds and fountains and botanical gardens and even a couple cafes. The library is really awesome it has huge glass windows so you can overlook the park and the water as you study and it gets tons of light and is spaced out. Oh man, I just love going here to study, it doesn't feel like I'm being locked in cubicle in the basement.  And after it closed today, Niko & I went around and took some pictures in the park so I thought I'd share.....

       view from the desk....

inside the library

studying essentials...

some pictures from the park around the library....

Happy

Do you ever have those days where you just can't stop smiling or laughing to yourself for no apparent reason? Those days when it doesn't matter how much you accomplished or what you have to do you are just... happy. Well, I've had a lot of those days lately. I think I can contribute it to a combination of the sunshine and the warmth on my face, the beautiful beach, the palm trees, and most importantly- the amazing people I have around me. I have the privilege to associate with so many wonderful people on a daily basis that I just can't help but keep a smile on my face. The great examples of all the wonderful people at my church who are always so friendly and selfless. Each of my roommates who can always put a smile on my face for a different reason- I appreciate them all. The friends I've made at school make me grateful I chose to go where I did and I couldn't be happier about their friendship and loyalty. My best friends that I have here who are always there for me, to listen to my daily awkward stories and always give me plenty of reasons to smile. So I guess this blog post is just to simply state two things, I am happy and I am grateful for that. So thank you.

And seriously, with a view like this on your drive to and from school everyday, how can you be anything but happy?

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, I know I did. It was great to have the whole family there at home for all of the festivities.  I put up a gallery of all the Christmas photos I took here: http://gallery.me.com/nugglesworth
 

As for New Years, it was fabulous. A bunch of us in the ward got a cabin in Big Bear and it was amazing. Great people and lots of fun and snowboarding in the sunshine was the cherry on top.

As for my resolution this year.....

New Years Resolution: Don't Drink Soda
Day Resolution Broken: January 2nd, 2009
Where Infraction Occurred: 7-11 in Big Bear
Infraction type: Dr. Pepper ... Big Gulp ...32oz.
Witnesses/Accomplices: Arin, Shannon and Andy.

Better luck next year. Happy 2009 everyone!

Farewell To A Friend

His name is Ludwig (original, I know) and he was like a brother to me. He slept next to me every night for 5 years and then when I came back to visit for the next 5 years he was still there to welcome me home and stay by my side. He let me hit him as much as I wanted for anger management, he was always ready to rock out and party with me whether it was smooth jazz or hard rock, and he never let me down. I won't forget the good old days, Ludwig- our long jam sessions to the Jimmy Eat World and Juliana Theory albums, our Owkin days, or even my Shakira phase, (let's be honest it wasn't just a phase) they hold a special place in my heart. Here's to you Ludwig, may you rest in peace in self storage as mom turns our special jam sesh space into a guest room. Thanks for the memories.