Well, I've been confused by the startled look in your eyes...

Today marks Day 1 of a very strict eating plan that Paul and I have devised. We'll be keeping with this one for the next two weeks and then I'm back to Body For Life.

I can do this and I need to.
I spent some time this weekend uploading photos from 2004-2005 and realizing how far I've let myself go.

(2004)

Dear lordy be! So, it's on like Donkey Kong.

A Child With Layers On.

I'm falling in love with this album.

This will either surprise you or not. My boss has told me more than once that I have the most random and eclectic musical taste that he's ever encountered. I take it as a compliment. If something has amazing melody lines, if it jitters my soul; I'm in love.

* * * * *

It appears I haven't really announced this to many people but I have started playing in another band. This band is so far nameless and included my husband, my best friend and her husband. We've had only three rehearsals so far and I am absolutely astounded with the progress we're making. At this rate, we'll be able to start playing shows in a few months. I wonder what that will be like again...

* * * * *

I will be turning 30 in 1 month and 22 days. It's not like I'm counting. ;-) I'm not sure how I feel about this. I'm not necessarily freaked out. However, I'm slightly saddened to bid farewell to my twenties. My life has been such an amazing and unique adventure so far. I know I have so many incredible experiences ahead of me. Although I feel I've grown so much in only the last five years, I also remain the giddy 12-year-old who still gets butterflies in her stomach the day of an exciting concert.

What's next?

I'm playing in a band again (kid). I'm married (adult).
I still enjoy girl nights and sleep overs (kid).
I'm beginning to contemplate having babies (adult).
I wouldn't change anything for a million bucks.


"Growing up is never easy. You hold on to things that were. You wonder what's to come. But that night, I think we knew it was time to let go of what had been and look ahead to what would be. Other days. New days. Days to come. The thing is, we didn't have to hate each other for getting older. We just had to forgive ourselves
...for growing up."
- The Wonder Years

(Part of) My Life in (some) Photos.

This is a handful of photos I've pulled from my
Photobucket account.



A little peak into my life....

Animal hanging out at the tat shop while Paul fixed up his Animal tattoo.


The hubby washing off his new tat. HOT!


My first and second tattoo.


Jim & Paul at Sharon & Jim's engagement party at Brass Monkey.
Oh lordy.


Oops! Dey fell! New Year's Eve 2007.


Our magical 2004.



Tower of Terror (California Adventures).



Dane Cook and I (January 23, 2007).


Oh silly girls (behind The Cat Club on Sunset).


Don't ask.


Again, don't ask ;-)


My sister and I hanging out on the Winger tour bus.
That's how the Collins sisters roll.



The album cover from one of the records I released.




One of my many birthdays at The Rainbow Bar & Grill.



Self reflection portrait at the BFF's parent's house.
Bobby Boy in the background ;-)


Third Eye Blind at The Canyon Club (May 16, 2007).


My most favorite Betsey Johnson necklace.


We like to Be-Dazzle.


My most favorite meal at one of my most favorite restaurants.
(Linguini with white clam sauce at The Rainbow Bar & Grill)


RIP Daisy.


Just a typical day at Venice Beach.



Butch Walker at The Troubadour. The owner pulled me from the floor and let me stand on the stage to take photos! Too bad I only brought my shitty camera.


Photo shoot with my gorgeous girl, Brillana.


Sharon & Jim, back in the day!!! AWWW!


Live photo shoot of A.i. at The Roxy (September 11, 2007).


Filipino feast for Erin's birthday party.


Good memories. RIP.


My sister and Lemmy from Motorhead at The Rainbow Bar & Grill.


More of my silly photography.


I love trips to Vegas with the fam.

Palazzo.



My favorite restaurant and meal in Vegas.


My bosses spoil me (Work birthday dinner in Malibu).



Some of my favorite movies.


View from Monterrey Bay Aquarium.


The room where Mrs. Winchester died (Winchester Mystery House in San Jose). I love the lighting on this one. Super creepy.



Our first tropical drinks at the sea side bar at our honeymoon resort
(Turtle Bay, Oahu)





...and so life continues on.

Worth it.

I actually drove a round trip of 46 miles yesterday to pick up deli sandwiches. Haha. The place is called Rinaldi's in El Segundo. Paul happened to stumble upon it while purchasing my 3 year anniversary gift at a nearby jewelry store and he immediately insisted we take the drive to eat there. They seriously put crack in their sandwiches. I gladly made the trip yesterday afternoon to pick up three Godfathers; basically a whole bunch of meat and amazingness. It doesn't hurt that the Main Street of El Segundo is super cute and cozy and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. Who knew there was such a cute little town so close to the ugly airport.

And now I'm craving another sandwich...

Well I guess it's a brand new day afterall, ever time we hear the curtain call...

Last night, my sis and I stood in line for around three hours to take part in an outdoor mini concert for New Kids On The Block on Jimmy Kimmel show. BFF and her co-worker joined us in line and were lucky enough not to be cussed out by the tough-looking girls behind us. The show was a blast, as always, but I think it will take a lot for me to return for another Kimmel taping. Too much waiting, feet aching, knees creaking... haha, I'm too old for this ;-). I can't believe girls were in line for two days just to be up front. Don't get me wrong, I'll probably get in line super early for their Santa Barbara show, especially since we have pit tickets, but at least it's a full performance.

Yes, I'm still 10-years-old and yes, I still screamed with amazement when Donnie thrust his crotch upon us. At least I wasn't the only one.

Post mini-concert, my sis and I took a much desired trip to our favorite local restaurant/bar, The Rainbow Bar & Grill. We enjoyed stuffed mushrooms, pasta, salad and soup. They are one of the only places that serves consistently amazing food. Great for washed-up-rocker-watching, as well.

Band practice this week... girls-only dinner at Home... and a few hundred other things I can't recall.

As my BFF mentioned in one of her current blog posts, it feels like there is barely anytime to relax and recoup, even if there are two whole days of doing nothing. At the same time, life moves at a fast pace and I know I won't be able to do and go as I please once we have the kidlets so I better enjoy this frenzied and exciting life while I have it.

Anyway, I thought I'd put this in a separate post but let's lump this all together, shall we. Last Friday, my sis and I attended a show by the band Sextus (lead singer, Eric Dover was a member of some of my all time favorite bands i.e. Jellyfish & Imperial Drag). I was asked by their manager to snap a few photos for free and I am quite happy with the end result (and even happier that Eric loved them as well):

Oh yes, he is THAT fabulous.







xo.

I never knew me a better time and I guess I never will.

This week is a bit of a whirlwind. We've decided to postpone band practice this week for a bit of a breather and especially since Sharon has a show with her other band, Cast of Nasties tomorrow night. She needs time to regroup too.

Changes at work are dizzying. We've acquired new business and have secured our current clients through this difficult financial time. I'm definitely grateful that I have a job at all; a job that I adore at that. We will weather the interesting changes right now and just thank god we are pressing forward.

Married life is grand, for all those who keep asking. We are actually going out more than ever and enjoying every moment we have to ourselves as well as with others. Although my mind has been drifting frequently to the idea of having the babies, I am grateful at the moment that we have the freedom to pick up and drive into Hollywood on a whim. In due time...

One of my blog pals, Jeneva posted a blog listing eight things about herself. Although I did this in an extended form last month (twenty things), I thought I'd think of an additional eight, a bit shorter and sweeter.

1. I've lost almost all interest in breakfast food as of late. I think I'd rather have a plate of lasagna than pancakes in the morning. Unless my mom is making them.
2. I don't really like water. I drink it because it's good for me but I would prefer a flavored drink almost all of the time.
3. I could watch Sex & The City re-runs over and over and often do. My husband doesn't get how I can watch the same episode repeatedly without getting sick of it.
   
4. I used to be obsessed with George Michael. I was probably entirely too young to be listening to "I Want Your Sex" on a daily basis but nonetheless, I did!
5. I'm a nail biter. But if I need to, I can stop. I grew my nails out for the wedding with no problem. But then bit them all off shortly after.
   
6. I have a fear of heights. I don't have too much of a problem with descending but ascending gives me mild panic attacks. Somehow, despite all this, I have a year pass to Magic Mountain. Go figure.
7. I am going to see New Kids On The Block three more times in the next month and a half and if they keep coming, I'll keep going. I had an absolute blast at the last three shows we saw in '08.
8. I could watch ten hours of t.v. in one day if I was sick and laid up. I did that last week, in fact.