Holiday from Real

Hello!
See those two beautiful photos of the sky up there? That was yesterday...



Today, it rained, all day.





I am just starting to regain warmth and feeling in my toes again! Of all the days to rain, it just had to be the day Robert and I went to LA/Santa Monica. Despite being cold and wet through out the day, it turned out to be such a lovely day! I only bought two things: a floral top and a pair of oxfords both from Urban Outfitters, and both will probably be worn tomorrow. So I didn't get to spend my gift cards from Forever 21, but we're going to a different Forever 21 tomorrow so hopefully I'll find something there! I'm determined to get all the shopping out of me before school resumes on Monday since I really need to focus on school.

(wearing: gray trench coat -- forever 21; striped t-shirt -- rodarte x target; red bow headband -- kaitlyn)

This is the cute headband I picked up yesterday! I've been looking for a red bow for so long, and this one is even better since it's sequined! So this is what I wore to walk around Third and Fourth Street in Santa Monica today. I was planning on wearing a skirt since we were thinking of going some place fancy for dinner, but it was windy and rainy and it's easier to try things on in shorts.











As I said, it was raining so sadly, I didn't get too many shots of the city. I did get a lot at the Santa Monica Pier though! They're not the usual sunny beach pictures, but I love the way they turned out with a rainy sky. The beach is one of my favorite places, which is why I don't think I could ever leave California. I could watch the waves rise and crash all day, everyday. I want to live along the beach one day. The next time Robert and I go to the beach I'm going to bring a tripod so we can get those cutesy, cheesy walking-along-the-beach-into-the-sunset photos! :)













We ended up not eating at some fancy restaurant but endured the traffic home to eat at one of our favorite spots in our home city. I cannot wait until the next time we go to Santa Monica on a sunny day, which might be in a month if we go for our third anniversary. But I think I'd like to go into the heart of LA and visit Hollywood and walk along Melrose and Sunset Blvd next time.

I am quite disappointed I didn't get more things today. Robert thinks the reason I can't seem to find anything good in stores is that I don't need anything, and in some sense, I think he is right. I have more stripes than a zebra in my closet and enough cardigans to clothe a senior center, but I don't think this is going to stop me from shopping for the rest of the week though. I seem to be on the hunt for something...I just don't know what it is.

Until next post,
Jasmine

A Trip Down Memory Lane

*Warning: Picture Heavy Post!!

Hello!
I didn't take too many pictures today, so I thought it'd be nice to take a trip down memory lane since the year is ending. Robert and I watched two movies today: Sherlock Holmes and It's Complicated. Sherlock Holmes was a bit disappointing...the story wasn't too great, but the actors and the cinematography (beautiful muted colors) were amazing. It's Complicated was hilarious--the whole theater (and it was crowded!) was laughing through out the movie!

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Wow! I really cannot believe 2009 is over. It feels like it has just begun. I love and hate New Years: it's a fresh start, a clean slate; but I hate that adjustment period when I'm dating my lecture notes when I have to write Jan. 01, 2010 (omg I'm such a nerd...). 2009 wasn't a bad year, but it wasn't a good year either. It definitely had its ups and downs, but I'm so grateful for Robert because without him, I don't think the "ups" would've happened as often, if at all. He is my life jacket in this sea of life; through the ups and downs, he's always been there to get me through.

Here are some of my favorite photos/events that happened this past year:






#1. We celebrated our second anniversary in January at Santa Monica. It was one of the best days of my life--walking along the beach, shopping along Third Street, and visiting a museum. He got me my first Tiffany's ever (the heart necklace) that I will treasure forever and ever!







#2. One of our friends' birthday was held at the beach. It was pretty empty since it was in May. This has to be one of the most gorgeous sunsets I've ever seen in my entire life. The outfit from this day was also my very first post on Chictopia.

(can you see the gator eyeing you? this has got to be one of favorite shots ever!)

#3. We had a double day-date with another couple. We went to San Diego Zoo and Coronado Beach. It was so much fun! This sunset too was one of the best I've seen. I took it in the backseat while we were driving on the freeway. It really was this orange and glorious.

(Three-Story Forever 21 = HEAVEN!)

#4. After my last final in June, Robert and I took off for our first trip ever together to San Francisco. It was the first time we ever spent the night together and was the best four days/three nights of my life. SF is amazing! We're planning another trip next summer since we loved it there so much.









#5. During the summer, Robert and I went to the OC Fair with another couple. It was my first time at a fair and we dropped nearly $100 on food and tickets, but it was so amazing! But...I don't think we're going to do it again since it's so expensive. It was good to be a kid again!











#6. Robert and I spent the day at Crystal Cove beach. This was the best sunset ever, not only was it absolutely breathtaking, but also Robert and I watched that sun until it disappeared into the horizon. My header picture was taken from this day actually!











#7. The weather this year was just amazing. Well I think the weather here in Southern California is always amazing, but I just took the time to notice it since I got my DSLR. It was during the summer that I really fell in love with photography.









#8. Fall, or the appearance of it, was a little late in arriving this year, but it came nonetheless and it was gorgeous! I loved the colors this year: reds, yellows, and oranges mixed in with California greens.

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Overall, I think this was the year I became...me. I now have a set style that is my own, and have found a way to channel my emotions and creativity through photography. I'm also really excited to blog all through-out the year! I just hope I am able to take as many photos during the quarter as I have this break.

Happy New Years to everyone! I don't have much plans for NYE since I don't drink or go clubbing. It'll probably be really mellow, but that's how I like it!

So long 2009; Hello 2010!

Until next post,
Jasmine

PS. LA tomorrow!! Eek! I checked the balance on the gift card I found, and it was indeed $50! I bought the cutest headband today from a cute little boutique that I will wear tomorrow! I'm so excited for new clothes!!!!