Asic Tigers

Which ones???

BMX Bike

Today I walked home in my lunchbreak, had a salad at home – then rode my old school bmx bike back to work in less than 15 minutes. It was a beautiful thing.

I really love old bmx bikes. When I was a kid I always had old bmx bikes that both my brother and I could ride. I remember one year needing a new bike, going down to the weekly Auction house and finding one that was perfect. It was old, it was blue and sturdy as hell. We lived on a steep hill. I remember riding through the bushes at the top of the hill, over the sticks and shrubs and then down the street with no brakes. I thought I was pretty cool. One year I crashed into a tree, I was out for couple of minutes, came around to it and there was blood pouring down my leg. I’ve got awful scars to this day from that accident. Not so cool after all huh?! But I still love BMX bikes. The one I have right now is red. People always think its my husbands and are a little surprised to find out its mine.

I'm thinking fall

I think I’m going to have to do something on the side to pay for my spending addiction. Here are the things I want for fall/winter (gotta get in early!)

Rich & Skinny Jeans

Banana Republic high waisted skirt

Aldo Boots

Guess Jacket

Feeling Blue

At the moment I’m in the process of growing out my fringe (aka bangs). Its driving me nuts. I got the big wide bangs back in April. I realized they are too overwhelming on my smallish face and don’t do me justice. My husband isn’t all that into them either. My friends are of course, because they are a little funky and different. But, in all honesty, I don’t think they bring out different features in my face. 1) eyes. Ok, we’ll leave it at one. So now I’m pinning them back, pinning half of them back. Side sweeping them. There is this massive square lump of hair on my forehead. I have a massive forehead, and need bangs. My forehead is so large, you could land a plane on it. Seriously. It’s the Danish in me, I swear. The Danes have large foreheads and wide cheek bones, right? My Besta (grandma) was Danish. And I look a lot like her. Only I dye my naturally dark blond hair brown! Much to the annoyance of my mother.

The last couple of days have been ok. I’ve been in a horrible mood this week (I’m a woman! What can I say, other than I hate hormones sometimes). But each night, getting home has been really nice. I’ve been trying out different recipes each night – cooking something new for my husband, which he’s well pleased about. The recipes were “ok” – but he loves trying new dishes. So all in all it works well. He’s a good guinea pig.

Wednesday night we played the card version of Puerto Rico and drank wine. Very nice.Today I’ve been craving sweet things like crazy. So I escaped the office for ten minutes to meander over to my favourite little greek café. I grabbed a zucchini and pecan muffin. So good. This little greek café is owned by friends of mine. They have a very lively café – and amazing, unbelievable food. Once people start going there, they don’t stop. They have every variety of sandwich you can imagine. I love to go there, sit outside under the trees and read a book. I’d go there every day if it weren’t for the “budget”.

Speaking of which, I have blown it already this month. My monthly allowance (“fun money”) is $70. Not much eh. But enough. This month I blew it within the first weekend at Gap on some cute tops.

I also found this skirt on sale for $9 from $40 (score). It’s a great flowy cotton skirt – ideal for the hot summer days.

"The end of summer"

What the hell?! I have been reading this expression or something similar in many fashion blogs and magazines – about getting ready for fall fashion.

This expression annoys me and scares me! I feel like its only the beginning of summer. I’ve been to the beach a few times, walk along the beach most days. But I’m in no way feeling ready for the end of summer. I feel like it’s the beginning. Its super hot here in sunny California. The water is now very warm and ripe for swimming. June time its still a little chilly, then it takes me a few weeks to get the nerve up to go swimming.

I really wish it were summer all year around. The beach and swimming are my two biggest passions in life. The water makes me feel alive, and as if nothing else matters.

Amado Mio

I have a friend who is originally from Puerto Rico. She is 58 years old – and just adorable. She is a lively woman who loves to dance more than anything. We often watch old movies together. The other night I went to her place and we watched “Gilda” a 40’s movie starring Rita Hayworth. Seen it before? If not, do it. It’s a brilliant tale – romantic and dramatic.

Speaking of things from old times… yesterday I picked up a vintage dress I’d bought. It’s a 50’s sun dress. I’d taken it to the tailor to get fitted properly. As well as some Gap pants to get taken up! I know that at Gap they have different lengths. But the petite was slightly too short. I opted to go up to the regular length, and get them taken up. I’m big into getting clothes fitted properly – spending that little extra at the tailor is worth it. I hate to see trousers to long on a person. It kills me, it really does. I totally notice that kind of thing. What is the point of paying $60 for a pair of trousers that look awkward? Or spend money on a dress that doesn’t fit perfectly? I’m real excited to wear my 50’s sundress. Maybe I’ll even post a pic or two up;) Watch this space.



I’m big into classical music. Have I mentioned that before? Well, I love it. Rachmaninov is my all time favourite composer. His piano concerto number 2 reduces me to tears every time. Well – there is a Rach concert coming up with that very concerto being played! I’m really hoping to get tickets, although I fear I’m too late. Here’s hoping:)

Pappadums anyone?

Last night my greek/Australian friend came over. She is very aussie – and very greek – all at the same time – and I love her to bits. She’s insanely smart. Speaks 5 languages and plays a few instruments. She plays the violin especially well. Me, I love to play piano. I used to play 3-4 hours every day, including practicing scales to keep my fingers “supple”, which help for the especially intricate pieces. Travelling and marriage have taken their toll on my musical abilities. I’m a little rusty to say the least. I can’t wrap my fingers around some pieces these days, which is frustrating. So recently, after work each day, I’ve been getting home and practicing for a half hour or so. It would be such a shame to lose what I once had! So last night my friend A came over, I made curry (which I’ll talk about more later), we shared a beer then played music. We have been playing “Let it Be” by the Beatles together and “La Vie En Rose”. I love French music, especially on piano and violin. So romantic! Next week a friend of ours is having a music evening, and we’re planning on playing a Nick Cave song together, along with our friend J who has recently taken up guitar. I’d better start looking at it, I have a week!

The curry was great, I have to say! It was a very spicy tomato based curry – so very good. We had it with rice, yoghurt with fresh mint & cucumber (to ease the spice), and sliced banana coated in coconut – as another side. A and I both are allergic to wheat, so didn’t have any garlic naan this time around! Curry along with a beer is one of my favourite combinations. A went to LA recently with her American husband and they ate at a really good Indian restaurant. Maybe I’ll try it out when we next go there.

My friend A recently located here from Australia. We were friends already in Oz. But her move over here has really helped me a lot with living here in the States. I struggled a long time with homesickness and not having a real close friend who I can relate to. I have missed the aussie sense of humour very much. I’m really grateful to have her here, even if only for a short time. Another of our friends is visiting with us next week.

I have this desk calendar “Don’t sweat the small stuff”. On Sunday June, 1st the message was “Remember, change is going to be there whether you like it or not. What we’re left with is the degree to which we embrace change or push it away.”

I’m a big believer in making the most of situations. Otherwise you can spend years regretting or feeling unsettled and unhappy. I came to America feeling really positive and wanting to make the most of it, although it wasn’t my choice of countries to live in. And I am happy to say I’ve done that (I think!). I’ve made some close friends, live in a beautiful area – and have a husband I love. A husband who isn’t a stick in the mud who wants to stay in one place forever.

I think when you get married you learn so much about yourself, and in many ways it is like getting to know yourself all over again. It is the same with moving overseas. So its been a massive year. I like to think I’ve embraced it all in an ok fashion :)