Bonjour, mamma.

Brunch today consisted of peanut butter and jelly pancakes (yum!), eggs, bacon, and coffee. The second picture is Adriana and I in her mother's "tequila room," consisting of over 500 different bottles of tequila. She has everyone sign her tequila room visitors book, and everyone MUST wear a sombrero. What a hoot! <><

It's been over a week since i've blogged. i've been drowning in work. assignments. visa applications. birthdays. ceremonies. etc. it's a very HAPPY busy. one that i treasure. today i have to type a French paper and finish some paperwork for France. another exciting thing is that i've met some incredible people in the past couple of weeks. they are FUNNY. BEAUTIFUL. INTERESTING. CHALLENGING. the only sad thing is that i lost a good friendship. no, he's still very much alive and breathing, just has decided that i'm not a good fit for his life. it hurt at first. but then suddenly it didn't as i realized that i know my abilities to love are endless and my friendship to someone is also a gift (as a cherish both things greatly). although i didn't do anything wrong, i think he's going through things in his life that will be expedited without me in the picture. i'm totally okay with that.. but that sad thing is.. i'm not sure i'll be there wh...

In photo: the talented and beautiful Fallon McBride and handome Derek Nuno Photographer: Christanne Mae Carrillo Love you babies, keep up the good work.. (p.s. this photo was taken with an iPhone.. imagine what the actual photos are going to look like)

Aside from the fact that their musical climaxes melt my heart and speak to my soul, Phoenix is a beloved band to me. This smattering of Parisian princes have been whispering the good word in my ear for a few years now. Alright, alright maybe you have heard of them by now due to their recent sell-out to Ford commercials and blockbuster movies, but truly their sound is one of energy and love. I have let go of that notion of "not liking anything because it's popular." It's exhausting- I like Phoenix, Snuggies, Taylor Swift, Pride and Prejudice and Veganism. (to name a few) Best part of the evening is when they were doing an encore song, the song started slow- queue the instruments, the movement, buildup, the emotion... it was building, then all of a sudden the people in the front (us) were welcomed to dance on stage with them for the remainder. it was absolutely brilliant. they made my heart soar that night. See you in Paris soon- my loves.

"i want to paint this city red to hide a blue heart" I recently started to get Friday's off from work (which I'm totally psyched about). i am going to consciously dedicate every friday to having fun since i work through the weekends. me, fallon, c and derek went to a small town outside of the city called "boulder." they are known for their incredible antique stores. we had a lovely lunch, bought adorable pieces and managed to only get yelled at by one shop owner (meanie almost made me cry). my most favorite part was meeting this man: he teaches glass blowing classes and also works in a little antique shop and make's adorable little glass figurines. he told me about his youth and how he got drunk with the beetles, how him and his wife met and how he loves her more every day. -i am honestly thinking about taking some glass blowing lessons from him- you never know what hobby will create your impetus for fulfillment...

Any chance I have to get on a stage and sing Journey's "don't stop believing" I embrace with a huge smile. Friends & I went to outdoors art show/concert and then jumped over to one of Las Vegas' finest joints: Champagne's Famous for their Fri-Saturday Karaoke & eclectic gathering of American's, a night at champagne's is surely to be a great night. Highlight of the evening were as follows: 1. The two boys who rode off on into the night on a two-sweater bike 2. The distorted Twitpic that Derek took of C [ http://tinyurl.com/yjfs924 ] 3. Using the men's restroom- hearing man enter- waiting until man left to avoid any extra embarrassment 4. Speaking French with Jose to disguise our spicy conversation 5. Watching Christianne dance alone on the dance floor 6. Singing "I love Rock and Roll" with about 10 of my most loved friends Oh life. You are too beautiful.

Happy Birthday Jenna. I love you dearly. Such a beautiful soul you are. We celebrated at String's Las Vegas. An Italian joint. Although I am not a fan of Italian food, It was quite good :] Food & good friends=my anti-drug.

Downtown Las Vegas- It's an adventure, always. Greatest venue discovered- In the old hotel Aruba. Great bands and an incredibly spooky atmosphere. Good friends and a digital camera. Feeling comfortable with yourself. Dancing with your eyes closed. Talking film, music, religion, sexuality, travel and insecurities. Grainy photo's with great lights. These are the moments I live for.

Happy Birthday to Miss C. Carrillo . Did you know she's my friend? Her and I met in a women studies class a couple of years ago and sadly waited years to really get to know one another. She has inspired me so much recently in my life. I will name a few things that she has sparked in my life. 1. She is an amazing artist and encouraged me to start sketching and painting (I have recently done this and have fallen in love). 2. She introduced me to the band "Vampire Weekend" 3. She is spontaneous, never complains and you can throw her into ANY social setting and she will flourish (I love people like this). 4. She will watch indie love story films with me and enjoy them. 5. She got me to appreciate screen stills. 5. She taught me how to say "thank you" in Tagalog. 6. She has a gold molar and I think it's adorable. 7. She is HILARIOUS. I feel bad for you if you've never had the pleasure of gutturally laughing from one of her spoken truths. 8. She...

She is a stunning soul, my friend Kirsten . Have you ever met someone that has many characteristics similar to your own, but theirs are much more intriguing? I feel this way about Kiki. I swear, if you can catch a glimpse of this girls smile on a rainy day, the clouds will part and the most beautiful rainbow will appear. Her love f or Christ and desire to be more like Him is so admirable. She is my spiritual sister. Her family and heart is in Florida and finally got a job offer at a Miami resort. A great job, close to her family, and HELLO near the ocean. Although I know her time here in the Las Vegas was appreciated, her soul was never quite fulfilled in this city (a common case). Every Sunday (when I didn't have work) we would go get lunch after church and be silly ladies (talk politics, religion, freedom, expression ) and it never failed to get heated up. I am thankful for my sweet sis Kirsten and I will always look up to her in so many ways. I LOVE YOU KEEKS. OH AND PANERA...