I'm not sure what I had expected this summer to be, if I even expected anything at all. I had hoped to fulfill my New Years Resolution of getting a passport & using it, and I kind of almost did that...
First on the agenda was visiting my dear friend Lisa at what is almost like a second home to me now, Las Vegas. Originally planned as a quick day &1/2 trip to see Calvin Harris with her shifted themes rather quickly. Friends gathered to get a couple rooms at Mandalay Bay, and then Lisa ended up being out of town. We all still had fun of course, and I hope to see her soon.
Met up with an old friend that I haven't hung out with in years, thinking we'd grab some food after work and catch up a bit, maybe grabbing a drink or two before going home. Six hours and random Grand Mariner bottle service later, we quickly remembered how much fun we used to have together, and definitely plan to hang out more!
What's that? It's PRIDE in San Francisco!
Last weekend of June every year the city turns into an uber happy partying rainbow where everyone comes out to play! 
I did it! New Years Resolution fulfilled! Well, part of it. A month prior I had to public transit a couple hours to get a certified copy of my birth certificate to get my passport for the first time. Now all I have to do is use it! Icing on the cake is that I am happy with my picture, thank god.
Then came Forth of July! SUPER happy I got to spend it with a few of my favorite home girls, all of which who make it very tempting to move to Sacramento. Yes, all three of them live in Sacramento! I don't know if that is a blessing or a curse, but I love them all! BBQ Pool Party in effect, with fireworks being set off for over two solid hours. Seriously awesome.
Here is a really cure picture of one of my longtime friends, Renee. We've been friends since 11 years old, entering sixth grade together. We are highly responsible for the nicknames both of us answer to til this day. Isn't she cute?!?
July also brings something I wait all year for: The Gilroy Garlic Festival! I super geek out on all the art, and food (and of course, the wine tent). It's a tradition of my friend Carlos and I to go every year now together since 2007. We also share in the joy of wine, like this 2004 Paul Hobbs LaGarto merlot. 
As I mentioned, I *almost* fulfilled my New Years Resolution, since I had to delay going out of the country until mid-September. I did want to take a few days away before starting Fall Semester to have a little me time and to visit my mom in Oregon. Where do I go for me time? Las Vegas of course! Solo trip this time for a day, 90% vacation courtesy of MyVegas slots. My Basis Peak fitness tracker shows how much Sin City can help you exceed your daily step goals and the calories you burn from them. 
My cute mama & I hiking around Crater Lake.
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| Wine Tasting at Red Lily Winery |
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| Scary Southern Oregon fires! |
:)
