Last Stop Before Korea: California

After my trip home to Georgia, I made a stop in California to see my Dad. While I was in California, it was my Dad's personal mission to check some of the items off my 50 by 50 list. 

If you don't remember what this list is you can click here. 

Here's what I accomplished in California: 

1. Learned how to make a 3 layer red velvet cake from scratch. 

2. Learned how to make creme brule 

3. Learned how to change the oil in a car 

4. Learned how to change a tire

5. Learned how to change the battery in the car 

6. Took Mr. Fahey's cooking class. My final was to make meatloaf and smashed potatoes. 

I also went "reading" aka fishing with my Dad. Basically I sat by a river and read a book while my Dad wandered around to fish. A deer got really close to me while I was reading and that was pretty cool. 

We went into San Francisco to see the show Beach Blanket Babylon, America's longest running musical. If you haven't seen it and you're in the area- I would recommend it! 

We ate a lot of great food- both homemade and at some great restaurants.
Ate at Sprinkles Cupcakes. 

Watched a lot of Netflix. 

Went to a lot of movies. 

And had a great time. 

 Dad wanted to teach me how to drive stick, but I didn't want to take my trip too far. 

It was a nice relaxing trip before my 5,000 mile flight to Korea. 

Thanks for the trip Dad. 

*Note: I'm in the process of updating my 50 by 50 list. There are some things I am going to change around to make it better and more aligned with the person I am now. 

A&J Take Manhattan: A Many Pictures Post

While I was on the East Coast, I decided to take a short trip to New York to see my good friend Jenny. {If you're new to this blog, or haven't been paying attention, Jenny and I met during our study abroad in London, and have been friends ever since.} 

I flew in Wednesday morning and flew out Friday afternoon. It was a quick trip, but we did tons of stuff. I am so happy I decided to fly up and see Jenny before leaving for Korea. 

Here is what we did: 

We took a walk in Central Park 

{Cleopatra's Needle- the other one is in London} 

We went to the Met- mainly to get out of the heat. 

{"The Engagement Ball" This used to be an apartment window}

{I don't remember what this is called, but it reminded me of Jud.} 

{Beautiful English Tea Set. Matt this is what I want for my birthday.} 

{Monet "Bridge Over a Pond of Water Lilies"}

{Monet "Water Lilies"} 

{Monet "The Houses of Parliament"} 

{Pissarro "Effect of Sunlight"}

{Japanese Tourists} 

{Van Gogh "Wheat Field with Cyprus"} 

{Van Gogh "Cypresses"} 

Wednesday night we had a picnic and watched Argo at the Chelsea Piers. {PS. The sandwich I had was the best I've had in a long time.} 

Ate New York style pizza 

Went to Serendipity and got the Frozzen Hot Chocolate 

Took the Subway 

Went to Times Square {Thanks Jenny for making the trip} 

Stopped at Herald Square 

Of course we hit up a few cupcake shops and ended the trip cuddling in bed watching Death at a Funeral. {The British version} 

Thanks Jenny for the wonderful trip. I had a great time and can't wait to see you in Korea... you are coming right? 

My Visit Home: Georgia On My Mind

Like usual I had a great time visiting with my family. Here are some pictures of the last week in Georgia. 

See you in a year Georgia family 

Missouri Gets Interesting: Barn Quilts

If you are looking for something to do in Blackwater, Missouri look no further than the Barn Quilts of the Boonslick. While we were in Missouri, we found this really cool thing called Barn Quilts of the Boonslick. All it took was the word quilts and I was on board. 

Basically, different barns around the area pick a quilt square they want painted on their barn, and it goes up. There are about 41 barn quilts in the Boonslick, Missouri area. 

"The mission of the Barn Quilts of the Boonslick Region is to promote and celebrate the unique agricultural experience of the region through the visual combination of barns . . . vital to the economic well being of the rural community . . . and the comfort of homemade quilts that provided warmth, beauty and an outlet for individual expression.  Travel the Boonslick Trail to experience a new trend in tourism.  Barn quilts are large colorful blocks that are designed, painted and then hung on the side of barns.  Click above for a map and further information about the individual barn quilts in  Cooper, Howard and Saline Counties. " {Source via} 

Barry, Mom, and I decided to take a little tour and see some of the quilts around our area. *Note: Mom thought this was really stupid, and made fun of me the whole time. But at least she came. 

I was really excited because there were so many quilts really close to us. 

Here are a few quilts that we got to see: 

"The Trails" 

"Harvest Star" 

"Star and Pin Wheel" 

"Prairie Queen" 

*This was the barn at the bed and breakfast the reunion was at.