Everybody dies, but not everybody lives

These three weeks have been pretty amazing. I never really liked or appreciated the beach, but I think I've gone to five different beaches in the span of a week and a half. I enjoyed being able to drive again, experience the delicious eats again, and hang out with my friends - both from high school and college. It's been really great waking up at noon everyday, something I've never really been able to do. During this time, I've also been able to check off many things from my summer list!

At the same time, I'm extremely excited to go back to Berkeley. It's becoming more and more like home to me. Public transportation and my own two feet save me gas money, and I'm also looking forward to eat and shop in places I haven't been able to visit during the school year. The colder weather is definitely something I'm excited for. Getting sunburned for the first time in my life while biking to Huntington Beach last week was not fun. So, good-bye Southern California, thank you for making me feel so alive!

The past three weeks in a wrap:

baking and cooking {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

prom pictures for Jeff and Jessica

Corona del Mar, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Santa Monica Pier {+ Huntington Beach}

Hollywood w/ K and D

Read my articles for Caliber Magazine: 1 2 (another upcoming one on June 4)

Corona del Mar

Going to Corona del Mar Beach was always on my "to-do" list in Southern California...and I finally got to go for the first time with Diana and Katrina. The weather forecast was supposed to be hot (like, 81 degrees), but when we arrived, it was overcast with a breeze. Luckily, it was warm enough to lie out on our towels and the two of them went into the water. The best thing about getting out of school early for summer is beaches aren't crowded! There weren't too many people, even at Huntington Beach when we passed it on the way. Bonus points for semester system. We made a trip to Fashion Island to get lunch at Wahoo's (Diana's and my first time!)...and I think my love for enchiladas has strengthened! Besides being able to go to the beach, it was good to be reunited with the two of them. I'm so excited for next week's plans with you ladies.

Also, read my article for Caliber Magazine: Stuck in Berkeley?

A week with Berkeleyans

Some Berkeley friends from NorCal and SoCal met up from Monday afternoon until Wednesday night/Thursday morning. Being together brought back warm memories of late nights (or early mornings) at Putnam, midnight movie nights at Dwinelle Hall, and birthday celebrations. Here, we wanted to show our NorCal buds what SoCal is all about!

The first day, we met up at UCLA and toured around with our friends who attend the school. The dorm food, by the way, is amazing (even on an "off day"). Near 5pm, we headed to Little Tokyo for Daikokuya (famous for ramen).

{The girls reunited at UCLA}

{Group picture in front of the wishing tree}

On the second day, we explored the major SoCal joints. We ate brunch at Porto's, enjoyed Venice Beach (which reminded us much of Berkeley), appreciated art at LACMA, and dined at Bruxie's and Guppy's. We did so much in just a day! Admittedly, it was exhausting especially on the drivers, but it was well worth it. Such a great day spent with great company!

{Delicious potato balls + red velvet cupcake at Porto's}

{Venice Beach's graffiti art walls}

{Spaghetti Art at LACMA, where anything can be art}

{The lampposts...finally!}

{Bruxie Burger @ Bruxie's...mmm!}

The last full day was spent visiting college campuses, driving A LOT, drinking Half & Half Teahouse for the first time (which totally didn't meet expectations), and making hot dogs & s'mores at Huntington Beach. 'Twas a good time.

{Goodbye bonfire}