this & that

hello friendsies

I have my logo!!! The card business that I am starting is slowly falling into place. So far everything is going very smoothly. Right now I am taking the steps to get my business license. I had my business name filed at the santa clara clerks office last week, and had it published in the newspaper. Next step - getting my sellers permit! My lovely cousin Andrea is an AMAZING graphic designer, and created the most perfect logo I could ever ask for. I can't wait to get some things done now that I have that...

There is so much to do, I keep thinking what my friend Ally told me a few weeks ago. "One thing a day" It really works! When I get all of these ideas, and plans in my mind, sometimes I just need to remember to take it slow and enjoy this process of getting my business started.

Today and tomorrow I am working at my friend Ashley's photography studio/bridal boutique. It is the cutest little store, such a change from working at the office. Everyone who comes in here is so happy and excited for a wedding. Whether it is their daughters, friends, or their own wedding. I love hearing every tiny detail of how the planning is going. It is such a happy time in people lives and it's so awesome to be a tiny part of it. I can see how Ash must completely LOVE what she does. (if you don't know Ashley, she is one of the most talented people I have ever met, she did some pictures of me and Liz awhile back)

WOW how could I forget... BIG BROTHER 12 HAS STARTED!! so lame that this is my highlight of the week. But it is so much fun watching with Daniel's family. We get really really into it. Making guesses on who will be evicted from the house next, or who is a "showmance" (romance on a show) ...I guess big brother would be my guilty pleasure. I'm openly addicted.

On wednesday I will be going to Tahoe to visit my Mom, Step-Dad Jon, and sisters Hannah and Bella. I CANT WAIT!!! My mom is throwing Hannah a birthday party for her 3rd birthday next saturday. It will be so fun spending that quality time with my family. and duhhh I LOVE birthdays. :)

Not too much time until I go visit Liz in Hawaii!! Can not wait to see my BFF. I miss her!!!

I am so hungry. Time to go!

Love,

Elise Diane

2010 summer fun &...entrepeneurship?

Hello friends!!

Holy cow...a MOT NH and no new posts. I've been out and about, here, there and everywhere, leaving no time left for me lonely blog. I guess that is what summer is all about, right?! I have been packing so much into this summer already, I can't even believe It's only July. The last month has just flown by since we came home from our trip to the Caribbean.

A few weeks ago, I went to a Country throw down concert at Shoreline pavilion with three of my friends. We bought lawn tickets for cheap and found a seat waiting for the good bands to come on stage. We were not expecting what happened next....a worker was hanging out tickets to the lower seat section, we grabbed 4 and headed down to our seats about 15 rows up from the stage. Not too bad for a free upgrade. It only got better from there! My friend Amanda and I decided to go grab some food, and on our way there we were stopped by another worker, he asked us how many were in our group, I replied four. He then told me to go grab the other two girls in our party because we were being upgraded to FRONT ROW!!!! It made the concert one of the best I have ever seen.

You may wonder...what the heck am I doing with my life now that I am not moving to Hawaii? For awhile I didn't even know the answer to that question...but now I feel like I have a much better idea. First of all, I am excited for my upcoming trips! Hawaii in August and England in September. Traveling is a passion of mine and I just can not wait to travel to Europe for the first time. Only a two more months until my Aunt Nessy and I leave!

Another project I am working on right now is putting my business degree to good use, by starting my own card making company! Right now I am just in the first stages, deciding on a name, having a graphic designer (my lovely cousin Andrea!) design a logo for me, get a DBA, and work work working on card designs. As well as many other steps. All of my cards are made by hand, which makes it very time consuming, but also very rewarding. I can not wait to have the finished product all ready to sell and to share my cards with the world.

Tomorrow I am off to lunch with my friend Amanda. Thanks for checking in on my blog! I will try not to leave it scarce for months again :)

Love,

Elise Diane

Sailing home to a big change of plans

Hello friends!

The parade of Wagner's, Gire's, Nolans and Freitas' sailed home yesterday from our Caribbean cruise!!! WOW, was it an amazing time. I couldn't have even expected it to be that much fun! Besides the four beautiful stops at Cozumel-Mexico, Isla Roatan-Honduras, Belize City-Belize, and Costa Maya-Mexico...we did run into a few problems, mostly with health scares with some people in our party.





About two weeks before the trip began, Daniel's Aunt Teresa broke her foot, causing her to need a wheelchair. On top of that, Daniel's mom Julie had her lovely super nice friend Charlene join us on the cruise as well, unfortunately, 2 days before we sailed away, she slipped and broke her foot too! Making it two wheelchair girls. Because Teresa was in a wheelchair, Daniel's aunt Amy was invited along to take care of her. On the last day at sea on the cruise, Amy was rushed to the Emergency nurse on the ship due to throwing up and pain. Her condition was so bad that they immediately sent a HELICOPTER to come pick her up off the ship and fly her to the closest Miami hospital, where she is being treated for gallstones. Wshhooo. What a trip huh? Please keep Amy in your prayers. She will need surgery and won't be out of the hospital for about 4-5 more days.

Even though we had a few setbacks, this was one of the best vacations I have ever been on! Sandy hot beaches, Pina Coladas in hand, Bright blue oceans and all the fun and activities you could imagine on the boat. Daniel's sister Tina got engaged to her boyfriend of 5 years, Mike, who we all love! Congratulations to them! Tina also asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding next year! I almost cried. It felt like a whole week of celebrations, including Daniel's birthday on June 5th! He turned 23. Poor Daniel got a little jipped because his Birthday was on the day we came home. We celebrated the last night on the cruise with a cake and singing for him! Happy Birthday Daniel my lovey!


CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEWLY ENGAGED MIKE & TINA!

There was dancing on bars, karaoke singing, Marti gras beads to catch, water slides to go down, and even a chocolate buffet! This trip was one of a lifetime. I love traveling, it is my ultimate favorite thing, and now I get to check two more countries off of my list to visit. (since I have already been to Mexico a number of times)

On another note...I have some kind of disappointing news about Hawaii. As I was on the cruise, Liz was searching for apartments for us the whole time. Unfortunately I couldn't be in touch with her since I was in the middle of the ocean with no cell service. ($6.50 per MINUTE!) When I finally got back to Florida we were able to talk and she let me know that the apartment search was not going very well. We had agreed on some criteria that we both wanted/needed in an apartment. One was a six month lease. This was very difficult to find in Hawaii. She did find one place in Waikiki for $1,700 with a one year lease and unfurnished. I can not commit to a one year lease since I don't have a job there yet and risk not finding one right away. Six month was perfect for me, knowing that I need to test it out and see how things go...I guess that is what being young is all about, new experiences and testing out different things. This leaves Liz and I in a tough position since she starts work on Wednesday and has limited time to continue looking for places that better fit our criteria. She has decided to look for a one bedroom apartment alone, and I think this is for the best. Since I do not want to hold her back from what she needs before she starts her job. I am defiantly going to go there and visit her...At this point I don't think it is the smartest choice for me to jump into something I was not fully prepared for. I really wish we could have looked longer for a place that worked for both of us...but I have no hard feelings. I am excited for my best friend to go live her dream in Hawaii.

I can't force something if it's not meant to be. Now that I am back from the cruise and ready to start a new life and job here, I feel very free to go experience new things here. Even if I am not moving to Hawaii, I am glad this situation has pushed me to try new things and reminded me always be open minded. I can not wait to do things like go visit my mom for a week in Tahoe, and my friend Holly that lives there, go run the Los Gatos creek trail with Tina during the day, and help her plan her wedding next year, look for jobs that I have never done before, and what I am most excited about- traveling to England with my Aunt Nessy in September!

There is so much to look forward to in this life. The way I see it, if you are embracing every day with happiness, enjoying every unique day to it's fullest, appreciating your surroundings and loving the people around you unconditionally, there is nothing to ever regret in this life...I can move forward knowing that I am not missing out on anything.

Live and learn.
Elise Diane

Goodbye office...Hello Cruise!

TODAY IS MY LAST DAY AT THE OFFICE!

Today's schedule:

-Last day at work
-Rush home to finish packing
-Flight to Florida to board the cruise at 10:30PM!


I have mixed feelings now that it is actually here. I am BEYOND excited for my future plans, but still trying not to let change scare me too much. I have been working here for the last few years and have grown so close to these people. They are like a second family to me. Well...technically we are family because I work for my uncle! Plus my Mom worked here for 16 years before she left for her own adventures. We are celebrating our last day together with chocolaty chocolate cake from, Icing on the cake of course! They even all got together and signed a card for me, wishing me the best on my journeys this year. One note reading "I hope you look good in a hula skirt!" My co-worker Holly left the office only two short weeks ago. It seems like we just had a going away party, but this time the tables have turned and I'm the one leaving. Before we all scattered, we called ourselves "the 4 hot tattooed foot paralegals." I will always remember this time in my life, and the girls that made it so special. Sharing life stories daily, and struggles we might be going though, I honestly don't think I would be the girl I am today without them. With their blessing, I am prepared to go out into the world and explore for myself.

To add to this exciting day, we are leaving for the cruise!! I just printed out out boarding passes, and preparing for our flight. I still have some last minute packing to do. Then Liz will drive us to SJ airport! This day kicks off the start to my new life, and all of the adventures that 2010 brings.

As the hours pass until the cruise, all I can do it practice over and over the song I plan on singing for kareoke, and prepare myself for hoe many times I will hear the "hot hot hot" song on the cruise. I swear that is the Carnival cruise line theme song or something!

Goodbye Todd Rothbard Office! you will always have a place in my heart. (ok that was cheesey, but I couldn't think of anything better!) and Bon Voyage San Jose!!!

Love,

Elise Diane

Peas in a pod

Daniel's off at a hockey game, that means blogging time!

It's been awhile since I've blogged...I started to feel the "blog guilt," you know the feeling...when you are looking at pictures you have taken recently... and know you should post them for those daily blog checkers that MIGHT stumble upon your scarce and barren blog.

This past weekend my Mom, Jon, Hannah and Bella came down for a visit! It was a bittersweet weekend with them, knowing this will be the last time I see my Mom and family for awhile. The move is approaching fast, and I won't be able to squeeze in a Tahoe trip before I go. Saturday night, Daniel and I met them at Jon's Dad's house before we left. Tony, Jon's Dad passed away recently, so it's always a little sad being in the house. One thing I will always remember about Tony is his love for healthy food. He even had a nice array or trees and plants in his backyard that were now becoming ready for eating. My Mom and I strolled around the backyard for a moment and came across these yummy snap peas before we all left on our way to Fresh Choice.

On a side note....I needed a new point an shoot camera for my everyday photography (my old one decide to quit on me.) Can you believe the quality from this little $99 Walmart camera?! I am still blown away....

After we ate at fresh choice for dinner, we went down the road to CHUCKIE CHEESE! I did not expect to have that much fun on a Saturday night! Just seeing my sisters running around, exploring this paradise of rides and excitement, Daniel and I were caught up in fun. We found ourselves cashing in dollars for tokens to play one last game of air hockey (which was so small we have to play on our knees!) I won all 3 games....
I even got to ride a giant horse ride with my sisters. They thought it was the best thing in the world.

The following day, we all went to a park in Santa Clara with my Grandparents and Aunt. It was wonderful having everyone together. We talked and spend the afternoon swinging the girls on the swings. Hannah is graduating from the kiddie swings to the big girl swings. I am so proud of her! We also played in the sand and chit chatted about summer plans. My Mom is planning a DISNEYLAND trip for her, Jon and the girls!! If you don't know, I am a maniac about Disneyland, and made my Mom promise me I'd be there for their first time there...unfortunately I won't be able to go because I'm moving. So they better invest in a good web cam, because I will be apart of this adventure through, web chat, and many many annoying phone calls :) I am so excited foe this fun trip for them.

Heading to sleep, only 8 more days of work left...it's getting exciting!

Elise Diane

Mob

Happy Mother's Day Mob!



No It's not a typo, that's actually what I call my Mom....Mob. It started a few years ago when I had to retaliate for the nick name she's given me my entire life...BOB. It's a long story that I WONT be explaining on my blog. sorry. The names are now a common greeting for us, Hi Mob, Hey Bob!

My Mom is my closest friend. She's more than a wonderful, great, loving Mom, she's like a best friend. We tell each other everything, talking at least once a day. Over the years I have lived mostly long distance from my Mom rather than in the same house, but we have maintained a very close bond by our daily phone convos and updates on life. It will be nothing new for us when I move to Hawaii with Liz. Soon our daily talks will be while I walk down Waikiki beach, and shes drawing in chalk and blowing bubbles on the driveway with the girls. I know we will be just as close are we are now, even though an ocean will separate us. From early morning calls grabbing my non-fat caramel machiatto talking in the Starbucks line and speeding to work, to my late night meltdowns after a recent twenty one year old "crisis." Shes always there, with a listening ear and a patient heart.

Mother's day means card making time. This card was especially made for my mom! I also made one for Daniel's mom Julie (and tried to convince everyone Daniel had made it!) We got them both Tommy Bahama sandals... in hopes that will give them both excuses to plan a Hawaii visit :)

For nineteen years of my life I grew up as an only child, and nearly three years ago, our family was blessed with a sweet beautiful little girl, my sister Hannah. Shortly following her addition to our family, came my second sister Bella. I am so greatful to share with them such a fun, determined, selfless, energetic mother.

Thank you Mob for everything you have done to contribute to me becoming the person I am today. You inspire me to be a better person, and a great mother someday. I love you.

Bob.

bright pink suitcases

Aloha!

My new bright hot pink Diane Von Furstenburg luggage arrived! The days are flying by and all I can think about is...do I have everything? Bathing suit, suntan lotion, sunglasses, sundress, sandals....chocolate... and I think I am ready to MOVE TO HAWAII!!

Most of you already know about the plans to move, but for those who don't, here's the scoop. My BFF Liz decided to transfer from her work at Lululemon in Santana Row to the store in Waikiki, Oahu. Of course I was excited for her, but sad at the same time when I heard this news. A friend living in Hawaii isn't the worst case scenario, but when it is your best friend, that you do everything with, it is a huge deal. I immediately started crying at work, and wondered how I would survive without her. I started thinking about it...and realized that when in my life am I going to get an opportunity to move away into an apartment with my Best Friend, and HAWAII of all places! I discussed it with family and friends, and the response I got was almost unanimous...and sounded something along the lines of "You're young! Do it!" Now here I am, moving to Hawaii in June.

This week I found out that my close friend and Co-worker Holly is leaving the office too. On top of our daily girl chit-chats, there is such much more to talk about with our new exciting plans. She is going to be moving to Lake Tahoe, which happens to be where my Mom lives. I know I will still get to see her often. She promised to come visit me in Hawaii, it wasn't too hard to talk her into coming!

2010 brings so many new experiences and adventures. Liz and I are bursting with excitement. New jobs, new scenery, and a new home. Daniel is already planning a visit to come see me! He is the most supportive and loving person I have ever met. Long distance is going to be a challenge at first, but we know we will be together regardless. He knows exactly how to calm my fears of going....and is already expecting to get 5 calls a day when I move. "babe, how do I start the washer?"...."babe, I have no food!"...."babe, how do I put gas in my moped?"....

On the carnival website it says only 23 days until we cruise! My last day of work is May 28th, and we fly out on a red eye flight that night Caribbean bound. The whirlwind of events is about to start. I couldn't be more excited for this next chapter in my life with so many supportive family members and friends.

Bon Voyage!
Elise Diane