Wide open spaces

"Who doesn't know what I'm talking about? Who's never left home, who's never struck out, to find a dream and a life of their own, a place in the clouds, a foundation of stone." -Dixie Chicks

Hey sweet blog readers :)

Only 6 DAYS until I leave for England with my hot aunt Nessy. YEAH! I could not be more excited. My grandparents grew up in England and this will be the first time I will visit their home land. This is something I have dreamed about my entire life...and it is finally becoming a reality.

Every time I write a blog, it's always some new crazy idea...but that's just me :) a little spontaneous....just like my mom was at this age....

I am not sure how to explain this next part... haha, but I will do my best. The past few weeks since returning from Hawaii I have spent a lot of time thinking about my life. I have done a lot of soul searching. I am kind of at a crossroads in my life...newly unemployed (by choice), having my best friend move 3,000 miles away, and being newly single....some things in the life of Elise have gotten a bit turned upside down....but in a good way. I have had a LOT to think about. To be honest, I am so happy with this new sense of freedom, adventure and independence. Sometimes I feel like, is this really my life? I've always been the "Santa Clara faithful" chick. Never having moved away to explore different cities, friends, jobs... I am finally ready to spread my wings. Things I would have been nervous about in the past, I am eager for now. Things that would have scared me in the past, I am ready to take them on! Thinking about leaving is not longer a fear, but a NEED.

Where I am at right now is...what do I want to do? Where do I want to go? What places do I want to see? It really came after the whole Hawaii moving thing didn't work out, my best friend asked me "If you could move anywhere, where would you move?" I honestly couldn't give her an answer....where would I move? Where would I fit in? ...moving to Hawaii is Liz's dream, a beautiful place that I know she will thrive. It brings out the best in her. This whole experience, thinking I was moving to Hawaii, then not moving...really was the best thing that could have happened to me. I need to discover myself...and follow MY dreams... I am a country girl at heart, even growing up in California I have always had the dream of moving to some country town, USA. In high school I dreamed of moving to Texas....For me, moving to the country, to a country music town, is EXACTLY where I need to be. This is my dream, my roots. My parents both lived in San Antonio, Texas for a few years and absolutely fell in love with country music and those perfect sunsets. Not to mention the awesome night life, country bars, and genuine people.

"She's gone country, back to her roots, she's gone country, look at them boots"

I thought about moving to Hawaii, because it's easy, my cousin lives there, my best friend is there..and it is amazingly beautiful. (hot guys too!) I have realized that it's time to follow my goals. With that said...I have 5 cities in mind. Two of them are the top contenders for where I am potentially going to move.
1) Nashville, TN....the country music capital of the world. aka the LA of country music.
2) Austin, TX....the live music capital of the world.

First, I have these non-refundable tickets that need to be used to go to Hawaii. Since I did not move I have a free round trip that needs to be used within a year. So I am going to Hawaii on September 27th to stay with my cousin David for awhile. Maybe a month...my Dad is going in late October so since I have no job. Might as well go hang out, enjoy the island, and all of what Hawaii has to offer. Relax and enjoy being 21, and soak in this time of transition. It will give me some time to plan out, and figure out, where my next step or destination might be.. I can't wait to hike, go to beautiful beaches, and meet some new faces. After that I will come back to California, save up a bit of money, pack up my jetta, and move to a new state, a new city and a brand new beginning :)

I have already started looking in Nashville & Austin, HOLY COW rent is cheap haha I am living in the most expensive place in the US. jeeeez!! All of the people I have met so far through contacting jobs, and places to live, are SO nice. I couldn't believe it. I have already made some friends haha.

I know one thing for sure, England is going to be AMAZING!! I have just started packing. There are so many things to remember to pack. Who knew I would need a "foreign electricity converter kit" ?!?

As my friend Ashley put it...."One GIRL...5 cities. A former- brunette- now- dazzling blond on a mission...to EAT PRAY LOVE."

On another note, I got to spend some time with my blondie cousin Christy!! I love her so much and we are always traveling, and all over the place that we rarely get to hang out. The other day we got a chance to spend a day together in santa cruz! It was so great to catch up with my newly 21 year old cuzzy. She had some great tips for me about to embark on this trip to England. She just got back from London not too long ago. So we had PLENTY to talk about. Love you cuz!


Thanks to everyone who is a supporter, encourager and motivator in my life :) I love you guys.

Elise Diane

the best year ever!

Aloha friends :)

I am updating because I just got home from Hawaii a few days ago! My second trip of the year so far, and it was completely amazing. I finally got a chance to see my best friend Liz who I hadn't seen since June. The last time we saw each other, she was dropping me off at the airport to go on my cruise. The five hour flight had me on the edge of my seat just waiting to re-connect with my best friend in the whole world. We had a blast the 6 short days I was there...and made the most of it! I knew instantly we would get back to our joking, laughing, and dumping out ALL of our clothes for the other to see.

My Dad was with me on this little trip to the island. He stayed in downtown Waikiki (at a really nice hotel I might add) while I stayed with Liz in her beautiful apartment. Most days Liz would go to work and I would cab it down to meet my Dad and do a little shopping/drinking ;) Then when Liz would get off work, I'd meet back up with her. One of the days when she had the day off, we went to the north shore to Sunset beach. The four of us went snorkeling in crystal clear water. Then lounged on the beach until we decided to move to our next stop, SHAVE ICE at Motsumotos. Yum. What a perfect day.

Another day I went with Liz on a drive. It was a little rainy that day so we decided to look for the "Black Pearl" ship that was used in filming of the newest pirates of the Caribbean movie! We ended up finding it with a little help from our IPhones. Even though there was no Johnny Depp in sight. It was still awesome to this this cool pirate ship docked so close.

I also got to visit with my cousin David! He came out to dinner with us on the first night, but that was the only night we got to hang out. I will be seeing a lot more of him on my next trip out there...

I had a wonderful time. I loved seeing my best friend who I miss dearly. I fell in love with Hawaii

all over again, and finally got to see other parts of the Island that weren't so touristy. Of course regret my decision not to move there when I had the opportunity. but things can change though right? .................;)

Soon I will be off the ENGLAND!! A little less than 3 weeks and Aunt Nessy and I will be on our way. My very third trip of the summer, but very first time to Europe! Finally I get to see where my family originated. I am in LOVE with 2010, and feel like I am growing and learning so much about myself every day. I can honestly say that I have discovered more about myself this summer than I have in my entire life. It has been a roller coaster of fun, adventures, lessons, and even hard decisions...but overall I am so happy to be exactly where I am. Not knowing what the future holds.

My cards are still in production...just trying to find time for it all! More updates soon.

Loves!

Elise Diane

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