27. Adios amigos

Adios amigos
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I love my job, but when the clock strikes 5, I am excited to say good-bye. This is my office building in my side-view mirror as I head home.

26. Love leaf

Love leaf
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I had a presentation today at South Coast AQMD to secure a grant for the programs I manage. I arrived early and took this time to just walk around and practice my speech (camera in hand of course). I snapped this photo of a heart shaped leaf, then nervously stepped into the boardroom. My preparations paid off- the committee was impressed and approved the request. I hope that my passion and love for the program shined through. 

25. Lower level B

Lower level B
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

My garage at work. Nothing exciting.
I am a bit obsessive-compulsive and prefer even numbers. I will purposely seek out an open even spot. My personal favorite: spot #8.

24. Ernie and Lily

Ernie and Lily
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Lily is currently addicted to Sesame Street, and loves this Ernie beanie that Ninong Jon gave her. It is the only hat that she will wear willingly.  She has a fit when we try to take it off.  I can't imagine what she would do if she had an Elmo one. 

23. The joy of bubbles

The joy of bubbles
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

What a beautiful Saturday.. crisp air, warm sun, blue sky, birds chirping... After being cooped up indoors all week, Lily was ecstatic to finally be able to run outside. She loves her bubbles and is now an expert at blowing them.  In fact, her daycare teachers recently told me that she is the only one in her class that knows how, and the other children stand around her in awe as she shows off. 

22. Chomp chomp

Chomp chomp
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Rui had a week-long conference in Louisiana, and returned today with an alligator for his favorite girl. She was excited to meet this new green friend, but even more excited to see her daddy.

21. Rain droplets

Rain droplets
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Lily had a fever last night, so I stayed home with her today. She had a 15 minute tantrum because she wanted to blow bubbles on the patio. Finally, I opened the sliding glass door just to show her that it was raining and wet outside. I also took that opportunity to take a quick photo. That brief encounter with the fresh outdoors was enough to appease her.

20. My breath fogged up the glass...

My breath fogged up the glass...
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

...so I drew a face and I laughed. Gotta love Jason Mraz.

19. Lily's letters

Lily's letters
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

At 18 months, Lily can recognize all the letters of the alphabet.  I originally bought these refrigerator letter magnets so that she can keep busy while I wash dishes.  Now that she knows all of them, she doesn't care about them anymore. 

18. First harvest

First harvest
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

There is nothing sweeter than freshly picked fruit.  My mom has over 20 fruit trees in her backyard and the orange tree is currently abundant with deliciously sweet oranges.  I can't wait to make freshly squeezed OJ. 

17. Future gymnast

Future gymnast
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

My brother and I were enrolled in gymnastics as kids, so we were attempting handstands and back walkovers to see if we "still got it".  And we do.  Lily found it so entertaining she was laughing histerically, even trying a headstand of her own.  Once she turns 2, we too will enroll her in gymnastics for tots.   

16. Sweet treats

Sweet treats
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Happy Birthday to my BFF- Sandy, the domestic diva.  Tonight was her Pampered Chef, murder mystery dinner and it was a ton of fun.  In addition to the great meal, there was a beautiful selection of delectable desserts, all baked by the domestic diva herself.  She is my idol. 

15. Teh-tah-tee

Teh-tah-tee
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

 

Every morning, Lily asks to watch "Teh-tah-tee" aka Sesame Street.  Once that theme song begins ("Sunny days, sweepin the clouds away") she can't be bothered.  She is completely focused on her furry muppet friends.  Her current favorites are Elmo and Ernie, or in her words uhh-neeee. 

14. Size 5 Chucks

Size 5 Chucks
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I feel like I am always buying Lily new shoes.  She is just growing too fast.  She has now graduated to size 6, thus it is time to pack away all of her size 5's to join the other hand-me-down shoes for the next kid. 

13. The Troubaudor

The Troubaudor
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I watched the very talented Kina Grannis perform at the historic Troubadour in West Hollywood.  I was so excited to get an awesome shot of her performing under the stage lights, but right before she came on, my stupid battery died.  And the only photo I took all day was this piece of crap photo of the bar.  But, it's slowly growing on me.  Note to self: charge the battery before leaving the house!

12. LACMA lights

lacma lights
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I work in the Variety Building right across the street from the LACMA. The beautiful view from my office window consists of the urban light sculpture and the Hollywood sign in the hills. I have no excuse to not visit the abundance of art since it is literally out my window. I am now officially inspired!

11. Yellow bike

yellow bike
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

I had grand plans of taking an awesome photo of Sunset Blvd. traffic, but upon exiting the elevator in the parking garage- I saw the lone yellow bike, so I shot that instead and went back to my apartment. The Sunset Blvd. photo will be for another day. On another note- I really want a bike of my own.

10. Hexagon

hexagon
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

One of the things I love about photography is the fact that I am always on the lookout for interestingness. As I was walking around my parent's house, camera in hand, I looked up while on the stairs, and saw this. The chandelier hanging down the center of the staircase.

9. Sunset

sunset
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

Rui and I met with Sam and her boyfriend for our first double date ever: dinner and a little basketball show-down at Dave & Buster's. Good times! Anyways, I forgot to bring my camera, but was able to capture the breathtaking sky with my sister's camera.

8. Dusty red pipes

red pipes
Originally uploaded by simple.joys

At work, I always take the stairs in the parking garage instead of the elevator. Must take advantage of the opportunities to get a workout in, since my gym membership hasn't seen the light of day in months. For the past 2 and a half years, I stare at this dusty red pipe on my way to the office and on my way out wondering what it is. I still have no idea.