Keeping it Classic- Black & White

Hi everyone!Tonight I went out to dinner with one of my good friends Ariel. We caught up over a great bowl of pho, and I decided to dress up more than your typical jeans and a T-shirt. Lately I've been really inspired after seeing Jean, from extrapetite.com, showcase all of her adorable outfits on her website. I'm not nearly as knowledgeable or stylish as her when it comes to fashion, but I certainly am trying to put in the effort to be! Therefore I've been shopping waay for more than I should be lately, and my taste in clothing has slightly shifted into a more... bohemian/laid back/casual feel, I guess is best to put it. My simplicity has still stuck with me though, so no worries about that.

I have on:

White Blouse- Ella Moss

High Waist Trouser Shorts- By Bull Head purchased at PacSun

Earrings: Charlotte Russe

Bracelets: Macy's
Messenger Bag: Aldo

I just purchased these trouser shorts today and I can honestly say they're my newest obsession. I love love love them! They're so effortless yet chic and casual. And I got them for only ten dollars! I have an urge to go back and find more colors... uh-oh....

I bought these bangles from Macy's for two dollars. The charms really drew me in, especially they locket one!

These earrings are also an addition to my favorite items this past month, my good friend Ariel got them for me for Christmas and they match so well with a majority of my outfits! They look so good when my hair is up in a bun, it really just adds the finest finishing touch :).

I hope you all had a very merry holiday season!

Journal Entry Number 4

Hi everybody! Sorry for the extraordinarily late update! Ever since school started I seriously don't even have time for anything. Between homework and working and sleeping, I can finally be considered a loser with absolutely no life. But I feel like I always knew I was one, deep, deeeeeep down inside. I actually have some homework I vowed to do at 12:00, and the most I've done is simply download a reading assignment. I haven't even read one word.
So where to start?! School began in early September, and I have to say, I am NOT enjoying my senior year. Seriously- I have more work than I've ever had in my life- including junior year which is supposed to be the hardest year. I can't even wrap my mind around how much work I have to do, its just ridiculous. I mean, I'm a senior. I am not supposed to be doing stuff. It's just... awful. And I know I'm being a drama queen and exaggerating, but I simply cannot get over the amount of crap I'm doing this year.
Aside from the fact my school year isn't starting off the greatest, my birthday was on the tenth of this month! I celebrated with my family and close friends the day before at one of my favorite Mediterranean restaurants, and my best friend, Jacob, got my the Ray Bans I've been wanting for the past two years. I was so so so excited and am so happy, I love my Jacob :)

Nick, me, Elaine, and Jacob

The next day, on the actual day of my birthday, I went to lunch at my favorite Thai restaurant with my sisters and mom. Then I went to my best friend Bahars cousins wedding! I was her "date" and I was also there with Heliya, another friend of hers who is so sweet. I met her lovely family and we danced the night away, it was so much fun.

Two of the prettiest things in this pitcure- Heliya and my Ray Bans.

Bahar was such a gorgeous maid of honor.

I also talked to my best friend (I have a lot of best friends if you couldn't tell) Megan three nights ago. She moved to Montana, and I haven't talked to her all summer long. But I was so so so happy to hear her voice and being able to chat with her like old times completed my week. I miss her more than anyone can ever imagine.

And now I am here typing, when instead I should really be doing my homework. And I have work later tonight. UGHH my life revolves around school and work now. Summer, why'd you have to leave?
Till next time,

                                                    


Caroline

Calm Surroundings

Last night I couldn't sleep to save my life. I have a feeling part of the reason was because I was so overly bloated from eating pho with my two best friends, but I just haven't been able to sleep well this entire summer. So as it started to hit 5:00 in the morning, and I'm still tossing and turning in my bed, I hear my dad downstairs get ready for his daily morning fishing. I used to go with my dad all the time when I was younger, but now that I'm grown up I was never really interested in it anymore. But for some reason today I thought, "I can't sleep and I'm bored outta my mind. Might as well come along for the ride."
And so I went downstairs to tell my dad I was going with him. At first he tried to tell me to stay home and sleep, but I knew that wasn't going to happen, so he finally agreed for me to come.

This morning was absolutely beautiful. As soon as we got there, I had to take a minute to let everything set in. The quietness, the sunrise, the water, and the fresh morning air. Well, it was downtown so it wasn't exactly the freshest, but it was still wonderful. I really wish I would have worn my sports bra because I would have gone for a morning run.

I sat on the bench for the first half hour, admiring the beautiful view and taking pictures. There were also a few other people fishing, two of which were my dads friends.

Can you see my pops? Hahaha, probably not.

During that hour sitting in front of the water, it kind of made me realize how precious life is. The view just cleared my mind and had me thinking that life shouldn't be full of stress and wonder. Instead, people should just take a step back and evaluate their life, and see what they can do in order to improve it and get where they want to be. Anybody is capable of making a change, and with determination and motivation, anything can be achieved.

Afterward, I went power walking along the area, greeting everyone who was doing the same. It was quite nice, and it was a good way to get my exercise in for the day.

I think I'm going to come here more often with my dad. It was so peaceful and I felt so good about everything. The beauty of nature is truly amazing, it can make you view life in a completely different perspective. I definitely recommend you guys go out and enjoy what nature has to offer, it truly is like therapy for the mind.

Till next time!

-Caroline

A Fashion Post... whaaat?

I know, I know, I never do these. But I was all dressed up for a wedding this past Saturday and thought, you know, why not?! So I present to you my fashion blog post :) I dont think I'll be doing too many of these, but every once in a while it should be fun! Lets go ahead and get started :)

Top: Marshalls
Skirt: Nordstom Rack
Tights: Nordstrom Rack
Heels: Nordstrom
Belt: Steve Madden
Head Band: Forever 21
Earrings: Forever 21
        
   

I hope you guys enjoyed this very random post! Have a wonderful day :)

-Caroline

Journal Entry #3...?

I remember I used to do these little journal entry things, but then I forgot about them and I started to call them updates but I decided to go back to its original name :) No one probably cares, but that's okay.
So this past Saturday I was asked to do the makeup for a bridal party, and of course I accepted! My best friend Kayla was going to be the maid of honor for her grandparents vow renewal, isn't that sweet? I ended up not even going to sleep Friday/Saturday night because I usually fall asleep at three AM, and I had to be ready by 6 AM. So as I was laying in bed, I decided to stay up the entire night cause my brain refused to turn off. So I got up, put on some makeup, did my hair, and while I was at it, filmed a video for the sake of it. And then Kayla came and picked me up, and then we made a quick stop at Starbucks and headed to her house where the rest of the bridal party was waiting for me to work my magic. And since they were all already so naturally beautiful, my job was insanely easy.

Pretty girls :)

So I did 6 people hair and makeup in total, the three bridesmaids and their lovely moms. And since my makeup was already done, all I had to do was put on my dress and heels. So after everyone was done getting ready, we headed out to Kayla's grandparents house where we helped pick up some stuff for the reception, and then we drove to a park close by where they all took photos. Her ginormous family consisted of about 10 aunts and uncles, and like, 15 cousins. It was so cute seeing all of them together and it was a beautiful day, I'm sure the pictures turned out gorgeous.

With Kayla and her adorable brother Chad

After the photo session, we headed over to the church. We waited around for about an hour and a half and then the ceremony began. It was truly beautiful and so amazing that they were renewing their vows on their 50th wedding anniversary. I hope to reach that mile stone one day :) Congratulations to the very happy&beautiful couple!

After more photos, and more photos, we headed over to the reception and I was DEAD. Seriously. I hadn't eaten in over 15 hours (and my number one fear is starvation), I was tired due to the fact I hadn't slept in over thirty hours, and my feel were in pain. I was dozing off just sitting at the table. No joke. I ended up sitting next to Kaylas grandparents on her dads side, who were so incredibly nice and lovely people to chat with. They sure knew how to make me laugh. Kayla and the rest of her siblings and cousins were sitting at a table reserved for the bridal party, that's why i couldn't sit with her. But honestly, I was so tired and hungry that I couldn't care less. I just wanted to sit, sleep, and then eat. After about another hour of waiting, the reception finally began and everyone made their entrance. Everyone was shouting at Kayla's grandparents to kiss, it was so adorable :)
After getting my plate of food which I devoured in ten minutes, I was satisfied and had the energy I was lacking all day. I felt great, a little whoozy, but that's because I only had one contact in as the other one had ripped earlier that day. Stupid Acuvue Oasis contact -__-
After I was done with my meal, Kayla had pulled up a chair at her table so I could sit with her and her family. But then they got up as soon as I sat down, and they began to tell their favorite memories about their grandparents on the microphone. Im not going to lie- I teared up a bit. It was just so sweet. I hope my future grandchildren do this for me...
Hahaha, and then they sang a lullaby and after that they sang 'Rhythm of Love' by the Plain White T's, one of my favorite songs ever. It was so incredibly cute, ahhh I couldn't get over it. Oh- and many people were thanking me and telling me how great of a job I did on the makeup and hair. I felt so appreciated <3
And then the night was over, and after cleaning up a bit, Kayla had to take me home. She's leaving for college about three or four states away, so it was really sad ): I'm most likely not going to see her or her family anytime soon, and I adore her family so it was really bitter sweet. After saying good bye to everyone, we headed on home. But she and Tony (her brother who was in the car with us) were craving slurpees from Seven Eleven, so before we went to my house we went over to the Seven Eleven up the street. Apparently, the slurpees were really watery, so they decided to get Vitamin Waters. I insisted to pay (it was only three dollars lol) and as we left the store they thanked me and I was like, "Don't even worry about it. Thank you for picking me up and taking me home."
And then Tony was like, are you serious? You got up at 6 in the morning to do their makeup, you have nothing to thank us for.
And I was shocked, because Tony is usually either teasing me or making fun of me (in a joking manner-most of the time) so I was like, "Are you actually being appreciative, Tony?"
And he said, "Pfft. No."
And I was like, "Well thats too bad. I was going to ask you a serious question but I guess I shouldn't anymore."
And of course he was trying to get me to tell him but I simply kept my mouth shut. And they Brian McKnight's 'Back at One' started playing and it was on Tony's Ipod (haha) and we were all singing along and all of a sudden I just turned around and said, "Alright, I'll just ask you. If next year I don't have a prom date, do you think you..."
And he nodded his head and said, "Yeah, no problem. I'll find a great friend for you."
wompwomp.
And Kayla was like "Ohmygosh Tony, seriously?"
And I (at the same time) said "Asshole".
And then he started laughing and he was like, "I'm just kidding, but yeah Caroline, I'll be your prom date if you don't have one."
And then I was relieved. And I dont really know what happened next, but I just remember it was funny cause I was laughing. And for those of you curious- we're the same age. We're going to be seniors this upcoming year :) But we don't go to the same school, we actually go schools that arent even remotely close lol.
And then (I feel like I said that over 15 times) Kayla got my house and parked so we could go outside to take pictures since we didn't take any at the reception. She looked so beautiful.

Im going to miss her <3

I, on the other hand, was so tired and so cold by the end of the night that I put on my Vans, pulled the shirt I was wearing earlier over my dress, wrapped my scarf around my neck, and had Tonys jacket on because I was freezing in the car.  So yes, I look like a strange... mess, is a nice way to put it, but I was comfortable so I didn't really care. And of course I had to take a picture with my maybe prom date.

I don't know why, but I laugh every time I think about what he said. Im laughing as I type haha.

And then I said my goodbyes to her. I know she is going to do so well in college and knock some pretty boy off his feet. She's such an amazing, beautiful, humorous, kind-hearted friend whom I am so blessed to have someone in my life like her. Her college-mates are so fortunate to have her as one of their fellow peers.
This part is funny. So after saying my last goodbye to Kayla in the car, I gave Tony a hug goodbye and he goes, "Caroline?"
And I was like, "Yeah?"
And he said, "Do you think I could get my jacket back? I mean, if you really want to you can keep it, but..."
And for some reason, I thought he was going to say something else. I don't even know what else, but just not that. And so I started laughing, telling him I completely forgot about it and handed it over to him, telling him it might be best if I give it back, just in case its a rental :p

And that's how my night ended. I miss Kay already, but I know we'll be keeping in touch and I know we'll be seeing each other in the winter too. I hope everyone else had a good weekend as well! Its time for me to go to bed, school is starting up in less than a month and I haven't broke free of my horrible sleeping habits /: Goodnight everyone!

-Caroline

My Career Aspirations

I guess you can say I'm an "aspiring" guru (harhar) but really- I'm not. And I know what I'm about to say is going to come off HORRIBLY cocky. But I personally believe its true. And so do many people I know. So. Going on with it. Okay.
I'm good at makeup. *SHRIEEEEK*
Okay, so maybe its not a big deal, or not a deal at all. But I know for a fact that I'm better than the average person at makeup. How? I've been asked to do makeup for proms, weddings, picture day, and numerous other events. I know, I know, just because people ask me doesn't mean I'm all that. But when I look at the finished product of my "creation" (bahahaha) I can't help but think, "Damn Caroline, what the hell are you doing working at a sandwich shop? You should be doing makeup for the runway!" Alright, perhaps not that far, but I know that I have the qualifications to do makeup professionally. And sometimes, its not about what people think. Its about what you think, and about if you feel you have the potential to reach every goal. But the important question is, do you have the drive, the determination, to get you there?
Now i'm not just talking about makeup. There are so many other careers I want to take part in. Why oh why must there only be one of me?! To be honest though, professional makeup is my back up plan. And I'd want to be a Celebrity Makeup Artist just so I can get a more dominant experience in the field. But truth be told, I really want to become a News Anchor. I plan on enrolling in journalism courses during college and also having it as my number one major. But then I have this awfully scary urge to attend law school, but I have to double check myself on that one because I've been watching waaaay too much Law&Order: SVU lately. I just get so much motivation from the show alone. But I have this horrible horrible fear of having someones life in my hands. I just think that's so much responsibility I have to bare. I don't know if I could handle that...
And then there's my dream of becoming a detective. This is probably the biggest dream of all. I would *love* to have a career as a detective. Thanks to the numerous amount of episodes I've watched of CSI: NY, Criminal Minds, Dexter, Psych, White Collar, Law&Order: SVU once again, and many others (see parents, T.V really does have an influence of children!-Not that I'm a child or anything...). But knowing me, since I have been myself for the past 16/17 years of my life, I think I'm too chicken to actually get out of bed at 3 AM and go check out a dead body. Thinking about it-typing about it even- makes me shudder. And then there are those crazy people who want to get pay back at the detectives who arrest them so what if they come and hunt my family down? *knocks on wood* Or what if I have to go undercover and something goes wrong? What if something really horrible happened to me? How do I recover from a traumatic experience? These are all the questions I ask myself, and it really makes me wonder if I have the capability to withhold so much... sadness, and pain. I think its the "what if's" that get to me the most though. As much as I would love to help bring justice to those who deserve it, I don't know if I have the bravery to catch the sonofabitch who ruined their lives. I think I need something to heavily impact my life for me to really have the ambition to pursue my dreams. We shall see.
BUT. If I don't ever fufill that dream, my second dream is to marry someone in that profession. So he can tell me all about his day, and how he helped bring closure into someones life. It'll be like hearing a Law&Order episode. No re-runs included.

-Caroline

Turkey Bell Pasta

Wow. Its been less than 12 hours and I'm already posting up a new recipe. That. Is. Insane. Hahaha, thankfully this is a full on recipe post inspired by the beautiful Mel who made a similar recipe called Farfalle Pasta Vegetable Salad, although my recipe is a bit more of a full on pasta.

Doesn't sound too appetizing, huh? Well I just came up with that name in three seconds, so don't judge. Hahaha, its not as weird as it sounds! Actually, its quite delicious! My sister originally wanted to go get something to eat from Chipotle or something but I suggest the idea of cooking dinner tonight. Not only would it be lighter on our wallet, but it meant I could actually cook and try something new! My sister hesitantly agreed (and this is the girl who had seconds, heh) and off to the grocery store we went. She gave me the honors to cook so I made the meal all by myself! I felt so grown up ^__^

Alright, lets get started with the ingredients. You will need the following:

• Bow Tie Pasta (or whatever you prefer)
• A Jar of Tomato Sauce (I like Prego)
• Ground Turkey (or beef, but Turkey is more lean, thus more healthier)
• Bell Pepper, Onion, Jalapeno, Tomato's, and Cilantro
• Seasoning (salt, pepper, sugar, garlic salt, etc)
• Tabasco (optional)
  P.S. If you're a vegetarian, easily skip the meat part.
  
  
  
  
  
  First thing first, get your vegetables ready.
  
  

  

  Cook the mean in a pan/skillet and wait 5-10 minutes for the meat to fully cook.
  
  The meat contained oil so I just lightly sprayed the pan and allowed the meat to cook in its own juice.
  
  While the meat is still browning, use the time to cut up all the vegetables.
  
  After your done chopping, pour the sauce into a pot.
  
  
  Go ahead and start seasoning away! I don't have measurements, I just eyeball. Garlic Salt is a must!
  
  And then add some sugar...
  
  
  And some salt...
  
  And once you're done seasoning add in the cooked meat!
  
  And using the same skillet we cooked the meat in, pour the vegetables in. You don't have to add any oil, the oil from the meat will help saute the vegetables and give it a kick of flavor.
  
  
  

  
  

  While the vegetables are cooking, go ahead and mix the meat with the sauce. If you happened to use too much meat (like I did) pour in one small can of tomato sauce to help even out the texture (Thank goodness I had one left!)
  
  After letting the veggies cook for a good 3-5 minutes go ahead and pour it into the sauce. In the back I have the pot of bow tie pasta cooking! I used the Barille Farfalle Bow Tie Pasta. My sister loves this kind.
  
  Add a few drops of Tabasco, but not too much because some people may not like the spice. But if you're just cooking this for yourself, go ahead and pour that stuff in!
  
  Add a little bit of basil in the mix as the finishing touch...
  
  Once the pasta noodles are fully cooked (I usually leave mine in for a good 12-15 minutes, I prefer the noodles to be thoroughly cooked) go ahead and strain it out.
  
  And fin! Go ahead and plate the amount you desire. Add garnishes like fresh basil or... something else. I just seasoned mine with more Tabasco cause I lalalalove it :)
  
  And that is all for my Turkey Bell Pasta post! I hope you guys enjoyed, its a good meal to cook for the family, not to mention its super delicious! My sister, brother, and I all had seconds! Or maybe we were just extra hungry...
  
  Either or, I'm very happy with the recipe and I hope you guys try it out when you get a chance. Thank you all so much for reading, have a good one!
  
  -Caroline
  
  
  
  
                

Vamped Up PB&J

*Yaaay for my first food post! I have a feeling there's going to be MANY more to come!*

      Lately, I've been feeling really inspired after reading so many food posts from wonderful bloggers like Mel and others. So I decided to hop on the band wagon and make a little "recipe" post as well! Even though my recipe isn't nearly as technical nor amazing as all the other ones, its still something at least. But seriously, mine is super duper easy. I probably shouldn't even be doing a post. But hey, I already took the photo's and I'm taking baby steps. Leave me alone.

Alright! So this is my version of vamping up a PB&J. Of course, nothing can beat the classic American snack, the infamous Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich, but you can still make different versions of it! Its just a fun way to try something new, and if you have kids, this should be a fun little recipe they'll enjoy. So lets get started!

                                           You will need the following:
                             *Bread (I used Oroweat- I prefer wheat bread)
                        *Peanut Butter (I don't know what kind it is- sorry!)
                             *Jelly (Strawberry from Smuckers- classic)
                             *Trail Mix!

     First thing you want to is to do toast the bread. I always do this because I prefer my bread warm :p
                                  
     Then you obviously would spread the peanut butter all over. I feel really lame explaining this...

                    And here's the fun part! Pour some of your trail mix all over the peanut butter.

If you're a big PB lover you can go ahead and add a second coat to cover the trail mix, but I was fine with this. The nuts adds a nice crunchy texture and the m&m's and raisins are a nice surprise!

              Then spread the jelly on the other bread... kind of self explanatory... once again I feel lame...

And tada! You are done. With the remaining trail mix just go ahead and snack on those. Add a water or tea, some apple slices (not shown) and watch an episode of White Collar like I did!

Its a quick easy snack, maybe three minutes more than the average PB&J. This is optional, but when I'm done with my sandwich I stick it back in the over for about a minute, that way the m&m's melt and chocolate goodness mixes with the peanut butter.

I hope this post was enjoyable for you all to read! I know this "recipe" is beyond easy and really just self explanatory, but I felt like doing a post and I was making a sandwich and then I started taking pictures and then all of sudden they landed here on my blog. I hope you guys enjoyed nonetheless, can't wait to write another food post! And I promise it'll be more interesting :p

Till next time!

-Caroline

A Random Post

      Right now, I am not only writing a blog post, but am watching Criminal Minds as well. What a wonderful multitask-er am I?! Okay, so maybe its not THAT impressive. Actually, its a little bit less than that since I've already seen this episode... three times. Damn reruns. But its Criminal Minds, which means more T.V time of Shemar Moore and Matthew Gray Gubler. Honestly, who could complain with those beautiful faces? I sure won't, sigh.
 So lately I've been feeling really inspired. I came across Mariannan's blog and although its mainly fashion, seeing how long she's been keeping up her blog is extremely motivational. Not that I don't like fashion, but I'm just really basic with my style, mainly due to the fact I prefer comfort over style any day :P Ohmigosh, an IHOP commercial just came on and now I REALLY want a funnel cake. Okay, sorry for that random interjection. Anyway, back on Mariannan's blog, I think its amazing how dedicated she is not only to fashion but being able to capture her creativity and share it with the rest of the world. Truly inspirational. And she's beyond gorgeous, how is she not a model?!
  As for myself, I haven't been doing much (since Comic-Con at least). I went to a baseball game with my best friend Jacob yesterday, and we got a whole suite (or his boss did) so we had an amazing view of the park and the room had food set out and lots of drinks in the fridge! It was really great, there were plenty of laughs and good times.

                                                               
   I'm also dreading the fact that its been a week since Comic-Con, I miss it oh so dearly. But on the brighter side, its a week down till Comic-Con 2012! Hahaha, ohh who am I kidding. I'm still really depressed and will most likely stay like this until Comic-Con comes around again. Nerd Life Forever. Only 348 more days to go...
                                                   

                                                         
  So my journalism class just released our new online website (yaay for launching another news source in which my own school will never ever read given the fact I never see anyone pick up a newspaper. Yaaay!) and my teacher emailed us asking if we could write a little bio about ourselves. So this is what I wrote:
            Hello Everyone! My name is Caroline and I will be the News Editor for this 2011-2012 year. My main goal is to inform you all with the important events that affect our lives not only as individuals, but students as well. I’m not trying to scare you in thinking that everything I write about will have something to do with more budget cuts, another disaster, or that the world will end in 2012 (it’s not, silly people). I’m just going to give out the facts, with the support of my research, in hopes that you guys will read what is stated and keep it in mind because it very well may relate to you.
          Aside from journalism, I enjoy reading, shopping, attending Comic-Con and musical events, watching quality T.V shows (such as Dexter, Psych, Burn Notice, etc.), and experimenting with makeup and hair styles.
                So thank you all very much for reading my short biography! I will be in room 226 during fourth period (I prefer dark chocolate and my favorite flower are tulips) for those who are curious...
  My teacher told us to write something witty, so of course I do! But seriously, I'm not kidding about the dark chocolate...
  Oh, and just to clarify, the sentence about no one reading our paper was a semi joke. Of course there are those wonderful students who read SOMETHING in the paper, but the majority of my fellow students are a bunch of losers who care too little about the society they're living in. I have a lot of pride and dedication to our newspaper, but I'm realistic at the same time. Even if kids don't read our paper (those dumb asses) it never stops us from making the paper the best it can possibly be.
   I really don't have much else to say. I think the next post I'm going to write about is my diet (which isn't really a diet but I'll explain in the post) so stay tuned for that! I'm going to go watch Cold Case now (an amazing show, did they HAVE to cancel it?!) so I hope you guys have a wonderful night/day/morning or whatever you're doing!

-Caroline

p.s. For some reason, I'm REALLY craving a chilly dog o.o

San Diego Comic-Con 2011: The Best Four Days Ever.

                I don't even know where to begin. Well, obviously I should start with the first day, huh? Alright, so the first day we had some MAJOR complications. Long story short we couldn’t find any parking in downtown (Comic-Con Attendee 101: Never expect to find parking in downtown during Comic-Con. NEVER) so we had to park at the local mall and have my brother drop us off at the Convention Center… at 3:30 in the morning. So that was quite eventful. Not to mention tiring. But we were finally there and were in a good enough spot in line to be satisfied. So when we headed up to Ballroom 20 4 hours later, we had what you would call prime seating. We were within the first ten rows of the ballroom, which is extraordinary good. Probably the best we’ll ever get if we don’t start getting used to an early schedule.
                Any way. I got to ask Bruce Campbell a question during his panel and although he gave me a humorous yet not very thorough answer, Matt Nix, creator of Burn Notice on USA network gave me a very well formulated answer which I very much appreciated :) And then the Covert Affairs Panel happened and I don’t watch that show so I hardly even followed what they were saying, but finally the Psych panel came out and cracked everybody in the audience up. Their panel is so so so hilarious, I can never get enough of them. 

                                                      
                After the Psych panel we finally were able to go to the exhibit hall and explore all the booths at Comic Con. Unfortunately, we were so tired that we didn’t do much exploring but instead went to the Marriot hotel, picked up our shirts, and took a nice 5 (alright, maybe twenty. Or thirty. Don’t judge) nap on the couch, since they have a whole living room type lobby filled with Comic-Con attendees. I feel bad that Jacob’s first time at Comic-Con was a tiring one, but there’s always next year! And then I went back with Nick to the Con so he could pick up his badge for the next day and then we went back to the hotel, waited half an hour, and then my brother picked us up. So that pretty much concluded day one at Comic-Con for me. Not very exciting but when you’re in panels all day it’s like you no longer are a part of the outside world (totally over-exaggerating, but you get the point).

The face next to mine explains it all.

                Day 2: Definitely one of my favorite days at Comic-Con ever. I woke up at 8, got ready, and was picked up at nine and headed over to downtown with Nicholas. We took the shuttle from the Sheraton to the convention center, which was kind of a cool experience. And of course it made it 32947102198 times better my shuttle was advertising Dexter :)

So the first thing we did was head over to the Gas Lamp where there was a Conan gallery filled with all these art displays of Conan, the comedian. He was also there that day but he came later on so I missed him ): But on the positive side, I did get a neat T-Shirt with Conan as a super hero cartoon on it!

Everything in the galley was hilarious :)

                And then we headed over to the Hilton patio (right next to the convention center) where people were handing out these gold boxes and you get either a free slurpee from 711 or a T Shirt along with a card that you peel to see if you win a WORLD PREMIERE preview to the new upcoming movie, Cowboys and Aliens. I… lost, but I did get a T-Shirt! My friends though won so I was happy for them :) I on the other hand really just wanted the T-Shirt. So finally we head into Comic-Con after an hour delay and immediately go to the line for the meet & greet with David Zayas, who plays Bautista on Dexter. While I was waiting in line with Sarah, I see this woman with short blonde hair walking past me, and something told me she was someone I was familiar with. But I needed a better look to be sure so I told Sarah I’d be back and began to follow this woman walking with her husband (stalker much?) and as soon as I heard her voice I knew it was her. So I tapped her on the shoulder and was completely star-struck. IT WAS KIRSTEN NELSON!! CHIEF VICK FROM PSYCH!! I don’t know if you guys know this, but Psych is one of my all time favorite shows (EVER) so meeting her was so phenomenal. And to top it off, she was a complete sweet heart. I was like, “I love you in Psych, I’ve seen every season twice now and am a huge fan of your show” and she was so shocked and happy and thanked me for my support and introduced me to her husband. And not only did she let me take a picture with her, but she even did a video for my sister saying how she wish she could be there and hopefully next time. She was so concerned that I would lose my spot in line and continuously asked if I was sure it was okay. So. Incredibly. Nice. It was amazing meeting her.

I'm so happy I met SOMEONE from Psych. Such a sweet lady.

Then I went back in line all rattled up that I met a character from one of my favorite TV shows, so it took a while to collect myself. Thankfully, I did it in enough time before I met David Zayas, who was also a very sweet man. He called me “darling” and “love” and when I told him I not only love him Dexter, but also the past episodes he was in in Burn Notice and CSI: Miami. Then he was all like “Wow, you must really like the Miami shows” and asked if I’ve ever been and I said no but its definitely on my to-do list and he told me it was absolutely beautiful. I bet David, I bet.
                           

                I kind of forgot what we did next. I think we roamed around checking out everything that was there, then we went outside across the street to get some free ice cream (it was Ben and Jerry’s! So delicious) and then we walked a little further and had a small lunch consisting of French fries cause I was hungry and craving something salty. The thing I love about Downtown is that everything is so close and is only mere minutes of a quick wak. The bad thing, which applies to every other cities downtown is that it is filthy, polluted with smokers, and conquered by homeless people. Ok, maybe Im over exaggerating once again, but you get the point. There are definitely some downfalls, but its Comic-Con. Everybody looks past those flaws for the four days they’re there.
                Anyway, we headed back to the The Con and went over to the WB booth where the cast of True Blood was going to be, and what do you know, all of them were there! Unfortunately, it was only for the people who had won a raffle and had the wrist bands, and so my friends weren’t able to meet them (they’re HUGE fans of the show) so I felt bad ): But Deborah… something, I forget her last name and who she plays, is Nicks favorite character and he held up his poster he was hoping to get signed and she gave him a thumbs up! It was super cute. And then my sister called me and told me to meet up with her friend Ren in the convention center because he had an extra pass for my sister. So I was walking over to the 2000 section where Ren was, and as soon as I got off the phone with my sister, guess who I see?! Jon Cryer from Two and a Half Men! There was no crowd around him, he was simply just a celebrity attending Comic-Con like the rest of us. But that didn’t stop me from getting a picture with him. And he was nice about it anyway. To be honest though, when I first say him he was taking a picture with an older man and I thought the older guy was the famous one! Maybe an author or something? But I took a better look at Jon and  light bulbs started flashing in my head and the “menmenmenmenmenmenmen” theme song came ringing through my ears. It was great.

"menmenmenmenmenmen"

           Then I finally got my sister inside the convention, who was completely jealous about how I met Jon Cryer. But its not like I intentionally meant to run into him. Call it fate, or call it pure luck, but I just happen to have a good eye for those on television. And yes, this is hinting at the fact I watch too much T.V. After that long, yet amazing fulfilled day, I headed home early because I had to babysit a family friends son. But I was so happy with everything that happened the second day and was so excited for Saturday :)
                                                                 
               

         Day Three: I would say this and Friday are at a tie for “Best Comic-Con day”. Waking up and wearing my Dexter T-shirt (as well as my sister), we walked into the Con having a feeling it would be a good day. First thing we did was go to the Conan Gallery to get the newest shirt, and then we entered the Con where we met up with Sarah (our official Comic-Con buddy) who gave Elaine a pass to meet Danny Levito! How exciting. So walked around a bit, I took a picture with Captain America because he was super cute even with a mask on.
                               

I felt so safe <3

  And then as we were walking we saw LL Cool J walking (secured with security guards, sadly) to the CBS booth to do a signing for NCIS LA. I was seriously three feet away from him. Sighh. And then my sister came across the Xbox stage where people could play the newest Just Dance game and so Sarah walked over three booths down so she can get more information for her meet and greet with Ryan… I forgot his last name too. But he plays Jason in True Blood! Her brother got her the ticket. So we kind of just waited around there and while we were waiting there were these cute guys in like, a yellow suit (looked more like a rain coat but whatever) who were sort of just guarding the area. And one of them asked me if I could back up, but he said it kind of jokingly, but then he was like “No, seriously. You need to back up. But I won’t go all crazy on you like the other people.” And then he shot me this adorable smile so of course I had to say “Oh yeah?” And I stepped forward as he backed up, and then we kind of just went back and forth on that and he was like, “I don’t think you could handle me” and he took off his hat as if he was ready to battle it out with me and immediately I replied, “Alright Sarah, I’ll be over there.” It was really funny and cute, who knew there would be cute guys to flirt with at Comic-Con? (I did, actually. You guys probably thought that was so stupid.) Then when I came back, the OTHER guy in the yellow suit and his friend were passing out randomly these invitations to a special screening of Ryan’s new movie and the guy looked at me and I was like “Is there any way I could get one?” Battering my lashes and giving him my biggest smile (not really) and he was like, “I don’t know, what do you think?” to his other friend, and basically they were both teasing me but finally he was like, “Alright, I think you should get one too.” So I guess it worked. Ha.
                                             

               

I wish I had gone! Arghhh

                After Sarah met the gorgeous Ryan Kwanten, we went upstairs in hopes of winning a raffle to meet Marc Ecko and getting a Dexter shirt. I just wanted the Dexter shirt, but meeting Marc Ecko was a bonus (I’ve met him before), and guess what?! I won one- after the fifth try. But thankfully everyone else in my group got one too. So we all headed downstairs and got to meet Marc Ecko and he signed our Dexter shirts and took pictures with us.

Yaay! Another Dexter T-Shirt to add to my collection :)

            Before we got to meet Marc Ecko though, my sister and Sarah got to meet Danny Levito and while they were meeting him I met Robert Lasardo! Even though he’s tatted up beyond belief and has that really intense, hard core, criminal look to him, he was one of the nicest people I met all day. He was so incredibly nice, it was unreal. For those of you who don’t know, he plays a criminal in nearly every show that has to do with crime. And you know I love my crime shows <3
                                               

He was so nice

                                                            

Unfortunately I did not go because I THOUGHT I was babysitting again that night when it turns out she had to cancel on me… but it’s okay. Because my sister spotted out Lucas Till (who I don’t care for so I didn't really want a picture) but we started following him for a good minute or two when finally we ended up at the Nickelodeon booth where the Power Rangers were signing autographs. I don’t watch the show (since I AM 16…) but I was snapping pictures from a distance because, come on, the guys were HOT. So as Im snapping away, the green ranger (the cutest one) looks up and points at my camera. I swear my finger nearly stopped working but luckily I was able to push my finger on the shutter button and forever capture that amazing pose.
                                                  

Honestly, how cute is he?!

            Bahahaha, I crack myself up. Anyway, as soon as they were done, they began walking off to the side to get ready for their panel and I hurried over to the green ranger and asked if I could take a picture with him :) He was so sweet and as soon as he put his arm around me, my heart quite literally melted. I always referred to him as the sexy green ranger but I just figured out no more than fifteen minutes ago his name is Hector David Jr. What a stud Hector is…

                                           

                Oh! I forgot to add, when I was walking in the 3000 section with my friends, I spotted out Nicholas Brendan, who plays Garcia’s boyfriend on one of my favorite shows of all time, Criminal Minds! I was so excited when he let me take a picture with him, and he was so so so sweet.               
                                                  

So cute!

               And then after that, my sister and her friend wanted to try to find Zachary Levi at his even, Nerd HQ which was only three blocks away from the convention center. Basically, Nerd HQ is an alternative event for Comic-Con for those who were unable to attend created and hosted by Zachary Levi. As soon as we got the Nerd HQ, Zachary was taking the last couple pictures and as soon as got to him and asked for a picture, he took my hands in his (I swear this happened) and looked me straight in the eye, telling me “I am so sorry. I really have to go, but I will be here tonight and all day tomorrow. I promise you then I will take a picture with you, I’m so sorry.” And I was so mesmerized by not only his incredibly good looks, but the sincerity in his eyes. He was genuinely sorry.  And at that point, I didn’t care about the fact I could hardly hear him (he had lost his voice, poor thing) or that I was being kindly rejected. And everyone told me I looked so sad, but really, I was just so incredibly mesmerized. And then I said, “That’s okay, but would it be okay if I gave you a hug?” And he said, “Of course you can have a hug.” And he embraced me and my sister for a good 6 or 7 seconds, and I felt like I could die right there. Then I told him I loved him (definitely a Caroline thing) and he looked at all of us and said, “I love you guys *so* much, thank you for understanding.”  And then he gracefully left, leaving us to swoon in the memory of him holding me so close and securing my hands in his, just to give me that extra assurance. I was in a purse state of bliss. So the Nerd HQ basically had a bunch of TV’s set up where people can play video games and there was also a photo booth where you could take photos. So my sister and I took a few and the guy that was managing it all was so cool and I tell you, he had the most flawless skin I have ever seen. But anyway, he was so cool that I felt a need to get a picture with him. And then he suggest that the three of us take a picture in the photo booth together :) So we did just that.

So adorable :)

       Day four: The last day. So bitter-sweet. So my sister and I took Zachary’s promise seriously. We were determined to get a picture with him. So we made a stop to get roses for him, and then we headed over to Nerd HQ and stayed there for the next 8 hours. YES. EIGHT HOURS! There’s not much to talk about for Sunday, but my sister, I, and friends just waited and waited for Zachary Levi to come downstairs from his panel. After waiting five hours, TADA, there he was looking more adorable than ever. My sister and I immediately rushed up to him with the roses which he was shocked about, but when he accepted them he immediately stuck them in his face taking deep long breaths. Then he said, “Wow, those smell amazing.” It was the cutest thing ever. And then he thanked us and told us how much he appreciates his support. AND THEN. He laid a hand on my shoulder and held it there for at least a good minute or two, telling us how happy he is about the support and success Nerd HQ has received and that he did this all for the community. He was so incredibly humble and down-to-earth, something I really really admire about him. And then he was interviewed for Break.com and we were standing right behind him so I’m sure we’ll be in the video. So after he was done with the interview, he told everyone (his voice nearly hanging on by a thread, such a trooper) surrounding him (and putting his hand on my shoulder once again) that he had to go upstairs for the Jared Padalecki panel but he’d try to come back downstairs to take pictures with everyone, and if he didn’t then he was so incredibly sorry and if we were to ever see him in LA or SD than his time was all ours. So he waved goodbye and headed upstairs, and during that time portion Sarah and I headed over to The Con which for a good thirty minutes. We didn’t do much, but I did come across Nicholas Brendan again. He was sitting at his autograph table and I decided to go over there (after getting over major nerves and contemplating if I should go up to him or not) and I told him how much I enjoyed meeting him at Comic Con this year and that I hope he had a good time. And then he gave me a huge hug and thanked me, asking if I had a good time and I said yes, and that he was actually one of my favorite people I’ve met at the Con thus far. After saying one last good bye Sarah and I headed back to Nerds HQ where twenty minutes after we arrived, Zachary came back down and promised us he would take a picture with all of us, and sure enough, he kept his word. So incredibly sweet and when I asked him for one last hug, I got it.
                                                 

One of the nicest guys I have ever met <3

              And this concludes my San Diego Comic-Con 2011 experience. It was an amazing time for me and I couldn’t be happier and more grateful for everything I got to do and everyone I got to meet. I look forward to attending Comic-Con 2012, but for now, I’ll continue to look back on these past four wonderful days in hopes that next year will be just as good, if not better.


-Caroline