Thursday, May 15, 2014

The Dishwasher

So I know I haven't updated my blog in months but I am going to try getting it updated a bit! A few big things have happened in the last few months so I am going to do a couple separate posts to elaborate! Here we go...

So almost exactly a year ago we had to put down Kona. She was 13 and had tumors, and in the end was very uncomfortable so it was definitely time. Many can say what an amazing dog she was, even if she did just sleep a lot. Anyway, she was a special dog, so special that my mom would cook an egg for her every morning and my parents carpeted our stairs just so she wouldn't slip as she got older. In a nutshell, my parents treat our dogs like another child, probably their favorite child (Sorry Brandon). Almost every day after dinner Kona would take a dip in the pool and just sit on the pool step, sometimes for 30 minutes. We were entertained every time and would just watch her enjoy herself. Putting her down was definitely hard on our entire family but we knew it was time. 

After that, my Dad insisted that we would never get another dog because "they travel too much". My Mom and I were extremely unsatisfied with this answer and over the months no matter how many puppy pictures I sent to my parents my Dad never budged.

Then, in February, my mom got a message on our house machine regarding "our application to adopt a guide dog".  My mom called me, blaming me, with the o so familiar, "Monica!, god damn it! What did you do?" I had absolutely no idea what she was talking about, but she didn't believe me. When my Dad came home he confessed he was the one who actually submitted the application without telling us. Surprise! 

Shortly after, my parents went to go check out what was so special about these dogs. There was one dog, named Nevada, who had been returned to the Guide Dogs by another family. She was returned because she was stealing the family's toddlers stuffed animals. This obviously didn't phase my parents. These are the videos they sent me while first visiting Nevada. 






After that, my parents wanted to think about whether they wanted to adopt Nevada or not. They were in Hawaii for two weeks to celebrate my Mom's birthday and they decided they would pick her up when they got back from their trip! I don't think I have ever been so excited about anything else in my life. 

Now we have had Nevada for almost 3 months and she is the new favorite child. 
Her hobbies include: 
tennis balls (especially stealing other dogs tennis balls),
 diving in our pool,
 chasing ducks in the Levi,
eating her kibble as fast as she can, 
eating her own feces (trying to work on that one),
cuddling, 
Kongs, 
and finally, waking up Dad during his naps, (o shit). 

She always wants to go everywhere with my parents and she does great in the car (unlike Kona). Being around someone at all times is very important to her and she just wants to make everyone smile! The most distinct thing about Nevada is her cowlick that's down the front of her nose! It's a rare mark which is why she is extra unique. Finally, Nevada is "genius smart" according to her guide dog raiser. Yes, I guess she can still be considered genius even if she eats her own feces. 

To wrap it up, we are happy to welcome Nevada and check out this clip of her plunging into the pool! 







Friday, January 31, 2014

It's a Great Day to Spend 4 Million Dollars!

So, my company has an advertisement in the Super Bowl! Wahoo! It is actually amazing accomplishment for any advertising agency and absolutely crazy to think how much work and money goes into a one minute spot. Yesterday, our Founder and Executive Creative Director, held an office wide meeting to tell us about how these commercials get put together. He explained how him and our team, 7 years ago, had to fly to Germany to convince a table of German Engineers that in America there is a huge football game, our kind of football, not theirs, and that they should commit to spending millions to make one advertisement. Thankfully, they put their trust in him and his team to agree to making a Super Bowl commercial. That's when the legacy began. For 7 years now, we have had the honor to create and feature Audi's Super Bowl advertisements. So on here, I have included the links, so you can see what my company gets to create annually! And in fantastic fashion, our CEO finished his speech with "It's a great day to spend 4 million dollars". 

Doberhuahua 2014



Here are our past commercials

2013: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANhmS6QLd5Q

2012: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UIt7GxpUPs

2011: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUStwbciQ80

2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PVPyHrPZbVM

2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9WjeH6VlTA

2008: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9WjeH6VlTA

And this is just a bonus Google Commercial that we did!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyJZqHyKKIw




Thursday, January 23, 2014

Take A Minute

So every morning around 8:30 I leave home to catch the bus for work. It is usually empty when I get on but then after three stops people begin to pile on. Usually, I have my eyes buried into my Kindle reading or on my phone looking at my plethora of social media sites, but today I decided to take a minute. I took a minute to look out the window and look at all the old houses with beautiful architecture we have in San Francisco. Then after taking a minute, I couldn't help but spend the rest of my ride just thinking about how amazing San Francisco is. 
As we rode up and down the hills I noticed the newer things our city has to offer, such as all the quaint boutiques on Union Street, the little bistros, and the other mom and pop shops. As we passed Van Ness I began to notice all of the older history San Francisco has. All of amazing homes with cozy alcoves and the flower pots on window sills are a favorite of mine to look at. As we approached the peak of Union Street the road perfectly aligns to reveal a gorgeous view of Alcatraz with the glistening bay water. All of the history that island holds will be forever wondered by bystanders. The mystery of the escape of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers is what captivates me, as well as others most. Next, you can see Coit Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid. Finally, we pass through Chinatown, go through the tunnel, and I've arrived. 
I couldn't believe that after riding that bus everyday that this was the first time that I took a minute to notice my city, notice the people, and notice the history. I know I am unbelievably lucky to live here and I could not be happier with my decision to make this city my home. I am going to make an effort to begin to notice more and learn as much as I can all while just taking a minute and enjoying the ride. Now, I can truly understand and say, I left my heart in San Francisco.

Friday, January 10, 2014

Venables Bell and Partners

So I began my new job at Venables Bell and Partners last week and so far I absolutely love it! It is located right in Union Square between Prada and Burberry! (I know I can't afford them but I just love window shopping!) My job title is Executive Assistant and on a day to day basis (you guessed it!) assist the President, Head of Strategy, and the Head of Client Services. They are all very easy to work for and I know I'll get to learn a lot! We also have awesome projects and clients such as Google, Skyy Vodka, Audi, Intel, and Reebok. In our office everyone is very comical and have great hobbies such as making hilarious videos! In this video it shows our awesome office space as well as the hilarious people I work with. Enjoy. 


http://venablesbell.gosimian.com/sp/a/d/c9f_1X_-EtII7k4Sa71YEA/948

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

94123


So on September 1st, I got to move into my gorgeous town home in Cow Hollow. It is right next to the Presidio and the Marina, so I have a market on the corner for any quick cravings I have and a dry cleaner as well for any messes I make! I only have to walk over one block and two blocks down to catch my bus which is fantastic. Like everyone says, its all about location, location, location! If you walk down two blocks you hit Chestnut Street which is a quaint block of boutiques, restaurants, and my favorite Susie Cakes Bakery! 

Luckily, I can also walk to my favorite place in the city, as well as, have a view of it from my balcony; The Palace of Fine Arts. The Palace was inspired by Roman and Greek architecture and during the Great Depression was used as an art exhibit. Here's a little Wikipedia info on it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Fine_Arts

Here's the pictures of my home and my view!



Introduction


My name is Monica Lynn, I am from Marin County, California. I am starting this blog not only for my family to enjoy but also for myself and whomever else would like a peek into my life. Also it is important to know that I am not the best writer so excuse my lack of commas and overuse of exclamation points. I am just an exciting person so I always find them to be necessary! Some of my hobbies are : Baking, Cooking, Photography, Pinterest, Fashion, Traveling, Fun Facts, Art and Craft Projects, and Excessively Shopping (guilty pleasure). Ever since I have moved into San Francisco I have loved seeing what different Restaurants and Bars it has to offer considering it is the most diverse city in the entire world! (Whoo! Fun Fact!)


I graduated from the University of Arizona in May 2013 and since graduation so much has happened so this is a quick recap! 

From May to July I was pretty much just living the post-grad Stay at Home Daughter life. I took a quick graduation trip to London, Paris, and Barcelona, (thanks Coco Cheryl and Faja), it was a blast and I can't wait for a chance to go back to all of them. At the end of July I began a Legal Assistant job that I loved. In August I started my Database Research job (I did both part time). In August my gentleman friend Adam moved to San Francisco. On September 1st, I moved into my FABULOUS town home with two great gals, I love it. On Christmas Eve I got an offer to be an Executive Assistant at Venables Bell and Partners, a marketing firm in Union Square. After Christmas I accepted their offer. 

Phew!  That was a lot to remember! I will write a post elaborating on my job, as well as my home, but that is all for now since I am at work and I should probably start doing something productive!