DSM to LAX

Monday, March 17, 2014

Happy New Year... in March!

Sending wishes for a happy New Year mid-March? This is just sad and, shall I say, borderline pathetic. However, one could make the argument that your own "personal New Year" begins on your birthday. So in that case, I'm a month and a half ahead of schedule!

Let's just proceed from here as if the New Year has just begun. In some ways, I feel like I'm starting over each day. Isn't that the beauty of a new day? The chance to leave yesterday in the past and start fresh. I think so.

"And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that never were."
-Rainer Maria Rilke

For me, 2013 was a year of change. It was a roller coaster of emotions - high highs and low lows - apparently this seems to be something that comes with being in your 20s. Funny thing is, no one warns you. Nope, instead you have to learn the hard way. (DISCLAIMER FOR ALL ALMOST-20-YEAR-OLDS: The first few years of your 20s are going to, how should I put this... well, they're going to really suck. But don't worry, they're also going to be so much fun! You're going to feel lost 50% of the time or more (most likely more). You're going to be on top of the world one minute, and the you'll think you're hitting rock bottom the next. So just brace yourself - you're in for one heck of a ride.) That being said, I truly believe that everything happens for a reason, and I wouldn't change one thing about my journey. (And yes, there are some days where I do not feel that way at all.) However, I find peace in knowing God has a plan for each and every one of us. I rest (a little bit) easier knowing it's about the journey not the destination, and one day all of this chaos will (hopefully) make sense.

That being said, I really think 2014 is going to be one of the best years yet! (Two and a half months in, I still stand by that!) I don't know what it is, but I'm feeling very optimistic about the next 289 days that lie ahead. It's crazy to think how much can happen in a year. Last January, I never would have pictured my life as it is now. While the unknown can be a little scary, it's also really exciting! The possibilities are endless!

My New Year's Resolution is pretty simple: do better. Do better in my relationships (friends, family or otherwise), with my faith, at my job, with my diet and exercise, etc. Simply do better. I think this is something that can be applied to all aspects of life, which is why I chose to make it my goal for 2014.

I spent my New Year's Eve with two of my closest girlfriends, Katie and Morgan. Of course, we did the standard New Year's Party and toasted with a glass of champagne and midnight. But at approximately 12:02 AM the three of us looked at one another and collectively decided to get In-N-Out and go home to our jammies! Lame to some, but I wouldn't have had it any other way! We all woke up feeling fabulous the next morning and started our year off right. We enjoyed a morning hike up to Griffith Observatory followed by an afternoon at the beach in Santa Monica. The highlight of my day was riding Ferris Wheel on the Pier for the very first time. (It's been on my list since I moved here almost 2 years ago!) Scroll for a few photos...

Long distance friends.

From New York all the way to LA!

Three crazy girls ready to ring in the New Year!

New Year's Day hike!

Beautiful views that never disappoint.

Brunch at The Misfit.

Gorgeous 1st day of January!

Channeling my inner 7 year old.

View from the top.

Ending our day with drinks at Skybar.

*Sigh*

Happy New Year to all! Thanks for reading!

Mallorie

P.S. More to come soon, I promise!

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Home for the Holidays

I don't think I've ever been so excited to be home. Don't get me wrong, I always look forward to being home, but this time it feels different. I have been counting down the days till Christmas for what seems like years! Finally the time has come and I'm home with the people who I can always count on and who love me unconditionally - my family.

Being hundreds of miles away from those you love really puts things into perspective and makes you much more appreciative. Every time I'm home I find myself trying to soak up every single moment. While being away gets hard sometimes, I'm thankful for what it has taught me.

In honor of being home for the holidays, I decided I would take a look back at the last time I was home: Labor Day Weekend.

These two little munchkins surprised me at the airport.

Clearly we were equally excited to see one another ;)

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Two sisters still passing for high school girls.

The ultimate Iowa sunset.

Cheering for my little cheerleader.

Cousins.

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Busted!

There we go :)

Chi O alumn - Jackie, Justina, myself and Callie.

Looking gooood after a long, hot day tailgating.

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One thing I miss most is random Saturday pool parties or Sunday dinners at Grandma's house.

I feel so blessed to have grown up in family that spends so much time together.

After meeting a lot of people in LA, I've learned that it isn't very common.

Selfishly, whenever I'm home, I urge that the entire family gets together before I leave.

I don't think anyone seems to mind :)

He secretly loves me.

And this picture will probably come back to haunt him.

Can't get enough of this little peanut.

This picture is just priceless.

Grandma & Grandpa Tiefenthaler and grandkids.

Grandma & Grandpa Sheldahl and grandkids.

Kid pic!

Sheldahl 7: Oldest to youngest.

Sheldahl 7: Tallest to shortest.

Hmm...

Riley, Reece and Regan helping Grandma Marge blow out her birthday candles.

This picture is priceless.

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So happy to see Ash and Lincoln, even for a minute.

Notice Lincoln is sporting the LA Dodgers hat I got for him :)

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Home sweet home.

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I will leave you with this:

Wishing you a very, merry Christmas!

Mallorie

Friday, December 20, 2013

Flashback Friday

Today's flashback Friday is dedicated to all the fun work events I've been a part of throughout the summer until now. Let's not waste time with small talk - just start scrolling!

Our client, Mondrian LA, has wine dinners throughout the summer.

This particular dinner was hosted by Leblon.

The dinner started off with cocktails in the Penthouse suite.

This is the view looking down to the pool deck.

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Our client, Curve, was featured in the Los Angeles Business Journal.

When I showed up for the shoot, I had no idea that they'd have me be part of it.

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Road trip to San Diego for ComicCon!

(Clockwise) Summer intern Mary, Jennie, Kate & myself.

Quick photo op on the red carpet before the event began.

The entire Full Pic LA PR team plus a few extras.

Cade (in front), Jennie, myself, Michelle, Kate, Milan, Mary & Alex.

Those zombies were pretty convincing, but clearly I wasn't phased.

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Office manicures to celebrate our Project Runway Emmy nominations!

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On your birthday, Full Pic treats you (and the rest of the office) to a birthday treat of your choice. Everyone here really loves cake from Magnolia Bakery.

Let me tell you, it is to DIE FOR! If you're ever in LA, you must go there.

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