I-G-G-Y

Posted on February 9, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello everybody!

It was pouring rain here in the Bay Area yesterday, so I took some time out on my Sunday to decompress at home. Cleaning, writing, running errands- incredibly fascinating and innovating stuff, right? Those of you that know me aside from Watch Me Juggle, know that I have really eclectic taste in music. I mean, borderline schizophrenic here. One minute I’m listening to Phillip Glass on piano, and the next I’ve pulled up some new Nicki Minaj, only to stop the song half-way through to listen to some Billie Holiday instead. I’m a strange individual when it comes to music. Since the start of 2015, however, I’ve been listening to one particular artist more consistently than usual: Iggy Azalea.

You might know her from her infamous, Clueless-inspired “Fancy” music video, or her recent collaborations with Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande. I’ve always enjoyed the occasional Top 40 and hip-hop, but I’ve whole-heartedly jumped on the Iggy Azalea bandwagon. I didn’t really give it much thought, until I heard a little spot on NPR radio discussing recent trends among female artists in popular music (a similar article was written here). One of the things I love about Iggy Azalea and her music is touched upon here. Despite being very much in the minority in her industry (an Australian, Caucasian woman), she’s appropriated a lot of stereotypical male traits. Her attitude is “distinctly masculine,” and many of her lyrics are centered around money and becoming increasingly successful. In a music genre that’s entirely male-dominated and defaults to putting women on display, typically as background dancers or arm candy, she’s decidedly mercenary. That’s really what I like about her.

Don’t get me wrong- Iggy certainly has no problem capitalizing on her sex appeal, but she does it on her own terms. She has, for a lack of a better expression, a devil-may-care attitude. She’s photographed out and about without makeup as much as she is with waist length extensions and sky-high stilettos. She gets quite a bit of flack for this, don’t get me wrong, but I admire the confidence she exudes- it comes across in her music. So, whenever I’m feeling a bit lackluster, I like to put on some Iggy Azalea and pretend like I have a hell of a lot of attitude, with no cares in the world.

Just some thoughts.

EVA♥

Sportsball.

Posted on February 1, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

As many of you have already gathered, I sometimes like to use my blog as a way to vent everyday observations and frustrations. Remember the “Letters to Everything” jag I was on a while back? Well, this is a bit like that, but perhaps more topical.

….

Today, in honor of Superbowl XLIX, I thought I would talk about exactly why I really don’t like football. I’m one of those people that’s more excited about the Superbowl commercials than the actual Superbowl. While the game is on, you can find me lurking about the chip bowl, doing things like this:

or this:

With this general expression:

As a matter of fact, I’m watching Crazy, Stupid Love for what feels like the hundredth time, because anything is better than football right now.

I feel like this statement by itself somehow marks me as fundamentally unpatriotic. If I’m an American and, for whatever reason, don’t enjoy my country’s national sport, I must also secretly hate puppies and sunshine, or something. Don’t get me wrong, I gave football a chance; but, it was only after being forced to watch football almost every Sunday for the past year that I really began to realize my distaste for it. What certainly doesn’t help is the fact that I have absolutely no idea what’s going on for 90% of the game, and no one will bother explaining anything to me. That’s right: while you’re busy yelling all the plays and penalties along with the game, I’m looking longingly out the window and thinking of all the mimosas I could be drinking at a sidewalk cafe. Even better, when I try to relate to whatever the hell is going on in a game, I somehow turn into the afternoon entertainment, because it’s obvious how inept I am when I ask if the Atlanta team is called the Braves. Is there some sort of stupid football manual I didn’t read as a child because I was too busy doing all my homework?! I feel as if I’ve been ostracized from a bunch of experiences just because I was the kind of kid that ducked when someone threw a ball. It’s gotten to the point where I won’t even pretend to know the first thing about it, and I’ve taken to lovingly calling it the “Sportsball.”

My aversion to football isn’t just purely emotional, mind you. I dislike the vast expense of football, not to mention the toll it takes on the people involved in playing the actual game. These men have made millions of dollars beating the living daylights out of their bodies for the average Joe’s entertainment, but imagine what American society would look like if we took a fraction of the money we spend on football and put it into public education? It’s no shocker that other countries are passing us up when our values are so whacked. Also, as someone who was once an athlete (I trained an average of six hours a day for years. And yes, dance is an athletic endeavor.) in an incredibly undervalued field, I get really bothered by the amount of money spent on football. Most American Olympic athletes make almost no money for a lifetime of hard work. We parade them around as representatives of our great nation, and, in the end, they’re lucky to be sent home with an extra $10, 000 in their pockets if they win. Just some things to think about, America.

And lastly, to all the sportsball-oriented gentlemen out there, let me put it this way:

Do you like shopping for high heels? No.

Let me do my thing, and I’ll let you do yours. Thanks.

Love,

EVA♥

Sometimes Life Gives You a Flat.

Posted on January 20, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello all.

It is due to recent, slightly unfortunate events that I came up with today’s post headline.

When I left my job at Smuin Ballet this morning, I walked out to my car to find a note, and a very flat back tire. So flat that the rubber had puddled on the ground around it. Ever seen one of those? Well, that was my tire- comically deflated while simultaneously giving me the middle finger. I’ve changed a tire before, but always with someone else around to help, so I didn’t trust myself to do it properly. I had to wait almost two hours under a freeway overpass before AAA came to my rescue. It was a miserable way to spend an afternoon, quite frankly. I did, however, get quite a bit of thinking done. I wondered why the universe had sent me yet another flat tire (the last one was three weeks ago), and why, especially when I made an extra effort to be on top of things, something always seems to go awry. I came to these conclusions:

Sometimes, life gives you a flat tire just to show you that there are some decent people out there. If that person hadn’t made a little extra effort on their morning commute, I might have attempted to drive on without noticing my flat. I could have damaged my car, or even gotten into an accident on my way home. Thanks, whoever-you-are. Sorry about your pen.

Sometimes, life gives you a flat tire when you feel yourself getting complacent. You know what’s worse than having a flat? Having no job to commute to and no one to call when things go wrong. I had more people than I could count who would listen to me bitch about something as silly as a tire.

Sometimes, life gives you a flat tire when you think everything is falling into place. Don’t feel bad, or stupid about being fleetingly happy where you are, but know that these little dips in the road are a part of life. It’s like Isadora Duncan said: “the deeper the sorrow, the more colorful the joy.”

Sometimes, life gives you a flat tire when you have places to be and things to do. Your annoying flat tire is teaching you to roll with the punches. Do as much as you can, and remember that you often can’t control what happens to you. But, you can control the kind of person you become when bad things happen.

Sometimes, life gives you a flat tire when you least expect it. See, I thought my tire was perfectly fine. I had it checked less than a month ago. Sometimes, even when you think you’re being smart about your decisions the universe has other things in mind for you. Your flat tire might come in many different shapes and sizes, but don’t let it stop you.

Fix it, and just keep going.

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on January 14, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello all!

I hope your weeks are off to a good start! My weekend absolutely flew by, and I’m not entirely sure how it came to be Wednesday, but there you have it. I’ve attempted to cram as much work into this week as possible, and I do think I’ve almost succeeded. I’ve been teaching, dancing, and trying to put together a show simultaneously. Yes, it’s that time of year again: the Big Show planning has begun at my studio. This year we’re doing “The Little Mermaid,” or our version of it, anyway. It’s been one of my favorite stories since I was little, and I’m quite excited to be able to put my own creative spin on it. Because I’ve been so busy this week, I’ve really been trying to take good care of myself during my downtime. That being said, I’m planning on having a pampering, quiet evening and going to bed early in preparation for the long Thursday ahead.

So, as always, here’s a peek at this week’s Five Things:

Remember when I said no more jewelry purchases for 2015? It’s come to the point where I’ve started stacking my rings. I’m running out of fingers, people! These are two of my favorites.

I was poking around Target the other day, and found this little book quite out of place. It felt a bit like a sign, so I picked it up and began reading it. Best. Decision. I assumed it would be horribly cheesy, but was quite the opposite. Highly recommend.

You can always count on the cute Starbuck’s baristas to brighten your day. I was joking when I told him to put this on my cup, just so you know.

I give you the ultimate lazy brunch. I planned on taking myself out for a lazy Sunday morning, and found my neighborhood coffee shop much too crowded. Voilà! Take-out waffles.

and, lastly, I was recently informed that my favorite female comedienne, Anjelah Johnson, has a few music videos. This is my absolute favorite:

If you haven’t already seen her Nail Salon stand-up check it out here. Sometimes we just need a laugh.

EVA♥

I’m The Kind of Girl Who…

Posted on January 6, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

This is me. So obnoxiously excited to be at work that I document it in a selfie when no one is in the office.

I’m really late on the “I’m the kind of girl” post bandwagon, I must say. Here I was, thinking I was being all original, when I stumbled across this post from one of my favorite blogs: I Wore Yoga Pants To Work. As many would say, no art is truly original. I started writing this post in the little pink notebook I carry around with me, and it was further inspired by those gals out there who aren’t afraid to be themselves.

I was always kind of a quirky person. It’s only over the last few years that I’ve had the confidence to really embrace it. When I was younger, I found out that it’s a lot of wasted effort trying to be something other people want you to be. Being as true to yourself, as authentic as possible, is pretty much the best way to earn points with anyone. I’m aware that I’m very much a paradox: the clumsy ballerina, the girl who can get all dressed up and still act like to total goofball. I’m a bit of a weirdo, I’ll admit it. But, it does my heart good when people can laugh with me, and find a place in their hearts for someone who’s openly imperfect.

I’m the kind of girl who…

+ eats cake for dinner on occasion. Or a pint of ice cream. When I was 18 and living in Santa Barbara I realized that no one could stop me from doing this if I just felt like it. So I did.

+ talks to other cars on the road while driving. Yes, you Mr. Prius. Make up your mind. Are you turning or going straight? This is San Francisco, and I don’t have all damn day.

+ will work ten times harder at something if you say I can’t do it. Just watch me. Watch me juggle all the things. I’ll put all my heart and soul into it, too. Whoever first told me I couldn’t dance had another thing coming.

+ isn’t afraid of being alone. This wasn’t always the case. When I first moved into my apartment I had a hard time sleeping at night, but now I relish the time I have to myself. I can listen to horrible music as much as I want, and walk around my house in heels and no one is there to judge me.

+ wears vintage/thrifted clothes with my most expensive accessories. I love looking like a million bucks without spending nearly that much. Am so fancy, you guys.

+ bakes when sad. Totally serious. Whether in the midst of a personal crisis or just having a depressing lazy day for no reason. Want a cake? Done. Maybe I’ll throw a dozen cookies in there too. And some scones. It’s a productive thing to put your energy into; at the end you’re left with a bunch of treats and a house that smells delicious. It’s an instant mood booster.

+ will read books and watch movies over and over again. You can always tell my favorites by how beat up they are. “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and “Sabrina” are constants in my life.

+ likes to dance like an idiot out at clubs sometimes. I do the running man, and the sprinkler with inappropriate levels of enthusiasm. If only partially to see peoples’ reactions, seeing as most know I dance for a living. People just need to stop taking themselves so seriously.

+ sings words during conversation. It was during a recent car ride that I noticed this about myself. A friend of mine started laughing hysterically and I couldn’t figure out why. I guess singing the phrase “heli-copter par-ents” while doing awkward robot arm movements isn’t something that people do on a regular basis.

You can’t make this stuff up. It’ s honestly just how I am.

EVA♥

Oh, Hello 2015

Posted on January 4, 2015 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

Wait, but, seriously…what day is it?

I ask this because the last few (or rather the first few of the year) have been a total blur. Admittedly, I still have that holiday feeling going on in my little apartment. Yes, tree, Christmas lights and all. My last week of December was quite work-filled and while I did quite a bit of shopping, I didn’t manage to get it together enough to by a 2015 calendar. So I still have last year’s hanging on my wall, turned to December, so you could see how this could be confusing.

Ringing in this new year’s was a success, I must say. I always say that I pretty much only need two things to make an evening successful: good food, and good company. I had both. My friend Kelsey decided to come up from Santa Barbara for an impromptu visit, and we decided to celebrate in style with my friend Courtney. This of course translates to applying lots of glittery eye makeup and watching “Magic Mike” whilst eating tacos. (There may or may not have been a “Magic Mike” drinking game involved. Rules: drink every time you see gyrating, and so on…)

Photo c/o Kelsey Tinkham

Our neighborhood bar and taqueria, pre-new-year’s-eve festivities. I’ve discovered the fried chicken taco everyone. Amazing!

It turns out that, out of all my friends, I’m one of the only ones who isn’t afraid of opening a bottle of bubbly. It’s one of my favorite things, actually. I managed to shoot the cork from this bottle of cava across the room! Please also note that while I was inept at taking pictures of my outfit this particular evening, I was, in fact, wearing hot pink pants and my most amazing new shoes.

Photo c/o Kelsey Tinkham

We went out all dressed in black. Like a band. A really classy one. That frequents wine bars.

Post-new year’s countdown. We went home that evening covered in streamers/silly string.

The next morning we did as all good San Franciscans do and spent some time in Dolores Park ringing in the new year with mimosas. I had a hard time keeping up with the conversation, as there were so many adorable dogs running around the park that afternoon. Also, in true San Francisco fashion, there was a rather large drone flying in circles around the park, enjoying its time interrupting people with its loud, mosquito-like whirring. The joys of technology.

Of course, regardless of it being almost 40-degree weather, we trucked over to Bi-Rite for some ice cream as the sun was setting. While I was tempted by the seasonal candy cane flavor, I could no longer feel my feet and figured that ice cream would be counterproductive to the whole staying-warm thing. Look at me! Adulting my way into the new year.

Happy New Year!

EVA♥

Baby, It’s Cold Outside…

Posted on December 29, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with all of your loved ones.

One of my favorite gifts: a two-carat diamond! Just what I wanted! Now I can drink my coffee and look fabulous all in one go!

Mimosas: a Christmas tradition.

My silly elf outfit for the day. I felt very cozy and festive in my Uggs and hat, carrying all my family’s presents.

Fun fact: my family has a vineyard in Austria. We opened a bottle of wine from the latest harvest over Christmas dinner.

Beautiful gingerbread cookies, and a glimpse at my holiday work routine below…

Voilà! My Christmas in pictures.

…..

Though some people might feel as if Christmas is long gone, I like to revel in the spirit into the new year. My little tree is still up, and still surrounded by Christmas treats. It’s been quite cold here in the bay area, so it’s easy to stay in and live in your Christmas sweater for an extra day or two. Of course, being a part of the ballet world, Christmas festivities don’t quite end on the eve of the 25th. Smuin Ballet continued on with four post-Christmas shows, and San Francisco Ballet had its final Nutcracker of the year today. Phew! Can you imagine working overtime through your holidays? I know a lot of you consider attending the Nutcracker as part of your annual Christmas tradition, and this makes it the busiest time of the year for dancers. This often means very few days off and no traveling, which in turn translates to no time spent with family. With this in mind, it astonishes me that people call asking us if we have shows on Christmas Eve proper, or until the 31st. Dancing is really hard, mentally and physically exhausting work. The only reason it doesn’t look like it, is because professional dancers are really good at their jobs. Please, do go to the ballet and enjoy with your friends and family, but also keep this in mind. Maybe applaud extra hard? We always love that.

I know the new year is fast approaching, but I don’t feel at all prepared this year! This time last year, I was hellbent on packing as many things as possible into my carry-on suitcase for my New Zealand trip. I even ended up bowing out of my new year’s eve party early as I had a flight to catch early the very next morning. This year, I’m planning on enjoying the festivities with a few good friends of mine and seeing where the night takes me. (Stay tuned for more later!)

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on December 17, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hi everyone!

This week marks my last week of teaching in 2014. What?!

It’s strange to look at it that way, but it’s true. I have no idea where this year has gone. I hope all your planning for the holidays has been going well thus far. I’ve managed to put a dent in my holiday shopping but still have quite a few things left to do. Namely, I have yet to get a Christmas tree, but it’s the first thing on the list for tomorrow!

As always, let’s get to this week’s Five Things!

Photo c/o Buzzfeed, Creative Commons

Ah, Buzzfeed- providing endless hours of internet entertainment. I recently found 51 Of the Most Beautiful Sentences in Literature, and I’m pleased to say that I’m familiar with most of them. Although having read Lolita, I don’t quite recall the line above, but love it nonetheless.

I may have a slight obsession with snarky refrigerator magnets. I’m slowly growing my collection, little by little, hoping that one day I’ll have enough to horrify future house guests. This one is particularly witty, if you ask me.

Whilst in Tempe, I spent a lazy afternoon with a friend at a place cleverly known as the World of Beer. Boasting over 100 beers on the menu, I made a beeline for the Austrian section for one of my favorites: Stiegl Radler. It’s an Austrian shandy of sorts, but made with grapefruit soda in lieu of lemonade. Amazing!

Apparently, this is the face I make when eating habañero peppers. Of course, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Never again. But, at least I can check that off of my to-do list!

Meanwhile, back at World of Beer, I give you the largest pretzel I’ve ever seen. They do get points for creative display.

Cheers!

EVA♥

SLO Town: Old Favorites

Posted on December 5, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hi everyone!

Delicious and unique doughnuts from SLO Doughnut Company, SLO-DO-CO for short. A few of my personal favorites happen to be their boysenberry cream cheese doughnut, nutella-filled doughnut, and…the bear claws. Yes, bear claws are sort of generic, but these are crumb-covered and apple-filled. Yum!

A few lovely kitties found at Woods Human Society, one of the most beautiful shelters I’ve ever seen. Oh, and you can assess your cat’s personality there, if you so wish.

The tri-tip sandwich from the famous Firestone Grill. Trust me, the picture does not do it justice.

…

Today, I wanted to tell you about some of my favorite places I’ve discovered in San Luis Obispo. Since this involves me, it clearly also involves doughnuts.

Luckily, my friends Xela and Maren live within walking distance to a SLO establishment: the SLO Doughnut Company. Open 24/7, they have a huge variety of unique and classic doughnuts. I’ve never had a bad doughnut here, and they do make a pretty decent cup of coffee. It’s primarily known as a college student haunt, but I’ve seen people of all ages flock to it. They get bonus points in my book for having extra tubes of frosting and sprinkles on the condiment bar, just in case you’re one of those people who can’t get enough sugar, or Red 40, in their diet. When doughnuts and coffee can’t quite soothe your soul, take a trip down to Woods Humane Society. This is no depressing, prison-like shelter. The animals here seem really content in their beautiful, state-of-the-art facilities. For fear of sounding like a cat-lady in the making, I love spending time in their cat enclosure. They’re all free to roam around together, to climb cat trees and lay in the sun if they so choose. I fell in love with the prettiest round white cat named Lili. She immediately sat in my lap and started to purr, as if she had been waiting around for me to come home. I’m always sad I can’t take all the animals home with me.

And lastly, absolutely every time I visit, I have to stop by Firestone Grill downtown for a tri-tip sandwich. I was not impressed by the sound of it at first. Who wants to eat a sandwich composed of nothing but meat, barbecue sauce, and bread? Trust me, it’s amazing. You’ll just have to try one for yourself. Bonus points to them for selling fries by the “basket.” It’s easily enough for three people. Can’t recommend it enough!

I’m off on another adventure this weekend, so you’ll be hearing more about my latest travels soon!

EVA♥

Five Things

Posted on November 26, 2014 by 4evamaria

Hello all,

It’s time for the last Five Things of fall! I can’t believe it has gone by so fast, but there you have it. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I’ll be on the road to my annual “Orphan Thanksgiving” celebration. Of course, while I’m no longer an “orphan” away at college, I’m so thankful that I’ve been able to continue this long-standing tradition with one of my fantastic college roommates Maren. If you can recall, I did write about our lovely Thanksgiving break last year here. I can’t believe it will be little Cooper’s first birthday soon! How time flies- it has a knack for making you feel old.

On to this week’s Five Things!

I picked up this fantastic new ceramic mug at Starbucks earlier today, since my most favorite one met its demise on the school blacktop earlier this week. Apparently, tough studs are my new thing.

People complain that California doesn’t really have four solid seasons, but leaving my house everyday and seeing these autumn leaves scattered everywhere makes me feel awfully festive.

A glimpse at the jewelry I’m currently sporting. The i.d bracelet is well-loved, but the ring is one of my latest purchases. I do love it.

This appeared in my text messages one day. Sent to me from my friend Rachel, I thought it was beautiful both visually, and in sentiment. It’s true, you know.

And, for old time’s sake, I give you “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” Part III:

It’s the silliest, most random thing, but I bonded over it with some of my lovely students years back. I encourage you to check out parts one and two on Youtube as well, if you’re ever in need of a pick-me-up. Marcel is completely the reason why I want to name my future dog Alan. If you watch part one, you’ll understand the reference. 😉

Happy Holidays, everyone!

EVA♥