I just got back home from visiting Moorpark, and when I say visit, I mean touch and go. It felt really strange being back there and not going home, but it was almost like a sigh of relief in the sense of the familiarity of the town. My best friend Katrina met up with me at one of my most favorite restaurants, Natural Cafe. That was actually one of the two first part time jobs that I had when I was in high school, and when I did the vegan thing, that was my prime place for fuel. Talking and catching up with one of the few important friends I have in my life right now made me feel less stressed out and reminded me of who I am and where I came from. We did a little shopping at the local TJMaxx and it was like stepping back in time. Yukio worked a half day today and was manning Casa De Yukio/Emma and I could tell it was feeling quiet because he had to text me about his yummy $10 burrito from FreeBirds that filled his tummy.
After hanging out with Katrina, I headed over to Thousand Oaks to meet my Dad and of course, POOCH!!! I FINALLY got to see my doggie after 2 months! He shook and shivered like he had just taken a cold bath and smelled my eye balls uncontrollably. That is how my doggie shows affection, and that is just perfect by me :) Apparently, I am not missed that much at my former household, which brought many things into perspective for me. This message was passed through my Dad. Hearing that really hurt my heart and made my feel a small sense of emptiness, but who wouldn't feel that? I am truly on my own, however, I have someone who is always trying and willing to make me smile. My new friends here are so welcoming and accepting; today has solidified how much this move was needed and how hard I need to keep working in order to keep it running.
Still needing to kill time, I went over to the old Sprouts grocery store that I worked at to say hello to my old coworkers. That was such a nice little visit, seeing old faces and catching up briefly on what has been going on for the past 4 months after I left. Driving home, I encountered the lovely LA traffic which I didn't enjoy one bit. I can't believe I made that drive back and forth when I began dating Yukio, guess I really liked that man lol.
It's funny how things happen for a reason and fall into place in their own perfect ways. Although no life or relationships are perfect, mine is just fine and makes me feel special and most of all, happy.
xo Drift Bunny
The Pink Adventures of the Drift Bunny
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Viva Las Work Trip
For the last 3 days Yukes and I have been in Las Vegas for his work trip. Since right now I am hunting for jobs, I tagged along and of course would forget my ID. I am not a clubber or big drinker so it didn't matter too much, except it would be tough getting a drink or two. Besides the face palming and trying to find a DMV for a replacement ID ticket, the drive out there was fun. After lots of laughter and a nap, we got to Vegas right on schedule where we checked in and left for the convention center to drop Yukes off for the SEMA exhibitor summit. While driving back, I planned to take a nap and hit the gym before picking up Yukio. Those damn Planet Hollywood beds were like sleeping on a marshmallow, so I ended up sleeping until my phone dinged and had to retrieve my lovey. Even though this trip was for work, we planned to just spend time together by ourselves since he is leaving next week for about 9 days, then heading out again. This is one of the things that makes me uncomfortable that I have to handle like an adult on my own. Not seeing my boyfriend for that long wouldn't bother me as much if I was still living back home, however, I have seen him every day since December, so you could say I have grown accustom to seeing him every day.
Although this isn't the greatest to look forward to, I know that it will be good having time to miss each other. Anyways, with all that mushy crap in mind, we got ready for date night; dinner and a night on the town. Of course, being the ding dong I am, I'd forget my special comb for straightening that comes in handy since my iron is weak. Being the creative butterfly I am, I used to iron for the clothes to speed things up. A few passes with the irons and we were off to dinner. After eating at a nice Italian place in the miracle mile mall, we hit the casino, drink in hand of course, and gambled a bit. Surprisingly, Yukes won on the first slots he tried; $120! After that excitement, we walked around the strip, other casinos all the while I was thrilled that drink was hitting me pretty good. It was a fun night just hanging out and laughing, just simple and perfect.
After a fun night, day time soon came up, but not without a little something extra; there was a solar eclipse the night before, which I was too pacified to remember to wake up and watch the blood moon. I woke up at 5, which still allowed me to see that something cosmic took place. The room was filled with a deep orange glow and it was just so beautiful. Next time, I will avoid and large drinks before something so neat! After Yukio left, I got some breakfast and just walked around looking at whatever looked interesting until it was past noon and time to eat. I had lunch with a friend that lives in Vegas and we chatted for enough time to where I left directly to meet yukes for a special mixer and spot on the observation wheel. Haven't heard of it? It is this HUGE London Eye looking wheel that takes you in a bubble to the top and you can see all of the strip and surrounding Las Vegas. We took the monorail out to a new alley filled with shops, restaurants, and of course bars. The bar where SEMA hosted us was a classy and not too fancy bar where we mingled with friends and new faces for a bit until it was time to ride the huge wheel. To our delight, we were informed that one of the bubbles had an open bar, but I guess that's how you do it in Vegas! The ride itself was neat, the view was completely breath taking! We were above a few of the hotels and gazing down at the sparkling town.
I got to meet a few of Yukio's good friends that he works with and could see why, they were awesome! After the observation wheel, we all headed to Yard House for dinner. After sharing funny stories and talking about the day, we headed to the Mirage to smoke some hookah. Perfect, you have to be 18 to smoke, I am 5 years past that, I should be ok. Nope. Apparently, I look like I am still 16, and with not having my ID with my, I had to leave. Note to self: MAKE A CHECKLIST BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE! My partner in crime and I left, and then he left without me, to which I was so confused but it was funny because this time, it was him that had some drinks and not me. After catching up to chooks, we hit up serendipity for dessert, ice cream of course. That's one of his favorites, so who was I to try and stop that? :) we finally made the journey back to Planet Hollywood and completely knocked out from such a fun night.
The next day was a short one. Yukio only had few meetings and came back about 10:30 and left. My friend Alex had apprently found a magical machine in the Venetian and won a ridiculous amount of money, so it was a must to check it out. We walked around and had lunch once again in the miracle mile and talked about all the upcoming traveling. It is part of the job and the life, but having such a supportive person who is kind about the whole thing helps greatly. We finally were at the Venetian after some time and hoped that we would have the same outcome of Alex. Instead, we lost together $80. Go figure! It was worth the try, but I will stick to sipping my drink and watching the slots instead.
After getting our pockets robbed, we had one last stop had been to that mall when we first began dating around SEMA time, so it was nice to be back somewhere with a nice familiarity to it. After light shopping, we gassed up and left Vegas. The drive seemed much longer going home than coming back, and we were not heading straight home either. It was our friend Travis' birthday, and a group of us planned to meet up in Anaheim for KBBQ. It was nice being with friends and just laughing about whatever and anything. We finally headed home at about 11, which made yesterday a ridiculously long, but fun day.
Today I am planning on visiting an old friend and maybe some family back in Moorpark today since I have an appointment in mid city at 2. I am hopping that I get to see my beloved toy yorkie today! We will see, still up in the air.
Our trip was a busy but fun one, definitely full of fun memories, and I am looking forward to the next adventure we have.
xo Drift Bunny
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Track Life
Last week was Formula Drift; we went to Press day on Tuesday and attended both qualifying and the main event. I decided to sit out shooting on Friday and enjoy the event as a spectator while hanging out with Yukio which was a really nice change of pace. It's different shooting specific drivers and not shooting everyone, but it was a good experience none the less, it will only help sharpen me as a photographer.
Fun fact: we just got internet access in our apartment, it has been about 3.5 months.
No complaints here, I moved in with a bachelor who travels constantly so I understood why it was the way it was. The good news is, I got to see my chookio more and more since he could do a little work from home. I was still day dreaming about all the fun we had over the weekend I almost forgot to look forward to the Grand Prix up this weekend. Our schedule is a little hectic for the next week; Grand Prix, IDRC (drag racing), and Las Vegas for the SEMA exhibitor summit from Monday to Wednesday. It was so refreshing to see something other than drifting, which don't get me wrong, that is where it all began for me, but my motorsport interest has matured into other reaches of the Industry and I was mostly looking forward to seeing the Prototypes compete in the Tudor Challenge/ALMS race. The Grand Prix involves a ton of walking around, but it is so worth it, especially if you are there to absorb and learn about several types of racing. Yukio's company sponsors some cars in World Challenge and Prototype; for some reason, the WC teams did not compete, but the two Sky Active Mazda cars did. Quite honestly, they got chewed up, but that's okay! That just leaves so much opportunity for growth after development.
Hearing what ALMS and World Challenge cars sound like up close and in person was like hearing the motorsport angels sing; Ferrari, Cadillac, Porsche, Audi, BMW... So Incredible! When the bunch of ALMS cars accelerated after the hairpin it was like all 9 years of drifting excitement was bubbled up into those few seconds of glorious roaring. Ferrari was so loud, you could here that driver spool up over the bunch of 6 other machines; one of the most amazing sounds to hear in person. Our friends Cuban, Kevin, and Travis were with us too, talking good shit and making even better jokes, I couldn't ask for a better experience than laughing and watching some amazing racing.
At the end of the evening, Motegi has their "Super Drift" Challenge where 16 drivers from the series compete instead of the usual demo they put on. I feel like that was a good move in terms of showing what Formula Drift is really like and will bring in a load of new faces for Irwindale or perhaps out of state events.
Yukio had to shoot photos and do all the social media stuff in the photographer pit both nights, so last night, I hung out with my new friend Ari in the spotter tower to which I found out was a suite for spectators too! Of course, it's not free and I could imagine it costs a pretty penny to be there... When the competition began, chooks came up and watched with us and we all had fun despite the chilly weather. Everyone did a great job showcasing what the series is about, and just from hearing the comments from new faces, this league is only going to continue it's rapid growth.
After the excitement, we finished with dinner at our favorite ramen spot in Gardena. Super authentic, and one of the best tasting hot meals for when it is cold.
Today is IDRC in Fontana, Import drag racing. I was going to go with Yukio again, but there was one problem; laundry. We need some fresh laundry for Vegas, and in the midst of the racing excitement, it kept getting put off. So I decided last night to stay back, clean our apartment, and make sure we have clean clothes for our trip. I guess that's love, right? I want to be supportive in more ways than cheering for my boyfriend's sponsored drivers, so hopefully cleaning today will do the trick (I know it does).
I am excited to leave tomorrow and spend a little time with my lovey out of state even though this is a work trip, but he will be traveling internationally and all over the US soon. We are trying to spend a good amount of time together before he is gone for basically 6 weeks. This is one of the aspects of my relationship I am going to have to learn to deal with in a positive manner, since we have basically been together since October. Time apart is good, but it will be a good challenge.
Well, it is time to watch a few of my favorite shows then start cleaning up a bit. Viva Las Vegas in the AM!
xo Drift Bunny
Fun fact: we just got internet access in our apartment, it has been about 3.5 months.
No complaints here, I moved in with a bachelor who travels constantly so I understood why it was the way it was. The good news is, I got to see my chookio more and more since he could do a little work from home. I was still day dreaming about all the fun we had over the weekend I almost forgot to look forward to the Grand Prix up this weekend. Our schedule is a little hectic for the next week; Grand Prix, IDRC (drag racing), and Las Vegas for the SEMA exhibitor summit from Monday to Wednesday. It was so refreshing to see something other than drifting, which don't get me wrong, that is where it all began for me, but my motorsport interest has matured into other reaches of the Industry and I was mostly looking forward to seeing the Prototypes compete in the Tudor Challenge/ALMS race. The Grand Prix involves a ton of walking around, but it is so worth it, especially if you are there to absorb and learn about several types of racing. Yukio's company sponsors some cars in World Challenge and Prototype; for some reason, the WC teams did not compete, but the two Sky Active Mazda cars did. Quite honestly, they got chewed up, but that's okay! That just leaves so much opportunity for growth after development.
Hearing what ALMS and World Challenge cars sound like up close and in person was like hearing the motorsport angels sing; Ferrari, Cadillac, Porsche, Audi, BMW... So Incredible! When the bunch of ALMS cars accelerated after the hairpin it was like all 9 years of drifting excitement was bubbled up into those few seconds of glorious roaring. Ferrari was so loud, you could here that driver spool up over the bunch of 6 other machines; one of the most amazing sounds to hear in person. Our friends Cuban, Kevin, and Travis were with us too, talking good shit and making even better jokes, I couldn't ask for a better experience than laughing and watching some amazing racing.
At the end of the evening, Motegi has their "Super Drift" Challenge where 16 drivers from the series compete instead of the usual demo they put on. I feel like that was a good move in terms of showing what Formula Drift is really like and will bring in a load of new faces for Irwindale or perhaps out of state events.
Yukio had to shoot photos and do all the social media stuff in the photographer pit both nights, so last night, I hung out with my new friend Ari in the spotter tower to which I found out was a suite for spectators too! Of course, it's not free and I could imagine it costs a pretty penny to be there... When the competition began, chooks came up and watched with us and we all had fun despite the chilly weather. Everyone did a great job showcasing what the series is about, and just from hearing the comments from new faces, this league is only going to continue it's rapid growth.
After the excitement, we finished with dinner at our favorite ramen spot in Gardena. Super authentic, and one of the best tasting hot meals for when it is cold.
Today is IDRC in Fontana, Import drag racing. I was going to go with Yukio again, but there was one problem; laundry. We need some fresh laundry for Vegas, and in the midst of the racing excitement, it kept getting put off. So I decided last night to stay back, clean our apartment, and make sure we have clean clothes for our trip. I guess that's love, right? I want to be supportive in more ways than cheering for my boyfriend's sponsored drivers, so hopefully cleaning today will do the trick (I know it does).
I am excited to leave tomorrow and spend a little time with my lovey out of state even though this is a work trip, but he will be traveling internationally and all over the US soon. We are trying to spend a good amount of time together before he is gone for basically 6 weeks. This is one of the aspects of my relationship I am going to have to learn to deal with in a positive manner, since we have basically been together since October. Time apart is good, but it will be a good challenge.
Well, it is time to watch a few of my favorite shows then start cleaning up a bit. Viva Las Vegas in the AM!
xo Drift Bunny
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Nutshell
My infamous time gaps, ah yes. Lovely, aren't they? I know, I know, I am terrible at updating. Here's the truth, it has been hard to update often with the situations I've been in. When I lived at home, our family PC was on it's last leg of life, so working on photos and posting/blogging was challenging. My mother let me use her work laptop on occasion to edit, but with work, obviously that was priority. So as always, here is the juicy post that catches you up to speed on the past 6 months or so on my life in motorsports and off the track.
I last left you all on a cliffhanger before SEMA. If you all follow my Instagram (@thedriftbunny) then you saw how crazy it was with the crazy industry parties every night, the exciting show itself, and of course, hanging out with a variety of new faces and old ones. I hadn't experienced wither SEMA or Vegas until that week, which was the most fabulous thing ever, going back to Vegas when it isn't SEMA is going to be debated ;) If any had noticed I went out there on Halloween, it was for a certain reason, and no, it was not to get extra partying in.
This now brings me to one of the most exciting and special chapter in my life that I have already been very open with, the love of my life; my boyfriend Yukio. I went out early to hang out with who I originally saw as a friend, and wanted to just have fun few days early. Right off the bat, it was like I had known this person for years, and it was like seeing those animated stars when we had our conversations. Ironically, in the city of sin, I fell in love.
About December time, things at home were once again, rough and not working out. Just like last year, I left unexpectedly. I stayed in Moopark for a few weeks figuring things out and working a small part time at my favorite store, Sprouts. After about a month, I moved in with my boyfriend to the beautiful South Bay. We live on the border of Redondo Beach and Torrance, and it is so lovely here. Living on my own for a bit last year is totally different now, especially since I chose to have a better and positive state of mind than last year. Life for the past 4 months have been an adjustment, and I am now barely seeing here as my home. I have the most loving and supportive boyfriend here that wants to make sure I am always comfortable and happy as to where living in Highland Park, I had no one. Don't get me wrong, I am not an ignorant young woman that is going to sit here and rant about how I have the "best boyfriend in the world", because we have our ups and downs learning to cohabitate together.
The hardest aspect of living with a boyfriend has been the struggle to accept that I am no longer an "I" and have to learn to share space and adjust habits of mine like when I lived at home or on my own. All in all, it is fun, Yukio has an incredible career (in motorsports of course) and I have been lucky enough to go with him to few drag races and two time attacks. Today, we are going to the 2nd day of the Long Beach Grand Prix, and it is just amazing. Being with someone who shares my love for motorsports feels like I've slipped on a pair of glass slippers.
Of course, there has to be one thing that isn't so peachy. I fell off the vegan/healthy wagon. I FEEL SO GUILTY! It really sucks. When I lived at home, our family room was very spacious and i could move my couches quite easily and get my workouts in, here, not so much ( haha). Yes, yes, I do remember my motivational sayings and postings, I should just move the damn sectional couch we have here along with the coffee table. The space here is small, however, I need to just suck it up. My whole being felt so in balance last year, and now I just want to be back in that spot. Hopefully that motivation stick whacks me in the head and there will be no belly aching about this!
So there you have it, my life over the past 6 months or so. now that we have Internet and I have a laptop that won't travel from me, I can attempt to update this weekly (hopefully). I am planning on introducing a new blog on my cohabitation adventures, but will most likely just merge those stories with this blog.
Off to the races we go! Make sure to keep up with my pink adventures of Instagram; @thedriftbunny... Let's see if I can reach 50k followers! :)
xo Drift Bunny
I last left you all on a cliffhanger before SEMA. If you all follow my Instagram (@thedriftbunny) then you saw how crazy it was with the crazy industry parties every night, the exciting show itself, and of course, hanging out with a variety of new faces and old ones. I hadn't experienced wither SEMA or Vegas until that week, which was the most fabulous thing ever, going back to Vegas when it isn't SEMA is going to be debated ;) If any had noticed I went out there on Halloween, it was for a certain reason, and no, it was not to get extra partying in.
This now brings me to one of the most exciting and special chapter in my life that I have already been very open with, the love of my life; my boyfriend Yukio. I went out early to hang out with who I originally saw as a friend, and wanted to just have fun few days early. Right off the bat, it was like I had known this person for years, and it was like seeing those animated stars when we had our conversations. Ironically, in the city of sin, I fell in love.
About December time, things at home were once again, rough and not working out. Just like last year, I left unexpectedly. I stayed in Moopark for a few weeks figuring things out and working a small part time at my favorite store, Sprouts. After about a month, I moved in with my boyfriend to the beautiful South Bay. We live on the border of Redondo Beach and Torrance, and it is so lovely here. Living on my own for a bit last year is totally different now, especially since I chose to have a better and positive state of mind than last year. Life for the past 4 months have been an adjustment, and I am now barely seeing here as my home. I have the most loving and supportive boyfriend here that wants to make sure I am always comfortable and happy as to where living in Highland Park, I had no one. Don't get me wrong, I am not an ignorant young woman that is going to sit here and rant about how I have the "best boyfriend in the world", because we have our ups and downs learning to cohabitate together.
The hardest aspect of living with a boyfriend has been the struggle to accept that I am no longer an "I" and have to learn to share space and adjust habits of mine like when I lived at home or on my own. All in all, it is fun, Yukio has an incredible career (in motorsports of course) and I have been lucky enough to go with him to few drag races and two time attacks. Today, we are going to the 2nd day of the Long Beach Grand Prix, and it is just amazing. Being with someone who shares my love for motorsports feels like I've slipped on a pair of glass slippers.
Of course, there has to be one thing that isn't so peachy. I fell off the vegan/healthy wagon. I FEEL SO GUILTY! It really sucks. When I lived at home, our family room was very spacious and i could move my couches quite easily and get my workouts in, here, not so much ( haha). Yes, yes, I do remember my motivational sayings and postings, I should just move the damn sectional couch we have here along with the coffee table. The space here is small, however, I need to just suck it up. My whole being felt so in balance last year, and now I just want to be back in that spot. Hopefully that motivation stick whacks me in the head and there will be no belly aching about this!
So there you have it, my life over the past 6 months or so. now that we have Internet and I have a laptop that won't travel from me, I can attempt to update this weekly (hopefully). I am planning on introducing a new blog on my cohabitation adventures, but will most likely just merge those stories with this blog.
Off to the races we go! Make sure to keep up with my pink adventures of Instagram; @thedriftbunny... Let's see if I can reach 50k followers! :)
xo Drift Bunny
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