When life gives you rain.. bring your own sunshine!

A storm is brewing in the city tonight, but I’m prepared with my new raincoat and rain boots! Our NY rainstorms can put the NW rain to shame.

On days 3-5, I spent some quality time laying low and hanging out with my mom and some friends.

My last trip home, during Memorial Day, Little Duck was out of town so we finally reunited during this trip. 9 months later.. and I’m pretty sure she’s grown another inch since I saw her last! ;-) 

What to do with Little Duck? Go to our favorite place of course! Target! Where I picked up these bad boys. I must say our Target is a much more enjoyable place to visit than the Harlem one in NY.

I also got to go to another one of my favorite places with these girlies… Red Robin!

And last but not least, I got to see my Angie for the first time in 3 years! We can’t figure out the exact last date we saw each other, but we it was before I graduated college so even a little longer than 3 years. You’d never know it though because we stay in really good touch thanks to technology. Thank you Facebook, Skype and email!

We had quite the adventure during our time together. While driving, this little guy ^^ decided he wanted to cross the street. Who knew there were peacocks in Buckley!?

Later, we hung out with some more winged friends at Angie’s house. Pictured here you will see Angie’s family’s chickens and my new bff, Toffee.

My heart is heavy as I write this post. News came this weekend that one of my past co-workers and friends had passed away early Saturday morning. The term heartbroken can’t even begin to explain the emotions I have been going through this weekend.

Matt was truly the most one-of-a-kind, talented, and entertaining person I have ever met in my entire life. The kind of person who could have an impact on you only merely spending one afternoon together. Full of life and full of dreams.

I am ever thankful for the almost two years we worked together and all of the time we were able to spend together. One of the brightest stars has been taken from us too early. May you forever rest in peace.

If you knew Matt and can give, a fund for his memorial and a scholarship fund has been put in place. http://www.indiegogo.com/MattStotskyFund