California Dreamin' - Day Three

Continuing with my California Dreamin vacation series.....

After our nice drive up the PCH and past Santa Barbara, we ended up at a resort on the oceans at Pismo Beach. It is a really nice beach area fairly close to the town of San Luis Obispo. The beach has a really nice boardwalk and pier type of area where we had a BBQ dinner. It's very touristy here so there are lots of ice cream stores, candy stores, and souvenier shops.

After dinner we walked toward the beach and found a candy store where they sell all kinds of chocolates and salt water taffy. Silly me thought salt water taffy was only popular on the East Coast. Anyway, this particular store also sold chocolate covered bugs. That's right...BUGS. We were fascinated and thought why not try some bugs. So the older boys and husband tried chocolate covered scorpions while I played it safe and went for the worms. Both were really no big deal. In fact it just tasted like crunchy chocolate.

We moved along and watched the sunset off the pier and it was quite beautiful but very COLD. I could not believe how cold it was for an August day.

After much needed rest, we woke up the next morning and enjoyed a nice leisurely morning at the hotel. We mapped out the day and husband suggested that we might want to venture over to the sand dunes. Curiously I said yes not really knowing what to expect. After a fairly short drive we drove down the highway and saw signs for the sand dunes. This venture took us on the beach where we literally drove on the beach (I thought that you could only do that in Daytona) and then to a trailer that sold dune buggy rides.







After a quick education and $250/hour, my older boys and husband decided to give it a try. Geared up in helmets and safety belts, the kind dune buggy guy strapped them in and they were on their way. While they were out dune-buggying, I stayed on the frigid beach with my two little munchkins trying to figure out a way to keep two little people entertained while surrounded by a mountain of sand and 40 degree beach water. We decided to sit in the sand and just play away until the older ones came back. They tell me that it was an awesome experience and that a few times on a few intimidating 40 ft sand dunes they actually were a bit afraid but said the entire experience was worth it.

After leaving Pismo Beach we enjoyed a scenic ride up the Central Coast of California. I enjoyed looking at the mountains since we don't get to see much of that kind of land in Florida. Our goal was to get to Monterey before dinner. We ended up making good time and had some time to kill so we ventured over to a nice park right near our hotel. Although I didn't take any photos while there, this little town is so quaint and cute. It was still quite cold and I still had my jacket on but we had a lot of fun at the park. We ended up retiring for the night pretty early because the agenda for the next day was going to be pretty full.

Next up: Monterey Aquarium, Pebble Beach, and the moment we all were waiting for....San Francisco!

Is This My Daughter or Hannah Montana??

First Day of School - Bittersweet

First days of school are always bittersweet...for me, anyhow. It's yet another reminder that my dumplings are growing up. It's always a day of firsts. This week it was a major first for my princess - first day of kindergarten. I have been watching her excitement grow all year long awaiting this day. We bought her uniforms, new shoes, new belt, new bookbag, new supplies box, new lunchbox, new water bottle to go in said lunchbox. I made her a new pair of earrings.




We walked her in to make sure she got to where she needed to be. We briefly met with the teacher in the cafeteria. And then the teacher gathered them all in a line and walked them to their class. My princess waved to us the entire time she could see us. She was BEAMING!. And we were crying.



And then there were the older boys. One in high school, one in middle school. It's his last year of middle school.




Next year they will be going together. Maybe even driving themselves. I shudder to think that I have only 3 more years with my oldest before college. It's not that far away. Where did the years go?

When you first have kids, people tell you that the years will fly by. I know they do and I know they will. I try to make the most of each day but that doesn't stop time. You always want to hold them and kiss them like you did when they were firstborn.

So I do what I always do. Embrace the moment and let myself cry. Because this is life.

California Dreamin' - Day Two

Day two of our California tour found us on a leisurely drive through L.A. and toward the beaches. I then had a brilliant idea that we should meander through the town of Calabasas. Why Calabasas you ask?

Perhaps it has something to do with this...



This is the store where they film the show "Keeping Up With The Kardashians" which is one of my favorite E! celeb reality shows. I felt like a paparazzi jumping out of my car to take photos of the storefront. In reality the town is so beautiful and shows more of the country side in the mountains in LA County.

After we left Calabasas we headed over to Malibu and the Pacific Coast Highway where we were hoping to run into some stars hanging out at the beach. I am pretty sure I saw Matthew McConaughey but upon second glace it ended up being an impersonator of this character...






I don't know how I mixed the two of them up...maybe it was just my imagination wanting to see Matthew and his beach tan.

So after not seeing so many stars we continue up the PCH for a leisurely drive toward Santa Barbara. The PCH is really nice but I was not too impressed with it in the L.A. area. It looked to me like any other highway with beach on the side and with my being from Florida it didn't look much different than the beach roads I have seen all my life.

We finally make it to Santa Barbara right in time for lunch and I am really impressed with how beautiful this beach area is. The weather is picture perfect. Air temperatures are mid-70s with low humidity. The wind made it feel a bit chillier and the water temps are much colder than what I am used to here in Florida. We find the Santa Barbara pier and it was amazing to me that you can drive your car on it. We did that and found a cute restaurant to eat lunch right on the pier. After lunch we walked up and down the pier. There were tons of sailboats in the water and was such a relaxing time. We made our way down to the beach and played in the water and sand and just soaked in the California air.







After we left Santa Barbara, we continued up the PCH to a beach called Pismo Beach where we enjoyed a relaxing afternoon and evening on the boardwalk. We ended up at a little candy store on the waterfront that is known for fudge, salt water taffy, and chocolate covered bugs. Of course, we had to try some bugs so we tried worms and scorpions. I have to say that was interesting watching one of my kids chew up a scorpion but in reality they tasted like crunchy rice krispies dipped in chocolate. The night ended as we watched the sunset and then turned in to end another fun filled day on the California coast.

Stay tuned for Day Three where I will talk about our first ever dune buggy rides on the famous sand dunes at Pismo Beach and the most beautiful ride of our lives as we drive up the PCH through the mountains of Big Sur. I can see why it is called one of the nicest drives in the entire country.

First Day of School Anxiety

My precious princess is starting her first day of school this coming Monday and last night was the first night that I saw her cry about it. I asked her why she was crying and she said that she is going to miss all of her preschool friends when they all go to new schools. Even though I told her not to worry, that they will probably see each other at the preschool camp on occasion, I couldn't help but think of how we all experience this type of anxiety no matter how old we are.

I thought that all of the talking in the world with her probably won't rid her fears of the first day in a new school. After all, I am experiencing the same fears as I start a new job in a few weeks...and I am 42 years old!

I understand where she is coming from being a creature of habit myself. I like it when I know everyone and everyone knows me. I like knowing where the restrooms are. I like knowing all about my boss. I love having my same ole friends around who know all of my quirks and when to laugh at my jokes. I hate forgetting the new co-workers names because there are so many of them that I cannot keep track of them all. I hate trying to learn a new organizational chart.

I am finding a lot of similarities between me and my princess' feelings at this moment in time.

So I decided to try to help her much like I am helping myself out...by just reminding her that it is ok to feel scared and nervous and anxious. Trying new things will always make you feel that way no matter what it is we do in life. But once you get past it your eyes will be opened to a new world filled with new people, new experiences, new friends, new tasks, new challenges and this newness will eventually become familiar once again.

It's hard to explain that to a 5 year old so I did the best job I could. And then I told her I would buy her a "lunchable" and a brownie to take to lunch on the first day. I think that is what did the trick.

California Dreamin' - Day One

After a really nice 4 1/2 hour flight from the east coast to Long Beach, we made our way to our hotel for some much needed rest in the Los Angeles area in anticipation of our first full day at Six Flags Magic Mountain. We definitely had to move from east coast time to west coast time.

After a decent highway drive from the hotel to Magic Mountain, one thing I noticed was that it is DRY in California. The mountains are huge and beautiful but also very brown! Which probably explains why everywhere you go you see signs on conserving water. Also, in August, it is a fairly nice 80s temperature in the city but when you go to the valley where Six Flags is it gets into the upper 90s.

Six Flags was a really fun day as you can see from our picture on my new banner. I have never seen more roller coasters in my life than at this park.

If you want to see them more up close and personal go here.

In addition to the many coasters was a really awesome kids area. There were a ton of rides for the little ones including a real Thomas the Tank Engine Train! My little guy was in pure heaven.

Of course he wanted ALL of us to squeeze on this train which we did lovingly for him.

My prince and princess enjoyed the many other kids rides like the tank engine roller coaster, Tweety's bird cage ride, the spinning tea cups, the carousel, and a pounce and bounce ride. The little ones were having so much fun there that we decided to hang around for a while with them and let the big boys loose to run around on all of the roller coasters.




However, the best ride of all in kiddie land was not really a ride. It was a playground called The Looney Tune Lodge. This was a huge fun zone filled with slides and thousands of foam balls to throw all around and put in these big cannon-like devices so they can be catapulted all over. It was loads of fun and a great place for kid energy.

Overall, I would rate the experience a huge success. After all, how many theme parks can you go to and get a plate of sushi? Not many.

Day One finished with a very hot, sweaty, and tired group of people as we headed back to the hotel for a nice bath and good night sleep.

Stay Tuned for Day Two where you will hear about my paparazzi moment, our drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, and how I swear I saw Matthew McConaughey.

Back From Vacation

We are finally back from a very long and fun-filled vacation that took us all the way across the country to the great state of California. Our plane just landed at 5:30 this morning and boy am I tired. I have to choose between the 10 loads of laundry that await me or sleep off some of this jet lag.

There will be weeks of blogging to come on the trip with lots of pictures! Stay tuned.

Why Do They Call This Yoga?

I went to my first yoga class this morning. I think they need to rename this to "Body Pretzel Twisting" which is how I felt before, during, and after. The instructor says "just put your right leg over here, your left leg over there and twist your arms back there" and I am thinking "how exactly are the human bones supposed to twist in this manner" until I look around and see other women doing it. Ugh, I think, I have given birth to 4 children through my hoo-ha so surely I can get into this plank position. Well that was the easy part. Staying there and balancing on one foot with both arms over my head for 20 minutes was the challenge.

In the end I got through it and I want to continue...not because I am a masochist (well I am sort of) but because I want to be able to master getting both of my legs behind my head. I just love a challenge.

Come Visit My New Store

It took me a while but I am so excited to be showing off my latest creation.

I am going to work hard on building it up and then advertising it. I have a feeling there are going to be a lot of craft and jewelry shows in my future and I am going to enjoy blogging my adventures here.

Also, as promised my premiere sidebar widget has changed and is now showing my new store line.

Enjoy!

Lost Highway

Tonight Bon Jovi is in New York for their last concert for this season. So on behalf of the Jersey Boys I am embedding one of my favorite current videos.

Another Fine Tour Ends

If you have visited my blog in the past few months you have surely seen the widget to the right. It's my featured link to the tour schedule for Bon Jovi. Every day when I visit my blog I notice that list shrink. Now they are down to only two more concerts and eventually my widget will need to be replaced with a new feature. I have been working hard (but not hard enough) at my replacement widget so stay tuned this week to find out what it is.

I Am Not A Runner

I have been thinking about my insane decision to sign up for another marathon next year. It will be my second. If you weren't catching my blog earlier this year, I posted incessantly about my first half-marathon. Now after taking several months off and waiting on a clean bill of health, I have decided to get back into some sort of training.

But I am really NOT a runner at all. I know this. I don't know strategy. I have a pretty big butt and flat feet. These two characteristics do not exactly make for a runners body. But I am a goal setter and I have determination so I like to think that those two things can help carry me through some training and an actual race. Well, at least they did last time and I did finish! In the middle of the pack too, I might add.

So as I threw my body on the scale last week, it confirmed what I had already known. I need to lose at least 10-15 pounds before I get into a running schedule. Not a problem! Just set goals and get determined, right?

So I laid out a really aggressive exercise plan that takes me to the gym 5 days a week with one of those days being yoga for an hour and then bootcamp for another hour. I also laid out a pretty aggressive 1200 calorie-a-day meal plan.

I am not sure how I will incorporate this plan into my blog but I will figure it out as I go.

Mark Your Calendar

For This!

I just got a big thumbs up from my doctor and passed my physical with flying colors...everything from an extensive blood workup (had to add B Complex to the list of daily vitamins) to EKG to nuclear stress test to heart ultrasound and echo.

It feels good to be back exercising like I used to once again.

Why Sports Is Cool

I am not a huge tennis watcher but I watched all day today because I love to see an underdog win.

On a separate note, how cool is it that a 41 year old mom beat out a bunch of young pups at a shot at another Olympic medal. I also love that at the end of her race she couldn't see the scoreboard because of her aging eyesight. I can so relate. She is my new hero.

Edamame

I was recently watching a talk show and stumbled upon a conversation they were having about these.

The hostess said that if you buy them frozen and then boil them up, throw a bit of salt on them, they are a delicious snack and so nutritious for you. I have been thinking that my choices of snacks lately are not very health conscious so perhaps I should give it a try.

I found a few bags of these frozen pods and cooked up a handful and threw the salt on. They are so delicious. I can't believe I have gone all this time without them.

Now I enjoy them as a delicious snack after work and before dinner knowing that they are rich in vitamins and fiber and extremely low in calories. Give them a try!

Bon Appetit.

Back Home

It's always a real treat to take those types of vacations where you can just sit back, relax, and regenerate the senses. We have been doing this every summer for the past 5 years now and it never gets dull. It's just a short 13 hour hop in the car from our house to the foothills of South Carolina and I love it on Lake Keowee. Everyone has their share of fun and my fun is breathing in clean air and dipping myself in clean lake water.

We Interrupt This Blog

for a much needed week long vacation. So until I return here is my favorite video and ballad from my favorite rock group of all time.

Enjoy.

This Past Week

It's been a sad week for me. At the risk of sounding like the rest of the country I am going to join in and say I was really sad to hear that Tim Russert had died unexpectedly. But since then I have really reflected on a few things in my own life that I feel could be fine tuned. I can always be a better this and a better that and so have thought a lot about how I want to make myself better and also about the legacy that I want to leave behind when I am called home just as Tim was last week.

At first I liked Tim Russert because I loved watching his show "Meet The Press." I was a faithful watcher each week and I always felt that I learned so much from his questions and answers. I really don't like those shows where the hosts scream or are condescending or create spin. I just want to hear the truth and I felt that Tim Russert worked the hardest at getting to the truth without injecting his own opinion. In addition, it was really because of his ability to simplify the issues and explain them in common every day language so that those of us who are not as politically savvy can understand and participate. So for that I thank you Tim Russert for helping me engage.

But even better than that I have been inspired this week by the personal side of Tim Russert. The devoted husband, father, and Irish Catholic that he was. I never realized he was raised by the nuns and the Jesuits and grew up as an Irish Catholic. He dedicated his life to his political and journalistic passions and lived every day to the fullest. He cared about people and lifted people up. Mario Cuomo said of him that "a day spent without real enthusiasm is a sadly lost opportunity." Such true words that I want to live by.

So as I woke up this morning, I quietly said a few prayers for those in need today. Some of them I know and some of them I don't. I dropped my kids off at preschool and sat with my princess while she drank her juice. I talked to her classmates who were all preparing for a bowling field trip today. I thanked her teacher for being so wonderful to her. I then dropped off my little man to his little class and sat with him. I offered to help his teacher pass out cereal cups for the little ones. I hugged one of the new kids in the class who was missing his dad. I stopped by the front desk and asked the ladies if they needed a Starbucks run. I feel enthusiastic and good today. It's going to be a day well spent.

Thank you Tim Russert.

A Sad Day For America

A legend goes down.

The Coach Purse

I had a stage moms meeting yesterday at my princess' dance studio for the upcoming recital. I love volunteering for this. Anyway, the meeting last about 30 minutes and there were about 50 moms there.

When I came home my better half asks me how it went and were there any dumb questions asked (long story for another day). I said "No but there were at least 7 Coach purses there."

I don't know why I am fascinated with the Coach purse but it seems that wherever I go I have to count how many I see. (It reminds me of when I was a kid and wanted to buy a Camaro when I got older so I decided to count Camaros during the course of any given day). Anyway, I am into counting Coach purses.

What is it about the Coach purse that everyone has to have one? They are pretty, indeed, but $400-$800 pretty? When I think that the money to buy one is equivalent to the cost of one month tuition at my son's high school, I shudder. I see so many people with them. I see a lot of people with them who I KNOW cannot afford them. So what is it?

I decided to wander into a Coach store at my local mall one afternoon. I had one of my teens with me who also indicated he was not sure why the Coach purse was so popular. So inside the store we went. First stop was the section with coin purses, you know, those little tiny purses that are so small that you can't even put credit cards or bills in...they literally only hold coins. It went for $250. I had to scream out "WHAT?" My teen echoed "that's equal to three pairs of D.Wade shoes" which in my opinion are ridiculously over-priced.

Anyway back to the Coach store. I tell my teen that if he thought the $250 coin purse was expensive maybe we should wander on to the regular purses as I am sure we would get an eyeful. Sure enough those were double and triple the cost of the little cheap coin purse.

I then looked around and did a double take. The store was mobbed with people seeking out these purses and I scratch my head to figure out why.

So until I can figure it out, I will continue to count them and marvel in what makes this purse so special.