It has been some time since I have blogged here. I was actually thinking that I wanted to delete this blog all together. Looking back over past blog posts, I did a lot of whining lol. I have changed over the past few years, up and down, good and bad. I didn't want to be reminded of some of those times. But, I read about our July 4th camping trip a few years ago, and it did make me happy. So, I am going to keep this blog, with all it's whiny posts, lol, and move forward.
So, not sure where I left off, but I will start with what's going on now.
My oldest just turned 15, and is now in 9th grade. We have home schooled for all of her school years. She is now part of an online high school. There is a lot of work to be done, but she's doing fine, and I am so proud of her!!!!
My twins are 13, and doing wonderful. They will be a part of the online high school next year, but for now, we'll do our own schooling with them.
We have been without a car since April. On our Easter trip to the bay area, our car broke down. We ended up renting a van to come home, leaving our car at Pep Boys there. We eventually sold it to a junk yard up there, who went and picked it up, sending us a check. Things have been challenging, but we're getting by.
I am very happy that the weather is starting to cool down, slowly. Soon the holidays will be here, and that thought thrills me!!
I hope to get back here often. Not sure that anyone reads, but I will post anyway. : )
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Lost
I was going to blog about another issue, but that will have to wait until another time. Right now, I am back to being lost again. And, this time, I don't know what to do about it. It's not like I'm single, and can go off and "find myself". I have to live my life, take care of my family, and somehow figure things out.
It's mostly about friendships right now. I wonder who my true friends are, who thinks of me as a friend. Lately, Facebook is a source of doubt for me. I leave comments for others, and sometimes they aren't responded to. That makes me wonder if I said the wrong thing? Did I offend them? Did I make things worse? I see everyone post about what they did, and often times, I feel left out. I want to be included. I need human contact. Whenever I try to get people together, it fails miserably. The ones I thought I could count on, should be able to count on, I can't. Including family. Sometimes I feel like I'm typing with invisible ink.
What has happened to me???!!! I feel like an emo teenager, back in high school again!!! I don't like drama, but here I am, creating my own, and I don't like it!!! But, I'm not happy with myself. I feel like I should be doing more, I want to be doing more, but I don't know what. I don't know how to fix myself this time.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Country Music
My husband has asked me a few times in the past why I like country music. I really wasn't able to put it into words. I just like it, and it makes me happy to listen to it.
But, last week, watching a video by Uncle Kracker (of all people lol) it suddenly came to me. The video was for the song Smile. The basic meaning of the song, is that when he thinks of this person, he smiles. With most country songs, what you see, or hear in this case, is what you get. There aren't any secret, hidden meanings, and they aren't singing about drugs, or gangs or anything like that. When you listen to it, the lyrics are clear, and you can relate most things to your own life.
Granted, there are probably a few with those hidden meanings, but not many.
So, that is why I like country music. AND, I also love line dancing, cause you don't need a partner!!! lol
But, last week, watching a video by Uncle Kracker (of all people lol) it suddenly came to me. The video was for the song Smile. The basic meaning of the song, is that when he thinks of this person, he smiles. With most country songs, what you see, or hear in this case, is what you get. There aren't any secret, hidden meanings, and they aren't singing about drugs, or gangs or anything like that. When you listen to it, the lyrics are clear, and you can relate most things to your own life.
Granted, there are probably a few with those hidden meanings, but not many.
So, that is why I like country music. AND, I also love line dancing, cause you don't need a partner!!! lol
Monday, March 01, 2010
Lost and Found
Every once in a while, especially when there are changes in my life, I start feeling lost, and lose my sense of self. I can't seem to find where I fit in.
My list of friends is very diverse, and I love that!! I embrace the fact that I know so many different people, from so many different walks of life. But, sometimes, I get the feeling that I'm not "enough". Not artistic enough, not religious enough, not fun enough, not smart enough, not family oriented enough, not rich enough, not pretty enough, not skinny enough - the list goes on.
Now, let me explain. I don't mean that I feel I am not those things at all. Rather, that I am not as much of those things as the people I know. Therefore, not able to really have a great relationship with anyone, so they become just aquaintances, and not good friends. So, I don't get invited to things, I'm not included in outings, and just not thought of. And, it really hurts when I see or hear about something that I wasn't included in. Makes me feel that they just didn't really want me there.
And, I know that I have to give in order to recieve, and I have. I do try to reach out, to be a friend, to show interest. Maybe I'm doing things wrong?
Most of my life, I have struggled with self-image. There are a lot of reasons behind it, and I have dealt with much of it, and trying to over-come it. Lately, I had resolved to being a mom, driving a mini-van and having a house. But, over the past few months, that all changed. I am now living in an apartment again, and didn't have anything to drive at all. Now though, we have a 2001 Ford Focus Station Wagon, in Mandarin Copper. It's, ummmmm, a very unique color. When Mike first brought it home, I really wasn't sure what to think of it. We bought it from someone out of town, and I had never seen the actual car, until it was here. Needless to say, it's not a mini van at all. The kids are a little cramped in the back seat. They are used to having much more room, and not having to all sit in a row. The biggest thing, is that it's so low to the ground, something I am not used to! I tried to be positive, and make the best of it, but, really, I was disappointed.
BUT, I took a trip to Walmart, and the grocery store by myself, and let me just say, it's FUN to drive that car!!!! It feels like driving a stick shift, but it's not. It drives so smooth, a few times I had to slow down, cause I was going much faster than I thought I was. We do have to get a stereo for it, as the guy took out the one he had in there, and fix a few things. The kids say that they are getting used to it, and that makes me feel better too.
So, I have decided that we deserve some fun!!!! It's a fun car to drive, it's dependable (we have never had anything so new, the last one was a '96) and we can now go where we want, when we want. I am going to make the best of it, and get out there!!! I have found ME!!!
My list of friends is very diverse, and I love that!! I embrace the fact that I know so many different people, from so many different walks of life. But, sometimes, I get the feeling that I'm not "enough". Not artistic enough, not religious enough, not fun enough, not smart enough, not family oriented enough, not rich enough, not pretty enough, not skinny enough - the list goes on.
Now, let me explain. I don't mean that I feel I am not those things at all. Rather, that I am not as much of those things as the people I know. Therefore, not able to really have a great relationship with anyone, so they become just aquaintances, and not good friends. So, I don't get invited to things, I'm not included in outings, and just not thought of. And, it really hurts when I see or hear about something that I wasn't included in. Makes me feel that they just didn't really want me there.
And, I know that I have to give in order to recieve, and I have. I do try to reach out, to be a friend, to show interest. Maybe I'm doing things wrong?
Most of my life, I have struggled with self-image. There are a lot of reasons behind it, and I have dealt with much of it, and trying to over-come it. Lately, I had resolved to being a mom, driving a mini-van and having a house. But, over the past few months, that all changed. I am now living in an apartment again, and didn't have anything to drive at all. Now though, we have a 2001 Ford Focus Station Wagon, in Mandarin Copper. It's, ummmmm, a very unique color. When Mike first brought it home, I really wasn't sure what to think of it. We bought it from someone out of town, and I had never seen the actual car, until it was here. Needless to say, it's not a mini van at all. The kids are a little cramped in the back seat. They are used to having much more room, and not having to all sit in a row. The biggest thing, is that it's so low to the ground, something I am not used to! I tried to be positive, and make the best of it, but, really, I was disappointed.
BUT, I took a trip to Walmart, and the grocery store by myself, and let me just say, it's FUN to drive that car!!!! It feels like driving a stick shift, but it's not. It drives so smooth, a few times I had to slow down, cause I was going much faster than I thought I was. We do have to get a stereo for it, as the guy took out the one he had in there, and fix a few things. The kids say that they are getting used to it, and that makes me feel better too.
So, I have decided that we deserve some fun!!!! It's a fun car to drive, it's dependable (we have never had anything so new, the last one was a '96) and we can now go where we want, when we want. I am going to make the best of it, and get out there!!! I have found ME!!!
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Day 4: The Bakersfield Hillbillies Visit Hollywood
Day 4: Sunday July 5
We woke up early, to pack up and head out. Re-packing the van is always hard. Where did everything go? Why doesn't this fit right? The sun was warm very early, and we didn't have too much shade at our campsite. And, in trying to clean out the tent, we had 2 bees fly in. Poor Mike had to kill one, and the other flew out on it's own. We were all tired and hot and not feeling the best, after our long day, the day before. So, it took longer than we planned. We finally got everything and everyone loaded up, and left the campgrounds.
The lunch that we had scheduled for Thursday, we had rescheduled for today. It did take a while to get there, through traffic, but we finally made it. I've known ANT for 3 years, online by following his blogs. Since we were in the area, we arranged to meet in person, something I thought would never happen. We met for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, in downtown Los Angeles. It was great. ANT is my favorite friend, favorite comedian, favorite person of all!!! He's so kind, and giving. We had a wonderful lunch, although a short one. We were late, and he had another appt. that afternoon, so it was a short visit. But, one that I will treasure for a long time to come!!!!
After that, we went to see the Hollywood sign, and another online friend, a fellow ANT Colony memeber, Jeremiah. He lives in the Hollywood Hills, in a beautiful home. We drove up there, with our van struggling and putting along, AND packed with our camping gear, tents and chairs strapped to the top, LOL!! Jeremiah gave me great directions, and was so gracious and gave me a tour of his house. He can look out of several windows of his home, and see the Hollywood sign. Unbelieveable!!!! We visited for a few minutes, then drove down the street, to where there was an unubstructed view of the sign.
By this time, it was getting later in the day, and we decided to head home, so we could take our time, and stop if we needed to. We took the grape vine home, the more direct route, and it was fine. We stopped once, in Gorman.
We got home, and the kids were so happy to be home, and happy to see the puppies! We unloaded the van, washed pillow cases and went to bed.
This was a very different vacation for us. Most times, once we get back home, I feel like we never even left, and all my stress comes back. But, this time was different. I think the fact that we aren't at the apts. anymore made a difference. We didn't come home and have to struggle with stairs to unload, and the house was clean, not a mess. Our lives are so different now, all for the better, and I love it!!!!
We woke up early, to pack up and head out. Re-packing the van is always hard. Where did everything go? Why doesn't this fit right? The sun was warm very early, and we didn't have too much shade at our campsite. And, in trying to clean out the tent, we had 2 bees fly in. Poor Mike had to kill one, and the other flew out on it's own. We were all tired and hot and not feeling the best, after our long day, the day before. So, it took longer than we planned. We finally got everything and everyone loaded up, and left the campgrounds.
The lunch that we had scheduled for Thursday, we had rescheduled for today. It did take a while to get there, through traffic, but we finally made it. I've known ANT for 3 years, online by following his blogs. Since we were in the area, we arranged to meet in person, something I thought would never happen. We met for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, in downtown Los Angeles. It was great. ANT is my favorite friend, favorite comedian, favorite person of all!!! He's so kind, and giving. We had a wonderful lunch, although a short one. We were late, and he had another appt. that afternoon, so it was a short visit. But, one that I will treasure for a long time to come!!!!
After that, we went to see the Hollywood sign, and another online friend, a fellow ANT Colony memeber, Jeremiah. He lives in the Hollywood Hills, in a beautiful home. We drove up there, with our van struggling and putting along, AND packed with our camping gear, tents and chairs strapped to the top, LOL!! Jeremiah gave me great directions, and was so gracious and gave me a tour of his house. He can look out of several windows of his home, and see the Hollywood sign. Unbelieveable!!!! We visited for a few minutes, then drove down the street, to where there was an unubstructed view of the sign.
By this time, it was getting later in the day, and we decided to head home, so we could take our time, and stop if we needed to. We took the grape vine home, the more direct route, and it was fine. We stopped once, in Gorman.
We got home, and the kids were so happy to be home, and happy to see the puppies! We unloaded the van, washed pillow cases and went to bed.
This was a very different vacation for us. Most times, once we get back home, I feel like we never even left, and all my stress comes back. But, this time was different. I think the fact that we aren't at the apts. anymore made a difference. We didn't come home and have to struggle with stairs to unload, and the house was clean, not a mess. Our lives are so different now, all for the better, and I love it!!!!
Monday, July 06, 2009
Day 3: Happy Independence Day!!!!!
Day 3: July 4
Saturday, the day we had been waiting for! We got up early, packed our lunches, beach towels, blankets, canopy and chairs and headed for the beach!!!
We had less traffic on Saturday then we did on Friday. We got to the beach in about 10 min. Drove into the first parking lot we found, and found a spot in the second row. Amazing!!! We got out most of our things, to go set up, and then we planned on just going back for the rest. We got to the beach about 11am. It was already pretty crowded, but not packed. In looking around, I realized that I hadn't done as much research as I should have. We were at the edge of the beach, rather than the main entrance. There were only stairs, and the other path crossed a stream. They also had grass picnic areas above the beach. So, being that we now have a differently abled child in a wheel chair, we couldn't go down on the sand. It was a different beach experience for all of us, but it turned out to be really great. The girls still went down in the water, made some friends, and we all had a wonderful time!! We weren't crowded and had a nice area. The only downside was that the restroom was a little bit of a walk, and not the best.
We had sandwiches for lunch, and Mike found a Carl's Jr. nearby for dinner. We had planned on eating at the snack shack there at the beach, but since it was further down, and a little more expensive than we thought, we changed plans.
This is the farthest South that we have traveled so far. The air there never really warmed up. In the sun, it was a little warm, but in the shade it was pretty chilly, all day. Very different than what we are used to, when we go to the central coast beaches. But, it was really nice. Michael sat, wrapped in a blanket, and people watched. He loves doing that! Like I said, the girls went in the ocean, but Alexis didn't last as long as Harley-Rose did. She changed and sat with Michael. Harley was in the water until dinner time.
Once the sun started going down, we took down the canopy, got out our jackets and sweaters and got set for the fireworks. They set them off from a barge out in the ocean. The show started a little late, but we had some others to watch, down the beach too. Then ours finally started, and they were awesome!!! Big, colorful, loud and just amazing. It was so beautiful to see the moon reflected on the water, and all the boats that came to watch the show, with all their lights on. Every now and then, I would look down to see the waves, and felt so blessed to be there. There is nothing like spending time with my family, watching fireworks, with the sound of the ocean in the background.
As nice as all that was, by the time the show was over, we were all freezing! So, we packed up and headed to the van. Of course, the parking lot was packed, and no one was going anywhere. But, still, they tried. I couldn't believe the people. And, I witnessed a new all time low - backing out of the space, next to the line of cars and making your passenger get out, stand in front of a car, so that you can pull in front of them in the line!!! I was stunned!!! I saw 2 people do that. I did unfortunately say something to one lady. She backed out her big, big SUV, almost right into the car behind her. Then, tried to squeeze in the line. The car that she almost backed into, had a very, very upset driver. His wife was literally pulling his arm, to keep him from getting out of the car. He had his door open and was ready to kick some butt!! I told that lady that she should stop, and that she was upsetting people. Of course, her teenage daughter had some things to say, and the woman said something about having 6 kids, blah blah. Whatever. Finally I just turned my back, and put my kids in the van and waited it out. I have this need to try and fix things and make everyone happy. But, things don't always work out that way, and not everyone sees what I'm trying to do as a good thing. I really need to just not ever say anything to anyone. So, I wasn't going to let them ruin my good time, just because they can't have some patience.
We finally got out of there, and went back to the campsite. The freeways were packed, so it took a while. We were all a little sunburned, and probably a bit car sick too. So we went to bed and went to sleep. It was a great day though. I'm so glad we went!!!!
Saturday, the day we had been waiting for! We got up early, packed our lunches, beach towels, blankets, canopy and chairs and headed for the beach!!!
We had less traffic on Saturday then we did on Friday. We got to the beach in about 10 min. Drove into the first parking lot we found, and found a spot in the second row. Amazing!!! We got out most of our things, to go set up, and then we planned on just going back for the rest. We got to the beach about 11am. It was already pretty crowded, but not packed. In looking around, I realized that I hadn't done as much research as I should have. We were at the edge of the beach, rather than the main entrance. There were only stairs, and the other path crossed a stream. They also had grass picnic areas above the beach. So, being that we now have a differently abled child in a wheel chair, we couldn't go down on the sand. It was a different beach experience for all of us, but it turned out to be really great. The girls still went down in the water, made some friends, and we all had a wonderful time!! We weren't crowded and had a nice area. The only downside was that the restroom was a little bit of a walk, and not the best.
We had sandwiches for lunch, and Mike found a Carl's Jr. nearby for dinner. We had planned on eating at the snack shack there at the beach, but since it was further down, and a little more expensive than we thought, we changed plans.
This is the farthest South that we have traveled so far. The air there never really warmed up. In the sun, it was a little warm, but in the shade it was pretty chilly, all day. Very different than what we are used to, when we go to the central coast beaches. But, it was really nice. Michael sat, wrapped in a blanket, and people watched. He loves doing that! Like I said, the girls went in the ocean, but Alexis didn't last as long as Harley-Rose did. She changed and sat with Michael. Harley was in the water until dinner time.
Once the sun started going down, we took down the canopy, got out our jackets and sweaters and got set for the fireworks. They set them off from a barge out in the ocean. The show started a little late, but we had some others to watch, down the beach too. Then ours finally started, and they were awesome!!! Big, colorful, loud and just amazing. It was so beautiful to see the moon reflected on the water, and all the boats that came to watch the show, with all their lights on. Every now and then, I would look down to see the waves, and felt so blessed to be there. There is nothing like spending time with my family, watching fireworks, with the sound of the ocean in the background.
As nice as all that was, by the time the show was over, we were all freezing! So, we packed up and headed to the van. Of course, the parking lot was packed, and no one was going anywhere. But, still, they tried. I couldn't believe the people. And, I witnessed a new all time low - backing out of the space, next to the line of cars and making your passenger get out, stand in front of a car, so that you can pull in front of them in the line!!! I was stunned!!! I saw 2 people do that. I did unfortunately say something to one lady. She backed out her big, big SUV, almost right into the car behind her. Then, tried to squeeze in the line. The car that she almost backed into, had a very, very upset driver. His wife was literally pulling his arm, to keep him from getting out of the car. He had his door open and was ready to kick some butt!! I told that lady that she should stop, and that she was upsetting people. Of course, her teenage daughter had some things to say, and the woman said something about having 6 kids, blah blah. Whatever. Finally I just turned my back, and put my kids in the van and waited it out. I have this need to try and fix things and make everyone happy. But, things don't always work out that way, and not everyone sees what I'm trying to do as a good thing. I really need to just not ever say anything to anyone. So, I wasn't going to let them ruin my good time, just because they can't have some patience.
We finally got out of there, and went back to the campsite. The freeways were packed, so it took a while. We were all a little sunburned, and probably a bit car sick too. So we went to bed and went to sleep. It was a great day though. I'm so glad we went!!!!
Day 2: The Joys of Camping
Day 2: July 3
Friday we drove to Newport Beach, Balboa Island actually, to have frozen bananas. The kids and I saw them on Unwrapped, on the Food Network. So, since we were in the area, we wanted to try them. We drove up the coast. Once we got there, we had to drive around for a bit, to find a parking space. Just as we were about to give up, and park off the island and walk over, we saw a space, just down from the frozen banana stand! We walked down there, and there was no line. The bananas are already frozen and on a stick. When you order, they dip it in chocolate, twice, and then you get your choice of toppings. Alexis got Oreos, I had chocolate sprinkles and peanuts, and Harley-Rose got everything, which was Oreos, chocolate and multi-colored sprinkles, peanuts, Heath bar, and something else that I forget, lol. Mike got a Balboa bar, which was a big square of ice cream, also dipped in chocolate with toppings. Michael got a minty mint chip shake, which was really good! After that, we walked around a little bit, and looked at the shops. It's a really nice place, but because of the holiday, was a little crowded.
After we left there, we stopped at the grocery store and picked up some dinner items and lunch stuff for the next day. Then we went back to the campsite.
When camping, Mike does most of the cooking. Being that he was a boy scout, and eagle scout, he did a lot of camping growing up. This was only my 3rd camping trip, ever. Anyway, we had chicken packs for dinner. It's just potatoes cut up, with a piece or two of chicken, butter and seasoning, wrapped in foil. Those get put right in the coals, and cook for 15min. or longer, depending on the thickness of the chicken. We all love it, and it's so simple!! After eating, we cleaned up and Mike got the campfire going and the kids made some s'mores.
Then it was time for bed. Another great day!!!!
Friday we drove to Newport Beach, Balboa Island actually, to have frozen bananas. The kids and I saw them on Unwrapped, on the Food Network. So, since we were in the area, we wanted to try them. We drove up the coast. Once we got there, we had to drive around for a bit, to find a parking space. Just as we were about to give up, and park off the island and walk over, we saw a space, just down from the frozen banana stand! We walked down there, and there was no line. The bananas are already frozen and on a stick. When you order, they dip it in chocolate, twice, and then you get your choice of toppings. Alexis got Oreos, I had chocolate sprinkles and peanuts, and Harley-Rose got everything, which was Oreos, chocolate and multi-colored sprinkles, peanuts, Heath bar, and something else that I forget, lol. Mike got a Balboa bar, which was a big square of ice cream, also dipped in chocolate with toppings. Michael got a minty mint chip shake, which was really good! After that, we walked around a little bit, and looked at the shops. It's a really nice place, but because of the holiday, was a little crowded.
After we left there, we stopped at the grocery store and picked up some dinner items and lunch stuff for the next day. Then we went back to the campsite.
When camping, Mike does most of the cooking. Being that he was a boy scout, and eagle scout, he did a lot of camping growing up. This was only my 3rd camping trip, ever. Anyway, we had chicken packs for dinner. It's just potatoes cut up, with a piece or two of chicken, butter and seasoning, wrapped in foil. Those get put right in the coals, and cook for 15min. or longer, depending on the thickness of the chicken. We all love it, and it's so simple!! After eating, we cleaned up and Mike got the campfire going and the kids made some s'mores.
Then it was time for bed. Another great day!!!!
Day 1: Are We There Yet???
So, we are back from vacation, and had a great time!!! LA sure is hard to get used to though, all the traffic and people everywhere!!!
Day 1: Thursday July 2
We had planned to leave early, around 9am, in order to be in LA by 1pm, to meet a friend for lunch. Well, as you know the old saying about well laid plans and all that.... things did not go that way. We had to get our tire fixed, as it had a nail in it. Mike took it to the garage on Wednesday afternoon, but there were 12 cars ahead of him, and it would have taken too long. So, he opted for first thing in the morning instead. That turned out to be just as long of a wait. Plus, as he was waiting for it to be fixed, he got a call from someone who wanted to hire him for some contract work. So, of course he had to meet with him.
Mike finally got back around 10, and we started loading up the van. Which thankfully didn't take too long. We didn't have the stairs of the apt. to deal with, which made things much easier. But, we were very short on room!! We were loaded up, and the kids barely fit inside!! After some final preparations, and dropping the garage door opener to my brother, to take care of the puppies, we were finally on our way.
With the van in not such great shape, we decided to go the long way around, and avoid the big climb of the grape vine, and go through the desert instead. We went up through Tehachapi, and Mojave and Palmdale. Let me tell you, Mojave is the driest, hottest place I have been!!! No trees in sight anywhere. Mike wanted to pull over and rest his eyes for a bit, and let the van rest some too. The shopping centers had no landscaping and not trees at all!!! So, we ended up at this county park, which was in major dis-repair!! We stayed there for a while, and then continued on.
With leaving so late, we had to reschedule our lunch for Sunday. We still wanted to stop in LA though, so Mike could see their digital art gallery. However, once we got into LA, the traffic was awful!!! And it wasn't even holiday traffic or travelers. It was all commuters. Because, what time was it when we drove into LA??? Yep....5pm!!!! I could not drive in that every day, I don't know how they do it!!! We were actually stopped at times, just sitting there on the freeway!!! Some of those streets in the towns are called Parkways, I think they need to re-name the freeways the LA Parkway hehe!!!
Then, the Google maps directions were really out there sometimes. I made the mistake of following them word for word, and turn by turn, instead of going through them. At one point, it took us off the freeway, down the street at bit, turn left, down that street, turn left again, and right back on the freeway!!! The only thing I can think of, is at one time there was a detour and they didn't update or something. Oh well.
Finally, we made it through all that LA traffic. The campgrounds were about an hour South of LA. We found them with no trouble, with about an hour to set up before it got dark. Harley-Rose and Dad put up the tent in record time, very impressive!!! We were one of the few families there that night. It's a nice place, a county park, down in the canyon. But, only about 5 minutes from town. Kind of wierd, but nice. We went and got Jack in the Box for dinner, since it was so late, brought it back to the campsite and ate. Then we got ready for bed, and went to sleep.
All in all not a bad day, just a later than planned start, and a lot of driving time!!
Day 1: Thursday July 2
We had planned to leave early, around 9am, in order to be in LA by 1pm, to meet a friend for lunch. Well, as you know the old saying about well laid plans and all that.... things did not go that way. We had to get our tire fixed, as it had a nail in it. Mike took it to the garage on Wednesday afternoon, but there were 12 cars ahead of him, and it would have taken too long. So, he opted for first thing in the morning instead. That turned out to be just as long of a wait. Plus, as he was waiting for it to be fixed, he got a call from someone who wanted to hire him for some contract work. So, of course he had to meet with him.
Mike finally got back around 10, and we started loading up the van. Which thankfully didn't take too long. We didn't have the stairs of the apt. to deal with, which made things much easier. But, we were very short on room!! We were loaded up, and the kids barely fit inside!! After some final preparations, and dropping the garage door opener to my brother, to take care of the puppies, we were finally on our way.
With the van in not such great shape, we decided to go the long way around, and avoid the big climb of the grape vine, and go through the desert instead. We went up through Tehachapi, and Mojave and Palmdale. Let me tell you, Mojave is the driest, hottest place I have been!!! No trees in sight anywhere. Mike wanted to pull over and rest his eyes for a bit, and let the van rest some too. The shopping centers had no landscaping and not trees at all!!! So, we ended up at this county park, which was in major dis-repair!! We stayed there for a while, and then continued on.
With leaving so late, we had to reschedule our lunch for Sunday. We still wanted to stop in LA though, so Mike could see their digital art gallery. However, once we got into LA, the traffic was awful!!! And it wasn't even holiday traffic or travelers. It was all commuters. Because, what time was it when we drove into LA??? Yep....5pm!!!! I could not drive in that every day, I don't know how they do it!!! We were actually stopped at times, just sitting there on the freeway!!! Some of those streets in the towns are called Parkways, I think they need to re-name the freeways the LA Parkway hehe!!!
Then, the Google maps directions were really out there sometimes. I made the mistake of following them word for word, and turn by turn, instead of going through them. At one point, it took us off the freeway, down the street at bit, turn left, down that street, turn left again, and right back on the freeway!!! The only thing I can think of, is at one time there was a detour and they didn't update or something. Oh well.
Finally, we made it through all that LA traffic. The campgrounds were about an hour South of LA. We found them with no trouble, with about an hour to set up before it got dark. Harley-Rose and Dad put up the tent in record time, very impressive!!! We were one of the few families there that night. It's a nice place, a county park, down in the canyon. But, only about 5 minutes from town. Kind of wierd, but nice. We went and got Jack in the Box for dinner, since it was so late, brought it back to the campsite and ate. Then we got ready for bed, and went to sleep.
All in all not a bad day, just a later than planned start, and a lot of driving time!!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Getting Excited
We leave for vacation on Thursday.
The plan is to leave town about 9:30am, and head down to Los Angeles. There, we are meeting with a couple friends for lunch. After that, we'll go on to the campgrounds. We'll get everything set up, and make dinner.
Friday we'll do grocery shopping for the rest of the weekend, since Mike gets paid on Friday. Thank heaven for automatic deposit! Not sure what else we'll do on Friday.
Saturday, we'll go over to Doheny Beach, by Dana Point, about 30 minutes from the campgrounds. We'll spend the day there, and watch the free fireworks show that night, launched from a barge out in the ocean.
Sunday we will pack up and leave the campgrounds, and drive back through Los Angeles. We have a friend that lives in the Hollywood Hills, and gave me directions, to bring us right up underneath the Hollywood sign. I hope to get some really great pictures! Then we want to take the kids to Groumans' Chinese theater, and maybe walk some of the Walk of Fame. Mike also wants to visit some of the Hollywood cemetaries, and visit some celebrity gravesites.
At some point we also want to go to Newport Beach, and get a frozen banana from a place we saw on Unwrapped. The kids love that show!
Those are the plans, so we'll see what we actually get done, hehe. This is our first trip out of town, in over a year, and will probably be our only one, for a long time. With our landlords filing bankruptcy, we aren't sure what's going to happen with our house, and things may change for us, in the coming months. I want to make this a great trip, and take time to be a family, and enjoy each other's company. Mike has been working a lot, and wierd hours. Most nights we don't have dinner until 8pm or later. And when he works the morning shift on the weekends, he goes in now at 6am, so he's tired when he gets home.
This heat is so unbareable, you can't even stand outside without sweating!!
I know that we are going to have a great time, combining camping and the beach, with some other things mixed in too. I am going to find out just how many pictures my memory card can hold!!!
The plan is to leave town about 9:30am, and head down to Los Angeles. There, we are meeting with a couple friends for lunch. After that, we'll go on to the campgrounds. We'll get everything set up, and make dinner.
Friday we'll do grocery shopping for the rest of the weekend, since Mike gets paid on Friday. Thank heaven for automatic deposit! Not sure what else we'll do on Friday.
Saturday, we'll go over to Doheny Beach, by Dana Point, about 30 minutes from the campgrounds. We'll spend the day there, and watch the free fireworks show that night, launched from a barge out in the ocean.
Sunday we will pack up and leave the campgrounds, and drive back through Los Angeles. We have a friend that lives in the Hollywood Hills, and gave me directions, to bring us right up underneath the Hollywood sign. I hope to get some really great pictures! Then we want to take the kids to Groumans' Chinese theater, and maybe walk some of the Walk of Fame. Mike also wants to visit some of the Hollywood cemetaries, and visit some celebrity gravesites.
At some point we also want to go to Newport Beach, and get a frozen banana from a place we saw on Unwrapped. The kids love that show!
Those are the plans, so we'll see what we actually get done, hehe. This is our first trip out of town, in over a year, and will probably be our only one, for a long time. With our landlords filing bankruptcy, we aren't sure what's going to happen with our house, and things may change for us, in the coming months. I want to make this a great trip, and take time to be a family, and enjoy each other's company. Mike has been working a lot, and wierd hours. Most nights we don't have dinner until 8pm or later. And when he works the morning shift on the weekends, he goes in now at 6am, so he's tired when he gets home.
This heat is so unbareable, you can't even stand outside without sweating!!
I know that we are going to have a great time, combining camping and the beach, with some other things mixed in too. I am going to find out just how many pictures my memory card can hold!!!
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