tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75599842683481736902024-03-05T22:45:30.113-08:00Live, Love, Run"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" Lao TzuJBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.comBlogger239125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-88136221187800263572016-01-27T03:48:00.001-08:002016-01-27T03:48:35.214-08:00He's Gone...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPu1H5c2tQo3225g5jbBgl1q0lBfN1LRKjjG8cKa5Np6OFBgVYhtiz-CqwBR5aD0sd4ZTpBr3PmAZCnukcIT6yHdnyUD7O8nGqLIyRKuQA8DPxRuHF0LN6PAvvEan7zqrQ16d8ku33qRo/s1600/Jill+%2526+Mikey+2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPu1H5c2tQo3225g5jbBgl1q0lBfN1LRKjjG8cKa5Np6OFBgVYhtiz-CqwBR5aD0sd4ZTpBr3PmAZCnukcIT6yHdnyUD7O8nGqLIyRKuQA8DPxRuHF0LN6PAvvEan7zqrQ16d8ku33qRo/s320/Jill+%2526+Mikey+2016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My Mikey is gone. And he's never coming back.<br />
<br />
My heart is so completely broken. I wish this were all a bad dream.<br />
<br />
That photo is the last one I took of the two of us, just two days before he died.<br />
<br />
<br />
It's been 5 days since I let him go, and it hasn't gotten any easier.<br />
<br />
I still keep hearing his voice in my head and expecting to see him around every corner. I would give anything for one more day with him, healthy, to hold him and snuggle him and smell his head and kiss his paws. <br />
<br />
I've played last Thursday night over and over in my head. Questioning if I did the right thing. Going over what I thought went wrong. Wondering what was going through his mind and if he knew through it all how much I loved him. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08J-l8MhDS0JrpujTzHvK_e75OIam6ZVMXP8JK19Pa6QqdceJs6leQf2XuCEI4ay6NWOPN1XygurXW2ERKEKR-BGJWWdhzicutfiWzy5nlvcxgNZXJiXAiCI5AkGRb708Y3kxKliy4m0/s1600/Mikey+playing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08J-l8MhDS0JrpujTzHvK_e75OIam6ZVMXP8JK19Pa6QqdceJs6leQf2XuCEI4ay6NWOPN1XygurXW2ERKEKR-BGJWWdhzicutfiWzy5nlvcxgNZXJiXAiCI5AkGRb708Y3kxKliy4m0/s320/Mikey+playing.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I had a vet come to my house that night, which I thought would be the best way for him. I didn't want the last thing he experienced to be a cold steel table in an unfamiliar, scary place. <br />
<br />
The morning after, I drove back to Pennsylvania, tears streaming down my face the entire time, with both of my cats in the car. My dad dug a hole and we laid Mikey to rest in my parents backyard under the apple tree where our family dog is buried. He looked like he was sleeping. Even though I knew his spirit was no longer in that body, I still couldn't believe it was the last time I'd ever see him in this life. It still doesn't feel real. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGImhU2PTj_WYwvuiv7GYUvH29alhCQBUEs7m3V2xyfAUSN_90uSipRs_3cBS-nKLXHFX5k9QWZzMLv7Qu8eQesLBuy5mkb3FYvXrny2fQe0e5yNeGIEEtfToKFeDIe0lHPwQtNU6LVxg/s1600/Mikey+sleeping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGImhU2PTj_WYwvuiv7GYUvH29alhCQBUEs7m3V2xyfAUSN_90uSipRs_3cBS-nKLXHFX5k9QWZzMLv7Qu8eQesLBuy5mkb3FYvXrny2fQe0e5yNeGIEEtfToKFeDIe0lHPwQtNU6LVxg/s320/Mikey+sleeping.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Sal grieved for days, searching frantically for Mikey in my apartment and at my parents house. He cried under the bed the first night and couldn't sleep. He continues to search and look behind him constantly for Mikey and at night sits atop the bed, looking into the hallway, waiting. I can't imagine what he's thinking and I'm worried about leaving him home alone all day from now on. <br />
<br />
From the day they were born and for the past 11 years, they were constant companions. They have never even spent 1 day apart. They slept together, played together and groomed each other daily. They were brothers and soulmates. <br />
<br />
There have been a few times I've seen Sal looking over my shoulder, eyes wide and unflinching, and I believe Mikey is visiting him. Today, he was staring intently down the hall, and then chased something up the stairs. I believe they are still playing together.<br />
<br />
I don't want to keep crying about Mikey, but I also don't want him to think I've forgotten about him.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsz6KIxBzOLzwh431P06I8WVarb78-JXaj9sS-aNlvG8JRM3edGCnTWYg5_6wtLcL4N6GVm22NNNu-K5qtfp4mypueJ4ghNnBr6zqjH7GfJplC1_LeWVEdli8YogF39NdEkto7d5kqC2g/s1600/Mikey+sunbathing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsz6KIxBzOLzwh431P06I8WVarb78-JXaj9sS-aNlvG8JRM3edGCnTWYg5_6wtLcL4N6GVm22NNNu-K5qtfp4mypueJ4ghNnBr6zqjH7GfJplC1_LeWVEdli8YogF39NdEkto7d5kqC2g/s320/Mikey+sunbathing.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We weathered the blizzard in Pennsylvania and just came home to my apartment tonight. I think a tiny little part of me expected to see Mikey waiting for us when we returned. <br />
<br />
His food bowl and litter box are still out. I still have jars of baby food on my counter and his medicine in the fridge. I'm not yet ready to pack up all the reminders.<br />
<br />
I miss him more than I ever thought possible, and our lives will never be the same. I can't believe this is our new reality.<br />
<br />
I hope he knows how much I love him, and I hope wherever he is, he's not hurting and not lonely.<br />
<br />
I got this photo of my boys snuggling, the night before Mikey died:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfGRkV2ox3DQDxNLDZaVd6WuYSHqFvF8QoHmmZDAvpYgut7vjBMPM3BKEwuc8s0rY_kneVWLAD1jcLu4vidhxyfY4uq4uJpoXIeOkUpDxlThP26griZvBr4FJa75KkSCAsaxFUOlpTsE/s1600/Sal+%2526+Mikey+snuggling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfGRkV2ox3DQDxNLDZaVd6WuYSHqFvF8QoHmmZDAvpYgut7vjBMPM3BKEwuc8s0rY_kneVWLAD1jcLu4vidhxyfY4uq4uJpoXIeOkUpDxlThP26griZvBr4FJa75KkSCAsaxFUOlpTsE/s320/Sal+%2526+Mikey+snuggling.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps5I3Tn2Btvoto9THNku3Louh9eBzzJP_TjYEhgHfZux7R_FoOXv3gSuOksYwxaiDtdQRie13FxS9hSvO94Mmq101dMTSeN9q59EwPvs3E70LqeNP2NemrmecvqAhIhPkGGMRDkeT7rA/s1600/Sal+%2526+Mikey+snuggling+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjps5I3Tn2Btvoto9THNku3Louh9eBzzJP_TjYEhgHfZux7R_FoOXv3gSuOksYwxaiDtdQRie13FxS9hSvO94Mmq101dMTSeN9q59EwPvs3E70LqeNP2NemrmecvqAhIhPkGGMRDkeT7rA/s320/Sal+%2526+Mikey+snuggling+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I lost a piece of my heart last week that I'll never get back. My sweet boy, I loved you so much and I always will. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<strong><em>What greater gift than the love of a cat? ~ Charles Dickens</em></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-54405118917123112922016-01-11T03:34:00.002-08:002016-01-11T03:36:42.666-08:00I Guess It's About Time for an Update....I guess it's about time for an update... It's been awhile. I'm sorry for not checking in the entire month of December. I hope you all had wonderful holidays. And Happy New Year!<br />
<br />
I can't believe I haven't blogged since Thanksgiving. I wonder if I remember how to do this? As you could probably tell from the tone of my last post, I was in a bad place. December was an emotional/terrible month for me and I was in no place to blog about it. I returned from Thanksgiving in Georgia to a cat that was very, very ill. Not eating at all, hiding all day, and in a lot of pain (didn't know it at the time). He lost 2 lbs in 2 weeks and had zero quality of life. <br />
<br />
I would rush home after work every evening, not knowing what condition he would be in, and I honestly thought he was not even going to make it until Christmas. I was a wreck, he was a wreck. I was spending all day taking care of kids, then coming home and taking care of my dying cat, and who was taking care of me? No one. I couldn't even think about Christmas. When it was apparent I was going to have to put him down if this continued I decided to start him on daily prednisone. It's a steroid that's a stop-gap measure for animals with cancer, but it comes with a risk of heart failure which is why I initially rejected the idea. Prednisone alleviates pain, makes the animal more comfortable and extends their life a bit by slowing the progression of cancer. It's not a cure. As far as I know, pet owners do not often pursue chemo for animals. <br />
<br />
But in order to even have chemo as an option, you need to have a biopsy and confirmation of what type of cancer you're dealing with. I believe in my last post, I had said Mikey would be getting a biopsy but after his condition deteriorated so quickly I decided against it. The vet would need to stick a needle through his body and chest wall and there were huge risks (lung puncture/collapse, bleeding out, etc). So chemo was out and I don't think I would have even pursued it anyway.<br />
<br />
In my attempts to do everything possible, I hired a holistic vet to come to the house and treat him! I know what you're thinking. What the h^ll does a holistic vet do?! And what does that cost?! It's expensive. I mean I do not pay for acupuncture, massages, pedicures or even HAIRCUTS for myself because I can't afford them, but I was shelling out money for acupuncture for my cat! We had 3 visits with her and initially Mikey actually sat while she put needles all over his body! Once I started him on the prednisone and he started to feel better, however, he was not as patient. She also gave me some essential oil to massage him with which contained things like oregano oil and he was walking around smelling like a pizza. Ha I've also just recently started him on some Chinese herbs which are homeopathic cancer treatments. <br />
<br />
All this background is to say after weeks of turmoil, uncertainty and heartache, he is finally stable. He is not in pain anymore. He plays and cuddles (he's on my lap 24/7). He is eating now, but not cat food! He prefers real meat and fish which I am now cooking every night. And he eats treats which are probably basically junk but I'll give him whatever he wants. He's quite skinny so anything he wants in his last days, he gets. <br />
<br />
I genuinely feels he wants to be here for a little while longer. Once I sense that changing, I will have very difficult decisions to make and I'll be a freaking wreck again. <br />
<br />
I'll regale you with one more little anecdote regarding Mikey and then I'll stop with the cat talk. One day a couple days before Christmas, he was having a string of bad days. Hadn't eaten and didn't have much energy (some days are like this). I got home from work and tried feeding him every thing I could think of and he still didn't want it. I got frustrated and started crying and basically screaming at him that he had to eat (horrendous behavior on my part). I took a shower and tried to calm down but was still upset. It was then that Mikey went into the kitchen, jumped on the counter, and retrieved and dropped a little medicine cup at my feet. I had completely forgotten about this game we used to play! I didn't even knew that Mikey knew where I kept the little cups. We proceeded to then play 'catch' for the next 15-20 minutes. <br />
<br />
When I say that I can't remember the last time we played this game, I mean it has been at least a year or two. When Mikey was younger he loved this game. He literally plays 'fetch' just like a dog! I never taught him this, he just brought a little milk cap over to me many years ago, I threw it, and he fetched it and brought it back to me. And so it began. He loved this game but for some reason, I had kind of forgotten to 'play' with my cats for so long. Their lives became more about a comfort to me lately, than me stimulating them and remembering to give them the attention they obviously craved. <br />
<br />
At this moment and on this night, it honestly felt like a miraculous, spiritual event. I hadn't seen Mikey like this in months, and here he was playing. I feel animals can be psychic on some level and I honestly felt like he was telling me that he was still here, still wanted to be here, and was still in the game. I cried some more then and told him I understood. <br />
<br />
Okkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk. That was a lot. I hope I didn't kill you all emotionally! <br />
<br />
I'll end with some Christmas pictures to recap the last few weeks. Oh did I also forget to mention that my car broke down on Christmas Eve?! Yeah so that happened too. I almost didn't make it home for Christmas. I was debating until the last day whether to even go home this year because I was so distraught, and then the cherry on top was a $400 car repair! But I'm glad I did. Because being at home with the people we love turned out to be the best medicine for both me and the cats. After nearly 12 years in Baltimore, I'm thinking its about time I get moving closer to the people that are important to me, but more on that later. <br />
<br />
For now, enjoy:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCNcJBFmjzQKL3IcO2KJBveM9S7SHLX7uCcaADRyMyBnbK7i2Bl_91Ys3MHZwwT7PKJLmbeQhY1PDwVK7TIbMJfy9Qed-FITr5a5ObOVQDGjKSU2AWmePNSJ30K0SgfFj0jhlU6zrH9E/s1600/christmas+run+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCNcJBFmjzQKL3IcO2KJBveM9S7SHLX7uCcaADRyMyBnbK7i2Bl_91Ys3MHZwwT7PKJLmbeQhY1PDwVK7TIbMJfy9Qed-FITr5a5ObOVQDGjKSU2AWmePNSJ30K0SgfFj0jhlU6zrH9E/s320/christmas+run+2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Running through fog on Christmas morning. It was 60 degrees. So strange. And wonderful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My running has actually been feeling really good lately so there's one silver lining in this dark cloud hanging over us. I've been logging more miles recently and so far, so good on the leg/knee issue!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZx1wHNYrJxvW4yzzPt51fEWQuaJd6NgFBK6kQnavoMB7ZH-V59LpRYlmyar9ryhp3vLk6zx0SAWrDlPbOdmAbYfmRIBStdAuhezxFFQFKJQoCn-71m8mWLzjibiqb0mBXkkYYH9Gh9I/s1600/Jill+%2526+Landon+Christmas+2015+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZx1wHNYrJxvW4yzzPt51fEWQuaJd6NgFBK6kQnavoMB7ZH-V59LpRYlmyar9ryhp3vLk6zx0SAWrDlPbOdmAbYfmRIBStdAuhezxFFQFKJQoCn-71m8mWLzjibiqb0mBXkkYYH9Gh9I/s320/Jill+%2526+Landon+Christmas+2015+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUl9Pyxv1hQrpzhtkdmxPGxm-0zdlUKFj5YdfF0XZYC0Km8Wkl-QDQRihh3XQyjaXCvTqxGzhSasFH_DQFvURXJMGSlGp4HFMVJCeTs1CW8arL4N6y99w8ixW17c1tk1DCLbehKo4ibhE/s1600/Jill+%2526+Landon+Christmas+2015+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUl9Pyxv1hQrpzhtkdmxPGxm-0zdlUKFj5YdfF0XZYC0Km8Wkl-QDQRihh3XQyjaXCvTqxGzhSasFH_DQFvURXJMGSlGp4HFMVJCeTs1CW8arL4N6y99w8ixW17c1tk1DCLbehKo4ibhE/s320/Jill+%2526+Landon+Christmas+2015+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFWaca8KUDyKbm4imlfVPvQ5wc0kBdwlxBSkhdhT4etyjOX84iazFkEnpB-3NfLcAru_8X68YSKP2l305hdjjOT7FHyCz2wMS6vxW7OVQE5TfmfzamhBQlJuK-griRLSJiTJJaPhRI7s/s1600/Dylan+Christmas+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqFWaca8KUDyKbm4imlfVPvQ5wc0kBdwlxBSkhdhT4etyjOX84iazFkEnpB-3NfLcAru_8X68YSKP2l305hdjjOT7FHyCz2wMS6vxW7OVQE5TfmfzamhBQlJuK-griRLSJiTJJaPhRI7s/s320/Dylan+Christmas+2015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwFCWkSWDpgTJ9l4Owq_SOKcK-3trS543rShmUIk1XwrZ7jgD9wssnNC8Ea9HQj3NZUHBCatKthzugr0jT-L-IJxJPi6IIxrTcRYjI6WIO5I2GN1X-xTn4PFlrwyBigqEN_t8dZi_uqg/s1600/Jill+%2526+Dylan+Christmas+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwFCWkSWDpgTJ9l4Owq_SOKcK-3trS543rShmUIk1XwrZ7jgD9wssnNC8Ea9HQj3NZUHBCatKthzugr0jT-L-IJxJPi6IIxrTcRYjI6WIO5I2GN1X-xTn4PFlrwyBigqEN_t8dZi_uqg/s320/Jill+%2526+Dylan+Christmas+2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Christmas Day with my nephews!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8mM4oSo189nNXDgGipcLs6BVT8wFYGSJAz6SOXfSAkfH1hjOUP6sHmhdlaELQKMdHJfCdM3GHzzIZMKE3CUrbL4UZRgvH0Ns98uCvC_n3BAsblgVZ_DCeLDLSGcZY-3cG4wq4nba9O4/s1600/Christmas+tree+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE8mM4oSo189nNXDgGipcLs6BVT8wFYGSJAz6SOXfSAkfH1hjOUP6sHmhdlaELQKMdHJfCdM3GHzzIZMKE3CUrbL4UZRgvH0Ns98uCvC_n3BAsblgVZ_DCeLDLSGcZY-3cG4wq4nba9O4/s320/Christmas+tree+2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfK8TJyKYbMVKg2sAvpUde40lBf-6Au1TFV55Ox00oK1nTi8_nUiBlTpmHrJKXOWCRTPedekSllwwnWdVmJIuZC9P7VYCaK5Jza1z6kLyY4PSE3RQCMcBgYNoXl5oL56xkIIVVAzHwYpg/s1600/Church+christmas+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfK8TJyKYbMVKg2sAvpUde40lBf-6Au1TFV55Ox00oK1nTi8_nUiBlTpmHrJKXOWCRTPedekSllwwnWdVmJIuZC9P7VYCaK5Jza1z6kLyY4PSE3RQCMcBgYNoXl5oL56xkIIVVAzHwYpg/s320/Church+christmas+2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ObEI0eEg2NVmcbqSHO0nMGt3A0yaLKe6BO7PTHYOGrRCe8KeBQJmzHFx_TDjSSs9IWqlR_WasWM701THlcq5rWL5K079UIHSXvfnWf1pU4nXuaO4Ona3A1prV5FNhUZG3Ou1OcMz_yM/s1600/Christmas+cats+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ObEI0eEg2NVmcbqSHO0nMGt3A0yaLKe6BO7PTHYOGrRCe8KeBQJmzHFx_TDjSSs9IWqlR_WasWM701THlcq5rWL5K079UIHSXvfnWf1pU4nXuaO4Ona3A1prV5FNhUZG3Ou1OcMz_yM/s320/Christmas+cats+2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My babies</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_98md1ZQkuRj5GmFpMy6sQ-mNkvhSA0OWRvCLM2Pqs1Rfq3ohfwEM4D0VCS0ugCT0rKnhReM8dDDExUptZ0rmmHFwaJhIQXXO9RawUD_TGVW6I2spq7W7RQ7yhMp61az2MGaUaM54lEU/s1600/Mikey+Christmas+2015+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_98md1ZQkuRj5GmFpMy6sQ-mNkvhSA0OWRvCLM2Pqs1Rfq3ohfwEM4D0VCS0ugCT0rKnhReM8dDDExUptZ0rmmHFwaJhIQXXO9RawUD_TGVW6I2spq7W7RQ7yhMp61az2MGaUaM54lEU/s320/Mikey+Christmas+2015+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAuZFcpO4JhnfyOV847kE-iko_AZ-0pbKNKxU8QTB0HddGYB8HLEaWLWUWVOP3J6MeKnbRxEnIr_CKiITtQConsZqUp2nxjpzfQIVo1vJm_T00APrF4ieQ4f89LYGpeXRWRuw-xPS6mM/s1600/Mikey+Christmas+2015+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipAuZFcpO4JhnfyOV847kE-iko_AZ-0pbKNKxU8QTB0HddGYB8HLEaWLWUWVOP3J6MeKnbRxEnIr_CKiITtQConsZqUp2nxjpzfQIVo1vJm_T00APrF4ieQ4f89LYGpeXRWRuw-xPS6mM/s320/Mikey+Christmas+2015+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaOiCjdeeu6-v_bXufU3u3k7LQoTWEUzFbt6xr_IRbn1hqfF3KM1GcB_0jnLQ3oPV5hHvQgaU0UY19k3b7wlwMVLrGXSoyf0bme8A0I-kiUuq9X4h6SeS1pFTcNDYbr7rYgP2VGR3BgU/s1600/Sal+Christmas+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaOiCjdeeu6-v_bXufU3u3k7LQoTWEUzFbt6xr_IRbn1hqfF3KM1GcB_0jnLQ3oPV5hHvQgaU0UY19k3b7wlwMVLrGXSoyf0bme8A0I-kiUuq9X4h6SeS1pFTcNDYbr7rYgP2VGR3BgU/s320/Sal+Christmas+2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8Saoc9vUPj8xytYFsr_hUkKVR5rMj1P8tbAk0T7qYWcPlxB3CAhGPPX91hdyoh1jcIUr_cQ6xSgXUC0Gls6_dVEHSTFcqQqALqUwUcBdLE1IDfAA0HxUoYDeaB0NIHIU9K7RDnfKlyY/s1600/christmas+cats+2015+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8Saoc9vUPj8xytYFsr_hUkKVR5rMj1P8tbAk0T7qYWcPlxB3CAhGPPX91hdyoh1jcIUr_cQ6xSgXUC0Gls6_dVEHSTFcqQqALqUwUcBdLE1IDfAA0HxUoYDeaB0NIHIU9K7RDnfKlyY/s320/christmas+cats+2015+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wTQ1DXaLZNHJxzqd5mlvX7zUknn_z5WldmuAIipI5nlQ1V7XjBkBaWupe72DpL4IwvDRXmLC3S-eoB8j2_v4pigVCcD5ya3TEYp13eGYJUkZg7T-fGka0kBWspP1NEJSdTM2c3Iyx_E/s1600/friends+christmas+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wTQ1DXaLZNHJxzqd5mlvX7zUknn_z5WldmuAIipI5nlQ1V7XjBkBaWupe72DpL4IwvDRXmLC3S-eoB8j2_v4pigVCcD5ya3TEYp13eGYJUkZg7T-fGka0kBWspP1NEJSdTM2c3Iyx_E/s320/friends+christmas+2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My very best friends in all the world</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a month of incredible stress and turmoil, being around my family and friends was incredibly healing. I don't reach out for help much, but I am realizing more and more that being around loved ones is actually really necessary for a healthy happy life. It's no good for me to be on my own constantly. Apparently it took my cat getting cancer for me to realize this. In his last months of life, all he wants is to be constantly near me. Constantly. Follows me everywhere. Is on my lap for petting and snuggles every opportunity he can get. Sometimes I don't think I realize how much of a negative affect the distance from my loved ones has, until it's too late, crisis hits and I'm unraveling. People need people. Otherwise what's the point?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are some things I'd like to accomplish in the new year, but for now they'll remain unsaid. I'm kind of in a holding pattern right now as I don't want to make any big changes in Mikey's last days. What I do know is that 2016 for me is going to be more about connection and trying to be true deep down to what's important to me. You never know how much time you have left.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDg47Rn5pBe4aTyh2zE5tH2Rp5mu8aJyAt_Cu46wgeLuAFt9YNQpoY5tlplBHh7aMrSJfLY4XuBPrkJb_1j-y6JzChLlV8A40ISXoQ08VGEHlfVfyrL0SPHqhl9LMfPRjNSmVipYbjrM/s1600/jan+2016+sunny+day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsDg47Rn5pBe4aTyh2zE5tH2Rp5mu8aJyAt_Cu46wgeLuAFt9YNQpoY5tlplBHh7aMrSJfLY4XuBPrkJb_1j-y6JzChLlV8A40ISXoQ08VGEHlfVfyrL0SPHqhl9LMfPRjNSmVipYbjrM/s320/jan+2016+sunny+day.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wanted a West Coast winter this year and I got it. On the East Coast. I know this is hinting at severe ecological changes, but I can't help but enjoy it. For now anyway. <strong>Now</strong> <strong>is really all we have anyway.</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>I don't know how often I'll be blogging right now as my priorities have obviously changed. I'm gone from my house 12-13 hours a day as is and any time that's left I want to spend with Mikey. Thanks for everyone who has reached out and kept us in your thoughts!</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>How were your holidays?</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<strong>How does 2016 feel to you so far?</strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Is it important for you to be near family/friends or do you like the independence of distance?</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-77586484596888576132015-11-24T04:09:00.002-08:002015-11-24T04:09:39.284-08:00When the World Stops SpinningIt's apparent I've been MIA around here for a couple of weeks. Maybe you noticed, and maybe you didn't! But my cat's been sick and I just didn't feel like writing. I don't even feel much like writing now but thought I'd check in and let you know I'm still alive.<br />
<br />
It all started off so innocuously. I took my cat into the vet last weekend for what I believed was a minor cough, and what I thought would be a simple diagnosis. They took chest x-rays and that's when they saw it. A mass.<br />
<br />
I heard the C word and then I lost it. I felt like I was going to throw up and pass out at the same time. My world stopped spinning.<br />
<br />
I brought him home and then I cried all weekend. ALL weekend. Nothing else matters when someone you love gets that diagnosis. Nothing. An ultrasound yesterday confirmed the tumor. We are still waiting on a biopsy which will be performed next week but in any case, it's not good. <br />
<br />
I'm sad every time I look at him, thinking there's something inside his body that's slowly killing him and there's nothing I can do. <br />
<br />
Why my cat???<br />
<br />
I cry in the car and in the shower sometimes, when no one's around. I cry when I look at him and see how thin he's becoming, wondering why I didn't notice anything sooner. I cry often when I lie down at night. <br />
<br />
I don't know how I'll watch him go through this. <br />
<br />
<em>How do you explain what's happening to a cat? I don't know. </em><br />
<em>How will I explain to his brother what's happened to his very best friend in the world. I don't know. How will I pretend that what's happening to him isn't killing me inside? I won't.</em> <br />
<br />
Tomorrow I leave to spend the holiday in ATL surrounded by family. I'll board my plane and pretend my world's still spinning, and that my heart isn't breaking into a million little pieces. <br />
<br />
And that's all I have to say about that. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOhVx6EN20eYruAaiTOifLlLxjamDGYMAaKtJ1KjUNPV_jtQ7O8IEgqyKOSvQVaaTlSSeSGlfcd8S1tJ_u5GiKl1exJ9uQtRj-gVfuxcw5JVIdPGosSR4YG4x24qNK0V77IkXiPI5HWU/s1600/Mikey+%2526+Sal+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOhVx6EN20eYruAaiTOifLlLxjamDGYMAaKtJ1KjUNPV_jtQ7O8IEgqyKOSvQVaaTlSSeSGlfcd8S1tJ_u5GiKl1exJ9uQtRj-gVfuxcw5JVIdPGosSR4YG4x24qNK0V77IkXiPI5HWU/s320/Mikey+%2526+Sal+2015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqMFl3SzkYXd4ZRgdgJ9ScZL6QcFOvRKlxqVtNds19H2auXV89aYV6uuamifTl5DR9Vdouzlr9dgZ9lPwCFtOMW9IMCagH_CxTwFiU4dl9GA7iIG9uPFT7ZTMYnAwzq5lRaOO8jWaxWA/s1600/Mikey+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqMFl3SzkYXd4ZRgdgJ9ScZL6QcFOvRKlxqVtNds19H2auXV89aYV6uuamifTl5DR9Vdouzlr9dgZ9lPwCFtOMW9IMCagH_CxTwFiU4dl9GA7iIG9uPFT7ZTMYnAwzq5lRaOO8jWaxWA/s320/Mikey+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7TCDOc_OG8LxYYkP7Bm1ok5lUJKOP0yIVXse8FFs2cNvnXfUxcJDidnAQ5J4Ov3Cr-RmTwJNjRunDIFSIWkjU3F8PEYHJc8BmGfryZhzsu1XpIZhsZTmuR3Y8wB493IN9IXpP5_oLH8/s1600/Mikey+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7TCDOc_OG8LxYYkP7Bm1ok5lUJKOP0yIVXse8FFs2cNvnXfUxcJDidnAQ5J4Ov3Cr-RmTwJNjRunDIFSIWkjU3F8PEYHJc8BmGfryZhzsu1XpIZhsZTmuR3Y8wB493IN9IXpP5_oLH8/s320/Mikey+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2TXcE4yR36po_9hsnH-gXeqb0Mq5LsX1pNTsi_KASlV02TNV2_Tp30DMbSm-EZTeHikncCXoESK-GXByD0J9lum_yzxBwM1tWgVgSqyzItPrU399soqyCDJGI7zm768Hu6ZpaaGS_lw/s1600/Mikey+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz2TXcE4yR36po_9hsnH-gXeqb0Mq5LsX1pNTsi_KASlV02TNV2_Tp30DMbSm-EZTeHikncCXoESK-GXByD0J9lum_yzxBwM1tWgVgSqyzItPrU399soqyCDJGI7zm768Hu6ZpaaGS_lw/s320/Mikey+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I realize this post is a HUGE downer and I'm sorry. But that's what's been going on. If you've ever had a pet with a terminal illness, I'd love to hear what you did, how you dealt with it, and how you helped them through it.<br />
<br />
<strong>Wherever you are spending the holidays and whomever you are with, love them and hug them and tell them. You never know how much time you have left.</strong><br />
<br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-87331674156259102942015-11-10T04:17:00.001-08:002015-11-10T04:17:28.117-08:00Running & Workouts Lately and I'm Back in my High School Running Shoe!Hello and Happy Tuesday to you! This<strike> is</strike> use to be a running blog, but you wouldn't know it lately, would you? My leg/hamstring/back of knee area hasn't gotten any worse, but it hasn't gotten much better. I will tell you this - It didn't bother me at all while I was out in California, even though I spent each and every day walking for hours in flip flops. But when I came back, it began to ache again. I guess the only conclusion you can draw here is if I ever want to run again I'm going to have to MOVE TO CALIFORNIA. Right?!<br />
<br />
For the past several weeks, I've eased back into running though. Mostly doing run/walk intervals, where I run a mile, walk a mile, for 4 miles. But recently, I've progressed to 3 to 4 full running miles. The problem area bothers me much less on the treadmill. I think the hills in my neighborhood are partially to blame for aggravating the hamstring. But I miss running too much. Even just a few short miles once or twice a week is making me happy right now. If it becomes terribly bothersome again I'll back off but for now I'll take what I can get. <br />
<br />
Throughout all of this I've maintained my workout schedule, simply swapping my run days for walks. I'm also trying to focus more on strength training, which I'm hoping will address any underlying muscle imbalances which may have led to this. So here's what my weekly workouts look like lately:<br />
<br />
<strong>Run or run/walk - 2x week</strong><br />
<strong>Strength training - 2x week</strong><br />
<strong>Other cardio/Class at gym - 2x week</strong><br />
<br />
In addition to adding more strength training in an effort to address the (unknown) cause of whatever is going on, I decided it was finally time to get some new shoes! <br />
<br />
The Hokas I had been wearing just turned a year old, which is WAY too old for running shoes. I had planned to get a new pair in the spring, right after my half marathon, but then I started saving money for my trip instead, and then after that, came down with this leg injury. So I've been running on old shoes which is just no bueno. I've been waiting for the running store to have some kind of sale since the Vomeros and Hokas I usually wear are close to $150. That hasn't happened but as fate would have it, I recently got an email from Nike about their clearance sale on past season running shoes.<br />
<br />
Last season's Pegasus was on there. The Pegasus is the running shoe I wore in high school (TWENTY years ago!) and it's also <a href="http://www.sneakerfreaker.com/features/nike-pegasus-retrospective/">one of the most iconic running shoes on the market</a>. It was introduced in the early 1980's and has been around ever since, now currently in it's 32nd iteration! It's been a trusty trainer among long distance runners for decades. <br />
<br />
I upgraded to the Pegasus's cushier (ie. pricier) cousin, the Vomero, many years ago and haven't looked back. But I needed new shoes and couldn't pass up the clearance price on these. Original price is $100, and <a href="http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/air-zoom-pegasus-31-running-shoe/pid-1539954/pgid-10926752">they're currently on sale at Nike.com</a> for $65, plus I had a coupon (from retailmenot.com) that brought the price down to $55 <em>plus free shipping</em>! Best price I've ever gotten for running shoes. Just thought I'd pass that along for anyone else that runs in Pegasus. Go get them now!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsB3fe2nsoPkN9mvNOYWqINtel1KMuUYjGHNm5I-vcE167ZONpZ2m5W-Yglr33o1S2SxqGXxUeqGOVKt4ynLx3KVP3oDEPETpjZ9SDVnnTBa5zqCgc8FG8Nrqp9rs7hW31KWEP-Aaba_I/s1600/Nike+Pegasus+31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsB3fe2nsoPkN9mvNOYWqINtel1KMuUYjGHNm5I-vcE167ZONpZ2m5W-Yglr33o1S2SxqGXxUeqGOVKt4ynLx3KVP3oDEPETpjZ9SDVnnTBa5zqCgc8FG8Nrqp9rs7hW31KWEP-Aaba_I/s320/Nike+Pegasus+31.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They're so pretty!</div>
<br />
So what do I think of them? I LOVE THEM! I ordered the size I normally wear in Nike's (6.5) and they fit perfectly right out of the box. There was no break-in period. I took them out for a run and had 0 issues. No rubbing, no blisters, no hot spots. I've tried MANY, many brands of running shoes over the years, and none of them ever fit me like Nike's. We all have our preferences, but these have worked for me for years. <br />
<br />
The Pegasus's are cut a bit narrower than the Vomero's in the toe box, but I had no issues with this. I can tell they have less cushioning than the Vomero's, particularly in the forefoot, however, they ran so smoothly and the feel was similar, if less plush. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yvG-ZeiigYhy2rt3qQYL7_lQIL7ct6PrE0_L10V6zj1euy3L6HMsp-wp4hvzdbxLMyuAp9iXETsLE8G3AqC4p2YHkny1rxSVHFlTEvTyLLF5qfMGsGxzbUMJSTogVVoimEqzoy2GT24/s1600/Nike+Pegasus+night+running.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yvG-ZeiigYhy2rt3qQYL7_lQIL7ct6PrE0_L10V6zj1euy3L6HMsp-wp4hvzdbxLMyuAp9iXETsLE8G3AqC4p2YHkny1rxSVHFlTEvTyLLF5qfMGsGxzbUMJSTogVVoimEqzoy2GT24/s320/Nike+Pegasus+night+running.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Night Running. Because it gets dark so DARN EARLY now :(</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYtzs8fBHM9bKqLWNVLzLJWPYhsB2gUK-1_WEFR7hvPfJWdKgGz7dTmSbzq9-g4ZoOdOi-utP9biHPbhUTcurfINJyH7WJh5cxvtckFXT8nZH-94AJ4vYWFsDzw63tHwrY4fI5OqL-oM/s1600/Nike+Pegasus+31+two.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYtzs8fBHM9bKqLWNVLzLJWPYhsB2gUK-1_WEFR7hvPfJWdKgGz7dTmSbzq9-g4ZoOdOi-utP9biHPbhUTcurfINJyH7WJh5cxvtckFXT8nZH-94AJ4vYWFsDzw63tHwrY4fI5OqL-oM/s320/Nike+Pegasus+31+two.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
All in all, I'm ecstatic I have new shoes and that I found these at that price! Since I'm not running high mileage right now, I feel the cushioning is quite adequate. I know many distance runners wear Pegasus and put tons of miles on them so I think I'm safe with my current 7 miles per week! When I'm able to run more, I plan to get another pair of Hokas or Vomeros to alternate with these. <br />
<br />
Sooooooooooooooo, that's where running and I are at right now. We are in a committed lifelong relationship so I'm not too worried that we're currently experiencing a bit of distance. I know we'll be all over each other again soon. HAHA Also, wearing these shoes makes me feel like I'm 14 again, and that's a good feeling!<br />
<br />
<em>(*Obviously, I wouldn't recommend most people order running shoes online! Only do this if it's a shoe you've worn before and/or been fitted for at a running shop!)</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>What's the current status of your relationship with running?</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>What other workouts are you into lately?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>What shoes are you running in right now?</strong>JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-65853562347849372142015-11-05T06:14:00.002-08:002015-11-05T06:14:24.952-08:00Thinking Out Loud #2 (and I've Been Published!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUT6FnEaW_m7gng8fyxQaRGry5SGOme21T0ylGC1iQfqpIZILhRIsqzVN7c0NDtmq9WhfHZF1EmYPSsmbY_4xt_ZLgXJIdC9lzjxdWNCvDyJqXiT0Jk6Fk8t1yuCxxI_9ZAL5Y7lmsI4/s1600/Thinking-Out-Loud2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUT6FnEaW_m7gng8fyxQaRGry5SGOme21T0ylGC1iQfqpIZILhRIsqzVN7c0NDtmq9WhfHZF1EmYPSsmbY_4xt_ZLgXJIdC9lzjxdWNCvDyJqXiT0Jk6Fk8t1yuCxxI_9ZAL5Y7lmsI4/s320/Thinking-Out-Loud2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Oh Hiiiiiiiiiiii! Two posts in two days this week? Lucky lucky you. Or maybe not. This is going to be a whole bunch of random rambling! So many things on my mind.<br />
<br />
So, I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.runningwithspoons.com/">Amanda at Running With Spoons</a> for my 2nd Thinking Out Loud post today. Let's commence.<br />
<br />
1. If you have a moment, check out my <a href="http://nannymag.com/2015/11/04/the-raising-of-america-early-childhood-and-the-future-of-our-nation-a-film-review/">VERY FIRST EVER PUBLISHED ARTICLE over on Nannymag.com</a>! And please share it with every single human you know! HA Of course I'm incredibly excited to finally be published somewhere (I was literally on cloud 9 yesterday when this went live!), but even more than that, the content of what I wrote about is something I'm incredibly passionate about. The US trails all other developed nations in our support for families and young children and something needs to change. This should not be happening in one of the richest nations on earth. If you're so inclined, check it out and spread the word. And hopefully you can catch the incredibly well done documentary on your local PBS station this month (check out <a href="http://www.raisingofamerica.org/">www.raisingofamerica.org</a> for more info). And hey, I'm now one step closer to my dream of becoming a REAL LIVE WRITER! In the words of the one and only Jerry Seinfeld, the wheels are in motion, my friends.<br />
<br />
2. In regards to #1 up there, I think I forgot to share on here that I'm an editor at Nanny Magazine! I've been doing it for a few months now (virtually) and really enjoying it. More wheels, more motion.<br />
<br />
3. I was home this past weekend for my nephew's Christening and had the chance to reconnect with so many friends and family members. I spent some time visiting with my grandparents who gave me some concord grapes from their grapevine, which were SO sweet this year! Then, I spent a couple hours helping my aunt weed her garden. I know nothing about gardening so I pulled a few plants up by mistake but she didn't seem to mind :) I visited my friend the night before she ran her very FIRST half marathon ever! I had planned to be at the finish line the next morning but the time coincided with the Christening so I gave her a pep talk the night before. I'm happy to report she finished!!! I also got to reconnect with another friend who I hadn't seen in ages and was missing so much. Andddddd I got to see a bunch of my favorite little people too (some in their Halloween costumes)!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWaOh_78drlKubf7p6nC6EbQrNsPh1v5CkgeEhFDbEo5qK397mJRZIdmDp_Iox4sauDG-bTyxRq0_71d2-bhEnhHOhRrSlcalYKx9FAsv70j1NHrKE9GKWHVei-8AvmFd3eWaGZBGPVE/s1600/Ellie+pumpkin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWaOh_78drlKubf7p6nC6EbQrNsPh1v5CkgeEhFDbEo5qK397mJRZIdmDp_Iox4sauDG-bTyxRq0_71d2-bhEnhHOhRrSlcalYKx9FAsv70j1NHrKE9GKWHVei-8AvmFd3eWaGZBGPVE/s320/Ellie+pumpkin.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnpg4-W-FdKdNoZRGsJ4hQggftJP23JST9QUyXaB0BLaUOFSsDJDDwqeWGMEDe340PWxqBwO6rt4Af9DRnuSh3a9FjVzzLBjVDFXbW0BC_Qj65gFtX_U2D7jwMItaIcygNe0GmjWg4_E/s1600/Max+and+Andrew+costumes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJnpg4-W-FdKdNoZRGsJ4hQggftJP23JST9QUyXaB0BLaUOFSsDJDDwqeWGMEDe340PWxqBwO6rt4Af9DRnuSh3a9FjVzzLBjVDFXbW0BC_Qj65gFtX_U2D7jwMItaIcygNe0GmjWg4_E/s320/Max+and+Andrew+costumes.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoJIkNqC9haxclNgk1kv5vuCeCrFIOZdkZtnoB2ubmjqFaY9VABn6hJzoNePlTkZqZv44yWV5oDsIPhbAlxq-BGNeaAelKy768EjjOKvKsnKZSaxVCldrweWPc1DpO-79y5b1KpRV438/s1600/Landon+and+Jill+christening.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJoJIkNqC9haxclNgk1kv5vuCeCrFIOZdkZtnoB2ubmjqFaY9VABn6hJzoNePlTkZqZv44yWV5oDsIPhbAlxq-BGNeaAelKy768EjjOKvKsnKZSaxVCldrweWPc1DpO-79y5b1KpRV438/s320/Landon+and+Jill+christening.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
4. Also, my sister in ATL sent me this pic of my niece in her Halloween costume and I've been looking at it at least 3x/day since she sent it to me! I can't handle it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSW5VYfoUKuKjjv54mGH1l3nT0NeRTYtrZqN7JfkvsResgCpngI0G65LGNZtU43-SQ2D874qgogD0yU2qMkGozWRsVE10c4GSpr_sBEKDwWGwhRpXXufMoVOgt0_9fyrzsWsBb6TqFFA/s1600/Rachel+poodle+costume.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSW5VYfoUKuKjjv54mGH1l3nT0NeRTYtrZqN7JfkvsResgCpngI0G65LGNZtU43-SQ2D874qgogD0yU2qMkGozWRsVE10c4GSpr_sBEKDwWGwhRpXXufMoVOgt0_9fyrzsWsBb6TqFFA/s320/Rachel+poodle+costume.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
5. I tried this Larabar flavor last week. Sadly, I would not recommend. Super dry and I couldn't even taste the coconut in it?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Al4MJ3VbqGkNuZkogo0lmVpsqJ15cZXls5tdRzvFCf0UEObDiiqr3QgpBAreWUSspZ5gIpUK3iYYlLuUvluXG2SkwiFTyP0_lsolryPmjeQC1mYHfxIYbvneS92Mm4TGYZw4gLDtmpU/s1600/larabar+choc+coconut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Al4MJ3VbqGkNuZkogo0lmVpsqJ15cZXls5tdRzvFCf0UEObDiiqr3QgpBAreWUSspZ5gIpUK3iYYlLuUvluXG2SkwiFTyP0_lsolryPmjeQC1mYHfxIYbvneS92Mm4TGYZw4gLDtmpU/s320/larabar+choc+coconut.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you're looking for a really good vegan chocolate coconut bar, I'd recommend the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Raw-Revolution-Organic-Chocolate-1-8-Ounce/dp/B000EDI2QM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1446691831&sr=8-1&keywords=raw+revolution+chocolate+coconut+bliss">Chocolate Coconut Bliss from Raw Revolution</a>. They're my favorite:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsltIli7UYVmNk4GncOMojUCEdVgGbTudSBkGz03r-8dtI6_mXzozvC-4-6MCVX2ioTskHLgVJGsxt37hny56FLe6Y_PdTyL9QgA_Bs0Fy2LWiWjs_eUxF6ryw6pizWxpV2CeEdiKePFA/s1600/raw+revolution+bars.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsltIli7UYVmNk4GncOMojUCEdVgGbTudSBkGz03r-8dtI6_mXzozvC-4-6MCVX2ioTskHLgVJGsxt37hny56FLe6Y_PdTyL9QgA_Bs0Fy2LWiWjs_eUxF6ryw6pizWxpV2CeEdiKePFA/s320/raw+revolution+bars.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
6. Started this post on a positive note and ending on one too. I saw both of these graphics on social media recently and absolutely loved the words. I hope one day goodness and kindness rule the earth. Is that too much to ask?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92h6Y-zE70O9dg8xkyKCS9Kw6z82VG82BnselXn5nV5GTuAWZ0i36FWd83zgcd_tfOxdA_w2RpZr4K5_TFmf4cO6Uqw-P9kYU48UQHprxVKWKKiCE8xjl2nTflMhbO0GXT0IK9-o6-Rk/s1600/souls+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92h6Y-zE70O9dg8xkyKCS9Kw6z82VG82BnselXn5nV5GTuAWZ0i36FWd83zgcd_tfOxdA_w2RpZr4K5_TFmf4cO6Uqw-P9kYU48UQHprxVKWKKiCE8xjl2nTflMhbO0GXT0IK9-o6-Rk/s320/souls+pic.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1h0gTqh-4eMf0rmaq9JrwNyzqQz86u-hf9hFZKtKtgp6WC8N1l5Ei3Zmj4I_CMyVwOnWtKrAky6VmeVL1sdhBUnP5u9o_ak2x-vN_uDKKETbBdJGLAu0rpx97v_ddHk9yvHbjfzGKMQ/s1600/souls+pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1h0gTqh-4eMf0rmaq9JrwNyzqQz86u-hf9hFZKtKtgp6WC8N1l5Ei3Zmj4I_CMyVwOnWtKrAky6VmeVL1sdhBUnP5u9o_ak2x-vN_uDKKETbBdJGLAu0rpx97v_ddHk9yvHbjfzGKMQ/s320/souls+pic+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Go be the change you wish to see in the world, good people. Happy Thursday!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>If you read my article, what do you think about the state of family and early childhood support in the US?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>What were the best Halloween costumes you saw over the weekend?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Have you seen any inspiring images online lately, as opposed to the bad news that usually inundates our feed?!</strong>JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-86469012920564346122015-11-04T03:27:00.002-08:002015-11-04T03:27:49.136-08:00Co-washing: What It Is and Why I Do It!Good morning! Today we're going to talk about something I have a complete over-abundance of. I'll give you one guess:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vhnxhvagW1IvBkayunWL5W9vRW-t7khqS7UI_7SKTA-xP9tVQuB1pXbvMqBACqKBVGqfNOp8SFl5fnH04RQeTbHUeW3fLQ8rRlT2F4ou4qOzbZbehByrNPu50uJYrlBX9oMBgijDUbk/s1600/Jill+selfie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2vhnxhvagW1IvBkayunWL5W9vRW-t7khqS7UI_7SKTA-xP9tVQuB1pXbvMqBACqKBVGqfNOp8SFl5fnH04RQeTbHUeW3fLQ8rRlT2F4ou4qOzbZbehByrNPu50uJYrlBX9oMBgijDUbk/s320/Jill+selfie.JPG" width="262" /></a></div>
<br />
Child-like humor? Yes, but also,<br />
<br />
HAIR!!!<br />
<br />
I am not a beauty blogger and you will rarely/never catch me sharing makeup tips or the latest nail trends, however, having lived with a giant POOF on my head for most of my life, I feel at least mildly equipped to share some knowledge I've acquired over the years in that realm. <br />
<br />
I think you know by now I'm pretty low maintenance when it comes to hair/makeup/etc so I'm especially interested in tips that allow me to streamline my already bare bones routine even more, or utilize more natural products. That's what got me interested in the co-washing or 'no-poo' movement a couple years ago.<br />
<br />
I'm guessing most of you have probably heard of this hair care phenomenon, but for those that don't, the terms refer to washing with just conditioner (co-washing) and therefore using no shampoo (no-poo). The idea is that modern day shampoos are just too harsh on both the hair and scalp and contain harmful ingredients. Using conditioner only is supposed to more gentle, natural, and be healthier for your hair. <a href="http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/hair-care/co-wash-natural-hair">Check out this article for a good starting/reference point.</a> <br />
<br />
My hair is incredibly long and thick and has been this way for as long as I can remember. And for my entire life I always subscribed to the age-old hair care adage of "lather, rinse, (repeat)"; washing, conditioning and drying my hair each and every day. It was time consuming and a ton of work! But I just thought this is what you do with hair. You wash it every day, right?<br />
<br />
In fact, up until a few years ago, I did this every morning before work. Which required me to get up extra early and meant I left the house (even in the dead of winter!) with a soaking wet head. I finally realized I could do this at night at the suggestion of my sister, who is a busy mom of 3, and routine night-showerer. <em>Side note: I love night showering now! I rarely morning-shower any more. I'm a convert.</em><br />
<br />
But back to the business at hand, co-washing. The more I read about co-washing, the more I liked both the time saving and hair-health benefits of it. So I decided to try it and I've been doing it for about 2 years now! <br />
<br />
There are many different approaches to co-washing, but the basis is that you wash with either regular conditioners only, or the newer 'cleansing conditioners' that are now on the market because of this movement. I have used both and still do, mixing them up throughout the week. <br />
<br />
This is the cleansing conditioner I use:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4f2-kSouq3GVQTVRSR18pyYCD3VVJhzWzizv9JSQ75eWGo4hHfppxwYSep7xPISRwalsxdZy38Smi4-v0K7CYsidowUV6-FG-R6-MB1q4dOemP-RGa-G22_Re8CB6MnQSw_2UgXkthk/s1600/cleansing+conditioner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga4f2-kSouq3GVQTVRSR18pyYCD3VVJhzWzizv9JSQ75eWGo4hHfppxwYSep7xPISRwalsxdZy38Smi4-v0K7CYsidowUV6-FG-R6-MB1q4dOemP-RGa-G22_Re8CB6MnQSw_2UgXkthk/s320/cleansing+conditioner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It's made by Herbal Essences and is cheap, and works well for me. There are a lot of more expensive options out there in the newly developed cleansing conditioner line but if you're on a budget, I'd start here. <br />
<br />
For conditioners, I also use whatever's cheapest. You can use your regular conditioner/whatever you have on hand. I actually really love VO5 conditioners, which you can find at any pharmacy or dollar store for less than $1! They are super conditioning, not greasy, and contain no parabens. They've also been around since the 1980s. You can't go wrong here!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7i_p6pjR4gRVmAzwwvvTXbLFTR2Q1zicaH2UF2gw_skr3OMbQeIRO4vn_KyFAREufKAYTfhf528iOKdKo3QAn-B-lTfvdygaaWBKcTn8h9NCGmrbRb85sIYpxUpBLXtvmrd7pvrxYhs/s1600/VO5+conditioner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ7i_p6pjR4gRVmAzwwvvTXbLFTR2Q1zicaH2UF2gw_skr3OMbQeIRO4vn_KyFAREufKAYTfhf528iOKdKo3QAn-B-lTfvdygaaWBKcTn8h9NCGmrbRb85sIYpxUpBLXtvmrd7pvrxYhs/s320/VO5+conditioner.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Ok so, so far co-washing is cheap and saves time, but does it actually work?!<br />
<br />
I am a believer and a convert. I can't believe up until a few years ago, I was washing my hair every day. It's not like I'm working outside wrestling pigs in mud all day. I'm not sure why I thought my hair was so dirty! HA<br />
<br />
I not a complete 'no-pooer' as I still shampoo 3 days/week, but I alternate those days with 2-3 days of co-washing, and 1-2 of no washing at all. I am hoping to reduce my shampooing days even further to 1-2 times/week. <br />
<br />
I don't know if co-washing will work for all hair types but for thick, curly hair, I think it's ideal. My hair is already prone to dryness and frizz so over-shampooing only exacerbates those conditions. If you have really fine/thin hair, you probably need to shampoo more often but it can't hurt to give it a try!<br />
<br />
Here's my hair with no retouching and no added products a morning after I co-washed. (I put gel in it while it's wet right out of the shower at night.) I slept on it and when I woke up this is exactly how it looked! Zero effort required at this point to get me out the door. It is so much more manageable and soft the days when I co-wash as opposed to the days I shampoo. (Shampoo days now make me feel like my hair is too 'fluffy'.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMITcijktrY3yd9A3Z5vPU1dRINZK8iL4uFOK0q0Et7hpk3hBBr2L831tMMUi0kCsnKXhOeTFEqVtJuMKMQSc5vMJFt3F7uTfFEE0MOoKzxIk09WZ17arzg8OX90Ef1m7WNvRT2sBxYw8/s1600/Co+washing+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMITcijktrY3yd9A3Z5vPU1dRINZK8iL4uFOK0q0Et7hpk3hBBr2L831tMMUi0kCsnKXhOeTFEqVtJuMKMQSc5vMJFt3F7uTfFEE0MOoKzxIk09WZ17arzg8OX90Ef1m7WNvRT2sBxYw8/s320/Co+washing+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSyx3j1gd0Wyrs9J_uYBXtx5H0_ffzb1vVsKf-z_SDD35I8dyYNnG5ugzU0NsLG4xshICaaVvpHY5KwB0nSvWNruanGeeFxJVA9TGtgzJbmP2jG7QInbGwUClrLeIWUReKTw5sS0-2gY/s1600/co+washing+2+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSyx3j1gd0Wyrs9J_uYBXtx5H0_ffzb1vVsKf-z_SDD35I8dyYNnG5ugzU0NsLG4xshICaaVvpHY5KwB0nSvWNruanGeeFxJVA9TGtgzJbmP2jG7QInbGwUClrLeIWUReKTw5sS0-2gY/s320/co+washing+2+%25282%2529.JPG" width="242" /></a></div>
<br />
I've seen bloggers/writers do no-poo challenges (<a href="http://www.thecoveteur.com/co-washing-cleansing-conditioner/">like this one</a>), and I'd encourage you to give it a try! I'll never go back to shampooing every day. Unless I become a pig wrestler. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>How often do you shampoo?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Ever hear of the co-washing or no-poo movement?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Have you tried it?</strong>JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-72821024974043794962015-10-29T04:09:00.000-07:002015-10-29T04:09:45.014-07:00It's My New Favorite Holiday!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Cat_Day">HAPPY NATIONAL CAT DAY!!!</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFziIMnCf-qPeWc1Kca5VcQcPsPqxltzY2WUimpWizND5C1d51-4xzd0slN-Dyyj0AVwgKMcbBMCKUpZ3QavTN36zPG-UiKel9f48GqTpGjWpiCf3ndxDx5oE6qB99_3fqJY8qsNigkA/s1600/cat+pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZFziIMnCf-qPeWc1Kca5VcQcPsPqxltzY2WUimpWizND5C1d51-4xzd0slN-Dyyj0AVwgKMcbBMCKUpZ3QavTN36zPG-UiKel9f48GqTpGjWpiCf3ndxDx5oE6qB99_3fqJY8qsNigkA/s320/cat+pinterest.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/animals-who-are-genuinely-interested-in-what-you-h#.jg5PRqnmOK">via Pinterest</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Never heard of this holiday? Me either, until just a few days ago. And I LOVE it! You can read more about why the holiday was founded <a href="http://www.nationalcatday.com/">here</a>. The holiday is a way to bring awareness to a great cause, ie. encouraging people to adopt shelter cats, millions of whom will be euthanized each year. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I couldn't imagine my life without my cats, who I adopted from a shelter 11 (yes ELEVEN!) years ago when I moved to Baltimore. I knew nothing about cats and didn't think I was a 'cat person', but at the persuasion of one of my very best friends, dove in headfirst and adopted not one, but TWO, kittens! What can I say, I like to go all in. I treat my boys like the VIPs they are every day, but I will be sure to give them some extra treats and snuggles tonight for being the loving little souls they are.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1PENZ7omBbKA97VzZmyTH3VTRWfqj_ExWfjHtbvUPsSBL-DXva13czC0YgbtShCoZV7sWfN3Dk39oMNSekfsXRDaM7UuZ3q5mPPW0sYMjirRoNF0bGEFka7ugGtRu1ZCGuIT1VXbpLA/s1600/Sal+Mikey+babies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1PENZ7omBbKA97VzZmyTH3VTRWfqj_ExWfjHtbvUPsSBL-DXva13czC0YgbtShCoZV7sWfN3Dk39oMNSekfsXRDaM7UuZ3q5mPPW0sYMjirRoNF0bGEFka7ugGtRu1ZCGuIT1VXbpLA/s320/Sal+Mikey+babies.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Babies!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkCGzmTtxXjzKRN0w4HhsKMlY8PO-TKSfZAyJvivn0YavJmj-sGjMABkIuQ7fwTvdxAptcAIkVmR6ivVxk5Atj1L1_5MNQ5rXxDvPvvCP86eERVeM0249_3AIC2e6rt3Ukl3WGh90HUg/s1600/sal+watching+tv.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkCGzmTtxXjzKRN0w4HhsKMlY8PO-TKSfZAyJvivn0YavJmj-sGjMABkIuQ7fwTvdxAptcAIkVmR6ivVxk5Atj1L1_5MNQ5rXxDvPvvCP86eERVeM0249_3AIC2e6rt3Ukl3WGh90HUg/s320/sal+watching+tv.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We like retro electronics around here</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDSTcG2XVXxL2yBnPrIhHheknubjrAwcQEX-6S7NOsgKkqKvjNJtLE7zQSOr2UvhEE4sCPEi_UNywdW3vSlzTL3pAmh04ORea4_AoRR0wo51R28xXwzLkeGbjg8WAVurgyNxRV4SFoFo/s1600/mikey+sneakers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDSTcG2XVXxL2yBnPrIhHheknubjrAwcQEX-6S7NOsgKkqKvjNJtLE7zQSOr2UvhEE4sCPEi_UNywdW3vSlzTL3pAmh04ORea4_AoRR0wo51R28xXwzLkeGbjg8WAVurgyNxRV4SFoFo/s320/mikey+sneakers.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sneaker fanatic just like his mom</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREnBKPZe190fQSbZC_sVXj3_fVCWULvnGI5IVtmTR187nxTr0XpU3VYBwauXJID5IF-tu9lXWAACV1V0zXuwZvg0hi6y7FXLSyT-Lou4qeIJCw4xYnlQJIw5spQYdNzRnnMT0tj78oZw/s1600/sal+protein+shake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREnBKPZe190fQSbZC_sVXj3_fVCWULvnGI5IVtmTR187nxTr0XpU3VYBwauXJID5IF-tu9lXWAACV1V0zXuwZvg0hi6y7FXLSyT-Lou4qeIJCw4xYnlQJIw5spQYdNzRnnMT0tj78oZw/s320/sal+protein+shake.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We all drink green smoothies in this house</div>
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've also written them this lovely poem:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>Roses are red, </em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>Violets are blue,</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>I just stepped in your vomit, </em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>But I still love you!</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm not a historian, but I know many creative, intelligent writers, inventors, and history-makers were cat people, so I think we owe some gratitude to their species. And also, where would our society be today without the constant influx of funny cat videos and memes? Internet cat videos are universal and bring people from all over the world together! Therefore, <strong>More Cats = World Peace</strong>!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So what are you waiting for? Go hug your cat. If you don't have a cat, go hug your friend's cat. If you have no friends that have a cat, I think it's time someone in your social circle GOT A CAT. And that's my PSA for today. Cats want only to sit on your lap, sleep on your head, be fed and loved. There's really no purer motives than those. I hope you all get to experience the love of at least one cat in your lifetime.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
HAPPY CAT DAY!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>I'm linking up with MamaKat today for her Writing Workshop. Today's prompt:</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>October 29th is National Cat Day. Write a poem about your cat.</em><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ytGZvrFijBNxpXfi4MbZIECz3jJEV6PKA3jFD3INsUi49W0Mcw2SQtLKKyX2P22YJsMjbouw0yUJW2IofBLhmeaKPdFoQ5dlvRwh53RVS7Lvux-_EHXEVsXTKSupQHyPUqP0dSgh9rg/s1600/mama+kat%2527s+writing+workshop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ytGZvrFijBNxpXfi4MbZIECz3jJEV6PKA3jFD3INsUi49W0Mcw2SQtLKKyX2P22YJsMjbouw0yUJW2IofBLhmeaKPdFoQ5dlvRwh53RVS7Lvux-_EHXEVsXTKSupQHyPUqP0dSgh9rg/s1600/mama+kat%2527s+writing+workshop.png" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em></em> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Do you have a cat?</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Know anyone who has a cat?</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>Enjoy funny internet cats on a daily/weekly basis?</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong>If you answered No to Questions 1 and 2 but Yes to number 3, I think it's time you got yourself a cat :)</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-15814949993518882632015-10-27T04:07:00.001-07:002015-10-27T04:07:23.094-07:00Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives Weekend Tour of Baltimore!Helloooooo! I hope your weeks are starting out on a high note. My dad came to visit this weekend and we had two main goals: Watch PSU beat MD and dine at as many restaurants featured on <em>Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives</em> as possible! HAHA I'm glad to report we met both of those goals.<br />
<br />
The main purpose of my dad's visit was for the two of us to go to the PSU vs MD game being played at the Ravens stadium over the weekend. We try to get to at least one Penn State game a season if we can, usually in State College, so it was fun to watch them play away down here. It was a close game and they played pretty terribly but PSU won by 1 point. THANK GOD. Or I probably would have been dealing with a bit of a grump the rest of the weekend!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKA0KeDCi1Ae0WBxyz6WmiBRqWgr5Sy-LrohzXtQVR47s_UkeHOV_vdgsNHvzx3tIGHVB4KHaq1v6HA6LIDIWNZtfuLKH3Y5zKj2TT-zyDALc93EDrPrQ_ywiK280dOVS7rs53oXYA9Y/s1600/PSU+MD+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKKA0KeDCi1Ae0WBxyz6WmiBRqWgr5Sy-LrohzXtQVR47s_UkeHOV_vdgsNHvzx3tIGHVB4KHaq1v6HA6LIDIWNZtfuLKH3Y5zKj2TT-zyDALc93EDrPrQ_ywiK280dOVS7rs53oXYA9Y/s320/PSU+MD+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1v3awPeNBKjq4gAUiuvzb8d-QcEFg2QGxTLFwo93G2mSQyyU_UvdqsbFWg2afikHriRxe07kPrwvLV4lIPrbx9PgC7HWBg72javeKhP_rLQYFxqxHtx3ACMCf7fGsDKRwGDzxdcKHbO8/s1600/Jill+%2526+Dad+PSU+MD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1v3awPeNBKjq4gAUiuvzb8d-QcEFg2QGxTLFwo93G2mSQyyU_UvdqsbFWg2afikHriRxe07kPrwvLV4lIPrbx9PgC7HWBg72javeKhP_rLQYFxqxHtx3ACMCf7fGsDKRwGDzxdcKHbO8/s320/Jill+%2526+Dad+PSU+MD.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My dad is a big fan of the TV show <em>Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives</em> and for several years he's been watching and gathering a list of places he wanted to eat down here. (My parents rarely visit me in Baltimore, thus the list was growing quite long.) There's only so much a person can eat in one weekend so he had to narrow it down to 3 selections. The full list of restaurants in the area featured on the show includes 17 eateries - you can find <a href="http://www.tvfoodmaps.com/s4/Diners-Drive-Ins-Dives/MD/Baltimore">the full list here</a> - so we've still got a lot of ground to cover when/if my parents ever come back to town. I've eaten at a few of the places myself and a couple years ago took them to the Italian sandwich shop/market <a href="http://www.dipasquales.com/">Dipasquale's</a>, which my mom loved. Highly recommend that place if you're looking for authentic Italian!<br />
<br />
Ok, onto the tour my dad and I completed this weekend, along with my thumbs up or thumbs down rating :)<br />
<br />
<strong>1. </strong><a href="http://www.chapspitbeef.com/"><strong>Chaps Pit Beef</strong></a><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYp853adm2NkptqqLnMd-VWqs_lVH8nIlywdqk7JYvFCAGQOv_QqcXqec-7CUeT-8jdhwm8EaheznubnyXFuJevcPWMNVL1QF0DiqAOYOJvtZTaItb1De0-Kq0-70n-3UOdN26wn8GFI/s1600/chaps+pit+beef.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYp853adm2NkptqqLnMd-VWqs_lVH8nIlywdqk7JYvFCAGQOv_QqcXqec-7CUeT-8jdhwm8EaheznubnyXFuJevcPWMNVL1QF0DiqAOYOJvtZTaItb1De0-Kq0-70n-3UOdN26wn8GFI/s320/chaps+pit+beef.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo via Yelp</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was our first stop for lunch before the game on Saturday. Chaps is located in a very non-picturesque area of East Baltimore, and it shares a parking lot with a strip club. YES Really. So people apparently do not go there for the ambiance! The place is pretty small (kind of shack-like, ha! I'm really setting this up nicely) and has limited seating. When we were there it seemed most people were getting take-out. But we were headed straight to the stadium afterward so we ate there. I really had no idea what 'pit beef' was and was contemplating what to order. I settled on a corned beef on rye and my dad had the pit beef. I haven't had a corned beef sandwich in quite some time so I don't have much of a frame of reference but I thought it was pretty darn good. The meat was sliced very thin and was actually less salty than corned beef usually is. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZdJJLYLPlj_KXLqekskrfs6I6BoVCbJqIGLGPfSBnrOjCsgy390Aw1lH3ze0sb-tOG9kOqz9SfJAkkmZ3eCgxHK_Hiz0rSVtyS_QRWNmbyqOZafJreyD8dVcS00kUyxQSSLk9F_NBOg/s1600/chaps+sandwich.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZdJJLYLPlj_KXLqekskrfs6I6BoVCbJqIGLGPfSBnrOjCsgy390Aw1lH3ze0sb-tOG9kOqz9SfJAkkmZ3eCgxHK_Hiz0rSVtyS_QRWNmbyqOZafJreyD8dVcS00kUyxQSSLk9F_NBOg/s320/chaps+sandwich.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My dad really liked his sandwich too, as well as the proximity to the gentlemen's club. I KID. There is absolutely nothing fancy about this place AT ALL but if you are in the mood for a giant meat sandwich, then by all means hit it up!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>My Rating: Thumbs Up</strong></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.jimmysfamousseafood.com/">2. Jimmy's Famous Seafood</a></strong> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65b20uOySJaMpNOrFEQBS7kKboEb9d_UDmxY5O8vCT1ZTVPlgcc5rjTzyGmsFVjKlxLz5ykfr-mg8uB_QZHPb0ncrm2jEhRInpgmFU6zR-PCJplUNcLTKqqOYmeSGP8fmtk44rYKapuI/s1600/jimmys+famous+seafood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh65b20uOySJaMpNOrFEQBS7kKboEb9d_UDmxY5O8vCT1ZTVPlgcc5rjTzyGmsFVjKlxLz5ykfr-mg8uB_QZHPb0ncrm2jEhRInpgmFU6zR-PCJplUNcLTKqqOYmeSGP8fmtk44rYKapuI/s320/jimmys+famous+seafood.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=jimmy's+famous+seafood&biw=1366&bih=613&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAgQ_AUoA2oVChMIh4S1wbrhyAIViNkmCh2imAXq#imgrc=KgpSEta_2yJ0hM%3A">via Baltimore Sun</a></div>
<br />
<br />
Our second stop was for dinner after the game. It was pretty late by the time we got out (SO MUCH traffic) and made it to Jimmy's Famous Seafood. This place is also not in the most picturesque of locations. It is located in East Baltimore as well, near Dundalk. I knew what I was going to order before we even arrived - their world famous crab cakes. Baltimore is full of restaurants that boast the best crab cakes in the city, and I've had some at other places before, so I was eager to see how these stacked up. I ordered a side salad as well. My dad got a salad and some kind of chicken topped with cheese dish?! I don't recall the name of it and since it contains two foods that I thoroughly dislike and/or avoid I didn't sample any! My order of crab cakes included two 8 oz broiled cakes. Luckily, the waiter checked and they do not contain any dairy. They just use a little mayo and egg to hold them together. Almost the entirety of the cakes are lump crab. They were pretty excellent! Definitely in the top 5 crab cakes I've eaten. They were also huge (hard to tell from the pic). So I basically ate 16oz of crabmeat at 9pm that evening! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLapzR5wWjsxsso8H7d7bXGe_HEJsFF3YXJPWjWdWw3BYZtqKy0cNmkkeHyXnsYse1izKNLTDTlR13lkUGYNeT07ygVdprhyphenhyphenBL6TnG9OMaSBTlPgFZ4AA6S2lA7XYvlaef0M35Cc_Qjo/s1600/Jimmy%2527s+crab+cakes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLapzR5wWjsxsso8H7d7bXGe_HEJsFF3YXJPWjWdWw3BYZtqKy0cNmkkeHyXnsYse1izKNLTDTlR13lkUGYNeT07ygVdprhyphenhyphenBL6TnG9OMaSBTlPgFZ4AA6S2lA7XYvlaef0M35Cc_Qjo/s320/Jimmy%2527s+crab+cakes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>My Rating: Thumbs Up</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong><a href="http://bluemoonbaltimore.com/">3. Blue Moon Café</a></strong> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsO1zC4dozngVbFuez1GtSAXpNdicVagRtCNUWfvZG4NG6X1feXcYXi3OGM__rSeAWa1eFChCfqiGUqUKFakewPZyEsHJqgmjkC3SWmyXSubGnYfactEcTvFCYSIuorSlkcChxcLiNsN4/s320/blue+moon+exterior.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo via Yelp</div>
<br />
This was our 3rd and final stop over the weekend, and the most highly anticipated. Blue Moon Café consistently has exceptional user reviews and is located in Fells Point, where I used to work. For years, I had walked and driven past this breakfast spot and always seen a line of people waiting outside, in all weather conditions. Yet, I had never eaten there. I wondered what all the hype was about, but since I don't do dairy, I'm not really a breakfast person. Alas, this was one of the places my dad was really looking forward to. They don't take reservations, so when we arrived at 11:30am on Sunday morning, we had to put our name on a list that was already at least 25 people long and they estimated and hour and a half wait for us! The restaurant is located in a traditional Baltimore row home, meaning it's small and skinny. It only housed about 9 or 10 tables total! Hence the constant wait. <br />
<br />
Luckily for us the Fells Point Fun Festival was going on over the weekend, so we were able to waste some time walking around browsing the food and vendor stands in the square. When we finally arrived back around 12:45pm, the staff told us they had actually called our name twice already while we were gone! It seems they were ahead of schedule. So we had to wait another 20 mins or so and then finally snagged a table (it's tiny but very cute inside!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUwHPif-CnN9ElSJHt7JpIlDWsDW6AEO57rswX7flt8plTBznoKOlIDjQg7QwBoysQM19JOURsKQRmT_4dhOT4mbJfIL7EC0I1mcRc1_f9lD6TUKAggzc4vyAZUijtMUM04Xa1-RfQc0/s1600/Blue+moon+cafe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTUwHPif-CnN9ElSJHt7JpIlDWsDW6AEO57rswX7flt8plTBznoKOlIDjQg7QwBoysQM19JOURsKQRmT_4dhOT4mbJfIL7EC0I1mcRc1_f9lD6TUKAggzc4vyAZUijtMUM04Xa1-RfQc0/s320/Blue+moon+cafe.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The café is famous for their Captain Crunch French Toast, which is what I was hoping to get. I know French toast is traditionally made with milk or cream, but I was hoping they could make a batch without. I asked the waitress if they could, but sadly they could not :( So the French toast was a no-go. I'm often able to make special orders at restaurants, but since this place was so crowded and had such a wait, I guess it makes sense they don't have time to do that. So, I ended up ordering an egg and bacon sandwich on rye toast with a side of fruit. My dad put in an order for his all-time favorite breakfast food: cream chipped beef. I have no idea what that even is because it looks like a dairy nightmare! HA <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3lm5EpTF9rCpaHjtsLatibdfCViaqDa7LdVObFP7Hvnlg2b8MnRLPd8wnEmbH81L9ZVle-GfcdfCqSYo1d-jwbJX9jdhY9hxHzsNm0l-ltZiFUwcNqUpQ9e6x5WcuYzmtANgmmqFCgU/s1600/Blue+moon+food.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3lm5EpTF9rCpaHjtsLatibdfCViaqDa7LdVObFP7Hvnlg2b8MnRLPd8wnEmbH81L9ZVle-GfcdfCqSYo1d-jwbJX9jdhY9hxHzsNm0l-ltZiFUwcNqUpQ9e6x5WcuYzmtANgmmqFCgU/s320/Blue+moon+food.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
When the food arrived we were anticipating GREAT things, especially after waiting for nearly 2 hours! Sadly, upon my dad's first bite into his breakfast, he became immediately disappointed. He said it was probably one of the worst cream chipped beef dishes he'd ever had! Lumpy gravy with scarcely any meat. My sandwich was ok/fine, but it's hard to mess up a plain egg sandwich! This is something I can order anywhere and they can't screw up. It's a shame this place didn't live up to the hype and we waited for hours to get in. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. I do still wish I had been able to try the Captain Crunch French Toast though!<br />
<strong>My Rating: Thumbs Down</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
And there you have it. All in all a pretty masculine weekend of meat, more meat and football. HAHA I was craving a workout and a salad like NO ONE's business on Monday. It was really fun to have my dad in town though. I mean I know Baltimore is not the most stunning of locations, but I wish more people would visit me instead of the other way around. Who wants to come next?!<br />
<br />
Have a great week!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you dined at any restaurants featured on the Food Network in your city? Or a city you were visiting?</strong><br />
<br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-72083069025597343612015-10-19T03:27:00.007-07:002015-10-19T03:27:58.093-07:00Life Lately...Oh heyyyyyyyyy. I wonder if you're sick of me talking about California? I realize I did 5 posts about my trip. I guess I couldn't help myself. There was so much to share with you and I wanted to keep re-living each part. I hope I didn't bore you.<br />
<br />
It was hard to get back to reality for a couple weeks after I returned. And I think it was a bit more than 'post-vacation blues'. I really missed California. I missed everything I saw and how I felt out there. I came back and the seasons had started to change here and it made me sad. I'm sad to see the summer and sunshine go. I am a fair-weather gal for sure and unlike a bear, I do not appreciate being forced into hibernation for months on end every year. <br />
<br />
Despite all of that, I am trying to readjust back to my normal life, while still keeping that sunny flame alive. So since I've talked about CA ad nauseam perhaps you've been wondering what I've been up to lately? Or maybe not. My normal life is not nearly as exciting as my road trip life! Oh well, this is what I've been doing anyway....<br />
<br />
1. I have a new baby at work. Did I mention that before I left? I don't think so. She was born just before I left so she is a WEE little thing! Brand new to the world. I love newborns. They are probably my favorite population to work with. So, now I have two under 2! All the mommas out there know how crazy THAT can be! So I've been working a lot and don't have any down time during the day anymore so it's been hard to keep up with blogging. It still kind of amazes me that I get to work with brand new humans. I love being there as they see the world for the first time. It's kind of magical.<br />
<br />
2. Running is still mostly a no-go. My leg/back of knee didn't bother me AT ALL while I was out in California, and I walked a lot. Miles upon miles every day, in flip flops no less! But when I got back home and started working out again it started to bother me! So I don't know if it's the stress of my day to day life, or some particular workout that aggravated it. It's quite frustrating since Fall is actually the most ideal running weather. I've done a couple long walks where I've alternated run/walk mile by mile and it was borderline ok but over the past couple of weeks it has become increasingly irritated :( So that's where I am with that. Perhaps one day I'll have a job with health insurance again and I can get to the bottom of it!<br />
<br />
3. As much as I complain about the Fall weather, it is also pretty ideal not only for running, but for hiking. The leaves have just begun to change here in MD and the woods become so inviting with their new colors. I went to one of my favorite spots over the weekend (<a href="http://dnr2.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/central/gunpowder.aspx">Gunpowder Falls State Park</a>) and felt 'ok' for the first time since I've been back. There's just something about the outdoors that speaks to the soul, isn't there? If I could be outdoors 24/7 (in a WARM climate!) I would. Perhaps I should look into a career as a forest ranger?! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDTSaiBaQGrm0LhbNaHHBWfRJ3sWT6PY_nhhIPWQMvdecp_4XDzDERi1P7nt1gqxufAAhEjPlDVw4yCxaJwgD8AYA7PEevcAswD8a9gotSXz8GSSuNihZw-uR2_hLTBUOYb03Z0sKx0g/s1600/gunpowder+park+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDTSaiBaQGrm0LhbNaHHBWfRJ3sWT6PY_nhhIPWQMvdecp_4XDzDERi1P7nt1gqxufAAhEjPlDVw4yCxaJwgD8AYA7PEevcAswD8a9gotSXz8GSSuNihZw-uR2_hLTBUOYb03Z0sKx0g/s320/gunpowder+park+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6QZphHhX1h7kD8Fv7qGiTGvehx5_KNTp8vj_DVB0O-ZnIiW9o5szA8K__IbxMcRI5oXjXhsVl34dxmZT_Flq4lgQTCE7xpVPetnRin2dbHb5uplcsBE3E8D174g-AiNXM5Zjpnzhnfc/s1600/gunpowder+park+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6QZphHhX1h7kD8Fv7qGiTGvehx5_KNTp8vj_DVB0O-ZnIiW9o5szA8K__IbxMcRI5oXjXhsVl34dxmZT_Flq4lgQTCE7xpVPetnRin2dbHb5uplcsBE3E8D174g-AiNXM5Zjpnzhnfc/s320/gunpowder+park+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB9ck7gLAZlqRmQdVX4wRvuHWQQW3jO8gruBGxCc6KgxZQskZtJqaO4ki_RaYYM965gs_bbPO3y2jxhwGmvsaQ-qTMcoPV6QYfuV7GMnTnlmEl6eR1jKp9MRvdtTPSfWwr34MbrqDQ1k/s1600/gunpowder+park+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZB9ck7gLAZlqRmQdVX4wRvuHWQQW3jO8gruBGxCc6KgxZQskZtJqaO4ki_RaYYM965gs_bbPO3y2jxhwGmvsaQ-qTMcoPV6QYfuV7GMnTnlmEl6eR1jKp9MRvdtTPSfWwr34MbrqDQ1k/s320/gunpowder+park+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdm-0chQXzkcWT_0YBYwAHREJWYOGRWmZa4ot2zgFkqwfQLmX30pjZTHt1R8huC6Rlku_azdR3BXDUFBQ9N4pLKzxTxOG0mDBBLTE_FtJy7MZxLtfHv6RaNp7M2tF161XNpE-qDft6DE/s1600/gunpowder+park+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEdm-0chQXzkcWT_0YBYwAHREJWYOGRWmZa4ot2zgFkqwfQLmX30pjZTHt1R8huC6Rlku_azdR3BXDUFBQ9N4pLKzxTxOG0mDBBLTE_FtJy7MZxLtfHv6RaNp7M2tF161XNpE-qDft6DE/s320/gunpowder+park+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Bf9Hz0usdQTlswfQEvjHav8wn9TLMTwnDwLoLwMrA-APFctdRWHPWUDzJthAYVHHRpFZGWceqstUrcjz035pDPqQk-JZC91AiW6eW2i4JGruO2nKzEDcu8HuCEsRIUyu9JJwqR7On6Y/s1600/gunpowder+park+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Bf9Hz0usdQTlswfQEvjHav8wn9TLMTwnDwLoLwMrA-APFctdRWHPWUDzJthAYVHHRpFZGWceqstUrcjz035pDPqQk-JZC91AiW6eW2i4JGruO2nKzEDcu8HuCEsRIUyu9JJwqR7On6Y/s320/gunpowder+park+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MdIgOdZqTJ2NUh3yCnsk5I6QhLtSXj1vI152-D8o8ivK0M2dqyWmwKx5duCR3B_sUZGYkFg7CiCXnYwSe-IPDr1TvoLhZjvRMpMyRgF0hpjad8GKsADAcwkCdUeq79RHhEB84xgZ9_k/s1600/gunpowder+park+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1MdIgOdZqTJ2NUh3yCnsk5I6QhLtSXj1vI152-D8o8ivK0M2dqyWmwKx5duCR3B_sUZGYkFg7CiCXnYwSe-IPDr1TvoLhZjvRMpMyRgF0hpjad8GKsADAcwkCdUeq79RHhEB84xgZ9_k/s320/gunpowder+park+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u3iMnArrVnynAUSWWaEbcWX9_VY0I0zLqH-mfOQxYQhOpZTx1yuxAgpo4PiNQrscgJxMsIYTbY1GCsqxx_F5WUevH3oBiqXD9NmEIllcgXQq2bH4XelSQwVWpC3z8yVJXQJ3TSPNwKk/s1600/gunpowder+park+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9u3iMnArrVnynAUSWWaEbcWX9_VY0I0zLqH-mfOQxYQhOpZTx1yuxAgpo4PiNQrscgJxMsIYTbY1GCsqxx_F5WUevH3oBiqXD9NmEIllcgXQq2bH4XelSQwVWpC3z8yVJXQJ3TSPNwKk/s320/gunpowder+park+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Behind the beauty of those changing trees lies a hidden warning though. Winter is coming. I can't even think about it. Months of snow and ice sound about appealing as a death sentence right now.<br />
<br />
4. I went to the library last week. I figured losing myself in alternate realities might help! Currently reading this book:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgXZovJpl-o_DrX5C4LcolOCmDw8hMMIl0yg3rX73mQiykLnijY_BTPO3lNFJoxb5NoUpqW8C1TIfALIEjtbHd1Y1HCvGm2x3afKVSCcE8IxMEk8ynjkWh7iJPCnMnhh5V9TlsEbeILM/s1600/scary+close.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgXZovJpl-o_DrX5C4LcolOCmDw8hMMIl0yg3rX73mQiykLnijY_BTPO3lNFJoxb5NoUpqW8C1TIfALIEjtbHd1Y1HCvGm2x3afKVSCcE8IxMEk8ynjkWh7iJPCnMnhh5V9TlsEbeILM/s320/scary+close.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It's about showing our true selves to the world, something most of us don't do for myriad reasons. But the author contends the only way to reach true, deep, meaningful and intimate relationships with each other is to let everyone see exactly who we are. Not who we want to be, or pretend to be, or who we think we should be. It's hard to do and I don't think we realize how often we try to cover up parts of ourselves. It's a good read so far.<br />
<br />
<br />
Andddddddd that's my life back in Baltimore! There are still a lot of things going through my mind, spurred by my trip, that I hope to put into action. I just hope winter does not suck all of the motivation out of me. It has a way of doing that. <br />
<br />
I'm just going to keep reminding myself of this: <br />
<br />
<strong><em>"In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." ~ Albert Camus</em></strong><br />
<br />
Oh God, I hope so.<br />
<br />
<br />
I hope you've all been well :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>How do you feel about Fall? Can you enjoy it for its own beauty or do you fear what is coming behind it as I do?!</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Parents out there: Any experience with two kids under 2?!</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>What are you currently reading?</strong>JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-51274038498448328132015-10-13T04:20:00.000-07:002015-10-13T04:20:13.232-07:0011 Things I Learned Traveling SoloI'm certain you could tell from my last four posts that I had an amazing road trip through California! In addition, I absolutely LOVED traveling solo! I don't think I would have wanted to do this trip any other way. I learned many things about myself, about the state of California, and about traveling alone. I thought I'd share some of the more pertinent ones for all of you out who may have never traveled solo, but are thinking about it. (My advice: JUST DO IT!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMNxk5F05GbUOWUMDRuoFvKZ0MRWxbQjKHDT7wqBfnLuktHNnlYOyo8aO4CeW8ycd0405vaqlasGISr_cmZHE_38MY63EI8iIc1cjM8OHpwKYfU_jGxJ7lWWNJysY_wKlMc6bwYcbzBU/s1600/Jill+solo+traveler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMNxk5F05GbUOWUMDRuoFvKZ0MRWxbQjKHDT7wqBfnLuktHNnlYOyo8aO4CeW8ycd0405vaqlasGISr_cmZHE_38MY63EI8iIc1cjM8OHpwKYfU_jGxJ7lWWNJysY_wKlMc6bwYcbzBU/s320/Jill+solo+traveler.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>1. It's Not Lonely!</strong><br />
I know what you're thinking. I'm ALONE. It's going to be so lonely. Au contraire my friends. When exploring a new place there is so much to see and do, there is no time for loneliness. And in all honesty, I feel much more lonely in my day-to-day life than I ever did on the trip! Connect with 'strangers'. Talk to people. Soak it all in. Loneliness is just a state of mind. We are all just solo beings on this big beautiful planet anyway!<br />
<br />
<strong>2. It's Not Unsafe</strong><br />
I imagine there are countries and parts of the world that you would have to take caution if traveling as a single female, but I honestly don't feel that is a concern with US travel. I do everything in my day-to-day life alone, in a city with one of the highest crime rates in the country. I never feel unsafe here nor did I ever while on the road. Be smart about not carrying or packing a lot of cash or valuables and obviously don't walk through dark alleys in the middle of the night. If you operate on the road just as you do at home, you should be fine. Not everyone is out to get you. In fact, most people love to help others. <br />
<br />
<strong>3. Airbnb is Your Friend!</strong><br />
I am so glad I used Airbnb to book rooms in people's homes. I wanted an authentic experience and did not want to stay in hotels. Airbnb rooms were a lot cheaper and it also helps with the loneliness factor since you're meeting and staying with other people! When searching for rooms, you can set various filters on Airbnb to find what you're looking for. I only looked for rooms that were under $85 and had lots of 5 star reviews, and these conditions led me to 2 fantastic places with wonderful hosts. I also stayed with friends and family a couple nights which kept costs down too!<br />
<br />
<strong>4. You Don't Need to Spend a lot of Money</strong><br />
I spent money on only the necessities and kept those costs as much under control as possible. I saved money by staying in Airbnb rooms instead of hotels. I didn't go shopping for unnecessary or expensive trinkets (the only souvenirs I bought were refrigerator magnets). I packed a lot of protein bars so I could eat lunch for free most days. Some of my Airbnb hosts offered breakfast, which I took full advantage of. I ate dinners out most days but didn't go hog wild. And I didn't pay for big ticket attractions. I paid for entrance to national parks and things that were low cost, but amazing experiences nonetheless.<br />
<br />
<strong>5. Take A LOT of Pictures!</strong><br />
Going along with number 4 here, taking pictures is free, and they make the best souvenirs of all. I knew many of the images and things I saw out there would stay with me, but memories do have a way of fading over time, and pictures help keep them alive. Plus, when you get home you can get prints or do all kinds of artsy things with your photos. Hello, redecorating with images you took!<br />
<br />
<strong>6. Don't Over Plan</strong><br />
I'm not a planner anyway but I booked everything for this trip less than 30 days out: my flight, my rooms, the car. In terms of activities, there were things I knew I wanted to see for years while thinking about my dream trip to CA. You want wiggle room. Especially on a road trip, part of the adventure is seeing what's around the next bend. Be open. Take suggestions from locals (I did that a lot, especially for places to eat). Make random stops (I did that in Santa Barbara and MAN am I glad I stopped there). Have some ideas but don't stress yourself out over it!<br />
<br />
<strong>7. Having an iPhone/Smartphone with GPS is a Good Idea</strong><br />
I'm not saying this is essential, but I couldn't have imagined exploring all the places I did using a paper map! I dk how people did that back in the day. I also used the internet on my phone a lot to find places to eat or local attractions. I really couldn't imagine doing a solo/road trip without my iPhone.<br />
<br />
<strong>8. Don't Over Pack!</strong><br />
I didn't really follow this one. This could be due to the fact that I began packing around 9pm the night before my flight, but nonetheless, I overpacked. I brought a suitcase and a carryon for 2 weeks and just 1 bag would have been better. It was annoying to lug both of these up and down steps every time I stopped someplace new for the night and I ended up wearing the same things every day, just like I do at home. So yeah, don't over pack. If your hoodie unexpectedly gets soaked while bike riding through San Francisco, I'm pretty sure they have stores there that sell hoodies. This logic goes for anything you might need. If you legitimately forget something, just purchase it at your destination.<br />
<br />
<strong>9. Don't Bring a Selfie Stick.</strong><br />
Just don't. I can't tell you how many selfie sticks I saw on this trip! I thought only 13 year old girls used them. I was wrong. "Well, Jill, how do you expect me to take pictures of myself against these amazing backdrops if I don't bring along my trusty selfie stick?" Ask someone! I asked people everywhere I went to snap a photo of me and every single person said yes. I always returned the favor. It gave me an excuse to talk to people and I met lots of interesting people that way. Also, selfie sticks are WEIRD. <br />
<br />
<strong>10. It is Empowering!</strong><br />
Doing anything independently is empowering and builds confidence and traveling across the country and through an entire state alone is no exception. I amazed myself sometimes at the things I was able to figure out without anyone's help and it's given me confidence that I can do even greater things! If you are a looking for a way to feel like a rockstar, book a solo trip. Or run a marathon! Runners have a good sense of being able to accomplish things on their own already, so maybe this is why solo travel struck such a chord with me. <br />
<br />
<strong>11. It Will Make You Want to Start Planning Your Next Solo Trip!</strong><br />
Yep, this was already happening before I even stepped foot back on the east coast. I was daydreaming about my next trip hiking national parks out west. I'm looking at Zion or Arches National Park in Utah or the Grand Canyon and other parks in Arizona. There's so much of this world I've yet to see!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you ever traveled solo?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>What were some of your biggest takeaways from your trip?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>If not, would you?!</strong>JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-92071730754999366962015-10-07T03:18:00.001-07:002015-10-07T03:18:09.073-07:00Jilly Does Cali, Part 4: The Sea Ranch<em>Thanks so much for following along on this trip and for all of your comments. I'm a little behind on responding, but I'll get there!</em><br />
<br />
Part 4 of my Cali trip recap takes us up to a little community along the coast in northern Sonoma County called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_Ranch,_California">Sea Ranch</a>. Throughout my trip, I had mentioned to many people I encountered that Sea Ranch was my final destination for a wedding and I was surprised that no one in CA had ever heard of it! Admittedly, it is a very remote, non-commercialized locale, but I think that is the appeal for those who vacation there.<br />
<br />
Ok we're on <strong>Day 9</strong> of the trip now...<br />
<br />
I am headed to SFO to pick up and reunite with two very special east-coasters: my sister and our mutual friend!<br />
<br />
The girls both arrived around 1:30pm and since we had heard Sea Ranch was only a 2 hour drive from San Francisco, we thought we had all the time and daylight in the world to explore the city before heading up there. [This turned out to be a false assumption, but at the time we were clueless and carefree!]<br />
<br />
We headed north and ended up parking in a non-descript area of the city which had some interesting restaurants. We walked for a few blocks to check out the food offerings and decide what we wanted to eat, all the while catching up, reminiscing and generally acting quite giddy. We ended up with the most random assortment of food items: mediterranean tomato and cucumber salad, hummus/pita, and Mexican fish tacos. But then we had to find a place to eat these treats. We located a park on our GPS and upon getting there discovered it was a DOG park. My sister still thought it was a good idea to sit in the grass and eat our food. For obvious reasons (ie. dog feces), the 2 sane people in the party rejected this idea, and we found some concrete pillars to sit on while we ate. <br />
<br />
After eating we headed back to our car, which was parked in a Safeway parking lot. We had heard there was a market near Sea Ranch where we could buy groceries, but thought maybe we'd pick up a few things here just in case. So by the time we left SF, it was around 4:30. We still thought we had plenty 'o time!<br />
<br />
We stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge lookout after crossing it so the girls could get a good view:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJPlEnGcNP1gyuMeBeJgG8tmtDGtZIjeNamMm2NlGjqnxcOz9PCTZNrcsbGjZC01ezd4A39y09f2juTmMtJgyN_ucW9OfadUCIB_j_0ssogqSvpjRat3XcyTQZkIHkkUgTTj1xvLVqPI/s1600/Jill%252C+Lisa%252C+Sylvia+Golden+Gate+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJPlEnGcNP1gyuMeBeJgG8tmtDGtZIjeNamMm2NlGjqnxcOz9PCTZNrcsbGjZC01ezd4A39y09f2juTmMtJgyN_ucW9OfadUCIB_j_0ssogqSvpjRat3XcyTQZkIHkkUgTTj1xvLVqPI/s320/Jill%252C+Lisa%252C+Sylvia+Golden+Gate+Bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hyphenhyphenlQpVliBneUn3fTmuHl49iEp6ox2BtRcr6LN8st3kb6EbUVlBhtK0bICn0aUQGEkB6LVdcZeKa8y32qt7PK6Vfso_KAsnzpGjJUElLECp9AOcfH3u-XxiUpoyWdfHCjLwp7Eyxrw6s/s1600/Jill+%2526+Lisa+Golden+Gate+Bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hyphenhyphenlQpVliBneUn3fTmuHl49iEp6ox2BtRcr6LN8st3kb6EbUVlBhtK0bICn0aUQGEkB6LVdcZeKa8y32qt7PK6Vfso_KAsnzpGjJUElLECp9AOcfH3u-XxiUpoyWdfHCjLwp7Eyxrw6s/s320/Jill+%2526+Lisa+Golden+Gate+Bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was another clear, fogless day in SF.<br />
<br />
And then we headed on our merry way up Route 101. And hit complete traffic deadlock...for miiiiiiiiiiiiles. It quickly became apparent we would definitely not be arriving at our destination in 2 hours. After a couple hours on the road, we decided to make another random stop-off in a town called Cotati for some more groceries. This turned out to be the wisest decision ever <em>(because by the time we would arrive in Sea Ranch the only market near town would have been long closed), </em>but then we got lost getting back on the highway, so it also cost us an additional hour of driving!<br />
<br />
By the time we reached the coastal portion of Highway 1 it was completely dark and we couldn't see anything, a vast difference from when I drove the coastal portion of the same highway through Big Sur. This portion was also fairly windy and it was late at night so I as the driver had to be pretty careful. Meanwhile, the jet lagged girls were fading fast on me.<br />
<br />
We finally arrived 5 HOURS LATER only to discover we had to drive to the nearest town of Gualala to retrieve the key for our rental cabin, and then backtrack to said cabin. When we finally got in our house it was 9:30pm, pitch black and freezing outside. There are no street lights in Sea Ranch. But when we unlocked the door to our cabin we were in sweet, sweet heaven. It was so nice and cozy! We unloaded all of our bags and groceries, ate food and then proceeded to pass out.<br />
<br />
<strong>Day 10, Sea Ranch:</strong> We slept in and then ate our ration portions for breakfast. This became a running joke because we only had so many eggs and sausages per person/per day! Hahaha My sister did the math and made sure each person ate only their share every morning. She was always the math whiz.<br />
<br />
We decided to take a little walk/hike around the area to see what we had missed in the dark. Here are a few shots of the "neighborhood":<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1J74_WXMQ731XgX_54eS-SyQq27BhwwkiRzBdh2m12UnJ_EcPRQITOhQCVHBFyiU_ylW4eCL_OGpxX1MkB9Xz3jAdGddKwoqs2Z6MT-KS23uVimZoCPtE6m9AEdxondGFjTlyEnwRUw/s1600/sea+ranch+cottages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1J74_WXMQ731XgX_54eS-SyQq27BhwwkiRzBdh2m12UnJ_EcPRQITOhQCVHBFyiU_ylW4eCL_OGpxX1MkB9Xz3jAdGddKwoqs2Z6MT-KS23uVimZoCPtE6m9AEdxondGFjTlyEnwRUw/s320/sea+ranch+cottages.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_X8THcMZUzPvePnZI9ERGhQlBttAbT8Ja3ZJ9iNN7MaYtlPVcKmBO019Scq0BnlMaG8_SQw5yOl8mAp0Ya5f36lOO-JRsoheDZyqXgCuMc3RTMXi4YX5p5koYPusRcrpu9WtYE74ps10/s1600/sea+ranch+cottages+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_X8THcMZUzPvePnZI9ERGhQlBttAbT8Ja3ZJ9iNN7MaYtlPVcKmBO019Scq0BnlMaG8_SQw5yOl8mAp0Ya5f36lOO-JRsoheDZyqXgCuMc3RTMXi4YX5p5koYPusRcrpu9WtYE74ps10/s320/sea+ranch+cottages+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO6VveRzfGn4uMoWPYDRHq6XC9l7EkkqufHNo7e890Scy2XqQ3qdOHMM1AkDlmbpGCqsl_B8mrdUVmJePGMujIB2AjZ2YboVtF60wRZSnYDZVlmZdIdevKmsHAL4Ys0xUxJudqNbwcjc/s1600/sea+ranch+cottages+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWO6VveRzfGn4uMoWPYDRHq6XC9l7EkkqufHNo7e890Scy2XqQ3qdOHMM1AkDlmbpGCqsl_B8mrdUVmJePGMujIB2AjZ2YboVtF60wRZSnYDZVlmZdIdevKmsHAL4Ys0xUxJudqNbwcjc/s320/sea+ranch+cottages+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And just a random baby deer in our front yard! We saw them roaming all over the grounds and even had a big buck cross right in front of us on a walk one day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzz249iRzYXyvOd4eYlW2yZFSv5SpqW9JbMWTeeL2j-1xPlBmJ-Nrc6UMWqYRBHIijPDwe6MMDxpaNBWq3b-7B3DQXsfyY1xFQJFFQlLtH_MTzAbuieJ-nODXlejOy9F9wpVqOM8b578/s1600/sea+ranch+deer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYzz249iRzYXyvOd4eYlW2yZFSv5SpqW9JbMWTeeL2j-1xPlBmJ-Nrc6UMWqYRBHIijPDwe6MMDxpaNBWq3b-7B3DQXsfyY1xFQJFFQlLtH_MTzAbuieJ-nODXlejOy9F9wpVqOM8b578/s320/sea+ranch+deer.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jeM3L3EHid_WFTI0u8mqw2IiyY9lkQOxpQXzK4U8XnVK1i47Awk01oZUlVlnnos62AYrNccoklJVOKQCg8PcTnN2UXjrXY_jFKGEMns-kyHo-uDQ5s6N6ZTkdGDOMoV7eRFPyB26eNU/s1600/Jill%252C+Lisa%252C+Sylvia+sea+ranch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jeM3L3EHid_WFTI0u8mqw2IiyY9lkQOxpQXzK4U8XnVK1i47Awk01oZUlVlnnos62AYrNccoklJVOKQCg8PcTnN2UXjrXY_jFKGEMns-kyHo-uDQ5s6N6ZTkdGDOMoV7eRFPyB26eNU/s320/Jill%252C+Lisa%252C+Sylvia+sea+ranch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cali girls</div>
<br />
The coastal views from everywhere in Sea Ranch are amazing. Luckily it was another blissfully clear day so these shots came out incredibly:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHyOEatE93qByRRAvsoejkfhKAlEerJg6THf9_vE5A38WDQjUMBohvm1nSqCENNYjwHLRAhsgezwvlsDbUz7j2ZRoepxy4X8JW0UBnuQLiOChWj0pbaU8BS1R_FgYWgKw8WiUd8nFWX4/s1600/sea+ranch+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHyOEatE93qByRRAvsoejkfhKAlEerJg6THf9_vE5A38WDQjUMBohvm1nSqCENNYjwHLRAhsgezwvlsDbUz7j2ZRoepxy4X8JW0UBnuQLiOChWj0pbaU8BS1R_FgYWgKw8WiUd8nFWX4/s320/sea+ranch+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQnhaJO5HiNatS1OS6byUTrzXemx5fZ9UztbvNcfHm2hYNT80TY_H5iVTdbRY89ceN_E9HHbc35I9krD2095KpQhB9IUcxwXxaMrHCOb-vnJDtsepou7khLd1LKomP71q67dIRIz-Z7c/s1600/sea+ranch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQnhaJO5HiNatS1OS6byUTrzXemx5fZ9UztbvNcfHm2hYNT80TY_H5iVTdbRY89ceN_E9HHbc35I9krD2095KpQhB9IUcxwXxaMrHCOb-vnJDtsepou7khLd1LKomP71q67dIRIz-Z7c/s320/sea+ranch+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKqLtNdPmfi7-QCnS95j5OzbKacOXIZ66DdIr7XGvhGlGWyEOpxLqePrdr09dDt259igqMOG-_Htegw3OSsv3u8xwsLUiZ8GmW_rnUwaQ8saeOsktLf_lCYJPX9cTFpXa8zjKKBP6K6c/s1600/sea+ranch+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKqLtNdPmfi7-QCnS95j5OzbKacOXIZ66DdIr7XGvhGlGWyEOpxLqePrdr09dDt259igqMOG-_Htegw3OSsv3u8xwsLUiZ8GmW_rnUwaQ8saeOsktLf_lCYJPX9cTFpXa8zjKKBP6K6c/s320/sea+ranch+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh__pHtirXaa2OcoL3P-ihs7y1xVcFzBDqs4SJmfFq8n7xpiPgTnku04z-rXT8uiwj0zg5YPinqihOFRSZeAwNCGNvw5Ji0UACcmw1ISvR2dyLOvYhm7nkDyH2blo4rBtZf4Xlmhirz0A/s1600/sea+ranch+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh__pHtirXaa2OcoL3P-ihs7y1xVcFzBDqs4SJmfFq8n7xpiPgTnku04z-rXT8uiwj0zg5YPinqihOFRSZeAwNCGNvw5Ji0UACcmw1ISvR2dyLOvYhm7nkDyH2blo4rBtZf4Xlmhirz0A/s320/sea+ranch+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mK0VWKTiq4cAtajmpdsYONdj92rvVOyAon16tplQsH7hfM_N3FdV3veli1ze_QeGzjatJEwugsaTSBYofcdcI2iWLVs3iVMmnlEZ8KrkUQWG71skUMFsWejJC9NYe3cyzQ1XCrR6MiI/s1600/sea+ranch+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2mK0VWKTiq4cAtajmpdsYONdj92rvVOyAon16tplQsH7hfM_N3FdV3veli1ze_QeGzjatJEwugsaTSBYofcdcI2iWLVs3iVMmnlEZ8KrkUQWG71skUMFsWejJC9NYe3cyzQ1XCrR6MiI/s320/sea+ranch+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb23bpEMmmPTNIAcMWfWPBpl5rVn2LxDLfJZWYafiPOZzjY6qu1D3NOVSJGgavNIig87_nz5GIcsCbyd_j2eWb20bOqfbjDLzUcMjQ7k_ZSqxuRli0Ccpxxdp6yIatl20ObBYxuQGQlXQ/s1600/sea+ranch+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb23bpEMmmPTNIAcMWfWPBpl5rVn2LxDLfJZWYafiPOZzjY6qu1D3NOVSJGgavNIig87_nz5GIcsCbyd_j2eWb20bOqfbjDLzUcMjQ7k_ZSqxuRli0Ccpxxdp6yIatl20ObBYxuQGQlXQ/s320/sea+ranch+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
AMAZING!<br />
<br />
Even our little cabin, which was one of the cheapest ones available, had an oceanfront view!<br />
<br />
Later that evening, we were invited to a BBQ at the bride's family's cabin and so we finally got to see our friend and bride-to-be!! I hadn't personally seen her in 2 years. She usually flies back East for Christmas every year, but we missed her this past year. It was great to finally meet her fiancé and 1 year old daughter. The food at the BBQ was prepared by the family and was incredible. We had such a good time catching up and meeting everyone else who had flown in for the wedding. We even made new friends who drove us back to our cabin so we wouldn't have to walk back in the pitch dark, freezing night. They saved us from running smack into some wandering deer or raccoons.<br />
<br />
<strong>Day 11, Sea Ranch:</strong> Wedding Day! Our friend who was staying with us was a key member of the wedding party, and was also singing for the wedding, so she had to be out of the house fairly early this day. My sister and I, on the other hand, had not a care in the world so we sat around drinking and tried out the hot tub.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRqAh985hJiIZxKgeI65nsDfzqsFltEjupifED0cYP_uoV2ByjSbTjrcl7BAowgJNj3jftgj69x6mp0LJobcjebpaQHkFEbD04RCwblH9lFhRQdl2hCCFfoqDSl_9zKTxZcvmOfIlHtk/s1600/Lisa+hot+tub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRqAh985hJiIZxKgeI65nsDfzqsFltEjupifED0cYP_uoV2ByjSbTjrcl7BAowgJNj3jftgj69x6mp0LJobcjebpaQHkFEbD04RCwblH9lFhRQdl2hCCFfoqDSl_9zKTxZcvmOfIlHtk/s320/Lisa+hot+tub.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCb8RkHw2VsKHiZ-h-XGPyeYCWnGWyVpCviGMvCfYiOqD_mhXk6ZLnx730-pU1xQA-jFkLev13LecZd1gMzIQJlJ3WUU5dF6M31oEnjdqpDy0K948_euAPkDI1IFzdTe8Dudd2fKqnWU/s1600/Jill+hot+tub.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCb8RkHw2VsKHiZ-h-XGPyeYCWnGWyVpCviGMvCfYiOqD_mhXk6ZLnx730-pU1xQA-jFkLev13LecZd1gMzIQJlJ3WUU5dF6M31oEnjdqpDy0K948_euAPkDI1IFzdTe8Dudd2fKqnWU/s320/Jill+hot+tub.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And then took a nap. VACATION MODE in full effect.<br />
<br />
Soon it was time to get ready for the wedding. It was being held at a vineyard up the mountain and wasn't really driveable, so they were running shuttles to and from the cabins.<br />
<br />
It was surprisingly much warmer at the vineyard when we arrived for the afternoon wedding, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The sun was blazing hot and shining down on the outdoor altar, and the pictures I took of the ceremony came out unexpectedly with rays of sunshine filtering down on the bride and groom. It was really neat. It was as if their marriage was being condoned by the heavens!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX3YZq63Xt1nsqctUc_tIcQp96USUZ_4ssVDwPkB6FYvMhDOBjFz55DtzrtOCrj-_7N76r5jdPHxo3WNeUiZVTB9qLemH81UpHAUq4be5UEcpXAnAq5dmO8MQCVhfGOoRCF25S18xK-8/s1600/sea+ranch+wedding+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX3YZq63Xt1nsqctUc_tIcQp96USUZ_4ssVDwPkB6FYvMhDOBjFz55DtzrtOCrj-_7N76r5jdPHxo3WNeUiZVTB9qLemH81UpHAUq4be5UEcpXAnAq5dmO8MQCVhfGOoRCF25S18xK-8/s320/sea+ranch+wedding+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZcxTD50hqL54s8rZQ7tFx3LexbwSWLRXTayW8eknC46qnWiDars3mQyyE5rH-DsFmRR0vwXv29VWVeDS3VgHlHpqDJBDuYWoNwNjUBO6dKuQ8-uuCWOJC8H1pujEQtQn-TyWx-nwq2c/s1600/sea+ranch+wedding+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZcxTD50hqL54s8rZQ7tFx3LexbwSWLRXTayW8eknC46qnWiDars3mQyyE5rH-DsFmRR0vwXv29VWVeDS3VgHlHpqDJBDuYWoNwNjUBO6dKuQ8-uuCWOJC8H1pujEQtQn-TyWx-nwq2c/s320/sea+ranch+wedding+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5otu0_3AujdY_uyfmxvQTx6Mp7MsLphQDCGmF4F_RgnwObi7b7N5kqm8AX5G5JvKVDLKZzPUzn_px-oiSF_Zwd93Nnqy_oT_ZC-guMcaaYOr3ILsowv_81J-Qh0i_l7x9pnhF-bZGsw/s1600/sea+ranch+wedding+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5otu0_3AujdY_uyfmxvQTx6Mp7MsLphQDCGmF4F_RgnwObi7b7N5kqm8AX5G5JvKVDLKZzPUzn_px-oiSF_Zwd93Nnqy_oT_ZC-guMcaaYOr3ILsowv_81J-Qh0i_l7x9pnhF-bZGsw/s320/sea+ranch+wedding+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8eRsXDlEDebjZDAFkCwIejMrcQXked4qyEgHIXE79vnQe3clU50zWn91t2wDfBjj0fhia8HAhgzl0S2M5kY5e850H1kDr3BvSvbvyFs7G9QqCnoDyIeNK1Rh2f1HXW5ZkI6WNUy4hPY/s1600/sea+ranch+wedding+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi8eRsXDlEDebjZDAFkCwIejMrcQXked4qyEgHIXE79vnQe3clU50zWn91t2wDfBjj0fhia8HAhgzl0S2M5kY5e850H1kDr3BvSvbvyFs7G9QqCnoDyIeNK1Rh2f1HXW5ZkI6WNUy4hPY/s320/sea+ranch+wedding+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The reception was also outdoors and the setting was gorgeous.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3nwy0z0bGDLkj4olBbKAYUeW6VYLoPqDehLwsgfxZz6UW8hDkIycFQAWPOVg6eH0ut9JLDXAKGEolqaELbIovj_bEoYvmQHKx3lu4rfJUdAwhKAQ5e-Cp7KWZJiXmh_4GeL9qcEu6J4/s1600/sea+ranch+wedding+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV3nwy0z0bGDLkj4olBbKAYUeW6VYLoPqDehLwsgfxZz6UW8hDkIycFQAWPOVg6eH0ut9JLDXAKGEolqaELbIovj_bEoYvmQHKx3lu4rfJUdAwhKAQ5e-Cp7KWZJiXmh_4GeL9qcEu6J4/s320/sea+ranch+wedding+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-Gok3r3cfxHGFJLFihNMrSq3pNu5DYaqU4GxOZJpbPNhaEFCx5Gb6_xl_3oiZW8-wLmw-ikc1_Ic0BNvC-QnNA4EQ44hdrSFJw0-E7ozlRBb1G_H2bB7wt9FlwXkSkMh54HxljRdbvg/s1600/Jill%252C+Lisa%252C+Sylvia+wedding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5-Gok3r3cfxHGFJLFihNMrSq3pNu5DYaqU4GxOZJpbPNhaEFCx5Gb6_xl_3oiZW8-wLmw-ikc1_Ic0BNvC-QnNA4EQ44hdrSFJw0-E7ozlRBb1G_H2bB7wt9FlwXkSkMh54HxljRdbvg/s320/Jill%252C+Lisa%252C+Sylvia+wedding.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DAb0xlXCd2UXnALAoQc-ZOyH03HLHy4jv46oWrv7v51gkx9XgZRHpDP4-_pMPjTVdPEnkpOQXhjt4SiZR2wVMx9S3uftMnH_R3R1OZS1qfdOaD90iZxJqKkWx2qNeHRz7zaVZWEIXsk/s1600/sea+ranch+wedding+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9DAb0xlXCd2UXnALAoQc-ZOyH03HLHy4jv46oWrv7v51gkx9XgZRHpDP4-_pMPjTVdPEnkpOQXhjt4SiZR2wVMx9S3uftMnH_R3R1OZS1qfdOaD90iZxJqKkWx2qNeHRz7zaVZWEIXsk/s320/sea+ranch+wedding+sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUjeK4y0KbzPXuY-klNBnikIxSe0IEhI4onlQOAPDBcNqETjD1DNwo8bUG3OiWrxsP2W8_8l6hcfVySTSuVpdLEivDGf9UowJkAjQ3VYhr1LUvneeAVyLq7rPoUX29THIpOkQR6EAGGc/s1600/sea+ranch+wedding+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUjeK4y0KbzPXuY-klNBnikIxSe0IEhI4onlQOAPDBcNqETjD1DNwo8bUG3OiWrxsP2W8_8l6hcfVySTSuVpdLEivDGf9UowJkAjQ3VYhr1LUvneeAVyLq7rPoUX29THIpOkQR6EAGGc/s320/sea+ranch+wedding+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ktyT4ccL95i5B5OkS8xAAOUEGbEV50Ryj7fRZkI_mhOglSIb_XJw3CrEPRXMm0wEC9lhzzxrEJYlPPJwDoFnyV4I8lIBQQjBTdOCsYlunIdtAKkVDF4EQACM1huYLzBTxLgZOj_rYAg/s1600/sea+ranch+wedding+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ktyT4ccL95i5B5OkS8xAAOUEGbEV50Ryj7fRZkI_mhOglSIb_XJw3CrEPRXMm0wEC9lhzzxrEJYlPPJwDoFnyV4I8lIBQQjBTdOCsYlunIdtAKkVDF4EQACM1huYLzBTxLgZOj_rYAg/s320/sea+ranch+wedding+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFYFWzyT14v_CMaqsZ2uu9lcSA4jQUGw1vMYA5opRdPhyphenhyphenehscGhEs_K74ofJaSrAId8z1knlTgKqtiuCKozieEj6nW37LAEVP5RhHVF1vJaS4GlhO74ig2StAkYe-QPcH8L7ViCynCsQ/s1600/sea+ranch+firstdance.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFYFWzyT14v_CMaqsZ2uu9lcSA4jQUGw1vMYA5opRdPhyphenhyphenehscGhEs_K74ofJaSrAId8z1knlTgKqtiuCKozieEj6nW37LAEVP5RhHVF1vJaS4GlhO74ig2StAkYe-QPcH8L7ViCynCsQ/s320/sea+ranch+firstdance.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The wedding was a gooooooood time and I was so happy to be there celebrating with my friends and sister. Something the officiant said during the vows stuck with me. He said something along the lines of 'thank God Olivia decided to move across the country all those years ago, met her fiancé out here and made this day possible'. You just never know what's going to happen when you make a leap of faith. It made me have faith in possibilities unknown and what's to come!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the reception, we waited awhile for a shuttle and then went to an afterparty for a little, but couldn't hang. So eventually we called it a night.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Day 12, Sea Ranch:</strong> Our last day! ie. the day we realized tomorrow we'd have to return to reality. We spent mid-morning doing some more exploring and hiking around Sea Ranch and found steps down to the beach, where I said goodbye for now to the Pacific Ocean.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Kx4ncrCFrRlV0rP0DSZrSuvP9XG5k3YnfgNYdR1vIc5ujnGKj15_AGPovscRscvbBThnrm-rG6zMmI0kRKjwnJ1xsjtIdySIsCikc9wYrmnIPg3RVz11VpsyfOuSo-aBNinbKM2ObJc/s1600/Lisa+and+Sylvia+hiking+sea+ranch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Kx4ncrCFrRlV0rP0DSZrSuvP9XG5k3YnfgNYdR1vIc5ujnGKj15_AGPovscRscvbBThnrm-rG6zMmI0kRKjwnJ1xsjtIdySIsCikc9wYrmnIPg3RVz11VpsyfOuSo-aBNinbKM2ObJc/s320/Lisa+and+Sylvia+hiking+sea+ranch.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXiA3SF_AJHKMFqVuinJ8-gDb-767ks4I4uBfJKJh8FFtxtPgDKMc1iIq4F7WhXkVg40_6YOkjBSBRkyRHhWGasVKtB2QvOvMFTGc0kLxCzzfprwMWqLWYv3uLihh81TKJAkJjGxsXxY/s1600/sea+ranch+ocean+steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZXiA3SF_AJHKMFqVuinJ8-gDb-767ks4I4uBfJKJh8FFtxtPgDKMc1iIq4F7WhXkVg40_6YOkjBSBRkyRHhWGasVKtB2QvOvMFTGc0kLxCzzfprwMWqLWYv3uLihh81TKJAkJjGxsXxY/s320/sea+ranch+ocean+steps.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBM_NwHJcow-AjdGSLyJhWZJ6bYAWcwoCUDBgDtj1n02k7oOr0yzJ9b0Jzujgy79WpAHDfPof5Lpc4lk9eGXEHkfM8fHBMohWVUYRLVh8xrPYKgh8Hm023YSWPYXsdZeHQox6f-qRhDus/s1600/Jill%252C+Lisa%252C+Sylvia+pacific+ocean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBM_NwHJcow-AjdGSLyJhWZJ6bYAWcwoCUDBgDtj1n02k7oOr0yzJ9b0Jzujgy79WpAHDfPof5Lpc4lk9eGXEHkfM8fHBMohWVUYRLVh8xrPYKgh8Hm023YSWPYXsdZeHQox6f-qRhDus/s320/Jill%252C+Lisa%252C+Sylvia+pacific+ocean.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ld6cz6A_sO3vFvEVavc5Db-YN85D8qGKBNFKGFawjEY9tjw5q5xIsC2o3Nj4vY4G9dmoqVMMZfcPZx2mMVDjMTFKBiGJccT0VZMYvZpLrRn_jEaReu1cYGqNbAU4mzWv-VfBjAV05n8/s1600/Jill+sea+ranch+ocean.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Ld6cz6A_sO3vFvEVavc5Db-YN85D8qGKBNFKGFawjEY9tjw5q5xIsC2o3Nj4vY4G9dmoqVMMZfcPZx2mMVDjMTFKBiGJccT0VZMYvZpLrRn_jEaReu1cYGqNbAU4mzWv-VfBjAV05n8/s320/Jill+sea+ranch+ocean.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Later, we stopped by our friend's cabin again to hang out and chill with her and tell old high school stories. FUN!!!!!! It was such a good reunion. I can't believe we're all in our 30's. Talking about high school doesn't seem that long ago when we are all together, but it really was. It's mind blowing how quickly time flies. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When we got back to our cabin, we sat in the hot tub drinking wine and talking about life, love and the pursuit of happiness for far too long. Eventually, we got out and napped. HUGE life accomplishments happening here. That night we chilled out, packed and thought about how lucky we were to all be together for this event.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Day 13, Sea Ranch:</strong> We got on the road early at 6am. Ok we were late. 6:30am. I had no idea how long it would take us to get back since the ride there was a bit chaotic. Thankfully the return drive to SFO was much easier and since it was morning, we could now see the coastal views on Highway 1. They were amazing, just like Big Sur. We made it to SFO in just over 3 hours and then it was time to hug our goodbyes, and board our respective planes back to our homes. And just like that, my 2 week trip to California was over.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It had been an amazing, epic, incredible trip for me and the ending could not have been sweeter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't know if she knows this, but I will forever be grateful to my friend Olivia for inviting me to her wedding. If it weren't for her, I never would have planned this incredible solo road trip up the coast of California. Who knows when/if I ever would have made it out there. If it weren't for her, CA would still be just a pipe dream and I would not have discovered all the people, places and things I did because of it. We all miss her, but thank God indeed that she moved across the country and started the domino of events in her own life and in others'. She is a true friend and a true inspiration. Love you Olivia!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Have you ever gone to a destination wedding?</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Ever heard of Sea Ranch, CA?</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>What is the longest amount of time one should stay in a hot tub?!</strong></div>
JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-90748737232976824382015-10-05T03:24:00.001-07:002015-10-05T03:25:18.684-07:00Jilly Does Cali, Part 3: Monterey and San Francisco!And we're back! I hope you're enjoying these posts, even just half as much as I enjoyed being in these places, and I hope I'm doing a good job conveying just how beautiful everything was out there. <br />
<br />
Alright let's get back into it...<br />
<br />
It's <strong>Day 6</strong>, and I've just had my MIND BLOWN driving through Big Sur. Little did I know there was more to come! <br />
<br />
I had read there were plentiful options for hiking near Monterey and decided on <a href="http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=571">Point Lobos State Park</a> because the reviews I read raved about the incredible coastal landscapes. Point Lobos is located just south of Monterey, right off Highway 1, so it made for an easy stop on my way up. I got there around 2pm (I think?) and paid $10 to enter the reserve. The park is fairly large and there are many different trails and adjacent parking lots. My main interest was China Cove, known for it's crystal blue waters and bathing sea lions. Unfortunately, the steps to the actual beach area of China Cove are currently closed due to erosion and mating sea lions (!) but you can still see it from above while hiking. <br />
<br />
The views in the park DID NOT DISAPPOINT! They were at least on par with Big Sur and honestly may have rivaled them for me. All this in the same day. It was almost too much to wrap my head around, and I kept thinking I was living in a dream. But it was all real.<br />
<br />
The 'hiking' around the park is pretty easy. Mostly flat, well-worn paths, with just a few climbs here and there depending on where you are. Almost all of the trails hug the coast so you are constantly bombarded with views like this. Enjoy:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLX0h_eP4Xgg02pkFImQrbM38i4nzf_cDMGXBSeflEJMdfKxkBQh9XBO9JAAgSzpL9cTt17mHA1gH_AulGRrI03qC24w4xb6cxp3pGv6R24sz03awJeJ_y8u1f9UV5dC-Hlq1o701YPE/s1600/point+lobos+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLX0h_eP4Xgg02pkFImQrbM38i4nzf_cDMGXBSeflEJMdfKxkBQh9XBO9JAAgSzpL9cTt17mHA1gH_AulGRrI03qC24w4xb6cxp3pGv6R24sz03awJeJ_y8u1f9UV5dC-Hlq1o701YPE/s320/point+lobos+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgTz5QbaobM4C4wKJNb5iyJS8VV2R9v57VSbmofnRVe3FiK5_rzWnKgz8dTNdRCQz7JwaUdxEpt36netfIWH7OG3zraWaMIhrrSTAHshFNeSv2POROwgrOMFRl6Q1M_iwwdDHlLb9cH8/s1600/point+lobos+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDgTz5QbaobM4C4wKJNb5iyJS8VV2R9v57VSbmofnRVe3FiK5_rzWnKgz8dTNdRCQz7JwaUdxEpt36netfIWH7OG3zraWaMIhrrSTAHshFNeSv2POROwgrOMFRl6Q1M_iwwdDHlLb9cH8/s320/point+lobos+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJnO5JVvfMJ2k1yFyzVFjPGkyb3suzAlri_2K7g9zgnFgv3j804xYU_gbkHEQBpoE8TBsWicW_eIz2aeyD57GCrai6jeMtb31scWW7pXd1FptyakbDK1Ee_MKUBXvKJyh8m1-gkZrprU/s1600/point+lobos+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJnO5JVvfMJ2k1yFyzVFjPGkyb3suzAlri_2K7g9zgnFgv3j804xYU_gbkHEQBpoE8TBsWicW_eIz2aeyD57GCrai6jeMtb31scWW7pXd1FptyakbDK1Ee_MKUBXvKJyh8m1-gkZrprU/s320/point+lobos+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4EaeiimtQG_BtOVwJ8xOdwYKP83JGsacD1LI7KnNHeNXCVQUxgiAPj9xpSSmDYcNC_fCKNWNp4h6u-3Fgo7RxyeeRVqJa7kMttEK7Ef4pGyWGvasqPyQoQD7w8KVmERqbtnlc97IEXE/s1600/point+lobos+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ4EaeiimtQG_BtOVwJ8xOdwYKP83JGsacD1LI7KnNHeNXCVQUxgiAPj9xpSSmDYcNC_fCKNWNp4h6u-3Fgo7RxyeeRVqJa7kMttEK7Ef4pGyWGvasqPyQoQD7w8KVmERqbtnlc97IEXE/s320/point+lobos+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGHqjObNKmDL51gaFouECCac_0EtmLyIUFbUJ99iU1vS4vGmVkieNjxMttDAweaTFCBxjqBgXVDDeYibEbjjwBluJNircaJq9HJQpvjcZQG3yyvJbxgWPRzA18yu9Na7bf0virestbVg/s1600/point+lobos+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGHqjObNKmDL51gaFouECCac_0EtmLyIUFbUJ99iU1vS4vGmVkieNjxMttDAweaTFCBxjqBgXVDDeYibEbjjwBluJNircaJq9HJQpvjcZQG3yyvJbxgWPRzA18yu9Na7bf0virestbVg/s320/point+lobos+5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbuQC30pV9oXXCosMv52MdfTRRLD5zdw8zu4fdyYqHhYEqOtkMUrRpMX1eqBlVvFQjp4zLFiLHj3dtrK6s2cE3eROIdsAPQI7r5mkjUrFebPwgVPQL1ggI-N4KfakU3e-YX3HB8VHhZ8/s1600/point+lobos+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbuQC30pV9oXXCosMv52MdfTRRLD5zdw8zu4fdyYqHhYEqOtkMUrRpMX1eqBlVvFQjp4zLFiLHj3dtrK6s2cE3eROIdsAPQI7r5mkjUrFebPwgVPQL1ggI-N4KfakU3e-YX3HB8VHhZ8/s320/point+lobos+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl4Awa_RLcUtsZwnnFcReTZ8d5wbWfgZOwytSho_4Qhm50Yu6DuJtoQ4hlTFZO7r9Hn74uDtJu9ZsA4muQxNUpTGoapKVPiTZ3GkqRmZglSm5gQaTlaoTalIhyphenhyphenXegy-mv-dwma9vourw/s1600/point+lobos+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjl4Awa_RLcUtsZwnnFcReTZ8d5wbWfgZOwytSho_4Qhm50Yu6DuJtoQ4hlTFZO7r9Hn74uDtJu9ZsA4muQxNUpTGoapKVPiTZ3GkqRmZglSm5gQaTlaoTalIhyphenhyphenXegy-mv-dwma9vourw/s320/point+lobos+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGc6gyDa2qITo77fxwUGuuaQCii6aIGZew80sqzF0ZT0rIjuaYxvbUuHTQ5ySEV22GyMeeXdzreGwWIWaVaZ7jul_BrV5CBxkTE3QJ5fZCFKmogOI46ekMnHfVhdYS4l-zjqe_goCD2L8/s1600/point+lobos+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGc6gyDa2qITo77fxwUGuuaQCii6aIGZew80sqzF0ZT0rIjuaYxvbUuHTQ5ySEV22GyMeeXdzreGwWIWaVaZ7jul_BrV5CBxkTE3QJ5fZCFKmogOI46ekMnHfVhdYS4l-zjqe_goCD2L8/s320/point+lobos+8.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeHS69bYmXRqb4AW9dYxQ55H_dlCuC6TXGpEjRmQEo0Db3w4dqTQPTTtGjrxd4ft00AH8H4BUOCUlUoljC_e7R9cJri1Se71RVbFsHZVjbRroyMsmrI1i48dw9iLMjSiRU8yebT3eA2U/s1600/point+lobos+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeHS69bYmXRqb4AW9dYxQ55H_dlCuC6TXGpEjRmQEo0Db3w4dqTQPTTtGjrxd4ft00AH8H4BUOCUlUoljC_e7R9cJri1Se71RVbFsHZVjbRroyMsmrI1i48dw9iLMjSiRU8yebT3eA2U/s320/point+lobos+9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I could have stayed in the park all day taking it in. It was a sunny, clear day and I felt completely absorbed and content. But alas, there were a few more things I wanted to see and also, hunger started to get the best of me. Thank God I had a [melted] Larabar in the car!<br />
<br />
I drove out of the park with a bit of sadness. Point Lobos had instantly become one of my favorite places on earth. I continued on to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a town I'd heard was quite picturesque, and it's right up the road from Point Lobos. I found my way to the scenic drive by Carmel Beach and stepped out to look at yet <em><strong>another</strong></em> gorgeous CA beach:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-77zq8bd3OfpsEE1tEEtSan5_ZDSphABLpLg-sOK5Y3rUzFbFMPjLKAgyyRzX0p8f-IF9Pb6ilkSE2w86iB3CtCQcHnDR2umM7d7xsQeVAPsG6WG_arLyXmaS1qaxqIURH_j-H5yIa4/s1600/carmel+beach+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-77zq8bd3OfpsEE1tEEtSan5_ZDSphABLpLg-sOK5Y3rUzFbFMPjLKAgyyRzX0p8f-IF9Pb6ilkSE2w86iB3CtCQcHnDR2umM7d7xsQeVAPsG6WG_arLyXmaS1qaxqIURH_j-H5yIa4/s320/carmel+beach+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpsSD5BU-3FYXMe6Q8dZZE3KTShW5jD8s0fL0NjikCgCXzV36CoSHvQw8FqdhzNzU6OINTARF5GBJlA8cwPV4lN06TYoO0LDVpbf4tx257XSfgBvlXPwUHftPSQ9CI-ZvkrqfmYE5O2U/s1600/carmel+beach+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpsSD5BU-3FYXMe6Q8dZZE3KTShW5jD8s0fL0NjikCgCXzV36CoSHvQw8FqdhzNzU6OINTARF5GBJlA8cwPV4lN06TYoO0LDVpbf4tx257XSfgBvlXPwUHftPSQ9CI-ZvkrqfmYE5O2U/s320/carmel+beach+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And then drove into the town itself to park and walk down the main street a bit. It was lined with lots of cute little shops and some high end stores too. I had no interest in shopping, but it was a cute place to walk through!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbBoltQLC33hJeg9CGxO06mEesF6CW0crvQGIRnLpjSQoAVV1i83FsdJ5JXbPSg5bayI1UlCQkNL3Km0wJxKIAVAbCrnVH-MgNoXoxRne7hzERPAe702JiOQ7Qm5OQmpld2uegWiO9eY/s1600/carmel+by+the+sea.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbBoltQLC33hJeg9CGxO06mEesF6CW0crvQGIRnLpjSQoAVV1i83FsdJ5JXbPSg5bayI1UlCQkNL3Km0wJxKIAVAbCrnVH-MgNoXoxRne7hzERPAe702JiOQ7Qm5OQmpld2uegWiO9eY/s320/carmel+by+the+sea.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally, I decided to finish the drive to Monterey and check into my Airbnb house. It was lovely!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZmhFJFViSKN1BbvQXGIZZTCNiaVHt1xGS1CotejIn5mj1gH-QJfJKNIbayX2HNBnqqqxO4xaY6lh-Ksj7imNehYtfG09XfwiYZMpfDElG0LkffOS3tmbnaY1k0KjnpNw8dn2mUOMNS0/s1600/Montery+b%2526b+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZmhFJFViSKN1BbvQXGIZZTCNiaVHt1xGS1CotejIn5mj1gH-QJfJKNIbayX2HNBnqqqxO4xaY6lh-Ksj7imNehYtfG09XfwiYZMpfDElG0LkffOS3tmbnaY1k0KjnpNw8dn2mUOMNS0/s320/Montery+b%2526b+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xJGmnSRWDUr_dq-it2FpvfuVS0n1GE1zvd08OqFOCVMgXGKix6G09eDw3kcglru7gPvadh8HQwN4KUBGuINKJiiQkqsvTlnF_YjGQoTaZatr70mSRCsZeZn5Fj0niq_Cw0yKdtSisow/s1600/monterey+b%2526b+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4xJGmnSRWDUr_dq-it2FpvfuVS0n1GE1zvd08OqFOCVMgXGKix6G09eDw3kcglru7gPvadh8HQwN4KUBGuINKJiiQkqsvTlnF_YjGQoTaZatr70mSRCsZeZn5Fj0niq_Cw0yKdtSisow/s320/monterey+b%2526b+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZJ41pDKUgao4b0BA_rr8523Kj2kE9YouKfDHBlde-1eoByRhmrraJOcEwVQD4xglWbthsg0GvUtp9_WS4yLyJRYRl3YopoVXxZEn0-kmvRvAb5TvWmjDMWIvz1h6ib4fssoNv5I9c-k/s1600/monterey+b%2526b+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVZJ41pDKUgao4b0BA_rr8523Kj2kE9YouKfDHBlde-1eoByRhmrraJOcEwVQD4xglWbthsg0GvUtp9_WS4yLyJRYRl3YopoVXxZEn0-kmvRvAb5TvWmjDMWIvz1h6ib4fssoNv5I9c-k/s320/monterey+b%2526b+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the owners greeted me as I arrived and sat down and chatted with me for a few mins. He also got out a map and traces routes to a few places to explore and recommendations on where to eat! The house had a resident outdoor cat, as well as the teeniest tiniest cutest little Yorkie ever. After dropping my bags in my room, I decided to head down to the waterfront area for dinner. I was momentarily delayed by said cat sleeping on my car!! SO CUTE. CA obviously wants me to stay forever :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh580fAucWYuWPefx8Tk1wS72r3xK2OVLlJHbVDbtuUnkKdS1mdTxx6Xft95PA-EDagFbzU_76d5gl886Y47951f65u_FLWu2YeFzHPfwEBSsikqwDpfEsq_qvXXLmwIls3F_UPBi4nNUE/s1600/montery+cat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh580fAucWYuWPefx8Tk1wS72r3xK2OVLlJHbVDbtuUnkKdS1mdTxx6Xft95PA-EDagFbzU_76d5gl886Y47951f65u_FLWu2YeFzHPfwEBSsikqwDpfEsq_qvXXLmwIls3F_UPBi4nNUE/s320/montery+cat.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Once I made it down to Cannery Row I headed to Hulu's for dinner, which was one of the places my host had recommended. He described it as Hawaiian fusion and that just sounded delightful. I got a cozy table for one, and ordered a mai tai and 2 appetizers: ceviche and crunchy coconut shrimp rolls which were both incredible. This may have been my favorite meal of the trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmAHTCpoJymP157QKppkOxltV49J8jk4MOx1ocm8tUUKo8mEBvyLJbERLmt_9YQakjKnraCtav0sJ-nAEOpWxv9ZftfO8yeEn0uBvEE2pMqDyVehagodWWxCqiBilNufzejKRgdHav_g/s1600/monterey+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmAHTCpoJymP157QKppkOxltV49J8jk4MOx1ocm8tUUKo8mEBvyLJbERLmt_9YQakjKnraCtav0sJ-nAEOpWxv9ZftfO8yeEn0uBvEE2pMqDyVehagodWWxCqiBilNufzejKRgdHav_g/s320/monterey+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4OHIDd9aATDM-VfJxrRmykZWENcogSGI9Fbqn5fryzWHeVTQ5WPHLgIoU6bY9SM-Ja0Hw2NuMGLRFzeKuu-IOw8GndY3cEX3M4Ld_IELoHPY2vmtfW7_-xa1om5K0GV8iLlDEHInsNw/s1600/monterey+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC4OHIDd9aATDM-VfJxrRmykZWENcogSGI9Fbqn5fryzWHeVTQ5WPHLgIoU6bY9SM-Ja0Hw2NuMGLRFzeKuu-IOw8GndY3cEX3M4Ld_IELoHPY2vmtfW7_-xa1om5K0GV8iLlDEHInsNw/s320/monterey+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-OAPdYbEpAmD6MIjC2xqPhob0FOUW9DmizTCocC-qrdC-qPeDjnWKUA-4H2FI3BEs-FhzgkA7idjwKHE3_5-l2l7mzcSsfwE3-qAJyEd-GBS7mmVN3tQfelgOQwTSpT0yxLm4jgiE7Q/s1600/hulus+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-OAPdYbEpAmD6MIjC2xqPhob0FOUW9DmizTCocC-qrdC-qPeDjnWKUA-4H2FI3BEs-FhzgkA7idjwKHE3_5-l2l7mzcSsfwE3-qAJyEd-GBS7mmVN3tQfelgOQwTSpT0yxLm4jgiE7Q/s320/hulus+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYnzCjV3bJ3DSvklutxz-a9wn2NO4Ir2Hit8Qr7uBaXo7NxvIzBW9SSQuaHkIH5Qsio9rKjcZvzhKqZzOj0PNiASyPGg2moTjRcwiRxG6_MxWFmDLWiwKuLOwNeQ3G0NsCU-jqRThzF0/s1600/hulus+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYnzCjV3bJ3DSvklutxz-a9wn2NO4Ir2Hit8Qr7uBaXo7NxvIzBW9SSQuaHkIH5Qsio9rKjcZvzhKqZzOj0PNiASyPGg2moTjRcwiRxG6_MxWFmDLWiwKuLOwNeQ3G0NsCU-jqRThzF0/s320/hulus+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I walked around Cannery Row for a little bit after dinner and then headed back to crash. And so concludes Day 6. I think I've already covered half the state of CA! <br />
<br />
<strong>Day 7:</strong> I started the day with breakfast at the house with 4 other guests and the owner. We had some good convo including, 'Is Donald Trump really running for President?!'. (This was the only place that provided breakfast, and it was great!) Then I packed my bags and gave the dog and cat some goodbye snuggles and was on my way to Pebble Beach just down the road. I wanted to go through 17 Mile Drive before heading up to SF. <br />
<br />
On the way I stopped at Lover's Point in Pacific Cove which my host also recommended as a site to see. It was indeed beautiful and I found it incredibly ironic I was there alone, given the name. HAHAHA I thought perhaps I might find my lover there, but I had no such luck. So I continued on. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCDrRdbayJS4d8lKb6-LdHkISuXFeUSaeGmK-39lZMDfaRN2EYCLj9GoY706x9DoxQmhyJoRfQTGwmXDD0dyiZ14SiKO40VjUlB6ry-btg-AJjYIkO6WvMnud6SDLM2r0q6Y5F_PBgQU/s1600/lovers+point+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCDrRdbayJS4d8lKb6-LdHkISuXFeUSaeGmK-39lZMDfaRN2EYCLj9GoY706x9DoxQmhyJoRfQTGwmXDD0dyiZ14SiKO40VjUlB6ry-btg-AJjYIkO6WvMnud6SDLM2r0q6Y5F_PBgQU/s320/lovers+point+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-rjAGF5e3qeQ4rVlggCOzetFCvJDztI65NIs5FI-dCbi5aT7OLEGXP5wh9MU_9hRBGzGSWqpXXPg_z_kD6j0n_xDLQ7M8i15z4Y3QDaKODkYlyXGml2nOzdy97jNyvI_ePRqAuJBW9Q/s1600/lovers+point+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-rjAGF5e3qeQ4rVlggCOzetFCvJDztI65NIs5FI-dCbi5aT7OLEGXP5wh9MU_9hRBGzGSWqpXXPg_z_kD6j0n_xDLQ7M8i15z4Y3QDaKODkYlyXGml2nOzdy97jNyvI_ePRqAuJBW9Q/s320/lovers+point+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqWoQkK3D0eWcdAdhGKU3m5h535dAmDX_AJtDV3D1sOfX-iARtwXM5Lf552HLlny6kQ62iSaTlu4uoHwbRXIHyQN8jtVJgEDvNrc9oidwnpf9ZpXMwWCrZ0Cr18GSta2ln1mBQqP0izo/s1600/Jill+lovers+point+pacific+grove.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqWoQkK3D0eWcdAdhGKU3m5h535dAmDX_AJtDV3D1sOfX-iARtwXM5Lf552HLlny6kQ62iSaTlu4uoHwbRXIHyQN8jtVJgEDvNrc9oidwnpf9ZpXMwWCrZ0Cr18GSta2ln1mBQqP0izo/s320/Jill+lovers+point+pacific+grove.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see this was the first cloudy day I had the whole trip! I knew this would probably be the case the further north I drove (it was also much chillier), but I took it in stride. <br />
<br />
I navigated to 17 Mile Drive, which is a part of Pebble Beach Golf Club that is open to the public (after you pay the $10 admittance fee). The drive is named for 17 stop-off points (somewhat akin to the turnoffs up Hwy 1) of beautiful coastal scenery within Pebble Beach. Again, it was cloudy most of the morning here but it doesn't diminish the grandeur of the views. My favorite part was seeing the infamous 'Lone Cypress' in person. Behold:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg37XqTsscRxKV6yq0WVoWEg9WEpLEu024nXapGGgzN5fDvYq1bHgiOTe3VKzBTtZIthLpzYMHq-YSvr5sKGQD6FSpBGvvgdMGX8MZyw77wOtsZRJeZ_0FCojpeo19nfZgYw93yyzVwEY/s1600/17+mi+drive+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg37XqTsscRxKV6yq0WVoWEg9WEpLEu024nXapGGgzN5fDvYq1bHgiOTe3VKzBTtZIthLpzYMHq-YSvr5sKGQD6FSpBGvvgdMGX8MZyw77wOtsZRJeZ_0FCojpeo19nfZgYw93yyzVwEY/s320/17+mi+drive+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jjnfezbtW2umCSxgINjTLwckITPLSV5Cf9Ks6a5SIWdyXdv3KcCY-6ADK79B1nP6N8ed5QbipTIWW7YcIFXpW31kcTsU3EhR20e1DkSgRqzlNv8eXXDwOTz0zaQtUZONHnUKvqU_JuU/s1600/17+mi+drive+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jjnfezbtW2umCSxgINjTLwckITPLSV5Cf9Ks6a5SIWdyXdv3KcCY-6ADK79B1nP6N8ed5QbipTIWW7YcIFXpW31kcTsU3EhR20e1DkSgRqzlNv8eXXDwOTz0zaQtUZONHnUKvqU_JuU/s320/17+mi+drive+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj97vRUfWK_KnUTuIe5HL0EGGvtdlt4DNo4MJZlBifqyZHpUbTyGiGiwtd_aYjxbXp8Lxvpmc91Nk5aIeZJkAhWdWHOr_3-j3bxOZ3LXgDm1Fc-F-iXtpCpXMnuvViyJ1TsRziyrAwjjA/s1600/17+mi+drive+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj97vRUfWK_KnUTuIe5HL0EGGvtdlt4DNo4MJZlBifqyZHpUbTyGiGiwtd_aYjxbXp8Lxvpmc91Nk5aIeZJkAhWdWHOr_3-j3bxOZ3LXgDm1Fc-F-iXtpCpXMnuvViyJ1TsRziyrAwjjA/s320/17+mi+drive+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinW9Rpd1zQn9tN7KQJ1lGjuGiun0jXijoBbZ-w-vR3aW3pOoToLaVDhqt-Bc2HIymDJkgGLWH6kMspRlAPwMRrCAIkx6u1yadlBpsxGE_BSOCLiSv-0BhUqQDJJTvL2DyRJxDgN-R7ANo/s1600/17+mi+drive+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinW9Rpd1zQn9tN7KQJ1lGjuGiun0jXijoBbZ-w-vR3aW3pOoToLaVDhqt-Bc2HIymDJkgGLWH6kMspRlAPwMRrCAIkx6u1yadlBpsxGE_BSOCLiSv-0BhUqQDJJTvL2DyRJxDgN-R7ANo/s320/17+mi+drive+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnpF1sUknY6TWjZl6aYQLyjFiJSHJ1bGl09AUgmcxE1EuMvlJZHI1S0k8uJ_yj-cR_XbuwmjjL9iMD_TGiXIc54C1UkRgkoeHgjRVI7f7vI7QiZKsHDVgvNTtfRO0-McoEYOLqvt-tV0/s1600/17+mi+drive+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnpF1sUknY6TWjZl6aYQLyjFiJSHJ1bGl09AUgmcxE1EuMvlJZHI1S0k8uJ_yj-cR_XbuwmjjL9iMD_TGiXIc54C1UkRgkoeHgjRVI7f7vI7QiZKsHDVgvNTtfRO0-McoEYOLqvt-tV0/s320/17+mi+drive+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzg9olhr_CZMOSyBuYZg5tNG5a3ixe4RI_dNNjtnGrNOXkTetteOsWKap522KU48mOQORn4pJGNrOTqv-WL8IqA-jaw41SOavSsas_kEPjYxlht2BR5GqD9qqTrZ_vOvh0lOaRwclxu4/s1600/17+mi+drive+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzg9olhr_CZMOSyBuYZg5tNG5a3ixe4RI_dNNjtnGrNOXkTetteOsWKap522KU48mOQORn4pJGNrOTqv-WL8IqA-jaw41SOavSsas_kEPjYxlht2BR5GqD9qqTrZ_vOvh0lOaRwclxu4/s320/17+mi+drive+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOL1ZkNCm15Y1t1veNSN9A9uIl_sj0SVm2co1EWUF1SX6StHFaw-qIuymS7mbTCLPE1x_bOMY7cZDh-oydu6650Q4HbdRtxSJSAYJXzOvcEs0vBnPo3fFj3W1k6JVSzN_X7WsYki-RGFU/s1600/lone+cypress+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOL1ZkNCm15Y1t1veNSN9A9uIl_sj0SVm2co1EWUF1SX6StHFaw-qIuymS7mbTCLPE1x_bOMY7cZDh-oydu6650Q4HbdRtxSJSAYJXzOvcEs0vBnPo3fFj3W1k6JVSzN_X7WsYki-RGFU/s320/lone+cypress+sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aM8xfg-qy-11D35_HypcVf5ieQ8t1quegl2OaeYyJTM_-jHtyxvmBbV_fptwgJxy7qkWPXEu_pmHg4kf7YYVEAxipPowCk06HB0_PeYwfrw93PMPRQx5eDwpVXZW5uoqJIeCCd689yQ/s1600/the+lone+cypress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aM8xfg-qy-11D35_HypcVf5ieQ8t1quegl2OaeYyJTM_-jHtyxvmBbV_fptwgJxy7qkWPXEu_pmHg4kf7YYVEAxipPowCk06HB0_PeYwfrw93PMPRQx5eDwpVXZW5uoqJIeCCd689yQ/s320/the+lone+cypress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I stopped at the clubhouse area to walk around the grounds and take some pictures for my grandfather who is an avid golfer. I posed in front of the infamous course's 18th hole at the urging of the 18th Hole Greeter, Ester. Yes, that is an actual job. And she was a jovial little lady. I had to oblige her! By this time the sun had come out. I decided to have lunch there since I was famished and was about to embark on a 2 hour drive north. I had a smoothie and a giant salad which were both scrumptious. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH2Yk0Oq48EW3o9E8cbruw6B81VmyfBcIcSBahjiYcDceOvaofinjrZ3DBB2ChDtqrK_8wOZTHCvgcbvzM9uRVbhqshQgww_w1NlnXginL3Xp1V0SiUchTvm85hqg5-iBMuWQzkE-9Ao/s1600/pebble+beach+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcH2Yk0Oq48EW3o9E8cbruw6B81VmyfBcIcSBahjiYcDceOvaofinjrZ3DBB2ChDtqrK_8wOZTHCvgcbvzM9uRVbhqshQgww_w1NlnXginL3Xp1V0SiUchTvm85hqg5-iBMuWQzkE-9Ao/s320/pebble+beach+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROL-_dakGoJL0QNdVSkJLLtgEisuo_WhrEmKmfJ2JBy9xMxZuXI23rTmDbtMNyilS6EMe97u_937JKzmFjJ89YH5YVDYqQVG18z1kjYsr9f0ytuZYtdoFMjKlMAh244hPMvSMNplPN_k/s1600/pebble+beach+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROL-_dakGoJL0QNdVSkJLLtgEisuo_WhrEmKmfJ2JBy9xMxZuXI23rTmDbtMNyilS6EMe97u_937JKzmFjJ89YH5YVDYqQVG18z1kjYsr9f0ytuZYtdoFMjKlMAh244hPMvSMNplPN_k/s320/pebble+beach+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdbHAX1OLoT1MPMBdBdJFv3AzeZth2HKyvAEFv4TPjegMMBTy_rS9m3TEn0XxmKR8SsWv_tz1yLqSBOIXGA-9v8zQx9fFnIs34FaBTi2Qe7x9c-nSpzDPO95cW9PhSDA3LbPUbOFIkUU/s1600/pebble+beach+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdbHAX1OLoT1MPMBdBdJFv3AzeZth2HKyvAEFv4TPjegMMBTy_rS9m3TEn0XxmKR8SsWv_tz1yLqSBOIXGA-9v8zQx9fFnIs34FaBTi2Qe7x9c-nSpzDPO95cW9PhSDA3LbPUbOFIkUU/s320/pebble+beach+3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaecmNOdeVRSKbu85h06fc0JOKcJ4M39H6micZCC6RPr73ii08d8AyPi__DD9pYYhEF7X-jS021qLVREyuVScU4lmox-dlkGp9gG091QUYGZzO4cVBdBdGEbfCVtNXB_zcEGEWwv5CUA/s1600/Jill+pebble+beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjaecmNOdeVRSKbu85h06fc0JOKcJ4M39H6micZCC6RPr73ii08d8AyPi__DD9pYYhEF7X-jS021qLVREyuVScU4lmox-dlkGp9gG091QUYGZzO4cVBdBdGEbfCVtNXB_zcEGEWwv5CUA/s320/Jill+pebble+beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBNpnL1YWqsQJ2_llNBaEti9dhnYm35Vxd6DkWxn2-W6De9-kdB-vY-ef6VQCsOay1D27bJRZL8Eq45BzqrzkkAZJ7lOCcl6aQ41a0gBC1jhiXzg0mt0sh8KuHUXLBcFyD9lqG-t70fU/s1600/pebble+beach+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBNpnL1YWqsQJ2_llNBaEti9dhnYm35Vxd6DkWxn2-W6De9-kdB-vY-ef6VQCsOay1D27bJRZL8Eq45BzqrzkkAZJ7lOCcl6aQ41a0gBC1jhiXzg0mt0sh8KuHUXLBcFyD9lqG-t70fU/s320/pebble+beach+lunch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And then I was off to San Jose, where I was going to stay with a friend I hadn't seen in 10 years!! This was certainly the trip of long-lost reunions. The last time I had seen my friend, she was working in Finance with me in Baltimore. She and her husband were born-and-bred West Coasters, but they decided to move East for just 2 years while her husband attended grad school to see what it was all about. 2 years was all they lasted! They were happy to get back to San Fran after that and never looked back. Hence, why I had not seen her in so long.<br />
<br />
I got to her house around 4:30 and met her 3 beautiful children for the first time! Then, we hurried off to her son's soccer practice. Later she cooked a lovely meal, and we stayed up talking for hours after the kids were in bed until we finally went to sleep around midnight. End scene/Day 7.<br />
<br />
<strong>Day 8:</strong> ie. the day we did San Fran! After my friend's two older children were off to school, she drove us into the city with her 23 month old babe. She gave me a little driving tour, showing me the trains I'd need to get back to her house that night, Fishermans' Wharf, and the cable car stop. We then drove up the BIGGEST hill I'd ever seen inside in a metropolitan city and she somehow parked the car on that thing. I dk how you San Franciscans even drive and park on those streets!? They are like legit straight up. Anyway, after making sure the parking brake was fully engaged, she strapped her little baby to her back and we made our way to Lombard Street, that crazy zig-zag number that attracts all the tourists. We walked down and took a cute pic and then walked back up. She's a rock star for carting a baby up that thing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHOMUFuqvABjjoz3tTg7y57es4H3c7qWRrc-mUaAXFBQ1tMg1vJugpHRL4lA4vr82LnuXAenyPBp1uB4phY0wJqELFRfRR1J2CkLdKD7Mahr0F3Ph_9XYcncRuTW_xXPPeiE3VVMcjKM/s1600/Jill+%2526+Grace+SF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHOMUFuqvABjjoz3tTg7y57es4H3c7qWRrc-mUaAXFBQ1tMg1vJugpHRL4lA4vr82LnuXAenyPBp1uB4phY0wJqELFRfRR1J2CkLdKD7Mahr0F3Ph_9XYcncRuTW_xXPPeiE3VVMcjKM/s320/Jill+%2526+Grace+SF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgcCQ6BAcruLv72DmQKzWz95sBX0F0e4OWTGKCN4Wb4SzY77Ubg0_N1KPo9mZL2ekUDFMelWUsUHofhJZR0dbMJxP3eBjGQ1azuU_-38i9z34a4LGkXXg4HBlcLdP477OxhDWQS8B_mg/s1600/SF+lombard+st+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzgcCQ6BAcruLv72DmQKzWz95sBX0F0e4OWTGKCN4Wb4SzY77Ubg0_N1KPo9mZL2ekUDFMelWUsUHofhJZR0dbMJxP3eBjGQ1azuU_-38i9z34a4LGkXXg4HBlcLdP477OxhDWQS8B_mg/s320/SF+lombard+st+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7utvG-dqhrN4d0vcB4DQ-cNpAH2mcvJi0oB6mi44UMf_lWOmpFxTHCdoVrB2NMvnKSdBckFRW8VEVq5u7ZUXwaarEtovZwSHr-BzU0UnFZ5TkefgzlE0kaOZk43EMmfhowCQKPutQiU/s1600/SF+lombard+st.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7utvG-dqhrN4d0vcB4DQ-cNpAH2mcvJi0oB6mi44UMf_lWOmpFxTHCdoVrB2NMvnKSdBckFRW8VEVq5u7ZUXwaarEtovZwSHr-BzU0UnFZ5TkefgzlE0kaOZk43EMmfhowCQKPutQiU/s320/SF+lombard+st.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
We hopped back in the car and she drove me to one of her favorite neighborhoods, North Beach/Little Italy and then sadly it was time for her to head back to San Jose to pick up her daughter from preschool. She dropped me at this beautiful church, which of course I had to stop in:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif7JbhYVridn9GIwkg5Ks_AK_ADwrYi0kTPQWfWE7lec_DI4sue6K3Hr7SuGQstKsTXLwJ9TUVOGAqS3yTI0FWe-NVevkmf_dpYFqBmyKp9c9LS9BvTg8j7EW2jX7XneRYfbH3QjTf6U/s1600/SF+church+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhif7JbhYVridn9GIwkg5Ks_AK_ADwrYi0kTPQWfWE7lec_DI4sue6K3Hr7SuGQstKsTXLwJ9TUVOGAqS3yTI0FWe-NVevkmf_dpYFqBmyKp9c9LS9BvTg8j7EW2jX7XneRYfbH3QjTf6U/s320/SF+church+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzVtZ3L3Bw5Vl7iNExEe7dbf31p3x-fzBMPxNh_kqnkyGvjNck8NGzc7gAj-FXvX08i27kmCXtuB_5k2Veg9ZgWT73VFIZ-PHj6gvUkJQxeStaLo5CabxanmaA3wEtTI-qAi9VopFyZM/s1600/SF+church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzVtZ3L3Bw5Vl7iNExEe7dbf31p3x-fzBMPxNh_kqnkyGvjNck8NGzc7gAj-FXvX08i27kmCXtuB_5k2Veg9ZgWT73VFIZ-PHj6gvUkJQxeStaLo5CabxanmaA3wEtTI-qAi9VopFyZM/s320/SF+church.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Then I wandered down the block and stopped for lunch at a place she had recommended to me - <a href="http://www.calzonesf.com/">Calzone's</a> - where I ate an entire loaf of bread with olive oil, a tray of various cured meats and some bacon wrapped scallops!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCsHwwYI4lWVy2c3C5ug-POLbTQBiKBUEarLlvJJDnSwnl8Nbw1WY3ZPq7HIyj5oy-uGEaCU5LFIN30xYZO21aCJ6WUFWFXkySP8_JCHQhTfl4tEiCRC2zkqvsuccT-OmYz-R6KAj1hQ/s1600/SF+little+italy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCsHwwYI4lWVy2c3C5ug-POLbTQBiKBUEarLlvJJDnSwnl8Nbw1WY3ZPq7HIyj5oy-uGEaCU5LFIN30xYZO21aCJ6WUFWFXkySP8_JCHQhTfl4tEiCRC2zkqvsuccT-OmYz-R6KAj1hQ/s320/SF+little+italy.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My friend had said that she had always wanted to bike across the Golden Gate Bridge and had never done so, but thought this might be the perfect activity for my day. She couldn't have been more right. There were lots of bike rental spots along the water in Fisherman's Wharf, but I was up further in North Beach. Well it just so happened on my walk down, I came across a bike rental shop! I tell ya, things just seemed to show up at the perfect time this whole trip. <br />
<br />
I requested a child-sized bike, checked out the map, and began my ride to the Bridge! In hindsight, if I had known I would be biking that day, I would not have donned skin-tight jeans. HA Live and learn Bean. It was the clearest, bluest day in SF that day with not a trace of fog or clouds. I couldn't have been more lucky. I have 0 idea how many miles it was to the bridge, across the bridge and back but I was TIRED by the time I got all the way back to the shop later that evening. However, this was my favorite way to see the city and I so thoroughly enjoyed my ride. How many people can say they've biked across the Golden Gate Bridge?! Feast upon these entirely un-edited images:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY7IvoQP916pVgGrLlLkXke1ez5KQbTMi47lpQgijYtteaOeiNr9MLZWBf7TyCd68D8cW8iyssMcFjrdvzeVngQHARB4gxult4jliKntAv73n87bFnYpoOnBP-1XH_LegWg0XUv2znLY/s1600/san+fran+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoY7IvoQP916pVgGrLlLkXke1ez5KQbTMi47lpQgijYtteaOeiNr9MLZWBf7TyCd68D8cW8iyssMcFjrdvzeVngQHARB4gxult4jliKntAv73n87bFnYpoOnBP-1XH_LegWg0XUv2znLY/s320/san+fran+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFTH4VWBvpVXS1ZSg5q1jM7ZJBpuQ7YRRHDpJNrTOAPdj4zrM1AO4SHn19nhSjGbRTd9JNDvxkyp0mZFe-QWDfksKUNU_GwngVirgkHM8ZgRRtaMkJUzLo1keDSo-6RSo13olL432J4w/s1600/san+fran+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFTH4VWBvpVXS1ZSg5q1jM7ZJBpuQ7YRRHDpJNrTOAPdj4zrM1AO4SHn19nhSjGbRTd9JNDvxkyp0mZFe-QWDfksKUNU_GwngVirgkHM8ZgRRtaMkJUzLo1keDSo-6RSo13olL432J4w/s320/san+fran+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7AGENxM-h9LaQKqgE3xGkFJK9jYGViST7SM9EyA_4eXIqoBRLi4oV4ksrMF-aBsMsH6dZw350KDvnc8JGLKMqUsd5AVa1LTMvEoVkKs_5VetM1xz7DlSM7b-zQFQ8pTutVGTZEp54nI/s1600/Alcatraz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI7AGENxM-h9LaQKqgE3xGkFJK9jYGViST7SM9EyA_4eXIqoBRLi4oV4ksrMF-aBsMsH6dZw350KDvnc8JGLKMqUsd5AVa1LTMvEoVkKs_5VetM1xz7DlSM7b-zQFQ8pTutVGTZEp54nI/s320/Alcatraz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi8XVtBVPzS7Q-oc2k85v1kCWgLcSfz3EQk4CYHKLO4mAMZvI3m9UrKKz-wUzADbLf8Fn7B9NVSPMMjBNUrT6IFSU44vB9uWwHhzo20PPITUyPqyq9vTXXcL5iDBDHvkQn0mWtcm0Mw4/s1600/San+Fran+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMi8XVtBVPzS7Q-oc2k85v1kCWgLcSfz3EQk4CYHKLO4mAMZvI3m9UrKKz-wUzADbLf8Fn7B9NVSPMMjBNUrT6IFSU44vB9uWwHhzo20PPITUyPqyq9vTXXcL5iDBDHvkQn0mWtcm0Mw4/s320/San+Fran+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHhRuwTiHQ_UejlzUuUmy3TJ7XoQe9Jhe5_0trhV7NpRHJZ3pIY3Muok0hhyGnBj-q45Mr6CvklSMFViezkarA7Svb1MOyL85d_-tktKCOd-kv53eZkT9Sjaq9Ag8T3YjwM8rtY4Seos/s1600/golden+gate+bridge+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHhRuwTiHQ_UejlzUuUmy3TJ7XoQe9Jhe5_0trhV7NpRHJZ3pIY3Muok0hhyGnBj-q45Mr6CvklSMFViezkarA7Svb1MOyL85d_-tktKCOd-kv53eZkT9Sjaq9Ag8T3YjwM8rtY4Seos/s320/golden+gate+bridge+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX4WcUHWdSHOFRnYRzAPWTCmvSpO1rpvwsgHlJSff03K4kjumQimJnPNWgE-kSIWejEA5X_jOYxaVkS2qIixfb6TQNTdO_bzWTbUHV69tyCkMp27_SFCSHGNAHnFfQBvJW9EcbfFmqp4/s1600/Jill+SF+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqX4WcUHWdSHOFRnYRzAPWTCmvSpO1rpvwsgHlJSff03K4kjumQimJnPNWgE-kSIWejEA5X_jOYxaVkS2qIixfb6TQNTdO_bzWTbUHV69tyCkMp27_SFCSHGNAHnFfQBvJW9EcbfFmqp4/s320/Jill+SF+1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniusVoj_LyTJ_I7Fd96A11Ko4YtSWRiHRfLQkm9zJAFVFKsJZm6O4jpNbl6ac8aALAAauQcP3mkgTvNZIN2WqfCPbgKrBsiqN1gOYK4r2be6gkKTUeY59MxawreA3IVFyzNg5R_aG7Bg/s1600/golden+gate+bridge+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniusVoj_LyTJ_I7Fd96A11Ko4YtSWRiHRfLQkm9zJAFVFKsJZm6O4jpNbl6ac8aALAAauQcP3mkgTvNZIN2WqfCPbgKrBsiqN1gOYK4r2be6gkKTUeY59MxawreA3IVFyzNg5R_aG7Bg/s320/golden+gate+bridge+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir26P6BwQLVskkOY7YSYuhJIVyFjnQ3BMWubQZto9relIHgOanukhdXLNtI-bCbv9I7YprrV-Nwd8UO_BlCMIfd8ZGoNRjKlT6P3BlaTCTqPfzcbkojFiLwKahyphenhyphenMUwpre1t6RRawrIoGo/s1600/Jill+SF+biking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir26P6BwQLVskkOY7YSYuhJIVyFjnQ3BMWubQZto9relIHgOanukhdXLNtI-bCbv9I7YprrV-Nwd8UO_BlCMIfd8ZGoNRjKlT6P3BlaTCTqPfzcbkojFiLwKahyphenhyphenMUwpre1t6RRawrIoGo/s320/Jill+SF+biking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bB0Pq_x5hiqZbDCswbhaeRjkn_ZCTFNmWoUq1E6DsHZI84wYJtN9Brq74dMiTmH_hLfC7-sXeuATbhgkKdlrovBBlo1NxShZTHjKcCmrjG7gncPVv1B_lA-qQTbrkdH7LHdUbUnAmeQ/s1600/golden+gate+bridge+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0bB0Pq_x5hiqZbDCswbhaeRjkn_ZCTFNmWoUq1E6DsHZI84wYJtN9Brq74dMiTmH_hLfC7-sXeuATbhgkKdlrovBBlo1NxShZTHjKcCmrjG7gncPVv1B_lA-qQTbrkdH7LHdUbUnAmeQ/s320/golden+gate+bridge+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikDxXLDeUil56JdFR5d-xdK2DzER8JuHXl03C6y9Q3YXYyq2VqfxBNNI72dq-bYDnYseV-w79gmgsEZSNqpw7HrAXpUtNeK6tWITPhUmNRoP6cwfO1ckUmzkujF6_ysHWfjqykbMwvBE/s1600/jill+golden+gate+bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikDxXLDeUil56JdFR5d-xdK2DzER8JuHXl03C6y9Q3YXYyq2VqfxBNNI72dq-bYDnYseV-w79gmgsEZSNqpw7HrAXpUtNeK6tWITPhUmNRoP6cwfO1ckUmzkujF6_ysHWfjqykbMwvBE/s320/jill+golden+gate+bridge.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Does it get any better than that?!?!?! Incredible I tell you.<br />
<br />
Now here's a funny little ditty for you.<br />
<br />
I had made it nearly all the way back on ride, but nearing the end I became a bit woozy and was sweating bullets with my sweatshirt and skin-tight jeans, so I finally took off my sweatshirt and laid it somewhat haphazardly across my front handlebars. As I crested down a hill just a few miles away from the bike shop, my sweatshirt flew off the handlebars and became tangled in, around and under the bike's tires. I promptly stopped and retrieved said sweatshirt which was now a bit shredded and covered in bicycle grease. Please note this was my one and ONLY sweatshirt I had packed for the trip! Clearly I had packed mostly for southern California weather. <br />
<br />
Anywho, when I made it back to the bike shop I asked the owner/hippie if he had anything that might remove bicycle grease and held up my mangled piece of clothing. To my delight he did indeed and he even proceeded to scrub my sweatshirt in his sink until it was spotless! Californians are RAD dude. He was awesome. There was just one caveat, sunset was approaching, which meant the temps in SF were about to drop and all I had was a soaking wet sweatshirt. Have no fear, the gentleman told me! There was a Laundromat down the street. And that is how I ended up in a Laundromat on my one and only day in SF! Hahaha I kept inserting quarters into the dryer, but after 20 mins of standing around waiting, I still had a pretty damp sweatshirt. I decided to play the odds and leave because I still wanted to ride the trolley before heading back to San Jose on the train.<br />
<br />
I walked back down to the Wharf area and bought a ticket for a line that now circled block. The sign at the ticket booth said the wait was approximately 45 minutes so before purchasing said ticket I asked the kindly man inside the booth if that estimate was accurate. He stepped out of the booth, eyed the line, and told me that yes, it would indeed be JUST 45 mins. I got in line. And waited. And waited. And waited some more. While the sun set and I began to freeze, draping my wet sweatshirt around me. It took 1 hour and 15 mins! The ticket booth man obviously does not get paid to be accurate. Regardless, I enjoyed the ride which lasted all of 15 mins when I hopped off in Union Square.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukYTucZrd52-ohlTwKS1goSYAEOWUSiXYE-RQnx_HsBUuJNL7yXf7JpAjJPqVdOKL3mG32LGlJLzScZGmRXSEcH1YD2l49LSfHpI4NPS7okHdPoZaA-0TqrI-frJSuSR-yoQ9PTF62Ao/s1600/SF+trolely.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukYTucZrd52-ohlTwKS1goSYAEOWUSiXYE-RQnx_HsBUuJNL7yXf7JpAjJPqVdOKL3mG32LGlJLzScZGmRXSEcH1YD2l49LSfHpI4NPS7okHdPoZaA-0TqrI-frJSuSR-yoQ9PTF62Ao/s320/SF+trolely.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLE_dnb-6EHITTY6-fXpPiPiPpFquvmAmaXMjy0XLo_B_-e8j__VWxRd-QlR29rNR0ePmJ0ylF9z2so8EERRRezCGco93ioaR8bR93Ng-D00tXo-UtRm8W4T6SBI3GBvMJ75kJhZolBQ/s1600/Jill+SF+trolley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhLE_dnb-6EHITTY6-fXpPiPiPpFquvmAmaXMjy0XLo_B_-e8j__VWxRd-QlR29rNR0ePmJ0ylF9z2so8EERRRezCGco93ioaR8bR93Ng-D00tXo-UtRm8W4T6SBI3GBvMJ75kJhZolBQ/s320/Jill+SF+trolley.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkm4782xwCon4bxWrETbYmqU109m5zqSG_C0zM1L03b3CNSba49tQxxtgBVxqF7bIlN9q9XPMKBphkKukh3uZOrfBMoKcQh_KmYZFFDAl62jxjTQipXLjOEmYAR3ElCQFHgsUb0SuAKPw/s1600/SF+trolley+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkm4782xwCon4bxWrETbYmqU109m5zqSG_C0zM1L03b3CNSba49tQxxtgBVxqF7bIlN9q9XPMKBphkKukh3uZOrfBMoKcQh_KmYZFFDAl62jxjTQipXLjOEmYAR3ElCQFHgsUb0SuAKPw/s320/SF+trolley+2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I had waited so long for the trolley that I didn't have any time to walk around Union Square. I had to find my way to the Metro to take back down to the Caltrain, which is exactly the direction I had just come from! However, the moment I stepped off the trolley, I FROZE! The sun had set and the temps had dropped and I was shivering under a wet sweatshirt. Suddenly, the heavens opened up and shone down upon a beacon of retail hope: H&M!!!!!!!! I had a little more than an hour until the Caltrain departed (back down in Fishermans' Wharf) so I ran into H&M like a chicken with its head cut off in search of a hoodie. Any hoodie. I came out 10 mins later with a striking hot pink one. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! <br />
<br />
By this time I had to pee so badly. But every Starbucks and restaurant I ran into in Union Square said they had no public restrooms! What the heck is up with that?! I was quite literally about to tell them fine, I'll just go on your floor, when I looked at my watch and realized I had to find the Metro NOW or I'd miss the connecting train to SJ. I asked the first person I saw where to go and ran several blocks to the station. Then I asked the ticket booth lady underground which train connected to the Caltrain and bought my ticket. I made it back to the Caltrain station with 20 mins to spare and spotted a Panera across the street! Oh happy happy day. It had been at least 7 hours since lunch but more importantly I prayed to God they had a bathroom inside. After placing my order I asked ever so politely if they had a restroom and they did. But it was currently being cleaned! %&$#!!! I pretended I didn't hear and just went back anyway. I told the woman cleaning the bathroom it was an emergency and she let me in. There has never been a better feeling in all the world! <br />
<br />
I got on the Caltrain relieved, tired and hungry and enjoyed my salad and sandwich on the ride back. My friend picked me up at the station and we stayed up chatting and watching Catfish (?!) and crashing after midnight. It was an epic (and hilarious) day in SF!<br />
<br />
<strong>Day 9:</strong> I hung out with my friend and two of her kids in the morning for a few hours before I had to be off to SFO to pick up my sister and our friend who were just arriving for the destination wedding!<br />
<br />
I'll post a bit about the wedding in Sea Ranch and my feelings about the trip in a separate post(s).<br />
<br />
This concludes my solo portion of the journey, and the rest seems almost like a completely separate trip. By this point I had driven over 500 miles through California!<br />
<br />
I hope these posts gave you an idea of the kind of traveler I am (adventurous, a bit haphazard, fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants, and incredibly comical). This trip was about seeing places I had never seen and only dreamed about, and the only thing I spent money on was food, gas, lodging and a couple magnets to memorialize each city I visited. Oh yeah, and that essential hoodie from H&M! <br />
<br />
<br />
<em>Part 4: Sea Ranch, CA....To Be Continued</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em></em><br />
<strong>Have you ever been to Monterey? </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Ever done a bike tour around a city you were vacationing in?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Ever visit a Laundromat in a city you were vacationing in?!?!</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-83126112766625653572015-10-02T03:33:00.000-07:002015-10-02T03:33:09.801-07:00Jilly Does Cali, Part 2: Los Angeles and BIG SUR!Welcome back to Part 2 of my CA travel diary! Where did we leave off?<br />
<br />
Oh yes, it's <strong>Day 4</strong>. I've hopped in my little Chevy rental and am headed north to LA from San Diego. <br />
<br />
As you know, one of the main goals for this trip was to drive Highway 1 all the way up the coast. I had already done some of that while staying in San Diego when I drove through La Jolla, Pacific Beach and Mission Beach so I elected to hop on the 5 for awhile until the 1 splits off further north near Capistrano. (I actually don't think the 1 runs continuously through that area anyway?) <br />
<br />
The first major stop I made on this route was in Laguna Beach. As a nostalgic fan for the MTV show of the same name and its spinoff The Hills, it was pretty cool to SEE Laguna in person for the first time! I pulled over on the main road and walked a few blocks down to the beach to take a look:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc0jeQvd88muJ0Mfc112cug-8IxhKghr2zyTzQpvJbaHHbfJ9hBuMayvWJY4zkcADJZqgBrTNr5F7S0MpuhW1Bo_2WQBFZ6QIiV0FL9WYtgEoN2L_BpDP63Pvr6_7AZBNAuf4QJ64AFc/s1600/Laguna+beach+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc0jeQvd88muJ0Mfc112cug-8IxhKghr2zyTzQpvJbaHHbfJ9hBuMayvWJY4zkcADJZqgBrTNr5F7S0MpuhW1Bo_2WQBFZ6QIiV0FL9WYtgEoN2L_BpDP63Pvr6_7AZBNAuf4QJ64AFc/s320/Laguna+beach+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps6C1Pa5Y8XjjF2Q08b3FC7d1xO8hI0Ilvb2YzVCv5tOs50EyOv9W97agx2KyfpCvWNcT1cTc6Lv_YivMEvXcIMgdJsEhFLflMiiP9V5abR99EhGqAVhHaI1o4mho55Qkl9I5y_XJxOM/s1600/Laguna+beach+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgps6C1Pa5Y8XjjF2Q08b3FC7d1xO8hI0Ilvb2YzVCv5tOs50EyOv9W97agx2KyfpCvWNcT1cTc6Lv_YivMEvXcIMgdJsEhFLflMiiP9V5abR99EhGqAVhHaI1o4mho55Qkl9I5y_XJxOM/s320/Laguna+beach+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I obviously was hoping Heidi, Spencer, LC and Lo would make an appearance but I had no such luck. Also, its not still 2005. Ha<br />
<br />
I walked back to my car and continued driving the PCH north, passing through beautiful coastal beach towns like Newport, Huntington and Long Beach. I should note the term Pacific Coast 'Highway' should be used very loosely through this area. This was not a highway but a 4 lane traffic-light filled road. It was slow going but great for sightseeing, until after I passed Long Beach. Then the area became more inner city and lined with buses and discount stores. By this time, I was over the traffic and just wanted to get to the beach! I passed LAX at some point and snapped this shot while singing the old school Miley Cyrus lyrics in my head. Ok actually out loud. <em>Hopped off the plane at LAX, with a dream and my cardigan....</em> :<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6QBvDSTu2fC2M8nRPch9dC2VNHpN9t6GgRgaODhl-DBQrc3V0aitLjVBYtsj0gNc5oZYKId-rUTz6GWaGeOTupNX9HzIPr8kLG_Js9AueCly8rVB1ShJ0TkORywVn3J4whdF7Gxl6s4/s1600/LAX.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6QBvDSTu2fC2M8nRPch9dC2VNHpN9t6GgRgaODhl-DBQrc3V0aitLjVBYtsj0gNc5oZYKId-rUTz6GWaGeOTupNX9HzIPr8kLG_Js9AueCly8rVB1ShJ0TkORywVn3J4whdF7Gxl6s4/s320/LAX.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And then, after 3.5 hours in the car, I finally made it to the infamous Santa Monica Pier! I changed into my swimsuit in the super grody public bathroom and onto the beach I went!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitEMaTO3SigXIbSogBgr4lzE-3760G5mMKgb9f6s2VaS8A113gkRSLb0OXTN1BQ89YwP8QTCA61VvfRbFjh4lXpUnxFkgrCbXm79nfFmsn8rz-_q2hepJLYhUWQKD8PfOComSU-3QQ4o/s1600/Jill+Santa+Monica.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhitEMaTO3SigXIbSogBgr4lzE-3760G5mMKgb9f6s2VaS8A113gkRSLb0OXTN1BQ89YwP8QTCA61VvfRbFjh4lXpUnxFkgrCbXm79nfFmsn8rz-_q2hepJLYhUWQKD8PfOComSU-3QQ4o/s320/Jill+Santa+Monica.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Roaming salesmen were walking the beach selling fresh sliced mango for $6. I was hungry, thirsty and these looked amazing. THEY WERE!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4paKiDIkElfscJD2kakT0YQSFHzlWs9oc-RLpqtB44Mdr99eJxzCTyqLPAdJeU4ZizjXHn9NfDiIpctU0Rs3Ou9QpGYpiGXjo2OR6dlvv4YL5oWy1JwYZlq_9aXEzRbRS1nuFTVGWA0/s1600/Santa+monica+mango.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4paKiDIkElfscJD2kakT0YQSFHzlWs9oc-RLpqtB44Mdr99eJxzCTyqLPAdJeU4ZizjXHn9NfDiIpctU0Rs3Ou9QpGYpiGXjo2OR6dlvv4YL5oWy1JwYZlq_9aXEzRbRS1nuFTVGWA0/s320/Santa+monica+mango.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
After an hour or so of people watching and laying out on the beach, I put on some clothes and decided to check out the pier, and at the suggestion of my cousin, walk down the strand to Venice Beach.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mpQUZxRxbRL6gU1Rfxr3PPWhyphenhyphenkLGW67i-PFFNf_8MqlgbUrnjYMnjUnZBdwkjdocZtLttGrH5Z_GDovK2Mu1CkFSDgu0PRvwxZ29Z9sSi3iZ6DPcaywlbCCMmlLWhGgE3tfWMNaNJe0/s1600/santa+monica+ferris+wheel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8mpQUZxRxbRL6gU1Rfxr3PPWhyphenhyphenkLGW67i-PFFNf_8MqlgbUrnjYMnjUnZBdwkjdocZtLttGrH5Z_GDovK2Mu1CkFSDgu0PRvwxZ29Z9sSi3iZ6DPcaywlbCCMmlLWhGgE3tfWMNaNJe0/s320/santa+monica+ferris+wheel.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqUMb9yO5I7jfpI9oLAP6ICCUMc-WGRs-32ceGswxyqf42NmSV81kBjDYPxOtfzY1czOjvzdc_zPLL4uowVL8ErvOzcSRyWXI3gZaUVA5u_r_-MJoQIs2S7nxTQiIfcy-JWNuya8Bpw4/s1600/santa+monica+park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvqUMb9yO5I7jfpI9oLAP6ICCUMc-WGRs-32ceGswxyqf42NmSV81kBjDYPxOtfzY1czOjvzdc_zPLL4uowVL8ErvOzcSRyWXI3gZaUVA5u_r_-MJoQIs2S7nxTQiIfcy-JWNuya8Bpw4/s320/santa+monica+park.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6ne7j6FxfJZsqvebRa-sKXiJqx-cX5NgnGvwkzqNVPgldcGhyr2GP8P-W5hvASDo0krDe02EJ88Lu_ST-8Txmkx1F4XiPO-pK8gqpplzfh6-q4dUSl6frRG24IXLx1LpsqnI929g3IQ/s1600/SM+palm+trees.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP6ne7j6FxfJZsqvebRa-sKXiJqx-cX5NgnGvwkzqNVPgldcGhyr2GP8P-W5hvASDo0krDe02EJ88Lu_ST-8Txmkx1F4XiPO-pK8gqpplzfh6-q4dUSl6frRG24IXLx1LpsqnI929g3IQ/s320/SM+palm+trees.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qM2jhi3roWWzPYrH5Xjpwmd7_Cl7K0jChtHG5rkQ075lrW5zpS7zR993cGK-w9S_lL8lK7jJK92Ea1QQ6xCNp7x3OBjXAdt6h4pw2K2_lY8DGawNktBJbApHiz-Ph7CVoPo3vMItMHw/s1600/santa+monica+walkway.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_qM2jhi3roWWzPYrH5Xjpwmd7_Cl7K0jChtHG5rkQ075lrW5zpS7zR993cGK-w9S_lL8lK7jJK92Ea1QQ6xCNp7x3OBjXAdt6h4pw2K2_lY8DGawNktBJbApHiz-Ph7CVoPo3vMItMHw/s320/santa+monica+walkway.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz3ElUcfXoGOE9rZWhiuIvXT-E9NQolfD8L1qjHaTPct5wbcIdTSq0mNz4St45jSQugmcDR861G57SJhd-COD8zn7nkGTPlmRRUziIVyG5rgVoXXgKwWqn_Gz5OYzEF0pj6CZ4rQlUGg/s1600/Venice+Beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRz3ElUcfXoGOE9rZWhiuIvXT-E9NQolfD8L1qjHaTPct5wbcIdTSq0mNz4St45jSQugmcDR861G57SJhd-COD8zn7nkGTPlmRRUziIVyG5rgVoXXgKwWqn_Gz5OYzEF0pj6CZ4rQlUGg/s320/Venice+Beach.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_kA-pCKCRVsS2snYUZk_AgmjTSEZyTyH8ERacIZzPvHGgD4LFwRS1GtZ45nVijzIFW9GI1WhURxBNYiPJydydA8t9m5sxCJ1N5sLd5Ny5Vw-bAywwGMDQbPj_V_o2pIIu8QuVlPxM8s/s1600/santa+monica+pier+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_kA-pCKCRVsS2snYUZk_AgmjTSEZyTyH8ERacIZzPvHGgD4LFwRS1GtZ45nVijzIFW9GI1WhURxBNYiPJydydA8t9m5sxCJ1N5sLd5Ny5Vw-bAywwGMDQbPj_V_o2pIIu8QuVlPxM8s/s320/santa+monica+pier+sunset.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuQfmES30ThGnxCWGOi9LbL97EyfAhyphenhyphen9LQoFDBoKRUz6A9HgPXoDVBVXNarinTBtri_V6yp1zQz4p6RIZwqg_WWqrRcFMgaLxejJdDf4qf5gm6rKawBgIT6VaDO72k16Bfl-2sP02T8U/s1600/Santa+monica+pier+at+night.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhuQfmES30ThGnxCWGOi9LbL97EyfAhyphenhyphen9LQoFDBoKRUz6A9HgPXoDVBVXNarinTBtri_V6yp1zQz4p6RIZwqg_WWqrRcFMgaLxejJdDf4qf5gm6rKawBgIT6VaDO72k16Bfl-2sP02T8U/s320/Santa+monica+pier+at+night.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It was close to a 2 mile walk to Venice Beach and I was meeting my cousin for dinner back in SM, so I just took a quick stroll down the walkway. Which was lined with 'trinket booths' (ie. places to buy weed!) and so many bars. It was loud. And a bit much. I headed back and stopped to watch people doing acrobatics on that adult playground up there. It was pretty cool. There were guys climbing ropes and then balancing at the top of giant poles. I wish they had one of these in Baltimore because I'd be ON that!<br />
<br />
I managed to see the sun set over Santa Monica Pier on the walk back and got to the pier just as my cousin and his gf arrived. <br />
<br />
That night we had dinner at a really great restaurant which of course I can't remember the name of! I had a grass-fed/organic beef slider and we shared some roasted Brussels sprouts and bruschetta. I spent the night at his house in LA and the next morning we did all the touristy things!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0bHhQ1oxGp8omlm47oV2mopU0tCpHT4-J0Cw_ZDLGICnNPvwbGMWOLZEspkttCzJLw0KXNRiyNz-i0iKJ2O3rVUBynpRiYhmbgtu5Ah7wMYufr1NcdzuL4NjhumlUBkZPeSN4zgMYNI/s1600/Beverly+Hills.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0bHhQ1oxGp8omlm47oV2mopU0tCpHT4-J0Cw_ZDLGICnNPvwbGMWOLZEspkttCzJLw0KXNRiyNz-i0iKJ2O3rVUBynpRiYhmbgtu5Ah7wMYufr1NcdzuL4NjhumlUBkZPeSN4zgMYNI/s320/Beverly+Hills.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePTqteyy1f3qcPQJNEWTwHSD33sQz5NQDAwQLUlQBeXhW5VMlAy7gmR16cu4s54S9kFb5TUbocheKxKIqXQCZ9XOHbZumDUCurJMXD9nkR9xW277UiMZez57DCZsTh5zeQDoDNb_B60g/s1600/beverly+hills+hotel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePTqteyy1f3qcPQJNEWTwHSD33sQz5NQDAwQLUlQBeXhW5VMlAy7gmR16cu4s54S9kFb5TUbocheKxKIqXQCZ9XOHbZumDUCurJMXD9nkR9xW277UiMZez57DCZsTh5zeQDoDNb_B60g/s320/beverly+hills+hotel.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIZhVt_8eYdnXypcd8_nA8FpYuypLnxxeClaJCeMIomVZCpFsGaAMZP_oBnl7po4thOVnP6H5CM32KiB5m3IFws-wtU7k7Enz8hLI-XZb2kTTnn_Bl6kWSL-eexda1KrdBmF3u3PCVoY/s1600/Rodeo+drive.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIZhVt_8eYdnXypcd8_nA8FpYuypLnxxeClaJCeMIomVZCpFsGaAMZP_oBnl7po4thOVnP6H5CM32KiB5m3IFws-wtU7k7Enz8hLI-XZb2kTTnn_Bl6kWSL-eexda1KrdBmF3u3PCVoY/s320/Rodeo+drive.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWv59usn344Oz0TqgPbVAWBS_HzOv1EBCzEYCpIAMcpq_lY8nVZCFQ25ji4P8plHGyJ0Uq_QK5FlaF7YfAw6m8-kx77nJO82VPdpQpC13uT1n6UxZD4Kyqx-Va3oss9l4KTsHSO8akPgc/s1600/rodeo+drive+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWv59usn344Oz0TqgPbVAWBS_HzOv1EBCzEYCpIAMcpq_lY8nVZCFQ25ji4P8plHGyJ0Uq_QK5FlaF7YfAw6m8-kx77nJO82VPdpQpC13uT1n6UxZD4Kyqx-Va3oss9l4KTsHSO8akPgc/s320/rodeo+drive+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2wTnLp8cFnbhHdNQ4mpDCdjqLiMd79qpJltUCmFVlGgvN7IeWUro5rGCaBrLaLuiN0rqeVUo8v_-OssNwv_Ao6VbkGd0eg8eulZxLlkK5k18E6SGWORCUM4Ilj0EodKWRk6H57rSdJM/s1600/hollywood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2wTnLp8cFnbhHdNQ4mpDCdjqLiMd79qpJltUCmFVlGgvN7IeWUro5rGCaBrLaLuiN0rqeVUo8v_-OssNwv_Ao6VbkGd0eg8eulZxLlkK5k18E6SGWORCUM4Ilj0EodKWRk6H57rSdJM/s320/hollywood.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhND0I0YU-jUenM_-W5O6N0SEpd3JbHQ_OYpz-3p_utDogGGOhWXRAZ5IPx5fHauw1Nz1lfo0pTSMbYh1PjTx-ZnQo5r1AaxgQEDsMVVRxhvUvnygRWjJEaq1dLVV1jSrPWMYdhHfudN70/s1600/Jill+Hollywood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhND0I0YU-jUenM_-W5O6N0SEpd3JbHQ_OYpz-3p_utDogGGOhWXRAZ5IPx5fHauw1Nz1lfo0pTSMbYh1PjTx-ZnQo5r1AaxgQEDsMVVRxhvUvnygRWjJEaq1dLVV1jSrPWMYdhHfudN70/s320/Jill+Hollywood.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZP13d1qxB0QyPqbkiBF3B3MUX9YvfLxz1SwERkbxxPK4GEtk_I7qG0iXUwU9E1tbLWGqkkcmUbJkjmH6CuuoHqlXvGvc_w_JKnab-f8QOQT1cEOj3hxtsnLJ6HXpC-GW0QQ6ydPWcNks/s1600/walk+of+fame+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZP13d1qxB0QyPqbkiBF3B3MUX9YvfLxz1SwERkbxxPK4GEtk_I7qG0iXUwU9E1tbLWGqkkcmUbJkjmH6CuuoHqlXvGvc_w_JKnab-f8QOQT1cEOj3hxtsnLJ6HXpC-GW0QQ6ydPWcNks/s320/walk+of+fame+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8XBplYuASivNRDKmGjfz_w80u-tIpY3SnZYtcbqgwKKYLjSv_yI8uAY7VWSChcHhLUZAggSjQvsAoN-sWFGpDPOSJBESNir-cwBRYRxyWFKm4L2BsnPPptykCL2Y8MycyIIcEufj8cw/s1600/walk+of+fame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8XBplYuASivNRDKmGjfz_w80u-tIpY3SnZYtcbqgwKKYLjSv_yI8uAY7VWSChcHhLUZAggSjQvsAoN-sWFGpDPOSJBESNir-cwBRYRxyWFKm4L2BsnPPptykCL2Y8MycyIIcEufj8cw/s320/walk+of+fame.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZ-yeB67rbZ_tEAUpx0g6M6yVcVNY4730J022TDSOqHGe7aToLMk84KZm6v0T2hpDqj7TMlHoRlJy4x2VGgabOS7_jUcGAGowOQ_mK9xs5vK3QWhqa1zPlTHPxJ3wTBG0LM6_pd3CT8o/s1600/chinese+theater.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZ-yeB67rbZ_tEAUpx0g6M6yVcVNY4730J022TDSOqHGe7aToLMk84KZm6v0T2hpDqj7TMlHoRlJy4x2VGgabOS7_jUcGAGowOQ_mK9xs5vK3QWhqa1zPlTHPxJ3wTBG0LM6_pd3CT8o/s320/chinese+theater.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ugirnCIqXptdfWB2LfO3SkC6rAu-7PeQMvqVIcgv50Wjsj2xqMZOLt1ozWCh5PRQeQ-l430q7-9myveHUwRQM0bIIUqmKPQua3BJuuDYWaOsvfADgLjeDH_dgmEHkSL08moDBnP-MnE/s1600/Julie+andrews+handprints.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ugirnCIqXptdfWB2LfO3SkC6rAu-7PeQMvqVIcgv50Wjsj2xqMZOLt1ozWCh5PRQeQ-l430q7-9myveHUwRQM0bIIUqmKPQua3BJuuDYWaOsvfADgLjeDH_dgmEHkSL08moDBnP-MnE/s320/Julie+andrews+handprints.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQzg9kH9KKPk0Jy94Cp0f_-Py8ze3mO-RDGB_tYE8OjRVDMD1kA-KB90acJNlR6cSdpVOcu-XmypCXMlxPAFvWxrhVwB4AJ6BP591PwhvvFjGDDDtVMyWo5eFGza31NDf-x2sFMinw5c/s1600/frank+sinatra+handprints.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQzg9kH9KKPk0Jy94Cp0f_-Py8ze3mO-RDGB_tYE8OjRVDMD1kA-KB90acJNlR6cSdpVOcu-XmypCXMlxPAFvWxrhVwB4AJ6BP591PwhvvFjGDDDtVMyWo5eFGza31NDf-x2sFMinw5c/s320/frank+sinatra+handprints.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>LA Day 5:</strong> We had brunch at a lovely restaurant in Beverly Hills called <a href="http://www.thefarmofbeverlyhills.com/beverly-hills/">The Farm</a> and then walked around Rodeo Drive. NBD. Then we drove into Hollywood so I could see the famous sign and take an obligatory pic. It was neat to stroll around the Walk of Fame and look for stars of people I loved like Martin Scorsese and Robin Williams. I also really loved looking through the famous handprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. I love history and it was a cool feeling to walk through and touch pieces of cement that people like Frank Sinatra had once touched! Before I knew it, it was mid afternoon and I had to get on the road. It was so good to see my cousin, even if just for the night. <br />
<br />
When I pulled out of his driveway, this was the outside temp in LA:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSTrWkDu-3klUToX1hCshD1tAtmckZfgb5UAE7-RPQYCLcTuHokKlmtmWbQ8XetttnDns7EqjYiBIJq75Vnxyc1IB3sb-uVLdQ9vyONtZPPbJ6VkBIviDapogLJFHJih4Q6j5zMwISgE/s1600/LA+108+degrees.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSTrWkDu-3klUToX1hCshD1tAtmckZfgb5UAE7-RPQYCLcTuHokKlmtmWbQ8XetttnDns7EqjYiBIJq75Vnxyc1IB3sb-uVLdQ9vyONtZPPbJ6VkBIviDapogLJFHJih4Q6j5zMwISgE/s320/LA+108+degrees.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I knew that as I continued to head north the temps would just continue to drop which kind of made me sad :(<br />
<br />
As I headed north, I decided to stop in Santa Barbara because I had heard it was a beautiful town. Oh I'm so glad I did! This was probably my favorite town of the trip. It was incredibly gorgeous and picturesque and these photos really do not do it justice. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8JA1HDQ7Hh2nx4FGgunkdkg97eeW3uasAwMHonV5pn_hiId9D_HNWP8uvbRKd3jgdHOWz6kgaIp1xW_3H7ZNpBF0Kev5e7_nJqFvs1e9KGigu3b_XhqcFsYagLb0q3gLUn46nu1UsEw/s1600/Santa+barbara+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8JA1HDQ7Hh2nx4FGgunkdkg97eeW3uasAwMHonV5pn_hiId9D_HNWP8uvbRKd3jgdHOWz6kgaIp1xW_3H7ZNpBF0Kev5e7_nJqFvs1e9KGigu3b_XhqcFsYagLb0q3gLUn46nu1UsEw/s320/Santa+barbara+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4714c-aq1rg6ptHpfD9CNl02D_kTblzbSFAbCBIdAEHCCEEcFEVo-w3JgF__0pqKq95vMX7vY_DNTL16bKWPCR9-1N6ZKm0zIPBfucy0fUgcdCsj4u9Wz4XZW2TO7TCODYNeRUNp3W0/s1600/Santa+barbara+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe4714c-aq1rg6ptHpfD9CNl02D_kTblzbSFAbCBIdAEHCCEEcFEVo-w3JgF__0pqKq95vMX7vY_DNTL16bKWPCR9-1N6ZKm0zIPBfucy0fUgcdCsj4u9Wz4XZW2TO7TCODYNeRUNp3W0/s320/Santa+barbara+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PL5Ff5oT6TITNc59uj5Jzhe-p6BF32yvG6oKXPRSvIyfz8qOpVY_KSFUWqCjLbkfu_ma6MLL-0JiJ3zkA9W1IhLQbBx47f-Zzg-6XEez-1YuPDcpaqvF8Z3lGi0wCrJIHrtbmBNSH3g/s1600/Santa+barbara+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PL5Ff5oT6TITNc59uj5Jzhe-p6BF32yvG6oKXPRSvIyfz8qOpVY_KSFUWqCjLbkfu_ma6MLL-0JiJ3zkA9W1IhLQbBx47f-Zzg-6XEez-1YuPDcpaqvF8Z3lGi0wCrJIHrtbmBNSH3g/s320/Santa+barbara+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryEpWrevImwyh4E0h3ndBnK7dZXH0ygIjXOAYr_Np1zmcXLe1u552PXLRSxT1_qt9ssTC7st5DPaou1sf9P5eJMSu7klmjtchLghrw8eu1bKH9S4TzS7UaDS6qcbYuEc7Ymswd9vZuqw/s1600/Santa+barbara+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryEpWrevImwyh4E0h3ndBnK7dZXH0ygIjXOAYr_Np1zmcXLe1u552PXLRSxT1_qt9ssTC7st5DPaou1sf9P5eJMSu7klmjtchLghrw8eu1bKH9S4TzS7UaDS6qcbYuEc7Ymswd9vZuqw/s320/Santa+barbara+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Why I didn't go to college at UCSB I'll never know. Those kids have it MADE! I would love to live in this little town for awhile someday.<br />
<br />
After stopping in a Starbucks there out of sheer bladder necessity, I hopped back in my car and continued north. I made one more stop at Pismo Beach, which I also heard was nice but I wasn't really impressed.<br />
<br />
I finally reached my destination for the evening, Morro Bay, about 4 hours later (I think). My cousin had given me a bag of grapes for the road which I nearly finished on the drive up. They were a true blessing.<br />
<br />
San Luis Obispo is the more common stop-over for people driving from LA to SF, but I had Googled suggestions and a few people mentioned Morro Bay as a unique and less-crowded alternative. Something about the giant rock for which the town was named struck me and I decided that would be my place.<br />
<br />
I checked into a little retro motor inn (seriously, it had about 15 rooms, which you park right outside the door, and looked like something from the 1950's!) and then headed 2 blocks down to the waterfront to see the Rock and grab some dinner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarnJnXXGADnDFKC9w5Dpzc2-1zk2r-ZnCm9zBH-40rMtnAp8qdI77DywMe1YhDAVeaTpPf-9SUAUfnPTGJLwXQPYiyciDkiBCXE4uQ8H2gynItLIGNyFUWgxiKzRIPd66VDV2GQt_HVU/s1600/Sundown+Inn+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgarnJnXXGADnDFKC9w5Dpzc2-1zk2r-ZnCm9zBH-40rMtnAp8qdI77DywMe1YhDAVeaTpPf-9SUAUfnPTGJLwXQPYiyciDkiBCXE4uQ8H2gynItLIGNyFUWgxiKzRIPd66VDV2GQt_HVU/s320/Sundown+Inn+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1ls4XFWY85QJ7GoyCt5DXtIlEswgw7DGgHHGe0DsBsQ-O1OH2hAHfwWi-E9hu0SMpRudb3g-BaWBHfJl-tBddOLjiKo2CPVFXDIKDVRSN2AHK_HIKx-YduitOvK174j-uAmEroigRKg/s1600/Sundown+inn+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1ls4XFWY85QJ7GoyCt5DXtIlEswgw7DGgHHGe0DsBsQ-O1OH2hAHfwWi-E9hu0SMpRudb3g-BaWBHfJl-tBddOLjiKo2CPVFXDIKDVRSN2AHK_HIKx-YduitOvK174j-uAmEroigRKg/s320/Sundown+inn+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyM-XEsoeeKP5QC6l8k7_jL7dd49x9TVn0NFmfsYhvsZ-4uuB0csh6qjlanm31QUHOVgzaunOzwodmV5vfYfINyncm1n4b-5RrUz0MFmBnlW4QgqqE9MKqrxCXqJ38rgMGWL2kU-alls/s1600/sundown+inn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEyM-XEsoeeKP5QC6l8k7_jL7dd49x9TVn0NFmfsYhvsZ-4uuB0csh6qjlanm31QUHOVgzaunOzwodmV5vfYfINyncm1n4b-5RrUz0MFmBnlW4QgqqE9MKqrxCXqJ38rgMGWL2kU-alls/s320/sundown+inn.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
All joking aside The Sundown Inn was probably one of my favorite hotels ever! It got great reviews online and was super cheap, which was why I chose it, but it was SO clean and charming. I loved my room there and plan to tell anyone who cares that if they're ever in Morro Bay, CA they should def stay at this little establishment. Also, I got my first ever magic fingers massage from that bed for 25 cents. I thought these things only existed in old movies. Oh, I'm so glad I was wrong.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdklgBTz1nKvjfA018nxH0oj-dBbjcgg-WAIpKI8nDYo6VaCH_ggbZmOqXmZr8HvGSB4wnV-KSInSWDUnCnNxychp14vn0saBS4Ih9FFVxDRH2Z9ue_rc5My9R0bxO1vWhXUUb54MSXs/s1600/sundown+inn+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdklgBTz1nKvjfA018nxH0oj-dBbjcgg-WAIpKI8nDYo6VaCH_ggbZmOqXmZr8HvGSB4wnV-KSInSWDUnCnNxychp14vn0saBS4Ih9FFVxDRH2Z9ue_rc5My9R0bxO1vWhXUUb54MSXs/s320/sundown+inn+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My first view of Morro Rock was striking. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYSKwdHeaxgaYf_XdIhZ0R8z4OoLGOG_4GQR7oQxrsEUoFz4NjMkJGEcqjCjrJlolsI-eVSvfzCKgGZNg1kDgMclE6YZ5X6aWEy0xr9zlIlNIy6W_bhbclfyUjVEBdg9VSGhI-k_zPuc/s1600/Morro+Bay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYSKwdHeaxgaYf_XdIhZ0R8z4OoLGOG_4GQR7oQxrsEUoFz4NjMkJGEcqjCjrJlolsI-eVSvfzCKgGZNg1kDgMclE6YZ5X6aWEy0xr9zlIlNIy6W_bhbclfyUjVEBdg9VSGhI-k_zPuc/s320/Morro+Bay.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8aqpB5DPfFJK7o5s1_Z_mgVrHb8AwFOZ68v1gYbHfziDXyYLjixWobqJwg6e_vTV9xdlzEyF4rz3T_7For5B9PICChKHZs7Ib1SNiICVISN4bHabStjRk8VWIHGJIrGciIglWuM8gdI/s1600/Morro+Rock+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM8aqpB5DPfFJK7o5s1_Z_mgVrHb8AwFOZ68v1gYbHfziDXyYLjixWobqJwg6e_vTV9xdlzEyF4rz3T_7For5B9PICChKHZs7Ib1SNiICVISN4bHabStjRk8VWIHGJIrGciIglWuM8gdI/s320/Morro+Rock+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsS0DvhxHDhcEBmFBAI2ku3ZD1mmBjIsGkWQi0hN-y9wF0uLIMtsb6gGeX3kbR9gUGS5855NVvw1Ix1Zk3DDIZudHpLTEYkkuKsGWdDCnBkQdHs6C-pN3I87CvKu0-ZQkR8IrLlc8paS4/s1600/Morro+Rock+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsS0DvhxHDhcEBmFBAI2ku3ZD1mmBjIsGkWQi0hN-y9wF0uLIMtsb6gGeX3kbR9gUGS5855NVvw1Ix1Zk3DDIZudHpLTEYkkuKsGWdDCnBkQdHs6C-pN3I87CvKu0-ZQkR8IrLlc8paS4/s320/Morro+Rock+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have no idea why this giant rock sticks out of the water, but I loved it. I should prob Google that. I had an incredible fish sandwich and then went back to my room for a bed massage and some sleep! Tomorrow was going to be a big day.<br />
<br />
<strong>Day 6:</strong> I woke up and walked a couple blocks to a coffee shop to grab an egg sandwich for breakfast and then said goodbye to the Rock.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M5kDN0fJs403Y9xVUjnCzbp4xr7eUulPvLjyxFFWno99uli0KaCUXK_3aIYAdL_VH3quy0XUY3-N4PlAzZ4j1sblvKfCJZ2aN_q8tOp4xH8yb9tUYK1XB1bUkXnmdOYAwRz89sBxMVE/s1600/Jill+Morro+Rock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8M5kDN0fJs403Y9xVUjnCzbp4xr7eUulPvLjyxFFWno99uli0KaCUXK_3aIYAdL_VH3quy0XUY3-N4PlAzZ4j1sblvKfCJZ2aN_q8tOp4xH8yb9tUYK1XB1bUkXnmdOYAwRz89sBxMVE/s320/Jill+Morro+Rock.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was a bundle of excitement knowing this was the day I'd drive through Big Sur, arguably the most picturesque and iconic strip of the Pacific Coast Highway. I knew it was going to be great, but I had NO IDEA what I was in for as I filled my gas tank and snagged some water for the road.<br />
<br />
I drove for an hour and a half or so until I came to the forests and state parks of Big Sur. After passing through those, Hwy 1 became windy and treacherous as we began to scale coastal cliffs and that is when the most mind blowing views I've ever seen in my life started to appear. I can see why people say you MUST drive Hwy 1 up the coast before you die. For this. The bluest waters of the Pacific Ocean crashing against the most marvelous coastal cliffs are a sight so captivating it almost doesn't feel real. Yet somehow it is. And I was there. MY GOD.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eEmoxZEKWB_Pec8otKR3Q5MKFtmBVucTYfZQymjkhEdCB0c6Z_T0etBniMHIWk8MryBQB03dXM6e7xPByBJORCe_I3ZMG0LZQ5YOtgoIdX6KsL74FQfzzF8dbR4URPGTazoROUT8nBQ/s1600/Big+sur+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eEmoxZEKWB_Pec8otKR3Q5MKFtmBVucTYfZQymjkhEdCB0c6Z_T0etBniMHIWk8MryBQB03dXM6e7xPByBJORCe_I3ZMG0LZQ5YOtgoIdX6KsL74FQfzzF8dbR4URPGTazoROUT8nBQ/s320/Big+sur+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAQPkbRx0lBSxqY4lY3PHEV5LJVnkGlBZ7qwTcam2KSRL95tiTXiBDluYSljK-ZLJugbFAsC4hYX4QHAmqUJOCoKhiFbkWlleuP7Laz6ar2Ken8fKOzMsVJ4XM9jpgCtquu4_XgiN9L0/s1600/Big+sur+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAQPkbRx0lBSxqY4lY3PHEV5LJVnkGlBZ7qwTcam2KSRL95tiTXiBDluYSljK-ZLJugbFAsC4hYX4QHAmqUJOCoKhiFbkWlleuP7Laz6ar2Ken8fKOzMsVJ4XM9jpgCtquu4_XgiN9L0/s320/Big+sur+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajtLGpa9QM0RIrj1t-gtrrLYbLYshkDbO-bck-zuzO400z7gqgISKjTSk4_AFYJoGkcCFw5z4Sg9kyaOzT5jfA3kdL71ZO6aQ_m1-GWvsgM4r37VsvYl70xIUArr9YuKyj5sjykogmDc/s1600/Big+sur+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhajtLGpa9QM0RIrj1t-gtrrLYbLYshkDbO-bck-zuzO400z7gqgISKjTSk4_AFYJoGkcCFw5z4Sg9kyaOzT5jfA3kdL71ZO6aQ_m1-GWvsgM4r37VsvYl70xIUArr9YuKyj5sjykogmDc/s320/Big+sur+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNC_DjXfFBa0WWvUe7n3xaZtFtNWHw68errr6t7EY8nViIwhv08-EZPlKxkK8CZbze2jPey2dtbmxlboHZjA48i7-Wbw8IOkvlpHefHKnQKfrLoy9zTrvIoMQ1O0aC2ZWZVAMQyixB20/s1600/Big+sur+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNC_DjXfFBa0WWvUe7n3xaZtFtNWHw68errr6t7EY8nViIwhv08-EZPlKxkK8CZbze2jPey2dtbmxlboHZjA48i7-Wbw8IOkvlpHefHKnQKfrLoy9zTrvIoMQ1O0aC2ZWZVAMQyixB20/s320/Big+sur+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPQ2cw9UEETbd2JvaWFCRHQ2M0HTrFLid_05NESCXegmr0rYXmA2kAcxFYCOZhSTQ8qzRMZgN-Tksim9Wvc6McvMWm05_9KDL4K1xiXd1oVSSV3f1lpkhVa6Hu0ojFKL7ys2al6lONuQ/s1600/big+sur+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHPQ2cw9UEETbd2JvaWFCRHQ2M0HTrFLid_05NESCXegmr0rYXmA2kAcxFYCOZhSTQ8qzRMZgN-Tksim9Wvc6McvMWm05_9KDL4K1xiXd1oVSSV3f1lpkhVa6Hu0ojFKL7ys2al6lONuQ/s320/big+sur+5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8VQ75uO3ErfLqoltceycG4VVd7JEgABZvAKlxTKGvkkGWrLQ6xwO4cKEdrUJnPX0ff77vvYjNBKSesvVCYGDM5BvfIMeEW8kJjmKGoKX2A65m2XgghEugG2SVvBfmjYMy0D0oRBha8c/s1600/big+sur+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8VQ75uO3ErfLqoltceycG4VVd7JEgABZvAKlxTKGvkkGWrLQ6xwO4cKEdrUJnPX0ff77vvYjNBKSesvVCYGDM5BvfIMeEW8kJjmKGoKX2A65m2XgghEugG2SVvBfmjYMy0D0oRBha8c/s320/big+sur+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
There are stop off points every few hundred feet where you can pull over and see views like this, so obviously I have TONS more pictures, but I'll spare you. Hwy 1 is super windy here and although I wasn't scared, I def would not want to be driving it at night! <br />
<br />
I stopped and took photos at the infamous Bixby Bridge, which you can RUN over in the Big Sur Marathon. I'll tell you, if I ever decide to run a full marathon, this will be the one!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d7W0q1DOzIVvwSx3ydClRRrDsoFmu56XCO8dFmz-oKYwkjWapKx3RCqFtS8bDulMAOQG6hJIlOr6u1oTDKsvS9EFprq1DhZ1Q8YI5YjrMLcctx-KFVxgb2s5kUN8ZjzQJU-JRb27OB0/s1600/Jill+bixby+bridge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9d7W0q1DOzIVvwSx3ydClRRrDsoFmu56XCO8dFmz-oKYwkjWapKx3RCqFtS8bDulMAOQG6hJIlOr6u1oTDKsvS9EFprq1DhZ1Q8YI5YjrMLcctx-KFVxgb2s5kUN8ZjzQJU-JRb27OB0/s320/Jill+bixby+bridge.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa89udNgiWqVEX5fqJWQiriwMuR4dCKVgMcAPDuYSSbHn_tOv2jY6C9lx6Q_mFoXdbLYoQruyEcKj_kxpifcsL9f5q-TKlPCh4RxQVXdKcxDH3armyRtlHQqOXXYjWphdxPLOZzAHsm8/s1600/Bixby+bridge+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMa89udNgiWqVEX5fqJWQiriwMuR4dCKVgMcAPDuYSSbHn_tOv2jY6C9lx6Q_mFoXdbLYoQruyEcKj_kxpifcsL9f5q-TKlPCh4RxQVXdKcxDH3armyRtlHQqOXXYjWphdxPLOZzAHsm8/s320/Bixby+bridge+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQeJ3LZCQtNQtKMYQvx5u4OGDaqlLtbg55drD8mncfZeXL4BASDN4zanw0pNsBrRO_oZMDwH3aQPg5ov4ZbDd5L6-V3n3sKQ6JJJuESx9UXtNWF-1TniZbcvVssdgm8_sso3oRO9g6d0/s1600/bixby+bridge+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQeJ3LZCQtNQtKMYQvx5u4OGDaqlLtbg55drD8mncfZeXL4BASDN4zanw0pNsBrRO_oZMDwH3aQPg5ov4ZbDd5L6-V3n3sKQ6JJJuESx9UXtNWF-1TniZbcvVssdgm8_sso3oRO9g6d0/s320/bixby+bridge+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I was so lucky with the weather that day, and all of my pictures came out crystal clear. The universe had my back the entire trip, I tell ya. I'm thinking of blowing up a few of these on canvas and hanging them around my apartment so that I feel like I'm in Big Sur everyday. Especially in the middle of winter!<br />
<br />
I continued on to Monterey but I think I'll save that and San Fran for another post! I'm sorry these posts have been long and rambling and I probably lost most of you. But for those just looking through the pictures, I hope you enjoyed seeing them as much as I enjoyed taking them.<br />
<br />
And if you've never driven Hwy 1 through Big Sur this is me telling you to DO IT. Make it happen somehow. There is no way you will regret it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>Part 3: Monterey and San Francisco....TO BE CONTINUED...</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Ever done the Hollywood touristy things?!</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>After seeing these pictures, do you want to run the Big Sur Marathon?!</strong>JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-32913394833692265932015-10-01T03:35:00.000-07:002015-10-01T03:35:49.379-07:00Jilly Does Cali, Part 1: San DiegoI'm BAAAAAAAAAACK! And still adjusting to east coast time over here. It's been rough.<br />
<br />
I didn't keep up with my Bloglovin' feed or any other social media while I was gone so I apologize that I have no idea what's going on with any of your lives right now! I'm slowly getting back into it.<br />
<br />
I wasn't sure how to capture everything I wanted to share about my trip and it's just way too much for one post. So I've decided to break it down into 2 or 3 posts and possibly an extra one to get out all my feelings and things I learned along the way. Get ready for picture overload! I had to really reign in my picture-taking over the course of the trip because I had limited storage capacity on my iPhone and it was HARD. Everything I saw was breathtaking and picture-perfect and I wanted to capture it all so I'd have those memories forever. But with or without the hundreds of photos I took, I know I'll remember not only the sites I saw but the feelings I had out there. <br />
<br />
If I could sum up my trip in one word, it would be this: AMAZING. I had felt for many years that when I finally got to CA, I'd fall in love with it and I was so, so right. The landscape is so vastly different from anything in the Northeast and so stunningly breathtaking, especially along the coast. It was like nothing I'd ever seen.<br />
<br />
I'll start the recap with San Diego, "America's Finest City", since that's where I spent the bulk of my time (other than the wedding at the end of my trip). I did SO many activities that I actually had to jot little reminders in my iPhone's notes at the end of each day so I wouldn't forget what I saw! I am not a 'sit still' kind of person and especially on this vacation, I intended to see and do as much as I could. Yet, I didn't really plan anything at all! It's amazing how many things just worked out day-to-day out there. I definitely felt so completely supported by the universe and absolutely LOVED traveling solo! In fact, it's something I'd love to do at least once a year to explore new places. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxK9oJ0lqvgSk-SXMGN1j0i7H6aEmrUVeJkzXNr2uw-L1EqAofvDSYZDGLE7hxqf_PJuRx37PcfZqk2VN3vm9cwS6BB786Krzgf2aB6aDjzfp6a7wsmGvueMBCsvCs2jlVfRj0V4z1Ks/s1600/SD+flight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsxK9oJ0lqvgSk-SXMGN1j0i7H6aEmrUVeJkzXNr2uw-L1EqAofvDSYZDGLE7hxqf_PJuRx37PcfZqk2VN3vm9cwS6BB786Krzgf2aB6aDjzfp6a7wsmGvueMBCsvCs2jlVfRj0V4z1Ks/s320/SD+flight.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>SD Day 1:</strong> After a 5.5 hour flight from Baltimore, I arrived in SD around 1:30pm PST (4:30pm EST). I then had to grab a rental car and find my way to my first Airbnb which was in the Ocean Beach/Point Loma neighborhood. I ended up getting there around 2:30 (I think) and the owners were working so they left a key for me to let myself in to their place. I loved it immediately. It was super low-key and cozy and I actually passed out on the giant bed in my room for an hour or two before I woke up to church bells chiming outside my window and took these pics (hence the rumpled bed!):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d6Qkh7yw3uSBfLbDVCg2pIatOvP9g3bNpYBtVHwLha72OmU5zzdxzCN4gwJ4XaL_zETlOaYnLyLNduaNWLNu2jxnUjqgcyzU3I_wf9cBHODz0TvgBH0pEH8o398qDlR_yxbiJcMfdXs/s1600/SD+airbnb+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3d6Qkh7yw3uSBfLbDVCg2pIatOvP9g3bNpYBtVHwLha72OmU5zzdxzCN4gwJ4XaL_zETlOaYnLyLNduaNWLNu2jxnUjqgcyzU3I_wf9cBHODz0TvgBH0pEH8o398qDlR_yxbiJcMfdXs/s320/SD+airbnb+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ966Wus0oJxcJrMu0hlf-BxfLoZehcdaZfU7xg_oJLLIc8pvAAaeL3kDldUSQodulOEchoui3hy8O_yL1cLS83MVPThG4QFXzoAHz0bz2plkiCQ27mBApmkW01UMKVjXiKU0sZ-V6iAg/s1600/SD+airbnb+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ966Wus0oJxcJrMu0hlf-BxfLoZehcdaZfU7xg_oJLLIc8pvAAaeL3kDldUSQodulOEchoui3hy8O_yL1cLS83MVPThG4QFXzoAHz0bz2plkiCQ27mBApmkW01UMKVjXiKU0sZ-V6iAg/s320/SD+airbnb+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QjRDDnh0y8qBAdkUNL4fsZg_Q-Gvv3Ay6Zcs9LKE4OVTviLrcjaVNYKkI74huhHSdi68Ya8ZUcvqkAhWbeom-EkFeT5pDuJRkwN5d_9SOfLCPc2UL3DCbhdoFYstGlYvUoyS2C0LMY4/s1600/SD+airbnb+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1QjRDDnh0y8qBAdkUNL4fsZg_Q-Gvv3Ay6Zcs9LKE4OVTviLrcjaVNYKkI74huhHSdi68Ya8ZUcvqkAhWbeom-EkFeT5pDuJRkwN5d_9SOfLCPc2UL3DCbhdoFYstGlYvUoyS2C0LMY4/s320/SD+airbnb+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I waited until one of my hosts returned from work so I could meet her and she was wonderful! They were a young couple (prob younger than me) who both worked in the education field and were super accommodating and sweet. Then I headed down to Ocean Beach for my very first encounter with the Pacific Ocean. It was MAGICAL!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdMfpHU2AR_XvGtkpevdCuPFjpMObSLXgHYkjhI_adQbAO3WTYeTzS5qH_Qcg1nz6VFGnKwZuYoxkxgLh3AE8n2WGIyfz1nvhaiKWKuvpV04ThuxPL07oIZDQHtytXEnQgnGWhbNYwT8/s1600/ocean+beach+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjdMfpHU2AR_XvGtkpevdCuPFjpMObSLXgHYkjhI_adQbAO3WTYeTzS5qH_Qcg1nz6VFGnKwZuYoxkxgLh3AE8n2WGIyfz1nvhaiKWKuvpV04ThuxPL07oIZDQHtytXEnQgnGWhbNYwT8/s320/ocean+beach+1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I walked down the sand and dipped my toes in the water and just took it all in. I couldn't believe I was actually in that place with my feet in an ocean I hadn't touched in all of my 36 years. It was pretty emotional. <br />
<br />
By that point I was starving so I decided to eat at South Beach Bar & Grille, which was recommended to me by blogger <a href="http://chelseadinen.com/">Chelsea Dinen</a> (whom I've been following for 4ish years and has lived in SD). They have an outdoor balcony right on the beach that overlooks the ocean and pier. I ordered fish tacos and watched as the sun started to set, and felt like the luckiest person on earth at that moment.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_1QC14Q0fDjFUODLmu9AtM_IsKQBg1LQr2t7QGSQv8KWb954iakg77Jc0U_UiMqsLGkcIXDhocqqKY86eqVtNgJzAQ8QjwjVz2pvHmLoGBrBfgYKlA6x4gqWRT4FKUGQfnhwEGf1YPA/s1600/fish+tacos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji_1QC14Q0fDjFUODLmu9AtM_IsKQBg1LQr2t7QGSQv8KWb954iakg77Jc0U_UiMqsLGkcIXDhocqqKY86eqVtNgJzAQ8QjwjVz2pvHmLoGBrBfgYKlA6x4gqWRT4FKUGQfnhwEGf1YPA/s320/fish+tacos.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicljBpw_mwPfewGNlOtrFNhKSLTslgsFku29xOokUV7DMCFLOSozabITRXxdflLe6XfMsUf8h2WjQjK6yEzKOjGSD1gwsB9s9SxxYQzu8f_ybsCqLjuBR_SF9V0AyeV3KPgHEyr6ZmUHg/s1600/ocean+beach+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicljBpw_mwPfewGNlOtrFNhKSLTslgsFku29xOokUV7DMCFLOSozabITRXxdflLe6XfMsUf8h2WjQjK6yEzKOjGSD1gwsB9s9SxxYQzu8f_ybsCqLjuBR_SF9V0AyeV3KPgHEyr6ZmUHg/s320/ocean+beach+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The guy next to me struck up a conversation, in which he def used the expression "west coast/best coast" when talking about his home state!<br />
<br />
Then, I took off to walk the long fishing pier and ask strangers to take my picture:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbphOZ0L5TcecHFZLZhWG9NkLlsM2d7ejKMD0V8mNDIIvdZ9VErs4wcOz-NbOGh9W2BTaAbwBe_f6ILAHbiinQrf5m51Ridqy4dY2H2EegWcM59MmarR5frrQCWeYzXocHFh-8bTUkOjg/s1600/jill+ocean+beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbphOZ0L5TcecHFZLZhWG9NkLlsM2d7ejKMD0V8mNDIIvdZ9VErs4wcOz-NbOGh9W2BTaAbwBe_f6ILAHbiinQrf5m51Ridqy4dY2H2EegWcM59MmarR5frrQCWeYzXocHFh-8bTUkOjg/s320/jill+ocean+beach.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_dfhbfxHN5o-esdmZGN5rOLQk6T7KOJ3aWahzfO-S8R86zHClKihS1rrmD0uyUn6GQVbkzXZ76LE0DvG-CJ4YHtOwO73xXnSrokE4L1mtBNJUzqOK2Qucgy4u8Bl2qXBW9nVW_hrrZA/s1600/ocean+beach+pier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_dfhbfxHN5o-esdmZGN5rOLQk6T7KOJ3aWahzfO-S8R86zHClKihS1rrmD0uyUn6GQVbkzXZ76LE0DvG-CJ4YHtOwO73xXnSrokE4L1mtBNJUzqOK2Qucgy4u8Bl2qXBW9nVW_hrrZA/s320/ocean+beach+pier.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After the sun had set I walked back to the main street where they were having an evening farmers' market! Can you get any more CA than a farmers market at the freaking beach?! I bought some fresh eggs for breakfast and some homemade organic coconut milk sorbet in a glass jar. And then finally decided to head back to my house and call it a night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iCBVVDvBxSp06vB1BqkKtXJnc8rGV13ER6-ZagKBh_ErD75O1nbgHSx1Rq9f5AURfGBHEwYDJcPg3796TAis8w7m1rYkzi87WjE4eDD3HnmbL47zBEpi78iAq8Nl6Xp8gAtQeTf6dCE/s1600/ocean+beach+farmers+market+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7iCBVVDvBxSp06vB1BqkKtXJnc8rGV13ER6-ZagKBh_ErD75O1nbgHSx1Rq9f5AURfGBHEwYDJcPg3796TAis8w7m1rYkzi87WjE4eDD3HnmbL47zBEpi78iAq8Nl6Xp8gAtQeTf6dCE/s320/ocean+beach+farmers+market+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4c_AXWvfvpr8JrxeDcnKQdqdERmCQmymXdHahVEbEJmHGU_2praWuEfkx3tTx0Y1kxQfFfGuR1MLlUolvfKI83RVpAYl0L3VGSxnGdkVlQFD2lxQ58iQHmCFeIL2PXsmRi8yn801uS10/s1600/ocean+beach+farmers+market+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4c_AXWvfvpr8JrxeDcnKQdqdERmCQmymXdHahVEbEJmHGU_2praWuEfkx3tTx0Y1kxQfFfGuR1MLlUolvfKI83RVpAYl0L3VGSxnGdkVlQFD2lxQ58iQHmCFeIL2PXsmRi8yn801uS10/s320/ocean+beach+farmers+market+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>SD Day 2:</strong> I woke up to the church bells outside my window chiming "Amazing Grace". <em>Oh Hi Jill, the Universe DEFINITELY thinks you belong in San Diego :)</em><br />
<br />
I ate those farm-fresh eggs and some fruit my hosts had given me up on their SUNNY TERRACE before setting off to see a million different sites (and walk a million miles):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpSSueXAAbo1FCnVx977JkK9fJr1K3tcVzumZTn6vVjvMbRPVnwqUGQIrYiFnsCq2Zl0dt2xE9vllTBaSCzCPS4s9RCAMNrR2hcY9Cr5pi3lCRYAtNhwwTzHVEELUe8_LxOOFsqBJVnU/s1600/SD+terrace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpSSueXAAbo1FCnVx977JkK9fJr1K3tcVzumZTn6vVjvMbRPVnwqUGQIrYiFnsCq2Zl0dt2xE9vllTBaSCzCPS4s9RCAMNrR2hcY9Cr5pi3lCRYAtNhwwTzHVEELUe8_LxOOFsqBJVnU/s320/SD+terrace.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Like I said, I really had no agenda or plan for any of this trip, other than to let things come to me naturally and decide each day what I wanted to do and see. And see I did. On Day 2, I drove downtown to explore Balboa Park. Which was much bigger and more beautiful than I had imagined. Here are a few pics:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbo-xXVm7XobraI_drwbBZHk0uwTNC0a2dWN-UFWd4_Porx9C59OGmj1Jas0KO9Jv99og5RpHR6UbB-J0jLpTcK1gSZ52GGv-ENCN1YX9K1LghjNnPMnqO3QhVOCQeT_oKzrKNMRlqUg/s1600/Balboa+park+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCbo-xXVm7XobraI_drwbBZHk0uwTNC0a2dWN-UFWd4_Porx9C59OGmj1Jas0KO9Jv99og5RpHR6UbB-J0jLpTcK1gSZ52GGv-ENCN1YX9K1LghjNnPMnqO3QhVOCQeT_oKzrKNMRlqUg/s320/Balboa+park+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxC2fs0Pz_zwo0sqFZ260256SsgSnFMgI5V3FLbpYVscb4UMYsyA7vouq9F-eC0BaTH8scD3cKykNhhw6mezjvhtqjlHPFSeJH8oprHe_Bvu6fSmMlMItfKXoBU5u9VSLKlFlnEKmL6zw/s1600/balboa+park+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxC2fs0Pz_zwo0sqFZ260256SsgSnFMgI5V3FLbpYVscb4UMYsyA7vouq9F-eC0BaTH8scD3cKykNhhw6mezjvhtqjlHPFSeJH8oprHe_Bvu6fSmMlMItfKXoBU5u9VSLKlFlnEKmL6zw/s320/balboa+park+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh2HTlx3LVw9UzLmN4dz1GNxEaa26Zd1COtaoVKaU8teWpeqV1rSgdZaY_CJ0SP414uVK4jomhGLpERU6PKcMIqWe60AjdbBZPGxp665MhUbWl5PncmQ-PEW_L1BJ6b5xpZUzQraWNyU/s1600/balboa+park+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnh2HTlx3LVw9UzLmN4dz1GNxEaa26Zd1COtaoVKaU8teWpeqV1rSgdZaY_CJ0SP414uVK4jomhGLpERU6PKcMIqWe60AjdbBZPGxp665MhUbWl5PncmQ-PEW_L1BJ6b5xpZUzQraWNyU/s320/balboa+park+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEa1_VhBHGegBt2eWq5hNwYr4QeISO5GLiQexhnIcDBlAlQi2Q5Dkgvn28WMbeVVIv14jWZTEg7GAj9b2o2TWXSmJynV6xNsGdk-jILop9f0FSiMB_oWMKyhO9u349deJa_hOeI5Vhjc/s1600/balboa+park+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEa1_VhBHGegBt2eWq5hNwYr4QeISO5GLiQexhnIcDBlAlQi2Q5Dkgvn28WMbeVVIv14jWZTEg7GAj9b2o2TWXSmJynV6xNsGdk-jILop9f0FSiMB_oWMKyhO9u349deJa_hOeI5Vhjc/s320/balboa+park+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgUVnl0201wFEnPbjq9WBUINb-fDj1aaS-2O1AtEjTy5JL9g3VptXJuemvLBHrDzA4a8aQ-o7Aj4G3kXAjUlcWdP9FdqoUqijv2qIgfDr3RUU-6osrcOALdBcGsCs-wPbwUjhDftrIjA/s1600/balboa+park+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgUVnl0201wFEnPbjq9WBUINb-fDj1aaS-2O1AtEjTy5JL9g3VptXJuemvLBHrDzA4a8aQ-o7Aj4G3kXAjUlcWdP9FdqoUqijv2qIgfDr3RUU-6osrcOALdBcGsCs-wPbwUjhDftrIjA/s320/balboa+park+5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMNIga6h-HNeO1DRJs1AotJHSEBvFcTpKtUideYCULZc9XF3bO712tZUyrgEAcMavJzHY1xZBqHPbN_Bhj8mMDnsISnIsks9yCxhBe676W1UcRVvOA9fBsbCWzD9gkh5oEoaEEGeFISY/s1600/balboa+park+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMNIga6h-HNeO1DRJs1AotJHSEBvFcTpKtUideYCULZc9XF3bO712tZUyrgEAcMavJzHY1xZBqHPbN_Bhj8mMDnsISnIsks9yCxhBe676W1UcRVvOA9fBsbCWzD9gkh5oEoaEEGeFISY/s320/balboa+park+6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6yslUCbrPRPSMKPMEt9VCR1m2lBSYg1BBkNIr8MghvFN5olpq2l60sRvhc5DtH8Jd1dvvXBRLpFGB6FM8_93y5B2s30-PfNEvpXTKojSKLju1TEGfk4VcTfVxytlK06MMbKUsNMeO1g/s1600/balboa+park+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6yslUCbrPRPSMKPMEt9VCR1m2lBSYg1BBkNIr8MghvFN5olpq2l60sRvhc5DtH8Jd1dvvXBRLpFGB6FM8_93y5B2s30-PfNEvpXTKojSKLju1TEGfk4VcTfVxytlK06MMbKUsNMeO1g/s320/balboa+park+7.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPQUZXQZTK1dEsvUwimQlnYqux8_S6rjUQS22-Xaax3oAHzniy3stpl6yICwaVDj83aFPZirUkOkLQSEvMYGWZLvbMWatNF1cuUtoktbnOzu98gFxYdbAww8DxlPrUuL5EkdXpd5uErc/s1600/balboa+park+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPQUZXQZTK1dEsvUwimQlnYqux8_S6rjUQS22-Xaax3oAHzniy3stpl6yICwaVDj83aFPZirUkOkLQSEvMYGWZLvbMWatNF1cuUtoktbnOzu98gFxYdbAww8DxlPrUuL5EkdXpd5uErc/s320/balboa+park+8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After walking around the gardens for a couple hours, I started to work up an appetite so decided to head over to a neighborhood I like to frequent in any town that has one:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB3UnxlytL5IdjYNJnXIqkObMUgbJBf2y4RJLfEkeYOrl8fgLYcIqtL0Ofwv-mWlwIJnQUPSuFZQ2UE1TxWE1VBbV1EVWurv26jOH6oy8hG2o7TnL2kDTjX6B-UnbB7Hms1aOHd7Efu0/s1600/little+italy+SD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkB3UnxlytL5IdjYNJnXIqkObMUgbJBf2y4RJLfEkeYOrl8fgLYcIqtL0Ofwv-mWlwIJnQUPSuFZQ2UE1TxWE1VBbV1EVWurv26jOH6oy8hG2o7TnL2kDTjX6B-UnbB7Hms1aOHd7Efu0/s320/little+italy+SD.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I should have sat down to a giant bowl of pasta, but it was midday and hot and so instead, I found a cute little juice bar and had my first acai bowl. In Little Italy. Hahaha<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4TKIsaUEuH6ZqTIkQzp35r3oGmRUnpJLq-SRjmS2XWrek-Eogi00zLwu-Y0ehnsYMZYWS7zNOZewwTyykDT-gEUELTxK5XlZCdXE4gtrPCazQ74laUomUCvRWGFA3JBp-B4ZOyEc8Rw/s1600/SD+juice+bar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4TKIsaUEuH6ZqTIkQzp35r3oGmRUnpJLq-SRjmS2XWrek-Eogi00zLwu-Y0ehnsYMZYWS7zNOZewwTyykDT-gEUELTxK5XlZCdXE4gtrPCazQ74laUomUCvRWGFA3JBp-B4ZOyEc8Rw/s320/SD+juice+bar.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYqMFNAYVC9EEg5L63cW5r8K3zOO5NCMitXBKtXZXezTI5s9SEMKqHOv7eHn796atJ4kFQjenRJhV2-CglyknbTa18UZt1dUXWMU_u5oqmQosYKCktuCr22fc2pI5nYyE5dSOeBX3Los/s1600/SD+acai+bowl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizYqMFNAYVC9EEg5L63cW5r8K3zOO5NCMitXBKtXZXezTI5s9SEMKqHOv7eHn796atJ4kFQjenRJhV2-CglyknbTa18UZt1dUXWMU_u5oqmQosYKCktuCr22fc2pI5nYyE5dSOeBX3Los/s320/SD+acai+bowl.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
It was yummy. Then I decided to explore the neighborhood a little and happened upon a beautiful little church with open doors so I went in and said a little prayer thanking God for allowing me to be in this place at this time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWw_xNTf2hy0iZBmRiyix1-nuk0ko_ap-vf9d_x3liY90g4ovHareFJsJX3Ju-KzcCgld64JGkNedRtvu93kLua9g64ScPipBY9mUJhPTAZBUayu1z92efv3jZNe7NVdTALyJiKDajsU/s1600/SD+little+italy+church.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnWw_xNTf2hy0iZBmRiyix1-nuk0ko_ap-vf9d_x3liY90g4ovHareFJsJX3Ju-KzcCgld64JGkNedRtvu93kLua9g64ScPipBY9mUJhPTAZBUayu1z92efv3jZNe7NVdTALyJiKDajsU/s320/SD+little+italy+church.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
One thing I love to do when traveling and exploring new places is to stop into churches. I don't know why. They just call to me and in I go. <br />
<br />
Then I hopped in my car and drove to La Jolla for what would be one of many mind-blowing experiences on this trip. The directions to La Jolla Cove take you down a very narrow, very steep curved little road, from which you cannot see anything. Until you get down to the bottom and turn the corner. AND THEN. I nearly cried. Your view opens to the clearest, starkest coastline you may have ever seen. Huge cliffs dropping into the Pacific Ocean, dotted by beaches at some points and sunbathing sea lions at others. I had never (up until this point) seen ANYTHING like it. I feel like I'm being redundant by saying everything is beautiful, but it was. I am so captivated by nature in normal situations but this was just beyond. I did lots of climbing, exploring and wandering. And of course taking pictures next to REAL LIVE sea lions. HELLO.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqD5X39eEmDUf8kU0sAil8Tx1hf22W1Kk3b6C-uGkrb6RXI8uVbD8RnBIiESaABu5jcJSwO-pSg5gGZl1KzukmuucDoWN-2v690FZf57qRDzJ3V2bhFbNnTnxBcToIDoTSLvNMgzx_bH8/s1600/La+Jolla+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqD5X39eEmDUf8kU0sAil8Tx1hf22W1Kk3b6C-uGkrb6RXI8uVbD8RnBIiESaABu5jcJSwO-pSg5gGZl1KzukmuucDoWN-2v690FZf57qRDzJ3V2bhFbNnTnxBcToIDoTSLvNMgzx_bH8/s320/La+Jolla+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4Xo2FVWwymR5spEL5RK83o-codLQ4o-blHskEI_YVPUqooe8msu-W4bNbEAEE-qnurL1F9m6GNXb76YNGCI8kNE5EEgZVaKi83QYZSqufBp1NwMYLvnYGbzu6l4vuIIabO39zf0M4lI/s1600/La+Jolla+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4Xo2FVWwymR5spEL5RK83o-codLQ4o-blHskEI_YVPUqooe8msu-W4bNbEAEE-qnurL1F9m6GNXb76YNGCI8kNE5EEgZVaKi83QYZSqufBp1NwMYLvnYGbzu6l4vuIIabO39zf0M4lI/s320/La+Jolla+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneTFSXIpnB_wxXTgQsCvcY8Dx5hLHWYbVAi-VVVvhEYa08Xz-V4-sAytJua3g1FNArteB5J6tJ8j5O7mzB2xvNspcKqcI_F-CnDReMJIyfSGX_YuSACeXWNVJftoWiu2IvhUBs9l0o9s/s1600/La+Jolla+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgneTFSXIpnB_wxXTgQsCvcY8Dx5hLHWYbVAi-VVVvhEYa08Xz-V4-sAytJua3g1FNArteB5J6tJ8j5O7mzB2xvNspcKqcI_F-CnDReMJIyfSGX_YuSACeXWNVJftoWiu2IvhUBs9l0o9s/s320/La+Jolla+3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16pch1YcEgWhsEZAO0nSd-uhkPSLrWJkTOt2zJpqEjvZZZFysEnTDYL_bQP31xAz2h8eY1Ke-NGuit_QPtao5LeVuFP8wuCkAKOCTfvNuzCrMtsPmKk-fqQnJgkuHvDmiMnDPL77Ynyk/s1600/Jill+La+Jolla.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16pch1YcEgWhsEZAO0nSd-uhkPSLrWJkTOt2zJpqEjvZZZFysEnTDYL_bQP31xAz2h8eY1Ke-NGuit_QPtao5LeVuFP8wuCkAKOCTfvNuzCrMtsPmKk-fqQnJgkuHvDmiMnDPL77Ynyk/s320/Jill+La+Jolla.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqY7XpNapZtSDPhN7woc1lcPP25DwDEJn4nZUexL_hta9o_NrxKYgIsIbmx1dnX1kbtWXD11Appu6slwrMjAmm73GetQPreebn2DYbEyTmhXL0Ip4VEFG7aEBQYDb_9scxycgU1HZKcs/s1600/La+Jolla+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqY7XpNapZtSDPhN7woc1lcPP25DwDEJn4nZUexL_hta9o_NrxKYgIsIbmx1dnX1kbtWXD11Appu6slwrMjAmm73GetQPreebn2DYbEyTmhXL0Ip4VEFG7aEBQYDb_9scxycgU1HZKcs/s320/La+Jolla+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDXnqWMiEqGCtGrqMJmPRK8IzsGZeChCC6u3mywhMoKBiA9qfltebNlfMSu5Q11FKaBcpY-Bjcv4W0-WnGHYC_dSAQNNHvVqZFVDpcfbLO_Lq7m9yp8Mvpa_50LhuwafMfrTwnTTR4h0/s1600/La+Jolla+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBDXnqWMiEqGCtGrqMJmPRK8IzsGZeChCC6u3mywhMoKBiA9qfltebNlfMSu5Q11FKaBcpY-Bjcv4W0-WnGHYC_dSAQNNHvVqZFVDpcfbLO_Lq7m9yp8Mvpa_50LhuwafMfrTwnTTR4h0/s320/La+Jolla+5.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa7xDgSMlP_uVa-8WYPHRrL57kvYFTclDPbhP1ji-xUtB0qV4xzSW7I0lnCOHBGX1q6sze2jG1cB0RnliVsRmZ0o_tErUD5HcjeMpGkaBphUkXLaKnOjS-WSrYgRGYO8DCvB2weIBwfY/s1600/Jill+La+Jolla+sea+lion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaa7xDgSMlP_uVa-8WYPHRrL57kvYFTclDPbhP1ji-xUtB0qV4xzSW7I0lnCOHBGX1q6sze2jG1cB0RnliVsRmZ0o_tErUD5HcjeMpGkaBphUkXLaKnOjS-WSrYgRGYO8DCvB2weIBwfY/s320/Jill+La+Jolla+sea+lion.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After being blown away by those views, you might think Day 2 would be over. Oh but you'd be wrong. More to see! Onto Pacific Beach for some more exploring and even more walking. There was just so much to see and my days in SD (for now!) were numbered.<br />
<br />
I walked the length of their sidewalk (boardwalk?) until I got tired, wishing I had rented one of the bikes I saw when I first started (!) and then turned around and walked back. And waded in the ocean for a little.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH46Ig1PTzGGFDvFGO-Sh4TgRfIgu21xbZf6dmX9QTfvZbF_3KHUlJxyf7eO2lvfLvJlxP8HYFadj9Z8VWyza9r3VMWAwPbColkMVrFByCndNQtcOSRIdfPVd7_GyS3nXMQW_vK5R_pQ/s1600/Pacific+Beach+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCH46Ig1PTzGGFDvFGO-Sh4TgRfIgu21xbZf6dmX9QTfvZbF_3KHUlJxyf7eO2lvfLvJlxP8HYFadj9Z8VWyza9r3VMWAwPbColkMVrFByCndNQtcOSRIdfPVd7_GyS3nXMQW_vK5R_pQ/s320/Pacific+Beach+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VgauBHqA34mzW5tzTNr9wLmnA8td9qHGHl2mdGsoBVIJGgxL7AnhDQXK0GZ1295jHdWYcNxYDL-E61MK6ntKAFVZGYa-p6cPKdGKfbP-e1U-6g9-PjcvT9D0U2PUHgGUSfLhZ0ZMspg/s1600/Pacific+Beach+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VgauBHqA34mzW5tzTNr9wLmnA8td9qHGHl2mdGsoBVIJGgxL7AnhDQXK0GZ1295jHdWYcNxYDL-E61MK6ntKAFVZGYa-p6cPKdGKfbP-e1U-6g9-PjcvT9D0U2PUHgGUSfLhZ0ZMspg/s320/Pacific+Beach+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I finally headed back to OB near sunset and decided to walk to a little taco place my hosts recommended for dinner. The tacos were good and cheap. I got carne asada because apparently ground beef tacos are not really Mexican?! Who knew. Not me. I walked home with my dinner and ate on the terrace and then crashed in that giant bed like the walking dead.<br />
<br />
<strong>SD Day 3:</strong> I had decided I wanted to do at least one day of hiking while in SD because there were so many trails nearby. Originally I had planned on exploring Torrey Pines but one of my hosts suggested Potato Chip Rock and somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind I remembered hearing about this infamous pinnacle and said HELL YES, I'm down for that. So I headed about 30 mins northeast of the city to Lake Poway and began what I thought would be a fairly easy hike on a 'heat advisory' day in the park. Suh-weet! Great timing Bean. There were heat advisory signs all over advising everyone not to proceed with the hike unless they had at least 2 liters of water per person. I randomly googled this beforehand and stockpiled water. <br />
<br />
And then began the nearly 2,300 ft ascent to the rock. I had no idea the total mileage for this hike was 7.5 miles roundtrip and STRAIGHT UP! I saw several people start and then stop because of the heat. But I kept going. I am a pretty fast hiker and only stopped a few times to sip water or take a pic, but it still took me nearly an hour and a half each way. Going up was rough but reaching 'the rock' was incredible. I ended up hiking in close proximity to a group of 2 guys and also a single guy for most of the way. Sometimes one of us would pass the other but we were always around each other. Most times joking or urging each other on with encouragement. When we finally reached the top we rejoiced together and we took turns taking each other's picture atop the rock. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5vdIEjFA96SnQjicwOybJ_PK19ioZgj6l2YUHvuxK2T5Ugnyeawkc8_3kcb-PHXkFQZ9XgvTmHojHZPqlto3o_zoskiC0O_ZnM1BW9DtaIsonWsML4I-rdKFMycXPAtixfBciLXsfRA/s1600/Potato+chip+rock+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR5vdIEjFA96SnQjicwOybJ_PK19ioZgj6l2YUHvuxK2T5Ugnyeawkc8_3kcb-PHXkFQZ9XgvTmHojHZPqlto3o_zoskiC0O_ZnM1BW9DtaIsonWsML4I-rdKFMycXPAtixfBciLXsfRA/s320/Potato+chip+rock+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUf41nR_ekZk7mtl0latP4BtgWQyEG5L-Raf9uTyjc-txzEC92DD1ZLtFcXkjJWXZP3MLppiOPB5Uluk2yXnCTqg288_Y0wa5rBMMDAZzXRetJPvEuPT0fzt8f9cWF_KGYUbR0GmiKU0/s1600/Potato+chip+rock+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUf41nR_ekZk7mtl0latP4BtgWQyEG5L-Raf9uTyjc-txzEC92DD1ZLtFcXkjJWXZP3MLppiOPB5Uluk2yXnCTqg288_Y0wa5rBMMDAZzXRetJPvEuPT0fzt8f9cWF_KGYUbR0GmiKU0/s320/Potato+chip+rock+2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCowzY40jiHtq2AEUHT8hGfbozfrVtMkQ8nMnmkKJ4OUDnNI85EaWxYA6sYGWobq5UIPpN5mjPPwPUdsCCFKUsEi8enlcuM5QAFThJD2KeR9SnZI53hK4HEAbo-ShxR8y4hpwIY9zp7M/s1600/potato+chip+rock+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwCowzY40jiHtq2AEUHT8hGfbozfrVtMkQ8nMnmkKJ4OUDnNI85EaWxYA6sYGWobq5UIPpN5mjPPwPUdsCCFKUsEi8enlcuM5QAFThJD2KeR9SnZI53hK4HEAbo-ShxR8y4hpwIY9zp7M/s320/potato+chip+rock+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNPHCne87vVYU-kbDG8jvyevDsuYGthP1W4R09NBZlQUFWVH18ZXR0encIQNnDwAI7nHvaIKy5Z_eFkhkFgmvDQbhXh1wP0xafR7GORMpvCLXv0AFODWOVJyHJTUhe_Ma1EqqUMAGBKA/s1600/potato+chip+rock+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYNPHCne87vVYU-kbDG8jvyevDsuYGthP1W4R09NBZlQUFWVH18ZXR0encIQNnDwAI7nHvaIKy5Z_eFkhkFgmvDQbhXh1wP0xafR7GORMpvCLXv0AFODWOVJyHJTUhe_Ma1EqqUMAGBKA/s320/potato+chip+rock+4.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_1ndQtgF8oax0gEVKtiOFQVByQGS-RZB9RdceqvasqyTisN7jeef1N0Yes_SAP9CyjmiuW7aZD9DyP2NEkW4K1mt1fxcfmaPaeDgNLYFfSSiOtUjbTSjxBQvb6VvsxUd4h6IfWjyXz4/s1600/potato+chip+rock+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_1ndQtgF8oax0gEVKtiOFQVByQGS-RZB9RdceqvasqyTisN7jeef1N0Yes_SAP9CyjmiuW7aZD9DyP2NEkW4K1mt1fxcfmaPaeDgNLYFfSSiOtUjbTSjxBQvb6VvsxUd4h6IfWjyXz4/s320/potato+chip+rock+5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh_KC8am1qHyoxbHJYbUwCqZAwX-8qile8LFQwvR-2zwkVTJbCthcPXp7g64J84SCtWi0Y_C3fo1oBw0g9R87EZhPark-rXIbmgM210Z-Chp8HOqjcOrzkIllCTYEhlGA0QalW_qUVLs/s1600/potato+chip+rock+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh_KC8am1qHyoxbHJYbUwCqZAwX-8qile8LFQwvR-2zwkVTJbCthcPXp7g64J84SCtWi0Y_C3fo1oBw0g9R87EZhPark-rXIbmgM210Z-Chp8HOqjcOrzkIllCTYEhlGA0QalW_qUVLs/s320/potato+chip+rock+6.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ErTba9Jm5wtYOahyphenhyphentlaQ5ADmj762AumbQF4di0Nw9FtokzWSlyH2MJuANp_Powh25D6vlMm5kTkdR28WawdAhC2NK1qVXXR3_QZhqPe7KxbbxnRY6jEP7kaHYT9cTtK-ZsAasAPhxVU/s1600/potato+chip+rock+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ErTba9Jm5wtYOahyphenhyphentlaQ5ADmj762AumbQF4di0Nw9FtokzWSlyH2MJuANp_Powh25D6vlMm5kTkdR28WawdAhC2NK1qVXXR3_QZhqPe7KxbbxnRY6jEP7kaHYT9cTtK-ZsAasAPhxVU/s320/potato+chip+rock+7.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PXOd8slv0TLUrHGMh3wabHCw8qP5V1pbp-Sj0SyQIIS_vLNDaUlOC4uokLJIqxqxGTwqsXYbnemkpCmI6knL3y6-RKxCtodVlHVThMABEd2nEwjZr5IcChw1i8YFywTanS9KVsSGkrw/s1600/Jill+potato+chip+rock+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PXOd8slv0TLUrHGMh3wabHCw8qP5V1pbp-Sj0SyQIIS_vLNDaUlOC4uokLJIqxqxGTwqsXYbnemkpCmI6knL3y6-RKxCtodVlHVThMABEd2nEwjZr5IcChw1i8YFywTanS9KVsSGkrw/s320/Jill+potato+chip+rock+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iHmWKOJPR7P9QKteve1l7KgdPMID6as03gvxpal8SQnRYrBYwbjP9xEgBYgsaEzwz0YmjBemAxmO8EsGuS02-HiBrBsShqL4WqNbZYzimQO_5iEqRz7dBjaELcCkr96-dcI7KjnfTOU/s1600/Jill+potato+chip+rock+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iHmWKOJPR7P9QKteve1l7KgdPMID6as03gvxpal8SQnRYrBYwbjP9xEgBYgsaEzwz0YmjBemAxmO8EsGuS02-HiBrBsShqL4WqNbZYzimQO_5iEqRz7dBjaELcCkr96-dcI7KjnfTOU/s320/Jill+potato+chip+rock+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'M ON TOP OF THE WORLD!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The way down was steep but far easier than the way up! As I passed people going up, struggling, sweating and huffing and puffing, I offered them encouragement, fully knowing their pain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I came down the mountain a sweaty mess and then drove back to SD to meet up with a high school acquaintance I had not seen in 10-15 years! He had seen my status on FB and messaged me that he lived there and did I want to hang out? WHY NOT?! Except today was the only day we could make it work. I texted him as I made my way back and he graciously offered to let me shower at his place before we went out. Showering at someone's place you haven't seen or talked to in over a decade??? Could potentially be awkward. Nah, Sign me up! After I cleaned up we headed to a neighborhood called North Park for happy hour and dinner. We did happy hour at a bar and then yelped a good sushi place for dinner. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAoduYLgehcF3j-i66IBVzbzeLWq9XrV3Qny_M6OVxoTifyHDrzZRVsoBxFeI3P8dAhLHB_3BkXxNQfTS80vHSsNWTS0p5eAMkz0G4jY4lT65SLN2_5AbZnKjzRDZtnseXQRIRvJB_u0/s1600/Jill+%2526+Pat+SD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAoduYLgehcF3j-i66IBVzbzeLWq9XrV3Qny_M6OVxoTifyHDrzZRVsoBxFeI3P8dAhLHB_3BkXxNQfTS80vHSsNWTS0p5eAMkz0G4jY4lT65SLN2_5AbZnKjzRDZtnseXQRIRvJB_u0/s320/Jill+%2526+Pat+SD.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Class of '97, represent!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I went back to my place, ate some of that homemade coconut milk sorbet and once again crashed like a dead person in my bed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>SD Day 4:</strong> My last morning in San Diego. I ate breakfast on the terrace, packed my bags, thanked my hosts, and then set off for LA. On the way I stopped to buy a San Diego magnet. My whirlwind trip to SD was over and I felt I was leaving a little piece of myself there as I drove north. I had a feeling one day I'd be back to pick up that piece of my heart SD had captured.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OMG I'm sorry for the length of this post! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I had no intentions of it being this long and this was only the first 3 1/2 days. I intend for this to be a travel diary that I can look back on so if you skipped all those words up there and just browsed through the pics, kudos to you. SD was and is a beautiful, beautiful place. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<em>Part 2: Los Angeles and San Francisco....TO BE CONTINUED...</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong> </strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Have you ever been to San Diego?</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong> </strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Do you find these pictures as captivatingly beautiful as I do?!</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong> </strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Would you shower at a high school classmate's house whom you have not seen in 15 years?! HAHA</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-49166151127885654812015-09-15T04:05:00.000-07:002015-09-15T04:05:01.970-07:00If You're Going to San Francisco...<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mJ_WG3d3GL8" width="420"></iframe><br />
<br />
<em>...be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.</em> <br />
<br />
AND LOOK ME UP BECAUSE I'LL BE THERE TOO. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
<br />
If I told you how long I've dreamed of going to CA you'd think I'm crazy for waiting this long to make it happen. What can I say. Maybe I was waiting for the perfect time. Sometimes the stars align perfectly and things finally work out. Just like I believe one day true love will.<br />
<br />
I'm signing off the blog for the next 2 weeks. I'll be driving a tiny rental car up the coast and won't be anywhere near a computer. The only thing I plan to do is upload photos to <a href="https://instagram.com/jillyruns/">IG (jillyruns)</a> to keep a travel diary for myself. Otherwise, I think I'll remain mostly unplugged so I can absorb the new world around me. And so I don't accidentally drive myself off a cliff on those windy coastal roads.<br />
<br />
Things have been shifting for me over the past 2 years and all the signs I've been seeing lately point to big changes ahead. I don't remember the last time I was filled with such excitement, hope, wonder and belief in what's to come. And I love it.<br />
<br />
Keep your heads in the clouds my friends. Catch you on the flip side!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-87829565309221002912015-09-14T03:12:00.002-07:002015-09-14T03:12:32.898-07:00Bulu Box ReviewHellooooo and Happy Monday! I got one full night of sleep this weekend and I felt like a new woman! And then I woke up at 5:30am to work on Sunday. AHHH. But in 2 days I'll be sailing off into the crimson California sunset and that vision alone has been sustaining me for weeks! <br />
<br />
Alright now on to bigger and better things. Today I'm reviewing a healthy sample subscription called Bulu Box. <em>**I received a complimentary Bulu Box as part of my affiliation with SweatPink but all opinions are mine alone!</em><br />
<em></em><br />
Bulu Box is the second variety of healthy living sample boxes that I've tried. If you recall, <a href="http://livingloverun.blogspot.com/search/label/StrideBox">my sister had been forwarding me all of her Strideboxes while she was pregnant</a> so I was living large for awhile there! My nephew was just born in June but my sister is already running again (side note: AMAZING!) so my freebie days may be numbered. Unless she gets knocked up again (I KID, LAURA). <br />
<br />
<a href="https://boomslam.bulubox.com/">Bulu Box</a> is a bit different in that it is not specifically targeted to runners, but is marketed more to whole health/fitness/diet interests. In fact, you can choose from 2 different boxes when you sign up: The Bulu Box Original, which is focused on health and fitness, or the Weight Loss box. <br />
<br />
Here's the box I received:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmfTWBJnnf4_lexfrjMzJk4Ild3h3Ht8B4WHr4xpX27tuwWQ0pI79bgSg5KxxC7x4DfDlmp6EUE2R7v_Oo3R5doudHDUGm6i5pMaY4bku7XRLQd1kpNM7w-5k3aWZNykOjGUgcUxsM28/s1600/Bulu+box+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXmfTWBJnnf4_lexfrjMzJk4Ild3h3Ht8B4WHr4xpX27tuwWQ0pI79bgSg5KxxC7x4DfDlmp6EUE2R7v_Oo3R5doudHDUGm6i5pMaY4bku7XRLQd1kpNM7w-5k3aWZNykOjGUgcUxsM28/s320/Bulu+box+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinod1I2FeqmdDyBHuXgo5JV1v2KgbqYeDNSQOI4qRkZzqTeWDBMu9cmfKCxN6kbI8IgWlKx4XwwO21vyYoBzbXYhf5ZfzKZh5yZXvcgQBQeSY3BZuFGK276sOmCQBBtm-2M_aenS3D4Bo/s1600/Bulu+box+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinod1I2FeqmdDyBHuXgo5JV1v2KgbqYeDNSQOI4qRkZzqTeWDBMu9cmfKCxN6kbI8IgWlKx4XwwO21vyYoBzbXYhf5ZfzKZh5yZXvcgQBQeSY3BZuFGK276sOmCQBBtm-2M_aenS3D4Bo/s320/Bulu+box+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1467710196"></span><span id="goog_1467710197"></span><br />
I got 5 pretty varied samples and I'm guessing this was the Original box. <br />
<br />
The products in my box included:<br />
<ul>
<li>Quest Protein Powder (2 pouches)</li>
<li>Movit Energy Gummies</li>
<li>Mediterra Savory Energy Bar</li>
<li>Earth's Care Anti-Itch Cream</li>
<li>Yerba Prima Fiber Plus Powder</li>
</ul>
I've tried a few of the samples so far. <br />
<br />
This was my favorite:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWNam42N2M_VFO3kFG3E1YqSPhVyRY9Am1HSs0v8Pq7QOIX9nnBfhGr06H8DUxUW9G1HBJw1C1lyI2Ad-3IBuaGjAAX_iDB8lu6DpxM5aeEbS4S732C4atrIn6LZKrNLOy9vE0NltOHg/s1600/movit+gummies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWNam42N2M_VFO3kFG3E1YqSPhVyRY9Am1HSs0v8Pq7QOIX9nnBfhGr06H8DUxUW9G1HBJw1C1lyI2Ad-3IBuaGjAAX_iDB8lu6DpxM5aeEbS4S732C4atrIn6LZKrNLOy9vE0NltOHg/s320/movit+gummies.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They taste like CANDY!! I've used gummy energy chews in the past (Shot Bloks, Honey Stinger chews, etc) and of course I love them all. Did I mention they taste like candy?! I used these most recently on one of my run/walks (yeah, incorporating some running intervals back in which don't seem to be making things any worse so far!). They are yummy and good cardio fuel.<br />
<br />
I also tried the Mediterra Bar which was <em>interesting</em> to say the least:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenIWaSJPlWktCqt-coJHukcArlM5VgGxpUfsy7rUxDPMnINhrZD2TIeosOvUyyDgn3eT4m-ByGzznJ2Ehxf7oOh84wHyNFSXDWlhfsTYYh4xbwoZ0yeWeRPBMpH97jMDssFI35fLhjMc/s1600/mediterra+bar+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjenIWaSJPlWktCqt-coJHukcArlM5VgGxpUfsy7rUxDPMnINhrZD2TIeosOvUyyDgn3eT4m-ByGzznJ2Ehxf7oOh84wHyNFSXDWlhfsTYYh4xbwoZ0yeWeRPBMpH97jMDssFI35fLhjMc/s320/mediterra+bar+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1XJhXCLueI0CsrUzYq3Oj0GmeRhDBbYTcKdnL8AZ3Pprwh_5TIUXy5aKKzt_7iWZaX6nHQW4CBBZ-Gf7419b5S_f9eULxPrVlIeUI2du91mzi0tiBE3MRKbtH0XWv2EgRBJwehEnlZo/s1600/mediterra+bar+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1XJhXCLueI0CsrUzYq3Oj0GmeRhDBbYTcKdnL8AZ3Pprwh_5TIUXy5aKKzt_7iWZaX6nHQW4CBBZ-Gf7419b5S_f9eULxPrVlIeUI2du91mzi0tiBE3MRKbtH0XWv2EgRBJwehEnlZo/s320/mediterra+bar+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This was my first foray into the new savory energy bar trend. The bars I eat on a regular basis are all sweet, so this was a whole new ballgame. And one that I felt like the visiting team for. I don't know how to describe the flavor of this Sundried Tomato & Basil bar other than to say it was like a combination of eating my grandmother's spaghetti sauce on top of a tomato pie pizza with a side of meatball sub, minus the meatballs. HAHAHA Very strange. I fully enjoy the strong flavors of Italy represented here but I was only able to eat a couple bites of this. I don't think I'm yet ready for the world of savory bars. <br />
<br />
I unfortunately cannot sample the Quest powders because they are whey-based and that is NO BUENO for lactose intolerant folks. Not in the mood to destroy my insides days before boarding a 6 hour cross-country flight! HAHA<br />
<br />
For the same reason, I also did not sample the fiber powder. If there is one thing I do not need more of in my diet, it is fiber. I know many people can benefit from added fiber, but I think I mentioned before I have IBS, and so I am quite regular (too regular!) in that department. So maybe I'll give this to my mom.<br />
<br />
I didn't try the anti-itch cream yet since I haven't really had many mosquito bites this summer, but I may pack this in my bag in the event I do get bit while out west.<br />
<br />
With any subscription boxes, you usually end up with some products you love, some you like and some you can't use. It's a grab bag and I think that's part of the appeal!<br />
<br />
I think Bulu Box may be better for those interested in general wellness products and not those interested in products just for runners. <br />
<br />
I checked out the prices and Bulu Box is actually cheaper than Stridebox! Bulu Boxes are $10 each and there is no monthly commitment. You can subscribe month-to-month or buy them in 3 month increments. (For comparison, StrideBox is $15.)<br />
<br />
If you are interested in trying out Bulu Box you can get 50% off a 3, 6 or 12 month subscription using discount code SWEATPINK! <br />
<br />
Have a great week!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Do you subscribe to any sample box services?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>How was your weekend?</strong>JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-32186813229100851662015-09-10T03:42:00.003-07:002015-09-10T03:42:45.633-07:00Thinking Out Loud #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="85" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPD_-yI6LDUgiZOxKLyMEevnbtFUgInaur2SZyMxnnw4oa6GA7D6tV-7J8srS4N60-nYRP3ctJFpq1F0qJ9xKsu6uUrpuvblYIwcNMAq8O16a9xkGwDBX9hCwMyiQsg2B-YL_yFWUW0A/s320/Thinking-Out-Loud2.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<span id="goog_2135226885"></span><span id="goog_2135226886"></span><br />
<br />
After publishing so many random posts over the years on so many random days, I FINALLY decided to link up with <a href="http://www.runningwithspoons.com/">Amanda at Running With Spoons</a> for her infamous TOL Thursday post. I am just all over the place with everything going on in my life currently and felt like I needed to add a little structure to my madness. I have no idea if I will continue to do this weekly or if I can commit to this week only. I'm a little delirious this week. So here we go:<br />
<br />
1. I worked nearly 60 CONSECUTIVE hours over Labor Day weekend starting at 3am Sat morning. Which means I slept for 2 hours that night. Ohhhhhhhhhh I'm not kidding. While everyone was picnicking, beaching, or just sleeping in, I was working. I'm going on Day 11 of work here without a break. Obviously if I didn't believe 100% in my work and care so much about it, I would not have made it through. But having said that, vacation cannot come fast enough!<br />
<br />
2. I'm almost done booking my rooms on Airbnb. I know what you're thinking. My trip is less than a week away and I still don't have places to stay?! See #1 for reference. I literally have had no down time. Plus, I am good at rolling last minute. It's how I thrive. I've booked a few rooms so far and the hosts I've been in contact with seem really inviting and genuine. And then I read articles like <a href="http://www.today.com/money/airbnb-horror-story-reveals-safety-issues-lodging-site-t39091">this</a>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf3i8rQmgu7PwkU1UcLkYWlDKZhuBjABr5A88G2KOVTlwDJ4vBfaJj6CsMs7pypQkgUVFXs16SAyG34bQTXsNf3gtYWNGITLlxf1s_QLsSGcmEd7rplInPiTyLSIqFSVxxC12szRtxno/s1600/airbnb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZf3i8rQmgu7PwkU1UcLkYWlDKZhuBjABr5A88G2KOVTlwDJ4vBfaJj6CsMs7pypQkgUVFXs16SAyG34bQTXsNf3gtYWNGITLlxf1s_QLsSGcmEd7rplInPiTyLSIqFSVxxC12szRtxno/s320/airbnb.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
Ahhhhhhh! Honestly, stuff like this does not freak me out, but please don't share this with my mother. Because she will without a doubt book a flight to CA and follow me there! Ha<br />
<br />
3. On the workout front, I'm still not running and my leg is still bothering me :( I took an entire week of rest, which did absolutely nothing! So I started back up walking, lifting, biking, rowing and HIIT/strength exercises. I'm kind of at a loss as to what to do. I've been trying to ice it when I remember and foam roll more but MAN do I miss running :(<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcjxoHFyXZu4KFmKlOtZv05MBdK8KIjSrHXh4hCCEE7BG1SnuwOA6t7pOnPd1QFC2CnXr0iuxZd0R8k8NDBmuJs7jX9NoDfsz402KujsDTstBSiIPH_3ZT_Nm5Rms4UV02o7pO3Gx8Ks/s1600/foam+rolling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcjxoHFyXZu4KFmKlOtZv05MBdK8KIjSrHXh4hCCEE7BG1SnuwOA6t7pOnPd1QFC2CnXr0iuxZd0R8k8NDBmuJs7jX9NoDfsz402KujsDTstBSiIPH_3ZT_Nm5Rms4UV02o7pO3Gx8Ks/s320/foam+rolling.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
4. I made these <a href="http://www.myinnershakti.com/2015/09/04/chocolate-chip-zucchini-banana-bread/">Chocolate Chip Zucchini Banana Bread muffins from My Inner Shakti</a> and they were pretty good! (I cooked. I know. Blame it on the stress/sleep deprivation.) The only thing I didn't particularly care for was the taste of the whole wheat flour. I've never baked with it before but it made the muffins a bit denser and drier than I think they would have otherwise been. So I'd prob use regular flour next time. And maybe a bit more coconut oil to make them moister.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnSka9xhYyrl_isWi_3YtvFSDr1YcI0ijAoaunxTg95D1UbNtQxolhl1CRlZhBG00kAwLyPDkXxCoFLBy1pz6R7a3eLTKzfGmDESl3-RNkdSN0Q_m-EuVbPGM1SgavXrY2bCEDzENfJI/s1600/chocolate+banana+zucchini+muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnSka9xhYyrl_isWi_3YtvFSDr1YcI0ijAoaunxTg95D1UbNtQxolhl1CRlZhBG00kAwLyPDkXxCoFLBy1pz6R7a3eLTKzfGmDESl3-RNkdSN0Q_m-EuVbPGM1SgavXrY2bCEDzENfJI/s320/chocolate+banana+zucchini+muffins.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
5. I am currently addicted to this delicious coconut concoction: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VV0Fcw6hNvrkM1VIgndUs0FILwCD9KDld2t3XU_AC8Y8_Dcs7U4CfzJBW3hFZ_9x9s4USvA9ZuT0ql1lJO3YVYI2Z7O-_Nit9wonTwpsOErzLM8AzooMxwP9z1NJ7xRsVXLo6xzcvIY/s1600/bai5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2VV0Fcw6hNvrkM1VIgndUs0FILwCD9KDld2t3XU_AC8Y8_Dcs7U4CfzJBW3hFZ_9x9s4USvA9ZuT0ql1lJO3YVYI2Z7O-_Nit9wonTwpsOErzLM8AzooMxwP9z1NJ7xRsVXLo6xzcvIY/s320/bai5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
6. My work can be exhausting at times, but I love it and put my whole heart into it. And then I get days like this. I am outside, standing in the middle of a perfect living landscape, playing with a child, and I think DOES IT GET ANY BETTER THAN THIS?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h50Mq4JROZ9o2SghaXUprP8mj1JXXu5OXRe9sK232FLjuY08oUdHFi_6wOeqj4GrjFDO3nkhQWValAbTljgcy8bsGj43sZTe3yJ5MLf1nQB2FtW9OcJOFUbsya1hTkSaJEQYcfGXQBo/s1600/park+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-h50Mq4JROZ9o2SghaXUprP8mj1JXXu5OXRe9sK232FLjuY08oUdHFi_6wOeqj4GrjFDO3nkhQWValAbTljgcy8bsGj43sZTe3yJ5MLf1nQB2FtW9OcJOFUbsya1hTkSaJEQYcfGXQBo/s320/park+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZOF-o5vG0ZjYvdr4a33vDlyJX8j0H7FTTaou1VQJNV1QQ_QslWwBWod-4WHFhsjfWIF9UFqasdw3_u5_KsmB4PFxv1Rmn-Rf5UTnw3hqbNSVOkHoOP82t-ce4Xwpcb_m15HDhFq3hgU/s1600/park+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSZOF-o5vG0ZjYvdr4a33vDlyJX8j0H7FTTaou1VQJNV1QQ_QslWwBWod-4WHFhsjfWIF9UFqasdw3_u5_KsmB4PFxv1Rmn-Rf5UTnw3hqbNSVOkHoOP82t-ce4Xwpcb_m15HDhFq3hgU/s320/park+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
7. I have a fortune-telling app on my phone in which I crack a little cookie and get some wise little words each morning. It's stupendous. This was one I got a couple days ago. YES PLEASE<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0L0-osBd_EB-WFG1vqycx5K9gdfJ_M1SnnJEho7IRrDQ-Zcjh28-P80LKea8nsPhzDZ0JcEMkwEPnNpmvoJdphoR9h51VkLi9D5HbNGq1veHTCPbL94QVZEDuEpJm4Xa3PqO8QL4ddg/s1600/fortune.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0L0-osBd_EB-WFG1vqycx5K9gdfJ_M1SnnJEho7IRrDQ-Zcjh28-P80LKea8nsPhzDZ0JcEMkwEPnNpmvoJdphoR9h51VkLi9D5HbNGq1veHTCPbL94QVZEDuEpJm4Xa3PqO8QL4ddg/s320/fortune.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
6 MORE DAYS! I should probably finish booking my rooms and start thinking about what I need to pack?! I have 1 day off this weekend. My first in 14 days. I plan on running around like a chicken with my head cut off accomplishing everything that needs to be done in 24 hours. <br />
<br />
And that's all I have for my very first Thinking Out Loud post. I hope your weeks are a bit calmer than mine! Go forth and conquer my friends :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Tell me something RANDOM!</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>What was the last recipe you made? How'd it turn out?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Do you enjoy fortune cookies?!</strong><br />
<br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-79828814033058044252015-09-04T04:52:00.005-07:002015-09-04T04:52:57.448-07:00A Few Things FridayI'm a bit scatterbrained right now with a hectic work schedule and preparing for my west coast trip so today is going to be a bunch of randomness! No better way to start off the holiday weekend right?!<br />
<br />
1. I have been making and eating faux Chipotle burrito bowls all summer long. How do I make these you might wonder? Well I'll tell you! They involve very little cooking which is a HUGE plus!<br />
<br />
The base is <a href="http://livingloverun.blogspot.com/2014/06/super-simple-summer-salads.html">this summer salad recipe</a> I got from my sister last year and have made dozens of times since because I love it so much:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrxNLFNO4v0FDQmvtibPHtDS40dARTRuFvC7elF8w5YodRd9SQ_mGCqRBN1eVdGqqzxnDEtMB7a_v8fM7tLRYDcNuUTGPBTDQ9-FDSQhmtrJ7hmxfL-FaD08AjV_rviEmYF2CrfOGW4k/s1600/faux+Chipotle+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrxNLFNO4v0FDQmvtibPHtDS40dARTRuFvC7elF8w5YodRd9SQ_mGCqRBN1eVdGqqzxnDEtMB7a_v8fM7tLRYDcNuUTGPBTDQ9-FDSQhmtrJ7hmxfL-FaD08AjV_rviEmYF2CrfOGW4k/s320/faux+Chipotle+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Black beans, red pepper, cilantro.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I left out the corn this time because I ate corn-on-the-cob with dinner)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then I add some ground turkey with taco seasoning:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYZthsVkrSKO1aEpRHv0utU_EoU5PAA1VihFuAVzyS5fP0QIGeoIFSRSunVddaev5pCfuaF6q7iahh9axw4fTM5aOWIbv4BP9LkwSw7TqRtxgelU0NJ1JRKahmvDNDccrrw5BaumtMdQ/s1600/faux+Chipotle+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYZthsVkrSKO1aEpRHv0utU_EoU5PAA1VihFuAVzyS5fP0QIGeoIFSRSunVddaev5pCfuaF6q7iahh9axw4fTM5aOWIbv4BP9LkwSw7TqRtxgelU0NJ1JRKahmvDNDccrrw5BaumtMdQ/s320/faux+Chipotle+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes I stop there and sometimes I add rice. This was brown rice in a bag which took about 2 minutes to make in the microwave! HA</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-PCY9zFdAhCCHaC1pjHV6M2K87i1u1Yu5kAsg4W7uKoIX3L2Q9Gcoht1GFD7XPgwqsiM0VZBPfd4uuAfc0JWYonI2_in1GSg1KTnd3HEvj9kZtuQ-60JrSfW-SfnA8QSR_t_EaTHwsI/s1600/faux+Chipotle+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-PCY9zFdAhCCHaC1pjHV6M2K87i1u1Yu5kAsg4W7uKoIX3L2Q9Gcoht1GFD7XPgwqsiM0VZBPfd4uuAfc0JWYonI2_in1GSg1KTnd3HEvj9kZtuQ-60JrSfW-SfnA8QSR_t_EaTHwsI/s320/faux+Chipotle+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
And TA-DA! A delicious homemade burrito bowl:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDB2QKhbh1BMZiyDGNI6RvjyAioPcrz-QJr6br3MGD46EdiCoLNLi3FE1xIIAZdHbOiG0eHRHQ2l719MGdDFoVbjWd81BY5SbtPSHEoFjgdT8R9U9hkxwvhKpWsDoELQuhAB55YbrSvUM/s1600/faux+Chipotle+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDB2QKhbh1BMZiyDGNI6RvjyAioPcrz-QJr6br3MGD46EdiCoLNLi3FE1xIIAZdHbOiG0eHRHQ2l719MGdDFoVbjWd81BY5SbtPSHEoFjgdT8R9U9hkxwvhKpWsDoELQuhAB55YbrSvUM/s320/faux+Chipotle+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If I make this at the beginning of the week, there are enough leftovers that I can eat it for dinner for the rest of the week. So quick and easy when I come home from work. And that is the extent of my cooking and meal planning abilities.<br />
<br />
2. While we're on the topic of food, I ate at <a href="http://www.nalleyfresh.com/">Nalley Fresh</a> for the first time ever this week and it was SO good! I can't believe I've never tried it before. It's a salad place that has 6 locations around Baltimore. You can build your own salad with whatever ingredients you want and they have a ton to choose from. Everything was incredibly fresh and delicious, and it kind of reminded me of my favorite-ever salad restaurant in the world, <a href="http://choptsalad.com/">Chop't.</a> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT98JI1HmsRq5wVyDx6BkQWNnZfiAI8RGE8qTtqMJkDbghxsbU8zteK7x-CDw0yjBM9mg43eqjtOMRGvp3p6lLOxKyEGzjbNr7KNU1o9DlT-7xlho-mKs-OEFJD1gOjcT589956SJoZ6s/s1600/Nalley+Fresh.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT98JI1HmsRq5wVyDx6BkQWNnZfiAI8RGE8qTtqMJkDbghxsbU8zteK7x-CDw0yjBM9mg43eqjtOMRGvp3p6lLOxKyEGzjbNr7KNU1o9DlT-7xlho-mKs-OEFJD1gOjcT589956SJoZ6s/s320/Nalley+Fresh.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
3. Still talking food here. (You would think I'm starving but I'm typing this right after dinner.) Anywho, you know how Amazon sends you emails with recommendations based on past purchases? Well, I received one of those recently and this was one of the items they recommended...GAG!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM2VhFx2AMwQN75VkxRZ8ZGQRtKMx1o5q7ihZS85zMVFi5taHOOCqWS8CTBx-imy1XlmmWDHE2nibzs-0DDtE0dv2htVNQxNcg9FoMqj3mSH4PQDamPEP_ZhutuHZFC-eEBre75jDj14/s1600/potato+chips.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkM2VhFx2AMwQN75VkxRZ8ZGQRtKMx1o5q7ihZS85zMVFi5taHOOCqWS8CTBx-imy1XlmmWDHE2nibzs-0DDtE0dv2htVNQxNcg9FoMqj3mSH4PQDamPEP_ZhutuHZFC-eEBre75jDj14/s320/potato+chips.PNG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
Just looking at that picture again is making me nauseous. I don't eat potato chips (don't like them) and I am not really a fan of ketchup. So a ketchup potato chip sounds like my worst nightmare. The rest of the email contained vitamins, protein bars and running socks so I have no idea why they thought <em>ketchup flavored potato chips</em> would tickle my fancy. BARF<br />
<br />
4. MORE FOOD. What is going on with me tonight?! Naked finally came out with some non-dairy protein drinks. So I picked up this one recently to try:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweSJTcJ92pDSdy71uySKa5n-BZdGNpSHsgzFB5iYWu6txOm-08fQahc_E5Vl28xe4azQBqfa-H-lxnRxBM-I7tIuzRIfusmSZxEaztCdh-EF_wGwqm0vD0KNefwm1L2itnFNN8520a-w/s1600/naked+almond+protein+drink.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweSJTcJ92pDSdy71uySKa5n-BZdGNpSHsgzFB5iYWu6txOm-08fQahc_E5Vl28xe4azQBqfa-H-lxnRxBM-I7tIuzRIfusmSZxEaztCdh-EF_wGwqm0vD0KNefwm1L2itnFNN8520a-w/s320/naked+almond+protein+drink.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
It's non-dairy and vegan and contains a bunch of fruit, which are all good things, but I didn't realize the protein was soy-based. I've been trying to stay away from that so I probably won't buy this again, and the flavor wasn't that great either. Live and learn.<br />
<br />
5. And finally a NON FOOD item! I got these shoes for the wedding I'll be attending in CA at DSW for $10!!! I kid you not.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Uk3T2M65ZYjiM35FLtODAxP4_-I53RDRAaQEZikB7F8j2FvVDuZX0EwPgbsENU0viF9DOjznVXAQC7AIQL3bJs1Ns4Bb3YMS2a3LZVfWRuLQ-gbI4UQn1z1hpue44nSZ_PZjJcB8zR4/s1600/wedding+shoes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Uk3T2M65ZYjiM35FLtODAxP4_-I53RDRAaQEZikB7F8j2FvVDuZX0EwPgbsENU0viF9DOjznVXAQC7AIQL3bJs1Ns4Bb3YMS2a3LZVfWRuLQ-gbI4UQn1z1hpue44nSZ_PZjJcB8zR4/s320/wedding+shoes.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
They were on clearance for $20 and then I had a $10 coupon. I felt like an extreme couponer without the cameras and fame. The only wedding appropriate shoes I have are heels, and since the wedding is going to be outside at a vineyard I wanted comfortable flats or wedges. These are wedges and they are really really comfortable. They are almost as comfy as the flip flips that are permanently attached to my feet.<br />
<br />
And that concludes my rambling for today!<br />
<br />
Have a great Labor Day weekend, and remember SUMMER'S NOT OVER!<br />
<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Do you have any quick go-to dinner meals?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Does Amazon ever give you bizarro recommendations?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>What was the last great deal you got?!</strong>JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-32451502064460720702015-09-01T04:01:00.002-07:002015-09-01T04:01:24.802-07:00Beach LifeAs much as it kills me to say this, I can feel Summer coming to an end. Not right away, but I do feel it slowly slipping through my fingers. The days are getting shorter. I noticed this weekend that by 7:30 in the evening it was already getting dark and I cried a little inside. <br />
<br />
Luckily, I was able to finally squeeze in a teeny tiny bit of beach time this weekend. Snuck that summer bucket list item in right under the buzzer.<br />
<br />
My family is vacationing at the beach this week and I was able to get away and meet them down there just for the weekend! It was a quick trip there and back for the night but I still managed to dip my feet in the ocean, sunbathe by the pool, catch up with my sister and now 11-week-old nephew (!) and the rest of my extended family. Andddddd, my incredible dad worked on my car while I was there and was able to get out most of the scratches the anonymous YMCA offender left me with! He's the best. #familytimeisthebesttime <br />
<br />
Luckily, I'll be extending my summer a bit when I leave for CA in a couple weeks, but it was still lovely to get a beach weekend in with my family. It's a yearly tradition and I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it this year.<br />
<br />
And now I'll leave you with bunch of pictures so you can forget entirely about the fact that today is Sept 1st. NOPE. Still summer over here. You're welcome :)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Resort grounds:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BsLY5VvS0lzZ3KrP4IJYKNmQDqjZCwJH6v2i4Z3dfwz3yKumd8yf5dnCbrdGXC46BV3TrE12fRtxCkg8lcxXTCfJP9e2-WmjKS4amlEC5dk20qkpFEdSBH_0Op2QLjFamJEIlzGt7Ok/s1600/Rehoboth+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BsLY5VvS0lzZ3KrP4IJYKNmQDqjZCwJH6v2i4Z3dfwz3yKumd8yf5dnCbrdGXC46BV3TrE12fRtxCkg8lcxXTCfJP9e2-WmjKS4amlEC5dk20qkpFEdSBH_0Op2QLjFamJEIlzGt7Ok/s320/Rehoboth+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5um_125uJnp_WuWyTVnXJ1ZiVfJ6G4lHG1HbzDmc-BWZV3JZUpQon0HoGPzXutfXSuZxFLaib8bm02I6gW2aQJuiKK67DgL1QONnDcF1LqdvjdLUpBDtS_wgUo-ah602u_igncfDR10/s1600/Rehoboth+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5um_125uJnp_WuWyTVnXJ1ZiVfJ6G4lHG1HbzDmc-BWZV3JZUpQon0HoGPzXutfXSuZxFLaib8bm02I6gW2aQJuiKK67DgL1QONnDcF1LqdvjdLUpBDtS_wgUo-ah602u_igncfDR10/s320/Rehoboth+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneEirbtZrmQzNuBEUWKEKrF6CeVpo6FreRx4faMkwM66gTvvcN_QPVjBZP5Mt1emAorTAo50vISa-oKY1SUeC-bdmdx8MXY2m8gWybelUvkBo5G-y7Jfg53jySPw3SpDaGEtRMT14eCY/s1600/Rehoboth+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneEirbtZrmQzNuBEUWKEKrF6CeVpo6FreRx4faMkwM66gTvvcN_QPVjBZP5Mt1emAorTAo50vISa-oKY1SUeC-bdmdx8MXY2m8gWybelUvkBo5G-y7Jfg53jySPw3SpDaGEtRMT14eCY/s320/Rehoboth+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1GAK3vbxH71AvK0wJtR5nQ8LmzlgHghNKy5QOc14XAJKUHsim6o57SEZBifiKeiPROLI3qsBk0ito9zPfKzDMaL1QUqcdupRy7xugJ3OxulNW8TRsDiXdFtlEZc5zR6Sk6mPePgMrDY/s1600/Rehoboth+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1GAK3vbxH71AvK0wJtR5nQ8LmzlgHghNKy5QOc14XAJKUHsim6o57SEZBifiKeiPROLI3qsBk0ito9zPfKzDMaL1QUqcdupRy7xugJ3OxulNW8TRsDiXdFtlEZc5zR6Sk6mPePgMrDY/s320/Rehoboth+3.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboWrrO0ShhPCxo6_ZiS88J4-8iyR1S68HTwxbVEi_aE2_g7CoWBNLWNj9xcvUJavv1D83Z2U1czamIX0Uj3PUweqvLa81uAziqAI2cHQwpTVIvx-EW4EBjBEWkbumTqNKxCJKf_Q3J3E/s1600/Rehoboth+nature+trail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboWrrO0ShhPCxo6_ZiS88J4-8iyR1S68HTwxbVEi_aE2_g7CoWBNLWNj9xcvUJavv1D83Z2U1czamIX0Uj3PUweqvLa81uAziqAI2cHQwpTVIvx-EW4EBjBEWkbumTqNKxCJKf_Q3J3E/s320/Rehoboth+nature+trail.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
BEACH!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzI591HDvLrmtLgWRviwerCdw1sETwvcgvQ6bjPSbRRHF5BkWwopdB70rI3ciuGipdg5cwO6GKtPoR2WU7I7WAG3gdOgjW41xE8WqBJCT2fL4NesAH8SvU3XaDiCkg8ADWEUNoUsPSo4/s1600/beach+feet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzI591HDvLrmtLgWRviwerCdw1sETwvcgvQ6bjPSbRRHF5BkWwopdB70rI3ciuGipdg5cwO6GKtPoR2WU7I7WAG3gdOgjW41xE8WqBJCT2fL4NesAH8SvU3XaDiCkg8ADWEUNoUsPSo4/s320/beach+feet.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzea1NEoinNJPJdNt9XV1yQcugqlB0zTxZsoVebKmf5Kvi5Qpigg2repDB1YiDdODGNg4gLDMLyRzvgru1uBcFsqKX49UuhesAM0lFpQfoRVDS-WOe1mTi22Qh-OdE5Mxtg1RHaW2SG8/s1600/Rehoboth+beach+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzea1NEoinNJPJdNt9XV1yQcugqlB0zTxZsoVebKmf5Kvi5Qpigg2repDB1YiDdODGNg4gLDMLyRzvgru1uBcFsqKX49UuhesAM0lFpQfoRVDS-WOe1mTi22Qh-OdE5Mxtg1RHaW2SG8/s320/Rehoboth+beach+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoIccRQ-DlLV90cpJS0xPdGM9r6tqjHVKoU94C13bHR6EY8WmeUgfj1CMQds1quS8_LzFGHTEbcBML1f641IOjzmxcThBvg6XZK-PkQ3Iz_Gq6iyWlNC7qayyeXnT4VFN6Sw9k29opAk/s1600/Rehoboth+beach+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoIccRQ-DlLV90cpJS0xPdGM9r6tqjHVKoU94C13bHR6EY8WmeUgfj1CMQds1quS8_LzFGHTEbcBML1f641IOjzmxcThBvg6XZK-PkQ3Iz_Gq6iyWlNC7qayyeXnT4VFN6Sw9k29opAk/s320/Rehoboth+beach+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eln4zmwl_Qqqa92JGe4rzzg4vKgXVuJXIkVCl8hE5otcvxm80erfuDwSvHHjU8IhgyImY_VSU-2gZLi_umyAn7rAorI0ScAzPuSoGmDFsPabfhpv5tia7ICY45_UYvZu0tzo-K0RSfI/s1600/Rehoboth+inlet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eln4zmwl_Qqqa92JGe4rzzg4vKgXVuJXIkVCl8hE5otcvxm80erfuDwSvHHjU8IhgyImY_VSU-2gZLi_umyAn7rAorI0ScAzPuSoGmDFsPabfhpv5tia7ICY45_UYvZu0tzo-K0RSfI/s320/Rehoboth+inlet.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUe2Y8gzRj4yHHMItrGW6jXckRVRqmgmTSpjmKxlJns1-SK5UB2TFlvhzbOOhYQH0vr98gE-2lnBvRB9xlNcYRQO2jZf4RuTMskT89bTt0wX4Kw6xPXOaDem6P2nc-NlBNaVo14XbOB2Y/s1600/Rehoboth+pier.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUe2Y8gzRj4yHHMItrGW6jXckRVRqmgmTSpjmKxlJns1-SK5UB2TFlvhzbOOhYQH0vr98gE-2lnBvRB9xlNcYRQO2jZf4RuTMskT89bTt0wX4Kw6xPXOaDem6P2nc-NlBNaVo14XbOB2Y/s320/Rehoboth+pier.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
FAMILY!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5SU8KZNlSQH-S6pExmjf-aDK2x9h8n4eL8vDeGYmpjk3imwGu1m33GN_cpHI8eJ0kSNZasOJH6Ie4AhGHUOHJBptKBsSA6AG6FActBGpOS2lptY2vheBAI4wAC1i-Phi4l5DP3PT2LU/s1600/J%25E2%2580%258Eill+%2526+PP+Rehoboth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin5SU8KZNlSQH-S6pExmjf-aDK2x9h8n4eL8vDeGYmpjk3imwGu1m33GN_cpHI8eJ0kSNZasOJH6Ie4AhGHUOHJBptKBsSA6AG6FActBGpOS2lptY2vheBAI4wAC1i-Phi4l5DP3PT2LU/s320/J%25E2%2580%258Eill+%2526+PP+Rehoboth.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me & the Sal man (my Pop-Pop)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb3kFFRpNmGHcmo3ELCIgyMhhb-ovyaCGRxTC56a3Jv4TfmWv-ghv_guP1Nf8Q2vyLmmDUR6GbOWcfnkg3_nTpb_Uu0SB_9FcvzOSKseBCaQgKLF2-Wr9jYLTb7pCIabWaoK-m7eh2D4/s1600/Dylan+11+weeks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb3kFFRpNmGHcmo3ELCIgyMhhb-ovyaCGRxTC56a3Jv4TfmWv-ghv_guP1Nf8Q2vyLmmDUR6GbOWcfnkg3_nTpb_Uu0SB_9FcvzOSKseBCaQgKLF2-Wr9jYLTb7pCIabWaoK-m7eh2D4/s320/Dylan+11+weeks.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The newest member of our family, already 11 weeks!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDP1NJiD6EdyNbWN6AK6SF0kaHgBLJAT40dprBgaOtmcSu_-MiU7DU7KFoqRNNY41GhKUyhE7c48ZBG1kANcQvjy_D4xKfSOMzmx4cYMMhZOsW35AKwxekO0SZdyUTlPR_zJlfEeSyi4/s1600/Landon+%2526+Dylan+Rehoboth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivDP1NJiD6EdyNbWN6AK6SF0kaHgBLJAT40dprBgaOtmcSu_-MiU7DU7KFoqRNNY41GhKUyhE7c48ZBG1kANcQvjy_D4xKfSOMzmx4cYMMhZOsW35AKwxekO0SZdyUTlPR_zJlfEeSyi4/s320/Landon+%2526+Dylan+Rehoboth.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyENyP0m71tAajPRddJOMMaFdzOe-JTibubzbNZ6vZlciTB-PRfWWgQPsSm7ngGK-pLPmCzyw0z1dQw4yktb_gLl2dIi2m41TYTV1K_VUgmQEnh8n9jfOs3oywk06aCA7HW114jGSP9I/s1600/Jill+%2526+Dylan+Rehoboth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyENyP0m71tAajPRddJOMMaFdzOe-JTibubzbNZ6vZlciTB-PRfWWgQPsSm7ngGK-pLPmCzyw0z1dQw4yktb_gLl2dIi2m41TYTV1K_VUgmQEnh8n9jfOs3oywk06aCA7HW114jGSP9I/s320/Jill+%2526+Dylan+Rehoboth.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Proud Aunt Jilly :)</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anddddddddd my new Tinder profile pic. I jest. NEVER EVER AGAIN TINDER. EVER.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLocrrj0UIWApOUJt6F4Ay_NPp9CmTAOfI9C9Vy7GAQceEHQConWQq5qdff6a1CNCDcceU9BcPOHxvUDaTdIfLM-gM-FbkU4svL7B68lBNKuoWIOzKhYIZAzkb5u7IPLY0BKTGfRqFPc/s1600/Jill+Rehoboth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZLocrrj0UIWApOUJt6F4Ay_NPp9CmTAOfI9C9Vy7GAQceEHQConWQq5qdff6a1CNCDcceU9BcPOHxvUDaTdIfLM-gM-FbkU4svL7B68lBNKuoWIOzKhYIZAzkb5u7IPLY0BKTGfRqFPc/s320/Jill+Rehoboth.JPG" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Now in order to fully deny that Fall is on the way you're going to have to ignore pumpkin everything right now, along with the Halloween candy and costumes that are somehow already in stores. Don't let the advertising maniacs that rule the US economy take your summer away from you prematurely! We still have a full 21 days. LONG LIVE SUMMER!<br />
<br />
Have a great Tuesday everyone.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you made it to a beach this summer?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Please tell me you're not ushering in Fall already?!</strong> <br />
<br />
<br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-35266525413618716182015-08-28T03:18:00.001-07:002015-08-28T03:18:12.982-07:00Just Because You Believe It Doesn't Make It True: How Beliefs Shape Our RealityA week or two ago I watched <em><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2980516/">The Theory of Everything</a></em> for the first time. This movie (which by the way is the saddest thing ever), documents the early life of famed physicist <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hawking">Stephen Hawking</a>, but is more a heartbreaking love story about the relationship between him and his first wife, Jane Wilde. It was heart wrenching to see Hawking's demise and to imagine what it would be like to be in Jane's shoes, watching the person you love suffer from a debilitating and degenerative disease. <br />
<br />
Something Hawking's character said about halfway through the film stuck with me, as it had been something I had been thinking about lately. It was this: <em>"What one believes in irrelevant in physics".</em> (I have no idea if Hawking himself actually ever said this or if was just a line in the movie.)<br />
<br />
I have been thinking a lot lately about what one believes and how much our beliefs shape our reality. That is to say, what we believe creates our world and our reality, but may not actually be reality. Am I talking in riddles or does this make sense to you!? <br />
<br />
As humans with incredibly evolved grey matter, we have the luxury of taking in information from external sources, and then choosing what pieces to retain, what pieces to reject and what pieces to shape to fit the unique network of ideas we have constructed inside those brains of ours. Unlike lesser evolved animals who simply intake information and process it exactly as is, we color what comes in. Which is why people hold such vastly varied and different beliefs on so many things.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglols7tx4pJtbfNQrQyoRvo27xMEfi6qI_Yth2nARlHf0anNn86EoVmzjexAae6_BklUC-zWlj9fMD2u8guWyrtPszeuiOGNi-0-DEoyQLAAx__1BmqV7jXAwlkINamKeWv2EsoQxgI5Q/s1600/beliefs+pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglols7tx4pJtbfNQrQyoRvo27xMEfi6qI_Yth2nARlHf0anNn86EoVmzjexAae6_BklUC-zWlj9fMD2u8guWyrtPszeuiOGNi-0-DEoyQLAAx__1BmqV7jXAwlkINamKeWv2EsoQxgI5Q/s320/beliefs+pinterest.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.zulily.com/p/a-better-person-print-112658-3627226.html?pos=37&e=1&ns=ns_904819204">source/via Pinterest</a></div>
<br />
<br />
But, I think what we often forget to realize is that just because we believe something doesn't make it true. Or untrue for that matter. Some things simply exist whether we believe in them or not. Heck for centuries people believed the Earth was flat, or that the Universe revolved around our little blue planet (Narcissistic much?!), but just because everyone on the planet held these beliefs at one point didn't make them so. <br />
<br />
It kind of makes you think, doesn't it? <u>If the entirety of the human race has held false beliefs at one time or another, how many of yours may be faulty?</u><br />
<br />
I know personally, many of my beliefs (about myself, the world, about others) have changed over time, and continue to change as I grow, read, learn, and explore things out of my comfort zone. This is not to say I'm a weak willed person (quite the contrary, in fact I can be QUITE stubborn) and I do have strong opinions and values, but as I've gotten older I've come to see some beliefs I held as a younger person were simply all in my head. <br />
<br />
I'm not trying to break down any of your beliefs, but I think it's important to go through life with an open mind, and a knowing that the reality we create in our own minds is not always representative of the reality in the outside world. I think its worthwhile to challenge our own beliefs and question why and how we came to the conclusions we did. If a man like Stephen Hawking can continually push boundaries against all odds, surely each one of us can too!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you ever changed a belief over time?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>What made you do so?</strong><br />
<br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-46756187710570190812015-08-25T04:08:00.002-07:002015-08-25T04:08:22.761-07:00Weekend-y ThingsIt's Tuesday and somehow I'm just getting to my weekend updates....Better late than never<br />
<br />
I started off the weekend Friday by being the victim of a hit and run in the YMCA parking lot. WHO does that?! Not cool dude. Or dudette. Even if you don't believe in karma do you at least believe in DOING THE RIGHT THING?!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8N-DrsNCw5JX11t-tgGQycMuLKei1z9EIfmJpETTWxxG3D8NhL5fkquetmcyvn5xSyBqqR-nEZB4yhEYH6hPdVzobnHiTpsQfpcwZ6AYr7pzjL0UX-PjjcQn-1t1zwjRnr_rTDp5KjQw/s1600/hit+and+run+car+accident+8-21-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8N-DrsNCw5JX11t-tgGQycMuLKei1z9EIfmJpETTWxxG3D8NhL5fkquetmcyvn5xSyBqqR-nEZB4yhEYH6hPdVzobnHiTpsQfpcwZ6AYr7pzjL0UX-PjjcQn-1t1zwjRnr_rTDp5KjQw/s320/hit+and+run+car+accident+8-21-15.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Apparently not. I do not understand humans <strike>sometimes</strike> most of the time.<br />
<br />
I needed some WOOSAH after that, so I went home and took my first ever one of these baths:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPadQReRO1NtQ5waURCfSAzLGfjvDNWgLPSEstaR-RkEfTgHQB1fAMX-5Ev6pbZHox75lWHqowN15TOD0iQGi7tFwjV5k_vNYCKPsX5EpXndbuX-QFVyLPv5cqcNShp6uZxPuI0X5UXDk/s1600/epsom+salt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPadQReRO1NtQ5waURCfSAzLGfjvDNWgLPSEstaR-RkEfTgHQB1fAMX-5Ev6pbZHox75lWHqowN15TOD0iQGi7tFwjV5k_vNYCKPsX5EpXndbuX-QFVyLPv5cqcNShp6uZxPuI0X5UXDk/s320/epsom+salt.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I soaked in the tub for the first time in months (a year maybe?!) which was nice and relaxing (I even turned out the lights and lit a candle. ROMANTIC, PARTY OF ONE), but I can't say that I really felt much of anything from the Epsom salt. Perhaps it's more for sore muscles than injured tissue, but I'll give it a few more tries. </div>
<br />
I then settled in for a night of takeout and watching movies I've seen a hundred times. SO EXCITING. Including <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1371150/">This is Where I Leave You</a>. Which I've seen at least a half dozen times now and love. I actually checked this book out of the library earlier this summer, but never got around to reading it before it was due. Anyway, if you haven't seen it, I'd recommend. Also, Jason Bateman. SOLD.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, I lifted my exercise ban because it was gorgeous outside and I just couldn't take it anymore. 6 days. That's how long I lasted.<br />
<br />
Went for a little hike with my friend and her dog:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym_eHHbSlFGR9gHCXgRVRsl8QNav0PiJppoEXk23w0MpV7SlFjd9IkTwTZ_z2f0GftPGdgSysm0zr0sWIGzufmlHB5dFRBBK13z1PneVRCmgc-kSBN7-u8L_nZ7kjbJ8MQjWwHJMRTD0/s1600/gunpowder+falls+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhym_eHHbSlFGR9gHCXgRVRsl8QNav0PiJppoEXk23w0MpV7SlFjd9IkTwTZ_z2f0GftPGdgSysm0zr0sWIGzufmlHB5dFRBBK13z1PneVRCmgc-kSBN7-u8L_nZ7kjbJ8MQjWwHJMRTD0/s320/gunpowder+falls+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfb6EEZMDMRUpBGCL5S4K89IJl1RgVE_8CfcSyk2jKeBozRR9ieEHmMcp4Pk3EZzONEFKXu6edkykAZx2YvnUOHyJeCm-AV-OHU7NjKcCsn3gW9pbr4O1iFZOUNPAnjuIEHZfi4oDx0OI/s1600/gunpowder+falls+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfb6EEZMDMRUpBGCL5S4K89IJl1RgVE_8CfcSyk2jKeBozRR9ieEHmMcp4Pk3EZzONEFKXu6edkykAZx2YvnUOHyJeCm-AV-OHU7NjKcCsn3gW9pbr4O1iFZOUNPAnjuIEHZfi4oDx0OI/s320/gunpowder+falls+1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kO0jJSxRbPUfDmCIcy4jbxLTqeTOLDUkYuTI_sy0-lBwedEUyyntvkku4omxiDfMHUxdZn8vQiVhWDUHa9xKkvSuyVgXqLQc54OpqBFCimMmMFW9b5THFKEaacnSunlQwNBrkPrzbFo/s1600/Eva+hiking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kO0jJSxRbPUfDmCIcy4jbxLTqeTOLDUkYuTI_sy0-lBwedEUyyntvkku4omxiDfMHUxdZn8vQiVhWDUHa9xKkvSuyVgXqLQc54OpqBFCimMmMFW9b5THFKEaacnSunlQwNBrkPrzbFo/s320/Eva+hiking.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And then went out for tapas and DANCING!! All the dancing. The 'lawnmower' and 'tossed salad' moves made an appearance and I didn't care who was watching. We were in a giddy mood and I have not acted that ridiculous in quite some time. I blame the entire week of self imposed rest and pent up energy. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6s3cnwfb-XZnSATnwDg-WNGL0JVfANxFsnQi8gIazQoyhGIlwXxkRS_YVcCCPywjhXzPx1I9Ltw2t6WiAzfZRMfII-RBY1MEE9XkVDSoqs0lEEWclDI0HdQqktAfHYMvF0hDBoTKZhs/s1600/tapas+7West.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_6s3cnwfb-XZnSATnwDg-WNGL0JVfANxFsnQi8gIazQoyhGIlwXxkRS_YVcCCPywjhXzPx1I9Ltw2t6WiAzfZRMfII-RBY1MEE9XkVDSoqs0lEEWclDI0HdQqktAfHYMvF0hDBoTKZhs/s320/tapas+7West.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HenrOXG5-rgW645aBRR1PzH41C9ACNNDCuG3QpJ5p3H0qbWAuN3K3Id7pA6Hw1Tmklu9kLp_kmV79lwcS0PMBqg4LNPb9y8pGN2bWYknhSUoXFDq6K59fsTdrX7s_qT4oOkaY5Y4c5E/s1600/Eva+Amanda+Jill+7West.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7HenrOXG5-rgW645aBRR1PzH41C9ACNNDCuG3QpJ5p3H0qbWAuN3K3Id7pA6Hw1Tmklu9kLp_kmV79lwcS0PMBqg4LNPb9y8pGN2bWYknhSUoXFDq6K59fsTdrX7s_qT4oOkaY5Y4c5E/s320/Eva+Amanda+Jill+7West.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKWfak5w8w_WZ6-M_0nkb7w9nRv_yU-a_NysVtpNougz0Na5ACPl-hEFMtHxVsaD3Zr1IzzSdWFTIb91N5szoVXw8Di4cSncR5ohh0ykgMMbF0-uiWVKSjxVv1Y9ENCt1LTW_E2I8Yvg/s1600/Eva+Amanda+Jill+selfie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKWfak5w8w_WZ6-M_0nkb7w9nRv_yU-a_NysVtpNougz0Na5ACPl-hEFMtHxVsaD3Zr1IzzSdWFTIb91N5szoVXw8Di4cSncR5ohh0ykgMMbF0-uiWVKSjxVv1Y9ENCt1LTW_E2I8Yvg/s320/Eva+Amanda+Jill+selfie.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After all that wine and dancing, I woke up with an intense craving for this Sunday morning: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIADS7iPMJVW39b10VfM3mcwkdDJE11DCQb_nWRL2aZXhqNy7rumQ_H7Q_MENioXPQPNMAHCB_Xk8d6sWoVewtq0yfh683T14sHzW3Y8YQEkujNhgKp5iBapeKfAQAWpN4wH7UjV_3QQ/s1600/green+smoothie+summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUIADS7iPMJVW39b10VfM3mcwkdDJE11DCQb_nWRL2aZXhqNy7rumQ_H7Q_MENioXPQPNMAHCB_Xk8d6sWoVewtq0yfh683T14sHzW3Y8YQEkujNhgKp5iBapeKfAQAWpN4wH7UjV_3QQ/s320/green+smoothie+summer.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Later, I went for a 4 mile walk. Anddddddddddd yesterday I totally paid for all that time on my feet. My leg, hamstring and now hip (?!) are all sore. You win some you lose some. <br />
<br />
In other news, 3 MORE WEEKS UNTIL I'M ON THE WEST COAST! I'm bringing my dance moves with me. WATCH OUT!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>When was the last time you shook your groove thang?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Do you watch the same movies over and over like me?!</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-90239608501581937082015-08-20T17:32:00.000-07:002015-08-20T17:50:53.507-07:00Any Action is Better Than No ActionI procrastinate, a lot. I think there are many different reasons people procrastinate, and I don't believe laziness is at the top of that list. I personally procrastinate out of fear and indecision. Or most often, fear of making the wrong decision!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHFp1tFMAAus352EzHuMAxXCCW1NWKIwhXzKm5fTxqnaRvmMV2_FtvN3qrMVg77WjPrT5n72Y3ftcXNPFGxrCXr9jrDiwfEW9okoANgXEeXwaN8ozbOKUy3aiNjVfRegMTFCx4D9vH7w/s1600/procrastinate+Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoHFp1tFMAAus352EzHuMAxXCCW1NWKIwhXzKm5fTxqnaRvmMV2_FtvN3qrMVg77WjPrT5n72Y3ftcXNPFGxrCXr9jrDiwfEW9okoANgXEeXwaN8ozbOKUy3aiNjVfRegMTFCx4D9vH7w/s320/procrastinate+Pinterest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/571323902698694927/">source/via Pinterest</a></div>
<br />
<br />
A recovering perfectionist, I have always been terrible at making decisions. I'm constantly worried whatever I choose will be 'wrong'. So in the past, I've often prolonged decisions for so long without taking action, that my inaction then made the choice <em>for</em> me, and it wasn't pretty. You see, I often thought if I didn't do anything at all, it would be better than making the 'wrong' choice. WRONG-O!<br />
<br />
By not acting, you actually put the power of your choice in others hands. Without being an active participant in your life, you allow the environment to choose for you, bending this way and that according to the needs of others. <em>(*See my entire 9 year career in Finance for reference!)</em><br />
<br />
I've come to learn that<strong> taking action, ANY action, is better than doing nothing at all</strong>.<br />
<br />
Sure you may fail or make the wrong choice sometimes, but that's how you learn. You may also make the RIGHT choice sometimes too. <br />
<br />
I see this in children all the time. Kids are most often naturally fearless. They are uninhibited and uncensored. They take life as it comes without fear of failure, because they don't really know what that means yet! It is often social conditioning from those around them that teaches them to be fearful. And in certain amounts and situations, they do need to be taught to tread lightly. ie. Don't blindly run across the street because you could be hit by a car. But in others, say learning to ride a bike, they've just got to go for it. Sure, they may fall off a few times, but it won't be deadly, and each ride they'll go a little further, and a little further, without falling, until they're sailing off into the sunset. I think it's our responsibility to make sure we keep the spirit of adventure and fearlessness alive in children, and not teach them to approach life with a fearful heart. <em>#endnannyrant</em><br />
<br />
Another big thing that keeps me from taking action, besides fear, is that I can't see the end result or the big picture, so I often don't know where to start. But that's the thing, you can't predict the future, and <u>you can't see the end until you actually get there</u>. The key is TAKING THE FIRST STEP. And somehow, that will lead to the next step, and so on and so on. You most often find your way just by starting.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsvtYsNZh6ko1icyahiCzIT82GPETu5LAUETrITdorwK95gkXzEbbzZU4iSfi8M-KT-bOfOwaXzU8Y0_EYVyrRIQSu6dLJPCzUqVPq_1ggbwr-TAiW4UEp_qvMS1vLOEAImuJuhGxz_0/s1600/Take+the+first+step+Pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsvtYsNZh6ko1icyahiCzIT82GPETu5LAUETrITdorwK95gkXzEbbzZU4iSfi8M-KT-bOfOwaXzU8Y0_EYVyrRIQSu6dLJPCzUqVPq_1ggbwr-TAiW4UEp_qvMS1vLOEAImuJuhGxz_0/s320/Take+the+first+step+Pinterest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.soberjulie.com/2012/06/life-change/#comment-8980">source/via Pinterest</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Case in point, my California trip in September. I had been hemming and hawing for weeks about booking the tickets because I didn't have the entire thing planned out in my head. Dates I'll be gone, stops to be made on the road, rooms to book on Airbnb. There's so much to plan and planning is not my forte. (Seriously, whenever I get married, I want someone to plan the entire thing for me. Just let me pick out a dress and tell me where to show up. DONE.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I didn't really know where to start. So I stalled. And procrastinated. And meanwhile, ticket prices kept creeping up! So I finally just bought the damn tickets! And now, all the steps I need to take are becoming clearer. I finally have concrete dates and now I can go from there. Booking rooms, getting a car, etc etc. One step just leads to the next. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixW83HwaJM0j7a-IgiPIcTFI8sqOJvyilM-9JScpcAu_52QZqUmpn3LaM7nIzbdLNqb9QEiabSYJ7PegxPDVeNiS3nSyfrxB76x1siC0pDbUVmnzXC0hyNHfTCiGiuj9OExrSNePTTtgs/s1600/flight+details.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixW83HwaJM0j7a-IgiPIcTFI8sqOJvyilM-9JScpcAu_52QZqUmpn3LaM7nIzbdLNqb9QEiabSYJ7PegxPDVeNiS3nSyfrxB76x1siC0pDbUVmnzXC0hyNHfTCiGiuj9OExrSNePTTtgs/s320/flight+details.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong>SO CAL HERE I COME!!!</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Health and fitness operate on this same schema. <strong>Doing SOMETHING, anything, is better than DOING nothing at all</strong>. That line that says even if you run slower than molasses in January, you're still lapping everyone on the couch is true. Any movement is better than no movement at all.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nike's had it right all these years - JUST DO IT. Anything. You may try and fail, but you'll never know what could have been if you just sit there and stare out the window.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And also, the longer you procrastinate on buying airline tickets, the more money you'll lose. Just FYI!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Are you a procrastinator or do you take action?</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Do you have a hard time making decisions?</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong>Have you ever delayed taking action and then learned the lesson the hard way?</strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-26350766220976306702015-08-18T03:56:00.001-07:002015-08-18T03:56:32.757-07:00Self Diagnosis and Who Am I?And just like that it's another week. Where is the summer going?!?! Don't answer that. Summer is going to last forever, just like my cats.<br />
<br />
I finally decided to stop being an idiot and take some time off from exercise to allow my leg to heal. Obviously, cutting out running but still working out rather aggressively 5-6 days/week was just making things worse. That was further evidenced when I went for a long bike ride back in PA this weekend and then could barely walk afterward. Sometimes I really need to be shouted at to get the point!<br />
<br />
I am still convinced that what I have is tendinitis of one of the tendons/ligaments in the back of my leg. Either something connected to the hamstring, or after some Googling around this weekend, possibly this: <a href="http://thesolemate.com/articles/popliteus-syndrome-or-mysterious-knee-pain.html">Popliteus Tendinitis</a>. There's a mouthful. In all my years of AP Bio and Anatomy, never once had I heard of the popliteus muscle. You learn something new every day. If you are in the same boat here's a visual for you:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RBr7G2oofDm314_IXleyWEfMHEZCkuiKzmCWJ8Qj9BE6ViKTDVjKZv7tq_oD3bTPMjo4edPLH2SYoCLL7-xdpx8GWxUCaT07CS0TKoP6nON_Z4uOsqpDFe15-MYw18ONurvJmbx27l4/s1600/Popliteus-Injury-inner-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RBr7G2oofDm314_IXleyWEfMHEZCkuiKzmCWJ8Qj9BE6ViKTDVjKZv7tq_oD3bTPMjo4edPLH2SYoCLL7-xdpx8GWxUCaT07CS0TKoP6nON_Z4uOsqpDFe15-MYw18ONurvJmbx27l4/s320/Popliteus-Injury-inner-image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.epainassist.com/sports-injuries/knee-injuries/popliteus-injury">source</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<span id="goog_1756275938"></span><span id="goog_1756275939">I was reading a bunch of threads from injured runners on <a href="http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=3866340">Let's Run</a> and the symptoms sound similar to what I'm experiencing. Unfortunately, the only cure for any kind of tendinitis (or any injury in general!) is rest. If you come back too soon, you just prolong the injury. So rest it is. And now, if anyone ever asks you where the popliteus muscle is you can tell them! I hope you win Final Jeopardy one day because of me :)</span><br />
<br />
It's disappointing that I won't be able to run the trail half I had planned to run with my friend, but as much as I was looking forward to it, this race is about her. It is her first half marathon EVER and I think it's more important that I be a spectator instead of a participant so that I can really support her. She has been at the finish line of MANY of my races and now I can't wait to be at hers!<br />
<br />
Being an injured runner has a way making anyone who's experienced it feel a little down, a little lost, and a little unsure of who they are anymore. I was pondering why this is, which got my head spinning off a complete tangent. So get ready.<br />
<br />
I think the problem becomes when we define ourselves as "A Runner". Or anything for that matter. <br />
A Teacher/CEO/Banker/Janitor/(Fill in your occupation here). A Wife. A Mother. __________'s Girlfriend. A Homeowner. Someone who drives a BMW. Someone who wears designer clothes. Etc, etc.<br />
<br />
The issue arises when you attach WHO you ARE to something external, rather than internal. Because what happens when that thing, person, hobby, etc are suddenly gone? You are left questioning who you are. You are left feeling that who you are is gone. But that can never be the case. Who you are deep inside, your soul, will always be there. <br />
<br />
You are not any more or less a person, a human being, by having or not having any of the above things. I think it becomes dangerous when we tie our identity to other people or things. Whether that be a spouse, material objects, or even talents. All of those things can be taken away in an instant and if you are not grounded in who you are, you can become lost. <br />
<br />
But I think we all feel this way sometimes, especially when the rug gets pulled out from under us. If a relationship ends, or we lose a job, or we have to sit some time out due to illness or injury. I can't run right now, but I'm still Jill. Vegan ice cream may not always be my favorite food, but I'm still Jill. My body will physically change over the years, where I live, who I love, and what I do for work will no doubt continue to change, but I will always be me. And so will you. <br />
<br />
<br />
My popliteus and I will continue pondering more of life's great mysteries during this downtime. I hope to bring you more words you cannot pronounce in my next post. <br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. I just saw a commercial for <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1178665/">A Walk in the Woods the MOVIE</a> on TV!!!!!!!!! It's apparently coming out in theaters in September. Life is grand.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Have you learned anything new or interesting lately?!</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Share some of your favorite vocabulary words with me!</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-17499758789491088142015-08-12T03:20:00.000-07:002015-08-12T03:20:51.589-07:00The State of My LegHello, Welcome, and Good Evening my Fellow Americans. Tonight we gather to discuss the State of our Union. J/K. I'm here to discuss the state of my currently gimpy leg.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5YIkKAWCb5PUiYjQ-ITruqkTZczrAuyo8wLM7_nJphu9byzw5r8ejkUzN2m5lC7uvvXz0VDcTC2Ro4RDTfpstEB6hh-ZiuQ1xmkPeyl78NWtTkXhMhJY8rSFmqwkI9YKOHNj6rWSlQQ/s1600/Jill+DC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5YIkKAWCb5PUiYjQ-ITruqkTZczrAuyo8wLM7_nJphu9byzw5r8ejkUzN2m5lC7uvvXz0VDcTC2Ro4RDTfpstEB6hh-ZiuQ1xmkPeyl78NWtTkXhMhJY8rSFmqwkI9YKOHNj6rWSlQQ/s320/Jill+DC.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Addressing Congress...</div>
<br />
<br />
As you may or may not have noticed, there has not been much mention of RUNNING on this here running blog the past few weeks. In fact, it has indeed been nearly 4 weeks now that I've abstained from running in the hopes that whatever this twinge/strain/inflammation on the back of my leg was would make a hasty retreat. I'm sorry to report that has not happened :(<br />
<br />
Truth be told, I have not really been resting my leg. I've maintained my normal workouts, save for running. My weekly workouts have generally looked like this the past month:<br />
<br />
<strong>Monday:</strong> Strength or HIIT workout (Bodyweight only, at home)<br />
<strong>Tuesday:</strong> Strength workout (Weight lifting at the gym)<br />
<strong>Wednesday:</strong> BodyCombat (Les Mills kickboxing class)<br />
<strong>Thursday:</strong> 4 mile walk (outside)<br />
<strong>Friday:</strong> Bicycling + Rowing workout (gym)<br />
<strong>Saturday:</strong> REST or Hike outdoors<br />
<strong>Sunday:</strong> 4 mile walk (outside)<br />
<br />
Throughout all of this my leg has not been in pain, but it didn't really feel like it was getting much better. To be clear, this is not a knee injury. It is an inflammation/pain of the tendons, ligaments or muscles in the fleshy part of the back of my leg behind my knee.<br />
<br />
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and let me tell you, I have been dying for a run. So, last Thursday I turned that 4 mile walk up there into a 3 mile run. Bad news bears. 1 mile in I felt GREAT! I was RUNNING for heaven's sake. The wind in my hair, finally breaking into a real sweat, endorphins starting to kick in, and then I felt it. An ache. A twinge. A pinch in my leg behind my knee. MOTHER F#$*(&^@!!!!<br />
<br />
I convinced myself it wasn't that bad and continued to run. Another mile. It was definitely there. Pain. Mile 3. Ok time to stop. And I definitely paid for that <strike>drug-induced</strike> endorphin-induced relapse right there, because my leg has been sore ever since. I've been getting some strange numbness up and down that leg now and into my foot/arch as well. It comes and goes. Very strange. <br />
<br />
I still don't know where this mystery injury came from. Is it because I'm wearing running shoes that are far past their prime? Could be. My shoes are 9 months old. Way beyond their lifetime at this point. Is it because I've been doing 2+ mile walks daily in flip flops with my charges at work? Probably a contributor. Did I strain something in my new kickboxing class and continue to aggravate it each week? Also a possibility!<br />
<br />
I had planned to run <a href="http://race.delawareandlehigh.org/">this trail half marathon</a> with my friend November 1st, but now it seems that may not be a possibility. Even with the very abbreviated training cycles I do, I still need a minimum of 8 weeks to adequately up my mileage for a half. That means I would have to start training Sept 1st and that just doesn't seem a possibility right now. I guess as a last ditch effort I could try to abstain COMPLETELY from all physical activity for the rest of August and attempt a run come September 1. But who are we kidding. If you got me to sit still for 2 1/2 weeks you should buy a lottery ticket because you're definitely a miracle worker. I think at the very least, I will cut out as much walking as possible, as that seems to aggravate it the most. <br />
<br />
<em>[PSA: I'm somewhat making light of this but if I was in extreme pain, if I felt something may be broken, or if my daily activities were being hindered in any way, I'd obviously abstain from physical activity and possibly see a Dr. I'm not advising anyone take my advice regarding overuse injuries right now!]</em><br />
<br />
Any suggestions, commiserations, pity parties are welcome! If you are running right now, LUCKY LUCKY you. I want to be you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1AQ_5JoCLT2CCXqasRenVUsNszgVp89sq-2rZV_ttWi5XGdJcOLu4RubzxfXfW30x3nRhOIJs-0yKlekBmIb8mFE31ySvLjrSw_RCCUi1bbFy4qcxEERAEx9D9ef0ywZa8yghcOrQeg/s1600/summer+running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1AQ_5JoCLT2CCXqasRenVUsNszgVp89sq-2rZV_ttWi5XGdJcOLu4RubzxfXfW30x3nRhOIJs-0yKlekBmIb8mFE31ySvLjrSw_RCCUi1bbFy4qcxEERAEx9D9ef0ywZa8yghcOrQeg/s320/summer+running.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You haunt my dreams</div>
<br />
<br />
The State of our Union is strong my fellow Americans (mmm, debatable), but the state of my leg is not. Send good vibes. And I'll send some your way :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>When was the last time you suffered a running injury?</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>What was it and how long did it last?</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>And HOW DID YOU DEAL!?!?</strong><br />
<br />JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7559984268348173690.post-39541436746300712772015-08-07T03:18:00.000-07:002015-08-07T03:18:01.463-07:00Recent Reads (Book Review): Hiking EditionWhen I went to the library a few weeks ago, I was looking for some 'outdoors' books. Not field guides, but just some accounts of people adventuring in the great outdoors. Something about the summer makes me want to immerse myself not just physically, but mentally, in the natural world as well.<br />
<br />
Back when I read <em>Wild</em> (which if you recall I LOVED), I heard about another highly recommended hiking account and put it on my reading list. I forgot about it for awhile, but then it seemed to be checked out of the library every time I remembered it. In fact, when I went to check on it again a few weeks ago, the system said the book was in, but it was not on the shelves and the librarian said it was 'missing'. [<em>Do people steal library books?!</em> I wondered] She told me she would go "in the back" because there was one more place she could check for it. As an aside, I'd love to know the deep, dark, secret places that are off limits in the library. Ha. Anyway, she came out a few minutes later, with the book in hand:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCp63qfHIWw9qfouVkA5kvfXGU27BzcSsHAh1D1gHRjbB-sSBoWoVFKiJr192V78JKos8kFI8tk9rkw_xoeDOPiSiTPeunoteZOq2M5-UUmOSjUbxm6dmulTFi8RvFJn6cCYRzumZ_5rA/s1600/a+walk+in+the+woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCp63qfHIWw9qfouVkA5kvfXGU27BzcSsHAh1D1gHRjbB-sSBoWoVFKiJr192V78JKos8kFI8tk9rkw_xoeDOPiSiTPeunoteZOq2M5-UUmOSjUbxm6dmulTFi8RvFJn6cCYRzumZ_5rA/s320/a+walk+in+the+woods.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Walk-Woods-Rediscovering-America-Appalachian/dp/0307279464">source</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This has quickly become one of my favorite books! If you are a serious/semi-professional hiker looking for specifics and intricacies of hiking the Appalachian Trail, then this may not be the book for you. But if you simply love the outdoors, humor, or both, I think you will LOVE this account as much as I did!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was the first time I've read anything by the author, Bill Bryson, and I immediately found him so endearing and hysterical. I now have more of his books on my reading list. Bryson is an American author who spent most of his life growing up and living in Britain. He's no pro hiker but after moving back to America he decided to hike the Appalachian Trail as a way to get to know the American wilderness. He had done some recreational (day) hiking in England and was in fair shape, but he had never done a thru-hike like this. His plan was to hike the entire extent of the Appalachian Trail over the course of several months, which stretches from Georgia to Maine and is more than 2,100 miles. He put notes in his Christmas cards before he set out, inviting friends and family to hike with him, hoping to find companions for at least part of the way. Only one person responded, and it was a long-lost (incredibly out of shape) college friend named Stephen Katz, who said he'd do the whole thing with him. The hilarious dynamic and misadventures between these two guys is what made the book (and I'm sure their hike) so entertaining. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There were so many laugh-out-loud lines in this book, like this: <em>"What on earth would I do if four bears came into my camp? Why, I would die, of course. Literally shit myself lifeless. I would blow my sphincter out my backside like one of those unrolling paper streamers you get at children's parties - I daresay it would even give a merry toot - and bleed to a messy death in my sleeping bag."</em></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What I also liked about this book was that Bryson gave a lot of historical context about the trail itself, the National Park Service, and the sad state of deforestation and (lack of) ecological conservation in this country. His comedic retelling of the journey is often interspersed with a lot of important facts and back stories about parts of the trail or wildlife contained therein. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was one of those books I read so quickly, but made myself put down a few times to make it last longer! I won't give you any spoilers as to their success rate on the trail but if you're interested in the outdoors at all I would absolutely recommend this book! I almost want to read it again right now...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After that stunner, I picked up another autobiographical trail account. This one:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTwUN095d_GnsJLY-NKHaWg6ITOrepdXMaehh8CBlslFqong8UBUcb_bjCGuYYZ88U7GJyY3ULDeHBK998J_10UKoFb3YbU0AosVTf3WTQdOxSrYmrCLJpC_J-jTkZGk7z79p2_pI5nw/s1600/I+promise+not+to+suffer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTwUN095d_GnsJLY-NKHaWg6ITOrepdXMaehh8CBlslFqong8UBUcb_bjCGuYYZ88U7GJyY3ULDeHBK998J_10UKoFb3YbU0AosVTf3WTQdOxSrYmrCLJpC_J-jTkZGk7z79p2_pI5nw/s320/I+promise+not+to+suffer.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Promise-Not-Suffer-Hikes-Pacific/dp/1594857458/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438880743&sr=1-1&keywords=i+promise+not+to+suffer">source</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This was a first hand account of the Pacific Coast Trail hike on the opposite coast of the US, written by Gail Storey. The PCT runs from the California/Mexico border to Canada on the west coast and is over 2,600 miles. This one paled in comparison to the book above for me. I don't know if I just enjoyed the male perspective in <em>A Walk in the Woods</em> more, and/or Bryson's humor, but I Promise Not to Suffer was much more instrospective and it became a bit annoying at points for me. I realize Wild is a hugely instrospective book as well, but Strayed drew me in more and made me feel more connected and concerned with her struggles. I didn't connect as much with this author, although it was still a fair read, and I started to enjoy it the more I read. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Storey and her husband, a hospice care doctor, have done some long-distance bike rides and similar adventures together. When her husband quits his job to hike the entire PCT over a 6 month time span, she decides to tag along, even though she defines herself as not much of an outdoors girl. Her husband is knowledgeable and does a lot of prep leading up to the hike. If you've read Wild, then you might remember how much gear and preparation is required for a hike of the PCT (Strayed was admittedly not very prepared.) They have to plan out their needs months in advance, and pack up supply boxes to be shipped to various posts along the hike to replenish their food/hygiene products/clothing. Unlike Bryson who was not into gear or gear talk at all, Storey's husband Porter did an immense amount of research into their gear so their packs would be as light as possible. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Despite all of this, Storey herself had a difficult time physically on the trail, and despite eating 6,000+ calories a day, she ended up losing 20 pounds throughout the journey! Hiking 20 miles/day will do that to you I suppose. The dangers she talks about on the trail are almost unbelievable at points. I really can't fathom crossing flooded, high current rivers wearing giant packs on your back, scaling mountains with 5,000 foot elevations only to have to go right back down the other side, this time in ice, sleeping with bugs and rodents literally crawling all over you, facing down mountain lions and rattlesnakes daily, and hiking nearly the equivalent of a marathon day after day, week after week, throughout all of this!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I won't give any spoilers here either regarding their success/completion of the trail, but reading both of these accounts of people hiking as duos on the trail just makes me more in awe of Cheryl Strayed (<em>Wild</em>) being able to accomplish this ON HER OWN. I guess that's one reason I loved that book so much. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's still absolutely a bucket list item of mine to plan out and do one of these thru-hikes someday before I die. After reading accounts like these, I wonder how long I could actually manage out there. Would I make it out alive? I hope one day to find out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Despite all of our modern advances, I think deep down most people still long to return to their wild roots. To seek that from which we originally came, before shopping malls, cars and cubicles became our way of life. I know I do!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<strong><em>"Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books." ~ John Lubback</em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
Also linking up with <a href="http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/">MamaKat today</a>!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl1ipG_IZKmFJZALiBwIBmtF_AtBmbm3edrZP_XcalxhiGYqtUpDfISFtmTDcl2PjM-Brm8U0ltUAh0WDaz-dY6_J6I344UxsdZTmlnXr17bh3IHbMoBpDt2K1p7oTqoOLOCQbhtEH0M/s1600/mama+kat%2527s+writing+workshop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUl1ipG_IZKmFJZALiBwIBmtF_AtBmbm3edrZP_XcalxhiGYqtUpDfISFtmTDcl2PjM-Brm8U0ltUAh0WDaz-dY6_J6I344UxsdZTmlnXr17bh3IHbMoBpDt2K1p7oTqoOLOCQbhtEH0M/s1600/mama+kat%2527s+writing+workshop.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong>Have you read either of these books?</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>Do you have any desire to do a thru-hike of this magnitude?</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
JBeanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11544038103802020393noreply@blogger.com6