Birthday Weekend

     On Friday, Geoff had to go in to his last day of a course he was taking, and take a test.  I made sure to give him his pep talk letting him know again that Dick's Don't Fail; and told him to Go, Fight, Win!  I think my pep talks really work, because yet again he passed with flying colors!  He got done early, so we were able to spend the rest of the day together.  We decided to go for a walk around some of the mountains near our house.  When we got back from exploring, I let Geoff be the "grilling master" of the house and grill some chicken on the grill at the pool.  I have to say I will let him grill again!  Was pretty yummy!  
     I told Geoff not to get me anything for my birthday, but instead to take me somewhere.  We decided to go to Julian on Saturday for hiking, apple pie, and beer.  We woke up early Saturday and headed out.  There are some pretty nice hikes near this town, according to the internet, so I was excited to get to find another great hike!  We found a place to park, and went hiking.  Now our phones wouldn't work, so we didn't really know where the hike went or where the good hikes were, but oh well we were hiking!  We walked and walked and finally said we better turn around, because we saw a sign that said we had gone 3.5 miles and that's how much we had to do to go back, because this was not a loop trail and we were never getting back to the car if we continued!  Once we finally got back, it had been 2 hours.  We went to the bathroom and got some water.  Geoff was like you want to keep hiking; duh don't ask me that question!!  I was like ya; let's go.  I don't think he was too excited that I said yes, but he came along.  We found a new direction to go and we were off.  This was supposed to be the airplane monument trail, which I was like Geoff don't you want to see the airplane monument!!  We go for around 30 minutes and find nothing.  At this point I was ready to go ahead and turn around; and I'm sure Geoff was as well, but we ran into some people on horseback with a map.  Geoff checked it out and said looks like not too much farther and we will end up back at the car.  I was like ok lets go!  We kept running into this people on horseback.  They were like wow ya'll are fast.  In my head I'm thinking; I'm so ready for some food and a drink, so ya we are moving fast!  They did finally feel sorry for us and gave us some water.  They probably were making fun of us; who goes out hiking and takes nothing with them!!  We finally end up at sign that says we still have 1.5 miles, so we keep going.  And we get to another sign and it says 1.5 more miles.  I'm like wow we are never getting back.  Finally, after another 2 hours we see the car.  I'm pretty sure I sprinted to the car!!  Horse people were prolly like she sure it in a hurry!!  Mind you, we were in front of the horses at this point.  Needless to say we didn't get to hike one of the top 10 hikes of San Diego like I wanted, but oh well it was fun anyway! 
     I'm pretty sure Geoff will never go hiking with me again, but maybe I can talk him into it again.  We took our shoes off at the car and our feet were so dirty.  I didn't know how I was going to go to town being so dirty, but I wanted some food!  So, we changed clothes in the parking lot and went to town.  Julian is known for it's apple pie, (which neither of us are really crazy about) so we knew we couldn't go to Julian without eating some apple pie. 
     We went to a restaurant to have some lunch and apple pie.  I told Geoff I was going to the bathroom, but didn't make it back for awhile.  I decided, I was going to take a shower in the bathroom!  LOL Ok not literally, but I did wash my feet, legs, face, and hands.  I was so gross!! 
     After lunch, we walked through the town.  I think I was dragging Geoff along, at this point, to these shops.  I think his feet were hurting really bad, but I had to go see these stores.  He put on a smile and came along with me!  After all the stores, we made our way to a brewery that they had in town.  We sampled some of their beers.  I was not a big fan of these beers.  They kind of tasted like dirty socks.  There were a couple that were ok, but I'll pass on those!
     We made our way back, and one of Geoff's friends called and wanted to have us over for dinner.  So we ran home, showered, got dressed, and were right back in the car headed to their house.  Had some pulled pork, beers, fire, and good conversation.  Who would have thought we would actually enjoy a fire in June, but it was nice and the weather was amazing.  I'm pretty sure that day wore us out!!  We were both beat after all that.
     Sunday, we decided to try out our first church.  We went to a Lutheran Church near the house.  It was a Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, which I had no idea anything about, but they believe in the Bible, so why not.  When we got there, they were just like the church I went to in OG, looking for a pastor.  So, this wasn't their regular preacher, but he did do a good job.  We are probably going to try another church or two more...  Not a bad one, but I'm not sure.
     All in all a good weekend here in the big California.  Looking forward to more exploring.  I guess this week I better start looking for something to do during the week, so I don't get bored (not that I have yet).  I either have to find something to do, or have a kid and I'm sure Geoff would rather not!  :)

                           Enjoying a little something from home! Thanks Dad!

                 Our dinner Friday!  Grilled Chicken, squash, corn/black bean salad.

                            One of the trails, uh will we ever get back!

                                               Me on the trail!

                                  Me and Geoff! :)  He's still smiling! :)

                                   Isn't it such a great scenery!  NOT!

                              Our people on Horseback we were following!

                                                     Lunch!

                                             Famous Apple Pie!

                                                   Our beers

                          Enjoying the fire pit!  Yes enjoying fire in June!!! :)

Happy Hump Day; Happy Birthday!

     On this day, 31 years ago I was brought into this world.  As I look back on life, it seems crazy how everything has turned out for me.  Never would I have imagined I would be living in California; ever in my whole life would I have imagined EVER living outside of the great state of Texas.  But here I am!  Before I left Texas, I was with my mom and we ran into a friend of hers.  She asked how I was and who I had married and how it all happened.  My mom told her version of the story and it was weird to me to hear it out of someones mouth besides mine.  It is crazy to me how God has a path for you and truly looks out for you throughout your life.  It has taken me a long time to actually listen to God.  And I mean actually listen.  He's there and always working for you in your life.  I am truly blessed to be where I am today; to have some of the best friends, family, and the greatest husband.  At the most random times, something happens or someone comes into your life when you need them the most.  My life could have turned out so much different.  It's weird because I was so close to settling in my life.  Let's face it I wasn't getting any younger, wasn't looking to go back to the dating scene; seemed easier just to settle.  But then you just LISTEN and change your whole life with a couple changes; break up, quit job of 7 years and get a new one.  With those two things, happiness was found.  Not even two weeks later, I found Geoff and a new job, with who would have known, my BFF would be found.  The past two years have been the best of my life and can't wait for this ride to keep going and take me where ever!  Sorry for the ramblings lol just enjoying my coffee on my birthday and blogging!
     On Facebook this morning, The Praying Woman had 2 status's today that were perfect for my Blog today.  1.  Never underestimate God's ability to turn your situation around!  2.  When things don't look like they'll workout... pray, smile, and have faith that God has already worked them out!  As I wrote this, I happen to see those and couldn't help but put them in this Blog.  Those are both so true, and I have to keep reminding myself that all the time.
     So, I get up this morning and go for my run.  My husband, for those of you that don't know, is the sweetest guy!  When you least expect it, he just warms your heart to pieces.  Not that he doesn't do that everyday of my life, but he went above and beyond this morning!  I walked in from my run and see these little pieces of paper sticking out of my keys and sunglasses.  I pick them up and they are little cut out hearts; one side has a letter and one side has a cute little saying using that letter.  I go in every room of the house and there are more and more of these!  I'm guessing they are supposed to spell something!
     A few of the little sayings:
        You're the Best
         What up Dick?
          You've got it Goin' on
          Thirty-one!  Getting better every year!
          Thirty-one?  I'd still card you! (funny cause I got carded yesterday!)
          I Really Love You
          Birthday time!
          I Dig your Intelligence!!
          You're Awesome!
           I can't believe Your Hotness!
          I keep falling more in love with you!
   And they keep going I won't bore you with them, but his is just so super sweet! :)
     So he finally texts me, as I am looking at all these letters trying to figure out what it spells, and asks if I had found anything.  I tell him how many I found and he says there's 31 (since I'm 31, how clever)!  I'm 4 short.  He gives me some clues, and to each one I say I found those.  I search and search; I hate losing!!  Finally I give up.  He comes home, and looks for them and he can't find them.  HMMMMM  He goes out to his car, and he had forgot to put them out!! LOL  All day that had bothered me!
     I wanted to go to dinner and have some beers.  And, of course, I had a coupon for a free pizza at Oggi's a pizza a brew place.  All you had to do was spend $30.  I can drink that much beer lol!  So we go try out some brews have an appetizer and some pizza!  Come home and Geoff had bought an ice cream cake from Cold Stone!! MMM 
     Good night; Good 31st Birthday!

                                All my Hearts with sayings on the back

                                     Break from looking for hearts!

                         Happy Thirty First Birthday Sweetie!!  31 letters!

                                                       Oggi's

                             The Brews!  We had all but first and last one!

                 MMMM Ice Cream Cake!!!  Even made him sing Happy Birthday!!!!

Tuesday's Little things that made me smile...

Just a few things that made me smile on Tuesday!
1.  I had just finished my run and I hear Have a Good Day... I was like who is this person, and I turn and it was my husband on his way to work!  Smiled the rest of that walk! :)
2.  Military discount at Sports Authority; yes please! :)
3.  Went to Bed Bath and Beyond and had a 20% off my entire purchase!!
4.  Bed Bath and Beyond is not like a regular one!  This thing has makeup, a world market food section, medicine, and even toiletry's!!  Pretty sure I was in this store for 3 hours!! :)  Store was amazing!! :)
5.  Almost forgot the best one!!  Went to Albertson's with my coupon in hand and got a 30 pack of Coors Light for $17.99!!  And I got carded!  SMILE!! :)  

Take Seidels to the Airport...

     Well, we dropped the parents off Sunday morning at the airport. It was sad to see them go, but I know I have to continue this adventure with my husband. It was kind of like a mini vacation while they were here, and felt like I was supposed to be going back with them. As we drove off, I then realized it wasn't a vacation it was my life. I was to be in California with my husband and not Texas with family and friends. I know they will always be there for me and support me, but still a little scary for me.
     Geoff and I spent the rest of the day relaxing after such a busy week. We went to the pool to catch some rays, but all we caught was a bunch of screaming kids! Poor Geoff couldn't get a nap and I had a hard time focusing on my book!
     We came back for a movie, beer, and dinner. All in all nice relaxing day together.

 
     On Monday morning Geoff needed a new tire, so he left me his car and took mine to work. Wonder if he was nervous about leaving his car with me!!! Task:  Get a new tire put on his car.  Task: Accepted! Thankfully, he had already been to the place told them what he needed and paid for it; all I had to do was drive the car over there! So, I got to pretend I was a Cali girl cruisin the streets in my BMW (swear that's all people drive here), with my aviator shades, hair down, windows rolled down, and sun roof open!! Pretty sure I thought I was cooler than I really was, but it sure was fun!!! I then proceeded to hit up some grocery stores looking for something to cook for dinners this week!! For those of you that don't know, I love going to the grocery store!! I don't know why, but love it. Probably has to do with the fact that I love food and love cooking!! So excited to be back to cooking and planning nightly dinners!! Geoff came home early from work and we just hung out and relaxed the rest of the evening. We then had Mexican night at the Dicks, with chalupas and Tecate (dad was so impressed with the price, he bought 2 30 packs, and somehow some was left over for us to enjoy)!

Iron Mountain

     Last night was the dreaded 42 night for Geoff!!  I think that Geoff would rather watch paint dry, than play 42!  Not his favorite thing to do, but he was a good sport and sat there and pretended like he knew what he was doing!!  After 2 games of 42, I thought we should let Geoff out of games, but a game of 31 was next.  I think he actually enjoyed this one a little more; and actually almost beat dad, but didn't quite pull it off!  
     Dad wanted a difficult hike today, so Geoff gave him one!  Geoff can't figure out why all they want to do is hike.  LOL  I told Geoff he better be lucky he missed the ones while he was working!  We made our way to Poway, California for a hike.  We really weren't sure about this hike, but no turning back now; I was ready!  We, of course, packed our lunches and started out.  The area up in this part of California was really beautiful.  It was about 15 degrees hotter there, which I wasn't ready for, but oh well I'm from Texas, all I know is heat!  This hike goes up this ginormous mountain.  Okay, maybe it wasn't ginormous, but it sure felt that way.  I didn't think we would ever get up to the top.  I had to look it up and it isn't even a hard trail on the 10 Great Hikes in San Diego website, but is a medium hike.  But there is another trail that is hard in the same location; looks like Geoff is going hiking again!!  I may be able to talk him into another hike!! 
     Geoff and I made it to the top first and waited around for mom and dad.  We really weren't sure if they were going to come to the top or turn around early, but I figured eventually they would get to the top.  Finally, I heard my dad's voice and they made it.  Mom was struggling, he thought we were going to have to carry her back down the mountain.  Once on the top, you could see so much; it was really beautiful.  I told Geoff that pictures don't really even do it justice, but I'll share some anyway.
     We made it back down and had our lunch at the bottom of the mountain.  I couldn't wait to get home and clean off.  Geoff and I thought a nice dip in the pool would work!
     I guess this is all from the adventures of the week...  The vacationers leave and finally me and Geoff time.  Not that we don't like visitors, but we have been away from each other over a month now! :)
     Mom asked Dad what the best part of the trip was and he gave his spill, then mom gave hers.  Then she asked me; I'm like I don't know, all cool.  It was so cute; Geoff said how about being reunited with me!  Love him!!  I, of course, said you bet, that was the best part!! :)

                                    We hiked to the top of that mountain!

                                    Iron Mountain; sure why not!

 Mom and Dad taking off!  They started ahead of us, but we overtook them in the end!

                                                        YEA!!

                     Geoff taking random picture of me walking... Action shot

                                      Babe it's hot; no pictures please...

                                     Okay if you insist I'll smile!

                         Saw this hottie on the trail!!  Got his digits! :)

                                   Geoff's panoramic from the top...

                               We are done; hurry up Geoff!

                                     My Dick's Don't Fail look!

                                Our awesome dirty legs; gross feet!!

All the way to the Midway

     Woke up this morning ready for some adventure.  Geoff had his test this morning, so I made sure I gave him a pep talk; told him to Go, Fight, Win as I was walking out this morning!  I then had to quickly back by and let him know that Dick's DON'T fail tests!  Probably not that funny reading about it, now that I just typed it, but we have been laughing throughout the day, my great encouragement!  Geoff came home from his test and we were ready to go out on our next adventure.
     We proceed to try to ride the trolly again from a different location, but found no parking at the trolley station, so just decided to drive to downtown and park in a garage.  We then hike our way along the bay to the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier.  Now, I have lived in Corpus forever and there was the Lexington right down the road and never went to see it, so I guess this was a good time to experience a carrier.  My mom, on the other hand, goes every year with her class, so she was a veteran at touring this thing.  We got this great deal when we were getting our tickets.  It was the same price as we were paying and we got a year long guest pass.  So, if anyone wants to come to the Midway, I can take 3 guests with me!  I make a great tour guide!  Geoff even got a VIP sticker, to make him feel important!  We apparently get discounts on food and the gift shop with our new status at the Midway!  Its pretty funny going through this with mom and dad.  Mom wants to read everything and dad wants to look and go.  Mom wanted to get the audio tour; dad nope.  Geoff and I are more casual, laid back; read what we want, look at what we want, nice easy pace.  Dad seems to rush rush... Even walking back; We are stuffed and he's walking at race pace.  Geoff and I were strolling, not even going to try to keep up! 
     When we left the Midway, we walked down and saw the National Salute to Bob Hope.  Mom and Dad loved seeing this.  Dad said the best thing to watch were the USO comedy specials with Bob Hope.
     After touring the Midway, we were starving.  As much as mom wanted to pack her lunch or eat before leaving; dad wasn't having it!  So, we strolled down to Seaport Village to have some food and beer.  We ate burgers at the San Diego Burger Company and drank a couple pitchers of beer.  We still had a long stroll back, which was pretty hard after all the food and beer, but we made it! 
     We then took a stroll through the Gaslamp Quarter.  There were many shops and restaurants there.  Was a pretty neat place to go.  I knew mom and dad were tired from all the walking, so I told Geoff we better head back to the car and go home.  Of course, we got home and they were napping.  It was like 4:45 by the time we got home.  But I guess they still need their naps!
     I think tonight mom and dad are going to put Geoff through playing 42; something he really doesn't like, but he said he would play one night!  He's such a nice guy! :) 

                                       Mom and Dad at Midway

                                   I look horrible, but in front of Midway...

                                           Geoff and his VIP sticker!

                                            Bob Hope Statue

                                                     Eating!!

                                               Me on some bridge...

                                              Gaslamp Quarter