I wanted to sit down and take some time to write you a letter. I love having pen pals and I love snail mail but this is a different type of letter. This letter is designed more as a way for me to enlighten the world to the two types of people in this world; the good and the bad. Now, most people already know all about the two types of people in this world but you my friend, had a choice between the two and you chose the wrong one.
I walked out to my car at 7am ready to hit the road and get to Houston and enjoy and easy going day in one of the largest (if not the largest) cities in Texas. But when I walked out to my car I noticed that the bar with my things hanging on it was knocked over and then I saw what you did. You shattered my back window. It looks like it just burst into a million pieces all over my entire life. My first thought wasn't even to see what you had taken but to stand back and ask myself if I was really seeing my window, or lack of.
When I finally decided to come back to reality I realized I should see what was missing. And you took the most worthless thing you could get your grubby hands on! You took a sloo of knock off hand bags!?!?! Did it even cross your mind to take the stereo system (just installed in February), the GPS, the Cd's, or I don't know...ANYTHING OF VALUE!? Now I could have been OK with the fact that you broke into my car if you had taken the clothes. The winter coat and hoodies would come in handy this time of year and if you HAD to steal I would have felt better if you took something you needed, not wanted. By the way those bags were not only knock offs but used and abused. All of them are no younger then 6yrs so you got a real big payoff coming your way...NOT!
But don't you worry, Thanks to Darren and Jessica (the good people in this world) I got the car fixed by 10am and I was back on the road. I filed a police report, reorganized my car so this doesn't happen again, called mom because she makes everything all better, and I got in the car and drove to Houston. You may think you won, but stealing will never get you very far and KARMA is a BITCH! Darren and Jessica even paid for half of the repairs and Dad is taking care of the rest so you didn't set me back at all. You violated me and my property and you took some of my favorite things (I am a girl after all) but you still didn't win.
Sincerely yours,
Melissa
P.S. I forgive you.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Creepin'
Sea World San Antonio! How I have missed you! I haven't been to this park since 2003 and I really didn't remember too much. As I walked through the front gates I did recognize them but after that it was all new again. The dolphins and sharks were segregated off to the left which was an odd layout and then the rest of the park was to the right of the front entrance. Wasn't there a water park around here somewhere? Oh yea, they are building Aquatica so that part is closed for now (hence the division in the park).
As I walked through the park things started to come back to me. Like the Steel Eel, which was my first roller coaster and the lake in the middle where we would sein with camp at 6am. But I really wasn't familiar with the park layout at all. The maps were Hallow-Scream so that was different and I laid out all my shows for the day. I saw One Ocean, Azul, and Clyde and Seamore. I was done with the park and the three main shows by 3:30pm but I wanted to stay for the Shamu night show, Shamu's Rockin' CreepShow which wasn't until 7:45pm. I had been there since the park opened so I walked around the park and did all the exhibits for a second time.
Azul was very different as well. I remembered the stage but the rest I was fuzzy on. I really liked how they used the Beluga whales in the show more then the Pacific White Sided Dolphins and the divers were different as well. They also had water dancers (thats what I called them) in the water when the dolphins were in teh water with the trainers. I didn't think that was allowed but who knows...maybe they are multi-talented trainers with many parts? I would say that out of the three main shows Azul was my favorite.
Then I had almost 2.5hrs of people watching before I found another show to go see. I went to see Monster Stomp and it was amazing! I met an 81yr old couple waititg for that show, Jean and Phil, and we sat and people-watched together and talked about the park in general. They are originally from NJ too! I ended up spending almost the rest of my time with them and we watched Monster Stomp together. They weren't going to the Shamu show so that is where we split off. Such a nice couple! I would have to say that after seeing 5 shows today the one without any animals was my favorite. Monster Stomp was upbeat, had GREAT music, and the performers could REALLY sing! It was amazing. The one girl gave me goosebumps because she sang so well. I had no idea what I was in for when I went to this show but I am so glad I went!
The night Shamu show was really good. It had great music and a cool, creepy theme to it. It was very different from any Shamu show I had ever seen so that was worth the many hours of people watching. I missed having Cindy with me in the SeaWorld. When at SeaWorld you really need a buddy!
As I walked through the park things started to come back to me. Like the Steel Eel, which was my first roller coaster and the lake in the middle where we would sein with camp at 6am. But I really wasn't familiar with the park layout at all. The maps were Hallow-Scream so that was different and I laid out all my shows for the day. I saw One Ocean, Azul, and Clyde and Seamore. I was done with the park and the three main shows by 3:30pm but I wanted to stay for the Shamu night show, Shamu's Rockin' CreepShow which wasn't until 7:45pm. I had been there since the park opened so I walked around the park and did all the exhibits for a second time.
Azul was very different as well. I remembered the stage but the rest I was fuzzy on. I really liked how they used the Beluga whales in the show more then the Pacific White Sided Dolphins and the divers were different as well. They also had water dancers (thats what I called them) in the water when the dolphins were in teh water with the trainers. I didn't think that was allowed but who knows...maybe they are multi-talented trainers with many parts? I would say that out of the three main shows Azul was my favorite.
Then I had almost 2.5hrs of people watching before I found another show to go see. I went to see Monster Stomp and it was amazing! I met an 81yr old couple waititg for that show, Jean and Phil, and we sat and people-watched together and talked about the park in general. They are originally from NJ too! I ended up spending almost the rest of my time with them and we watched Monster Stomp together. They weren't going to the Shamu show so that is where we split off. Such a nice couple! I would have to say that after seeing 5 shows today the one without any animals was my favorite. Monster Stomp was upbeat, had GREAT music, and the performers could REALLY sing! It was amazing. The one girl gave me goosebumps because she sang so well. I had no idea what I was in for when I went to this show but I am so glad I went!
The night Shamu show was really good. It had great music and a cool, creepy theme to it. It was very different from any Shamu show I had ever seen so that was worth the many hours of people watching. I missed having Cindy with me in the SeaWorld. When at SeaWorld you really need a buddy!
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| Azul and I |
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| Monster Stomp and Shamu's Rockin' CreepShow |
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| Clyde and Seamore, Azul, One Ocean |
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Heart of Texas
My goal was to leave when Michele left for work. Funny how that didn't happen. I didn't get out of bed until almost 9am when I looked at my phone and jumped out of bed. I was up when Michele left and I told her I was going to take my time but I didn't really mean to fall back asleep.
I had a 4.5hr drive ahead of me and an entire list of things to see and do in San Antonio. I actually got to San Antonio right around 2pm and decided that I wanted to see the Alamo first. I drove over to it and when I went to park realized that parking was any where from $10-$15. I don't think so. I just wanted to take a few pictures and they weren't worth that. So I did about 4 drive-bys taking pictures out the windows.
Then I found Denny's. They had 2hr parking for customers so I went and got ice cream. The waitress was really nice and she told me I could walk to the 'Tower of the Americas' 2 blocks over and I set off to do that. I am so glad I did that too because the view was awesome, I could see the Alamo from up top (different angle), and I got to do a 4D movie. That was worth what I would have paid just to park at the Alamo.
When I was done there I went and called Darren to see if they were ready for me and got on the road over to their house. I have never showed up so early to a couch surfing spot so this was new. I got there and they asked me all about my trip and we did the usual "get to know you" conversations. Then they said they wanted to take me downtown.
YAY! People to explore with me! We went to the Marketplace where there were vendors with Day of the Dead booths, walked around a flea market of sorts, I learned about Tripas Tacos (you don't want to know!), and we had dinner at Mi Tierra. After dinner we walked along the river walk which was beautiful and full of life this time of night and we walked over past the Friendship Torch (given to the US from Mexico) towards the Alamo. I had no idea where we were walking too but then I saw the Alamo. I had told Darren and Jessica about my "drive-by" and they decided to take me back. But what was amazing was that there was nobody there and I got a clear shot.
The Alamo actually has a lot of character and the lights on it really made all of the unique architecture pop. It was amazing to see it this way compared to what I had seen earlier that really wasn't very impressive at all.
Another busy day and I am exhausted. SeaWorld tomorrow!
I had a 4.5hr drive ahead of me and an entire list of things to see and do in San Antonio. I actually got to San Antonio right around 2pm and decided that I wanted to see the Alamo first. I drove over to it and when I went to park realized that parking was any where from $10-$15. I don't think so. I just wanted to take a few pictures and they weren't worth that. So I did about 4 drive-bys taking pictures out the windows.
Then I found Denny's. They had 2hr parking for customers so I went and got ice cream. The waitress was really nice and she told me I could walk to the 'Tower of the Americas' 2 blocks over and I set off to do that. I am so glad I did that too because the view was awesome, I could see the Alamo from up top (different angle), and I got to do a 4D movie. That was worth what I would have paid just to park at the Alamo.
When I was done there I went and called Darren to see if they were ready for me and got on the road over to their house. I have never showed up so early to a couch surfing spot so this was new. I got there and they asked me all about my trip and we did the usual "get to know you" conversations. Then they said they wanted to take me downtown.
YAY! People to explore with me! We went to the Marketplace where there were vendors with Day of the Dead booths, walked around a flea market of sorts, I learned about Tripas Tacos (you don't want to know!), and we had dinner at Mi Tierra. After dinner we walked along the river walk which was beautiful and full of life this time of night and we walked over past the Friendship Torch (given to the US from Mexico) towards the Alamo. I had no idea where we were walking too but then I saw the Alamo. I had told Darren and Jessica about my "drive-by" and they decided to take me back. But what was amazing was that there was nobody there and I got a clear shot.
The Alamo actually has a lot of character and the lights on it really made all of the unique architecture pop. It was amazing to see it this way compared to what I had seen earlier that really wasn't very impressive at all.
Another busy day and I am exhausted. SeaWorld tomorrow!
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| Tower of the Americas |
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| The Alamo |
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| Friendship Torch |
Friday, October 28, 2011
Bye Brad
Michele had to work today which left Brad and I to our own devices. I was able to get all my book keeping done and the entire to-do list that I have been making for the past week so yay me! Brad and I ventured to the mall (his favorite place) and got lunch. Then we drove around town just to see what was out there and I have decided I cannot live here. There is just too much that would get me in trouble.
Brad is leaving today so he is finishing the design for my tattoo up while I watch 'He's just not that into you' on Michele's DVR. Brad is taking the train home so like the airport he has to be there a bit early. I'm not ready for him to leave.
Michele came to get me after work and we went and ran some errands together. Our night ahead consists of movies and making pug-cakes :) Ft. Worth was one of my favorite stops! I think it will tie with San Francisco!
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| At the train station :( |
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| My options... |
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Boo! At the Zoo!
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Million Dollar Logo (No joke) |
I woke up this morning to Brad downstairs saying, "Melissa is upstairs, go get her!" I had no idea what was going on but apparently the cat was bothering Brad and he was sending her up to me! I would have had no problem with that but cats love to be around people who don't like them so Millie stayed right next to Brad.
Today Michele, Brad and I went to the Ft. Worth Zoo. This zoo was beautiful and a LOT bigger then I thought it would be. It took us a few hours to get through it and the weather wasn't too great. Dark, rainy, and only 54* (not complaining about that part!). As I was walking around the zoo I just kept thinking that I want to work there! I had applied for a job there a few months ago and never heard back but it's a great zoo and I will keep trying.
It was also fun because Michele hadn't even walked through the whole zoo yet so we got to do it with her for the first time and figure things out as we went. As we were leaving it started to rain which was perfect timing!
Tonight I am going to try and get a few things done while we watch Project Runway, Grey's Anatomy, and Private Practice. I love Thursday nights!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Surprise! Success!
Brad makes an excellent co-pilot and an awesome DJ. We had no problem getting into Ft. Worth, TX to see Michele. She still had no idea Brad was coming and when we got there we almost got caught! She was just coming back from Target when we pulled up to her place so I quickly swerved into another spot before she saw us! Then I went up to the house and told her I needed help with my bags.
She went out and ran into Brad :) She was so surprised. Rose was about an hour behind us which worked out great because she was able to get the gate code from me and show up at the door. Michele was once again shocked and I was so excited that my plan worked. Orlando reunion in Texas! Hell yea!!
Lunch was next on the agenda at Olive Garden and then we went to find pumpkins. I wanted to go to an actual pumpkin patch. I don't know what I was thinking considering we were in the middle of a major city. But we did find pumpkins at the mall. They set it up nicely so if you look at pictures we look like we are at an actual pumpkin patch.
Next, we went to thrift stores to work on costumes. I officially got my costume for $6.00. Go me! It's not at all what I wanted but it is easy, cheap, and simple. So it will work out well for this year's festivities. Now it is time to carve those pumpkins! It's so nice having everyone together again. The only one we are missing is Brandon and my Orlando family (original Orlando family) is all together again. I missed these guys!!
Carving the pumpkins took us longer then I expected but after we were done with that it was time to go out! We went down to the Stockyards and tooled around that area. We drove around downtown Ft. Worth and all the buildings were lined with lights which made the whole city glow. When we got to the stockyards we walked around the brick streets, saw the longhorns, and stopped at the Thirsty Armadillo for drinks. We didn't stay out too late because Rose was driving back to Houston tonight for work in the morning. I tried everything to get her to call out tomorrow and stay but they cut her hours at work and really couldn't miss a day.
I can't remember laughing this much in months. It was a perfect day with friends that I consider to be family.
She went out and ran into Brad :) She was so surprised. Rose was about an hour behind us which worked out great because she was able to get the gate code from me and show up at the door. Michele was once again shocked and I was so excited that my plan worked. Orlando reunion in Texas! Hell yea!!
Lunch was next on the agenda at Olive Garden and then we went to find pumpkins. I wanted to go to an actual pumpkin patch. I don't know what I was thinking considering we were in the middle of a major city. But we did find pumpkins at the mall. They set it up nicely so if you look at pictures we look like we are at an actual pumpkin patch.
Next, we went to thrift stores to work on costumes. I officially got my costume for $6.00. Go me! It's not at all what I wanted but it is easy, cheap, and simple. So it will work out well for this year's festivities. Now it is time to carve those pumpkins! It's so nice having everyone together again. The only one we are missing is Brandon and my Orlando family (original Orlando family) is all together again. I missed these guys!!
Carving the pumpkins took us longer then I expected but after we were done with that it was time to go out! We went down to the Stockyards and tooled around that area. We drove around downtown Ft. Worth and all the buildings were lined with lights which made the whole city glow. When we got to the stockyards we walked around the brick streets, saw the longhorns, and stopped at the Thirsty Armadillo for drinks. We didn't stay out too late because Rose was driving back to Houston tonight for work in the morning. I tried everything to get her to call out tomorrow and stay but they cut her hours at work and really couldn't miss a day.
I can't remember laughing this much in months. It was a perfect day with friends that I consider to be family.
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| Brad, Me, Rose, Michele |
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Chicken nuggets!!
10/24/11
Today when I got up I was ready to go. Just get in the car and drive the 9.5hrs to Russell, KS. I showered, cleaned up the apt a bit and then I went up to the front desk to drop Michelle’s keys off before I left. Once I got back in the car it actually felt good to be behind the wheel again. This feeling would fade quickly. About 2.5hrs into the drive I wanted to pull my hair out. The last thing I wanted to do was be in the car any longer!
Colorado is beautiful but my car did not appreciate the hills. I thought it was gonna roll backwards at some points…poor car, I have put her through so much! But then we got to the East side of Colorado and it was flat. Just as flat and boring as the Dakotas were. This caught me by surprise. Colorado is flat?! I had no idea that Colorado would be flat, brown and windy just like Kansas!
When I finally made it to Kansas it not only was flat and brown but WINDY! My car was literally shaking and I had to really concentrate just to keep the car on the road. Let’s just say it just added to my mood. I stopped for gas and not only was it cheap but the woman inside was so nice. She made me laugh and my whole day turned around. I suddenly got over my mood and just sucked it up and made it to Russell.
When I made it to Russell I was early so I drove around for a bit and found the address I would eventually end up at. I re-read our emails back and forth and realized that I gave her the wrong date! According to what I wrote I was a day late and I had flaked on her! I sent her 3 text messages and left a voicemail. I was hoping she would still take me for the night! Otherwise I was going to get a 5hr Energy drink and just drive to Brad’s which was another 5.5hrs away!
Luckily, I did hear from her and she totally forgot that I was coming so she said that it was fine. Thank god because I was too tired to drive to OK. Angel was super sweet and right away we started chatting about Halloween costumes and art. She taught me a few new tricks to create some homemade art and we exchanged ideas for Halloween. I stayed in the basement for the night while I was there. I wasn’t there for too long. Angel and I talked into the early morning hours. I was actually Angel’s first couch surfer so I was excited about that J
I woke up feeling great. I had a great night’s sleep and only 5.5hrs kept me from Brad. I was on the road by 9am and at Brad’s by 2:30am! Kansas and Oklahoma were flat, brown, and WINDY! Once again I was really having to pay attention so my car wasn’t whisked off the road! I at one point that my windshield was cracking because I kept hearing this punching noise, almost like gunshots. I thought the trucks were throwing rocks at me but the wind was so strong it was tapping my rear antenna on my back windshield. Scared the daylights out of me before I knew what it was!
When I got to Brads we sat and caught up a bit before heading out for an early dinner and a movie. We went to Buffalo Wild Wings (never been) and saw Footloose. It was such an awesome movie! I didn’t want it to end! I loved it! After the movie we hit the casinos! We went to 2 different ones and I got a player’s card since it was ladies night and got a total of $30 to play. I walked out with $6 more then I walked in with so I was happy about that! We got free ice cream there too ;)
It’s so nice to be with Brad. All day we laughed and joked around like old times and I really sat back and was truly grateful for this trip. It’s almost like Brad and I have our own language and it’s hilarious…if you know what we are talking about.
Brad: “My friend Melissa is coming. She is from Jersey. Not like Jersey Shore, but she is short like Snooky.”
Brad: “We could have gone bowling!”
Me: “Wow, the bowling alley is really bright!”
Brad: “No, that’s the casino. The bowling alley is the dark one next to the casino.”
Me: “Oh…only in Oklahoma!”
Brad: “Wow, I had no idea they took Jersey currency in Oklahoma.”
Tomorrow Brad and I are heading to Ft. Worth, TX to see Michele! Rose is meeting us too and Michele has no idea! I am SOOO excited!!!
Monday, October 24, 2011
not in the mood.
I woke up in a great mood.
But I don't want to drive...
The weather is beautiful!
But I don't want to drive...
Colorado has a lot of tunnels to drive through, which I love!
But I don't want to drive...
I found a Panera!
But I don't want to drive...
Gas is cheaper as I head East.
But I don't want to drive...
Why does Kansas have to be so far away?
I don't want to drive...
The states out West are too big!
I don't want to drive...
I have 5hrs to go. Please don't make me!
I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE ANY MORE!
Where are my ruby red slippers?!
(I don't even like this movie and I am still referencing it!)
But I don't want to drive...
The weather is beautiful!
But I don't want to drive...
Colorado has a lot of tunnels to drive through, which I love!
But I don't want to drive...
I found a Panera!
But I don't want to drive...
Gas is cheaper as I head East.
But I don't want to drive...
Why does Kansas have to be so far away?
I don't want to drive...
The states out West are too big!
I don't want to drive...
I have 5hrs to go. Please don't make me!
I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE ANY MORE!
Where are my ruby red slippers?!
(I don't even like this movie and I am still referencing it!)
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Maroon Bells
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| Maroon Bells |
Once everyone showed up, all 10 of us huddled around the fire trying to keep warm. Then we broke out the food and started preparing that. I got to meet all of Michelle's CO friends and hang out for the night and it was just a really chill night under the most beautiful sky I have ever seen. It almost looked like someone had thrown glitter all over the sky and it just stuck.
Maroon Bells were shadowed with glitter. It was spectacular!
After a few hours out at the bonfire I think that all of us could no longer feel our toes and we broke off. Some went to take some night shots of the mountain and some of us stayed by the fire. Michelle and I soon left because we still had another movie to watch :) (and I was FREEZING!). On the way home we spotted 2 porcupines on the road! I have never seen wild porcupines!
Today when I got up I knew I had to do laundry. I haven't done laundry since Oregon so it was long overdue. Once again I was back in college paying with quarters to do my laundry! I don't miss that but it was fun to reminisce about college life.
Now, I am back at the Snowmass Club stealing Internet and visiting with Michelle. She gets off at 4pm and then we are off to Aspen, CO for the night! I'm excited to see what Aspen is like.
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| I found SNOW!!!!! |
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Take a HIKE!
"Quietly the spirit and the beauty of the mountains fill my heart.
I open to the awe and sense of discovery
I feel free and alive and at peace
And nearby, I hear God saying
Hello
Do you want to play!"
-Stark King 1945-1996
Friday, October 21, 2011
i'm lovin' it
I did exactly what Sam told me to do; take my time in the morning. I didn't set an alarm and had every intention of sleeping in. Unfortunately, Tj on the East Coast didn't get the message and woke me up much too early saying it was late and I should be up...ugh. So that was it, at 8:45am I was up. I slowly packed up, took a shower, stripped the bed and made my way upstairs to head out. I also got to talk to Brad this morning and I am so excited to see him in a few days and he might be going to Texas with me too! I would be so excited if that actually worked out!
I finally got on the road around 11am and was heading east to Snowmass Village, CO. The drive isn't too bad today so I had time to stop off for lunch and steal Internet from McDonalds. I'm lovin' the fact that I can get Internet today because I didn't have access to it yesterday and I thought I was going to die. It's amazing how much work I have to do while I am on this trip. I have been looking for jobs, contacting my next 2 stops from where I am currently, working on my photo book, writing this blog, etc. I have a lot to do and I need the Internet!
I only have a few more hours until I am in Snowmass Village and Michelle doesn't get off until 5pm so I have to find things to do...wish me luck.
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I got into Snowmass Village about an hour before Michelle got off work just like I had planned and I drove around for a bit just trying to find her apartment. This was another destination the both the GPS and mapquest said didn't exist so I figured I would find it on my own. Yeah right. After a lot of circles I decided to follow the signs for the mall.
But when I got to the mall it was a ghost town. I had told Michelle that I was going to the mall and when I got her next text that read, "Is it even open?", I looked around and responded with, "nope...why is that?". Turns out dead season really means DEAD. Nothing was open! So I walked around the closed mall a bit before getting back in the car to drive some more circles. This time though, I just hung out at the Registration Center and waited. I did finally get a decent picture of the Magpie that I originally saw and fell in love with in WY. Who knew they lived in CO too?!
I finally got on the road around 11am and was heading east to Snowmass Village, CO. The drive isn't too bad today so I had time to stop off for lunch and steal Internet from McDonalds. I'm lovin' the fact that I can get Internet today because I didn't have access to it yesterday and I thought I was going to die. It's amazing how much work I have to do while I am on this trip. I have been looking for jobs, contacting my next 2 stops from where I am currently, working on my photo book, writing this blog, etc. I have a lot to do and I need the Internet!
I only have a few more hours until I am in Snowmass Village and Michelle doesn't get off until 5pm so I have to find things to do...wish me luck.
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| Welcome to Snowmass Village, CO |
But when I got to the mall it was a ghost town. I had told Michelle that I was going to the mall and when I got her next text that read, "Is it even open?", I looked around and responded with, "nope...why is that?". Turns out dead season really means DEAD. Nothing was open! So I walked around the closed mall a bit before getting back in the car to drive some more circles. This time though, I just hung out at the Registration Center and waited. I did finally get a decent picture of the Magpie that I originally saw and fell in love with in WY. Who knew they lived in CO too?!
Once Michelle got off work I finally found her road and found her. I was so excited to see her! It's been 2yrs since I saw her on her last day at SW! I got a tour of her place which is set up just like a college dorm on company property. She has a roomate who is away which means I get her bed :) and her apartment is just so cute. It really did remind me of college though. She is able to walk to work living there and she seems to really like it.
We spent some time catching up before heading out to dinner. We went to a local place (one of the only that are open during this season) and got pizza. But I didn't get pizza I got a Stromboli and it was amazing. This really is a small town because Michelle knew quite a few people who were in the restaurant with us.
On the ride home I looked up and finally saw stars! I looked in WY, ND, OR but they really weren't impressive. But here in CO, they are impressive! So pretty! So many! The scenery out here is just amazing and no photograph will do it any justice!
Thursday, October 20, 2011
80 mph
When I woke up in Mesquite, NV I knew it was going to be a long day. I was up and out by 7am and on the road to UT. Mesquite is well known for golf so when I was driving down from Laura's apartment the scenery was beautiful! It was green and well manicured with terracotta buildings built into the hillsides.
I was on one highway for most of the day which was fine with me. But this highway was stunning. I drove through the western corner of Arizona into Utah and the scenery on the drive tops all the scenery I have seen thus far! Every where I looked there was something different to see...mountains, sand dunes, hillsides, vast rock formations that looked almost like an extension of the Grand Canyon. I did stop in a Northern part of Zion National Park to see what was there and it was beautiful. I also got to drive through Fish Lake National Forest which was also stunning...the fall colors are in full swing and we all know how much I love the fall colors! It was the prettiest drive and I think that the drive from Mesquite, NV to Moab, UT should be on every one's bucket list.
The drive was more then 5hrs and then I finally made it to Arches National Park. I actually had to wait in line to get into the park which I thought was odd for a weekday. The woman at the desk said it was a state holiday and the kids had no school. So I started the drive up to the arches. But no one told me that you had to hike a mile or more to each arch! There were almost 10 arches! Oh boy...where is Lisa when I need her?! So I did a few hikes until I lost interest and got tired of running into all the groups of kids who were screaming and throwing sand.
I was thoroughly annoyed with the parents that didn't stop their kids from throwing sand or throwing footballs at the people that walked past them. RUDE. The arches that I made it to (Delicate and Broken) were beautiful and worth the hike. I just needed a buddy to keep me going. I would love to go back with someone who LOVES to hike (Lisa) and do all the hikes, maybe even camp (yup, I said that).
I was at the park for more then 4hrs before I gave up for the day and headed to Sam's where I was couch surfing. He told me where the house key was so I assumed he wouldn't be home. This to me was odd...he trusts me to go into his home when he isn't even home? He doesn't know me! Luckily, when I got there he was home and I got to meet him and chat for a bit. He left about 45min after I had been there to go see a recycling movie. He left me home, in his home, alone...does anyone else find this odd?! He was gone for 2.5hrs! Just me...for 2.5hrs...in his house?!? Maybe I have trust issues but really who does that?!
Sam was a Project Runway fan so right away we had a good topic for conversation. He has lived in Moab for 8yrs and he originates from Wyoming. Very nice guy but I really didn't get to spend much time with him because when he did come home he went straight to bed. He said to take my time in the morning because he would be at work and to lock up before I left. I had the whole basement to myself with 2 full beds, a bathroom, living room, and an exercise room so it was almost like staying in a hotel.
Overall, Arches was beautiful but it deserves more time and I deserve no kids. Sam was nice and now I have a place to stay if I ever come back to explore some more (and maybe spend some actual time with him). I am super excited to head to CO tomorrow! It better be COLD!!
I was on one highway for most of the day which was fine with me. But this highway was stunning. I drove through the western corner of Arizona into Utah and the scenery on the drive tops all the scenery I have seen thus far! Every where I looked there was something different to see...mountains, sand dunes, hillsides, vast rock formations that looked almost like an extension of the Grand Canyon. I did stop in a Northern part of Zion National Park to see what was there and it was beautiful. I also got to drive through Fish Lake National Forest which was also stunning...the fall colors are in full swing and we all know how much I love the fall colors! It was the prettiest drive and I think that the drive from Mesquite, NV to Moab, UT should be on every one's bucket list.
The drive was more then 5hrs and then I finally made it to Arches National Park. I actually had to wait in line to get into the park which I thought was odd for a weekday. The woman at the desk said it was a state holiday and the kids had no school. So I started the drive up to the arches. But no one told me that you had to hike a mile or more to each arch! There were almost 10 arches! Oh boy...where is Lisa when I need her?! So I did a few hikes until I lost interest and got tired of running into all the groups of kids who were screaming and throwing sand.
I was thoroughly annoyed with the parents that didn't stop their kids from throwing sand or throwing footballs at the people that walked past them. RUDE. The arches that I made it to (Delicate and Broken) were beautiful and worth the hike. I just needed a buddy to keep me going. I would love to go back with someone who LOVES to hike (Lisa) and do all the hikes, maybe even camp (yup, I said that).
 |
| Broken Arch |
Sam was a Project Runway fan so right away we had a good topic for conversation. He has lived in Moab for 8yrs and he originates from Wyoming. Very nice guy but I really didn't get to spend much time with him because when he did come home he went straight to bed. He said to take my time in the morning because he would be at work and to lock up before I left. I had the whole basement to myself with 2 full beds, a bathroom, living room, and an exercise room so it was almost like staying in a hotel.
Overall, Arches was beautiful but it deserves more time and I deserve no kids. Sam was nice and now I have a place to stay if I ever come back to explore some more (and maybe spend some actual time with him). I am super excited to head to CO tomorrow! It better be COLD!!
 |
| Delicate Arch |
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Mesquite?
Today I didn't do anything. And it was pretty amazing. I left the house at 4:30pm to go say goodbye to Ashley who got held up at work and then I was back on the road. My next destination was Mesquite, NV which is one exit away from Arizona. I am only here for the night visiting with Laura, a college friend, before heading into Utah tomorrow to Arches National Park.
I got in to Mesquite around 6:30pm and Laura and I headed to dinner. Mesquite is very small (only 2 exits) so I didn't have a problem finding her. We went out to a local sports bar for dinner and it was delicious! It was packed and Laura said that there weren't many places to go out in Mesquite.
The rest of the night is left to catch up and relax. Tomorrow is another travel day so feel free to call me!
I got in to Mesquite around 6:30pm and Laura and I headed to dinner. Mesquite is very small (only 2 exits) so I didn't have a problem finding her. We went out to a local sports bar for dinner and it was delicious! It was packed and Laura said that there weren't many places to go out in Mesquite.
The rest of the night is left to catch up and relax. Tomorrow is another travel day so feel free to call me!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Vegas Scavenger Hunt
When I finally got up this morning I had no intention of doing much of anything. I had no desire to be productive or to move out of bed! So I stayed in bed until close to 11am watching TV shows and looking through pictures until that got boring and I got hungry. I went out and made lunch and started looking up free things to do in Vegas. You would not image the things that I was coming up with. I pulled out my notebook and started making a strip map with all of the hotels on it and then started looking to see what I could do in each hotel.
My first stop was the Bellagio where I parked (parking in Vegas is FREE!). Dancing waters is only a night show and I had no luck finding the chocolate fountain so I walked on to Caesar's Palace. Then onto the Mirage. The Volcano was also at night and the Tigers and Dolphins you had to pay to see! It said FREE things online! So I was off to TI...only to find out the show was only at night! Now I have walked a ways and I am tired and coming up short on my scavenger hunt! So I went across the street to the Venetian and found the Gondolas!
At this point I was tired so I text Ashely and told her I was heading back to her house until she got off. She said to stay on the strip and she would be there in an hour. Great. What do I do for an hour? I walked back across the street and walked through Paris and then over to the Flamingo to see their aviary. Online it said they had African Penguins...they lied. Only flamingos and not many at all! So now I had been to 7 hotels and it was only 4pm! When Ashely got there is was coincidence that she drove right by me so I jumped in the car and we drove over to MGM to see the lions. Both of them were active and awake so we got to see them for a while before heading over to Planet Hollywood to price out Peep Show tickets for tonight. They were not giving us any deals so we moved on and went over to the Cosmopolitan to see what it looked like on the inside. Ashley had never been so it was new for both of us.
It was beautiful! They had a bar called the Chandelier and you were literally in the middle of a 3-floor crystal chandelier. So pretty! The hotel was amazing and there were so many things to look at as you were walking it was almost mesmerizing! Next stop was Serendipity3 for dinner and dessert. It was amazing and came with a hefty price tag. But I didn't care. I didn't get to see BMG and this is my last night in Vegas.
I talked Ashley into going to see the Volcano at the Mirage and the Sirens of TI at Treasure Island. Then we walked over to the Bellagio to see the Dancing Waters. The song we saw was to Celine Dion's Titanic theme song which I thought was a perfect way to end my Vegas adventure. I loved the Volcano, disliked the Sirens and really loved the Dancing Waters! Today was exhausting but after almost 10hrs on the strip I found everything I was searching for in the 10 hotels I saw today. I wish I knew how far I walked today!! Ashley was impressed with all I accomplished and so was I :)
((OH, I did go back and find the 27ft tall chocolate fountain...it looked more like art then chocolate. I also never made it to Rio to see the Show in the sky because it only runs from Thursday to Sunday. ))
((OHH! and I saw Pierce Morgan today! They were doing some coverage on the 2012 election and he was on the strip with the Mayor of Las Vegas!))
What I actually did today...
- Bellagio: 27ft chocolate fountain, Dancing waters
- Caesar's Palace: Fountain Festival
- Mirage: The Volcano, Tigers
- Treasure Island: Sirens of TI
- MGM: Lion Habitat
- Paris: Eiffel tower
- Venetian: Gondolas
- Rio: Show in the sky
 |
| My Vegas Strip Map for my Scavenger Hunt |
My first stop was the Bellagio where I parked (parking in Vegas is FREE!). Dancing waters is only a night show and I had no luck finding the chocolate fountain so I walked on to Caesar's Palace. Then onto the Mirage. The Volcano was also at night and the Tigers and Dolphins you had to pay to see! It said FREE things online! So I was off to TI...only to find out the show was only at night! Now I have walked a ways and I am tired and coming up short on my scavenger hunt! So I went across the street to the Venetian and found the Gondolas!
At this point I was tired so I text Ashely and told her I was heading back to her house until she got off. She said to stay on the strip and she would be there in an hour. Great. What do I do for an hour? I walked back across the street and walked through Paris and then over to the Flamingo to see their aviary. Online it said they had African Penguins...they lied. Only flamingos and not many at all! So now I had been to 7 hotels and it was only 4pm! When Ashely got there is was coincidence that she drove right by me so I jumped in the car and we drove over to MGM to see the lions. Both of them were active and awake so we got to see them for a while before heading over to Planet Hollywood to price out Peep Show tickets for tonight. They were not giving us any deals so we moved on and went over to the Cosmopolitan to see what it looked like on the inside. Ashley had never been so it was new for both of us.
It was beautiful! They had a bar called the Chandelier and you were literally in the middle of a 3-floor crystal chandelier. So pretty! The hotel was amazing and there were so many things to look at as you were walking it was almost mesmerizing! Next stop was Serendipity3 for dinner and dessert. It was amazing and came with a hefty price tag. But I didn't care. I didn't get to see BMG and this is my last night in Vegas.
 |
| Serendipity3 |
 |
| As close to the Blue Men as I was gonna get this trip :( |
I talked Ashley into going to see the Volcano at the Mirage and the Sirens of TI at Treasure Island. Then we walked over to the Bellagio to see the Dancing Waters. The song we saw was to Celine Dion's Titanic theme song which I thought was a perfect way to end my Vegas adventure. I loved the Volcano, disliked the Sirens and really loved the Dancing Waters! Today was exhausting but after almost 10hrs on the strip I found everything I was searching for in the 10 hotels I saw today. I wish I knew how far I walked today!! Ashley was impressed with all I accomplished and so was I :)
((OH, I did go back and find the 27ft tall chocolate fountain...it looked more like art then chocolate. I also never made it to Rio to see the Show in the sky because it only runs from Thursday to Sunday. ))
((OHH! and I saw Pierce Morgan today! They were doing some coverage on the 2012 election and he was on the strip with the Mayor of Las Vegas!))
 |
| Chocolate or Art? |
What I actually did today...
- Bellagio: 27ft chocolate fountain, Dancing waters
- Caesar's Palace: Fountain Festival
- Mirage: The Volcano
- Treasure Island: Sirens of TI
- MGM: Lion Habitat
- Paris: Eiffel tower
- Venetian: Gondolas
- Walked through Cosmopolitan, Planet Hollywood, and the Hawaiian Marketplace
- Flamingo: Aviary
Monday, October 17, 2011
Red Rock
Today was all about productivity. I got up and did my finances (definitely in the RED!), went through my to-do list and then was off on my next adventure. I didn't realize how much there was to do in Vegas besides the strip. So today I headed over to Red Rock Canyon to do the scenic drive. I love doing the scenic drives through different parks. It's just a relaxing way to see the scenery and relax. Put on some good music, roll down the windows, and just drive.
Red Rock was only about 20min from Ashley's house so it wasn't a long drive at all! So it was a quick and easy trip to see something new! After I left Red Rock I went to Walmart to stock up on some supplies that after a month and a half I am running out of. The rest of today should be pretty relaxing. I don't have anything planned so once again it's time to catch up on some tv shows and wait for Ashley to get off work :)
When Ashley did get off work we decided to go to the Red Rock Casino for dinner and a bit of gambling. But right before we were ready to leave I got to talking with her parents about my trip and that lasted a while and we ended up staying home for dinner which was fine with me because it was free! Later we did head out to the casino which is more of a local's casino and a bit more laid back. I went it with only a $20 bill and that was it. I did pretty well for a while just hovering at $15 and I jumped around to probably 7 different machines testing them out. Then I found one in the front I liked and in the end I lost my entire pool. I didn't feel guilty about losing the money because I set a cap and I stuck to it...but this is Vegas and you just have to gamble!
I was secretly hoping to win my car money back and if I couldn't win the $1300 then at least $100 to get my Blue Man Group ticket would have been nice! Wishful thinking I guess. But it would have been pretty amazing if I could say that I won back what I lost in Yellowstone!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
In a nut shell
So I have a lot to fill you in on!
Yesterday
I love Vegas :)
Yesterday
- Dropped Cindy off at the airport
- Drove 5.5hrs to Las Vegas!
- Took a nap (wonderful!)
- Out to dinner with Ashley and Ozra (awesome name!)
- Went to Wynn on the strip and was on the guest list for TRYST night club
- Met up wit Laura and Andrea who were in town from San Fran for the weekend
- Free drink- got spilled all over my dress :(
- $17 for a new drink! Holy Hell!
- Drove the strip to see the lights
- Las Vegas Sign!
- Cleaned out my trunk
- Hand washed the dress that was covered in my drink from last night
- In-N-Out Burger
- Hoover Dam
- Drove to Arizona
- Walked the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
- Opened this year
- $240 million dollar budget for construction!
- Shopping (I was good)
- Drove the strip in the daylight
- Went to the Observatory in the Belagio
- Movie night! :)
I love Vegas :)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Paddle Out!
Last night was the first night in a long time that I actually woke up feeling like I got a good nights rest. The bed was rock hard but I didin't even care. It was nice to not have roomates too. Terry had laid out breakfast for us when we got up and then Cindy and I were off on our next adventure.
Cindy and I had a kayak adventure today in La Jolla. I knew that the water would be cold but I had no idea that we would only be wearing 3.2mil wetsuits! That is what we wear in FL! How are we going to stay warm in 64* water!? The guy originally gave me a wetsuit that was way to big for me so I fixed that knowing a tighter wetsuit would keep me warmer. From the Kayak rental place we were able to walk with our group right to the beach and get in. The ride was hard on the way out because we were fighting the waves and the wind. Once we made our way out we headed to the seven caves of La Jolla. All of them had a name and a story so we stopped at each one (good break!). When we made it to the Clam Shell Cave we got to jump out of our kayaks and snorekl a bit.
We just anchored all our boats together and jumped in. I was just worried about climbing back into the kayak when it was time to go! The water was SO COLD! I was quick to put my face in and get that over with! When I looked down teh water was all murky and dark. Then I saw a bright pop or orange...it was the Garibaldi, the CA state fish. So pretty and easy to spot along the rocky bottom. The waves seemed to pick up but we swam our way around to the other side of where we anchored and swam into the Clam Shell Cave. Once inside the waves would pick you up and push you to the shore so you had to make sure you were in the right area. All of a sudden a HUGE wave came in and all I could hear was the guides yelling " Get OUT!" So I started to swim as hard as I could. When I looked up I could almost touch the ceiling of the cave and the walls seemed to be closing in. I looked to my right and I was just a few inches from hitting my head on the rocks.
When everyone got out the guides looked a little worried. I don't thin they saw that wave coming and it could have turned into a problem. After that everyone was exhausted. I think we all used all our energy to get out as fast as we could! When we got back to the kayaks getting out wasn't really as bad as I thought it would be. I jumped in, clipped all my gear back on and was off away from the caves. We continued along the coast and saw a Harbor Seal and a Sea Lion. Then went offshore again to the kelp forest. I always find the kelp forests to be so amazing.
Now the easy part, paddling back to shore. The wind was supposed to be in our favor this time but it seemed to die off when we needed it. The paddle back was the worst. It was long and hard and I think everyone was feeling exhausted. I hung out in the back and took my time. We coasted right up onto the beach and just like that it was over. My cold Pacific kayak/snorkel was over :(
It was a great trip! I just wish that they had warned people that it was a hard trip. There was a mother with two younger kids in a 3-person kayak and I just knew she was hating her life on this trip. We also had a girl get sick because the swimming was really hard and she took in too much sea water. Cindy even got a little winded after the cave swim. Other then that the trip was awesome and I am SO glad we got to do it!
Cindy and I had a kayak adventure today in La Jolla. I knew that the water would be cold but I had no idea that we would only be wearing 3.2mil wetsuits! That is what we wear in FL! How are we going to stay warm in 64* water!? The guy originally gave me a wetsuit that was way to big for me so I fixed that knowing a tighter wetsuit would keep me warmer. From the Kayak rental place we were able to walk with our group right to the beach and get in. The ride was hard on the way out because we were fighting the waves and the wind. Once we made our way out we headed to the seven caves of La Jolla. All of them had a name and a story so we stopped at each one (good break!). When we made it to the Clam Shell Cave we got to jump out of our kayaks and snorekl a bit.
We just anchored all our boats together and jumped in. I was just worried about climbing back into the kayak when it was time to go! The water was SO COLD! I was quick to put my face in and get that over with! When I looked down teh water was all murky and dark. Then I saw a bright pop or orange...it was the Garibaldi, the CA state fish. So pretty and easy to spot along the rocky bottom. The waves seemed to pick up but we swam our way around to the other side of where we anchored and swam into the Clam Shell Cave. Once inside the waves would pick you up and push you to the shore so you had to make sure you were in the right area. All of a sudden a HUGE wave came in and all I could hear was the guides yelling " Get OUT!" So I started to swim as hard as I could. When I looked up I could almost touch the ceiling of the cave and the walls seemed to be closing in. I looked to my right and I was just a few inches from hitting my head on the rocks.
When everyone got out the guides looked a little worried. I don't thin they saw that wave coming and it could have turned into a problem. After that everyone was exhausted. I think we all used all our energy to get out as fast as we could! When we got back to the kayaks getting out wasn't really as bad as I thought it would be. I jumped in, clipped all my gear back on and was off away from the caves. We continued along the coast and saw a Harbor Seal and a Sea Lion. Then went offshore again to the kelp forest. I always find the kelp forests to be so amazing.
Now the easy part, paddling back to shore. The wind was supposed to be in our favor this time but it seemed to die off when we needed it. The paddle back was the worst. It was long and hard and I think everyone was feeling exhausted. I hung out in the back and took my time. We coasted right up onto the beach and just like that it was over. My cold Pacific kayak/snorkel was over :(
When we got back it was time to shower and relax. Cindy originally wanted to go back out and do something else in the city but I looked at her like she was crazy and said no. I am exhausted, I have a long drive tomorrow and after a day on the water all I wanted was a nap. Which is exactly what I got when we got home. And it was luxurious.
The boys got back around 6pm from their adventures today and we are going out to a piano bar with Terry. She sings there so we are going to dinner and then going to watch her performance as a group. I am looking forward to a night out as a big group and I am really looking forward to hearing Terry sing!
{( Terry has a beautiful voice! We had dinner at Cicciotti's where I got to meet the voice of Betty Rubble from the Flinstones cartoons and listen to Daniel Hendrick sing (he is a famous opera singer). After dinner Terry took us to the 12th floor of the 5th Ave Business complex to Mr. A's to see the city lights and watch the jets come into the airport. It was a very cool view of the city and worth staying up a little later for! })
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Spooky Adventure
The LA Hostel was very nice but we got stuck with awful roomates. One set woke us up at 11pm talking and another set woke us up after midnight by turning on all of the lights in the place (bathroom, kitchen, and room) and talking loudly. Then, at 2am we were woken up again by chit chat. When I asked the girls to turned off the lights they looked at me like I had two heads. I was in no mood to deal with their bull shit and was fully ready to bring out the "Jersey attitute". Luckily, they turned off the lights and left the room. Cindy and I got no sleep last night but we still had to be up and on the road by 7am to get to San Diego.
We were walking zombies this morning and thanks to LA's rush hour traffic the drive was over 3hrs long! But SeaWorld was our destination for the day and I was pumped. This is the smallest of the three parks but they have more species then the others. I have heard mixed reviews on the park so I thought it would be a quick visit and we would be out. SO not the case! We were there for park open at 10am and we didn't leave until 5:30pm (we had to be at CS for 6pm).
The park was beautiful! So well kept! All of their Spooktacular decorations were out and it really wasn't that crowded. Cindy and I booked Dine with Shamu for 1:30pm (I have never done that!), and we planned to see all 3 shows; One Ocean, Blue Horizons, Clyde and Seamore's Spooky Adventure. The Spooky Adventure show was by far my favorite. Getting SeaLions to dance to Thriller is a major task and it was awesome! I think that is my favorite show of all time!
Blue Horizons was fun because they had Short Fin Pilot Whales, White Doves, and Black Vultures. Today was also my first time seeing One Ocean since I didn't get to see if before I left Orlando. I really did like the new show and seeing it for the first time was refreshing. We did the skytower which was free and saw the progress of Manta which is due to open in 2012 and saw the bay. From there we plugged the exhibits inbetween the shows and lunch. The Sealion exhibit had Harbor Seals and Fur Seals which was interesting and we also got to see Otters on exhibit too. We even made it to see a training session which made Cindy VERY happy :)
Wild Arctic was amazing, Penguin was disappointing, The shark exhibit was unique but the tunnel was too short, the freshwater exhibit was really nice, the new Turtle Reef was SO nice but needed more turtles (it was like playing where's Waldo), Sealion had the Fur Seals which was different, we played with the Sea Stars in the tidepool, and had fun at Shamu underwater. I loved the shows today and some of the exhibits really blew Orlando's out of the water! It was nice to see so many different exhibits and so many different animals. And Dine with Shamu was FANTASTIC! The food was so good! And the show was really good too... especially since I didn't know any of the SWSD whales.
We were walking zombies this morning and thanks to LA's rush hour traffic the drive was over 3hrs long! But SeaWorld was our destination for the day and I was pumped. This is the smallest of the three parks but they have more species then the others. I have heard mixed reviews on the park so I thought it would be a quick visit and we would be out. SO not the case! We were there for park open at 10am and we didn't leave until 5:30pm (we had to be at CS for 6pm).
The park was beautiful! So well kept! All of their Spooktacular decorations were out and it really wasn't that crowded. Cindy and I booked Dine with Shamu for 1:30pm (I have never done that!), and we planned to see all 3 shows; One Ocean, Blue Horizons, Clyde and Seamore's Spooky Adventure. The Spooky Adventure show was by far my favorite. Getting SeaLions to dance to Thriller is a major task and it was awesome! I think that is my favorite show of all time!
Cindy and I are couch surfing tonight so once we left SeaWorld we went straight over to meet Terry. She is so sweet and we waited with her for the 2 guys from Denmark to show up. There are 4 surfers tonight in her home and so far it's been a blast. This is Cindy's first time couch surfing so it will be interesting to hear what she thinks. I personally love it and I hope she does too! Terry had choir practice tonight so Cindy and I went to Old Town San Diego for dinner. We went to the Old Town Mexican Cafe and got some authentic Mexican food. It was a good ending to a great day!
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