Gone Fishin'

This weekend Jordan and I went fishing on the open ocean.  We were so happy that our good Friends the McCubbins(Madi and Aaron) came along.  We woke up super early to make sure were didn't miss our boat.  As you can see the sun is just starting to make its appearance in the first picture.  It was a rough day of fishing. The water was too cold and the fish just weren't biting.  Madi was lucky enough to catch a little fish and Aaron caught a lobster cage.  Jordan and I and pretty much everyone else on the boat got skunked. 

Even though we didn't catch anything we had the opportunity to see a lot of marine life.  That alone was worth the trip.  We saw a huge pod of dolphins, lots of sea lions, and a ton of pelicans.  The boys were lucky enough to see a whale.  I'm sad I missed it while I was inside warming up my fingers. 

I really can't wait to go again.  We learned that next time before we go out to check the fish count.  Seriously, if you are ever in the area check out Dana Wharf they will make sure you have a good time.    

6 am smiles

J was nice enough to bait my hook.
 I really didn't feel like touching squid and sardines.

Our irreplaceable friends the McCubbins

This little guy swam by the boat a few times.

Newly Discovered Truths

I feel like every so often I have few ah-ha moments.  Then a new day comes along and I forget that ah-ha moment.  Those moments that the light bulb goes off in your head or the wheels make a complete circle are supposed to in someway change something in your life.  Most of these moments are really insignificant, but if I remembered them I could have less arguments with myself about things that need to be done.

Here are a few moments that I have had recently:

• Eating a salad for lunch does NOT make it ok to eat a whole box of Girl Scout Cookies for dinner.
• If your dog goes for a swim in the ocean it does NOT count as a bath... the stink will still be there if not worse.
• Running the same distance every time you run will NOT help you progress.  You need to push yourself to run farther.
• J can finally pull off a surprise without spilling the beans so do NOT try and get him to.
• When J is gone the pup will try and take his place on the bed... and some. Enforce the NO dog on bed rule.
• When I have a grocery list... Stick to it. NO cookie dough, mini pizza's, or other junk I don't need.
• Talking about goals is NOT the same as working towards them.

Hopefully writing these thoughts down will help me remember them in the morning. Most importantly I need to start working on the last thing. 

My Old Man

I have noticed that most of my posts are pretty generic.  I will share what going on in life, but rarely do I share feelings or things that I have been thinking about.  Maybe I am trying to practice voicing my opinions and sharing my thoughts.  

Lately, I have been thinking about my old man.  It could have to do with it coming up on seven years since his passing.  I can pinpoint a few things that have sparked all of these thoughts and memories of my dad.  This last weekend my whole family traveled to New Mexico to celebrate my Grandma Brown's 90th Birthday.  A the day before I was on the road I swear every corner I turned I saw my dad's favorite flower, Birds of Paradise.  This sounds silly but every time that I see that flower I feel like its a reminder that he is watching over me and loves me.  

As we came closer to our destination I couldn't help but feel like my dad was right there with my sister and I.  I just felt peaceful and knew that my dad was so happy that all of his kids would be together.

On Saturday when we arrived at the party I was able to spend sometime with my uncles and my aunt.  Being surrounded by my dads siblings was such a sweet experience.  Each one of them has a quality that reminds me of my dad.  Their hugs, their smiles, the twinkle in their eyes, their humor, their chubby hands, their thick black fluffy hair, their kind hearts, and their love for story telling.  It makes me feel like heaven isn't too far away.

I always have such a hard time leaving my family because of the special feelings that I have when I am with them.  I treasure every moment that I get to spend with them.  I know how much they care for me.  I am truly grateful to be part of a family that is so loving.  Sometimes I feel sad that my dad hasn't met Jordan or that my future kids won't know their grandpa but its these sweet little reminders that help me know that he is still around.  I love you Daddy.

A "Bite" Of A Reality Check

Almost immediately after Jordan and I were married I was begging him to start a family with me.  I feel like almost everyone experiences it.  I would take it very personal when he would shut down at what I thought was the most wonderful idea ever.  I no longer let the thought of starting my family now consume my entire day.  I have realized that the time will come but now isn't our time.  

Yesterday was just another day.  I went to work and after I took Cider, our baby for now, to the dog park to let out some energy.  She loves it there and loves to play with other dogs.  After 20 minutes of being there this little French Bulldog snapped and started to attack her.  The dumb thing wouldn't let go of her foot.  Long story short her paw got bit open.  I took her home and helped clean out the bite.  I was bawling my eyes out.  I felt so bad that she was hurt.  As soon as J came home he helped me clean it out a little better and bandage her up.  The rest of the night I couldn't even stop crying.  Jordan gets a gold star for putting up with crying.  I spent the whole night playing out scenarios in my head about what I am going to say to the owner next time I see her.

The point of the story is as of yesterday I realized that I am going to be a wreck when I have kids.  That little incident brought out the mama bear in me and she is just a dog.  I can't imagine what it would feel like if I had a child and someone bit, hit, or made fun of them.  I would be livid.  So lets just say watch out for the day that I have kids.  On a side note I think that I am fine waiting a while longer since obviously a child would mean 1,000 times more than a dog.

2012

This year has gone by incredibly fast I can hardly believe it.  These are a few things that Highlighted my year. 

I chopped off my locks.

Cider is potty trained!

Went the the Sundance Film Festival. 

Sent Allie off the Peru.

I got to watch Joshy Promenade.

I experience The Color Festival. I still don't get all the hype.

Finally, I got my associates degree.

Cider went swimming for her first time.
Moved in with Janessa and Tyson for a month.

I successfully made the move to San Clemente by myself

My blue eyed boy came home from deployment! HALLELUJAH! Longest six months of my life. 

J and I celebrated our one year anniversary. 

J and I went skydiving for Mariah's birthday.

I got a new job watching these kids.  Seriously, I love them.

J and I got a new nephew Jaxon and a new niece Penelope.

I finally made it to a DMB concert.  I thought I had died and went to heaven.

J and I went to the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.

Celebrated Thanksgiving with the Parkers.

Went to the Happiest Place on Earth with ma best gal pal.

 J and I took Cider to the Beach for her first time.  She hated it.

 J and I put up our first Christmas tree.

In this year I feel like I learned so much. 

I learned:

how to be a little less dependent on my blue eyed boy.

how important it is to always express your love for those in your life.

My family is my biggest fan.

It feels good to get good grades.

California is expensive.

  It's ok to make new friends.

trouble making puppies can turn into well behaved dogs

Learning how to do things on Youtube can save you $.

Exercise is as important as sleep.

No matter what the day will end and a new day begins.