The Vacation
First, I must point out that before Cavalia, my sweet loving man bought me a 512MB memory card for my camera, so I took over 300 pictures in three days, and STILL had room left. Whoo hooo!

Friday was a nightmare of getting 6 people ready to go for three days. By the time we were ready to leave I was tired and cranky and needing a vacation more then ever! But we got on our way 5:30 Friday Night.



The trip down was pretty uneventful; a lot of driving in the middle of the night with a bunch of sleeping kids.

We ended up pulling into our campsite at about 2:00am. So we didn't disturb the other campers we slept in the van.

About 7:00am we set up camp and with 6 people to help we had things ready to go in NO TIME.

Then we took showers and headed to the Mecca: Mission Beach! To say it was crowded is an understatement, but it was hot, beautiful and worth every minute of driving. The kids had a BALL. They swam, made sand castles and even made a friend. (Yes my son got her email address)

We ate dinner out and got back to our campsite after dark. That lent itself to a night of cards and dominos by the light of the propane lamp.

Ok - so N, C and I played cards while M, S and IB played play station in the tent. (ah the modern day camper)


We decided to take it easy on Sunday. We started out by watching a movie, then taking showers and getting ready to go. The first indication of how the day was going to go came when I reached into my bag and found what I had hidden in there... water balloons! We girls filled up a few and soon the first shot was fired and the war was on.

What started out being boys against the girls ended in a free for all

that culminated in N emptying the ice chest over the heads of the kids.


Then it was off to San Jan Capistrano Mission. I was worried about this part of the trip as you never know what four kids as varied in ages as ours are will find interesting. BUT, between the beauty of the gardens,

the architecture
,
the history

and (don't ask me why) the underground canals for porting water
,
there ended up being something for EVERYONE.

Because of the water fight we had gotten a late start on the day, so after the mission tour it was getting kind of late. The kids were a little disappointed that they didn't get any beach time, so we found a nearby spread of sand and let them out. It didn't occur to us that there weren't many swimmers until later. My Son discovered the hard way WHY. The beach was rather rocky and not much good to swim in. But we enjoyed ourselves anyway, watching the surfers,

the pelicans

and a tall ship sailing by
.
Oh! and sandcastles again (of course)

C informed me that she wanted to make this trip again next year, so I would have to say that it was a rather successful day.


On the drive home we picked up all the makings for smores. We got back to our campsite, started a fire and toasted us some marshmallows! Then we played cards and generally enjoyed ourselves once again. The best news of the night came when C called her dad and found out that she didn't need to be home by 6:00 on Monday like we had originally thought - that gave us ONE MORE DAY! Yippy.


Monday N and I woke up before the kids.

Finding a moment alone while your staying in a tent with four kids can be a challenge so we took the opportunity to take a walk through the park we were staying in. It was so nice to be completely relaxed and holding my sweeties hand, a true refreshing moment. The only downside? He was obviously coming down with something - ick! Still, we managed to make the most of the day. N woke the kids up with a warning and then eventually a squirt gun. We packed and sorrowfully bid our campsite goodbye. BUT, we weren't done. One more chance to see the sites couldn't be passed up, so we spent a little time at the wildlife preserve in La Jolla
.
At one point there was an area where some people had had a wedding or something because there were rose petals scattered on the ground. C insisted on taking our picture at the spot. And we discovered tha San Francisco is no the ONLY place where you can put some flowers in your... hat.


Even sick N took the lion's share of the driving. We ended up pulling into the house at 12:30am. He put the car in park, looked into all our sleepy faces and said. "You guys can unload the van, I'm going to bed!" and he did! And we did! Once everything was at least unloaded I fell into bed as well.

My observations?

1) Southern California is just as lovely, easygoing and fun as I remembered it
2) SoCal drivers are (amazingly) even worse the NorCal driviers
3) I really really really love the warmth and sun
4) Smog sucks

My kids loved it down there and there is no doubt that we could all EASILY fit into the beach bum lifestyle. My son was dieing to try his hand at surfing and had already adopted a surfer boy `look'.


N confessed that growing up he had intended to move to San Diego (but the ex wife changed those plans). I too had a desire to live in Southern California so we may end up there for a while AC (After Children).

Oh - and the sunburns? Why is it only the girls got them?


AS for today? Well, N is home sick. I'm sunburned but rested and pretty happy. I did some soul searching while driving and everyone else slept and I've decided that life's too short to be unhappy. I can sit around and whine about it, or I can do something about it. This may mean a major job change and some major priorities changing soon. We'll see if I can hold onto this feeling. This feeling that the current discontent I've been hanging onto is going to dissipate. I'm feeling this kernel of hope and I want to nurture it and see what it grows into. I'll keep you informed...

Cavalia
Thursday night I left work early to take my daughter to what was going to be an experience of a lifetime. The excitement built in both of us as we go closer and closer to our destination and when the white tent rose into view, it was almost unbearable. We pulled off the Freeway and there was the first sign, bright orange, with the word "Cavalia" printed on it and a big arrow pointing us in the direction we already knew we had to take.

We pulled into the parking lot and had our first "VIP" experience. "Parking is $10 unless you have rendezvous tickets." I flashed my tickets, and got through for free and then was directed to the VIP parking lot. My daughter couldn't stop giggling as we passed employee after employee who immediately adopted a more differential attitude when they saw our tickets. "I could get used to this!" she said more then once before the night was through.

The rendezvous tent was all we had expected and more. As soon as we walked in they asked us if we wanted a free program or a stuffed horse. Of course, C took the stuffed horse (even at 16 - wouldn't you?) I took a program so we ended up with one of each. There was a drink table set up in one corner and a table loaded with food in another, all FREE! The mix of people were eclectic and we entertained ourselves by guessing what the various people did and why they were here. The couple dressed in matching `cowboy' gear were rich horse owners here for the glimpse of horse flesh. The man in woman in dress and coat and tie were here for the `culture'. The woman and her daughter were here to see the pretty ponies! And so on.

Then it was time for the show to start. We had our own entrance and avoided any lines by walking right in and almost directly to our seats. The seats were AMAZING. We were only 5 rows back , but even then we were close enough to be able to toss a paper onto the stage had we chosen to. The anticipation was almost unbearable by now, and made even worse by the fact that the show started 30 minutes late. In the end it was worth it. It was everything it advertises to be and more. Breathtaking, beautiful, a marriage of man and horse that goes beyond words and at times even comprehension. There were times when the horses were running free on the stage when it literally brought tears to my eyes. I think I spent over half of the show with my hands covering my mouth in amazement. My only complaint (if you could call it that) was that, at times, there was so much going on, that I felt as if I was missing things. Of course the fact that I spent most of the show watching the horses and ignoring the humans probably meant that I did.

I would give this show five stars. The only other production that I feel has left such an impression on me was Phantom of the Opera. A MUST SEE!

After the show we got to visit the stables and that was nearly as exciting as the show. The only down part of that was that we were asked not to touch the horses. To be that close to all the horse flesh and unable to caresses it was almost painful, especially when one of them pushed his head over the stall and started nudging me with his nose. I wanted to never leave! But eventually we did and I think we floated the entire trip home.

(I'll try to post a few pictures when I get home)

Back
Hi Folks!

I didn't drop off the face of the planet! I went on a well needed and deserved vacation! I'll be back with photos and commentary soon!

Truth Or Dare
You all can thank Liz from This Fully House as she saved you all from a long boring chapter of my life years 0-3.

Anyway - Liz who also was playing Truth or Dare on HER site yesterday (how strange is that?) asks: "What is the craziest thing you've ever done..drunk or sober?"

And since it's the only question I'm going to give a very LONG answer

Interesting question: My first thought was `Getting married at 18 - 2 days after graduating high school' (And THAT, my firends, is not fiction - Fact or Fiction is a game played on ANOTHER web site) But then I realized that was the STUPIDEST thing I've ever done, not the craziest.

So, then I had to go to `drunken' antics. Right after my divorce I went through this `wild faze'. I started hanging out at a karaoke bar - about, um.. EVERY night. (Mainly because I LOVE being up on stage and the center of attention.) The nice thing about a karaoke bar is that there tends to be a `regular' crowd and many of the people there are present for something OTHER then drinking and picking up a member of the opposite sex. (Not that that sort of stuff doesn't go on as well)

Because I became a `regular' there I started to accumulate a `circle' of friends. The `core' of this group was three girls (J, R and Me) and two guys (N, and M). One time we had been hanging out ALL night, and then went to breakfast after the bar closed down. We were tipsy, a little giddy and feeling just a little `naughty'. So, after saying our goodbyes we girls climbed into our car and started to conspire. Simply flashing the guys wouldn't do, after all these were FRIENDS of ours. I really don't know who's idea it was... I SWEAR it wasn't me... Really! Heh. But as we pulled away, the guys were greeted to the sight of three bra being swung around in circles out the windows of the car while three slightly drunk women whooped and hollered into the sunrise. The guys swore they had never seen anything like it, and that they would NEVER forget that night.

Now, many might say another night was my craziest. It was some special occasion. (I can't remember what) and the drink had been flowing pretty freely. I was standing outside, supporting and being supported by another regular, when she grabbed the top of my bustier and pulled it down screaming at some guys walking past "Hey... are THESE REAL!?"

I don't consider that MY craziest moment because - _I_ didn't do it. She did. I even ignored the guys when they asked for another look to better judge. I SWEAR!

Other `gems' during those days?

One night this fellow who OBVIOSLY thought he was gods gift to women, slid up to me, stood close and murmured, "I've been watching you, and I'll bet you could ROCK My WORLD"

I smiled coyly at him and then turned to my friends and got their attention. When they were all looking my way I pushed my hair back from my face and earnestly asked them, "Hey, does it say F*ck me on my forehead?"

He didn't seem to think that was as funny as the rest of us did.

Another night while talking to a guy that was not nearly as annoying. *smirk* He reached over, grabbed my hand and then ran his fingers over my nails before asking... "Are those real?"

I laughed and told him "No, they are fake, but their the only part of me that is..."

I knew we were going to get along JUST FINE when he tipped his head back and LAUGHED his ass off.

Later that night we nipped out back to snog a little. My friends started looking for me and we had a great time dodging them in the shadows and then pausing to grab a kiss or two before they found us. Eventually my friends gave up and went back inside, and we weren't long in following. Everyone asked us were we'd been and we answered that we had been out for a walk. But then my very best friend J piped up. "I know what you two were doing! You were Dumpter Diving!" From that night on, anyone who ducked out back to kiss was known as a Dumpster Diver.\


so, I've spilled my guts. It's time for some of YOU to share YOUR stories!

Please, say it isn't so
Several times in Costco today, I picked up an item, held it for a moment and then put it back thinking, "I don't really NEED that."

Whaaah? Since when does NEED EVER come into play when I wan't - I wan't - I wan't something?

Does this mean I'm *gulp* growing up!? Noooooooooooooooo!

I assure you that 'maturing' is the LAST on the list of "things I want to do before I die" and being that I tend to procrastinate I had fully intended to 'put it off until tomorrow' even longer then that.

So, I desided that I must be ill, and I'm now going to lie down with a cold compress over my eyes until this bizzare behavior STOPS!

Because you DID ask
As a predecessor to Hump Day Truth or Dare I thought I would honor a recent request to share some of my 'Housekeeper for Holiday Inn' stories. But because I'm a sadist, I'm going to try to string this along a bit... Here's the first in what I hope will become a series of `Job' stories....

"Housekeeping!"

That's what we were required to yell through the door after knocking. I always knocked twice just to make sure I had been heard. I was 15, this was my first job and I was painfully shy. Having to shout at someone even through a closed door was extremely difficult, but it WAS getting easier with time.

Luckily, most 'occupied' rooms had `Do Not Disturb' signs on the door, so I rarely had a run in with any customers. Nevertheless, on occasion, after the obligatory knock and yell I would hear "Not NOW," or an untellable "MUMMBLE, Mumble, mumbly mumble!" Occasionally someone wouldn't bother to SAY anything and all. I would simply hear the lock being turned or the chain being latched. If there was EVER any question of the room being occupied, I moved on. But, one day, (and I know you can see this coming) after knocking and shouting TWICE and hearing nothing in return, I opened the door to a surprise.

Now, maybe it's just me, but if I'm butt naked, laying in bed, and someone opens the door to my room, I am NOT going to LEAP from bed and run toward said opening door. No, I would be more likely to pull the covers up to my nose and simply shout something in the hopes that the door opening person would GO AWAY. Apparently, not all people have this same instinct, because as I opened the door WIDE a naked male figure sprung from the bed and launched itself toward the door! And what do _I_ do in my infinite 15 year old wisdom? I shriek "HOUSEKEEPING!"

Hump Day Tradition?
It's Hump Day, I'm bored and to spice things up a bit I thought I would start a new tradition here called

Hump Day Truth or Dare

Here's how it works. You ask me a question, and I have to answer that question or do some 'thing' that you specify. Deal?

As a warning, if no one asks I'll be forced to tell my life story ;)

Why I hate my ex Reason #5698
Mood:  irritated
Someone explain this SHIT to me....

My son calls me a few minutes ago just to shoot the breeze, he then asks me if I've talked to his Dad about WHEN they are going to come over, because he's been begging me to come over on Wednesday.

Me: I haven't talked to him yet, but I need too.
Him: Are you going to talk to him now?
Me: Sure, why not?
Him: About when we are coming over?
Me: Yeah
Him: Oh... Don't tell him I said anything - ok?
Me: Ok Bud, no problem... I'll talk to you later ok?
Him: OK

So tell me. What's up with that!? I know Richard did a number on those kids. Making them feel guilty for wanting to spend time with me, for wanting to see me, but STILL!? FEH!! I wan to hang Richard up by his nards right now, really I do!


Update:

Just talked to "Richard" and he informed me "You need to talk to those kids because I told them that they couldn't go with you if they didn't have their room packed..."

Excuse me!? You're moving at the END of this month and they can't come over for COURT MANDATED visiting because you can't get them to do chores... WTF!?

I think I'm going to have an aneurism now

Ok - this is the WIERDEST thing I've ever seen - I put in my username and THIS is what I got..

Your True Nature by llScorpiusll
Username
The quality that most appeals to you:	Strength
In a survival situation, you:	Do what is necessary
Your hidden talent is:	Adaptability
Your gift is:	A loving heart
In groups, you:	Are the entertainment
Your best quality is:	Your protectiveness
Your weakness is:	Your coldness
Quiz created with MemeGen!

all I can say is it's 100% true! really really strange :)

The quality that most appeals to you: Strength
Yep - and we're not talking about body - we're talking about mind and emotional strength. I think it's an exceptional quality.

In a survival situation, you: Do what is necessary
That's exactly me. When it comes to surviving, I do what needs to be done, this includes changing my whole persona to live 13 years with someone I shouldn't have spent more then one date with...

Your hidden talent is: Adaptability
I think that's partically covered in the above comment. But it's true in other situations as well. When I with a group I'm a camileon, doing what's needed to fit in.

Your gift is: A loving heart
That's me tough on the outside all sweet an gooey on the inside

In groups, you: Are the entertainment
I'm the public speeker, the star of the karaoke machine the 'is everyone having fun' gal

Your best quality is: Your protectiveness
I love the people I love to be happy and safe and I'll do whatever it takes to make sure they stay that way.

Your weakness is: Your coldness
This is true on several levels. I'm the 'icy cold hands and feet' girl :) I'm also not an easy person to get to know in person. Yeah, I'm nice, I'm friendly, I'll laugh with you at all the appropriate places, but I also often come across as cold and impersonal. Some of it is shyness, some of it is an overwhelming need to protect myself, and some of it stems from me not wanting to burden folks with my own personal BS, because well see the above NEED to protect those around me.

Luckily for me N was one of the few people who were able to see through and blow away that outer layer. He never 'requires' me to make him happy and sometimes even insists that I take care of myself before him. He doesn't get jellous when I'm being 'entertaining' And he's my pillar of strength on every level...

As I've said before, he's my perfect mate and my other half, and I thank God every day that I've found him.

MEME Propagation Test
This posting is a community experiment started by Minding the Planet to see how a meme represented by a blog posting spreads across blogspace, physical space and time. It will help to show how ideas travel across blogs in space and time and how blogs are connected. It may also help to show which blogs are most influential in the propagation of memes. The original posting for this experiment is located at: Minding the Planet; results and commentary will appear there in the future.

Please join the test by adding your blog (see instructions, below) and inviting your friends to participate - the more the better. The data from this test will be public and open; others may use it to visualize and study the connectedness of blogspace and the propagation of memes across blogs.

The GUID for this experiment is:

as098398298250swg9e98929872525389t9987898tq98wteqtgaq62010920352598gawstw98qwrt189849813907azq4

(this GUID enables anyone to easily search Google for all results of this experiment. remove any spaces that have been used). Anyone is free to analyze the data of this experiment. Please publicize your analysis of the data, and/or any comments by adding comments onto the original post at Minding the Planet; Note: it would be interesting to see a geographic map or a temporal animation, as well as a social network map of the propagation of this meme.

INSTRUCTIONS

To add your blog to this experiment, copy this entire posting to your blog, and fill out the info below, substituting your own information in your posting, where appropriate.

(Note: Replace the answers below with your own answers):

I found this experiment at URL: What's Up With That?
I found it via "Newsreader Software" or "Browsing or Searching the Web" or "An E-Mail Message": Browsing or Searching the Web
I posted this experiment at URL: More Then You Ever Wanted to Know
I posted this on date (day, month, year): 03 August 2004
I posted this at time (24 hour time): 14:07
My posting location is (city, state, country): Sonoma, CA, USA

OPTIONAL SURVEY FIELDS - Replace the answers below with your own:

My blog is hosted by: Tripod
My age is: 35
My gender is: Female
My occupation is: Project Manager
I use the following RSS/Atom reader software: N/A
I use the following software to post to my blog: N/A
I have been blogging since (day, month, year): 12/1/02
My web browser is: Internet Explorer