Category Archives: Adventures

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Santa Monica

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The full story:

I drove up from San Diego at around noon. There was hardly any traffic until I really hit LA. I pulled up to The Viceroy Santa Monica:

Not too shabby...

Not too shabby...

SB showed up after my not cheap glass of wine and chat with my mommy in the lobby:

also not shabby.

also not shabby.

We dolled up and headed to The Lobster on the Pier.

feed me seafood

feed me seafood

We drank and ate 100$ worth of oysters, mussels, champagne, and wine – which was then graciously donated to us by the gentlemen that had originally given up their seats for us. 
We then made our way to the bar at The Huntley and continued to drink wine and champagne for which we did not pay until around 11, when we retired like good little girls after a leisurely stroll home.
Cost of trip: one tank of gas, three bags of M&Ms (for SB) and a Sprite for the ride home. Ta-Da!

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Scaring The Lifeguards

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I’m not sure if I’ve ever mentioned this here before, but I can’t swim, not really.  I took lessons as a kid at the Reservoir and the monster mean lady told me sharks would eat my toes if I didn’t swim right. Like that’s going to work. I can kinda force myself around in a pool, if  I don’t put my head under. And if I can touch. No deep end for me. Unless there’s a wall to cling to once I get over there. Never learned treading water. My Kardashian booty sinks like a rock.

So I’m not exactly sure what to call yesterday. Last year MK forced me to snorkel, by teaching me in the pool and taking me to see the leopard sharks. It was insane. But I did it. It was my understanding that that was a one time deal and I’d never have to go through that trauma again…

But MK decided he wanted to show me what floating in a wetsuit was like. He dragged me to La Jolla Shores kicking and screaming and rented me a wetsuit, booties, and fins. The rental guy could tell I was freaking out and thought I was a moron. I looked hideous – which is against everything I stand for at the ocean. I wobbled into the water and of course, the waves picked up (MK assured me it would be a super calm day). So there’s me, kinda cry-moan-whining, and him, holding me and making me put my feet up and out and get the fins on and practice the concepts of swimming. I am waaaaay to old for this.

I don’t want to learn to swim. He kept telling me it will be like skiing, which I was a major chicken about but now kick butt. But I WANTED to ski. I’d never tried it. I took a long time because I wanted to get it right. I don’t have dreams about dying skiing. I do have dreams (especially last night) of drowning*.

So we kinda just hung out there, until I calmed down and we had a few laughs. I kept hoping if I made it horrible enough he’d give up, but my husband is entirely too determined. He didn’t quit when I was hyperventilating, just told me that if I didn’t shut up the lifeguards would come try to rescue me and that would be the most embarrassing ever. I can’t say I swam, or snorkeled, but I got in the ocean yesterday, and hung out a little with my feet in the air.

 

 

 

*Do not tell me if I could SWIM, I wouldn’t DROWN. That logic doesn’t fly here.

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The Running Club Story

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When MK and I lived in San Diego last, we joined a running club. Actually, they prefer to think of themselves as “A Drinking Club with a Running Problem”. It was the Larrikins Chapter of the Hash House Harriers. Our first run was the Red Dress Run. Yes, EVERYONE (MK!) wears a red dress. For money I’ll show you the pictures…

There are many dumb reasons I never told you just how hilarious this adventure was. Snippy knows one. My mom is another – it can get a little vulgar over there. Everyone gets a dirty nickname.* There’s a trail you have to find. There’s beer on trail. There’s beer at the end of the trail. There are silly songs to be sung. That about sums it up I think – it’s a general good time. There’s also a volleyball version of the group that meets up during the week, which MK far prefers over running. He’s super excited this time around to return to that group – our new place is within walking distance of where they play.

I’m really looking forward to getting back into beach shape, and using these super duper new and strong ski legs will hopefully make it easy this time around.

A Red Dress Run. To be safe, no one I know.

A Red Dress Run. To be safe, no one I know.

 

*I’ll share our names with you here – we were fortunate not to get dirty ones. I was named “Depreciating Asset” in reference to this story here. MK was named “No Beer, I’m Queer”** by the hash (there’s a big voting group ceremony after your 6th run where you get named by the mob). The club drinks beer. MK does not. Pretty funny.

**I’m pretty sure that when my Dad was preening me to become the SUPER AWESOMEST WIFE EVER he had no idea I’d end up with a man that hates watching sports and drinking beer. I couldn’t believe it. When I first heard of the concept of marriage – all I looked forward to was the nights at home on the couch with a 6 (12) pack and a delivered pizza, watching the game. Huh. At least I was cool for a little while in college.

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Zion National Park

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On our drive back from San Diego MK and I went through Zion National Park. We were unfortunately no where near dressed warm enough to do a big hike but took a thousand pictures from the car –

here they are!

It was a beautiful spot and one we’ll probably go through again and camp and hike properly.

one of many zion national park

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Can You Believe

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You’ve all missed me terribly, I know! Well, of course SXSW was amazing and I actually got some really great pictures that I look forward to sharing with you. I had a blast and as always love going back to Austin the best week of the year.

The thing is, though, that I decided I wasn’t done. Or MK did, really. So we’re still vacationing. And it’s a good one. Can’t wait to catch up but you’ll have to give me some time!

outta here

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Dumb And Dumber

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Was filmed in Park City, I understand. My own version of dumb and dumber is skiing beyond my ability, listening to the three that surpass me (BB, TB, MK) and throwing myself repeatedly down many black and double blue runs. I mean, I can do all that now, I know what I’m doing, I know the right way to ski. It clicked, finally. But I knew beforehand that the right way was the way that hurt most, even though it should be easier, because of my crappy knees. So don’t tell my insurance I have a blog, ok? I’m putting off the doctor visit, but I managed to dislocate my knee (dumb) and then SKI the rest of a great day (dumber) on it. There was no way I couldn’t. It was too fun.

So now I can’t feel most of a leg. But I kinda feel badass. Ski season is fast approaching its end and I need to go out with a bang. It might be a bang and a cast, but that’s better than regret. Maybe it’s the sunshine or the new vitamins or even that idea that I can really be happy here, but I am not going to be a quitter. A time-outer, yes. But not a quitter. I’m going to try and get in as many good days as I can this last month we’re here.

As always with our transitions and and adventures our time here has flown by. Thanks to the love and support of my unrelenting therapist TB, I’m well enough again to live large and enjoy the time we have left.

ski therapy

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Going Out With A Bang

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There was a lot of funniness crammed into three days with this group we just had. The pre-visit entry was supposed to give you some idea. Then they get here and it’s a whirlwind and they’re gone and I’m still recovering. There aren’t that many stories to relate that wouldn’t include you wondering why we were laughing so hard. Those you had to be there kinds. If I quip “It’s kind of like eating a banana with a spoon” or “She’s the kind of girl that would floss her teeth with her hair” laugh with me even though there’s no context…

SF showed up with Freebirds. As you heard. That blew my mind and was pretty freaking awesomely thoughtful. You know how much we miss our Texas food. Actually, maybe you don’t. Even she seemed surprised how excited we were.

Yum!

Yum!

Everyone else showed up with gifts too! We got a handle of Titos and some Cedar Door mexican martini mix. It was late Thursday when they all got in so we passed out after meeting. We got up relatively (5 girls remember) early, hit Starbucks and bombarded the rental place in a flurry of pigtails and ribbons and silly name tags. Oh and monkey stickers. They were so not prepared.

Time to ski!

Time to ski!

Neither was the mountain! SF KB and CP had all never skied before. My input was worthless but with the tireless help of MK, TB and JH they kinda got the concept, and quickly. We took them up to the greens where I kept up with CP and TB was with KB and MK apparently threw SF into a tree and knocked her out or something. Typing that confused me!

The Rookies

The Rookies

We headed up to Silver Lake Lodge at 1:30 and met up with JV and his father and friend Brian. I love love love big groups and felt so great up there with (almost – long story) everyone talking and laughing and having good times. Even the broken headed SF couldn’t quit and we made it all the way to the top and back down to end the day.

Almost Everyone, JV took the pic.

Almost Everyone, JV took the pic.

Getting to ski with JV was great and we all were happy after a long day to come home to beers and the hot tub. SF and I went to go get dinner fixings…and the power went out. Such is my life. We all drove to the super crowded Main Street and ate all our weights times two in pizza wings and fry sauce. We played Cranium by the light of the fire and the headlamps of B and JV, the resident pilots. The power came on just in time for bed.

Davanza's Rules!

Davanza's Rules!

The boys left early and we got back to the mountain. Much fun and aches were had by all.

Day Two

Day Two

All the girls

All the girls

We got a little silly and took CP down a blue, and I also skied through MK’s legs which I’m pretty proud of but decided the pictures don’t look like what they are supposed to reflect and are therefore confusing and inappropriate…

I cooked that dinner the power previously prevented and TB brought over the free entertainment, aka SB, to amuse us all. MK survived 7 girls in the house at once. SF KB and CP left Sunday morning. TB JH and I shopped and ate out Sunday and she left Monday morning. JH got me a great thank you hat gift.

Our company is all over and I’m a little sad. I am just so thankful to all my friends that visited my mountains (LOL) and kept me happy and busy. Thank you ALL for coming. You are the greatest friends a girl could have!

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Holy Pigtails And Pillowfights

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For serious. You might not know this, I myself wasn’t even sure of this until verification tonight. But it just so happens there are FOUR girls (three of which I have not met) showing up at my house tomorrow night. I’m thinking of sending MK to BB’s and bringing TB over here for the Cosmos. He might go readily – that’s a whole lot of estrogen. Furthermore, the sump pump in the house broke or something (I just went to the mall) so the basement is under reconstruction. We’re only down one room for one night, but it just seems easier that we all sleep in sleeping bags in front of the fire and give each other makeovers.

Okay, not really. We’ll make do. And have fun. I’m so excited to meet the friends SF is bringing and laugh about how they all fall short of my awesomeness. Just kidding… 😉

We’re going to ski. Some of us for the first time. We’ll be back at Deer Valley. ACES! We’ll have drinks. And late night junk food. And probably at least one heated discussion and if the last month is my indicator, some totally unnecessary tears. You know you’re jealous. If I’m really lucky, my old friend JV might even make an appearance, as he flies himself around the country before the start of his new job. He might be bringing a single male.

Cat fight! Contest! Drama!

Yeah right.

I promise not to stir the pot anymore than this epic blog post, and I promise most of this is in jest anyway. But this is our last company! We have to go out with a bang!

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Appreciating Your Understanding

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Man, I miss you guys! This intermittent blogging is just not working for me! I’m not even sure what’s going on or what to tell you about. We’re sending the computer in so that’s the good news, mainly that it’s not my fault and will get fixed apparently under warranty. Bad news is I’m going to be begging for blogging during SXSW! That’s right folks, finally after much drama my flight is (correctly) booked and I’m off. I was nervous MK wasn’t going to send me but I convinced him getting away will be good for me. SB and others will be there and that has me super excited that this year will be the best yet. The party invites are already rolling in. The band list looks great, as always.

Hopefully KD will put up with my chronicling our adventures this year for posterity from her gear since I’ll be empty handed. Or maybe even JC’s iPhone would do the trick – Apple had a WordPress application that Blackberry doesn’t. Boo. If nothing else, know that I’ll take a ton of pictures and good notes!

In other quick blurt update kinda news we had a ton of snow this week. I still end up last all the time but have to admit I impressed myself – if no one else- this week by learning a lot about how to ski when you can’t see your skis.The pictures don’t do the snow of the crazy new runs justice. I almost want to get myself the shirt ASH liked, “Sometimes I amaze even myself!”

powder lotsa snow new run tb in powder me ski

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Break Time

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Well, ASH and NH are gone, and we’ve got a whopping 4 day vacation until our next set of guests come. Remember, I keep telling you how much I love the company. That part is true. All my friends clean up after themselves and make such a little fuss they make for probably better company than I do when I travel. They treat me to super nice dinners and totally inappropriately extravagant gifts (NH) and help me pass time and move on from thinking about sad stuff.

I’m just sooo tired! I feel like I never caught up on good sleep. I’m up to two cups of coffee a morning, sucked on my afternoon skiing w/my hubby yesterday, and am kinda having the strangest dreams ever, that end up waking me up and making me very unhappy. MK has been very understanding and we spent the day in the basement playing LEGO Star Wars (dorks). I just want to get going again. Our next guests, SH and JM, are known for their buckets of energy. I’m hoping they can afford to lend me one.

In other news, the end of our lease is fast approaching and as you know the million dollar question is where to next. At this point I’d be happy to hear your non sucky suggestions. It’s getting a little frustrating. I’m all for back to San Diego but there aren’t any places we’ve looked at that blow us away. With MK changing his mind daily from Tampa to the US Virgin Islands (Do phones work there? Do they have grocery stores!??!) I am a little worried he’s going to be making this next move on his own. 😉

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