A Busy Weekend

I had a nice busy weekend. Busy enough for me to forget to blog.  Saturday I went to A Cut Above in Antioch and had my hair cut a little short. At first I was going in for a trim, but when I woke up Saturday I had a strong desire to try something different.  I have never had my hair straightened in order to cut it before. That was a new experience.  I like the new look and there are plenty of fun options with the new do.

I'm not a fan of the straight hair

I prefer this curly look

My friend JW came over as he accepted my offer to treat him to Tacos and Beer, and maybe a movie. We had beer and appetizers while trying to figure out what the next step was before the movie. It was still early, so we headed out to Martinez for a stroll down by the water.  As we stood on the dock someone was lighting heart shaped paper lanterns and sending them off over the water. It was cute to watch them. We decided to skip the movie as the day went on. The only option really was seventh son, which I want to see, but it got horrible reviews. I'll wait for it to come out on Netflix. By the time we were done walking we were ready for tacos. That's all we'd been thinking about. JW suggested a little restaurant he'd been to once before.  I'm always interested in trying new places.  The restaurant is La Primavera on Pine Street in Martinez and it was superb. A beautiful mural covers the whole place, I wish I would have taken a picture of some of the lovely art work. The customer service is on point, the employees work their asses off. We both ordered the Taco Dinner and as we waited I started second guessing my choice. We sat at the bar and had front seat view of every dish being made, it all looked fantastic. We got our tacos and devoured our food. It was delicious! I have to go back soon.  After tacos we picked up some ice cream, cookies, and brownies to snack on while watching Netflix. 

Taco dinner plate from La Primavera

Sunday JW and I went on a nice hike at Mt Wanda in Martinez. It was a steady up hill struggle.  I am out of shape and need to start walking and hiking more.  Maybe it's time for the weekly hikes again. While we were hiking, there was a man running/jogging up and down the trails. Talk about feeling like a fat ass while watching this guy, and of course I start thinking about food.  The view was lovely and the workout was a much needed ass kicking. 

We head to Concord and stop in The Hop Grenade Taproom & Bottle Shop ... I don't have a picture of the bread because I was too busy enjoying it.  It was the end of SF Beer Week so plenty of people coming in to enjoy the beer and appetizers.

Firestone Walker & Heretic Evil Twin

 It was fun to people watch while there. I overheard people talking about the app Untappd. My friend V had mentioned it before, but I never really checked it out. So I did what all normal people these days do. I downloaded the app, checked in and added my beer. While looking through options on the app we saw a beer that was near by at Slow Hand BBQ. So, guess where we went next? Slow Hand BBQ has some great food; It hit the spot for sure.  It's a hidden little spot in with some offices and a little shop. I forgot what JW got, which was going to be my choice until he suggested the Blind Pig for me.  It was good but I had a hard time finishing it. I should have gotten a soda. The day ended with some shopping for video games and hats.  Then a nice long nap, so long I didn't get up till after 6 this morning. Good thing I had the day off.

Brisket, Hot Link, and Coleslaw

Add caption

It was a nice long weekend. Well worth all the yumminess. Thank you JW for being my food adventurist partner this weekend. 

A Nice Hike at Mount Diablo

April 12, 2014

JW and I went for a little hike at Mount Diablo.  It was my first time hiking there.  Here are a few photos to share.

Sometimes, there is beauty in devastation.

Can I live out here in the middle of the mountains?

Another reason I want to live here in isolation

I was too afraid to climb up this rock. 

Such a beautiful sight to behold.

One of the many carving from Rock City

This is for the Morgan Fire Recovery Study camera stands (02)

Another view from the Recovery Study camera stands. :) (03)

If you don't know about this study, you can check it out here: Nerds For Nature

If you would like to see the rest of the photos I took on our hiking adventure, you can see them in my G+ Photos album: Mount Diablo Hike 2014-04-12

Lent: Getting Caught Up On Entries.

March 21, 2014 Friday

I went for a hike with V today. We started at Contra Loma walked through Black Diamond Mines and back to Contra Loma.  It took about three hours.  I felt like my right hip wanted to fall off and my left knee was ghosting.  I was sore for a short while and thought I would be sore Saturday, but I felt pretty good Saturday morning.  I was planning on going out Friday night but plans were foiled by a reluctant friend.  Oh well, I tried.  The hike somehow felt like it took up my whole day.

The Beginning

The hike up was killing my legs, gah

Oh look cows.  Almost done. 

March 22, 2014 Saturday

Not much going on, just did some cleaning and organizing around the house.  Hung out with the kids,  and went for a brief walk to keep me from getting sore.  I didn't really eat much, actually I haven't been eating as much as I should. I am down to 146 pounds.  I did have a couple caffeine free Cokes today.   It's a bit of a regular day.  The stray cat we care for decided he wanted to hang out in the house.  He took a nap on the clothes I was trying to organize.

DJ Meow-Mix sleeping on my mess. 

March 23, 2014 Sunday

Went to breakfast with JW, K & W.   I had a yummy omelette with a hot link in it. I love spicy food, yes I do.  Did some laundry and listened to 90s alternative today; I'm being nostalgic.  I think I drank way too much tea today.  I feel wired and it's 9pm.   I got a little me time in today while the kids were at their grandparents.  YES!

I think I am all caught up on my entries. I am off to bed.

Good Night and Sweet Dreams xoxo

Day 11 & 12 of Lent: Santa Cruz & a Birthday.

Saturday March 15, 2014

My sanctuary. 

Headed out to Santa Cruz with JW and the girls. We brought home made sandwiches and snacks for the day.  We visited The Mystery Spot  before going to the beach; I had never been there before.  I love science and the mysteries of the world, but I was not impressed, I don't know why.  The only thing that made it fun was the company I had.  It was nice to see them having a good time and that's what made it worth it.  I was so excited to be at the beach.  We didn't go the the beach at the Boardwalk because it's too crowded.  I dislike large crowds.  We found a nice spot and i actually stripped down to my bikini.  Can you believe it?  I can't, I was self conscious about it.  I still have a lot of insecurities about myself and it's hard for me to run around in very little clothing.  We tanned for a little bit and then went for a little walk down the beach.

You know, I have never been inside a lighthouse.  I need to add it to my Bucket List

We went to the Boardwalk and walked around, did some people watching, and had a deep fried twinkie for the first time.  I thought it was a little too sweet for me, but I would have another.  I got a little turtle made of shells and we named him Cruz.  We only went on one ride, the Sky glider (I think that's what it was called).  I am terrified of heights, but it was still fun, well until it stopped.  I'm such a baby.  JW and I went to the bowling alley near by and grabbed a couple beers before heading back to the Arcade to play a couple games.  Once we all met up again we played mini golf before heading home, and well I suck at mini golf, but I had a lot of fun.

Cruz the Turtle. 

Sunday March 16, 2014

Happy 14th Birthday to my mini me.  We already celebrated her birthday last week and she was supposed to celebrate with her fathers side of the family today.  All she ended up doing was going to lunch with her grandparents.  She will have a party on the 23rd.  She slept most of the day because she wasn't feeling well.  Poor kid.  Nothing much else happened. We watched movies and hung out.  It was a nice relaxing Sunday.  

Looking Fabulous... 

Question by Jo Estes:  If anything, What is the one thing you would do differently and why?  Also, How do past experiences affect the person you are today & the choices you make? 

I wouldn't change a thing in my life. Even the hardest times, the times when i was at my lowest,  I would change nothing. But, IF I had to pick at least one thing, it would be that I continued college when I first attended.  Though if I did, my life would be completely different and I wouldn't be who I am and I wouldn't have the great friends I do today.  The experiences I've had in my life, good and bad, have taught me to love, accept myself and others for who we are, and understand that nothing is forever.  I appreciate what I have, forgive myself and others for our mistakes, and live life as it comes.

  

My Sunburned Birthday Adventure

My birthday is July 1, and I am 36 years old this year.   I was planning on just going to school and going about my day like it's any other day.  Except i was far to sunburned to walk and my poor legs swelled up twice their size.  Why you ask?  Oh well, my friend Eric thought it would be nice to take me away for the weekend on a Birthday Adventure.  You know by now I love adventures, so of course I agreed not knowing what we will be doing until I got there.  Silly me, didn't think to bring sunblock and neither did Eric.  We drove to Forestville to go canoeing at Burkes.  I have never been before and at first said NO WAY!  Not that I didn't want to try, but there were a lot of people and I don't do well in big crowds.  This was a big crowd in water so naturally I panicked.  Once a large portion of the crowd was on their way I felt safe enough to go.  We get our canoe and head out for a three hour paddle ride down the Russian River.  Wait.. THREE HOURS?  Oh nice Eric, you could have told me BEFORE we got in the darn canoe.  Like I said before, I had no sunblock, with short shorts on.  It has been about ten years since my legs have seen the sun.  The scenery was fabulous, the canoe ride was great, and people were super friendly.  About half way through the ride I got wet but some local kids who got us with super soakers.  I was already getting hot and feeling a little burnt.  The water cooled me for a minute until I started to feel the burn.  I knew it was going to be too late by the time we were done.  So I did the best I could by taking my shirt off to cover my legs.  Once we got to the end I swam in the river until the bus came to pick us up.  The water was so cool and refreshing.  I want to go back and camp at Burkes.

It doesn't look bad, yet. 

One the Canoe trip was done we went back to the Hotel and cleaned up.  I took a cold bath and somehow with my burned legs was able to get my nylons on.  We went to dinner at the Hotel, walked around, and thought about going to the pool.  We sat and watched the people from our balcony before we fell asleep.  The next morning I stepped out on the balcony to see lots of spider webs, I saw some the night before, I just didn't realize there were so many.  There was one spider in particular wrapping his new meal.  I snapped a picture of him but didn't like it.  I snapped another and thought OH MY GOSH, He has a scary face.

Such an evil grin 

Once we were ready to go, I stepped out to say goodbye to Mr. Spider, but he was busy eating.  We went to Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve.  I had never been there and I was super excited because as you all know I love nature.  My sunburn wasn't too bad though my pants rubbed on my knees as i climbed.  I took some pictures of random trees and animals.  Eric spotted a doe, at first that is all we saw; then she starts walking away from us and we see two babies trotting behind her.  They were so cute.

Oh snap! Mama deer's looking right at us. 

We ended the day with Goat Rock Beach.  I'm not sure why it's called that when nothing looks like a goat.  I read that my favorite movie of all time, GOONIES, was filmed here (the last scene). We saw some seals playing in the water.  The water was ice cold by the way.  It felt good on my burned legs until I was out of the water.  The wind made me shiver like I had a fever.  BBRRRRRRRRRR

Arched Rock at Goat Rock Beach.  Photo by me

On the way home we grabbed some dinner and chatted about the weekend.  I complained about my legs and Eric says the dumbest thing ever "You're Mexican, I thought you could handle it".  Uh thanks man, cause Mexicans never burn.  I guess I'm not mexican enough to handle the sun, ha ha.  We get to my house only to find my son outside freaking out because a praying mantis is on the window.  I tell him how they are good luck.  He doesn't care, to him it's the devil.  We move the poor mantis to a nearby rose bush.  That my friends is my Birthday Adventure.

The Mantis we found on my window sill. 

** You can see the rest of the photos in my Google+ Album BDAY POST

Something New with Friends (Overdue blog)

I had a few firsts recently. In November I was invited to Lake Tahoe for the first time. We left on the 23rd knowing I had never been there and NEVER attempted snow boarding. You see, I always considered myself one who dislikes snow. I believe I was 3 the last time I was in real snow, not counting the bizarre mini snow fall Brentwood had once (or was it twice?). My family lives in areas that snow, but I don't visit during that time. I always thought I hated it, people would talk about snow and my immediate response was "eww I hate snow". So I had not played in snow, made snow balls, snow men or snow angels. I had not been to a ski resort or anything really. You can see how crazy it sounds that I would agree to go. I was hesitant, but I have been telling myself that I need to try new things and face my fears. Plus I really needed to get away.

An old high school friend by the name of Eric invited me. We had been hanging out lately and he would say that he was going to get me to the snow. He was so sure he would get me to go snow boarding. He was right. We drove to Tahoe and stayed at Montbleu Resort Hotel. It was a nice place and the shower/ tub was awesome. We met up with another old high school friend Tyler and his wife Angelina.  We went to dinner and did some gambling, okay I only played Keno, but it's still gambling.

 Saturday the 24th we went to Heavenly Ski Resort and I was faced with snow, ice and lots of crazy people. We rented me & Angelina some boots and boards. Then it was off to play. Eric & Tyler are seasoned boarders, so they showed us the basics. Angelina had been boarding one time prior to this trip. So I made it clear that i am a slow learner when it comes to sports and They only had one hour to get me started then they were to take off and go do their thing. So the hour passes and I got the basics but had a hard time getting up when I fell. The guys want to go elsewhere but I don't feel ready and choose to stay behind. I have a feeling Eric felt bad, but I made it clear that they take off after an hour. So I try a few more times on my own. As I told you in the last post I was clipped by another boarder and then hit by a second person. It hurt! Someone was nice and helped me not fall again until I got to a chair. Haha..  I sat there for a bit watching the kids learn and I can't believe how small some of the kids were. To see these tiny body sliding around was super cute. I wish I had brought my phone to take photos. After a while I decide to get up and walk around. That is when Eric spotted me and we headed back to the hotel. I was walking a bit funny when we left Heavenly. I thought taking a nice hot bath would help and it did. Though I think the drinking I was doing while getting ready for the night made me feel no pain. By the time we left the room to eat I was barely able to walk. I think Eric escorted me around most of the time. We had a buffet dinner, and half way through I went to the restroom and I get lost trying to get back to the table. It felt as if I was walking for hours trying to find my friends. After dinner we walk back to our hotel to check out Club Opal for some dancing.  We had some more drinks and then it was dance time. Only Eric and I danced because Tyler doesn't dance, what a weirdo. I think we danced just about the whole time we were there. It has been so long since i went dancing. I believe that was the most fun from that weekend. I need to go dancing more often (hint hint).

 Sunday morning we went to Denny's for breakfast before heading home. The server was a young pretty girl and she was so sweet. Before we actually headed home Eric took me sight seeing real quick. It is so lovely in Tahoe, I can't believe I have never been there before. I think I told Eric a few times I would so live there. I would love to live anywhere like it.

So all in all the trip was great. I had fun and it was well worth it. I want to go again soon. I am grateful for the friends that thought to invite me. Thank you Eric, Tyler and Angelina.

Below are the few photos I took with my phone.

Friday night. You like our makeshift cooler?

Saturday night. I was pretty tipsy in this photo. 

IMOO- Drivers License

I have been reading about a rise in the Y generation not wanting to drive and then Jezebel also posts an article titled worth it not having a drivers license. I can't tell you how relieved I am to see more people not allowing others to pressure them into driving and realizing it is not a necessity. I have actually never had a drivers license. I believe driving is a privilege NOT a right. So many people have a drivers license and can not drive. How the hell did they pass their test? I am an awful driver, I have a lead foot and serious road rage. I also had more than one incident that has brought serious anxiety when I am behind the wheel. I didn't like driving and was not confident in my skills. Then when the incidents happened, they heightened my fear and anxiety with driving. I have anxiety attacks while driving, so I choose not to drive. I feel it would be wrong of me to drive knowing I could have an anxiety attack and possibly pass out behind the wheel causing an accident or even death. I have gotten by just fine without a car, though sometimes (very rare) I ask for a ride. I also will not get in the car with you if I feel you are an awful driver. I know many of you will say 'How dare you judge us drivers when you don't even have a license". I can respect that but, you have to respect that if you drive like a crazy person and don't follow simple road rules, I have the right to never get in your car again. I have a few friends that are HORRIBLE drivers. I just don't understand how they got their license. 

 I have been called a bad mother for not driving. I have been told I am abusing my kids for making them walk and take the bus. If anything I have taught my kids independence and geography. My kids can walk all over town and know how and where to go on foot, but we are still working on the bus systems. I would get the "You need a license for emergencies" bit when my kids were little. So, If I have my license and there is an emergency will a car magically appear in front of me to use? I thought not. I don't have a car so the license won't matter in an emergency anyway. I can't even afford to have one right now, so we save money, sorta. I buy bus passes that can be used more than once and I also have a Clipper Card for BART and Muni. I wish the Clipper Card was good for Tri Delta Transit, but nope. I walk more than anything because many of the stores are close by. Target, Walmart, Sears, 99 cent stores, lots of banks and a mini mall. Los Medanos College is even in walking distance. The grocery store isn't really that far and I usually walk to the store then take the bus home. 

 Now the thing that drives me crazy is when people tell me I need a license and then I see them drive to the mail box. YES the mail box! I see people drive to the store to get less items than me. They may beat me to the store, but I get more stuff and still make it home before or at the same time as them. My neighbors always say "Dang Lisa you walk fast." Yes I do. I think if I drove I would be hella fat and more lazy than I already am. I think some people take driving for granted and don't realize what they are missing out on. I know there are times when a car is the better option but...Why do you have to drive everywhere? Why can't you jog to the store, or walk with your kids to school? You're missing out on life when you are always in a rush. What's the hurry? I have met some interesting people walking and on the bus. I get to pet dogs on my walks and enjoy nature. 

Like I said before I believe driving is a privilege not a right. Too many people take it for granted or abuse it. Stop, get out of your car, and walk. Take the bus and enjoy the interesting people. Plus it's better for your health if you leave your car at home a few times a week. Come on, you can do it.

I had to add this. lol

30 Day Challenge, Day 28

Today's challenge is to listen to a song that mimics nature. In my search for such a song I came across a youtube channel by Okanokumo. This may not be mimicking nature, but the videos are very relaxing and great for meditation or relaxing baths. This youtube channel is well worth checking out.  Below is one of the meditation videos. It's close enough because I couldn't find anything close to sounding like nature.

A date I would love to go on.

Todays Challenge is: A date you would love to go on.

I guess I should break this down to 3 different kind of dates I like. I don't know how to explain dates.

Photo from a contest in National Geographic.

 Date #1: The Sunset walk on the beach.

I would love to just walk on the beach and chat with the person I am with. We would have a nice picnic dinner to enjoy, something I made at home. I love the beach and I miss it, I don't care if it's cold in the evenings. I have never had a date like this though. I've always gone alone or with my kids. 

How to plan and pack a picnic

Date #2: The picnic/ music in the park.

So pretty much the same as the beach. A nice picnic with food I made at home or some Togos mmm. We can just sit and talk, walk around, if there are swings I'm getting on. Plus I love music, so if there is a festival or event in a park. That's where I want to go.  I went last summer to the Phono Del Sol Festival with a friend and I had a great time.  

Date #3: The Movies

Now this date I have been on many times. Ryan and I would go to dinner and a movie a lot when we were together. Wait... we still go to dinner and a movie. We're not dating though, we are just good friends. Ryan and I saw The Raven last time I was in San Francisco. I love to watch movies, I have movie marathons at home all the time. It's even better when you have someone to watch them with, then go out to eat and discuss the movie. It helps the conversation get going. Some people like to eat before and that's fine to, as long as I get to eat. 

As you can see I love to eat and talk, so there has to be plenty of both on a date with me. Most would say I am a cheap date, or selling myself short. I'm not saying I won't go on a fancy date, I just like a more relaxed environment. Plus I have yet to meet a man who thinks I'm worth all that trouble. I would love to go to the Opera or a play, but those are super expensive and I don't know any guy who thinks I'm worth all that money and trouble. OH WELL, life goes on.

P.S. I just realized that everything I do that's fun is with Ryan. I need new friends.