SB Day Trip and Cravings

An extremely well timed spring break has arrived, and while we weren't able to get away this time, we did take a day trip to Santa Barbara today. We parked in old town and then walked down to the beach, browsing through shops along the way. The weather was absolutely wonderful, but as you can see, it was a bit windy at Stearns Wharf.

Below is a picture taken from Sterns Wharf looking back towards Santa Barbara. Isn't it beautiful?


The next picture needs a bit of explaining. When AJwoke up this morning, he informed me that he had a crazy dream that he was expecting a child (not me....him). So naturally, when the wind puffed up his jacket like so, I had to click it.

Apparently the dream also influenced his ability to have cravings like an expectant woman. As we walked back to old town from the beach he mentioned that he wanted CPK for lunch. However, when we arrived at one location in Santa Barbara, as luck would have it, the power had gone out. We waited around for a bit, but then decided it would be best to head back towards the San Fernando Valley and find a CPK along the way. I kept my eyes peeled for most of the drive, but didn't see one off any of the exits. (BTW, although this sounds old-fashioned, we have no cell phone so this last step, as well as the future ones, really were necessary)


We pulled off in Oxnard, because there was a golf shop that we wanted to stop at and were hoping that a CPK would be nearby. We discovered, after looking in a phonebook at a local Blockbuster, that there was indeed a CPK in one of the towns that we passed on the way to Oxnard. So, in order to satifsy our cravings, we headed back west to Ventura and arrived at CPK.


Unfortunately the service at CPK was HORRIBLE, but we did get our food eventually, and thus ended our first experience with cravings of that sort. I guess in a few years we'll see if this adventure matches up to the real thing.


AJ likes the boats....a lot.

Running mate

In grad school, I met someone that I knew I could count on to be waiting outside my door at 6:15 each morning so that we could start our day out right with a good run. At first she was just my running mate, but she soon became a life-long friend. Oh, how I miss her and our morning runs.

Thanks.....I guess

Last week AJ was encouraged to eat more healthy after visiting a wellness center on his college campus. He took this to heart, and went to the grocery store that evening to buy lots of fruit, yogurt and low-fat granola.


Now, fast forward to Saturday evening: AJ decides that he has done a great job with his diet for the week and wants to reward himself with popcorn. Since he was going to the store, I asked if he would pick up some ice cream so that I could treat myself too (although I had no reason to do so.) This is what he came home with.....

Seriously!!! No Sugar!!! Then what's the point?!?

So we had a little bit of a discussion about how he can't take shortcuts when it comes soothing my ice cream craving....because it certainly doesn't soothe it. It only makes it worse.

Valentine's with those you truly love

I suppose it is nice when you get to spend Valentine's Day with the one you really love. This year AJ and I were able to do so. I got to spend my Valentine's with AJ... and he got to spend his Valentine's Day with his golf clubs on La Mirada's Golf Course. It's a sweet thing.

A Touch of Grey

To all of you in the great state of UT: let's suppose you want new family photos.... you'd be crazy to not use this fantastic photographer!!!

Dodger Night

I finally have something that I'm excited to post about. Usually, AJ and I live a very repetitive life. It's not necessarily a bad thing; it's nice to know what to expect from day to day. However, tonight, we were able to do something a little more unique and memorable.

The owners of the Dodgers hosted a night for those associated with the school that I teach at. It was a limited engagement that required an RSVP, and we are sure glad that we were two of the 1,500 that were able to attend. Basically we received the VIP treatment to Dodgers Stadium, participating in activities that only those in a much higher tax bracket get the pleasure of on a more regular basis. We could play catch in the outfield, pitch in the bullpens, pitch of the mounds, run the bases, and hit in the batting cages. We also were able to roam the dugouts, scroll through the clubhouse and eat in the Dodger dining room. It was amazing and an opportunity that we'll probably never get again.




Our usual Dodger game seats are are on the blue level just above home plate. The look much further away from where AJ's standing, but we still love them!

Below is AJ in the dugout heading into the clubhouse. Players only.... well not tonight

Below is AJ in the dugout calling the bullpen to send in the relief pitcher.

Here is AJ sitting in the seats that we will never be able to afford....those right behind home plate....baseline level. These seats are a little more friendly to one's tooshy.

Here I am with A.J. Ellis, a catcher who is in the Dodgers farm system. He debuted this last year in September, but will probably be playing AAA in Albuquerque this coming season. He was fantastic, and may become my favorite minor player (it's a close call between him and Dewitt)

The wall in the outfield was a little bit higher than what AJ expected.

I love this pic of AJ and Mr. McCourt. A big thanks to him and his wife for hosing us tonight! We had a blast!

Inspector AJ Johnson at your service

He looks like a trustworthy guy, ay? This was one of AJ's phases of 2008.

Here's the extent of our Christmas decorations for 2008. AJ was so confused as to why I would put books under the Christmas tree instead of presents. Go figure....

As usual, we were visiting family for the holiday season. This is us as happy as can be on Christmas morning! We were in Utah for two blissful weeks. It was cold but stunningly beautiful while we were there. I love white Christmases!

I can't help but post a few pictures of these little angels. They grow up too fast!