Why "Change is Necessary for Growth"?

I started this blog back in January of 2010, when the hubby and I were living in Monterey, CA. That year (prior to starting the blog), I had completed my graduate degree, moved clear across the country and was living in this beautiful city with so many wonderful things to see and do. At the time, pretty much "everyone" I knew was starting a blog and I wanted to keep my family & friends updated with things that were going on in our lives. I didn't think too much about advertising it, and part of me kept it fairly private for certain reasons. I blogged about Monterey, knitting, cooking and various other "girly" things...I had the occasional commenter, but most of my followers were friends and family.

I stuck with it, but sometimes months would go by between posts...I would lose interest, not knowing how to get more involved with it and not really doing anything to try and improve it (to keep up with the blogging community). Even though I didn't post very often, I still always kept up with daily stalking reading from MANY other blogs that I followed, occasionally finding new ones that would strike my interest. :)

Fast forward to last month...I decided that I had let it go long enough, that I was really interested in becoming a part of this blogging community and getting my blog out there. I'm still not sure that I have a lot of interesting posts or things to offer - I would definitely say that a large focus of my blog will continue to be information-sharing. I say that because, I just don't have a lot going on in my life right now...no kids to post about, no indie biz to rave about...I work (travel for it a little bit), take care of my doggies, volunteer for various organizations and am just continuing to wait until the time comes when the hubby and I can finally have a life together again (or long-distance story is crazy, just trust me)! BUT that being said, I've started linking up with fellow bloggers, filming vlogs, and I'm just really enjoying myself A LOT! Whether people are coming to the blog, watching/reading/listening and actually enjoying themselves, or commenting on things I've talked about...posting every day is giving me goals and deadlines and keeping me focused when I'm not working. :) 

Alright, so now that that's out of the way, I just thought I would write a little bit about why I chose "Change is Necessary for Growth" as my blog title. It's fairly long, I know, but here's the deal...when I went to begin my blog, I struggled in coming up with a name (as I'm sure many bloggers do). I couldn't think of anything that sounded good with my name in it, but I wanted it to be something personal and memorable. #1 - I have always been big into quotes...I used to keep a notebook full of quotes that I would write down, whenever I would stumble upon one that I liked. #2 - Also, at the time I started it, I told you (above) that I was going through a ton of changes AND was looking at at least a few more years of many changes ahead of me! Change was just becoming part of my everyday experiences...new cities, new jobs, new friends, etc. #3 - For a long time, I've been a big proponent of always trying new things, adapting to situations, and trying to enjoy every new experience that gets thrown my way. So, the quote below my title was one that I had written down years ago, and it just speaks to me...and became the basis of my blog title.

Change is Necessary for Growth

Now, do we all change in some shape or form, from day to day? Probably yes, I would say. But there are those who avoid change at all costs...who are so uncomfortable with it, they can't stand it and they run from it. And then there are those people who embrace it, adapt to it, and grow. I am definitely the latter, or at least have learned to be that way over time. I will say, that I have discovered a difference in making your own change vs. change that happens upon you, often when you least expect it. E.g. Deciding to go to graduate school was a big change for me - much more rigorous than undergraduate school and to describe it as challenging is putting it mildly - but I made that choice. Losing a family member suddenly, who will no longer be in your life, is a HUGE change. One that rocks your world and ultimately changes you forever. That change is a little harder to embrace and adapt to...but learning to grow in spite of that change is the obstacle to overcome (at least in my own experiences). 

I just know that I'm constantly changing...not my personality per se, or who I am as a person. But my knowledge changes, interests change, goals change, perspectives change...and I'm looking out across the next year upon MANY more changes coming our way. I'm excited though...and am eager to see how I can grow as a person, based on those changes.

What about you...do you embrace change? Avoid it (no judgement here, I promise)? How does change affect you?

Another Surprise Package!

I can't say it enough...I love getting mail, especially packages! Anyone else with me??

They just always have such a nice, personal touch & it makes a person feel good to know that someone out there is thinking about them and wanting to brighten their day, just a little bit.

I met Jenn when I was living in Monterey, CA. I was having a hard time meeting people (as is sometimes the case when you move somewhere not knowing anyone) and decided to join this knitting group on Meetup. The group contained about 5-10 ladies (all different ages) who got together every week to eat, knit & chat...it was a blast! Anyway, Jenn was one of the leaders of the group and we very quickly became good friends...going to get coffee or dinner, taking short road trips, attending the midnight release of Twilight's New Moon at the local Borders, and even taking a sewing class together. Our love for knitting, DIY, Twilight books/movies, etc. bonded us for life, I'm pretty sure! :)

Have I mentioned that she is one of the craftiest people I know?! She knits, crochets, paints, cooks, makes handmade cards, sews...you name it, she does it...or she'll figure out how to do it! She has such great ideas - I just love them all. She has a blog too - Piles of Patterns, and she's promised me that she'll be updating soon!!

So I received this uber-thoughtful package from her and had to share it:

It was partly a belated birthday gift - even the gift bag was personalized!

Cutest handmade card AND envelope - it says "Sparkle & Shine"

Some AMAZING sea salt caramels from Lula's Chocolates in Monterey (I also featured them here on Friday - so you can see what the caramels actually looked like). Needless to say, they're gone by now, not a trace of them left! :)

A darling bookmark that displays the quote: "Where there is love there is life" ~Mahatma Gandhi. I am currently putting it to good use, as I'm starting the 3rd book in the Fifty Shades of Grey series!

Some fun 'create-your-own' magnets...you just stick a picture or piece of scrapbook paper or whatever you want behind the glass, stick the magnet on and you have personalized magnets for your fridge! Very cool idea - will have to share my finished product when I'm done.

And finally, a beautiful, handmade cowl - made from jersey knit material. It is soft, light-weight AND reversible (you can see both sides in the pic)!! I love it and have a feeling that I'm going to get A LOT of use out of it.

So as if I hadn't listed out a lot of ideas & suggestions for care packages here, there are many more options above, if you enjoy DIY/crafts/sewing/etc. Jenn knows me SO well, and this package screams it - I love her thoughtfulness and can't wait to send her one right back!! Thanks Jenn :)

Do you all have any other items you enjoy receiving in the mail or in packages? Please share!!

High Five For Friday - Link Up, Vol. 3

Happy Friday!! It's that time again...I'm linking up with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk for High Five for Friday (H54F) - as always, thanks for hosting Lauren!

ONE. Super excited about my latest Blue Door Boutique purchase:
Prima Donna Shorts & Just Bead It statement necklace. If you haven't heard of the Blue Door Boutique...you are missing out! They have amazing stuff, at pretty reasonable prices.

TWO. Just got my Zoya Blogger Collection of nail polishes from Birchbox in yesterday!! I'm absolutely loving all of them, but am especially fond of Kate (the pink-grapefruit color in the middle), designed by
 Kate @ The Small Things Blog

 THREE. I attended my 1st Lowcountry Boil, typically known as a South Carolina social gathering where you cook a one-pot dish including (but not limited to): shrimp, crab legs, clams, potatoes, sausage and corn on the cob. Doesn't it look delicious?!

FOUR. Received a very thoughtful package (going to blog about it all soon) from my good friend & blogger Jenn. She sent me these amazing sea salt caramels from a fabulous place in Monterey, CA (where I used to live) Lula's Chocolates. I'm savoring every last one of them...

FIVE. Loving this list of 33 Ways to Stay Creative...I think my favorite is: Do more of what makes you happy! I think my husband's favorite would be: Watch foreign films (he loves films).

There you have it, my favorite things from this week!

Early Morning at the Airport

Well...don't you just hate it when you get to the airport and come to find out you've been bumped to the next flight...which leaves almost 2 hours later. And you're at the airport before any of the breakfast places open
:( AND I could have stayed in bed sleeping a bit longer with my puppies!! Yep...that's me.



BUT, okay, I'm done complaining because I get to see this guy in just a few hours...

For those of you that don't know...that's my husband, or who I usually refer to as the hubby! :) He is currently in northern California completing some AF training and getting ready to deploy soon. I haven't seen him in about a month, and miss him SO much (plus it's probably going to be awhile before I see him again). So I'm super excited to spend a few days with him in sunny Cali (sorry Monterey friends...I wish I could make it down to see you, but don't worry, I'll come visit as soon as I can)!!

So, I'm off to hunt down some airport breakfast & do some SERIOUS people watching (seriously, one of my favorite things to do)...and read my new Vince Flynn book. If you've never heard of VF, check his books out...they are awesome! I got turned onto them by some coworkers...and I can NOT put these books down once I start them. You'll have to read up on them if you want to know what they're about ;) ...I wouldn't give the summaries justice. Next on my list is One Day (which is coming out soon as a movie that stars Anne Hathaway).

Re-Cap of 2010

Well, 2010 was definitely an interesting, enjoyable...but difficult year. A lot happened and when thinking about some of things that I accomplished, I am pretty pleased! :) But I still feel like I can do more and I intend to in 2011! So, here are a few things that stand out to me when thinking back on 2010:

• I started off 2010 by becoming a vegetarian...well, more like a pescetarian (I still ate seafood)...it wasn't very difficult for me to do and I felt like I made much better choices for the most part, incorporating a lot more fruits/veggies into my meals.

• I started my blog and began writing posts related to food, crafting and events occurring in my life. I still struggle with posting regularly, for some reason I just can't post everyday...and I definitely feel as though my blog lacks focus. I have brainstormed a few ideas and, who knows, maybe the blog will change with the new year! ;)

• I learned how to crochet...I was taught how to knit back in the summer of 2007 and have knit ever since, but just this past year I picked up crocheting. I would still say that I prefer knitting, but it's great to know both because they both create very different-looking end products.

• The hubby bought me a sewing machine and I began learning how to use it, attending sewing class with my friend Jenn and knitting up various items: zippered pouches, knitting handbags, and even an apron! I am still learning but it is a very fun hobby to have!

• My sister got married in the summer...in Seattle, WA, where they live. I got to see and spend time with all of my immediate family and we had a great celebration to be remembered for sure!

• We moved from Monterey, CA to Omaha, NE in the early months of Fall...BIG change, but it felt great to be back in the Midwest. Said goodbye to the ocean, some awesome restaurants/seafood and some amazing friends...and said hello to flat land, cold winter months and steak. But we are closer to family and we really like it here, so it was a good move.

• Ran the farthest that I think I have ever run in my life...began running on outdoor trails behind our apartment complex in Omaha and worked up to a total run of 6 miles! It wasn't easy and I ran very slow at first, but it felt like a big accomplishment...now that it's cold outside, the treadmill is unfortunately, my enemy! :/

• I started eating meat again, after a few months in Omaha...it was a decision I thought about for quite sometime. I still eat more seafood than anything and only occasionally eat red meat.

Some difficult things I endured in 2010:

• I spent 6 months apart from my hubby when he left Monterey for some military training (before our move to Omaha, NE). I wouldn't wish time apart like that for anyone...we would talk almost every day and I tried to keep myself as busy as I could, but it was still one of the hardest things about this past year.

•  I finally had my tonsils taken out...this has been on my to-do list since 2008. I have had numerous problems  with them over the years and decided to just get it over with. It was a ridiculously awful recovery, but I had great friends who visited and brought me liquids...and I got through it! (And yes, this occurred after the hubby left! :0)

• Living so far away, I didn't get to visit home very often...11 months, in fact, before I made it back to Illinois = home. 

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The hubby and I were able to spend the holidays visiting our families in Illinois...and it was so great to spend time with everyone!! There were lots of presents, tons of food and too many sweets! :) My favorite gifts were: a book I've been wanting: Breaking Night, the Eclipse movie (I know, right?! It's crazy that I hadn't bought it for myself when it came out), a Keurig one-cup coffee maker and some gorgeous new red dishes (that we have desperately been needing/wanting)...and lots lots more that I am enjoying! :) 

And then the hubby and I spent New Years Eve back in Omaha...it's crazy, because this is the only the second year (since we met) that we have spent both holidays together. It was nice!

Goals for 2011 to come...

Time for an Update

Well I figured it was time for an update...things have been a little crazy around my neck of the woods. Hopefully they'll calm down here in a few weeks. So here's what's been going on:

• All of our stuff arrived from the movers...I opted to unpack it (when the military moves you, you can have the movers unpack your boxes for you) so that I could go through everything and put things where I wanted them to go. Here's the aftermath of the unpacking:

It was madness I tell you!!

• My mother came to Omaha again to help me unpack...she was a godsend! She is amazing at cleaning and organizing...she did so many loads of laundry and loads in the dishwasher. Thank you MOM! :) Anyway, we got to explore a little bit more around the greater Omaha area...I took her to Garden Ridge (it's one of her favorite stores). If you don't know or haven't ever been to a GR, it's basically a large decor store (frames, mirrors, pictures, pillows, candles, holiday decor, etc....at REALLY good prices)! Plus, we checked out Texas Road House (Mmmm!) and the Nebraska Brewing Company (the beer was awesome, food was so-so...I'm eager to try it again with the hubby).

• I finished a knitted pair of socks...my first ever FINISHED pair of socks! I have attempted 3 other pairs and have yet to finish any of them...I have the '2nd sock syndrome' and just couldn't seem to get over it. But, the knitting group that I was involved with in Monterey had started a sock-a-long (basically a version of a knit-a-long in which a group of knitters start a project together and vow to finish it in a timely manner). The deadline is at the end of September so I'm proud to say that I finished in plenty of time! :) Here they are start to finish:

 I even used some of my yummy Sunshine Yarns yarn that I've been dyeing to work with...this one is called 'Bella'

• The apartment is coming along very nicely...I know I've promised pictures and they are coming. I just want to surprise the hubby when he gets to Omaha, and since he's a follower of the blog, I don't want him to see anything that might ruin the surprise! ;) But, I promise, I can't wait to show you guys what all I've accomplished with it. It's so much more homier than when I first got here and is really starting to come together.

• Speaking of the husband...he is finally done with his training. He left Monterey 6 months ago for some training and other than seeing him a few days in May...it's been a LONG, LONELY, HARD couple of months. He is done and I will be seeing him in a few days...and I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to see him and for us to be back together. 

• And, I am happy to report that I've been working out pretty regularly. And it feels great! There's a small fitness center in the clubhouse of our apt. complex, so I've been running on the treadmill, riding the bike and working my arms out a bit. I've also been alternating that with running outside about 1-2 miles. I hate running...but I know I should do it and after awhile, it won't be so hard!

That's about it for now...just mainly working, watching TV (I think DVR is the greatest invention ever...this is my first time having it), and hanging out with the pups. Happy Hump Day!

I'll Miss You Monterey...

Since I just left Monterey, I figured I'd do a post about all of the great things to do, place to see, and good eats in that area...just in case any of my readers ever take a little visit here. It is definitely a great place to vacation...plus it can always be a stopping point as you're driving along the California coast. Napa is just a few hours North and L.A./San Diego is 5-7 hours south. And from what I've heard from friends, the drive along the coast (CA-1 South) is gorgeous...so many beaches and cliffs to stop and take pictures at, just enjoying the view of the ocean.

Anyway, living there for about a year and a half now, I feel like I've gotten to experience a lot of different foods, places and activities...so here are my reviews:

Breakfast:

• Lou Lou's (on the Wharf)
• BEST place to go for breakfast (they serve lunch too)...this became my usual Sunday hangout. The waitress literally knows my order by heart, basically because I always ordered the same thing! :) It's a really small place (a little yellow building on the Municipal Wharf #2) and is almost always busy. They also cook the food to order, so you definitely have to be willing to sit down and wait a bit. But, oh boy, is it worth it! They have HUGE, and I mean HUGE pancakes...the size of a normal-sized plate, and I'm NOT exaggerating! And they serve most of their breakfast meals with these potatoes...so scrumptious, they're basically just potatoes but spiced up and topped with tomatoes, grilled onions, basil and some fresh cheese...YUMMY! I always get their "create your own omelet"...mushroom and cheddar all the way!
• I have tried their lunch too...also delicious. I ordered the tuna sandwich with 1/2 fries, 1/2 salad. The hubby ordered the calamari. Both were great!!
• Rosine's (Downtown Monterey)
• We had some friends visiting in town for Thanksgiving and we brought them here for breakfast...also a great place. Very welcoming, but also very busy normally. Other than breakfast, they serve lunch and dinner...and they are FAMOUS in Monterey for their deserts. They make these HUGE cakes and serve them by the slice. I can almost never finish an entire slice...splitting a slice is more like it! :)

Vietnamese:

• Noodle Bar (Seaside)
• A friend that I used to work with introduced me to this place and boy, was it a pleasant surprise. It's a TINY place, even tinier than Lou Lou's (mentioned above)...and if you're driving along, you can actually miss it. The only place to sit is at a counter and it only holds about 10-12 bar stools (downside), but the food is totally worth it! Imagine a bowl layered with noodles, fresh lettuce, chopped peanuts, mint, veggie (and before I became a vegetarian, I used to get the BBQ pork)...omg, it is amazing!

Italian:

• Favalaro's Big Night Bistro (PG)
• The hubby found this place...and for us it was great, because it was very close to our favorite movie theater in PG. To be honest, it's kind of hard to find a good Italian restaurant in Monterey...not sure why...but this one takes the cake! Excellent gnocci, ravioli, salad...their sauces are amazeballs!! Oh, and they usually have this special appetizer (which the husband always devoured)...it as fried avocados...like whole ones, deep fried in panko crumbs!! Mmmmmm! It is family owned, and the wait staff are so nice, love this place!

Hawaiian:

• Hula's Island Grill
• Man, I love this place...it's the place to go for the best sweet-potato fries, and they just put a fun Hawaiian spin on all of their foods. The decor is very "tiki-hut"! Fish tacos are a specialty and wasabi mashed potatoes, YES PLEASE!!

Mexican:

• Jose's (Two locations, in Seaside and on Cannery Row)
• My favorite mexican restaurant in Monterey
• Lopez Mexican Restaurant (Downtown Monterey)
• Pepper's MexiCali Cafe (PG)
• This was the first place that Cody and I ever at at in Monterey. He was already living on base here, I drove his car from IL to CA (yes, I did...it was a LONG trip) and came to visit two February's ago. While visiting, we were checking out apartments and obtaining our marriage license...and we completely forgot that it was Valentines Day! ;) One of the housing agents was so sweet...he called this restaurant nearby (Pepper's) and made us a reservation. We got there and immediately fell in LOVE with it!! Best salsa, BEST corn chowder (omg, if you go here, you have to prmise me you will get some), and amazing food (my fav's: swordfish tacos, salmon tacos, and roasted red peper mahi mahi tacos)! I will miss this place SO much!!

Fish 'n Chips:

• London Bridge Pub (on the Wharf)
• Seriously...best fish and chips, hands down! Great view of the marina too
• Phil's Fish Market (Moss Landing) 
• Bobby Flay did a throw down here with Phil, making his cioppino...great food, freshest seafood, and there's a beach right behind it with a gorgeous view!

Nightlife:

• London Bridge Pub 
• The Bulldog (Downtown Monterey)
• Crown 'n Anchor (Downtown Monterey)
• The Brit (Downtown Monterey)

Burgers/Sandwiches:

• Islands (Del Monte mall Shopping Center in Monterey)
• Nepenthe (Big Sur) 
• After hiking, this was such a great place to stop and eat...yummy sandwiches! And their outside patio is built on a cliff, overlooking the ocean (breathtaking!) 

Thai:

• Pacific Thai (PG)
• Thai Bisro II (PG)

 Clint Eastwood's Restaurant (Carmel)

• Mission Ranch
• I can't express enough how amazing this restaurant is...and one time I was there, I saw Clint!!! I was sitting outside on the patio and he was walking through the inside part of the restaurant. From what the workers said, he comes up to the restaurant a few times a week to check in. It is a bit pricey, but completely worth it. The patio overlooks a huge field where sheep graze and then you can see the Carmel beach/cliffs in the horizon...need I say more?!

Beaches:

• Monterey Beaches
• Marina Beach
• Carmel Beach
• Lover's Point Park & Beach

Best Things to Do in Monterey:

• Whale Watching (multiple venues on the Wharf) *Here's where we went
• My friend and I got to see Killer Whales...so cool! They pretty much can guarantee whale sighting
• Kayaking (multiple venues on the Wharf and along Cannery Row) *Here's where we went
• A must-do in Monterey...just be careful not to tip your kayak ;)
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
• One of the best aquariums in the country!
• My favorite exhibit is the Seahorses, fairly new to the aquarium
• Hiking in Big Sur
• 17-mile Drive (you also get to see Pebble Beach golf course along this drive)
• Monterey Beer Fest (month of June at Monterey Fairgrounds)
• Went here two years in a row...and had such a blast!! Great selection of beers, food and music

 Well, there's all of my reviews...I'm sure there's so much I'm missing. But bottom line, Monterey is an amazing place to vacation and visit...so if you get a chance, GO! :)

Weeks of Craziness

So, the big move is fast approaching...just a couple of weeks until I will be back to being in the BIG midwest! I'm actually pretty excited!! :)

I feel so lucky to have been able to live in this gorgeous place and will always want to come back for a visit! And I met some awesome people here...I am definitely starting to feel like a military spouse. It's hard making friends and then moving/leaving that place a few years later!

Also, Monterey was officially the first place that the hubby and I lived together as a married couple and it's where we started our lives together! :)

But, I am definitely ready for a CHANGE (hence, 'change is necessary for growth') and I really think that we are going to like Omaha! I've been scoping out all the good eats and fun stuff to do...it's exciting!

I'm also super excited because my mom and sister are coming out here right before I move. My sister, just for a few days...but my mom is actually going to drive with me (and the 2 pups) to Omaha and help me *paint* and buy some furniture (yeah...we barely have ANY). So, I'm super excited for them to get here!! And my mom's going to be a godsend...she's awesome at cleaning, organizing and just overall,mid being supportive! Which I'm sure I'll need...even though I'm trying my best not to get stressed out :0

Be on the lookout for a post soon on all of my favorite places to eat, things to do, and sights to see in Monterey! It's definitely an amazing place to vacation...lots of great seafood and so many things to see.

Changes...

Well, I figured since my blog's title and purpose is all about changes, I figured it would make sense to do a post about some of the changes coming up in my life :)

So, I've mentioned before that my husband is military and that we would be moving from California to Nebraska in the upcoming months. I feel lucky to have gotten the chance to live in such a beautiful place, such as Monterey! But, there are things that I am looking forward to in Omaha.

I just came back from a whirlwind 2-day trip to Omaha to look for housing. It was so exhausting...I was really only there to look at places for 1 full day...and I had made 8 appointments throughout the Omaha area!! That's right, 8...let's just say I was running around "like a chicken with my head cut off". If it wasn't for my GPS, I don't know how I would have made it to all of them...because I did NOT know the area and although it seems pretty easy (once you're familiar with it)...there were definitely times that I still got lost.

I was able to check out the base for a whole 10 minutes but it seems like a nice one. And my appointments ranged from places near base all the way to actually being downtown in the city (which is a way cute area from what I saw...lots of little cute shops, restaurants, bars, etc.). Although we would *love* living downtown (and found the most awesome condo overlooking the city)...I believe we have narrowed it down to an apt. closer to base. I'm happy with the decision (although seriously, it was hard to turn down the condo) because we will be saving money...which is totally what we should be doing over the next few years.

 Cute little outdoor restaurant patio in downtown (yeah that's my hand reflecting on the window while driving)

Changes I am totally not looking forward to:

-Not being near the beach
-Not being near FRESH seafood
-Not being near my knitting group and other friends I have made here! :(
-Being encompassed by bugs again (yeah, there are seriously hardly any bugs here...maybe flies, that's it)
-Living back in the humidity...although we shouldn't have to deal with it too much before winter hits
-The "harsh" winters that Omaha apparently had this past winter...um, I haven't seen snow since Jan. '09

Changes I am totally looking forward to:

-Being near a city and getting that "city" feel in the downtown area
-Having seasons again (I know I just complained about the winter, but having seasonal weather will be nice)
-Being closer to family (just a days drive)
-Having A LOT more restaurants to choose from (yeah, I definitely saw Cracker Barrel while I was there) :)
-There are tons of breweries, which the hubby will love
-More space and storage in our new place...AND we can paint!! I'm already looking for decorating ideas

I mean, it's gonna be a big change...but I think I am definitely ready for it!! I know one thing I'm ready for and that is to be with the hubby again...this time apart sucks! But I'm so proud of him, he's doing great! :)

More to come on the big move, it's really just right around the corner!

Friends Seen in April

I know this is a pretty belated post...but nonetheless, I wanted to post about 2 good friends that I got to see in the month of April. The first was my good friend Jenna and her husband Cam...both friends from high school. She and her husband live down near L.A. and asked me to come visit for my bday/Easter weekend! I was thrilled to visit them and have something fun to do for my big bday! We had so much fun...

FRIDAY

HUGE margaritas and yummy appetizers at Baja Cantina

SATURDAY

Bike ride along Venice Beach

Birthday beers along the Promenade while watching March Madness game

More HUGE margaritas for Jenna & Cam while at the Promenade

Celebrating bday at a bar, after dinner at Wabi Sabi (such good sushi)!

And then Sunday for Easter, we went to a nice dinner at a waterfront restaurant...I had such a nice time and we had great food & drinks around the L.A. area!!
I can't wait to go back and visit them again :)

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Then, a few weeks later, my good friend from high school, Katie, came to Monterey to visit me! I was super-excited because other than my sister and Jenna & Cam (who had come to Monterey for Thanksgiving dinner), Katie is the only other visitor I have had!

We had a few days packed full of trips and lots to do

FRIDAY

Lunch on the municipal wharf and a walk down the commercial wharf to get Katie a sample of clam chowder...Mmmmm!

Dinner at Peppers in P.G. and some beers at a local British pub

SATURDAY

SAN FRAN!!

The Stinking Rose for lunch

Yummy treats from Kara's Cupcakes in Ghirardelli Square

And a trolley ride through the city

SUNDAY

Whale watching in Monterey Bay...we saw 2 groups of killer whales!

And the Monterey Bay aquarium...hot pink FLAMINGOS!! :)

Overall, I had so much fun on BOTH trips...and it was so good to catch up with great friends. The only thing that would have made the month even better is if I had gotten to see our other good friend, Manzo! The 3 of us were inseparable back in the day, cruising around So. Illinois! I wish us girls all lived closer to one another, but at least we still have fun times like these! :)

A Day on the Wharf

Well Cody is back to me safe and sound after his vacation over the holidays to see his family in IL. And so we (when I say we here, I mean I) decided that we would go out for breakfast this morning. We (and when I say we here, I mean he) also decided that if we went out for breakfast this morning, then we would not go out to eat all the rest of the week. Evidently, we spend too much money going out to eat...go figure.

I woke Cody up and we drove to our favorite little breakfast dive right on one of the wharfs/piers in downtown Monterey.


It is the cutest little place, called Lou Lou's: Griddle in the Middle...adorable! They have great breakfast (omelets = yum, pancakes bigger than your head) and their lunch is good too. It's great 'cause their seafood is so fresh, being right in the harbor. I was super excited....but low and behold, we get there and they were CLOSED!!

So disappointed. Luckily, there's a little place right below them (at water level) that was open for brunch that we had eaten at before. And the best part...

Sea otters and other marine life will just swim up to the window while guests are enjoying their meals. And, of course, I had my camera ready for such a moment! How cute!! ;)

After brunch, we decided to spend some time walking along the pier and taking some photos of beautiful Monterey. We hadn't seen the water that blue & clear before!

Marina full of gorgeous boats and yachts

The open waters

Some pelicans and birds just chillin' at the edge of the pier

I love it here! We are so blessed to be living in this beautiful area!
I'm going to miss it when we have to leave :(