The trek to the west coast

So once a year we go to Newport Beach, California with Harrison's parents. Its a super fun trip filled with sun, surf, sand, and shopping (the 4 things I need in life to survive). We went the first weekend in October this year (yeah, sorry it is taking me so long to post these).

Well on our way we stopped in Baker, CA. It is the place with the world's largest thermometer! YAY! There is also this place called Alien Fresh Jerky. When Harrison and I went to San Diego a couple of months ago I spotted the place and kinda wanted to stop someday. Well- we did this time! It's a really corny place but it made me giggle!

We picked up some Alien jerky... along with some dried Kiwi (which is delicious by the way) and some sour gummy bears and some local cactus honey (which is also delicious).

Alien mommy and daddy

Alien kiddos. Hey, at least they are buckled correctly into their car seats!

So you can put a quarter in this thing and watch it move. Needless to say... I didn't do that.

After our Alien experience we went to get some lunch at the local truck stop. They had these AWESOME claw machines that had $20 bills attached to the toys and even some that had a couple $100 bills attached to them! OF COURSE we tried to win some cash... we spent like $3 with no luck!
So 80% of the drive from Las Vegas to Southern California looks like this. DESOLATE and UGLY! I really hate it. But this 4 hour drive beats the 8 hour drive to Grand Junction or the 6 hour drive to Salt Lake! So- I guess I shouldn't complain!

Balboa Island and Corona Del Mar

We had 1 day of sunshine so we decided to make the best of it. We skipped over to Corona Del Mar to see the annual sand castle competition. We were kind of let down but it was fun anyway. The weather was a bit cool and we loved it!

Dennis and Harrison walking down to the beach

After the sand castles, we made our way to Balboa Island. There is a little Auto Ferry that takes a few cars at a time from the "mainland" to the island. Harrison and I have never been on it and it was pretty fun actually!



When we got to the island we decided to walk down to the end of the pier and get some dinner. We ate at Ruby's Diner. GROSS! I got sick from my clam chowder! It was pretty gross. But we did enjoy sitting at the end of the pier.

Notice the clouds that are starting to roll in. It didn't get sunny the rest of our vacation!


After dinner we made our way to my FAVORITE cupcake joint! A So Cal trip is NOT complete without a stop at Sprinkles. We got home and I went to bed at like 6pm since I was not feeling too well from my dinner.
I did however, find a desire later that night to eat my red velvet cupcake!

Santa Monica Pier

We decided to head north one day. We went and spent time in Venice and Santa Monica (I need to get the photos from Venice from my mother-in-law).

We stopped off at the Santa Monica Pier. It was rainy and cold but we had fun nevertheless.

We were rather chilled and my cute purple flats were soaked through so Kay and I got some hot chocolate on the pier. I loved watching the waves and seeing how upset the sea was at the storm. It was kind of magical in a way.

Harrison and I

Dennis and Kay

Kay and Harrison

Newport Temple

While in Newport Beach we decided to visit the LDS temple there. It is really pretty. We were trying to stay out of the rain and had about an hour to walk around and take pictures before the rain started falling again.

We decided to take some pics outside of the temple. This is Harrison's mommy, Kay, and his stepdad, Dennis. We sure love them! We loved spending the weekend together!

Harrison and I. We don't have very many photos of the two of us. It was nice to have a few taken.
My new Facebook profile picture! HA
We were going to do a session inside the temple, but somebody (I won't name names) forgot their temple recommend (OK- It was me... surprise surprise). Walking outside the temple was pretty dang awesome though.


PS- this was the scene outside the rest of our trip. The fog was really kinda cool though :)

Fabulous Jesus

Right down the street from our house is a cemetery. We drive behind the back side of it every time we go anywhere (since that is the way to get to the freeway). There is this statue that we thought was a headstone that is much larger than any of the other ones. We are able to see it over the back wall. We know that it is a statue of Jesus and the way that his arms are outstretched... it looks like He is very happy and shouting "FABULOUS". So... we have nicknamed this statue "Fabulous Jesus". I always say FABULOUS out loud when I pass this (whether I am with somebody or alone).


Well, a few weeks ago Harrison and I decided to visit the cemetery and take a look at the front of Fabulous Jesus. What a wonderful statue it is indeed. It isn't a headstone, but a statue in the middle of a section of graves with the inscription "RESURRECTION".

Another fun fact: the beloved Redd Foxx is buried at this cemetery. We searched for about 20 minutes and found the headstone.


And... just 3 weeks ago actor, Tony Curtis was buried at this cemetery as well. When the grass is growing around the grave... I'll shoot a picture of that headstone, too!

Thankful Thursday

Good evening friends and family! Things I am thankful for this week:

Thunder Storms
We have had a butt-load of thunder storms the last week. They have been fabulous! Tons of LOUD thunder and some incredible lightning. It rained for 3-4 days and it was very much needed here in the desert! The commutes home from work though have been pretty terrible! That is one of the bad things about not having rain very often in this city... nobody knows how to drive in it.


Slippers
I have a problem with keeping slippers for very long. Lately it has been due to our lovely cats (who are still being pains in the butt by the way). When we got the cats last year, they decided to take my ear muffs and slippers and use them as "babies". They carry them around and sleep with them and stuff. Gross and rude if you ask me... but kinda cute at the same time. Anyway... I got these new slippers at Target for $9. Pretty cute. Harrison said when I got them "Man, they have EVERYTHING for girls. Even slippers that look like flats."


My New Job
Yes folks- I have a second job. It is an answer to our prayers. Since Harrison is in grad school (the Marriage and Family Therapy program at UNLV) he is limited to how much he can work. So- I picked up a small part-time job at my favorite clothing store... BANANA REPUBLIC! YAY! I am excited to work with CLOTHES and get the discount... oh- having money to pay the bills is nice too!


Boots
Tis the season for fall boots! Oh how I love them! I love love love them! I can't express to you how much I love them! End of that story!

Well- Hope you can find something to be thankful for this week. Comment on this post with something that YOU are thankful for.

Let's pronounce it right people!

So the last few months we have been so irritated at commercials/people and the way they pronounce the word FORWARD. There have been many commercials (yes, you Toyota) that pronounce it FO-WARD. Talk about irritating! Why is this!? So retarded! Tonight we watched a debate over 2 candidates running for congress here in Nevada. In Joe Heck's closing statement, he too pronounced the word Fo-Ward. How annoying! Well I wasn't going to vote for him anyway... but now that he can't even pronounce a simple word right... HE IS DEFINITELY NOT GETTING MY VOTE! OK- rant over.

PS- I've been searching all over the internet for a stupid Toyota commercial to show an example... and none of the commercials seem to show this tag-line! Even more annoying!

Thankful Thursday

This one is going to be FAST! Things I am thankful for this week:

Motrin
I had braces put on this last week and I have been taking some of this awesome anti-inflammatory to help with my tooth-pain! God Bless it!

Bellagio Gardens
Harrison and I went on a little date night and saw the new fall theme for the conservatory at Bellagio. It was great! I love autumn!

Cardigans
Well last year my obsession was Argyle sweaters... this year it is cardigans. Oh yes. I counted last week after I did my laundry and I had 13 hanging in my closet. I do need one in every color I do believe! So- if you know of any good sales... let me know!

Garage Door Opener
Harrison surprised me with this amazing gadget a few weeks ago. Since we have been in our house, I have been using the key-pad on the side of the garage to open and close it when I leave/come home from work. It has been a real drag (I'm not going to lie). I was pretty excited when I opened up the little gift box with the magnificent electronic inside. I have LOVED opening and closing the garage from the comfort and convenience of my driver's seat. THANKS HARRISON!

Well- I hope you all find something that you are thankful for in your life. Drop in a comment to let me know what you are thankful for!

Peace!

Thankful Thursday

I've had a rough day so I am finding it hard to think of things I am thankful for. I will come up with something though:

Vacation
We spent a glorious long weekend in Newport Beach last weekend. Oh boy! I seriously belong in Southern California. I love everything about it. The weather, the scenery, the beach, the lifestyle, the 50 million types of palm trees, the fauna... just EVERYTHING! Don't be surprised if one of these days I update with... I live in SO CAL now.


Cat Pee Eliminator
This is a venting/thankful post. We just got one of the cats fixed and it seems to be a downward spiral. Now the stinking cat is peeing everywhere... including but not limited to... my PURSE, the couch (luckily the old couch in the spare room), in my craft closet, and our BED! Are you freaking kidding me!?!?!?! We haven't figured out whether it is because he is now trying to be territorial or if it is because he kind of forgot how to use the litter box. Either way... Im not a fan. There is a product that we have been using to help get the smell out. It takes a little bit to work... so I hope it is successful. If not... the cats are going to find a new home! But I am thankful for a product that will hopefully work.


Rain
We don't get much of it in Vegas. We actually have had record drought days so to speak this year. While in Cali last weekend... it rained most of the time. This would be discouraging to most people I think, but not me! I welcomed the drizzle with open arms! The cool scent of rain is so nice... and I love the "clean" feel of the air after a storm.


Phase 10
This is probably my very most favorite game EVER. I love getting together around a table and playing this game. Skipping people and getting them mad... laying down a "sleeper" hand... a hand that nobody knows you have and once you lay down... it BLOWS them out of the water! I love the conversation around the table with a game of Phase 10. Such an all around good game. So when you get together with those you love... play a game of Phase 10. You won't regret it.


Harry Potter
Well- the 1st part of the 7th book is coming out next month and I need to be ready. So, I started reading the book for a 2nd time to prepare. I love it. I feel like I really know the characters. I feel like they are a part of my life. It is really strange, but I do! I am excited to read it and to see the movie next month :)

Newport Vacation Update

Even though I am under Harrison's account... this is Jaala. We have been in Newport Beach for the last 4 days and it is AMAZING! Here is a photo of Corona Del Mar. We visited this beach to see a little home town sand castle competition. I will upload photos of our trip when we get home.

It has been rainy and pretty cool while we have been here. We have been in long sleeves and hoodies most of the weekend. Hope all is well with our blog-reading friends!

PEACE for now!