Our first camping trip

A few weeks ago, I mentioned to SS that I really wanted to go camping. As much as we both loved doing it, I was confused that after 4.5 years together, we hadn’t yet gone. It had been over five years since I’d gone, and at least that long since he had. With the fast approaching extended Labor Day weekend coming up, we decided that was the perfect time to get away. So, we spent the better part of two days, going from store to store, and back, getting anything and everything we would need for it. $800 later, we were ready to camp.

SS took Friday off so that he could get everything packed and all the last minute stuff done (bank, gas, ice chest, etc.). We were on the road by 1:30p.

+ We set our tent up away from our table so that any bugs that surrounded the table, didn’t find interest in our shelter. 

+ Since California just can’t seem to stay out of the fire zone, campfires were not permitted in this forest. Thankfully, a friend of mine came through with a propane heater for which we were extremely grateful. Thanks Jeff!

+ We did some hiking and found this little message on the trail…

+ SS carved our initials in a fallen tree…

…and more hiking…

+ I don’t know what he was thinking about, but maybe it was about how much he loves me.

It was three nights and four days of quiet, peaceful, alone time.
We needed it. We wanted it. We did it.

Until next time…

We’re Engaged

It’s finally happened. SS and I are engaged!

We’ve received such great feedback. Everyone is super happy for us, and it seems that people have been waiting a while for this to happen. I guess they wanted it just as bad. Heehee :)

We’ve been out to dinner with family to celebrate, and with my sister in town this weekend, there will be more celebrating.

We keep getting all the generic questions:
-Do you have a date set?
-Do you have a location picked out?
-What kind of dress are you thinking about?
-Who will be your Maid of Honor/Best Man?
-Etc., etc., etc.

The only thing I can say with certainty, is that I very much love SS and am so beyond grateful that he chose me. Even with all my quirks, he has chosen to spend the rest of his life with me. Me. Not anyone else. Do you know why? Because we’re awesome together and EVERYONE knows it. And if you don’t know it, learn it.

70 floors and 1,000ft above Los Angeles

Every time 'Lil SS or RJ come to visit, we try to find fun, different things to do, because bored teenagers can be irritating and annoying. And get into trouble.
A few weeks ago, when ‘Lil SS was here for Spring Break, we took a drive to Downtown LA. We had been told about this slide on the side of a building, so naturally, we had to check it out.

From atop the US Bank building in Downtown LA.

You had to buy the tickets downstairs before you even went up into the elevator, so you didn’t get to see the actual slide ahead of time. Because I’m the scared, reluctant one in the family when it comes to heights, I opted to not ride the slide. However, once we were up there, I think it might have been cool to experience it. Just to say I’ve done it. Oh well. Here's a video of SS and 'Lil SS riding it.

I have to be honest, the view is really why you go up there. It was 70 floors up (1,000 feet). I haven't had the opportunity to go up that high into a building, so this was awesome. The Empire State building's observation deck is on the 86th floor! Can you imagine??

Until next time....

Another year has passed

It’s been four years since we started this little journey of ours, and every day when I wake up, I am thankful he chose me. He’s been an amazing friend and partner, and I love him more and more every day.

Here’s to several more years…

Week 5 - Auto Club Speedway

Whoa! It’s the end of March and I just realized I haven’t written anything this entire month. Oops!

Auto Club Speedway…

My Mom and her boyfriend came into town for six days, and during that time, we played around at Auto Club Speedway, inside the garages and the pits.

SS had to pee while we were walking around the garage area, and ended up peeing with Elliot Sadler, Erik Jones, Joey Logano, and Chad Knaus. So, in case you ever wanted to know, the bathroom in the garage area is the place to hang out…LOL!

Mom got to meet her most favorite driver ever - Elliot Sadler

Then, she got to meet her second favorite driver - Brad Keselowski

My Mom was in heaven during these two days of racing. She got signatures from eleven drivers, one Crew Chief, and one team owner. The weather was beautiful, so that made it even better.

SS got to play on the track before the race…

…then we stood in front of Driver Introductions, and got this great photo of the driver who swept the whole weekend - Kyle Larson!

 

Full panaramic photo from our seats…

Such an amazing weekend. On to Martinsville…

In honor of Valentine's Day……

Who's older? SS

Who was interested first? Him

Married? Nope

More sarcastic? SS for SURE!

Who makes the most mess? I think he does, but he would probably say I do.

Who has more tattoos? SS

Better singer? I suck at singing, so I’m gonna go with him.

Hogs the remote? Always him

Better driver? Hmm. Since he’s a ‘professional car parker’, and I’m ‘MsNscr’, I think neither of us will give up this category to the other.

Spends the most? Him.

Smarter? When we play Jeopardy! every might, it’s about even.

Most common sense? Hmm. I’d like to say me.

What are your middle names? A*** and M******

Whose siblings do you see the most? His.

Do you have any children together? Nope.

Did you go to the same school? Yes, but we didn’t know each other.

Who is the most sensitive? Me.

Where do you eat out most as a couple? Sushi or Burgers

Where is the furthest you two have traveled? Hawaii

Who has the craziest exes? I don’t know his exes, so not sure I can fairly answer this question. But for the time being, I’ll say me because he knows two of my exes, and they’re pretty crazy. ;-)

Who has the worst temper? Him

Who does the cooking? Both of us. We take turns and help each other cook. Never does one do it all. Is that weird?

Who is more social? Him for SURE!

Who is the neat freak? More me than him, but he has a little bit in him.

Who is the most stubborn? Him

Who hogs the bed? Me

Who wakes up earlier? Me

Where was your first date?  Mexican Restaurant

Who has the bigger family? I think it’s about even.

Do you get flowers often? No. Only once in three years.

Who does the laundry? Me, but he always puts his own clothes away.

Who's better with the computers? Me

Who drives when you are together? Him

Who picks where you go to dinner? We run through everything and usually pick together. I’ve figured out I can get something from just about anywhere. That’s how I learned to like Sushi. ;-)

Who wears the pants in the relationship? Him 

Who eats more sweets? I didn’t used to eat sweets much, but since living with SS, there’s always cookies or dishes of candies around. So I guess our sweet consumption is about even.

Our Big (2016) Adventure

Yo, yo, yo. Do I even still have readers out there? It’s been so hard to keep this blog up to date with all that is happening in my life, but I promise I’ll keep trying. A better way to keep up with the happenings of my life, is through Instagram. Check it out. Request to follow me. I won’t bite, I promise.

Chicken, chickens, and more chickens.
What is with all the chickens?

Everywhere we went, there were chickens. There were chickens on the beach, on the main roads, in people’s front yards, in and around restaurants, at hotels, at the river, and EVERYWHERE ELSE.

 

Helicopter ride around Kauai.
If you’re ever there, it’s worth every penny.

We took an hour long helicopter ride around the entire island. It was absolutely stunning from that height. We saw areas that were only accessible by boat, and areas that were only accessible by hiking several mile upon mile. Hiking wasn’t something we were interested in doing while we were on a relaxing vacation, but we saw several people doing it.

 

Swimming with fishies.
If you don’t get seasick, this is a must do activity.

We took a 2-hour boat ride around to the north side of the island, where they allowed everyone to swim with the local fishies. SS and Lil’ SS dove right in, but I was scared, so I got back on the boat. I’ll be honest, it freaked me out a great deal to be swimming around in the area that is supposed to be just for sea life. Make fun of me all you want, but we all have fears.

 

#CrazyHairDontCare

The wind was blowing at different rates the entire seven days. It rained a few times, but by rain, I mean it sprinkled a little bit, then blew threw. Nothing extravagent. No storms. It never kept us indoors and it never stopped us from having fun. It was an amazing vacation that I’m so grateful I got to spend with these two wonderful people. I can’t wait until our next big adventure.

 

Saying hello to a Goodbye

A few weekends ago, we spent the afternoon in Santa Barbara. We said hello to StepDad, who if you remember, is floating around in the ocean after we spread his ashes. It was the anniversary of his death, so we hung out for a while. RJ played in the waves, while SS and I watched from dry land. Two years, and the pain is still very real. Missing him every day.

#MissYouStepDad

 

Snow Day

Work. School. Work. School. Work. School. Work. School. Work. School.

I’m exhausted. Burnt out. Ready for a vacation.
I decided the only type of getaway I was going to get, was one that was close to home and only lasted one day. So, SS and I hopped into the truck and off we went to the local mountains.

We threw snowballs at each other, slid down mountains on a sled, and built a snowman. It was the perfect kind of day-getaway that I needed. I wish we could have stayed longer, but it was so crowded, and that kind of made it less fun.

You can guarantee that the next El Nino storm that passes through here, will find me up in the mountains once again.

A New Year Begins

Tomorrow, SS and I will take Lil’ SS back to her Mama. It’ll be a sad day, but we always know it’s coming. The 6hr drive home is much more quiet than the 6hr drive there. I don’t know if it’s because she’s not there to keep the conversation going, or because he’s missing her. Either way, he’s different until we get home.


SS and I got a fishy. His name is Indy. He’s a welcome addition to our family in this new year. We have sat in front of his bowl for countless amounts of time, just staring at him and watching him swim. He’s an intriguing little guy.

Happy New Year, to all!

Happy Birthday to me

It’s not brand new, but it’s new to me.
And the best birthday present I’ve ever gotten.

The road I drive every day to work, is a tough one. It’s dirt mixed with little pebbles, large rocks, and many dips and holes. There is a section that makes me feel like I’m doing a four-wheeling rock climb, and while that is just cool in itself, the Honda of SS’s I have been driving since my accident in April, just wasn’t cutting it. Plus, with El Nino supposedly coming ten fold this year, SS was determined he wasn’t going to be riding his motorcycle to work every day for the next two years while I finish school. So, he went out and bought me this truck for my birthday. That’s how bad he wanted his Honda back.

So, every day, I drive this Escape down a long, windy, bumpy road, and she gets me there. In one piece. She’s a real good sport about it, because I know that road isn’t very forgiving.

I see camping trips, 4-wheel-drive back road mud days, and a teenage boy that won’t complain about the lack of room in the small car anymore. Score!

Now she just needs an appropriate name. I don’t know why I assume she’s a female. Maybe because she’s not a monster truck with large tires? Who knows. Either way, this baby needs a name.

P.S. I’ve already got the Kyle Busch stickers on order for the back window. And of course, the MsNscr license plate will be on just as soon as we get all the registration stuff from the dmv.  :)

Behind the Wrench.

“I may be a mechanic, but I can’t fix stupid.”

‘67 Corvette Stingray

Today, we’re talking with SS about what it takes to be an Auto Mechanic, and the ups and downs of dealing with machines. And the people that drive them.

Me: How did you decide to become an Automotive Mechanic?
SS: “Growing up, I always helped my dad work on his cars, and I was good at it. When I started at the local community college after high school, I took several different types of courses (accident investigation, EMT, along with general courses), hoping to find something that interested me enough to make it a career. Nothing did. That’s when I decided that since I was so good at working on cars, and I actually enjoyed it, I’d make THAT my career. And off to Phoenix, AZ I went.”

Me: What type of education do you have?
SS: “I have a high school diploma, a few general education courses from the local community college, and an 18-month Auto/Diesel program from Universal Technical Institute.”

Me: Do you feel the education you received prepared you enough for real job prospects?
SS: “No. I think the work experience has been the best teacher for me.”

Me: What certifications do you have?
SS: “No certificates. I’ve found that most employers would rather see your actual work skills, than trust the results of a paper test that anyone can pass.”

Me: What’s your favorite thing about your job?
SS: “The accomplishment of knowing I was able to fix something that was wrong/broken. Knowing I could fix something someone else couldn't.”

Me: What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever worked on?
SS: “There have been so many, but I suppose I’d say a ‘68 Roadrunner and a ‘69 Dart. They were 9-second race cars. Definitely not street legal. That was fun.”

Me: What are some of the duties you do every day as a mechanic?
SS: “Inspect (and repair) vehicles for regular maintenance including belts, hoses, leaks, or any generically worn out parts, to ensure the safety of the customer.”

Me: What is the hardest part about your job?
SS: “The big jobs. The rebuilding of engines that takes days, instead of hours. Making sure you keep track of so many different little parts, and making sure every single one of them goes back. Those can be tough sometimes.”

Me: What are some specific characteristics that make a good mechanic? SS: “Right off the bat, I can say problem solving and creativity. You need to be able to look at a situation, and visualize how to fix it. At times, when you’re supposed to do something a certain way, your creativity and rationalization can come into play, allowing you to do it a little more efficiently. You need to be fast and efficient, not careless.”

Me: How has the Internet affected automotive service? For example, are there more customers trying to self-diagnose their car problems based on something they read online?
Let me interrupt this interview by saying that the amount of eye roll and irritation SS showed while answering this question, proved to me just how difficult this job can be.
SS: “I see it all the time. A person has their car towed to us, in pieces, because they couldn’t get done exactly what the YouTube video was trying to teach them. Either they didn’t have the right tool, or they weren’t strong enough, etc. The worst part about it, is you have to hope they brought you all the parts to put back. YouTube, sometimes isn’t the answer.”

Me: You work for a small, independent auto shop. How does that differ from working for a major automotive manufacturer, like Ford or Chevy?
SS: “Working at an independent shop, means you have to have more general automotive knowledge. If you work for a specific manufacturer, you typically know about that one, not any others. At an independent shop, you work on a variety from German to American to Japanese. And is generally a little more relaxed. Less bureaucracy, and not as many hoops to jump through to get something done.”

Me: Is there something in the Automotive business you would like to do in the future?
SS: “I know there will come a time when I won’t want to wrench anymore, so I just figured I’d move into the management portion of it. Maybe at my own shop. Maybe not.”

Me: If you hadn’t become an Auto Mechanic, what would you have done?
SS: “Ha. I had such a hard time decided what to do, I can’t imagine doing anything else. However, now that marijuana is making it’s legal way into our lives, perhaps maybe I would grow that. I’ve always enjoyed that as a hobby.”

Well, that’s a little look into the Auto Mechanic career. Do you think it’s something YOU could do?

Hiking, hiking, and more hiking

Devil’s Punchbowl

When we first got there, we walked around a 1/3-mile circle. It was accidental, but I guess it got us warmed up.

We then walked the 1-mile Loop Trail. That was pretty brutal in itself, because there was a lot of up-and-downs, but we charged through it.

Then, Sis and Squid went home, and SS and I continued up to Devil’s Chair. Which kicked our ass. Once we got up there, we stopped to have a small lunch/picnic under a shady tree. Our legs were hurting so bad, it was really hard to think about turning around and going back the way we came. But after a little bit of sustenance, we trudged back down the mountain and charged through each and every painful step.

When we got back to the car, we wanted to cry. The trek was over and we were done. I was so very proud of us for sticking with it.

We started at 8:20am, and by 12:23p, we were high-fiving at the car.
Success!!

I’m extremely grateful I had such great hiking partners. Couldn’t have done it without them. And even though Sis and Squid did only the first 1-mile, I’m so super proud of them for doing that. It was hard, I know. SUPER hard.

When It Rains…

Well, our Summer fun with Lil’ SS has come to an end. Her mom was in town this past weekend to pick her up, and while it was a little sad to see her go, we know she’d rather be with her friends, than hanging out with me. Let’s be honest.

(This photo was from our trip to the beach last week.)

Her and the three other people she came out with, wanted to spend Saturday at the beach. But when we woke up Saturday morning and realized it was going to be raining for the majority of the day, we decided our previous plans for Santa Monica beach were probably not a great idea. SS checked the weather at one of our favorite beaches more north, and when we saw clear skies until 4pm, we hopped in the car and headed that way.

A short hour and a half later, we were all playing out in the surf. All eight of us. And it was amazing. There were rainclouds all around us, in every direction. But directly above us, was clear blue skies.

For almost four hours, we splashed, rode waves, ate snacks, dug in the sand, and climbed rocks.

Just before 4pm, the clouds covered the sun and down came the rain. That was our cue. Enough time in the sun.

[Top photo-all four kids. Bottom right photo-my 15-year-old.]

Let’s be honest, it always makes me a little nervous to spend time with Lil’ SS’s mom. I think it’s just a territory thing. Lil’ SS is hers, not mine, so my motherly feelings tend to hide away when she’s around. However, we had a wonderful visit with them and I would invite them back any time. [I can’t go into my feelings and emotions on the whole situation right now, because that’s not what this post is about, but I assure you, there will be a time for that at a later date.]

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend just as much as we did. I’m headed to go play with my now 15-year-old.

Where does the time go?

A Day at the Zoo

How many times, as a child, did you go to a zoo? How many times, as an adult, have you gone to the zoo?

Let me tell you something. No matter your age, the zoo is an AWESOME and FUN place to hang out! Especially when the zoo is across the street from the beach!

From the Penguins…..

…to the Elephants….

…and everything in between, each and every animal we saw, made us smile.

What’s your favorite zoo animal? Mine was the elephants. I could stand there all day and watch them do whatever they plan on doing for the day. Even if it’s just eating from a tall tree.

Our original reason for going to the zoo was to take the annual Anniversary photos of Sis and Squid. Every year, it’s somewhere different. This year, was the zoo.

 

After our morning at the zoo, we wandered over to the beach, and did a little toe-dipping. SS and Lil’ SS, climbed down some rock, and headed towards the water. Perfect way to end the day near the beach.

 

How did you spend YOUR weekend? Hopefully it was just as much fun!