We scrached our original plan of driving on the freeway through San jose to get to Oakland, and instead took the beautiful highway 1.
We stopped at a beach and looked at the tide pools, as well as did some rock climbing that would make our mothers cringe.
We arrived in Oakland (that Bay Bridge is a trip!) and checked in to our hotel. We are staying at the Marriot here, and the lldy who checked us in was really nice. We have concierge access, and a room on the 14th floor overlooking the bay and downtown San Francisico!
We are going to head into downtown tongiht, and have dinner at Fisherman's Wharf...
More to come tonight!
Thursday, March 31, 2005
Wednesday, March 30, 2005
Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Grant and I spent our day on the boardwalk. It was a lot of fun! We went on a bunch of rides. The park has a very nice, amusement park (not carnival) family friendly feel to it.
Oh! ALso, it had fascination, this game we discovered in Reno...you roll a ball up into a grid and try to get it to go through 5 in a row to getg a bingo...it is so addicting. I love that game!
We also had lots of yummy food...we had a gyro, garlic fries, a deep fried twinkie, a shaved ice, a pretzel with cheese and a hot fudge sundae...yummy...my kind of diet.
The weather was nice...Spring Break for sure...Grant got a sunburn on his nose and cheeks..and it was pretty crowded down there.
We also played miniature golf, which was fun...although Grant was in an interesting mood...for example, did you know that it is a miniature golf rule that as long as the ball is still moving you can hit it as many times as you'd like with your club or your foot and it still only counts as one stroke? Yeah, neither did I.
We finished our Boardwalk day with two games of bowling...grant bowled a 137 and a 98, and I bowled a 100 and a 102. That was fun!
For dinner, we went to the Ideal bar and Grill at the beginning of the pier. they had lobsteron Wednesdays for 12.95 (a whole Maine Lobster.) Apparently, they ran out while I was there (after I got mine) so we got there just in time. yipee! Grant got Mahi Mahi. Although the food was very good, the service was terrible. We only got our water refilled once...fourty minutes after we sat there, after our food was delivered and mostly eaten...the waitress never came around! It was bad...she got a measly tip...and we are usually pretty good tippers.
We walked to the end of the huge pier...the pier has a two lone road and a parking lot on it...plus a whole bunch of shops and restaurants. Then we walked back to our hotel totally beat! We are so tired that we opted not to drive out to the store to get Grant some aloe.
I tried to publish this and lost it so this is my second try, so I am not going to reread and edit this tonight. Maybe I will tomorrow.
Tomorrow we had to 'Frisco...its been a great trip so far! Good night, all!
Oh! ALso, it had fascination, this game we discovered in Reno...you roll a ball up into a grid and try to get it to go through 5 in a row to getg a bingo...it is so addicting. I love that game!
We also had lots of yummy food...we had a gyro, garlic fries, a deep fried twinkie, a shaved ice, a pretzel with cheese and a hot fudge sundae...yummy...my kind of diet.
The weather was nice...Spring Break for sure...Grant got a sunburn on his nose and cheeks..and it was pretty crowded down there.
We also played miniature golf, which was fun...although Grant was in an interesting mood...for example, did you know that it is a miniature golf rule that as long as the ball is still moving you can hit it as many times as you'd like with your club or your foot and it still only counts as one stroke? Yeah, neither did I.
We finished our Boardwalk day with two games of bowling...grant bowled a 137 and a 98, and I bowled a 100 and a 102. That was fun!
For dinner, we went to the Ideal bar and Grill at the beginning of the pier. they had lobsteron Wednesdays for 12.95 (a whole Maine Lobster.) Apparently, they ran out while I was there (after I got mine) so we got there just in time. yipee! Grant got Mahi Mahi. Although the food was very good, the service was terrible. We only got our water refilled once...fourty minutes after we sat there, after our food was delivered and mostly eaten...the waitress never came around! It was bad...she got a measly tip...and we are usually pretty good tippers.
We walked to the end of the huge pier...the pier has a two lone road and a parking lot on it...plus a whole bunch of shops and restaurants. Then we walked back to our hotel totally beat! We are so tired that we opted not to drive out to the store to get Grant some aloe.
I tried to publish this and lost it so this is my second try, so I am not going to reread and edit this tonight. Maybe I will tomorrow.
Tomorrow we had to 'Frisco...its been a great trip so far! Good night, all!
The Santa Cruz Boardwalk
Grant and I went to the Boardwalk today. We rode many of the rides...the whole feel of the place is very fun and amusement park like....clean and family friendly...
It was Spring Break for sure...the boardwalk was packed and it got pretty warm...mid to high 70's. Poor Grant got a sun burn on his cheeks and nose!
We had lots of yummy carny food...a gyro, garlic fries, a deep fried twinkie, a shaved ice, a pretzel with cheese, and a hot fudge sundae...yeah, thats my kinda diet!
We also played a round of miniature golf, during which Grant was in a very interesting mood...(did you know that as long as the ball is rolling, and doesn't stop moving, you can hit it as many times as you want with your club or your foot and it still counts as one stroke on the score card? yeah, neither did I...
We also bowled two games...Grant got 134 and then 97...I got 100 and then 102.
Oh! I forgot! They also had fascination...that game we played in Reno, where you roll the red ball up and try to get five in a row based on the circles it rolls in too...oh...so addicting!
For dinner, we went to the Ideal Bar and Grill at the beginning of the pier. They had a live maine lobster for $11.95. SO I got Lobster and Grant got Mahi Mahi (About 30 minutes after I ordered they ran out of Lobster...I probably got the last one!) The food was good, but the service was lousy...She got a low tip...and we're usually really good tippers. She never checked on us or refilled the water...the kitchen server brought out the food and she ddin't come back to see if we needed anything for like 30 minutes. It was bad.
Anyway, after dinner, we walked to the end of the pier. The pier is huge...It has a two lane road and parking, and lots of shops and restaurants. We were beat..we booked it back to the hotel, and opted not to go out to the grocery store to purchase soma aloe for Grant's face.
Tomorrow, we leave Santa Cruz and head up to San Francisco...what a great trip so far!!!
It was Spring Break for sure...the boardwalk was packed and it got pretty warm...mid to high 70's. Poor Grant got a sun burn on his cheeks and nose!
We had lots of yummy carny food...a gyro, garlic fries, a deep fried twinkie, a shaved ice, a pretzel with cheese, and a hot fudge sundae...yeah, thats my kinda diet!
We also played a round of miniature golf, during which Grant was in a very interesting mood...(did you know that as long as the ball is rolling, and doesn't stop moving, you can hit it as many times as you want with your club or your foot and it still counts as one stroke on the score card? yeah, neither did I...
We also bowled two games...Grant got 134 and then 97...I got 100 and then 102.
Oh! I forgot! They also had fascination...that game we played in Reno, where you roll the red ball up and try to get five in a row based on the circles it rolls in too...oh...so addicting!
For dinner, we went to the Ideal Bar and Grill at the beginning of the pier. They had a live maine lobster for $11.95. SO I got Lobster and Grant got Mahi Mahi (About 30 minutes after I ordered they ran out of Lobster...I probably got the last one!) The food was good, but the service was lousy...She got a low tip...and we're usually really good tippers. She never checked on us or refilled the water...the kitchen server brought out the food and she ddin't come back to see if we needed anything for like 30 minutes. It was bad.
Anyway, after dinner, we walked to the end of the pier. The pier is huge...It has a two lane road and parking, and lots of shops and restaurants. We were beat..we booked it back to the hotel, and opted not to go out to the grocery store to purchase soma aloe for Grant's face.
Tomorrow, we leave Santa Cruz and head up to San Francisco...what a great trip so far!!!
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
On the trains in Santa Cruz
Grant and I woke up at around 8:30 this morning. We had breakfast in our hotel room...a combo of stuff we bought and stuff they had at the continenetal breakfaast (which wasn't much...English Muffins and Breakfast danishes...)
We walked down to the Boardwalk, but they didn't open until 11:00. We looked at the train times, and decided to drive up to Roaring Camp and try to catch the 10:30 Beach Train. We made it on time and took the Beach train, which began by going through a Redwood forest, and went down into Santa Cruz and back to the Boardwalk. This time, everything was opened at the boarkdwalk, and people were visiting, despite a little bit of drizzle held over from the morning rain.
We rode the famous, 80 year old Giant Dipper rollercoaster, which was quite fun. Then we walked around and looked at all of the rides. Lunch was good, old fashioned carny food...corn dogs, and a chocolate dipped cone for Grant and a rootbeer float for me! We walked down to the water and then it was time to head back to the train.
After we returned to Roaring Camp, we had 30 minutes before the next train (the narrow gauge steam train) departed, so we took a short .8 mile hike through a redwood grove.
The narrow gauge was very neat...we sat in the very back, so when we went backwards on the switchbacks we had a front row clear view. It was very cool.
After this train ride, we jumped in our car and headed up to the Mystery Spot, which supposedly has magnetic anamolies and spaces that refract light in different ways. The majority of the tour is identical to the Haunted Shack at Knott's Berry Farm, but there were some interesting features....for example, the trees in the vicinity all had branches growing only on one side of the trunk...
In any case, it was fun!
For dinner we had pizza from a place down town...it was yummy...and a salad with chicken, pecans, and gorganzola cheese.
We made it back to the hotel in time to watch American Idol and Amazing Race with a bag of popcorn...(speaking of Amazing Race...see what i mean about Amber? She has yet to make one damn decision in any game she's ever been on except for who's coat tails to ride...they are sitting at the bottom of the water tower waiting to see if the other team is going to complete the fast forward, and Rob's asking Amber to make a decision, wait, or go on, and she sits there and hems and haws the whole time, and never makes a decision, until the other team finishes and the decision is made for her! grrrr....)
One thing I forgot to mention in my previous blogs. I lost my ring! Not my engagement ring, so stop panicking, but the claddagh ring Grant got me 3 years ago for my birthday. I haven't taken that ring off in three years. We both saw me wearing it on the plane, and I realized when I got to the hotel that my ring was gone! Weird! It wasn't loose or anything, as as I mentioned before, I never take it off...it was just gone...sigh...
See ya manana! (Happy Birthday, Bobby G!)
We walked down to the Boardwalk, but they didn't open until 11:00. We looked at the train times, and decided to drive up to Roaring Camp and try to catch the 10:30 Beach Train. We made it on time and took the Beach train, which began by going through a Redwood forest, and went down into Santa Cruz and back to the Boardwalk. This time, everything was opened at the boarkdwalk, and people were visiting, despite a little bit of drizzle held over from the morning rain.
We rode the famous, 80 year old Giant Dipper rollercoaster, which was quite fun. Then we walked around and looked at all of the rides. Lunch was good, old fashioned carny food...corn dogs, and a chocolate dipped cone for Grant and a rootbeer float for me! We walked down to the water and then it was time to head back to the train.
After we returned to Roaring Camp, we had 30 minutes before the next train (the narrow gauge steam train) departed, so we took a short .8 mile hike through a redwood grove.
The narrow gauge was very neat...we sat in the very back, so when we went backwards on the switchbacks we had a front row clear view. It was very cool.
After this train ride, we jumped in our car and headed up to the Mystery Spot, which supposedly has magnetic anamolies and spaces that refract light in different ways. The majority of the tour is identical to the Haunted Shack at Knott's Berry Farm, but there were some interesting features....for example, the trees in the vicinity all had branches growing only on one side of the trunk...
In any case, it was fun!
For dinner we had pizza from a place down town...it was yummy...and a salad with chicken, pecans, and gorganzola cheese.
We made it back to the hotel in time to watch American Idol and Amazing Race with a bag of popcorn...(speaking of Amazing Race...see what i mean about Amber? She has yet to make one damn decision in any game she's ever been on except for who's coat tails to ride...they are sitting at the bottom of the water tower waiting to see if the other team is going to complete the fast forward, and Rob's asking Amber to make a decision, wait, or go on, and she sits there and hems and haws the whole time, and never makes a decision, until the other team finishes and the decision is made for her! grrrr....)
One thing I forgot to mention in my previous blogs. I lost my ring! Not my engagement ring, so stop panicking, but the claddagh ring Grant got me 3 years ago for my birthday. I haven't taken that ring off in three years. We both saw me wearing it on the plane, and I realized when I got to the hotel that my ring was gone! Weird! It wasn't loose or anything, as as I mentioned before, I never take it off...it was just gone...sigh...
See ya manana! (Happy Birthday, Bobby G!)
Monday, March 28, 2005
First Night in Santa Cruz
Its 9 pm...Grant has not slept in 28 hours, and he is in suprisingly good spirits...much better than I would be!
I forgot to mention our luck....when we first set up the computer we got a wireless internet signal, so we do not have to use our cell phone to access the internet! Cool beans!
So, we went to K-mart and Albertsons and got some snackins, Then we came back and unloaded our stuff. Grant did some research and found a Chinese restaurant, so we went there for dinner. The Chinese place was SO good! We shared a two Chicken dishes...Chicken and asparagus, and another chicken dish with a Chinese name that was really good as well. Plus, we had a candied cashew appetizer...yummy! Everything was fresh...really good!
We are ready for sleep...especially Grant! We are pleasently full, content, and happy to be together...
(Have I mentioned how much I love this guy???)
Plans for tomorrow...the beach train, down town santa cruise, and some little village that is close by, but I can't remember the nema and I don't want to get up to find it, so I'll leave you in suspense and tell ya'll about it manana!
I forgot to mention our luck....when we first set up the computer we got a wireless internet signal, so we do not have to use our cell phone to access the internet! Cool beans!
So, we went to K-mart and Albertsons and got some snackins, Then we came back and unloaded our stuff. Grant did some research and found a Chinese restaurant, so we went there for dinner. The Chinese place was SO good! We shared a two Chicken dishes...Chicken and asparagus, and another chicken dish with a Chinese name that was really good as well. Plus, we had a candied cashew appetizer...yummy! Everything was fresh...really good!
We are ready for sleep...especially Grant! We are pleasently full, content, and happy to be together...
(Have I mentioned how much I love this guy???)
Plans for tomorrow...the beach train, down town santa cruise, and some little village that is close by, but I can't remember the nema and I don't want to get up to find it, so I'll leave you in suspense and tell ya'll about it manana!
Arrival in San Jose/Santa Cruz
Hi All! Grant and I departed from LAX at 11:30 (although our flight was supposed to take off at 10:00...apparently there was a loose knob in the cockpit, so we had to change planes, after sitting on the original plane for 45 minutes....) But all's well that ends well, and we arrived safely in San Jose at 12:30.
We rented our car from Enterprise and drove down to Santa Cruz via the infamous windy road, and pulled into our motel. The lady at the front desk was really nice and she gave us lots of nice ideas...the room itself is basic but nice...(except Grant thinks the lavender pink trim is funny...) it was recently redone, and it has new carpet and floors in the bathroom. Plus, it has a mini fridge and microwave!
We are within walking distance of the boardwalk.
We are going to head out to the grocery story to get some snackin's.
I am suprised Grant hasn't passed out yet...he woke up at 5 PM yesterday evening and worked from 11-7 last night...he hasn't slept for 23 hours and he's still going...poor guy!
Talk to you later!
We rented our car from Enterprise and drove down to Santa Cruz via the infamous windy road, and pulled into our motel. The lady at the front desk was really nice and she gave us lots of nice ideas...the room itself is basic but nice...(except Grant thinks the lavender pink trim is funny...) it was recently redone, and it has new carpet and floors in the bathroom. Plus, it has a mini fridge and microwave!
We are within walking distance of the boardwalk.
We are going to head out to the grocery story to get some snackin's.
I am suprised Grant hasn't passed out yet...he woke up at 5 PM yesterday evening and worked from 11-7 last night...he hasn't slept for 23 hours and he's still going...poor guy!
Talk to you later!
Sunday, March 27, 2005
Writing Away
I am writing my chapter 4 for my fianl project. Sigh. It is fun, but long. And I hope that it is clear. Sigh.
Anywho, wanted to mention that I saw Lion King last week. I really enjoyed it...the music was good, the costumes amazing...I thought the sets were lacking, however. After seeing that Moses play, and seeing them use digital projection for the background, I thought of the possabilities of using digital projection in the background to show some of the African landscape...could be awesome...
Anywho, wanted to mention that I saw Lion King last week. I really enjoyed it...the music was good, the costumes amazing...I thought the sets were lacking, however. After seeing that Moses play, and seeing them use digital projection for the background, I thought of the possabilities of using digital projection in the background to show some of the African landscape...could be awesome...
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Amazing Race and Survivor
Well, I know I am behind...I have just watched the first episode of Amazing Race. I love this show...
Anyways...The recording I had started just after they began introducing the teams...so I missed Rob and Am-bah's little autobiography...which I suspect would have turned me off instantly.
As it is, the first opportunity I had to see them was when they were all lined up and listening to Phil remind them of the rules. I must say, for an instant, I thought, "You know, it is kind of cute that they were lucky enough to meet on a show like Survivor and fall in live and have this opportunity..." Yes, I admit it, for an instant, I softened toward them and they actually had a chance to win my respect and not automatically want them off my wonderful show...
Of course then the race began and they opened their mouths and, well....nope. They bug me. Want them off...
Here is the problem with them so far. Rob has a mouth...its cute and funny at times, but overall it comes of as dumb-cocky. Sigh.
And poor Amb-ah is such a little girl. She really is so clueless. For example, when the other couple was chasing down the bus in the airport parking lot and Rob and AMber were like "go, go, go..." and then the couple got on and Gretchen says, "I bet you were like 'go, get going' huh?" Amber goes, "Not neccesarily..." Which to me is about as weak and little girl as you can get...like "Uh oh, Mommy and daddy caught me in a lie and I am not able to lie convincingly about it, nor am I able to just laugh off the truth...so I give a luke warm answer..." Sigh.
But the saddest thing overall (besides the fact that I am going to be late for work again...)
Is that Rob and Am-bah just have a general distrust for people. They feel that people are always against them and trying to bring them down...and so they treat people back in a sneaky way becasue that is how they percieve others treating them. Now, granted, a lot of other teams DO want to bring them down...but besides them knowing that Rob and Amb-ah have already won Survivor, coulddn't it also be a bit like selg fulfilling prophesy? I mean here's the cycle...they expect people to want to bring them down, so they are sneaky and rude back, which in turn makes people want to bring them down more.
If people are friendly, others attitudes towards them will change...
But have you noticed that they are totally seperate from the group? Thus far,t hey seem to have done little socializing with the other teams...It comes across as stuck up...
Oh well, we'll see as I catch up watching the shows!!!
Gotta go, so all ill say about Survivor is at least it is shaping up to be a good seasobn...finally! There is hope for the show...
Sorry bout all the typos!
Anyways...The recording I had started just after they began introducing the teams...so I missed Rob and Am-bah's little autobiography...which I suspect would have turned me off instantly.
As it is, the first opportunity I had to see them was when they were all lined up and listening to Phil remind them of the rules. I must say, for an instant, I thought, "You know, it is kind of cute that they were lucky enough to meet on a show like Survivor and fall in live and have this opportunity..." Yes, I admit it, for an instant, I softened toward them and they actually had a chance to win my respect and not automatically want them off my wonderful show...
Of course then the race began and they opened their mouths and, well....nope. They bug me. Want them off...
Here is the problem with them so far. Rob has a mouth...its cute and funny at times, but overall it comes of as dumb-cocky. Sigh.
And poor Amb-ah is such a little girl. She really is so clueless. For example, when the other couple was chasing down the bus in the airport parking lot and Rob and AMber were like "go, go, go..." and then the couple got on and Gretchen says, "I bet you were like 'go, get going' huh?" Amber goes, "Not neccesarily..." Which to me is about as weak and little girl as you can get...like "Uh oh, Mommy and daddy caught me in a lie and I am not able to lie convincingly about it, nor am I able to just laugh off the truth...so I give a luke warm answer..." Sigh.
But the saddest thing overall (besides the fact that I am going to be late for work again...)
Is that Rob and Am-bah just have a general distrust for people. They feel that people are always against them and trying to bring them down...and so they treat people back in a sneaky way becasue that is how they percieve others treating them. Now, granted, a lot of other teams DO want to bring them down...but besides them knowing that Rob and Amb-ah have already won Survivor, coulddn't it also be a bit like selg fulfilling prophesy? I mean here's the cycle...they expect people to want to bring them down, so they are sneaky and rude back, which in turn makes people want to bring them down more.
If people are friendly, others attitudes towards them will change...
But have you noticed that they are totally seperate from the group? Thus far,t hey seem to have done little socializing with the other teams...It comes across as stuck up...
Oh well, we'll see as I catch up watching the shows!!!
Gotta go, so all ill say about Survivor is at least it is shaping up to be a good seasobn...finally! There is hope for the show...
Sorry bout all the typos!
Amazing Race and Survivor
Well, I know I am behind...I have just watched the first episode of Amazing Race. I love this show...
Anyways...The recording I had started just after they began introducing the teams...so I missed Rob and Am-bah's little autobiography...which I suspect would have turned me off instantly.
As it is, the first opportunity I had to see them was when they were all lined up and listening to Phil remind them of the rules. I must say, for an instant, I thought, "You know, it is kind of cute that they were lucky enough to meet on a show like Survivor and fall in live and have this opportunity..." Yes, I admit it, for an instant, I softened toward them and they actually had a chance to win my respect and not automatically want them off my wonderful show...
Of course then the race began and they opened their mouths and, well....nope. They bug me. Want them off...
Here is the problem with them so far. Rob has a mouth...its cute and funny at times, but overall it comes of as dumb-cocky. Sigh.
And poor Amb-ah is such a little girl. She really is so clueless. For example, when the other couple was chasing down the bus in the airport parking lot and Rob and AMber were like "go, go, go..." and then the couple got on and Gretchen says, "I bet you were like 'go, get going' huh?" Amber goes, "Not neccesarily..." Which to me is about as weak and little girl as you can get...like "Uh oh, Mommy and daddy caught me in a lie and I am not able to lie convincingly about it, nor am I able to just laugh off the truth...so I give a luke warm answer..." Sigh.
But the saddest thing overall (besides the fact that I am going to be late for work again...)
Is that Rob and Am-bah just have a general distrust for people. They feel that people are always against them and trying to bring them down...and so they treat people back in a sneaky way becasue that is how they percieve others treating them. Now, granted, a lot of other teams DO want to bring them down...but besides them knowing that Rob and Amb-ah have already won Survivor, coulddn't it also be a bit like selg fulfilling prophesy? I mean here's the cycle...they expect people to want to bring them down, so they are sneaky and rude back, which in turn makes people want to bring them down more.
If people are friendly, others attitudes towards them will change...
But have you noticed that they are totally seperate from the group? Thus far,t hey seem to have done little socializing with the other teams...It comes across as stuck up...
Oh well, we'll see as I catch up watching the shows!!!
Gotta go, so all ill say about Survivor is at least it is shaping up to be a good seasobn...finally! There is hope for the show...
Sorry bout all the typos!
Anyways...The recording I had started just after they began introducing the teams...so I missed Rob and Am-bah's little autobiography...which I suspect would have turned me off instantly.
As it is, the first opportunity I had to see them was when they were all lined up and listening to Phil remind them of the rules. I must say, for an instant, I thought, "You know, it is kind of cute that they were lucky enough to meet on a show like Survivor and fall in live and have this opportunity..." Yes, I admit it, for an instant, I softened toward them and they actually had a chance to win my respect and not automatically want them off my wonderful show...
Of course then the race began and they opened their mouths and, well....nope. They bug me. Want them off...
Here is the problem with them so far. Rob has a mouth...its cute and funny at times, but overall it comes of as dumb-cocky. Sigh.
And poor Amb-ah is such a little girl. She really is so clueless. For example, when the other couple was chasing down the bus in the airport parking lot and Rob and AMber were like "go, go, go..." and then the couple got on and Gretchen says, "I bet you were like 'go, get going' huh?" Amber goes, "Not neccesarily..." Which to me is about as weak and little girl as you can get...like "Uh oh, Mommy and daddy caught me in a lie and I am not able to lie convincingly about it, nor am I able to just laugh off the truth...so I give a luke warm answer..." Sigh.
But the saddest thing overall (besides the fact that I am going to be late for work again...)
Is that Rob and Am-bah just have a general distrust for people. They feel that people are always against them and trying to bring them down...and so they treat people back in a sneaky way becasue that is how they percieve others treating them. Now, granted, a lot of other teams DO want to bring them down...but besides them knowing that Rob and Amb-ah have already won Survivor, coulddn't it also be a bit like selg fulfilling prophesy? I mean here's the cycle...they expect people to want to bring them down, so they are sneaky and rude back, which in turn makes people want to bring them down more.
If people are friendly, others attitudes towards them will change...
But have you noticed that they are totally seperate from the group? Thus far,t hey seem to have done little socializing with the other teams...It comes across as stuck up...
Oh well, we'll see as I catch up watching the shows!!!
Gotta go, so all ill say about Survivor is at least it is shaping up to be a good seasobn...finally! There is hope for the show...
Sorry bout all the typos!
Wednesday, March 16, 2005
Buzz Lightyear's Astro Blasters
On March 8th, I got a score of 40,900.
Today (March 16th) I got a score of 281,300 the first time, and 250,550 the second time...(Although, both times the ride stopped so I had some extra, non moving time to shoot...plus know I know which targets are worth the most...!)
Today (March 16th) I got a score of 281,300 the first time, and 250,550 the second time...(Although, both times the ride stopped so I had some extra, non moving time to shoot...plus know I know which targets are worth the most...!)
Monday, March 14, 2005
Um, Hello Mario...you are killing my cast...
What is up with this? Mario Vazquez dropped out of Idol. WTF? I can't wait to hear this one...
Sunday, March 13, 2005
American Idol's Rent Cast
Ok, I have been watching American Idol and as everyone knows, the boys are smokin hot.
I also think the boys make up an almost ready-made Rent cast, some of the girls may fit as well...Check it:
Mark - Anthony Fedorov
Angel - Mario Vazquez
Collins - Anwar Robinson
Roger - Bo Bice?
Benny - ???
Mimi - Nadia Turner
Jo Ann - Vonzell Solomon
Maureen - ???
Whatcha think?
I also think the boys make up an almost ready-made Rent cast, some of the girls may fit as well...Check it:
Mark - Anthony Fedorov
Angel - Mario Vazquez
Collins - Anwar Robinson
Roger - Bo Bice?
Benny - ???
Mimi - Nadia Turner
Jo Ann - Vonzell Solomon
Maureen - ???
Whatcha think?
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Sims
I have finally started playing the Sims 2.
I have four families.
Jim and Kate Windes, and Kate's father Air live on 60 Element Ave. They just had a son, named James, who has grown into an adorable toddler.
Jai and Carson Blaze, and Carson's mom, Fire, live at 62 Element Ave. Jai and Carson have recently adopted a little baby girl, whom they named Hannah. Hannah just had her birthday and is now a toddler.
Jeff and Casey Aquarius live at 64 Element Ave with Casey's dad, Water. They have just given birth to twin boys, Bryan and Kyan, and are currently raising them into toddlers.
Kelly and Lisa Terra live at 66 Element Ave with Lisa's mother, Earth. They have not yet adopted any children. However, Earth and Water have a little something going on 9tehy were recently caught down at the community lot in the jacuzzi...although I don't think they were relaxing....if you know what I mean...
Stay tuned as I continue to play goddess with my little sim families...I must say, I was extrordinarily excited to have twins!
I have four families.
Jim and Kate Windes, and Kate's father Air live on 60 Element Ave. They just had a son, named James, who has grown into an adorable toddler.
Jai and Carson Blaze, and Carson's mom, Fire, live at 62 Element Ave. Jai and Carson have recently adopted a little baby girl, whom they named Hannah. Hannah just had her birthday and is now a toddler.
Jeff and Casey Aquarius live at 64 Element Ave with Casey's dad, Water. They have just given birth to twin boys, Bryan and Kyan, and are currently raising them into toddlers.
Kelly and Lisa Terra live at 66 Element Ave with Lisa's mother, Earth. They have not yet adopted any children. However, Earth and Water have a little something going on 9tehy were recently caught down at the community lot in the jacuzzi...although I don't think they were relaxing....if you know what I mean...
Stay tuned as I continue to play goddess with my little sim families...I must say, I was extrordinarily excited to have twins!
Survivor and the Amazing Race
Boy is this season putting me in a bad mood.
First, I am desperate that Survivor, (once my favorite show but now has officially sucked for two seasons in a row), will do something to impress this season. I am holding out hope, but I just don't know...
(Have you heard my idea yet Survivor people??? Here is a recap!
18 Survivors. 3 teams of six.
No mixing up teams or swirching folks or changing to two tribes. Keep it at the 3 original teams until the merge.
THEN, once the merge hits, if tribes stay along tribal lines, cool....because they will have to team up with another team to dominate...there will be no one team eats the other becasue there will be a third element...a third block of votes...)
Survivor starts tonight, so we shall see.
Second, Amazing Race announced the next season starts in two weeks. Could I be much happier when I hear this? Not really...as Amazing Race is now more of a favorite than Survivor...and then, in a blink of an eye, my elation turns to shock, revulsion, and sunk into what has now become anger and depression. Sigh. Rob and Amber. From Survivor.
Just ro recap: Rob is the guy who on two seasons played the exact same lying, back stabbing game, and still made it to second place in All Stars
(Um hello, All Stars, did you not see the other seasons??? Did you really let someone play the exact same game and make it to second place? All Stars, you should be ashamed. You learned NOTHING.)
Now, Rob wasn't the sneakiest, dirtiest player on the block, but after a while, his likability just wore off. I hate a man who is full of himself.
Amber is the chick who on two seasons played the exact same "sit in the shadows and ride on someone else's coat tails so that they look like the bitch or the ass while she just looks like the niave little lost girl that she is, unable to make her own decisions" and still won All Stars
(Um, hello, All Stars...did you not see the other season? Did you really let people play the exact same game and not split up the two of them when you had the chance? Did you learn nothing? Have I mentioned that you should be ASHAMED to have called yourself All Stars?)
Amber is the most annoying player on the planet, becasue she didn't DO anything. She didn't even actively fly under the radar. She just walked around like a big ditz in a bikini doing everything she was told.
So now, I have to suffer through the Amazing Race with Rob and Ambah (Not a mis type. That schmuck Rob can't even pronounce her name correctly.) Lord help me. My only hope is that they are off early...like the Big Brother couple form two seasons ago. Is the first episode too much to ask for?
And to top it off Enterprise is being canceled.
Let's Pray for a good season of American Idol.
First, I am desperate that Survivor, (once my favorite show but now has officially sucked for two seasons in a row), will do something to impress this season. I am holding out hope, but I just don't know...
(Have you heard my idea yet Survivor people??? Here is a recap!
18 Survivors. 3 teams of six.
No mixing up teams or swirching folks or changing to two tribes. Keep it at the 3 original teams until the merge.
THEN, once the merge hits, if tribes stay along tribal lines, cool....because they will have to team up with another team to dominate...there will be no one team eats the other becasue there will be a third element...a third block of votes...)
Survivor starts tonight, so we shall see.
Second, Amazing Race announced the next season starts in two weeks. Could I be much happier when I hear this? Not really...as Amazing Race is now more of a favorite than Survivor...and then, in a blink of an eye, my elation turns to shock, revulsion, and sunk into what has now become anger and depression. Sigh. Rob and Amber. From Survivor.
Just ro recap: Rob is the guy who on two seasons played the exact same lying, back stabbing game, and still made it to second place in All Stars
(Um hello, All Stars, did you not see the other seasons??? Did you really let someone play the exact same game and make it to second place? All Stars, you should be ashamed. You learned NOTHING.)
Now, Rob wasn't the sneakiest, dirtiest player on the block, but after a while, his likability just wore off. I hate a man who is full of himself.
Amber is the chick who on two seasons played the exact same "sit in the shadows and ride on someone else's coat tails so that they look like the bitch or the ass while she just looks like the niave little lost girl that she is, unable to make her own decisions" and still won All Stars
(Um, hello, All Stars...did you not see the other season? Did you really let people play the exact same game and not split up the two of them when you had the chance? Did you learn nothing? Have I mentioned that you should be ASHAMED to have called yourself All Stars?)
Amber is the most annoying player on the planet, becasue she didn't DO anything. She didn't even actively fly under the radar. She just walked around like a big ditz in a bikini doing everything she was told.
So now, I have to suffer through the Amazing Race with Rob and Ambah (Not a mis type. That schmuck Rob can't even pronounce her name correctly.) Lord help me. My only hope is that they are off early...like the Big Brother couple form two seasons ago. Is the first episode too much to ask for?
And to top it off Enterprise is being canceled.
Let's Pray for a good season of American Idol.
Sick Days and Mormons
Hi all!
I have been hit with a pretty bad cold the last few days and I am finally feeling human again. Taking a sick day is such a pain int he ass becasue you have to make sub plans anyway...and they are more trouble then they are worth. Sigh.
So I have officially staryed my Final Masters Project. Topic? Internet Resources for the Steps of the Writing Process. Yipee! I have chapter one done and I am on my way to doing chapter 2. Sort of. I have lots of research that needs to be done.
I have been doing lots of thinking about those Mormons. I watched a moviea few weeks ago called "Latter Days" about an Mormon missionary (Aaron) who falls in love with a "party boy" named Christian. Although the movie has some weak points, in my opinion, with the edits (some scenes, I felt, cut way to quick....without giving time to pause and let the message sink in...) as well as some not so clever dialouge...I really enjoyed the film over all (In fact, I watched it again the next day.) It was very beautiful in that both characters helped the other grow. Most obviously (and heavliy touted in the reviews) Christian helps Aaron come to terms with who he really is, and to except love, even as a homosexual, which he has been taught all of his life is an evil lifestyle. Aaron, however, helps Christian come to terms with his own views of being gay...by letting helping Christian discover his true depth of character and compassion, and his ability to reach out to others.
After watching the movie, i went about my Mormon research, rereading their temple ceremonies and such, and I came upon a website called http://www.exmormon.org that I found fascinating. It relates stories and articles about people who have chosen to leave the Mormon religion and why.
What is it that fascinates me about Mormons? Not the underwear! Seriously. I think because, to truly be a Mormon, you have to be everything that I am not. You have to be someone who doesn't question, who doesn't seek, who doesn't think or quest. Mormons are not to read anti mormon literature. Much of the truth of their religion is hidden from them. Mormons should not ask questions. And for many Mormons, that is fine. It is so different from what I am. I must question, I must analzye. I want to know all, or as much as I possibly can. I can't just except.
Many argue that Ignorance is Bliss. Perhaps, for many, that is the true. And I can understand that. I have stumbled across potential truths that are not happy or positive. But for me, at least I am prepared. I want the truth. I want to know.
I have been hit with a pretty bad cold the last few days and I am finally feeling human again. Taking a sick day is such a pain int he ass becasue you have to make sub plans anyway...and they are more trouble then they are worth. Sigh.
So I have officially staryed my Final Masters Project. Topic? Internet Resources for the Steps of the Writing Process. Yipee! I have chapter one done and I am on my way to doing chapter 2. Sort of. I have lots of research that needs to be done.
I have been doing lots of thinking about those Mormons. I watched a moviea few weeks ago called "Latter Days" about an Mormon missionary (Aaron) who falls in love with a "party boy" named Christian. Although the movie has some weak points, in my opinion, with the edits (some scenes, I felt, cut way to quick....without giving time to pause and let the message sink in...) as well as some not so clever dialouge...I really enjoyed the film over all (In fact, I watched it again the next day.) It was very beautiful in that both characters helped the other grow. Most obviously (and heavliy touted in the reviews) Christian helps Aaron come to terms with who he really is, and to except love, even as a homosexual, which he has been taught all of his life is an evil lifestyle. Aaron, however, helps Christian come to terms with his own views of being gay...by letting helping Christian discover his true depth of character and compassion, and his ability to reach out to others.
After watching the movie, i went about my Mormon research, rereading their temple ceremonies and such, and I came upon a website called http://www.exmormon.org that I found fascinating. It relates stories and articles about people who have chosen to leave the Mormon religion and why.
What is it that fascinates me about Mormons? Not the underwear! Seriously. I think because, to truly be a Mormon, you have to be everything that I am not. You have to be someone who doesn't question, who doesn't seek, who doesn't think or quest. Mormons are not to read anti mormon literature. Much of the truth of their religion is hidden from them. Mormons should not ask questions. And for many Mormons, that is fine. It is so different from what I am. I must question, I must analzye. I want to know all, or as much as I possibly can. I can't just except.
Many argue that Ignorance is Bliss. Perhaps, for many, that is the true. And I can understand that. I have stumbled across potential truths that are not happy or positive. But for me, at least I am prepared. I want the truth. I want to know.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Survivor Pulau
Ok, so they are starting with 20 Survivors. At first, I was genuinly annoyed by this...(the fact that they are starting with 20 but getting rid of three on the first night...) I mean, that is no time to get to know any of the survivors of anything. But you know what I realized...to us it may be pointless, but to those three who get kicked off (or whatever) the first night, it will still have been an incredible adventure for them, so why the hell not?
Onther interesting thing...the buzz is that they will be starting as one team. Very interesting....trying to manage 20 people on one team with no supplies. SOunds like it will make for some interesting play!!!!
Later
Onther interesting thing...the buzz is that they will be starting as one team. Very interesting....trying to manage 20 people on one team with no supplies. SOunds like it will make for some interesting play!!!!
Later
2005
Well, time just doesn't quit passing, does it?
So how is everyone?
What as been going on with me?
Last night, I went to a bachelorette party. It was oe of those home parties where they sell sex toys. It was A LOT of fun! It was so fun and well done and everyone seemed to have a good time. I was afraid that it might be uncomforable, but it really wasn't!
We've been back in school for two weeks. Two weeks! Time seemed to pass so slowly but when I think back I can hardly believe that two weks has passed!!! Hmmm...
I start school again in two weeks. I need to get up to school and do some research for my project. I am getting nervous to start, but mostly, anxious, because I just want to get done.
I have been trying to enjoy everyday for where I am at and nnot constantly look for the future for happiness. The past few years, that has been mostly easy to do, with so much to be happy with, my wonderful Grant, my home, my job, my puppy...all things that I love (well, the job has been not so good lately but....)
However, I must admit that I am quite anxious for this school year to end...for my masters to be completed, for my wedding to Grant, for our amazing honeymoon...so much to look forward to this year! And in september, who knows what I'll be doing, where I'll be teaching, but with more free time with my masters finished, I can pursue other adventures...voulenteer work, scrapbooking time, and something else I have in mind right now....we'll see!
I hope everyone's New Year is going well thus far!
Love,
So how is everyone?
What as been going on with me?
Last night, I went to a bachelorette party. It was oe of those home parties where they sell sex toys. It was A LOT of fun! It was so fun and well done and everyone seemed to have a good time. I was afraid that it might be uncomforable, but it really wasn't!
We've been back in school for two weeks. Two weeks! Time seemed to pass so slowly but when I think back I can hardly believe that two weks has passed!!! Hmmm...
I start school again in two weeks. I need to get up to school and do some research for my project. I am getting nervous to start, but mostly, anxious, because I just want to get done.
I have been trying to enjoy everyday for where I am at and nnot constantly look for the future for happiness. The past few years, that has been mostly easy to do, with so much to be happy with, my wonderful Grant, my home, my job, my puppy...all things that I love (well, the job has been not so good lately but....)
However, I must admit that I am quite anxious for this school year to end...for my masters to be completed, for my wedding to Grant, for our amazing honeymoon...so much to look forward to this year! And in september, who knows what I'll be doing, where I'll be teaching, but with more free time with my masters finished, I can pursue other adventures...voulenteer work, scrapbooking time, and something else I have in mind right now....we'll see!
I hope everyone's New Year is going well thus far!
Love,
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
WDW New Tickets
In order to make vacations more customizable, Walt Disney World has come out with a new ticket program that applies to all guests and starts on Jan. 2 2005. Previously, there were basically two multi day ticket options...the park hopper, and the park hopper plus. The park hopper ticket allowed you to enter any of the four major parks (Magic Kingdom, MGM, Animal Kingdom, or EPCOT) on each day of use, as many times as you want...so you could go to one park in the morning, another park in the afternoon, another int he evening etc. The Park Hopper Plus also included options to go to the water parks and Pleasure Island. All tickets never expire.
The new ticket program, called "Magic Your Way" was planned to give guests more options when buying their tickets. First, there is a base price multi-day ticket. If you just buy the base price ticket, it entitiles you to entry into one park per day of the multi day tickets. If you want park hopping, you pay to get the park hopping feature. If you want plus options (like water parks) you pay a fee to add that feature. These tickets expire 14 days after first use, unless you add on the "no expiration" option, which again adds another fee.
Although all these fees sound like alot, the base ticket is lower than the old park hopper ticket. The longer you stay, the more money you save. In fact, kevin yee of www.miceage.com printed a cost comparison that shows that if you purchase a 7 day ticket with all options, it is actually $1 cheaper then the 2004 ticket! However, if you purchase a 4 day ticket the price is 28$ more then the comparable 2004 ticket.
As you can see from the following chart (taken from www.mousesavers.com) the first few days on the base price are significantly more, but the lonfer you stay, the less the increase...with the 7 day ticket being only a few dollars more than the 6 day ticket!
My only complaint is that the tickets expire now. I guess it makes sense with the new prices (why wouldn't you pay a bit more to double the length of your tickets?) and you can add no expiration as an option, but that is one of the few options that cost more as the number of days of the base ticket increases.
ANyway, here is the info from mouse savers. Check out teh website, www.mousesavers.com for more info.
Magic Your Way Base Ticket
(gate price for admission to one theme park per day, including tax)
# Days Adult (ages 10 and up) Child (ages 3-9)
1 $63.63 $51.12
2 $126.74 $102.24
3 $182.12 $145.91
4 $197.03 $157.62
5 $205.55 $165.08
6 $208.74 $167.21
7 $211.94 $170.40
10 $222.59 $177.86
Add-on purchases to the base ticket include:
Park Hopper Option - Adding the Park-Hopper Option lets you come and go as you please through all four Disney theme parks on the same day or every day for each day of your pass. Extra cost on top of the base-price ticket is a flat rate of $35 ($37.28 with tax). This works out to just over $5 per day on a seven-day ticket, but obviously it adds a lot proportionally to the cost of a one-day ticket.
Magic Plus Pack - This option provides the choice of admission to Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, DisneyQuest, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island or Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. Extra cost on top of the base-price ticket is a flat rate of $45 ($47.93 with tax). You get a set number of visits to the Magic Plus Pack attractions, depending on the length of the ticket you buy. The flat rate gives you:
1-day ticket - 2 visits
2-day ticket - 2 visits
3-day ticket - 2 visits
4-day ticket - 3 visits
5-day ticket - 3 visits
6-day ticket - 4 visits
7-day ticket - 5 visits
10-day ticket - 5 visits
As you can see, there is a big incentive to buy the longer passes, so that you'll get more "pluses" for your money. If you will be visiting the water parks and/or DisneyQuest at least twice, this add-on is definitely a good deal.
Magic Your Way Premium Ticket - This ticket combines the benefits of the Park Hopper option and the Magic Plus Pack option. Extra cost on top of the base-price ticket is a flat rate of $80 ($85.20 with tax).
No Expiration Option - Regular Magic Your Way Tickets expire 14 days after their first use. Choosing the No Expiration option means you are free to come back and take advantage of unused days at any time. Extra cost on top of the base-price ticket is:
2-day ticket - $10
3-day ticket - $10
4-day ticket - $15
5-day ticket - $35
6-day ticket - $45
7-day ticket - $55
10-day ticket - $100
The new ticket program, called "Magic Your Way" was planned to give guests more options when buying their tickets. First, there is a base price multi-day ticket. If you just buy the base price ticket, it entitiles you to entry into one park per day of the multi day tickets. If you want park hopping, you pay to get the park hopping feature. If you want plus options (like water parks) you pay a fee to add that feature. These tickets expire 14 days after first use, unless you add on the "no expiration" option, which again adds another fee.
Although all these fees sound like alot, the base ticket is lower than the old park hopper ticket. The longer you stay, the more money you save. In fact, kevin yee of www.miceage.com printed a cost comparison that shows that if you purchase a 7 day ticket with all options, it is actually $1 cheaper then the 2004 ticket! However, if you purchase a 4 day ticket the price is 28$ more then the comparable 2004 ticket.
As you can see from the following chart (taken from www.mousesavers.com) the first few days on the base price are significantly more, but the lonfer you stay, the less the increase...with the 7 day ticket being only a few dollars more than the 6 day ticket!
My only complaint is that the tickets expire now. I guess it makes sense with the new prices (why wouldn't you pay a bit more to double the length of your tickets?) and you can add no expiration as an option, but that is one of the few options that cost more as the number of days of the base ticket increases.
ANyway, here is the info from mouse savers. Check out teh website, www.mousesavers.com for more info.
Magic Your Way Base Ticket
(gate price for admission to one theme park per day, including tax)
# Days Adult (ages 10 and up) Child (ages 3-9)
1 $63.63 $51.12
2 $126.74 $102.24
3 $182.12 $145.91
4 $197.03 $157.62
5 $205.55 $165.08
6 $208.74 $167.21
7 $211.94 $170.40
10 $222.59 $177.86
Add-on purchases to the base ticket include:
Park Hopper Option - Adding the Park-Hopper Option lets you come and go as you please through all four Disney theme parks on the same day or every day for each day of your pass. Extra cost on top of the base-price ticket is a flat rate of $35 ($37.28 with tax). This works out to just over $5 per day on a seven-day ticket, but obviously it adds a lot proportionally to the cost of a one-day ticket.
Magic Plus Pack - This option provides the choice of admission to Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, DisneyQuest, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island or Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex. Extra cost on top of the base-price ticket is a flat rate of $45 ($47.93 with tax). You get a set number of visits to the Magic Plus Pack attractions, depending on the length of the ticket you buy. The flat rate gives you:
1-day ticket - 2 visits
2-day ticket - 2 visits
3-day ticket - 2 visits
4-day ticket - 3 visits
5-day ticket - 3 visits
6-day ticket - 4 visits
7-day ticket - 5 visits
10-day ticket - 5 visits
As you can see, there is a big incentive to buy the longer passes, so that you'll get more "pluses" for your money. If you will be visiting the water parks and/or DisneyQuest at least twice, this add-on is definitely a good deal.
Magic Your Way Premium Ticket - This ticket combines the benefits of the Park Hopper option and the Magic Plus Pack option. Extra cost on top of the base-price ticket is a flat rate of $80 ($85.20 with tax).
No Expiration Option - Regular Magic Your Way Tickets expire 14 days after their first use. Choosing the No Expiration option means you are free to come back and take advantage of unused days at any time. Extra cost on top of the base-price ticket is:
2-day ticket - $10
3-day ticket - $10
4-day ticket - $15
5-day ticket - $35
6-day ticket - $45
7-day ticket - $55
10-day ticket - $100
Happy Holidays
Hi all! I hope that your Christmas and New Years are going well! My break is flying by. i don't want to go back to school yet, and I still have 4 days (only 4 days???) Life is grand right now with no worries...no immediate worries that it (although there is a little nagging voice in the back of my head saying..."you need to start your research...you need to plan your wedding..." although we have done some wedding stuff.
We have our honeymoon planned and pretty much booked (Thanks to Grant). We are going to spend two nights at the Grand Californian (our wedding night and the next night, so that we can actually see the hotel and go to Disneyland and relax a bit before we rush off on the plane...
Then we are going to fly to Orlando and spend three days at Disney World. (Our way of incorporating one of our favorite destination spots into our honeymoon...something old, right?) Next, we are flying to Puerto Rico and spending 2 days there before leaving on a southern carribean cruise. After the cruise, we are going to spend 6 nights on St. Croix, at a cute little cottage on the beach...how exciting and awesome is that?
Other things we did on our break...we spent 4 days in Laughlin, which was actually quite nice. We had fun, but I ddin't win anything. I think Grant broke even. Christmas eve was spent looking at Christmas Lights and spending time with family. On Christmas Day, we went over to Grant's parents house, and spent another family day together. (do you know how wonderful it is to have my parents and Grant's parents as friends?)
I hope that your holidays are going well...that they are relaxing, peaceful, and full of love. Happy Holidays!
We have our honeymoon planned and pretty much booked (Thanks to Grant). We are going to spend two nights at the Grand Californian (our wedding night and the next night, so that we can actually see the hotel and go to Disneyland and relax a bit before we rush off on the plane...
Then we are going to fly to Orlando and spend three days at Disney World. (Our way of incorporating one of our favorite destination spots into our honeymoon...something old, right?) Next, we are flying to Puerto Rico and spending 2 days there before leaving on a southern carribean cruise. After the cruise, we are going to spend 6 nights on St. Croix, at a cute little cottage on the beach...how exciting and awesome is that?
Other things we did on our break...we spent 4 days in Laughlin, which was actually quite nice. We had fun, but I ddin't win anything. I think Grant broke even. Christmas eve was spent looking at Christmas Lights and spending time with family. On Christmas Day, we went over to Grant's parents house, and spent another family day together. (do you know how wonderful it is to have my parents and Grant's parents as friends?)
I hope that your holidays are going well...that they are relaxing, peaceful, and full of love. Happy Holidays!