Well it seems with the more people they layoff at work, the more work gets piled up on my plate.  It’s been getting SO damn busy lately I don’t even have time to sit for a few minutes at work and gather my thoughts … or my breath.  Yet, thanks to my boyfriend’s birthday this past weekend I took some MUCH needed time to myself and did what I do best … visit theme parks!

On July 1st King Kong 3D opened up at Universal Studios Hollywood, and since my pass is expiring on the 7th I figured I’d take a peek at what all the excitement is about.  I ended up springing for the premium parking in Frankenstein, which came out to $20 … because I figured with the crowds I didn’t want to deal with the regular parking where everyone else was going.

 

The moment we walked into Universal there were the characters from ‘Despicable Me’ at the photo op area.  Spencer and I naturally gravitated towards the characters that looked most like us … didn’t realize until after I looked at the picture.  Although since I’m short I wonder how short the people inside were.

 

Here’s a quick shot of the newly built backlot area that burned down a few years ago.  At this point I’d say it is about 95% complete.

 

Here is the entrance to the King Kong 3D part of the tram tour.  For those familiar with the tour it seems that the collapsing bridge will no longer be accessible since the exit is now cut off by the King Kong show building.  Sucks … but entertainment is a bitch goddess … or something like that.  Maybe I dreamed that line up or something.  Anyway … moving on …

 

Handsome and funny … but not rolled into one.  As mismatched as these two were visually … they worked well as a comedy duo … and I was highly entertained.

 

Yes all you Twilight fans (of which I’m not one) … I sacrificed my own dignity to take this picture for you.  It is Bella’s van from the movie … and you could’ve actually touched it if you were at Universal Citywalk recently.  Funny thing is that I actually read the first book, but it was in Spanish … and I didn’t know it was such a popular series until I looked it up online.

 

July 4th was Spencer’s birthday.  We celebrated by going to see Toy Story 3, and the fireworks went off in my head when I saw that the price for 4 adults to see that movie in 3D was $51!  Damn crazy!!!!

After the movie Spencer’s family, and myself, gathered together to eat at a Japanese restaurant … as if you couldn’t tell … LOL!

 

Then on a goof I decided to go to Disneyland on July 5th since I had the day off.  I was originally going to take care of some business in Anaheim then go to see my parents … but Spencer ended up getting the day off and talked me into going.  Well … I’m sure you realize he didn’t have to twist my arm to get me to go.

 

I love this model of the Castle at Disneyland, but after visiting Walt Disney World … our Castle looks so tiny.

 

They’ve turned part of California Adventure into a techno dance area … complete with expensive booze to sell and loud music.  It’s like a waiting room for those that are whittling time away for the World of Color show to start.  At first I didn’t think I’d like it … but it is actually kinda neat.

 

Then I finally went aboard the Tower of Terror after not riding it for quite some months.  It was a truly enjoyable ride as I let gravity take control and floated for a few seconds as we freefalled … then giggled as the girl next to me kept accidentally grabbing my leg while hurriedly trying to get a hold of the handle bar on the side.  Granted when I first started going on this ride I had a death grip on whatever was available around me, but after so many times on it I’ve learned to actually enjoy the ride.

 

Spencer watching Deadliest Warrior while we wait to board our elevator … of TERROR!

 

We then topped off our day with a trip around the waters of the Jungle Cruise … although I did take this picture while exiting Indiana Jones.

 

I believe this is what our Skipper called native arts and crafts … yes corny … but you’re SUPPOSED to laugh.

 

Well that’s what I’ve been up to lately … now on to more work tomorrow.  Even though I had a long weekend I can’t wait for Friday!

 

 

 

Soon after my last entry my boyfriend got sick, and while I helped him get better … I ended up catching his cold/flu!  It would’ve been nice to have him around to take care of me, but unfortunately he had to go to Pennsylvania to attend his sister’s graduation on the 6th.  So for a week I was sick, but luckily housesitting for him and his family … so I had access to cable TV!

For those not familiar I have A TV … but I don’t WATCH TV.  I don’t have cable, satellite, or an antenna … so I end up reading a lot.  Plus, from the few things I’ve seen of what is out there nowadays it doesn’t seem like I’m missing much.  Yet, a while back at the movies I saw this trailer that piqued my interest.

I talked about it briefly with baldmike2004 and he thought it looked like an MTV version of history, and after viewing it I have to agree – but nonetheless I found it entertaining.  I believe this series came at a perfect time where things in our country seem so bleak, it kinda gives you the hope that we can make it through these tough times … because as a country we have come through many a bad couple of years.  It also made me want to delve deeper into certain aspects of our history to really look at what happened during some of the more important times in our history. 

One of the funniest things I recall is when they compared President Lincoln’s use of morse code during the Civil War similar to how Twitter works today.  That was just hilarious … but true … which is what makes it funny.

So for about a week I went in and out of sleep, pumping myself full of cold medications … chicken soup … and vitamin C … so I got caught up on watching the entire series.  Now I want it on DVD with the accompanying book.

 

After that entertaining, and slightly educational, viewing I downgraded to Bridezillas … all I can say is … wow …

 

I’ll have to start working on a blog where I talk about where I’ve been and what I’ve done … which isn’t much … but yet a lot at the same time.  Regardless, yesterday was my furlough day and by some happy coincidence the date which my friend picked to have lunch at Club 33 for all the ladies in our group – one of those ladies being my sister.  Of course it took place at Disneyland, since I still go there quite often … and actually this past March I took my first trip to Walt Disney World so hopefully I’ll post a few pictures from that as well.

Friday was a beautiful California day, with the sun shining and a gentle breeze to make the temperature perfect!  My sister and I walked around and enjoyed the atmosphere, and since we both have annual passes we weren’t in a rush to get on any specific rides – especially with the Memorial Day weekend crowds in full swing.  First stop was California Adventure which is having a Food & Wine Festival until the end of this month, my main mission was to get my sister to taste the yummy balsamic vinegars and olive oils that were being sold at the Lucero Olive Oil booth.

They had fig, red apple, wild cherry, peach, and blueberry balsamic vinegars on tap to taste.  Their olive oils also had various flavors such as garlic, mandarin orange, and lemon.  My sister ended up falling in love with the blueberry balsamic and lemon olive oil combo.

After spending some time at the Festival waiting for our lunch reservation time to come up we started heading over to Disneyland, which was almost as crowded as California Adventure.

They converted the old bank on Main Street into a gallery where they have various paintings, sculptures, and various limited edition items up for sale.  At the moment due to the upcoming 55th Anniversary they have a special exhibit going on.  One of the items that I thought was particularly interesting was the Oraculum (I hope I spelled that right) from the recent Alice movie with Johnny Depp.

Eventually 2pm rolled around and we all gathered for a wonderful buffet lunch at Club 33.  I decided on the Chateaubriand for my main course, and dined on the various offerings in the buffet … such as shrimp, heirloom tomatoes with balsamic, salad, and lots of fresh fruit/berries.  Of course lunch was accompanied by some great friends and some great laughs as well!

Alas though, all good things must come to an end … and soon enough we came to the end of our lunch and we parted ways.  My sister and I decided to venture out into the park for a few more hours and went off to my sister’s favorite ride … Winnie the Pooh.  With the crowds so heavy we walked around some more in order to see the first showing of Scott Bruce, an Elvis impersonator who was going to be performing that night … I have to say that he was well worth the wait.

 

 

 

You know I never truly left Xanga, especially since I get e-mails to the blogs I’ve subscribed to.  Yet I never really came here to post much of anything, and since I moved to my own place (finally) taking care of myself (and my pets) has become rather time consuming.  The commute from Simi Valley to Downtown LA every weekday alone is crazy, but I’ve learned to live with that kind of crazy now.

Even crazier that my workplace is becoming more and more like a demented Dilbert cartoon, and I’m not sure if I should find it sad that I can start identifying my life with a cartoon …

Anyways, for now I suppose I’ll look around and see who’s still kicking around here.  See what’s changed (for better and for worse) … and just hope that maybe this place might be like it was when I started here. 

Good God!  At 34 should I wake up feeling like someone kicked my ass while I was asleep, or am I just getting old? 

So it seems I’ve managed to survive living on my own for the past few months, and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be.  I’ve managed to feed myself some decent meals, and have come to the realization that I’m not a big fan of bland foods.  I need to learn how to cook with flavor … and do the same with my life. 

I have though fallen into deep appreciation of my new city.  The wind might be strong, but that makes for some crisp air.  I get to see the mountains around me every turn I take, fluffy white clouds, and the subtle ‘greening’ indicating Spring is on its way.  Not to mention the fact this place is full of squirrels … and I do enjoy watching them scamper about.  Everyday seems so refreshing and new.  Even my commute is wonderful, I get to see both the sunrise and sunset.  It is honestly a great little escape from the city!

It seems now that I’ve finally moved away from the home I grew up in, and on my own, I am feeling myself out a lot more.  No longer do I have this anxiety and dread about coming home to the stress triggers I used to have.  I now am in my own apartment, by myself, and come home to nothing – and I love it.

A few of my co-workers have asked if I feel homesick, and maybe it is too early to say that I’m not – but I don’t feel it.  There’s so much to do, and now I have all the time in the world to be on my own, to be in a quiet place and find out what I’m really all about it.  When my parents asked about my reason to move I just said I needed the space, at the time it was a convenient excuse but now see the truth in it as well.  I need space for myself, and am making the most of it.

I used to live in Los Angeles, and admit to being a BIG CITY girl yet decided on the valley (Simi Valley) to move to.  Of course now instead of having a 10 minute surface street commute I have a 40 minute freeway commute.  Yet I get to see the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets during the week, and those are always wonderful and ALWAYS different each and every time.  I was daredevilish and took some pictures while driving so when I find my transfer cable (in one of the many boxes I packed) I’ll post some pictures up.  Living in Simi I am also closer to the mountains, and for those who haven’t dwelled for long periods in the city you might understand my fascination with actual blue skies (not brown skies because of the smog), my new found ability to see the stars and moon clearly, view the mountain sides all around me, and breath that fresh air.  It’s relaxing and wonderful!  Especially working in the city during the week it is nice to come home to a place where the pace is a bit slower and things seem so much calmer.

I have to admit that there was some nervousness, but it was a good nervousness.  Venturing into unknown territory does that to a person, yet once an unknown route is traversed and I’ve never been out on my own in my life.  Now I’m in charge of myself and my apartment, and it is nice … I feel kinda grown up … but not all there yet.  Sure I’m 34 and I suppose you could say I ventured out of the ‘nest’ a bit late, but better late then never I suppose.  I’m just proud of myself for being able to do this all on my own, I didn’t think I had it in me but I guess something inside me just wanted to show me I could.

Well I’m outta here for now, I’m at a Starbucks enjoying a nice Zen tea and a girl is celebrating her birthday by throwing her own prom. 

It looks like things are finally settling down now, I am starting to feel like everything around me is normalizing a bit.  Well I am speaking more about my own close personal sphere of the world, the world at large – well that is another story altogether.  I had a nice little weekend away with my boyfriend to attend the Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood on Friday, Saturday had us at a good friend’s home for a dinner/birthday party, and Sunday saw us at Disneyland once again.

A few weeks ago we went to Knott’s Scary Farm, and that was fun with not being too scary.  Horror Nights at Universal was another story altogether!  As it is I’m barely starting to walk somewhat normally after getting the three pins out of my leg, so I had a slight limp and couldn’t walk very quickly – let alone run.  Well there is one part of the event where you are taken  backstage and have to walk through some wooded areas that run across the Whoville (Dr. Suess) set, Bates Motel, Psycho House and the airplane accident scene from that movie with Tom Cruise (the name of the movie escapes me).  Walking through the area you are surprised/scared out of your mind with Leatherface, Jason and Freddy popping up all over the trail – the constant sound of chainsaws coming at you made for a more unnerving experience as well.  Even though you fully know you will not get hurt, the sound of chainsaws coming at you makes you want to run for your life!!  I do have to give them a huge thumbs up for the awesomely detailed mazes of Freddy, Leatherface and Jason … top notch stuff but not surprising being the products of a movie studio.

This is the first time I’ve made the rounds at the major amusement parks for the Halloween festivities and am enjoying it – although I don’t even consider the stuff at Magic Mountian something to attend.  Next up will be Mickey’s Halloween Treat at Disneyland (of course).  That will be a way tamer event since children are the focus, whereas Knott’s is more for teenagers, adults and some older kids … Universal … I saw no young kids there.

It’s odd to come to the realization that I am way happier now then I have been in a while.  So happy I can’t believe it at times and think it is all a dream, until I come across that happiness during the day and see it is real. 

The world is an amazing place, even when it’s driving me mad.  Yet, the moments of madness are what have driven me to this point where I broke free from all the craziness – I had to make a choice … live or die.  Oddly enough I decided to die, and now I’m here and happy.  Certainly this entry could be considered cryptic and vague, but I know what it means and in the end that is what truly matters.

Honestly though, there will be rough patches in getting to my desired end – but it will be worth it.  Nothing I haven’t been through before.  I won’t say it’s comparable to my past experiences … but I highly doubt it will be as taxing.

You are all gonna laugh at me, seriously you will.  It took me a few days to figure out how to create a blog entry on my own blog.  Darn new crap they keep shoving down our throats here … but I love the Xanga so I guess I’ll deal with it.  But honestly, did anybody else have a hard time figuring this thing out?

Please don’t tell me I’m the only one!

P.S. Protected entry to be posted soon!