Yellowcard and Universal

On a visit to my Mom's house, she convinced me that I needed to take Emmy to see her favorite band's last concert. We were able to get tickets and a relatively cheap hotel room and headed to L.A. a day earlier than planned.  It was fun going on a trip again, this time to a familiar place. I had not been in a while. I don't remember visiting Torrance much when we lived in So. Cal, but the Rebac hotel seemed to do the job. We were comfortable and he Asian breakfast bar was unusually and delicious. salmon, miso soup, veggies and such. All along side of eggs and sausage and the normal continental breakfast? It was nice to see the options and diversity. That is L. A. for you.

Emmy and I assumed the Disney House of Blues would be at Downtown Disney when we visited just three years before, but the building was gone! Someone in the Disney store gave us directions and we were on our way to the concert. We waited and stood for so long. We did have someone ask Emmy a trivia question about the band and she won a  sticker and they took a pic of us for their social media site. wetzel pretzels for a quick snack would have to hold us over until the concert ended. The opener was excellent. I really enjoyed the whole concert. It was a bit close quarters sometimes, but the crowd was energetic and feeling the Yellowcard vibe. There were tears shed and happy dreams fulfilled. I was glad for Emmy and happy we made it back safe and sound to the hotel. I listened o S. Michael Wilcox's book on tape called House of Order. It is a great talk about the temple. On Sunday we toured Whittier and visited with the Elletts. We made it to Tanya's house and caught up on all goings on with them. We went out to Vegan food and enjoyed the new and different Sun Café. We wanted to see the Griffith Park and the abandoned zoo there. Alas we couldn't find it and decided to chase a sunset at the Griffith Observatory. Dun Dun Dun. I wanted to go there. It turned out to be a place of accident. I slide down a dirt filled and sandy slope after warning others to not climb up that way and to take the long way around. It was ill and in unusual pain. We made it to an urgent care and I was relieved to find there was no break, but a sprain. All with me were such a great support. I never want to take for granted my health. This is a set back, but tendons will mend and I will be stronger for it.

I did get good sleep despite camping on the ground in Tanya's rental home. That pad I bought for Joe's camping trip turned out to be pretty comfy. We went to Universal Studios as planned on Monday. We had to valet park to get a wheelchair, but it was an enjoyable time. I was shaken from my fall but for the most part the diversions of the day made it all bearable. I wouldn't advise going on a mini roller-coaster though. It was nice that Emmy is such a great driver. We left the park and she got us home via the 99 in 6 hrs  flat. The weekend was definitely adventurous and I went from walking a ton to walking none. I am grateful Emmy has been home for  the semester and that Joe has his permit. they have been my drivers. I have been visited several times by my parents, Alex McCartney and Laurie Jensen. They've brought food and friendly support and conversation to cheer me up and help with healing.

Emmy's Turn

Emmy might be the kindest kid, well in ways she acts towards me. I think it has to do with age and being thankful. Well I'm thankful for her and what a great support and friend she is to me. She has help alleviate some pressure off me in my child care duties these past few months since she has been home from school. I was pleased and relieved to get a chance to go overnight to Monterey with Emmy.  We had a family Annual pass, but Emmy hadn't had the opportunity to go since she watched Spence last time. I appreciate Brian going to work late and coming home early to support us in our journey. It was a lovely drive down with little traffic and beautiful vistas of greenery.  We went straight to the 17 mile drive when we arrived Emmy got very excited and the rocky beaches and we stopped at almost every cove or outlet on the tour.  We walked around Carmel and generally stayed out of the rain and enjoyed Hotel was great. I loved the fireplace restaurant in the lobby and the roaring firepit outside. It was very relaxing.  The next day we went up and down cannery row and we so happy. Emmy seemed to love the turtles, sea otters, and going to Bubba Gump's fish restaurant. I loved a  rainbow we saw and the sun coming out. It was so warm and colorful outside and I truly was happy.

Princess and St. Patty

Believe it or not, It is hard to get pictures of my kids. Celia dressed up as Elsa one day, finally. She has been asking for an Elsa costume for years and when I found a beautiful one that fit her, it took some getting used to. With a shirt underneath she was ready to play princess. We watched the movie Frozen together and had a grand time.  We do get a lot of family time together. It is nice. My folks hosted a St. Patrick's Day dinner and we enjoyed over at their house. Life flies by, it is good if I can even document a little. We are teaching Joseph to drive the Land cruiser and Emmy is doing quite bit with her single's ward. Spence is in a more calm mood lately which is always welcome.  This year is going to fly by, I just know it, but I'm going to try to enjoy and work hard in the meantime.

Be Mindful

Spring has Sprung in town, finally. I love the early spring in Northern California. The blossoms are so noticeable with color burst and fragrance. Flower bulbs have grown in my backyard and I'm feeling a sense of gratefulness. Grateful for the warmer weather, It was 79 degrees yesterday.  We are making plans to visit other places soon and I see the light at the end of the school year tunnel. Although I am beginning to miss the driving I'd do all day before Emmy came home from school. She is such a great help and I needed the reprieve although I"m missing the quality time I would spend with each of my children as I drive them to and from school and activities.  Spencer has been making up for it. When he has any time off of school we ride and ride. This last weekend we saw so many vistas of heights and beauty nearby our home.

We had a scare with my Mom's high blood pressure. Something like this sure puts life in perspective and how important it is to take care of your body.  We all have insecurities, stressor and ways we deal with adversity.  My goal is to try and live healthily and spiritual enough to tackle each situation with moderation in all things. Not too much shopping or food, or idleness. I do love my walks and yoga and delicious fruits and vegetables. Preparing healthy food for the family and taking time to feed ourselves mentally, intellectually, and also physically is worthwhile and quite the balancing act. Reflection and tracking seems to help with trying to keep things in order. There are so many distractions these days, we can be separated somewhat from mindfulness. I'm glad we have the routine of the Sabbath day and Temple worship. We can remember and explore the different facets of ourselves. Scriptures can be the bread of life. Prayer and exercise and mediating can improve our happiness and feelings on life.