My new ride

I have given up my car for limited days of the week. And limited times too, I suppose. My new mode of transportation to and from work is a bike. I started today, and it was fabulous. Five miles there, five miles home, and lots of time for reflection in between. Although there are some areas of the rode that scare me to death. Bike lanes can be a little scary when the big semi is riding next to you. But so far, I'm liking the idea of riding the bike.

Best Husband Ever!

Our one-month milestone was this past Tuesday, which is just weird because it seems like it has been longer than one month since we got married. But when I got home from San Jose that night, there were flowers waiting for me. The next morning, when I got into the shower, I found a new showerhead that was far and away better than the one I had mentioned not liking once or twice. And Kevin remembered that, found a great one, and hooked it up as a a surprise for me. Mornings always suck, big-time, but that made me smile, and made the day start off a whole lot better. Sometimes I think I'm pretty lousy, but Kevin gets major awards as best husband ever!

Free Museums!

Ummm....guys. I just wanted to let you know about this. It seems that BofA is sponsoring free museum weekends. And there is lots to choose from. So find a museum and a weekend near you, and have some fun!

Thankful

I have been somewhat silently going through a crisis in my mind lately. Kevin knows the state of my mind, as much as anyone outside of my mind can, and a couple friends have been sounding boards for me. But for the most part, I've been just going through the motions, trying to make it through the day. Some have had opinions and some have just listened. For the most part, I've just had to deal with myself. But I had a doctors appointment today, and the psychiatrist listened to me about my last couple months, major life changes, asked about my family history, my medical and mental health history, etc. It was a get to know you interview, and it was good. I put this out here, because it makes me realize how blessed I am to have parents who pushed until someone figured out what was going on with me, for the research that has enabled mental health patients to have a good quality of life, to live in a time when mental health isn't the dark, dirty secret it used to be, and for a loving Heavenly Father who enables me to have access to all of this. It was a day for reflecting on the blessings of my health, and to know that no matter what emotional and mental crisis I am going through, I will find my way out of it.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday, Daddy! You are the only guy I know who can give Kevin a run for his money in the greatest guy ever category. I am glad that I've been able to get to have so many years as your daughter, and for the strength you have helped give me to be myself. You are passionate about the theater, and go after it full-force; growing and developing your talents. You always know how to have a good time, and have my back, no matter what. I am blessed and privileged to be your daughter. Happy Birthday, and live it up. You deserve it. I love you, Dad!

Camping Fun at Yosemite

On Wednesday evening, Kevin and I randomly decided to go camping in Yosemite Friday night and come home Saturday night. We called around to see who could come, and Robb and Vanessa were free. We headed up Friday afternoon, found our campsite, practically froze around the fire, and then spent Saturday seeing the sites. We hiked around Bridalveil Falls, Yosemite Falls, and saw various points in between. The day was gorgeous and warm-ish, with stunning vistas of Half Dome around the park. It was a great day to be in our National Parks. Can you just imagine what John Muir must have seen as he came around the bend with his mule? Before cabins, before roads, before cars. It must have been a stunning site to see.

Getting on the road
Snow in April, by our campsite!
Home Sweet Home, for the night
Campfire breakfast with the peeps
Bridalveil Falls
Newlyweds at Yosemite Falls
Fun signs at the park
Robb going for the artistic shot
Vanessa at Yosemite Falls
A scenic shot at Half Dome

Free National Park Adventures!

April 17-25 is National Park Week. Which means that all National Parks are free that week. Who wants to do some exploring with me? Follow this link for all the National Parks in California. It could be an adventure...

Wedding Photos

The wedding photos are here! We all look so pretty. Enjoy!

Honeymoon

The honeymoon was a very fun trip around the coast. We did all the things you say you'll do, but never seem to find the time or inclination. We started in San Francisco, where we visited King Tut, wandered around Chinatown, saw an amazing exhibit of Cartier jewelry in the Legion of Honor, and had some fun wandering the City. From there we went to Carmel, which is just gorgeous. The Carmel mission was stunning, and the beaches are beautiful. It is a very relaxed little town, and I want to go back. I can highly recommend the Colonial Terrace B&B if anyone needs a quick weekend getaway. It is wonderful. We finished up the week at the Beach House, where we hung out, visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium, wandered Cannery Row (which made me want to re-read Steinbacks novel, Cannery Row), went to the Boardwalk, and explored the area a little. It was the perfect, relaxing week. I loved each moment. The photos are a little out of order, but enjoy, nonetheless! You can see more, and better, photos on Facebook. : )

Our last day at the Beach House.
It's my honeymoon. I'm allowed to be a little schmaltzy!
This magic moment brought to you, by marriage. : )
Visiting King Tut. He travelled a long way to see us.
Hanging out in SF.

Wedding Recap

There is a lot to catch up on. First things first, I guess. The wedding was fabulous, wonderful, and amazing. The day was beautiful and perfect. I was touched to have so many of my friends and family travel there to help make the day amazing. Friends from Eureka, Long Beach and other parts of SoCal, and all my extended family that is in the LA area. The wedding was beautiful and the reception an amazingly fun party. My parents and Aunt Jan and Uncle Jordan did some amazing work with designing the decor for the church building and putting it all together, and it was beautiful. The DJ kept us dancing, and my brother Chris was a hilarious MC. And who could forget my brother, Ben, in his kilt? Vanessa amazed us with her voice, and Becky's playing the piano was beautiful. Kevin's scouts were the busboys, and they were great. I believe the LBC ladies managed to make them their personal errand boys from the dessert table. Which really doesn't surprise me. I am waiting for the CD to arrive with all the photos from the photographer, but will post some when I get them. All in all, it was a magical day. Thanks to you all for the parts you played.