Concert in the Park.

We live right next to a big park, Pollywog Park. Every weekend during the summer, they hold a concert. Two weekends ago we went for the 1st time to see a Beatles cover band. I had heard that the weekend before there were over 5,000 people to see the Neil Diamond cover singer. So, we thought it would be a good idea to go an 1-1/2 hour, just to be safe.

That was not early enough. It was PACKED! Supposedly, people come at noon and hang out all day. I heard there were over 7,500 people there.

We did find a perfect little spot under a tree where we could still see the band. It was fun to relax with the fam.

The Beatles (in neon)

Trisha and Auntie Cathy

The large crowd, this pic doesn't even do it justice

O-town Hombres.

You may be thinking to yourself....who the heck are the O-town Hombres?

Meet the O-town Hombres.

Asa, Tara (my first cousin - on my dad's side), Baby Ella (inside Tara's belly), Paul

and Auntie Karen (not pictured)

We [Auntie Cathy, Trisha, Jared, Jocey and I] went to visit them a couple weekends ago in Oroville. We had some good family fun.

• Swimming in pool without Cody (the dog). Thank you Tara.
• Potluck BBQ
• Rock n' Bowl aka Cosmic Bowling
• Good food at a Mexican restaurant and a Hamburger Joint
• Took a pontoon boat on Oroville Lake. **Favorite activity**
• Family Rock Band - family members only
• Visit to the Hatchery
• Visit to a cemetery in the mountains - a little creepy.....I did not take pics!

Imaginary friend.

Jared thought that I had an imaginary friend named Andrea.

He had never met her or even seen a picture of her.

I know he heard me talking on the phone to her but, was I talking to a "real" person?

He only knew some facts that I told him:

• Andrea and I met in Temecula 7 years ago.
• We talk on the phone at least 2-3 times a week and maybe see each other only once a year.
• She is Mexican and czech.
• She is not very tall.
• Stories about what was going on in her life - don't worry A, I kept the personal girl talk personal.

Finally, he met her in person at our wedding rehearsal dinner. Side note: Andrea's boyfriend, Robin, had never met me either. So, he would always joke that I wasn't "real" too.

Well surprise guys, we are REAL friends!

Last weekend we met up with Robin and Andrea to celebrate his birthday. We went to Chomps, a yummy tepan and sushi restaurant in Fullerton. We had a fun time hanging out together. Robin is such a great guy and so fun to be around. Most of all, he treats my bf well. I love him for that.

Happy Birthday Robin!

April and Andrea

Apparently, Jared did not like this picture.

Beach Day.

I REALLY enjoy having planned, fun filled weekends. My husband can attest to that, both the "planned" and fun parts.

2 weekends ago....

We got prepared for a BEACH DAY. Preparing for a beach day does not take much time or effort.

1. Backpack chairs: each packed with a towel, sunscreen and our favorite books/mags.

2. Cooler: containing drinks and snacks.

3. Umbrella: which is always put back in its proper case from the beach trip prior. So, it's always ready to go.

Beach days seem to be happening on the regular lately, sorry to brag. Our good friends D & H came down from Culver City to join us. D & H go to the same church as us and use to be our neighbors. We had not seen them since we moved back to the west side.

We decided to go to Manhattan Beach. I advised against it because of the 6 man volleyball tourney. This event brings out thousands of people, yes I said thousands. It is HUGE. I knew that parking would be horrendous but, thank goodness my boss lives a few blocks up from the beach. She was not home and said we could park at her house. Thanks Jill.

We ended up finding a spot to relax on the opposite side of the tournament and didn't even dare venture over there to see what was going on. My pic below isn't the greatest but, you can kind of see what I'm talking about - all the little specks are people.

Every day...

I miss my dad. 

Yesterday, August 10th, was my dad's birthday. He would be 57.

My dad was diagnosed 13 years ago with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) aka the Lou Gehrig's Disease. See here for more details. He lived with this disease for 5-1/2 years. He passed away shortly after I graduated high school in 2001.

As I look back on those years, I sometimes feel regret. Regret that I didn't try harder to be more helpful, more understanding and selfless. As a teenager, I obviously didn't know the things I know now. So, I try not to let my thoughts fill with regret. This past week I reminisced about good times, times I remember as a child. I love to be around my dad's sisters, as they remind me of him or tell me stories about him in his youth. 

I know most girls think highly of their fathers. I cannot express how much I respect the man my dad was. He was such an example to me. I try very hard to possess the great qualities that he carried. He was a generous, loving, hard working, and funny man. My dad could always make us smile. I have 3 sisters - my dad never got a boy. He let us play with his hair, scrunchies, clips and all. He taught us how to do so many responsible things - chores we considered "boy chores." Such as, mow and edge the lawn, wash the cars (inside and out), take out the trash, paint the garage and so on. He also taught us how to throw a ball (not like a girl) and swing a golf club properly. My dad loved us more than anything, I know that for sure.

I miss him all the time. In good times (my wedding) and bad times. During the bad times, I wish he were here to comfort me and offer fatherly advice. The thing that eases my heartache is that I know without a doubt I will see him again. I strongly believe in the power of eternal families. I know that he is waiting for us to return to heaven to be with him. This brings me comfort. 

Happy Birthday Dad.

I love you.

This picture from Purl Bee inspires me to bring out my creative side. I think it has been hiding for a while.

Now that I am working 3 days a week, I have time to indulge in making "things." We'll see what happens.