Growing up is FARTS.

If you would have asked 7 year old Kandi what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would have enthusiastically replied " A McDonald's French Fry Taster!" I was going to specialize in quality control of a product that I loved.  Why didn't I do that?  Besides the fact that I could (potentially) be morbidly obese right now, I think I would be incredibly happy. (My lofty career goal of French fry taster is not an exaggeration... True story here, folks).

These past few months have not been easy on me, and it is not something that I've kept to myself. There have been days/weeks where I've not been the easiest person to live with. Poor Owen had been the frustration receptacle for more than his fair share.

It is socially awkward when adults cry.  When little kids cry, I feel the need to cuddle them and try to cheer them up.  When adults cry, its like they have a funny eye that you try really hard not to look at but cant help it.  This is especially a problem when I want to cry and throw a genuine fit but know that I will be looked at like I am the one with the funny eye. It doesn't help that my crying is completely unpredictable. Owen walked in on an ugly cry episode over a tv program about how to make extra crispy potato chips (also a true story).

These past few months, I've let an unbridled ugly cry out from time to time.  I've been frustrated that it takes literally 35 minutes to find a parking spot at the grocery store, that it feels like I spend half a day commuting to and from work, that the advertized price of gas is if you pay in cash (10 cents extra to pay with a card)...etc. I am especially thankful that I get to spend some quality time at home where my biggest frustration is deciding which pair of sweatpants I should wear during the day...after I spend 20 minutes in a self-debate regarding which pair will provide me with the most comfort and allow me to eat an unhealthy amount of dad's hash browns and bacon.

Long story short- growing up is farts! I miss the days when my mom could take care of all of my problems. I would appreciate it if someone would ground me before I make a dumb decision like the good old days. Please! Take my cell phone away and banish me to my room for two weeks...that would be awesome! Now I have bills and responsibilities and 11 gray hairs on the right side of my head...but, I have to say I am very thankful that I've found someone who will put up with my ugly cry and won't let me sit on the pitty pot for too long.

Owen's Birthday

Owen wanted to see the Endeavor for his birthday, so we went to the California Science Center.  To see the space shuttle it was about $20...so we decided to be very interested in all of the free stuff instead.

This is the space craft that held the first astronaut to go into space  His name was Ham (strong name for an explorer) and he was a chimp.  His flight lasted 16 minutes and 39 seconds.

This is a replica of the Mars space rover built to be 1/5 of the actual size.

As with any good birthday party, we had to play some games! We ended the night at Dave and Busters where I blew all of my money on Deal or No Deal and Owen killed zombies and pirates.

Thanksgiving in CO

I spent 5 days in Colorado with Russ, Lyndsey, and the girls.  It was SO nice to drive down a road that only had two lanes!

Kennedee is getting so big! She can write her whole name, count, and is sassy! KK, however, is going to be quite the handful and I have a feeling that Deezer is going to have to eat more than mac'n cheese to be able to handle her little sister!

Such a ham!

Happy Holidays!

Brea is getting ready for the holidays! It is beautiful, but it doesn't feel like Christmas when it is still 70 degrees out at night time.

Meanwhile, back in MT.....

Cat/Griz

MSU football games are one of the things that all of the MT kids in CA miss out on during the year.  Lucky for us, we found a bar in Culver City that was airing the game and held a Cat/Griz party.

Of course, Lindsay and I both had to wear our Bobcat hats.  All that was missing for us to make it a true Cat/Griz game was a tallboy and the alley behind the 317.

Owen ate "Go Cats" toaster strudel for breakfast for good luck!

Owen is a big deal- let's face it!

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4507054/

Take a look at Owen's IMDB page!

Date Night in Hollywood

Owen and I met Holli and Rory in Hollywood for dinner. Like usual, we were stuck in traffic on the way to LA and were stuck in traffic on the way home. All of the waiting in the car was well worth the time we were able to spend with our friends!

ONE Redeeming Quality About California...

Moving to California has not been easy on me. I miss fresh air, nice people, quiet, my family, my friends, my old job, the snow (can you believe it!?), knowing where I am going, having a routine, Bobcat football, being able to see the stars/sky in general, feeling like I belong somewhere...I could go on and on. So far, in my opinion, CA has nothing on MT, except for the sunset on the beach. I spend the majority of my day trying to ignore how homesick I am, but when I get to see something like this whenever I want (or whenever there is parking available, let's be honest) it makes all the tears and struggles worth it.

The San Diego Zoo

A few weekends ago we traveled south to the San Diego Zoo to meet up with our good friends, Alex and Cait Fichler.  We had a great time and spend a little over 5 hours walking around the HUGE grounds!

After seeing this little guy, I think that I need a little meercat! They are so cute and have such a big personality for such a little creature!

 For some reason, the Flamingos were dancing in a circle on mats? Is this normal? Either way, it was pretty adorable!

Knott's Berry Farm!!!

Owen and I met our friends Holly and Rory at Knott's Berry Farm today to scream our faces off in joy! We agreed to meet at 10 and stay as long as our stomachs could handle it. I was so excited driving into the theme park that I missed the turn for parking and we had to drive all the way around the park for attempt #2.    Once we were in, we wasted no time....

For all of you city folk, this is a real life cowboy strait out of the wild west. Ya' know how you can tell? It is all in the booty pop. Look at that thing, it is a beauty! Also, look at the intimidating gun handling and the delicate (but accurate) way this cowboy purses his lips to blow the smoke off of his gun.  

Holly and Rory on the raft ride

This tame looking structure is the "Supreme Scream"...it lives up to it's name. You strap yourself in, take a trip to the top and free fall to the bottom.  I was convinced I was going to die each and every time we went on it (why did I go more than once?  Voluntarily?).  I pride myself in my communication skills and try to be very transparent whenever I am having a conversation.   I didn't want to be alone in my own head, so I was sure to scream " THIS IS A BAD IDEA, WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE!!!!" just so we were all on the same page before we went plummeting to the ground.

Owen and I on the raft ride, where the worst thing that can happen to you is your chuns can get a little soggy -from the water, not from fear :)

This beast is called the Silver Bullet

The Xcelerator! This puppy goes from 0-82 in 2.5 seconds!

The Calico ghost town

The fountain leading in to the Roaring 20's

The log ride!!

Montezuma's Revenge!!