A Week of Firsts!

This week has been a learning week for me! I experienced a lot of "firsts" like:

My first traffic jam... Everyone who knew me before I left MT knew that one of my biggest fears was to be stuck in traffic with no way to get out.  Today, I left home an hour early in hopes to get to my appointment early.  I made it two miles before I sat for 40 minutes without moving an inch.  Initially, when I saw the miles of cars in front of me and saw the swarms of cars behind me I panicked! What if  I have to go to the bathroom? What if I'm one of those dummies who didn't know they are pregnant and go into labor in traffic? What if I stay here so long, I run out of gas?  Needless to say, I made it out alive and did not give birth to a surprise baby just because I was sitting in traffic.

Encountered my first prostitute... Now, I am relying on stereotypes here, but I am fairly confident I saw a real-life prostitute.  I was very excited! Holy cow, a lady of the night! Except...this lady of the night looked rough!! She was older, bright orange hair, ripped fishnet stalkings, a skirt that was probably originally meant to be a headband, and sky high heels.  Obviously, I did not stop to ask her if she was a prostitute.  I had to clarify that for my mom too because apparently she thinks I would do something like that....

First space shuttle viewing... The Endeavor flew over Disneyland this morning as it made it's way to permanently rest in a museum!

This weekend we are going to the first of many amusement parks!!!  We are going to Knott's Berry Farm! (yep, the one that had a group of people stranded 400 feet above the ground for like 7 hours)  My inner child needs to get out and play! All of this working is making me too serious. 

Dana Point Pier

I have seen the ocean 3 times in my lifetime, got in an played once (springtime in Oregon...it was too cold, so that one doesn't really count). Today, I dipped my toes in the most beautiful Pacific water! I walked along the beach and picked seashells and sea glass at Dana Point. I didn't get ALL the way in though... I've seen Jaws and am still not convinced that a shark couldn't grab me in three feet of water.  Baby steps...

San Juan Capistrano

Today we took a visit to Mission San Juan Capistrano.  The mission is officially the oldest building (the chapel)  in CA that is still used on a daily basis.  Much of the structure was destroyed by an earthquake, but what is left behind is beautiful and haunting at the same time. The courtyard and gardens are so majestic!

Homesick

This week has been great in many ways but has also been really difficult. Everything around us is so beautiful, but I desperately miss home. The novelty has worn off, and I could use a squeeze or two from my mama. I lived vicariously through many friends on Facebook who went to the Bobcat opener last week...be sure to cheer loud for me!  For Labor Day, Owen and I drove to Newport Beach, drove around for an hour trying to park, got frustrated and drove all the way home. We could see the ocean, but couldn't get out of the car. On a high note, I drove completely alone to Irvine (specifically, I took the 57 South, I-5 South, and the 73!) Granted, the average speed of traffic was a whopping 20 mph...but it has only been a week and I have to say I am pretty darn proud!

Lizards on the Loose!

First of all, did you know that Praying Mantis' fly? I about stroked out when I saw it! Are they poisonous?  Second, besides the flying terrifying bugs, we have a lizard problem developing.  A few days ago, I opened our sliding glass door and ran over the foot of a 6 inch lizard! At first I thought it was dead, but when I went to touch it, it took off.  Needless to say, I almost stroked out there too.  Here are a few pictures of a little guy that made it into our living room last week. 

Brea

Brea is so beautiful! The people are friendly and the weather is amazing! Here are a few pictures of downtown Brea!

We explored downtown while they were holding a Farmers Market. We sampled fresh fruits, veggies, and a frozen novelty or two!

P.S. the avocados are literally the size of my head! Nuts!