Summer Trip

Can you believe it? I was actually able to take a couple of days off from work and I was able to spend it with my beautifully amazing wife. I'm going to start this story-then my wife will finish, so you will be able to get two sides to this quite intriguing weekend of events. So, to start off we decided to go up to visit the Wright family in Clayton and on our way we decided to stop by San Simeon and visit the Hearst castle. After a morning of work, we finally were able to take off around 430 PM. Perfect timing to be caught in traffic. About 6 pm gets around and we decide that our bellies could no longer be deprived of unhealthy food intake, which when this happens on our trips it equals a stop at Denny's. Somewhere near Ventura we pulled off at an exit, because there is always a Denny's by an exit right? I say unto you nay, not on the first exit, nor even on the second or third exit. The fourth exit we finally found the gloriousness that we call Denny's. We were so excited to bask ourselves in a Denny's breakfast meal! Unbeknown to us, we were about to step into the twilight zone of all Denny's.

After being seated, Kaylinn looked over my right shoulder and said, "We are going to play a game, you tell me if the busperson is a boy or girl." Thinking that this game would be over quickly, I turned to discover that it was an indiscernible person. After ordering our meal, we caught a glimpse of the manager, who like the bus person was difficult to define. Then we had an older couple sit across the way from us where we were unable to determine if the 57 year old woman was actually wearing pants. The food was glorious as always, Kaylinn got her usual French Toast and I got an amazing omelet of goodness, not to mention the milk shakes that we had in addition to our meals. Being stuffed to the rafters with food, Kaylinn said she was filling way to full to which I responded, "Yeah, I feel like I might 'vomelete'." Most of our questions were answered on our way out as we asked the manager how close a city was. The voice rang true, male wanting to be female. The bus person was female wanting to be male and the woman was luckily wearing short shorts, but to our angst we had to see most of her legs. (She must've have ordered a lot of cottage cheese in her lifetime, if you catch my drift.) As we headed out I decided to name this specific Denny's the G.C.D. "Gender Confusion Denny's". All who come in may question themselves on the way out.

Many hours later, we finally made it to our hotel in San Simeon. A quiet little Days Inn just off the 101 freeway. [kaylinn here] A little sketchy of a hotel, but what can I say, thats how we roll. The next morning we enjoyed our complimentary breakfast, which is always a delight, and then headed over to see Hearst Castle! Accompanied by Newsies, naturally. (Pulitzer & Hearst, they think they've got us...) Mark was amazed with the sheer size of the castle. I just love the history of it. A great day!

On our way out, we stopped by the beach in hopes to see "Zatara" (the Count reference for Mrs. Kammeyer). They call the elephant seals that come out to sun bathe Driftwood. Although no seals were seen, we did enjoy some animal life, including the kamikaze squirrels that literally tried to attack us. Mark is standing on the rock when this picture was taken, as you can see, the squirrel was jumping up! They scampered after us into the car! It was quite adventurous!

Mark took a memory card worth of pictures at the tide pools. I've always loved photography so I'm glad that he has this interest. Someday I hope to have photo's on our walls of the places we've been. I wanted to pick up the starfish, to no avail. But liked seeing them regardless.

We made it to the family's house that afternoon and spent the evening enjoying a little "blast from the past". Mom gave Mark some expired Orajel for his sore (from 1993), we played Outburst (from 1989), SuperNintendo (early 90s), and the ButterCream Gang! Okay, so we didn't watch the last movie, but should have!

Saturday Morning found us on our way to San Fransicso where we visited Fort Point and Pier 39 for good ol' touristy moments. It was super windy and foggy and quite cold, but really lovely too. The stress of traffic sort of took its toll on Mark's driving and I'm pretty sure he isn't going to want to drive in the city again! My bad!

This picture represents a little Brian Reagan and his "cannonball ointment" skit. We always find a good laugh in Brian. Direction #1: Do not stand directly in front of a cannon. How true that is!

Overall, its been a splendid vacation. Finalizing with a mouse in the house! That was an adventure! Funny times. I always do enjoy spending time with my family!

More Yearbook Camp

Overall, camp has been going really good. We've been super busy with all kinds of projects and activities. We learned several great "team building" activities that we are excited to use next year. And our cover is exactly as we wanted it thanks to the artist Egore. (or so we called him)

The girls I brought this year are far more dedicated to the camp then last year's group which is refreshing. Too bad they forgot their cameras. Thankfully Mark let me bring his so we've been doing well on our projects. And it gives me loads of pictures to scrapbook the week here.

I also had my Hot Cobblestone massage at The Well here at the resort today. That was amazing. Pretty sure my sore calves were in love with that!

Tomorrow is our last day. I doubt we'll win any of the prizes. Chrisma has been following Twitter and I won a Starbucks gift card because of that! Amazing! I'm ready to head home out of the desert! Seriously, it is too hot here to enjoy much of anything for more than a moment.

Angie, Mrs. Morrell, and Chrisma

Yearbook Camp

Thus the season comes again when Yearbook Addicts gather at the Miramonte Resort in Palm Springs to engage in Yearbook jargon for 4 days. Seriously? Who books a resort at the end of JULY in PALM SPRINGS!!! And in my opinion, these speakers are far too excited about the whole yearbook thing. And the GA's (who are like mini teachers) know less about yearbook then I do. I could teach their breakoff sessions.

It was 116 when we first showed up yesterday afternoon and didn't cool off...ever. The problem worsens when the AC inside the building is so low that I have to bring my sweatshirt so that I don't freeze during the sessions!

Yearbook camp is mostly to just get the kids excited about making a great book next year as well as finish some of the ground work to getting started. (ie: the Ladder, the Cover, the Theme, Folios, Sidebars, etc...) They organize with projects accompanied with lectures. We go from 7am until 11pm. It is some serious business. Far more work then a vacation. And I hate that!

Alas, another 3 days to go. Its not terrible. The resort is super swanky which I like. My roommate is an odd character. With a fluffy crown and puffy-paint shirt that has "queen" all over it! She is interesting. Its too hot to "sit by the pool" but I have a killer spa treatment scheduled for tomorrow. Pretty sure its the reason I come! Done and done!

Man vs. Ocean

With a few days off before I start Yearbook camp and Mark goes back to work, we decided to use one of the days to visit the Pacific Ocean! What perfect weather! Not too hot, a slight breeze-wonderful. Super crowded since Huntington Beach was hosting a surf competition and a BMX bike thing, there was so many people it was insane. But we found a little spot and enjoyed a bit of surf and sun.

The ocean was seriously having a day! The undertow had a huge draw to the north which made it unsafe for our boarding like we had ventured out to do. But Mark tried to enjoy a bit of wave action. Only a few minutes of this and we decided they were more then we were bargaining for.

I convinced Mark to walk up the beach with me to the Huntington Pier. Enjoyed a bit of Ruby's for lunch where we indulged in perfectly crafted shakes that added not so perfectly to our waistlines. Definitely worth every bite!

The Beach was perfect. We sure love just relaxing there and even came out mostly sunburned-less. Well, at least one of us did. Surely we will be going back.

Sidenote A: So this was the first day since High School that I've french braided my hair. Not to say that its cool or anything but I felt it was beach appropriate. Does this mean I can say I have "long hair" now? Weird.

Sidenote B: on the way down we stumbled upon the Whole Foods Market (as seen on The Next Food Network Star, and other Food Network challenge shows) and simply fell in love. Its like the Disneyland of grocery stores. Not to mention: we fell IN LOVE with the freshly made Peanut Butter. Just flip the switch and bam...you've got 100% delicious peanut butter! Seriously nothing added. It is so delicious. They also have a huge variety of proteins that have been seasoned in various ways. We're trying their cilantro-lime Chicken tonight. To sum it up-Food Network knows where its at.

Consider me Swept

Only he would find songs with the perfect words and then plays them for me in the car.

Only he thinks to text me randomly during the day to let me know he thinks of me.

Only he remembers when my lunch breaks are and calls me right when they start. And then calls again on his lunch break.

Only he participates in a half marathon to encourage me to reach my goals.

Only he suggests a movie date to a "chick flick" he isn't that interested in seeing.

Only he knew the exact movies we watched on our first date and kiss.

Only he works 8 days straight to have a few days off with me.

Only he plans amazing trips and vacations for us to take together. And agree to sleep on the couch bed at my moms house!

Only he watches my TV show, and even comments on some of the people in it.

Only he eats my new meals without one complaint.

Only he would willinging agree to taking on some nights to cook dinner for me.

After telling him he makes my heart bounce...
Only he would tell me its because he's a bouncer.

He has most definatly swept me off my feet. I think I've moved to Cloud 9. I quite love it here. I am such a lucky woman!

Infestation

I tried to capture a photo of this but couldn't with the lighting and all. Our apartment complex is seriously infested with a small army of rather large (I'm sure man-eating and highly poisonous) spiders of the unfriendly nature. Their webs are seriously the size of my whole upper body and they hang from the trees above and the foliage to the side of the walking path. Its like walking in a canopy of spiderwebs.

Up until this morning, their webs was the only evidence of these creepy-crawlers. Today they were out in full force. Every web had its spider on them. On the small walk to my car, I saw SIX. Mark saw an additional dozen walking to the carport. It was so sick I wanted to run! And I did. I still feel like I'm going to vomit.

Today I'll call the leasing office to ask if they can spray for them. All our paperwork says they spray for bugs but...obviously, spiders are not included. This complexes management, I tell you!

"Short and Dark"

Just because it was funny.

I have these 3 boys in Summer School that tend to drive me a little more crazy then I like. They are those students who are funny, which is great to have, yet distracting and obnoxious at time. Ernesto sits behind Fatin (who I've previously mentioned. She is a little odd, and we all just try to be okay with it). As I pass out their assignment, Fatin hands it over her head to pass it to Ernesto. Ernesto tells her "hold on, just a second, I'll get it..." as he puts his papers in his binder. After several seconds, I still hear him telling her to "hold on", and as I look up again, he is sitting there just giggling at his little game. To which I said:

Me: "Ernesto, you're such a terd!"
Ernesto: "Did you really just call me a terd?"
Danny: (his no-good accomplice) "yes..short and dark...it fits!"
Me: "Danny!....highly inappropriate...yet incredibly funny!"

We all laughed. Then I blogged about it. Thats how we roll.

Running...a Lot

So I've done it. I've registered for my first Half Marathon. I've had it on my list of life goals and suddenly I feel like this is the year for me. I almost registered for Disneyland's Half but I took to long and they were full by the time I really was motivated to "do it". So I'm running in the Long Beach half marathon in October. And, to my joy and amazement, I got my husband to committ to run it with me. Yes my friends, the Morrell's are going to run a half marathon. Thus the training begins. Cheer for us...we'll need the encouragement.

A few things:

• I am obsessed with Frozen Yogurt bars. There is one about 3 miles from our house and I sometimes crave it so bad! Crazy!
• Speaking of foods: I am in LOVE with strawberries. I have always liked this berry. As my dad always said "God could have made a better berry then the strawberry...but he didn't". Seriously. Lovies. I'm also really into Peanut Butter and Jelly recently, weird I know but its tastin' good. And Costco's Hot Dogs. Super weird, no explanation--just tasty!
• I wish I could get through the entire Jillian Michael's workout without giving up mid cycle 5.
• I still love running. An outlandish goal would be to run the Disney World Marathon. Doubt it will happen. 26.2 miles is extreme and I'm not sure I've got enough gut for the training.
• I talk in my sleep. Still. Mark finds humor in my sleeping patterns. What can I say.
• I'm officially out of teaching steam. Anytime I can supplement with a video, I do. Read it on your own-a golden activity. "Vocabulary Builders"-heaven sent. Something I don't have to plan or manage very much-that what I'm looking for. There is reason school is out for the summer. I believe it is it ensure the teachers don't get so burned out that they stop doing their job and the futures of tomorrow go down the drain. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong, but seriously---I admire those who work 5 days a week 50 weeks a year.
• We went to the infamous Chino "W" on Tuesday. Blessed store. We spent just over $100 on essential purchases as it has been a while (I think)! Back in my college days, this was a normal expenditure. I mean come on, these are Essential Purchases! Mark comments as we leave, "I've never had a bill that big from anywhere!" Wow, I'm outta control!
• I re-visited Regency Drive and the family for the 4th. Always nice to be home again with family. The pictures are slim, but the fun was insane. I totally got addicted to Sims3 Dave had purhased. Pretty sure I didn't do too much else.
• We're giving the Laurel's and Priests the lesson on Dating and Marriage on Sunday. Its a pannel discussion. I'm excited to hear what questions they come up with. "and when you've been married as long as we have...." :)
  
  

Working for the Mouse

As most of you know, Mark has been working for the Mouse as a "TSA"-a program Disney has to train their Management teams. You enter in as a "trainee" in a temporary position and then depending on your performance, you are hired on as a full time employee, or your internship ends and you are not offered a position.

We've been really lucky this past year and bit as Mark's internship has been extended, even through all the layoffs. About a week ago we got great news! After a series of events in the hotel departments, some positions were opened up and some shifting was done. Mark has "gone blue" as they say (been officially hired) with a promotion, and the hope of better hours. We couldn't be more exited. The timing was perfect! We are so blessed. So I guess we won't be moving for now.

Our Futures

In class yesterday (I'm teaching summer school) I decided to spend some time showing Michael Jackson's funeral. Mostly because I wasn't feeling motivated enough to really "teach" right then, and I think that it is something that counts as "history in the making". Anyway-so we watch it for about 30 minutes.

Toward the end of class, the students are finishing their work and I show the last bit of the funeral just cuz I was interested. Then I get a comment from the student we all secretly know is weird and just try to let it slide. She says.

Fatin: "Aren't our futures are more important than Michael Jackson?"
Me: (trying not to look at her with a weird face) "Yes...yes they are"
Fatin: "I'm just trying to help you guys!"

(insert furrowed brow...what the heck is she talking about???)
Fatin: "Not her, she's already a teacher." she begins to laugh.

Um...yes. I'm glad we got that all out in the open.

Lonely

So, my wife decided that it would be good for her to go home for the 4th of July weekend to spend some time with her mom since she knew it would be tough for her mom this year. Of course I was extremely supportive of the idea and thought it might be good for a little distance. I was wrong. I hated coming home to an empty house last night and hated waking up alone. I am just glad that I have found someone who truly does complete my life and makes me everything that I want to be. Hurry home babe, but safely. Miss you! Muah!

Studio 365

Today, I was a Rock Star. Downtown Disney has opened a brand new store called Studio 365 where guests can have their hair and make up done and be treated like a Disney Super Star! (for a small fee) Being that Mark has connections, we were invited as VIP's to experience the new store. Of course I jumped at the opportunity! Cuz lets be honest, I pretty much am a Rock Star!After quite a substantial wait, and a Jamba Juice to pass the time, our names were finally called. Me and 2 of Mark's coworkers had the "That's a Wrap" hairstyle. I debated over getting black extent ions just for fun, but passed it up and got the blonde. Of course I had 2 stylists...cuz I'm that big of a VIP. There was a camera man walking around filming in my general direction my entire session too which leads me to believe that I'm going to be on the commercial. I'm planning on taping the Disney Channel 24/7 until I see it. Do me a favor, keep your eyes out. :)

As a side note, my Asian stylist kinda freaked me out. She talked to me like I was 12. She kept referring to me as "Rock Star" and that I look just like Hannah Montana. Wait, where have I heard THAT before? Nice! The grand finale was fun. Although it appears that my roots are darker then the rest of the hair. I suppose as a Rock Star I should be able to get it done. Downside, no glitter! That would have really upped the score on my evaluation card.

When its all said and done they have you walk down the purple carpet, get an interview, and have your picture taken for some kind of pass that they hadn't had finalized yet. For us, it looked more like a work ID badge then anything "Rock Star" like but whatever.

Cheers to the other girls who did it with me. We really did have fun. Mark was there but he couldn't get his hair spiked and color-gel-ed since he was technically working. Nice first 2 hours on the job!

Television

Farewell Jake!

I am an avid Bachelor(ette) watcher. I have seen every season since who knows when. I keep up on Ryan and Trista like they are my family. So it is no surprise that I am all into the newest season with Jillian.

Personally, I was really excited Jillian had been asked to be the Bachelorette this season, however I didn't really like her with Jason last season. Anyway-she has proved to be such an idiot. I am so upset that she sent home Jake last night. Personally, she is totally setting herself up for nothing! Have you seen the guys she has chosen? really woman? But don't you worry, the drama is thick as mud. Jake is expected to return to inform Jillian about the slimeball Wes. Really, I think he is too good for her. He deserves something so much better. I'm sure he'll be inindated with goodness when the show is over.

Lastly, I think that ABC needs to stop with the Bachelor Rejects as canidates for the new season. Lets get some new faces and fresh perspective. Seriously! Out-of-control. Too bad I'm addited and can't stop watching!

Happy Father's Day

Remember when I flew home from Utah to surprise Tessa that weekend. And you thought it was the Ross' when I knocked. I will not forget that face! You grip your hands down at your sides, bow your head with that infectous smile, and jump up and down in excitement.

Remember that lighthouse you gave me for Christmas all those years ago. It sits on my nightstand. I still love it.

You've taught me a great lesson in punctuality. I was reminded of that today as we walked into church a little late. Hope you weren't watching. We tried!

Missing you a little more today. Still doing great though, as you know.

Love you!