Bucket List 2012

Most people set up their new years resolutions in the hopes that they may have a better year in the new year. I have thought this for the past three years and have thus decided that I am not going to expect the next year to be better. This way, I wont be disappointed if it's not, but can be happy if it is. I am not saying that this year was the worst year ever, but yes we had our struggles and our share of sadness. We also had lots to celebrate too. So that's what I am looking forward to in the new year. Being better towards myself and my health, continuing to work on my relationships with my husband, family and friends, and just experiencing life as it comes our way. Due to all that went on last year, our Bucket list fell to the wayside. So I have re-posted the list. Taking off the items that we did do last year, with the exception of the ones that were really fun and need to be done again. I will add more as they pop into my head, but the remaining items from last year will do for now. If you have any to suggest please feel free to send them my way!

Sailing
Attend a country concert
Attend a sporting event (Kings, Lakers, Dodgers) (Purple and Gold)
Surf/Boogie Board

Santa Barbara Mission (Beach Bums, Missions and Lots of Chalk)

Go to the beach (Beach Bums, Missions and Lots of Chalk)
Hiking
Universal City Walk
Saddle Ranch
William S. Hart Museum
La Brea Tarpits

Attend a Cirque du Solei Show (Vegas Vacation)

Griffith Park Observatory
Gene Autry Museum
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Sign
California State Capitol (The Great Seal Of California)
Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Descanso Gardens
Rodeo Drive
Medieval Times (The Yellow Knight was Robbed!)
L.A. Live (Purple and Gold)
Grauman's Chinese Theater
Attend a TV Show Taping
Renaissance Fair (April-May)(Missed it again this year....on the list for 2013)
Magic Castle
Cherry Picking (Cherry Picking in Leona Valley)

Aquarium of the Pacific (A Day in Long Beach)

Queen Mary (A Day in Long Beach)

Bubba Gumps (A Day in Long Beach)

Catalina Island

Crystal Cathedral

Lucky Strike Bowling

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Morro Bay
Hearst Castle
Grand Canyon
Club 33
Visit a new country (*Mexico, *Caribbean, England, Ireland) (Not likely but its on the list)
Hot Air Balloon flight (Again not likely cause I am CHICKEN! But there it is)
Snowboarding/Skiing
*Attend a wedding (Congrats to the Halls)
*Attend a baby shower  (Garden Party Baby Shower)
*Visit a newborn (Garden Party Baby Shower)
*Olvera Street via the Metrolink
*Lake Tahoe
*Camping
*Getty Museum
*L.A. County Fair
Play in the snow
Wakeboarding
Kneeboarding
Kayaking
Wine Tasting (I went alone in 2011 so the hubbs and I should go together.)
Visit a new state (*Hawaii, Nevada {Vegas Vacation}, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Florida)
*Las Vegas  (Vegas Vacation)

Disneyland (We have a season pass so this is likely to happen)

Symbols:
* - Already have been together, & would like to re-experience
Text - Completed task YAY!
2011 Task that was too fun not to do again!Note - This list is subject to change at anytime!

You Better say "I DO!"

I was browsing the internet a couple of weeks ago and I came across some Bridal photo's that made me scratch my head in awe. I really didn't understand the point of them. They started off with your traditional run of the mill bridal sitting, but then it took a turn for the worse!














Wait for it............................

I mean truly, nothing says I'll love you forever like looking through the scope of a rifle! I mean I would never want to make this lady mad! She looks so beautiful and elegant in her dress, but her normal photos were slightly uncomfortable. Once the guns were introduced she was a truly different girl!

Honestly, to each bride their own. This is obviously her interest, but I was so completely taken aback by this that I just had to share.

Digital Christmas Card

In lieu of a post office mailed Christmas Card, the hubbs and I decided to make a digital card that can be mailed to those across the country and include photos. Some may say that it's cheating, but I still put as much time and effort into the card as I would normally have. Actually more. I thought it out and wrote a letter! Instead of going to Costco.com, picking out a photo one, mindlessly included photos and stated Merry Christmas from The Kimballs at the bottom. I thought I was being ingenious! Saving money AND my family gets some thoughtfulness and descriptions about our lives! Yes! Below is the Christmas Card for those who didn't get one! Sorry if I didn't have your email! <3

And Caroling Bells Ring

The hubbs and I have various traditions when it comes to our own tiny family Christmas. We usually paint a ceramic together. Watch Home Alone 1 & 2 (we need to get on this), decorate our apartment together, and bake Christmas cookies while listening to music. We also love to go to Disneyland for the holidays. Out of all the places in the world....Disney does it right. The decorations and atmosphere really put you in the mood. So the first weekend in December we and our annual passes made the trek to Anaheim. When we got there we saw that we came on the weekend that they were doing the Candlelight Performance. This is where a person reads the scriptures of the first Christmas and choir members sing caroles. This year it was read by Gary Sinise, one of my favorite actors. I told the hubbs that if we didn't do anything else that day I wanted to watch that.

It wasn't a very crazy day that day, but we decided that we didn't want it to be a traditional Mickey day. We wanted to do things that we normally don't do, including some of the rides. We went into Innovations, and on Autopia....a ride I haven't been on in 10 years. We watched the portion of the Christmas Fantasy parade that was my float, and I sung and danced a little choreography while in line for AstroBlasters. We even went on the Ferris Wheel inside California Adventures (for me that was a big deal!) We met a very nice family from Australia and spoke with them about the differences between here and there. We even got a chance to see my cousin, her husband and son too. They were going to the park the next day so they were staying at a nearby hotel for the evening.

At 4:00 we went back inside to claim our spots for the Candlelight. We were in the perfect spot for the flag retiring ceremony; we all stood and sang the National Anthem. Watched the lighting of the Christmas tree too. I stood and talked with a girl that worked in the parades too. We joked about all the fun things that we did. Once the ceremony started hundreds of choir members took their place in front of the train station on Main Street. The singing and scripture was so beautiful that it brought me to tears. When they had us join in singing Silent Night, I felt truly honored to be apart of it, with all the people that were watching and singing along. This is the spirit of Christmas. To be joined in unison, whether in song or otherwise and remembering who have come before us and what will come in the future. I was truly moved.

Afterward we ate dinner and walked over to where Santa's Reindeer were taking a break from flying practice. Went on a couple of more rides, then went and got some hot chocolate/coffee and picked out our places on Main Street for fireworks. We snuggled together to keep warm, and played Eye Spy with a little girl who was there with her father for the day. It just helped me see into the future of what a good father my hubbs is going to be. We watched the fireworks and listened to the music and when it started to snow (although I know that its soap) you couldn't help but look up in wonderment and feel that giddy kid feeling inside that this time of year brings. It was a wonderful day and helped us to get into the holiday spirit.

New shades!

Flag Retiring Ceremony

Flag Retiring Ceremony

Tree lighting and hundreds of people

The choir

Go Carts and Turkey

Ok...I am very behind in my Turkey Day recap. But all good things come to those who wait right?

As you know, the past 4 years my husband and I have spent Thanksgiving in Florida with my father and step mom. Due to my father being Catholic and my step mother being Jewish, the Christmas season wasn't too big in their house, so Thanksgiving is the important holiday to them. Even with my dad's passing we decided that we wanted to keep that tradition alive. Unfortunately due to some scheduling conflicts with the hubbs' work, we could not make the annual pilgrimage (pun intended) to Florida. While this pained me in the heart we decided to make due with this unforeseen circumstance and made plans to spend the food coma holiday with my family at my Aunt's home.

Our holiday started the evening before on Wednesday. A good friend from college had come back into town from Portland with her husband and new baby boy for a meet and greet. We met up at a local bowling alley and had some great conversation and met their adorable babe. (who is the spitting image of daddy!) It was great to see them and catch up. We have made tentative plans to travel to Portland within the year to visit. Wine tasting and sailing sound like a blast to me. Afterwards, Mr. P. had invited us out to a "bar crawl" in our local city. Not a bar hop because there really aren't too many places to go, but we still went out. We met up and had some good drinks and food. Met some wonderful new people and decided to people watch. The local young crowd (yes I still fall into that category) was quite interesting that evening and it seemed like the entire valley was out celebrating the holiday with their friends, before the split to spend with families. We walked into our local TGI Friday's and walked right back out. Standing room only! There was no way I was dealing with that mess! Once we made it to our final stop of the night we all got to talking about what Thanksgiving is to our families. Mr. P said that he and his family always go to a local electric go cart place and race before the big meal. He invited us to tag along for this little adventure.

When we pulled into the parking lot I was amped! I wanted to kick the hubbs' butt. However after watching this ridiculous safety video I got all paranoid that they were gonna kick me off the track for aggressive driving, so I held back both races and fell into last place. The hubbs ended up in second the last race and was super excited about it. We said our goodbye's and made plans for next year. Mr. P's family was super nice and inviting! Although, I think my super conservative driving might have been annoying! Hehe. 

Afterwards, we left to drive to Simi for our first family Thanksgiving in 4 years. It was a strange feeling to me. I mean I am used to my giant family and having everyone around, but to have it on Thanksgiving was surreal. I kept myself busy by helping cook, and just hanging out in the kitchen while the hubs talked cars and football with my cousins and uncles. Once dinner was ready we all stood in a circle and said what we were grateful for that year. This was where my emotions stood out and the tears could not be left at bay (three glasses of wine didn't help that either.) We said grace and then stuffed our faces. Turkey, mashed potato's, salad, pie you name it....I indulged! Afterwards all the men retreated to the living room while the ladies did dishes. I did get a peek inside, and saw all of them on the couch about to pass out. It truly was a sight and I asked my dad Jon who was going to be the big spoon? We said our goodbyes and made our way to my in-laws for a bit as well.

Then came dreaded Black Friday. I tossed around the idea of heading out into the sales, but my senses kicked back in and I stayed home and cleaned until it was time to go over to our good friends for a second Turkey Day. It was a wonderful time spent with good friends, minus a little venting mishap. We ate and ate until we were sore! Told great stories and laughed. All in all it was a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with all the ones I love, and it made it that much easier to take.

Hope yours was as eventful as mine was and you got to spend it with those you love. I only have a couple of photos because we didn't have our camera! Gasp!

Havasu Part Two (Hehe that rhymes!)

Ok...ok. I will finally finish talking about our trip to Lake Havasu. The first part I actually wrote while on vacation from my handy dandy crackberry, but alas the mobile upload did not work so I just copied it and pasted into Blogger. The rest of our trip wasn't too exciting. We ate a lot of food, at many different restaurants, The Turtle where we shared one of those eff you up drinks that you can keep the cup, and shopped in many stores. The hubbs and I both got new sunglasses for 50% off! Yay to Beachcomers! If you ever got to Havasu go to this store! They rock! Now me being not a sun glass snob, this was essentially my first pair of designer sunglasses. I have a pair of Guess, but $50 was as most I have spent ever before on sunglasses. I got the Spy Sidney's in polarized. I also had never had polarized sunglasses before either, so it was a new experience being able to....ahem....see without a glare! :-)

Yay! I joined the elite club!

The hubbs, his cousin and I went for an offroading experience as well. We drove around in the desert, got filthy with dust and shot some weaponry too. Yay! We walked around and saw the London Bridge, which actually is the one that used to stand in London. Very cool and walked around shops looking at touristy items, including pasties. I mentioned that I forgot a bathing suit and Uncle S. told me "This is Havasu, all you need are underwear and pasties!" Well that was good to know, but alas I did not partake in the pasty wearing. We also braved the Arizona crowds and went to see the midnight showing of Twilight Breaking Dawn. That was one for the records! Ah sitting in a full movie theater with immature teenagers really helps put perspective on things. While we didn't do a ton of things we still enjoyed ourselves and were able to relax a bit. On the way home we passed over the Colorado River. That was cool! Anywho, please enjoy some more photos from our trip.

Happy Birthday to my Dad!

For many people the last day in November is just the beginning of the maddening Christmas rush. A mere 24 days stand between them and the paper ripping, food coma holiday. But November 30th is a special day because it's my dad's birthday.

He is special to me because of all the things that he does. He is determined and successful. He always made sure to do the right thing and to do whats best by his standards, and is always willing to be there for his family; my mom, myself, the hubbs and of course our puppy. He gives the best hugs and advice and I couldn't ask to have a more wonderful man to help raise me.

I will share a story that has been passed around the family for many years. I must have blocked this from my memory (or it got knocked out) but its still a funny story to share. When I was little, 5 or 6, my dad and I had a ritual. When it was time for bed, he would throw me over his shoulder, march me upstairs and without turning on any lights toss me into my bed. This of course was unknown to my mother and one day while we were out for the day she decided that she was going to move the furniture around in my bedroom. That evening we go to do our tradition. My mom is downstairs reading, crafting or something of that nature and she hears a crash, and a scream, and our dog Profit comes running downstairs in a panic. She goes upstairs to see what happened and my dad is panic staring at me sprawled on the floor in the corner of the room. "You moved the bed!" Needless to say my mom checked with him before moving any furniture from there on out, and we can laugh about it now. He is forever the jokester and I can remember many years of laughing and playing. Water fights, camping (bunk diving) and sitting on the floor playing gin are just some of the wonderful memories that I have. Looking forward to more!

Make sure to play a round of golf, have a nice cocktail and remember that today is about you!

I love you!

Skipping Rocks

Every year since we got married the hubbs and I take a trip for Thanksgiving. It was a trip to Florida to see my father and step mom. This year since the hubbs got promoted, he couldn't take that week off, but still needed to take vacation. So he decided that the week before (this week) that we would go visit his Uncle in Lake Havasu.

On Tuesday after I got off work we packed up in the car and drove the 4 and a half hour drive up to the lake. The next day we got up and prepared to take on the town. We hit up Cabana Palms for lunch and then walked around some shops. Afterwards we headed over to the lake and watched the boats pass, looked at the lighthouse and just relaxed. The boys skipped rocks, I attempted but alas it was an epic fail. Skipped only twice. However it brought back many memories of my favorite comedian Bill Engvall. Its very interesting to wander around this usually busy tourist town, turned ghost town in the off season. It will be a good time on the lake. Please enjoy the photos from our first day!

A little bit of comfort.

Ok, so I have always been the type that love to be comfortable. I mean as a dancer we always wear the most comfortable clothes anyways, things that you can move and shake in. So of course that would translate to my personal life to. Just ask the hubbs. The second I get home, no matter what it is I am wearing I go straight for either PJs or sweatpants (depending on the time of year). I must admit they usually aren't the cutest outfits either....most of the time mis-matched and big baggy tees are on the menu. Granted, I do have my fair share of sexy items for the hubby to look at, but as we all know those are for looking and not for comfort so they dont make an appearance all the time. After this past weekend up in Oakhurst and freezing my butt off, I decided that it was time to upgrade my sweats. All I have are old, cutoff's that have become thin and ratty.

So I decided, after borrowing a friends sweats and realizing how awesome they were, that I would take the plunge and go buy a couple pairs of Hollister mens sweats, one for me and one for the hubbs (although both will eventually be mine.) As I walked into the store and over to the men's side I realized that all sweats were on sale 50% off! SCORE! Considering normal price for these are 50 bucks a pop my mind had been made up. Now to pick the colors.....they would have to be semi-gender neutral cause the hubbs would want to wear them too, so when the sales associate came up to me I felt slightly self-conscious. She made me feel better by stating "I think every girl that works here has bought a pair of men's sweats because they are the best for lounging in!" Um duh! But I am glad that I wasn't alone in my thinking. With my colors selected up to the cash register I went. Once they were all mine, I went home and waited for the hubbs to come home and claim his color. We then each snuggled into our respective pairs and lounged on the couch. So roomy, soft and warm. I am in love! Can't wait to get home and jump into them again! YAY!

Buy me! I rock! (Hollister Classic Straight)

Fright Fest

For most people Halloween is a holiday where you either A: have children and dress them up in silly costumes and take them around your neighborhood to get candy from your neighbors, or B: dress up in costumes that either make you look like you belong in a haunted house or an adult magazine, go to parties just to get drunk and act like a teenager. Well since the age of twelve I have been too old for option A and now that I am in my later twenties it seems like I am too old for option B as well. I don't really care to have the out of control feeling of too much alcohol and I do not like to act like most do on this holiday. So what's a girl to do?

When our friends Mr & Mrs. B asked us if we wanted to go to the local theme parks Halloween event, I was slightly less than thrilled. Reason being I hate Halloween and roller coasters. I am terrified of heights and do not like to lose my stomach so the idea of falling from many many feet in the air is not my idea of a good time. But since the hubbs loves that sort of thing we decided that it would be good to go. Mrs. B doesn't really care for roller coasters either so at least I would have someone to talk to. We met up with Mr. and Mrs. R and once the entire group got situated and we ate we started making our way around the park. Like most theme parks, they had employees dressed up with fake blood and prosthetics trying to scare people. Of course they were doing a good job with some of the teenagers who would scream at the top of their lungs and run away, which of course made the characters follow just to get a rise out of them. But when they would come up to use, we would just say things like "Hey how are ya?" or "What's up?" Not exactly the reaction they were looking for. We poked around in a couple of mazes, which were fun. I am the type that expects something to jump out of every corner so I didn't really get scared, except for the one time I let my guard down. I was staring at this "statue" thinking, ok that's fake. Then I turned away to keep walking, of course the hubbs who was right next to me decided to walk ahead a little. When he did the statue jumped at me and made me scream so loud. It was funny. I went on a couple of baby rides, and everyone else went on a couple of big rides including the wooden coaster that was running backwards. Although we were standing by the funnel cake stand forever and I wanted one desperately, I never got one. I guess that's a good thing though, can't ruin the diet on one pastry. Even though I had been skeptical of the whole evening I did have fun. I am glad that we at least did something in relation to Halloween this year.

Gutter Balls

A couple weeks back a friend of ours celebrated his birthday. While on his actual birthday the hubbs and I were busy preparing for another dear friends wedding, he was off gallivanting in Palm Springs. We made plans with him to take him out after to celebrate. I had recently learned that there was a Buffalo Wild Wings in Burbank, not too far from where we live and decided that it was the perfect spot to take him. I mean who doesn't like chicken wings, french fries and beer? Certainly nobody in my group. We called up some other friends and asked us to meet there at 8, while we went and picked up the B-day boy. While the whole evening wasn't let on to him, I did ask him whether or not he would want to go bowling or to a karaoke bar. He of course chose bowling. Either was both places were right around the corner. We piled into the car and made our way to Burbank, the whole time the guest of honor was trying to guess where we were going. Once we pulled off the freeway I told him "Well we are on a budget so we are taking you to Ikea for a $1.50 hot dog!" Hehe. After driving around for 15 minutes trying to find parking, we finally made it to the restaurant. Underestimating the popularity of this hot spot we did not call ahead for a table and promptly were told an hour wait. So we all waited outside, people watched and was even hassled by a comedy club promoter looking to sell us tickets for that nights show.

Once we finally got inside and got a table, we had to peruse the menu for all the yummy flavors that we would desire. We settled on Honey BBQ, Medium, Chipotle BBQ and Parmesan Garlic (for the birthday boy and I to indulge in....it tasted like fettuchini Alfredo on a chicken wing. Perfection.) We also had a basket of fries and the boys ordered adult beverages....I was the D.D. so I didn't partake. We filled out bellies with food, and enjoyed each others company and relived our high school days, as the music selection was dated just a bit. We had disputes over the lyrics to Eiffle 65 and "When I Grow Up" by the Pussycat Dolls....thank you to azlyrics.com for clearing that one up.

Once we completed our meal, we parted ways with the other couple and made our way to Pickwick bowling just around the corner. Apparently they have changed their policy now that you have to leave one of your personal shoes as collateral when you rent shoes. Like I am going to want to steal something that thousands of other people have worn. Um NO! Anyways, once we got our lane and shoes we proceeded to begin our games. The hubbs had gotten a cold so he wasn't up to his best game. However he can attest to me being a decent bowler, not excellent, but decent. So when the first game rolled around and I goose egged on the first 3 frames I was slightly irritated. I took focus on my swings, and with a little coaching was able to get my game slightly back. However I still lost that first game. Round two came and things were looking better. Not only did I pick up 4 spares in a row, but I beat the boys! By 30 points! They will say that they let me win, but I think otherwise. I mean c'mon....30 points is a lot of letting. I know that there is a re-match in my future, but until then I have the printed score sheet on my fridge! MUAHAHAHA.
All in all it was a nice Friday night out with great friends and good food! Happy Birthday Mr. P!

Snip, Snip, Snip

For most people, the thought of even getting a trim on their lovely locks sends shivers down their spine. For me, its a sense of something new and exciting. A way to change just enough so that you don't feel so boring all the time. I have been wanting a change for a long time, despite my husbands plea's to leave my long locks I decided that a shoulder length do would do. Especially since I would be donating any cut hair, 10" minimum to locks of love. If you don't know what Locks of Love is, it is a non-profit organization that takes donated hair and sews it into wigs for children with cancer. It's a wonderful charity and I am glad to donate to help children in need. Anything having to do with cancer tugs at my heart strings anyways.

So my journey began back in May when I was researching what kinds of styles I would like. I picked a couple and decided to compromise and go for a longer, at the shoulder look. I arrived on Wednesday to see my stylist and good friend Jana. I sat down in the chair and said "Your salon donates right?" She looked at me with a panic in her eye and said "your really cutting it all off?" Yup I have been determined to make a change and that day was it. She took the rubber bands and sectioned off my hair, took the ruler and measured 10" of hair and promtly went snip, snip, snip. I had a mini coronary inside my head because it's hard to see that much hair gone, and it was a little shorter than I had anticipated it would be. However I knew that it would be worth it in the long run. We had discussed the possiblity of putting in some highlights to brigthen up my hair and I made the decision to color, for the first time ever, my virgin hair. She sat me down, mixed up the color and foiled me up. As I sat under the dryer I thought to myself, what an interesting change this will be. She pulled me out, washed my hair and proceeded to shape my new do. Once completed she dried and styled my hair, teased it up and hairsprayed me! I looked like a new women and I felt great! It will take a bit to get used to it, but all in all I am happy with my choice! YAY!


Before

The hair after surgery



New Look!



All bright!



Summer in October

I always want it to start being fall as soon as October hits. But as we all know, summer in California never ends until early November. Last week we had a couple of cold days, but as it always does the temperature heated back up by mid week and the hubbs and I decided that we needed a lake day. He called up his brother and our friend and set up a time for us to meet up, hook everything up and launch the boat. I made a picnic basket of goodies and we puttered around the lake until we found a spot to anchor, lounge for a bit and eat. Once everyone was ready to go we went and found the perfect spot for wake boarding. The hubbs and I attempted to wakeboard again unsuccessfully. Next season we will get up! I am determined to get this down. It was a great relaxing day and we were able to get our last tan of the season! After-wards we had some dinner, went into the hot-tub and watched a movie. It was the perfect Saturday. I love spontaneous adventures! Enjoy the photos! :-)