I haven't blogged in forever. I just don't seem to have the energy. I don't have to energy to break down my thoughts into words. Into cohesive and coherant phrases. Don't have the energy to really think about what I'm thinking about. That sounds dumb...lame. Ever since I got back from my vacation I've been so busy. Busy with work 50-60 hours a week and its draining physically and mentally. So here a some pics of a more relaxing time!


Seal Beach



Enjoying the sun on Seal Beach



I loved this guy!



Eating out of the fish hut



So tubby!



Just after snorkeling at Lovers Cove on Catalina




The casino on Catalina Island



Catalina Bay at sunset

Get me Outta Here

In 8 days I'll be going on vacation. It can't come soon enough. Things have been hectic at work and I'm pretty much losing my position (temporarily) at work as soon as I get home from California. Hopefully it will help my attitude to come back from a relaxing vacation.

I'm really excited to see Henry obviously and get out of here for a while. We're going snorkeling off of Catalina when I'm out there, so in about 2 weeks, I'll be seeing this:

I'm pretty sure that's a Garibaldi which i believe is California's state fish and Henry told me they are abundant where we'll be snorkeling. We'll also be heading to SeaWorld again thanks to our season passes and I'm definitely going to be feeding the bat rays and dolphins again. Other than that its going to be a lot of relaxing and also taking a vacation for my LOW Low low carb diet.

Thank god.

a View from Saint Paul

I've definitely become like everyone else regarding the major lack of blogging. Not sure why that's happened...its not for lack of material. I've thought about writing restaurant reviews of places I've been recently. I could write about work and how i'm getting shafted there. I could have written about how excited i was that Henry was coming here to see me or how sad i've been since he's left. I think i just haven't had the motivation to write anything....i'm not even journaling anymore. Sometimes it just feels like too much pressure to write...especially in this public format where there is this unwritten requirement to be witty or profound or deep or inventive. I haven't felt any of those things. But I'm getting tired of the peacock post (not that i don't LOVE Lance chasing around that poor bird)so here's some new pictures.

Henry always takes a ton of pictures. I think its his Japanese genes coming out. While he was here, he took quite a few....mostly of all the green! He was confused by all of the green and the fresh air here in MN. Anyway, here are some of the pictures from his visit to St. Paul. I love that he's taking pictures of things I see everyday and would never photgraph...enjoy!


1st view of Saint Paul

I love these pictures from Mounds park...who else would take pictures of the tornado siren???




Going to the Metrodome



Inside the dome


Praying the Twins don't get killed by the worst team ever, the Nationals


After the Twins game


The IDS tower at night


Henry was soooo excited about White Castle


I was a little scared

Como Park Conservatory & Japanese Gardens







Mickey's Diner, a Saint Paul Landmark


Landmark Center &1st Bank Building

These are at Mears Park, right across the street from my apartment




A surprise kiss by the river

My much needed California vacation

I have been home from California for a week now. It's hard to be home...in the cold, back at work (even though it's a new job), no one to give me back rubs, no lazing on the couch and napping in Henry's lap...but I suppose the fact that only happens every 6 months makes it more special...right? It was a very nice vacation filled with much needed relaxation and some fun excursions too. Here are the highlights!

One day, just to get out of the house, Henry and I headed to DownTown Disney (Disney's outdoor mall). We made a stop at LEGO Land and after browsing and reminiscing over childhood toys, Henry and I sat door (on miniature stools) and got to work on building.

Henry is very focused on his building his car.


Henry's car and my far superior hover craft


My other man

One of our planned day trips was to the Getty Villa in Malibu. The villa specializations in Greek and Roman artifacts. The Villa is so cool because the architecture is based on an actual ancient Italian villa that was uncovered. The Getty villa acquired most of the artifacts as well as architectural elements; ceiling reliefs, pillars, and most amazingly all of the original marble. One part of the museum is a 40x15 hallway all made of marble- floor, walls, pillars....all marble. Henry and I just stood there and tried to figure out the cost of a space that large made entirely of Italian marble...mind boggling.



there are 4,000 pieces in this floor pattern!


taking a break outside


Henry and I saw this pillared alcove that was clearly missing its perfect Greek statue, so we took it upon ourselves to fill in the empty space.


Henry drew this! There was a "family activity room" where you could use dry erase markers on blank urns...everyone was very impressed with his artwork.


To avoid rush hour traffic we made a pit stop at Santa Monica Pier. At the pier it was cold enough for Henry to wear the scarf I made last year. And I thought he'd never use it!


We also made another trip to Seaworld since we had free tickets. There was more dolphin feeding, a lame Shamu show (since he attacked a trainer last fall) and the best thing ever....feeding bat rays!!! No pics turned out, but it was awesome!

my Squishy sea cucumber

Henry surprised me by taking me to this restaurant called Orange Hill. They have notoriously over-priced, not-so-good food, which is why we didn't eat there. But they have an equally notorious view. So Henry's idea of sitting on the patio by the fire while sipping wine and smoking a cigar (him not me) was perfect. The view was gorgeous!

Our last evening together was spent at Morton's Steakhouse for dinner. It was an amazing night...such a great experience that it will get its own blog entry soon enough. But til then, doesn't Henry look great in a suit!

I already miss being out there. The first day I was home and stepped out to below zero weather, I thought, that's it...I'm moving out there tomorrow! Well who knows if that'll actually happen...I enjoy myself so much when I'm out there, I may eventually just become a California girl!