California Life - Some Kooky Stuff Going on in our Neck of the Woods

Below is not a great picture.........but Blake doesn't know how to use our camera, either.  (That statement's getting old, huh?")

Don't worry.  I'm about to launch into a tutorial program.  Hopefully we'll be better soon.  Like, in about 6 months.

So, what in the world is going on in Southern California? 

Glowing tides.  It's super cool.  A simple explanation:

By day, a red tide is unsightly and uninviting, with water the color of coffee. But at night, during this unusual phenomenon caused by a plankton bloom, the waves are a brilliant, almost neon blue. This wonderfully surreal scene has played out almost nightly along San Diego beaches for several weeks, luring spectators with cameras and video recorders.

*Courtesy of Pete Thomas, GrindTV.com.

The best of what Blake got:

It's fantastic to see in person.

A video taken from GrindTV.com.  This shows it in action......much better:

So, in the spirit of our recent oceanic find, we headed down to the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. 

I wonder what her little 4 year old mind is thinking?

This aquarium is not world class by any means, but beautifully located on the cliffs overlooking La Jolla Shores.  Fantastic views and lots of hands on exhibits.

"Act like the shark is eating you, kids!"

((((((Parenting at its finest, people.)))))

This was cool.......look to the right where you see a mini beach set up......this shows the kids (and me) how the tide rolls in.

Back home for a lazy night.  I was in bed by 8:30pm after reading.

I know.  My night life is at an all time high.

On the agenda for this week:

*Pumpkin patch visit, hopefully.  Want to return to Bates Nut Farm in Valley Center. 

*Big project for Carter at school.  I volunteered last week to help outline a few dozen 5th graders on large butcher paper.  That wasn't awkward at all.  Now, they'll take those outlines and fill in anatomically correct organs and such.  Lord help us.

*Prep for Coco's visit.  11 days!  We can't wait.

*More fall projects and decorating. 

*Work on my 'bizness', Mommy's Little Secret.  I have changed the cost per hour to accommodate those projects I will work on at home.  Seemed unfair to incorporate fees associated with tasks that will have me driving all over town.  So, now, I'm charging $10 and hour for my time......plus expenses (baking supplies, gas, etc.)  I've mostly had interest in headers so far......that would put a header at around $10, if not a little less, fyi.

http://www.sandiegoassistant.blogspot.com/

Come check me out, folks!

That's about it for today.  Off to church with the kiddos.  Carter and Jack started CCD a few weeks ago.  Carter HATES it.  I reminded him that I did, too......it's a Catholic rite-of-passage........so he just needs to get over it.  If not, I'm going to start dragging him to mass before or after, which will result in blood shed and a possible revoking of our parish membership since there is no nursery or cry room for Jack and Lainey.

I LOVE the Catholic mass procession, but can absolutely see how it's super boring for kids.  So, for now, they'll suffer through CCD and receive their sacraments with a smile on their faces, damn it!

That sounded wrong.

Later!

A Few Things To Consider Before Moving To The West Coast

When moving to California, it may all seem like fun and sun.  For the most part, it is.  However, there are a few key pieces of information that you may be unaware of.

First, if you have a job, you will have to resign.  While this is contradictory to the radical cost of living out here, your main purpose now will become washing beach towels. 

Wash, dry, fold, repeat.

Going to the beach is fun.  Often, we'll be there on a lazy Saturday afternoon and say to each other, "I feel like we're on vacation.  This can't be real."  But, then, you'll start to get brave and buy a canopy.  Buying said canopy will involve going to a dozen different stores to find the one you want because most are sold out.  Kids will remain in the car, growing restless and impatient for fun.  You will stay in the car with the kids while your husband roams every sporting goods store in a 10 mile radius to find the perfect one.

Once you find it (or settle on the only freaking one available), you will look like a complete idiot less than intelligent trying to set it up.

Sand is everywhere.  Everywhere, people.  While on vacation, this might seem charming and out-of-the-ordinary.  Eventually, you'll be holding down a 3 year old to retrieve sand from parts of her ear you didn't think possible.  It won't be so charming then.

Frank the Tank will surely make an appearance.  Playing on the beach is hard work.

Your daughter will insist on bringing the most idiotic items to the beach.  Her bebe will be napping at home, prior to departure, and because she cannot wake her to put her in her bed, she will bring her to the beach.  With her pram stroller to keep her comfortable.  People around you will think this is odd.

If you're like me, you will have an uncanny knack for setting up behind women with perfect California beach bodies.  Consistently.  While you will get used to this, you will tire of your husband and whichever male guest is present (I'm talking to you, Doug) admiring their finer qualities.

Oh, but wait.  What is that there running down the coast like something out of Baywatch?  Cute lifeguards in training.  There is a God.  And, he is a fair God. 

Your kids will grow so comfortable in the sand, that after a long day of play, they'll eventually pass out.  Tourists will think this is the time to go.  Nah.  Got to see the sunset!

L.A. traffic.  While I don't see much of it, Blake does.

California raised children will gawk and stare and scream when thunder or lightning appears.  This will make you question your move and will confirm that this is, indeed, the land of fruit and nuts.

While trying to lose weight and compete (or, hell, just not stand out) amongst the previously mentioned bikini girls, you will be tempted by a taco stand on EVERY DAMN CORNER in sight.  Note:  Fish tacos, while they may seem healthy, are not.

Wine is cheap here.  This can be good and bad. 

So, to conclude, California is a fabulous place to live.  But, it's not without its challenges.

Have I forgotten anything?

Oh, one more.  Your house will soon become a home-away-from-home for friends near and far.  Thus,  more towels.....more sand......more wine......more beach.......more tacos......more of everything.

More fun! 

Come visit us soon, peeps. 

Our door is always open.

Let's Just Leave PETA Out Of This, K?

We have snails in California. Lots of 'em. I remember this from being a kid and visiting. Didn't quite realize the significance of their population until we moved here.

I actually think they're cute little creatures, but they eat our plants, so we have to keep a close eye on where they're crawling sliming around.

The kids LOVE them. Our snails race each other, make friends, and occasionally get a fresh coat of chalk on their shells to make distinguishing a breeze.  But, really.  Would you want these two in charge of your fate?

Don't say it. I see it.

Just a day in the life, peeps.

Back soon with more visitor recaps.  So many fun pictures to post!

California Beach Review - Carlsbad State Beaches

Carlsbad is one of my favorite San Diego suburbs and likely where we'll buy a house eventually. It has everything........great schools, a darling seaside community, fabulous shopping, Legoland, and more.

Since moving here, we've been rather fond of one beach in particular in Oceanside. Breakwater Beach is in between the harbor and the pier.......so both are in reach and it's super close to where we live. Recently, I've forced myself to research more and see what else is nearby.

We ventured out to the Carlsbad state beaches after school one day. So easy to do......pick up kids with picnic packed and head west 'til you hit water. Minutes away.


Carlsbad is unique in that it has a seawall. My only experience with such is in Galveston, TX. It was nice to take advantage of the 4 mile walk. Clean and easy to navigate with plenty to see.



Lots of pretty brush and several critters for us to spy on.

We walked and walked and walked.......until we found this inlet. Reminded me of snorkeling with Carter in the Yal Kul Lagoon in Akumal.......we started inland and ended up swimming into the ocean. Much calmer waters than what you see here, of course.



Pushing approximately 80 pounds of kid on the sand was a fantastic workout. We walked the length back on the beach.

Once we were back closer to the Carlsbad Village, we settled in for a dinner picnic. The kids found this "movie theater" carved out in the sand. Do you see it?

Cute little punks helping each other out. Sometimes, when they're not pinching, hitting or yelling......they can be quite sweet to each other.

Carter was on the blanket with me and we noticed an unusual amount of seagulls stalking the area. We're used to this.......they can see the Starnes family pull up in the parking lot and know they're going to find plenty of scraps once we're eventually gone. However, the dozens you can't see overhead in this shot below concerned us.

Seconds later, Jack comes over screaming, "Mom! Da bird took Wainey's sandwich!"

Of course it did.

Not sure if it was a direct hit while in her hands or if she put it down to work on the "movie theater". But, the sandwich was gone.

Yes, Jack is eating waffles. Plain. Yall know he's our weird one. Don't act surprised.



Smart ass Carter smiling for the picture.



See those little birds skimming the water? They're not so little. They're actually massive pelicans looking for dinner. Should have been here earlier.


Overall, it was a great beach. We took Blake back a few days later and he liked it, too. It was chilly, though.

Next up is Del Mar.......which had an entirely different view (and parking fee!).

Back soon, peeps. Holly is coming over soon for PW's Chicken Spaghetti and we're going to tackle the King Cake. We know how to party, yall.

Later!

Carlsbad on Dwellable