on the road again!

If there's one thing we're enjoying about having a car, it's being able to go on road trips. We haven't ventured to very many places yet, but now I'm starting to think that's a good thing because we reay had to get the hang of being on the road again. I know, that sounds kind of silly, but we have had some tough trips on the road for various reasons. But after going on a few rides now, G knows not to constantly change the volume of the music (because it annoys the heck out of me) and I know not to freak out when I feel he's going to hit something (because he's been driving for a good 10 months now and is a great driver, not even exaggerating bc he's my hubby) SO, it works! We're pros at road trips now, as you'll see. Just look at all our selfies. :)

And here's the reason for this road trip towards LA, Joe's birthday! We love this man. He has a heart of gold. Happy Birthday Joe!

Plus, my cute grandparents :)

An afternoon at Birch Aquarium

After weeks of trying to get together, Ang, Nathan and I ventured to La Jolla to check out a little aquarium by the ocean. A couple months ago we went from living 15 minutes away from each other to 45. And now that I look at it, it's only adding 30 more minutes of time which isn't too bad. But nevertheless, it look a couple tries to meet up somewhat between Chula Vista and Escondido, but I'm glad we finally did! 

Can you find Dory!?

THAT face looking at the fishies...so sweet. (yes I said fishes... lol)

The outdoor part of the aquarium had a large pool where you could touch some of the animals. Ang and I couldn't really find any though, and Nathan was too busy flirting, but at least we got a pretty view. 

This seahorse called, The Leafy Sea Dragon ,was definitely my favorite fish we saw! I mean look at it. It looks so otherworldly to me. And when it moves it looks like it's dancing. 

Thank God for living on the same coast as friends! Time seems to be going by faster and faster, so any time with the people I love is cherished to me. Hopefully it won't take me several months before blogging something again, but in the meantime we'll be enjoying our fall weather (finally!) and getting into all the holiday things. I hope you will too :)

this month: november

FEELING : nervous, excited, and like a champ as I prepare to do something I have never done before (read EATING)

LEARNING : that kindness goes a long way.

PRACTICING : self-control with buying Christmas decor because these stores are k-i-l-l-i-n-g it. 

MASTERING : the nae nae. LOL

EATING : only Whole 30 approved food starting on the 9th with a few girl friends! we got this.

PLAYING : Adele's, "Hello" in excitement for her album '25'. coming about a month before I turn 25. *how timely

FINISHING : my old schedule at work to transition to having Fridays and Saturdays off! Thank You Lord!!

READING : "Rising Strong" by Brene Brown and so far it's been life changing. Big statement, but so true.

WATCHING : Christmas movies at the end of the month :)

WEARING : gloves! yep, I cant believe it either, but that's what happens when you work in the mountains.

WORKING : out again on a regular basis after finally accepting that our Cali lifestyle is not = to our Chicago one but
WALKING : everywhere is something I miss all the time.

TRAVELING : to LA for a day, and maybe to the dessert. Let's see!

DESIRING : all the chilly days for cozying up.

CELEBRATING : Thanksgiving!! I just love the holidays...

this month: october

FEELING : ready to start making our Christmas cards and buy all things Christmas! Too soon? :)

LEARNING : that it's ok to ask for what you need, and not feel sorry about it.

PRACTICING : self-care. (thanks Moody)

MASTERING: patience with the foster kids I work with, slowly but surely....

EATING : so many avocados because paying $.49 verses $1.50 (Chicago price) each makes me want to buy them all!

PLAYING : those dag on p90x videos again; they always find their way back into my life. lol

FINISHING : this post has taken me way too long.

READING : a new book, finally! 

WATCHING : Ted talks here and there.

WEARING : more sweaters and boots, figures crossed!

WORKING : on getting back to blogging. it's going to happen people...
WALKING : back to Target to return the perfect media cabinet that came with very imperfect scratches. #thestruggle

TRAVELING : locally, as we plan to stay put for a bit.

DESIRING : to watch the sunset every night by the ocean.

CELEBRATING : this abundant life!