JERSEY SHORE

JULY 5-10, 2009

While I was stuck in Millville, NJ with no flights, Chris and I were bored out of our minds and decided to explore the Jersey Shore. The beach cities are very victorian and old fashioned with minature golf around every corner. We went to Cape May on our first day and found out that we had to pay to get onto the beach! It was $5 for the day. I was shocked. I have never had to pay to get on any beach in California, let alone my whole life.

("YOU ARE NOW ENTERING THE BOARDWALK OF FAME AND HAPPINESS")

Our second day we went to Wildwood beach because we found out that it is one of the only beaches you don't have to pay to go to. It was also not as nice. They had a boardwalk with a hundred pizzerias, ice cream shops and souvenir stores.

Walking along the boardwalk I was taken back to when I was a child and had a hermit crab. They had so many crabs for sale along the way.

At the end of the boardwalk was an amusement park with arcades, roller coasters and rides. There is definitely something for everyone.

My last day in town I went down to Ocean City to visit a friend from Denver who happened to be at his parents beach house. Ocean City is by far my favorite beach out of the three. It was clean, beautiful and less congested. It was nice to be around my friends family and to have a home cooked meal. I guess if I have to be stuck in Millville at least I have the beach, even if it is the Dirty Jersey Shore.

WINE TASTING- ROUND 2

JUNE 27, 2009

And the wine tasting adventures continue....

For Heather Hunter's 24th Birthday, she decided to rent a bus and go wine tasting up in Temecula. We started drinking mimosas as we waiting for the bus to arrive. The bus was...well lets just say...not so glamorous. We loaded in and there was a shattered window along with an abundance of flies surfacing from within the bus. There were also signs taped on all the windows saying " DO NOT SEAT HERE". 

As we started the adventure, we found out that the bus did not want to go much faster than 20mph up any incline. The drive to the winery took us more than 2 hours. It was very hot and after a bathroom break, we opened up the emergency exits which helped with circulation and those who wanted to smoke. 

I don't think Nick realized we were going to Temecula and how hot it would be, but his armpits sure did! "Sometimes you pay the price for high fashion"

(Nick and Emily) 

We were the "cool kids" in the back of the bus!

(Bryan, Heather, Tyler, Melissa, Emily, friend, Nick) 

(Tyler and I at Wilson Creek)

Our first stop was at Wilson Creek Winery, and as we pulled into the lot in our classy limo, we were approached by staff. They did not know if they could accomodate our big party since we did not have a reservation. We all snuck off, and eventually snuck our way into the winery. Heather was immediately cut off at the first winery of the day. It's her birthday, she can't help it! 

Back on the bus we headed to Ponte which we were not allowed in. We moved on to South Coast Winery and after much negogiating we were able to go wine tasting. After a lot of wine we were all famished but did not have time to eat. We stopped on the way home to get more alcohol and some snacks.

 

(Nick, Heather, Tyler, and I)

With a long bus ride ahead of us, we all got restless and we started having a blueberry muffin fight.  On the bus ride up Bryan kept stealing peoples sandals, so finally I grabbed one and smacked him in the face. It was pretty hilarious and lets just say, he didn't steal another sandal all day. Bryan and I were out to get each other. ...I think I won! People were dancing, smoking, drinking and better yet...taking pictures.  We started the day at noon and finally made it home around 7:30pm. Lets just say- it was a hot, long day of deubachery. 

(Bryan and I and our blueberry muffin fight)

IMAGINE ART SHOW

JUNE 26, 2009

There was an art show at the Hard Rock Hotel so a few of us decided to check it out. We convinced Bryan to go with us and jumped on the Coaster where we met Kristin and her friend Anthony. Once we got to the Hard Rock, Pinkberry, my favorite frozen yogurt place, was giving out free yogurt to promote their new flavors. I was in heaven! 

(Kristin and Myself @ Float) 

Once we got to the show we realized there was an open bar until 9pm. The line being really long, we decided to go ahead and jump in and hope for the best. After waiting almost an hour we were the last group served before the open bar was closed! Of course we took advantage of the situation and all ordered two drinks- double fisting it for sure! 

(Kristin, Myself, Anthony, Tyler, and Bryan all w. our drinks)

I have the most amazing boyfriend ever! He is always so loving and nice to me. After a few drinks he gets silly, hungry and then turns into a monster! Watch out...he might come for you next! 

I couldn't help but to include this photo of Bryan. It is just hilarious and this is about how insane we all felt at the end of the night. It was all unexpected but we had a great time. 

(Bryan Davis in rare form!)

(Myself and Kristin waiting for the train)

On our train ride home Kristin and Anthony were way to BOOORRRIINNNGGG and Tyler was definitely making fun of them...in this picture on the window is the word "BORING", you may not be able to see it but its there, I promise you! 

(Kristin and Anthony being BBBOOOORRRRIiiiNNNGGG!!!)

Once we got back to Encinitas we met up with Darin and ventured down 101 to Beach Side and then to 1st street. The fun continued and soon we were joined by Tyler's roomates. After we had drank enough and the bars closed, Tyler and I thought it a good idea to go to Filibertos for some carne asada fries! When we arrived the line was so long and soon we witnessed a fight because one guy was claiming that if you aren't from Encinitas to leave. Idiot. We cut the line, got our food, and enjoyed the most delicious yet worst thing you could put in your body!

 What a wonderful night....

BOISE

JUNE 17-20, 2009

 

We landed into Boise around 5pm. On Wednesday's throughout summer they have "ALIVE at FIVE" in downtown Boise which consists of music, beer, and entertainment. We decided to check it out. Unfortunately, it had been canceled this week. There were still a lot of people out and we went and had some Mexican food. After dinner we walked around and came across a splash pad in a courtyard. This little girl was one of a few kids running through it. She was just too cute and soon soaking wet.

The next day Mitch joined me on a 7 mile walk along Boise's Greenbelt. It runs along the river and is longer than 20 miles. Along the trail there is a zoo, parks, homes, golf course and driving range, and businesses. 

Many people ride their bikes along this path. 

 

(View of the River)

(Tons of Geese and their young in the park)

On our 3rd Day in Boise I walked along the greenbelt again for 5 miles. Later that afternoon I went to the driving range with Mitch and Jerry. After, we decided to go exploring and check out some huge houses up in the hills. After cruising around we spotted a dirt road that looked like it woul lead us to the top of the mountain. We found the gate and since it wasn't locked and didn't have any trespassing signs, we decided to go through. However, Mitch decided to squeeze through the gate and scratched the right side of our car pretty bad. After contemplating our mission, we went through to quickly find a dead end. We kept on our journey and came across the dam and some beautiful scenery. 

Famished, we stopped and had dinner at ONO Cafe, a hawaiian restaurant. It was amazing and made me feel like I was in Hawaii. After dinner we got a paint pen to try to fix the scratches on the car. Hopefully with a little dirt, they won't even notice. 

(Mitch and Jerry fixing the car) 

Our last day in Boise we headed downtown to have some lunch and kill time before our departure at 7pm. Once again the Farmers Market was going on but was much larger and more crowded than Thursday. They had booths with produce, spices, jams, meats, flowers, desserts, crafts, jewelry, and art. After we walked around we had lunch at Bonefish Grill which was excellent. Finally it was time to get out of Boise! Due to good weather it wasn't too bad, but 5 days was much too long for me! 

FIESTA DEL SOL

JUNE 7, 2009

Fiesta del Sol happens every June in Solana Beach, CA. There are various vendors with art, jewelry, clothes, fair rides, and great food! We started off at the beach first, where there were some people hang gliding over the beach. 

(Deedra, Me, & Kristin)

Then we walked around the fair followed by some beer, beer buddies, and basketball at Pizza Port. We headed down to the stage to go watch the Devastators and Donovan Frankenreiter. It was a great time with great friends on a wonderful Sunday Funday.

(Donovan Frankenreiter)

LAKERS FINALS!

JUNE 4, 2009

I was privileged enough to be invited to the first NBA Finals game at the Staples Center. Upon arrival I found out that I would be sitting in the 2^nd row! I was so excited. They were the best seats I have ever had. There were so many celebrities within reach such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguirre, Kanye West, Lil’ Wayne, Rick Fox, Sofia Bush and Jack Nicholson. Best of all- The LAKERS WON!

HAWAII

MAY 22-27, 2009

Arrived in Hawaii about 12 hours prior to my parents flying over from Maui. I checked into the hotel and walked down to the Yardhouse to watch the basketball game. Afterwards I walked to Ala Moana Mall to walk around and get some of my favorite mochi at the Shirokiya, the Japanese Market. The next day we went to a little art & craft fair in town. They had some great local art and photography along with unique jewelry.  We went to China town to get some produce for the week up at the North Shore and how could I forget..my favorite- POKE!

We got up to the north shore to the home we were renting for the week. It was up in the hills, very secluded and full of fruit trees . It was a nice change of pace.  We layed out on the beach and enjoyed the sun most days and watched a lot of basketball. It was such a treat to have so many wonderful home cooked meals as well. I walked the bike path every morning, which was a good 5.5-mile loop. I could really get use to this. 

(Sandbar)

Memorial Day I went to the Sandbar with Jimmy, my friend from college, and some of his friends. It was such a fun day. When we got there the tide was very low and so there was a ton of sand, but as the day went on the tide rose and everything started to float away. The weather was pretty cloudy but we still had a great time playing ladder golf, flip cup and floating in inner tubes.

(Tyler, Me, & Jimmy)

(Johanne & Myself)

On our last night we watched the sunset at turtle beach where there was a turtle out on the sand. It was really neat to watch them swimming in the ocean as well. Till the next time…. ALOHA!