My Birthday Fun

 First of all, I'm sorry with all the weirdness blogger has been having lately. My last post pretty much disappeared. No worries though, nothing has changed.

 I'm here to talk about my birthday weekend and how fantastic it was! Gary came home Friday night, and we went a few places, but mostly stayed at home nice and cozy. We had a trip ahead of us!

Saturday was amazing. We awoke around 8-9am (nice) and started getting ready for the day. We packed up our stuff and headed out to the temple! We didn't have a session time planned, it was more "whatever time it's closest to when we get there". We arrived a little after 1 o'clock session and decided we were going to go to the 2 o'clock session. Unfortunately we never got to check out the new Visitor's Center (bummer), but instead bought a few things from the Distribution Center. After we entered the temple and waited for our session, we noticed it was clearly East Stake temple day and I saw many people from Monica ward and a few other East stake wards. Some people I saw I hadn't seen in years. It was great. They were just coming out of a session, so we didn't get to sit with them, but that's okay. A young girl, by herself, walked shyly into the seating area and glanced around, asking, "Is this where we wait for a session?" When someone answered yes, she sat down. I noticed she had been fiddling with an engagement ring and the dress she had been wearing was very bride-like. I felt a little sad she was by herself (minus her husband-to-be on the other side), but happy she chose this path.

Anyway, the session was wonderful as always and Gary and I used the time after to ponder and pray for confirmation about the adoption idea. I hadn't received anything and wanted to cry (I realized later I had been thinking too hard, but Gary had received answers and his words made me feel a ton better, allowing me to relax and feel the spirit myself). We are still going to pursue adoption. When I said "soon", I didn't mean right this week or day, but soon. Few weeks to a few months. Gary was told we need to prepare just a little more and we'll know when it's the right time. I completely trust him. I've actually reached the point where I've accepted the fact I may never get pregnant. It feels good to finally accept that. I know years from now it's still a possibility, but I've let it go. It was a nice free feeling.

We spent the rest of our Saturday in various places, mostly in the Woodland Hills area. We shopped the Topanga Westfield mall and area, then finally headed home and crashed. It was a perfect Saturday.

Sunday was stake conference, so we just enjoyed the day. No big worries, just relaxed and had a fabulous day together.

Then Monday-my birthday! I awoke around 8 o'clock to several, and I mean several, text messages from various people wishing me a happy birthday. I was also tempted to turn off my Facebook notifications on my cell phone, but decided to let it be. Gary awoke shortly after and told me to make plans if I wanted to do anything fun today. I spent awhile (the night before too) trying to figure out where I wanted to go. The original plan was head to Ventura and do some light shopping on the beach. The weather was a bit cold and rainy. As much as Ventura is always a perfect idea, for some reason I was in a bit more of a city mood. I'm not a city girl at all, but I do love visiting big cities occasional for fun; I just can't live there. I noticed a Bass Pro Shop in Rancho Cucamonga, but the drive was rather a long distance (hour away, but 2 hours in traffic). I also thought about Santa Barbara, but too far. Finally I told myself to just pick something.

Gary and I have been in Santa Clarita for over 2 years now, and had yet to visit Hollywood itself (except for a few shopping places in N. Hollywood). It never seemed like a big deal to me, but I decided I wanted to go today. So, we went. We visited the Hollywood and Highland center. To our surprise, it was less than 30 miles away and we didn't have to touch the 405. It took us maybe 20 mins to get there. See how much I know LA? Haha.

I know, this is a crappy view. We were going to head up there after the shopping, but couldn't find our way. So, not wanting to deal with the traffic, we headed out. No biggies.

Not really a fan, but this was the first building upon entering Hollywood Blvd.

We were going to eat lunch there, but changed our minds. Instead, we ate at a fantastic little pizzeria and had calzones. Mmm, it was delicious!

Walk of Fame. Of course, they were all up and down Hollywood Blvd, but still, wanted to get a shot. Partial-Gary in there. 

Kodak Theatre (Academy Awards and other big events are here)

Ripley's Believe it or not Museum. What a fun tour! It was about an hour long (self-guided) with lots of interesting little facts, passages, etc. I loved all the cool light effects, music, games, illusions, etc. We enjoyed it very much.

 There was also the Guinness tour and Wax Museum tour. Sorry I didn't take too many pictures! We were too busy having fun. I realized later we didn't have any pictures of each other. Oh, well. We had a definite blast! Gary even bought me a few nice presents :) I was super spoiled.

After spending the day in Hollywood, we decided to head North and let Gary enjoy his favorite super video game store. We finally headed home after, then shortly went out for ice cream and Chick fil-A. I didn't feel like cooking on my birthday, lol.

It was such a wonderful weekend! Starting with that temple trip was just amazing. Time to enjoy another day off. Things to do!

Thank you for all the birthday wishes!

North Hollywood Shopping

  Gary and I enjoyed our weekend together. When Gary came home from work Friday evening, we planned out what we were going to do. Since he has been collecting retro video games and systems, he wanted to find a place which sells things like that. Anyway, the search began. We also discussed going out of town as well. Finally, I found a place in N. Hollywood called Game Dude. So, we decided to go and check it out.

 Gary was in heaven! I can't even begin to count how many games we saw. They have everything from the classic Nintendo games (and systems) to games and systems I had never heard of, to today's games and systems. We spent a good amount of time in there while he was able to browse. It was also huge! Not the typical video game store size. It was a warehouse of games and systems, used and new. We were even wondering how they were able to obtain certain games and systems. Finally, we left with a few games and a Sega Dreamcast to add to his collection. He was one happy boy! A kid in a candy store.

We headed out after that, and decided we wanted to head to the city since we were more in the industrial area. I used Google on my phone to see what was next on the list. I came across something called Citywalk (yes, I admit I didn't know what it was), and mentioned it to Gary. Holy cow was it nuts! We drove there to check it out, but didn't want to pay for parking. Husband promises next time though. Plus, it was a Friday night. You can imagine how crowded it was. Of course it was part of Universal City. I knew that :)

 Me+Crowds= Not going to breathe/panic attacks. So, of course, we turned around and headed back home after a bit. He says we'll plan it out next time and go during the day.

When Saturday rolled around, we were lazy. Well, mostly because I had to work that evening. But Gary and I went to a few places and shopped around. Nothing big, though.

Sunday was great! I always love fast and testimony meeting and hearing the testimonies of others. The lessons in class and RS were about repentance and forgiveness. Thank goodness for the atonement and having that blessing. Makes all the difference in the world. Gary also had the opportunity to speak to the bishop about a lot of things, giving him updates on our life, etc. It was nice. We came home and enjoyed the rest of the day together.

I am NOT looking forward to working today. I work from like 1-9:30. Ugh. I'll make it through, though. Anyway, time for laundry and other things. Bye!

October!

 I loooove October! It's one of my favorite months! Not only because the 25th is the best day ever, but the obvious changes in season (I just realized the 25th will be my "lucky" birthday since I'll be turning 25). Halloween decorations are already up! And I know, I change my layout a lot. What can I say? I have no life :)

Gary and I didn't watch the Saturday session until later, because we had plans Saturday. We got up early Saturday morning and went to yard sales. Bought a few nice things, but nothing too big. We also went to the Swap Meet at the Saugus Speedway and browsed a lot of items. We came home with a $30 disc doctor (which we bought for a buck), and an old Tetris game. Remember how I mentioned Gary bought that Retron? Yesterday his Sega Genesis came. He was able to find the Model 1. In fact, he ordered the Model II Genesis, but the guy accidentally sent him the original...which is way better! Gary contacted the guy, and he said, "Whoops, my bad. Eh, oh well. Just keep it." Lol. He also shipped us a collection of games which were kept in almost perfect condition. Gary was extremely impressed the way this guy kept his collectibles almost untouched. So now Gary's adding to his 200+ video game collection using older games and systems. Fun! We've played NBA Jam, Mortal Combat, Sonic, Taz, and a couple of others. I remember when we weren't allowed to play Mortal Combat because of the "blood". Lol! Wow things have sure changed.

So, our Saturday was nice. I was called in to work that evening, however, so I spent the rest of the evening at work. It's all good though.

Sunday morning, we woke up, crawled into our PJ's and blankets, and turned on Conference. Wow, it was amazing! So spiritually uplifting and marvelous, hearing all the words of the prophet and other church leaders. We very much enjoyed it. Definitely gives the week ahead a bit of a boost. During the break between conferences, I decided I wanted to start putting up Halloween decorations. Our front hallway closet is where my seasonal decorations are. So, I opened up the closet and shook my head. There was no way. It was so stuffed with junk and unorganized. I eventually pulled everything out, placed all the Halloween decorations aside, threw away boxes and other things, folded all the blankets and stacked all the games. I then reorganized that closet- took me about an hour. It looks wonderful, but I realized instantly why we're told to rest on the sabbath. I was stressed and a bit irritable from all of that. I even started getting snappy with Gary when I couldn't find the nails. I eventually went to the bedroom to vent to the kitties who just meowed and purred at me. Finally I sat on the bed and thought about conference and how I just completely distracted myself by cleaning, pushing away the spirit. So, I got down and prayed. Boy did that feel better! I came out and apologized to my poor husband, and he just smiled and told some nerdy joke to lighten the mood. We then together put up the decorations, then went our way to finish the other section of Conference. A perfect Sunday!

So, today was apparently supposed to be sunny, according to the weather channel. Yeah, right! It's been raining like mad. But I love it. We had a super awesome thunder and lightning storm the other night (Friday night, early Saturday morning). When we were driving around town Friday night, we saw the lightning flashing every few minutes. Pretty sweet. That night, I awoke around 3am to really loud booming sounds. I sat up quickly, not sure what the noise was at first. Dexter was hiding under the bed, Lila was on the floor staring up at me. I heard the rain in the background, and assumed it was thunder. I peeked out the window just in time to see a bolt of lightning, followed by another booming sound. So, I sighed of relief and went back to bed. It kept me up for about another hour, but finally I passed out and was able to go back to sleep. You should have come sooner, storm! At least I would have been able to stay up and watch it.

As for our apartment and management, we still haven't heard anything. I noticed yesterday, however, other neighbors had also taken down their wind chimes and hummingbird feeders. Management= jerks. Gary came home again from work on Friday, telling me about a house in Lancaster his boss showed him. 6 bedrooms, over 3000 square feet, huge lot and yard, etc. I asked Gary what in the world we would do with that much space, but he didn't seem to care. Lol.  I guess his boss really IS trying to get him to stay. Haha. Lancaster is very affordable. Gary says bigger the better. We'll see.

October: My birthday, baby Lexi is born, Jazzy's 16th birthday (she should be grounded for...8 years since she's not allowed to be that old), Halloween, Halloween parties, etc. Good stuff! We have a big party to attend near the end of the month. Excited!!

Anyway, I believe that's all for now. Bye!