Small Trips

 Okay, so we've definitely been enjoying our new ride! We've been taking small trips here and there (not a lot, because we still have to pay for gas like everyone else). It's mostly to spend time with one another, which is always nice.

We originally planned on hitting the beach, but when we noticed it was going to be a little cold there, we drove down to Los Angeles instead. We hit the Getty Museum, which I have never been to. Gary went there in high school for a field trip with his honor's history class, but I was new to it. It's amazing what's all around us, yet we haven't done too much exploring.

It was a lot bigger than I expected- but a good trip indeed. We spent about 3 hours there walking the grounds, relaxing in the sun at the garden, and of course, observing the art and sculptures. Gary was hoping for more ancient things, but he still enjoyed it.

We ate lunch there at the cafe, then decided next time we'd bring our own lunch and sit at the garden area and have a picnic. The weather was so nice!

Beautiful Garden area

Nice View from up top of LA

Okay, we got a kick out of this one. If you look closely, you can see why Gary laughed and said, "Even the museum is racist." Of course they're not, but you'll see it.

Us!

At the entrance

After our trip at the museum, we hit the LA Farmer's Market. Parking was insane (free, but insane), but we made it and strolled around, buying some almonds, pistachios, and fresh strawberries.

Next week the beach will be in the 70's, so that will probably be our next trip. Anyone is welcome to join us!

We also decided we're going to visit museums and other places downtown more often- they are fun, free dates with not too much of a drive.

A couple of weeks ago, before Valentine's Day, there was a ward activity for the adults. It was a dinner, dessert, and presentations on building a stronger marriage. There were speakers giving advice about dates and other things, and even drawings. It was great! We came back with a 3-4 page list on the many free date ideas, and the women received another big list on things we can do for our husbands.

If you want copies, just ask! I'll copy it and send one over to you. Some of the ideas are so neat! This is for all couples, children or not. So we've been going through those to spend more time with one another.

Anyway, that's what we've been up to!

Valentine's Day

 For me, Valentine's Day was more busy than romantic, but I'll go ahead and share about what's going on in the Pollock household.

First of all, it was 7 years ago yesterday Gary asked me out on our second 1st date (like I said, long story, which you can find here). I'm SO glad I said yes. That date led to another- then several others. I'm seriously the happiest girl and so glad I ended up marrying this handsome man. I have to admit- I love the beard. I think it works better than his baby face.

 I had the day off yesterday, which was fantastic. The family I work for on Thursdays actually went out of their way to make arrangements to give me the day off so I could spend it with my sweetheart. Love!

I spent most of the day cleaning the apartment, grocery shopping, running errands, etc (pretty much a typical day off, right?). I went to Sears and bought Gary a nice tool cabinet for all of his tools that lay around everywhere and a nice card.

When he came home, we headed over to a car dealership- and purchased our first new car!

Now, before you think we just strolled in there and bought a car, that's not true. We've been on the search for quite some time now. We've spoken to many sales people, did some bidding wars, did our research, sent emails, and visited other places. So we were prepared!

What I wasn't prepared for was the 4 hour wait. This was my first time going through a new car purchase, so I didn't expect it would take SO long! I heard buying a used is even longer. It was crazy. Anyway, we were excited when we finally got to drive off.

 It's a new 2013 KIA Soul. We picked it because of all the great features and reviews. It was featured in Reader's Digest (I'm a subscribed reader, so I showed it to Gary) and various other sources as a recommended vehicle. I did several comparisons to other similar cars and this one kept coming back on top. Like I said, we did our research since we've never owned a KIA before. We were told they have gone up in reliability over the years. Anyway, we took it for a test drive and loved it.

It will mostly be Gary's car, but I get to play too, so there. It comes with Bluetooth calling (so we can talk through the car and not phone), XM radio, great mileage (has an ECO option), trip computer, USB plugins and ipod integration (though we don't own ianything), and a fully installed alarm system.

There are more neat features, but what we love most is the space! We call it the Tardis (for you Dr.Who fans), because it looks small outside but it's super roomy and spacious on the inside. The trunk is deep and roomy, it's high for taller drivers, and there's a lot of leg room. The back seats can fold flat for even more space- it's awesome. We were very impressed.

Anyway, that was our Valentine's Day. Gary promises today will be more romantic, so we will be celebrating the romantic portion of it today.

We also have some awesome news, but it will have to wait. And no, it doesn't involve future little ones- sorry to disappoint.

So that's that! Time for work. Thank goodness it's Friday!

Here's a Post

   I've been pretty terrible at posting blogs- but again, there's been nothing too exciting going on. So I'll just randomize this and keep it short and simple.

 Gary spent a week and half in Canada for his job for systems integration. He stayed in Toronto and went with a group of coworkers. Besides the cold (which he said nobody hangs out outside anyway, so it wasn't a big deal), it was fine. He went to some sports games and did a little sightseeing (Niagara Falls). He was glad to come home though- and I was glad to see him! I shoved in some extra hours at work while he was gone just because. While it was nice having some time to myself, I quickly became bored and a little lonely (though I went out with some people and did quite the shopping). It's still nice having a husband around.

My job is going well, despite some challenges I'm dealing with (a parent situation). I'm working great hours (Mon-Fri) and even received a promotion recently with a great pay increase. So all is well!

Besides work, we've been enjoying the 70's over here.The weather has been so nice and I'm loving it. We've been going out a lot and walking more often because of it (and I'm putting my runners to use).

But yes, that's pretty much the update- I told you we're uneventful here.

Well, until I can come up with more cool stuff, this is all you get. Bye!