Week in Review March 20
What a crazy, busy, fun, emotional week! It seemed like I was working at warp speed trying to accomplish everything that needed to get done during the first part of the week so that I could fly to California the second part of the week. Of course, as often happens when in a hurry EVERYTHING seems to need attention immediately which makes you feel even more behind. Thank goodness Kim is not working this week, he is recovering from his surgery, but he feels good enough to be a terrific babysitter, chauffeur, as well as counselor for all the females in his family.
Wednesday I ended up with two meetings at work, one for the Civility Committee I am on and also a faculty meeting to work on the accreditation process. Preparing for accreditation is a monumental process and requires hours and hours of work. I feel very fortunate that there are some incredibly smart people doing most of the work and that I get to ride on their coattails.
I was accidentally drafted onto the Civility Committee for Eagle Gate, I was supposed to be part of another committee but somehow the names got switched. I think that it was divine intervention as I am a firm believer in fostering civility and the other faculty member is much better suited for the other committee. We are trying to plan a program where civility will be addressed in each and every semester of school so that the students (and faculty) will be well indoctrinated in fighting incivility throughout their careers. Unfortunately there is so much name calling, gossip, and cruel acts in the world. I'm glad that I can make a small step in fighting it.
Since my faculty meeting was in Salt Lake and my flight for San Diego left the next morning at 5:00 am I decided to stay the night in a motel near the airport. I was hoping for some room service, quiet time, and to get a little work done. Unfortunately my motel did not offer room service and the only places that delivered would have brought way too much food. I looked for a fast food place close, but no go, so I headed to the only local restraunt. It was actually pretty good, but it took most of the evening so no work got done. Just a bite to eat and then to bed for my early morning.
Apparently I forgot how much time it requires to get through security in the airport (or I mistakenly thought that only fools like me would be flying so blasted early in the morning). After arriving at the airport I realized that I had made a miscalculation on the time it would take to get to my gate. First of all I had to park the car, walk to the nearest shuttle stop, and then wait for the shuttle. The shuttle was full, but I crowded in and arrived at the security line. WHAT IN THE WORLD? There were literally hundreds of people in line! Most of them were high school cheerleaders heading to Disneyland for a national competition.
After I FINALLY got through the security line, I gathered up all of my stuff and headed to the gate. All of the sudden I head an overhead last call for my flight - and I was still a considerable distance away. Yes, I ran through the airport!
I made it, but only by seconds. I was the last person on the plane. Whew! too close for comfort!
On the plane, relaxing, eyes closed, so excited to see Tasha. Luckily it was an uneventful flight, Changed planes in Phoenix, and finally I arrived. Warm temperature, light breeze, wispy white clouds, palm trees, smell and sounds of the ocean, orange Birds of Paradise on every corner.
Wednesday I ended up with two meetings at work, one for the Civility Committee I am on and also a faculty meeting to work on the accreditation process. Preparing for accreditation is a monumental process and requires hours and hours of work. I feel very fortunate that there are some incredibly smart people doing most of the work and that I get to ride on their coattails.
I was accidentally drafted onto the Civility Committee for Eagle Gate, I was supposed to be part of another committee but somehow the names got switched. I think that it was divine intervention as I am a firm believer in fostering civility and the other faculty member is much better suited for the other committee. We are trying to plan a program where civility will be addressed in each and every semester of school so that the students (and faculty) will be well indoctrinated in fighting incivility throughout their careers. Unfortunately there is so much name calling, gossip, and cruel acts in the world. I'm glad that I can make a small step in fighting it.
Since my faculty meeting was in Salt Lake and my flight for San Diego left the next morning at 5:00 am I decided to stay the night in a motel near the airport. I was hoping for some room service, quiet time, and to get a little work done. Unfortunately my motel did not offer room service and the only places that delivered would have brought way too much food. I looked for a fast food place close, but no go, so I headed to the only local restraunt. It was actually pretty good, but it took most of the evening so no work got done. Just a bite to eat and then to bed for my early morning.
Apparently I forgot how much time it requires to get through security in the airport (or I mistakenly thought that only fools like me would be flying so blasted early in the morning). After arriving at the airport I realized that I had made a miscalculation on the time it would take to get to my gate. First of all I had to park the car, walk to the nearest shuttle stop, and then wait for the shuttle. The shuttle was full, but I crowded in and arrived at the security line. WHAT IN THE WORLD? There were literally hundreds of people in line! Most of them were high school cheerleaders heading to Disneyland for a national competition.
After I FINALLY got through the security line, I gathered up all of my stuff and headed to the gate. All of the sudden I head an overhead last call for my flight - and I was still a considerable distance away. Yes, I ran through the airport! I made it, but only by seconds. I was the last person on the plane. Whew! too close for comfort!On the plane, relaxing, eyes closed, so excited to see Tasha. Luckily it was an uneventful flight, Changed planes in Phoenix, and finally I arrived. Warm temperature, light breeze, wispy white clouds, palm trees, smell and sounds of the ocean, orange Birds of Paradise on every corner.
I love San Diego!
Tasha and I drove down to Coronado and walked around. It is so beautiful!
We were hoping to be able to get pedicures but they were too busy so we decided to head up to Mission Mall and do some shopping. I found a new swim suit (something that was very needed) and Tash found a really cute shirt. It was so fun just to stroll through the outdoor mall and talk. I miss Tash! We found a great place for lunch call Ruby's Diner. It was a sixties-style diner with decor and service that was reminiscent of the 1960s. Tasha and I got shared a guacamole burger that was fabulous. We also got deep fried green beans that were really good. And of course you can't go to a 60's diner without getting a hand-dipped milkshake. Yummy salted caramel and chocolate!
That night we had the opportunity to go to dinner with Nadia, Jennilee, and Paige, friends of Tasha and Zane. We went to a fun place called the Yard House
Because it was St. Patricks day they served green beer in these yard tall glasses,
I don't drink beer, but I thought it was a fun gimmick! The food was really good! Take a look at Zane's shepherd's pie!
It was fun getting to know Nadia. She is a professional singer, unfortunately I didn't get to hear her sing, but Tasha tells me that she is amazing!
The next day I think all of the stressors I have been carrying came to a head and I decided to have a total melt down complete with tears and sobs so hard I couldn't talk. I felt bad that I chose to have the melt down while on vacation, but Tasha was very kind and just let me vent. It worked out well because I felt much better after the meltdown and was able to enjoy the rest of the vacation - AND Tasha paid me back a few days later with a meltdown of her own. Unfortunately for her, she inherited my emotional instability!
Later that day we headed to the mall so Tasha could get her hair highlighted and to get bangs.
While she was being beautified I did a lot of window shopping, thoroughly enjoying the warm weather and down time. When she finished we decided to get pedicures. I LOVE PEDICURES! It was so nice to sit in the massage chair and have my feet worked on. Perfect!
Then to top off the day we went home and met up with Zane and then hit the hot tub. What a relaxing way to end a day that started off stressed. We played several games of Nertz and Club 7 until bedtime.
The next day we got up early for a trip to the zoo! Yea! It was so fun! Tasha and Zane have season tickets and go frequently so they were great tour guides to show me all of the best viewing places and the funnest animals to watch.
We were in the exact right place to watch the trainers take a cheetah for a walk along with his dog companion. It was amazing, yet a bit unnerving to be so close to an uncaged, wild cheetah!
Since it is spring there were plenty of baby animals to adore. There was a very cute baby monkey that was jumping from rock to rope and back again with perfect balance and agility. It was fun to watch as he climbed under her belly as she walked to a corner where she breastfed him. There was the most adorable little orangutan that kept hanging upside down from a rope with just one foot! There was a "little" giraffe that was over 7 feet tall when he was born!
The mamma hippo was quite active, but her "little" baby was content to just sit and watch all of the people and then fell asleep. I don't remember ever seeing an okapi before. It was fascinating.
After the zoo it there was time for naps, more hot tubbing, movies and more games. Ah, the relaxing life! I have too few times in line to relax and absolutely took advantage!
The next day Tasha had to work for a few hours so Zane and I just chilled at the apartment.
He sat on the bean bag and played videos games and I caught up on some work. When Tasha got home we met with a realtor to tour a house. Zane and Tasha are thinking about investing in a house and this was the first house they looked at. Personally, I am flabbergasted at the house prices! I can't imagine having enough money to ever pay for a house in San Diego! The house we looked at was nice, but VERY small!
It was newly flipped and in good shape. The listed price was $425,000! For only 725 square feet! The biggest draw for this house was that it had a large (for California) back yard. I'm pretty sure that this house is not going to be the one for them, but it was fun to look.
Later that night we joined Zane's cousin's for a taco and game night. Zane's cousins Nicole and Ryan were so much fun! Ryan's girlfriend Chritina is an amazing cook. We had a wonderful time.
I'm so glad that they live close so Tasha and Zane can see them often. Having family close by alleviates just a little of my fear of them living so far away.
THIS WEEK I AM GRATEFUL FOR: Time spent with my Tasha and Zane in the beautiful warm city of San Diego. For memories made, for fun and laughter, and for leaning on each other when we are feeling down.
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| This is our sad faces that we couldn't have a spa day at the Del |
That night we had the opportunity to go to dinner with Nadia, Jennilee, and Paige, friends of Tasha and Zane. We went to a fun place called the Yard House
Because it was St. Patricks day they served green beer in these yard tall glasses,
I don't drink beer, but I thought it was a fun gimmick! The food was really good! Take a look at Zane's shepherd's pie! |
| That is HUGE! |
The next day I think all of the stressors I have been carrying came to a head and I decided to have a total melt down complete with tears and sobs so hard I couldn't talk. I felt bad that I chose to have the melt down while on vacation, but Tasha was very kind and just let me vent. It worked out well because I felt much better after the meltdown and was able to enjoy the rest of the vacation - AND Tasha paid me back a few days later with a meltdown of her own. Unfortunately for her, she inherited my emotional instability!
Later that day we headed to the mall so Tasha could get her hair highlighted and to get bangs.
Then to top off the day we went home and met up with Zane and then hit the hot tub. What a relaxing way to end a day that started off stressed. We played several games of Nertz and Club 7 until bedtime.
 |
| Love relaxing in the hot tub! |
The next day we got up early for a trip to the zoo! Yea! It was so fun! Tasha and Zane have season tickets and go frequently so they were great tour guides to show me all of the best viewing places and the funnest animals to watch.
 |
| San Diego Zoo! |
We were in the exact right place to watch the trainers take a cheetah for a walk along with his dog companion. It was amazing, yet a bit unnerving to be so close to an uncaged, wild cheetah!
Since it is spring there were plenty of baby animals to adore. There was a very cute baby monkey that was jumping from rock to rope and back again with perfect balance and agility. It was fun to watch as he climbed under her belly as she walked to a corner where she breastfed him. There was the most adorable little orangutan that kept hanging upside down from a rope with just one foot! There was a "little" giraffe that was over 7 feet tall when he was born!
The mamma hippo was quite active, but her "little" baby was content to just sit and watch all of the people and then fell asleep. I don't remember ever seeing an okapi before. It was fascinating.
The next day Tasha had to work for a few hours so Zane and I just chilled at the apartment.
Later that night we joined Zane's cousin's for a taco and game night. Zane's cousins Nicole and Ryan were so much fun! Ryan's girlfriend Chritina is an amazing cook. We had a wonderful time.
I'm so glad that they live close so Tasha and Zane can see them often. Having family close by alleviates just a little of my fear of them living so far away.
THIS WEEK I AM GRATEFUL FOR: Time spent with my Tasha and Zane in the beautiful warm city of San Diego. For memories made, for fun and laughter, and for leaning on each other when we are feeling down.
Comments
Did you do you Zoo collage on Picasa? Picture pile maybe? It's so cool!
Loved to read all about your fun week!