Trailer Living vs Cali Living

For quite a while, Greg has known that he would be going to Long Beach, California for a conference. I, of course, begged him to let me go with him again, but he had been told that Long Beach is really dangerous, and that they should always have someone with  them, even if they were just wandering the hotel. Since I spent the majority of my time by the pool when we were in San Diego, so Greg didn't want me to be alone in Long Beach. Basically he told me I couldn't go, so instead of just staying home and going to work every day, I took the week off, I had "big plans" for the week, and didn't tell Greg, fearing that he would tell me I couldn't do it. I mean, better to ask forgiveness later than permission, right?

So I texted my friend Melanie asking her if she would be my "babysitter" while Greg was gone, since he was worried about me being by myself, and then if she would help me paint my living room and kitchen. We've lived in this house for 11 years now, and haven't really done too much to it, with the exception of the floor, which Greg did a few months ago.

The night before Greg left, he thought it might be a good idea to make me get on the floor and figure out a way to get up. I told him that it was probably a little too late to do it, but I complied. It's amazing how disconnected my mind and body are. I would think, "This is totally easy." And then my body would say, "Haha, you got punked!" But, I was able to eventually get myself up, it just took a little time as it totally wore me out.

So, Greg was leaving on Tuesday, September 20, so I took that day off to just relax, and then after dropping him off at the high school where they were all meeting, I headed out to Providence to get my hair done by the amazing Tami. I have always wanted platinum blonde hair, so I decided it was now or never. Of course it is going to take a little bit of time to get there, but I was happy with the results. Plus I got to spend an evening with one of my favorite people, laughing and chatting.

That night when Greg landed, he texted me pictures of his room and view.

 Looks pretty sketchy right?

 Oh, he's just eating dinner right next to the ocean No big deal!

 And yes, this is his view from his 15th floor, oceanside hotel room. Sketchy my a....

Apparently where they were, RIGHT on the beach was the nice part of Long Beach. Totally not fair!

And then throughout the week he would send me pictures of his view early in the morning. Jerk. (JK, I'm really glad he sent me pictures. I asked him to.)

So that was his view, and this was mine...Nice, cool, and rainy. I love rain, but I'm pretty sure I love California more.

Oh well. Day 1 of my project was underway. Melanie came over and we went to Home Depot to get our supplies, and we spent that day prepping the walls. I was a bit nervous because mobile home walls are built very differently than regular homes. So we just read a few articles online, and winged it! Melanie is a rockstar and did 99% of the work. I did what I could to help, but who knows how much help I actually was.

 I know, at this point you're wondering why on earth I would want to paint over the lovely wall paper, and paneling. I don't get it either....

Day 2 consisted of priming. Oh joyous priming! I was actually shocked at how much I was able to do. It wasn't near enough, but it was something!

This is what I got to look at, while Greg had different views. He told me when he got back that when he got bored at the conference, he would just leave and go hang out by the beach. Such a tough life, right?

I mean seriously, sitting here, feeling the ocean breeze? Of course he rubs it in everyday, still!

That evening he and some of the guys who went to the conference went to a Dodger's game. It's quite interesting how his opinions of things change once he actually does them! He always says, "I would not want to go to a professional game. I'd rather just watch from home." Blah, blah blah. He had a lot of fun. Got to see Stan Lee, and witness a walk-off homer. Poor guy!

Plus, a helmet full of nachos, and a Dodger Dog? I had Ramen noodles for dinner! Sucker!

He had a lot of fun, and I really did enjoy my project, but still was totally jealous!

Again, he was enjoying nice weather, and I was praying that our house wouldn't blow away. The rainstorm that hit was incredible! I haven't seen a storm like that in a long time, and even woke up to no power, and this view from my window.

Not sure what it was, but I'm sure glad it didn't hit my house!

Day 3 came, and I hear a knock at my door. It wasn't Melanie's soft knock, and was surprised to see my Bishop standing there. Apparently Melanie's husband texted my bishop to see if he could find some additional help. My bishop is also our home teacher, so while it was a bit embarrassing, I suppose it was okay.

He called a few other High Priests in our ward to come over and help as well. I felt totally useless standing there, but tried to help where I could. I had no idea what a process painting is, and am incredibly grateful for the help. It was a long day, but with Greg coming home that evening, I wanted to at least get my living room put back together. Melanie and my bishop stayed until late to help out. They are awesome. And Melanie, well, she's pretty much a rockstar! I am so grateful to have such an amazing friend!

Not going to lie, I was a bit nervous through the process. Change is hard, even if it means getting rid of ugly walls, and part of it was doing the project without Greg, and being away from him. This is the first time in our 11 years of marriage that I have been home alone overnight. I missed him a lot. But everything came together nicely.

So while he was enjoying his last day at the beach, I mean conference...

I was supervising the painting of my living room.

And then I waited for Greg to get home, and to see his reaction.

All he said was, "you rearranged the house." Typical Greg response. Then he told me all about his California adventures.

While I'm sad I wasn't able to go with him, I'm glad that he had the chance. Maybe he will be more willing to visit new places, because he always has so much fun!

I, on the other hand, love my new walls, and am grateful to all those who helped. I'm glad it is **nearly** done, and glad that I took the plunge to do it. Now to convince Melanie to help with the rest of the house...

Still need to put on the finishing touches, and put my pictures back up, but I'm happy with the results, and I think secretly, Greg is too!

This is how much he loved his trip!

California Dreamin'

Ah, man, going through these pictures makes me REALLY want to go back. I may need some time before continuing this post. **tears**

Anyway, so Greg had the opportunity to go to San Diego for a work conference back in June. I convinced him to let me tag along, and boy am I glad we got to go. It was amazing! I have been to San Diego one other time in my life {6 YEARS AGO} when we went to Sea World, but there is just something about California that I just can't get out of my head. I NEED to go back. I'm pretty sure I'm meant to live there.

Greg was thrilled to be flying. He hates flying, but I LOVE flying. I don't know if it's just because it means that I'm going on an adventure when I'm flying, or what, but I am obsessed. If my job required me to fly every now and then, I would NOT complain! (Hint hint....you know because so many of my co-workers read this blog). But seriously. I can't tell you how much I love flying. Seriously love it.

Here we are before boarding.

Waiting for take-off...Goodbye Utah

So close...

Hello Cali!

We had so much fun on the plane. I stared out the window the whole, Greg read and didn't cry.

And we've landed!! Oh my goodness. Everything about that place is just amazing. The weather was PERFECT, and the palm trees. I tried to convince Greg that we need to plant palm trees here, but he claims they will die. I just want to make it feel more like Cali and less like boring ol' Utah.

Greg was as excited as I was to be there.

There were about 10 or so of us on this trip. Greg knew all of them, but I only knew a few. Once we landed we took a shuttle to our hotel on hotel circle, where the convention was being held. The ride there was a little long as we got to San Diego around rush hour, but it was fun driving through the city and seeing different sites, with Greg saying, "There was a murder there" "There was a murder there too." It was loads of fun.

We checked into our hotel, which was awesome, and our view was fantastic!

We arrived on Tuesday, June 16, and got into our room around 5:00-ish. The NBA finals was going on, and the possible last game was that night. The others went to a steakhouse that I guess was super expensive, and took forever to get their food, but Greg and I ordered pizza and watched the game. It was a great game, and the Warriors came out on top which was also pretty sweet. It was nice just to be able to relax after a long day of traveling.

Day 2: Greg had to leave early in the morning to go to the conference, so I was left alone in the hotel. I must say, I did not care one tiny bit! I loved the rooms, and it was such a beautiful day that I was able to go out and read under a patio umbrella next to the pool. It was fantastic. I just read and listened to music, then went to my room for a bit and watched Netflix, and just chilled. It really was great. I could do that every day if I could!

When Greg got back, a bunch of us hopped aboard the train to Old Town San Diego. Because they got back a little later, we didn't have very much time to explore. We headed straight to eat, then went back, but it was beautiful, and we had some delicious food, and some good laughs.

Greg got a nice per diem check, so of course we had to use it. We ate at Rockin' Baja Bar and Grill. You definitely know you're not in Utah when the waiter gives you a big long spiel about their drinks and you have know idea what they're talking about. I ordered surf and turf tacos and Greg ordered lobster chowder that was super yum. It was a lot of fun and great food.

The palm trees.....

When we got back to the hotel that night Greg and I hung out outside by the fire. It was such a beautiful night. I didn't want it to end!

Day 3 was my favorite day. Once again I hung out at the hotel. Had I known exactly where we were staying before hand I would have mapped out a little adventure, but I didn't and didn't want to risk getting lost. But again, I hung out by the pool and read, watched some Netflix, and waited for Greg to get back. They got back a little earlier, so we had a bit more time to explore.

I totally intend to live in a house up on that hill someday.

We took the bus down to the beach. Not gonna lie, I nearly started crying. It's just so beautiful, and I loved every single aspect of it, including the bus ride. People are hilarious. We had some pretty awesome adventures on that bus.

I'm not exactly sure what beach this is, but I don't even care, because it was all just amazing!

After that trip we headed down to another beach where our group split up. Greg and I went with Grant and Nev down the pier. It was so amazing. The ocean is beautiful. There were some surfers but not the greatest waves. There were also some swimmers clear out that. Crazy people. I would have loved to get in the water, but we didn't. It was still just amazing though.

 

After waiting for the bus for forever, another small group of us headed to downtown San Diego in search of fresh crab for Nev. I am SO glad we went. We had some pretty interesting experiences on the way. One of the ladies was getting into some very interesting conversations with some of the other bus-goers. It was hilariously entertaining!

When we FINALLY got to the right place, we headed to the Crab Hut. I would have loved to have some of the actual crab, but didn't want to have to crack it (aka have Greg do it for me), so I ordered this boat of deep fried deliciousness, and Greg ordered a shrimp scampi type thing. We split and oh my goodness. It was all so delicious. My boat had sweet fries, onion rings, shrimp, calimari (yuck!), fries, and who knows what else. It was so good though. I would definitely go back if I ever have the chance.

Getting back home was another adventure. We seemed to miss every train by just minutes, and then when one finally drove by, it was out of order. Oh gosh, it was insane. I stumbled upon a person doing drugs. Like, actual drugs. I have never seen it not on the TV, so it was a bit of a shock. But, I don't know. there is just something about being in the big city that just intrigues me. I loved every single second of it!

When we finally got onto the correct bus to head home, the same girl who had the entertaining situation on the earlier bus had another one on this trip. It was so funny. Those of us in the group just couldn't stop laughing.

When we got to Old Town, the group didn't want to have to wait for another bus, so we decided to walk. It was about 1.5 miles to our hotel, and I didn't want to be the party pooper, so I went with. Another great incident with a Californian and the one girl in our group. Too funny. That group of people seemed to go pretty fast, and I tried my best to keep up. After a little while, I just couldn't keep up anymore, and I was hurting so Greg and I held back. It wasn't too bad until we hit the section of road with no sidewalk. Oh, it was also uphill! It wasn't a super busy road, so it wasn't awful, but it was a bit sketch. We were a little bit away when a vehicle pulled up next to us and a lady rolled down her window and asked if we needed a ride. Mr. Do-you-know-how-many-murderers-are-in-california actually said YES! No hesitation. I was shocked. Lol, but it was just a little ways, and she didn't end up being a serial killer, so I suppose it was fun. We got home pretty late, but it was so worth it.

Every. Single. Step. and Every. Single. Minute

It all went by WAY too fast. Friday came. Last day of the conference. I chilled in the lobby for a while and got to eat some Phil's BBQ that Greg brought me for lunch, then we headed back to the airport. It was the saddest day of my life.

I honestly can say that I did not want to come home. It's not one of those vacations where you're ready to be at home in your own bed. NOT ME! Nothing sounded appealing about returning back. The only thing keeping me from staying was Greg. I think I'd miss him too much. But I could have stayed there and had no problem!

Our plane was delayed about an hour or so, which was fine with me.

Saying goodbye to San Diego was the hardest goodbye!

I need the ocean in my life!

And just like that we were back in Utah.

Everyone was so good to me on the trip. I don't know how many of them actually know about my disease, but they offered me help, and let me sit on the buses. They were just awesome. I'm so glad I was able to go. Maybe next time we can go and spend more time exploring. But if not, I'll take the next conference Greg has to go to! (They are begging for Hawaii next year.) We'll all just pull a Christian (who apparently would disappear from the conference, only to show up again soaking wet.)

First 'vacation' together was a success. I'm still trying to convince Greg we need to move there. I would in a heartbeat if he would say yes! I miss it every single day. Utah just doesn't compare. Sorry! It doesn't.

I told Greg that I'm going to have my 30 birthday bash down there, so my friends, be on the lookout for invitations!