Whew. 2016. Amirite? I'm embarrassed that I haven't updated this blog since February. 2016 brought about some dark times for me. It wasn't the easiest year to live. Not that anything bad happened to me directly but not much great happened either. Even though I searched out greatness at every corner. It's a frustrating cycle to say the least.
I have compiled highlights for the year. Mostly photos that I successfully downloaded. So enjoy the shenanigans!
Three of the greatest people came to soak up the California sun. Technically 4 people...
This girl. She gets me.
My oldest niece, Madison is 18! How is that possible?
We took her to Harry Potter World and showed her a magical time. As someone who has been to the Harry Potter Studios in London, I gotta say, Universal Studios fell a little short when it came to my expectations. I still enjoyed the day.
Celebrated Mother's Day with this pretty lady.
All three of these smarty pants graduated this year. Madison from high school, Lily from junior high and Eric from elementary. It called for ice cream at Farrell's!
20 years after I graduated high school, Madison accomplished the same feat! It was a warm (read: blazing hot) night in Corona and high school graduations are little more over the top since I walked. Did you know they sell stuff? Like graduation mugs, bears, shirts and food! I don't remember any food at my graduation.
A visit from my Salt Lake City niece!
Father's Day was also successful!
I celebrated this pretty lady's birthday. We have been friends for 15+ years now and I still feel very lucky to have her in my life. Kaylene challenges me in ways no else does. She makes me view things in a light I might not have. I appreciate that about her.
I had the wonderful opportunity to travel! Oh, man I do miss my traveling life. For Fourth of July weekend I flew to South Carolina to visit my very first roommate, Bryson. We met in 2004 at the LDS Bussiness College in Salt Lake City. I had such a great time hanging out with her and her sweet family.
Preface: I have airport anxiety. Yes, it's a thing. I stress about all things travel. It starts with, did I remember to pack everything? Are my liquids too large? What if I get stopped in security? What if I can't get through? What if I miss my flight? What if they lose my luggage? etc, etc.
This trip was no different. However, I try to control my anxiety. I only allow myself to worry about what is directly in front of me. For example, the drive to the airport is spent worrying about if I will make it there on time. Once I'm there I allow myself to worry about parking, then once I've parked I allow myself to worry about security. This goes on until I have safely landed in my destination city.
Do you know how many people travel on a holiday weekend? Lots. After sitting in too much traffic and coming uncomfortably close to boarding time, my plans for parking in Parking Lot C came to a halt when I discovered it was FULL. I drove around corners aimlessly trying to find a lot to leave my car in for the weekend. Needless to say, I may have cried a little (read: a lot). Anxiety in full force I found an unmarked building with a respectable looking man holding a clipboard standing outside.
That was good enough for me. He said he would park my car and drive me to the airport but not in that order. Half way there I realized, I don't know who this guy is. I don't know the name of the company or how I'm going to get my car back in four days time. I was about to leave my car, containing my GPS that could easily take anyone back to my home, not to mention my whole Taylor Swift library with this man whose only credentials I took into consideration was the fact that he was holding a clipboard.
Before handing over my car and potential my safe home and favorite music collection, he handed me a receipt with the company name and address on it which I promptly Googled after forewarning my mother that she may need to set the house alarm and change the locks. It was legit. Not only did they keep my car (and music) safe, they delivered it to me curbside after I landed.
On to my trip!
This is the Angel Tree. It is between 400 and 1000 years old! It is GINORMOUS!
Something hard not to notice about the south in July is the humidity. Every time I went outside, I felt like I walked into a wall. The air was so thick and wet. Also, it is so loud at night! I sat on Bryson's porch one night rocking in her rocking chair and cooling off with some ice water and the sound of crickets was deafening. I mentioned this to Bryson and her reply was, "I don't hear anything."
We spent a lot of time sight-seeing and I loved every minute!
We visited Fort Sumter. I did a little research and took home pamphlets about the area, but that was like, five months ago and if there is more info you want to know, check Wikipedia.
Small child was placed there for measurement purposes.
How cute and southern is this home located in Bryson's neighborhood. I want a home like this one.
This is Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
It is the church that Dylann Roof opened fired in, killing nine people.
We drove around the posh homes of Charleston.
Side note: I love brick buildings.
We walked down Rainbow Row where you guessed it, the buildings are painted different colors of the rainbow.
Cobble stone. I love cobble stone just as much as brick buildings.
The Pineapple Fountain.
The architecture is so impressive in the south.
Charles Dickens would love this door adornment.
The beach! It was my first time in the Atlantic Ocean.
It reminded me of every Nicholas Sparks novel I have ever read.
Proof that I was in the Atlantic which by the way is very warm and brown.
The Fourth of July with my sweet friend Bryson.
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