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I know the new year has barely started, but already it seems like Christmas vacation was a long time ago. Perhaps that is because we're back at work and struggling to find our routine after having so much fun over the holidays. It was great to have Matt & Sherry here, along with some pretty decent SoCal winter weather. When we weren't eating or finishing up last-minute shopping and wrapping, we managed to squeeze in a lot of stuff, including: attending a taping of The Jay Leno Show, brunching in La Jolla, seeing "Sherlock Holmes", visiting the model railroad museum, hiking at Torrey Pines, and playing mini-golf.

 

We were lucky enough to have an abundance of presents under the tree, but the real gift this season was spending time together. We are optimistic and enthusiastic about 2010; but know that even if everything doesn't go as we hope, we are thankful for the good life we have and are very happy. Already we have visited with friends and family we haven't seen in a while, and are looking forward to more good surprises this year.

While most people were focused on turkey and football last weekend, it seemed like my birthday celebration just rolled on and on and on... After five days of sleeping in, and an abundance of cake, cards, gifts, and well-wishes; I was relaxed, happy, and stuffed full of love. I have a wonderful life, which I am thankful for every day. The amazing friends and family I get to share it with are the pink sprinkles on top!

Since I didn't really take a summer vacation this year, I decided to visit Matt & Sherry during their fall break. We celebrated like true slackers; watching movies and tv, playing games, and eating. Luckily the weather was nice enough one afternoon for a boat ride on the lake. Many of the trees were starting to turn, but I suspect they will be most beautiful at the end of the month. It's impossible to pick a favorite moment, so I'll declare it a tie between late night cards, cookies & cartoons; and pleasing our inner children at Chuck E. Cheese.

After about 3 1/2 years of standing out and turning heads... Malibu Stacy is now naked. Her vinyl was starting to show some wear, so I made the difficult decision to remove it. As usual, Ed did a fantastic job of getting things done. In about 5 hours she was stripped, washed, waxed and ready to rock & roll. I haven't decided yet if more graphics are in her future. We'll just see how the incognito look works for us for a while, or as Matt likes to call it, her "Full Montiness". LOL!

We've done quite a bit of fun stuff here in Southern California so far this summer. As we hear reports on the news about heat waves and flooding in other parts of the country, we are reminded once again how lucky we are to live in paradise. We have family and friends nearby (though Matt & Sherry are in Prague this month), and an endless supply of fun in the sun (as well as fun in air conditioned comfort) activities. And thanks to the on-going water shortage, more free time on weekends since we aren't washing the cars!

 

Ed continues to play with the new camera, so I will keep posting updated photos of our good times as quickly as I can. Most recently we attended a Padres game outing with Ed's company, hiked San Jacinto peak in Palm Springs with friends, and enjoyed fireworks in Santee with some of our MINI peeps.

May has been so busy and I can't believe it's almost over! I started the month off at MOTD, where I tried ziplining for the very first time over the Smokey Mountains. The first leap off the platform was a wee bit scary, but from then on it was nothing but fun! I also had a great time hanging out with Matt, the rest of the Way Motor Works cabin, and lots of other MINI friends. The Hawaiian-themed WMW tent party was a big hit.

 

There has also been lots to celebrate lately (Alyssa, Mom, and Matt's birthdays; Mother's Day; and Matt & Sherry's 1st anniversary) and work to keep us busy in between.  I have traveled all over California yet again this spring, and even though I am growing weary of airports, rental cars, and hotel rooms; I would not be opposed to a summer vacation, though we have yet to plan anything. Perhaps a little down time here in San Diego would be the best way to kick off the summer. There is no place like home.

Whew! Life has been busy lately! Luckily we have managed to squeeze in some fun stuff, which will be more challenging now that's it's travel time for my job again.

 

Back in February, the Tour of California bicycle race started its final stage just a few miles north of us. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to see Lance! Out of luck, we ended up in a great spot - directly in front of the Astana team bus door! The boys sure took their time (no warm -up), waiting until the last minute to head to the start line, but Lance stopped to sign A LOT of autographs. He didn't sign the magazine I brought, but our neighbor now has a cool autographed LiveSTRONG poster and some great photos. All of the racers seemed so small in person, though Lance does have a big head. LOL! I'm sorry I missed seeing George Hincapi, since his is even bigger!

 

The end of March is always AMVIV time. It was great to see Matt and spend time with our MINI friends. The Canadians treated me especially well this year, bringing me 3 bags of Smarties! Clearly this is part of a Canadian conspiracy to addict me to their candy. It was a nice relaxing vacation, but it went by WAY TOO FAST. Now I'm really looking forward to The Dragon, which is less than a month away. After that, I will probably be sick of traveling for a while, since my job starts to take the fun out of it. No worries though; I have a feeling it will be a fun summer.