Just so you don’t lose another night’s sleep, yes I am alive and well. I have however, severely neglected my poor website and was reminded of this again just a few days ago. Excuse? Not so much. Where has the time gone and what have I been doing? Unfortunately not promoting world peace, saving the world…or even a sea lion.

Monkey Face
I fainted a few months ago walking down cement steps, I broke the fall with my face. I ended up rearranging my teeth, I had 2 black eyes, a fat lip, (o.k, 2 of those too) and a swollen nose. It would be safe to say I closely reassembled someone (or something) from Planet of the Apes. For as bad as it was, I was back to looking semi-normal (really? you laugh?) within a couple weeks, (will spare you the before pics) my soft food diet lasted way too long though. I still have this insatiable craving for bananas. Weird, huh?

Makin’ Memories
I have been spending a lot of time these last few months with my sister, nieces and nephews. The laughter, tears, talks, adventures…the memories are so precious to me and has opened my eyes again to what life is really about. I cherish these times, a lot! I’m thankful for each and every one of them!

The Four Year Old
My sisters youngest, Joey is 4. Because she is not yet in school, I get to spend a lot of time with her. This is both beneficial and dangerous to my health. Not even kidding. She’s funny, witty, loving, charming and tough. She puts the biggest smile on my face and has me wrapped around her little finger. Truth be told, I’m old…(just ask her.) I try to keep up, I really do, but often find myself aching and covered in bruises. Aunt Heidi can not only slide down the slide, but has remastered climbing back up the slide. Aunt Heidi has been working the monkey bars (not to be mistaken, or even related to the monkey face) and can swing so high she can touch the trees with her feet. Aunt Heidi is a singer, personal make-up artist/hairdresser. She pushes a singing monkey around in a stroller….whilst sporting a tiara. Aunt Heidi is freakin’ exhausted…but wouldn’t trade these moments for all the Ben-Gay in the world. I love how she makes me laugh, I love making her laugh. I’m pretty sure my sister thinks we’re crazy. Whatever, she’s crazy.

The Tear
You remember how much I love Ventura? How much I love dolphins? Rescuing sea lions? My summer there last year was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Shortly after I left, my friend Deanna moved to Florida. She was back in Ventura a few weeks ago and we were able to spend 5 days together! We laughed, cried, walked along the beach, zip-lined, did cartwheels, (mind you…she’s a whole lot older than 4!) danced, sang, oh…and ate! To say it was a blast would be an understatement, going to say it anyways. It was a blast. I only saw 1 sea lion this trip, but it was ALIVE! A much different scenario than last year! The fact that I remained dolphinless for the first 3 days was a little disappointing. The 4th day I saw a few…the 5th day? There was a gazillion an invasion. Dorsal fins everywhere AND I happen to get close to about 300 pictures. Not even kidding. (I know, but…they’re dolphins!!) I headed home just before sunset with a little tear in my eye. (no pics, sorry) It was a bittersweet little tear, so happy to have had such an incredible time…so sad to have to leave. It made me realize once again, it’s time for a Cool Change.

Hit The Road Jack
And so…my next journey begins. I will share, once I know myself what that is. I just know, it’s time. For now, I take 1 day at a time…I laugh, I cry, (I fall) but I am determined to continue moving forward. You know? It’s a given though, it will include my family, my friends, (most of ‘em) a certain 4 year old…and a hella of a lot of bananas!
Weird, huh?