The New Normal...For Now

Who ever thought that one day our country would be in the state as it is now? Social distancing is becoming our new "normal," and I think all it's doing is making me lazy! Seriously, sleeping in, baking, and eating all hours of the day is becoming a habit that is going to be hard to break! I need to get a grip...for real!

My kids just got back into a "new" school routine where all their classes are done online, and now they have the option to do the work or not (depending on their current grades before the shelter in place). They have Zoom meetings with their teachers/classes, and yet are pretty much left on their own. Thank goodness my kids are on top of their schoolwork because my homeshcooling days are long gone lol!

With all that said, my husband is home, but technically still working. We are so thankful for that. It's funny because I'm used to him being home early anyway (well earlier than most people), so him being home with us feels NORMAL.

Most days, we talk about how much we miss our grandbabies. Yes, that's right. We are officially grandparents now to a toddler and an almost one year old. Naturally, we think they're the cutest things that ever graced this earth! But, they truly are! We only wish they lived closer to us, but I can't complain because it's not like they live in another state.

Overall, I have nothing to complain about, and everything to be thankful for. My family is healthy, we are together, and I will embrace our new "normal."

Going Away Dinner

Before we moved, my sister in-law wanted to take us out to dinner. So, here we all are, at one of our favorite restaurants, Macaroni Grill. This is actually one of my favorite pictures. I have this framed, and have it sitting on top of my fireplace mantle.

It's Been A Year Since My Last Entry

I'm sure I'm not the only person who stopped blogging once Photobucket wanted a ridiculous $400 a year to use their site for third party hosting! I figured this was my end to blogging, but I was more disappointed that I couldn't go back to my blog to see the pictures I had up with my posts. I so happened to look up my blog the other day, and low and behold, I saw that my pictures were all back up! What????? I guess there were tons of complaints to Photobucket and now they have a new subscription plan that is more budget friendly! Yay!!

So, with that said, I don't even know where to begin. I'll just start with the biggest news first, and then just start from the oldest to the more recent happenings!

Last August, our family moved from the place we called home for 16 years! This is where our kids grew up, made friends, went to school, etc. Not only them, but my husband and I had our closest friends there too. Plus, we would be moving away (an hour distance) from our eldest daughter.

It was a big transition, but we can see how God had our best interest at heart. We not only moved to our dream home, but our kids have been excelling above and beyond. They have made new friends, been active in school, and have participated in many things! I'm still a stay at home mom, and my husband is pretty much home the same time as he was before. So, it all worked out, and we are all happy!

Here's a little glimpse of our home. We had little things done to it, but it was pretty much turnkey. The biggest update was the landscaping. We had new grass put in the front and the side yard. It looks so green and lush out there!!!

I've also been on a decorating high, so I'll show more pictures later, and share where I get all my inspiration from.

But, it feels good to "be back" and share what our family has been up to!!

Walker Stalker Con

Once again, Walker Stalker Con was in town, so being that we are Walking Dead fans, we knew we were going to see them again!

Naturally, we all have our favorite characters (past & present), but for this season (call me crazy), I totally cannot dislike Jeffrey D. Morgan's character, "Negan." I think I liked him too much on Grey's Anatomy and The Good Wife to see him as this evil bad guy!

When I saw he was on the lineup at Walker Stalker Con, I knew that if I was going to pay for any picture with a celebrity, it would be HIM!

Unfortunately, that didn't happen. My sis in-law actually surprised me by buying me a voucher to take a picture with him, but we waited in the wrong area and missed him!!! I was bummed inside, but they said we could take a picture with the cast from Boondock Saints. And you know who is a part of that? Norman Reedus who plays "Daryl!"

So here we all are! I literally rushed to stand by him in the pic! My daughter was thrilled because he hugged her!! You can say I was a little star struck!

And here's a little grid of some of the other actors we were able to talk to! They are all so down to earth!!

Fantastic Voyage

One of our favorite concert venues is Yoshi's in Oakland. When I saw that Lakeside was performing, I knew I had to get tickets!!

The House Of Prime Rib

My brother in-law and his buddy were in town for the Giants game, and by a very rare chance, they were able to make last minute reservations at The House of Prime Rib! My brother in-law has never been there, so we were all excited to see his reaction!! We love this place!!

 

 

Last Day of Spring Break

On the last day of our kids spring break, we decided to take the kids to our favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the city, and then to Mount Davidson for a little sightseeing! 

My husband and I went there a few months ago, and it's just gorgeous! The trail is easy, it's green everywhere, and on a clear day, you can see the bay bridge! 

There was a scene from Dirty Harry filmed at this cross.

 

Of course, we had to take a picture in front of it! 

So green!!

 

That view!

 

My boys ready to shoot more footage!

More selies!

 

Another one...

And one more!

Old Friends Getting Together In Memory of A Friend!

A few weeks ago, we got the heartbreaking news that a friend from back in the day had passed away. We all lost touch with this person many years ago, and we all wish we knew he was sick because I know we would have found a way to get in touch with him. So, we all decided to get together in memory of him. It was amazing to catch up with all these people I haven't seen in years. Of course, we see each other on Facebook, but not the same as interacting in "real life." The blessing was that his sister was there to meet all of us, and hear all these great stories we had with her brother!! 

The token group picture!!!

We went back to our friends house for dessert, coffee, & karaoke!

I was super stoked to see my long time friend!!!!!!!!!!!

My sis, Lisa (her house) and me!