Sometimes I forget how lucky we are to live so close to the ocean. I really need to make a better effort to visit more, but life gets in the way. A short 30 minute drive is all that stands in the way of me and that salt water breeze. Other than a quick stop at the In N Out drive-through, nothing is more fulfilling. 
Since I was fortunate enough to have yesterday off (thank you very much Martin Luther King), we took a little day trip to Santa Cruz. We brought our beach chairs and books (I’m reading Jodi Picoult’s new book, “Leaving Time” – so far I love it); the water is not nearly warm enough to enjoy. Let’s be honest, it’s never warm enough to enjoy in northern California.
Of course, the water may be intolerable, but the views are spectacular. Sitting there for even an hour is as relaxing as sleeping in on a Saturday. Which tops my list of relaxing activities that I try to complete every week.
Because my husband grew up in this area, he knows some of the ‘must-stops’ in Santa Cruz. Yesterday we stopped at Marianne’s Ice Cream for a treat on the way home. It was a holiday after all. 
Marianne’s has been around for decades, and I’m not sure anything has changed since the day they opened. The inside is almost like a hole-in-the-wall type, but the ice cream speaks for itself. With over 70 flavors each day, it would be impossible not to find something you’d enjoy. Or maybe it is impossible. There are just too many choices! 
My husband tends to stick to the basics, so while he just ordered “chocolate” (seriously? I said SEVENTY flavors), I tried the Snickerdoodle Cookie Dough. It was amazing. I’ve never had anything like it, and I will definitely be back to taste it again. You know, just to make sure it’s still up to par.
Yesterday was one of those days that make you happy to be alive. Hopefully your holiday was equally as great. What did you do?
The Lottery Stood Me Up
I thought that when I got married, I wouldn’t have to deal with getting stood up anymore. Unfortunately, the lottery keeps bailing on me. I meet for our date at the 7/11 with my ticket in hand and it’s a no-show. Sometimes it feels bad, so it gives me a buck or two out of pity. Really I think it’s just so I keep coming back.
Since the lottery keeps standing me up, I’m still pushing through the 9-5. Which is actually 8-5. Which is technically 6:45-6:15 if you include traffic. Which I do. Because that’s the reality of my week. Thank God for carpool.
So until that ticket brings me my fortune, I’m stuck working. I would even settle for my husband winning the lottery. Even though that would mean he would spend the majority of it on golf. You think it isn’t possible? Try him.
Work lately has been very busy, a little stressful, and not very fun. I don’t know what I would do without some of my co-workers, and one in particular. She has been a Godsend, helping me complete some major projects. I wanted to do something so she understood how grateful I was.
Here’s where she probably wishes I had won the lottery too, because she would have gotten something much nicer than this six pack of Dr. Pepper. But since my bank account has to be taken into consideration (it’s so greedy), I stuck with the DP. She enjoys it, so score for her. In all honesty, she could have hated it, but at least I tried to convey my appreciation! Didn’t your mother teach you that it’s the thought that counts?
I stole this tag from Heather at Moritz Fine Designs. You can print yours here. And maybe take a look around her blog. It’s the least I can do for stealing her tag.
Share this:
Crabby Wednesday
Just in case you’re one of those people who is always losing track of time, it’s Wednesday. The middle of the week. It’s halfway to the weekend. And it may or may not be a good day for you.
I wish I was one of those people, the ones who lose track of time. Instead, I sit here counting down the minutes until Friday at 5pm. Bring on the weekend. I live for the weekend. Especially this weekend: three days off AND a Packer NFC Playoff Game? Could it get any better?
I’ve been saving this little guy for a crabby rainy day, and whaddya know? He’s making a guest appearance today. Mainly because I just need a break. I’m putting the spreadsheets and emails on hold for a few minutes. If you need me I’m not here. Leave a message at the beep.
Growing up in the Midwest, I came to appreciate hunting season. For women, it’s really just about shopping and having Girls Nights. In the Bay Area, hunting season transforms into Crab season. And if you’re lucky enough, someone you know will bring you fresh crab. It might just be me, but this is MUCH better than Midwest hunting season.
This year, a friend was kind enough to give me several crabs for Thanksgiving (if your mind went where mine did at that last sentence, you are on point). They were incredible, and I had to take some time to thank her. After all, she did send her husband out on a boat to catch the crabs in the middle of the ocean on a dark and stormy day. Okay, maybe closer to shore and on a nice sunny day…but still.
I found a template for all the pieces of Mr. CrankyPants here. I didn’t use it to trace the pieces, but instead did them by hand (which is why Mr. CP isn’t perfect). I used pipe cleaners to attach his claws, and sent him on his way to do his job. After all, someone has to.
Share this:
Away We Go – Isla Mujeres, Mexico
A beautiful beach with an amazing family and a Corona in your hand? Could you ask for anything else for a perfect Christmas holiday? I think not. And for those of you who could come up with a few examples….shush! Let me have my moment.
We stayed in a beautiful little beach house that my mom rented for the week, Casa Rosa. It was perfectly perfect for our family; we loved the pool and the backyard beach. There were iguanas all over the yard (you will find this everywhere on the island) that could be found scrounging for food during the day. Don’t worry, I never fed them…
We frequented downtown Isla Mujeres (via golf cart) and enjoyed every minute of it. One of my favorite bars will go unnamed because I had one too many Coronas before entering it (and thus do not remember the name). It’s a little garden bar, with fun signs and fun bartenders. And by fun, I mean perfectly adequate for me, my parents, and my stepdad’s parents. We are party animals obviously.
Quite possibly one of the prettiest places on the island is Playa Norte. The beach is unbelievable; the water is clearer than you could imagine, the sand is perfectly spotless, and the sights keep you quite busy. Although we found this beach too populated, and thus spent more time at other beaches, it was still the prettiest.
Since we had a house with a full kitchen, we took advantage of making afternoon tapas at home. Primarily guacamole and chips. With homemade guacamole. I think I ate almost the whole bowl. It’s normal to eat it by the spoonful right? When in Mexico…
Having afternoon/evening snacks at home, we were able to catch some beautiful sunsets at home, this being the best one.
And the drumroll please….
My favorite day on the island was most definitely the day we visited Tortugranja. Tortugranja is a sea turtle sanctuary, costs $3 USD to get in, and low and behold: IT HAS BABY SEA TURTLES. I was in heaven. Although my bucket list would tell you that I want to witness them hatch on shore, scurry into the ocean, and take off in the surf….this was a close second. It’ll have to do for now.
Holding baby sea turtles? Does it get much better than this?
Food. It’s clearly one of my favorite things. Another one of my favorite things? This Chile Relano Stuffed Pepper (pictured below). I thought maybe I had died and gone to heaven when it was brought out, set in front of me, and someone handed me a fork. I hadn’t. I had just stepped into Mango’s Cafe, on the island, for the best breakfast I’ve had in my entire life. You haven’t lived until you’ve been to Mango’s, and I think a piece of my heart was left on the empty plate of this pictured pepper. 
The beach restaurant that we frequented, Playa Lancheros, is located on the opposite end of the island from the tourist crowd. It’s close enough to the snorkeling park, Garrafon Park, which draws large crowds (if you’re interested in snorkeling, I suggest stopping at Garrafon de Castillo – only a few dollars will buy you snorkeling equipment and it’s relatively the same as the big park). At Lancheros, you’ll find cheap beer, cheap tacos, and a great scene. I think a few tequila shots were even taken…but I can’t fully remember…
Overall, Isla Mujeres exceeded my expectations for beauty and for fun. It’s the perfect place for a family get-away, or just for friends that want a low-key vacation. Just a few minutes by ferry from Cancun, it’s even worth a day trip. But nothing can compare to a week-long stay on the beautiful island.
‘Til next time Isla: Adios!
PS: Can you tell I’d love to be a travel blogger?!?
