Our 1 year anniversary was great! We spent 6 days in Northern California away from the daily grind; no TVs, no computers, no work, not even cell reception.
We decided to go camping for our anniversary about a month ago. We really don't have much money right now and realized that camping would be a very affordable, plus a nice relaxing get away. We really didn't set a plan. We just got out a map and started searching for places to go. We knew we wanted to be surrounded by pines and visit somewhere new!
We had traveled up the 1 hwy into Northern California about 5 years ago for my brother's wedding and remembered how beautiful it was. We knew we wanted to be in that neck of the woods...literally! We had a few campgrounds in mind, but because it was Memorial Weekend, we knew we wouldn't have an easy time finding a place.
After about a 6.5 hour drive, we found our campground. Trent had taken us on a pretty gnarly course. We were looking for a campground called Hendy Woods. The map he was using led us on almost a 2 hour detour to the coast and then back to where we started. We eventually found Hendy, but were turned around because they were full. On our way back to the coast we managed to find a small campground with about 25 sites surrounded by pines. It was called Paul Dimmick Campground. It was located on the Navarro River between the 101 and the 1 hwys. I was surprised we didn't see it on our map because it appeared to be a state park.
The weather was good most of the week. It was definitely cooler at night. The dogs did really well. They managed to sleep soundly every night; they would crawl between us under the covers and sprawl out as far as they could barely making a peep! Through out the days, they would wander the campground and bark at passerby's. Lulu really loved chewing on twigs, bark and pine needles. We figured we'd let her explore "camping" out on her own; it was her first time.
During the day, we visited a few beaches and spent a few days in the town of Mendocino. We really enjoyed "Mendo," (as the locals call it.) We went to their farmer's market and picked up some fruit to grill. We also went there for our anniversary and ate at a cute bistro called, Moosse Cafe.
Trent and I love to visit new places as well as try new things. We had a really great time! I posted some pictures of our campground as well as a few others! Enjoy!
It's hard to believe that I waited almost 3 years to get into my college's nursing program. I received my acceptance letter in April and start the program in August. As excited as I should be, I am also quite nervous. Since the economy has taken a hit, Trent has had a decline in work. His pay and hours have been cut back and he has had to pick up side jobs. The nursing program is quite rigorous and will require me to focus more time on school than working. As much as we would love to save money right now, we find it almost impossible. I know once I finish school I will have a great job waiting for me, but in the meantime all I do is worry how we will make it. Trent is so supportive and is such a hard worker...he constantly tells me he will take care of me and not to worry! I love him. I know things will work out, but until I realize it, I am going to worry. I can not wait to be a nurse. I know I will do well and that I'll make my family proud. Wish me luck!
I can hardly believe that Trent and I have been married for almost a year. We have had a great one too. Although it's been tough dealing with the economy and career changes within our first year of marriage, we are managing! We have so much love for each other and no matter what kind of day we have, we know that we get to come home to each other!
So, in celebration of our first year of marriage together, we decided not to go on a lavish trip, but to pack the truck and dogs and head up to northern California for a week and camp! We are leaving tomorrow morning, bright and early!! I'll post an update, when we get home.
So, we did it! We bought a Smart Car.
Last year, while on our honeymoon, Trent and I put down our $100 reservation fee on the Smartie. This was required for all interested buyers but refunded if we changed our mind. It guaranteed us a car, since they are made to order. So, after almost a year of waiting...we received a call from Tim at the Smart center in Santa Barbara. We decided to take the train so that we could drive it back home together! It was a beautiful ride along the coast! As soon as I saw it, I was happy that we had made the decision to purchase it! As we headed home, the first intersection we came to after leaving the dealership, a lady in the crosswalk gave us a thumbs up. Needless to say that was the first of many!
Now that we have had it for about 2 months and 1000 miles...I have finally gotten use to driving it. It is a 5 speed automated transmission that can either run as an automatic or a manual; there are paddle shifters! I love crusin' around Paso and out to the winery using the paddle shifters...feels like I'm in a little sports car! Well, ta-ta for now!
So my husband is on this kick to get outside while our weather is still mild and the hills are still green and do outdoorsy activities. I'm all for it!!! And am so glad he is eager! Last weekend we visited Chalk Mountain Golf course in Atascadero with his sister Tori and Dad, and hit golf balls at the driving range! Boy, it's been a real long time since I've done that...maybe 9 years!! I had a great time! I sure wasn't up to it at first...especially because it was a foggy morning and Trent and his family wanted to get out there at the crack of dawn! I eventually succumbed and actually had a really great time...so much in fact that I wouldn't mind doing it every week.
We also managed to find the time last week to hike Bishop's Peak Trail. It was 4 miles round trip and quite exhausting by the end. I was sweating almost as much as I do in my step aerobics class (I was doubtful at the beginning that I'd actually get a work out!!). Anyway, I had never hiked Bishop's Peak before, but have wanted to for a long time!! The trail was mostly flat but zig-zagged all the way up. There were some steep parts...don't get me wrong. We were pretty close to giving up, until Joe Schmo came running up behind us. I remember looking down the hill about half way up and seeing a man jogging at the very bottom, then in almost an instant he was on our tail. He was an older man, maybe in his 60s and was literally running up the trail. When he managed to pass us...we decided we had to finish!! He was in great shape...very tan and toned, and was wearing tight ripped jeans and a long sleve sweater and to top it all off he wore bright yellow oakley's. It was quite a scene. We both just stopped and let him pass; I was impressed...although I was so eager to start running ahead of him...I was really ashamed he passed us! (no offense...but that's my competitive side!) What the most amazing part about our hike was the view!! I was blown away. By the time we got to the top, we could actually see the ocean as well as all of SLO! The rolling hills were covered in green and the sky was the bluest I had see it in days. We had just had a few rainy days and this day was the first clear one...and boy was it crystal clear! My camera didn't do much justice...but as you can see in the photos I posted...it was a very beautiful site to see! And what could be better than sharing it with the person I love!!!! We had a great day and will definately hike it agian.
And now that day light savings time is here...we have actually been able to get out in the evening and go for walks. I so look forward to getting outside with the dogs after I get home...but hated doing it in the dark!! I am so happy that spring is upon us!!!
I have been so busy with work lately, that I have had a hard time finding time to blog!! So today I've decided to take a break and write!! I am so blessed to have the job I have with the way the economy has been. My poor husband has practically been begging his boss not to fire him and had to pick up another job just so we can keep our heads above water!! He has also been applying every odd job that comes up, hoping something worthwhile will come along. He is also considering becoming a Highway Patrol Officer. While he is desperately looking for work, I've received a raise! Can you believe it! I suppose this quote really does ring true~ "Wine gives strength to weary men!" Homer. I suppose people really do tend to drink more when they are depressed or suffering from the effects of the economy ;). Or...they find getting away to wine country for a weekend is a lot cheaper than going elsewhere...especially for us Californians. But our wine is not cheap...it averages $30 a bottle. Other wineries have seen declines in sales while we are actually seeing increases!! I'll have to admit our wine is pretty damn good and so is our marketing!! But I still am in awe as to how well we are doing. I love what I do and will be very sad when it comes time for me to leave...which will be happening in the near future! I am actually starting the nursing program in August and will not be able to pursue both school and working full time at once! Cheers!
Our marriage was the most beautiful and enjoyable day I have ever experienced! Surrounded by our family and friends in the most breathtaking location, we became husband and wife. From the moment I slipped my dress on, I felt like I was dreaming. From the photographers, to the flowers, to the moment we said "I do!"...I was in pure amazement!! This was it...this is the day I had always dreamed of. My bridesmaid's were so supportive and looked so stunning...I couldn't stop telling them that. They seemed to know exactly what I needed at just the right time. I was so blessed to have had them by my side. I wish those moments together would have lasted longer. Thank goodness our photographers were able to do just that. Meeting up with them was such an experience. We went from feeling hurried to feeling like models. Ken Kenow (www.kenkienow.com) and Rob Robertson (www.robertcristie.com) were so comfortable to be around...I sometimes forgot they were there! They captured the moment...we have proof!!
Waiting to walk down the aisle was nerve wrecking!! My heart was racing with anticipation...all I could do was wait for the music to start...that was my que. I just wanted to run down the aisle and embrace Trent! I wanted to see his warm smile that I am so addicted to. I wanted to see my best friend. I wanted to hurry up and become his wife. At that very same moment, I wanted to freeze. I was standing next to the first man I had ever met...my Father! He is a huge part of my life. He is supportive, loving, hilarious...he is the BEST dad!! I held his hand so tight as we walked down the aisle, holding back tears as all I could do was stare at the man I was about to marry...while thinking "dad's not going anywhere. He'll still be here after I'm married. Why am I so sad to let go!!" I did good, I shed very little tears. Mostly tears of joy!! The ceremony went by so fast! I remember saying "we do," "I do,"...laughing at Trent and then kissing him before the officiant said to...then walking down the aisle, in utter belief, we were married.
The moments prior to the reception were also a blur. We took hundreds of photos...Trent and I...the bridal party and WE!! Dinner was great!! The family that made the tasty grub, was the Vandergons. They are Lindsay's boyfriend Kenny's family?! Lindsay is one of Trent's sisters. We had a feast of BBQ delight!! I was really tasty...even though I had a hard time eating...I was so anxious!! I wanted to dance! I wanted to celebrate!
The rest of the reception was wonderful! Our first dance was to "Pictures of You" by the Cure. It was a really long song...but we enjoyed every minute...we were still so amazed that the day was finally here and that we were already married! The father daughter dance was also memorable. We cried, we laughed, I twirled. My dad is a really good dancer!
After hours of dancing...and celebrating, we were ready to depart! I was trying to hold on to every moment, trying not to let any one slip. I remember looking back at the site as we drove off...still amazed that this was our wedding day!! I remember looking at Trent...he had a smile from ear to ear....we sat in mostly silence...probably in awe...until we arrived at our honeymoon suite!
We are so happy and in love, making it through the ups and downs, that our first year as husband and wife, has hurled at us!! We are looking forward to our future while savoring every moment in the present!!
If you frequent here (which I hope some do!), you probably have noticed that the title of my blog is constantly changing. Ugh!! I can't make up my mind. I want it to be unique, ridiculous, catchy, intriguing...yet me!! A blog title is very important especially if you want it to make an impact! It needs to be relevant to what you are writing about as well as memorable. I decided to start a blog simply to unplug...share my thoughts or feelings...get points across that I find harder to do in person! I wanted my family and friends to get to know a different side of me!! So why should I worry about how "catchy" it is?! I should just name it "Christy's Blog" and be done with it!!! I've read many a blog and have come across some pretty creative titles. Titles that probably sum up a person in a few words...like my husband's for instance (http://trentlochridge.blogspot.com/)..."no-huh-ah." Yep, that's his title and yes, it sounds silly...but it is totally him!! Whenever I hear that phrase I instantly think of Trent...and I am sure his friends would have to agree!! He usually claim's that he doesn't realize he is saying it...but he sure does!! =) So, the more I write about this topic, the more I am beginning to realize that my sparatic title changes really do reflect me!! I am described as an indecisive person by my husband, primarily because I can never make up my mind...it's usually about what I want to eat for dinner, what to wear, or the next color I want to dye my hair! But that's me! I guess I've figured it out...I have an indecisive blog title!!! Shame on you blog title...shame...shame!!! Okay, I am done for now
So I am 4 weeks deep in a wine class that I am taking at a local wine bar!! Let's just say it's a great way to spend an evening...sipping and learning about some of the most wonderful wines in the world!! In the past weeks we have been focusing on wines from all over France while also learning how to appreciate wine like a Sommelier...a trained and knowledgeable wine professional. Before taking this class, I thought I knew the basics of wine tasting...first you swirl, then you smell, then you swirl, then you taste...don't forget to spit!! Seems simple! After class number one....I realized I was wrong!!! There are four parts to properly tasting and appreciating wine! This is the brief version!!
First, check the appearance! Is is clear...is it dull? Then intensity...light or dark? Now color...colorless or brown? Does it have legs, bubbles, any deposits? How about the rim...any color?
Now smell it!!! Is is clean or fowl? Light or pronounced? Youthful or oxidised? What do you smell?
The best part...tasting it!!! How sweet is it? Dry or luscious? Is it acidic? Is it tannic...does it make your tounge dry? How intense is the alcohol? What flavors do you taste? Lemon, black cherries, licorice, tar?
To conclude, was the wine terrible or was it outstanding? Does it need time to rest or is it past it's prime?
Now remember, ask yourself these questions next time you indulge...just like a professional!!!
*Tonight we are tasting and learning about Champagne!!! Sounds fun!!!
Cheers!!
I can't believe how fast this year has gone! My last post was in January of 2008...unbelievable. Well we had a busy year. My husband and I were married, we enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon in San Diego, adopted another chihuahua, attended weddings and baby showers, witnessed the election of America's first ever African-American president, and shared in the joy of my best friend's engagement. The holidays were busy as well. I had the chance to visit family that I had not seen in ages and was able to spend a whole week with my mom.
The wedding was amazing, but I will save my thoughts of that day for a separate post.
I'd have to say getting a new puppy has been the highlight of our lives lately! Her name is Lulu. I found her on craigslist.com after bugging Trent for months about getting a companion for Ginger. As soon as I saw her picture I was in love. She resembles a doberman with the floppy ears and black and tan coloring...but no bigger than rat!! hehe! She is the best thing for Ginger!! They keep each other occupied morning and night. On top of that, she is so smart. I've taught her to sit, lie down, and are now perfecting the shake! If you know Ginger, Lulu is the complete opposite...friendly =), eager to learn, and will eat anything!!
The wedding was amazing, but I will save my thoughts of that day for a separate post.
I'd have to say getting a new puppy has been the highlight of our lives lately! Her name is Lulu. I found her on craigslist.com after bugging Trent for months about getting a companion for Ginger. As soon as I saw her picture I was in love. She resembles a doberman with the floppy ears and black and tan coloring...but no bigger than rat!! hehe! She is the best thing for Ginger!! They keep each other occupied morning and night. On top of that, she is so smart. I've taught her to sit, lie down, and are now perfecting the shake! If you know Ginger, Lulu is the complete opposite...friendly =), eager to learn, and will eat anything!!
