Woke up an hour earlier than I thought, and it's good I did. Took all that time to go through my room getting things together that I wanted to take back with me. Ended up with my backpack full of certain books I really wanted to read. :) I'm doing more of that these days. :) All of this, including getting things together for people to bring me this month, took from 6 to 8am, when we had a lovely last breakfast together. I made the scrambled eggs myself! Oh, was that good! More oatmeal, and toast too.
Got in the car at 9:00, and ended up saying our goodbyes at 9:25. I already had my ticket, so I went straight to the security line (which took a while). They even let me through with my pizza from the trip up here... so I had something to snack on during the flight. Made it to my gate on the N concourse 15 minutes before boarding time. Simply listened to music the whole way. Nothing happened the whole flight, except for the little kid behind me kicking my seat every now and then.
I walked the 2 miles back to base and into my room. Took me about an hour from the time we de-boarded. Was very hot... and hungry. So I went to Old Town for a burger, but that was closed. Had some Mexican instead, got very full, then suddenly on my way back to the car got very, very sad. I got on the phone and Mike talked with me for a very long time, comforting me and cheering me up. :)
What a day to remember.
Jp
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Can't Get Better Than This
Just loving the bright green everywhere! And the beautiful May flowers! They've had a bucketful of rain this spring, so everything is blooming... and it's been cold, so some things are a little behind. The lilacs in the backyard, for instance, are just in bloom now, at least a month late.
We went to church at Canyon Hills together after a brief breakfast of oatmeal and toast. Loved being there with everyone, even if we got there right as the sermon was starting... they switched the times last month... :) so we stayed through the worship of the next service.
Back at home we had stroganoff for lunch, and everyone came over. Loved seeing Beckie & Micah again! So much bigger! And wow, can they talk now! Penny & Don & Gramma came over after that, just to stop by and see me! How sweet and lovely that was!
Meg and I even got a couple games of PIG in at the park after everyone went home... and then we watched a few things on TV, switching between "Battleground" on TCM and "Bolt" on ABC. Never watched it with puppy lying at my feet before, the cutie. These got over at the same time, and we kept watching TCM because they had a 1920's silent movie called "Tell That To the Marines" with Lon Chaney. We had dinner during it... chili and corn bread, by request. :) I think we all fell asleep by the battle scene in the end... but it was fun.
Jp
We went to church at Canyon Hills together after a brief breakfast of oatmeal and toast. Loved being there with everyone, even if we got there right as the sermon was starting... they switched the times last month... :) so we stayed through the worship of the next service.
Back at home we had stroganoff for lunch, and everyone came over. Loved seeing Beckie & Micah again! So much bigger! And wow, can they talk now! Penny & Don & Gramma came over after that, just to stop by and see me! How sweet and lovely that was!
Meg and I even got a couple games of PIG in at the park after everyone went home... and then we watched a few things on TV, switching between "Battleground" on TCM and "Bolt" on ABC. Never watched it with puppy lying at my feet before, the cutie. These got over at the same time, and we kept watching TCM because they had a 1920's silent movie called "Tell That To the Marines" with Lon Chaney. We had dinner during it... chili and corn bread, by request. :) I think we all fell asleep by the battle scene in the end... but it was fun.
Jp
Saturday, May 28, 2011
So Relaxed!
Yes, my whole bed was a pillow. I dreamed last night, but I don't remember a bit of it. Woke up for breakfast early with Dad and Tom before they headed out on their week-long fishing trip. Oooh! was it good! And then we just sat around and talked for a long time... then Meg and I went to her apartment to take a look at their new pet fish. We played backgammon and drank some tea as well.
Part of what we talked about back home was the wedding dress for September. Mom had gone to the store a while ago and picked out patterns she thought I'd like. And she did very well... We decided on a pattern, and later picked out fabric at Hancock's in Kirkland. It will be very fine! She already took my measurements and will bring a first try when they come to visit me the first week of July. :)
Otherwise, we had soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch... and Mom and I went out for dinner to our favorite restaurant. When we got home from that, we rested and watched the Washington Huskies get trounced in the Softball Semi-finals against Missouri. The World Series tournament is starting in OKC next week.
I've been rather tired all day, but loving it.
Jp
Part of what we talked about back home was the wedding dress for September. Mom had gone to the store a while ago and picked out patterns she thought I'd like. And she did very well... We decided on a pattern, and later picked out fabric at Hancock's in Kirkland. It will be very fine! She already took my measurements and will bring a first try when they come to visit me the first week of July. :)
Otherwise, we had soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch... and Mom and I went out for dinner to our favorite restaurant. When we got home from that, we rested and watched the Washington Huskies get trounced in the Softball Semi-finals against Missouri. The World Series tournament is starting in OKC next week.
I've been rather tired all day, but loving it.
Jp
Friday, May 27, 2011
At the End of the Rainbow
Thursday evening and this morning I had my room to myself. Hathaway left Thursday around noontime for her long weekend. It was nice to have uninterrupted free time on base even. :) I first did my laundry, since that would be bad to have a week's smelly shirts & socks hanging on the rail of my closet all weekend... :)
After dinner at the galley and finishing the laundry, I decided I'd go check out the B&N on Rosecrans... and found a thoughtful collection of C.S. Lewis writings, a copy of Mere Christianity from a friend, and a suggested Navy reading list book for my pay-grade called "Ender's Game". My roommate from Great Lakes had raved about it as well, and it was on the summer reading table.
This morning I took really slow. Woke up very early, but slept in again until about 7 or 8 am. For the first time since I got the car, I walked all the way to Denny's, with my packed laptop bag for the flight home. I walked the familiar, skinny, flower-draped, chain-link fence path between the base overflow parking and the condos. After passing a shipmate, I noticed a single mother mallard, frantically quacking as she waddled the tight path in front of me. I quickly caught up with her, as my strides were slightly longer than hers... and thankfully it was right when there was a grassy opening to a place between the condos, so she was able to deviate and avoid being devastated by being overtaken; don't think she could fly.
At Denny's I Had my usual, and the waitress commented several times about my "healthy" choices, hoping I'd enjoy them anyway... lol. I then walked back to the base entrance where I waited for the 923 to take me down the street a ways to the airport entrance. Only had to wait about 20 minutes... that's not bad for being a shot in the dark. But before it came, a taxi almost caused an accident feet away from where I sat. That sure woke me up from my relaxation and music-listening on the bench.
Anyway, there was no crash, but lots of yelling and honking. Relieved, I got on the bus, and got off about two minutes later, just steps from the airport. I was quite early, so after I got to my gate, I finished watching a movie I had just started the other night and had a snack at the only cafe this side of security for that terminal. Chicken noodle soup & a lemon bar.
The boarding went smoothly... I was busy reading Ender's Game, and was among the last to board. But I had an aisle seat on row 22, so it went just fine. Sat behind a family with three little kids who squirmed and colored in coloring books, and did rather well... but the flight only lasted 2.5 hours total. Reminded me quite a bit of what it was like to fly when I was little. I simply read in my book the whole time and I'm now about half-way through it.
When we came in to land in the gleaming city (it was only just partly cloudy with lots of beautiful afternoon sun... and a refreshing 56 degrees!), as we looked out our left-side window, there was a bright and distinct rainbow right outside. It was so close we could only see a small portion of the downward bend! And we saw more of it as we continued on... it was like landing at the rainbow's end, which is pretty much what I think of my stay here this weekend. :)
Welcomed home!
Jp
PS. And for dinner that was waiting when I got home (Meg & Jason helped get it ready) we had Mom's spaghetti with Italian sausage sauce... and after some sitting & chatting, and discussing plans, we sat down and watched "Wait Until Dark" 1967, (Audry Hepburn). A thriller about a blind lady... made me jump in my easy chair. Stayed up a bit too late... played a long overdue game of Phase 10 with Meg! ... and lost by a card. Ah, what fun! And my bed feels like one big pillow!
After dinner at the galley and finishing the laundry, I decided I'd go check out the B&N on Rosecrans... and found a thoughtful collection of C.S. Lewis writings, a copy of Mere Christianity from a friend, and a suggested Navy reading list book for my pay-grade called "Ender's Game". My roommate from Great Lakes had raved about it as well, and it was on the summer reading table.
This morning I took really slow. Woke up very early, but slept in again until about 7 or 8 am. For the first time since I got the car, I walked all the way to Denny's, with my packed laptop bag for the flight home. I walked the familiar, skinny, flower-draped, chain-link fence path between the base overflow parking and the condos. After passing a shipmate, I noticed a single mother mallard, frantically quacking as she waddled the tight path in front of me. I quickly caught up with her, as my strides were slightly longer than hers... and thankfully it was right when there was a grassy opening to a place between the condos, so she was able to deviate and avoid being devastated by being overtaken; don't think she could fly.
At Denny's I Had my usual, and the waitress commented several times about my "healthy" choices, hoping I'd enjoy them anyway... lol. I then walked back to the base entrance where I waited for the 923 to take me down the street a ways to the airport entrance. Only had to wait about 20 minutes... that's not bad for being a shot in the dark. But before it came, a taxi almost caused an accident feet away from where I sat. That sure woke me up from my relaxation and music-listening on the bench.
Anyway, there was no crash, but lots of yelling and honking. Relieved, I got on the bus, and got off about two minutes later, just steps from the airport. I was quite early, so after I got to my gate, I finished watching a movie I had just started the other night and had a snack at the only cafe this side of security for that terminal. Chicken noodle soup & a lemon bar.
The boarding went smoothly... I was busy reading Ender's Game, and was among the last to board. But I had an aisle seat on row 22, so it went just fine. Sat behind a family with three little kids who squirmed and colored in coloring books, and did rather well... but the flight only lasted 2.5 hours total. Reminded me quite a bit of what it was like to fly when I was little. I simply read in my book the whole time and I'm now about half-way through it.
When we came in to land in the gleaming city (it was only just partly cloudy with lots of beautiful afternoon sun... and a refreshing 56 degrees!), as we looked out our left-side window, there was a bright and distinct rainbow right outside. It was so close we could only see a small portion of the downward bend! And we saw more of it as we continued on... it was like landing at the rainbow's end, which is pretty much what I think of my stay here this weekend. :)
Welcomed home!
Jp
PS. And for dinner that was waiting when I got home (Meg & Jason helped get it ready) we had Mom's spaghetti with Italian sausage sauce... and after some sitting & chatting, and discussing plans, we sat down and watched "Wait Until Dark" 1967, (Audry Hepburn). A thriller about a blind lady... made me jump in my easy chair. Stayed up a bit too late... played a long overdue game of Phase 10 with Meg! ... and lost by a card. Ah, what fun! And my bed feels like one big pillow!
Sunday, May 22, 2011
A Beautiful Gray Day
Getting out of bed was very similar to yesterday morning. I went to sleep rather late last night, and my roommate still wasn't back. One wonders how much sleep she gets... :)
Went directly to church... did not pass go, did not collect breakfast first. But that was alright... it was a special Sunday where they were serving free pancakes & sausages afterwords. :) There wasn't a sermon either... there was a short children's musical about the tale of the three trees. I met up with a couple of the people from my small group and visited for a bit after everything was all over.
Across the street, I read a bit in the book about the OSS, then used all the hours the library was open attacking the CD's from yesterday. Final victory was achieved in the end. And as I was trying to put all the dvd's away, I helped a lady find the musicals section and she went away happy.
On my way back, I decided I'd really enjoy some ravioli at the Olive Garden. It was just what I wanted. In the car I played a couple of the C.S. Lewis lectures that had to do with "The Discarded Image" and the beginning of the Space Trilogy. Very fun indeed! It would take me about an hour to try and explain here how enlightening his thoughts were... I enjoyed it very much.
Just another wonderfully simple Sunday!
Jp
Went directly to church... did not pass go, did not collect breakfast first. But that was alright... it was a special Sunday where they were serving free pancakes & sausages afterwords. :) There wasn't a sermon either... there was a short children's musical about the tale of the three trees. I met up with a couple of the people from my small group and visited for a bit after everything was all over.
Across the street, I read a bit in the book about the OSS, then used all the hours the library was open attacking the CD's from yesterday. Final victory was achieved in the end. And as I was trying to put all the dvd's away, I helped a lady find the musicals section and she went away happy.
On my way back, I decided I'd really enjoy some ravioli at the Olive Garden. It was just what I wanted. In the car I played a couple of the C.S. Lewis lectures that had to do with "The Discarded Image" and the beginning of the Space Trilogy. Very fun indeed! It would take me about an hour to try and explain here how enlightening his thoughts were... I enjoyed it very much.
Just another wonderfully simple Sunday!
Jp
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Just Another Saturday
Got out of bed around 9ish... a beautiful weekend sleep-in. Quietly got dressed and prepared to leave as my roommate was still in bed. Frequented Denny's one more time, had my usual eggs/oatmeal/toast/sausage/OJ, and a passage from the Bible.
Drove up Nimitz to the library, spent 3 hours putting away all the video and most of the audio. They can get backed up sometimes. The foreign language dvd's have a habit of getting mis-shelved; and as I did music cd's for the first time today, I found that they are scandalously out of order. Was only able to fix the A's & B's before closing time.
And now I'm at Panera. I tried the tuna sandwich and the clam chowder... both very good. Skype video chatted with Mom & Dad out of the blue (which was a very welcome surprise), and made preliminary plans for September. I called the Minnesota resort Tuscarora this morning and found that the cabin is free later in the month, right when the leaves are turning... so if I get a couple requests approved this week, I can go ahead and book things! How exciting! They also said there is complementary Internet up there, and that the trails around the lake are clear for hiking. :)
Tonight at 7:05 the Seattle Mariners square off against the San Diego Padres. Dad said the M's won last night 4-1 with an unbelievable double play. Lord willing, I'll have just as much of a good game. Unfortunately, that means I won't make it for chat tonight. :(
"Hello, everyone! Hope you're havin' a good week!" :)
Jp
PS... Mariners ended up winning 4-0. I walked around the first level the entire game and really enjoyed seeing my team win in my new town. The Padres are pretty bad this year. Wow.
Drove up Nimitz to the library, spent 3 hours putting away all the video and most of the audio. They can get backed up sometimes. The foreign language dvd's have a habit of getting mis-shelved; and as I did music cd's for the first time today, I found that they are scandalously out of order. Was only able to fix the A's & B's before closing time.
And now I'm at Panera. I tried the tuna sandwich and the clam chowder... both very good. Skype video chatted with Mom & Dad out of the blue (which was a very welcome surprise), and made preliminary plans for September. I called the Minnesota resort Tuscarora this morning and found that the cabin is free later in the month, right when the leaves are turning... so if I get a couple requests approved this week, I can go ahead and book things! How exciting! They also said there is complementary Internet up there, and that the trails around the lake are clear for hiking. :)
Tonight at 7:05 the Seattle Mariners square off against the San Diego Padres. Dad said the M's won last night 4-1 with an unbelievable double play. Lord willing, I'll have just as much of a good game. Unfortunately, that means I won't make it for chat tonight. :(
"Hello, everyone! Hope you're havin' a good week!" :)
Jp
PS... Mariners ended up winning 4-0. I walked around the first level the entire game and really enjoyed seeing my team win in my new town. The Padres are pretty bad this year. Wow.
Friday, May 20, 2011
A Weekend and a Week
Goodness! Much has happened since I last posted! Sometimes it's hard to keep track of how quickly the days pass by! Last weekend, I took it rather easy, since I was very tired from being so keyed up for testing out of A-School. It was a big crash! I did all my laundry on Friday... big news there.
Saturday morning I upgraded my two favorite Facebook groups (one for WENN and the other for my Jr. High band director), finding to my delight that this re-invigorated discussions and made it easier for people to keep up with it... which included comments from Mary Stout and Hugh O'Gorman!
Sunday night I went to a modern play at the Globe that was very "edgy" and "dirty". It was interesting, but everyone was so darn bad to each other and nothing good ever happened to anybody... stayed up very late talking with Mike afterwords... which was so encouraging.
But Monday I was wasted! As I said before, I was still on a downer from being keyed up for class. And then I gave a pint of blood at 0900... which probably didn't help me feel very "go-get-'em". Thankfully I didn't have any watch for this Duty Day!
Tuesday I classed up immediately for Petty Officer Indoc! And we spent all day (0800-1530) in class. But this day I found out my class dates for Ops & C-School, which doesn't start til October, and doesn't finish til next May. This, importantly, allows for the marriage & honeymoon plans Mike & I had for sometime in September. :) I was instantly on the phone with him, and then my parents to share the big news once I was changed and on my way to the car.
Because that night the theater downtown was playing "Patton" (1970) for their special $5 showing. So I went early, tried out the "Crab Hut" restaurant that I discovered last time, then showed up right on time for the movie to begin. Pretty sure it was the first time I'd seen it, start to finish and uninterrupted.
And Wednesday evening I had a craving for that burger from the place in Old Town... and I got it again, except this time with their fries... their delicious fries covered with Parmesan cheese! Mmm! And then I swung by the Point Loma library to see most of the free community choir concert that was hosted there. They were singing Broadway tunes; I came in when they started a medley of Le Mis songs (which I had never heard before), a few others, and a Phantom medley... minus "Music of the Night" (my fav Phantom song). They ended with a sing-a-long of Irving Berlin and George Cohan... very fun indeed.
Last night I listened to a great deal of the lecture set I borrowed from the library the other day: "C.S. Lewis: His Life and Writings", put out by the "Great Courses" company that records outstanding lecturers from prestigious universities. It's an overview of all his main works... and I am delighted with it. Almost half-way through it already! Had some chocolate ice cream at Cold Stone and posted my graduation pictures to FB.
Today I finished "Lone Survivor", a suggested Navy reading program book about a SEAL and his mission in Afghanistan in 2005. Just realized tonight I was on my trip to see my Grandparents, Gatlinburg and Gettysburg (and Fredericksburg, Fort McHenry, Manassas & DC) with my parents the very same days that this story occurred. What a story!
Jp
Saturday morning I upgraded my two favorite Facebook groups (one for WENN and the other for my Jr. High band director), finding to my delight that this re-invigorated discussions and made it easier for people to keep up with it... which included comments from Mary Stout and Hugh O'Gorman!
Sunday night I went to a modern play at the Globe that was very "edgy" and "dirty". It was interesting, but everyone was so darn bad to each other and nothing good ever happened to anybody... stayed up very late talking with Mike afterwords... which was so encouraging.
But Monday I was wasted! As I said before, I was still on a downer from being keyed up for class. And then I gave a pint of blood at 0900... which probably didn't help me feel very "go-get-'em". Thankfully I didn't have any watch for this Duty Day!
Tuesday I classed up immediately for Petty Officer Indoc! And we spent all day (0800-1530) in class. But this day I found out my class dates for Ops & C-School, which doesn't start til October, and doesn't finish til next May. This, importantly, allows for the marriage & honeymoon plans Mike & I had for sometime in September. :) I was instantly on the phone with him, and then my parents to share the big news once I was changed and on my way to the car.
Because that night the theater downtown was playing "Patton" (1970) for their special $5 showing. So I went early, tried out the "Crab Hut" restaurant that I discovered last time, then showed up right on time for the movie to begin. Pretty sure it was the first time I'd seen it, start to finish and uninterrupted.
And Wednesday evening I had a craving for that burger from the place in Old Town... and I got it again, except this time with their fries... their delicious fries covered with Parmesan cheese! Mmm! And then I swung by the Point Loma library to see most of the free community choir concert that was hosted there. They were singing Broadway tunes; I came in when they started a medley of Le Mis songs (which I had never heard before), a few others, and a Phantom medley... minus "Music of the Night" (my fav Phantom song). They ended with a sing-a-long of Irving Berlin and George Cohan... very fun indeed.
Last night I listened to a great deal of the lecture set I borrowed from the library the other day: "C.S. Lewis: His Life and Writings", put out by the "Great Courses" company that records outstanding lecturers from prestigious universities. It's an overview of all his main works... and I am delighted with it. Almost half-way through it already! Had some chocolate ice cream at Cold Stone and posted my graduation pictures to FB.
Today I finished "Lone Survivor", a suggested Navy reading program book about a SEAL and his mission in Afghanistan in 2005. Just realized tonight I was on my trip to see my Grandparents, Gatlinburg and Gettysburg (and Fredericksburg, Fort McHenry, Manassas & DC) with my parents the very same days that this story occurred. What a story!
Jp
Friday, May 13, 2011
Graduated!
After our celebratory lunch, I drove Ferry back to base then went to the library to post, look at the books, then volunteer for a couple hours. They were backed up quite a bit on re-shelving the dvds. Found a neat book about a personal account of the OSS in WWII called "You're Stepping on My Clock and Dagger". Looks to be funny!
I then decided to go out to dinner before we had our small group Bible study at the Presbyterian church. Went exploring a bit, since I was not in the mood for more burgers, or anything else I was familiar with.
Last night, after dinner at the galley, I went out to the mall for a goodbye send-off for my former roommate, Wilson. She's being stationed in my own home state, so it was only fitting. It was a big group though, so I sat on the end next to a friend from my brother division in bootcamp. While talking, she mentioned she'd love to find a German restaurant...
...and what did I stumble across in my wanderings? The Kaiserhof Restaurant on Sunset Cliffs Blvd, Ocean Beach. Mmm, was that good! A fancy dinner with chicken breast fried in grated cheese and served in the tastiest paprika sauce (called KASEHAHNCHEN), a fresh greens salad with the nicest vinaigrette, some home-made German spatzel (buttered noodles), and then apple strudel for dessert. I couldn't have had it more perfect. A good graduation celebration, indeed!
Talked with Michael for a good, long two hours after a very good Bible study on how God is self-sacrificing. Life is good.
Jp
I then decided to go out to dinner before we had our small group Bible study at the Presbyterian church. Went exploring a bit, since I was not in the mood for more burgers, or anything else I was familiar with.
Last night, after dinner at the galley, I went out to the mall for a goodbye send-off for my former roommate, Wilson. She's being stationed in my own home state, so it was only fitting. It was a big group though, so I sat on the end next to a friend from my brother division in bootcamp. While talking, she mentioned she'd love to find a German restaurant...
...and what did I stumble across in my wanderings? The Kaiserhof Restaurant on Sunset Cliffs Blvd, Ocean Beach. Mmm, was that good! A fancy dinner with chicken breast fried in grated cheese and served in the tastiest paprika sauce (called KASEHAHNCHEN), a fresh greens salad with the nicest vinaigrette, some home-made German spatzel (buttered noodles), and then apple strudel for dessert. I couldn't have had it more perfect. A good graduation celebration, indeed!
Talked with Michael for a good, long two hours after a very good Bible study on how God is self-sacrificing. Life is good.
Jp
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Celebration!
Today's 100% on my last test deserved something special... so I'm relaxing at Panera Bread, chatting on Facebook, checking email and blogging, while enjoying my favorite sandwich and a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Mmm! Thanks for the free internet!
Now it's time for a little reading... and then I'll head back. :)
Jp
Now it's time for a little reading... and then I'll head back. :)
Jp
Mystery!
That's what I found at the library on Saturday... an episode of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot that I had never seen before... "Dumb Witness" from 1997. Written in 1937. Just looked up the complete list of episodes and books online. Thank you, Google. I think there are quite a few I haven't seen! But never, ever will I forget the episode with the bearded lady and strychnine (feels a chill). I think I'm brave enough now to want to see it again. Wish I could remember which it was.
"Dumb Witness" is what I watched tonight to unwind from a lot of studying for the tests tomorrow. Succeeded in getting my mind completely off it. Enjoyable story with a heroic dog. :)
Jp
"Dumb Witness" is what I watched tonight to unwind from a lot of studying for the tests tomorrow. Succeeded in getting my mind completely off it. Enjoyable story with a heroic dog. :)
Jp
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Hiking La Jolla (...la hoy-a... "the jewel")
As on Easter, I went on this month's "Scenic Sundays" with the Navy's MWR program. Today it was a short, easy hike up and around the Torrey Pines State Park... a cliff overlooking the Pacific, just north of La Jolla. It didn't take us long to get there, as La Jolla is only about 10 miles north of San Diego.
We left the Red Deck around 9:30, arrived around 10ish. Found free parking, walked along the beach to the Park, and all the way up the road to the top of the cliffs. We went on the overlook trail, then down a zig-zaging one to the beach. The trails were smooth ground, and incredibly easy to walk. There were lots of flowers and all sorts of interesting plants as we finished the 1/2 mile hike down to the sand. It was a cloudy day, but I loved it; makes it feel like home. The water wasn't too cold, as we jumped over to a giant piece of sandstone or limestone jutting out from the beach. On top of it were little tide pools with anemones and crabs... I loved it!
We walked back to the van along the beach... I really liked getting to know my classmate's girlfriend. She's from upper New York, and is very interested in photography, marine biology and the like. We had a good time.
After this, we packed into the van and drove to downtown La Jolla for a late lunch at a gourmet burger place. Had a turkey burger and the tastiest onion rings ever. Didn't even need ketchup! And then five of our group of nine headed off to the shore to look at the sea lions. We did this for quite a while, and I was able to lead them there, as I had visited with Meg back in 2010. There was lots of barking, and many more pelicans flying overhead (there had been lots of them at Torrey Pines). And then four of us went down into the sea cave that I had wanted to last time (it had been closed then), and it was pretty neat.
Headed back to base after that, and I immediately fell asleep on my bed... and waking up an hour and a half later at 6:30, wondering if it was Monday morning yet. :)
Just spent some real Sunday time, praying and listening to some Chris Rice hymns. Ready for the week, Lord. I love you; help me to study and excel just for you.
Jp
We left the Red Deck around 9:30, arrived around 10ish. Found free parking, walked along the beach to the Park, and all the way up the road to the top of the cliffs. We went on the overlook trail, then down a zig-zaging one to the beach. The trails were smooth ground, and incredibly easy to walk. There were lots of flowers and all sorts of interesting plants as we finished the 1/2 mile hike down to the sand. It was a cloudy day, but I loved it; makes it feel like home. The water wasn't too cold, as we jumped over to a giant piece of sandstone or limestone jutting out from the beach. On top of it were little tide pools with anemones and crabs... I loved it!
We walked back to the van along the beach... I really liked getting to know my classmate's girlfriend. She's from upper New York, and is very interested in photography, marine biology and the like. We had a good time.
After this, we packed into the van and drove to downtown La Jolla for a late lunch at a gourmet burger place. Had a turkey burger and the tastiest onion rings ever. Didn't even need ketchup! And then five of our group of nine headed off to the shore to look at the sea lions. We did this for quite a while, and I was able to lead them there, as I had visited with Meg back in 2010. There was lots of barking, and many more pelicans flying overhead (there had been lots of them at Torrey Pines). And then four of us went down into the sea cave that I had wanted to last time (it had been closed then), and it was pretty neat.Headed back to base after that, and I immediately fell asleep on my bed... and waking up an hour and a half later at 6:30, wondering if it was Monday morning yet. :)
Just spent some real Sunday time, praying and listening to some Chris Rice hymns. Ready for the week, Lord. I love you; help me to study and excel just for you.
Jp
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Yet More Good Times
Today my roommate came in the room at 6am, but I promptly fell back asleep. I was awake enough to hear the full-orchestra recording of reveille at 8am exactly, but didn't wake up for real until 9 (when my roommate's alarm went off). I wanted to get up around then anyway. Quick breakfast at Denny's, drove to the library, did my blogging, volunteered for a bit (they were pretty caught up)... browsed a bit, skimming a children's biography of Florence Nightingale.
Then it was off to Balboa Park again. But I stopped by the library on Park Blvd. to pick up a Navy suggested reading list book for junior enlisted: "Lone Survivor: the lost heroes of SEAL team 10". Point Loma's copy was already checked out.
It was another Old Globe play today... "Life of Riley" by Alan Ayckbourn. It was the US premiere of this modern British play, and Ayckbourn's 74th script. The story revolved around a main character that we never got to see. Three couples made up the cast: Riley's ex-wife and her significant other, Riley's doctor and the doctor's wife that was involved with Riley a long time ago, and Riley's best friend and his wife, who was performing in a play with the doctor and the doctor's wife. Riley had a medical condition and was given six months to live... and he stirred everyone up. He was invited to star in the play because the lead actor had bailed. He basically had all three women longing to be with him, with hilarious results. And there was a very good ending to top it off. I had a front row seat in the theater-in-the-round. Outstanding!
Jp
Then it was off to Balboa Park again. But I stopped by the library on Park Blvd. to pick up a Navy suggested reading list book for junior enlisted: "Lone Survivor: the lost heroes of SEAL team 10". Point Loma's copy was already checked out.
It was another Old Globe play today... "Life of Riley" by Alan Ayckbourn. It was the US premiere of this modern British play, and Ayckbourn's 74th script. The story revolved around a main character that we never got to see. Three couples made up the cast: Riley's ex-wife and her significant other, Riley's doctor and the doctor's wife that was involved with Riley a long time ago, and Riley's best friend and his wife, who was performing in a play with the doctor and the doctor's wife. Riley had a medical condition and was given six months to live... and he stirred everyone up. He was invited to star in the play because the lead actor had bailed. He basically had all three women longing to be with him, with hilarious results. And there was a very good ending to top it off. I had a front row seat in the theater-in-the-round. Outstanding!
Jp
From Busy to Burned Out
Monday evening (the 2nd) I went to the Padre's game after an hour of open study. So I didn't get there until the 5th inning. It wasn't something I was planning... at dinner (4:30 pm) I heard people talking about free tickets for the military (turned out it was because of Bin Laden's death - which is a little odd. Boy, am I sick of that news, already. Thank you, CNN). But I had a great time. Had a chili dog, ran into a friend from the Kingsgate Monarchs Swim Team (wow!) as I was waiting to get to my free, 1st level, $45 seat along the first base line. She ended up sitting just three rows in front of me! And as I sat down, the Padre's finally put points on the board with a two-run home-run. They ended up losing 4-3 to the Pittsburgh Pirates... and I was very tired when I got back to base around 11:30pm.
That night I resolved to take it easier the next evening, but as I walked back to the barracks, I remembered that the cinema downtown was having a special showing of 'Glory' (1989) at 7pm. It turned out not being quite as late... and it was a lot of fun. It was especially meaningful for me to watch, since our new RDC in boot camp, Chief Nelson, had us sing the song (from the night before they fight the final big battle) and speak encouragements to each other when we were getting ready to head off to Battle Stations. Out of all the memorable moments from boot camp, that had to be one of my favorites. We even sang it on our march to Battle Stations. :)
I thought I wouldn't need to go to Open Study on Wednesday night, but a shipmate from class failed the test and needed help. Thursday night I went out with a friend from class... and it was fun, but I think I did too much this week. Very busy and very tired! So when class ended yesterday, I took a brief nap, prayed, watched The Sound of Music, and then went out for a quick dinner at the local seafood cafe in Liberty Station... and then for a free brownie at Panera, along with some hot Earl Grey tea for a perfect after dinner treat. The Lord refreshed me with reading from his Word.
Jp
That night I resolved to take it easier the next evening, but as I walked back to the barracks, I remembered that the cinema downtown was having a special showing of 'Glory' (1989) at 7pm. It turned out not being quite as late... and it was a lot of fun. It was especially meaningful for me to watch, since our new RDC in boot camp, Chief Nelson, had us sing the song (from the night before they fight the final big battle) and speak encouragements to each other when we were getting ready to head off to Battle Stations. Out of all the memorable moments from boot camp, that had to be one of my favorites. We even sang it on our march to Battle Stations. :)
I thought I wouldn't need to go to Open Study on Wednesday night, but a shipmate from class failed the test and needed help. Thursday night I went out with a friend from class... and it was fun, but I think I did too much this week. Very busy and very tired! So when class ended yesterday, I took a brief nap, prayed, watched The Sound of Music, and then went out for a quick dinner at the local seafood cafe in Liberty Station... and then for a free brownie at Panera, along with some hot Earl Grey tea for a perfect after dinner treat. The Lord refreshed me with reading from his Word.
Jp
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Having So Much Fun
I wouldn't have gone back to Balboa yesterday if I hadn't been looking through my pictures from last weekend on Friday. :) I had taken a picture of a sign outside the Children's Theater advertising "Beauty and the Beast" playing on weekends through the middle of May.
Friday was a very short day in class. Started up notes for the 2nd to last week of class. Afterwords there was a free barbecue over at the main base on 32nd street downtown. A duty driver drove me over there... I had two wonderfully fresh burgers, bag of chips, chicken and water before I met up with some friends and got a ride back to base from one of them. I think that's when I put my feet up in my room and watched "Meet Me in St. Louis"... but the days this week have all run together. That might have been on Thursday or something.
I did drop by the bank on an errand, and volunteer at the library for a couple hours. Had a fantastic shrimp burrito at the Mexican place across the street, got some strawberries and cheese at the grocery, then returned... bumped into my friend Witte in the barracks, and drove her back to her apartment on my way to Bible study... which I had completely forgotten about until I drove past the church earlier on my way to the library. :) Not many people came, but it was a good time, with good discussion.
So Saturday I slept in... til 10! Kinda like this morning... Anyway, I ate some of the leftover stuff I had in the fridge then drove off to Balboa Park. Saw the Veteran's Memorial Chapel and had a turkey sandwich and lemon bar for lunch before going to "Beauty and the Beast". It was very like the movie... all the songs with a few extras... and a little more drama between Gaston and the three silly girls... and more love between Belle and her father. The costumes were great, although I was slightly disappointed with the Beast. He wasn't tall enough and his costume made him look like a man with a dark-haired ram's head... and for the transformation at the end, they simply had a new prince. :( But I loved Lumiere, especially, and Cogsworth... more than the movie, in fact. The vanity in Belle's room had more character too... she had been an actress who had played for the king on several occasions... or so she said. There was a live orchestra, and panels that copied the stained glass pictures in the beginning of the movie. Many costumes were made to match well... I especially loved "Be Our Guest". They had singing plates and silverware even. Very neat, indeed. I loved it.
I had a brief minute to look through the small San Diego History Museum... loved their collection of 1930's WPA paintings from San Diegans. And after I took a brief walk down a path in a valley, I found that the Science Center (that I've never even looked at before) is open later than everything else in the park. Liked their "Earth Exposed" exhibit the best. Stuff illustrating how tornadoes, geysers, avalanches, and more work... with air, water, sand and fog. :)
And then I decided I'd like to have spaghetti at the Old Spaghetti Factory on 5th Ave. downtown. Drove to the park & ride, rode the trolley, walked past the glitz & glam of the nightlife, got seated faster than most (since I was alone). Had half spaghetti, half ravioli, with the bread, salad and drink included. Splurged a bit on a chocolate mousse cake... and still have half of it for tonight. :)
Today I slept in way too late for church, so I've been listening online at Panera. Had my favorite souffle and some orange juice. But now it's after 3pm, and I've been planning out the month's of May and June... :)
I think I am a type of "party girl" in my own right. lol
When I go back to base I'm going to finish going through my stuff and keep relaxing. Reading and maybe a film. Getting ready for the week.
Jp
Friday was a very short day in class. Started up notes for the 2nd to last week of class. Afterwords there was a free barbecue over at the main base on 32nd street downtown. A duty driver drove me over there... I had two wonderfully fresh burgers, bag of chips, chicken and water before I met up with some friends and got a ride back to base from one of them. I think that's when I put my feet up in my room and watched "Meet Me in St. Louis"... but the days this week have all run together. That might have been on Thursday or something.
I did drop by the bank on an errand, and volunteer at the library for a couple hours. Had a fantastic shrimp burrito at the Mexican place across the street, got some strawberries and cheese at the grocery, then returned... bumped into my friend Witte in the barracks, and drove her back to her apartment on my way to Bible study... which I had completely forgotten about until I drove past the church earlier on my way to the library. :) Not many people came, but it was a good time, with good discussion.
So Saturday I slept in... til 10! Kinda like this morning... Anyway, I ate some of the leftover stuff I had in the fridge then drove off to Balboa Park. Saw the Veteran's Memorial Chapel and had a turkey sandwich and lemon bar for lunch before going to "Beauty and the Beast". It was very like the movie... all the songs with a few extras... and a little more drama between Gaston and the three silly girls... and more love between Belle and her father. The costumes were great, although I was slightly disappointed with the Beast. He wasn't tall enough and his costume made him look like a man with a dark-haired ram's head... and for the transformation at the end, they simply had a new prince. :( But I loved Lumiere, especially, and Cogsworth... more than the movie, in fact. The vanity in Belle's room had more character too... she had been an actress who had played for the king on several occasions... or so she said. There was a live orchestra, and panels that copied the stained glass pictures in the beginning of the movie. Many costumes were made to match well... I especially loved "Be Our Guest". They had singing plates and silverware even. Very neat, indeed. I loved it.I had a brief minute to look through the small San Diego History Museum... loved their collection of 1930's WPA paintings from San Diegans. And after I took a brief walk down a path in a valley, I found that the Science Center (that I've never even looked at before) is open later than everything else in the park. Liked their "Earth Exposed" exhibit the best. Stuff illustrating how tornadoes, geysers, avalanches, and more work... with air, water, sand and fog. :)
And then I decided I'd like to have spaghetti at the Old Spaghetti Factory on 5th Ave. downtown. Drove to the park & ride, rode the trolley, walked past the glitz & glam of the nightlife, got seated faster than most (since I was alone). Had half spaghetti, half ravioli, with the bread, salad and drink included. Splurged a bit on a chocolate mousse cake... and still have half of it for tonight. :)
Today I slept in way too late for church, so I've been listening online at Panera. Had my favorite souffle and some orange juice. But now it's after 3pm, and I've been planning out the month's of May and June... :)
I think I am a type of "party girl" in my own right. lol
When I go back to base I'm going to finish going through my stuff and keep relaxing. Reading and maybe a film. Getting ready for the week.
Jp
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