Full Steam Ahead!

No Longer Living in a Suitcase...

Wow, its been quite a while and I certainly do apologize for having neglected my blog and most

especially you all...

Ahh yes...What a journey I've been on from Cali to Texas and back. I've been enjoying since I landed back on Cali grounds this past May and I'm happy to share that my PIC ("Partner in Crime") has made his way back permanently as well this past August. Since then, we've been doing our best to establish a home base for us to settle in. While enjoying our time back, I received news that my parents will be moving to another city to join the rest of my Mom's side of the fam; therefore my hub and I will be making our move to take over my parents house which I am extremely excited about!

Yes, it's quite hard to live with your parents or in-laws while married, but we've clearly managed to stick it through many times before which made this last stay with them pretty easy. Not only am I excited about moving out in December, but I'm so happy that it's my favorite time of the year as well! Stoked!!!

The countdown has begun and we've got about 2 1/2 weeks till we pack up and move one last time! Luckily it won't be to another state!!! Although I am a bit sad that my parents will no longer be a few minutes away, I'm thrilled that both my parents and my hub and I will be able to start anew in our homes.

I'm also approaching my 6 months at my new job and I seriously can't believe how fast time has flown! I feel like I was just in Texas yesterday! In case you didn't know, as much as I disliked the weather in there, I do miss being in Texas and all the fabulous foods and eateries that they had! I'll definitely be making my way back knowing that we still have a cousin left behind.

Anyhow, I do plan to keep up with my blog now once we're all settled in our new home. Its been rough not being able to unpack all my luggages and boxes. I'm looking forward and can't wait to update you all again!!! I miss you guys!!!

Hope, Ice Cream & New Beginnings.

After 7 months of rest, relaxation and one official job interview in my home away from home, I guess I can now say that I will be back on the payroll as of April 16th. So many things had been running through my mind when I got the offer like "Am I doing the right thing? Can I hack this out for a year? What if I don't like this job in the end? Am I willing to risk my Unemployment benefits awarded to me due to spousal relocation?". In all honesty, I'm going to miss being able to just do anything at whatever time I please. Its been super nice to just relax and not worry about monthly deadlines and so forth.

Yes, I've got to admit that part of me took this interview to see if I still had it and long behold, I still do *pat on the back*.  Another part of me is saying "Jen, it's time to put those grown up working woman pants back on and be willing to do a little more to make that extra $$$". As much as the hub wanted me to find a job, not just any job, but something that I would actually enjoy doing, he admitted that he liked our current situation and gave me the chance to think twice and choose to stay home. It wasn't until yesterday night after dinner that I made my final decision to go through with the job and he totally supported me despite a few disagreements as my decision would actually be postponing our move back to California by another year. His reservations were clear and very well understood, however all I could think about was doing what I could to help us pay off a good chunk of our bills while we're here. After all, our other goal is to move back to Cali to be near all our family & friends and hopefully raise a fam of our own soon.

Even though I'm able and willing to do this job, I'm a little nervous about what to expect. I know it wouldn't be a job if it wasn't challenging, but who wouldn't be nervous?  On top of that, I've got to figure out a way to ship my car from Cali to Texas. The hub and I aren't use to having only one car and I guess I know what it feels like for those I've previously worked with that had to deal with that for quite some time. So with accepting the job offer comes more adult responsibilities that I didn't think about until now. Part of me had felt bad for accepting the job and the other part was proud as it would be another opportunity to add to my resume. I've got mixed bitter-sweet feelings about my situation, however I'm looking at it in a positive light. There's just so much to be thankful for and without the support, I would be so lost.

Although I was originally suppose to begin working tomorrow, I convinced my future manager that I needed an extra week to transition and get things done so that I would be more focused bright and early on April 16th. Seriously, I've got a lot going through my mind that I couldn't think straight. You wouldn't believe how much research and dirt digging I've been trying to do on this job that I've accepted just to find a way out, but I haven't heard one darn bad thing. Silly me, I know. The previous lady who left the position was doing it for 4 years and for some reason decided to move on. I can only wonder, but  i'll definitely have some big shoes to fill as I've only heard good things about the previous employee being on top of her game. Anyhow...

With this new gig, I hope to be able to remain focused, save more money and maintain my workouts + healthy meals while gaining experience and new friends. I think this calls for a tub of ice cream! Heres to new beginnings!!!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Its been about 5 years since I last attended the University of California at San Diego and as I look back, I think about all the countless hours spent studying and nesting inside of its distinctive Geisel Library. Named and built in honor of Theodore Seuss Geisel ("Dr. Seuss") and featured in UCSD's logo, this unique library was my second home. The Geisel's were actually long time residents of one of San Diego's most wealthiest communities, La Jolla which is where the campus is located. What I loved most about this library was its awesome 360 degree glass view of the campus and ocean. Everyday, I chose to sit at the same corner spot on the eighth floor of the west wing. It was the best view and an awesome seat to relax while enjoying a good read. 

Listed as one of the "Top 10 Modern Libraries in the World" and the nation's top 20 public academic research libraries, it provides access to more than 7 million digital and print volumes, journals and multimedia materials to meet the knowledge and information needs of faculty, students and members of the public. Its design has been featured in the movies Inception as the snow fortress and the cult film series Killer Tomatoes Strike Back as well as featured in filming's of television shows such as Veronica Mars and Mission: Impossible.

Today, the University of California at San Diego has made preparations for one of its favorite events: the annual birthday celebration to pay homage to the campus' most beloved icon, Dr. Seuss. His birthday also coincides with the release of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, a feature film by Universal Pictures, a 3D adaptation (from the creation of Despicable Me) of the classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope. The party, which is open to Dr. Seuss fans both on and off campus, will be held at 11:50 AM at the foot of the library. This party which is marked by a giant inflatable Cat in the Hat includes free punch and cake - some 2,000 pieces of cake will be served to mark the occasion. 

Dr. Seuss at home *credit to mentalfloss.com*

In addition to the birthday party, an exhibit of materials from the Dr. Seuss collection will be on view till March 9 in the Geisel Library. The 10,000 items in his collection includes original drawings, manuscript drafts, books, notebooks, pictures, and memorabilia which documents the full range of his achievements beginning in 1919 with his high school activities and ending with his death in 1991.

What an honor it has been for me to attend this fine campus let alone study in one of the most distinctive libraries known to date. I'm definitely grateful to have been given that opportunity to "read, write, think and dream" in his library. Today is definitely a special day to remember and celebrate his life and career to devoting his time on creating entertaining and instructive books which have influenced many including myself and the initiative on reading created by the National Education Association. The sheer joy, whimsy and deep felt message of his artworks have provided such positive and uplifting messages that the world needs...

The human mind is such a fertile playground and Dr. Seuss serves up a juicy buffet of nutrition for the soul.  Happy Birthday to a legendary and striking man that has planted seeds of fantasy, multicolor and imagination to the masses.

Everything. Under the Sun.

Ahh, San Diego. What's not to love about my good 'ol hometown? One place that always comes to mind is Seaport Village. This tourist spot is an amazing waterfront where you can dine, shop, or just visit and relax. It's a place that travelers and myself love to frequent as it's located on the west harbor in the heart of Downtown. 

Cali Love...

Its been about close to five months since I've set foot on Texas grounds and I've got to be completely honest... Its been tough adjusting to this new place. I came here to follow my hub on his job promotion which without a doubt has helped us financially, however it came at the expense of being far away from everything and everyone that we love dearly. 

One of the things I miss most other than my family is being able to just head to the beach nearby and go for a hike. Before voluntarily resigning from my previous administrative job at the university headquarters in La Jolla, California, my co-workers and I would walk across the street for a nice stroll during lunch through my sanctuary, Torrey Pines State Reserve. My work was primarily situated right across the street from the reserve and the Torrey Pines Golf Course where many famous Championships were held such as the Farmers Insurance Open Invitationals.


With numerous trails and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it's the perfect place to pause at the cliff's edge to watch the moon rise and the sun set. I yearn to go back and take a deep breath of clarity while sipping on a thermos of hot herbal green tea.

Cali has always been my love and each time I leave, it's always a bittersweet feeling. This is my first time ever living thousands of miles away from a city of familiarity to another one that is completely opposite of that. Though Texas may be a great place to raise families and has a booming economy, the city and streets are nowhere near as refined as it is off the west coast.

It'll be a few more months  till we reunite with home again for a quick visit. Luckily my in-laws will be coming to town for a visit along with a few Aunts and Uncles next month which will be a nice change for a week. Although I've been working out almost everyday, it'll be a challenge when they come to town as we'll be taking them out to eat.

My in-laws are very traditional when it comes to food. The hubs and his siblings have always tried to get them to eat healthier, however my MIL (mother in-law) loves her patis with everything! For those of you that aren't familiar with that, patis is fish sauce that is most common to Indochina. It's mainly used as a condiment derived from fish that has been allowed to ferment. Anyhow, it'll be a challenge to eat along with them as they love to eat at buffets which I have strayed from for quite some time. I haven't had buffet food since the last time I was in Vegas which was in 2009! Wow! This will certainly be a test for me! I'm looking forward to the company, however eating out will be interesting!

May will be our trip back home for a wedding as the hubs will be part of it joining in as a best man. Time is ticking! Other than reuniting with Cali Love, I'm looking forward to a bangin' body! Can't wait!