Some Life Updates

This year I've really tried to step back and spend less time on social media, and take less photos with my phone. Just try to enjoy moments, rather than stress about documenting them. Which has been nice, but also sad because I have a lot less photos to share, haha.

Life has been going pretty good I'd say. Nathan and I moved into our brand new house, which has been amazing, but also a little stressful. For some reason I thought all I had to do was save up for the down payment and then we'd be good???? Yeah no, you move in and realize all the OTHER stuff you still need, like putting in a yard, blinds, furniture, etc. etc. It's crazy all the things that come along with buying a brand new house. 

I've made a half decent effort though at trying to be disciplined and not just going out and spending all our money on decor, which has left me less poor, but also has left our house pretty empty. We have all the necessities, just not all the luxuries my heart desires! I am learning to be patient and recognize that over time I will eventually get our house all cozy and looking the way that I've imagined it.

King Melon. He had a hard time adjusting to the move. I can't blame him. He was living the good life at my parents, hanging out with their dog and going on runs and swimming every day at the pond. He's gotten a lot better though, and I think he's finally happy at his new house.

And BIG news, Nate turned 30!!!! 30 years old people. That is SO old. Like I remember when my dad turned 30, he had an Over the Hill birthday. Now my husband is 30?! How did this happen?

In all reality though 30 isn't that old. But it still seems like such a huge milestone in life.

I'm still working in the Shock-Trauma ICU, which I love, love, love. Learn something new everyday there and it constantly challenges me. I also got a one day a week job as a clinical instructor for a small nursing program which I am really liking! Gives me some extra money and I do genuinely love teaching, so it gives me an outlet to teach and mentor nursing students which is fun and fulfilling.

AND. It's ALMOST CHRISTMAS! My favoritest time of the whole year. I've decided on my wrapping paper theme this year.... red and green! Which sounds like not even a theme but I have never actually done red and green before. Last year was silver and gold, I've done gold and red, brown paper wrapping, silver and green... but never red and green. So this is uncharted territory, people. Look out!

The Conclusion of Being an Annual Passholder

It always was my dream to be a Disneyland Annual Passholder, and since I got one last October it has been every bit as awesome as I had anticipated it to be. Being able to go to the park any day or time for as little or as long as I liked was an amazing feeling. Plus the discount on food and merchandise was nice.

However my pass has expired now and I've decided not to renew it. I've concluded that I'd rather go to Disneyland just once a year and make it a special trip, as opposed to going 5 times in year. I thought I'd never hear myself say this but Disneyland just isn't quite as special when you make it too familiar. Just like a favorite song, if you listen to it over and over, it's not quite the same. I want to preserve the magic and splendor of Disneyland, I don't want it to lose its sparkle and shine.

So for that reason I've put my (albeit short lived) annual passholder-ness to rest.

Our last trip in September was pretty amazing though. My aunt pulled some strings with people in high-er (than us) places and got us a deal at the Grand Californian. I never ever thought in a million years I'd get to stay at that hotel!!! Being able to walk from the hotel directly into the parks and vice versa (especially at the end of a long day when you're legs are throbbing) was worth the money in and of itself! The rooms were nice as well, and they left little chocolates on the pillows every night!

The pools were a nice perk too.

Oh Mickey, the very best of them all.

I got to see the recently remodeled castle with its new vibrant blue tiers! For some reason I thought they were remodeling the Sleeping Beauty walkthrough as well, but they didn't.

Bo and I got the Mickey waffles at Carnation Cafe. Does anyone remember Disneyland before you had to get reservations to restaurants?? I mean you used to be able to just walk in and get seated. Now you have to reserve a table MONTHS in advance. Kind of sad.

My mom, my aunt, me and my cousin all went (which is the usual Disneyland crew) and my mom also invited her friend Vivian, to come as well. Which was so, so fun. She'd never been to Disneyland before in her life so it was fun seeing her go on all the rides and experience everything for the first time. 

It was Halloween time so they had all their decorations up! Check out this awesome candy corn planter. I love it!

I was aware that people occasionally got chosen to steer the Mark Twain, but never before had it happened to ME. But somehow we were the lucky winners and each of us took a turn 'steering' the boat! We even got some very official certificates. 

All in all it was another very magical trip to Disneyland!