Disney's California Adventure

Oh, Disneyland... Where do I even begin. So for those of you who don't know, there are two parks at Disney California; Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. We did both parks on Wednesday, and spoiler alert, you cannot see it all in one day. Which means yes, I did not get to see all of Disneyland. Yes, I pouted. I am still sad, but moving on. We had a blast and that just means there will be first time experiences next time. The future good Doctor Hogan promised to take me back. 

We got there before opening and started with California Adventure. We pretty much saw/rode almost everything there! California Adventure is newer and more... adult friendly than Disneyland. They serve alcohol and the rides are more adventurous. I think we rode all the big rides except for Grizzly River Run, because it was actually not that warm this day, and California Screamin', because it was closed for maintenance. Which was ironic because that's the ride you can see from the road and it teased us all week!

Everything in both parks was seriously Christmased out, and they even redid some of the rides for the holidays. Disney is insane. They do everything big. The rides, man... they're awesome. I had been to Disneyland before, but I was like 5? And do not remember it. Plus California Adventure didn't exist. So everything was brand new to me and SO MUCH FUN. Oh my gosh I was laughing and screaming like a child, it was amazing. Seriously, delightful. 

Their Ferris wheel isn't a normal Ferris wheel. It's little car things are on tracks so they rock and slide as the wheel turns around. They also have stationary ones around the edges, but of course we had to ride on the ones that moved (Brendon). I get motion sickness pretty easily (thankfully most of the rides at Disney are pretty tame) and this ride made me feel gross. Funny enough, they have motion sickness bags in each little car. So apparently I am not the only one. (For those of you who follow us on Facebook, NO I did not actually puke.)

Toy Story Midway Mania! So much fun! It's 3D arcade game/ride. Oh my goodness it was a blast. Brendon beat me in points, but I beat him in accuracy.

Cars Land! Oh man this was super cute. They basically recreated Radiator Springs. IT IS SO NEAT. Each cone in the Cozy Cone motel serves different kinds of foods in cones! ADORABLE!

The jewel of Cars Land is Radiator Springs Racers. This was one of my favorite rides in the park. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN. I couldn't believe how fun it was. I am a child. I don't even care. I loved it.

I think my favorite ride tied with Radiator Springs Racers was the Tower of Terror. Because I'd never been on it before and had no idea what to expect it caught me totally by surprise. It was AWESOME. Laugh screamed my way through it. AND while waiting, the sweetest older man working our "elevator" started singing Santa Claus is coming to town and got everyone in line to sing together. Place is magical, I'm telling you.

Disney desserts... uhh, yum. They have these coconut pie things that are to die for. Craving one as I type.

California Adventure! Really really fun. We also saw Aladdin the musical, which was great. Like very good for being in a theme park. I highly recommend it. Things I would skip next time, Soarin' Over California, Luigi's Flying Tires, and oh my god, the World of Color. Everyone online raved about the World of Color, so we made getting a fast pass for it a priority and then left Disneyland that evening to come back and check it out. WHAT A MISTAKE. I guess it was kind of cool? But I definitely could have lived without it. There were so many people that I couldn't see squat, even though we had "good" spots with our fast pass. Seriously, I would have much rather waited in line for a ride (or seen more of Disneyland...) than deal with that mess.

The Cars ride and the Tower of Terror were my favorite, but the other rides were wonderful as well. I just can't get over how detailed everything is. Everything is just so fun. Even waiting in line is fun. The scenes and decor are just off the charts. It really is a magical place!

Next time, Disneyland!

Newport Beach, CA

Yesterday Brendon wrapped up his last interviews and it was officially vacation time. For both of us. Because y'all know I've been chillin' for days. We rented a car and drove to the beach! (Renting a car for a day is SUPER cheap, y'all.) Newport Beach is a straight shot south of Anaheim, and it just so happens to be a very special place to us! When we were in high school we were very obsessed with the OC. I mean, who wasn't? Anywho, it's set in Newport Beach. Duh. So because we were insane, the summer after high school, Brendon and I drove to Newport Beach, CA on our very first road trip. First of many. So long nostalgic story short, this was a lovely little walk down memory lane for us. Not much has changed! Here's a gazillion photos. Sorry boutcha eyes.

It was the loveliest evening. The weather was phenomenal (big surprise Cali) and we got there in time to see the sunset. Oh and can we talk about the sun setting? IT SETS AT LIKE 4:30 PM HERE. So early. Which is a pity because the days are so amazing. It gets relatively chilly as soon as the sun goes down. Still fantastic weather though. Anyway, perfect evening. Happy girl. I love vacation.

California, lessons in relaxation

Greetings from California! Which is scary exactly like it is in the movies. Sunshine and perfect weather. Even the damn palm trees. We are here for Midyear which is a pharmacy conference for pharmacists and future pharmacists from all over the country! Brendon has a bunch of interviews for jobs and residencies. I tagged along because I've got mad vacation hours I need to use up, and because it just so happens to be in Anaheim. Right across the street from Disneyland. You guys know how I feel about Disney. Dream job, Disney Princess. But a real one. That just sings and dances and wears pretty dresses all day while woodland creatures follow. Ahem... so duh, I was in to come along.

We got in yesterday morning and I have to say, hands down the easiest flight I can remember. I have a strong dislike of flying, because I seem to be cursed with bad weather, turbulence, delays, etc. This was the first time we flew since our honeymoon fiasco when we flew through a storm. I thought I was going to die, people were puking, we circled the Denver airport for half an hour because we couldn't safely land, ran out of gas so we had to stop at Colorado Springs, refueled and headed back to Denver, but of course we missed our connecting flight home and were stranded until the next morning. FLYING CAN BE STUPID. So I was a little leery of flying again. HOWEVER, this nonsense was so great. The Austin airport was a dream. We basically skipped through security to find our gate directly in front of us. They have breakfast tacos at the airport (oh, Austin, I love you). Our flight was only two thirds full so Brendon and I had a whole row to ourselves (WHEN DOES THAT HAPPEN?!). Our flight attendant was beyond hilarious and so so sweet; on our way out he told us we were a beautiful couple and should get married. I saw mountains out the window! And we landed in LAX early. The whole thing was easy as pie and has slightly redeemed flying for me. Thank you Southwest. And Austin. And that awesome flight attendant.

Anyway, so in California we were! Staying right across from Disneyland! Like you can see it and hear it and fireworks woke me up last night. But the catch is, we aren't going to Disneyland until Wednesday. It's Sunday. I have to wait three more days, while it sits in front of me. But the good news is, Downtown Disney is open to the public! As are the Disney hotels! So last night we explored the little Disney we could get our hands on.

Muchos kudos to this adorable husband of mine, who unfortunately caught a cold the day before we left. I mean, are you kidding?? That's how life works isn't it? He's been tougher than tough and is knocking out three interviews today while probably feeling like ass. That boy is my hero. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I do not catch whatever he has. Because I am not as tough. And knowing my luck I will catch it and it will be the day we go to Disneyland. IMMUNE SYSTEM, DO NOT FAIL ME.

We snuck around the Disneyland Hotel last night, which is super retro, but very cute. Look at that font! And believe it or not people were swimming! In December! California, man.

Downtown Disney and Hotels will have to hold me over until Wednesday. And until then I am faced with an insane amount of free time. This is not something I am used to. (Wonder why I never blog any more? Free time basically does not exist for me!) Brendon is busy with interviews and pharmacy things for the next few days, which leaves me just chillin'. Which is a good thing, but something of a challenge. I have a hard time relaxing. I feel like I should be doing something. I feel guilty about, literally, laying around the hotel room all day. I've logged onto our system at work quite a few times, not going to lie. But don't get me wrong. I will adjust. I will enjoy this and I will relax! Now... off for a run in this stupid lovely California sunshine. ;)

Wassailfest 2014

Thursday evening, after a rather loooong work day, Brendon and I headed to New Braunfels to Wassailfest. This year was the opposite of last year (which was freeeezing), warm and wet. Humid. But not terrible. We got drizzled on a bit, but survived as we are mostly not made of sugar.

Same old song and dance as years in the past, drank a years worth of Wassail and soaked in lots of Christmasy goodness. Although I think we ran into a record number of folks from high school this go round.

Cheesy. After wrapping up our Wassailing, we set upon the task of finding something to eat in New Braunfels, which is a challenge anyway for vegetarians, but more so in this instance as almost everything closes at 9 in that town. Aside from chains. So we ended up at BJ's Brewhouse. Not the biggest fan of that place, but it was okay and meat-free and at that point I would have settled for raiding HEB for snacks. We ordered off the appetizer menu, typical. By the time we got back home I was deliriously sleepy. So sleepy it hurt. This chica does not fair well when she is tired!

Wassailfest over the years. Spoiler alert, the photos all look remarkably similar.