Roller Coasters and such

A while ago, I was thinking of writing and entry about enjoying the kid in you (which I'm sure I still will one day), and thought that maybe roller coasters (and such) would go with that entry. However, these bringers of fun really deserve their own entry, so here it is.

I grew up being a "Disney baby". No, I wasn't born there, but before I was, both of my parents worked there (my dad even stayed there a few years after I was brought in to the world). We've always had annual passes, and for the most part have gone many times each year. Even after these 19 years, I've still never been tired of going. I could go day after day and still want to keep going. That being said, moving over 7 hours away from the happiest place on earth has been kind of suck-ish.

However, I do have a theme-park supplement: the Santa Cruz Boardwalk. It's missing the polish and "magic" of Disneyland, but it's still an awesome place that has all of the essentials: roller coasters, cheesy kid rides, bad-for-you food, etc. I went there today for the first time in over a year, and my sister and I managed to tackle pretty much every ride the place has to offer. She even went on a few rides she thought were scary at first. I'm so proud of her!

Anyways, for me, that type of atmosphere is just wonderful. I feel like I'm a kid again, and I don't ever worry about school or the serious-ness of life. I think now the only thing it makes me feel bad about is that I miss the times I spent with that special someone at Disneyland and other places, but I still have plenty of time to get over that. And even that isn't enough to keep me from giggling on a crazy ride that's like the teacups from Disneyland, just on a high dosage of steroids.

My Mom

I feel like I should have some stupid "your mom" joke to go with the title, but I really don't. Bummer, I know.

But in all serious-ness, I love my mom. She's one of the best mom's out there (all of my friends would say so, too), and is one of my best friends. I love talking to her about about my problems because I know she'll listen (she's my mom, she kinda has to, right?) and she has a lot of experience to draw on, so I get good advice that's comforting and practical. Pretty much every time I talk to her, I feel better, or at least more grounded about whatever my problem was. She's given me a really good example of how to enjoy life, and for the relationship I would love to have with my future children.

Thanks mom. I love you, and could never tell you enough how much I appreciate all you've done for me.

Exercise

So it should be obvious already, but it doesn't hurt to say it again and again that exercise is good for you. It keeps you healthy and in shape, makes you feel good, has tons of physical/emotional/etc. affects that are good for you; basically, it's just pretty awesome.

But why it deserves so much attention today is because I realized how much I missed it. I had, for the first time in my life, started a consistent daily workout plan last year that I stuck with for several months, and then after some breaks, stopped for another several months. 

Like most American's nowadays, I've been over weight for several years. In jr. high I started helping that by gradually eating healthier. I cut back on sodas, started to limit my deserts, and enjoyed a wider variety of veggies. Towards the end of high school I realized that wasn't enough, and after a long time thinking about it, I finally got around to actually getting off my lazy bum and doing some exercise. 

I'm proud of myself that I was able to start that in the first place, and that I'm now able to pick it up again after such a long break. I love the feeling I get from the physical activity; it lifts my mood, and makes me feel a lot better about myself and how drop dead sexy I'll look after a year of keeping this up.

Talking

Talking with people is the best (really only) way to get to know them. You find out what they like and don't like, what they're interested in, where they plan on going. You get to talk about things you do or don't have in common, explain why you think the way you do, or even just ramble on about something that makes you happy. It's especially great when you're thoroughly enjoying the conversation. This works when you both have the time, attention, and excitement for each other's company/opinions. Then you just click, and can go on and on about whatever. It's a wonderful feeling when you find someone you can talk to with that much enthusiasm, and it opens the door for a better connection with that person; it gives you a chance to find your mentor, best friend, or soul mate.

Surprise Cupcakes

Well, it was technically only one cupcake, and it wasn't this exact cupcake, but it was still a damn good cupcake. A few friends surprised me and came over tonight to hang out for a bit, and one of them sent along a cupcake in her place. It was scrumptious.

And obviously, having my friends randomly visit is super awesome, too. Especially when you open the door and are greeted by a super excited, lift-you-in-the-air hug (those are my favorite). Thanks for making me laugh and smile again guys.