Hard Rock Hotel, San Diego, October 2019

Hard Rock Hotel
San Diego, CA
October 19, 2019

In all of the time I have spent in the Gaslamp area in Dowtown San Diego, this was the first time staying at the Hard Rock Hotel. 

The Hard Rock is in the perfect location if you are attending a conference at the convention center, attending any event downtown or even in town for a Padres game. 

We were attending an event at the Marriott which is right behind the Hard Rock. So we decided to go with the cooler hotel!  The Hard Rock Hotel has a bar and it has restaurants, but it does not have the standard Hard Rock Cafe.

At one point the Hard Rock Cafe was in a separate building, but it has closed. Now it is just the Hard Rock Hotel.

If you are in the area, check it out. The hotel has some very cool memorabilia on display throughout.

The Navy Ball, October 12, 2019

San Diego Navy Birthday Ball

We attended the San Diego Navy Birthday Ball on Saturday,  October 12, 2019.

It was held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt at Seaport Village, San Diego.

The event was very good. We have been to quite a few Military balls over the years, but this was the first Navy Birthday Ball in San Diego.  

The food was very good. I really enjoyed how the gift was a coaster. It goes perfectly with all of the other wine glasses from other events.

San Diego Padres, Fan Rewards Month, September 2019

San Diego Padres, Fan Rewards Month
September 2019

As part of Fan Rewards Month, the San Diego Padres have several unique opportunities for the Compadres Members.

One of the opportunities is Compadres Signings. 

Outfielder Josh Naylor was the first.

50th Anniversary Game

The San Diego Padres 50th Anniversary Celebration Game

Saturday, June 29, 2019

The 2019 season for the San Diego Padres is their 50th Anniversary Season. From the "kick off" at Fan Fest in January, it was clear everything this season would be all about honoring the Padres history from the past 50 yrs.

We don't have season tickets. For many reasons. Some reasons being with my husband being active duty, I never know when he will be home. I hate to buy 2 tickets for something and then him not be able to go, so I just typically buy our tickets a week or 2 in advance when I know the schedule. 

For the June 29th game (and a couple others), I bought our special theme game tickets ahead of time. Way ahead of time. The 50th Anniversary game was an All Fan Giveaway of replica jerseys from Tony Gwynn and Trevor Hoffman. For an additional fee, tickets could be upgraded to get a matching hat to go with the jersey. I definitely wanted the jerseys and hats, so I bought our tickets well in advance. As the actual game date got closer, it was clear that I had made a good decision getting our tickets ahead as the game ended up selling out.

Before the game started, the Padres had a special thing with season ticket holder families that had kept tickets the entire 50 years. After that, they had a Padres Parade of retired and former players. It was so good to see some of the older retired Padres players.

After the game was over, the Padres had a special Laser show. There are normally a couple games a year where the Padres do the laser show, and it is always good. 

The San Diego County Fair, Saturday June 1, 2019

The San Diego County Fair
Del Mar Fairgrounds

June 1, 2019

Normally, we go to the San Diego County Fair on Opening Day, due it being a special deal for military. This year, Godfrey had to work, so we ended up going to the Fair on the second day, Saturday, June 1 instead. 

The theme at the San Diego Fair this year is the Wizard of Oz. I have gone to the fair each year we have lived in California. I have really enjoyed it. There are so many things to do and check out at the fair. We are definitely going back for another fun day, but I am not sure exactly when we will be able to go. 

Godfrey's favorite part of the Fair is all of the crazy food. I swear, food vendors would fry water and sell it if they could. Of course, the vendors have the standard funnel cakes, corn dogs and turkey legs. I always try to find the craziest food item. I am definitely not going to eat any of the crazy stuff, but I definitely enjoy searching it out. Some of the crazy things I found this year were the fried oreos, fried cheesecake, fried bacon with chocolate and fried Kool Aid. I think every year the food gets crazier. This year I was a good girl and did not ear anything crazy.  

Steve Hofstetter, The Comedy Palace, San Diego, May 4

Steve Hofstetter, The Comedy Palace
San Diego, May 4

My husband and I have always enjoyed checking out stand up comedy. It is definitely one of the things that we really love about Carnival Cruises. We always make sure to check the schedule and check out as many comedy shows as we possibly can.

Now that we live in San Diego, there are quite a few comedy clubs near by to check out. We have decided we will eventually check out them all.  We started with The Comedy Palace which is the comedy club that is geographically the closest to us.

We were not disappointed.  We got lucky enough to be able to go when Steve Hofstetter was in town. He is absolutely hilarious. The show was great. We had great seats close to the front. 

Steve Hofstetter was great. We really enjoyed the show. He said that he was trying out some of his new material. I would definitely go to see him again when he is in town. 

The Comedy Palace is great venue. It is small, but it gives you a good view and it doesn't feel like it is very small.

Sea World San Diego's 55th Anniversary Celebration

Sea World's 55th Anniversary Celebration

San Diego, CA

I have had a Platinum pass with Sea World / Busch Gardens for years. When we lived in Virginia, we were 30-40 minutes from Busch Gardens Williamsburg. With the husband having family in San Diego and us visiting Florida on vacation occasionally, getting the Platinum pass for all of the parks just made sense. 

I have had the pass so long, I pay $10.50 a month, and I have a Platinum pass!

Honestly, I thought when we moved to San Diego, I thought I would be visiting Sea World like once to 3 times a month at least. We are about a 10 minute drive from Sea World. My husband and I visited before he went out to sea, but since he left, I had not been once!

I knew I had to visit for Sea World's 55th Anniversary Celebration. I really thought that Sea World would celebrate their anniversary all season. 55 years is a landmark. However, Sea World just had an Anniversary weekend. It also happened to be the first weekend of Spring Break for some of the schools in the area. I went on Sunday, March 24. I wanted to check out some shows and check out the food festival that was going on too.

It was really crowded. The weather was amazing, sunny but not hot and with it being the first weekend of spring break, the park was very crowded compared to the size crowds that I have seen before.   Normally when I see the orca show at Shamu Stadium, there are seats left open. I think it was at capacity for this show. 

I knew from reading the news that Sea World had stopped the Pets Rule show. The stadium looked like they were remodeling for another show, but I could not tell what type of show. They are probably still using the stadium for evening shows and will use it in the summer for the special shows for Electric Ocean.  

Sea World is always loaded with kids, no matter which day we go. But I feel like this Sunday was a "3 kid minimum" day. I have never seen so many strollers in my life. I know some people believe that theme parks like Sea World are "for kids" and the ChildFree should not be there. But honestly, I could not imagine trying to enjoy the day at a theme park while pushing a stroller, or dragging a small child. It would have to be hell on earth. 

Theme parks are yet another experience in my life that convinces me that ot having kids is the most amazing choice I could have made. 

La Mesa Oktoberfest, Sept 2018

La Mesa Oktoberfest
Sept 28, 2018

Being of German Heritage, there isn't anything in life I love more than German Food and Oktoberfest.  Back when I drank, I am sure I would put German Beer on that list of LOVES as well. But now, I haven't drank alcohol of any kind in years. Honestly though, I do miss German Beer.

I decided to pre-purchase the Hoffbrau House VIP Pass. I don't remember what the price difference was, but it wasn't much by buying it ahead. I do remember that with the web fees, it ended up being more expensive to buy a Ferris wheel ticket ahead online as opposed to cash in person.

La Mesa Oktoberfest goes over 3 days, Fri Sat and Sun. Each day there are bands, contests, lots and lots of vendors and plenty of food. Don't worry if German food really isn't your thing, because there were plenty of other food vendors. La Mesa Oktoberfest is held in the downtown area right across from the MTS Station, so there were other food options in the area as well.

There really isn't much parking in the area. I decided to take the trolley all the way from Moreno to La Mesa. In retrospect, I should have just drive to a few stops before La Mesa and parked. It took much longer to ride the trolley the whole way than if I had driven.

San Diego Padres Vs Cincinnati Reds, June 2, 2018

Hawaiian Shirt Night!

We decided that the promise of a Padres Hawaiian Shirt was too much to turn down. So we ended up going to two games in 3 days.

It was a really good game. Of course the Padres won. We had great seats on the first base side. This season we have sat in a different section each time we have gone to a game. 

We plan to hop around and sit in every section we can, just to check out the view from each area.

For Saturday games, usually starts at 5:40pm. Within the first 3-4 innings, the sun is really changing as it is going down. Next time on a Saturday 5:40pm game, we will sit on the 3rd base side. We were right in the line of the sun being blinded.

The crazy part of San Diego is that when the sun is up, it was right in our face and we were melting. Then suddenly the sun is completely down, and its COLD! You gotta love San Diego!

San Diego County Fair, June 1, 2018

San Diego County Fair

"How Sweet It Is"

June 1, 2018

Living in Virginia most of my life, we never had a "County Fair". We had the State Fair, and that is pretty much what I relate the San Diego County Fair to. We had festivals, small fairs. But nothing on the scale of the SD Fair, in length or attendees. 

Since moving to San Diego County, I have made sure that we go to the SD Fair each year. The first day of the fair, opening day, is the military appreciation day. Military members with their families get in free. The fair also does a special event for Albertson's and Vons employees on opening day.

The theme this year is How Sweet It Is. It is very cute. It is like Willy Wonka, and Candyland witn unicorns. Even the food vendors have Unicorn specials. One of the vendors has a "Unicorn Leg", which is just basically a smoked pig leg. One has a "Unicorn Horn" which is basically just a churro with icing and sprinkles. It is cute. The San Diego County fair runs at the Del Mar Racetrack in Del Mar until July 4. 

San Diego Padres VS Miami Marlins, May 31, 2018

San Diego Padres 

VS

Miami Marlins 

Thursday. May 31, 2018

Final Score Padres 8 Miami 3

Another beautiful night at Petco Park. Tonight we sat in section 312. 

This season we have been going to as many Padres games as possible. We have always enjoyed baseball, but living about an hour from the stadium, it can be a challenge to go to games during the week after work.  We have decided just to make it work, and just to do our best. Without having season tickets, it can get really expensive to buy individual game tickets, plus parking. Luckily, the Padres have a military discount, and relationships with the ASYMCA that allows us to enjoy games on the cheap. 

Night Nation Run, Del Mar

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Night Nation Run

Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds, Del Mar, California

The race fee was $29.99 per person for the basic package. All the basic package included was entry, the race number and one single glow stick. 

The course was very sparse and voice of music or fun. The music and party atmosphere was only at the beginning and one place in the middle.

It definitely was not worth the money.

San Diego Padres, May 9, 2018

 The San Diego Padres have numerous special theme nights. We ended up going to the game for Comic Con Night on May 9, 2018.

Not only was there a special Comic Con Hat ticket package that could be bought, but the whole game was themed around Comic Books and Superheroes. It was hilarious.

We try to go to as many Padres games as we can. Living an hour drive away from the stadium, games during the week are a challenge, but we do our best. 

Pinners Conference & Expo

Pinners Conference & Expo

The Pinners Conference is where Pinterest comes to life. It is a two day conference full of classes and vendors the represent all aspects of Pinterest.

Beauty, Party Planning, DIY, Crafts, Cooking, Fashion, Health, Fitness, Jewelry, Sewing, Travel, Photography, Plants, Canning, Renovations

Just about anything that would be on Pinterest is represented at the Pinners Conference.

I bought the 2 day, 2 class per day package. Two of my classes did not have a class fee. They were cardmaking classes and the kits were included.

The other classes I did was a Hello Sign, a USA sign and a Mermaid sign.
Many of the vendors had make n takes at their booth. I was able to make several things to take home. 

Everyone in attendance received a free reusable bag and a free planner.

Cafe Sevilla, San Diego

Cafe Sevilla
San Diego, CA
February 14, 2018
Valentine's Dinner

For Valentine's Day each year, if we are together and I am not out to sea or working, we try to do something different for Valentine's Day. In this crazy military life, there are so many times when it is an important holiday and yet we can't be together.

For Valentine's Day, we decided to check out a place that we have been wanting to try. Cafe Sevilla is in downtown San Diego. It is probably the best authentic Spanish Experience that you can get in San Diego. For Valentine's day, it was a set menu, and a special show.  The food was excellent and we both definitely enjoyed the Flamenco Show. We both have been to Spain, but it has been a long time. We both would love to go back. Cafe Sevilla was a great "mini trip" to Spain for both of us.  It made an Excellent Valentine's Day!

Marvel Universe Live!

Marvel Universe Live!
August 26, 2017

Valley View Arena, San Diego

Since I was a child, I can remember being interested in comic books. I can remember as a kid, we would go camping as our vacations. Usually every Memorial Day week and every Labor Day week at least. Sometimes, July 4th also. I have fond memories of some of the campgrounds, as some were more fun than others. One thing that always sticks in my mind is the little "country stores" where my parents would take us for a treat. I can't always remember getting a Nehi Grape soda in the bottle, paper dolls to play with, and a comic book to read. As we got older, my parents kind of stuck with one campground and my purchases of comic books reduced. However, I was still always a fangirl. 

Years later, movie technology starting catching up with the fantasies in the comic books and now comic book superheroes come to life on the big screen, as well as in theme parks on a daily basis. For years, there have been touring groups of Disney Characters. I can always remember hearing of "Disney on Ice" shows and others coming to town. When I heard about the Marvel Universe Live, I was EXCITED! Marvel, LIVE? I am in IN!  

The best part of the show was that it really encompassed charcaters from all over!  Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Dr Strange, Iron Fist, etc. I feel like the show and the story line of the show could have been better, it kind of seemed like a theme park show. It was mostly just a stunt show with motorcycles and fight scenes. I feel like it could have been a little better more special effects. 

The other thing to note is that it was in town for several days, we went on a Saturday night and it was NO where near sold out. I really feel like there wasn't enough advertisement. Anyone that I had talked to about it had not heard of it before. I haven't heard of it coming back to San Diego, I imagine it is going to be like the Disney shows and have a new one each year go on a tour. If it comes back, Will we go? Probably. Especially if the tickets are on Groupon. 

I would love to see the live show expanded and adding in Black Panther and Captain Marvel. 

San Diego Chargers VS Miami Dolphins

San Diego Chargers

San Diego Chargers VS Miami Dolphins

November 6, 2016

Occasionally we get lucky. We entered a drawing for the residents of our neighborhood to win Chargers tickets. We didn't really pay attention to the date of the game when we entered to win.

We ended up going to Virginia to work on our rental house and turn it over to new tenants. Somehow we got lucky and won one of the ticket pairs from the drawing. We were in Virginia when notified. It just happened to work out that we flew home on Friday night, and the game was on Sunday. Three days before my birthday. What a lovely surprise. 

The drawing that we entered was for 2 tickets and $40 in Chargers bucks to spend on food and souvenirs.  We both signed up to be designated drivers, so we got the free soda and spent the free Chargers bucks on other things.

We decided to park at the Mission Valley mall and then take the trolley to the game to avoid all of the parking fees and the traffic. We were going solo and did not know anyone else going so we did not have a group to tailgate with.

We got there early enough to enjoy some of the things that were set up for the tailgate. We took some pictures, and walked all around to check out every thing we could find that was going on. We had a good time. It was definitely warmer outside than what we were expecting.

Our seats were on the visitor side. That time of year, the sun doesn't set for awhile and it was kinda miserable for awhile. But it eventually calmed down and we were able to enjoy the game not melting in the sun. 

During half time, The Chargers were having a Chargers Hall of Fame induction. 

The Chargers won!

Maybe we were their good luck charm!

Our only complaint with the Trolley was the rush after the game. As soon as the game was over, it was like a major rush to get to the trolley. When the trolleys came, they were totally packed. It was miserable. Maybe leaving before the game is over, or waiting for awhile is the best option.

Sea World, San Diego, April 2016

We have had Platinum passes with Busch Gardens / Sea World for years. Whenever we have had to go to customer service for an issue and the rep actually realizes how little we pay each month, they are shocked. That tells you exactly how long we have had our passes. 

Before moving to California, We lived in Virginia about 45 minutes from Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and about 50 minutes from Water Country USA in Williamsburg. We would go to Busch Gardens at least 4-6 times a year and Water Country USA 1-3 times a year when we first met. Over the last couple years we lived in Virginia, we reduced the amount of times we were going because we were doing other things. But we kept the passes. Living that close to the parks, it made sense.

Living in Southern California, the only parks nearby are Sea World San Diego and Aquatica in Chula Vista.  We have not visited Aquatica yet. But we try to go to Sea World at least twice a year.

This visit was our first visit of 2016. It was great weather. We went during Sea World's Magic Days. It was the first time that we had been able to go to Sea World during Magic Days. Sea World had a schedule of visiting well known magicians who performed during the month.

When we visited Sea World during Magic Days, We got to see the Magician Rick Thomas. We had seen him on tv. Obviously, the show stage at Sea World is smaller than what he is used to, but he was still able to give a great show!
We really enjoyed the show. 

The theme days and special events at Sea World are truly a don't miss. If you are visiting Sea World, make sure you check out the schedule of special events and plan accordingly.

The Blacklight Run, March 2016

The Blacklight Run

March 2016

Sleep Train Amphitheater, Chula Vista, California

The Blacklight run is a night time colorful, glow, 5k. Basic registration included a t shirt, and each person got a bag of the colored powder. 

As with the other similar colorful runs, the powder is completely safe.  The difference with the Blacklight run is that the powder is treated to glow under Blacklight. 

The course was a mix of surfaces. They used some blacktop areas and some grassy areas. The one weird thing about the course was that there was not enough space to set up a full course, so parts of it were just winding back and forth in a small area like going through a roller coaster queue. 

The other item that was kind of weird was there was no music or anything as part of the beginning, there was only a DJ for the "afterparty" after a good quantity of people had gone through the course. So those who went first or were faster had to stand around as long as an hour to wait. 

Barona Casino Resort

We enjoyed our Friday night stay at Barona. We checked in on Friday evening,  March 4 and checked out on Saturday March 5.
We had a king room on the fourth floor on the poolside.  We had a great view of the pool. It was way too cold for me to even dream of getting in the water,  but there were people swimming.
Our room was great and we enjoyed our trip. Too bad I didn't win any money.

My husband did ok, and we ended up enjoying Saturday brunch at Sage before we left. 

The food was excellent and the view was amazing as always.

We can't wait to go back to Barona.