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. 

Little Tokyo, Los Angeles

Little Tokyo

Los Angeles

July 29, 2017

One of the best things about living in Oceanside is that we are in between San Diego and Orange County. It makes it easier to get on the road and drive to Los Angeles or Long Beach.  Another nice thing in Oceanside is the train station. My husband and I have driven to LA to visit Chinatown, Filipinotown, Olvera Street, Little TJ and other places. After a little bit of investigating, we decided that we would take the Pacific Surfliner train from Oceanside to Los Angeles and then travel to Little Tokyo to check it out. 

On the weekends, the train schedules are reduced, so the key is checking the schedules ahead of time. Most trains, subways, trolleys etc all use electronic tickets that you can buy through an app. The annoying thing is, each piece of public transportation has its own tickets!  

The train ride from Oceanside to Union Station is about 2 hours. It is a BEAUTIFUL ride. I would recommend taking the train, even if you just turn around and come back.  

We took the train to union station, and then we took the Metro to the Little Tokyo stop. The area is kind of spread out, but there is quite a bit to see. RIght near the station is the Museum of Japanese Heritage. Every weekend there are street performers, music, and other events to check out. It really gives everyone a good chance to experience Japanese Culture. 

We really took our time and checked out everything. There were some really cool shops. One of the most popular shops was the Hello Kitty store. Of course that store was super busy. We don't collect Hello Kitty, so it was one place that we did not check it out. 

The food is amazing! Some of the places have a LONG wait so keep this in mind. Some will let you get on the list and wait your 2 hours while shopping in the area and they just text you when your spot is available. 

After eating, before leaving the area, we went and made a couple small purchases at the Asian Market that was there. It was pretty much just a grocery store, but they did have a few Japanese items that we have had a hard time finding back in Oceanside. 

Carnival Glory, June 2017

Carnival Glory

Bahamas, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, Puerto Rico

Port of Miami

This was our first cruise out of Miami on Carnival. This was our sixth cruise on Carnival. Each itinerary so far we have cruises on a different ship, out of a different port, and the itinerary has been slightly different each time as well. 

This was our second time in Half Moon Cay, but this was our first time in St, Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk. My husband had been to St. Thomas and San Juan as part of a Navy cruise a long time ago. But he didn't remember much. However, he had never been to any part of Turks and Caicos. I was excited, FINALLY a country that my husband has not been too!

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, May 2017

For Memorial Day Weekend 2017, We decided to visit someplace that we have never been. We went to Palm Springs for the weekend. The first thing on our agenda after arriving was to check out the Aerial Tramway. 

My biggest piece of advice with the Aerial Tramway is to give yourself plenty of time. We did not realize how long it was going to take just to PARK! Once we parked and went up, we had to wait an hour before our scheduled Tram.

The Trams only hold a set amount of people, so they are scheduled going up, and then coming back, you will just get in line and wait your turn.

It was definitely a cool experience to go up that elevation for someone who has not really been to an elevation like that before. 

We took the tram and probably stayed at the mountain top about two hours, then got in line to come back down. The views were amazing and we would definitely do it again. If you are are a hiker or into mountain climbing, go prepared! You can take the hike up the mountain for some amazing views.

Holi Festival of Color, Oceanside

Saturday, May 6, 2017

Holi Festival of Color Oceanside Pier

There was a Groupon deal for admission plus 4 bags of the color powder for each person. $20 for the Groupon was for 2 adults.

The festival is right at the Oceanside Pier area. There was a small amount of food, music, and a few things for sale. Hopefully, this festival gets bigger and becomes more well attended. 

Earth Day, 2017

Earth Day, April 2017

Carlsbad Beach, California

For Earth Day 2017, We volunteered with I Love A Clean San Diego for their annual Creek to Bay Cleanup. We were at the location in Carlsbad Beach. Our particular location was sponsored by LegoLand in Carlsbad. All of the volunteers received a free ticket to Sea Life Aquarium and a free reusable bag.

Our location got lucky in that the beach goers keep the area pretty clean as it is. We walked several miles and cleaned both areas frequented by swimmers, surfers and the prairie dogs.

It has definitely become out annual San Diego tradition for Earth Day.

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.