My Conditional Love of Rain

    Talking about the weather is probably the most basic topic of conversation. But, deng, it's been raining a lot lately and it's got me wondering how I truly feel about it--especially since I am one of those people that claims to want it and say things like, "I love the rain!" But as a Southern Californian, I haven't seen THAT much rain in my lifetime so I don't know if I really knew what I was saying. 

    I don't like driving in the rain, especially when it's pounding super heavy and I can't see the road very clearly. It gives me anxiety. I don't like puddles. I don't like soggy shoes. And I don't think umbrellas do a very good job keeping people dry, especially when it's windy. I definitely don't like being IN the rain, walking around in it, getting my clothes wet. Wow. Can I ever say, "I love the rain!" ever again?! I might have to think twice.

    But I do love the rain, right?  Yes, sometimes, when it's on my terms.  Like, when I'm at home and it's tapping on the roof or the window. I'm underneath a cozy blanket, safe and sound. I love the clean way rain makes me feel, like it's cleansing the world around me. I love the wild flowers that pop up as a result of so much rain. I love the many benefits rain provides--water, healthy plants. 

    Rain is lovely--overall.  But yeah, I can be over it sometimes too. 😁 But yes, I do love the rain.  I do. 🤷🤣

   

Cherished Memories of When the Wands Chose Our Wizards

 

These amazing memories are from 2015 and I vividly remember how much awe we felt while this was happening. We felt the magic and I'm grateful that The Huz filmed it. 

8 years later, they still offer this experience. The specific participants are chosen randomly (or by the magic of the wand) but after the experience, people are led to the gift shop with a multitude of wands to choose from. 

The amusement park world is kinda crazy at the moment with the hype and the crowds, so experiencing these moments and sharing it with my loves, especially now that they are young adults, is something I wholeheartedly cherish. I'm thankful for the unique experiences we've been able to provide the brothers over the years, and frankly I'm looking forward to just continuing to share life with them in new and different ways.

For parents of young kids, take the pictures, record the moments, and write down memories or feelings. Life gets hectic--either sneaking up on you, slowly creeping or just fast as heck. But whenever you get the chance to stop, reflect and appreciate the good times and learn life lessons, take it. 

Also, love your kids wholeheartedly with no conditions or restrictions. 

I hope I say it and show it to them often, but I love my boys.  LOVE, Love them!!! 🤗

  

Imparting Truth to (Anti) Environmental Propaganda

 

Follow and Subscribe to Shelbizleee on Youtube for more content on sustainability & eco-minimalism. 

In this video she addresses some of the latest green washing and propaganda she's come across and I find her analysis and commentary informative. I can't believe that caring for the planet has become a polarizing topic, but realistically, there are big business and profits to be made from the anti-environmental stance. Also, to be fair, there's plenty of shady business practices that trick well intentioned consumers into believing what they're buying is environmentally friendly even though it isn't.

But I know there's others out there, like myself, that care enough about the health of the planet to contribute our own efforts to sustainability--even if it's in the small choices we make every day. And I'll always remain open minded to the science, which means that as more information is learned, conclusions may change--and that's all part of the process. Fact-check and consider the reliability and/or bias of your sources.

Overall, finding ways to lessen waste--recycling, reusing, reducing consumption--and using alternative energy can and does help the health of the planet.

East Long Beach Spotlight

Nice feature on the neighborhood.👏 I enjoyed seeing the sights and sounds I'm familiar with. It's fabulous to travel but it's also an amazing benefit to explore your own stomping grounds.

 

In addition to the above spiffy feature, we have specific favorite food spots too! 

• Hiccups Barista: Try their House Coffee...smooth & balanced. But their other drink offerings are pretty good as well--hard to go wrong depending on your preference. They also come out with unique new drinks from time to time to entice and intrigue us including Ube Lattes and Mung Bean drinks. We've tried them and love them. I also recommend their Banh Mi sandwiches. 
• Cha for Tea: We go here for various Milktea Boba selections and pair it with Popcorn chicken. It's a satisfying snack combination. It's mostly a take-out spot now. But what my family and I do is order it and eat it in the car so the chicken is hot and fresh. They give you these poking sticks to make it easy to eat so it's not a messy situation. Many memories have been had eating & drinking these snacks and having the best conversations in the car. 
• China Star Express: Here you can have a delicious fast-food/quick-service meal featuring tasty chow mein and various Chinese food options. Our family's go-to is the teriyaki chicken. And I also enjoy their Orange Chicken and my personal favorite, the Eggplant Tofu. They're been around for awhile and are a local favorite for this type of food. I'd much rather support them than a franchise. 
• Pepe and Chepito's Tacos: Right next door to China Star Express, is a solid Mexican food option. Our go-to hear are the street tacos which are inexpensive but have an additional discount on Taco Tuesdays. The meats are chicken, Al Pastor, Carne Asada, & Al Pastor, all seasoned well and comes with cilantro, onions and salsa as optional toppings. 
• Nomad Asian Bistro: This is an elegant Chinese Food family style sit-down restaurant great for celebrations and gatherings. The egg drop soup is simple but tasty and their fried rice is just delicious and we highly recommend. They're also known for their hand made noodles. Their prices are also reasonable for a sit-down restaurant. 
• Long Beach Fish Grill: They have various seafood options for anyone who wants to try, but we come here for the Clam Chowder bread bowls and french fries. Bread bowls are hard to find in general so this place is just a gem for the area. 
• KB Donuts: We come here for their breakfast burritos: ham or sausage. They are a neighborhood favorite with many regulars coming through. They have donuts and other sweets available. They also have blended drinks, coffees and other options as well. The service is friendly.

New businesses open here and there & we love to check them out and try out their offerings. Just like any neighborhood, nothing is perfect, but we're happy & proud to be part of this community. If you're in the area, I hope you explore & see what it has to offer. 😼