Visiting Gudetama Cafe in Buena Park, CA

We came for the vibes and definitely got it. It's a cute experience! 

We recommend arriving early because there is a definite demand here and the line does get long--and the waits have been reported to be up to two hours or longer. Our experience was on the positive side. Upon entering, we were pleasantly greeted and the ordering process is easy especially if you know what you want to order (which I prepared for beforehand). I do recommend the Katsu, the Sliders, and the Lazy Bacon. Also, if you want a hefty meal but lower in price may I suggest this hack--get the kids' meal and upgrade to the bacon tator tots. The portion is surprisingly filling--but you do forgo the aesthetic of the egg face. We also tried their drinks--the coffees are strong--beware--but good especially if you like the taste of coffee. As an alternative, get the Matcha Latte, creamy and has a good flavor. 

They have merch, but I feel like some items sell out quickly--there were no more t-shirts and we were there at opening. 

The dining area is filled with picture opportunities--take advantage if you're inclined to do so. Overall, it's a fun experience, knowing that you are there for that. The workers make the effort to make people happy, I can feel that.  Try to have patience and have fun!

Not Because They Can't, Because I Want to

I remember seeing memes or posts when the boys were growing up that said they had to be taught to do for themselves--cook, do their own laundry, all those kinds of things. My love language specifically towards them (and to their Dad), however, has always been taking care of them--like, I love cooking them food, planning out meals, and making sure they are fueled and nourished. And they've never really been interested in cooking so I never pushed it. 

When my First-Born was getting ready to go off to college, I remember second-guessing the way life happened (just for a quick hot minute) and wondered if I should have pushed him to cook more for himself and those kinds of "taking care of yourself" things. But then he went...and he was fine.  He figured out how to fend for himself, and honestly, no huge drama came about regarding those sorts of things--everyday, living stuff. He's a smart kid and is clearly able to adjust to life changes and what-not. And the Youngest joined him a couple of years later. Yes, they are accustomed to being cared for, but when they are left to their devices, they can do it.  They do it.  

I still make meal preps and worry about their food supply, but that's on me. For me. I can't help, I'm just that kind of Mom, "Hey, have you eaten? What did you eat?  What are you gonna eat?"  Also, it's a running joke between The Huz and I that when the boys are with us, they act like kids again. But when they're not with us, they live responsibly and manage their own lives. 

So, my advice as a Mom is, just do what you want to do for your kids. Adulting and independence are inevitable. Do what makes YOU happy as a parent because either way, life happens and these young adults live their lives and experience their own ups and downs. I mean, of course, it all depends on your kids and you know what's best for them. So show them love the way you want to show them love--do things for them because you want to. Don't worry too much about societal expectations or "normal-ness". 

This Mom loves to love on her kids. My Young Adults.  I will and do continue to find ways to express my love for them. And I give myself full permission to do so.  All Moms should. XO

Have I Become a Concert Girl?

I love music and being entertained, but I've never been a concert goer--the person that sits in front of a computer waiting in a virtual line desperately trying to acquire coveted expensive tickets. 

So this whole "lifestyle" and "culture" of concert-going is a direct influence by my young adult sons. They are to blame...I mean...get the credit for exposing me to these experiences. 

As a relative homebody and someone who doesn't love crowds, I love to complain & grumble, but honestly though, I still had a great time at these concerts and making memories with The Huz and my Sons are the absolute best things in life.  And I'm so very thankful. With that being said, here's my Yelp Review for The Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall:   

So as their name reveals, there are two types of concert venues at this iconic venue...the Auditorium and the Expo Hall.

The Auditorium is assigned seating and I would assume every view is decent...some closer and better depending on your ticket price but for the most part, you can see the stage. The particular concert we attended (Miku) was super fun. Even though everyone was standing and dancing, it didn't feel chaotic. It was just a good time. This is my chosen venue and if it was just what I was reviewing, I would've added an extra star.

The Expo Hall is a whole 'nother beast. It is a standing room, first-come-first-position. So, you're in line for hours just for a chance at a decent spot which is standard practice, I know, for many concerts. There's VIP and quick line guests that pay extra to be let in first. There are no outside restrooms in the venue, so hopefully you are with friends or family so you can find a restroom somewhere, like fast food restaurants in the area or whatever other restroom hacks out there people might be gatekeeping. Once inside the Expo Hall, you file in to get your standing spot. And hopefully you don't have to use the restroom because it is too much of a hassle to leave your spot. You might get jostled around, people might get in front of you...things happen.

Incidents that happened during our concert (Yoasobi) that I personally witnessed (who knows what other things happened I didn't see): there was hostile interactions between a lady & a group that was trying to find their place forward--basically, what was firmly communicated was "you guys better know people, if you don't get out & keep it moving"--another incident of someone trying to go forward and someone saying, "nope, not on my watch", someone behind me fainting (it was hot & who knows what the reasons are), and an almost physical altercation with pushing involved because someone was trying to move forward again (thank goodness this was diffused quickly). It's so crowded and people are pushed up on each other that security or paramedics would have a hard time getting through. My anxiety was not doing well. As a short person, my visibility for the stage was severely hindered. I wish that there were different levels to the floor, maybe sectioned off so it doesn't feel so suffocating? I don't know. If you have a tendency to have claustrophobia or have it full-blown, I don't recommend the Expo Hall. Either way, this type of venue is not my cup of tea and now I know I would avoid it in the future. The more you know...

Overall, concerts are a culture. And for the most part people know what they're getting into. Wishing everyone a good time, and please be safe. XO

 

We also went to an Ado Concert at The Peacock Theater which was a fun time as well. This particular venue I do love. 

Appearances Are Just That...

Announcements of break-ups/divorces are often the most jarring to hear especially when a couple seems thriving and happy. And the shock and surprise is the same whether it's celebrities we think we know or people we actually know in real-life. The music group "Us the Duo's" divorce announcement had me shook for a couple of days and I'm still shaking my head about it (again, I don't know them personally). Divorces I hear about from my sons' first elementary school had me double-taking when I first heard about them as well. These couples most often portrayed happy and loving unions.

The biggest take-away is that we just simply don't know what is going on with people unless we're in the thick of their lives. So, we really only know what's going on with us--our life, our perceptions, and our realities and we can't assume anything about others as a fact just from what we "see" or the conclusions we make from what we think we know. It's just an opinion or a theory unless we know, know.

Even in my own life, I'm not going to post an Instagram on a struggling moment or something that doesn't bring me joy. Even further, I don't post the day-to-day routine stuff--although, I'm thankful for everyday life, they are not noteworthy enough to post.  I often use my Social Media as a sort of diary I want to look back on so it makes sense that the content is curated to intentional moments I want to either share or document for memories. I, myself, am an active participant in the notion of "Instagram versus Reality".  Most people are. 

So, when people start to compare themselves through the lens of Social Media, it becomes this cycle of envy or not feeling adequate with your life path. But logically, we should remember that if we're selecting what to post and not to post, it only makes sense that so are other people. Give ourselves the grace to not be perfect, to know that everyone goes through ups and downs, struggles and triumphs and it's all a part of life. It's okay to admire someone, to root for someone, to wish all the wonderful things for others--but just don't turn the malice on yourself. We're all striving to have a happy or at the very least, a contented life, so let's do that without comparing or maligning.

Concentrate on creating your own personal joys, focusing on relationships and making sure you're actually happy and communicating with your partner/loved ones and not just creating content (which may or may not be true) to post. Work on having a healthy romantic relationship for real instead of trying to show a loving relationship that may not actually be true. Because, frankly,  if your romantic union is not authentically solid, that break-up and/or divorce announcement will inevitably happen and any illusions you were trying to create would be destroyed anyway. 

 My point in this journal/reflection is that many things we see & hear on Social Media or on superficial social interactions (active social lives, wealth...all those kinds of things...) are not exactly what they seem sometimes--we don't really know. So, don't dwell.  Just live your life and make sure you create real joy for you. Enjoy your life. Get through the tough moments. AND wish well for others. 💋

 

Found this post while I was writing this entry. Sums up a lot and is very fitting.

In a Corner, Happy and With My Book

If you love reading, it is vital to find time to read. It's a special kind of happy place. It can be a source of inner-peace and a simple form of self-care.  Here's another three books to find and try out. I enjoyed them and you might also. They are in the "Contemporary Romance" category and for adults.

Say You’ll Stay by Corinne Michaels:  The beginning sequence in this story is gut wrenching and graphic and may be triggering for some that have suffered that sort of tragedy. I don’t want to give out any spoilers, but just be aware that this book has some very difficult themes about mental health and the consequences of life choices. Presley is the main “heroine” in the story and her strength through some tough adversities is inspiring. There is a whole slew of characters from a small town in Tennessee including Zach & his brothers. Zach and Presley have some serious history (and chemistry) that is hard for them to ignore and much drama ensues. It’s a heartwarming story of family and forgiveness and a ultimately a beautiful story about the enduring power of love. 

 

 

The Deal by Elle Kennedy: This story took me on so many emotions and I welcomed all of them. Hannah is a great lead—vulnerable yet strong, funny and determined. She has a tragic past she continues to overcome and she definitely has a inspiring vibe about her. Without revealing spoilers because I feel like if I say anything more specific about Hannah’s life and choices, it reveals the course of the story, I just want to say that I enjoyed the character of Garrett—talk about the dream guy—not overly sappy, but has all the characteristics to give any girl the feels.  These two form a great friendship….and the reader will have to check this selection out to see if anything deeper develops between these two.  Do it.  I had a great time reading this one. 

 

 

Fight the Spark: Sons of Sinners Part 1 by Grace James: The lead of this story is Amy, and boy does this girl go through quite a life journey in a short amount of time. She meets Connor and she experiences quite the adventure with him—all kinds of ups and downs—exciting and toxic. The reader is introduced to a cast of interesting & fun characters: Amy’s friends Hayley and Amy, then Connor’s band mates, most notably his cousin Blake.  There is so much drama in this story.  Even though it’s 474 pages, I went through it so quickly because I couldn’t put it down.  I just had to know what happens next.  This is only the beginning book…there is a sequel.

 

Just leave me be, I'm reading. 😄