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.