June 20, 2009

The Adventures of Shuttle Girl...and The Proposal.

So the last couple weeks have pretty much filled themselves with work, Parker, Disneyland, and work...with a tad bit of car, tacos- and more work. I don't know if you all realize this, but China Bowl has the best tacos in town. How ironic is that? They are absolutely delicious- never mind the fact that Parker says while eating there you can get your taco fix and drug fix at the same time. Sure, it shares a parking lot with a shady-looking motel, but that's part of the excitement, isn't it? Anyway, if you haven't had them, I suggest you hop in your car and drive there immediately. Oh, and a bonus! They are open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays! Although, I don't think I would go there at that time of night without an armed police officer...oh wait.

Tacos aside (and how sad I am to put them aside, even for a minute- they're that good), work has been going very well. I've gotten to work in the store and the beach plenty of times now, and I think I actually prefer working on the beach, if only for the fact that while I don't get to sit down really at all, I constantly have something to do and am interacting with lots of different people. Today was one of the scariest things ever- driving an F-350 Ford truck with a broken indicator needle- I had no way of telling what gear I was in! Also, remembering to change from four to two-wheel drive was an adventure in and of itself. I panicked for a minute but thankfully a kindly old gentleman guided me in the 7-11 parking lot in Grover Beach and after that I was okay. I called Grandma Joyce too and just ranted my panic for a minute, who listened to me patiently and encouraged me, like she usually does. By the end of the day, I was definitely glad to drive away in my nice, little Volkswagen.

On Monday, Parker and I went to Disneyland for the last time until Fall- and to be truthful, I'm glad that we're not going anymore in the summer! It was the most crowded it's ever been- we were parked on the top of the parking structure, and Pirates of the Caribbean had an actual 30-minute wait! We did actually go on a few rides, ate in our favorite places, and shopped. Yay for Disneyland license plate frames! This trip to Disneyland is the fifth time we've gone in the seven months Parker and I have been lovebirds, and it never gets old.

Last night I did something I haven't done for a while- go on a date-like activity by myself. Let me explain this a little. When I was living in Germany, I decided to treat myself to lunch on Valentine's Day. In a restaurant full of happy couples, I was lunching away and trying not to notice when I was given a dozen roses and a marriage proposal by a tall, wiry Albanian man who didn't speak a bit of English (his friend translated the marriage proposal for me!). I then and there decided that I wouldn't do something like that again...well, I haven't for a year or so. Last night I was itching to get out of the house so I tried to persuade Tanya to go see The Proposal with me, but she wasn't persuaded- even by my good looks and killer charm. I decided at the last second I would go anyway. So, off I went- no marriage proposals for Veralynn this time (American boys obviously don't have as much gusto). It was here I made a new rule- I am allowed to go see movies by myself if the movie is a romantic comedy, or has Johnny Depp in it (I'm only saying that because I want to see Public Enemies... or maybe other reasons). Anyway, the movie was okay- being a girl, I felt there was too much conflict and not enough lovey-dovey, and I got bored halfway through and almost walked out. I'm glad I didn't.

I'm really excited I have tomorrow off- it isn't often now that Parker and I have the same days free. :)

~VL~

June 12, 2009

California Livin'

Lately I've felt like a total California girl. For one, it's summertime and the weather here is something generally envied by everyone who doesn't live in California. The other reasons are new to my life. Want to hear them? I knew you did...

Firstly, I got a job! What's more, a full-time job in Pismo Beach! I can't imagine a better job at this time in my life. I get paid to work in a store with the Pacific almost right outside the door, and sometimes actually working right from the beach. What am I doing? I'm working for a company that rents dune buggies and ATVs to people wanting to ride on the Oceano Dunes. They've been featured on the Travel Channel's Extreme Playtime, MTV, and Rolling Stone (voted Best Near-Death Experience...haha)- based in Las Vegas with this store in Pismo. I get to help run the retail store on the Pismo strip, shuttle people to and from the store to the beach, and help people with their rental paperwork so they can get from the store to the fun as soon as possible. I've already gotten to meet some pretty awesome people
, and part of my training was to take a dune buggie on a ride around the dunes, just to try it out! It was seriously one of the most fun things I've ever done. The dunes are crazy and unpredictable- that combined with the ocean view (there were a bunch of dolphins in sight!) and breeze...some serious fun. Can you believe I found this job on Craigslist?Secondly, I got a car! It's pretty...a 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit. I love it so much. Parker may say that's because I'm a hippie, and that may or may not be true.The only downer in this story is that because I got this job and have a car payment now (isn't it great being a grown-up?), I have to quit Late Service. I'll definitely miss the Del Taco laughs and the other banditos, as Jason calls them...but for now it must be done. Of course I'm still an ever-ardent Late Service lover and plan on being at Late Service as much as possible, even if I can't play with the band. :(

What else is new? Well, today I cleaned and totally rearranged my room. I am definitely satisfied with the way just moving my furniture gives my room a whole new feel. Feng Shui? Maybe... maybe not.

The only other news of note is that in a little over a month the Grandparents Modert and Uncle Rob arrive from the East (also known as Tennessee)- and on Monday, Parker and I are going to Disneyland! This makes five times in a seven-month span (seven-monthiversary on Sunday!)...it never gets old. Ooh, and Parker and I are getting matching Disn
eyland license plate frames! Alrighty, time to hang with the old man (Dad).
~VL~