Joshua Tree & other =)
I put off blogging about my trip because really, I can't say anything that seems remotely unique about it, only that it was among the most wonderful experiences of my life. (Strong words, I know!) I took pictures, and when I got back, I looked at them and went "Hm, doesn't really mean anything, though!" They're woefully inadequate, and I don't think I even want to post them!
This is the first time J and I ever went camping by ourselves. And I have to say, though I enjoyed going with his lab group, I was very happy to have him all to myself.
If I were to post about what we did, it'd be "hike, eat, sleep, eat, hike..." Seriously, life was simple for the weekend and all that mattered to me was what I was eating for my next meal. Which was totally understandable, as we ate like kings. This was going to sound like one of bijoux's flogs, but I think I'll just leave it at this: we brought out food and cooked over the campfire, and we went all out. The food was absolutely fantastic, and it feels like we took a step down in coming back to civilization!
The weather hovered around the 80s Saturday and decided to dance in the 90s while we were hiking on Sunday. It was gorgeous outside. Our hike on Saturday brought us up a mountain, so we got a nice refreshing breeze at the top.
All and all, I really like hiking in the desert. The heat and the sun make me happy (and my sunblock keeps me nearly invincible from those pesky UV rays!). There's just so much that I love about the landscape, and it makes me happy knowing that I don't have to deal with pesky mosquitoes as well! :p The rocks! The weird but cool-looking plants! It's strange, because J grew up in the desert in New Mexico, so he's used to it all; he said that we could have just walked out of his backyard and found the same things (minus the Joshua Trees) so while he enjoyed it, I don't think he was half as thrilled as I was. All the same, he said he had a great time.
I've had the pleasure of being on a fabulous streak; nearly everything I've been reading lately has been completely and utterly enjoyable, and so I'm going to post a list of what I enjoyed. You may or may not agree, but if you're curious and looking for a good book, give these guys a chance! (Two of these books I got as part of my birthday loot.)
Looking forward to Thursday: we got tickets to the Astros v. Dodgers, and get this: it's a day game on a weekday! This may be common for other ballparks, but it is extremely rare here in LA. I'm revved! Baseball this season thus far has given me much joy. I wonder why I don't post on it more often. *shrugs*
This is the first time J and I ever went camping by ourselves. And I have to say, though I enjoyed going with his lab group, I was very happy to have him all to myself.
If I were to post about what we did, it'd be "hike, eat, sleep, eat, hike..." Seriously, life was simple for the weekend and all that mattered to me was what I was eating for my next meal. Which was totally understandable, as we ate like kings. This was going to sound like one of bijoux's flogs, but I think I'll just leave it at this: we brought out food and cooked over the campfire, and we went all out. The food was absolutely fantastic, and it feels like we took a step down in coming back to civilization!
The weather hovered around the 80s Saturday and decided to dance in the 90s while we were hiking on Sunday. It was gorgeous outside. Our hike on Saturday brought us up a mountain, so we got a nice refreshing breeze at the top.
All and all, I really like hiking in the desert. The heat and the sun make me happy (and my sunblock keeps me nearly invincible from those pesky UV rays!). There's just so much that I love about the landscape, and it makes me happy knowing that I don't have to deal with pesky mosquitoes as well! :p The rocks! The weird but cool-looking plants! It's strange, because J grew up in the desert in New Mexico, so he's used to it all; he said that we could have just walked out of his backyard and found the same things (minus the Joshua Trees) so while he enjoyed it, I don't think he was half as thrilled as I was. All the same, he said he had a great time.
I've had the pleasure of being on a fabulous streak; nearly everything I've been reading lately has been completely and utterly enjoyable, and so I'm going to post a list of what I enjoyed. You may or may not agree, but if you're curious and looking for a good book, give these guys a chance! (Two of these books I got as part of my birthday loot.)
- North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell. I saw the BBC adaptation first, and when I got the book for my birthday, I was completely stoked. I found the book incredibly enjoyable. Not to mention the intensity! It was beautiful writing, and I was really sad when I finished the book!
- The Man with a Load of Mischief by Martha Grimes. She's a prolific mystery writer, and for some strange reason, I'd never read her before. I'm glad I have now. This book is the first of her Richard Jury/Melrose Plant series, which are all mysteries revolving around English Inns/pubs. The writing is very enjoyable, and the conversation sparkling. I loved Plant; he's hilarious, especially witht he cast of characters around him. So charming, so fun! I enjoyed the mystery as well; there are a lot of mysteries where you're left going "that's it?" but this one was pretty well done. Granted, I'm not an expert, so if you're a hard-core mystery reader, you've probably got your own opinions. :p
- Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison. This book is hilarious! This is the first of Harrison's Rachel Morgan series, and recommended to me by bijoux. I think the reason why this book speaks to me is because it's an interesting blend of dark situations, a number of scary things, and tons of humor. What an intriguing balance! The cast of characters is really unique and keeps the reader wondering what they'll do next! I'd try to explain the premise, but it's...er...hm. The heroine is a pretty likable bounty-hunter witch. She has a vampire roommate and a Pixy as backup/bodyguard. Hilarity/disaster/triumph! ensues. :p
- The Poison Fletcher by dctemo_13. Still cruising through PF, and what an intricate plot it is! I'll have your crit to you soon, dctemo_13!!
Looking forward to Thursday: we got tickets to the Astros v. Dodgers, and get this: it's a day game on a weekday! This may be common for other ballparks, but it is extremely rare here in LA. I'm revved! Baseball this season thus far has given me much joy. I wonder why I don't post on it more often. *shrugs*