Monterey Bay, California holds some very nice memories for me. I first experienced the quaint ambiance of the area with someone very special; someone I loved deeply, and passionately. I'll never forget stepping into the Monterey Bay Aquarium and being awed - simply awed - by the whole encounter as we walked through. The jelly fish exhibit is living, breathing, dancing artwork all in itself.

I highly recommend it. If you haven't been before, try to make the full drive down the California coast. Once there, plan on spending the majority of a day at the Aquarium. After marveling your way through the wonders that are abundant in our beautiful and fascinating ocean, take a stroll along Fisherman's Wharf. Make sure that you make time to eat somewhere along the way because you can watch seals playing while you enjoy really good food. Then saunter down the walking path to all the fun shops in Cannery Row. If you like saltwater taffy? You'll be in heaven. There's unique shops and pubs like you've never seen before.

I've been back to this area several times since that that initial visit, and the environment there just envelopes me like a warm blanket. Someday way down the road, if I play my cards right, I'd like to retire there.

On a side note, aside from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and the whole area, being poetic in its beauty, it was one of those true 'first' moments for me. Somehow, when you experience a new location with someone you love, it changes how you see that place from then on out. All 'firsts' are like that.. first crush, first kiss, first love, first .. other things... and even if you go on to better or different versions of those firsts as you move on through your life, there's no replacing that initial moment. While I'll never experience Monterey with that first special love again, each time I go there, the memories are as sweet as the refreshing sea air.

Fire Breathing Mythical Dragon

I'd like to say that this is one of those 'she's single therefore she's weird' things, but I felt this way when I was married too...

I.. don't.. like.. to... be... BREATHED.. on.

Seriously.

When I'm sleeping, or trying to sleep, or not sleeping, or frankly anytime, one of my biggest personal pet peeves is the feeling of someone's breath on me. Yes, even my own. I can't stand it. I'm a side sleeper/belly sleeper and tend to have one arm under my head, the other next to my head, and I have to physically make sure the sheet is covering my arm so that I won't breathe on it. For whatever reason, this bugs me and makes it impossible to go to sleep.

Having someone ELSE breathe on me?? *shudder*... no, doesn't work for me. Ever. I even boot the dog off the bed when she's sleeping too close and her breath rustles the hairs on my arm.

Don't get me wrong - I like a good spooning snuggle, but when it's time to sleep? Roll the other way and don't breathe on me, please. :)

I've written recently on my blog about emotional pie... and what inspired that lil' jaunt into the recesses of my inner thoughts was this movie - "Remember Me"

I'll admit that I initially wanted to see it because I have a vampiresque girl-crush on Robert Pattinson, so I didn't really have any true aspirations that this would be anything other than an indulgent drool fest for me. Wrong.

Wow, was it moving. I didn't see the ending coming, not that way, and I won't ruin it for anyone who hasn't seen it (I'm not a spoiler, although I do like to be spoiled)... I'll just say: Do yourself a favor, get some Kleenex and rent this movie.