It's Summer!

I finally have time to myself!

So last week was finals week and I finished my first year of university on Thursday.
It's such a relief to get a break since quarter systems go by so fast.
Anyway, for the next four days I was working and since I haven't been in the work force in awhile, an 8 hour shift was something I wasn't used to anymore.
I'm glad I got hours in especially because we were super busy for Father's Day but OH MY GOSH
I've never been so exhausted in my life. Everything was go-go-go. I was at work and when I wasn't I had to drive down for my high school teacher's retirement party or do other errands.
I don't think I've had an 8 hour sleep since before finals week...
But now that I don't have to work until next weekend I get to catch up on things I've been putting off for awhile...


ON ANOTHER NOTE!
I got a Russian Tortoise! (:
I've always wanted one but never really looked into getting one until recently.
They are usually pretty expensive ranging from $100-$150 normally. Mind you these are often wild caught animals. Captive bred are usually way more.
But the perfect opportunity came; Petsmart was having a sale on reptiles. And on top of this sale one of my uncles happens to be the manager and he was able to give me a limited time discount as well. So I ended up getting the tortoise for half the normal price. It was too good of a deal to skip.
So I got my very first tortoise and named it Potato!

Here's the story about the name:
For some reason I've always wanted to get a fat cat and name it Potato just for fun but I don't like the idea of a stinky litter box in the house so since I know I'd never own a cat I figured Potato would be a perfect name for this little guy.  They're both roughly the same size and similar shape and Russian Tortoises like to dig underground while potato spuds are found underground!
Very stupid comparison and completely random name but I think its cute.


When I first got him it was super wary of people and when handled he peed and pooped everywhere ):
But I've been carrying him and bringing him outside and hand feeding him everyday. Slowly but surely he's getting used to me and doesn't cringe as much when I get near. I've also been able to stroke his head a couple times. Antisocial but the cutest little thing ever! He's also a pig when it comes to food. I just kept feeding him because he'd never stop eating but I read that Russians can overeat which may lead to development problems. I guess I have to cut down on how much I give him.. It's just too fascinating to watch and its the only thing I know I can do that would get him to get used to me..
Anyway I'd like to introduce you to the newest family member for the next 50 years:

Pet Expo 2013

Over the weekend, the annual Pet Expo was here in Costa Mesa.  Usually I like to go every year because some of the booths bring in my most favorite dogs. And being that I don't have one, I like to go to look and play with them. :)
Also, I am part of SCAPE fish club which also features at the expo every year.  A few years ago I even brought in my own tank for display.  The members there had the most amazing tanks this year and it's inspired me to focus on my hobby again.

SUMMER ROADTRIP

It's good to be back! Two weeks ago I flew into Denver, Colorado where Steven came to meet me. I was given a warm welcome from him and his cutest brothers. Daniel, 6, and Isaiah, 11, have the funniest personalities. For a week I came to get to know Colorado. I was able to finally meet his dad who joked around a lot and gave me the "Royal Treatment". They definitely made me feel at home. I've never been so grateful to have met such wonderful people and I hope to come back soon. We explored the Red Rocks, downtown Denver, Boulder Creek, the town Steven was born, and I got to see a few thrift stores (My favorite!). Items at thrift shops are ridiculously cheaper there compared to ones at home I found amazing bargains. Some will be added to my shop so please sure to check it out and spread the word! (:

After a tearful good-bye we went on our way to Yellowstone to meet with his mom's side of the family. What was supposed to be an 8 hour drive turned into a 12 hour drive since our cabin was on the west side of the park and we came from the east entrance. With traffic and 130 miles of land, it seemed like forever. By that time we were exhausted and a little worried about not being able to find our way since we were losing signal on our phones and it was growing dark out. I took out the tour guide map and navigated the traditional way. Meeting his family was a blast. Everyone was so goofy and they would apologize for being so crazy then resume their antics once again. Although they figured I'd probably run off after finding out what kind of people they are I think meeting such amazing people the past 12 days has made me  grow to love Steven even more so. 

I will cut the stories short and let you guys take a look at my adventures. 

Some pictures were taken courtesy of my love.

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