I decided to head to OC via San Diego again this time. The last two surgeries I had were also preceded by some peace and quiet on the beach. I have to get in some relaxation time to prepare myself for dealing with the 405 again. I thought our rocky relationship was over after my last trip, but I was wrong. I make plans, and God laughs. Someday when I look back on this year of my life, it will all make sense. Kinda funny how that happens, isn't it? It would seem easier to understand the purpose of our circumstances as we go through them, but apparently that's not how life works.

I wanted to try something different by staying in Mission Beach. I have to say that I loved it during the day yesterday. I rode along the boardwalk into Pacific Beach to eat breakfast and have coffee. I ended up stopping at Woody's:

Plus, this acai bowl was awesome! The coffee was, too, but isn't it always? I managed to hold it while riding back to Mission, and that takes talent! On my way back, I passed a guy wearing a ginormous snake around his neck like a scarf on his bike. I SO wish I could've gotten a picture with him!! This area is not only beautiful, but quite the entertaining place for people watching!

I spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach relaxing, reading and journaling. I have been so focused on my exam for the past several months that I've really neglected focusing on myself. Journaling helps me clear my head and put things into perspective. You should try it! I highly recommend it – especially if you always have things on your mind when you're trying to go to sleep. Keep a notebook by your bed, write down the things you can't stop thinking about, then relax and stop thinking since now it's on paper, and you can deal with it tomorrow. Anyway, it was partly cloudy, so it would go back and forth from cool to warm. Tomorrow is supposed to be completely sunny and I can't wait! I actually got in the ocean this time and got my hair wet! I love what salt water does to my hair! Sea salt spray can only do so much compared to the real thing :-).

I sent it to my sister Steph after I found my triangle ring in a purse I don't use very often! I thought I lost it for real. I looked everywhere about four times before giving up and getting sad. Then, I was switching purses to go with this outfit, and it was in the inside pocket!! Woo hoooo!! (Steph says it's her favorite pic of me now, lol!)

Speaking of outfit, you can't see my shoes in that picture, so here they are:

They look dangerous, don't they?! Luckily I managed to stay vertical the whole time I was in them. I forget if I blogged about these, but I definitely Instagrammed them. I got them at Target for around $25, and you'd never know it! They're super sexy, and make me about 5'9″ when I put them on. Tiffany over at Makeup by Tiffany D was my inspiration for buying them. She definitely has a great taste in clothes. And makeup, and hair, and home decor! Check her out if you haven't already.

I went to a new place for me called The Patio on Lamont St. I saw the menu on Yelp, and knew I absolutely has to try it! Check out dinner:

On the left was a salad with arugula, apple slices, candied walnuts, endive, goat cheese, and a Dijon-agave vinaigrette. On the right was the snow crab ahi tuna tower. Check out the layers in this thing:

Ahi, cucumbers, crab, tomatoes, and avocado on the bottom. Both dishes were absolutely delicious, I definitely recommend The Patio if you're ever in the Pacific Beach area.

As far as the nightlife goes, I wasn't as big of a fan. I'm not sure if I didn't go to the right area, but nothing looked appealing to me. I am so familiar with everything in OB that I guess I had high expectations. I just need some guidance from people that have been here before.

Today will also be a lazy day at the beach. I'm actually sitting at Woody's having breakfast again as I write this. I just witnessed a lady riding a bike with a dachshund in the basket, and a guy on an Elliptigo. So much fun!

I hope all you Moms out there have a wonderful Mother's Day today! Especially you, Mom! I love and miss you so much!

Happy Trails,

Stacey