Hungry for the Cure.

(Mickey Mouse during the opening ceremony!)

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to do a 5K with some of my friends.  It was a walk to benefit a cure for AIDS.  The best part, aside from the obvious good cause, was that it was held in the Disneyland parks.   You know me and my Disneyland obsession...  I couldn't pass it up!

(Cassie, Jaime and Steph setting the pace.)

(Team Hungry for the Cure: Me, Ryan, Steph, Cassie, Jaime and Rachel)

We met at my house at 6:15 am and met up at the parking structure.  I've never been to the park so early!  We walked from the parking structure, taking the tram route, to Main Street in Disneyland.  As we walked along the tram route, we read interesting facts about AIDS that mostly pertained to Southern California.

(Let the walk begin!)

The opening ceremony was set up at the end of Main Street and we had a few speakers, including Mickey Mouse, open the walk for us.  Sadly, the sound system wasn't that great so we barely heard a word that was said.  After about 20 minutes or so, the walk began.  We walked towards Frontierland where we were greeted by The Princess and the Frog characters.  Too cute that a lot of characters were out to cheer us on!  we made our way past Thunder Mountain Railroad with Chip and Dale and on to Fantasyland.  Next we went through the castle doors to turn around and see Flora, Fauna and Merryweather from Sleeping Beauty up on the balcony waving to us.  My favorite part was when we passed Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) and Prince Phillip and I asked for a picture.  The girl that was with them replied with, "I'm sorry but no, they're just her to encourage you."  Bwahahahaha!!!  I laughed so hard at that!  AND they were the only ones that wouldn't take pictures with the walkers!  Even Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers took pictures in Tomorrowland!

(Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, the fairies from Sleeping Beauty, my favorite Disney movie of all time.)

Next we walk back down Main Street and over to California Adventure where we got to go backstage in a few areas.  There were a few more characters "encouraging" us on, and it just made me giggle with joy!  I love that they were there to encourage us on this 5K, which translates to about 3.2 miles, lol!  As we we about 3/4 done we were greeted by a gay mens chorus singing Abba's "Super Trooper" and they were fantastic!  I couldn't help but dance as I walked!  It was so much fun!

(Minnie, Daisy, Donald and Pluto encouraging us as we exit Disneyland and move on to California Adventure.)

Not only was this walk for a wonderful cause in one of my favorite places in the world, but it was with some great friends!  We had such a great time we're planning our next walk for Alzheimer awareness.  What a great way to spend the morning with your friends!  I look forward to doing more!

How To Start Off The Christmas Season Right:

Go to Disneyland and enjoy the Christmas fireworks show!  I get so excited for it every year!  It always brings a tear to my eye and brings me so much joy.  And in the end, it "snows" on Main St.!  It's so much fun seeing everyone's faces as these snow-like bubbles fall from above!  Love it!

Don't mind the waving orange stick.  The Dland employee was working to the beat of the songs. :)

OctoberFest.

October has always been my favorite month of the whole year.  October means the beginning of fall, my favorite season.  It also means Halloween, scarf weather, the beginning of all of the best holidays, Black Friday and, of course, HollieFest (which, in case you forgot, is November 13th).

This October was extremely busy!  I barely had any nights to myself, but it was all worth it.  Now, if only I can recover!

I went with my mom to get her Disneyland pass we bought her for her birthday.  (Got to love all of the Halloween decor at The Happiest Place On Earth!)

I celebrated my oldest sister, Traci's birthday.

I survived a whole day wearing my new 5" heels.

I gained a new hatred towards napkins, along with my cousin D'Arcy and our friend Michelle.

I reunited with my cousins (Nate, Michelle, Me, D'Arcy, April and Devin) in Utah.

I saw one of my bestie cousin's (April) get married.

I went to Texas for the first time and had a Texan BBQ as a rehearsal dinner for my bestie, Amanda.

(Joe, Steph, Jaime, Amanda, Jason, Me, Danielle, Lorretta.)

I helped coordinate our bestie, Amanda's wedding with my bestie Danielle.

I saw my bestie, Amanda get married to Jason.

I went to a reception with a 12 course Chinese meal.

(Here Danielle and I are trying Sea Cucumber.  It wiggled like Jello when the waiter put it down.)

I discovered Sea Cucumber is not my favorite.  (Think of eating fat from meat but without the gristle.)

I met up with a friend I haven't seen in forever at  The Chocolate Bar.

(Thanks again for driving down, Kellie!  AND for lunch!)

I went to Knott's Scary Farm -- Twice!  (Danielle with her monster bf.)

I met up with a new friend, Holly, at another TAPS event.  (This time in Beverly Hills at The Saban Theatre.)

I learned that 3 of the guys from the SyFy show, 'Fact or Faked' are Mormon and actually go to my friend's ward in HB.  (Btw, one guy served me rice at a luau I went to with my rents.)

I took another pix with my girl crush, Amy Bruni from Syfy's  Ghost Hunters (and apparently was possessed in the process).

I schooled my sister Tiffany on Buzz at Disneyland.  (Yes, my score is above her head for some reason.)

I was part of my niece Jaiden's entourage during her first time Trick or Treating!  (She was Minnie Mouse.)

So much stuff happened in October but unfortunately, I don't have pix of everything!  I know, right?!  ME?!?  Without pix to prove the other fun things?  I figured the 47 I just posted will suffice.  I hope everyone had a fantastic Halloween!  I know I did!  And now, on to November!

Punched in the Face by Nostalgia...

February 23, 2010, a dream became reality.  My high school Disneyland obsession came back to life.  Yes, that's right.  Captain EO reopened in Disneyland.

As you may have read in my previous posting regarding the death of Michael Jackson, I had a love for Captain EO.  I've had a Disneyland Annual Pass for most of my life.  When I was in high school, I was dating a guy who was in a band (Exit Smiling, ha ha the memories) with a handful of my other friends.  Well, there were a few of us in which band practice did not appeal to, so without hesitation, we headed to Disneyland!  Captain EO was always the thing to do when we got there.

And so this past Tuesday as I worked, I kept a close eye on the local news, Twitter and Facebook to check the status of the reopening.  There were people that drove from San Francisco the night before, people that slept in front of the entrance, and people that skipped their work/school day all together!  (I would have loved to have been one of them but I knew I could make it there later that day, continuing my dedication with my annual pass.)

Because the day at work was so slow, I volunteered to leave early due to my date with Captain EO (which is exactly what I told my supervisor).  I drove to Disneyland figuring the wait would still be at least an hour long.  I would go ahead and get in line so when my friends caught up with me, they could just hop in.  So I entered the park representing with my 1986 holographic, original Captain EO button.  The park was definitely less crowded than I'd imagined!  That's when I figured everyone would be in Tomorrowland waiting to experience Michael Jackson star in George Lucas's scifi flick.  I turned the corner and discovered a small line with a wait time stating 20 minutes!

That's when I forgot all about my friends.  I was too excited to wait so I went in alone.

I flashed back to high school and recalled always sitting in one of the back rows.  I chose the 2nd to last row and was on the very end.

And then it began.

I cheered along with some others in the audience and to my surprise, my memory dug deep and pulled out many of the lines from the film!  I impressed myself as I recalled these and tried to only mouth the words so as not to disturb the strangers around me.

The movie was in its original 70mm film with the same 3D effects.  The only bummer was that they removed my favorite effects of Captain EO -- the green laser beams and the fog.  Bummer.  What they added I could definitely do without.  a bounce house effect.  They decided to make the whole floor bounce to the beat of the music.  This is includes both songs, "We Are Here To Change The World" and "You're Just Another Part Of Me."  To say the least, it got annoying.  But soon it was over and I cheered and cheered!

VERY exciting.

While I waited for my friends, I checked out the merchandise and bought a new button to go along with the original as well as a beanie.  They had shirts too but they weren't the original white ones with the rainbow, like the one Michael Jackson wears in the movie.

(Captain EO original 1986 button vs. 2010 button)

My friend Frank finally arrived and since the line was still short, we went ahead and saw it.  This time we sat in the front (2nd or 3rd row this time) and I was pleased there was no bouncing.  But I decided Frankie needed to experience the bouncing along with Danielle.

So we met up with Danielle and got in the 9 minute line again.  And we sat in the back where I originally sat the 1st time that day.  They got to experience the bouncing this time as I just danced and sang with the movie.  Danielle asked if she could complain about the bouncing.  I told her to be sure to tell them to bring back the lasers and fog while she's at it!

It. Was. Epic.

They don't know how long it will be showing but it is for a limited time.  I highly suggest seeing it before it disappears forever!

California Virgin...

All right, people.  Get your minds out of the gutter.  I'm talking about a person who has never been to California before!

I met Kevin in Hawaii when I took his SCUBA Open Water course with Island Divers.  We've been friends ever since.

(That's one of my first giant strides off the boat with Kevin's assistance -- accident prone, remember?)

He had about 2 days he could detour on his way back home from the Arctic Circle for the holidays so he decided to make a special appearance in California!  And what can you take one to see during their first (and VERY short) trip to Southern California?  Well, I am so glad you asked!

The beach is the number one thing, of course.  First, I took him out to eat at one of the local spots I have been going to for years (although, not too often as of late).  For all of you native Southern Californians (and you know who you are because you don't call California "Cali"), think late night eateries, 24 hours to be precise.  Movie posters and actor glossies covering the walls.  A tall circular neon sign off PCH.  That's right.  Harbor House.

After we ate lunch, we walked down to the beach so he could take his trademark photo: standing in the ocean water, thumbs up.  And then he tried to drag me into the 50 something degree water... Thank heavens I'm stronger than him ;)

(Who has two thumbs and loves the ocean??  This guy!)

Next I took him to the "next Waikiki," aka, downtown Huntington Beach.  Seriously.  After moving back here, I'm amazed at how touristy it has become.  A lot of the mom and pop stores I once knew have been replaced by the bigger, name brand stores.  And they've even created a "second" main street.

Now, I know you're thinking to yourself, "Wow, this guy only had 2 days to spend in Southern California?  There are so many fantastic places to show California virgins!  How on Earth did you decide?!"  Well, again, I'm glad you asked.  Disneyland of course!!!

(The "tiny" Christmas tree on Main St. Disneyland.  Kevin sporting his "1st Visit button.)

As you all know, I am a Disneyland fanatic.  It is my therapy.  I have had an annual pass pretty much my whole life.  It was mandatory he experienced the original.  Yeah, yeah, he's been to Disney World in Florida and they may have an even more amazing castle, but come on.  THIS was the original!  Sleeping Beauty's Castle is just gorgeous decorated in its icicle lights!  And yeah, we went during Christmas break and it took us about an hour just to get his admission ticket, but you know what? We still had fun!  I think we were able to go on about 5 rides the whole visit, but I mainly wanted him to see the holiday fireworks show anyway.  Not to mention the "snow" of Southern California that follows.  Plus, Disneyland is one of THEE greatest places to people watch!

(Very scared for Tower of Terror!)

(Sleeping Beauty's Castle)

Overall, it was a fantastic visit!  At least, for me it was :)

HollieFest '09

As I stated in a preceding post, birthdays are an important part of life in my family.  As I get older, I seem to celebrate HollieFest even longer than I once did.  If you read that post on birthdays, you'll understand the concept of (fill in the blank)Fest.  And why not??  As I am getting older, there is much to celebrate!  Especially since everyone still thinks I'm 24!  No joke, I get it all the time.  Thank heavens for these wonderful genes!

It all began a week before my actual birthday (which was on November 13th, if anyone is confused about this).  My good friend Jen-Jen took the long journey all the way down from Lake Tahoe.  What a trooper!  We began the weekend off by hitting up Sea World with Stephanie, Danielle, and her 3 year old, Kieran.  It was such a blast!  I hadn't been to Sea World in many years!  (Steven, I think the last time was with you in the hot summer sun, where chipwhiches were mandatory.)  We saw everything from Shamu, the sharks, belugas, polar bears, penguins, etc., etc.  We even made it to the "Pets Rule" show where Kieran got to pet a pot bellied pig.  It was such a blast, but we were all beat by the end of the day.

(We made sure we sat out of the splash zone)

The next day Jen and I headed for Disneyland.  Weird huh?  Well, Jen hadn't been to DLand for a year or so, so why not?  We made it on all the rides we wanted, but failed to use our Fast Passes for Splash Mountain.  Why, you ask?  Well because Jen is a pansy like I am.  If there's even the slightest chill, there is no way we want to get on a ride that "may get us wet."  What a blast we had anyway!  They even had the castle in the beginning stages of the Christmas decor due to Stevie Wonder playing a concert there for some holiday program.  (No we didn't stick around to watch his performance.  Instead we did pretty much every single ride we wanted since the whole rest of the visitors were busy catching glimpses of the celebrity.)  By the end of the night, we were spent and headed home for bed.

(Goofy is my least favorite, but he had a short line)

Throughout the 2 weeks, I went to several dinners with different groups of friends.  This is one of the best parts! Great food and great company, several times throughout the 'Fest.  Because if you think about it, not all of your groups of friends know each other, but you want to spend time with everyone, so celebrate more than once!  Brilliant hey?

On my actual birthday, which fell on a Friday the 13th, I arrived at work at 6am to a cubicle all birthday'd out with balloons, a banner and a card.  how adorable is that?  I've only been working there since July and I'm already being celebrated.  I almost got a tear in my eye (not really, but close).  I got many calls throughout the day from my different family members calling me and singing the birthday song.  (In that birthday traditions post, I talked about this, how it was tradition for my Gramma to do this every year.)  I even got a call from my Auntie Sally, which did in fact get me teary eyed, because I realized I would not be getting a song from Gramma this year.  Bless my Auntie's heart!

(How cute are my coworkers?  And yes, there are 2 sweaters in that pix)

Right after work, yup, you guessed it, I went to Disneyland (along with the rest of Southern California).  We had to park way off site in some new parking lot they're still in the process of constructing.  I met up with Danielle and Kieran and, to my surprise, Stephanie!  We also met up with our friend Frank and watched the new holiday fireworks show, which happened to premier on my birthday.  (Thanks again for doing that for me Disneyland!)  At the very end of the fireworks show, (it always gets me teary eyed), it "snows" on Main St.  It's just such a fun part of the evening and it brings back the nostalgia of being a kid on Christmas.  I know, I know.  How does that happen when you live in Southern California?  Well, you witness it and see for yourself!

(Frankie, Steph, (Kieran passed out), Danielle, me)

The next day, after attending my cousin's baby shower (it's all about reciprocity people), I got ready to meet up with Amanda, Jason and Danielle at Don Jose's.  Yes, more food!  I'm a fat kid, ok?  We had a delicious Mexican meal and then headed to Jason's friend's armory shop.  I'm not quite sure why we did this, but we had fun bantering with Mike.  Then we headed back to Amanda and Jason's house where more friends came out to celebrate.  Brownies, ice cream and Wii were the main events of the night.  So much fun!  I have such great friends!

Later in the next week, I went out for Japanese food with Rachel, Ryan, Diana and Cassie.  It was such a blast seeing them again!  I've been friends with Rachel since 1st grade so it's always fun having flashbacks with her.  We had a delicious meal with many, many laughs.  This is where my friend Diana said a line I thought was SO funny!  There was a little kid (boy?) at the table next to us.  He made this loud squealing noise and I guess I made an irritated face or something.  Diana looked at me and said, "I see you're not feeling very fertile today Hollie."  I almost spit my Diet Coke out all over the place!  Ha ha ha!  Good times!

(Cassie, Rachel, Ryan, me Diana at Matsu -- this pix was scanned from a Polaroid they took of us so it looks kind of weird)

My celebration finally came to a close Sunday night when we had our family dinner.  My parents had abandoned me on my birthday weekend. (Actually, it was a good excuse -- they went to see my Gramma in Utah)  And so we had most of the family over for a Moroccan dinner complete with brownies and ice cream for dessert.  It was delicious and I'm so proud of my brother in law, Chris, one of the pickiest eaters I know, for trying everything.  Good job Chris!

(She knew I would figure out how to wear 2 tiaras)

And so, another year begins! I have a feeling this is going to be MY year!  It is the year of ME and I'm so excited I got to start it up with such great friends and a loving family!

I'm 5!

One of the sacrifices I made when I moved to the beautiful island of Oahu was giving up my Disneyland pass.  I admit, I was spoiled living in Southern California.  Instead of spending money on material things or therapy to make me happy, I would go to Disneyland.  A few years ago, I went every Tuesday with some of my coworkers who became good friends.  Tower of Terror at California Adventure was my ultimate therapy -- that and Space Mountain... and Indy... and Thunder Mountain..  Any bad day at work was immediately cured just by boarding a ride.

When I first moved back to Huntington Beach,  the first thing I did, well... I should say after my first paycheck, was buy a Disneyland annual pass.  I couldn't help it!  Disneyland has always made me happy!  I was working twelve hour days trying to pay off the debt I created whilst living in Hawaii (not to mention spending my holiday in Australia and New Zealand -- yes, I spoil myself in more ways than one), that I felt I needed to reward myself.  So, I got the Premium pass with no blockout dates!  I deserved it, come on!

So now, I go when I want!  And this past weekend I got to go to Disneyland with my bestie!  I swear we were 5 years old.  For example, we woke up at the butt-crack of dawn and got there right when it opened.  That's right!  When we got there, we decided to work the Fast Past tickets.  I love to overcome The Man and his ways!  Now, because I'm a professional Disneyland goer, I have learned to work the system (with some help from Marisa too).  I learned that you actually don't have to use your Fast Pass ticket in the allotted time on the ticket.  As long as it's after the time printed as the earliest period you can go, it's all good.  You can go anytime thereafter.  So, we went on pretty much every ride we wanted, except the new Toy Story ride which has no Fast Pass and a line that is at least 45 minutes...

Giant dill pickle craving.. resolved!

Now, we didn't seek out any of the characters around the park, but when we ran into them, we decided we needed to take pictures with them.  It was hilarious!  I totally felt like I was 5 years old!  We got pictures with Cruella, Chip and Dale (twice with different outfits), Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Sully, Lightning McQueen and Mater, Tinkerbelle and some other pixie, Brer Fox and Brer Bear, and more!  How pathetic are we?  Ha ha!

Sully is getting fresh with us.. check out where his hands are! And chip 'n' dale as indians?

We went between both parks again and again, using our Fast Passes for all the rides.  (Something that was mandatory as we did this was get a handstamp at every exit.  I can't help it.  Disneyland handstamps are THEE best smell in the world!  I asked several people where they get the ink for the stamps, but no one could tell me.  One actually showed me the bottle though so now I am going to have to do some research on where one can buy it..)  I even made Marisa wait 30 minutes to watch the Pixar Parade in California Adventure and go on Tower of Terror twice.  She has a fear of heights, by the way.  But that's ok because she made me go on Splash Mountain when I was already cold.

My favorite horse... The devil's horse!  Marisa

got to ride Jingles!

The bummer of the day is when we waited for the fireworks show, in which I believe is THEE best fireworks show EVER!  The first time I ever saw this show was with my friend Danielle and by the time it was over, we both had tears in our eyes.  Pathetic, I know.  Laugh it up people.  So, I took Marisa to one of the best spots to watch the fireworks... And they cancelled it due to wind.  It was very sad.

By the end of the day, we were both exhausted.  Our feet hurt, we could barely keep our eyes open...  We booked a room at a hotel across the street and passed out.  The next morning, we woke up and did it all over again.  This time, we had to wait in line to get into the park because we got there early.  Ha ha!  This time, we could only handle the park until 7:30pm.  We are getting too old to do this two days in a row.  And in that last half hour or so, we sat on the train eating a turkey leg and rode it around the park 2 1/2 times.

But let me tell you what a good friend I am...  Marisa REALLY wanted to go on Splash Mountain as our last ride, which we had a Fast Pass for, so why not?  But this time, I decided to go in the front since I was behind her last time and I got most of the water.  Bad choice.  I don't know where the tsunamis came from, but by the time I got off that ride there was not a dry spot on me :(  And of course, Marisa laughed the whole time and forced a picture on me.  Very sad.  I don't think I can work the wet cat look...

Sad day...  And now i am sick..

Anyway, Disneyland, I've missed you!  I've missed your handstamps, turkey legs, dill pickles, clam chowder in a bread bowl, characters, rides... I'm happy to be back!

My Behind...

Everyone gets a little behind in life right?  Behind in emailing friends back.  Behind in calling your mom.  Behind in work or school...  Well, I'm a little behind in this here blog, not to mention pretty much all of the above...  I'm sure a lot of you have given up in even looking at this blog.  So many other things to do.  Check your Facebook.  Read the latest headlines.  Watch the Inauguration.  You know, important things.  Well, I apologize to you all, but I am back!

I am now back from what some of the tourists in Hawaii from the mid-west like to call "The States."  For those of you who don't know, Hawaii IS in "The States."  These were the people who would be on our list of "Isms" which were the idiotic things people said...  So, I am here in California freezing my behind off.  Yes, it has seemed like summer outside this past week, but when you are living at Pickle and Val's Italian marbled home, and when you work in an office where the executives' offices face your cubicle... well... you freeze your behind off.  Especially when you are a pansy like me.  I continue to being a heating pad to sit in my lap so I don't completely freeze out...  And yes, I am serious.

So, there it is.  I am living in Southern California where I grew up.  My parents have lovingly accepted me back into my old room, which has been redecorated with my niece in mind, aka, Barbie vomit -- not my niece but the decor.  Really?  Do you think I would call my little Roo that?  Come on people.  It is awesome being back home with my family.  I missed them all so very much when I was across the ocean. 

(Celebrating New Years at Balboa Park in San Diego.  Here with sister Gina.)

At the moment I am working with my dad in an office.  Have you ever seen the TV show "The Office?"  Well, that's kind of how it feels.  But I do have a cubicle.  It's funny though because it's a short cubicle so I can see the person next to me.  I have met heaps of people but usually tend to be somewhat anti-social since I have certain tasks that must be finalized by the end of the day.  Plus, I prefer to listen to music when I work so I have my ear buds in.  Hey, it helps the day go by faster!

So, the plan for me these days is to make enough money to pay off the debt I created whilst in Australia and my final days of Hawaii.  Then I will be able to save some money and move back to Australia!  What do you think?  Any suggestions?  And, yes, I am serious.  I loved Oz so much that I am contemplating moving there.  We have several friends we made while we were there.  I mentioned them in previous blogs.  Risa, are you in??  Let's get you out of there hun!  Until then, I will be continuing to work my 20 hours of overtime.  Yes, I am serious.  I have to get out of this debt friends.  But you know what?  I would do it all over again. It was totally worth it!

(While I'm in California, it is mandatory to buy a Disneyland pass!  Here with Nya and Stein Stilwell)

Living in Hawaii was so amazing and I'll have to talk about that at a later time.  I met some lifelong friends who I know will always be there for me.  I learned of my new passion for SCUBA.  I also learned who my true friends are and how much I love them.  I also understood just how much I love my family.  I think Hawaii helped me find myself more too.  And you know what?  I think I'm pretty fantastic!  Ha ha!

(Mandatory to hang out with great friends!  Here with Amanda's sassy face...)

Well, until next time!  Oh!  And as soon as I get the pictures and video, I will post my skydiving adventure!  That's right!  I jumped my butt out of a plane!  Until then!