Sunny San Diego...

 

So now that Robert's all settled into his new school routine, it's been great. I have been trying to be as supportive of him as I can. I told him, "Just worry about doing good in school, and studying extra hard. I'll take care of the laundry, cooking, and cleaning. Just clean up your dishes if you make a huge mess." I am totally fine with working and taking care of the home while he "works" at school full time. My last two semesters at Sac State were so crazy that I barely had a chance to do any household duties. I was so proud and impressed that Robert stepped up and helped out a lot. During my last semester I was working at Starbucks around 30 hours per week, taking 5 classes, and working at BJ's a couple days a week as well.  I literally never saw him, and was so relieved that he was keeping up the house for me. It was great to have that role reversal, and know that if he had to do those things, he could and is willing. I think a lot of men see it only as the woman's job, and would just leave it for her. He is truly so supportive of me, and so now, again, I have no problem going back to taking care of him.

 

I love to have food in the fridge prepared for us both, making sure the grocery shopping is taken care of, doing the laundry, and cleaning the house. I am even trying to get into the habit of setting up the coffee maker the night before, and making his lunch for him! It makes me happy to help him, and take part of the load off of his shoulders, so he really can just focus on school. PLUS, he is SOOO appreciative, and doesn't take anything I do for him for granted. He always tells me how amazing he thinks I am, and how much he appreciates me helping him. I love it, and until I find a full-time job, it gives me something to do during the day, while I wait to work at BJ's at night. It's been nice on my days off to spend the evening with Robert so we can reflect on our day together.

 

Yesterday Robert was feeling really tired and almost sick, so he came home straight after classes and fell asleep for 3 hours.  Since I knew he was having a hard day at school, I had gone to the store and bought the ingredients to make chicken enchiladas with Spanish rice for dinner. When he got up from his nap (I might have napped a little too) we had a delicious dinner, and then took Chloe to Kate Sessions park. It is an unofficial dog park. Everyone lets their dog off the leash even though it technically isn't allowed.  Chloe had such a great time running up and down the hillside after her tennis ball. This park is amazing, and if you ever visit San Diego and haven't been there, you should! It gives you an amazing panoramic view of downtown, Mission Bay, and the Pacific Ocean.  Pictures don't even do it justice.  After a nice relaxing evening, it was so great to go home, watch a movie, and go to bed early.

Yummy enchiladas :)

Picture from my phone of the view at Kate Sessions Park. (Trust me its 10 times more amazing in real life)

 My little princess Chloe all tuckered out after playing at the park. Don't touch her ball..she keeps it very close to her and stands on it when you want to throw it!

 

 

Oh ya! I almost forgot about the EARTHQUAKE that Robert and I survived the other day.  Robert was driving the Scion, and I was in the passenger's seat as we were headed to Home Depot to get some keys made. We were at a stoplight for what seemed like ages, and the car started rocking back and forth.  Robert said to me, "Do you feel that?" I said, "Stop, you're pressing and releasing the break to move the car." He said, "No, I think it's an earthquake." We both looked around, and everything seemed normal, and then it stopped.  We both thought the other person was messing with us. He thought I was rocking the car back and forth, and I thought he was doing it with the brake.  A few minutes later we read online that there had been a small earthquake that was felt throughout the San Diego area. Robert said, " I hope Choe's ok at home in her crate. I wonder if any dishes moved or anything." Of course everything was in it's place when we got home, but we both enjoyed a laugh at a picture we had both seen online before which reminded us of this situation.... WE WILL REBUILD.

We literally laugh out loud when we look at this...People say they wouldn't want to live in California because of earthquakes... Well people, I've lived here 24 years and these are what most of them are like..hehe

 

 

(As a side note...)

 

So things have been going really well for Robert and I so far in San Diego...great weather, close to the ocean, and an all-around enjoyable place to live. Except ONE thing...the WATER. I guess we have been spoiled by Sacramento's water, and now are so accustomed to it, that nothing else quite compares.  As we were planning to move, Robert warned me the water wasn't as good as Sacramento's, so we prepared and bought a Brita water pitcher. As soon as we got down here, and started using it, I noticed that Robert was hardly drinking it though. Finally one day I asked him, "Why aren't you drinking any water, you always drink a bunch?" He replied, "It just tastes gross. Even from the Brita pitcher." I told him to add some Crystal Light to it, but he said it still tasted bad. One night when I got home from work he had gone to the store and bought a 2.5 gallonn jug of Arrowhead water, and said to me, " I'm sorry, I can't do it. I tried to drink the water, but I just can't do it. I went and got filtered water." I laughed and said, "That's fine. I don't particularly like it either, and if it's that important to you, that's fine." So now one of our "staple" items that we get when we go grocery shopping is plenty of water :) I guess it was something we took for granted when we were up north, but will have to get used to buying our water down here. Robert has even requested I make ice with the filtered water, because when I make the ice using the Brita pitcher, it eventually melts and "taints" his good water.  Whatever you want baby! It's a little inconvenient, but it's worth the sacrifice to live down here, and to make my hubs happy. And we've also become obsessed with Minute Maid Light Lemonade! We add just a little to the water to make it taste extra delicious! Just a little random thought for the day...haha. Any thoughts? If you grow up here does it taste fine to you? When I serve at BJ's everyone I serve drinks it, so maybe we're weird...

yummmmmmm

 

One Year Anniversary Celebration

 

Even though our one year wedding anniversary was last Friday, August 17th, we never quite got a chance to celebrate it properly. Robert had law school orientation during the day, and then Stephen's bachelor party was that weekend. Since I had last night off from work, we decided to wait until then to go out and really celebrate.

 

Richard sent us a nice  "paper" gift to go out to a nice dinner, so we wanted to take full advantage of it. Since we always hang out around Pacific Beach, we wanted to head downtown to go out. Our first stop was Donovan's Steakhouse in downtown, and it was a really nice place! We had an appetizer there, and Robert found his favorite drink of all time...the Moscow Mule!

 

For dinner we wanted to head to a Tapas restaurant called Cafe Sevilla. We actually had been to this restaurant a couple weeks prior, when Robert's sister Victoria was in town, and it was amazing! We love sangria, and Sevilla's is some of the best I've had. We got seated right away, and actually got to sit at a cool spot upstairs that overlooks the whole restaurant.  We got our sangria, had a few tapas, and just really tried to enjoy the evening. It was great to catch up with Robert, and be able to hear all about his first week in law school. He already has a research assignment due this Sunday, so he actually had to go to campus Friday to do research for it, even though he doesn't have class. I am so proud of him for spending so much time studying already, and really dedicating himself to this.

 

 

Next we walked around downtown, checking out other little spots around the Gaslamp District. I love the downtown San Diego area, and would like to live down there at some point. We headed back to our house to change into more comfortable clothes, and then just went out around Pacific Beach. It was so much fun, and nice to just have the company of one another. We actually met up with one of Robert's cousins whom I recently came in contact with, Katrina. It was great to discover that a family member he didn't know about actually lives in the same city as us, and she's the same age as me too! She actually nannies for one of Robert's law professors, too! (small world!) I am considering getting back into nannying, so it's great to have someone else to talk to about it.

 

Overall, our first wedding anniversary was a great one! Even though we had to wait a little while to celebrate it, I'm glad we took the time to do so. I feel like this past year has flown by....I cannot wait to look back next year and see how much our lives have changed, and what else we have accomplished. Thanks for the cards and love from everyone, we love and miss you all !

Look at this adorable card Robert got me! He is the sweetest :)

 

Robert's First Week of Law School

Well...we have almost survived the first week of law school (well Robert has). So far, he is LOVING it. As most of you know, Robert has always enjoyed learning new things, and reading, so law school is turning out to be perfect for him. He told me last night "I feel like I finally have a purpose." He is learning information and valuable skills that he will be able to use in the real world.

 

So far it has been quite the adjustment for him being gone so much. The month and a half that we lived down here before class started was like a vacation. Now, it's back to the grind. Since I am working at BJ's La Mesa at night, we aren't getting to see too much of one another. Robert has class Monday-Thursday ranging from 10:30 am until sometimes 7:20 pm. This is opposite of my work schedule most of the time. When I am getting home from work he is either almost ready to go to sleep, or is in bed already. And when he wakes up early to go study before class, I stay in bed. 

 

We knew it was going to be a big time commitment for us both to take on, but now we are really seeing exactly how hard it is. Even Robert's first week he has assignments due, lots of reading, and just getting used to the swing of things. He has a bag full of huge books to carry around, plus his backpack and lunch! He is finding out where good places to study on campus are, and who he is going to get along with in his classes.

 

In the evening if we do get a chance to talk, he goes on and on about all these new things he's learning. He thinks he is boring or annoying me, but I find it interesting, too. I am so happy that he is finally feeling like this is what he was meant to do, and is loving it. Of course, we both know it isn't going to be all fun and games. The amount of information he is going to be required to remember is extensive, and we haven't even seen a tiny portion of that yet. But at least it's so far so good.  If we have to sacrifice a few years of not seeing very much of each other for this to work, then so be it. And even when he is a lawyer, I know he will be working long hours, but I am glad that he will be happy and successful.

 

In the mean time, I am looking to find a full time job, whether it be nannying, an office job, or who knows what. So everyone please keep us in your prayers! If I couldnt find a full time position making enough money, then I could quit working "restaurant hours," and actually get to see my husband a little bit more! Thanks everyone for following us on this journey. And a special thank you Richard, for all the support and advice you are giving Robert. You have walked the walk of law school, and are really using it now in work. We really appreciate all your help!

Robert's First Day of Law School (FINALLY!)

WOW! The day is finally here!!!! Today classes officially start for Robert at the University of San Diego Law School.  He and I are so happy and excited for this to begin! Choosing this school was a difficult decision for both of us, and I couldn't be happier with our decision. 

When Robert first told me he wanted to go back to school to finish his undergrad, and then go onto law school, I was shocked. Of course I was thrilled, because I knew he was unhappy and unfulfilled doing restaurant management, but I was scared too.  He gave up a steady, well-paying job to serve tables and go back school at the age of 27. He was scared to be the "old guy" in school, and not sure if he would be successful after being out of college for almost 5 years. Low and behold, he did awesome at USF completing his Bachelor's Degree.  He actually enjoyed college for the first time, and got straight A's. He felt that since he was older, he appreciated it more, and actually took it seriously. He finally got his final grades a couple weeks ago, and he is thrilled to say that he graduated with a 3.9 GPA, which means he GRADUATED WITH HONORS! So proud of my little smarty pants.

Even though as soon as he began his undergrad completion, there was still the daunting task of beginning the steps to get into law school.  I knew he could do anything he put his mind to, but I honestly had no idea how to go about beginning this process. Robert was so motivated in finding out as much information as he could about how to go about studying for the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT), which dates he could take it, and when everything needed to be completed by so that he could start law school as soon as his undergrad was done.  Even though it was a huge financial burden, he decided that the best plan to get the highest score possible on the LSAT was to take a study course for it.  This course runs around $1500 and the one he took was 3 nights a week in Davis. He had heard great success stories from using a study course to improve your score, so he knew this would be a great investment of money.  Not only was it a lot of money (and gas money) to take this course, but he had to devote almost 2 entire months just to studying (while doing his undergrad coursework as well). He barely worked for these two months, which at first I thought was a little extreme. How hard could this test be? Robert explained to me that this test actually has nothing to do with learning the law, but it is a test that teaches you to "think like a lawyer." It tests a studen'ts ability to be able to think about things in a way they haven't ever done before. Thankfully Robert scored a 150 on his first try, before even beginning the study course. This is a pretty decent score for some people on their final try. Now that Robert had a starting point of reference, and knew that he could do it, he put all his efforts into improving his score. 

There are portions of the test on reading comprehension, games, and so on. He did multiple practice tests at the library, and filled up notebooks with all his practice activities. Well...when the time came to take the test, he felt he did well, but only time would tell.  We patiently waited, trying to keep our minds off of it...and then the day finally came. He got a 164! The test is out of 180, which makes 164 sound not so great, right? WRONG! A 164 is the 90th percentile! I was sooo thrilled for him. He did it! With that score, his good grades, and his ethnic background, he knew right then that law school was definitely in his future. Robert soon starting getting fee waivers from schools, and asking for fee waivers from other schools that didn't send them, so he could apply to as many schools as possible for free.

Robert and I never seriously imagined leaving Sacramento, but we wanted to keep our options open.  McGeorge in Sacramento is a great school to stay in the area, and it is a private school, which Robert really liked. We went to a law day there, and Robert liked the campus and the school all around.  He really wanted to go to UC Davis because they are ranked really high, and it is a great law school. Robert got his first acceptance letter to University of Denver, then followed letters of acceptance to University of San Diego, McGeorge, Santa Clara, and the list went on and on. This was so exciting, but also difficult because he was still waiting to hear from UC Davis. Another big deciding factor of where Robert wanted to attend was how much scholarship money he would be offered from each school. The scholarship offers come after the acceptance letters usually, so we still had to wait wait wait. Soon pretty sizable scholarship offers came in from Denver, Santa Clara, McGeorge, and finally (my favorite) USD!!!

Robert was actually at work when he got the scholarship offer from USD, but I was so excited that I opened it anyway. They offered him $23,000 a year! That is over half of the tuition paid for!  I was screaming and jumping up and down. I immediately called Robert at work, and he was beyond thrilled as well.  When he got home we celebrated with some bubbly, and talked about the possibilities.  We owned a house in Fair Oaks, which was the number one thing holdind us back from moving.  In the poor housing market, we knew we would not be able to rent the house for how much our mortgage was, and we couldn't afford to be paying money every month to make up the difference. We finally made the difficult decision to sell our house, and lose all the money we had put into it. Even though I was happy with the scholarship offer Robert received from USD, he wanted to see if he could get more money. We were planning a trip to visit the campus in January 2012, to see if he liked the campus, and could see himself going there. He loved it right away! The fact that is a private, Catholic college elated him, and not to mention that it is in the beautiful and sunny San Diego! After the campus tour, Robert wanted to visit the financial aid office to see if the status of his scholarship had changed. When he got there he met with a counselor, and he said "oh, you're Robert Rodriguez? We have a revised scholarship offer for you." These were the words we were waiting to here. We both fully expected them to not actually give him more money. He had received bigger offers from other schools, so he had faith that USD would want to compete with those offers, to entice him to attend their school.  The new offer was for $31,000 per year!! What a blessing! Just for asking, the scholarship would now cover 3/4 of his total tuition! This was the sign from God that we knew we could not ignore. 

Pics from our first visit to the USD Campus January 2012

We could not let owning a home hold us back from this great opportunity at such a great school.  Of course after we come home and I want to shout to the world that we're moving, Robert gets accepted to UC Davis Law. Since they aren't a private school they do not give loads of scholarship money like the other schools. Even though Davis is ranked higher than USD, he didn't want to attend it paying  the full price tag of $120,000 over 3 years, plus living expenses.  So there it was, the decision was made. Easier said than done....now we had to figure out the steps to selling our house, and getting rid of all of our stuff.  We went from living in a 3 bed 2 bath house with a huge yard and garage with 3 dogs to a 2 bedroom 1 bath 800 sq. foot apartment in Pacific Beach. We actually lucked out with our place and could afford a 2 bedroom place. We thought we would be forced to have a 1 bedroom, and would really be spatially challenged with where to keep all of our belongings. After selling and giving away as much as possible, we packed up the U-Haul July 5th. I told Robert "wow...it's scary to think that all of the stuff we own is in the back of that truck.."

Our U-Haul all loaded up (thanks Stephen for helping pack it so well)

It was a really difficult last few weeks in Sacramento. We were so excited to move, and finally start this new chapter in our lives, yet it was really sad as well. I've lived my whole life in Fair Oaks, our parents and friends are there, and almost all of our siblings too.  Was this all going to be worth it? Were we gambling everything we had on this dream, and would it work out? Well...only time will tell, but I know it is the right path for us. All of these doors wouldn't have been opened for us if it wasn't meant to be. Robert's brother was amazing in helping us move. He actually lives in Los Angeles, and flew up late Thursday July 5th, then drove one of our cars down for us. I drove the SUV and Rob drove the U-Haul.  It was quite the long drive, but actually kind of fun to caravan down there together. Thank you for your help Richard!!! You're amazing :) And thank you to everyone who has supported us thus far. You all know Robert is so smart and will succeed, but thanks for the confirmation that you all have faith this plan will work out for us. LOVE YOU ALL! And most of all Congratulations to Robert for all of your hard work!

This is the view I had for 500 miles...but look at the sign! That's our exit to our apartment.

 (UPPER PIC) This is what Chloe did the whole drive....besides annoying me by whining the whole time and crying to sit on my lap.

 These are some pics of the 6 weeks we spent in Pacific Beach before law school began. Relaxing, napping, going to the beach, etc. Good bye lazy days, hello studying!

Robert even grew a beard before law school! It turned out cuter than I thought haha. Love him!

Boys Weekend & Girls Weekend

This weekend was Stephen's bachelor party weekend, and luckily for Robert he was able to go because it was in Pacific Beach. Since Robert is starting law school officially on Monday, he thought he was going to be unable to attend Stephen's bachelor party if it was up north. So on Friday afternoon after Robert got out of his last orientation, he headed over to the hotel that was right on the beach. I unexpectedly got the night off from work too, and decided to head up to Stephen's sister's house in Oceanside. It's about 45 minutes north from where we live, and I knew she was going to be alone with her boys since her husband was at the bachelor party as well.

I just recently got to know Angela at Gina's bachelorette party a few weeks ago, and she had generously invited me to come up and visit, so I decided to take advantage of it. We had such a fun time! She has the most adorable little boys, Sam and Joey, and I couldn't have imagined having a better time than we did.

On Friday evening when I got there we just relaxed and had some beers, and she showed me around her beautiful new home they just moved into.  I had to bring Chloe with me, since she couldn't be left home alone. Angela was also dog sitting a boxer named Abby, so it was a little party!  The boys were so cute when we got there. They said "another doggy!" After having some leftover pizza and putting the kids to bed, it was just a fun night talking and hanging out.

Angela and I didn't get much sleep, with this "heat wave" in San Diego, and the kids waking up at the crack of dawn, but we made the best of it! We got up pretty early Saturday morning and hung out around the house, then promised the boys we would make rainbow cupcakes later that day after we went to the pool.  The pool was awesome! It is a community one in the neighborhood, but it was refreshing and fun. The boys were so adorable, wanting to be held in the water, yet still be independent. Joey is 2, turning 3 soon, and wanted to wear his lifejacket so he could swim around on his own. That boy is adorable! Sam is 4, and loves his mommy to death! He just constantly wanted to have her hold him, and jump into her arms.  After having lunch there and swimming more, we headed back to their house, and the boys took a nap.

While the boys were napping Angela's friends Ashley and Mike came over with their two kids, and we had a couple beers and talked. They were so nice to meet, and I can't wait to see them again! Even though it has been really lonely since we moved down to San Diego, I am excited to meet new people (especially couples) that we can get together with, and have fun!

When the boys got up from their nap we made the rainbow cupcakes that they had been patiently awaiting to do all day. Angela is such a great mom! She let all the kids help make them, letting them each have their individual part in helping. While the cupcakes were cooling, Ashley & Mike left, and we had dinner. We then watched a crazy live stream of a wedding online, and enjoyed our yummy dessert.  The rest of the night we just spent being silly with the boys, and having fun relaxing. Overall, it was such a great weekend. I appreciate Angela's hospitality so much, and cannot wait to hang out with her and her family again, especially her husband Joe, since I've never met him!

Sunday morning we woke up, and after coffee and breakfast I headed back south to Pacific Beach. Rob came home from the bachelor party a little earlier than the rest of the group because he has assignments to complete for law school already.  He told me about all the fun the boys had, and how happy he was that he could be there for Stephen in this big life event! The boys went to the Padres vs. Giants baseball game on Friday night, then headed to a club called Ivy, and had a VIP booth with bottle service. On Saturday they just relaxed around their hotel and beach area, and partied all day and night!  I am so glad that this could be Robert's sort of last "hoorah" before he begins his difficult journey through law school.  It's going to be a lot of sacrifices, but I'm sure occassionally we will get to have fun weekends like this again. Congrats to Stephen on his last weekend as a bachelor! We cannot wait to fly up for the wedding in a couple of weeks, and watch him and Gina become husband and wife!

Happy One Year Anniversary!

Just a look back at our wedding day in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. August 17, 2011.