This is my sweetheart on Zuma Beach in Malibu, California. This was taken the day after her birthday while we were hanging out on the beach with a few of our best people. We talked and laughed as we watched the kids play in the sand and the dolphins play in the surf. I took off my shoes and put my toes in the sand, thankful to be alive and to be with good friends. We were right in the middle of Martine's whirlwind birthday weekend and loving every minute!
It all started on Wednesday night (technically Thursday morning) with a bottle of wine and some delicious Irish soda bread that KC made and brought with her from Chicago. We spent some time catching up before hitting the hay for our big day at Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank. We got to be part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Ellen Degeneres Show taping and good old George Clooney decided to make an appearance. Our friend Adrienne was so excited to see him. Maybe a little too excited...ahem...but I digress. We had a blast and then went out for a wonderful dinner in Pasadena. If you haven't been to Houston's and you like ribs, you MUST go there! Best ribs I've ever tasted. Am I giving you too much detail? Too bad...you're the one who came to this blog and started reading it. ;-)
Friday morning we picked up Kimberley (Martine's friend from San Francisco) at Burbank airport and headed to Universal Studios. I had told Martine I would go on any ride she wanted to go on, and I did. (Insert barfing sound effects here.) I didn't actually throw up, but I didn't handle it very well. The Mummy Returns ride is still returning to haunt me. The Simpsons ride was billed as 'just a motion simulator' so I decided I would attempt that one too. Ummmm...came off of that one with sweaty palms and a shattered disposition. I think KC was a little rattled by those two rides as well, so I didn't feel so bad. I'm glad I tried it, but I will think twice next time. The highlights of the day were lunch and the house of horrors. We had lunch at the Karl Strauss Brewery, Universal City Walk. Yes, we drank our lunch. Beer and burgers, and garlic fries (chips) that came back to haunt us all later. Speaking of haunting...the house of horrors was a scream! For KC and Kimberley it was literally a scream because that's what they were both doing the whole time. For Martine and me it was a scream in a 'laughing our asses off' kind of way. It was quite entertaining, at least for two of us.
We started our Saturday with brunch and then drove to Zuma beach to sit a spell and take in the Pacific in all its glory. It was such a beautiful day and we had a wonderful birthday dinner party planned for that night. Cheers to Kenny and Adrienne for hosting the event at their beautiful home. The short ribs Adrienne made were incredible. And thanks to Justine (Jussie) for bring the delectable Apricot bars and Caramel Slice things. I think that's what they were called. Sooooooooo good!! We finished the night with a Guitar Hero marathon at Val & Bruce's house, and started our Sunday morning with coffee by the pool in their backyard. Gotta love Southern California.
It was such a great weekend, filled with wonderful people, laughter and love. I feel very fortunate that Martine's friends have welcomed me into the fold. It has been great getting to know them and I already feel like part of their family. I am so blessed to be partnered with this incredible woman (pictured above), and be able to share in her life and her adventures. The universe has given me a gift and I hold it close to my heart.
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