California Love 012306

Hi, everyone--
I realize that I haven't written lately. I haven't really been out of the country that much lately, so I haven't had the need to write my travel log.

Updates:
I had booked all of my travel to Europe. I was set to leave on January 28 and return February 22. However, this has changed again. It looks like I will be leaving around Feb 2 and returning around March 1.

Doug, Claron's dad, was just here. We had a great time. It was really great to see him. Doug got to see both of the boys teach. He also got to meet up with some professors to discuss work. He had a great time. We went to Stearn's Wharf. I posted pictures. They are all in the Sweet Home, Santa Barbara album. Here is the link: http://community.webshots.com/user/asarnoci

Emily, Claron's sister, is due to have her baby today. I will keep everyone updated.

I don't have to go to girls camp this year! We are trying to go to Claron's best friend, Jerry's wedding in Sweden during the week of girls camp. Thank you, Jerry! Not that I don't like girls camp, but you all understand!

I realized that I have never posted positives and negatives for California. OK so here we go:

Positives:
1. The weather
2. Flowers year round
3. The beach
4. Palm trees
5. In-N-Out Burger
6. Great ward
7. Great friends
8. Laid back attitude
9. The islands
10. Lots of airports
11. Lots of motocross tracks
12. Motocross year round
13. Kickin' radio stations
14. Mexico is close
15. Uncle Butch is here
16. Did I mention the weather?
17. Strong sunshine
18. Liberal rich people
19. You can grow anything!
20. No bad news in the paper, radio or TV in SB

Negatives:
1. Family and friends are not here.
2. Real Estate prices!!!
3. The never ending expanse that is LA
4. Traffic in LA
5. Snotty Santa Barbarians (not all, just some)
6. They give away plastic surgery on the radio
7. Ocean is cold

I've been updating my blogs. Here are the addresses:
http://stanleysadventure.blogspot.com/
http://amandastravel.blogspot.com/

I've been working on the Flat Stanley when I can. I sent a package to the kids. Chris, the kid that I do it for, had the funniest comment. He said that he didn't know that they had candy in Russia! I thought this was great! In some ways, I can definitely see where he might get that.
Speaking of Russia, you may have heard that Russia is having their coldest year in a long time. I can't wait! =-(

Well, I hope all is well with everyone. I'd better run.
Cheers!
Amanda