Josh and Jennifer's Excellent LA Adventure

Well...I know its been awhile coming, but alas, another update!

As most of you reading this already know, we were in Vegas visiting my brother and his family. Well, as a side trip, we decided to make a jaunt to LA to see some of Jen's old hangouts and meet her LA family and friends. I, being the good sport that I am, felt that it would be an adventure (especially since I have NEVER driven in or to LA).

Our trip into LA was pretty uneventful...mostly desert and some traffic. We did make a stop in Barstow, CA for my virgin experience with In N Out, a burger joint only found in CA and NV (and maybe AZ?). To be sure I was not quite able to know what to expect. I was pleasantly suprised to find out that this franchise is owned and operated by Christians, so all their cups and burger wrappers have bible verse references printed on the outsides. NEATO! The food too was awesome and I really enjoyed my first In N Out experience.

Back to LA...once in LA, we stopped in Westwood to check out UCLA, as they have a pretty good music program that I am checking into for a potential PhD program. We walked around the campus aimlessly, showing how touristy we are -- Ha Ha! Once finished there, we worked our way through West Hollywood (or WeHo as Jennifer has told me it is known as to locals), proudly displaying their gay pride...I could've lived without that portion. Originally we intended to stop in Hollywood to explore, but with traffic being crazy and no parking available ANYWHERE, we just drove through and caught a few sights as we went by. Finally we arrived in Burbank, Jen's CA hometown. We dined at California Pizza Kitchen --highly recommend the Teriyaki Ginger Dumplings-- and checked out some local stores. What a great downtown!! For the night we stayed with Bob and Marilyn, Jennifer's LA parents. They have a gorgeous house and are currently finishing up renovating their home. It was fun to watch Jennifer freak out at all the changes, esp. the pool. Ha! Anyway, I was able to sleep looking out at the pool and absorbing the ambiance.

In the morning, I was introduced to Village Church in Burbank. After an awesome Sunday School lesson about parenting and raising children to pass on faith and a great church service, we met up with another friend for lunch. We went to a local Cuban restaurant, which made me nervous, as it is hard for me to try new things sometimes. I was pleasantly suprised at the awesome array of food. This place had some of the best food, as well as some kick-butt desserts. Their cakes are absolutely awesome. You name it - they make it. Wow!

Any way, we finally took off back to the LV. I was very happy to have taken this journey with Jennifer. It helped me to put faces with names and get points of reference for people in her life. It just makes me so glad to have her in my life and to see how people see her beauty as well.

Well...it is awfully late for me and I am tired of writing. Sorry...more will be happening tomorrow!

Josh

Vegas Vacation - Day 1

Whew! It's finally here! I am so pumped about all that this week has to hold. I am going to TRY to keep a day to day record of my adventures in Sin City. So, here goes...

Our flight to Vegas was an adventure on its own. First off, my lovely companion nearly tore off her toenail getting her suitcase out of her apartment. OUCH! She is quite the trooper, still making the flight in time. Kudos, Jennifer. Secondly, we had a very colorful passenger on our flight, Linda, who was obviously intoxicated before we even left South Bend! Loud and obnoxious, she was too busy being loud and overly friendly with other passengers to stay in her own seat and, trust me, she didn't get any better as the flight progressed. ARGH!

The "Hrentourage" picked us up at the airport. I was promptly greeted by my nephew, Vincent, wearing a ND hat and swim goggles. Yes -- swim goggles! The heat was intense, but a welcome thing for me (not so much for Jennifer). I'd much rather be hot than cold. We went to my brother's house in N. Las Vegas and greeted the rest of my family. It is always a pleasure to see them, as they are so far away from us. We are always treated like royalty when we come, even though we don't necessarily need it.

Dinner was from Capriotti's, a local sandwich shop down the road from my brother's place. They have the BEST sandwiches. I had the "Bobbie", a thanksgiving dinner on a baguette. It is made up of turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce and it tastes AWESOME! After stuffing ourselves (no pun intended), we took the opportunity to patron the local Dunkin Donuts. If you know me, I LOVE Dunkin Donuts blueberry coffee and was so glad to know that there were TWO DD's nearby. We ended up getting our drinks for free, as they had closed out the register before closing (explain that to me) - thanks God for the coffee!!

The last event of the evening was a trip to Bellagio, touring the floral garden display and watching the fountains go off. It was a beautiful evening and a great end to the day. Very tired, we finally made it to our hotel around 11:00 (2:00 AM Indiana time), and basically fell into bed. Ahhh...a great day!

Stay tuned for day two updates and maybe pictures.

Signing off,
Josh :)

What is Up with Christian Radio??

Hey all....it's me again!  Ready for round 2?

I am becoming very worried about the state of Christian radio these days.  Why, you ask?  Well, as I was running some errands yesterday evening, listening to my tunes, I heard a DJ on a local Christian radio station talk about how they would be discussing how one's astrological sign might determine whether or not they are a good driver.  I did a double take - astrological signs?!  Could they be serious??  How in the world could they in good conscience air something having to do with astrology, a very popular occult practice, and not think twice about it??  Needless to say I was (and still am) very angry - that's all there is to it.  If this were some mainstream rock or pop station, I wouldn't be suprised.  But come on, Christian radio?! 

Well, needless to say, I have expressed my concerns to this radio station via e-mail.  Yes, I was very professional and straight-forward.  This alleviated a good deal of my anger, but now I feel sad more than anything else.  Christian radio has been an ally in some very bad times for me and to see (and hear) them broadcasting this kind of material makes me wonder how long it will be before it can only be called "inspirational".  So sad...all I can say is: Lord, come back soon!

I would like to hear your thoughts on this subject.  What do you think the deal is, and, should we who are Christians be angry?  Think on this.

Until next time!

Josh

My Very First Blog!

Wow!  My very first blog EVER!  Who-duh thunk it??

I have read blogs, talked about blogs, and hear about blogs just about everywhere; however, in my wildest dreams, I never thought I would ever have one.  Craziness!  I am not very good at this, so I am apologizing in advance for my being a novice blogger.  Just warning you...

Well, my long-awaited trip to Las Vegas is almost upon me.  I am SO excited, I can barely wait to be frisked by airport security and have my stuff x-rayed (whoo hoo!), get on the plane, and fly to Sin City!  In case you aren't aware, my older brother, Reg, and his family live out there and I miss them terribly.  My family and I just visited at Christmas, but I can never see them enough.  I am especially excited to see my nephew and nieces - they are growing up so fast, I am afraid they're gonna grow up and I won't know where time went to.  My brother and his wife, Tere, are so kind to us and treat us like royalty, even though they really don't have to.  It makes for a wonderful vacation away from the hum-drum of daily life in Michiana.  Vegas is a fun town (in small doses), especially when your loved ones are there.  Oh, and did I mention it'll be in the mid-90's and 100's while I'm there??  Yeah for sunburn!!

Another reason this trip is so momentous for me is that my beautiful girlfriend, Jennifer, is coming with me!  YEAH!!  She has met a great deal of my extended family, but this is her first experience meeting the Vegas clan.  She is excited as best as I can tell, which makes me more excited.  The more I get to know this woman, the more in love with her I become.  She and I share so much in common and I simply love spending time with her.    It makes me tingly inside to think that she might just be my perfect soulmate.  Only God can tell, but I think it could be.  Hmmm...

Any hoo, I will be taking off on Thursday via airplane and will be staying a week.  Then I will accompany my parents back (who drove out there - crazy old people!).  There will be some sight-seeing and I  help drive to relieve them.  4 days - just me and the 'rents - PRAY FOR ME! :)

Well, I hope you enjoyed this blog.  Let me know how I can improve my blogging skills.  I will work on installing a comment box (just kidding).

Josh