Healing Essential Oils

Essential Oils are actually essential to natural healing and health! Check out this infographic on this link here to find all the benefits and uses for essential oils. I use a couple drops of lavender or pepper in an Epsom salt & baking soda bath to soothe my muscles and calm my mind. Start this relaxing habit and I'll guarantee that you will have more joy-filled days!

Gratefulgivings for Happiness and Positivity

It's Thanksgiving tomorrow, and we all so much to be thankful for. A popular exercise on social media has been to list at least 5 things that we are grateful for everyday, for a set amount of time.

Instead of a one time exercise, let's make this an everyday occurrence. Replace moaning and complaining, criticizing and judging, negativity and anxiety, with gratefulness and thankfulness, joyfulness and acceptance, positivity and energy.

What can you add to your list of gratefulgivings? Start a shift in your attitude and thinking with this mindset, guided by this link here, and you will find yourself with more joy-filled days!

Love Where You're At

Sometimes things don't happen like you planned it or wished for, but then you come to the acceptance that where you are at and what's happening is where you're supposed to be. So after almost 3 months on the market, we decided to take our house off the market...maybe we'll relist it in the spring, or maybe just stay.

While looking for homes in our target locations, there were a couple that fit the bill, but with our home not selling, I began thinking of the reality of the situation. As much as I wanted to downsize and live closer to the downtown/midtown area, there are certain luxuries that I enjoy. Features such as a walk-in closet, a spa-like master bathroom (I really do use that big tub!), a living area for our baby grand, and a garage to actually put our cars in (because it really can get cold up here in NorCal!). The charm of a smaller, older home would mean compromises in these areas, so maybe I really wasn't ready to let them go yet.

As I was pondering these things, I read this article here entitled, "10 Reasons You Don't Have the Home You Want". The first reason, "You're Disorganized", screamed out at me, because even though I had started the process, I am honestly a long way from a well-organized home. I considered that perhaps, I needed to take care of that first. Maybe this was fate's way of telling me to slow down, to appreciate what I had, that I needed to give my home some TLC, and this was not the right time to leave.

So with a renewed sense of purpose, I am embracing my lovely home, aka Chateau L'Acob, and making it the home we want at this time in our joy-filled lives!

Kombucha...What's That?

Like most healthy things, my kids introduced me to Kombucha, which is a naturally carbonated, fermented blackened tea that has had many beneficial health claims. Among these claims includes improved digestive function, increased energy, boosted immune function, and weight loss and management.

Read these articles on Kombucha's benefits here and here, and if you're adventurous, here's a how-to recipe here! Speak to your doctor first, but it probably is a healthy replacement for a soda habit, giving you a joy-filled substitute!

Craving: Apple Fritter Doughnuts

The photo of the apple fritter I posted this morning on the Facebook page spurred a lot of likes and comments. I hadn't had an apple fritter in forever, when my dentist office offered me donuts at my last appointment. I refused the donuts, until they showed me the box where there it was...a beautiful, glazed apple fritter! Of course I succumbed, and have been craving one ever since! So I decided to find a recipe, and found one on this link here. I may try to make it from scratch, but then again, I may just find that donut shop my dentist went to!

The Importance of Flexibility

Those of you that follow my blog know that one of my favorite ways of stretching is with yoga, especially Yin Yoga. If you are one who does not practice yoga or if you're short on time, this link here gives you a fast 10-minute daily stretch routine.

Next to cardiovascular exercise and strength training, stretching is the forgotten third pillar of fitness. It has been proven to prevent injury, improve athletic performance, prevent aging conditions, such as arthritis, improve circulation and blood flow to muscles, even lower the risk of cardiovascular disease! So get stretching and bring more space and joy into your life!

Procrastination & Organization

I love being organized, but I'm such a procrastinator! Ever since we put our house on the market and staged our home, my plan was to continue with this house purge. Well, I'm still needing to go through the closets, kitchen, and garage! If we get an offer soon, I'm going to have to kick it up into high gear. So in order to best use my time as well as let go of items, I found this article on how to minimize (aka how to get rid of stuff!). This home organization article here is also going to help me get and stay organized when we move into our new home. Wish us luck with our house sale so we can start our downsized, minimalistic joy-filled life!

Yoga: From Hate to Love

A synopsis of my relationship with yoga throughout the years:

• I first tried yoga 10 years ago. 
• A friend of mine invited me to a class. 
• I went and was confused.
• So I decided I didn't like it. 
• But I bought a yoga mat anyway. 
• I honestly don't remember if I ever went back.
• Yoga came up again 5 years ago. 
• A co-worker raved about it.
• She invited me to go. 
• I said I had tried it and "hated it".
• My daughter went instead and loved it.
• This year, I thought I'd give yoga a try again.
• I attended a free class at our new gym.
• Can you believe that I loved it?!
• Maybe it was the smaller class.
• Maybe it was because the teacher took it slow.
• Maybe it was because I have less ADHD.
• My daughter brought me to her Vinyasa yoga studio a couple weeks ago.
• I was scared, but survived. 
• And now I'm hooked!
• I practice Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga, both at home and at ZudaYoga, which is the perfect Yin/Yang balance for me!

NOTE: I may try an Ashtanga class, but honestly don't think I'll ever do Bikram Yoga... Then again, ask me in another 10 years! ;)

Finding What Gives you Joy in 2 Simple Steps

Our electronic world has allowed us to be connected wherever we are, yet has disconnected us from where we are now! We are virtually present, but not actually present. We are interacting, but not with those around us.  I admit I'm just as guilty as the next person. It's difficult to 'just be' in this cyber universe of ours. We feel like we're going to miss something if we don't check our phone when it dings. What we really miss out on, when we're busy trying to keep up with the techno world, is the real world! The solution to this hyper connectivity is meditation and mindfulness.  A major benefit to following these practices is improvement of the mind & body, thus opening one up to what is really important in one's life.

Step One: Meditation
Meditation helps you learn mindfulness by increasing awareness and clarity. Try this meditation at least once a day, for as long as you can. Meditating when you awaken is a perfect way to start the day, and sets a positive tone to your mood. 

• Get comfortable:  Find a quiet, comfortable area where you can relax. Either sit straight up in a chair, with your feet on the ground and your hands on your lap, palms facing up, or lay flat on your back, with your legs outstretched and your arms to your sides, palms up. 

• Just Relax & Breathe:  Close your eyes, relaxing your mind and body. Take a deep breath, in and out of your nose, inhaling for a count of 4, holding for a count of 7, and exhaling for a count of 8. 

• Imagine Positivity:  As you get into the rhythm of your breath, imagine a white light entering your body from the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands. As you inhale, bring that white light up through every cell of your body to the top of your head. As you are washed with positive, cleansing energy, enjoy this feeling as you hold it in. 

• Release Negativity:  Once your body is cleansed with the positive light, gather the negativity trapped in your body, and release it with your exhale, down from the top of your head and out through your palms and soles. 

• Be Still & Clear:  Repeat the last couple of bullets for up to 15 minutes, clearing your mind and body of toxic thoughts and feelings. If you want, repeat this mantra---I am Safe. I am Secure. I am Loved. God is with me. 

Step Two: Mindfulness

Mindfulness means coming back to the present moment and stilling the mind and body. Whenever you find yourself disengaged from reality, put away any distractions that are distancing you from the moment, whether it's your mind racing or wandering, or an electronic device. 

• Stop and step out of the thinking process.
• Just breathe and calm your mind and body. 
• Intentionally decide where you're going to focus your attention on.
• Focus on & experience where you are at, who you are with, what you are doing, and why.
• Just be present!

This can be quite difficult at first, but stick with the practice of meditation and mindfulness. It will pay off once you get the hang of it, eventually becoming second nature. You will find that meditating improves your mood, your stress level, and ultimately your health. The power of being mindful of your everyday actions, as you're living it at the moment, benefits both you and those around you, bringing more joy in your life!

Easy Fall Recipe: Roasted Cauliflower!

I am all about Fall! I believe that roasted vegetables are the best, especially since they are so easy to make and are so healthy for you! Make this simple recipe here anytime you want something easy, but good for you, and you'll have joy in your tummy!

Marriage Is Not Always Happily Ever After...

I know that I posted a version of this back in July, but I believe that it's worth repeating, because sometimes it takes more than just once in order to get through to some of us!

Truth #1: Marriage is tough. It's not perfect, and it's not always happy. It has many challenges and can test a person in many ways. You will realize your love must be based on more than passion, because day-to-day marriage is not a romantic comedy; it's more like a dramedy! Come to think of it, marriage is like being on "Naked & Afraid" ...Two people who don't know each other, who are placed in unknown territory, stripped down and vulnerable, with nothing but their own survival skills, and the willingness to work with the other person in order to survive.

Truth #2: Marriage takes commitment and perseverance. For better or for worse, for richer, for poorer...you stick with it! Do this, and you will find that the joy in your relationship stems from the vows you took on your wedding day, not from the feelings you felt on your wedding day. Marriage takes constant work and the will to do it everyday. 

 

Truth #3: Marriage means being genuine and confident . You must have optimism in your future and life together. You have to accept who your spouse is, and be comfortable in what your relationship is...all without compromising who you are and what you believe in as an individual.

Truth #4: Marriage isn't sappy, it's sensible. I found this quote a few years ago, and thought it perfectly summarized what I believe is the key to a successful marriage. "Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction" - Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Wind, Sand and Stars.

Truth #5: Marriage is about reveling in the good and dealing with the bad. Whether you are married or in a serious relationship, remember the vows you made to each other. Realize the meaning and responsibility you took on when you promised these words to your partner. I have no doubt more people can have satisfaction in their marriages and relationships if they enjoy and appreciate the better, but also are steadfast and work through the worse.

Consider these truths when you are going through a rough patch in your marriage and relationship. Believe me, it's not easy to work through these trials, but if you weather the storm, it is well worth it in the end. When you can sit with your mate and know that you are looking out into the same direction, the satisfaction and contentment that fills you will give you joy in your life and marriage!

Our 25th Wedding Anniversary Party July 2014

Letting Go, Part 2

So letting go of the house actually started with the impending letting go of our youngest daughter. We are moving her into the dorm today...we're both excited for her, yet sad to think that she won't be living with us full time anymore. Our baby is all grown up and ready to take on the world. She wants to study abroad or be a missionary for a year, so she'll take the 5 year route, which is fine with us.

Looking at these photos, the first one at her 7th birthday, and the second one at her 17th birthday last year, there are so many memories of our little girl who just turned 18 this summer. Cherish the times you have with your children and loved ones because these are the moments that give you joy in your life!

Letting Go, Part 1

We have family and friends who have stayed in our home throughout the years we have lived in Fair Oaks. My besties and their husbands came for a visit last fall. Since Olga Lane was used as a bed & breakfast for our yearly couples retreat, we nicknamed our house Chateau L'Acob. 

It is both exciting and sad to be selling Chateau L'Acob....our home for over eight years. It's hard to let go of a home you love that is filled with so many memories. Nonetheless, we are letting go into the next phase of our lives as empty nesters since our youngest starts college next week. 

Olga Lane aka Chateau L'Acob will always hold a special place in our hearts. It welcomed us to NorCal, keeping us safe and secure. It is the home that hosted the celebration of all three kids high school graduation parties. It is where we brought Kona home to live; the home he so fiercely protects. 

This link here shows photos of our beloved home, taken for the listing of Olga Lane. This is the home where our family lived through the kids teenage years, the only home Kona knows, the home that has given us so many joy-filled memories!

Simplify

Simplify...that's what I want to do now. In fact, I've gone as far as convincing the hubby to sell our house so we can downsize from our 3500 square foot home into one no larger than 1800 square feet. I mean, how much space do my husband, dog and I need now after our youngest has graduated from high school?

Our realtor is coming today with the photographer, so I've been purging the house in order to stage it for showings and an open house on Sunday! I have been wanting to get rid of all our unnecessary stuff and junk for awhile, so putting the house on the market is just the push I needed! It's crazy how such a daunting task becomes doable when there's an incentive.

I found an article in Sunset Magazine here about a family of four who down-sided from a 3000 square foot home into a 1400 square foot home. Not only did they choose to live in a smaller home with two grade school boys, they adopted the goal of a Zero-waste home. Wow! I was intrigued enough to purchase their book on how to live with minimal waste and stuff because seriously, we have accumulated so much sh** in our over 25 years together.

Now that I have taken all the unnecessary home furnishings and furniture out of the house, my next task is to go through the closets and finally the garage to organize all the clutter in order to sell, donate, or keep. I will keep you all updated on my progress, and am going to try to heed the Zero-waste home philosophy found here.

What do you hang onto that clutters up your life? As much as I've loved our home, it's time to move on and let go into the next phase in order to continue to find joy in life!

Paleo Peach Crisp

With summer coming to an end, I thought that I'd share a recipe here for one of my favorite summer fruits...the peach! I have tried Elana's Pantry recipes before, and they're good.

Haven't had a chance to try this one, so hope to make it for Labor Day! Try this summer dessert and you may find more joy in your day!

Exercise: Just Take 15

In order to try and get my exercises done during the day, I break them down into 15-minute segments in order to make them more manageable.

Here are some activities to do in Just 15!

Morning Stretches:

• Floor Bicycles: Lay on your back on the floor. Put your hands behind your head & bicycle your legs as you alternate your right elbow towards your left knee, then your left elbow towards your right knee. Repeat 15 times (or work up to this in increments of 3). Between sets, stretch your legs out & your arms over your head to elongate your body while taking 3 deep breaths. Repeat the sequence 3 times. 
• Cat/Cow Poses: After the floor bicycles, get up on all fours with your knees below your hips & your hands below your shoulders. Slowly round your back & pull your head down for Cat Pose, then arch your back & lift your head for Cow Pose. Repeat this sequence at least 3 times while taking deep breaths. 
• Child's Pose and Downward Dog: After the Cat/Cow Poses, kneel and lean your bottom on your heels, then fold your torso on the floor with your hands to your side or in front of you, demonstrated in this video for Child's Pose. Take 3 deep breaths as you hold this position. For Downward Dog, come up on all fours again, tuck in your toes, and push up with your hands and feet to raise your bottom up with head down and legs as straight as possible. Take 3 deep breaths as you hold this position. See video here for demo. 
• Forward Fold: pose as demonstrated here ---you can bend your knees slightly as you bend your body forward as far as you can. Hold for at least 3 deep breathes.    
• Triangle Pose shown on this link. Again you can bend your knees slightly during the pose if you need to. Place your feet more than shoulder width apart, and turn your right foot out. Turn your upper body towards the right, reach your hands down towards your right ankle, and reach your left arm up as you look up, while keeping your right hand on your right ankle. Hold for at least 3 deep breathes. 
• Tree Pose: demonstrated on this link --- Stand with a good, solid base, bend your right knee and place the bottom of your right foot on the inside of your left thigh. Hold this position for at least 3 deep breaths while holding your hands in prayer position over your heart center. Repeat on other side.

5 Tibetan Rites of Rejuvenation:

• This is a great way to start and/or end your day!
• Link here.   

Yoga Practice:

• Beginner Yoga. Here's a great video that gives practice tips; Link here, for those starting yoga.
• Hatha/Meditative Yoga (link), for a slow, relaxing practice.
• Ashtanga/Power Yoga (here), for a more strength practice, discussed in this link.
• Vinyasa/Movement Yoga (here), for a more general-type practice.
• Bikram/Hot Yoga (here), if you want heat in your practice!
• Yoga Overview. This link gives an overview of the types of yoga, so can choose which one is best for you.  You can also mix it up, as long as you know your limits!

Walking:

• Take your 15-minute morning and afternoon breaks at work and walk at your natural pace for those15 minutes. 
• At home after dinner, take another 15 minute walk with the dog, with a spouse, or by yourself.

HIIT Exercise:

• HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) is another option for brief and effective cardio & strength training without the long hours of intensive workouts. Here's a great app for this, The 12-Minute Athlete here.
• Treadmill Intervals is easy to do. Instead of staying on a steady pace, mix it up with different speeds. Here is my usual treadmill interval training: 
• Start with a warm-up at an easy walk for 2:00 minutes.
• Pick up the pace to an easy jog for 1:00 minute.
• Pick up the pace even more to a fast jog for 2:00 minutes.
• Then up the pace to a easy run for 2:00 minute.
• Up the pace to a fast run for 1:30 minutes.
• Slow down to an easy jog for 2:00 minutes.
• Then up the pace to a fast run for 1:30 minutes.
• Slow down to a fast jog for 2:00 minutes.
• Finish with a cool-down at an easy walk for 1:00 minute.

What exercises can do in 15-minutes in order to get out of a rut or in order to stop making excuses because you don't have time? Start on that list, and you may find you get in your workout when you can segment things out into this smaller time frame, for more joy in your life!

Natural & Homemade: The Key to Looking & Feeling Young!

People often wonder how Jennifer Aniston and JLo can look so young, despite being in their mid-40's, even just turning 50, as in Sandra Bullock. Most don't believe them when they say that it's genetics and healthy living, claiming they haven't had plastic surgery or other enhancements. Maybe I'm just naive, but whether or not they are being 100% truthful, I know that naturally looking young is indeed possible. I've seen it with my friends & family, and I myself have been mistaken for being 10 years younger (remember, I'm almost Sandra Bullock's age...), even those saying I look like I'm in my late 20's to early 30's...probably just flattery I say for those compliments! My mother is in her late 70's (she'll hate that I just wrote that), but she can pass for her early 60's.

Anyway, take this un-retouched, unfiltered photo of my girlfriend and I as an example. She is only a year younger than me, though she looks like she can be in her 20's, and in person, she can look like a teenager since she's so petite. She is so active and healthy; I admire her energy and stamina. Like her, I have never smoked, rarely drink alcohol, and we both eat pretty clean, while having our treats once in awhile (code for, we love our food)! We used to run together when I lived in SoCal, and we both continue to stay fit. We both have never had any surgery done, although I do admit that I have had facials, and when I worked in dermatology and plastics 10 years ago, I did do Botox a few times (which I really didn't need at the time) and had some laser treatments (which was great for smoothing skin tone). If that has helped me with looking younger now, so be it, but I no longer get or want Botox, although I wouldn't pass up a non-invasive laser treatment and a good facial.

That being said, I believe the key to looking and feeling young is to be your most authentic self. I've been trying to eat as clean and natural as I can, making most of my meals from scratch. Another aspect of being authentic has been adding natural & homemade products to my beauty regimen, such as coconut oil for my facial & body moisturizer, and baking soda for a natural skin exfoliate. Even though I've always been pretty light-handed with the make-up, I forgo wearing any make-up 75% of the time now. Beauty products can add up in price, and can contain so many chemicals.

Recently, I have switched to a baking soda shampoo (1 part baking soda to 3 parts water---squeeze onto hair and massage through scalp and hair, then rinse well), and vinegar conditioner (1 part apple cider vinegar to 4 parts water with 1-2 drops of essential oil, like lavender if desired---squeeze a small amount through hair and rinse well). As an extra coconut oil hair moisturizer, melt a pea-sized amount of coconut oil by rubbing it between the hands, and lightly run through the hair, especially the ends. These have been approved by my hairstylist daughter, who says these natural products are just as good for cleaning and conditioning your hair. Try all these natural & homemade ways for looking & feeling young, and you may find more joy in your life!

Reduce Stress & Inflammation in 2 Simple Steps!

Our electronic world has allowed us to be connected wherever we are, yet has disconnected us from where we are now! We are virtually present, but not actually present. We are interacting, but not with those around us.  I admit I'm just as guilty as the next person. It's difficult to 'just be' in this cyber universe of ours. We feel like we're going to miss something if we don't check our phone when it dings. What we really miss out on, when we're busy trying to keep up with the techno world, is the real world! The solution to this hyper connectivity is meditation and mindfulness.  This National Institutes of Health (NIH) study, concluded that a major benefit to following these practices is improvement of the mind & body by reducing stress and inflammation.

Step One: Meditation
Meditation helps you learn mindfulness by increasing awareness and clarity, noted by an American Psychological Association (APA) article here. Try this meditation at least once a day, for as long as you can. Meditating when you awaken is a perfect way to start the day, and sets a positive tone to your mood. 

• Get comfortable:  Find a quiet, comfortable area where you can relax. Either sit straight up in a chair, with your feet on the ground and your hands on your lap, palms facing up, or lay flat on your back, with your legs outstretched and your arms to your sides, palms up. 

• Just Relax & Breathe:  Close your eyes, relaxing your mind and body. Take a deep breath, in and out of your nose, inhaling for a count of 4, holding for a count of 7, and exhaling for a count of 8. 

• Imagine Positivity:  As you get into the rhythm of your breath, imagine a white light entering your body from the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands. As you inhale, bring that white light up through every cell of your body to the top of your head. As you are washed with positive, cleansing energy, enjoy this feeling as you hold it in. 

• Release Negativity:  Once your body is cleansed with the positive light, gather the negativity trapped in your body, and release it with your exhale, down from the top of your head and out through your palms and soles. 

• Be Still & Clear:  Repeat the last couple of bullets for up to 15 minutes, clearing your mind and body of toxic thoughts and feelings. If you want, repeat this mantra---I am Safe. I am Secure. I am Loved. God is with me. 

Step Two: Mindfulness

Mindfulness means coming back to the present moment and stilling the mind and body. Whenever you find yourself disengaged from reality, put away any distractions that are distancing you from the moment, whether it's your mind racing or wandering, or an electronic device. 

• Stop and step out of the thinking process.
• Just breathe and calm your mind and body. 
• Intentionally decide where you're going to focus your attention on.
• Focus on & experience where you are at, who you are with, what you are doing, and why.
• Just be present!

This can be quite difficult at first, but stick with the practice of meditation and mindfulness. It will pay off once you get the hang of it, eventually becoming second nature. You will find that meditating improves your mood, your stress level, and ultimately your health. The power of being mindful of your everyday actions, as you're living it at the moment, benefits both you and those around you, bringing more joy in your life!

Don't miss out...be present!

Reset with Real Food Ice Cream

Here is a real food ice cream dessert I found here, that uses lemons, blueberries, coconut milk, and an avocado. With my anniversary last week, along with our weekend getaway and anniversary party, I ate well...I mean really well!

This recipe is a great way to get back on track, while satisfying a sweet tooth! Tell me what you think of this refreshing treat, and as always, find what gives you joy in your life!

Advice I Wish I Could Give to my Newlywed Self, 25 years later...

My 25th wedding anniversary is today! It's hard to believe that my husband and I have been married this long, although it can feel like our wedding was yesterday. I've been going through old photos, putting together mini-slide shows from Flipagram, and there are so many memories in them. There are the happy and the sad, knowing that behind the pictures, there's always more to the story. I'm glad that we stuck through it all, good and bad, because marriage is not an easy road. Sometimes I wish I knew then what I know now, so here's some wisdom and advice from my own experience to those early on in their married life, even those married longer, but may be struggling.

Marriage is tough. It's not perfect, and it's not always happy. It has many challenges and can test a person in many ways. You will realize your love must be based on more than passion, because day-to-day marriage is not a romantic comedy; it's more like a dramedy! Come to think of it, marriage is like being on "Naked & Afraid"...Two people who don't know each other, who are placed in unknown territory, stripped down and vulnerable, with nothing but their own survival skills, and the willingness to work with the other person in order to survive.

Marriage takes commitment and perseverance. For better or for worse, for richer, for poorer...you stick with it! Do this, and you will find that the joy in your relationship stems from the vows you took on your wedding day, not from the feelings you felt on your wedding day. Marriage takes constant work and the will to do it everyday. You must have optimism in your future and life together. You have to accept who your spouse is, and be comfortable in what your relationship is...all without compromising who you are and what you believe in as an individual.

I found this quote a few years ago, and thought it perfectly summarized what I believe is the key to a successful marriage. "Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction" -Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Wind, Sand and Stars.

Whether you are married or in a serious relationship, remember the vows you made to each other. Realize the meaning and responsibility you took on when you promised these words to your partner. I have no doubt more people can have satisfaction in their marriages and relationships if they enjoy and appreciate the better, but also are steadfast and work through the worse.

Consider these words when you are going through a rough patch in your marriage and relationship. Believe me, it's not easy to work through these trials, but if you weather the storm, it is well worth it in the end. When you can sit with your mate and know that you are looking out into the same direction, the contentment that fills you will give you joy in your life and marriage!

<3 Cheryl Joy

Through the years (left to right): First date- Spring 1984, Engagement photo-Spring 1989, Honeymoon in Monterey, CA, 1st year at Sigma Chi Formal, 5th year on a Mexican Riviera Cruise, 10th year with the Kiddos at Panda Inn, 15th year on a cruise to Cabo, 20th year in Pasadena, CA, The day before our 25th during our daily commute in Sacramento, CA.