Sunday Social # 9 - All About the Bloggy Blog

This week's questions are all about my blog. 


1. Introduce yourself and your blog to us.

2. What is your favorite form of Social Media and why?
I love Tumblr! I feel like everyone is just a little weird and awesome and totally random. 

Via tylerchokely

I also like Instagram because...pretty pictures.

3. What made you start a blog?
First I started one because I used to keep a handwritten journal and I figured that digital would be easier to work with. 

4. What do you feel the most meaningful/special post you've written is?
I think my Atheism, and Awareness posts are pretty good. 

Sunday Social # 8

1. What is your favorite handbag you own?

My JoTotes camera bag is awesome! But it can get kind of heavy. 

JoTotes. They have amazing camera bags. 

My newest purse gets the most use. 

I got mine at JCPenney but online doesn't have it anymore. 

2. 3 things you would buy right now if money was no object?

I'd buy tickets to an around-the-world flight/cruise vacation. 

An entirely new wardrobe. 

And a house. 

Via

3. Name a place you would go right now if given a plane ticket to anywhere?

Oh. Man. There are so many places I want to go; how could I choose just one? 

4. What is the most valuable life lesson you've learned from blogging?

Don't expect Canon to send you free cameras. 

5. What is the most valuable life lesson you've learned from a friend?

In order to be a good friend you have to be there. 

Kayaking Adventure

I think I've mentioned before that my Da is kind of an outdoorsy, nature man. So for his birthday I bought him some tickets to go kayaking on the San Antonio River. Well, John and I wanted to try it too so I bought us all tickets and today we finally got to try it out.

I bought the tickets off of Groupon but the company is called Texas Pack and Paddle. The lady who does the tours was super nice and friendly. Her sons help out on the weekends too, taking pictures or watching over phones, wallets, and purses.

Texas Pack & Paddle

We arrived at the meeting place, donned some life jackets, and learned how to hold the paddles. Though we were a pretty big group of 15 only John and I had never been on a kayak before.

The day was cloudy and misty which was actually perfect because it can get damnhot here and I'd rather paddle in cloudy humidity than sunny humidity.


Once in and situated I got the hang of the paddling pretty easily. I was aware that one of my arms is way stronger than the other though because I had to work extra hard to keep my kayak going in a straight line.

The tour was from 9am to 11am but paddling the entire length of the way took only a little more than an hour. But we all were going at a pretty leisurely pace.

We saw some snakes swimming in the water and some ducks. The ducks, though cute, posed the biggest problem because they startled John which caused him to fall out of his kayak!

This was me trying to take a picture of the little duck family but when I heard a splash and a plop I moved...so my picture came out blurry. Unfortunately I didn't get a shot of John in the water or trying to get back on his kayak. Buttttt, it was hilarious.

The paddling length was about 1.5 roundtrip but it was still a lot of fun. It turns out that you can paddle that area anytime, 24 hours! John and I would love to get one but for now I think we'll have to keep renting them out.

The enemy! 

So, that's one more thing I can cross off my bucket list!

Literary Junkies # 3

I can't believe it's already been another month! I swear they seem to be going so quickly. Time for the link-up. Hope you enjoy.

1. What are you currently reading? Tell us about it!
Right now, I'm trying (again) to read The Gunslinger by Stephen King.

The book is the first in The Dark Tower series and I know that I will absolutely love the series as soon as I can get into them but this first book is a slow one. I've read it before but then forgot what happened so I'm reading it again before starting the second one. But I love Stephen King so I must.power.through.it!

2. Do you judge a book by its cover? What cover elements make you not want to pick up a book? 
I always and completely judge a book by its cover. I know it's a horrible thing to say but I can't help it. I think that if the cover is lame the inside must be too. Any cover that isn't visually appeal just...no. The exception to this is when a friend suggests a book to read.

3. Do you participate in any other bookish link-ups? Tell us about them so we can join next time!
This is the only book/literary link-up I do.

4. Have you ever watched a movie that was better than its book version? Explain yourself!
Memento. I know that it's not technically a book but a short story but the way that the Nolan's made that crazy, impressive short story into a movie was awesome. The editing, storytelling, and coloring all added to the plot that I think it really did outdo the story.

You can read the short story here on Esquire's website.

5. Summer is here! Do you read more often during any particular season?
I don't think I read more during any particular season but I do read in waxes and wanes. Sometimes I just can't get into a book then a few weeks later I'll pick up the same book and read it in one sitting.

6. What is the worst book you've read this year? Why?
I never finish a book I don't like. That said, I don't think I've particularly hated any book that much this year...so far.

Sunday Social # 7

1. What is your best summer memory as a kid?

When I was younger my parents took me on a lot of vacations so I have a lot of memories. I remember when we'd go to Las Vegas my dad and I would go sit at the pool at whatever casino my mom would be gambling at and we'd get sodas and people watch. Another fond memory was when we went to Florida and saw a space shuttle launch. That was totally awesome. 

2. What is your favorite summer drink?

Something about a Cherry Lime slush from Sonic always reminds me of summer. The light, fruity flavors are delicious and now if I'm so inclined I make it adult by adding some liquor. 

3. What is your favorite summer TV show?

I watch everything on Netflix. So I don't really have any particular show to look forward to.

4. What is the best outdoor summer activity?

I've been rock climbing exactly twice but I wish I had the money to buy my own equipment and do it more often. I really loved it and found that it was a fun way to work my arms and legs without thinking about it. Plus, when you're out there you take a break from technology and get to admire the beauty of nature. 

5. What are your summer vacation essentials?

My family and I have been going to Six Flags in Arlington the last few years for vacation. It's hot there so sunscreen is a must for me. As well as shorts and tank tops so that I don't get a farmer's tan. I also never travel without my phone and a book. 

Mission Reach Trails

Now, I don't usually mind walking because of course it's a perfect way to get one place to another. But I hate walking just for the sake of it. Treadmills and racetracks make me feel like a hamster in a wheel. But ever since we've got Boyboy I've loved taking walks with him. I still feel like I'm doing something productive but at the same time it's still easy enough that I can think about the day ahead, the day before, or make up stories in my head.

We've been a few different places walking but I love walking down the new Mission Reach Trails.

I love the fact that a lot of the parks connect because when I start out at one and end up at another I feel even more accomplished.

I love seeing all the wildlife that don't normally hang around our backyard.

Like the eyebrow caterpillars. 

And the little duckies!

But the best part is how much my little boy loves it. 

Everyone is also really nice along the trails. If you go at the right times you might even see some kayakers down the river or little kids fishing.

Now, not only does my boy look forward to our daily walks but I do too. I can't do anything else unless I've already walked him.