Moving On With Molly: Trip to Los Angeles

Hi everybody! I hope you are all well out there! I have clearly been procrastinating writing this blog entry, and it is because it was a very emotional trip. It was seriously an emotional roller coaster of epic proportions.
I almost don't know where to begin, and to be honest I keep writing and then deleting what I am writing because it just doesn't sound right. ugh. On the bright side I seriously took like at least 100 photos, of like everything.

First our trip was suppose to start on Tuesday but weather issues in the East set it back a day... no biggie, except it was for me, because I have flexibility issues lol.. So Wednesday finally came and we were off (me and my mom), with our bags and snacks and drinks in tow.. We were already on the road in our rental car, listening to music on my phone when I realized that the phones were not taking a charge. No matter what I did neither chargers we had were working. Thank God for multiple cell phones so when one died we just switched to the other, but it was still very irritating. Luckily when we got to the Valley we went and got the cars switched out, and got new chargers at Radioshack. What a way to start a trip. LOL!

My Mom & I were so tired and hungry at this point. Luckily we were down the street from where I was staying with my BFFL Jage! It was just a low key night, but of course we went and got Starbucks and Jamba Juice! Gotta have my two addictions lol. #sorrynotsorry As soon as my head hit my pillow later that night I fell right to sleep. I had no idea how tired I was until I was out like a light!

The next morning I woke up and got ready to meet up with my family for a very special ceremony. Some of you know already that my Aunt Eileen passed away in 2012. It was very unexpected and it hit me pretty hard. Unfortunately I was not able to attend her funeral so it was so important for me attend this time, and this past Thursday members of my Family got together and we spread her ashes into the ocean in Venice Beach. It was probably one of the most emotional things I have ever been through in my life, but in my heart I knew it was what I needed to do to say goodbye. This was what she wanted, to go home, and I have to feel at peace with knowing that. A few years ago I had cancer, and it was obviously a very difficult time and to make a story short, I was having a very dark day and her strength, even over the phone is what got me through it. I am now the middle of another medical crisis and once again I need her strength and she is gone. I wish she was here to tell me all the same things before. I stood in the ocean awhile longer then everyone and just talked to her. Let her know I needed her, and I believe I have a guardian angel up in Heaven in my Aunt Eileen. I miss her so much and I love her with all my heart and I always will. I am so thankful to have had her in my life, and I am so thankful that I was allowed to participate in the ceremony.

When we left the beach we went to this restaurant in Culver City called "Wood Cafe" It was really good. We had great food, drinks, and amazing conversation. We talked about life and my Aunt, amongst other things. Just catching up with each other. I hadn't seen some of my family in many years. It was soo nice to see them, even under the circumstances. Lets just say it was a lunch where the men had beer and I had my white wine haha.. my new fav thing! My family are my rocks, and it was so nice to have them around for a couple days. Once lunch started to wind down and we were about to leave everyone gathered around and Prayed for me. Yes Prayed. I was so honored and touched by the gesture. With everything on in my life medically and emotionally I really could use all the prayers I could get. I am so appreciative for it and in that moment I felt so much love from my family and especially My Aunt up in Heaven.

After lunch My Uncle Bob, Uncle Carl, Cousin Toby, my Mom, and I got into a car and took a drive to see the house my Mom and Uncle Bob grew up in. It was so crazy because when we pulled up the owners were just getting home for the day and they talked to us about the house and showed us around. It was pretty cool to see where my mom lived when she was a kid! I am sure it was pretty amazing for her!

It then was time to say goodbye to my extended family. I was so sad to see them go. You wonder how long until you are going to see them again ya know. I got back to Jages house and I treated her to dinner. Don't know if any of you have heard of Outdoor Grill, but everytime I come home thats where I go. It is delicious and yummy! I get the same thing every time. tri-tip plate with garlic mashed potatoes and mac & cheese. I seriously was not that hungry, from having that huge lunch only hours prior, but hell it was Outdoor Grill! I ate my whole damn meal! haha! Had a great conversation as well. With everything going on in my life it is so nice to have a best friend that I can count on and turn to. I hope she knows that it means the world to me! You see, my best friend is practically my sister. 20 year friendship! I don't know what I would do without her!

The next day, Friday was the day we left. I really did not want to go, it just felt so right being "home". Before we left, My Mom & I met up with My Uncle Bob to visit my grandparents graves at Eden Memorial. Cemetery. We put flowers down on their graves and just talked to them and reminisced about memories we had with them. It once again was very emotional. Losing my Grandma in 1999 was one of the hardest times in my life, and I have never fully recovered from that tragedy. I think about her daily.

My Mom and & I then went and had brunch at Coco's. I have not eaten there in sooo long! They were sooo busy, and it took a long time, but the food was delish!

We then began our long drive back to Vegas. It was very emotional for me to leave. Saying goodbye to my Friends and basically coming back to reality. Even as I have written all of this I have wanted to just go back and delete and start over because it just doesn't seem quite right. It has taken me days to write this,, I have to keep stopping and coming back to it... Ugh Life.

To sum everything up, it was an emotional trip, but I needed it and wouldn't have missed it for anything! I just cant wait to get back home for a good solid vacation that includes more fun and laughter! I am so glad I got to go. Seeing my friends and family and being around such positive energies even in tragic circumstances was the best! I love you guys so much! Best Family & Friends I could ever ask for!!!

Now onto what I am sure all my readers have been waiting for, the best part.. THE PICTURES!!!! I seriously took a ton of pics of everything and everywhere!

These are in order from leaving our house and saying goodbye to the babies (Turtle/Puppy), the former did not want us to leave. It was so sad, all the way through our drive back to Vegas... And yes I did take pictures of street signs. lol. Anything and Everything about LA is important to me!

Saying our goodbyes =(