Back from vacation.

On Wednesday I left for Ventura, CA for a little R & R.  For those of you who know me well, I don’t just go on vacation :S  Even though I’ve had vacation time in the past, I usually find myself working on something instead of relaxing!  So I decided I needed to make a spontaneous visit somewhere.  Why Ventura?  I’ve passed by there before, but have never stayed – so I just went with that

This was a unique vacation in the fact that I went by myself.  Just me and my thoughts.  It gave me some time to have some Marcus time – and it was really nice, actually! Check out these pictures:

Arriving in Ventura:

My first stop was lunch at this Cajun Cafe – had some seafood gumbo!  Other than burning my tongue, it was good stuff

View from my room

Dinner at Sushi Marina.  Pretty good – although, I’ll have to say that Wassabi (in Fresno) is still my favorite so far!  The albacore sushi with the fried garlic chips on top of one of the rolls was creative and delicious!

Watched Transformers 2 on opening night.  Theater was packed like crazy! Optimus Prime = GANGSTA!

I saw this boat at the Harbor with the name “Aurora”…..

…..and the boat reminded me of this amazing little girl (Aurora Elizabeth Morshead!)

Started reading Francis Chan’s “Crazy Love.”  First chapter was about worshiping God through His creation….the beach backdrop gave me a great opportunity to do just that!

Seafood & Chips at Eric Ericson’s.  Calamari, shrimp, fish, and fries.  Oh yes

I took a drive up to Goleta.  This is Francisco Torres….it’s where I got my drum major training   I’ve taught here as well….

Got a text from Michael Baltazar telling me that MJ had a heart attack.  Came back to my room, turned on the tv, and they had pronounced him dead.  I was glued to the news for about 3 hours, just shocked at his passing.  No matter the social issues with him, you can’t deny the incredible contribution he made to the music industry!

Cafe Fiore was my favorite place to eat on the entire trip.  Parmesan/Spinach stuffed chicken on a bed of gorgonzola & pancheta risotto.  MMMMM!!!!

Checked out a jazz combo downtown.  Talented keyboard player, and amazing tenor sax player….although he wasn’t super nice when I talked with him a bit.  I had my alto in my car too….psh

Lunch at Le Petit Cafe – Crab cake, potato au gratin, summer salad, and THE BEST CROISSANT I HAVE EVER HAD….no joke.

While on vacation alone, these are a few thoughts:

-Sometimes you just need to take some time an recuperate.  Doesn’t mean you have to leave to some other city, but it’s so nice to just have some time to collect some thoughts.

-God’s creation is so beautiful!  I have always had this fascination with large bodies of water (i.e. oceans!), and it is so amazing to me to experience the vastness of the ocean’s water.  How much more vast is God’s love for His people?!

-I love food.  Love love love love love love food.  And it was cool to try some newer/different places!

-While it was nice to have some alone time, you can’t help but to think about those you miss at home.  I praise God for the friendships that bless me so deeply….and thanks to those of you who sent a message just so say hi

NEXT vacation?  Will be VACATION BIBLE ADVENTURE at the church …..and then Coldplay concert….and then camping (for the first time since I was 2) in yosemite!
Thanks for taking the time to read y’all!

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