a real day off

I gave myself a day off today...one of many perks of owning my own business. However, there are many time consuming, worrisome downside effects as well. But this is what I signed up for, what I focus on, what I've sacrificed for, and I don't have many regrets. David has been so understanding but I've also neglected him in the process. Hence, the day off to spend with David!

We started the day heading down to Long Beach on an excursion. I did some research and decided to check out Jongewaard's Bake & Broil because it sounded interesting AND it got 4 stars. Upon walking in, David knew why I picked this place (it WAS a bit selfish of me but it was OUR day...right?).

*sitting behind the register/hostess stand/take out counter (it's a small place) were cakes, pies, and cute earthenware

*underneath the hand written daily specials menu was another cake - a coconut pineapple frosted layer cake. And it was REAL

*to the right of the register was another shelf of cakes, pies, cupcakes, cookies, etc.

When the hostess called my name to be seated, she said "You-rye, your table is ready". -____- David says I need to change my name. I said he needs to change his name because I only put my name down for the purpose that "David" is too common a name. Ah well, I gotta add that to the list of mispronunciations!

I thought this sign was funny:

*i am sooo making one for the office

We were seated next to ANOTHER cupboard of baked goods. I'm currently designing my future kitchen to look like this!

Don't worry, they serve "real food" here. I got the burger special:

*why can't all burger specials be like this?

*i'd have to say this was one of the best burgers i've had in awhile - grilled onions & jack cheese makes everything better!

*David ordered their country gravy biscuits, sausage, with seasoned hashbrowns. That was delicious!

I'm sure you think you know what I picked as my side option, but I didn't want to be predictable. So I got a brownie pie:

*it is what it is - brownie baked in a pie shell. the brownie was soft baked, moist and rich. Delicious with a cup of coffee

Believe me, it was a very hard choice! I had to choose between pies, cream cheese pies, cakes (7 kinds), and bread puddings.

Afterwards, we walked across the street to the Dana Branch Library (where I explained to David what a "book" was and that it was a place where people READ and that it was not called a librarium). All the Long Beach Public Libraries offer a 50% coupon off admission to the LB Aquarium, good for a group of 4 people. Just go in and ask!

David and I had fun at the aquarium...mingling with the school kids and exhausted parents & teachers. haha. I'll post more on that tomorrow! But here's a cute shot:

*an anemone ("uh-nem-uh-nee") or as some parent was explaining to her child "annie-mony"

Stay tuned for more fun!