Happiness Is Not Studying For Exams!

In 2009, I decided it would be a good idea for me to become a Certified Public Accountant. So, for the past year, I have been working toward that goal. I took 13 units of online accounting classes at Santa Monica College over the Fall 2009 and Winter 2010 semesters. I attended CPA review classes from March-July 2010 and I have been studying for what feels like forever.

Last weekend, I finished sitting for all four of the sections of the exam and now I have to wait till the end of September to receive my results. From what I have heard about the CPA exams, the pass rate on each individual part is between 40% and 50% and the pass rate of all four parts the first time is around 10%. So... it's time for a study break and MH and I are heading off to enjoy a 10 day adventure!

Montana De Oro State Beach

On our way home from San Francisco last month, MH and I stopped in Morro Bay and camped over night at Montana De Oro State Beach. The camp sites sit on the bluff across from the beach so you can't hear the waves crashing during the night, but the peace and quiet was welcoming.

Montana De Oro State Beach

Before we left the bay area, we picked up groceries at Berkeley Bowl (my absolute favorite grocery store) for our camping dinner. We typically try to have something a little tastier than hot dogs, so we picked up some sausages, mushrooms, sweet onions, baby bell peppers, and rolls.

Dinner Prep

After slicing everything up, MH fired everything off in our camping stove. Our stove accommodates an 8" fry pan so we can cook almost everything at the same time when need be.

Sausage Sandwiches with Mushrooms, Sweet Onion, and Baby Bell Peppers

Our ultralight camping style pales in comparison to any family with their RV's, generators, weber grills, etc. but our system definitely works for us.

Frozen Treats On A Stick

Now that the summer heat is finally here, MH and I made ice pops! MH's parents surprised me with a variety of ice pop molds and this nifty ice pop book for my birthday, so we flipped through the book and picked the strawberries & cream recipe for our first ice pop attempt.

Ice Pop Molds

The recipe is very simple: (1) Puree 2 1/2 cups of strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. (2) Fill the ice pop molds by first pouring 1 tablespoon of plain whole milk yogurt into the molds and then 2 tablespoons of the strawberry puree, alternating between the yogurt and puree until the molds are full (leaving approximately 1/2 at the top for the ice pops to expand). (3) Swirl the mixture with a small knife to combine the layers. (4) Freeze the ice pops. (5) Serve and eat!

Popsicle Assembly

The book says the ice pops need to freeze for 4 hours to 3 days before serving and they aren't kidding. We tried eating them after 4 hours and although the ice pops felt like they were frozen, they wouldn't come out of their molds. However, after 24 hours, the ice pops were set and popped out of the molds easily.

Strawberries & Cream Ice Pops

If you don't have ice pop molds, you can make ice pops using cupcake trays, ice cube trays, or dixie cups, with sticks.

Stay cool and have a great summer (what is last of it at least)!

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

On the west side of campus at Cal State University of Long Beach you will find the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. It is a small but quaint garden where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a moment and enjoy picturesque views.

When you enter the garden there is a clear path that takes you around the lake with plenty of stopping points for moments of zen and tranquility.

The Lake, Zig-Zag Bridge (in the back on the left),
Moon Bridge (in the back), & Black Pebble Beach (in the back on the right)

Stone Water Basin (Tsukubai)

Japanese Iris Bordering the Lake

Lake View From The Other Side

Three Tiered Pagoda

Admission is free and the garden is open Tuesday through Friday 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and Sunday Noon to 4:00 PM. Stop by if you are in the area.