Leapin’ Lizards!

It’s the leap year today. I think that on a leap year we can take the opportunity to partake in any adventure we choose.  I decided to take up my new adventure, or 2, … okay maybe 3. I already tried sailing.  Now I have mixed emotions about starting that adventure again.  However I think I will try gardening. It will calm me down and it’s productive. I’ll also give kayaking a try. I need as much exercise and physical activity as I can get. And is this summer I will run a triathlon!!!

Yes these are three very different pursuits. Yet, they are not diametrically opposed. A triathlon and kayaking will require physical endurance. After I get totally worn out after exercising I can sit in the garden and tend my crops.

Today I just planted some dill in the backyard. I think of that the dill will be very aromatic. I can’t wait to use that in some cooking and in some soups. You can try gardening as well. Just buy some bags of seeds at the 99 cent store. Bury them in your backyard & you’re done! Fun on a budget!

Next saturday I am going kayaking with some friends. I found a cheap deal on groupon To go kayaking in newport beach. Even with out the coupon, Kayaking is fairly inexpensive. Plus you get to spend the day at the ocean!  What could be better are you ask? How about the dana point whale festival? It’ll be happening that weekend as well!

You may be asking yourself why is this guy trying to tell us about triathlons? Are those expensive? Isn’t this blog about free and fun things to do? You are right. Triathlons are historically very expensive to register and run in. My solution is to not pay a single penny. I am starting my own a triathlon. It’s going to be free to join and all are welcome. I’m going to keep my own time, run my own course, and have a really fun time. I will post the course and date of the run later. Once you read as the details and you are thoroughly crazy enough, you can join if you like. Let’s make the rest of the year as fun as possible here in Fountain Valley and beyond!

Upcoming Fun in Fountain Valley!

Upcoming Fun in Fountain Valley!

It’s the springtime again and the world has come alive again!  The birds are chirping and the sun is shining just a little bit brighter. As we all come out of hibernation, it may take a while for us to get acclimated to the world.  However, the world keeps on turning.  So bring on the new and fun events in Fountain Valley and the surrounding area.

There was the 3rd annual Monarch Butterfly Day at Mile Square Park a few days ago. We already mentioned the Rosy Mixer that starts tonight and the Anytime Fitness 5K Run/Walk this weekend.  What else is going on?  This Friday, the Tijuana Dogs are performing over at Silky Sullivan’s on Slater.  (Don’t get too drunk.  The police station is right across the street.)

All these local events are fine and good, but there is something else.  There is one thing that has been looming over my head for a while.  To let you all know a little secret. This Tuesday is Valentine’s Day, so this weekend will be a stressful one for many a man!  I don’t really understand why guys have to buy flowers and chocolates.  Why do we have to run around trying to do romantic things for the ladies.  Ah, I know.  It’s because if we don’t, we’ll never EVER hear the end of it.  Bottom line: get crackin’ fellas!  We have to make Valentine’s Day a success.  There is a sale at Fresh and Easy for 2 dozen roses for $20.  Flowers like tulips at Costco for $9.  Costco roses are $16.  If you need them delivered, by all means get on that right now.  FTD delivers.  I personally like 1-800-Flowers/Proflowers.  They have a great delivery service.  On a budget? Need discount codes/coupons?  Email or message me.  I will send what I have/what I can find.

So you will have flowers taken care of.  Now what else? What about dinner?  There is a very, VERY pricey option of a gondola cruise.  The nearest place to get that would be in Newport.  I had called them and left a message.  I have not heard back from them.  I guess it’s a popular option.  Nick’s Pizza d’Oro is on Slater and Ward.  I have heard good things about this Fountain Valley Restaurant from my sister.  Try their pizza or pasta!  If you are trying to save cash, make your lady a nice dinner!

Why am I telling you where to go to make this Vday more flowery?  I know what all you guys have to go through.   I want to help out my fellow man! We got to stick together and help each other out, guys!  So, do you have any cool ideas?  Share them! Need some more ideas?  Let me know. I have a few aces up my sleeve and can email you.   Surprise your lady and you will have a Fun and Happy Valentine’s Weekend.

Tết Festival 2012

Chúc mừng bạn năm mới đầy hạnh phúc, niềm vui và phước lành! I wish you all a happy, joyous and blessed New Year!

What’s a New Year without the Tết Festival?  I don’t really know the answer to that actually.  As long as I have remembered, the Bolsa Tết Festival has been a large part of the celebration of the New Year here in Little Saigon. It’s complete with dragon/lion dances (Múa Lân), Áo Dài fashion shows, fan dances and my favorite part, a gazillion food booths! (Oh, here come the Bánh Chưng and the Chả  Giò again!)

The fun and festivities are scheduled begin this Friday January 27th at 3:00 P.M.  and lasts all the way to Sunday night at 10:00 P.M.  Pray for no rain.  We wouldn’t want the the firecrackers to get soggy!  Tickets are $5.  Discounted tickets available at $4 for kids. Bring the babies.  Kids under 4 feet are free!

Let’s thank the dedicated youth of the Union of Vietnamese Student Associations, or UVSA for putting this festival together. Now allow me to leave you with a clip of a New Year celebration from last year, the Múa Lân!

Happy New Year

Ok so I’m late. Or am I early? There’s a wonderful invention called the Lunar calendar.  (It keeps time by the moon and its cycles rather than the sun’s.)  New Year’s or Tet isn’t for another week and it lasts for three whole days! I’ll post more later on that subject.  

I hope you had a fun and a safe Thanksgiving/Christmas/NYE holiday season in Fountain Valley. A lot of exciting things are happening this year. I can’t wait to experience Tet, engagement parties, a special Valentine’s, several weddings and more. and that’s just in the first few months of this year!  Wow. I sound like a hopeless romantic!  Well, that’s how I roll! 

Here’s to a fabulous 2012!

Make every day count!

OC Chocolate Festival in Fountain Valley

OC Chocolate Festival in Fountain Valley

You’ll experience dessert heaven  with chocolate and your palettes will thank you after you try the nice tasting wines. Come out to the OC Chocolate this weekend!

Happy Halloween Fountain Valley!

It’s always good to see families spending time together.  After work I saw countless families trick or treating together! If you’re looking to do something family-oriented this Halloween, take your family out for a walk through the neighborhood. You can also try something safer by going to Coastal Community Church in Fountain Valley.  Trunk or Treat this Monday night. Coastal Community Fellowship’s Trunk or Treat festival runs from 6 to 8 at night at the church, at 10460 Slater Ave.  There is another church in Fountain Valley that is holding a Trunk or Treat event this year. Living Waters Christian Fellowship’s third annual Trunk or Treat is set for 6 to 8 PM. Come out to Living Waters and take part in the fun, family events here in Fountain Valley  in the church parking lot at 9801 Talbert Ave. These events are free to attend! I hope you enjoy your Halloween. 

Halloween creations

Here they are! Here are the pictures of our jack-o-lanterns /Halloween creations! Enjoy your Halloween, everyone! Stay safe and let’s keep everything fun in Fountain Valley!

Halloween Fun in Fountain Valley

Halloween Fun in Fountain Valley

We are upon one of the most fun holidays of the year, Halloween! There is a lot to do with friends and loved ones.  You probably enjoyed “Trunk or Treating” recently.  There were a few scary  movies in the park.

Now in this last weekend of the October, I invite you to carve pumpkins with me!  Go & spend some time with your family carving pumpkins too. I took a trip to Home Depot and picked up some pumpkins for less than $2 each! This is much less than @the pumpkin patch! After decorating my pumpkins, I hope to post some photos up for you to see.

Fright Night Fountain Valley

Fright Night Fountain Valley

Halloween in Fountain Valley

Fountain Valley is hosting family style Halloween fun with a Trunk at the Trunk or Treat Event and a movie. Scary movies make Halloween for fun!  Enjoy a free event of the Fountain Valley community.  Ghoulishly good times will be had by all on October 28, 2011. Frightful festivities begin at 5:30 PM.  Get there early for your kids to get some candy.

Then head over to watch a movie for free.  Doors open at 6:30 and the movie starts at 7:00 PM . Good wonderful family fun! Fountain Valley Mile Square Park is the location of the event at 16400 Brookhurst Street, Parking Lot next to fields B & C.  (Trunk or treating is reserved for Businesses and Organizations Only)

Disabled Dance at Recreation Center and Sports Park

Hello all you wonderful Fountain Valley residents,

Come dance to the music!

There’s a fun little event this next weekend for a group very special to me.  That event will be the annual Disabled Dance at Fountain Valley’s Recreation Center and Sports Park by Mile Square Park at 16400 Brookhurst Street, Fountain Valley.   Come out on October 28, 2011 at 7:00 PM for a fun night of dancing until 9:00 PM. Gather together your friends for a special dance for our disabled adults.  A night of fun for only $1 admission.  The entrance by the tennis courts will be the most optimal entrance.  Let’s all thank the Advisory Committee for the Disabled and sponsored by the Fountain Valley Community  Foundation for organizing and presenting this fun event in Fountain Valley.  The Recreation and Community Services has a longstanding commitment to promoting health and wellness.  Call Nora Webb, Community Services Supervisor, at 714-593-4447 for more information.