Zavoral Villa!

Last week, Jeremy and I bought our very first car. Neither of us had ever bought or owned a car before, so we got to experience it together. After weeks of researching car safety stats, test-driving multiple models, and asking our parents lots of questions, we finally bought a 2005 Chevy Malibu, white with tan interior. Even though the car has 74000 miles, the previous owner took excellent care of it. We got a great price from the Chevy dealership for $7200 and traded in our little 1996 Hyundai Accent for $400. We are really happy with it. Now that we've survived dozens of dealers and bargaining bogus, we feel much more grown-up. Here's some of the wisdom we've gained from our first-time car buying experience: Call your parents for advice. Don't trust the online ads. Call and ask before you go see the car. Use a matrix spread sheet system to help rate which cars are the best options for your safety, design and financial needs. You'll have to ask Jeremy how to create...

Every year, Dad Z plans a fun get-a-way for him and Mom Z during their anniversary (Feb 12). This year, he took Mom on a cruise. They left from Long Beach, so we got to have them at our apartment before and after they left. The two themes of the trip were The Love Boat and Pirates. Pretty much their cabin was decked out with love boat and pirate decor all week long, making their room the largest fire hazard on the ship. They were even wearing crazy pirate costumes when we picked them up! Jeremy and I took part in the planning of the trip by designing a treasure hunt for Mom and Dad. We made a map of clues that took them up and down Huntington Beach Main St and Pier. While they were traipsing around in public wearing pirate costumes and getting weird looks, we sped to the beach to bury the authentic treasure chest filled with fake- and even real- jewels. About fifteen minutes later, two awkward looking pirates came plunking along the sand, ready to dig for their treasure! Later, we took...