553. Astound

553. Astound
Definition: (v) amaze, astonish, surprise
Location Placed: Danny's Car Wash, Phoenix, Arizona
Date Placed: 12/23/13 at 1:51pm





A dirty car warranted a trip to the car wash. I'm not sure if I've seen as big, or as busy, a car wash as this one. There had to have been 2 dozen people waiting around for their cars at any given time. Coming from a person who probably doesn't get her car washed often enough, I was pretty impressed. And the younger me definitely would've appreciated that you could see the car going through the wash as I always enjoyed that sort of car wash. (Apparently when I was very young, I was super scared of the sort of car wash where you stay in your car. Not surprising, really.) Squeaky clean and sparkling, we were ready to get on with the day pretty quick.

552. Patience

552. Patience
Definition: (n) the ability to accept or tolerate a delay without getting angry or upset
Location Placed: The UPS Store, Glendale, Arizona
Date Placed: 12/22/13 at 1:59pm



 

 I decided to take a quick trip into the UPS Store to release a crane while the rest of my party was popping around the food store. Can't turn up an opportunity when I see it! I've learned as hard as it may be, I have to be patient when releasing cranes. I try not to be seen or do anything to be remembered. Although I sometimes just want to place one quickly, it takes a bit more time to wait for people to pass and the opportunity to take a picture arises. Patience is a virtue, that's for sure!

551. Genuine

551. Genuine
Definition: (adj) authentic, real, original
Location Placed: Elevate Coffee Co., Phoenix, AZ
Date Placed: 12/21/13 at  4:16pm





I think it's well known by now that I love finding little coffee/tea places. When we headed over to the movie, I got excited to see this place. Of course by the time the movie left out, we were in a bit of a rush so I was unable to poke around. But I am really excited to try it out next time I am in town. If you've been here, let me know how it is!

550. Prepared

550. Prepared
Definition: (v) make ready for use or consideration
Location Placed: Knob Hill Country Lanes, Manalapan, New Jersey
Date Placed: 12/2/13 at 8:34pm





I used to drive by this bowling alley on a regular basis when I was coming home from college, but never went in. Bowling isn't really my cup of tea. But I decided to pop my head in to see what it was like to cure my curiosity on the way home from dinner out one night. I can honestly say that it looks like every other bowling alley out there! If I  were more a fan of bowling, I'd definitely want to try bowling a round or two there to see how it was.

549. Decisive

549. Decisive
Definition: (adj) producing a definite result
Location Placed: The Provident Bank, Freehold, New Jersey
Date Placed: 11/30/13 at 12:23pm





The days are slowly winding down, with less and less daylight to enjoy around work schedules. Only another week or so and the days will start getting longer. Although the brunt of winter is still ahead of us, I am really excited to get back to the days where it's light when I leave work in the evening!

548. Restorative

548. Restorative
Definition: (adj) restoring the health, well-being, or strength of something
Location Placed: Adelphia Post Office, Howell, New Jersey
Date Placed: 11/30/13 at 11:49am





Christmas cards were posted early this year. Aside from misaddressing one card (sorry!) it seems they are all getting to their intended locations in different towns, states, and countries. Sending and receiving Christmas cards is one of my favorite things about this time of year. Although I love the whole holiday season, receiving individual bits of mail is something I always enjoy. It's sort of like when the internet first came out and we all jumped for joy when we got an email! Now we jump for joy when we get something that isn't a bill or junk mail in the post. Much thanks to the post office for all their help, kindness, and for their speedy delivery!

547. Palatable

547. Palatable
Definition: (adj) pleasant to taste
Location Placed: UPS, Tinton Falls, New Jersey
Date Placed: 11/27/13 at  5:41pm





I'm always careful now when I release cranes at UPS. I was once "caught" by video cameras in the act! This time, as I was taping up my package, I was very nearly caught taking a picture of my crane! Apparently I wasn't being careful enough. But the helpful gentleman just took my package up to the desk to be sent out, while I snapped a quick shot before following him. I must be slipping in my "carefulness" routine. Knock on wood, aside from the one time in Wilmington, North Carolina when a crane was given to me since she thought I had dropped it, I've not been caught. Here's to hoping the next 453 cranes go by as smoothly!

546. Lavish

546.Lavish
Definition: (adj) rich, luxurious, or elaborate
Location Placed: Starbucks, Eatontown, New Jersey
Date Placed: 11/27/13 at 5:28pm





I had no idea this Starbucks existed until a few days before I stopped there. It must've been new because it wasn't there when I lived in the area. So I decided to pop by and check it out (and pick up a hot chocolate for my Thanksgiving Eve drive home). A nice mint hot chocolate reminded me how much I enjoy hot chocolate and need to make it more often at home. Does anyone have a favorite hot chocolate recipe or mix that they buy?

545. Helpful

545. Helpful
Definition: (adj) supportive, accomodating
Location Placed: Jenkinson's Aquarium, Point Pleasant, New Jersey
Date Placed: 11/17/13 at 3:32pm





It had been ages since I had been to the Jenkinson's Aquarium. Although I had been to the boardwalk probably a dozen times in recent years, I hadn't gone to the aquarium. I had an out of town guest visiting who gave me a good excuse to go visit again. It may be on the smaller side for an aquarium, but it packs quite a punch. There were lots of awesome animals to snap a few photos of and lots of little exhibits to see. I was sort of surprised to see parrots and even pigmy monkeys upstairs! It definitely was a wonderful treat, which was followed by a edible sort of treat next door at the fudge shop!

544. Flair

544. Flair
Definition: (n) stylishness and originality
Location Placed: Village Coffee, Wall Township, New Jersey
Date Placed: 11/15/13 at 7:13pm





I hadn't been to the plaza that houses Village Coffee since they had redone it. It is quite nice. I was in the mood for a warm beverage whilst being in one of the other stores. The chai tea definitely did the trick. I think one of my favorite things about the winter is teas, hot apple cider, and hot chocolates. I'm definitely a sucker for them. Do you have a favorite winter treat that you look forward to?