This time next week I’ll be in San Diego. I actually arrive on the 20th and I can’t wait. I already feel like I’m going to need a vacation from this vacation though. I can’t wait to start packing and checking things off my list. Today I’m going to swing by Target to pick up a few things and then this weekend I’ll start filling up the suitcases and double checking everything. Does anyone else out there find themselves always adding something to their bags? I do. Normally up until the time that I leave for the airport I’m shoving last minute or “just in case” items into my bags.

I’m really looking forward to “cooler” weather. It’s been in the 90s-100s the past few weeks and according to Weather.com it’s going to be in the uppper 60s and 70s out in San Diego. I can’t wait! Even if it hits 80 I can deal with that.

Even though I’m going out there for Comic Con I hope I can find time to see some other stuff as well. I think on Wednesday we’re going to try and hit Downtown and maybe one of the beaches before we head off to Preview Night for the convention.

New passport fees for the U.S. Passport Book, the U.S. Passport Card, and other passport services will be in effect on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. The cost of a passport for an adult will go from $100 to $135, including a $25 administrative fee. You’ll find yourself paying for additonal pages as well to the tune of $82. I’m not sure how many pages that you gets you but $82? Really?

You can find all the information you need here.

A few weekends ago I enjoyed a nice little “Staycation” by visiting Downtown Baltimore. The main agenda on this visit was to check out The National Aquarium. This is going to sound awful but the last time I was there I was still in middle school. I’ve always wanted to go back but I never seemed to have the time or the money. Since I was going to a ballgame later that night I figured it was a great chance to swing by and check out the sea critters.

The Aquarium is home to approximately 16,500 specimens and more than 660 species of animals. Amazing, right? They house everything from birds to mammals and of course, fish. They even have an Australian Exhibit where you can find a Death Adder, Pig-nosed Turtle, Zebra Finch and more. The most popular exhibit of course it the dolphin show which happens a few times throughout the day. The dolphins at the Aquarium aren’t just for show. They are used in research as well such as the analysis of dolphin whistles and the effect noise pollution has on the beautiful creatures.

If you find yourself there anytime soon be sure to check out the Jellies Invasion: Oceans Out of Balance. Most of us think of Jellyfish as annoying little things that sting us at the beach but it really was amazing to see all the different types of Jellies. Did you know there are some Jellies out there that actually live upside down? How weird and interesting is that? I had no idea! It was really weird to see a bunch of Jellies all hanging out upside down.

The Aquarium offers three different ticket packages. They have a $24.95, $27.95 and a $29.95 option. The price depends on if you want to include the 4D theatre or the dolphin show. You can find the details here and you can purchase tickets online as well.

You can find the rest of the pictures from my visit at my SmugMug account.