Grownup List

Did the concept/casting of this movie weird you out as much as it weirded me out?  Thought so.

Anyway.  Today people at work were talking about their “Bucket Lists.”  I don’t think it’s really necessary to mention here, based on that last statement, but I am the youngest person in my department.  In fact, I’m the youngest by an entire generation, so I’m often left to sit back and listen to them discuss their kids, spouses, and home improvement efforts.  But in this particular conversation, I was asked for my input.  

I’m sorry … my what?  ”Bucket List?”  No, I don’t have a Bucket List.

In fact, the only list I have is one more or less entitled, “Things I Have to See/Do/Hear Before Life Catches Up to Me and I’m Middle Aged.”  I’m far more concerned, at this stage of my life, with the fast approaching death of my youth than any actual permanent death that may await me.  Because right now, things like mortgages, diapers, and retirement plans seem far worse than simply dying.  

However, obviously it would have been rude to say all that.  So I mentioned wanting to go back to Europe.

This year…

I’m thankful for the fam. I’m thankful for David; he always makes me laugh and keeps me happy. I’m thankful for my hilarious, thoughtful friends. I’m thankful for straight A’s (so far). I’m thankful for my health, minus a little blip on the radar that will soon be forgotten. I’m thankful for food. Seriously, food. I’ve eaten some delicious meals this year.  I’m thankful that we took a vacation to California.  I’m thankful for my supposed promotion, which could happen tomorrow or six months from now, but I’m still thankful that it’s happening.  I’m thankful for Excedrin Tension Headache; it’s brought me out of some tough times.  I’m thankful for new music.  I’m thankful that I finally found the perfect pair of brown riding boots, as the search has been over a year long now.  I’m thankful there’s been minimal drama in my life this year.  I’m thankful for trips to Boston, even in cold weather.  Lastly, I’m thankful my sister just woke up and immediately burped, because it was hysterical.

Typography/Declarative Sentences

bare feet.

I hate socks. I feel that I should be able to wear flip flops or ballet flats all year long, and keep socks for the gym only. This is directly related to my extreme hatred for weather below 75 degrees, obviously, but since I live in the North East, there comes a time around late October that it’s socially unacceptable to show off blue toes in flip flops. So I suck it up and put on my Hanes low cuts.

But yesterday, on the Sanuk’s website, I found these:

I was in hushed state of both confusion and admiration when Dave said, “Those are your winter flip flops.”

In reality, I could never rock these.  They’re called tubeflops and they’re absolutely ludicrous.  But it’s comforting to know that there are people out there who are going through the same pain that I am in these fall months – when you could still technically get away with flip flops, but I must admit it’s a bit chilly.  I hope to someday see some beach girl/hippy sporting these.  I will high five her.

I really should be studying…

but instead I’m staring.

http://www.harrybenson.com

That IS scary.

xkcd.com

I mean it.

I find it very sad when people hold on to things for 5+ years.  It makes you wonder how much, or how little, has gone on in that person’s life that they need to stir things up that were better left in the past.  We’re adults now; I thought we’d moved on from this.  How old does a person have to be before they realize that avoiding drama at all costs really is the best way to go?  It’s just not fun anymore.

Luckily, I’ve learned to make my own fun.

Everything a puppy does rules.

You stay classy, San Diego.

Wednesday, Aug 19: Landed in San Diego.  Checked into the beautiful Sofia Hotel, which I would recommend to anyone looking for a comfortable boutique place to stay (… as long as you don’t mind a sliding door to the toilet and a half glass wall to the shower, exposing your naked butt to anyone who might walk in).  Had a yummy chicken burger, fries and beer at O’Brothers – all organic.  Took a walk around Downtown, checking out the restaurants and shops.  Bought a shirt/dress thingy from a woman who was born in Colorado, lives and owns her own shop in San Diego, but misses winter and wants to move to Manhattan.  Was surprised by the number of homeless people in the area, but then figured – if you have to be homeless, San Diego is the place to be.  Back to the hotel, where we took a 2 hour nap, thanks to jet-lag.  Ate dinner at hotel restaurant, which made me sick later.  

Thursday, Aug 20: Bagels for breakfast and then got on the bus.  Headed to the famous San Diego Zoo, to see one panda, three giraffes, five elephants, and a ton of monkeys.  Took one zillion and three pictures.  Ate a gross cafeteria style lunch.  Walked to the Museum of Natural History to see the Body Worlds exhibit, which we’d missed in NYC and Philly.  Back on the bus to the hotel.  Saw a girl in scandalous shorts and took a picture.  Went to the Yard House, which boasts the world’s largest selection of draught beers.

Friday, Aug 21: Got on the ferry to Coronado Island.  Took a long walk through “town” and headed to the Hotel Del Coronado.  Took off my shoes and went on the beach to feel how soft the sand is.  Was in Heaven, if only briefly.  Had lunch at Miguel’s, which had the most delicious melted cheese/sour cream/jalapeño juice dipping sauce for the chips.  Rented beach cruiser bikes.  Mine was green, had a basket, and I loved it.  Started to drizzle, but it passed quickly as we waited under a tree. (I thought it never rains in San Diego?)  Took the ferry back.  Went to Horton Plaza, where we both bought new Vans.  It had to happen.  Ate at a new restaurant in Downtown because some guy offered us a 1/2 price appetizer.  The service was bad, and I gave my leftovers to a homeless man.  Realized we are definitely spoiled by good food in the North East.  Wanted to steal three tiny puppies that ladies were trying to sell on the street.  Had ice cream cones at a huge Ghirardelli ice cream parlor.

Saturday, Aug 22: Dave was my personal tour guide on the USS Midway.  Back to the hotel, to get changed.  Dave met Jason Ellis in the elevator of our hotel.  I took their picture.  Took a ridiculously expensive cab ride to La Jolla.  Fell in love; I want to live there.  Climbed down some rocks, in my dress, to put my feet in the water.  Saw so many seals.  Walked around town.  Almost bought an actual Chagall, but tore myself away from the gallery.  Bought a new pair of black flats and a pill case instead; I’m an old lady.  ”Date Night” dinner at French 101, that included a bottle of Malbec, an appetizer of cheese, bread and grapes, “ok” entrees, and vanilla ice cream over peaches and raspberries for dessert.  Took an hour long bus ride back to the hotel because we like our money and the SD bus system is super clean anyway.

Sunday, Aug 23: Finally - a beach day!  Got pancakes and eggs at the diner attached to a hostel down the street.  Got on the ferry to Coronado.  Sat on the beach for a few hours, reading a book.  Too much seaweed to go in the water, which totally bummed me out.  We both got some sun burn.  Purchased aloe, which came in handy later.  Ferry back, and showers.  We were both so exhausted, so we just ate at an old standby, Rock Bottom Brewery.

Monday, Aug 24: Sadly, just enough time to sleep in a bit, have a quick breakfast, and head to the airport.

All in all, a great trip.  Dave and I always make the most of vacations, and by the end we are 100% sick of walking, but never regret it because we refuse to miss out on anything.  I think we stayed in just the right location – Downtown was three blocks to the left, the bus stop that takes you everywhere was across the street, and the ferry/USS Midway was 8 blocks to the right.  Next stop?  Italy?  San Francisco?  Chicago?  I think maybe we need at least a long weekend somewhere where we can just sit by a pool first.

 

Estimated Trip Walking Mileage: 27 miles

bloggers’ block

I’ve been out of sorts lately in terms of having anything worth saying on here.  I’m mostly just enjoying the (finally) hot weather and looking forward to vacation!!!  Other than that, though, I’ve got nothing.  So I leave you with this:

Zach Galifianakis as Annie?  Makes sense.