but instead I’m staring.

http://www.harrybenson.com

xkcd.com

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.

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

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.

From Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal

“So what’s new with you, man?” – dave

“Well, my girlfriend and I have been together for 5 years now.” – acquaintance

“Us too.” – dave and me, in unison

“We’re talking about getting married.” – acquaintance

“Not us.” – dave and me, in unison

Anyone who knows me knows that typically my celebrity crushes are limited to men over 40.  Hugh Laurie is basically my dream man*… or maybe it’s just Dr. House, I’m not sure.  Mike Rowe is a babe.  Anderson Cooper not only keeps me informed, but is also a dreamboat.  And then of course there are  my poli-crushes, Bill and Rahm.  President Clinton and Chief of Staff Emanuel, to you. 

Younger dudes?  Eh. 

Until last week, when I saw Star Trek.  HELLOOOO, Spock.

Sure, he clearly gets his eyebrows done.  And yes, there’s something that draws him to sci-fi roles.  But I’m ok with it.  Really.  Ok that’s the end of my pre-pubescent girl rant.

*Disclaimer: My dream man is actually Dave.  I’m fairly certain he is 100% secure about my old man crushes.  He has Jessica Biel, I have an ex-President and a Vulcan.  It all evens out.

but I’m going to keep posting these, because they make me laugh.

Last week:

Today:

Ok this 2nd one is clearly due to the headband, but c’mon.  You smiled.

In other, more relevant news that has nothing to do with my hair or the fact that I apparently wear a lot of stripes, today was my last final exam of the spring semester!  I’m 1/4 done with graduate school.  It feels like I should be much further; going part time is tricky like that.  

Also, Dave showed me the ropes in the weight machine section of the gym, a place I’ve never ventured before.  I’ve always stuck to the treadmills and bikes and things.  I like it, and while I’m sure I’m well on my way to being able to bench press half of my friends, I’m just in a whole lotta pain for now.