Heading to SoCal
Since Michael and I got together as a couple, 4 years ago, I have been dreading the day his mother would ask us to go to a family reunion. He’s talked about others his family has had over the years and the concept just sort of makes me nauseous. When we got engaged, I just wanted to have a very quiet ceremony someplace special, but his mother insisted that we have a wedding and invite all the families. So we did. And it was fun, because we did it our way.
Well, now the family reunion thing has actually happened. Michael’s grandmother (his mother’s mother) will be turning 85 on June 27th (coincidentally, the first anniversary of the day we lost our baby). Strangely enough, we have already gotten 2 inquiries about massages for that week-end. So, not only will we be spending money to get there, we will be losing income which would have been guaranteed (because we would have required a deposit that far in advance).
I was so not thrilled about having to go back to America. My spare time is rare, and I would like to spend any vacation time doing things I want to do and not things I’m being forced to do. I moved far away from my family a long time ago, so I wouldn’t be forced to feel obligated to do things with people I have nothing in common with. I feel like a space alien when I’m around my family. But I guess I feel like that in groups of people in general. At least down here, most of the people have a love of this island and a commitment to make our community work better, in common.
Anyway, I have just always felt very different from most people. I guess in Jr. High and early High School, I tried to fit in, but after my Junior year, I stopped caring what those people, my peers and my family, thought of me. I was doing what I had to do. I had lots to do, and I wasn’t about to let them hold me back.
So here I am, 30 years later, going to a family reunion/85th birthday party.
Since Michael and I got together, I’ve been wanting to go to the Galapagos islands, New Zealand, Australia, South America, etc. Anywhere but the states. But at the end of June, we will be going to southern California. Well, if we have to go to the states, California is probably not the worst place to go (that would probably Jersey, or Pittsburgh or anywhere in Ohio). I told Michael that if we were going to CA, I’d like to at least visit wine country. So he researched and found that there are vineyards and wineries in southern CA, too. Cool!
We found a little B&B cottage in the Temecula/Falbrook area and made reservations for three nights. We will actually stay with Michael’s grandmother the first three nights, leaving on Monday, the 30th (my daughter’s birthday) to drive to a biodiesel production facility to do some research, before our 3 day “vacation” in wine country.
It’s sounding better to me now. There are hot air balloon companies that fly over the vineyards at sunrise. That is seriously my cup of tea. Then lots of wine-tasting, massages at our cottage, and maybe a trip to a beach on our way back to LAX on Thursday.
Nothing like those three things to make my bellyache go away!
May 15th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
You know…you guys ought to do rum tastings down there and then put couples on hot air balloons and see where they end up.
I bet Honduras on a banana plantation all hungover.
Now be nice Terry…CA is okay especially below LA. You’ll have fun.
San Diego is very nice for a big city and beautiful. The water front is great and you can rent sail boats.
For cultural diversity go down to Tijuana at night. I hear they had a big shootout a few weeks ago with the local drug lords. But who can pass up a stuff armadillo and a bull whip?
I wish I could be there too.
May 15th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
The beach on Coronado is fabulous. The water is cold but you can go in it. Are you into old cars. Every Thurs night they line the street in La Mesa - lots of fun to walk the street and check them all out.
Read your report on the Pelican. Your favorite waitress is one of mine too.
I didn’t know there were Emus here. Where?
May 15th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
I’d love to go to Tijuana, Wreg, but I think we’ll be busy enough.
A few years ago, Sandy, there were some emus around our area. One night after work, Diane was going home and one was running up the hill above Union and Mt. Washington. Then, more recently, we heard there was one in with the horses in the pasture just east of Cheeseburgers.
May 16th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Oh I forgot about Coronado beach and Del Coronado. Several times I have sat back, had a hot dog and sniffed the unusual smells coming out of that Pacific Ocean at Del Coronado. A beautiful place. But the marine smells are different.
But alas, the lack of humidity will make us Southeast Coast and Caribbean beauties crack eventually.
May 16th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I must take exception to the slam about Jersey…sorry but I’m sensitive…it is not one of the worst places to visit…YET… I’d rather be in New Jersey than St. Thomas…and come July we’ll be back on STX which is the BEST…
May 17th, 2008 at 8:17 am
Hey Laura. Sorry, you’re right, Jersey’s not as bad as, say…Detroit
. Actually, I have had some nice times in cars and trains passing through Jersey.
And being originally from the northeast myself, I can say that it’s just too busy, crowded and commercial, like most urban areas anywhere.
Glad you’ll be back here soon!
May 17th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Terry- I understand your angst. The gentle reminder here is that the anticipation of events like these are usually much worse than the actual thing itself.
And then you’ll be good for another 4 years!!!
Salud- and drink the best you can.
May 17th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
So true, Bonnie about the anticipation thing.
I do have a tendency to ruminate over ridiculous things.
Thanks for reminding me of this in your usual gentle and insightful way.
But what?!? I only get a four year reprieve, now?
May 18th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Think of it as a term in office!
May 19th, 2008 at 12:29 am
Not to worry Terry, We’ll be sure to have lots of discussions about politics and posed photo sessions while there so the reality is equally as dreadful as the anticipation.
May 19th, 2008 at 7:37 am
Thanks for sharing Chip. That was a big help
May 19th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Oh Boy, Chip! I’ll bring extra rum! It’s what (barely) got me through that first xmas in SLC stuck inside the house for 5 days straight. I was ready for a straight jacket by the end of that trip. Thanks for the warning!