vecturist

I spent the previous weekend in San Francisco as a mini-vacation and a chance to visit my siblings.  Not quite as relaxing as I would have liked, but plenty of good food and coffee, as well as lots of walking (why do I always forget about the hills) and beautiful weather - sunny and warm.

( Fun in SF... )

There are times when the holiday season makes me want to say 'bah humbug.' Like wasting time in the post office - and that wasn't even to mail Christmas stuff (although I needed to get stamps).

Both of my siblings have expressed interest in stopping the regular gift exchange. In my family, we have two sets of gifts - regular 'tree' gifts that are usually items on someone's list and the giver and sender are known; and 'stocking' gifts which are usually stocking stuffers and are anonymous (which means they can get pretty wild - one year my bother let his hair grow and got barrettes). My sister has a point, we're all adults and can generally buy the things we want, plus she's the only sibling that's married, so buying (and balancing) for the BIL gets tricky. It would be easier if I didn't have to shop as much, but we'll see what happens with the discussion - we may just do stocking gifts next year.

I will be picking up my Christmas cards tomorrow - my parents just got them from the printer - my sister designs them every year (this will be year #17). PM me if you want a card.

I realized I have lots of pics from London and San Francisco to share and thought I'd start as I wait for my headache to abate. I went out to SF in mid-May to see my siblings and run Bay to Breakers. I also did a few tourist things.

( San Francisco )

... the airports couldn't have been any worse than I-5. At least I made it home in one piece. I've recovered from football overload but still suffering from a family overdose, particularly the 'rents. The drive from Phoenix to San Francisco wasn't too bad, made it in just under 12 hours. Spent the night at my brother on the couch because my parents had their hotel room, and my sister and BIL, who I stayed with the rest of the time, were crazy-busy getting ready. Bonded with little brother, went to the movies and saw 'Hitman.' Not a great movie, but I wasn't in the mood for anything deep. Interestingly, the opening scenes were identical to a few in the opening credits of the TV show 'Dark Angel.' Little brother also tried to impress me with the wonder that is diet Rockstar. I'll take my caffeine the old fashioned way - espresso please.

Parents came over the next day - brother fixed his famous green bean casserole, mom made pumpkin pie, I attempted to do homework and flesh out a couple ideas for my secret santa fic. Packed up the car and drove from my brother's place in Mountain View to San Francisco. I'd forgotten how cold the city was, plus my sister and her husband don't generally turn on the heat (she complains about PG&E bills, BIL is extremely warm-blooded - he's in shorts, while the rest of us are bundled up). Sit down to turkey, which was pretty good, although my mom makes the best mashed potatoes and gravy. Seriously. Watch ASU lose to USC. I am depressed.

Friday, drive down to Santa Cruz. I love the water, beautiful weather just a few too many people (I'll hold my tongue about the number of twenty-somethings I saw panhandling). Drove back to San Fran, hit one of my favorite places for pizza. Watch football. Saturday we go see a family friend and his partner who are restoring a huge (6200 sq ft) 1894 Victorian. I like anyone who offers me champagne at 11 AM. The house is beautiful and the view from the third floor is incredible, although I cringe at what the house must be worth (I figure 4-5 million). Turkey leftovers and more football.

Sunday, I get up a little early to go to a 5K. I've always wanted to do this race - it used to be the 'Run to the Far Side." Gary Larsen designed the T-shirts and people would dress as Far Side characters. Now it's just "Run Wild," but it benefits the California Academy of Sciences. I did ok, but pulled something. Throw my stuff in the car and my parents and I drive back towards Phoenix. I learn that while I can read somewhat in the car, I can't type, especially in stop and go traffic, like we seem to be stuck in much of the time.

On the bright side, we did make it home and when you drive you don't have to pack as carefully as flying (and you get to stop at the outlest malls near Palm Desert). I did get to road-test my new backpack, which I hope will work for London. It's big enough to hold all my gear without looking like a body bag and looking too big to carry-on.