My sister Abby has lived in San Diego for a year, and this was my first visit to see her. She did a great job of having everything planned out, and it was nice not to need to research anything.
I arrived late Friday night, but we were up super early on Saturday so Abby could attend her sprint triathlon practice on Coronado Island. She and her fellow athletes looked like total badasses with all their bikes and gear, and it really made me miss running. I was able to hang out with my BFF Natalie while Abby had her meet. We had a delightful breakfast (best. omelet. ever) and made it back to cheer on Abby at the finish line. Afterward we toured Hotel Del Coronado, where Natalie created a quiz to help me narrow down which piece of chocolate I wanted from the candy store.
Saturday night, Abby took me to an amazing restaurant on the beach of Cardiff by the Sea for the most delicious birthday dinner. I had filet mignon and we shared a bottle of Pinot Noir. They wouldn’t seat us early, even though we were hungry and they weren’t crowded, so we entertained ourselves on the beach.
We went kayaking in Mission Bay on Sunday. I was certain that I’d wind up in the water at some point or that something would go terribly wrong. Besides Abby repeatedly not paying attention and flinging her oar back so that I kept getting soaked, we survived.
Unfortunately, I didn’t put sunscreen on my legs and got a wicked, painful burn. Sigh.
Sunday night we had fish tacos in Ocean Beach. They were amazing, but we stuffed our faces on the carne asade fries beforehand that we couldn’t even finish the tacos. Monday we visited Torrey Pines State reserve, had delicious burgers at Rocky’s in Pacific Beach and had a picnic dinner on the cliffs of Ocean Beach at sunset.
More San Diego pictures are up on flickr. Most of them were taken by my sister, which means they’re all slightly crooked (as seen above).
Arrived in San Diego on Friday night. My sister’s internet isn’t working so I’m at a coffee shop now but don’t have enough time for proper updates.
Here’s what’s to come…
1) How Eugene turned out after the homeless fiasco
2) My impromptu drive along the Oregon Coast. I probably need to live there within the next three years
3) Realizing how spoiled I’ve been on Jet Blue after flying Delta
4) Coronado Island and the best omelet of my life and dinner in Cardiff by the Sea, right off the ocean
Today’s plans include brunch and kayaking. Excited to explore more of San Diego since we’ve mostly visited nearby towns so far.
After watching Marisa of Creative Thursday and Christine Mason Miller experiment with videos, I decided now would be the perfect time for me to start as I get ready for five weeks of traveling. As much I want to record a bunch of takes and edit it until it’s perfect, I’m not letting myself — which certainly makes things a bit more interesting…
A few things I learned from this experiment:
1) Maybe don’t prop the computer up on pillows, which will inevitably wobble
2) I am completely unaware of the facial expressions I’m making
3) For the love, stop saying “um” or “like” every 12 words
4) Look at the camera more
5) Have a little outline – just to know where I’m headed
If you’re wondering how it’s possible for me to swing this extended vacation, you can read my post about being laid off at This Ordinary Day.
sidenote: my trip to California was actually scheduled before Jet Blue’s promotion, so I want to give a shout out to G-Unit (aka my grandparents) who donated their miles for me to visit my sister.
I bought Jet Blue’s All-You-Can-Jet Pass last week, and I have been giddy thinking about all my options ever since. I have an entire month to fly anywhere that Jet Blue goes. ANYWHERE. This is the biggest gift I’ve given myself, and as Jen Lemen wrote, “This journey is mine, all mine, my darling. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
I already had a vacation planned to San Diego and San Francisco, and now I’ll be able to see an old friend in Houston, return to Portland just because I love it, and meet up with another friend in Costa Rica (omg Costa Rica, I know). I probably have time for three other places, but I’m having trouble narrowing it down. Right now the rain forest in Puerto Rico is calling my name.
Pending internet access, I’ll be sharing stories and pictures from my all travels as they happen. Stay tuned. Things are about to get really exciting.
