After being dropped off in Woodland by Sean at Doug's home, we enjoyed a delicious dinner of tacos provided Doug's mom, went to bed and woke for a late start. I started the drive south and Doug finished it with a twist, or atleast new scenery. He took us off the main drag and we enjoyed a drive west of 101 that started south of Gonzales. It brought us into Paso Robles withsome great heights and great views of Lake Nacimiento, with only about 20 extra miles on the trip.
Once we returned to Atascadero, I went with Doug down to SLO so that I could take part in the trial hair run. After spending about an hour with Vanessa, Karis and Stephanie on hair decisions, I went with Doug and Greg to firestones to eat a much needed sandwich.
On Tuesday there was very little that Doug and I did. I showed him a little more steps of east coast swing, and while going out for lunch he noticed something I did not. It looked as though it were snowing on my car. Small particles of ash were falling from the sky, almost too small to see, but large enough to give an amazing sunset. I went to bed early that night in preparation for Brenda's big day.
I woke at 4:30 in the morning, careful not trip over Doug's sleeping form on the floor, and got to work. I parted my hair in the manner I would wear it, and then headed into the garage to my pile of boxed in search of the most important thing of the morning, my espresso machine. I spent another hour curling and pinning my hair, washing my face and gathering the rest of what I needed for the day. I woke Doug up and we drove down to SLO racing the sunrise. Doug dropped me off and I arrived at the Mansion ready to finish my own hair and help where it was needed. Everyone's hair basically was completed by the time Brenda arrived at 6:30 when we needed to head across town, fully dressed, to the Salon where our Brenda was made up and our makeup was done. It only(cough, cough) took about 45 minutes per person. When we finished we quickly stopped at the mansion to pick up Teri, who was dressed and ready to go, with he hair up in a neat braided twist. We quickly took a couple photos and headed our way to Pismo, everyone dressed for the occasion, but the bride, who would dress in a little more style than her party.
When we arrived at SeaVenture, we quickly made sure that the groom was not present, and led Brenda up to her mother's room where she dressed, and we took some photos helping her get ready, and shared in a toast. Once we were all ready, we descended to the main floor, all the while making sure the groom was not in sight. We got in the limo and headed to an estate on the coast who's owner allows bridal party pictures. We spent some time framing Brenda with girls and flowers and posing with trees and smile. At 10:50, we left and headed back to SeaVenture, piled out of the limo and then waited for the ceremony to start.
The girls in this ceremony walked alone. I was first and though there was no man by my side, I managed to find my way, stumbling in my heels through the sand. The ceremony was simple, short and surrounded by a handful of friends and family. I'm pretty sure its exactly was John and Brenda wanted. Though there was fog on the surf, there was not glare from the sun, and from what I can tell, it made for some pretty nice photos. After we took some photos of the bridal party, we left Brenda and John for their own pictures and headed up to the reception for some hors d'oeurves. I dined on some delicous Halibut with Mango salsa...sorry John... and danced the rest of the time with Doug, and old friends.
We were back in Slo by 5 pm and stopped by the afterparty and found our niche with a bunch of nerds. We went to dinner at the Shack and spent the better part of an hour discussing Fantasy books and the possibility of Robert Jordan's last book to be good even though it will not be written by him. Doug and I were back in Atascadero by 7:30 and even got a bike ride in, just in time for another beautiful sunset, once again provided by the fires in Big Sur.
Doug spent another 3 days with me. We did nothing remarkable to the average person, but it was special for me. We went and visited Derek and Robyn in Los Osos who I had not seen for almost 4 months. It was nice spending time with them, and challenging them in a couple rounds of Halo and Foosball. Even though it was late, the skies were clear once inland and we went out to Santa Margarita to star gaze and watch as they fell from the skies. Our conversation was only occasionally interrupted by a moo from a distant cow and not a car passed by to ruin our view.
The night that Doug left, he planned to take the bus from Paso. We decided it would be nice to go bowling up there until midnight, and then wait for the bus that would come at 12:40. It would have been nice were it not for two things. One, the cop, and two, I did not want him to go.
After we left the bowling alley, finishing our fourth game of unlimited bowling, I headed towards the trainstation. Slightly distracted and talking with Doug about whatnot, I was suprised when I saw colored movement light up my rear view mirror. I pulled over. The cop approached, asked me if I knew how fast I was going. "No" I was going 45. He asked is I knew the speed limit, "No" Apparently, it was 30. Hmmm. He didnt ask me if I had been drinking, which I hadn't. He took my info and returned stating. "I'm going to have to give you a warning." "whew" Close one.
A little teary eyed and upset from the state of events. Doug convinced me to get out of the car to play some frisbee in the lit, but extremely empty parking lot. It wasn't long till one of the trees decided to play, and we stopped. Instead, Doug took me in his arms and we danced. It's not everyday that will find you dancing, under the stars in a trainstation parking lot. But that day is with me, every day.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Crazy Busy Times at Tahoe and Beyond. Part 1
I figured out the yesterday, that other than San Diego, I have visited ALL of the main hot spots of California, in just the past few weeks. After the trip through Yosemite, the first time visit to Disneyland and moving into my sister's house in Atascadero, I have done, still more, than the average Californian does in a lifetime.
Two weeks ago today, I headed up north for many reasons. The foremost reason was for a job interview that I requested from a medium sized firm in Auburn, Ca. Auburn sits in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. I was driven to my interview by Doug, who's family has once again graciously allowed me to stay in their home. The interview was simple, mainly a comparison of professors we both had and a few comments on my graphic and layout abilities. Because Jeff, who I interviewed with also graduated in a time of slow hiring he understood my reasons for requesting the interview, gave me a kudos and guaranteed me, that though I have had few nibbles, someone will bite.
After realising I had left my phone in Doug's car I had to return to the office to use their phone so he could come pick me up. That in the end worked out because I am sure the administrative assistent, Mary, will remember me. Doug returned quickly after i called him and we headed into the hills in search of an park to eat our picnic. After driving for a good half hour, and no park in sight, we eventually settled on eating under a tree in the sports fields of one of the local private schools. We ate a sandwich, cheese and crackers and some delicious grape juice that I purchased on my way north. Doug also told me of his anger against an oak in the outfield. Apparently he hit a home run back in high school into the tree that was then inaccurately called an out by a stand-in umpire. It's amazing how those high school grievances still itch.
Because it was two weeks ago, I am not sure what we did in the early part of Thursday, but we did lose track of time. I was floating on my back in the swimming pool when, lo', Sean Kircher walked outside the door of the house. Apparently traffic was the best it has ever been and he arrived almost an hour early to pick us up for Tahoe. Yay Tahoe!
The drive to Tahoe was full of inside jokes and guffaws brought on by the two men in the front seat. Though we passed the view of smoke beyond the mountains, I was quite content with the ride. We arrived at Sean's house in Carnelian Bay at almost dinner time. Sean's dad Tim was there, ready with the 23' speedboat to bring us to his brother's condo down the shore for dinner. Once we got to the dock, I was a little wary of disembarking because the dock was atleast up to my shoulders when standing on the edge of the boat. In the end it worked out because there were many afoot, including sean's cousin, ready to help. The boat was tied off with what are called whips. (some devilish contraption that look like fishing poles and suspend the boat both at the dock and slightly away from it) WE headed up to a condo with a view unsurpassed by many living rooms I have seen. Floor to ceiling windows across the entire lake side of the condo. Our dinner was one of Kobe beef tri-tip salads and wine. After the sun set we headed back out on the lake to enjoy the fireworks held in Tahoe City...I think. We stopped for a drink at the bar across the street from sean's house and then went to one of the Casino's in Nevada where I quickly lost two of Doug's dollars. :( After having good times and bad, Sean left up $20 from some games of blackjack, unfortuenately, his cousin did not fare so well.
Our actual Independence Day was rather cool but the lake was still. We took the boat out again and went tubing behind it. It was cold, but enjoyable. Though we had snacks on board our boat, we stopped at a house on the west shore owned by a family friend. They also were armed with delicious food, and a much needed bathroom. After lunch with wine and Mai Tai's we headed back out across the lake towards Carnelian Bay. We did stop once however for Tim and Doug to throw Sean in the Lake for a much needed dip. After we returned to sean's house, he took a nap and Doug and I enjoyed a delicious rib dinner with his parents.
On Saturday we spent the entire day out on the Lake, with Pam's (Sean's Mom) Springer Spaniel puppy Dutton, in Tow. (Not literally) We tubed for a while, I was pushed in, no less than three times, once, fully clothed, we swam and even let Dutton take a try at it. Though, he too, was wearing a life vest. All of us, except for Pam and the Pup did something that is rarely done, we tubed across the middle of the Lake. (apparently the waves are a little high for most people) The day was basically a tour around the lake, except for the one cut across the middle we made. Tired and beaten by the sun, we ate cheese, crackers and chicken that night followed by much game playing.
The next morning Tim asked his brother if we could borrow his wave runners. We spent about 2 hours on the lake leaping over wakes and exploring the more affluent shore fronts from afar. I was suprised at the not so suttle difference of driving a finicky waverunner with a passenger, versus, a responsive one alone. We ate lunch at a restaurant filled with foreign servers. Ours was a Russian girl who told me that Coke and Pepsi were the same thing......language barriers.... We said our goodbyes and headed towards Sacramento to the tunes of Journey, Queen and Clapton.
Thank you Sean for driving...and for the invitation as well.
Two weeks ago today, I headed up north for many reasons. The foremost reason was for a job interview that I requested from a medium sized firm in Auburn, Ca. Auburn sits in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas. I was driven to my interview by Doug, who's family has once again graciously allowed me to stay in their home. The interview was simple, mainly a comparison of professors we both had and a few comments on my graphic and layout abilities. Because Jeff, who I interviewed with also graduated in a time of slow hiring he understood my reasons for requesting the interview, gave me a kudos and guaranteed me, that though I have had few nibbles, someone will bite.
After realising I had left my phone in Doug's car I had to return to the office to use their phone so he could come pick me up. That in the end worked out because I am sure the administrative assistent, Mary, will remember me. Doug returned quickly after i called him and we headed into the hills in search of an park to eat our picnic. After driving for a good half hour, and no park in sight, we eventually settled on eating under a tree in the sports fields of one of the local private schools. We ate a sandwich, cheese and crackers and some delicious grape juice that I purchased on my way north. Doug also told me of his anger against an oak in the outfield. Apparently he hit a home run back in high school into the tree that was then inaccurately called an out by a stand-in umpire. It's amazing how those high school grievances still itch.
Because it was two weeks ago, I am not sure what we did in the early part of Thursday, but we did lose track of time. I was floating on my back in the swimming pool when, lo', Sean Kircher walked outside the door of the house. Apparently traffic was the best it has ever been and he arrived almost an hour early to pick us up for Tahoe. Yay Tahoe!
The drive to Tahoe was full of inside jokes and guffaws brought on by the two men in the front seat. Though we passed the view of smoke beyond the mountains, I was quite content with the ride. We arrived at Sean's house in Carnelian Bay at almost dinner time. Sean's dad Tim was there, ready with the 23' speedboat to bring us to his brother's condo down the shore for dinner. Once we got to the dock, I was a little wary of disembarking because the dock was atleast up to my shoulders when standing on the edge of the boat. In the end it worked out because there were many afoot, including sean's cousin, ready to help. The boat was tied off with what are called whips. (some devilish contraption that look like fishing poles and suspend the boat both at the dock and slightly away from it) WE headed up to a condo with a view unsurpassed by many living rooms I have seen. Floor to ceiling windows across the entire lake side of the condo. Our dinner was one of Kobe beef tri-tip salads and wine. After the sun set we headed back out on the lake to enjoy the fireworks held in Tahoe City...I think. We stopped for a drink at the bar across the street from sean's house and then went to one of the Casino's in Nevada where I quickly lost two of Doug's dollars. :( After having good times and bad, Sean left up $20 from some games of blackjack, unfortuenately, his cousin did not fare so well.
Our actual Independence Day was rather cool but the lake was still. We took the boat out again and went tubing behind it. It was cold, but enjoyable. Though we had snacks on board our boat, we stopped at a house on the west shore owned by a family friend. They also were armed with delicious food, and a much needed bathroom. After lunch with wine and Mai Tai's we headed back out across the lake towards Carnelian Bay. We did stop once however for Tim and Doug to throw Sean in the Lake for a much needed dip. After we returned to sean's house, he took a nap and Doug and I enjoyed a delicious rib dinner with his parents.
On Saturday we spent the entire day out on the Lake, with Pam's (Sean's Mom) Springer Spaniel puppy Dutton, in Tow. (Not literally) We tubed for a while, I was pushed in, no less than three times, once, fully clothed, we swam and even let Dutton take a try at it. Though, he too, was wearing a life vest. All of us, except for Pam and the Pup did something that is rarely done, we tubed across the middle of the Lake. (apparently the waves are a little high for most people) The day was basically a tour around the lake, except for the one cut across the middle we made. Tired and beaten by the sun, we ate cheese, crackers and chicken that night followed by much game playing.
The next morning Tim asked his brother if we could borrow his wave runners. We spent about 2 hours on the lake leaping over wakes and exploring the more affluent shore fronts from afar. I was suprised at the not so suttle difference of driving a finicky waverunner with a passenger, versus, a responsive one alone. We ate lunch at a restaurant filled with foreign servers. Ours was a Russian girl who told me that Coke and Pepsi were the same thing......language barriers.... We said our goodbyes and headed towards Sacramento to the tunes of Journey, Queen and Clapton.
Thank you Sean for driving...and for the invitation as well.
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