Everyday Life | Book Chatter

Yosemite 2010

We just got back from vacation. We were supposed to spend a week in Yosemite, but we ran into a few problems:

Our first night there, we had to change rooms at midnight because the entire building was taken up by this one family and they were out and about and partying in the meadow, beating conga drums, kids running all over hell…I was not happy! This is Yosemite people!! Peace and quiet is what it’s all about…not your freakin’ conga playing. We called the front office and there was one other room available about two buildings over, so we packed up everything and changed rooms.

It was unusually warm and our room had no AC. None of the rooms in Yosemite have AC. The National Park does not allow it. This meant that our room was 94 degrees, as measured by the thermostat. NOT comfortable. We’ve been to Yosemite in the summer before and never had a problem with the heat. We couldn’t open the windows because they didn’t have screens and the bugs were HUGE. I don’t think I could have been more depressed after that first night there.

We used DEET-free bug spray and were we all eaten alive by the mosquitoes on our first day there. Then, because I have so many allergy issues anyway, I had an allergic reaction to the bites so I was swollen all over. From there on out, we used the fully-leaded DEET-filled spray but the damage was done.

E & E Yosemite Falls

We stayed for three days but I was so swollen and hot, that I just couldn’t take it anymore. I fired-up the laptop, found me a hotspot and booked us a room in San Francisco!

Pier 39 San Francisco

San Francisco was gorgeous!! It was about 70 degrees and our cheapie Comfort Inn room was actually quite nice and in a perfect location. We hit all the sights and had a blast!! We dined on chowda, seafood and I even got my Vietnamese noodle fix. We had a great time. As you know from my 100 things post, I am a huge planner so making these last minute plans is so not me, but I am so glad I did. I would have been miserable if we had stayed in Yosemite.

Book Passage

I managed find a bookstore too. This is Book Passage, located at the end of the Ferry building. I knew of the store from Facebook, so it was neat to visit it in person.

E at Book Passage

I didn’t buy anything though since I had just loaded up my Kindle. The Girl was working me for a puppet though. A puppet!! She’s surrounded by those luscious books and a puppet is what catches her eye. I said, “No,” in case you’re interested.

Book Passage - The Bestseller's Table

Because of all the chaos at the beginning of the vacation, I didn’t get to read more than a few chapters. Once in Frisco, I didn’t get to read at all because we were zipping all over town and never had any down time.

After many vacations I’ve learned that a few days after a vacation, can really make a difference so I asked for some additional days off. Sort of a “vacation from the vacation.” This way, I can put things back in order, upload the pics, do a little reading and ease back into my week. There’s nothing worse than having to go back to work right after a vacation. I shudder at the thought of it.

So…I haven’t been around too much but hopefully I’ll make-up for that over the next couple of days. Hope you all had a good week and thank you for all the comments to my 100 things post. I tried to respond to as many of them as I could (from my phone), but I wasn’t always successful.

It feels good to be home! I will post the rest of the photos on Facebook for those that are interested.

This is a continuation of my “100 Things” post from the other day. Here’s part three, the final installment:

67. I prefer the classics over contemporary literature.
68. I understand “mean” more than I understand “rude.”
69. I often wish for a simpler life.
70. I always make a face when I look in the mirror. I don’t know why.
72. I have a true 6th sense.
73. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.
74. I brush my teeth about 6 times a day.
75. I am not a good packer. I pack way too much.
76. I’d like to live in Disneyland, on Main Street, overlooking the Candy Palace, even though I don’t like candy.
77. I like to name inanimate objects (my car is Annie, my Kindle is Duckie, etc).
78. I talk a lot.
79. I am incredibly loyal until I am crossed.
80. I like a good bit of gossip. but I can keep a promise if asked.
81. Before every vacation, I have a mini-meltdown.
82. I prefer pencils over pens.
83. My books are shelved by reading order.
84. I will always lend an ear to a friend in need. No matter how busy I am.
85. My fave food is soup.
86. I don’t shy away from conflict.
87. I don’t hold grudges.
88. I believe that TV, in moderation, is not bad for children.
89. I’d be a vegetarian if it weren’t for IN N OUT burger.
90. My pantry is a bit out of control.
91. My work desk is neat, but inside one of my desk drawers is a drawer full of chotchkes and Happy Meal toys.
92. After my morning walk, I have to blow-dry my hair again because I cannot deal with frizz.
93. My fave flowers are peonies and daisies but not together.
94. Hand lotion is a must and it has to be Bath & Body Work’s Lavender Vanilla.
95. To me, a book that’s chosen from the heart, makes the best gift ever.
96. Nearly everything I watch on TV is recorded so that I can zip through the commercials.
97. I detest the ad/channel ID bubble that appears at the bottom of TV programs and the animated ones are even worse.
98. My fave vacations are “do nothing” vacations. My family does not agree. They are “see and do” types.
99. I make a mean pot of chili.
100. Movie popcorn can make, or break a movie for me.