Thursday, February 10, 2011

Returned

I'm back. I've been back. But for the first time in a long time, I'm at a loss for words. I just don't know how to sum up my trip to CA. How I walked out of the airport in San Diego and felt the warm sunshine on my face...and immediately called Jeff to tell him I was ready to move back. And then 15 minutes later when I was pleading with my father to slow down and spare my life on the freeways IhavethreechildrenwhoneedmefortheloveofGod...I called Jeff back and told him nevermind.

It was renewing and fabulous to be in sunny warm weather. It was refreshing to sit in restaurants without a diaper bag of entertainment and to have complete conversations with other adults. It was thoroughly and unbelievably relaxing.

And the wedding...oh, the wedding. Friday night I got to mingle and mix with the bride and her family and friends. Such nice, welcoming, friendly people. I got to visit with Elizabeth and get a first impression of her husband. I enjoyed imagining being wealthy as I sat on her in-laws porch and looked down at the beach...yes, their house was right on the beach...divine.

The next day my parents and I hiked around a little bit and just soaked in some fresh Vitamin D. Then that night was the wedding. Such a touching and beautiful ceremony overlooking the Pacific. The reception was unlike anything I've ever experienced. More silverware than I've ever seen. Multiple courses...one of which was a tiny dollop of sherbet sitting on my own individual ice swan. Oh, yes. I'm serious. Hilarious and friendly staff. Infused vodka. Never heard of it? Me neither. I don't think they sell it at Applebee's. ;) Etc etc etc. Fabulous.

Sunday was more walking around a beach town. Then we drove to another beach town and I met up with my good friend Pamela. We ate a huge lunch and then waddled around the little boardwalk. We talk every week on the phone, so it wasn't so much catching up and enjoying being a few thousand miles closer as we chatted.

I even enjoyed the flights to and from. I read almost 2 whole books. The Swan Thieves, by Elizabeth Kostovo...excellent, but hurt my brain a little. And I still have a little left in The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest.

So congrats to my friend who now has one of the longest names I've seen ;) And thanks for letting this poor pale under socialized old friend come and witness the beginning of your married life. It was a blast!

Thanks also to Jeff and my MIL who held down the fort while I was gone. Of course. ;) I'm trying my hardest not to complain about life this week...lest Jeff hit me across the head with a 2x4. ;)

5 comments:

d e v a n said...

That sounds lovely!

Elizabeth said...

I'm so glad you had a good time! I felt a bit like you at the restaurant (i.e., completely out of my element and as if I didn't belong there) ...but that was why Erich and I chose it. We figured that a wedding was a good reason to do something far fancier than we'd ever dreamed of :-)

As I've said to you several times, you and your parents flying out meant the world to me. It also made me realize how much I miss having a friend like you ...I don't quite connect with any of my friends here in the same way I do with you.

Love,

Elizabeth

PS This is my first comment to your blog as a married woman ;-p

bluedaisy said...

Congratulations to the newlyweds :) Your weekend sounds absolutely perfect...like heaven actually. So glad you got a much deserved break from cold and the day-to-day routine.

Kelsey said...

For me occasional time away is an essential element to my happiness as a mother and wife. I'm glad it was such a wonderful weekend. It was practically a vacation just imagining your weekend. But yes, reentry is kind of brutal!

Anonymous said...

I'm so very, very glad we were able to get together!! Your parents are just as warm and wonderful as I imagined them. It was fun getting to meet people I've been hearing stories about for years! I loved hearing about the beautiful wedding and chatting with you without little people interrupting us. Next time you want to fly to CA and hang out at the beach, let me know ;)