Day 3- Petco Park

Day 3


We started Day 3 with a drive through rolling hills covered in long, stucco ranch houses with stables that ended at the Pancake House for breakfast. They seated us outside on a patio, with a beautiful view of those hills we just passed. Breakfast was delicious and relaxing, a great way to ease into the morning. I ordered blueberry pancakes, and they brought me out my own little pitcher of blueberries to pour on top. It was cute, and it added to my meal. Randy ordered bacon pancakes-- I didn't even know that was a possibility, but he said they were actually very good.


My blueberries and Randy's bacon pancakes

The afternoon consisted of beach time again, but we we were only there for about an hour and a half because we had to go to my cousin's swim meet. But I definitely made the most of the time I had, never getting out of the water once until we left the beach. I mastered the waves on my boogieboard, as they were bigger than the day before. One the first wave I tried, I caught it and let it sail me to the shore. It was a great feeling, flying on top of the waves. The sand was hot beneath my feet when I finally washed up on shore, like walking on hot coals. But I would have preferred that to my cousin's meet. It was held at the Boys and Girls Club (which I thought was only for underpriviledged kids), and a million kids decided to actually show up that day. My cousin only raced 4 times out of a billion, and some of the kids were like 4 or 5 years old so they were incredibly slow. But it was humorous to watch some of them just flop in the water instead of diving. Bekah, Randy and I bonded over being incredibly bored. But for all Dave & Shelly had been doing for us, it was the least we could do.

When it was all finally over we were exhausted. Dave, Luke & us travellers were planning on going to the Padres game, but there was talk of us postponing it to the next night. We ended up going, and I am really glad that we did.

Petco Park is right in downtown San Diego and we had to walk a few blocks through the city, with its people-peddled carriages and electric trolleys. Part of the park is built in an old historical landmark- a metal molding building. 75% of it had to remain intact, so they have it in the gift shop and out in the bleachers. We spent the first few innings taking a tour of the park, seeing the nooks and crannies and enjoying the atmosphere. Out past centerfield they have a little park area that is open to the public during the week. There's a statue of Tony Gwin and a wiffleball field, and for away games, they open it up and people can spread a blanket on the grass and watch the game on the giant screen they have on the wall. The vendors even open up their booths to sell hot dogs and soda. That is such a cool concept; Milwaukee should have something like that.


The historical landmark built into the park and view of the field from the upper deck.



When we finally made our way to our seats, it was like the 4th or 5th inning. We were up in the 4th deck, because we got a ticket, a hot dog and a soda for $12 (what a deal!). From our seats you could see all the big buildings in the city and actually watch planes lowering and weaving their way to the runway. When we ventured out to find our free food, the view spanned the other side of the city and the harbor. There's a long bridge that takes you to Coronado Island, and it was glowing with the remains of that day's sun. And cranberry clouds behind the palm trees... simply breathtaking. It was a wonderful night, though the Padres lost 5-3. But even that turned out to be a good thing, because my sister got to see her favorite player. Huston Street, the Rockies' closer, came in for the 9th and closed out the game. She was one happy girl. And we got to see the "Friarworks" after the game. Petco Park shoots off fireworks every Friday night after home games, so we snuck down behind home plate on the first level and watched greens, reds and yellows twist and twirl to the tunes of Beach Boys songs. It was classic California, and the reflections off the building windows as the flames crept into the air was fantastic. THAT was one of the greatest nights I've had in a quite some time.

Day Two- Cake for Breakfast

Day 2


My cousin Erin baked a cake for our arrival. It was a marble cake with chocolate frosting and colored frosting with drawings of flowers and waves. Somehow the colored pictures melted a bit and smeared, but I could make out the outlines and understood what they were. It was a sweet (no pun intended) gesture, and since we didn't have any the night before, it was only fitting to slice it up the next morning. Uncle Dave cut it and passed out the plates, and we dug in. The cake was delicious, but I couldn't very well start my day with just a piece of cake, could I? Well, actually I could, but Aunt Shelly set a bowl of fresh strawberries on the counter and fruit always calls to me. Fruit, cake and a glass of water- I was ready to take on the day.



Uncle Dave and Aunt Shelly let me borrow their car and Bekah, Randy and I drove ten minutes north to a beach my family nicknamed Table Top. I'm not sure why, but it's a cool name. Randy laid out while I attempted Try 1 for Bekah's senior pictures. I took a couple hundred of her sitting on a rock with the cliffs in the background, then with the water behind her. Then I made her get up and act stupid in the water, but she was a great model. I hope I got some nice shots, because the colors of the sky and ocean were beautiful blues and Bekah looked great in her attire. When we'd had enough pictures for the day, the three of us stopped at Rubio's, this awesome Mexican restaurant we all ate dinner at the day before. I had fish tacos-- never tried them before but heard rumors about their tastiness. The rumors were true, those were some amazing tacos. And they had the authentic tortilla shells- mmm mmm good! More relatives arrived that afternoon from Arizona; they drove up for the long weekend. I'm glad they did, because we don't get to see them often either, obviously because they're across the country. We stood around and chatted for an hour, but then the waves began calling. I took the other car this time and drove my siblings to the beach, where we proceeded to lay out/boogieboard. The waves were bigger, and on the first try I took one all the way back to the shore. I was flying again, and getting used to the sky.

My cousins had Junior Lifeguards again, so after they were finished we all hung out in the water, keeping an occasional eye on the time. Erin had a swim meet, so we had to leave the beach to get her home to change on time. We were only there for about an hour and fifteen minutes, but I could have stayed there all afternoon.

Her swim meet was the most boring thing I've been to-- a million tiny kids flopping around in the water trying to swim the length of the pool. She swam 4 times the entire afternoon; it was painful. Randy's eyes must have pried loose from their sockets from how many times we was rolling them, though I will say one plus from it was the amount of sun we received on our skin from sitting in the heat.

But then, the best part of the day... dinner at Poseidan, this seafood restaurant in Del Mar that is literally right on the beach. You could jump over the low wall out on the deck and be in the sand. It was an upscale eatery, and we had a huge table right at the western part of the restaurant before the deck. But the "windows" were actually rolled up like a garage door and there was nothing but air separating us from outside. Us Wisonsinites were in awe- it was one of the most beautiful things I have experienced, being able to look and see kids kicking up the sand and the early evening sky begining its final descent. To be sitting down to a nice seabass and have the white sand feet away and the metallic blue surf- breathtaking. I took a break from dining a few times, first to take pictures of Bekah in the fading light, and then for pictures of the sunset itself. Over the dividing line of sky and sea loomed the sun, an electric orange, wide and blurry. Suspended in the air, the next moment it just shot down the horizon and disappeared under the ocean. The water churned such a sheer blue, and the sun's lingering light sprinkled itself over the top, like the perfect topping to a sundae.



A flash of brilliance over the ocean.


We drove by a gorgeous cove, and on the way back from dinner we saw the black outline of the cliffs and fading color of the tangerine show in the sky. It was a magical evening, and it made me wonder what if would be like to be rich and have this opportunity at my fingertips. But then I started thinking about my family at home and how I wished they were there too- they would have loved to see the ocean sunset and have that meal. Dad would have given anything to give us that dinner, but there's no way he could justify paying so much when he has other matters to deal with. And then I thought about the nice, simple things he's done for me and our family back in Wisconsin, and he really is a wonderful man providing for us. And the more I think about it (I did a lot of thinking that evening), the more it really isn't real life out here- it seems like something out of a movie. These areas are pretty upscale with Lexus and B&W mobiles everywhere I turn, but mostly it is a beach mantra- just enjoy the sand beneath your toes and the waves in your hair.

Day One- Welcome to San Diego

Solana Beach


Day 1

Randy, Bekah and I flew direct from Milwaukee to San Diego. I got a lot of reading done, as well as a bit of writing. The airplane literally flew through the city, and we were so low to the ground it was as if we were threading between buildings. And I got my first glimpse of the harbor :) San Diego greeted us with sunshine above, a warm breeze on our faces and the slightest bit of haze. Aunt Shelly picked us up, and on the way back to her house we stopped at In & Out for some amazingly good burgers. I had heard the rumors of their delicious taste, and I actually got to try one for myself and was not let down. Uncle Dave hasn't changed much, despite a few more gray hairs combed in his hair. And my cousins have gotten so big now- ten and twelve, and while they're still kids, you can hold normal conversations with them. And they are so low-key and accommodating. Actually, everyone in Southern California is. At least those I've seen are. My aunt and uncle have a really cute house in Solana Beach with framed pictures of my cousins all over the place and subtle reminders they live a mile from the beach. Shell necklaces, junior lifeguard shirts, the smell of the sea- it all hovered around their home.

We stood around chatting until my aunt brought up the subject of the beach. My cousins are in this junior lifeguard program where for 3 1/2 hours every day for three weeks they learn how to swim in the ocean and do all sorts of games on the beach. She had to go pick them up and offered to go early so we could hang out down there if we wanted.

IF WE WANTED... what a silly thought. Of course we wanted to go see the famous Pacific Ocean everyone writes and sings and talks about. So we hopped in her car and made our way to the never ending staircase I mentioned in my last post, where we met the shore. Immediately, my feet fell into the sand and I felt my toes burning on the hot grains. It was like a heat massage.



My boogieboard and sandals. My sandals broke the first night we were there. It was devastating.


And the ocean-- simply amazing. To say it's huge would be an understatement, and the waves just come crashing in. There are a bunch of bluffs with condos and apartments perched on the top, stretching miles down the beach. I wonder how much those cost; Probably more than my life. Randy, Bekah and I waded around close to the shore, water brushing up against our feet and getting to know our skin. When my cousins got out of Junior Lifeguards, they led us further out into the Pacific for a boogieboarding lesson. At first I had no idea how to "catch a wave," but I eventually almost got the hang of it. You lay on a small board and try to turn into a wave as it is just breaking and ride it all the way to the shore.

The first time I caught it just right and flew through the water, it was the most amazing feeling, such a high and I thought that this was what it's all about-- working working working and failing as wave after wave rushes past, only to find that perfect one that allows you to climb on its back for a ride. I think at that point, I fell in love with California.

Wishing for the West Coast

I'm back in Wisconsin, and I have to admit I'm not that euphoric to be here. I had six days in perfectly blue skies, lived in flip flops and was kissed by the sun. And what greeted me when I returned? Gray clouds hanging gloomily overhead, an inbox full of emails from stupid people, and the lovely gift of three-hole punched paper in the fax machine. Really? I come back to my cubicle with nature pictures pasted to my walls after being in the glory of the ocean and I'm greeted with three-hole punched paper in the FAX MACHINE??? What am I doing back??...

Since there is so much to tell about my vacation, I'm going to be breaking it up by days over the next few posts. That way, I can give each day the detail it deserves, and hopefully I'll still remember it all perfectly. But I'm not starting now because I'm getting tired and can't really think too clear before bed. But I'll leave you with a photo to keep you intrigued:





This is at Solana Beach, the main beach we hung out at during the trip. It was a beautiful place. If you can see on the left, there is a long staircase winding up the cliff. Those steps were killer after an afternoon in the waves, but such a good workout. My sister counted- there were 129.

This picture makes me feel the sun on my shoulders, the taste of salt on my tongue, waves licking my toes. Yet when I open my eyes I'm still here in Wisconsin, waiting for rain and wishing for the West Coast.

Here We Come

Summer arrives with a length of lights
Summer blows away
And quietly gets swallowed by a wave
It gets swallowed by a wave
-The Decemberists, "Sommersong"


California here we come!! Tomorrow morning we'll be on a plane, heading to the west coast. I finally have everything packed and settled- it only took me about 3 hours. Not too bad, if I say so myself :) Totally kidding- I always leave things to the last minute and it's a really bad habit.

I cannot wait to greet the surf, to feel the salt wind blowing against my face. I've always felt the water calling to me, and now I'm finally heeding the call. Soon I'll be standing in the sand and realizing the ocean was meant for me. Or maybe vice versa...

I don't know if I'll be able to get a chance to be on here in the next week, as I'm (gasp!) not planning on bringing my laptop. I'm going to rough it. But I'll try and find a computer at least during one point, otherwise, I will have a LOT to talk about when I get back. I just can't believe I'm going. We've been talking about this for months, and now it's here. Pretty surreal. In less than 24 hours I will be seeing the Pacific Ocean-- I absolutely cannot wait!

Accomplished: Absolutely Nothing

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,

There is a rapture on the lonely shore,

There is society, where none intrudes,

By the deep sea, and music in its roar:

I love not man the less, but Nature more.

-George Gordon, Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage

My goal for this weekend was to be packed and ready to go for my trip. Was this accomplished? No. Was it even close? No.


I have a whopping zero items in my suitcase and a brain freeze in my head on what I need. To defend myself, I did make a list of the necessities- a list of where to go and what to do, burn a mix cd for the rental car, and a reminder to bring our baseball gloves for a game of catch with the cousins. So I can't say I haven't done ANYthing.


I'm getting more excited to settle into the seat of our plane, pull out a good book and cruise through the storyline and altitude. And when we land, the ocean will only be miles away. I went over everything that needs to be done for work with my boss today, and it is significantly less than I originally thought so I'm actually breathing a bit easier. And now knowing that things should be set until I come back is allowing me to actually think about the trip a bit more. Like how I'm going to take my sister's senior pictures while we're down there- I keep thinking of places to go, the lighting and what kind of shots I want. I bought a few extra memory cards, and I'm planning on using one solely for this purpose. I think I'm more excited about the pictures than she is.



Alright, keeping it short tonight. I'm exhausted and I have a busy week. Goodnight!

All Around the Mulberry Bush

It’s a nice way to live, just taking what Nature is willing to give.

–Robert Frost, “Blueberries”

We went to visit my grandparents on the other side of town today. My ten-year-old brother and I spent most of our time wandering their acre picking wild berries. It was fantastic. He was so enraptured by the wild fruit growing on my grandparents' land, and appreciative that I was there with him to share in this sacred moment. My grandpa is a nature guru- he grew up on a farm and has worked in the soil with his hands more times than I've tied my shoelaces. He's a nature lover and has such a respect for his surroundings. I'm absolutely in awe of his knowledge of every tree and plant on his acre.

So my brother and I wandered down to the berry bushes and began plucking ripe black raspberries and mulberries. I honestly have never seen a mulberry before and never knew they grew on that bush. It reminded me of the nursury rhyme- "All around the mulberry bush, the monkey chased the weasel..." I couldn't figure out why that silly monkey was chasing the weasel, but today after tasting one of those berries I understood that he was trying to chase him away from the bush so the monkey could have all those mulberries to himself. Smart monkey.

When we had picked our fair share, and eaten way more than our share of those delectible treats right off the branches, my family was very happy to have a sweet snack while talking with Grandma and Grandpa. The happiest of them all, I believe, was my little brother. He sure had his fill of the harvest, and I'm smiling now, thinking of how much he is like my grandpa and me- we all share such a passion for the outdoors and the beauty and surprises God has given us.

Sucker Punched

Pierced, like a hammer to my heart.

This will be my first attempt at the whole blogging thing, so please be patient with me. I suppose, to take a great quote from the Sound of Music, "Let's start at the very beginning, a very fine place to start."



I'm on my way to sunny California in 4 days and am getting more excited by the minute. This vacation isn't coming a moment too soon- my life has slowly been dripping away and replaced by a huge white space that's been named Work. I seriously think I might chew a hole right through my desk if I don't take a few days off, so my sister, brother and I are heading to San Diego. I can't wait for my first taste of the beach- the smell of sea and salt, the burning sun on my face, and the never ending blue of the ocean. I'm in need of a respite, and I'm counting down the days until I get it.



On a completely different note, I feel like I've been punched in the face. And not because I was watching UFC 100 tonight as there were plenty of direct hits to the body, but because I was facebook stalking (not really "stalking," because that's wrong) an old college acquaintance and I noticed that he has a new girlfriend. Now, let me set the scene-- he and I had a little history my senior year, but nothing ever really happened and he kind of screwed me over twice on separate occasions. We haven't talked for a year and I know we've both moved on in our lives now that we're graduated and out in the real world. I guess the thing that just bugs me is that she looks like the kind of girl he said he always couldn't stand- the kind who throws herself at guys, wears waaaay too much makeup for a simple backyard barbeque and who looks like she wouldn't know the difference between a double play and a base hit. I know I'm venting here, but I guess it's just because I lost a bit of respect for the guy now. I thought he was better than that. She could be a very nice person and I can't judge because I've never met her, but from the looks of things it just wasn't at all what I expected.



WHEW!! Glad I got that off my chest. I feel better and completely ready to tackle a new day. Have a wonderful night world, and we'll be talking again!