Thursday, February 17, 2011

Sue's So Cal Sojourn


I'm taking a little trip to Oceanside Friday to visit the historical, beachfront cottage of some old friends. (Can you tell I love it there? And yes, I promise to post photos!) After that idyllic interlude, I will descend upon Matt, Heather, and the grandkids for a few days before moving on to my parents' home in Palm Desert (where all of my siblings and one new fiancee will be congregating). Once all that fun dies down, I will conclude my glorious and arguably overlong vacation by chatting way too late into several nights at my sister's house near Malibu.

For most of this time, my poor husband will be holding down the fort and (hopefully) missing me like crazy. I, on the other hand, am going to be having FUN. lots and lots and lots of it

While I'm taking the laptop along and may well cling compulsively to my usual blogging schedule (Sue = creature of habit), I am giving myself permission to post when the feeling hits and be silent when it doesn't. Mine will be a "go with the flow" vacation, and I am really looking forward to it.

What I'm not looking forward to is the packing. How on earth does one figure out how to pack for two full weeks of widely varying temperatures (definition: cold beach nights, warm desert days, and everything in between)? To be honest, I'm not much of a packer in the best of times.

What I need is a packing consultant, but even if there were such a thing, she would probably throw up her hands in dismay and pronounce me hopeless after the first hour. She might even hurt me. The thing is, I always want to take too much. I like choices. What I do NOT like, however, is lugging an overstuffed suitcase all over the airport. My back doesn't like it, either.

Oh well. Packing notwithstanding, come Friday morning I will be winging my way to So Cal, where friends and family await.

And you know what?

I am SO up for it!

=)
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35 comments:

Brian Miller said...

smiles. have fun on your trip...packing, i dont know wy it takes me 5 minutes and my wife, well, a while longer...lol.

Cheryl said...

I have a list I can send you. It's the essentials.

You could try being a "Good Will Traveler." Take a few things like undergarments then thrift shop your way through the trip. When you leave, the clothes stay behind for the next Good Will Traveler.

I've traveled with one wheeled carry-on and one underseat bag and had more than enough for 10 days. It works best when you're staying with family & friends because access to doing laundry is steps away and does itself while you visit. Win-win-win!

jen said...

So lucky. We're headed up to UT in two weeks to see Heidi and Sam and Tucker, And I can't wait!

Anonymous said...

i can help you pack if i can bring my bag and go along =)
{{{envy}}}

i just read your previous post about the grammy awards...you were spot on with my views...

justin beiber get a haircut!!!
yes mick...you still got it =)

have a safe trip SUE...i know you'll have a wonderful time =)

BEAR HUGS
~victoria~

Unknown said...

I hope you have wonderful time! I look forward to reading your posts about the trip!

Pondside said...

Have a great time! Oceanside was on my list of places to visit before The Great Dane's illness - as a matter of fact we'd probably have been there today. I have family there - my granduncle was the pharmacist there for many, many years.

Unknown said...

that sounds incredible. what I wouldn't give to be heading to So Cal.

eager to see pictures so I can be even more jealous.

Jess said...

2 whole weeks of fun- what a lucky girl! I can't wait to see your photos.

And not to toot my own horn- but I am the master packer at our house, and can go for up to 3 weeks on one duffel bag, provided there is a washer. I'll be your packing consultant and promise not to hurt you!

Grandma Honey said...

What a fun sounding vacation. Seriously.

I am like you in that I want many choices when I am away from home. So I way over pack too. To me it's worth it because I relax more that way. But flying, well, I guess you do need to consolidate more.

I am really looking forward to hearing about your adventures.

Donnie said...

Have a great time.

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

Sounds like a welcome break for a long and enjoyable journey!

Have lots of fun, but don't stay up too late :-)

Nancy said...

Oh how jealous I am. Dick said I could come too (always room for one more) No can do.... having baby shower at my house Sat. for Katie....then may be going to Idaho soon cousin (Doug Haight) is in hospice care. Have fun... tell everyone hello from me.

RedTedArt said...

Aaah have a lovely time. Sounds like it will be great trip!

Maggy

karen said...

That sounds like the best trip ever! Anything involving both the beach AND Palm Desert will be So. Much. Fun. It sounds like your mom is more than excited that you're all coming, and to stay in a beachfront cottage and then at your sister's in Malibu would be my idea of heaven! Have a wonderful trip, but don't overdo - we don't want you coming home sick. However, a few late night chats are good for the soul. Enjoy it all -

karen said...

PS - I'm also one of those packers who likes to take it ALL. I mean what if I really really need something that I left home?!? I couldn't advise you at all on that one other than to take things that are washable and don't need to be ironed! And layers. Definitely layers.

Judie said...

Sue, I hope you have an absolutely terrific time! And remember that everyone has washers and dryers these days!!

Unknown said...

That is a lovely cottage! I'm sure you will have the greatest time. I am terrible at packing so I don't have any suggestions except maybe to pack so that you can layer clothing for those cooler nights.

CB said...

That sounds like a wonderful vacation and warm too!
If I lived close I would come help you because I am a whiz at packing - It's one of my talents.
Hey if you forget something it gives you a good excuse to buy something new - perhaps a t-shirt that says "Malibu or bust!" - Ha Ha Just kidding.
Hope you have a GREAT TIME!!!!

Darlene said...

Sue, if I were you, I certainly wouldn't bring a lot of clothes. Just a couple pair of pants and two or three tops. You could easily carry that all around the airport. Of course you should bring about three sets of underwear and then you will be set. You can put a load through anyone's washer. Yes,I know, you might get sick of wearing the same clothes all the time, but trust me,you'll be happier in the long run. You should maybe take a dress to wear to church, although you won't be needing it here as we have told the Bishop we won't be coming (because of Rich and the short time he will be here) You might want to just leave a dress at Matt's, since you have so many of them. Take one of the extra ones you rarely use and just leave it there. Believe me, no one there will remember that you wore the same dress. It would be so much more convenient for you. Anyway, just don't take too much. You always do and you never get around to wearing everything. I know you like to have a choice, but when you only take so many things, the choice is pretty much made for you and the thing is to just take something really comfortable. That is my advice and of course I had to give it, since you seek it so very often. and appreciatae it so very very much. Ha!

storybeader said...

sounds like a great time! My suggestion: layers! and coordinating colors! Then you can mix and match, and use the families' washing machines! I'm sure they won't mind... {:-Deb

Varda said...

Sue, how envious am I of your lovely vacation and adventurous journeying? Of your lovely California weather and seaside sunshine? Um you don;t want to know. I might just plotz. Enjoy, my friend!

And I'll just have to live vicariously through you as we slog through the last few weeks of North-East winter.

(Happy to be right below you this week, here at Alphabe-Thursday.)

Anonymous said...

Hoping you have a fantastic time sweet Sue. Hugs

yaya said...

I just have to say this first..I love your Mom's comments..I don't know why but she makes me laugh when she give you "advice"...like you're 2! Ok, I'm just like you in the packing dept. My Mom can take a ziplock baggie and never wear the same thing twice. I don't think she even checks a bag! Ok, I exaggerate a bit here, but I take too much every time I go anywhere...it's a trait I just can't seem to change. Well, have a ball and enjoy that sun and warmth for me!

Stef said...

Have fun! That sound like my kind of vacation. Well, not that I have ever had one like that. But if I could, I would. Someday. Have fun! Can't wait to hear about it.

Lourie said...

Sue! I am right smack between Oceanside and Palm Desert! You have to come see me. Okay you don't have to. But that would be cool. Have fun!

Gattina said...

This cottage is lovely ! would also be the right place for me to spend holidays ! I have made a list which I use each time I travel. It's in my computer and I print it out. It starts with : socks, underwear, pajamas, trousers (I don't wear skirts anymore) T-shirts, cardigans, pullovers, bathsuit and a dress or so. Easy no ?

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I love So, Ca! I love No. CA! I love all of California! Beautiful state.

Have fun!

Su-sieee! Mac said...

Best wishes to you on your adventure. It sounds like a lot of fun!

Amy said...

Hmmmm, I thought i had commented on this post! I guess it was just in spirit, or something. At any rate, I am so excited for you, but don't envy you the packing. I hate packing for things. I never know if I am going to want to wear what I packed while I am gone. Also, I generally don't pack appropriately. Sad but true. Enjoy it!

Karen Sue said...

have a great escape! Around here it is the perfect time to get away. We used to go to the Daytona 500 this weekend, but business picked up and it is pretty crazy now..but hoping in the future to do it again. Just a couple of days in warm sunshine, gets your blood pumping again in preparation of spring!!

Jenny said...

Love these historic properties.

This sounds like a wonderful trip, Miss Sue.

Thanks for letting us tag along.

As for packing...I say do the disposable kind...like Cheryl says.

Take your glasses and your favorite undies!

The rest will be an adventure!

Thanks for sharing this fun stop with us.

A+

Mormon Women: Who We Are said...

Wish you could pack ME in that suitcase!

Michelle said...

That was me -- thought I was signed into my personal account (or at least that I'd be given the chance to check...why does Google keep changing how it does this stuff?) ;)

~michelle

Caroline said...

It sounds wonderful!!! I know you must be having a great time! I can' wait to see pictures!!! :)

Linda Bob Grifins Korbetis Hall said...

smooth sailings.
Cheers.