California Dreamin'
It's hard to believe that my week-long trip back to California has almost come to an end. Rather than boring everyone with all the details, I will just jot down some of the more memorable experiences so far:
* My niece, who just turned 2 last week, seems to be much more receptive to me now than the last time I visited her. She actually lets me hold her now without making a huge fuss, so I'm pretty stoked. My sister and bro-in-law suspect it's because she met many many more relatives/strangers a month ago when they went to China. Being the little princess she is, she got the VIP treatment of course.
Also, according to my sister, Cindy's height is in the 90th percentile for her age group but her weight is only in the 20th percentile. The pediatrician joked that she will probably grow up tall and slender, like a model. As her proud uncle I'll make sure she doesn't date some rice rocket-driving punk ass who trolls around in a souped up Civic, even if said Civic is electric/hybrid/hydrogen/otherwise eco-friendly.
* One of the highlights of this trip has been my first meal at In'N'Out in almost 3 years. The juicy double meat burger served animal style with those delicious fries almost brought tears of joy to my eyes. I felt like a man stepping into a strip club for the first time after 15 years in jail. Or Al Bundy finding that elusive toilet with the sucking power to flush down a walrus. Ok, maybe I'm exaggering a little, but I felt I truly returned to California as I munched on that heavenly burger.
* Driving on 280 and 1 and up Skyline was so ridiculously exhilirating! Zooming down 280 at 90 miles an hour with both windows open and the stereo cranking out The Lovemakers is almost a religious experience. For the first time in my life, I don't give a damn if I get a speeding ticket because I'm having so much fun. I feel so alive!
While I was driving back from Santa Cruz (after checking out the Mystery Spot) on the 1, I drove on stretches of road that started with signs stating, "45 MPH Speed Limit ENDS," with no new speed limit posted nearby! Even the steep hills in SF don't bother me anymore because they give me an excuse to really gun the engine. Sachin and Ahmad have always raved about the joy of driving. I finally understand them now.
* Seeing some of my friends for the first time in almost 3 years has also been special. We haven't really changed much though, at least in terms of appearance (and maturity for Sachin).
Too bad my vacation is coming to an end. I will be taking a JetBlue flight back to JFK on Saturday night. Gotta catch up on all the good shows I missed!
* My niece, who just turned 2 last week, seems to be much more receptive to me now than the last time I visited her. She actually lets me hold her now without making a huge fuss, so I'm pretty stoked. My sister and bro-in-law suspect it's because she met many many more relatives/strangers a month ago when they went to China. Being the little princess she is, she got the VIP treatment of course.
Also, according to my sister, Cindy's height is in the 90th percentile for her age group but her weight is only in the 20th percentile. The pediatrician joked that she will probably grow up tall and slender, like a model. As her proud uncle I'll make sure she doesn't date some rice rocket-driving punk ass who trolls around in a souped up Civic, even if said Civic is electric/hybrid/hydrogen/otherwise eco-friendly.
* One of the highlights of this trip has been my first meal at In'N'Out in almost 3 years. The juicy double meat burger served animal style with those delicious fries almost brought tears of joy to my eyes. I felt like a man stepping into a strip club for the first time after 15 years in jail. Or Al Bundy finding that elusive toilet with the sucking power to flush down a walrus. Ok, maybe I'm exaggering a little, but I felt I truly returned to California as I munched on that heavenly burger.
* Driving on 280 and 1 and up Skyline was so ridiculously exhilirating! Zooming down 280 at 90 miles an hour with both windows open and the stereo cranking out The Lovemakers is almost a religious experience. For the first time in my life, I don't give a damn if I get a speeding ticket because I'm having so much fun. I feel so alive!
While I was driving back from Santa Cruz (after checking out the Mystery Spot) on the 1, I drove on stretches of road that started with signs stating, "45 MPH Speed Limit ENDS," with no new speed limit posted nearby! Even the steep hills in SF don't bother me anymore because they give me an excuse to really gun the engine. Sachin and Ahmad have always raved about the joy of driving. I finally understand them now.
* Seeing some of my friends for the first time in almost 3 years has also been special. We haven't really changed much though, at least in terms of appearance (and maturity for Sachin).
Too bad my vacation is coming to an end. I will be taking a JetBlue flight back to JFK on Saturday night. Gotta catch up on all the good shows I missed!
posted by Gary at
4:40 AM
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