I’m sitting in my happy place. The Marriott Marquis of San Diego.
There is something about the balcony of these gorgeous suites that looks directly out to the Coronado bridge that gives me so much peace. Although, I think any view does that. I immediately think of the Laguna house I stayed out, our old Mission Hills house, Sainte Maximme with the harbor and all the boats coming in…
I clearly need a home with a view again.
Family Weekend at SDSU violently collided with The Life of a Showgirl (TLOAS) album release and movie listening experience. It was perfect. There were a few things I had to laugh at but I need/want to take those silly things with the appreciation that I’m able to do them in the first place.
I knew S&T would be so appreciative and grateful to be included, even if it meant more work for me. And it really wasn’t a lot of work, it was just doing all the logistics because if I wasn’t going to do it, no one was.
And at the same time, being able to be relaxed enough for S to join us when she wanted/when she was able so we could actually spend some time with her. I think she has a low tolerance sometimes – which I get – so really just going with the flow.
I had to go take a break because I thought I had stayed here and wrote on these lovely lounges chairs by the pool last year but NO, it was when I dropped her off. I stayed extra days because my Mama was generous and got me a room. That was a fun re-read.
Last year was emotional. For so many reasons. I have similar feelings right now but they are 40% muted which I’m grateful for. Perspective, time, learning… Something.
Last year’s Family Weekend was fun where we watched the football game, took the trolley, had dinner, and tooled around.
This year, I declined all the “official” events and we decided to just make our own schedule.
Sam really wanted pictures at the Botanical Gardens so we did that. Walking through Balboa was SO NICE. Gorgeous day, wish I wasn’t in jeans but I survived.
She had “plans” that night and I ALMOST convinced her to come sleep with me in my hotel room and go out to dinner with her but her improv practice won, and then spending time with friends.
So we hit Shout, the Dueling Piano bar! That was SO FUN. S&T had never been and my Mom’s FAVORITE THING is pianos.
So obviously we had a great time. We bonded with our waiter, Dillon, whom we thought would be perfect for Sam. We kept our mouth shut when talking to him but we did take a lot of photos of him. He just laughed.
We did all the suggestions, danced around with our next door tables, and had a grand time.
The best part was that it started at 6:30 and we left at 9. haha – I’m sure they were going to continue on until 1:30am but that was it for us!
The next morning was TAYLOR!!! The best!
The movie was so good. I was a little nervous about S&J attending since they don’t listen to her at all but they appreciate anything and can always have a good time. We all enjoyed.
I have so many more Taylor thoughts for later. I am REALLY enjoying this album now that I got over the initial shock of it.
We went BACK to the hotel to pick up the boys – because we didn’t trust them to make their own way to SDSU – haha. Part of my shepherding duties that I signed up for knowing all this.
I wanted to go to Eureka for lunch because it’s such a vibe but the line was 45m and we had a big dinner coming up. So the group got WhichWhich sandwiches, and i grabbed some cheese and apple slices from Traders (and had cashews in my bag) and then we walked over to Sam’s courtyard for lunch!
That was so nice. It was quiet – the flies were insane – but we saw the pool, and enjoyed the outdoors, and it was a perfect setting.
We then got to tour her apartment which was so lovely. Ally – and Sam! – decorated their room so adorably. The posters were perfect from both of them. I think Ally was mostly the mastermind but Sam is so good at decorating too. I think we scared off the 3 roommates we met. I had to laugh, Elise introduced herself to all four Grandparents and every single one said, “Emily?” and she had to repeat herself, and they still didn’t hear her. I felt a little bad.
God, that’s going to be me in 20 years.
Sam had our AGD parent weekend shirts for us gals, and then we toured her sorority! The open house was at 5pm – I really need to plan with Sam better next year. But she had concert plans that night so… hard to do that since she bought the tickets ages ago.
But it was super cool to see where she will be living next year!
Then we all went back for some down time. Again, here is where I’m learning… T had forgotten his bag at the Marriott, so I dropped one set off, then waited for him to find his back in Lost & Found, and then drove them back to their hotel, and then drove BACK… to go relax. But it’s one of those things where – I’m grateful they get to be here and hang out and make these memories. And yes, it took an extra 25 minutes – and I may have decided to bail if he luckily didn’t find his bag quickly – but it all worked out.
Oh, and my 30 days in advance reservation of Inside Out so SO COOL! Gorgeous setting! The food was exquisite (seabass, sweet potato fries, and brussel sprouts) and the group raved about the bread. I wasn’t gonna drink that night but oops, after JJ ordered champagne then Sharon got one and well, why sit out from that?
So fun! I definitely want to go back when they redecorate for the next season. But there are also so many fun restaurants to go back to, so that’s a hard decision too!
We said goodbye to Sam and Ally so they could go see Conan Gray.
I took one group back to their hotel, and then J & G and I sat by the bar. G bailed after 20m but J and I had a lovely time gabbing. Went deep talking about her soul mates. Crazy.
And then my time in my room was so nice.
It was a little emotional. I was alone and not quite lonely but more reflective. Life is hard, lovely, magical, and so many other things.
Now I’ll have to decide what to listen to on the ride back. And get ready for my jam-packed week.
And then life goes on… quickly.
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