Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Three Days Left Until... Our Trip To Santa Monica (L.A.) To See Our Daughter & Eat Ourselves Into Oblivion

Okay, I guess it's safe to admit at this point that I'm getting uber excited about our trip out to the West Coast to visit our daughter. I've had my clothes and shoes out for a week, trying to decide what I'll wear where. I'm trying to take less this time, which would probably be a *first* since I never pack light. I just like to have... alternatives. Yes, that's right! I like to have choices in case something else doesn't work out. I'm a woman. So sue me. I mean, the Las Vegas trip taught me a lesson and I learned it well. Never pack clothes that don't fit (in other words, try them on prior to trip).

This time I'm playing it smart and taking a variety of flats to wear, lest I get blisters on my feet on the first night, like last time. No thanks! I'm pretty sure I learned my lesson last time. I have an assortment of really cute sandals and flats, with a couple of pairs of medium height heels, just because I like to be daring and pretend that I'm tall sometimes. Luckily, I've had both pair for a while, so they are broken in already.

Soooooooo... The planned itinerary is to arrive in Burbank mid-morning, drive to daughter's office in Beverly Hills (meet the Big Boss), then head to the Santa Monica beach and lunch at the Ivy-At-The-Shore, which surprises me. This is The Ivy where she saw my three most favorite actor/comedians: Tom Hanks, Larry David (of Seinfeld fame) and Martin Short (for whom I would leave my husband if he weren't as happily married as I). This must mean that she trusts me enough to allow me into a public domain where I might embarrass her with my silly reactions to seeing any of those three. I know that I wouldn't just sit and stare. That would be rude, of course. However, I'm not sure I could stop myself from stopping to chat while pledging my undying love to them. All. Of. Them. I'm beyond the age of being embarrassed by my own actions.... most of the time. I'm harmless though. Really. Honest!

That night we have reservations at a place on the beach called The Lobster, which we've been told is extremely good and shouldn't be missed. Apparently, the sunsets and the lobster are to live for, so we're in. Daughter and I will most likely put her Dad to bed while we go for drinks somewhere. Although... last year he was some kind of crazy party animal because he was all mixed up with the two hour time change. I'm telling you, he was a wild man and it was so much fun! Neither SD nor I recognized him.

On Friday, we're going to kind of hang at the beach (Thank gawd it's not the Hollywood stars walk-of-fame again) where SD and I will probably ride bikes or roller blade while Mr. Snoots seeks refuge in a dark, air conditioned bar somewhere that has sports TV and smoking. So, I haven't done roller blades since the kids were younger. That has definite comedic possibilities, huh?

We have dinner reservations that night at a restaurant called Ocean Avenue Seafood which is supposedly a Santa Monica tradition. As it turns out, one of SD's teammates from her soccer team tends bar there and offered to give us a 15% discount if we come visit him at the bar. But of course we will!

On Saturday, we're going to cruise around the Third Street Promenade area and have a nice leisurely lunch somewhere with a view of the beach. No big plans really. Although, I thought it might be fun to do the Trapeze School offered at the Santa Monica Pier. That night, we have dinner reservations at Wolfgang Puck's restaurant *Chinois*, so we're looking forward to that.

On Sunday, we're going to brunch at Geoffrey's Malibu, which has been a Malibu institution for years. Everyone says the view is magnificent. After that, we'll probably run back to our hotel, change into more casual clothes and head to the amusement park at the Santa Monica Pier for a couple of hours. By then I'm sure we'll need naps.

Later that evening we have dinner reservations at a place called The Chart House, in Malibu. I have no idea if it's any good, but I've eaten at the one in Lahaina (which isn't even there anymore), on the Hawaiian island of Maui, thirty five years ago. That's good enough reason to go there, right? I just figured if it's still there after all these years (they were all opened *back in the day*), it must still be good. Besides, they have a wonderful view of the ocean at sunset. I can get a great meal almost anywhere, but I can't get a view of the ocean at sunset just anywhere.

Monday we go to Disneyland!!!!!!!!!! I can't help but wonder how long I'm going to last. I haven't done amusement parks since the kids were in middle school. Hmmmm... I'm not sure I can count that high. But, I can hardly wait to ride The Matterhorn Bobsled. I think that's been the one thing has stuck in my brain since the early days of watching Disney on Sunday nights. And the jungle cruise. I want to ride all of the wild rides (except the ones where you get wet) like Indiana Jones Adventure, Pirates of the Caribbean, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes, and all the rest. Disneyland has several excellent restaurants in Disneyland California Adventure, so we'll be having a really great lunch. Somewhere.

Monday night I did make a reservation for dinner at Boa Steakhouse in Santa Monica, but I'm not sure if we're going to make that reservation time. I suppose it depends on how exhausted we are after Disneyland. It could be that we're completely ravaged. Then again, we might achieve a true *second wind*. Time will tell.

We leave for home Tuesday morning, so we'll most likely spend Monday night (after dinner, of course) getting packed up and ready to go home. I'm sure we'll be ready by then.

I promise to keep my digital camera at the ready... at all times. (Why don't they make those ridiculous neck straps for cameras anymore? I swear I'd wear one.) I'm taking both batteries & the charger and will do my best to be discreet when quickly setting up my shots. Of course, that's a promise I might not be able to keep. Hehehehe...

Dear Lord: Please don't let my feet and ankles swell up like big tree stumps this time. Please. I'll do anything. The first trip out to the West Coast was torture enough, as was the trip to Las Vegas last Fall.. Isn't it time that I got a *swelling break*? The water pills don't work. Elevating the feet above my head doesn't work. Is there something you're not telling me about?  The doctor just gave me a major GOOD BILL OF HEALTH. I'm begging. I just don't think I can wear the anti-swelling knee socks I bought at a weak moment....

9 comments:

Heather Kerrigan said...

I'm exhausted just reading about your California adventures.

If you are ever out in Studio City check out the poolside bar at the Sportsmen's Lodge Hotel. It has a fun old Hollywood feel and often some "star" appeal. I haven't been there since it's been redone, but it's a fav of mine. That's where we stay when I visit my brother.

Cheers! Can't wait to see all the photos. Now I know what to get you for Christmas--a camera strap!

Staci said...

I know all about that swelling feet and ankles stuff - happens to me EVERY SINGLE TIME I get on a plane - so I just wear the weird socks while flying. That helps. Of course, I then try to drink all the beer and salty margaritas in town no matter what town I'm in, so I counteract my "unswelled" feet and "cankles".... But oh my gosh, all those restaurants sound great. I last went to Disneyland about 10 years ago and it wasn't that bad, I actually enjoyed just watching the people. You have yourself some fun!

Sjn said...

You'll have a fabulous time! Stick with those comfy walking shoes and
please... Do NOT roller blade, being of ~ the same age, I can say that would be a high risk for injury. You wouldn't want to spoil this wonderful trip would you?!
Can't wait to read the post all about it!

Connie said...

I'm pretty sure you need someone along to ... well, do something ... how bout hold the camera when your not taking pictures! Your eating at a lot of seafood places ... swelling can happen with gout (sp?). Any doctor conversations abotu this? Those damned pressure socks blow. I'm considering taking care of those spider veins but the whole sock thing is holding me back. Don't do anything I wouldn't do in CA ... that leaves her wide open!

Daryl said...

I know this will seem counter productive but drink a LOT of water before, during and after the flight and you should be okay. And get up during the flight and walk around a bit if you can... that will help too.

Enjoy ... cant wait to see/hear how much fun you had!

I fasted during Yom Kippur for us all, so go forth and sin, you have a clean slate!

imom said...

You have some fun stuff planned! I can't wait to hear all about it. I have those swelling issues too, drink lots, and lots and lots of water. When you think you've had enough drink more!

Snooty Primadona said...

Sooo... Are you saying I can't have drinks on the flight besides water? Bummer!!!!!!!! Maybe I could just drink a lot of water IN BETWEEN cocktails. That would work, right?

That Janie Girl said...

Lord have mercy girl! You are gonna be jumping through yourself!

Have fun with SD and Mr. Snooty.

We'll hook up when you get back.

Anonymous said...

DISNEYLAND! DISNEYLAND!

I love Disneyland!

http://www.ittybittycrazy.com/imported-data/2009/9/26/travel-disneylandworld.html

 

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