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....