My mom and step-dad traveled from Washington to give me some only child time down here in California. I love when people come to visit, because it gives me a chance to be on vacation while at home and it forces me to finally spend some time exploring my city. (It also forces me to wash my car.) I wish I could write more about my city, because I do really love it, but for reasons of anonymity and security, I don’t feel like I can. Just know that it’s lovely.
When you’re from the West Coast, California is a place you’ve probably visited often, so when my parents visit, we usually spend our time hanging out instead of seeing the sights. I can sum up the weekend very simply: walking, eating, drinking, and pool-sitting. I had a great time.
Please excuse the poor quality. All of these pictures were taken with my iPhone, which is unfortunately where my current interest in photography begins and ends.
We hit up the Botanical Garden first, which I thought covered us for the weekend as far as exercise and culture go. It legitimized the rest of our eating and drinking and sitting-doing-nothing.
We did a lot of walking all weekend. We explored my little city on foot and it gave me a chance to show my parents where I live and for them to stop every ten minutes and say, "Oh, wow, look at that tree." I don't find trees quite as interesting as they do.
Can't shop on an empty stomach. Sbarro: a little local place--maybe you've heard of it. My friend Michael Scott told me about it.
My parents made me paranoid right away by insisting very uncharacteristically that they take me shopping for clothes. I thought they somehow knew about my blog and my debt and were trying to help me out or something. Then I was sure it was just that I looked like a slob who needed new clothes. Lisa more reasonably suggested that they just know I work a lot and don't have time to shop. Whatever the reason, though it made me a little uncomfortable, I let my mom take me shopping for new Summer clothes. I may feel 13, but at least I won't be dressing like a homeless grad student for the rest of the year.
Another local place. Mmmm . . . iced coffee.
It wouldn't be My Life in Pictures without Blue Moon. True story: I only drink it when taking pictures. Well, not really, but on my own dime, it's usually Bud Light or water. My step-dad bought me a case of Blue Moon. Best present ever. Taken in front of my bookcase for added sophistication.
This picture was meant to show off my tan/sunburn, but instead I look as pale as usual. Except for the farmer's tan that is.
We did prepare one meal in my tiny kitchen. Steak (on the grill), potatoes, bread, and salad. Like being at home.
My mom drank about a thimble's worth of this cheap wine, which is called Diablo Creek but I kept calling Dawson's Creek. She left the rest with me. I'll do what I can.
We logged some pool time every day. My favorite.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds AWESOME. I love that your dad bought you beer :)
Sounds like a great weekend and how nice that your parents were able to visit. I agree with your friend, your parents most likely recognize that you dont have much time for shopping and wanted to treat to some new things. I say just enjoy and go with it. =)
Aww, I’m glad your mom & step dad get to visit you. It sounded like a fantastic weekend. =)
Sounds like you had a fabulous weekend! I love it when my parents come to visit me too (they are coming this week!!) they always spoil me and it reminds me of being at home :)
What a lovely weekend! I’ve never had the experience of my mom coming to visit (we live within 30 minutes of each other) but it is something I’d like to try one day.
Thank you for more pictures of the things you drank. I count on you for these things. It seems like you had a nice visit from your parents! Now excuse me while I squint and try to figure out what books are in your bookcase…
Very nice! Like a mini-vacation. My sister is coming to visit me in a few weeks and I’ll be doing the same! Well, not exactly the same obv.
I never question my parents when they want to take me shopping, haha. I’m glad you had such a nice weekend—looks like a great time!
It looks like you had a fun time. I’m just getting to the point where I can have that sort of experience with my parents. It’s nice, and different from what I’m used to.
That sounds so relaxing! Your parents sound like good people. Oh, and I would have to agree that your current town is quite charming!
Nice! Looks like a fun, relaxing weekend. I’m going home (Palm Springs area) this weekend and can’t WAIT to get some pool time. I mean, I know I live in Santa Barbara and there’s a beach within five minutes no matter where I am, but it’s COLD here. :-P
My favorite picture was of the Blue Moon… because I was mesmerized by the bookshelf in the background!
It is so true that you finally get to explore your city when you have visitors. I’ve lived in Boston my whole life and there are things I didn’t see until I had visitors.
Glad you had a great weekend!
I also have a Farmer’s Tan in red :)