california dreaming

i did so much last week its hard to know where to start with my recap. first, there was the much-delayed flight out to san diego. but the heat, heavy bags and crying babies were all worth it. when i stepped off the plane, all i smelled was beach and sunshine. yes, san diego smells like sunshine. i kid you not.

our first full day, we went to the beach, which had soft sand with shiny gold flecks in it, so when you left the beach you were covered in gold shimmer. the water was beautiful and clean looking, if a bit on the cold side. in short, everything was perfect.

then i got pressured into flying on a tiny four-seat plane, and although i feared for my life the whole time, at least i didn't get air sickness like on of my fellow passengers.



the next day, after getting a small scalp burn, i bought a silly looking hat.



later in the week, we went to the zoo and saw pandas. i wore my panda shirt and silly hat.



on our last day there, we went to the gun range and the marines who had so graciously welcomed my friend maggie and i into their home taught us how to shoot guns. it was fun, and a little scary. and loud. (photos not available)

on thursday, i flew up to san francisco and spent the day with my friend and bride-to-be, erin. it was really nice to see her again after a few months apart. the next day a group of ladies went to brunch and then mani-pedis. it was beautiful and sunny the whole time i was in san francisco, although it was a little on the cool side and windy.

on saturday, we walked along the embarcadero on a beautiful sunny day, and enjoyed a lovely brunch. then we dressed ourselves up and boarded a trolley to the wedding location. the trolleys brought us through golden gate park and we got some great views.



and when we got to the peninsula where the ceremony was, overlooking the beach and the pacific, there were more amazing views.



the wedding was beautiful. erin looked amazing in her gorgeous white dress and pink pashmina, and her bridesmaids were decked out in indian-themed colors: pink dresses, saffron pashminas, gold shoes and bangle bracelets. (erin is obsessed with indian culture while her husband, ben, likes china) they said their own vows before a friend they had picked to officiate. the ceremony was quick (thankfully because it was so very windy and cold) and then we all blew bubbles as the wedding party ran towards the trolleys.

then we headed to china town for the reception. it was fun, with the food and booze flowing. there were fortune cookie favors with choice fortunes including my favorite "help! i'm trapped in a chinese bakery!"

here's one of my favorite photos of the night (among many):