Now Picture That: Wrapped Up

Since we attended the conference and got down to the business we were meant to be doing while in San Diego the rest of the days, I'm going to just wrap up this little trip. The conference was amazing and reminded me of the reason I teach. I teach so all kids will learn. It's as simple and yet, as profound as that. Also, Shelby and I bonded with the presenter; he told us we really have fun in life and that he was glad to see passion and spark in a couple of young teachers. I might have also told him that I would marry his son so I could have Thanksgiving next year. Just might have. And, we might have hugged. Twice.

After Monday's session, The Boss, Shelby, and I went to the Fashion Valley mall. Let me just say this. Any mall whose main areas are OUTSIDE is a treat that's for sure. And, I was able to visit my favorite store that is not located within five hundred miles of me. Anthropologie. If I could spend a whole day in any store drinking coffee while wearing a scarf with my fingernails painted a dark color with the addition of wearing dangly earrings, it would be this one. The beauty all around makes my heart go pitter patter.

Then, I walked by this store, Restoration Hardware, and decided I could possibly sit on that couch for awhile also. Or maybe simply transport that whole aesthetic to my living room. I might even cheat on Anthropologie with this one.

Then, we went back to the hotel and figured out where we should go for dinner. We decided on Benihanas which is a place where the chef cooks the food right in front of about eight people sitting around. Shelby invited a complete stranger that was staying at our hotel to come along with us and she accepted! Hilarious. Shelby said to me, "I could tell that girl did not want to be eatin' with all of those National Guard boys so I just told her she was a comin' with us." Everyone needs a southern friend. Everyone.

Of course our favorite driver, Robert, came to get us yet again. He was even a good sport about wearing the ridiculous hat from the restaurant. I can't really explain how much Robert was a vital part of our trip. He is a gem. It's nice to see a young guy that has ambition and goals {if that doesn't make me seem like an old lady}. Plus, he's one of best "people persons" I've ever met; I do believe he could also make a friend inside a cardboard box and I have no doubt that he will succeed.

Random side note. I swear everyone in San Diego is left handed. It was a tad crazy.

After Tuesday's conference {which involved eating lunch outside and getting the best news ever from Momma Debi via text}, we took a taxi to Mt. Soledad because the left handed guy from the above picture recommended it. We had to take a taxi because Robert was not on his shift yet. Shelby told the taxi driver, "Jesus don't like when you lie" in her best southern drawl when she thought he was running us around. He then shut the meter off. OFF. I told you that everyone needs a southern friend. We made a quick stop at Mt. Soledad to see the breathtaking views of the city and the Pacific before heading to La Jolla beach to catch the sunset on the rocky beach.

We made it La Jolla in just enough time to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets I've ever had the pleasure of being around. There was photographers galore and I could see why. Seriously, crazy beautiful. And, can I just tell you...everything and everyone looks fabulous in sunset light. It's my favorite light.

Of course, Shelby and I felt the need to act like five year olds again. It's just what we do. If you would like to take us with you on your traveling adventures, please let me know. I guarantee it won't be boring. And, I'm pretty sure her husband is just thrilled that she has found someone to be her friend in ridiculousness. He really enjoyed our speakerphone calls. I know he did.

This would be Shelby yelling at a stranger and then making herself laugh.

And, this would be me saying good-bye to the one of the most beautiful sunsets I've witnessed.

Bright and early on Wednesday morning, we were at the airport. I was determined to not have my luggage be overweight again, so I loaded up a bunch of my heavy stuff into Shelby's luggage. And, when my suitcase was weighed, get this...it was...50.2 pounds. The limit is 50. Uffda. I was able to finagle not paying the fee though. I would also like to state for the record that I actually pre-planned my clothing choices so that I would not beep the detector and have to get the full-on pat down again. So, when I went through and it beeped, I was all, "WHAT?! I even tried this time." Then, the guy was all, "Do you have bobby pins in your hair?"

I didn't pre-plan enough I guess. So, I received the full pat down. Again. Then, while standing in line at Starbucks once inside the terminal, I leaned forward and said to the two pilots standing in front of me, "So, did you guys get the pat down this morning?" They replied with a laugh and after some more visiting, told me I could come on their flight if I wanted. But, they were going to Denver and I was not so that didn't work out.

Standing next to me in line to board the plane was a magician. A real life magician. A magician who was on his way to Argentina through Minneapolis. I told him if he came with me back home he could be the Magic Man from the Magic City {which is the nickname for my town}. When I asked him his name and he replied, "Nick," I said, "Well, hold on a second...you could be Mick the Magic Man from the Magic City! I'm just going to have to change your name for you." This made the lady behind us crack right up. Then he said, "I see you're in the entertainment business as well."

The sun was coming up as our plane took off and as I sat there and reflected over the time I had in San Diego, I decided it was a perfect business trip. I could not have asked for more.

I also really could not have asked for a better traveling friend than Shelby. It's not everyone that will turn around and do this at six thirty in the morning.