San Francisco Sabbatical

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Nashville, TN: My temporary residency in LA has proven to be a truly new experience. Lots of awesome adventures, but a busy and different schedule that I am still adjusting to. Last week we had an unexpected additional hiatus, which meant I had a few days off. Though there was still work to be done, thanks to the power of technology, I knew I could slip way for a couple of days and still work on the tasks that need to be completed.

Coincidentally, my sweet cousin, Denny, was throwing a surprise birthday party for my favorite Auntie & Godmother, Paula (aka Dooey / Dooballs / Doo / DB), in Northern California. Thanks to Southwest points and great deals via Hotwire, I flew into Oakland, CA on Sunday, rented a car, and made my way to Concord, CA.

It has been four years since I had last made the trip up north, and funny enough, it was also for a surprise party for Doo (her retirement party, that time). Sure enough, I had surprised her once again when I showed up at We Care and asked her if I could stay at her house for the night. (She luckily said yes!)


The afternoon was spent catching up with cousins... and second cousins... and third cousins... and cousins-in-law. It was so special to be a part of their lives that I only normally get to see played out on Facebook.


The next day, DB and I spent the day living life to the fullest: brunch at one of her favorite restaurants, a trip to Target (where I got her one of the best albums of the year), a stop at a bookstore, a recharge at Starbucks and eventually a nap on the couch with the little, cute and very excitable, doggie, Gracie Girl.



Before I left, my Godmother -- who just turned 75 -- leant me her copies of all three "Fifty Shades of Grey" books. I am, clearly, behind the times.


That night, I made my way into San Francisco proper where I had dinner with another cousin, Madonna, her husband Matt and their son Warren. Madonna is about 8 months and 3 weeks pregnant and if her water broke that night, I honestly can say that I would have Instagrammed the magical moment... then gotten the hell out of there. (But super excited for them!)


After the sweet stuff was eaten (thank you, Pizza Hut meal deal) and the game was won (Go Giants!), I headed towards the water where I met up with my very first boss in radio -- and still amazing friend -- Cara and her awesome boyfriend, Louis.

They have the BEST house. Seriously. They're about 4 blocks from the water, just added a wine cellar and have a lemon tree, fire pit and bocce ball court in their backyard. Plus, they have a huge, cute and did I say huge? dog, Auggie, who kind of runs the house.


Before I left, Cara and I got coffee and bagels from the local cafe (a true hipster place... sorry, East Nasty) and went to a local park to take in the sights. In just a couple too-short hours, we caught up on life, love, dreams, goals -- all while enjoying the gorgeous view and perfect fall weather. Cara is one of my "gut girls" (a term I just coined tonight). We may not see each other often, but when we do, we go straight for the gut of our lives. No fluff or small talk, but musings about what really moves us and makes us weep. I cherish our friendship more than I can explain in a blog... or in person, for that matter.


On my flight back to Burbank, I was struck with feeling of how I'm so incredibly grateful for my life as it is, right now. And how sometimes a San Francisco Sabbatical is the exact thing you need to relax and recharge.