Reconnection Accomplished

This month started out with a huge treat to myself with the encouragement of Drew and his paycheck. He had a paper to present in Sunny San Diego and this summer he invited me to come with him. I didn't give him a lot of choice in the matter. San Diego is my little heaven on earth and this was my 6th visit in 9 years. Thanks to Drew's very gracious mother who stayed with the kids for four days, this trip was amazing. My main goal - Reconnect. With Drew, with friends, with family and probably most importantly - myself.
Travel log alert! And my camera broke, so links will have to do.
Just flying alone was a huge treat. I looked at other mothers lugging car seats and strollers and toddlers with understanding and was so glad that for once I could be sympathetic instead of desparate. Once in San Diego I was able to spend a lot of time ALONE wandering the city, trying different restaurants and lounging in our gorgeous hotel. I used to be very brave and very independent and I was able to reconnect with that part of me a little. I toured the USS Midway just for fun and all alone, taking time to soak up the history rather than worrying about soaking diapers. A little ocean front time was also nice.
Drew and I did get plenty of time for ourselves. A couple of dinners out and a trip to the San Diego Temple really gave us a chance to spend quality time talking and just being together.
I also demonstrated my independence and bravery by making a solo trip up to Santa Monica to visit a Gorgeous Museum, The Getty, with one of my favorite friends in this whole huge world. She met me down in LA with her little boy and we had a fabulous afternoon talking and watching him be ridiculously well behaved. My friend mentioned driving in LA is kind of like a rite of passage. It is scary, but once you do it you feel like you've accomplished something. She was definitely right on both accounts.
After my afternoon at the museum I headed down to Newport to visit my aunt, who I love but rarely get to see. We had a blast. If you ever need a tattoo and are down that way, check her out!
Anyway, long story not so short. We had a great - much needed - vacation from reality. If it weren't for that pesky bank account we'd be game for another one soon!