Double Standards

I was talking to my dad the other day and he asked how Sis was in Montana. He then reminisced about a time that he and a friend went to Alaska and then travelled back down through Montana. He told how he would find an odd job to get by, drop in on acquaintances for lodging, or just rely on the kindness of good Samaritans for a meal.

He says it was one of the best experiences of his life and though he wouldn't want to do it again, he was glad to have gotten the chance to travel like that.

Then he said that if he had had a son, he would've given him some money and sent him off to do the same because it was such a great way to see the country and learn about life.

Of course he would never think of doing this with us girls. He was so over-protective of us. I remember a time when I was 18, still at home, and my sister told me of a job opening, running a hot dog cart in front of the state capitol building. I thought it sounded like a good job for me, but when my dad heard about it, he freaked out and forbid me to pursue it. He couldn't possibly stand the thought of me on the street interacting with strangers! And downtown! He would rarely let me drive downtown, let alone actually work there. What was I thinking?!

Yep, that's my dad. But I love him, double standards and all.

Wrappin' It Up

Well, Sis and Trav made it to their destination in Montana, on time, in one piece and without the assistance of a tow truck. Win. Win. and Win. I'm considering revamping the children's book The Little Engine That Could and have it feature an old red Subaru wagon instead. Could be a hit.

Sis called me when they made it to Idaho Falls. I fell in love with that place just from the photos I found online, and in one of my fantasies, we picked up and moved there leaving bankrupt/ corrupt California behind us.

Then I saw what passes as a "high" temperature in winter there and decided maybe just visiting Idaho Falls someday would probably suffice. (Although Nampa/Boise are looks promising...and by promising I mean warmer.)

Before Sis left we had a mom/daughter weekend in San Fran. It was nice to have time alone just the two of us before she left the state.

The highlights were Lombard St.

We went there Friday night and again on Saturday. We love walking up and down the street, and I let Carley drive my car down it. Such a cool place.

We then went to Coit tower and rode the elevator to the top and enjoyed the views.

We also smashed pennies. Our souvenirs for the day were our smashed pennies imprinted with SF scenes. We're such cheap dates!

Then we enjoyed our picnic lunch at Alamo Park overlooking the "Full House" houses.

And if you're ever in the city make sure you visit 826 Valencia. It's San Francisco's best pirate supply store. I can't even explain this place, but I laughed until I cried at one point, if that gives you any indication of the fun in store...in the store.

On Saturday we spent all of $14, not counting the pennies, and we went to places we hadn't seen before. Definitely a memorable trip!

Yep, it's a wrap. That was pretty much my week.

And...They're Off!

So Sis and her boyfriend left for Montana early this morning.

I had dinner with her and her boyfriend's family last night to say goodbye.
Her little Subaru wagon was packed as full as I've ever seen a car packed,
with stuff even strapped on top.

You know that saying about the sack? Well I changed it to
"Ten pounds of crap in a Five pound car"!

Boyfriend's mom is an expert packer, so she packed the car,
and all their little things they needed to take, and all their clothes
(he has as much as she does apparently) and several pillows each.
We joked that they couldn't open the back hatch at risk of explosion,
and if all that stuff did come flying out,
there's no way those two kids could fit it back in like his mom did.
It's like playing Tetris with blankets, and bags and pillows.
My hat's off to her!

As always, I'm strapped for cash, so couldn't even send my girl off
with a little pocket money. Made up a goody/snack bag for them instead
with little well-wishes written by me and the little girls all over it.

I hope they have an adventure in Montana. They're going to a small
town, but it's still bigger than any of the towns in our county.
His dad has a store and deli and will employ them and house them.

I will be glad when they arrive and are safe and sound. Did I mention
that the Subaru has 197,000 miles on it? Yep. Let's hope it's up for at
least another 1,000 or so.

Last night I dreamed that I was still trying to fit little things in all
the nooks and crannies of her car. Trying to make sure she had
everything she needed.

I guess that's the reality. I can't give her everything she needs anymore.

Of Being 19 and Adventures

So, in a couple days my oldest daughter is moving to Montana. A LONG way away.
It's hard for a mom. Not to mention all the worrying I have to do while they drive
for TWO DAYS in an old car.

She's 19. I kind of did the same thing when I was 19. Quit my good job as a printer,
and went to shack-up with my boyfriend on the top of Donner Summit.
Yes, THAT Donner Summit.
Luckily my boyfriend was employed to plow snow, so our driveway was always clear.
That's the only way to go if you're gonna live there.

The little house we rented was really for summer use. And it was COLD. INSIDE.
Ice on the inside of the windows cold. And we only had a fireplace, with green wood.
Couldn't afford to use the electric wall heaters. For some reason it didn't bother me.
When you're 19 it's an adventure. I wouldn't last a day in that house now, let me tell you!

I worked at a ski area and had a fantasy that my boyfriend (of 5 years)
and I would get married in the summer.
It didn't happen.
Why buy the cow when the milk is free and all that jazz, I guess.
It broke my heart. And I broke up with him and moved on.

Oh, to be 19 and going on an adventure.