Sunny California

Sometimes people mistakenly call this The Sunshine State. That’s Florida, but you’re right to be confused.  It’s wicked sunny here, too.  We had a great week of sun and fun.

I’ve had a lot of visitors recently, which has made things fun and made me tired.

Right after Easter, JPH came to see me between family events on the West Coast.  We had a grand time, even though I can hardly get home from work at a reasonable time.  We watched the NCAA Championship games for men (on Castro St. in Mountain View) and women (at The Dutch Goose – a local favorite). 

This week, JMac came up from LA.  P-squared, she, and I went out for Italian here in town, got gelato, went to hang out with some colleagues, and it got late, so we had a slumber party at my house so they didn’t have to drive to the city.

Finally, my sister came to town on Thursday night!  I totally left her at the airport because I was in a coma and didn’t hear the multiple alarms I set.  Does that give you an indication of life out here?

Friday was a fun, fun day. 

JC and I wore matching shirts.  Unplanned, but we are on the same wavelength in the world, so it’s not surprising.  This is us, eating lunch outside as we always do.

I got my seniors to do a Minute To Win It game to end the day.  The blonde on the far left is our DJ from Finland.  He’s cooler than I.  I love AH on the bottom right, coaching her team.

I worked all week getting the Fixie Crew together for Fixie Friday.  It ended up being me and four boys.  I am trying desperately to get some ladies involved.  They are intimidated, but won’t listen to me when I tell them it will be fine.  I think I’ll have to do a ladies ride soon. 

Here we have two seniors and two sophomores.  Four fixies and one multi-geared bike among us.  We had fun on the miles of smooth, flat pavement.

Here we are looking out onto the Bay.  Love it!  I don’t know why I look puffed up, but I’m a Pelican for a reason, I guess.  I’m not happy about the no helmets on these boys.  At least they have brakes.

We did about 15 miles together and then I booked it home after our ride.  So, I had a 25 mile day on Friday.  Whew!  That’s tiring on a fixie and in jeans.  But on my way home, I was passes by one of my students hung out the passenger window yelling my name and waving at me.  That put a smile on my face until I reached my door.

Friday night was Supper Club and we went to the Cuban spot Bodeguita del Medio.  It was pretty good.  Appetizers were yummy and so were the drinks (we were celebrating), but my fish entree was just eh.

Here’s NK.  He’s in the Fixie Crew but didn’t ride with us, as he was after school helping kids get smarter.  Regardless, we were matching all day.  I’m not sure what’s going on in this picture, but it seems pretty par for the course.  We are pretty goofy.

The Supper Club.  NK is by default, my date, since everyone else is an official couple.  We walked a few blocks down to the Nuthouse, which is KMc’s “Cheers” and played some Shoulders.  It’s a drinking game that is entirely unfair if you are not drinking.  NK, my sister, and I were boss at this game.

Saturday night was the reason my sister came to town.  The Avett Brothers were gracing us with their presence.  I love them.  Love, love, love them.  I’ve seen them three times now, and I’m always so impressed with the energy and talent.  And their style.  I love how they dress.  We saw them at the gorgeous Fox Theatre in Oakland.  The bottom floor is just for standing, with four levels, each a few steps up from each other.  There is also a balcony of seats.  We opted to stand at the front of the second level, so we were close, but more importantly, above the heads in front of us. 

Scott and Seth Avett. What a great pair.

Here’s a great tune from the actual concert I saw.  It doesn’t display the frenetic energy of their live shows, but it does show off their sweet way with a song.

One of the encore songs they sang was “Where Have All The Average People Gone.”  They do a great, great version.  Scott Avett does it here.  How can I work this into my Stats class?

Today, sis and I took a drive to the Pacific before her flight. 

This place is pretty magical, in case you need reminding.  I think I do.