05.11.06
The Usual Pre-Trip Routine & Reminiscing of California
As usual, I scrambled today to get ready for my trip back to Germany. I won’t be returning to the U.S.A. until sometime in September. I wanted to stock up on things here in America that are almost twice the cost in Germany – things like shampoo, soap, etc. I also needed to buy some things for our cruise this summer out of fear that I won’t be able to find my size in Germany.
I drove back from Houston (had spent the night at Rosanna and David’s), stopped in Baytown in search for shorts (didn’t want to get stuck in rush hour traffic in Houston – but would have rather gone to the Galleria), and then I decided halfway home that I should get my haircut again before the summer starts. I had Vicky (my Mom’s hair stylist) cut my hair so that it wouldn’t need to be cut for a while. It’s a little shorter than usual, but I know that it will be the perfect length for summer vacation pictures.
I then ran all over town (Sally’s Beauty Supply, Payless Shoe Source for an exchange, Academy for some clothes, and finally to Target). I had my Mom and Dad make one stop for me at Barnes & Noble to grab a German/English dictionary that I could carry in my purse). I then met them up for dinner at Acapulco’s. I had to get my Tex-Mex in before going back to the land of pork and potatoes.
I also tried to call people to say goodbye for now. I talked to Eric & Catherine for a little while. I could hear Caitlyn in the background. I ended up staying up late to pack all the stuff I bought, and then I chatted with my cousin, Chris who lives in California. We’re both night owls, so we tend to talk later than most people. I lost track of time. I had to fit in a few more laughs before my long flight back.
I’m looking forward to our summer vacation with the California Mendozas because we have so much fun together. You can be yourself and not have to worry if you’re going to offend anyone.
We count them (collectively) among some of our best friends. They took us in as their own when we moved to California in 1999. I’ll never forget their hospitality and friendship. I get homesick for them. I think it’s great to have such a great, big family. Life is never boring. I think that is what keeps us young. I went from my great, fun family in Texas to another great, fun family in California. See ya all soon!
