Four whole days and multiple Californian cities later, I’m back in Seattle, just in time to catch a freak hail/snow storm after having a few days of sun and flip-flops. My co-worker says flip-flops are overrated, but I think she’s just jealous. Anytime I don’t have to cover my feet is great!

My California adventure began on Tuesday night when I flew into Sac and was picked up by Christopher, Na’s bf, who was there to “drop his co-worker off,” or so Na thought. When we got back to her apartment, she was asleep on the couch, so I woke her up. In hindsight, Christopher and I thought of some cooky ways we could have woken her up and confused her even more, but oh well. I just gently shook her awake, and when she saw me, she was totally thrown off. “What are you doing here?? What’s going on?? Are you here by yourself?” So we explained the whole thing about Christopher flying me down to surprise Na for her b-day.

The next morning, we had breakfast at IHOP, followed by a beautiful drive out to China Camp in Marin County. The weather was amazing–clear skies, warm, but still cool. We did a really mellow hike (more like a walk) through shaded trails where we saw wild turkeys, two deer, and some lizards.

After that, we went into the City, well, just to Clement Street, where we pretty much just ate ourselves down two blocks…first, dim sum at Wing Lee Bakery, then a break at Green Apple Books, then egg puffs, ending with boba at Sweet Delite. The sun was out for the most part, but as we were leaving, the fog began rolling in, leaving me a little sad and wistful about the days when I lived there. As much as I love living in Seattle, I still love, love, love SF.

We met up with my parents in Davis for dinner, went back to Na’s place for birthday cake for Na, me, and Christopher, since our birthdays are all within two weeks of each other. I really enjoyed staying with Na. There’s a certain level of comfort and security from just hanging out with someone you’re so comfortable with. Also, without Matt there, I’m not worrying if he’s bored or needing time alone. It’s also rare that I hang out at Na’s place, since I’m usually at my parents’ place, so it was nice for me to get that experience of staying over with her as opposed to her always visiting me in my apartment or house.

We woke up at the buttcrack of dawn for Na to get to school. On the way, Na stopped at Raley’s to get coffee, so I got to surprise one of my uncles who works there. (The barista there, who Na has gotten to know by being a frequent customer, saw me with Uncle Angus and said, “Oh look, your sister has already made friends with the produce man!”)

Na had to work, so the birthday portion of my California adventure ended Thursday morning…