Today was my final day in California. And what did I do to start it: sleepnon. Well, compared to when I was getting up, 10am is sleeping in. Anyway, first on the agenda today was lunch with Gina's family at her Aunt's restaurant. Some cousins, Grandfather's, and others were there. It was good to get a nice meal in and meet more people. Can't beat it.
After, we dropped back to the house and headed to Uptown Whittier where Gina showed me some of her favorite local shops and what-not. Some pretty nice places, including a little record shop. After some more walking and talking it was getting to be time to head back home. I still needed to get all of my things together and make sure I didn't leave anything in CA.
We ended up relaxing for a couple of hours and I was actually able to update Gina's iPod. When was the last time it was messed with? Well...we were still in FL at that time, so do the math. Haha. Next it was off to one last dinner at Cheesecake Factory. I think this place was decided upon because of all the times we went there in Winter Park. Regardless, it was fantastic and I left full. Pretty much the norm when it comes to Cheesecake. I honestly think that before tonight, the last tine I was there was in my Orlando days. Wooooooow.
For the finale, we headed back to Gina's house to grab my two bags. On the way we drove by the old Middle and Elementary schools (not mine) and I got to see what was left of Whittier. Skip ahead to the drive to L.A.X. I thanked G and her Mom for allowing me to stay with then basically all week. Hugs all around and into the airport.
I ended up getting through security pretty fast and was at my gate with a hour and a half to spare. As I type this via my phone, I'm sitting in Atlanta in front of gate A11. My flight to Flint leaves at 8:50. I'm sitting here and thinking about the great time I had from beginning to now. The road trip with Tori that included stops in Denver, Las Vegas, and Aliso Viejo. All the pictures taken. The wonderful hospitality shown by Gina and her family. Having the best tour guide anyone can ask for show me around Huntington Beach, Whittier, the Hollywood hills, downtown Hollywood and L.A. The movies, shops, restaurants, etc. Just an AMAZING trip thanks to AMAZING people. And then, of course, the reason we came out here, getting Tori all set up for grad school. The apartment is beautiful (minus the parking) and within a day she had it looking like she'd been there for years. Her roommate should be arriving sometime today and in a couple more weeks, she starts school all over again. It's crazy to think about.
So, to end this before I have to board, I want to say THANK YOU to Gina and her entire family for being so welcoming and letting me into their home. CONGRATS TORI for getting a great place at a great school. I'm extremely proud of you. Well, I need to get on a plane now to head home. If I forgot anything, I'll put it on today's blog post.
Running off no sleep,
B
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