6 Days in Sunny San Diego, Day 1: Posh and Padres

(Back to the end of May...)

It was very important that my parents eventually made it back from Scotland. They did, of course, and with time to spare. They were "killing" time in Europe until they were very much needed here in Oregon on May 23rd. Jared's national PA convention was being held in San Diego, CA. This was also where we got married 12 years ago that very month. Since my parents weren't currently on a mission and were still in the contiguous 48 states (though they did postpone their arrival back at home in AK a month longer for us), Jared wanted to take me with him. It all fell into place very nicely and I still can't believe I actually got to go too!

My parents have been here at our house and with the kids for several lengths of time that they know their way around and the kids are very close and comfortable with them. My only worry about leaving was for my parents. Not that they couldn't handle 4 kids, but that they wouldn't be speaking to us when we got back. They assured us not to worry and as I smooched my kids goodbye early Saturday morning (2 sneaky tears crept out when I kissed Calvin), my mom's parting words were..."Just pretend it's 12 years ago, with no kids!" So we did!

Just being in a land with palm trees is so fun. There was a cool breeze. It wasn't as hot as I was hoping for because we were visiting during "Gray May" as it's called by the natives. But I quickly got over it.

We chose to stay at the Bayfront Hilton Hotel because A) it was right next to the convention center and Jared could walk to class. B) it was right near the water AND Petco Park where the Padres play. We rented a car so we could see as much of San Diego as we could when Jared wasn't in class.

Next time, we're staying at the Best Western or Motel 6 or something of the like in town. Our hotel of choice was at the least, extravagant. "Swanky" is the term Jared used, I believe. Not only was it $200+ a night, but they charged an additional $21 a DAY for parking. And the running track that they touted on their website doesn't actually exist. And in order to use their gym with 2 treadmills, 2 steppers, 1 bike and some weights, it cost an additional $15 a DAY to use. What a rip. Good freakin' night. About that...the room wasn't anything spectacular either, unless you're moved by the granite counter tops and hidden safe. We requested a king bed back in January but I'm sure because we were there just for the PA convention, there were only 2 queens available. There was no microwave and no refrigerator, which totally stinks! I could have eaten cereal for breakfast every day and we could have had popcorn at night for a snack. Best Western, Motel 6, all those chains at least give you a fridge and microwave and more often than not, a continental breakfast at 1/5 the price! What a waste of money. So we pretty much paid (ahem, actually Jared's CME money paid) for the VIEW of the bay and the bed. I have to say, that bed was heavenly. I felt like I was sleeping on a cloud.

Here's a view from the end of our hallway. Bottom/middle left is one end of the Convention Center where all of Jared's classes were. And upper/middle right is Petco Park...the baseball stadium...home of the Padres.


Here's our eye-rolling, posh, over-the-top, ritzy hotel. I meant to take pictures of the inside and forgot. Probably because I felt completely out of my element and was hurrying back to the room as quickly as possible.


Jared went to a couple classes for the last few hours of the day while I stayed and unpacked. That night, we met up with our friend Shanelle (Jared's classmate from PA school) and Molly, the other PA in Jared's office for the Padre's game against the Chicago Cubs.




One of the best things about these games is the stadium food. Here's Jared eating his pulled pork sandwich. I swear, you can dress him up but you can't take him out. They should name it the "sloppy piggy." The sandwich, not Jared!


The game had some fun excitement when a brawl broke out about 8-10 rows below us. Jared was convinced it was the Cub fans. Having lived with them, I think Jared would know. I have no doubt alcohol played a big part in it as well. It took awhile for the stadium police/security to get there, but several people were escorted away in cuffs. And the Padres won the game.

Here are the physician assistants: (left to right) Molly, Jared, and Shanelle.


Here's the wifey tag-along and proud of it!