On every tropical trip, my family walked over to the extravagant Hyatt hotel in the late afternoon on Tuesdays and Saturdays. (We stayed in condos nearby; we were too messy to spend a week cramped in one tiny room!) After strolling around the lush gardens and lagoon-style pool, we claimed couches on the terrace for the evening entertainment. Read more →
My family will be sleepwalking through security and snoring in our seats at the airport on Monday. With a 4 am wake-up call, we’ll need plenty of caffeine to make it through the morning, but after a 5 hour flight, we’ll pick up our luggage and start working on our tans in beautiful Hawaii! Read more →
Although not much of a picky eater growing up, I hated when foods touched on my plate. I only classified a few combinations as “acceptable”: butter and mashed potatoes, maple syrup and pancakes, chocolate sauce and ice cream. But I nearly threw a tantrum if… Read more →
Growing up, my grandparents flew out to visit us once or twice a year. During every visit, Grandpa would bang around in the kitchen one morning after drinking his coffee, pulling out measuring cups and mixing bowls to make his famous Cowboy Coffee Cake. Read more →
One Saturday during high school, my friend showed up on my doorstep holding a square white shoebox. “My boyfriend baked cheesecake!” she bragged as I peeked inside. “It’s amazing; he’s practically a gourmet chef!” Read more →
Four weeks ago, I found a puffy envelope in my mailbox. California summoned me for my first official jury duty! Bright and (too) early last Monday morning, I stumbled up the courthouse steps, passed through security, and immediately heard my name called by the clerk to sit in the assembly box. Read more →
“Let’s spend the day boating and fishing on the Mississippi River!”
Never mind that I forgot my flip flops at home in California. Or that my stomach lurched at the sight of wriggling worm bait. Or that my teeth chattered constantly from the blowing winds and cloudy skies. Read more →
I drank ate my first root beer float in kindergarten. The PTA organized a “Field Day” every June with at least 10 outdoor stations, including a water balloon toss, hula hoop contest, and summer snacks. For the hungry kids, they sliced up juicy watermelon and scooped up root beer floats. Read more →
With the wind whipping our hair around our faces, my high school friend and I climbed the streets of San Francisco. We had already meandered around the Westfield Mall, spotted movie producers filming behind the Ferry Building, and nibbled on free samples of caramel-filled milk chocolates in Ghirardelli Square. To end the evening, we rode the bus to Japantown for sashimi, sushi rolls, and crêpes. Read more →
As a self-conscious teenager, I spent many sunny afternoons strolling around the mall with my friends. I feigned interest in the tiny tops and tight jeans in their favorite trendy boutiques, but I always preferred the bath and body shops. There weren’t any “popular” scents of bubble bath or perfumed candles that I had to remember there! Read more →
