octosaw

I have been in California for approximately thirty-six hours and I have already done many and varied tings. My trip yesterday was slightly frustrating bc we landed in SFO 15min early, and then sat so long waiting for a gate that we were almost 45min late (which means we sat near the gate for an hour). After that, everything was as smooth as possible - my bag was one of the first off the plane, and I was able to skip the massive line at the rental car counter and go straight to my car thanks to the magic of the rental car app + status through one of my various credit cards or airline statuses (I don’t even know what gives status anymore, but in the current economy, any status helps).

I was still 40min late to brunch with Jen, Jane, and Joann (the friendship renewal crew), which means my original plan would have gotten me there right on time. But no harm done - we had dim sum at Palette and caught up while eating many shrimp families in various preparations. It was great, as usual, to see them, even if we discussed dentistry to a greater degree than I expected, and I’m glad that our friendship is properly renewed until I get back to SF again in the future.

Then I sped to the city of sin (emphasis on sped), where I checked into my hotel and took an absolutely necessary nap. Eventually I rallied and met Adit, Chandlord, Claude, and Sam for an early dinner at Pasta Supply Company. Before dinner, I took a v brief detour to see the office with Adit since I wanted to see what was up with construction. Then we won a race to get a table at the restaurant, where we enjoyed various pastas and other tings. After, we had wine at some natural wine place tha was fine, although I am displeased that the going rate for a glass of okay wine in SF is now $18 when it used to be $8.

Sssanyway, after we were all done, Chandlord and I went back to my hotel for a nightcap and further catchup. Then I slept the sleep of the dead before getting up and writing in my room this morning. I was going to go to the Ferry Building this morning, but when I booked a hotel within walking distance of the Ferry Building, I forgot that today was the SF Marathon and that it started/ended at the Ferry Building. Oops. So I instead had a v lazy morning at my hotel, including writing, two coffees, breakfast, etc. This was pretty perfect, so #noregrets.

Eventually I checked out and headed south - I came down to Pescadero to have a proper catchup and sleepover with Lauren (aka Subz) and Nathan. It’s as gorgeous as always by the coast, and I’m grateful that they’re able to host me. Lauren and I went to a nearby farm-type place that has goats but also serves excellent wines, and we had some rosé and sat in the sun and caught up on life (and I caught a goat trying to eat my jacket just in time).

Then we met Nathan and the kids at Duarte’s for dinner, which was delish. The kids are at a pretty fun age (like 7 and 9) and we had an entertaining dinner, during which Remi wondered if I was drunk and I assured her that this is just my personality (which is true). After dinner we came back and had a long and rambling conversation, mostly about AI and potential laser- or saw-wielding murderbots. I think you had to be here, but trust me, we were v insightful.

And now I must go to sleep - goodnight!