friday favorite: i love planning

This week, Mr. S. and I planed our Big Trip for the year. My brother's getting married in Oakland, California in September, and we've decided to blow out all the stops -- an eleven-day, ten-night wedding/restaurant-ing/camping/California-ing/concert-ing extravaganza.

For those of you who haven't experienced Trip Planning Lia (like Malibu Barbie, but less leggy, less fashionable, and less concerned with lipstick), when I decide to plan, I PLAN. No messing around. It turns into a horse-blinders-on, head-down, twenty-five-tabs-open, keyboard-rockin', bulldozer of a few days. Andy knows to retreat, but to respond quickly and decisively when decisions are thrown his way.

Anyway, earlier this week, I planned the shit out of September, and am currently basking in the glory and satisfaction that rides in the wake of such planning.

What's that? You're as excited about seeing my itinerary as I am about showing it to you? What wonderful readers you are...

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, The Sherbrookian Californian Adventure:

Wednesday, September 15:
Travel -- flight arrives at 7pm
Dinner with family: Location TBD
Stay at hotel in Oakland

Thursday, September 16:
Explore; Family time
Mom's birthday dinner
Jeb's bachelor party
Stay at hotel in Oakland

Friday, September 17:
Explore; Family time
Stay at hotel in Oakland

Saturday, September 18:
Wedding!
Stay at hotel in Oakland

Sunday, September 19:
Breakfast at Dyanmo Donuts
Milwaukee Brewers v. San Francisco Giants at AT&T Stadium
Downtown San Francisco: Fisherman's Warf, Chinatown
Stay at hotel in Oakland

Monday, September 20
Rent car: Drive to Big Sur
Lunch along coast - Santa Cruz boardwalk
Beach stop
Dinner - Big Sur Roadhouse
Camping at Kirk Creek Campground

Tuesday, September 21:
Breakfast/Lunch: Big Sur Bakery
Explore: Pfeiffer Beach, hiking
Dinner: Nepenthe
Camping at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Midnight hot springs at Esalen Institute

Wednesday, September 22:
Breakfast/Lunch at Big Sur Bakery
Hiking; beaches
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Dinner in Monterey: Location TBD
Camping at Manresa Uplands State Beach

Thursday, September 23:
Drive back to Bay
Lunch along coast: Location TBD
Return rental car
Dinner at Delfinas in San Francisco
Stay at hotel in Bay: Location TBD

Friday, September 24:
Brunch in San Francisco at the Tartine Bakery
Brewery tour at Anchor Brewing Company
Dinner in Berkeley: Location TBD
Band of Horses concert at the Greek Theater in Berkeley
Stay at hotel in Bay: Location TBD

Saturday, September 25:
Breakfast at awesome place: Location TBD
Fly home


I have a hunch that this is going to be a good one indeed... especially since the forecast for the Bay Area in September sounds a little bit like this: highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s, and zero rain.

Thank you, older brother, for choosing such a splendid place to say your vows.