riverECHO » san francisco

Saying goodbye for a while

Lisa — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:19:21 +0000

The last few days in the San Francisco area have given me such a warm and satisfied feeling. I won’t get too mushy or emotional, but it was great to spend some really good quality time with so many people right before leaving for an indefinite amount of time. Unfortunately, BJ is trying to wrap up so much at work before we head out of the country that he probably feels much differently about the last few days than I do. I have already decreased the number of hours I will be working for Jed while we are away and relished in it greatly this week. While I was out and about visiting friends and family, BJ was holed up in my mom’s spare bedroom working and meeting with people over skype.

My mom and stepdad, Steve, threw us a small going away party on Tuesday night and it was a pleasure to spend time with a group of family and friends that mean so much to me . . . my mom and dad, Steve, Fran, Katie, Michele, Merrik, Shannon and Jimmy. Our last night was spent with Shalyn and Randall in the city. We stayed up much later than we all normally do, drinking wine that they still have left over from their wedding. It felt like way to short of a visit with them. I think Shalyn and I could spend a week straight together and still have stuff to catch up on. My dad and Fran are picking us up in a couple of hours to head to lunch and then on to the airport.

I am not sure it has fully hit me yet but I am generally excited about the days that lay ahead. I have spent so much time with my family and friends out in California this year, more time than usual, and I fear that I will be pretty family-sick while we are gone. But there is an easy solution to this. Everyone that I love will have to come visit us! Please let us know when you will be arriving.

Music, Music and more Music

B.J. — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 04:11:32 +0000

Here is a list of live music that we have seen in the past 11 days (in order):

Driggs, ID Music on Main
Thursday, August 14th
Chuck Prophet

Jackson Hole Music Festival
Sunday, August 17th
The Avett Brothers, The Miller Sisters, Robert Randolph and His Family Band, Ben Harper & and Innocent Criminals, The Black Crowes

Driggs, ID Music on Main
Thursday, August 21st
Jackie Greene

Outside Lands Festival – San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park
Sunday, August 24th
ALO – Animal Liberation Orchestra, The Mother Hips, Bon Iver, Andrew Bird, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Widespread Panic, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Los Amigos Invisibles, Wilco, Jack Johnson

A few things I learned at a bridal shower . . .

Lisa — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:17:22 +0000

My older sister, Shalyn, will be getting married this summer on August 31st to Randall Eason, a wonderful man that she has been seeing since she was a freshman at Stanford. This weekend was the first of many wedding events . . . the bridal shower. Now, not having gone to many bridal showers before, well none actually, I learned a few things at my sister’s shower.

As a side note about a month ago my father asked me what date I would be in town for Shalyn’s Bridal BATH! Clearly most men think this event is a time of essential oils, smelly soaps, and luffas, where we all sit around the bride and bathe her. Sorry guys, not the case. No naked pillow fights either.

Picture a room full of beautiful women, all important slices of Shalyn’s life and many of whom I haven’t seen since I left Palo Alto after high school. Lots of presents. Lots of food. A few games including “how well does the bride know the groom.” Lots of laughter. Recipe sharing. And last but not least “Relationship Advice.” This was my learning experience that I wanted to share. Of course we a sexual comment or two, specifically “Lots of Sex!” But the ones that really hit home . . .

Never forget your sense of humor.
Never go to bed angry.
Always kiss good night.
Every morning, before doing anything else together, hug tightly for 15 seconds, no less.