Adventures in Silicon Valley

This weekend was a good one. I left Friday evening for San Jose to visit Dan. Notable airport story: I had to change planes in Vegas (I hate Southwest-do they fly anywhere non-stop?!). While me and the other passengers were lining up, I noticed this unfortunate looking couple with two beers in their hand who were either, A) Completely confused with the logistics of boarding an airplane B) Totally wasted on airport-bar cocktails, still in hand. I concluded the latter, especially since they somehow managed to stumble onto the right plane and sat in the row across from me and immediately asked for two Jack and Cokes the second the flight attendant walked by. No big deal, really. The guy could handle his liquor better than his girlfriend, or whatever she was, but she struggled forming complete sentences. I noticed when we were getting ready to land they still hadn't finished their drinks, which were still lying on the folding trays, which were obviously not locked in their full and upright position. So, when the plane hit the runway and came plowing to an abrupt stop, their drinks went flying everywhere, including onto me. When everyone stood up to get off the plane, the woman started yelling about how she needed to get off the plane right now. "NO SERIOUSLY, I NEED TO GET OFF THIS THING."

I can't think of anything more pathetic than being drunk on an airplane.

Anyway.

The rest of the weekend was great. Dan had to work Saturday till 2, so I took my photoallergic chances and laid out by the pool. Three(3) hours and one(1) application of SPF 15 later, I was rash free. Phew.

Later, we went to the Winchester Mystery House and took a very well-staged 60 minute tour from Danielle. Danielle was a great tour guide. She was very animated and had good comedic timing. She sounded like she'd memorized the "Winchester Mystery House Tour Guide Manual" a few times. I'd never been, but always seen the billboards for it along highway 50 to San Francisco. I can remember driving along that freeway for volleyball or basketball tournaments and being all, "What the heck is that place?" I didn't even know what it was until we took the tour. The story of the house is weird, and a little creepy. The tour is a little pricey ($25 a ticket) but it's something I'd recommend doing once if you're ever in San Jose.

Saturday night we hit up Cheesecake Factory for dinner. I still can't decide how I feel about Cheesecake Factory. The first couple of times I went there, I wasn't impressed with it. But I tried the Chicken Di Pana last time I went and loved it. So I guess now that I found something I like on their menu, I'll stick with it. That menu by the way is like a freaking magazine. I mean, there are literally full-page ads in it. I don't know about anyone else, but it's a little overwhelming. Also, I make a better cheesecake than them. I'm just saying.

Sunday we went to church, wherein the San Jose mission President proceeded to single out an investigator and make her stand up in front of everyone and explain her questions about the church. I'm no missionary expert, but I'm going to venture a guess that maybe singling out an already anxious and confused young person in front of a room of about 100 strangers isn't the best way to nail down a baptism date. Really.

I really need to be better about taking photos. I bring my camera, but it just sits in my purse the whole time.

I won't tell you how many times I've watched the *New Moon clip via MTV.com. It's shameful. But, I will say that already, the overall quality looks so much better than Twilight.

*(ok, Jacob? Ummm...yes please)