I had a hole where my heart should have been last time I was in San Francisco, so I couldn't have left it if I tried.

God, I have barely thought about San Francisco and we're leaving in a week. The last time I was in San Francisco for "fun" was 2004. I was so raw from heartbreak - I had just moved out of the apartment I had shared with the ex, and while I knew breaking up was the right thing to do, it did not make the sadness any less since we had been together for so long. In addition, our friend Lotta had just suffered a shocking stroke out of absolutely nowhere during the early stages of her first pregnancy, and we were all (the Amsterdam crew) on alert to hear of any new changes in her condition. When I landed in San Francisco that day in December, Danielle called to tell me she had died that morning. So while I was there to enjoy Arcadia's wedding, my heart was smudged so black there was little hope of my enjoying myself to much degree. And sadly, I didn't. I remember very little about it, to be honest. My head wasn't on straight.

But now it is, and I am excited for our trip; I'm anxious to replace that memory with a better one. Of course, I guess I went a couple times last year on tour, but I barely count that since I was busy with a busload of students. It's time to be back as myself, happy, content and fun, and on the arm of my happy, content, and fun husband, seeing all our nice friends and celebrating Danielle & Daniel's wedding. I think we'll enjoy ourselves.

I spent the night last night prepping Meredith's house for our students' arrival, but then got word that they won't arrive until the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th. That's a relief, really - it gives us a little more time to cozy the rooms up for them; Davey & I will be back from the west coast; and Meredith's first couple of hectic weeks at school will be over. I can't believe I'm so excited for a couple of teenagers to be around. I guess it's just a good excuse to do goofy stuff around the metroplex that we wouldn't otherwise tend to make time for. I mean, I like the Fort Worth Stockyards, but do we ever go? How about the Mesquite Rodeo? BETCHA WE WILL NOW!

After staying at Meredith's as long as possible before having to go back to the No Water House, we finally sucked it up and went home, where I finished Phase I of Shoe Purge 2008: I decreased my shoe (regular shoe, that is, NOT the BOOTS) collection by about 1/3, leaving me with a very manageable 30 pair (which includes work shoes, casual clompers, a couple sandals, and my snow shoes). Phase II will be the boots. I might pull you in on some Flickr votes, as suggested; that's not a bad idea. There are three pair that are sort of on their last legs, but I think I'll wear them until they're dead THIS winter and get rid of them in the spring. I doubt I'll be able to get the count under 15, but we shall see. WE SHALL SEE.

Once I pared the shoes down I polished and conditioned most of them before putting them away. It was only once I was finished and had hands completely darkened by shoe polish did I realize what a silly endeavor that was to embark upon when I have no water to wash up with.

Comments

[lauren a.]

we were just in the bay with friends who are from there, if you need any tips on fun places to wander around or eat! maybe while you're there you can light a candle or similar in remembrance of your friend Lotta as well?

p.s. what did you do to get your hands clean? did gus lick them :)

[Angela]

Ok, so (leather from) dead boots can be reused. Chop the tops off and

- make coasters
- make trivets
- make mats for under plants