Familiarity
After seeing one too many stacks of gorgeous Christmas decor relegated to clearance sections everywhere I turned, I realize that I either had to escape Los Angeles or I had to find someone to prescribe me some Zoloft.
Needless to say, Ali agreed that a little vacation was a cheaper and more efficient way to overcome my post-holiday slump. So instead of searching in vain for a shrink, we packed up, hopped on a plane, and flew up to San Francisco.
We’ve been here for a little more than 24 hours and I can already tell that despite the change in venue, it’s basically business as usual.
After checking in at our hotel Ali created a satellite office and settled in with his phones, computer, and various cables.
Same s@#$ different desk...
Maya’s questions and demands continued in rapid-fire…can I watch TV…I need a snack…I want to go ice skating…why do YOU get a robe and slippers and I don’t?
Why is Ali incapable of telling Maya that NO she can't have every single thing she wants?
For a moment I wondered why we spent money to get away when nothing really changed at all. But then I saw some old familiar names…
Well hello there Saks...it's been a while.
And suddenly I realized that familiarity isn’t such a bad thing after all.
I’m about to re-familiarize myself with my favorite place in the world – Bloomingdale’s – and Ali’s credit card. I guess you could say that despite the change in venue, it’s once again business as usual.
Touche.
While I'm not going to win Mother/Wife of the Year Award anytime soon, I haven't killed anyone yet or shot myself in the head. And that, my friends, is how I calculate success these days. 
FANCY THAT FANCY THIS 
Hope you guys are enjoying your vacation! We usually take a vacation after Christmas as well, it’s my attempt at making the holidays last extra long and avoid having to get back to reality. Aren’t the holidays such bitter sweetness? Have fun at Bloomingdale’s.
Aaahhh, Bloomingsdales! I’ve heard so much of this magical word….., I must explore.., I must, I must 🙂
In the meantime……, I’m in Melbourne on the 11th floor of a fab hotel having a blast checking out this hotel…. overlooking the world on the last day of 2010 (well, herw in Oz…. its the last day of 2010 – you guys have to wait another turn of the world :)……, I know, I know, I know….. we’re show off’s we have to be 1st at everything 😉
business as usual…. what can I say 🙂
he he he… happy shopping!
And seriously- the Christmas clearance is dangerous. And may have sucked me in. I have my cards for next year already?!? Who wants to bet I lose them and have to buy more anyways?
Ah yes, the ever present computer. I happen to married to an entrepreneur who is the CEO of another new start up (that is what he does, starts and guides the company until it can stand on it’s own and/or is sold)…that means that the computer is always with us. That has been our life for 25 years.
Many years ago I began to call her “The Other Woman”.
Love it! What a fabulous idea!
My husband and I just took that very trip in June. This is the post I wrote about it
http://nickiwoo-thehomeguru.blogspot.com/2010/07/coconut-basmati-cilantro-rice.html
It looks like we may have been staying in the same place. The view was identical.
I say, when all else fails shop. It always changes the view in my eyes.
Here’s to Ali’s credit cards and the same ol’ same ol’.
Gotta love it.
Happy New Year!
haha – have fun on your little vacation. I have afeeling when we have kids, the Husband will have a hard time saying no as well. I have NOOOOO reservations about not giving children what they want.
haha- glad you’re making the most out of your vacation!!
enjoy
are you down town near the triangle building?
I’ve been there. On my honey moon. (not Saks or bloomingdales) but there!
go to the ghirideli (sp) factory!!!!
I wish I was there with you.
touche! haha that was funny
Have a great time in SF! How I *DO* love that city! Hope that you make your way to the Ferry Building (and sorry if that is too obvious of a wish for you!). And that you eat well!
Enjoy San Fran! I went there a couple of years ago.
The pic of Ali made me laugh – my boyfriend is exactly the same way, wherever he is he sets up his little technology station and gets sucked in immediately! 🙂
Can I ask if my comments are posting? They don’t show up…
San Francisco is one of my absolutely favorite cities on this planet. I’ve only been there once for two days, 14 years ago, and I’d so much love to go there again! I cried when we left for L.A. Sigh. The hills around there are so beautiful, they look so tender and comfy that I just wanted to get out of the car, run up there, bowl myself into them and never go away again. I never understood why they’re called “Devil’s Range”?! They rather looked like heaven to me.
Little spur-of-the-moment vacations are always the best! Have fun shopping!
Have fun shopping!
I’m not sure I would love California (heat and beaches aren’t my thing), but I have always wanted to go to San Fransisco. Hope you enjoy your time there!
You really can’t go wrong with shopping. Have fun!
So true! Funny I was about to go shopping at Union Square today as well until some plans fell through! But yesss go have fun at Saks, Westfield (love the Bloomies over there), Nordstrom, and check out the new(ish) Prada boutique on Post Street 🙂
Hmm and aren’t there usually two bath robes in the hotel rooms…so if Maya got one, you should get the other 😉
oh that little sign does wonders over the holidays. Enjoy the familiarity and of course BLOOMINGDALES!
Did you guys get any of that famous European hot chocolate at Union Square? Oh, and I can’t wait to see your newest shopping treasures tonight!
haha I hope you manage to get in some quality bonding time with Ali’s credit card. 🙂
NICE! Impromptu trips are the best! Hehe, I think Ali’s credit card could use some lovin’. Enjoy your shopathon! What I love about San Francisco is the nice mix of small boutiques and big-ass stores.
Maya’s too cute in her robe and slippers. I can see why Ali gave in. Have fun shopping in San Fran – it’s a great place for it.
Have fun in SF and with Ali’s credit card 🙂
I love the new blog header. I changed jobs and have been working crazy hours, hence no blog posts and no cactching up wit my favorite blogs 😦
Have a Happy New Year!
G
Happy New Year to you as well Gelareh! I hope that you and your family have a wonderful 2011! And congrats again on the new job.
enjoy the shopping. on ali’s card.touche indeed. i need a man, if only for that.
I’ve always wanted to visit San Fran. Enjoy your vacation! And Happy New Year!
I love this Ameena! what I wouldn’t give for an impromptu trip to SF right now! You are a lucky family.
Darling, if we had gotten stationed in cali instead of boring north carolina… i’d whip out my hubs credit card and join ya =)
and im really flipping ticked that I cant come with. stupid east coast helicopters
i love shopping. at least that one thing will never disappoint us, no matter where we are.
don’t blame ali, how can he say ‘no’ to that cute lil angel. maya is looking adorable in that robe.
See, the familiarity is a good thing! The 5-year-old girls just TALK so much. I’m getting a refresher on that over Christmas break. Yikes!
Sounds like you’ve found the perfect cure for those post holiday blues. I smell a new pair of shoes…
ok where did maya get that robe and slippers?! ADORABLE!
Ali called down and requested them…he is incapable of letting his little girl go without!
Hehe I have dragged Dave into that exact Tiffany’s when we were in San Francisco. Have fun with Ali’s credit card on your vacation ;-)!
Same s@#$ different place… Enjoy San Fran don’t forget to bring back some wine.
What a nice retreat, lady! I completely understand the need to get away after the holidays. We all crave the comfort that routine provides, but a change of scenery just…helps.
If you hear Godiva’s siren song, look away!
Oh boy!! I only WISH I could shop right now but those days are over for a while. Enjoy it!! Oh, and what a great little getaway. Hubby and I are planning a trip to San Fran for May.
Ahh–have fun on the vacation! Do a little shopping for me 🙂 I love the satellite office!
Saks…familiar is good at times 🙂 Hope you have a great time!
Happy New Year again to you and family
why does maya get to be on vacay and I dont? so wish I was there with you in some much better weather and shopping conditions! have a great time
Happy shopping 🙂
Enjoy your mini vacation! Happy New Year, here’s to an amazing 2011!!!
Jen
Yay Saks!!!!! Do tell us how you spent your vacation money daaaahling! Hope Ali bought you some lovely stuff ;).
Wishing you and beautiful family a very Happy New Year and a fab 2011.
*kisses* HH
Have a great time in San Francisco with both the new and the old.
I find familiarity comforting… except when it involves the all to familiar image of my husband’s sweaters on the staircase! I love SF… can’t wait to hear where you guys ate. So much good food, so little time…
For me, familiarity is comforting.
Hope you guys enjoyed your vacation and had a good holiday together.
An early Happy New Year!
LOL Enjoy, Mama! You’re on my old stomping grounds! Love it! The pics and & captions are priceless- as always! Happy New Year to yours, friend! I hope that you got to use the robe & slippers, too! 🙂
Shopping + Vacation? Sounds good to me!!
I didn’t even know they made robes that small at hotels. They’re actually kind of cute looking. So tiny!
Happy New Years, Ameena! 🙂
Vacation to SF? Now, that is one great vacation. What else are you doing besides lounge around looking at Ali play his gadget stuff and shopping? 😉
Happy New Year, Ameena!
Have fun in San Fran and keep warm! It’s been pretty freezing here in LA and I’m sure SF is much much colder.
Happy New Year!
I hope 2011 is FANTASTIC for you!
I miss SF. Hope you guys are having a good time. I think I’d do the same thing as Ali if I traveled. I’m sure I would. hehe…
Happy New Year. 🙂
Oh lucky you! Saks, Tiffanys & Bloomingdales ..oh my! I love that Saks, I remember staying near that area and my hubby almost had a heart attack when he saw all of those stores especially Tiffany’s since I’m a jewelry nut! btw my sis in law loves your blog too, I e-mailed her a link!
Happy New Year!
Enjoy shopping! I need to get out and do some retail therapy myself. Ryan and I were just talking about going out to San Fran. There is so much to do (and to buy!) Thank you for sharing with me all that you do. I wish you and your precious family many blessings and much joy in the New Year!
Oh I wish I could get away!
I love the “satellite office” though haha 🙂
Happiest of New Years To You!
I didn’t get this post in my inbox and I subscribe – so I’ll have to check that I’m still subscribed! What’s the difference with RSS posts as well – I don’t get that…;)
You’re in my neck of the woods! I love SF, especially Union Square at Christmas time.
Make yourself very familiar with the shoe section at B’s =)
hit up those after xmas sales, girllll! happy new year and hope you had a lovely time in san fran! *hugs*
Your new blog header looks vibrant 🙂 I am running crazy too with all these clearance sales around here.Dun know what to shop n what to leave:) The only difference is that my hubs has got me a debit card on his account so that I feel independent and do not overspend!! Coz he knows that I have the ability to get his credit card blocked for infinite expenditure!! he he
HNY to you n ypur family!
Enjoy your vacation and happy shopping!
I say head over to Tiffany’s for a little therapy over there. 😉 Hope you have a fabulous time!
Hubby sounds like a doll! He takes you on a shopping vacation in order to raise your spirits and rescue you from your post holiday blues. You might want to keep that one ;^)
Liz
Hi Ameena, Happy New Year!
>>”Why is Ali incapable of telling Maya that NO she can’t have every single thing she wants?”<<
It's a father-daughter pact, I think!! 😦 I have a 3 yr old, soon-to-be spoilt brat, growing in my house. And that's because her dad thinks she should get everything she asks for, and some things even before she asks for it/needs it/knows the purpose of!!!!
Which is why we have a stack of toys on the way to the trash without even fulfilling their original purpose…grrr…dads and daughter….now I know how my mom felt… 😛
everytime I see a bloomingdales I wonder if I can get the same Hello Kitty pajamas that maya has. 🙂 Hope you enjoyed your holidays…meaning hope Ali left you alone.