Fry's and the Beach

Simple day, got up, went to Fry's, long drive around Long Beach looking at the coast line, worked on computers, had a long conversation about how my mom wants her computer fix, brushed my teeth.

   

Tip for the day, when installing a fresh OS and there is already a recovery partition on the computer just keep the recovery partition if you can afford the space.

Wet and Fun

Didn't work on computers much today. I did try to figure out my XBMC (XBox Media Center) issues of trying to use my phone as a remote. Never had this much trouble before and I've never given up until now. I'm getting ahead of myself. I first had to wake up early and force my teenage sister out of bed and to get ready, which isn't all that surprising. I then had to walk her to school. What was surprising was that amount of water falling from the sky. I'm used to Seattle, but this was buckets and it didn't let up. Seattle will rain like this sometimes, but never lasts that long. This was on and off all day. Seattle also has better drainage for sewers, and I'm guessing it has to do with Seattle being mostly a giant hill and the raising of the lowest parts. Long Beach on the other hand gets crazy amounts of puddles, and small rivers running on either side of the streets. So assuming you don't get soaked from the rain or puddles on the way, just crossing from one block to another is a challenge with so much water built up in some instances that you can't even jump over the obstacle. I had the hiking boots I got from REI for this trip, which now fully tested let me know I made a good choice. My sister on the other hand just had sneakers with lots of breathing holes. Her feet were drenched after the first few blocks.
We made it to her school and I waited in the lobby for her to take her tests. I felt like I was in high school again, granted I was in a high school. I wouldn't want to go to high school again.
We walked around for a while and I like a lot of Long Beach, but it isn't a walking town like Seattle. Long Beach is a little too spread-out for walking, but maybe biking. I had some Pho at a location I came upon. Pho is Pho and the restaurants seem to be about the same no matter which one or what town.
After getting home and getting a warm shower. Dry clothes felt great. My feet were the only part of me that was completely dry. My "rain" jacket wasn't as waterproof as I once thought. Other than some good Mac & Cheese not much else happened for the rest of the night (see above for my Computer challenges). My sister did manage to get some malware while looking at her horoscope *face palm, one more to fix...again.

Tip for the day, when traveling always keep a spare poncho.

Getting Around

In the last two days I've decided even the name of a familiar interstate (I405 & I5) can make you feel closer to home. I did manage to take my brother to an audition and enjoyed the process but don't enjoy driving around the LA area. I think if I was in my own car I would feel better.
I managed to get my hair chopped down after much discussion with my mom, but over all I'm happy. Now I just have to pass the girlfriend test! :X
Still fixing computers, so I had to make a journey to Fry's today and along the way took a few shots of some sights. I hope Dustin enjoys the pics as he is my only follower so far and he asked for more pics. I'll keep trying for more.
I still haven't made it to the beach, but maybe tomorrow.
A tip for the day is that no matter what Fry's you go in it is basically the same. If Fry's is a second home to you like it is to me this makes you feel closer to home no matter which Fry's you're in.

Cali!!!!

First full day in Cali and I spent all of it inside fixing computers, but hey...it is for family. I have most of everything done. I just need to finish working on my mother's laptop. Wasn't a complete waste of a day because I spent it with family by my side but it would have been nice to get out more.
Tomorrow I get to drive with my mom to work and then drive my brother to an audition. I really don't want to have to drive in L.A. but it can't be avoided. I'm looking forward to walking down to the beach but that might have to wait until Saturday.
Tip for the day don't try to have an in-depth personal conversations on a hungry stomach and low on energy...you end up saying things you don't mean. You'd think as an adult I'd have learned this by now, but maybe someday.

Finally Leaving Seattle

Finally left Seattle for the first leg of my trip, which is in Long Beach, CA. I also quickly found out that I can create and title blog posts but sadly can't compose them from my phone. I'll be limited to only adding entries from a computer.
If anyone is interested in traveling two weeks after Thanksgiving you'll be happy to know most flights are close to empty or are only lightly packed. I had a whole row to myself on South West going to Salt Lake City, and found I still had the seat next to me empty continuing my travels to Los Angles.
Seeing family so far as been what I've come to expect on these intermittent reunions, which is heart warming and chaos. Lets just saying getting a blanket for the night was more interesting than it would have been in Seattle.
That's all for now and my tip for the day would be if the flight attendant asks if they can get you anything else always ask for something additionally to drink because staying hydrated on flights is harder than I remember.