Fehmeen, Emma, and I just got back to the “City of Good Living”, aka San Carlos, after a fun-filled three day vacation at Auntie Alia’s house in Rocklin. Although not as hectic and fast-paced as a tour of Washington DC or as sun-drenched and boozy as a stay in Cancun, our little family’s short trip to this small but growing community was perfectly suited to how the Picetti’s roll these days: in a Honda CRV, a stroller, and an electric-powered wheelchair. A good time was had by all.
Because I lack the desire to create a narrative thread which would cleverly tie the events of the trip together, I’m just gonna list the highlights of each day for you to read and enjoy. So read and enjoy.
Monday, Feb 16
- We arrive at Alia’s house at 1030 pm. Emma is happy to see her Auntie, as are Fehmeen and I to see our new home of the next three days. Of course we were happy to see Alia, as well.
- When The Bug sacked out at 1100 pm, our hostess/landlord offered us some home-made chili as we watched tv on her fabulous sectional. For the record, the couch was comf and the chili was delish.
- By midnight, I had had enough so I was escorted to bed. Fehmeen and Alia continued chatting until 300 am. Man, it’s a good thing that Fehmeen and I didn’t have to get up and go to work the next morning after only four hours of sleep. That would have been rough.
Tuesday, Feb 17
- I arose from my night’s rest at 1030 am. Emma and Fehmeen played in the family room as I slumbered. Ah, vacation.
- We drove the family truckster to the Roseville Galleria mall and had lunch at Rubio’s in the food court. If food courts had ratings, this one was five-star all the way. Even Panda Express looked swanky.
- After our meal, we discovered the Rain Forest play area for Emma to romp around in. Witness the romping around:
- Back at the old homestead, Fehmeen and Alia went about the necessary preparations for cooking a meal consisting of lamb, potatoes, and salad.
- By 800 pm, dinner is served. Fehmeen, Alia, Emma, Najmeen, Aria, Elan, Papa, and I thoroughly enjoy our supper. All I can say is that it was scrump.
- We watched the last half of Idol while we ate our dessert of chocolate cake, carrot cake, and chocolate covered caramel popcorn from this place in the mall called Popcornopolis.
Wednesday, Feb 18
- Again, I awoke from my night’s rest at 1030 am. In some respects, it’s good to be me.
- Papa took Fehmeen, Emma and I to lunch at BJ’s.
- After lunch, we chose to bail on our planned excursion to the zoo, instead opting to visit the Roseville Galleria so Emma could visit the other play area. The comcast construction site theme wasn’t nearly as cool as the rain forest one, fyi.
- Back home for a quick one hour power nap.
- With Auntie Alia babysitting the Bug, Fehmeen and I head back to the Roseville Galleria for her birthday dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, compliments of her brother, Ameer.
- Post-dinner, we entered the mall in search of birthday gifts for co-workers Janet and Diane.
- Khan family trivia time: Fehmeen’s grandpa has lived here for ten years and made his first trip to the Galleria with us today. We have been here for two days and been to the mall three times. Must be a generational thing.
- Once home, we watched a dvd copy of the soon-to-be-named best picture Slumdog Millionaire. Outstanding film; can’t wait to buy it when it officially comes out.
Thursday, Feb 19
- Up and at ’em early today: 900 am.
- While Fehmeen packed up the car, Emma (and I) watched The Wiggles on tv. The Bug’s opinion in two words: Loves it!!!
- On the road by noon, home by 230 pm.
The Adventures of ALS Boy 
An Ode to Alia
Hello to all my readers in the blogosphere,
don’t be shy, gather round, and please do sit near;
I would like to introduce you to my sister-in-law,
in case you haven’t met her yet, her name is Alia.
Every time she visits, she is so cool to me,
she fights for my rights just like an attorney;
she always has the time to sit with me and chat,
I’ll never forget the day she called me Cheshire cat.
You would have the best of luck, to count her as a friend,
her generosity knows no bound, her kindness never ends;
she would gladly give to you the shirt from off her back,
anything that you may need, you don’t even have to ask.
Family is word one with her, it’s her priority,
imagine the frequent driver miles from Rocklin to U.C.;
she always makes each gathering so lively and so fun,
she does her best to keep Maheen and Iqbal on the run.
Apple of her eye she is to my sweet baby girl,
Emma loves to play with Alia, the two just dance and twirl;
if you could find a sweeter aunt, to believe I’d have to see,
for only Auntie Alia can call her E.Z.P.
Given time to think about the words of my last post,
I wish I’d written more to thank you for being our host;
I hope this ode, feelings-wise, adequately sends,
my true appreciation of you as a friend.