From winter to summer

I spent the last weekend north of Lake Tahoe, where it was 20 degrees and blowing so hard I was worried my car wouldn't be there when I woke up the next morning.

I went up there to see my mom, with a quick stop off at Kirkwood on the way. I'd never been to Kirkwood, so it was cool to explore. It makes my seventh resort this season in three states, which may explain why I've been broke this winter. But its worth it.

So my mom and I spent the rest of the weekend shopping for bridesmaids dresses, putting together wedding invitations and drinking wine. We snuck a bike ride in there too. My only question: Why are all bridesmaids dresses made out of that thick 80s material they used to make prom dresses out of and decked with big bows?

This weekend, I'm determined to spend some time in the sun, since it's supposed to be more than 80 degrees. From winter to summer in one week.

Lesson learned: Putting together wedding invitations is much more fun with a glass of wine.

No labor

I almost had the all-American Labor Day weekend. It consisted of going to a lake, a barbecue and an attempted camping trip.

The latter is why I say almost. A friend and I tried to meet up with a group that was camping at a river about a hour away. We drove down there but never found them — probably because we didn't get down there until 10 p.m.

But otherwise, it was nice to relax. The lake we went to was great, and I had a cat nap in the sun. I needed it after sort of a crazy week. I'm not ready for summer to be over.

Lesson learned: People are easier to find in the daytime.

Making a come back

Okay, I'm back. This weekend I took some time to heal and have fun, and although I'm not the picture of bubbling happiness, I feel a little better.

Here was my eight-step plan to recovering from heartbreak and a broken friendship:

1. I got the best massage of my life on Thursday night;

2. A group of girlfriends and I drove to Modesto for dinner and dancing on Friday night;

3. I worked out like crazy every day;

4. I actually laid out in the sun by the pool Saturday. (Yes, winter has forgotten us here. All you in the cold north can hate me, but it's true).

5. I had a movie and vent night with my friend Sarah, complete with popcorn and a glass of wine;

6. I cleaned my apartment, which had declined into static mayhem (I know that it sounds like those two terms contradict, but if you had seen it, you would understand);

7. I went to church on Sunday;

8. Last night, I played tennis. Swinging at fast moving objects is therapeutic for obvious reasons.

Now I'm working on looking forward. But sympathy flowers and chocolates are welcome.

Lesson learned: I should start my own break up recovery center.