STAND BY

1) to be ready or available to act
2) to wait for something, to resume
3) to remain uninvolved; to refrain from acting
4) to remain loyal to; aid or support
5) to keep or maintain

This year's Fourth of July weekend brought a number of firsts, including my first time flying stand by and my first time jet setting off to San Francisco for a long weekend with my girls. 

One of my best girlfriends is currently working for an airline, which allows her the opportunity to hop on a flight's standby list. Using this, she posed a great idea to me -- "how do you feel about San Fran for the fourth?" I think my bags were packed before I even said yes. I am up for any chance to travel! (Keep that in mind everyone!)

I definitely think the best way to see a city is to visit someone who lives there, that way you get the tourist aspect as well as the local's perspective. JD moved from Seattle to San Francisco just about two years ago, so she knew just the spots to take us. 

Although the trip was short and sweet, we hit the major sights I wanted to see and did the things I was dying to do: Golden Gate Bridge and Park, de Young Museum, Ghirardelli, fireworks watching at Chrissy Fields, trolley riding, Unuion Square, Fisherman's Warf, and Lombard Street. The weather was sunny for the Fourth (complete with a little sunburn) and then turned the next day to show us the frisco freeze. Sunny or not -- I was just happy to be exploring with my friends. 

I am so lucky to have such great girls in my life, ones who are ready for adventure, a challenge, a good laugh, or a solid talk. How did I find such amazing friends that are willing to stand by me in this crazy life?! Blessings I tell ya'...

Until next time San Francisco! I am patiently waiting for my next boarding pass and for my name to be called up from STAND BY! 

(Note: Just to be grammatically correct, STAND BY is a phrasal verb, and in most instances is actually used as a noun.)