Not As Cute As Julie McCoy, But I Do My Best

About once a year, we take a family vacation with Melissa's father and his family. They are a generally laid-back crew and strenuous activity is not usually involved. We typically do our own thing in the evenings but one night is always reserved for a family dinner.

On my first vacation with the Cates', we went to New York. Apparently, Larry did not know that my vacation planning is a little different that most other's. I don't just show up and then do whatever looks cool. I'll start planning a couple of months in advance and pick out specific and off-the-wall things I want to do. I found a very cool bookstore on Bleeker and some other less glamorous things for my own amusement.

I like to find the quirky things about new cities.

Again, not knowing of my compulsion, Larry asked the concierge for the name of a premiere steakhouse. So, we ended up at Smith & Wollensky. Don't get me wrong - it's a great place with wonderful food. Our table offered an intimate view of the kitchen where we could watch the chefs prepare each meal as they came down the line. It was a decent experience.

However...

Had I known he was searching for restaurant instead of just a place to eat, I would have chosen Sparks. I've wanted to eat there since I was a kid and I learned Big Paulie was gunned down there. Now that would have been something memorable.

Last year in Boston, Larry put me in charge of dinner arrangements. Granted, I know no famous mafioso shot down in the streets of Boston, but I did manage to find a wonderful place near Copley Square.

So, this year, we're going to Huntington Beach for Nikki's graduation present. Since they've been going every year for the past five years or so, I don't think I'll find much to do that they don't know about. But, believe me, I'll try. In the meantime, however, Larry has put me in charge of golf.

I'd actually like to rent a van and head to San Simeon, but I'd be the only one excited about that.

While I enjoy making these kinds of plans, part of it is stressful. I want everybody to have a good time and enjoy the experience as much as I do.

Even though our trip isn't for another couple of months, I've already started researching courses within 15 miles of our hotel. I've done the obvious - like green fees and slope, but also the different types of grass (I've never played on poa annua before).

Like I said, I just don't show up for vacation. After planning a vacation, I need a vacation.