A Mini Vacation Debrief

Now that I’ve been home for roughly forty-eight hours, I’ve got a few things on my mind. Some of these things are vacation related, while others are things I dealt with upon my return home. Let’s rip!

THE GREAT

Si Bon served one of the most exquisite meals I’ve had this year. Like Meritage at Callaway, I wouldn’t hesitate to dine there again the next time I’m in the Rancho Mirage area.

My credit union approved me for a card with their lowest interest rate and a credit line generous enough to buy Artoria. I don’t carry debt so my monthly interest charges are low, but the interest rates of the credit cards I use for online shopping and travel are offensive. 

For now, Artoria is the coolest kid on the block. I renewed her registration as early as possible, so she’s one of the first vehicles in California with a 2027 tag. That’s how you flex without a Rolex, y’all.

THE GOOD

GTA Online will have a Mansions DLC in about a month, and I’ve already completed the prep missions to earn a $2 million discount once they’re available. Everyone is speculating these properties will range between $10 million to $20 million apiece. Two mansions, one by the coast and another on a hill overlooking Los Santos, is well within my character’s budget.

The hotel coffee pictured above was surprisingly bright and smooth when I mixed in a half and half pod and a packet of Sugar In The Raw. 

The drive to Palm Desert was 2 hours, 23 minutes and the return trip would’ve only been 2 hours, 15 minutes if I hadn’t ducked into Del Taco to pick up lunch. Avoiding the 215 before ten o’clock and after three o’clock helped make the drive as smooth as possible.

THE MID

I renewed my Umbrella policy with its 20% premium increase, but only after shopping around for new auto insurance upon my return home. As expected, everyone wants an arm, a leg, and the Las Vegas Raiders 2026 first round choice for me to switch auto carriers. That’s insane.

THE BAD

The weather here will be dreadful for the foreseeable future. I think Wednesday will be the only dry day we’ll have for the next week. I’ll be fine, but the places in Southern California that either have flooding or mudslides every January will be affected this weekend. 

THE FUGLY

I did not enjoy my hotel accommodations. Another guest was obnoxiously loud, so I required ear plugs to sleep. The free breakfast lacked fresh fruit and sausage. I was also bitten by a flea or another type of bug while lying on the trundle sofa bed after my arrival, so I was quite miserable when I woke up Wednesday morning. It's no wonder I checked out a day early -- and I'm unlikely to stay there again.