The land of hopes and dreams!

I began this post almost a month ago to chronicle the family vacation to the land of hopes and dreams. I wrote pages and pages of prose, till it seemed like it would never end. I stopped and decided to get some perspective. Now it has been a more than month since we've returned and a journal entry about the trip is long overdue.
So, what has my period of reflection brought me? I have realised that the memories that burn the brightest in the moment, is not necessarily.
I am reminded of a quote from the movie "The Ghost and The Darkness" Michael Douglas says to Val Kilmer, "So many times, things happen and at the time you say, this will stick with me, surely, I will never forget this moment, sunset, kiss. And then...poof"
I find this quote rings all the more true. I actually understand this statement. More so now than when I first heard it. My memory has always been flawless but I find as I get older, I am more selective about what I remember.
I can only assume that my mind selects the best bits of my present to etch into my memory.
To that end, what do I really remember about the trip to California? I remember meeting my brother after 13 years. It was the best bit of the trip. I remember all the sights I wanted to see and didn't. I remember being around my family constantly.
I walked three beaches, saw about a mile and half of coastline at 40 miles an hour, walked into some hillside, visited the same premium outlet mall twice, walked the Vegas strip a little and visited Universal Studios and the San Diego Sea World. I went across the Golden Gate Bridge and walked Fisherman's Wharf. I found that my interests are completely different to that of my family - which I already knew. I received multiple compliments on the way I was dressed- which felt amazing! I have been dying to return the compliment wherever I go. (Paying it forward and all) I also discovered that my family have blinkers on like you wouldn't believe! We've been a family for 35 years and my parents have been married to each other for 40 years and have known each other their ENTIRE lives, yet, every little decision was debated and every little action was a constant surprise. In a family of 5, I am peacekeeper, my father cares for no opinion other than his own, my brother is exactly the same but has a smidgen of tact and respect, my mother and my sister share a brain (not in a good way) and have no idea how to express any dissent or opinion.
The other notable thing to happen to us, was that we were robbed on a residential street in San Jose. Of course, we left the car unlocked, but you expect a certain amount of safety. My other notable experience was the CSI experience. That was fun and I am good!
Just Me!