I spent Saturday and Sunday with my parents and sister. We drove over to Half Moon Bay and then Pacifica, where I took this photo.

Taken ten seconds faster, the photo would tell a different story. Pictured would be two elderly women seated on foldable beach chairs, blankets covering their legs. A beautiful golden retriever would be sitting on the sand, behind one of the chairs. The fire would be burning brightly.

Taken only five seconds faster, the golden retriever would be a blur heading for drier land. The two women would be just picking up their chairs and blankets. Water would just be overtaking the fire to quench it completely. I'm just not very fast with my camera.

We had dinner at Applebee's, where I had the grilled tilapia with mango salsa. Since my sister couldn't decide, I joked she should try the shrimp fettucine alfredo, even though she doesn't like seafood. To my surprise, she ordered it. She had six bites before asking for a box. Guess who had the leftovers today? Me (and my big mouth).

Part of me really needed this weekend with my family. Being around them is enough to help me focus and sort through the mess in my mind. Before I moved out, I often took being home for granted. Now, being there feels like such a luxury.