On Saturday, when I left, the temperature was 95. When I landed at Oakland Airport, a billion hours later, it was in the 60s.

Despite leaving an inferno for weather paradise, I was pretty emotional. Seeing, hearing and feeling my mom cry as we said goodbye was tough. I sort of laughed at her as it was happening, as I'm apt to do, but when I was walking down the ranp toward the plane I teared up - just a bit.

But ... I am happy.