Wow, it is hard to know where to start!

It seems fitting that the NYT article was published today, since I am travelling and the hiptop is my connection to the online world for a week. Thanks to all for the congratulations, but really it is everyone here that makes the site what it is. So, keep the words and pictures and slices of life coming. (:

Drove down to JFK this morning in the bitter, biting cold and navigated all the security stuff without too much hassle - although I had to take off my boots {which I am stuck with since I forgot to pack my shoes). Many hours later we landed in Oakland to wonderful warm weather.

Thanks to jetBlue for new planes, comfy seats and superior staff. Major thanks as well to the woman sitting in front of us who entertained my daughter and folded her an origami crane.

Got to the hotel after a quick stop at a park near the airport (where I snapped the above photo). Now refreshed and heading to Zao's noodle bar for some tasty dinner.

// mikepop via hiptop AIM: drjellyfish