Foggy Morning

This morning it was foggy out so I thought I would take some pictures so you can see what it looks like. It covers the buildings & you can't see down the street.

Foggy Park

The leaves do change & fall here but not as colorful as New England

May sitting because she knew I wanted her picture

Foggy buildings

Miss May sitting nicely. She looks quite perplexed at 730am

Here is how it works when its foggy -
730am - Cold and foggy so you think, I'll wear a sweater
830am - Sweating on the bus because the sun came out and the fog is gone
830-4pm - Warm-ish and sunny out. Think its warm out still
5pm - Walk outside to wait for the bus and freeze because its cold and the fog is back.

Blazers...cheaper

Thanks for the Ann Taylor Loft tip. Check this out for $89 plus there are coupon codes out there for like 20% off or $25 off!

Me & Evie

Here is a cute picture of Evie and I that I found. This is from January.

Blazers

I love these blazers but at Jcrew they are over $200. Where can I get blazers that are cheaper but good quality?

Tuna in a Bag

Have you seen that tuna now comes in a bag? I bought it this weekend and had it for lunch today in salad. It was good. It was much less messy & less watery. It is more expensive than the can though - like $2.29 for the bag. I still think its weird that fish can be canned & unrefridgerated and be OK to eat.

Christmas Classic

Erik and I are going to sign up for the Christmas Classic 5K which takes place in Golden Gate Park on 12/21. This will get me running for the next month. One loop around the entire Panhandle is about 1.5 miles so doing that twice is a 5K-ish.

I TOTALLY need to get socks like this in order to do the run.

Cathedral Christmas

I am so excited. We just got tickets to go see the Boys Choir at Grace Cathedral in December! It should be good & festive. Remember in Home Alone, the mean old man's grandson sang in a choir?!

Sarah Marshall

I finally saw 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall'. I thought it was funny & pretty good so I recommend.

Fa La La

I just saw that Lifetime is also going to run Holiday movies starting 11/29. It's called 'Fa La La La Lifetime'..There are sure to be some good ones on Lifetime!!

Weekend

Saturday was sooo much fun. Fri - Sun it was ike 75 degrees out! On Saturday, we took Evie to training in Berkeley. Then, Erik took me out to lunch. Then, we went sneaker shopping on Haight St for Erik but I ended up getting a pair of flats for 60% off. Then, we took a nap and finished the day at a bar with our friends, Betsy & Greg.

Today, Erik and I did a beach cleanup with Surfriders. We helped to clean up Ocean Beach. There was some pretty random stuff on the beach like socks, among the bottle caps and plastic wrap.


Plastic water bottles should be banned. Seriously. We have Brita pitchers, nalgene bottles, etc. Just use the faucet and fill up your bottle. Also, ladies, plastic tampons do NOT go in the toilet. They go in the trash. We picked up a few of those, too and that is gross & hurtful to the ocean!

Shoes

With the Gap F&F coupon of 30% off, I got 2 pairs of flats there on Friday. So cute.

Stuffed Shells

I made stuffed shells last week and the recipe definitely made it onto the the 'Dinners we like' list. I put peppers, onions, spinach, garlic, ricotta, and mozz. cheese in them. I used a 'hot pepper' Classico sauce. They were delish. I added ground turkey to half of them for me and they were really good.

Friday

Lately, there are just some days when I feel like, I wish I was home. Home was easier. Home we had more friends and people around. Of course, we have friends here. But, when they aren't around, there is no Mom & Dad's house to go hang out at. I do think it is because we've been here one year, the holidays are coming, etc. I haven't felt like this in an entire year. We have a lot of visitors in the next 2 mos though - Kimmy, Dad, Maharla, & Sarah. Yippeeeee.

Anyway, on Friday, Evie and I chilled. We did that walk in GGP, went to Safeway, watched TLC. I love to hate that show 'Say Yes to the Dress'. Do you ever watch that show? I'm sure my opinions could change when it is my turn to get married but I cannot believe those girls pay that much for a wedding dress. They walk into that NYC store with budgets of $4K, $6K, no budget. I mean, the 'cheap' dresses are $2K. I cannot imagine that. When I watch that show, it makes me want an empire waist dress that is NOT strapless and has minmal beading and minimal CRAP on it. Something that I am not tugging at for 10 hours. Oh, and costs like less than $1,000. I think I might be getting my dress at J.Crew.

JCREW $395

Pashminas, revisited

Remember how I wanted a new colors of pashminas? Target. $12.99.

Only in SF

Here in SF, we see a lot of random stuff & people of all walks of life. Here are two:

1. Every morning, this perfectly normal looking woman walks from her house into our park. She walks right up to the big statue in the middle of the park, sits down, and smokes weed. This morning, she must have been smoking some good herb because I could smell it from the second we hit the edge of the park.

2. After work, Evie and I took a long walk into Golden Gate Park. GGP in itself is like a small town & there is always something different going on in every corner. So, we walked through and there was a group of people playing instruments, drums, and people dancing. People were just sitting on the hill watching & listening. Evie and I just sat down too, watching everyone. And, I thought...only in SF.

Subaru

As of August, my civic will be PAID OFF. I cannot wait. Although I have zero interest in having a new car or car payments, I saw an awesome car today. An all black, Subaru Outback. I know its sort of a sporty wagon but I think it would be perfect for us. It would fit the surfboards for Erik, Evie, etc....

I would NEVER buy a new car in this city so we could get it a year or two old. However, it's expensive. Like over $20K. Maybe in a few years....

Attention

I think it is so annoying to be around people who are so insecure and need a lot of attention that ALL they talk about is themselves. They cut people off to say their story. They don't let people get their story fully out of their mouths before they are running theirs. They one up people. They can't be happy for others b/c that means they don't get attention. ANNOYING & RUDE.

Not Sleeping

I am not sleeping right. I fall asleep on the couch, get into bed, and can't sleep. Or, I fall asleep in bed and wake up at like 1am and feel like I toss and turn til 5. It sucks. My back aches. I think I am tense in bed because I am stressed out. I am thinking about classes and the economy. They laid people off in of our offices yesterday. Scary. Lots going on in my head.

One Year

It has been one year since moved to SF. This past weekend, I said to Erik, can you believe it has been a year since we were driving across the country. Yes, the 3 of us packed into the Civic and drove across the country. It seems so long ago yet I also can't believe it's been a year.


Denver

The Great Plains

This weird Buffalo Bill museum in Utah

Last Dunkin Donuts for a looong time

Dog is my co-pilot

Things have changed over the year but also stayed the same. Erik got a job & joined a hockey team, I ran a half-marathon, & Evie made so many doggie friends. I remember this time last year, it took us like hours to find the grocery store and shop because we had no idea how to get around nor did we know what to buy. Now it takes 30 mins and we go with menu and shopping list in hand.


Team In Training

Emerald Bay 12K

TNT 5K

I was scared to let Evie play with dogs in the park & now she knows most of them and goes out to say hello and play. She also loves her camp and knows everyone there.

Santa Cruz - 4th of July

I remember saying, no one ever looks familiar here. We will never know anyone here. And, now we do. We know dog owners, and people from Team in Training, people from work, and people in the neighborhood. When I go across the street to the coffee shop, I can stop to pet the dogs and chat with the owners. It's funny how even people you see on your bus every day are a familiar face even though you've never spoken!


17 Mile Drive - Monterey

We have all grown closer too. The first 3 mos were so hard - Erik and I living together, Erik living with a dog, the three of us in our little apartment. Then, it got easier. We got a routine. We learned our way around, we got comfortable in our neighborhood. Evie got used to us & trusts us and listens better(sometimes). We know the places we like to go and don't like to go. We know how long it takes to get places. We know what the weather will be like, where the cheap gas is, best nail place, and our favorite sushi place.


So onto year two. There is so much more to explore, and things to see in the city, state, this side of the country. More people to meet and places to go. At least starting this year, we are all set.

Bored

Work is boring. We are kind of slow because we are in planning. I have been doing a finance report allll day. Boring.

When I go home, I am making lots of food. Salsa for tomorrow and stuffed shells for Friday. Cristin is coming over tomorrow for dinner and to watch Sweeney Todd (yes, again). And, then the stuffed shells are for Friday but I won't want to make them on Thurs night. I actually really want Chinese food. Can you believe I have not had Chinese food since moving here? This is like the Asian capital of the US.

I made my $20 hair appt. Next Friday.

$20 Haircut???

Wow. I just found out that the Paul Mitchell Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology is in SF. They provide CHHHHEAP services. How cheap - $20 for a haircut. Can you believe that? They do facials, highlights, everything.

I looked them up on Yelp & they have amazing reviews. I am going to go. Why not.

Quote

Whoa. This quote is so good.

We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

— Joseph Campbell

Countdown

One of my most favorite things for Christmas is watching...25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family. This year, the channel is doing a Countdown to 25 Days starting 11/16. How Exciting!!

Hair

I know why women cut their hair as they get older. Their patience threshold is lowered and they cannot handle the blowdrying so they chop it. I have been getting tired of drying it and sweating while I dry it. This morning, it was like half wet & half dry and I was sweating and I started whimpering like a baby. I went in to Erik (who was sleeping) and was like, I can't dry my hair. Its too long and its too hot. I can't take it! He didn't even open his eyes to look at me.

I am going to make an appt to get it cut next week - a good 3" needs to come off.

Sweeney Todd

I want to go home & watch Sweeney Todd, again. This will be the third time in 3 days. I love it. I love all of the songs. I want to learn all of the words. I want to see it on stage. Sounds like the Hairspray addiction all over again. You know when you have some lyrics in your head but you don't know the rest - how annoying. It's been going on in my head all day.

Cucumber Melon

No matter what, for the rest of my life, the smell of cucumber melon sprays/soaps/lotions will make me think of college.

Dog Training & Weekend

We went to the training class on Saturday in Berkeley. Erik is the one doing the class with Evie. I tried to just stand out of the way but she was whimpering so I had to go sit in the car. She was really good with the instructors so we can stay in the class. Well, actually, if something were to happen during Class 3, we can't stay. So, for now, we are in.

On Saturday, It rained again. Not as hard as last week though. We went to sports basement and went out to lunch at Flippers. I love Flippers. We watched Sweeney Todd, too. I love that movie. Johnny Depp is the best and all of the singing is just so good.



Today, I did more parties. The kids seem to have very interesting names. Today, I had a 'Cloda' and "Mave'. Both girls.

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

You know that saying for when its Daylights Savings? It's true. I want to go to bed at like 8pm. Sometimes, I get home from work and look at the clock a bit later and its 8pm. I'm like = what! I thought it was 10. I'm ready for bed.

3 Wows

1.To take classes at SF Community College, it is only $20 PER CREDIT. That is like $80/class. When i took classes at CT Comm Coll, it was like $300/class.

2. Did you know that there is an exercise channel On Demand? Um, it's called Exercise TV. It is like having workout DVDs just waiting for you on TV. AND ITS FREE. OMG!!

3. This store called BevMo is having a wine sale - Buy one bottle, get one for 5 cents. Time to stock up for the holidays!!

Baby Mama

I watched Baby Mama last night with Tina Fey & Amy Poehler. It was really funny & I recommend it.

The Secret Life of Bees

I just finished, The Secret Life of Bees and absolutely loved it & recommend it.

Bored

I am sort of bored. There is nothing planned for the weekend. I am heading home early because I am the only one in the office so I will 'work from home'. I have no plans for tonight & wish I was doing something. Since I wont be here til 5, I probably won't be so tired like I normally am.

Tomorrow, we are taking Evie to training to see how she does. If she can handle all of the people there, we will go for 6 weeks! Then, not sure what we are doing at night.

Sunday - more parties. I told them I can't work every weekend but I have done it the past 3 weeks. I think every other Sunday would be good.

Potatoes

Last week at Safeway, we got 10lb of potatos for $1.99. I couldn't believe it. Now, we have 10 lbs of potatoes. Now I feel like Foresst Gump. What are we going to make with all of these potatoes? Baked potatoes, mashed potatoes, potato and corn chowder....Any other ideas of what to do with all of these potatoes!??

Kickboxing DVD

As I previously wrote, I froze my gym membership. I ordered a kickboxing dvd from Half.com for $8. I did it on Monday night and thought it was pretty easy....Too bad on Tuesday, I was sore!! I couldn't believe it. It is 30 mins of non-stop jumping, punching, etc. My hamstrings hurt. So, I guess it works. I was surprised Evie didn't even bother me that much while I did the DVD. I am going to keep doing it but I want to get light weights to do it with. Then I will really be sore.

New Puppy

Now that the Obama's are going to get a new puppy, I am going to write a letter to them. I am going to ask the Obama's to go to a shelter & adopt a dog. I will even find a good shelter for them to go to in DC to get one.

Dancing In The Street

Wow. Obama won. People are in the street cheering & honking. It is crazy. I am just waiting to see some type of parade downtown tomorrow. Now we just have to cross our fingers that Prop 8 doesn't pass - Equality for all!!

History, Made.

Election Day

I went with Erik down the block while he voted. He had to wait a little while but it wasn't bad. We brought Evie too. I worked from home today (our boss mandated that we do that so we could vote). Here is our Election Day:


Evie started the day with a nap on the couch


Evie wanted to vote, but she's too young




Erik, excited to vote!







Waiting patiently for her Daddy to finish voting

Don't Forget...

Evie & The Coffee Maker

As you know, we got the new coffee maker. I took the old one off the counter & Evie started barking. So, I put it on the floor for her so she could see what it was. Here is Evie trying to figure out what to do with it.....

Muddy Dog

A few days ago, it was humid outside around 7pm. Evie was outside running around and then saw.....the mud. She started running and rolling in it just like her little piggy self.











Time to clean up - look at that mud on the wall!!

Lost Power

We lost power tonight - twice. I was sitting here and in the middle of Gossip Girl, everything went out. Evie was barking at me like a mad man, not because it was dark but because she wanted to play. It came on after like 5 mins. Then, it went out again for probably 20 mins. The entire block was black and there was no accident so I don't know what the deal was.

Bread

Erik made bread this weekend. He made it in a pan - no special equipment needed. It came out so good. It was whole wheat and tasted sooooo good with peanut butter and banana on it!

Cleanse

I am on an anti-junk food binge. I ate so much sugar during the month of October and I need a break. I think I might quit soda again. I drink so much Diet Dr. Pepper, its crazy.

Cold & Windy

Saturday - pouring rain & humid
Sunday - Sunny and warm
Monday - gray, cold, and windy

Its 2:30 and it looks like its almost 6pm!

Finally...the coffee pot

So we haven't had the coffee pot for 2 weeks now. Yesterday, I opened the Macy's ad and what do I see - a Black & Decker coffee pot for $25!! Now, how perfect is it that I have a Macy's gift card for $25? I went over there at lunch and got my coffee pot for FREE.

Tomorrow...

...is the big day. The Election Day that many people have been waiting for, for 4 years. No matter who you vote for - just get out there and vote! Women's suffrage wasn't for nothing!

Mouthguard

I have to get this expensive mouth guard because I grind my teeth at night. Basically, when you grind your teeth at night, it is putting 200X the normal pressure on your teeth. Your gums can't handle it so they start to receed. I have a few teeth that are already doing that - awesome.

So, I sucked it up, am going to pay this big bill and just get the mouthguard. I went today to get fit for it. They have to put wax on your teeth, then this big football type mouthguard you bite down on. Finally, they put trays of play-doh type stuff in my mouth. gross.

I got a little nervous when the top tray didn't come off my teeth on the first pull. Of course, my mind raced to - what if this thing is stuck in my mouth & they have to get a chisel to get it off. But, on the 2nd take, it came off.

In 3 weeks, I will be the lucky owner of a new mouthguard to wear to bed.

Bad Rap

A few months ago, I applied for Evie to go to a Pit specific training class. There is this great rescue/training place in Berkeley called, Bad Rap. It stands for Bay Area Doglovers Responsible About Pit Bulls. There was like a 3 mo waiting list and we just got in.

Erik and I went for the Orientation today. Next week, class starts. The only thing is, since she has issues with some people, there is a chance she cannot go to this class. She has to be comfortable with the instructors handling her. Since she was so good in her first training class last year, I think she could be fine.

So next week, we go back and see how she is. If she can handle it, we are in. We are going to learn how to handle her better and be better leaders for her.