Hockey Team Baseball Game

Yesterday, we went to the Giants/Padres game with Erik's hockey team. It was sooooo nice out - warm and sunny. Yes, two things we haven't experienced in a few weeks! The game went into extra innings and the Giants won! I love going to the games to eat, drink, & sit in the sun. I could really care less about the game. haha.










After the game, we went to Zeke's, a bar near by. One of his Bulldog teammates kept pitchers of beer coming non-stop along with Jager shots. Gross. I steered clear of those but Erik had a few. haha.







Mike Sandwich




At the end of the night, this girl came into the bar...alone. She went right over to Mike and was all about him. I don't even know if anyone knew her name but she was really drunk and trying to talk to everyone. So random!

Eat, Pray, Love

On Friday night, for Movie Night, we saw Eat, Pray, Love. The movie was ok but seemed really long. I definitely liked the book better. I think that there was a lot that went on in the book that could not be brought to the screen. The book was a lot of internalizing her feelings & thoughts. I felt that they tried to take stuff from the book to the movie but did so without really explaining why things were going on. For instance, in the book- her friend Richard tells her to go try sitting outside, very still, & try to meditate. The result is that she gets covered in bug bites. This happens in the movie, but you don't see the convo between her/Richard but see her covered in bites and him asking what happened.

Overall, I liked the book - the lessons & messages you can get from it. I would recommend reading the story rather than watching.

The movie does make me, of course, want to go to Italy but I already knew that before seeing the movie.

Cupcake Thursday

Amy & I had a fun little night out last night. First, we got our nails done. Can you believe we pay $8 for manicures out here? There is a surplus of nail salons here so they have to be so competitive.
Then, we got dinner at The Grove. Love this place. I had grilled cheese and beer. haha.

After dinner, we went to American Cupcake. This place is awesome. Very futuristic place where everything was all white and cool tiny ball lamps hanging from the ceiling. Tons of cupcakes plus, they do wine/cupcake flights. How amazing! They also serve other food like hot dogs, which I thought was kind of weird but the place was busy so they are doing something right.

I had a vanilla cupcake with strawberry frosting. So good. Amy had vanilla/vanilla. I still love Kara's Cupcakes but this place was good, too. There are a few more cupcake spots in SF that I want to try.

Fun night to start the weekend!

Whack of the Back

Man my back is outta whack. It feels SO stiff in my low back & it needs to pop. It refuses to. I have walked, stretched, & used Tiger Balm. I know it will go back in place but this is going on a few days now! Grrr. The only good thing about a back outta whack is that if I really need to, I guess I can drag myself to the HOT Chiropractor. haha.

I worked from home today and it was nutty. We launched a new program and those days are always stressful. If you or someone you know would like to nominate a school program to win a grant of $50,000, go HERE!

Tonight, Evie and I walked 2.5 miles over to Pet Food Express to get her some potty bags & a rawhide. She gets to go in and she loves it. I am still super nervous if people want to pet her. This guy was like squealing when he saw her but I freeze, my heart starts pounding, and I get so nervous. So, I just tell them that I don't think she will let him pet her. Her tail will be wagging, but I still am so nervous. However, she did let this little dog shop owner give her a treat the other day as we walked by.

Johnny Drama

Last night, Erik and I made our own pizzas. So yummy. Erik makes the dough so that it's ready when I get home. Then, we make the crust on the grill pan & finish the pizza in the oven. Delish!

We caught up on Entourage & True Blood. I have to say that Johnny Drama used to drive me nuts. I don't think he is attractive AT ALL but, he is the funniest one. He doesn't mean to be, but he is hilarious.

As for True Blood, it's so gross. I never have any idea who is who or what is going on. But, it's pretty gross!

Bon soir

Je m'appelle Heather. Ju suis fatigue. Ca va?

I have been doing my little French lessons on my way to & from work via Coffee Break French. Erik & I used to listen to Coffee Break Spanish and I just love the Professor. He sounds so nice. haha.

So far, I am on lesson 3. Learned to say my name is, i am from, how are you?, i am well, i am very well. the basics. Whether I can truly understand if someone from France says these things to me, who knows.

I like to think that I am biking down the Champs Eylysses du Paris! haha. I want to take the French class but it is going to be $200! Its a credit class so I can see why but I don't know if I care that much to take it. I'm still deciding.

I'm super sad that tennis filled up so quickly & I am on the wait list for the Fall class. Je suis triste!

For all of you that know Amy, she is actually GOING to Paris for a trip in a few weeks. Beaucoup de chance! Hope she "brings me back something French". Anyone know what movie someone asked that?

Vote For Evie

I nominated Evie for the 'Best Smile' on Project Dog. Vote for her & she might win a new collar!



http://joinprojectdog.com/photo-contest-1-smiling-dogs/

THANKS!!

Burger Night

Last night, I was starving and craving a burger. Erik was off from work so we went to a little burger place near our house - Acme Burgerhaus. I had the turkey burger & he had the mushroom burger. We shared sweet potato fries and each had a beer. They have the best drink deals - $1.95 beers until 10pm. They have six beers on tap and they are good - Blue Moon! So, needless to say, I was in heaven. Of course, since I was starving, I shoveled and then couldn't hardly move.

Great start to the week!

In other news, I realized that in order to meet my goal of reading 25 books this year, I need to read one book per week for the rest of the year!! That means start a new one on every Sunday. Grrr. If only I didn't slack the first six months of the year. Now that I set the goal, I'm going to want to meet it. I am currently reading Kite Runner. I like it so far. Not sure if I can finish by Sunday though!

I'm Reed Fish

I watched a cute little movie last night called, 'I'm Reed Fish.' It's set in a tiny town where people either stay & never leave or leave & never come back. Reed Fish is a recent HS grad who didn't go away to college. Instead, he took over the local radio station after his parents died.

He is set to marry (To Rory Gilmore who yes, plays herself once again) when an old high school friend comes back to town for the summer. The friend, Jill (played by the girl who plays Kristy Thomas in the Baby Sitter Club!!) and Reed have some chemistry. So, then he has to figure out what to do.

The only way to describe this film is a cute, little, independent film. Nothing to heavy. Just a sweet/coming of age type film.

Cute if you have some time to watch a movie, don't set it up for a Saturday night viewing.

Dog Days are Over

I love this song & keep listening to it. It makes me want to jump & run around. For those of you who know my dancing style, you know this actual means 'dance'. haha Aka donkey kicks and calisthenics. hahaha

It's the song that plays during the trailer of Eat Pray Love. Can't wait for the movie on Friday!!

Misty Sunday

The weather alllll day was misty. Like Gorillas in the Mist. A light rain that just sat and got you wet when you went outside. It stopped for a few hours but came back later on.

We went up to Haight St for Erik to look around at some shops. Hit up the Farmer's Market. I tried to get my favorite little pastry, Palmier, but they were sold out. However, when you get to the Farmer's market as they are closing, they have a lot of good deals.

After Erik went to work, I finished Eat, Pray Love. I really enjoyed the book. A few yrs ago, I tried to read it and didn't really like it. This time, I read the entire thing and really liked it. There is a ton of relevant issues/lessons in the book that I could relate to & appreciate. I can't wait to see the movie this Friday!

Later on, Evie & I took our walk. We walked all the way down to Hayes Valley & back(about 2.5miles).






















We saw the Hayes Valley Community Garden.





We stopped in the little park for Evie to pose












































Check out this cool sculpture made out of metal scraps(?)



This is what the statue looked like up close. So cool.
Evie and I strolled past the stores down in Hayes Valley & restaurants.

Nice, relaxing day!

All Dogs Go To Heaven

My boss' dog, Truman, passed away yesterday. He was pretty old - I want to say 12 or 13. He was a rescue dog who was part cattle dog & something else. He has had health problems since I met her(approx 3 yrs) and has been on tons of medication.

Over the past year, they've had a few scares where they think "this is it." They've literally been preparing themselves for a year now. But, every time, he pulls through and comes back full of energy. He literally is the dog with 9 lives.

This past weekend, was his time to go. They were away on vacation with him, at a cabin in the woods. On Saturday, he wasn't feeling well and they ended up bringing him to the emergency vet. He wasn't responding to the medicine this time.

She emailed us all this morning with the news. I get so sad when I hear of other dogs passing away. Of course, when I went to write her back, I was sobbing. Partly because my heart literally breaks for them losing him, partly because it makes me think of our Molly moving on, and also because I know someday I will have to say goodbye to my own dog. You love these animals like they are your family and it is truly devastating when they go.

It's so funny because the last time Truman was sick, I said to my boss, he's not ready to go yet. He will know when it's time but it's not time yet. Then, at the end of their week long vacation, he went. It is like he wanted one last family trip together. They do have another dog so they are not totally without a dog, but I know it will be hard for them.

Adjust the Tiles

Last month, Amy & I did Habitat, as you know. We had to make a chalk line on the floor and then place all of the tiles to fit the chalk line. We must have readjusted those tiles 20 times. As we got them all laid out, we'd have to sync them all up together to complete another line of tiles.

I have started to realize that adjusting the tiles is something that we have to do in life, all of the time. You always have to look at your life and see if things are matching up the way you want them to. If they aren't, adjust the tiles.

This goes for all parts of life - your job, your relationships, etc. If something is out of whack or not feeling right, adjust the tiles. You can start to push things in the direction you want them to go in, as long as you take the time to step back and really evaluate what you are looking to do.

2010 is the year of true reflection & realization for me. Adjust the Tiles is definitely one more.

Chill Saturday

Yesterday, Erik and I went to a little place I've been wanting to go to. I ride past it daily and it looks so cute. Well, it did not disappoint! We rode our bikes down to Bean There to get lunch. We grabbed a great spot outside and had delish sandwiches. I had a chicken ceasar paninni and Erik had the veggie paninni. SO good. We would definitely come back here. For those of you who have been to the Bean Bag Cafe, we would rather ride down here than go to "The Bag!"

After lunch, we went over to Duboce Park(where I take Evie, a lot) to sit in the sun. Yes, the sun came out and we soaked some up. Then, we biked home to walk Evie.

Of course on Saturdays, my favorite thing to do is my 4pm nap. Then, we went to do two errands - go to the Beer store for supplies Erik needed and go to a used book store I have been wanting to check out: Green Apple Book Store. I love used book stores. This place made me think of Strand in NYC (just on a smaller scale).









I could have bought a ton of books but I want to go back with my list of books I want to read and pick some stuff out. Super cute place though!

We made a yummy dinner and then just relaxed with some of Erik's home made beer. So delish. I'm so sad that we are drinking it so fast. He has to whip up another batch soon!

Unwind Friday

On Friday, I stayed home and it was blissful. After spending the day working from home, I finished all of the laundry. Then, Evie and I hit up the grocery store for some items we needed. Then, I had some pizza & red wine and watched a movie. I swear, some Fridays, I just truly need to be home. I can feel the stress leaving my body.

I watched another semi-strange movie, Happy Tears. Basically, anything with Parker Posey is going to be a little off the rails. Here's a quick synopsyis: Jayne and Laura are about to take on the first man they just might not be able to handle: their seventy-something-year-old father Joe. Dutiful daughters returning to the house they grew up in, Jayne and Laura are forced to take a closer look at their own not-so-perfect lives while dodging childhood memories.
I was expecting this movie to really go back and have these girls see how crappy their life growing up was. You know, have them go back and see these bad memories and whatnot. There were probably two things that they remembered/discussed. It was really more a story about how different the sisters are and how they dealt with their father & his dementia. Then, the movie just sort of ended. I don't recommend this movie. I love these quirky, independent films though.

Crazy of the Day

Evie & I were in the car, driving home from Safeway. This young girl was crossing the street wearing:

• Gold skirt
• Black top
• Red high heels
• Hair: 3/4 of her head was buzzed & dyed black. The other 1/4 of her hair was long & blonde

I'm pretty sure she was going to probably meet friends for dinner or something but what an outfit!

Summer in the City

A good pic of what summer is like here. Grabbed this from an SF Blog - SFist

TGIF

Well, we made it. It's Friday. I am working from home and soooo happy about it. I love getting up at 730!

Last night, I worked late & got home around 8. Evie and I went for our walk and had dinner. Then, I sat on the couch and watched TV. It was pure bliss. Top Chef & Bethenny. I fell asleep during Boston Med. I love that show!

I'm currently reading - Eat, Pray Love. Have any of you read it? I really like it. I have my own thoughts on the narrarator and how she actually got to travel to Italy, India, & Indonesia but I'll save those for later. This is is our movie of the month next week so I'm hoping to finish this book, this weekend.

I really want to read The Help, Sarah's Key, and Girl with the Dragon Tattoo!

Not sure what we are doing this weekend. There is a lot going on in the city and new bars/restaurants that I want to try!

What a Wednesday

As I mentioned, work is totally crazy. Today was no exception. I really love when Clients don't listen to Brand Managers and give us different feedback than what the BM gave us. Then, when we listen to our Client, her boss gets mad we didn't listen to the BM. Are you following? Yeah, its ridic. The important thing is that when this program launches, someone will be a lucky winner of a spot on TV and in a magazine.

I had to leave work to go get a cavity filled, too. So, I rushed up there, got the tooth done, and ran back to work with my mouth half numb. I haven't had a cavity in ages. Now, after they numb your mouth, they then give you numbing reversing agent. How cool.

Anyway, after work, I met up with Kira(see photo) for her 30th birthday!! We went to a bar near work, Eddie Rickenbackers, for some beers and food. Then, we went to a karaoke bar, The Mint. I sang Dolly Parton's 9 to 5. hahaha. Yes, we have more vidoe. Kira sang "We Belong" by Pat Benatar. Fun Wednesday night!! Tomorrow I am STAYING IN.

Wednesday

Work is absolutely out of control. I have been the only one in the office for a few days. My boss is out alllll week. The Client freaked out yesterday at the 11th hour for a project we've been working on for weeks. She refused to take responsibility for herself & not speaking up for what she wanted. Rule violation in my book. Do you guys know my three rules in life? OK, Ill tell you:
1. Have Manners (Please, Thank you, excuse me....)
2. Take Responsibility for yourself (85% of people never learned this)
3. Have respect for yourself

Anyway, last night, Erik and I went out on a date. He did not have hockey so we took advantage of the evening. We went to the Park Chalet restaurant near Ocean Beach. They have Taco Tuesday deals! $3 beer, $2.50 tacos! They had a live band and it was packed. It was a fun night. Love going out during the week to break up the crazy work week.

Crazy of the Day

I haven't posted one of these in awhile but I have to share this one!!

Saturday, I was getting ready to leave our apt and walk Evie. I looked out the window to our main door first because I saw a guy looking in a car window in front of our building. Then, I took a good look at him.

He had on:

• Gray/White fur pants (looked like he skinned a wolf)
• A Black Blazer
• And, he was looking in the car window to.....

Attach horns to his forehead. (Just like the picture). Unbelievable.

ONLY HERE.

Career Revelation

I had a huge revelation this past week. HUGE. You know how I have been searching for a different job where I can "help" people? I keep going back to take classes, look at non-profit jobs, think about being a doctor, a nurse, etc. I keep finding 'IT' and it's not it. Well, what I am about to tell you is big.

I realized that, in a way, I do help people in my job. We all do. Every job each of us are in, we are helping others. I make up promotions so that people can win prizes, trips, money, grants for their school, their community, etc. And - I cannot tell you how happy these people are when they win. When we went to KY this winter to award those grants, people were hugging us and thanking us. Some people don't get to go on vacation, and we provide one to them. Non-profits and schools are struggling in this economy, we award them with money.

What I have been searching for, has been right here all along. I feel like the shackles have been cut off my wrists. I feel like I do help people & make them happy. It might not be stitching them back together in an ER or delivering food to their doorstep through Feed America. But, it's making people happy in my own way.

If you ever struggle with your job, I encourage you to try to think about what you truly value and see if you can find it in your job. I'm sure you can. I think once you find it, it makes you a better employee & you can dedicate yourself even more to your job. It makes you happier at home, and in general.

I am really really happy lately. I really don't have much to complain about. I finally love living here. I looooove Erik and Evie(when she is good. ha.) I love the volunteering I get to do. I love my friends and all of the fun stuff we do out here. And now, the career thing. I have no reason not to feel JOLLY. haha :-)

Drive In Walnut Burgers

Tonight, I made Drive In Walnut Burgers from Food Network. I didn't cook them, just made them. We will eat them this week & cook them as needed.

Here's the Recipe:

• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 3/4 cup canned garbanzo beans, drained
• 1/3 cup plain dried bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon grill seasoning (recommended: McCormick)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large egg

Set up grill for direct cooking over high heat. Oil grate when ready to start cooking.

In a food processor, combine walnuts, garbanzo beans, bread crumbs, grill seasoning, paprika, pepper flakes, oil and vinegar and pulse until coarsely ground.

In a small bowl whisk egg, add to food processor and pulse for 10 seconds, just enough to incorporate egg. Divide into 4 equal-size parts; roll into balls, and flatten with the palm of your hand into 3/4-inch-thick patties.

Place burgers on oiled grill. Cook 4 minutes per side.

Serve hot on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, avocado and honey mustard.

Overflowing Sunday

Well, our Sunday was an overflowing day....literally. Around Noon, we're watching TV and I said to Erik, do you hear that noise? Go check the toilet. He went to check it & was like 'holy shit!' haha. The toilet had become clogged & was overflowing. There was a layer of water on the bathroom floor. So, we switched off the water and mopped up all of the water. Everything on the floor in my closet got wet & needs to be washed. Other than that, it was fine. Erik said I caused it but I say he caused it :-) haha.

Later today, we went to my favorite fair - The Renegade Art Festival!

Lots and lots of independent artists display everything from jewelry to t-shirts to paintings. I got a necklace that I've wanted to buy the last two times we were there...


Mine is an E, for my Two E's: Erik & Evie
The Weekend Store


Here are some of my favorite items at the fair:

Really cool city posters. gigart.com


Cute etched pint glasses. We got one with a snail on it & one with a tape(like we used to have to listen to on a radio). By Bread & Badger


How fitting for my new interest in French! Cute little plates, cups, vases...by Rae Dunn.


Super cute animal mittens for kids AND ADULTS!! By Zooni.

Love this fair. I can already see the mittens as cute gifts for kids!

Au Revoir!

French

Awhile ago, after college, I took a French class. It was just an adult education class but I loved it. I have taken Spanish all thru HS & College so I wanted to try something different.

Recently, I've been thinking of what class do I want to take next? I think I might want to take an elementary French class. I just love how French sounds. I'm looking into it. This weekend, I was reading words out of my little french book. I'm sure mispronouncing them along the way.

Here are some funny tongue twisters. When you try to say them in French, they sound really funny.

Poisson sans boisson--c'est poison!.

(To eat) fish without drinking wine is poison!

Je veux et j'exige du jasmin et des jonquilles

I want and demand jasmine and daffodils.

I would really love to go to France and tour the different regions. Do some wine tasting!

Wishlist

Every so often, I get a short list of things that I'd like in my head.


We really need a new vacuum. This one is at Target for a great price.

New Toaster. The old white one is now getting rust spots on it. haha. This one is a great price on Amazon. Amazon rules.

Orange flats. Perfect for Fall!!


A cool, turquoise, chunky necklace that is less than the $168 stella & dot price tag


A sewing machine to learn how to make my own pillow covers

Saturday in the park

Yesterday, Erik & I went to the Bicycle Music Festival. Essentially, it's a moving concert through the city that you get to by bike. We went to the concert in Golden Gate Park. The speakers/equipment was powered by someone on a bike.


I use the term "concert" loosely. There was no real stage for the band.

We brought some of Erik's homebrewed Hefewizen, a towel to sit on, and rode down to the park. His beer is AMAZING. It tastes sooooo good.



We heard a band play - Sean Hayes. He was pretty good. Then, we saw a New Orleans 2nd Line Band - New Orleans 2nd Line dance party w/ MJ Brass Boppers!


Per Wiki, Second line is a tradition in brass band parades in New Orleans, Louisiana. The "main line" is the main section of the parade, or the members of the actual club with the parading permit; those who follow the band just to enjoy the music are called the "second line." The second line's style of traditional dance, in which participants walk and sometimes twirl a parasol or handkerchief in the air, is called "second lining."


After the festival, we went up to North Beach for a few more beers. It was a fun day!!