Sunday

Erik got up this AM to go play pick-up hockey at 6am! Dedication, I tell ya! We had another fun day. It was hot out today. We went up to the courts and played tennis. He beat me, of course. My new goal in life is to beat him in tennis.

After tennis, we hit up the farmer's market. It was packed! Amazing food at our local market - the usual fruits & veggies but also fish, ravioli, bread, flowers & french pastries. They always have music too. Today, an accordian player was singing and playing. PLUS, they had cooking demonstrations.





Tons of beans - sugar snap peas, fava beans, green beans....

We picked up a french pastry


We brought home strawberries, cabbage, snap peas, cabbage, onions, bok choy, broccoli, two mini foccacia bread pizzas, and apple cider!

After the market, Erik replaced our cabin filter in the car. It took him 10 min. Can you believe they charge $100 for this at the repair shop! The filter cost us $20 on Amazon


Then, we hit up the frozen yogurt place. Perfect day for it & I have been craving it.

I wanted to get the candy bar chunks but I thought better. I got mango & blackberries - so good.


Evie had a good day. She was outside for a long time and lounged in the park. Then, she sat in this weird position. haha. Erik was fixing his bike shoes and she squeezed in between the shoes and the couch. I am calling the vet tomorrow b/c her farts have been RANCID.

To finish the day, we went to a Dickinson reception here in SF. It is for newly admitted kids. These kids will be the class of 2014. Can you believe that? They looked so young. We found a few people who are living in SF. Always nice to know another familiar face.

For those of you who know Coach Frohman, he is alive & well. He is now the Admissions guy there and is traveling the country doing these receptions & stuff. He hasn't changed.


"Helloooooo Everyone. Welcome to Dickinson Collegeeeee. I used to be the Basketball coachhhhh"

I know a few people who read this blog will think this one is funny! haha.

Saturday

The weather this weekend was awesome! Beautiful, sunny, warm & wonderful! Glad I stayed in on Friday to do the laundry & clean.

Saturday was very fun. We went to the store so Erik could get new sneakers. Then, we went to the driving range. Haven't golfed in months but the swing comes back pretty quick. Hope we can get out on the course soon.







After golf, we went to get lunch. Then, we went to the sports bar to meet up with some of Erik's hockey teammates to watch the hockey game(s). We were home by 10pm which was perfect!

Friday

TGIF! It's gorgeous out today. Evie and I went out for our walk and we did not want to come in. I would've loved to lay down in the park in the sun and take a nap. But alas, I am at work. Hoping to get out a little early and go for a long walk with her.

There are a lot of things we'd like to do this weekend but nothing set in stone - play tennis, go shopping for clothes for Erik, try that new Puerto Rican restaurant, buy a bike, go to the driving range, get frozen yogurt, start my little garden....

I just entered to win tickets to see Peter Pan, here in SF. I hope I win - the show is on Monday. It was a twitter contest and I saw it 4 min after it was posted. The first 100 people who entered got tickets.

Also, the Yankees are in town next week to play the A's. We want to go but now I heard it might rain. We'll wait to see if it does before getting tickets.

Hope you have a great weekend!

This guy on Bart

I was sitting on the train coming back from Oakland today. I was reading a magazine & no one was sitting next to me. Then, this guy came and sat down. I could not breathe because he smelled SO bad. THE most pungent stink ever. Plus, he had no shoes on and had bunions. Ick. Pew!

Thursday

It's so wonderful that it is already Thursday! Being away for two days, then working from home on Wednesday makes this a short week. Last night I had tennis & it was fun. We played doubles again. I had this crazy backhand shot that was so close to the top of the net and hit perfectly on the other side that the team couldn't return it. I was shocked. Even our coach was like, wow that was a great shot. Haha. I think it surprised everyone.

Tonight, I am going to play again with my friend who plays. I've already decided that tomorrow night, I am staying in and doing laundry. Our baskets are overflowing with clothes. Then, it's the weekend! Hope it's nice this weekend and NO rain!

Lightening Storm

While flying Denver to SFO on Tues night, I was looking out the window. I saw a big lightening storm to the right of us. So crazy. Check it out:

Back Home

I am back home & happy to be back. I do not know how people travel for work all of the time. I am so exhausted after two days. Plus, sleeping in a different place & not eating the same foods is hard. Eating in airports must be such a pain due to limited options, bad food, etc. It's not like there is a 'fast vegetables stand' in the airport.

Anyway - got to Nashville on Monday around 5. My client and I met up with our event company & staff for dinner at Sunset Grill. We drove though downtown Nashville after dinner. It was cute - lots of bars, restaurants, etc. Apparently there is live music going on all of the time. Saw a lot of people with their guitars in the airport!

Tuesday was all work. We were in the warehouse where our booth for our new tour is being built. We left for lunch and then for the airport at 4pm. IT was so nice, warm & sunny in Nashville. Miss that weather!!

We got to the airport and our flight was CANCELLED. How weird. Luckily, we were put on another flight/airline and made it home at the same time. I am working from home today & get to pick up Evie at lunch. And going to tennis tonight! Woohoo!

Where the Wild Things Are

On the plane, I watched 'Where the Wild Things Are'. I didn't think it was that great. It was sad that the boy's Mom didn't pay much attention to him but in the end, things worked out. I didn't think it lived up the hype that everyone made it out to be. Probably could've been left a book. Actually, the movie was a little depressing. I know some people loved it but I wouldn't recommend running out to rent it.

The PR in SF

The mothership has landed. I cannot believe this but a Puerto Rican restaurant is opening just blocks from our house - Parada 22!!! The opening of this place even made the WSJ. Entrees are expected to be under $10. I hope they have mofongo. I wonder if we tell them Erik is de Puerto Rico, will we get a discount? hehe. We cannot wait to go!!

Welcome to Nashville

I made it to Nashville. I did not sleep well, which is what normally happens when I have an early flight. I am convinced that I won't wake up for my flight. I took a cab to the airport. I flew to LAX then LAX to Nashville. It is HOT here. 85 and sunny. My hotel is super cool - eco friendly & chic. I am staying at the Hutton Hotel. Check out my room.

I really hope Kimmy & I are able to make it back out here. It seems like such a fun city.

Evie is at camp until Wednesday and Erik has the entire day off & to himself tomorrow.

I'll keep you posted on what else we see down here!

Off to Nashville

I'm off to Nashville tomorrow AM. Thankfully, I have a 730am flight and don't have to get up too early. I'll be back home on Tues night around 11pm. I'm thankful for the short trip. Although, I would've loved to have seen Kimmy & had a fun few vacation days. I will be back in time for tennis on Wednesday and have a smaller fee to pay to board Evie for 2 days. A Nashville trip will have to come another time.

Also, my hair is looking not that great lately. Have any of you ever box dyed your hair? It's so cheap so I'm thinking of doing it but don't want to look nuts.

The September Issue

Tonight, I watched The September Issue - a fashion documentary about Vogue Magazine and their annual September issue which is the largest issue of the year for them. The September issue in 2009 was their largest ever. Seriously, it looked like a phone book. This movie was like watching the Devil Wears Prada.

Anyway, Anna Wintour (Editor in Chief of Vogue) is apparently seen as 'the most important woman in fashion'. It seems like fashion designers fear her. Basically, if she doesn't like their work, they don't make it in Vogue. If you're not in Vogue, you won't get sold.

Anna seems like a cold person. Hardly smiled. Who knows what her life is really like because this really focused on her at work. Everyone at Vogue really cares about their jobs and fashion. Anna was explaining what her siblings do for work. They each have jobs contributing to the greater good - low cost housing, helping US farmers, etc. She said they think her job is a joke. Maybe in her eyes, she is helping people just like them, too.

Here is a photo of the Creative Director - Grace. Does this woman look like she works at Vogue? After seeing how put together & perfectly coiffed Anne was, I was surprised. I'm surprised Anne didn't make her flat iron her hair or something.

Anyway, interesting view & inside look on the fashion world.

Erik's World

Here is a quick update on what Erik has been up to:

1. He made his own sunscreen
Yes. You heard right. I came home one day to find a tube of Diaper Rash cream and a square of beeswax on the counter. He found a recipe for home made sunscreen at home. Turns out diaper rash cream is like 13% zinc oxide. He mixed together the beeswax, cream, and tea tree oil in a bowl over boiling water. I guess it didn't really work because he used it in Tahoe and got burned. Oh well, he tried!

2. He has been playing pickup hockey...
You can show up at the rink, pay a fee, and play. He got up at 530AM the past two Sundays to play at 6am. That is dedication!

Those are two highlights I thought I'd share. Of course he is also busy with work and taking online classes!

Sunday

Today is another gross, rainy, windy day. Blah! Two Sundays like this in a row! What is up with this crappy weather? Due to the weather, I didn't get to play tennis this morning. :-( Instead, we watched the Rangers game. This was THE game they had to win to make it into the playoffs & they did not win. It did come down to a shoot out though. I wonder if this means we still have to watch the playoffs until June now that Erik's favorite team is out.

Then, we switched over to the Masters. I love watching golf. I love playing golf. My new fave LPGA player is Suzanne Petterson. She is only 29 and awesome. Well I also love Paula Creamer but she is MIA so far on the 2010 schedule.

Anyway, we have been lounging. Evie is chillin' & feeling better. Hopefully the rain lets up. I have to pack for Nashville. I am only going overnight which is great. Ill be home Tuesday night.

Saturday

Yesterday was fun & productive! First of all, Erik and I played tennis for about 2 hours. Erik is pretty good. Of course. He is good at all sports despite never playing them. For example, he can get off the couch and run a 5K or probably a 10K without ever training. So of course, he is good at tennis!

Then, we went to storage, to drop off the Christmas tree. Finally that freaking thing is out of our apt.

Then, we went to the movies at night to see Clash of the Titans in 3D. It was so stupid!

I have never seen the 1981 version but this movie was all computer graphics. The cool thing was it was in 3D however, it was just really stupid. Not my type of movie at all. AND, 3D tix are $15. Isn't that nuts!!? Thank goodness we had free passes. The only thing that saved this movie was that Perseus was hot. haha

Friday

Well this past week was a little rough. I am not saving lives or curing cancer but the work I do can be stressful and irritating. We are launching a tour for one of our products next week. We are going to the training for the staffers in Nashville on Monday. So this past week was crunch time to get everything wrapped up. Honestly, my client and the event company are morons and so I have had to do a lot of hand holding which is totally ridiculous!! Anyway, needless to say, by 5pm, I was ready for a drink.

Went over Sierra's place last night with Betsy. Betsy so kindly made us dinner. We had some wine. It was great to chill & decompress from the week. However, I was greeted by a surprise when I got home. I had cleaned out the fridge and put everything in a trash bag. Bag was not in the trash can which is under the sink. Came home to chinese food takeout containers in the kitchen & living room. Yes, Evie consumed 3 boxes of old chinese food including garlic green beans, eggplant, and chicken & vegetables. Ironically, she does not like the white rice.

I'm sure she has quite the stomachache today.

Wine Sweeps

check out this awesome trip. I would love to win this one!!

Thursday

Today was so beautiful out! Unfortunately, I had to drop our car off at 730am to get a new timing belt. However, I got out early from work to go get the car. Hundreds of dollars later, we have a new belt. Great, now the engine won't break on us.

Anyyyway. I was home by 430 so I took Evie out for 2 hours. We went down into Golden Gate Park and on the way home, we saw her buddy Jasper. They played for a little bit. I took some pics of our walk. It's so pretty out with all of the flowers.




















Digging in a hole

Also, Kimmy & I decided to cancel our trip to Nashville.....I am going for work on Mon/Tues. We were going to stay until Saturday. However, we are both really stressed. Work is super busy plus its not an ideal time to go on vaca. I did go on 2 trips in March and a 3rd plus the car repairs = much $$. We are going to chill out and maybe go another time or she can use her ticket to come out here possibly. We'll see. I think we both feel better that we are not going. It would've been really fun but not so fun when work/money/life is weighing on you.

Thursday

Tennis was so much fun last night! We played doubles and it was fun. Doubles is easier because you get to take up the entire court. However, serving is really hard. you have to keep it in the front box on the opposite side you are serving on. I now have no clue how people like Roddick serve at 150mph and keep it in that little box. So crazy. That is part of the reason why I love tennis - the precision needed.

So now I have learned forehand, backhand, and serving. And can play a little doubles. Erik and I are going to try to play on Saturday and I think my friend and I are going to play on Sunday. I wish I could quit work and just play golf & tennis all day.

I dropped the car off today to get a new timing belt. Grrr expensive!! We also are having them check the back brakes and this humming noise we've been hearing for MONTHS. I'm sure they will call me with additional costs for that fix. I wish you could just trade in a new car and get a new one for free. I like this car - the Mazda 3. However, I do not want a car payment.


I now totally get my dad's saying of 'It's always something' It is. It's always the car or the dog or something going on. I guess you have to just expect that it will 'always be something' and try not to worry about things that pop up.

Gone Huntin'

Evie's going huntin. Like her hat? haha. Its actually her porcupine toy that she ripped apart and I put it on her head. hah

Wednesday

It's so nice out here today. Sunny and probably around 70. It's so funny when it gets 'warm' here. People break out the shorts and bathing suits. I guarantee people are in bathing suits laying out in the park right now. Tonight, I have tennis and I got my new racket!! It is my bday gift from Erik. I can't wait to use it. Also, I think we are going to try to play this weekend. Now, we have 2 rackets!

I am already thinking about the weekend! This week is busy and then next week is Nashville. I'll be there for work for 2 days but then Kimmy is going to meet me there for the rest of the week. We are going to see all things Nashville: Opryland, Vanderbilt, Belle Meade Plantation, and hope to see some good music and eat good food! Anyone ever been there? Let me know what you think we should do!

Also, GLEE comes back next week!! I'm so excited. The cast is on Oprah today. I can't wait to watch it on the DVR tonight. Love that show.

Tuesday

Ahhh yesterday was so busy at work. I came home and walked Evie for a good 2 miles down into Golden Gate Park and back. I just needed to get out and loosen up my shoulders. I was so stressed. I took her to this area with this statue that she is usually scared of. I guess she is over it b/c she hopped up right near the statue. Isn't this statue kind of creepy? I was staring at it and I told it to 'Open your eyes' but she didn't. Can you imagine if she did? I would die. I might pass out. Or scream and try to run but not be able to. haha. Too many movies!










So, I am really trying to find an alternative to riding the bus. I wish Erik would just drive me every day but that will never happen. I am only 3 miles from work. I COULD walk but it would take me an hour. I could get a bike and ride. I could get a scooter and pay for parking downtown(will need to research). I might go look at scooters. Can you imagine if I walked 6 miles a day? Haha. I would be exhausted by the time I got to work! We'll see........

This Guy on my bus

My bus driver was a real pill this AM. Asking to see everyone's pass & kicking people off if they didn't have the right amount of money. This Asian guy gets on the bus with his headphones on and his tape walkman and sits down. The bus driver is like 'hey, man. hey hey hey' to get the guys attention. The Asian guy goes - What are you doing man. are you trying to rob me?

Like WHAT? The guy was sitting down driving the bus trying to get your attention. That is exactly how bus drivers rob riders. Unreal. I laughed out loud at him. haha.

Rainy Sunday

Today is cold, rainy, & windy. Its around 50-55 out. Ick. The rain turns from drizzle to torrential. We have been lounging all day but now we have a little cabin fever. Evie is like - get me outta this house. Grrrr. We ordered chinese for lunch and it was delish. Now Yankee/Sox game is on. If only Evie could enjoy the game. ha.

This week is going to be a tough one. I am going to Nashville next week to launch a tour we are doing. The Client is a hassle and it's been a pain project. I can only imagine how frazzled she will be this week. Plus, another project is launching and another big thing is due by end of the week for my other new client, that the original client doesnt' know I'm working on. Real nice.

Ohhh well. Hope you have a good week!

Saturday

Erik and I had a fun day yesterday! We slept in a little bit and lounged in the AM.

We went to see Alice in Wonderland. It was pretty good. I thought Johnny Depp was so funny as the Mad Hatter.

We also went to look at tennis rackets because Erik is going to get me one for my bday gift! woohoo! We also stopped at the cupcake shop to pick some up. We got so many. One for now, later, and tomorrow. Haha. They are sooo good.




Then, we went to dinner at Mamacita for mexican. Soooooo good. They have Honig wine on the menu, which I love. I got the jicama ahi tuna "tacos" and Erik had the veggie tacos.

Afterwards, we went around the corner to a wine bar, Bin 38. I had a glass of Prosecco to celebrae then we had a bottle of wine. The wine was so good: 2004 Chateau Pesquie Quintessence. It was a Syrah/Grenache blend.

Friday

I had a great birthday weekend!! I was off from work on Friday. Erik and I got sandwiches from a deli nearby that is an east coast spot. They serve my fave....Boars Head Lunchmeat!! It was nice to be off from work & just hang out and relax.




At night, we went to happy hour and then dinner at Solstice. Solstice is a tapas place but it is not spanish tapas. They have a yummy mix of everything - mac & cheese, mini-burgers, tacos, risotto cakes, ahi tartare, etc. We brought two bottles of wine to share with everyone and ate a lot. It was great.

Me-Kira-Amy

Me & Sierra

30

Today I am 30! I can't believe it. I am ready to be 30. Leaving the 20's feels like taking off a winter coat. I mean, think about how you are when you are 20, 21, 25, and then 30. Its like 3 different lifetimes. I couldn't hang out with 21 yr old self now. hah.


Me & Kimmy circa 1985-ish

Me & Kimmy prob around the same time. Maybe '86. haha