Happy Halloween

I can’t believe it’s Halloween already.  The past month has flown by in a flurry of job search activity.  There was one week where I had 11 interviews in 4 days.  It was exhausting but all so worth it.

I’m beyond excited to report that I formally accepted a fantastic job offer with an amazing startup here in San Francisco.  And the best news?  The people I’ll be working with are even more amazing…incredibly kind, smart and fun.  I think I finally found “my people” on the career front.

I’m looking forward to a lazy day trotting Orelia around the neighborhood in her costume.  There’s one lovely neighbor in her 70s who always points me out to her friends as Orelia and I pass by through out the year saying….”Yeah, that’s the lady who dresses her dog up for Halloween.”  I could be known for much worse things right?!  😉

(p.s. Just realized it’s my one year blogging anniversary.  Thanks so much to everyone who has read along and supported me along the way.  I’m truly shocked that anyone other than my parents follow my blog, but I’m very grateful.  It’s been awesome getting to know some of you online over the year. You rock!!)

Neighborhood Hauntings: Part Deux

Every walk around the hood with Orelia uncovers more spooky Halloween goodness.  I’m feeling so blessed and grateful to live in such a beautiful neighborhood.  San Francisco…you complete me!

Three Things

It was a toasty weekend in San Francisco.  Other than a few long walks with Orelia, we stayed indoors where it was nice and cool.  I finished reading Me Before You, went for a massage and watched more than a few episodes of Felicity.  Yes, I’m living in a 1990’s time warp; and I’m loving it!  Here are a few other things that I’m enjoying these days.

{New journal and job search notebook courtesy of Target}

{Hot fudge sundae at Stinson Beach}

{Paradise Beach Park in Tiburon}

Buh Bye Online Dating

Back in 2011 my therapist gave me a book called Marry Him: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough.  Given the source of the gift, I paid close attention and read it cover to cover…twice.  I thought it held the answer.

After 2 years of dating men I have no interest in ever seeing again, I’ve decided upon a much better use for this book.  I’m burning it.  I’m not settling for a damn thing.  I’m taking the rest of the year off from dating; and I’m grinning ear to ear just thinking about it.

{The picture above was taken after a date down on Union Street.  The view of the bay was the best thing about the evening.  I was so happy to be free from the date that I literally skipped up the hill to my car.}

Lessons Learned in NYC

• The Met is always a good idea…especially when it’s 90 degrees and humid outside.  I spent hours oohing and aahing over Monets, Renoirs, Central Park vistas and air conditioning.

• When the city gets you down, go to Brooklyn Heights for a new perspective.  I had the best meal of the entire trip at Jack the Horse Tavern and walking along the Promenade on the 12th anniversary of September 11 was both poignant and peaceful.

• I’m a California girl through and through.  NYC is great, but there were a million things I missed about San Francisco.  Orelia, fresh fruits and veggies, the Pacific Ocean, the chill in the morning air, Crissy Field, the greenery of my neighborhood, my car, etc.  I may not have been born here, but I was born to live in California.

In Case of Emergency

I spent a lovely afternoon at Stinson Beach recently.  It’s only 30 minutes away and sometimes I forget it’s there.  Driving along the cliffs as the road winds around the Pacific, it almost feels like Greece.  Picture a deep blue sea below and a jagged, rocky landscape to the right.  It’s breathtakingly beautiful.

After strolling along the beach and feasting on a delicious kale Caesar salad and BLT from The Lunch Box, I looked down at my phone.  A text had come in from a friend in the hospital who needed a ride home.  It got me thinking about who I would put down as my “in case of emergency” person.

My parents live too far away.  My friends are great, but they are pretty wrapped up with their kids. Orelia would come if she could, but driving is one trick that she hasn’t quite perfected.  Although I could totally see her in the driver’s seat of my car rocking a pair of Doggles and jamming to a hip-hop song like FashionKilla as she races to my rescue.  Hmm, we may need to revisit the SPCA and see if they are offering any new classes.  Driver’s ed for dogs, anyone?

Spotted: Woody Allen in San Francisco

Last summer, I was getting a pedicure when I got a text from my friend, Karla.  “Woody Allen is filming in front of my condo.”  I nearly pushed the sweet woman putting the finishing touches on my toes out of my way and raced to my car.  I’ve never really been impressed with most celebrities, but I’m obsessed with Woody Allen movies.  Despite all the Soon-Yi business decades ago, the man is a genius when it comes to writing and directing.

After running a couple of yellow lights, I made it to Marina Boulevard and stumbled down the road in my flip flops. And there was Woody on the side of the road directing Cate Blanchett in Blue Jasmine.  Critics are already calling it one of Woody’s best films…even comparing it to Manhattan and Interiors.

While I love his films, what I really admire about Woody is his dedication and tenacity. Year after year, he writes and directs a film.  Sometimes it’s Oscar worthy and sometimes it’s not.  But regardless of what the media thinks, Woody keeps on keeping on…even at the age of 77.

I know exactly where I’ll be when the movie comes out in San Francisco on August 2nd.  See you at the movies, Woody!

Over the Weekend

A little shopping + delicious meals at Vasco & The Tavern in Marin + amazing friends + long walks with Orelia = a fantastic weekend!  And driving through this….

to get to my friend Karla’s house always makes me happy.  Wishing everyone a very happy Monday!

Fillmore Jazz Festival

{Corn on the cob just makes me happy!}

The Fillmore Jazz Festival is my favorite street fair in San Francisco.  The music, the food and unexpectedly running into friends made it a perfect Saturday morning stroll.  Plus, the fact that it’s just four blocks away from my apartment doesn’t hurt either.

Don’t even get me started on the crawfish etouffee.  There have been years in the past when I’ve strolled down to the festival 3-4 times over the course of the weekend to get my fix.  Once a Southern girl, always a Southern girl.

Sitting down with Orelia listening to music with a breeze blowing in early July was the happiest moment of the weekend.  I looked around at the beautiful place where I live; and I realized so many of my childhood dreams have come true.

1. I live in California.  As a child, I would write out my name and a fictional address in a “San” city over and over.  San Francisco always seemed to top that list.
2. I have the most amazing dog.
3. I’m surrounded by wonderful and supportive friends who have been in my life for over a decade.  There’s nothing better than loving and being loved.
4. I am completely free and independent in a way that I always longed to be as a child.

2013 is only half way done; and I can’t wait to see what other dreams come true this year.

{I met the sweetest French man running this booth. We immediately bonded over a shared love of poodle mixed breed dogs and the Riviera.}

{Totally want to jump into this scene and take my place on this deck chair.}

{My favorite “San” city icon in a glorious oil painting}

Independence Baby

While it was painful getting up knowing I have to work a full week, I’m smiling as I look at photos from the 4th of July weekend.  I spent the day in Sausalito with good friends and my adorable god daughter.  It felt glorious to soak up the sun, eat corn on the cob and be utterly silly.  We topped off the day with a delicious dinner at Sushi Ran.

Speaking of independence, I’m counting the days (15 to be exact) until I’m on vacation.  I’m not sure where I’ll go.  Ojai? Pismo Beach?  Back to Mendocino?  I’m feeling a road trip coming on.  Regardless of where I go, I’ll be smiling.  Let freedom ring, baby!