The story I'm about to share is something so simple and silly I'm afraid you'll finish it and wonder if you missed the point. However, it's one of those sweet moments I want to remember so on the blog it goes.
The only person (I use that term loosely) more selfish than myself is Thumbs McGee. The girl lives for food, sleep, and attention. She is very affectionate but that is because she wants you to pet her. I'm ok with this because what I described above is the definition of most cats.
Most mornings the alarm goes off and one of us gets out of bed to take the first shower. This morning, however, we both stayed in bed and chatted for a bit. I went out to dinner with friends last night so Michael and I didn't get a chance to catch up. We shared a few funny stories and were both quietly laughing about something. Once I stopped laughing I heard Thumbs purring loudly. This is not unusual--the second one of us is awake she is right by our faces, purring and begging to be petted. I thanked Michael for playing with her and he said, "I'm not touching her." We both listened and sure enough, our little lady was purring like crazy from the foot of our bed.
I know this might mean absolutely nothing to you but I thought it was so dang cute. Neither of us were paying attention to her and (for once) she was content to just listen to her parents happily chat away. I called her named and she jumped up and joined us. It was a sweet moment and made me realize that maybe, just maybe, this fat cat likes us as much as we like her.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Bullets
So this is just ridiculous. It’s been more than three weeks since my last post, which covered an event that happened in October. I really need to snap out of it.
What’s worse is stuff is actually happening in our world and I’m just too lazy to write about it. In a sad attempt to bring this beautiful blog up to speed, I bring you the bullet. (Pronounced: bull-LAY. It’s French I think. Oui oui.)
What’s worse is stuff is actually happening in our world and I’m just too lazy to write about it. In a sad attempt to bring this beautiful blog up to speed, I bring you the bullet. (Pronounced: bull-LAY. It’s French I think. Oui oui.)
- Michael and I are still happily married (thought I’d get the obvious out of the way).
- We started the Haynes Family Budget of 2012 (HFBMMXII) and it is OBNOXIOUS. I’m kidding. Well no, I’m actually not, but it is great and very much needed. Michael created a pretty nifty spreadsheet, which is now a Google document and updated daily. We have a line item for everything. It’s been a pretty eye-opening experience thus far and while some line items are more difficult than others (e.g., Starbucks, personal spending, etc.) it will benefit us greatly in the long run. That savings account is about to get more love than it’s ever wanted.
- Michael gave up fast food and I gave up caffeine for Lent. This essentially means I also gave up fast food because it’s just RUDE to chow down on a big greasy cheeseburger while your husband eats tuna out of a can. I’m no martyr—I’ve definitely had Raising Cane’s at least once. Interesting story about caffeine: I really thought I’d get headaches when I cut out the caffeine but I didn’t. I was drinking two cups of decaf each day and decided my body rocked. Then one of my co-workers politely told me that decaf has caffeine. What the wha?? I checked and sure enough, there are trace amounts. Moral of the story: No more decaf coffee.
- I’m now part of a girls Bible Study that meets twice a month. The girls are incredibly sweet and we’ve bonded quite nicely. It all started thanks to Michael reaching out to one of his friends from high school so kudos to him for being awesome. I am THRILLED as my Dallas friend population practically doubled. We’re reading the book Crazy Love and so far I just love it like... crazy. Hardy har.
- I’m in the Wellness Committee at work and we just gave everyone pedometers. I have aged at least 35 years as I wear mine everywhere and am constantly checking my stats. Most everyone at work does the same so I don’t feel quite so nerdy. In case you’re curious, I walk an average of 2 miles at work each day, which burns off fewer calories than one caffeine-free coke.
- I haven’t picked up my camera in over a month and I miss it desperately.
- I haven’t picked up my side of the room in over a month and I just wish Mary Poppins would show up for crying out loud.
- Michael and I are traveling to Chicago in a few weeks to celebrate our nephew’s FIRST BIRTHDAY. Holy cow, where did the time go? I’m quite excited to get my hands on that (not so) little guy.
Ok, that’s it for now.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
San Francisco - Day 4
Let me start by saying I'm so mad at myself. It's been almost four months since we visited San Francisco so I've lost a lot of specific memories I wish I would've captured. Blerg.
One of Michael's only requests was to visit Alcatraz. History, prison, and self-guided audio tours rank about as low as you can get in my book o' fun but I politely agreed. We booked an early morning tour and I put a smile on my face.
As I mentioned before, the weather was ridiculously warm while we were there but I'd been told by numerous people that the boat ride would be frigid. If you remember from a previous post, I'd purchased a cute ear warmer thingy (that is its official name) in wine country and it never left my suitcase. I wore my leather coat for approximately 14 seconds and then the disrobing began. Again.
Now to the important stuff: Alcatraz was incredible. The audio tour was fantastic and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip! At one point the tour guide asks you to walk outside and look around. He soon follows it up with, "Feel free to go back inside if you're too cold." I looked over at Michael and saw beads of sweat on his forehead. Made me laugh.
After the tour, we walked all around the Marina District. Saw some beautiful homes, gorgeous views of the bridge, and many San Franciscans basking in the sun on the lawn. We ate lunch at DelaRosa, where we split a strange pizza and drooled over our neighbor's order. It was in a great location next to very cool shops. To me, the neatest thing about San Francisco is how many different areas there are and how each of them has so much to offer. I'm used to towns that have a few cool areas but several shoddy areas. I'm sure San Fran has them but we didn't see much!
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That night we had dinner at Pesce Seafood Bar, which was delicious! Similar to a Tapas restaurant (minus the "Spanish" part)--we ordered several small plates and split everything. This was one of the funniest/most awkward parts of our trip. The tables were very narrow and we sat extremely close to the couples on either side of us. It didn't take long to notice one couple was on their first or second date. Two very bashful adults constantly saying, "Oh I don't know, you decide," jokes followed by unnecessarily long giggles, and then slowly, slowly, slowly, a hand hold across the table! One point to the new couple! We sat close enough to them that I will be hurt if we're not invited to their wedding.
On the other side of us was a couple who (we guessed) had been together two-ish years. They were not married/engaged and were very "meh" with one another. He pulled out his phone every 5 minutes, she spent most of her time looking at our food, and neither felt the need to talk much. At one point I wanted to say, "You guys, it's time. Let this be your last meal together."
Anyway, Michael and I carried on two different conversations throughout dinner. One with words, the other with our eyes. It was a lot of fun. :)
And so ends day 4. Day 5 was a short one and I plan to write about it before we celebrate our 5th anniversary.
Saturday, October 23, 2011
One of Michael's only requests was to visit Alcatraz. History, prison, and self-guided audio tours rank about as low as you can get in my book o' fun but I politely agreed. We booked an early morning tour and I put a smile on my face.
As I mentioned before, the weather was ridiculously warm while we were there but I'd been told by numerous people that the boat ride would be frigid. If you remember from a previous post, I'd purchased a cute ear warmer thingy (that is its official name) in wine country and it never left my suitcase. I wore my leather coat for approximately 14 seconds and then the disrobing began. Again.
Now to the important stuff: Alcatraz was incredible. The audio tour was fantastic and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip! At one point the tour guide asks you to walk outside and look around. He soon follows it up with, "Feel free to go back inside if you're too cold." I looked over at Michael and saw beads of sweat on his forehead. Made me laugh.
I'm on a boat!
It was really, really steep. It doesn't look steep but ho boy!
It's impossible to look cool wearing circa 1985 headphones. But he still looks cute. :)
Grody.
Also grody: Stewed Fruit. SICK!
God Bless America. And not being in prison.
I saw the following sign and thought, "Wow, their shirts are so 'in' right now!" I'm special.
After the tour, we walked all around the Marina District. Saw some beautiful homes, gorgeous views of the bridge, and many San Franciscans basking in the sun on the lawn. We ate lunch at DelaRosa, where we split a strange pizza and drooled over our neighbor's order. It was in a great location next to very cool shops. To me, the neatest thing about San Francisco is how many different areas there are and how each of them has so much to offer. I'm used to towns that have a few cool areas but several shoddy areas. I'm sure San Fran has them but we didn't see much!
.JPG)
That night we had dinner at Pesce Seafood Bar, which was delicious! Similar to a Tapas restaurant (minus the "Spanish" part)--we ordered several small plates and split everything. This was one of the funniest/most awkward parts of our trip. The tables were very narrow and we sat extremely close to the couples on either side of us. It didn't take long to notice one couple was on their first or second date. Two very bashful adults constantly saying, "Oh I don't know, you decide," jokes followed by unnecessarily long giggles, and then slowly, slowly, slowly, a hand hold across the table! One point to the new couple! We sat close enough to them that I will be hurt if we're not invited to their wedding.
On the other side of us was a couple who (we guessed) had been together two-ish years. They were not married/engaged and were very "meh" with one another. He pulled out his phone every 5 minutes, she spent most of her time looking at our food, and neither felt the need to talk much. At one point I wanted to say, "You guys, it's time. Let this be your last meal together."
Anyway, Michael and I carried on two different conversations throughout dinner. One with words, the other with our eyes. It was a lot of fun. :)
And so ends day 4. Day 5 was a short one and I plan to write about it before we celebrate our 5th anniversary.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Strange Animals Make Me Happy
I realize most everyone has seen this video by now, but I wanted to share for those who haven't. As someone who adores very strange animals (manatees and ostriches to name a few), I completely appreciated this.
And as a sidenote, I heard a radio interview with Kristen Bell a year or so ago and thought she was fantastic. I actually called Michael once the interview was over and proclaimed my love for this girl. I realize the following video might not portray it, but she is smart. And very witty. She's also on Michael's "Top 10 list" so I'm not the only one who's smitten. :)
Enjoy!
And as a sidenote, I heard a radio interview with Kristen Bell a year or so ago and thought she was fantastic. I actually called Michael once the interview was over and proclaimed my love for this girl. I realize the following video might not portray it, but she is smart. And very witty. She's also on Michael's "Top 10 list" so I'm not the only one who's smitten. :)
Enjoy!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Which One Is It?
Today's blog topic has been on my mind for a long time, but I never really thought about posting it until recently. I'm hoping you'll respond, especially if you disagree with me, so I can learn more from the other side.
My parents raised us to be honest kids. They also raised us to be polite. And oftentimes, the two don't go hand in hand. I think there are situations when being honest is absolutely the way to go, but other times I think being polite is the right answer. I'm beating around the bush, aren't I?
When someone asks for my opinion on something, I (almost) always give them an honest answer. If a friend tells me they're thinking about cutting their hair and asks if it's a good idea, I am very honest. However, if someone just purchased a house and asks me if I like it, I could think it's the ugliest home in the world but I will smile and tell them it's beautiful. The difference between the two is my opinion means absolutely nothing in the second scenario, and I don't think there is any reason to insult someone when there is nothing they can do to change the circumstance. It's a done deal and they're happy. In that situation, (to me) being polite is better than being honest.
What do you think?
Another instance is when someone doesn't ask for my opinion at all. When that is the case, I absolutely don't think it's necessary to give my opinion unless it's positive. If someone tells me they're naming their baby Mildred Zambonee, it's not my place to tell them I hate that name. Even if I do. They didn't ask, therefore I don't need to blurt out my true feelings. (Sidenote: This example is completely made up. My friends' kiddos truly have the BEST names. However, many of them have started keeping the name a secret because they've received such negative feedback, even when they didn't ask for it.)
I guess my point is, if you're going to hurt someone's feelings by giving your opinion on something that can't be changed, why do it? Does this mean I have less integrity or can't be trusted? I hope not.
I've had my feelings hurt by people who were brutally honest when I just wish they'd smiled politely because whatever it was, I couldn't change it. Or in other cases, I wish they hadn't said anything at all because I never asked.
Let me also point out that I haven't always been like this and I still struggle with it. If I've known you for more than five minutes, I've hurt your feelings by something I've said. You've either told me you were hurt or I've seen it in your eyes as soon as I said the statement. Over the last few years I've become more of the person I described above because I didn't like the opinionated person I'd always been (and still can be). And now that I make a true effort to think before I speak, I notice how hurtful it can be when I'm on the receiving end.
So my question to you is this--Am I being ridiculous? Is what I consider being polite actually just a lie? If you ask my opinion on something you cannot change, do you really want it?
And, I am asking for your opinion and I can change what I'm doing, so I want you to be honest. :) (If you don't feel comfortable commenting, send me an email!)
My parents raised us to be honest kids. They also raised us to be polite. And oftentimes, the two don't go hand in hand. I think there are situations when being honest is absolutely the way to go, but other times I think being polite is the right answer. I'm beating around the bush, aren't I?
When someone asks for my opinion on something, I (almost) always give them an honest answer. If a friend tells me they're thinking about cutting their hair and asks if it's a good idea, I am very honest. However, if someone just purchased a house and asks me if I like it, I could think it's the ugliest home in the world but I will smile and tell them it's beautiful. The difference between the two is my opinion means absolutely nothing in the second scenario, and I don't think there is any reason to insult someone when there is nothing they can do to change the circumstance. It's a done deal and they're happy. In that situation, (to me) being polite is better than being honest.
What do you think?
Another instance is when someone doesn't ask for my opinion at all. When that is the case, I absolutely don't think it's necessary to give my opinion unless it's positive. If someone tells me they're naming their baby Mildred Zambonee, it's not my place to tell them I hate that name. Even if I do. They didn't ask, therefore I don't need to blurt out my true feelings. (Sidenote: This example is completely made up. My friends' kiddos truly have the BEST names. However, many of them have started keeping the name a secret because they've received such negative feedback, even when they didn't ask for it.)
I guess my point is, if you're going to hurt someone's feelings by giving your opinion on something that can't be changed, why do it? Does this mean I have less integrity or can't be trusted? I hope not.
I've had my feelings hurt by people who were brutally honest when I just wish they'd smiled politely because whatever it was, I couldn't change it. Or in other cases, I wish they hadn't said anything at all because I never asked.
Let me also point out that I haven't always been like this and I still struggle with it. If I've known you for more than five minutes, I've hurt your feelings by something I've said. You've either told me you were hurt or I've seen it in your eyes as soon as I said the statement. Over the last few years I've become more of the person I described above because I didn't like the opinionated person I'd always been (and still can be). And now that I make a true effort to think before I speak, I notice how hurtful it can be when I'm on the receiving end.
So my question to you is this--Am I being ridiculous? Is what I consider being polite actually just a lie? If you ask my opinion on something you cannot change, do you really want it?
And, I am asking for your opinion and I can change what I'm doing, so I want you to be honest. :) (If you don't feel comfortable commenting, send me an email!)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sneak Peek
Here is what I should be writing about:
1. San Francisco - Day 4
2. San Francisco - Day 5
3. Pictures (can't write about these, but I can post them!)
4. The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier at the DMA (if you live in the DFW area, you must go!)
But I can't. Why? Because I received a fun package in the mail on Friday and want to talk about it instead. Most of you know one of my favorite things to do is decorate our home. I don't mean holiday decorating (ew), but a complete room overhaul. The past two rooms (living room, bedroom) were each done in a week. The paint, the purchases, everything. Not only did it make our budget fall to its knees, but I didn't have a chance to mull things over. I purchased everything at once and regretted certain items later. We decided to treat our upstairs room differently and took things slooooowly. The first purchase was made two years ago (Penguin classics) and bit by bit we've added to the room. It's given me a chance to sit back and think, "Do I truly love this or do I just need a side table and this one is on sale?"
I wanted the room to be three things: contemporary, clean, and FUN. Jonathan Adler was my inspiration (the man LOVES color) and we're really pleased with how it's turning out. We still need curtains and a side table so I'll save the full reveal for later, but I couldn't wait to share the pillows we received the other day via Etsy. We've had the chartreuse pillows forever but decided they worked nicely in the room. Main colors are navy, orange (looks red in pictures), and chartreuse but the room has a bit of everything.
I'm a huge fan of the F. Schumacher Chiang Mai print and was terrified Michael would hate it. Luckily, he took one look at the picture online and said, "Is that a dragon? Cool."
Heck yeah, it's a dragon. Who knew a pillow could have street cred?
I thought it was fitting to share the pillows since I did the same sneak peek for our living room. So without further adieu, a tiny piece of our new den:
And in case you're curious, yes, the walls are navy blue. The guy at Ace Hardware tried talking me out of it three times but I wouldn't have it. And for once in my life, I'd like to think my stubborn streak paid off.
1. San Francisco - Day 4
2. San Francisco - Day 5
3. Pictures (can't write about these, but I can post them!)
4. The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier at the DMA (if you live in the DFW area, you must go!)
But I can't. Why? Because I received a fun package in the mail on Friday and want to talk about it instead. Most of you know one of my favorite things to do is decorate our home. I don't mean holiday decorating (ew), but a complete room overhaul. The past two rooms (living room, bedroom) were each done in a week. The paint, the purchases, everything. Not only did it make our budget fall to its knees, but I didn't have a chance to mull things over. I purchased everything at once and regretted certain items later. We decided to treat our upstairs room differently and took things slooooowly. The first purchase was made two years ago (Penguin classics) and bit by bit we've added to the room. It's given me a chance to sit back and think, "Do I truly love this or do I just need a side table and this one is on sale?"
I wanted the room to be three things: contemporary, clean, and FUN. Jonathan Adler was my inspiration (the man LOVES color) and we're really pleased with how it's turning out. We still need curtains and a side table so I'll save the full reveal for later, but I couldn't wait to share the pillows we received the other day via Etsy. We've had the chartreuse pillows forever but decided they worked nicely in the room. Main colors are navy, orange (looks red in pictures), and chartreuse but the room has a bit of everything.
I'm a huge fan of the F. Schumacher Chiang Mai print and was terrified Michael would hate it. Luckily, he took one look at the picture online and said, "Is that a dragon? Cool."
Heck yeah, it's a dragon. Who knew a pillow could have street cred?
I thought it was fitting to share the pillows since I did the same sneak peek for our living room. So without further adieu, a tiny piece of our new den:
And in case you're curious, yes, the walls are navy blue. The guy at Ace Hardware tried talking me out of it three times but I wouldn't have it. And for once in my life, I'd like to think my stubborn streak paid off.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Easier Than I Thought
Absolutely filled with gratitude: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brandigreer
(Thank you for the phone calls, texts, and messages today. Your prayers were absolutely felt and so appreciated.)
(Thank you for the phone calls, texts, and messages today. Your prayers were absolutely felt and so appreciated.)
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
1.11.12
I was so thankful to start a new year. At the same time, the second the clock struck midnight a tiny part of me ached. January has been on my mind since the last week in April.
Tomorrow is our baby's due date and I'm heartbroken. I thought it might be easier the second time around but oh it's not. I can't tell you how badly I wish this story had a happy ending.
In my last post I talked about finding something each day that fills me to the brim with gratitude and I'm going to try so hard to do the same tomorrow. I'll be very honest, a larger part of me wants to sleep the day away and not wake up until it's over.
If you have a chance, please say a prayer for us. Michael puts up a good front but I know he's hurting too. There have been two instances when I woke up feeling especially encouraged and only later learned someone specifically prayed for peace for me the night before. I've been praying for peace all week.
Even though we will not meet him* tomorrow, we are so grateful for this sweet baby's life and can't wait to meet him in heaven.
*or her--but I always knew it was a boy
Tomorrow is our baby's due date and I'm heartbroken. I thought it might be easier the second time around but oh it's not. I can't tell you how badly I wish this story had a happy ending.
In my last post I talked about finding something each day that fills me to the brim with gratitude and I'm going to try so hard to do the same tomorrow. I'll be very honest, a larger part of me wants to sleep the day away and not wake up until it's over.
If you have a chance, please say a prayer for us. Michael puts up a good front but I know he's hurting too. There have been two instances when I woke up feeling especially encouraged and only later learned someone specifically prayed for peace for me the night before. I've been praying for peace all week.
Even though we will not meet him* tomorrow, we are so grateful for this sweet baby's life and can't wait to meet him in heaven.
*or her--but I always knew it was a boy
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
2012
Holy moly.
While most of you have compiled and shared a detailed list of resolutions, I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that it's 2012. Last year absolutely flew. When I stop to think about particular moments, some hit me so hard it might as well have happened yesterday. Others I try to remember and am met with a cloudy haze. Fortunately, the great moments are the ones I remember so well.
2011, overall, was a pretty fantastic year. If I made a list I'd say the "pros" column trumps the "cons" column 10 times over. Over the past few months, I've made a conscious effort each day to find something that fills me to the brim with gratitude. And you know what? It's been quite easy. I want to continue this in 2012 and hope it will become a part of who I am. I chose our Christmas card for a reason--I loved the simple phrase, "Be joyful." Such a great mantra, and quite easy when you step back and take a look at your life, ya know?
I have so many pictures I want to share with you! I have absolutely fallen in love with photography and wish I could do it every day. Unfortunately, I need about fifteen years of practice and by that time I'm quite certain every person on the planet will have their own photography business. It's been so much fun to capture fun moments of some of my favorite people. I hope this passion of mine sticks around for a long time because I enjoy it so much! Will do a picture post soon.
I've decided to make 2012 one of my favorite years of all time. I know there are many things I can't control but there are so many more things I can. And I will. So if your plan is to stand in my way, I'll see you in 2013. :)
While most of you have compiled and shared a detailed list of resolutions, I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that it's 2012. Last year absolutely flew. When I stop to think about particular moments, some hit me so hard it might as well have happened yesterday. Others I try to remember and am met with a cloudy haze. Fortunately, the great moments are the ones I remember so well.
2011, overall, was a pretty fantastic year. If I made a list I'd say the "pros" column trumps the "cons" column 10 times over. Over the past few months, I've made a conscious effort each day to find something that fills me to the brim with gratitude. And you know what? It's been quite easy. I want to continue this in 2012 and hope it will become a part of who I am. I chose our Christmas card for a reason--I loved the simple phrase, "Be joyful." Such a great mantra, and quite easy when you step back and take a look at your life, ya know?
I have so many pictures I want to share with you! I have absolutely fallen in love with photography and wish I could do it every day. Unfortunately, I need about fifteen years of practice and by that time I'm quite certain every person on the planet will have their own photography business. It's been so much fun to capture fun moments of some of my favorite people. I hope this passion of mine sticks around for a long time because I enjoy it so much! Will do a picture post soon.
I've decided to make 2012 one of my favorite years of all time. I know there are many things I can't control but there are so many more things I can. And I will. So if your plan is to stand in my way, I'll see you in 2013. :)
Friday, December 23, 2011
Friday, December 16, 2011
Trifecta
One to make you snap, one to make you laugh, and one to make you wish your pet had thumbs....
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tis the Season
Busy season started last Wednesday.
I have 454 unread blog posts in Google reader. (I just shuddered.)
We were both sick for a week but are now feeling better.
We've watched 3 seasons of The Big Bang Theory in one week (see above).
I get my life back next Friday...
I have 454 unread blog posts in Google reader. (I just shuddered.)
We were both sick for a week but are now feeling better.
We've watched 3 seasons of The Big Bang Theory in one week (see above).
I get my life back next Friday...
(Until then, here's two pictures I took yesterday of a co-worker and her fiance. More later!)
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
San Francisco - Day 3
Saturday, October 22, 2011
There is a reason it's taken me a long time to write about this day. Let me preface this by saying we loved San Francisco. Loved the people. Loved the sites.
However.
We were told we needed to pack for cool, chilly weather. We happily obliged. (Have I discussed the Hotter Than Hell Summer of 2011? I have? Well then.) We woke up early and I put on a long tank and leggings. Covered said leggings with leg warmers and boots. Covered said tank with a cute blazer and scarf. Michael bundled up in jeans and a sweater.
We walked outside. And nearly died.
I said something along the lines of, "Oh we'll be fine. Let's keep walking." Famous last words. It was SO HOT. Let's also keep in mind the topography of San Francisco. Hill after hill after gosh darn hill. By the time we got where we were going, I was a wreck. There are two things in life I absolutely hate and both immediately turn me into a 13-year-old brat:
1. Being extremely cold.
2. Being extremely hot.
Michael once said my comfortable temperature range is 77-82 degrees. This? Did not fall in that wide spectrum of comfort. I wore my ensemble for approximately one hour and then removed the blazer and draped it over my purse. Removed the scarf and draped it over my blazer. As I was walking I saw my reflection and stopped cold. I looked like Vivienne in Pretty Woman. And not "Big Mistake. Big..." Vivienne. Oh no.
Enough about that. Saturday morning was spent in the Mission District! We were told we must try Tartine Bakery so that was our first stop. This place was amazing. We had to wait in a short line but the food was completely worth it. I haven't met a chocolate croissant I didn't love, but this guy put every other one to shame. SHAME. Let me make sure I also include my husband's tiny order: 2 Mexican wedding cookies, 2 shortbread cookies, and one gigantic orange roll. They didn't even bat an eye.
Dolores Mission
Only picture of me in complete outfit. Would not be worn in its entirety again.
After breakfast we toured the Mission District. We were told it was "Hipster Central" so we knew what to expect. Except we didn't. This area was definitely rough around the edges. It was a bit strange because a very nice building would be right next to something that was begging to be burned down. And then, BAM! Tiny park in the middle of it all.
We walked by Dolores Park (large park) and took several pictures. It was there I encountered my first rude homeless person. As I was putting my camera back in its case I heard, "Hey take a picture of me and send it to my mom so she knows I'm not dead." Uhhhh....
Took a break for iced coffee and tea
We ate a very late brunch at Foreign Cinema. Very cool place. Michael accidentally ordered an appetizer, which was enough food for a tiny kitten. It was pretty funny. My meal was much larger so we were able to split it. And then I saw him. Michael and (my friend) Kreston's love child. It was spooky. I spent the rest of the time trying to take pictures of this poor waiter (without him knowing) so I could send them to Kreston. I'm not sure it was well-received by either parent but for those of you who know both, throw me a bone here. Love child, am I right?
I ordered a coke. This was the closest thing they had. Very cool. (And delicious!)
'
Next was one of my favorite areas in San Fran: Hayes Valley. Loved this area. It was quite eclectic and still had the hipster vibe of the Mission but it didn't make me nervous. I was just happy not to have random people yelling at me. We got some made-to-order ice cream from Smitten and people-watched for a bit.
Afterward we browsed several of the boutiques in Hayes Valley before we continued walking to Haight-Ashbury. This is one of those areas you just need to see for its history. And then you need to leave.
At this point we headed back to our hotel to freshen up for dinner. We'd taken the BART (subway system) a few times so we were feeling pretty confident. When it was time to go to dinner at Blue Plate we hopped on the BART... and ended up in Oakland. Not good. If you're not familiar with the Bay area, grab a map. Once we got to Oakland we immediately got on the next available BART to head back. We were 30 minutes late and were a sweaty mess once we arrived. Luckily, the restaurant was the size of our bathroom, had no air conditioning and an open kitchen. There are few places in San Francisco that have air conditioning because it's (usually) so pleasant. They set a carafe of water on our table and we went through three. The food was absolutely delicious but it was a little tough to enjoy due to our ridiculously high body temperatures.
This was one of those days we will never forget. Will I remember it as one of the best days of my life? Absolutely not. Will I laugh anytime I think of being screamed at by two homeless dudes, sweating through a gourmet dinner, all while looking like a prostitute? Absolutely.
Friday, November 25, 2011
San Francisco - Day 2
Friday, October 21, 2011
(For day 1, click here)
(For day 1, click here)
Friday began with breakfast at our hotel and a few more pictures of Healdsburg, which is currently our #1 retirement destination (sorry Greenville, you’ve been bumped to number 2). We picked up some drinks at Safeway and were ready to explore wine country.
I really didn’t expect anything fun to happen until we reached our first destination but the drive was just stunning. We were surrounded by vineyards, which were the most gorgeous fall colors. At one point we’d been driving under an umbrella of trees when we saw a rustic bridge. Once we made it to the bridge the trees disappeared and we could see for miles in all directions. We took CA-128/29 south from Healdsburg all the way to Napa and it was incredible.
The first place we stopped was Castell di Amorosa. It was a giant castle and the landscaping was so pretty. We didn’t have a driver for the day so we’d limited ourselves to three tastings. Regardless, we’d heard this place was gorgeous so we stopped for pictures.
Back in the car! We stopped at St. Helena to have a quick lunch at The Model Bakery and I also purchased a cute wool headband to protect my ears from the wind/cold when we went to Alcatraz. There is a reason I’m telling you this tiny detail—more on that later. Wish we would've had more time here, it was a neat town.
Our first stop to actually taste wine was Saddleback Cellars. It was as relaxed and laid-back as they come. We sat at a picnic table and they left us alone until our glasses were empty and then they magically appeared—it was glorious! They also had country (and I mean COUNTRY) music playing. Most of you know I am NOT a country music fan but it just fit here. If we didn’t like the wine we were told to “dump it on the ground—it’s great for the grass.” I don’t think either of us dumped anything, the wine was amazing. I believe it was my favorite time of the entire trip. Since I’ve been back at work I’ve had a few stressful moments and I just picture us back at Saddleback, sitting at a picnic table listening to "Luckenbach, Texas." Everything around us seemed to slow down a bit and in turn, so did we.
After tasting the-best-wine-we’ve-ever-consumed-
After this wine tasting I was once again feeling a bit loopy. I was our navigator and got us lost approx 14 times. I’ve never been a good driver but I usually rule with a map in front of me. But no. Not so much. As I'm staring out the window Michael would nicely say, “Hey, shouldn’t we turn pretty soon? Merd? MERD!” Yeah, we were supposed to turn a mile ago.
We quickly stopped at Artesa Vineyards & Winery for pictures, which had a beautiful view....
...and then ended our tasting at Domaine Carneros. We sat outside on an enormous wrap-around patio, ordered a cheese and fruit platter and sipped champagne. I took a video and in the course of 30 seconds I tell you where we are twice. After the video I took several pictures of a bird. (Shaking head.) I am not posting either.
It was time to head back to San Francisco to check into our hotel and get ready for dinner. We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge as the sun was setting, dropped the car off at the rental place and checked into our hotel. We’d wanted to stay in Union Square but not be forced to sell a kidney to pay for it so we chose The Crescent. It was a fine hotel but absolutely nothing special. The room was big enough to hold our bed and one suitcase. Location couldn’t be beat, but if we went back we’d probably stay elsewhere.
We walked to Epic Roasthouse and something magical happened that has never, ever happened to us before. We got the best seat in the restaurant (window seat with a perfect view of the Bay Bridge). Ok, I got the best seat in the restaurant. Michael was still screwed a bit due to the wall placement. For one reason or another, we are always given the worst table in a restaurant—it’s become a bit of a joke and I was positively giddy to not sit next to the bathroom, kitchen, or back corner. Our meal was as good as the view (I’m still dreaming about the halibut and risotto) and a perfect way to end the day.
(View from Epic--picture taken from their website...)
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