3 Smiles

A trip to Point Reyes for my 2nd cousin's 4th grade field trip

A brisk nighttime walk through our neighborhood

Warm coffee and blankets on a cold and foggy morning

Steamboat Springs, CO

In all of my years living in Colorado, I had never visited Steamboat Springs until this past summer. It's one of those mountain towns that is just far enough away that I always ended up going to Frisco or one of the closer spots. But in June, I went to a graduation party there and immediately fell in love with the town. If the drive up there wasn't beautiful enough, the town is a picturesque, quaint mountain town, with the Yampa River bordering the main street. I loved it so much, that a few months later, I took my parents up to check it out as a possible location for Felix and my wedding/vow renewal and reception next August. We all agreed it was the ideal location; far enough from Denver to make it feel like a destination wedding, but close enough that our family and friends would make the trip. Since it will be in the summer, there will be river rafting, hiking and biking. Not to mention a bunch of really adorable restaurants and bars, both in town and on the ski basin.

Some sweet family friends offered their home for the celebration and we couldn't be more excited. It is a stunning house on an even more stunning piece of land; green grass, lots of trees, and a small lake. It is truly an ideal location for the kind of party we want to host. My parents and I had such a fun 2 days in town, trying different restaurants and walking around town looking for good hotels. I also had the BEST Cosmo I've ever had (made with lemon-infused vodka) from Laundry, a fantastic new restaurant off the main street.

*photos 1 and 2 from Steamboat Vacation Rentals, Uncover Colorado 

Nomadic Knight

To honor National Sibling Day (which according to some Facebook friends, is today), I decided to dedicate today's post to my little brother. But after further research on my end, I realized that National Sibling Day happened on April 10th, and today is, in fact, Johnny Appleseed Day. I'm so thankful I chose to look it up, because the day could have been a complete failure without some celebration of the apple tree planting legend. And fyi, according to other non-reliabe internet sources, it's also National Pancake Day and Shamu the Whale Day.

But I figured I would write about my brother anyways, since he's doing some pretty awesome stuff right now.

He is currently in East Timor (a small country to the southeast of Indonesia), where he just finished filming a 6 day bike race, 'Tour de Timor.' His plans are flexible over the next few months, but according to the scarce emails we've gotten from him, he'll try to find some small film projects throughout the region and then take time to travel around Bali and possibly Australia.

Check out his amazing website! http://www.nomadicknight.com/

It showcases all of the incredible work he's done in the past as well as updates on what he's doing now.

He is so talented. I will always be envious of his passion and free-spirit. 

I miss you Christopher! Can't wait to hear about all of your adventures when you get back! Stay safe.

Table for 1

After getting to the airport yesterday and finding out my flight was delayed 2 hours, I immediately went in search of a restaurant I could kill some time at. I found a Chilis and took a seat at a corner high top, among many tables of other solo travelers. Half way through my salad and tall glass of wine, I started thinking about how nice it was just to sit and eat all alone. Although unaccompanied dining is not a new or undiscussed topic, it occurred to me that I had never really given it much thought.

I remember back in elementary and middle school, it was completely unacceptable to eat by yourself, and it was always sad when you saw a kid sitting alone at a big empty table. All the way into high school, I remember heading to the library to study or driving home during my lunch hour if I didn't have secured plans with friends. The thought of eating alone was terrifying and just not an option. 

When I was young, I still remember seeing 'grown-ups' sitting by themselves while out to eat at restaurants and thinking it was so sad that they didn't have anyone to join them. Now I understand completely. I really enjoy those times I have to myself, and I think everyone should take time to eat, shop, and see movies on their own (I haven't gone to a movie alone yet, but I would!) There is something strangely empowering about sitting at your own table, with a book or just your own thoughts to keep you company.

Of course it's so nice to have company for all of these activities, but I think there is something to be said about that 'me' time that starts to go away when you're in a serious relationship or marriage because it's just easier to do everything with your partner. 

I hope everyone is having a good week so far.

*photo from msnbc

  

Currently...

                                          Reading:

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls - I remember when this book was published quite a few years ago, but I never got around to reading it. I finally finished the Hunger Games Trilogy over the weekend and didn't bring a back up book. I found The Glass Castle on my Grandma's book shelf and haven't been able to put it down.

And, I'm guilty of reading a few celebrity gossip magazines. The only time I buy/read them is when I'm traveling, so now I feel fully caught up on all the latest drama.

Happy about:

Getting to spend some time with 2 of my favorite girls this weekend!

Excited about:

Getting home to SF. I actually missed the cold, crisp weather during the muggy, 95 degree LA days. And I kind of miss my husband, too!

Loving:

This LA sunset we watched before dinner at The Grove shopping center.

Happy Monday!

3 Smiles

A cute new coin purse used to hold quarters for laundry

Popcorn and The Sandlot - a favorite pastime

Pretty sky view from my favorite sushi spot in L.A.

Few Words

I flew into Los Angeles yesterday to help take care of my grandpa for a few days after a surgery he had. He will be okay, but the healing process will be long and difficult. 

I am exhausted right now. Sitting in a hospital and eating cafeteria food all day doesn't exactly leave you with mountains of energy. I wish there was more to say, or that I was feeling inspired in some way. I also know that sometimes there just aren't many words.

But I made a deal with myself that I would write on here every day for a few weeks. And I'd really like to stick to that deal. So here I am, blog.

I will, however, leave you with this picture because its funny, confusing, and a little bit scary. And for anyone else who is unemployed, I highly recommend downloading the app Face Off Booth. Hours of entertainment...seriously.

Goodnight from L.A. 

Welcome to America

Most of you know what a huge annoyance the government has been over the years in my and Felix's relationship. Well, I am overjoyed to announce that THAT IS OVER. We've had 4 years of student visas, traveller visas, temporary residency cards, I-29's, I-90's, USCIS officials, 1-485 and 1-290 forms, and I think I'm even making some of these up because it's all kind of a blur to me.

Relationships are challenging enough when immigration officials aren't involved. But we had to deal with extended stays at border control and immigration at airports. Felix was almost always called into a back room for waiting or questioning where they made him sit for an extra 20 minutes just to make him sweat. 

Last Wednesday, we took the final step in this process: our marriage interview. Our lawyer had prepped us above and beyond and we had the documentation to prove it; to say we were ready was an understatement. Not to mention, we're actually in love. Few couples have to pass a 'test' to prove that their love is genuine and they married for the right reasons. But we were ready, in fact, pumped and excited for the interrogation. There was no question this guy could ask us that we wouldn't have an answer for. The few days prior, we quizzed each other on favorites, specific dates, meals, moments. 

Either the official we met with could tell right away that we were legit, or he was tired and ready for lunch. He glanced at a few photos and documents, asked us to name our in-laws, and congratulated Felix on his permanent residency.

We left feeling relieved and of course happy, but it's always strange when something that is expected to be emotional and intense turns out to be so anti-climactic. The next day, he received a strange, but official document from immigration services 'welcoming him to the United States of America!' I laughed out loud when I read it, since he's been living here for almost 10 years now.

Exactly one week later, (today!) we received his official Green Card in the mail. We are SO relieved this process is behind us, and thankful to everyone who supported us along the way.

Scenes from apartment 602

When we decided to make the move to San Francisco, obviously we were thrilled for so many reasons. But we also knew we would have to make serious adjustments to our standard of living. In Denver, we had a comfortable 2 bedroom apartment, complete with washer/dryer, huge backyard, and attentive landlords.  

Our first week of apartment searching was frantic but so fun; hustling from one side of the city to another to get to open houses and showings. By day 3, we were exhausted and feeling some pressure. The amount of money we would be spending on rent couldn't be taken lightly. And most of the places we'd seen were barely pushing 400 square feet. The 2 most important qualities for us in an apartment were great location and comfortable space. We weren't willing to pay an insane amount for a 200 square foot studio in a crazy good location. But we also didn't want to be more than walking distance from some of the best areas. We felt like we were being realistic. And after living here for almost a month, I still think we got SO lucky. We landed a beautiful 'junior' 1-bedroom apartment in an original Edwardian building in Lower Nob Hill. Obviously, there are negatives to living in a unit that hasn't been updated since 1910. But it is charming and so full of natural light. It is by far our favorite apartment we've lived in together. I have done more cooking and cleaning in this home than in any other apartment we've lived in. 

Here are a few snapshots of our cozy new home.

*A sweet friend got us the dish towel seen above for California and Colorado. You can order them online here. Such a great gift idea!

A Great Monday

Today was a great day; although, it started out at as one of those mornings that could have gone either way.

I woke up coming off of a weekend spent fighting flu symptoms. It was one of those Mondays (like most Mondays) that sneaks up on you after an unproductive and uneventful Saturday and Sunday. It was an incredibly foggy and cold morning in the city, and I would have been content staying in my pajamas, drinking tea, eating leftovers, and watching movies on the couch. But instead, my cousin called and said she'd be by to pick me up at 10 for an impromptu trip to the beach. I wasn't thrilled about this plan, but I sucked it up, packed a beach bag and a coffee to go, and met her outside.

We made the 40 minute drive through Tamalpais Valley and onto curvy Highway 1 to Muir Beach. It was early and cold enough that there weren't many people there yet. The clouds were just starting to burn away and the sun was starting to peek through. We hiked down the beach and over a rocky area where we had our own private cove. We took a quick swim in the ice cold water, and it was one of those things that you didn't realize you needed until you've done it. It was surprisingly refreshing and rejuvenating. We bundled up in towels and headed back into the city.

We stopped for a bagel and coffee in the Presidio, a beautiful neighborhood right outside the city. And then I walked to a doctor's appointment a few blocks away. I love my new doctor and I seem to be all healthy - 2 good things! I spent the next 2 hours taking the long way home, stopping in antique and consignment shops along the way (I'm in search of a lamp and some art for the apartment). Although I can no longer get lost because I know my way around the city pretty well, it is still so fun continuing to explore the little neighborhoods and pockets of shops and restaurants. 

I spent the next hour doing laundry (at the laundromat down the street.. another thing that has taken some getting used to!) and talked for awhile with the most pleasant retired Australian man who is traveling for 6 months with his wife. 

Felix met me at the laundromat as I was finishing up. We picked up some fresh veggies and made a quick dinner and enjoyed some wine while watching football.

The greatest days are always the ones you don't expect anything from. Today wasn't necessarily productive. Nothing in particular happened to make it such a great day. But it was. It was so great, and I felt especially happy and lucky and relaxed. 

3 Smiles

Our new bedroom

A wonderful office-warming party at the new Zoosk location 

Enjoying cafe hopping around the city while beginning to search for jobs

Settled?

Today marks the 18th day that I have officially lived in San Francisco. Moving isn't necessarily a fun process; the packing and planning and stressing and driving through arguably 3 of the most boring states to drive through. But with the company of my mom, lots of snacks, and constant laughter, they were a few absolutely enjoyable days. 

The past 2.5 weeks have been spent unpacking and getting 'settled.' I've noticed myself using that term a lot in conversation with everyone. When asked how I am doing and how I am enjoying the city, I tend to respond with a short explanation of what we've been up to, and add that the apartment is almost completed and that I'm finally feeling 'settled.' To be completely honest and vulnerable (which is all this post really is), then I would say that I am the furthest thing from settled. Yes, all of our boxes are unpacked and the apartment is organized and I've hung all of our favorite pictures; however, I personally have never felt so UNsettled. I am currently unemployed, and don't have the slightest idea of what I want to do next. I've been putting a lot of pressure on myself to find the right job, when I don't even know what that job is. So I've been keeping busy with projects around the apartment and challenging myself to cook really complicated meals.

I caught up with a few of my best friends last week, and it was so helpful to hear that other people are also dealing with a lack of answers. Other people struggle with uncertainty. I am not the only one feeling unsettled. I have said over and over again that this place of unknown is scary, but it's a whole lot less scary to know that I am not the only one feeling this way.

These past few weeks have unexpectedly reminded me how important it is to enjoy where I am at RIGHT NOW. It is OKAY that I don't have a career path mapped out. It is OKAY to enjoy this down time while figuring out what's next for me. It is OKAY to feel stressed and confused and unsettled. 

So that's it for now. As much as I struggle with the whole consistent blogging thing, writing and getting my thoughts out of my head never fails to make me feel better.

Happy Thursday from beautiful San Francisco!