Warrior Dash -----------> Week in Review, Day 303-309

~ Competed in the Warrior Dash in Hollister, CA. My favorite part of the obstacle course? Hands down, jumping through fire! There also was a slip-n-slide, mud pit, rope climb, and running over/through old cars. We're still cleaning mud out of our clothes.

~ Walked barefoot for about a mile to get the car. The mud had claimed my sneakers and I had no other footwear. Duh.

~ Spent October 30 night in Hollister, CA. First of all, Hollister is not on the beach, nor nowhere near the beach. Secondly, people really take Halloween seriously, at least at this one bar we were at. We were costume-less, and it was very obvious. Another observation - they do not go as crazy about "Dead of Alive" by Bon Jovi during karaoke as they do in San Francisco.

~ Spent a night at Casa de Fruta in Hollister. A farm with a kid's area, market, restaurant, etc. Saw a couple of peacocks, and watched my friend Diana get followed by a llama.

Hardly Strictly Average --> Week in Review, Day 274-281

~ met with a team of creatives and started to plan ways we can conquer the world (or at least, the business world of SF) Inspiring and motivating.

~ met the two new babies of two friends, a 5-month-old boy and six-month-old girl. They are both so adorable and good-natured - we hope they grow up and marry each other!

~ Checked out the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival. Watched all of Bonnie Prince Billy and checked out pieces of Buddy Miller, Richard Thompson, and Jackie Green.

~ bought a vintage lamp at the Alameda Antique Fair. From the 1950's. It's all bubble-wrapped up so will have to photograph it another time.

~ tried African food - pan-fried talapia in coconut sauce with rice and plantains. Yum-o.

~ tried goat meat, in a gorgeous Mexican-style sauce. Really tender, pretty delicious.

~ had a conversation about James Bond through the years with another girl! So fun. (we voted Daniel Craig as the man, the reasons probably being very obvious)

SF-Packed + Celebrity Sighting ---> Week in Review, Day 253-259

~ missed a client meeting because I completely forgot about it. Never happened before.

~ set up Quickbooks for the business

~ had an amazing veggie sandwich at Mission Creek Cafe

~ took the 33 Stanyan bus

~ celebrated a friend who is now a full-on American citizen!

~ took a tour of an amazing San Francisco home with the architect

~ had coffee with celebrities. Well, I was in the same coffee shop where they happened to be hanging out. Robin Williams and Craig Ferguson.

~ name-dropped on my blog

~ went to Cafe Royale and enjoyed some gypsy music accompanied by belly dancers

~ and I even knew one of the belly dancers!

~ went to the Page Bar, on Page at Divisadero

~ went to a picnic in Golden Gate Park

~ drank a cold beer in a hot shower. At 9 AM on Monday. That seems like the start to a banner week.

Tyler Florence and a house (not together) -> Week in Review, Day 224-230

~ joined the planning committee for the Leukemia & Lymphona Society's Light the Night event

~ stalled in my car. My reliable 1996 Honda that has barely given me a problem in its 14 years of service.

~ got an oil change at Oil Can Henry's but still have annoying "check engine" light staring at me.

~ flew to Reno. It was 25 minutes.

~ had dinner with Tyler Florence. OK, really, we had dinner in his new restaurant, Wayfare Tavern, and our table happened to be near the kitchen. So it was almost like eating with him the whole night.

~ talked to Tyler Florence. OK, really, he said goodbye to us as we were leaving.

~ went house shopping with a real estate agent. Exciting!

~ put a bid on a house - and got accepted!!!!!!!

Day 122 - Supported the Escape

Today was the Escape from Alcatraz triathalon. A 1.5 mile swim, an 18-mile bike trek, and an 8-mile run. The water is freezing and the roads are hilly. These people are amazing.

We were able to see the bike and running parts. The elite athletes make it look easy. But it's the every day people, like you and me, that are truly inspiring. People of all sizes and shapes, finishing in the top of their group, or at the very bottom, but finishing all the same. Disabled athletes, older athletes, survivors and first-timers. We stood as long as we could, cheering for everyone.

If you every have the opportunity to watch a race, be sure to cheer the athletes on - it makes a huge difference when you're the one struggling on the course.

Day 119 - Went to a trunk show

New designers showcase their creations at a trunk show. I have never been to one. Last week, we had met a sweet, funny jewelry designer who was just about to launch her line. Turns out she is also amazingly talented. She uses precious stones in most of her pieces, and the detail in each is unmatched.

The party was great. It was simple but stylish. Her close friends all joined in with their special skills: it was held in a friend's interior design office, with photos of the jewelry from her husband and product write-ups from her marketing friend. The jewelry stands were borrowed from a friend who sells Stella and Dot. The food was a group effort. A ton of money is not the secret - being creative, asking for help, and sticking with her personal style resulted in a great event.

She is currently working on a consumer website, and I will most definitely tell you when it is up. I'm sorry to leave you hanging like this but I promise, you will want to see this.

Day 101 - Celebrated six years

A rainy, dreary day. Lots of indoor activity, culminating in a mid-afternoon bout with insanity. That much indoors is too much. The cure? Get dressed up and go to a fancy dinner.

Mr. Sound and I don't usually do this. We are a sneakers and burritos kind of couple. But to celebrate six years of marriage, well, why not? Not our actual anniversary day, but close enough. He looked ever-so-handsome in his dress clothes. We tried Epic Roasthouse, with a great view of the weather around the Bay Bridge. The food was amazing and we went all out - oysters, steak, cocktails, wine, dessert and coffee. Those long, leisurely dinners are rare and so memorable. We even took a little stroll afterwards in the mist.

Thank you, my love, for putting up with my quirks for 6 years, and for the generous, lovely individual that you are.

Day 100 - Saw radio in action

For 24 hours, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of SF teamed up with KGO Radio 810 for their annual Cure-a-Thon. The regular station DJs use their magical voice powers to raise money for the cause in a telephone fundraising drive. My shift began at 6 AM, and when I arrived, the on-air team was in full vigor like it was lunchtime. Amazing.

There were no radio booths, no On Air signs. The personalities stood in the middle of the room around a table, sharing encouraging words through their hand-held microphones. The 70-something-year-old head of the event was the most energetic person in the room, not slowed at all in his 30 years of participation. Volunteers arrived in teams, all smiles and big hearts. It was truly an uplifting morning.

APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE!
Well, thank you, thank you. I can't even believe it myself, that I've made it through 100 days of new things. Some have been very lame, some have been very exciting, but all have been new. I've learned it takes work and dedication to keep things lively, but the results are invigorating.

Day 92 - Laughed at Keanu LIVE!

Please tell me you have seen the movie Point Break. Keanu Reeves as Johnny Utah ("I am an FBI agent!"), Patrick Swayze as a surfing bank robber Bodhi . C'mon, it's a classic. Anyways, the hit movie (by Hurt Locker director Kathryn Bigelow) is now on the small stage here in San Francisco (and L.A.) Point Break LIVE! is a riot. Without an ocean or real skydiving, the story comes to life with super-soakers, fake blood, and one catch - a random member of the audience plays the part of Keanu Reeves. You gotta see it, brah.

WARNING: Cases of PBR cans are available for purchase. And this cool koozie:



Point Break LIVE!
The Action Theater at the Metreon

Day 76 - St. Patrick's Day street party

There are so many pockets of festivity in San Francisco on St. Patrick's Day. There is a 6 AM radio broadcast from the Irish Bank. There is the post-work street party in the Financial District. We found a different street party, in the Italian sector of North Beach. A small side street in front of O'Reilly's bar hosted live music and lots of beer on a gorgeous warm day. Ah. Just a lazy afternoon, all the unemployed, self-employed, and late-night employed.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

May neighbours respect you,
Trouble neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And heaven accept you
~ Irish blessing

Day 72 - Enjoyed a mellow parade day

It was the city's St. Patrick's Day parade today. As a salute to my Irish dad who loved the parade in our hometown, I don his green knit hat and scarf and cheer on the marchers. It was a gorgeous day.


In previous years, we have started parade day with an Irish breakfast and a few pints of Guiness. Usually, we continue the festivities after the parade into the evening. This year was a lot more mellow and just as enjoyable. Mr. Sound and I had our first of two beers only after the parade - Murphy's Stout in Murphy's bar.


We then weaved our way through the city on foot, instead of taking the bus. We ended in Chinatown, which is of course not Irish at all but has delicious food. We ate in a seafood restaurant we've wanted to try for years. It was great. Full and happy, we finally headed home.

Day 3 – We're on a boat...

Yes, it was a three-hour tour but we made it back just fine. We were invited on a casual cruise with a dozen other people on a small boat, the Dauntless. I was a bit apprehensive – I get motion sick, and I didn't know anyone past the people I was going with. But who can beat snacks and beers with picturesque views in the sunshine. Granted, it was chilly out on the water, but we took our own advice and brought layers. We went under the Golden Gate bridge, saw dolphins and sea lions, and met some really nice people. So don't let apprehension stop you – it will turn out better than you expect. And this video really encouraged us to go, as well.

Day 2 – Go Cars

It's fun to play tourist in your own town every once in a while. Here in SF, you can rent a little yellow two-seater car that will lead you by GPS throughout the entire city. The very friendly voice tells you facts about the city and stops you from going onto the freeway. We have wanted to rent these for years. Our gang of three cars drove all over, learned a lot, and laughed so hard. Once again, we were frozen by the end but it was well worth it. Pretty much every person on the side of the street had a huge smile on their faces as we passed, and some even took pictures. They are ridiculous-looking, which adds to the fun. Go rent a Go Car!

Day 1 – Jumping into the bay

Although it is in California, San Francisco is not like San Diego. It gets cold up here. Bring layers of clothing when you come visit. And know that if you surf or want to get in any natural water here, you will need a wetsuit. Unless you join us for the New Year's Day bay dip. Started by four friends last year, you strip down to shorts and run voluntarily into the cold SF water, leaving all common sense on the beach. I hid out during the inaugural year last year, but two more of us whole-heartedly joined them this year. It was COLD. I was hyperventilating. But it was enthralling. You don't even feel cold when you get out, probably because you're numb, but anyways. A fine mist started falling as we were getting into dry clothes, and then we walked up the hill to warm up with an Irish coffee at the famous Buena Vista. Seriously, it was perfect.