#myownarchitecht

I have been working on helping myself live more in the moment, just what this blog is all about! I often need help being present and creating the life that feels a little bit other than my every day, so today I did just that. As I meditated on being present this morning in yoga class, and really feeling all the things around me that make me feel alive, I was inspired to take in this amazing city and what it offers for a “staycation”. So after taking an excellent yoga class, I found myself heading to the same cafe that I always go to, sort of a “sunday ritual” if you will. There was sure to be great coffee and snacks, and because this is SF, there was also sure to be a line.  I circled for parking a couple of times and I became acutely aware that I was betraying my meditative practice by sort of blindly doing what I always do. With that, I decided to head to Hayes Valley which, with its park and semipermanent coffee, juice and let us not forget the ice cream pop ups seemed the perfect in town getaway. (The fact that my fave candy shop, Miette is also there doesn’t hurt) 

A stunning day in SF is only complimented by a cute brunch spot and an afternoon cocktail....don’t mind if I do. As I found myself walking to get a coffee as I normally would, I stopped myself yet again, walking by Pepitios, a newish Mexican joint, I quickly spied a seat at the bar. (as many of you know, my fave pastime in town or out) I hopped up, eyed the menu and settled on a sangria and some yummy tuna tar tar. What a treat! Do I really live here??? I met Marco, the gentleman to my right, and discovered a mutual love for the Spanish language and NYC. Just as tho I was on holiday, I was open to enjoying my surroundings and striking up conversation with strangers, who will easily make new friends. Its like bringing vacay to me! My lifecoach and I have been working together for a little over a year, and one thing that she said that has stuck, and really become a mantra for me is that I am the architect of my own life, and I can build my house in any way I choose.

So what does this mean for me? That my house includes meandering paths on a sunday, the thirst for something new, and rediscovering old neighborhoods with fresh eyes. At least until the next trip.... What do you want to build into your house?

#myheartinsf

I really do love my city. I am not sure what others mean when they say they “love” San Francisco, but when I say it, it's from the core of my being. Some may say this seems trivial, unimportant, silly, maybe even self serving. But as much as the city feeds me, I feed it. With a deep, guttural love that comes from the inside out. I don’t just see San Francisco as a place to live. It’s a place that feeds my soul, and for that I repay it handsomely with a zestful energy.

I can recall the first day I moved to SF,; 23 years old, wide eyed, settling into a loft apt in the mission with an acquaintance thru friends. I had no idea the prime real estate I had landed, or what great things awaited me. From my first meal of sushi (where had edemame been all my life?) to my first love deep in the heart of the Haight, I was about to really start LIVING.  What I did know that first moment I stepped out of my new apt however, was that I belonged here.

To this day, it is not a feeling that I can describe, but even now in my 40’s, I liken it to how I imagine I will feel when I finally find that partner in life that I am destined to be with. It just fits, no further explanation necessary. No matter the trials and tribulations of city life; parking tickets, our homeless (sad to say) noise, tourists, and who can forget waiting in line…everywhere. There is no other place that I would rather call home. And furthermore, none that has the power to transform me every day. San Francisco is not just a place to live, it’s a place to be alive.

#diarydebocles

if you have not had an opportunity to attend a Mortified show, I highly recommend this local treat. It will transport you back in time to your horrifying pre pubescense, or if you are really unlucky....possibly back to senior year or even those first few bumbling months in college when you are learning how to live like a semi adult for the first time; all while trying to forge relationships and find your place in the world. The format consists of several (now adults) reading from their adolescent diarys/journals and hilarity ensues. The only thing that will save you from all the vivid memories rushing back to you will be the cocktails and the company of strangers that are equally recalling their own awkward coming of age maladies... now this show is a lot like a broadway play without the props, pomp, cirmcustance or professionalism. It reeks of SF.  Which is why I know you simply must treat yourself to this awesome display of reality.  Be prepared to to be reminded of teenage angst and the desperation that is sure to follow....

#gridlock

on those days when you are longing for a thousand different flavors, (preferably on the exotic shores of Thailand, or admist the ruins of the Coliseum) but have only a thousand pennies in your pocket....I have the perfect in town getaway.  Off the Grid, (while you often need a parka and a scarf this is SF at nite on the bay after all) offers you all the tastes of far off land, just outside your door. Craving the spices of India, fish tacos you can only get on a cart in Mexico, lentil soup straight from Morocco? Go ahead and follow your nose to Fort Mason where the world comes to you for an evening. From the spiced mulled wine that seems so appopriate for a winter's evening even thought it's the middle of July, to the craft brews that SF and the bay area is so well known for, to the flavors of truffled mac and cheese and bacon ice cream.

Settle in for a mass of food trucks, music, adult beverages, and who can forget the hipsters. It will be long lines, crowds and will most likely deplete those pennies, but oh so worth the navigation. It's a pretty good time, and just one more in town getaway can help you feel you have traveled to your heart's content and be home nursing a overly full belly by midnite....

#seatatthebarplzzz

one of the best things about living on the bay, the water views, and a plethora of delicious seafood around us, whether at Scoma’s in Tiburon, a tourist trap on the Wharf, of Hog Island Oyster Company in the Ferry Building.  What captures a holiday more than a seat at the bar, a tasty glass of wine and some yummy shellfish overlooking the water? I can’t think of much else that I would be craving when I want a getaway.  Having my hunky guy with me doesn’t hurt either…. 

Some of my favorite places that I have traveled involve a glass of wine and a stunning view of the water. (maybe not always the hunky guy, but I do okay) In Sydney, it was the Harbour Restaurant overlooking the Sydney Opera House, in Gili T, (the Gili Islands off of the coast of Lombok) it was the open air restaurant as you arrived just off the boat, in Paris, it was the cafe overlooking the Sein in Bastille.  In all of those places, there was a pretty decent glass of wine, (okay, not in Gili T….but who doesn’t love a Bintang) and always some tasty seafood. I often find myself tapping into that need for a getaway…..sometimes I just have to get to a beach in Mexico…but a lot of the time, I am pretty happy with nothing more than good company, some good eats…and a seat at the bar.