Day Twelve

San Francisco has some really amazing music and theater venues. My bank account didn't allow me to go to all of the shows that I wanted to over the past five years, but I did make the effort when I could. I caught a few concerts at the historic Fillmore, the Regency Ballroom, and the Fox theater over in Oakland. I was able to make it to a couple of Broadway shows at the Orpheum Theater too. And I will never forget going to see the goofy Beach Blanket Babylon show at Christmastime. While I wish I had made it to the symphony or ballet, I won't let let that regret steal away from the amazing memories I made at the shows I did make it to. And, of course, I can always come back and visit! 

Day Eleven

Today I visited 550 Terry Francois Drive, otherwise known as Old Navy Headquarters, for the last time. Well, at least the last time for a while. As I waited outside my current office building for the T train to arrive to take me to Mission Bay, I was reminded how much the commute to Old Navy HQ sucked. Honesty, it took forever. And the T train is super sketchy, ask anyone. But at the end of my hour-plus commute, I would settle into work at this vibrant, active, and exciting building filled with some of the most talented people in speciality retail. There is a buzz, and a hum in this building that doesn't exist in the same way at the other Gap Inc corporate offices. Often referred to as the "red headed step-child" office, we were able to get away with some pretty awesome corporate parties and functions. Today I had flashbacks to the first time I came out to Mission Bay to visit a friend, the rainy Valentines Day that I interviewed for the position that would launch my career into corporate retail, and the day I met some of the coolest co-workers a girl could ask for. Beyond being grateful for the opportunity to work for this thriving brand, I am grateful for the mentor I found in my now former manager Angela. I am grateful for her patience and perseverance with me, and all of the lessons both professional and personal that she has taught me over the past four years. Thank you.  

Day Ten

I love San Francisco at Christmastime. Union Square is bustling, office buildings in the Financial District are decked to the nines, and twinkle lights drape the trees in most neighborhoods. But what most residents of SF don't get to see, is that the downtown hotels have the best decorations in the entire city! As renters, leasers, or homeowners, why would a San Franciscan bother walking into a hotel? Well I got it into my head that more people should see these gorgeous sights, so I created a bar crawl, and called it the Holiday Hotel Bar Crawl, or HHBC. We began at the Palace Hotel we took in their massive Christmas Tree. Next we were off to the Hyatt, pictured above, and got a drink in their Winter Wonderland. And finally, after a Cable Car ride up California Street, we finished our tour at the Fairmont, playing around in their two-story real gingerbread house! I am very grateful for such happy memories with friends and time spent soaking up the SF Christmas atmosphere. 

Day Nine

The Golden Gate Bridge, undoubtedly the city's most famous landmark, is of course on the list of things I am grateful for about San Francisco. I learned early on that this bridge is not red, as most would assume. It is in fact the pantone color International Orange. And I learned that the "golden gate" is actually the waterway that this impressive suspension bridge soars above. I have been so blessed to live a mere 3 miles away from this treasure. I have run to her, biked across her, and listened to her gentle fog horns sing in the night. She is truly a stunning sight; at sun rise, sun set, under a starry night sky, in the clear of day, and even surrounded by fog. 

Day Eight

Tomales Bay is a magical place. The drive is windy, the scenery is simple, but the oysters are phenomenal. Farmed fresh and sold by the bag, I have never had oysters quite as good. Hearing of this spot years ago from a friend, the boys and I decided to try it out Memorial Day Weekend 2011, and we have returned every May thereafter. On our first trip we had no idea what to expect. We brought modest picnic supplies and nothing in the way of oyster shucking tools or sauces. In the years that followed, we went about it in a very different way, at times bringing what felt like most of the refrigerator and spice cabinet. One year even involved a raucous party bus! I am grateful for my memories at Tomales Bay; for the music, the sunshine, the serenity, and of course, delicious oysters!

Day Seven

The 2015 Chinese New Year Parade was tonight, and while I will not go on record for saying that I am grateful for all of my experiences in Chinatown itself, the parade is seriously cool. This photo was taken a few years ago of some friends after the parade. Turns out it is kinda difficult to take pictures of the dragons (my favorites) when they are twisting and turning through the streets, chasing their ball of fire. Luckily some parade participants let us play with this one.

 Walking through Chinatown this afternoon brought back a lot of memories. While I love the colors and murals of Chinatown, the smells have at times been difficult to withstand. I only recognize about 15% of the produce being sold in the markets each day, and once I was personally assaulted by a live fish that was floundering about in his owners pink bag, desperate to escape. But I must say it has been interesting to observe a different culture. Second to China itself, San Francisco has the largest population of Chinese people in the world. I have without a doubt expanded my knowledge of several Asian cultures while living in SF, through friends I have made living here. I am grateful for their their stories, and for taking the time to introduce me to and inform me about their history. 

Day Six

I am grateful for unforgettable road trips cruising down US Highway 1. I remember the first time I drove out of the city and down to Pacifica in the jeep. I was alone when my jaw nearly hit the steering wheel at the sight of the ocean waves crashing into the cliffs along the coastline. I knew I lived in California, 3,000 miles away from home, but this was the first time it dawned on me that I lived right next to the Pacific Ocean. And the Pacific Ocean is way different than the Atlantic. From weekend trips to Carmel and Monterey, a five day photography expedition with Mom, or a chilly night camping beneath the starriest of nights, every road trip holds a special memory, and each adventure I would do over and over again.

Day Five

Three World Series Giants Championships. What?! It still blows my mind, that in the five years I have lived here, the five baseball seasons that I have seen, that the SF Giants have taken home the pennant three times! While still a self-proclaimed New York Yankees fan, it has been a pleasure to root for the "home" team here in San Francisco. AT&T Park is beautiful and the stadium food and beverage are unparalleled. I will always remember where I was for each of the winning plays; Old Navy Flagship closing up shop, the Bus Stop bar on Union, and Greens on Polk.  I have always been a been a fan of America's national pastime, and these years in SF have been the most exciting yet. 

Day Four

Napa Valley. Before I moved to the Bay Area the wine I drank was just cheap grape juice. I am honestly proud of the wine snob that I have become, and all of the "fun facts" I have learned about wine over the past five years. I vividly remember the my first Napa wine tasting experience, and being blown away by how close wine country was to the city. In my time here I have visited 25 different wineries; that I can remember. Two seasons I have even picked the fruit off of the vine to aid some friends as they start their own wine label. I have gained such an appreciation for a great glass of wine, and an even greater appreciation for sharing wine with friends and family. I know my love of wine will last a lifetime, so Napa Valley, this isn't goodbye, I will see you again soon. 

Day Three

Lake Tahoe. If you know me, you must know that this is my most favorite place on earth. There is something so magical about this lake, I have trouble putting it to words. At the lake my mind is as clear as the water and I am truly content. I am so grateful for the chance to have lived so close to Lake Tahoe, and to have visited her shores with several of my very best friends. Some say, or sing, that they have left their heart in San Francisco. For me, my heart will always be at Lake Tahoe.  

Day Two

The Saucy Three Pack. I am so thankful for my two best friends, without whom I would never have even come to California. I will never forget the conversation we had and the trip we took when considering the move to SF. Nothing is impossible or scary when you have your best friends by your side. I will forever be grateful for the memories made over the last five years with these two. 

30 Days of Grateful: Day One

It has been five whole years since I moved to San Francisco, and just a few days before I crossed the five year mark, I made the decision to accept a new job in Boston, MA. With 30 days before my new chapter begins, I thought it the perfect time to accept the "30 Days of Grateful" challenge, and share photographs of some of the people, places, and experiences I have been so grateful for in my five years living in SF. To kick it off, here is a photograph of my apartment building taken the week I moved in. I was so lucky to live in such a safe and cozy space, and I can't forget to mention the blessing that is rent control! The intersection of Chestnut and Van Ness will always hold a special place in my heart.