easyluckyfree

What a whirlwind of a week. I arrived last Friday morning to sunshine and open arms from all of those who love me! After a weekend of decorating our new house, D and I decided to take a break Sunday for lunch and celebratory mimosas in OB. We got back to work that afternoon, and only stopped for dinner reservations we had at a cute little Italian restaurant near our new place. When we arrived I saw my and Dan's whole families already seated for a surprise welcome back dinner! It was so sweet, it moved me to tears. What a special girl I am. I felt so blessed in that moment, I couldn't get enough. This month has truly reminded me how loved I am. Between a ton of time with friends in my final days in SF, to being welcomed back whole heartedly with friends and fam in San Diego, it has shown me what a beautiful little life I have, and what wonderful people I have surrounded myself with.

Surprise dinner with the fam!

A sweet reminder while roaming in OB

Summertime

My rooftop patio- perfect for bbq's and sun!





It has been a big transition that came to fruition yesterday morning when I just wasn't feeling like my happy self.Reality set in, and with a big week of changes it crept up on me. I was missing my friends in SF terribly, and shed a few tears because all I wanted was to walk down to Cody's and grab a drink. It was so easy! When you have an amazing group of friends in a place that no one has families near, these people become your family. I LOVED living 5 blocks from my best friend. I loved hopping on the bus 10 minutes to see Tracy when I wanted. I loved having all my friends over for dinner once a week. I chalked it up to actually just needing some alone time to reflect, so I spent the day gallivanting in my favorite place on the planet- OB. Oh, this sweet place can make me happy any time. My heart lives there, you know. I lived there for almost 7 years before moving to SF and I love that I know all the locals and can walk through this beach town stuck in the 60's all while feeling I have taken a step back into time. I roamed around the 2nd hand clothing stores, scored some awesome finds, had lunch by myself while reading magazines, and walked up to Santa Cruz street to relax at the beach for a few hours. It truly solidified every reason I am back. Summer in San Diego has got to be the best place in the world to be. I am home.

Santa Cruz St.-OB

When The Lights Go Down In The City...(an open letter)

Dear San Francisco,

What an incredible adventure we have been on the past three years. When I arrived in May 2009 I had my bags packed, knew very little of city life, and was yearning to get over a broken heart with a fresh start. The time had come to move on, and I couldn't think of a better place to do so. You filled my life with love and adventure.  It feels like forever, and went by so quickly at the same time.

I remember on my first day, I wandered around Polk St. not wanting to veer too far in fear that I might get lost and not find my way back. Little did I know that within a month, I would know the city like the back of my hand. I hopped on a different Muni each day, just to get a feel for all the different neighborhoods. I tried new restaurants, and made lots of new friends who wanted to see my SF Fun List and partake in all of these exciting places together. I created this beautiful life here all because I set out to do so. I wandered around in amazement for months, just so enchanted with every little thing you had to offer.

Then one day before I knew it, as I was trudging up the steep hill with groceries after a long day of work to my adorable little apartment in Nob Hill (gasping for air, because I never really did get over the crazy hills here) and I looked around and thought, "wow, this is home." I was able to fulfill all my dreams of becoming a teacher, make wonderful new friends, and become someone that I truly was proud to be all while I was here. Not only that, but travel and get to know so many places outside of the city and affirm my love for Northern California whether it be Sonoma, Big Sur or Santa Cruz.

I wondered how I would ever shop at a mall again, be forced to drive places I could just walk 20 blocks to, and worry about drinking and driving! (Because let's get real, that's a BIG one!)

But alas, after a few years of a long distance relationship and calling SFO my 2nd home, the beach and sunshine were once again calling my name, and the thought of a beautiful life with D made me more excited than anything, I knew it was that time again. I will never forget my time in San Francisco. You made me who I am. You inspired me every day. I loved you, and you loved me, along with all of the friends who became family here, and I will carry that with me forever. So when Tony Bennett sang "I left my heart in San Francisco," I now know exactly what he meant.



The end of an era. The list is completed.