sunshine and smiles!

Jim and I recently discovered breath taking views from a park only minutes away from our house. Today we decided to enjoy the sunshine and take a walk on a few of the trails.

This week I've struggled with several emotions. Wednesday morning I walked into a badly lit, freezing cold gym in where we were having a recently called staff meeting. We sat in a circle- the normal buzz and laughter surrounded me- enjoying catching up with co-workers our talks of upcoming travel were dismissed quickly as the area director began to talk. He started out with a straight face reassuring us that no one had passed--- racing thoughts flooded through my body, knowing that whatever was about to come pouring out of his mouth would be important. Next he simply stated 'we will be closing our doors'. He continued to explain budget cuts, time lines and an array of pure clueless as we begin the process of transitioning our kids, finding new jobs and establishing unemployment.
I immediately thought 'where is my phone- I need to tell Jim, I have to talk to Jim'. The rest of the meeting was a blur- it eventually ended with an eerie quiet tension throughout the room. There was an elephant in the room- one in which none of us could quite describe.

Immediately we were to begin thinking about our next steps- as our site could be closed as early as the end of March. Along side of 65 of my coworkers I walked around with racing thoughts and a shocked stature.

That evening Jim came home early-  we discussed my options- and through that conversation it was as though he perfectly painted and captured that ugly elephant that sat in our agency's gym hours before.

In that moment I felt optimistic and inspired- I cannot help but to smile and be thankful. I breath easier then I have in months and feel hopeful for the future.

Today while walking in the park with Jim and Putzi I couldn't help but close my eyes, breathe deep, bathe in the sun and smile.  :)

Cheers! :)

**all pictures are personal***

A trip to Crissy Field

After waking up with a terrible case of the brown bottle flu- I was surprised that my sleep loving husband was eager to get outside and enjoy some sunshine. And while it was touch and go at times- I enjoyed the smell of fresh air, the beauty of seals swimming in their natural habitat (although they were much too fast for me to capture), beautiful scenery and time together with Jim and of course Putzi too.

                                                     Putzi enjoying the beautiful views!

                                             A view of the city from a pier on Crissy Field

 

                                                      A view of Alcatraz from the pier.

So- get out and enjoy some fresh air! Cheers. :)

*all pictures are personal*

Simple freedom

Freedom from the eyes of our beloved four legged friends, appear to come through different lenses. Freedom of roaming in the backyard, freedom to lounge all over the furniture and freedom to be withdrawn from the constraints of a harness. The simple freedom of small, every day pleasures.

However, once a week- there is an overcoming joy that encompasses my favorite fur ball. The freedom of being off a leash, rolling in the sand, chasing birds, chomping on crab shells and getting her feet wet. It is almost as if, it is Putzi's 5'oclock on a Friday night- that  brief moment of relief that is look forward to all week.  Her chance to let her hair down and run until she falls over- the feeling of being completely free.

She is undeniably a beach dog. She was destined to live in California- and for the simple joy her pounce brings to Jim and I; we try to take time to breath the fresh ocean air and empower Putzi to be free.

This evening we visited Pacifica, CA- a short 12 minute drive from our doorstep. It is a beautiful place to let your hair down and experience freedom from reality- even if only for an hour.

Find your freedom. Cheers

My wonderful husband Jim

Putzi and Jim enjoying the sunset :) 

Make a list- let it grow!

When Jim and I met we simply made a list- a list of all the things we wanted to try together.  Really- we both had a mental check list including all of the things we needed to experience together. You know- all the things you wish you would have figured out about your ex- before the 3 year mark. The things you used to brush off- or call cute.  Like how he used to clip his toe nails with his teeth- yuck! While it was never really a turn on- is it a deal breaker?

In reality, it’s going to come down to a heartfelt conversation with yourself- a long hard discussion asking if you can put up with the loud screams, the slurred words after a few beers, someone who doesn’t separate the colors and white, a person who never has matching socks, who leaves the seat up, hates doing dishes, hates Celine Dion, watches too many Lifetime movies, refuses to ask for directions, or even leaves science experiments all over your house. Whatever it is- you better find it- and fast.

Well, my advice to you- make a list. Be honest with yourself- figure out your deal breakers. Plus- who doesn’t enjoy an adventure? Even couch potatoes need to get explore now and then. J Our list consisted of items like: conquer a fear together, travel, go camping, go to a musical, tailgate, try our favorite restaurants, create art work, go to the casino, dance at a club and the list goes on and on.

So during the first year in our relationship- Jim and I: traveled to Denver Colorado, went white water rafting, hiked down a mountain, went to see ‘Wicked’, tailgated at a Husker football game, enjoyed Netties and China Inn (and tried each other’s favorite dish), spent a night camping in a tent at Pawnee Lake, painted canvas that we still have hanging on our wall, danced the night away, lost money to the casino and much much more.

Through this we have learned many things about each other- some annoying, but most are mesmerizing.  Having a list gives us the opportunity to have an excuse to go on a date, laugh and forget life for awhile.

Living in San Francisco gives us the opportunity to experience additional adventures. Today- we experienced the Academy of science- we visited the planetarium, walked through the rainforest, touched a star fish, discovered a ‘living roof’, visited Clode- the albino alligator and watched African penguins dance throughout their exhibit —all while enjoying the simple company of the one we love.

One adventure down- and many more await our arrival. Continue to let your list grow- Cheers! 

weekend adventure!

Since moving to San Francisco- Jim and I have began extreme efforts to keep our dreams of traveling, a reality. The extremely great thing about being in California, is that this gives us the wonderful advantage of being surrounded by beautiful environments! A 51 minute plane ride away- awaits an entire different California dream- along with wonderful friends. 

A few weeks ago Jim and I were lucky enough to dance with a reggae band, experience high tide in Ocean Beach- San Diego, breakfast by the ocean, enjoy the beauty of seals at La Jolla, sing to the words of Whitney Houston, and embrace our inner tourist in L.A- visiting Hollywood boulevard, Beverly Hills, Rodeo drive, Venice beach, and the Santa Monica Pier. All within a regular weekend- INCREDIBLE!

Guess I should get working on our next weekend adventure! :)