Day 13: Ferry

Have I mentioned before how much I love living here? Well, I do.

Friday I woke up at the group house in Mill Valley and my friend Sara and I got ready to be shuttled to the ferry landing. The only thing was that we had a couple of hours to waste before the first ferry. So we grabbed some coffee and sat down by the water, soaking in the beautiful morning sun and watching large seagulls fly about.

Riding the ferry is always breathtaking, and this ride was no exception. The great weather helped, and we caught some lovely views of the bridge, Alcatrax, and the San Francisco skyline.

To get home from downtown, we hopped the cable car. Other than the $5 one way fare, the cable car will never get old. It's just such a cool way to ride open-air through the city.

Our last stop before heading back to my place was Grace Cathedral. It's beautiful and calming and was a great finish to a great weekend. (For me, at least! Sara kept going and headed to Golden Gate Park to the Japanese Tea Garden!)

 Old Navy top, jacket and bracelet, Banana Republic pants, Converse shoes

This phone photo--taken in the huge mirror at the group house--was all I managed for Day 13. I hope I'm excused for the mediocre photo quality. I promise it'll be better tomorrow.

Day 12: Wed

See what I did with today's title? It rhymes with yesterday's. Yeah, I write for a living. Can't you tell?

Saturday was my lovely friend Jenny's wedding. She's a friend from grad school who has followed me across the country. (OK, not really, she actually moved here because her now husband is in grad school at Stanford.)

The exciting part was that a bunch of my grad school buddies were in town for the event, so we all got a house together in Mill Valley. It was a really fun time. So fun that I was still recovering from the fun times this morning.

And, of course, I wore my hot pink dress! (The other two dresses in my 30 are all black and all white--neither very appropriate for a wedding.)

 Old Navy dress, earrings, bracelet, and purse, Mossimo wedges

Jenny was so beautiful and glowing on Saturday. See?

The hubs was also glowing. And apparently I make him cry when I give him hugs:

Day 11: Red

My nose, that is.

Remember that baseball game I was heading to on Thursday? (The one that made me miss a 30 for 30 day?)

Well, the game was really fun, but my little nose got sunburned. See it's redness there in that photo?

OK, that's enough already about the nose.

This was Friday. I managed to snap some outfit photos before rushing off to work so I could leave early to catch the ferry. (Yep, that's where I am in that photo. And, nope, I don't know that guy in the shorts.)

It was a great day to catch the ferry with my Blue Bottle iced coffee in hand. And in Sausalito I enjoyed a seafood dinner and great catching-up time with some friends from my graduate school days. Man, it's be so cool to live in Sausalito. Too bad it would be more expensive than living here, since we'd have to get a car and pay to commute in on the ferry. Ah, well, it's a lovely place to visit in the meantime.

 Gap top, Banana Republic pants, Old Navy jean jacket and bracelet, Mossimo wedges

I love this outfit. Love. The top is just the slightest shade of pink and I love the little ruffle at the neckline. If only I had gotten this top in a secondary color.

A Dotty Prize

Many thanks to dash dot dotty for the darling necklace. I wore it right away!

This weekend wad smashing good fun. I'll be back to regular posting (and updates about the weekend) tonight.

Day 10: Good

There are several things I'm not very good at that I wish I were:

Cooking: It's true. As much as I talk about cooking and what recipes I'm working on, cooking is not my forte. Sigh. I follow recipes just fine, I just can't come up with my own recipes. And that's OK. I don't need to be a brilliant cook. I just need to be able to feed my family.

Playing the guitar: I picked up the guitar in college because it seemed like the thing to do. The good thing? I learned quickly because I started playing the piano at a young age. But I didn't really stick with it long enough to get any farther than strumming some chords. Now I've got a long way to go, and I'm not really sure where to start.

Party planning: Surprised? Yeah, I've planned a few parties in my life, but it's not something I'm good at, and I don't particularly enjoy it. I like having friends over, I like entertaining, but the planning part? It's just not me.

BUT

I am good at some stuff:

Baking: You know what you're good at when you're good at following recipes? Baking. And I've baked some killer things, including pies from fresh-picked apples (the first thing I ever baked from scratch) and red velvet cake (thanks to my mom-in-law's secret recipe!).

Singing: My voice is something I'm especially proud of. Along with acting, it's what gave me the confidence I needed to get through the self-esteem draining middle school years. I love singing.

Hostessing: I may not get all fancy with party favors and doilies, but I can make someone feel welcome. The other night a friend expectantly dropped by, and we all had dinner together. And I love that. I love that my friends can just drop by and feel welcome. And I love that friends can come stay with us for a few nights and feel at home. I hope they always do.

 H&M top, Banana Republic pants, Gap sandals, Old Navy necklace

Tomorrow I'm taking a break from the 30. I think i can do that every ten days. It's because 1.) tomorrow is the Giants game and I want to wear orange, and 2.) tomorrow is my friend's bachelorette party (right after work), so I probably won't have time to post.

Ta ta!

Day 9: Summah

It's officially summer! Sadly, I think we might be losing the warm weather we've been experiencing.

Yesterday was no exception. I didn't even wear this cardigan after the morning.

And thank goodness this dress is linen. And hot pink. That's important, too.

 Old Navy dress and earrings, Urban cardigan, Mossimo wedges, 

Day 8: Bright

Y'all, I have a confession to make.

It kind of goes hand-in-hand with the confession I made earlier this month because it has to do with how I spend some of my free time.

I like summer television shows. Like "The Bachelorette" (I know what you're thinking, and don't say anything because I haven't watched last night's episode yet) and "The Glee Project" (what can I say, I'm a sucker for "Glee" and all things show choir).

I like to watch shows on my laptop while I'm catching up on blogs and editing photos, so I don't feel like i'm wasting too much time. (It's multitasking!) Plus, it's not like I wasn't productive tonight. I went to the grocery store and cooked dinner, so cut me some slack, people.

I just like making confessions (albeit small ones) on this blog. It seems like such a harmless place to address my little vices.

I also like watching cooking competition shows and "Top Model" shows from Australia and New Zealand. Perhaps that's just a weird confession.

 Old Navy top and necklace, Gap pants and sandals, F21 bangles

And I would just like you to know that I went into Nordstrom Rack today (why would I do that?? Oh, right. Because it's right beside Trader Joe's), and I had a pair of Nike running shorts in my hand. Marked down to $15. Hot pink. With black polka dots.

What did I do?

I put them back.

BAM. That's how committed I am to this shopping fast. I won't even break the fast for some cheap running shorts.

Day 7: Diablo

Singing at church.

Old friends visiting.

Paella for lunch.

Riding in a rental Crown Vic.

Driving up Mount Diablo.

Empress of China for dinner.

Back home for "Futurama" reruns and winding down.

Early to bed.

 Old Navy tops and jacket, Gap pants, Banana Republic shoes, F21 bracelets, Frosted Willow earrings

Day 6: Shop

Now before you get all worried, no, I haven't been shopping. Well, not exactly. My wonderful husband bought me a coupon from Refinery 29 to a boutique in Hayes Valley. So... technically it was a gift. I'm pretty stoked about what I bought.

I think it'll become my 30 piece for the challenge.

We had a lovely day heading to the movies (our Saturday morning tradition), and then to Hayes Valley for lunch, a quick shopping trip, and ice cream at Smitten.

And then we returned home, and I immediately put my pajamas back on. Is that weird?

 Old Navy T-shirt, jacket, earrings, and bag, Gap cords, Converse shoes

Day 5: Contrast

Yesterday I had a dress code. Minna, the mastermind behind the Magik*Magik Orchestra, gave us a dress code for the concert: black and white. It didn't matter if we were formal or casual, as long as we met the dress code standard.

Fortunately, I had this white dress in my 30 (not even planned!). A quick word about the leggings. For San Francisco summers, I consider them accessories. So that's why they're not included in my 30. So there.

Banana Republic dress, Prana leggings via See Jane Run, Mossimo wedges, Old Navy jacket, F21 bangle and necklace

Now let's talk about the concert. It was amazing. I'm not just saying that. One of the most inspirational moments of my life, for certain. Just being on stage again, and this time with a band and entire orchestra, was so powerful.

I just kept saying how honored and privileged I felt to be asked to join the six-woman choir (one was absent for this pic) for this performance. I can't wait until videos start popping up on You Tube. You'd better believe I'll be sharing them.

I really hope I get this chance again. But, if I don't, I'll always remember last night as one of the best musical experiences of my life.

Oh, and JV is the most humble musician. That's him and me below. Happy weekend, all!

Day 4: Awkward & Awesome

Awkward

• This dress is a bit of a problem in the San Francisco wind. Fortunately, a black slip does the trick.
• I really wanted to go here for lunch. It's right down the street from my office. But the line was ridiculous, so I headed someplace else.
• I spent way too much time on Photoshop today figuring out how to do one specific thing. I mean, it's good that I learned something, but not good that it took so long.
• Today's crock-pot curry meal was a fail. Well, not a total fail. It was edible. But I do not recommend making this recipe.

 Gap dress (for under $10), handmade scarf, Urban Outfitters cardigan, Madden boots

Awesome

• That "someplace else" I had to go to for lunch had a Scoutmob deal going on. Hooray for half-off a pulled pork sandwich! (And I saved half of it for lunch tomorrow. Win!)
• I made this pasta for lunch last Sunday, and it was a big win.
• I won my first giveaway! I can't wait to get some goodies. Thanks, Dotty!
• Lots of friends are coming out for tomorrow's concert. Seriously, this is going to be one of the most memorable moments of my life. I can feel it.

Day 3: Wedged

You know, it's weird. This week has been busy, starting with rehearsals on Saturday. And yet, I'm feeling energized. I'm sure I'll crash by the weekend.

I've been thinking I'll reread the last Harry Potter book before seeing it in the theater (totally going to the midnight show). Like Jessica suggested, I'll be making some "reading dates" with myself. I know, I know. Harry Potter is no stretch for the 'ol brain muscles, but I think that's what I need right now.

I kind of forgot and just remembered again that next week my grad school pals with be in town for one of our friend's weddings. I am so excited. We have a fun bachelorette party night planned, and we're all staying in a house together. And there's a hot tub there.

Oh my goodness that will be wonderful. And lots of laughs, to be sure.

 Old Navy tank, gifted jeans, Target necklace, Mossimo wedges, necklace c/o Erskine College

Day 2: Sunshine

Today was so nice. Getting out was necessary. My lovely friend even came all the way downtown to meet me for lunch in the park.

I love riding the scooter to work in the morning when the day is just warming up from the sun.

Tomorrow is my last rehearsal before Friday night's big event. I'm having such fun singing John Vanderslice's stuff--sooooo excited to be singing "Trance Manual" with him!--and I can't wait to do it on stage, even just as part of a choir.

I'm hoping this will maybe prompt me to get back to singing, whether that's just at home while I'm strumming away on my guitar or on stage someplace.

 Old Navy top, necklace and jeans, Target cardigan, Gap sandals

30 for 30: The Blurry Picks!

Finally, I present to you my 30 for 30 picks! (And, yes, I know there are only 29.)

gifted, Gap x2, Banana Republic, Gap 

H&M, Old Navy, Gap x3

Cardigans: Target, Gap, Urban Outfitters

Tees: Old Navy x3

Tank: Old Navy 

Boots: Madden, Old Navy

Sandals: Gap

Converse

Oxfords: Banana Republic

Wedges: Target

Jackets: Old Navy x2

Jeans: gifted

Dresses: Banana Republic, Old Navy, Gap (Gap, Inc., represent!)

Let me explain a couple of things:

Boots: Two pairs? Yes, two pairs. It's San Francisco, people. I'll need 'em. Plus I can't wait to wear them with my white and hot pink dresses!

Hot pink and fluorescent yellow: Yeah, some out-there colors for me typically, but I'm excited to weave these colors (hopefully seamlessly) into my wardrobe.

No leggings: I reserve the right to add leggings. Because, once again, it's San Francisco. I'll count 'em as an accessory.

No shorts: San Francisco.

No skirts: I own a few skirts, but I rarely wear them. Maybe after the challenge is over I should be on the hunt for some good wardrobe-boosting skirts.

And it begins.

Day 1: Reevaluating

I ended up re-picking out my 30. Most of my picks stayed the same (you'll get a post in the mornin'), but I had to change up a couple of things.

For instance, this morning I had on a burnt orange T-shirt, to which the husband said, "too Fall." My justification for wearing it? I'm going to an SF Giants game with my office next week (so cool! I know!), and I wanted to have an orange top to wear there.

The hubs thought that was a silly reason to make one of my choices a very Fall choice. So I ditched it, and added this white-and-beige striped top. Probably a better choice.

 Banana Republic pants, Old Navy top, jacket, earrings and bracelet, Gap sandals. (Yep, my whole outfit is reppin' Gap, Inc. today!)

Today I took a break midday to go for a run. It was just too lovely of a day to resist. It was glorious. And much needed.

Did I mention I haven't kept up with my exercising everyday? Man, it's hard. Especially since I stopped being a morning person.

Did I not mention that?

Somewhere in my body chemistry I stopped liking getting up at 6am. (Yes, I actually used to like that.) I used to go to the gym in the morning, by choice. I'm hoping my body will have a turn-around, but for now I'm going to let myself sleep.

You're supposed to listen to your body, right?

30 for 30 picks, coming up next!

Sangin'

Did anyone else just remember tonight that tomorrow's the start of the 30 for 30 challenge?

No?

I'm the only slacker in this bunch?

Ah, well. The important thing is that I remembered, right? I frantically picked my 30 just an hour ago, so this should be interesting. A few lessons I learned from last time:

- Don't be too trendy with choices.

- Pick a variety of neutrals and fun colors, but definitely stuff that will mix and match well.

- Pick lots of bottoms.

I think in the end I ended up with 29 pieces (I'll tell why later), and I'm pretty happy with my picks.

Gap cords, Old Navy T and jacket, gifted scarf, TOMS shoes, Keen bag, HJC helmet

Yesterday was the start of our choir rehearsal for this. JV was there to accompany us in our singing and the fabulous Minna Choi led us with her amazing conductor skills.

It's going to be lots of fun.

So my weekend was full of singing: Friday night we had a brief karaoke outing (just a stop at Bow Bow before calling it a night after the Etsy Craft Party), Saturday was rehearsal for three hours and then karaoke birthday party that night, and this morning I sang at church.

Tomorrow night we rehearse some more.

It's really pretty great, although my vocal chords aren't used to this kind of strain any more. So it's early to bed for me so I can be ready for vocal greatness tomorrow.

Going Viral

Well, aren't you lucky? I didn't think I'd get around to taking photos today. I snapped this quick photo this morning while I was on my way to a meeting downtown (whoa, that sounds cooler than it was). I didn't think I'd manage any outfit photos.

But I did! Hooray!

I went to an event this evening with the girls from work. I thought a hot pink t-shirt said "cool professional." Don't you think?

Hot pink might just be my color for the summer. Weird? Yeah.

 Old Navy t-shirt and necklace, Gap pants, Mossimo wedges, Mango blazer

The event I went to was all about viral video marketing and how to leverage your brand in online viral videos. No, my company's not currently working on any viral videos, but I think it's really cool to consider the marketing possibilities.

Though it got me thinking. You know that Old Spice video? You know the one: "I'm on a horse."

Anyway. So that video was great for re-branding the company and advertising their body wash, I suppose. But how much body wash do you think Old Spice sold as a result? In other words, how much revenue came from the viral video?

As advertising and marketing goes, how much is a viral video actually worth? Spreading the word is no good in the long run if no one buys your product, right?

Confession.

I have a confession to make. It's a pretty serious one.

I haven't read a book in months.

I know, I know. That's just awful. I don't want to talk about it. Leave me alone.

 Gap top and pants, Target flats, F21 belt. Can I just say that I love this outfit? And I think I need to color my hair or get highlights or something.

Ok, I'll talk about it.

In all seriousness, I could blame it on my having begun a new job, but I think the statute of limitations on that excuse has run out. I could blame it on the fact that I've been learning something new like sewing or bundt cake baking, but that wouldn't be the truth. I could say I've been training for a marathon, but we all know that I haven't even chosen one for this year yet.

Other things have just taken precedent. Lots of random things.

And my problem--not really a problem, I suppose--is that it takes me a while to get into a book. And it takes me a while to remember how much I enjoy reading. In a weird way, I've got to make myself sit and read. It didn't used to be that way. But, then again, I also spent most of my undergrad and graduate school years reading because I had to.

Don't get me wrong, I typically enjoyed the stuff I had to read, from Shakespeare to "Don Quijote," but it was still a lot of time devoted to just chugging through lots of text.

And now I've lost a bit of my chugging power. I still read. I read all the time at work: news, blogs, online journals. Just not books. I'm going to get back in the saddle.

And, no. I don't need book suggestions. Thanks. Think I'll go find a book.

D'oh! I nearly forgot to add a title.

Workout (Monday): 2 miles running

Shopping temptation radar: 4 (I've walked by Banana Republic on the way home, and I've been eying some of their new wedges. Pretty.)

I don't know what's up with my face in these pictures. Please ignore the smirky mouth and wide eyes. Ha. I look silly.

I have nothing to say. I'm sorry. Is that lame? Maybe a little. I'm trying to simultaneously blog and watch (confession) "Hoarders" with the hubs, and I just can't peel my eyes away from these people.

 Old Navy top and earrings, gifted jeans, Gap sweater, Mossimo wedges

These shoes have made it through their trial run. I've walked two miles in them two different days. And they hold up wonderfully. I pronounce them a good investment.

Peeples Donuts

Saturday we took a long walk and stumbled upon this little gem: The Tenderloin National Forest.

It sits between two buildings and can be accessed through a heavy gate from the street or through the back door of a gallery.

 It's kind of a collaborative garden and art project. There are lots of little projects in progress, like a decorative rain catcher. Too bad I didn't snap any pictures of the projects.

 Gap tunic, Prana leggings, Target tank, Old Navy jacket and earrings, Banana Republic boots, Keen bag. Please excuse my fists bulging in my pockets.

It was a lovely day for a walk. We walked from the Tenderloin to the Ferry Building, where we enjoyed vegan organic donuts from Peeples Donuts. I definitely recommend you find these donuts and eat them. Particularly the salted caramel one. Yum.