Solar System T-Shirt

Isn't this the cutest thing you've ever seen? I don't even know where to start...

Caleb + Eli+ Cassie's Photography Skills + Brent's Solar System T-Shirt = The Cutest Thing I've Ever Seen

And, Made by Wolf is having a back to school sale so get your shirts here before September 10th. If you don't have kids think christmas presents, baby shower gift, birthday gifts, really the possibilities are endless so just buy one and then you can figure out what you'll use it for later.

Brent, you know I love your shirt but I just can't stop looking at these cute kids!

Texas Couchman's visit California Couchman's

It was so fun to have the Texas Couchman's visit us this summer! Randy was one of our first visitors almost a year ago, but it was Tanja's first visit.

It is times like these that I wish I was with it enough to get our good camera out instead of these iphone pics. Steve Jobs, can you make the iphone camera as good as the Canon Rebel please? Like before December 18th when I am eligible for a new phone? Thanks buddy:)

We enjoyed the views at the Marin Headlands and were blessed with excellent weather.

We went to Napa where we discovered wine, beautiful scenery, and the best ribs we've had in California (so far). If you ever go to Napa make sure you eat at Rutherford Grill! We took a wine tour at Sterling Vineyards. It had a very nicely landscaped vineyard with a gondola ride to the wine tasting. It was here that I discovered that I like dessert wine. All other wines were casually dumped from the balcony more or less.

I think Randy is wondering if he could take one of those barrels home.

We got up bright and early to go to Alameda Flea Market and came home with lots of goodies. I wish I had a picture of all of Tanja's loot. She got lots of stuff and some great deals. Here is what we brought home (The recipe box is actually from an antique store but thought I'd throw it in).

The bowls were a steal at $7 for the two.

This little teak bird makes a great addition to our mid century collection.

Brent got some old travel books.

We ate LOTS of good food and enjoyed each others company. Tanja and I walked to the beach a few times, we went to Turlock to visit Brent's extended family, we hit up the beach in Santa Cruz, and had a great time!

The other Texas Couchman's, Bryan and Amy, also visited us this summer but I don't have a single picture. What's up with that?

Our First Earthquake

It was a 3.6.
I should have known something was up when the cats started fighting in our backyard again. Animals are known to act strangely before earthquakes. But, that is no excuse for the owner that was banging pans in an attempt to scare her cat home. Banging pans after dark is not cool!

Back to the earthquake.

Brent and I just stared at each other from across the room, not really knowing what to do (I remembered later that I was supposed to drop, cover, and hold on). I was glued to the couch, waiting for it to get worse. It didn't. In retrospect it was no biggie but there is something terrifying about the ground underneath you shaking and your pictures on the wall rattling. Not cool!

Not that this would be the first time our apartment shook. The heavy-footed renters above us have the ability to shake our apartment up a little. Kinda an earthquake practice run of sorts but probably only a 2.5 at the most.

If the hundred year earthquake happens while we live here I hope I get a few more practice runs first.

A Sunburn Without A Tan

I don’t think massages are my thing. It is probably partly my fault that I didn’t tell the doctor he was applying to much pressure BUT I wanted to be tough.
I got a Groupon for a 60 minute massage with a chiropractor for $18. Being the coupon junkie that I am, this deal was practically a no-brainer.

The problem.
It is a girls sunburn nightmare. The burn without a tan. My back feels like it is sunburned even though Brent promises there’s no visible marks.

After this experience, and watching the adjustment video playing in the lobby while I was waiting, I am convinced this chiropractor is a glorified sadist. Torture is his thing.

For future reference.
After all, a massage is supposed to feel good and relaxing. That said, I could have gotten THIS experience for free. Turn the lights off. Lay down (on my own bed). Play soothing music. Get that kid that lives above us to bang his hammers on my back instead of the floor.

But, instead I am stuck with a sunburn without a tan.

Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are Made Of

We are off to the Big Apple October 12-16. Where "these streets will make you feel brand new big lights will inspire you"...that what Alicia Keys says. Yes, I've had this Alicia Keys song on repeat today. And, maybe I even know the words.

I'm a funny trip person. For some reason, I don't get excited about trips until I'm on them. What?! Europe, Costa Rica, Hawaii....were all that way. That's weird...I know.

But, this trip is a little different. Brent is being recognized for his graphic design skills (ha! that sounds funny). I'm so happy for him and excited for the experience. And, it's his first time to visit NYC. We also have a handful of friends to visit which will be fun! Plus, how can you not be excited after listening to Alicia Keys New York song?

Brent's favorite original joke about NYC is that he can't wait to have some Sbarro pizza there. Isn't he funny!

I was also thinking...

If anyone is looking for an SF vacation that weekend and would like to stay at our place...let me know.

World's Greatest Sandbox

Here it is open:

And here it is closed:

I think I will need to buy this someday...first, it looks like a lot of fun! Even for adults:). Second, the neighborhood cats are not drawn to the seemingly giant litter box.

In my childhood house we had a giant litter box. Of course it began as a sandbox but once the neighborhood strays desecrated our precious sandbox there was no turning back....THEY owned it!

Our house backed up to a bayou, and let me tell you, these were not your average strays. I still have nightmares of them. They were a cat gang. I was afraid to go in our backyard. All of the cats were haggard looking in their own ways; but they ALL had crazy eyes. One had only one eye. Another had three legs (or did I make that one up?).

Once the cat gang had claimed our backyard they turned it into a brothel. And they weren't quiet about it. Everynight we could hear their...well you get the picture. In an effort to reclaim our backyard my mom rented a cat trapper. Once each cat was trapped mom moved the trapper to the garage, with the cat inside of it, to wait for animal control.

Every morning I had to pass THE CAT on my way to the car. They were not happy to be in the cage and they made sure you knew it. I am sure that I rushed passed their cage and hopped in the car as quickly as possible. One particular cat had gone so crazy in the trapper that he had rubbed off big patches of his hair and was bleeding. This was traumatic to me...I actually had a nightmare about that cat the other night.

So, this sandbox seems like a nice alternative to the traditional sandbox.

And, while we're on the subject of cats...

My family is not a cat loving family. Really how can you be when they desecrate your sandbox and you're afraid to go in your own backyard AND garage? So, my dad made up this original joke. I think it's funny but after hearing it so many time, watching him crack up might be the funniest part of the joke. Anyways, here it is:

"The worst thing about running over a cat is that sometimes you have to go way up in the yard to get them"...hahahhahaha

Ok, there you have it. That is where I get my sick sense of humor.

RIP childhood sandbox.

SF Top 10

I'm putting this out there for all you friends who can't wait to come visit me and want to know what to do when you come. My Top 10 list of things to do in San Francisco. Tourist tip #1 use "SF" or "San Francisco"...not San Fran:). 

1a. Hang out with Brent and Linds

1b. The Marin Headlands

On a clear day this is the most beautiful drive. It has ocean and bay views, beaches, an old military structure to explore, and a must see lighthouse thats open Sat, Sun, Mon from 12:30-3:30pm.

2. Bike ride across the GGB to Sausalito. If you want an easy bike ride, rent an electric bike. You will love going up hills without breaking a sweat! My favorite Sausalito restaurant is The Spinnaker. 

3. The Golden Gate Park. I love this place. It is practically in our backyard so maybe I'm biased but it's beautiful and deserves more attention than it gets as it is often overshadowed by the more popular sf attractions. 

• My favorite walk is from 11th Ave to Ocean Beach. The walk takes about 1 1/2 hrs down and back.
• Stroll through the Japanese Tea Garden. Its free M, W, F if you enter between 9-10am
• Bring a picnic lunch to Stow Lake. Walk around the lake and cross the bridge to the island in the middle. Beautiful views of the city at the top of the island. You can rent bikes and paddle boats too!
• It has lots to offer like the De Young and California Academy of Science Museum's (both have nice cafe's), botanical gardens, Conservatory of Flowers, a windmill, a carousel, and bison. 

4. Picnic in Delores Park. If you want to experience the culture of sf this is a great park to people watch. Also one of the sunniest parts of the city and great views of the city from the top of the park.

• Grab sandwiches at Rhea's Deli (11am-5pm) and walk to the park
• Get some Bi-rite ice cream afterward and you can thank me later!
• Great shops in the area. Start on 19th and Valencia and see where that takes you. 

5. Shopping

• Union Square has all the big stores.
• Haight St has the hippiest shops also Valencia in the Mission. 
• If you like flea markets or antique stores Alameda Point Antique Fair is a MUST. It's the first Sunday of every month. Get there right at 6am to get the best stuff. $15/person

6. Take in the views at Alamo Square Park (aka the Full House Park). On a nice day, bring a blanket and stay awhile. Head to Divisadero St (just a few blocks away) for shopping and food. Ice cream or groceries at Bi-Rite, dinner at Nopa (make reservations), toast and coffee at The Mill. Shopping faves are Rare Device (art gallery and boutique) and The Parish Trust (art, antiques, amusement, warby parker).

7. Bonfire at Ocean Beach (#7 & #8 are in the same vicinity)

At ocean beach there are pits. All you have to do is stop by the Safeway a few blocks away to get your wood, food, and other supplies. Claim your pit early or they might all be taken...especially on the weekend. And, it will probably be cold and windy so bring jackets and blankets.

8. Watch the Sunset from Land's End. You can also take a nice hike from here towards the GG Bridge. If you do end up at Land's End or the Ocean Beach area and have time, check out Mollusk Surf Shop (cool merch and beautifully designed shop), good eats at Outerlands (it usually has a very long wait so make reservations or maybe going early would help), and The General Store which is located next to Outerlands. 

9. Chilaxing at Crissy Field or Aquatic Park. Great places to sit and take it all in. Especially on a warm, clear day

10. Museums

My favorite is The Walt Disney Family Museum. But, I'm not a big museum person so you're on your own with this one. Just FYI...there is a bowling alley next to the WDFM. Bowling is cool in any city!

Food Recommendations
Here's a google map of our favorite places. You can also check out The 38 Essential SF Restaurants & The SF Chronicle Top 100.


Classic SF attractions that I like but not my top 10. 
Cable Car Ride. Stop by the Cable Car Museum(it's free and very interesting to learn how they run)
Alcatraz
Hyde Street Pier (old antique boats)

Important Stuff to Know

• Fisherman's Wharf is lame. Don't waste your time. 
• Bring some warm clothes and LAYER. Otherwise you will be stuck buying a poorly designed San Francisco sweatshirt at Fisherman's Wharf and the Bush Man will scare you. It is ALWAYS chilly at night and usually chilly at some point in the day.
• September and October are typically the best months to visit. Less crowds and better weather. The summers are typically foggier and colder. Late fall/early winter is rainier.