Happy Thursday! Early morning, for sure. I closed last night and had previously arranged to have my car serviced, first thing, this morning. Sort of a murphy's law type of situation. I told myself that the appointment would be fine since I would have ample sleep. Funny how I was busy til 2. I think I went to bed at 3 and was up by 5:45 to ensure that I would make it to the said appointment.
Still, it is a beautiful day and now this task is almost completed. Next focus, yoga, or some sort of physical activity. Work beckons later. Until then I will spend the day in whatever fashion I choose. All because I got the oil change out of the way.
Oil change seems simple enough. But, I take it to my mechanics (whom I adore). I would love them more if they were closer to my house instead of a hike away. I feel fortunate to have found them. I keep hoping to thank my neighbor for the suggestion. One day, I saw a volvo parked in a driveway of one of my neighbors. I accosted him with questions about where he had his car serviced and he was kind enough to accomodate. Not only that, he gave me a business card and his information to use him as a reference when I called to set up the initial appointment. This man was a true gem. Really. He is just never home when I walk by.
Anyways, paid for oil change and drove home. I had about 45 minutes before yoga would start. Instead of waiting for the noon class, I decided to check out another style class. It is an hour and twenty minutes long. I have went one other time. I remembered that this class definitely fills up and so I questioned whether or not I should go. I opted to try it out. I arrived and noted the amount of shoes scattered outside of the classroom. I headed into the studio and almost walked into one of my bar customers. Actually, it's the guy that referred this place to me. We awkwardly said hello and went to our respective mats. I thought Mike only went to the class on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Likewise, I think he was surprised to see me in a different association. Typically, fully clothed. Right, I wear jeans, daily, now. Not to mention the amount of sweat we both knew we would be emitting. Hot yoga tends to do that.
I did enjoy the class. It is a blend of flow and held poses. The instructor's style was soothing and tough. She had a nice, calm voice, and led the transitions well. Sme of her music was lame but I can overlook that. I really did benefit from this class. Afterwards, I ran into Mike outside of the studio and again, at the local market. We exchanged pleasantries, initially, and then later I inquired into whether or not he was a runner. I would love to find another running partner. Unfortunately, he no longer runs. He does hike. I can work with that.
Back to yoga, I think it might be the new mid-week class for me. Plus, I still have an entire afternoon to nap if need be unlike my typical yoga class. I would be done by 1, need to shower, return home, hopefully crash for thirty minutes and be ready for work. However, it is March Madness. I will be watching basketball instead of napping.
Lovely day. I feel inspired to be healthy and fully enjoy life. Happy Thursday!!!
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Saturday, March 10, 2012
More of San Diego
I should back track, a little, regarding Shari's visit. She flew into Phoenix and we spent the first night checking out one of my local favorite eateries. Her flight was delayed. Darn weather/mechanical difficulties. I picked her up and drove her to Phoenix. I dine at this eatery, often, with Jan and Tom. They are sort of set in what they prefer ordering here--spinach salad and pepperoni pizza. Both of these items are great, but, I wanted to try something outside of their box. Shari and I tried the octopus, brussel sprouts and salsiccia pizza. Awesome. I loved every item and the pizza was outstanding.
Sunday morning, I drove us San Diego. Not too bad of a drive and we stopped in Alpine to check out a beer and nachos. Cute, inviting spot, filled with locals and a great vibe. We sampled bbq nachos before concluding the drive.
We stayed at a hotel in Mission Beach. I did enjoy the location as we were close to Pacific Beach an area that I was semi-familiar with. Plus, there were several restaurants that I wanted to check out in Pacific Beach. First night we ate Italian. Delicious. Monday morning, we tackled the mandatory walking section of our tour. Each year, we always find ourselves in a walkabout tour of whatever city we are celebrating Brian's anniversary in. I think the longest walkabout was probably in Seattle or the most challenging in Costa Rica. Lots of hills, humidity and it was freaking hot while visiting Manual Antonio.
Anyways, we started the walking venture with a coffee in hand. Overcast morning and the ocean was lovely. My plan was to walk around Ocean Beach before heading into the Hillcrest Area to dine at Hash House a Go Go. Well, that plan was sort of kiboshed when we reached the point where we would be crossing a freeway. Cabbed it to the restaurant and considered the rest of our day. Breakfast was delicious. We shared a scramble with salmon and cream cheese.
From here, we walked to the Gaslamp District, checked out Balboa Park and stopped to enjoy a glass of wine in a cigar shop. Not the ideal place, in all honesty, but I liked the bar area and it seemed somewhat fittting for the day. Overcast, bluesy and dark. I wanted to dine in Little Italy and chose a place that was highly recommended. As noted, food was delightful, but the music sucked. I would return to the restaurant to sample more fare. Maybe next trip to San Diego.
That night, we ate at the hotel. Lame, I know, but the weather had not improved. Rain, wind, felt monsoon like and I was unmotivated to walk outside. We shared chips and salsa and a quesadilla at the hotel. It was fine and ensured that we both woke up early to walk the Ocean Beach Peir. It was 2/28, after all, and we had a lot planned for the day.
Sunday morning, I drove us San Diego. Not too bad of a drive and we stopped in Alpine to check out a beer and nachos. Cute, inviting spot, filled with locals and a great vibe. We sampled bbq nachos before concluding the drive.
We stayed at a hotel in Mission Beach. I did enjoy the location as we were close to Pacific Beach an area that I was semi-familiar with. Plus, there were several restaurants that I wanted to check out in Pacific Beach. First night we ate Italian. Delicious. Monday morning, we tackled the mandatory walking section of our tour. Each year, we always find ourselves in a walkabout tour of whatever city we are celebrating Brian's anniversary in. I think the longest walkabout was probably in Seattle or the most challenging in Costa Rica. Lots of hills, humidity and it was freaking hot while visiting Manual Antonio.
Anyways, we started the walking venture with a coffee in hand. Overcast morning and the ocean was lovely. My plan was to walk around Ocean Beach before heading into the Hillcrest Area to dine at Hash House a Go Go. Well, that plan was sort of kiboshed when we reached the point where we would be crossing a freeway. Cabbed it to the restaurant and considered the rest of our day. Breakfast was delicious. We shared a scramble with salmon and cream cheese.
From here, we walked to the Gaslamp District, checked out Balboa Park and stopped to enjoy a glass of wine in a cigar shop. Not the ideal place, in all honesty, but I liked the bar area and it seemed somewhat fittting for the day. Overcast, bluesy and dark. I wanted to dine in Little Italy and chose a place that was highly recommended. As noted, food was delightful, but the music sucked. I would return to the restaurant to sample more fare. Maybe next trip to San Diego.
That night, we ate at the hotel. Lame, I know, but the weather had not improved. Rain, wind, felt monsoon like and I was unmotivated to walk outside. We shared chips and salsa and a quesadilla at the hotel. It was fine and ensured that we both woke up early to walk the Ocean Beach Peir. It was 2/28, after all, and we had a lot planned for the day.
Italian fare
Homemade burrata with proscuitto wrapped crostini over heirloom tomatoes. Fig jam and honey accompany this delightful dish. I found this eatery while searching for spots in Pacific Beach in early February. I wanted to check it out but they didn't offer bar seating. Instead, I went to a tapas place and had a subpar meal and lackluster wine service. Nevertheless, Shari and I found this neighborhood gem and started the night with this appetizer.
After the burrata, we considered trying meatballs or trying an entree. The server guided us to the grilled vegetable tray. Perfect for following the cheese course. I forgot to mention that when we sat down they brought us bread and olive oil. The olive oil was delicious and I had to stop myself for inhaling the bread course.
This is how happy, I was, after the meal. The only drawback of the night was our table. We asked to be moved and the hostess informed us that all of the other tables were spoken for. Funny, we sat there, ordered food and watched as the tables remained unseated.
Illustration of the best sandwich ever. Shari and I stumbled into this eatery in Little Italy on a rainy Monday. We enjoyed a glass of wine and this combination--bread, truffle oil, & egg over asparagus. Truly delightful. Only hiccup here was the obnoxious 50's music and the unwilling manager who chose to keep playing it. It was really that horrible. Instead of staying for another glass of wine and possible other appetizer we returned to Mission Beach. Downpour rain while sitting in the hot tub and smuggling wine into the pool area. Something about no glassware in the pool. Of course, we actually got busted on that point.
Shari looks happy. First night in San Diego after lovely meal.
Friday, March 9, 2012
San Diego, briefly
I cannot believe that I have managed to postpone updating the San Diego adventure. Work took over--I suppose.
Quickly, the food factor was amazing. There were several highlights of that arena while dining in San Diego. Twice we tried Italian fare. Delicious. Ironically, both establishments presented a few pet peeves to shine through. The first place was in Pacific Beach. Small, intimate and without bar seating. I knew this from a previous visit where I was unable to check out the eatery due to that fact. And, my dining companion was sick. I do not enjoy sitting at a table, solo. So, I checked out a tapas place instead.
Regardless, Shari and I approached the restaurant and asked for a table for two. The hostess seated us right by the kitchen and adjacent to the bathroom. Plus, it was a slender table and neither us of wanted to remain seated there. Shari asked the server if we could be relocated and the hostess said, no. The other tables were reserved.
We were annoyed but we stayed and had an incredible meal. Let me just comment on the fact that the other tables were never seated. The hostess just did not want to accomodate us.
The other obvious pet peeve was addressed at another italian eatery. Newer, in Little Italy, and we found it while checking out the Gaslamp District. Upon walking in we opted to choose a booth in the main dining area. Chose a wine to complement two appetizers. While choosing the food, I noticed the music. 50's music was playing. It seemed out of place for the vibe of the restaurant. Initially, I suffered through it. Then, I started to loathe the music. I asked the server who was in charge of the music and she told me the manager.
Twenty minutes later, I asked to see the menu again. I was interested in another dish and possibly another glass of wine. I mentioned that to the server and that I would love it if the music could be changed. I had had enough of the be bop a lula.
The manager came by the table and said--sorry, girls....this is sort of my thing.
WOW! I couldn't believe it.
The server came by and asked us what we would like to order. I asked for the check and told her what the manager had said. We paid and I went to the bathroom before heading back to Mission Beach. While in the bathroom, they changed the music. However, it was too long and I was over it. The princple of the situation deemed that we leave. I was shocked that they wouldn't change the music and I wasn't unreasonable with asking or demanding that they change it to what I wanted to listen to. That wasn't the case. I just wanted something besides 50's music. All that inspired was a shake or burger. It did not inspire wine imbibing.
Of course, there was more incredible fare, wine and the beach. I think that was my favorite thing of the entire adventure. We walked around Ocean Beach. Very inviting and peaceful. I wish we had had more time to reflect there. Magnificent.
Quickly, the food factor was amazing. There were several highlights of that arena while dining in San Diego. Twice we tried Italian fare. Delicious. Ironically, both establishments presented a few pet peeves to shine through. The first place was in Pacific Beach. Small, intimate and without bar seating. I knew this from a previous visit where I was unable to check out the eatery due to that fact. And, my dining companion was sick. I do not enjoy sitting at a table, solo. So, I checked out a tapas place instead.
Regardless, Shari and I approached the restaurant and asked for a table for two. The hostess seated us right by the kitchen and adjacent to the bathroom. Plus, it was a slender table and neither us of wanted to remain seated there. Shari asked the server if we could be relocated and the hostess said, no. The other tables were reserved.
We were annoyed but we stayed and had an incredible meal. Let me just comment on the fact that the other tables were never seated. The hostess just did not want to accomodate us.
The other obvious pet peeve was addressed at another italian eatery. Newer, in Little Italy, and we found it while checking out the Gaslamp District. Upon walking in we opted to choose a booth in the main dining area. Chose a wine to complement two appetizers. While choosing the food, I noticed the music. 50's music was playing. It seemed out of place for the vibe of the restaurant. Initially, I suffered through it. Then, I started to loathe the music. I asked the server who was in charge of the music and she told me the manager.
Twenty minutes later, I asked to see the menu again. I was interested in another dish and possibly another glass of wine. I mentioned that to the server and that I would love it if the music could be changed. I had had enough of the be bop a lula.
The manager came by the table and said--sorry, girls....this is sort of my thing.
WOW! I couldn't believe it.
The server came by and asked us what we would like to order. I asked for the check and told her what the manager had said. We paid and I went to the bathroom before heading back to Mission Beach. While in the bathroom, they changed the music. However, it was too long and I was over it. The princple of the situation deemed that we leave. I was shocked that they wouldn't change the music and I wasn't unreasonable with asking or demanding that they change it to what I wanted to listen to. That wasn't the case. I just wanted something besides 50's music. All that inspired was a shake or burger. It did not inspire wine imbibing.
Of course, there was more incredible fare, wine and the beach. I think that was my favorite thing of the entire adventure. We walked around Ocean Beach. Very inviting and peaceful. I wish we had had more time to reflect there. Magnificent.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Day off
Happy Tuesday! It's beer week in AZ and lots of activities are happening around the Valley. Saturday was busy for us and today we are tapping only beers from Arizona on tap. Should be fun and I am looking forward to it. I know that I should postpone the mandatory Tuesday wine tasting but am for the challenge of it. We'll see how it all shakes out. On Saturday there is a beer and bike activity that I wish I could attend. However, work precedes fun that morning. Shari arrives that night. Must work before she arrives.
In other news....I had the opportunity to either go running or yoga and skipped both activities. My running partner did not contact me til this morning which made that a moot point and the yoga instructor at the seven o'clock class is the one that I see the most frequently. I like her but think some of her transitions could be smoother. Yesterday I completely checked out of the class with ten minutes left. I looked around and noted that 75% of the class was not following her series of flow. Instead they were either in child's pose or standing up doing their own thing. She doesn't always lead the transitions well. I found that I had lost focus and needed to leave. I showered and headed out to greet the rest of the day.
I considered meeting Jan for happy hour somewhere. Had every intention of doing just that but our schedules did not correlate. I returned home and fell asleep. Sleeping only four hours the previous night had taken its toll. Throw in some yoga and it concluded with me waking up to slobber on my pillow. Nice, right?
Today, work demands attention. Maybe a wine tasting or two...undecided. Either way, this morning is considered a fail since I postponed working out (gladly). I think Jeff and I will try to meet up later in the week to tackle an a.m. run. Or, I have found someone to hike Camelback with and I am looking forward to that. I cannot believe that I have lived in this state, twice, and not once hiked Camelback. I think I am always put off by the parking situation. Squaw Peak is more inviting or South Mountain seems to welcome me.
I am doing it this week--with or without my new hiking/running partner. Anyways, enjoy today with or without a beverage in hand. I foresee an AZ beer at the end of my day~
In other news....I had the opportunity to either go running or yoga and skipped both activities. My running partner did not contact me til this morning which made that a moot point and the yoga instructor at the seven o'clock class is the one that I see the most frequently. I like her but think some of her transitions could be smoother. Yesterday I completely checked out of the class with ten minutes left. I looked around and noted that 75% of the class was not following her series of flow. Instead they were either in child's pose or standing up doing their own thing. She doesn't always lead the transitions well. I found that I had lost focus and needed to leave. I showered and headed out to greet the rest of the day.
I considered meeting Jan for happy hour somewhere. Had every intention of doing just that but our schedules did not correlate. I returned home and fell asleep. Sleeping only four hours the previous night had taken its toll. Throw in some yoga and it concluded with me waking up to slobber on my pillow. Nice, right?
Today, work demands attention. Maybe a wine tasting or two...undecided. Either way, this morning is considered a fail since I postponed working out (gladly). I think Jeff and I will try to meet up later in the week to tackle an a.m. run. Or, I have found someone to hike Camelback with and I am looking forward to that. I cannot believe that I have lived in this state, twice, and not once hiked Camelback. I think I am always put off by the parking situation. Squaw Peak is more inviting or South Mountain seems to welcome me.
I am doing it this week--with or without my new hiking/running partner. Anyways, enjoy today with or without a beverage in hand. I foresee an AZ beer at the end of my day~
Monday, February 20, 2012
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