Pardon the interruption

Just when I thought that my bad blogging habits couldn't get any worse... they do .  I was caught in the midst of the most painful job search known to man and spent countless hours trolling craigslist and begging for interviews.   It felt so depressing and disheartening to apply to a gazillion jobs and check my email 12394870987 times a day to find NOTHING.  Geez man, I spent almost my whole life getting an education and this is what happens?  Fast forward a month and a half of crying, praying, and thoughts crossing my mind of moving back into my dad's house (my last resort) and finally I'm sooo over it.  I completely stop searching and begin to accept my fate as a homeless bag lady with lots of shoes and two dogs in my shopping cart.  The next day I get three interviews. Then the week after I get not one, not two, but four job offers! How is this possible?!??!?  Happy tears of relief rolled down my cheeks as I heard the happy news.  I feel so grateful and blessed to have this experience is behind me (for now), and let me tell you- I've never felt so happy to work close to 12 hour days and come home dead tired.  To those of you going though the job search process because of our crappy economy, I'm sending you lots of positive thoughts and luck your way.  You can do it!  

Oh btw, the pictures above are from the San Francisco Gocar tour we took last weekend.  Lots of happy things to celebrate  =)   I highly recommend it (even for locals).  They also run tours in Miami, San Diego, and even Madrid.  You will like, promise! 

le weekend

Took a break from the usual weekend hoopla and kept everything low key.  It's nice to step away and just appreciate the little things.

From our SF urban hike-

discovering the best almond croissant @ La Boulange

much needed haircut for him @ Mystic Haircutting

early dinner @ Shanghai Dumpling King

Missy and Mandi's San Francisco Food Crawl

post boiling crab food coma

lunch @ american grilled cheese kitchen - can't go wrong with their mushroom special

their mac and cheese was ahhmazzingg

next stop: Dynamo Donuts in the mission

i get to be chauffeured around thanks to my bummed leg

Mission Beach Cafe Epic Brunch

melt in your mouth pancakes. We were sorry for only order one. Should've known better tsk tsk

mushroom truffle eggs benny

short rib hash- it was melt in your mouth yumminess. ORDER THIS

Beautiful day in the neighborhood. Can't wait to move here soon.

Anthony's Cookies for dessert

We tried everything under the sun, but the definite winner is the cookies and cream ! it's like a chocolate chip cookie/ Oreo hybrid.

My sister came out to visit me this past weekend and we made sure to do the the three things we do best:

1. Eat

2. Shop

3. Repeat

We spent two days exploring the city and discovering all the culinary goodness it has to offer. Our ultimate goal is to move there as soon as possible so we can do this every weekend. We dream of the day when we will both be able meet at the corner cafe after work and walk to the nearest happy hour for drinks. I feel like there have been a lot of road blocks this year that have made the move to sf far from reach, but it makes me that much more determined to make it reality. I'm not going to let anything get in my way.

2010 San Francisco Mermaid Race Recap

Running loves

My trusty kicks- Nike Lunar Glides

Half way through the run- already red in the face!

Kjersti Smokin the competition

cheering mabel on to the finish line

moral support @ the last lap

YAY Karla!

treated ourselves to a yummy brunch @ St. Michael's Alley

I spy the cutes furry baby ever

This Sunday, my lovely friends and I took part in the annual San Francisco Mermaid 10k Race. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful running conditions that day. Clear skies, gentle sunshine, and the cool bay breeze soothed all the natural discomforts of long distance running. The breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge made it perfect. I finished in 65th place overall and 14th in my age division at 1:02:53. It was hands down one of my favorite runs ever, and I can't wait to do more.

If you guys have any suggestions for a good Half Marathon please let me know!

Eat, Drink, Run

Team Thing 1 & Thing 2

Mabelieux and Karlieux

we did it!!!

We both felt like wonderwoman afterwards

After our race celebrations. Cajun food and Sangria yummmm

the next day in SF with Mandi and Lydia

driving around the Castro

Wandering around la Mission

Indulging in homemade ice cream from Bi-Rite Creamery

sisters sharing an ice cream cone

A couple of weeks ago, my friends and I took part in the annual Palo Alto Moonlight 10k race. I loved everything about the experience, and it only reinforced my love for running. Throughout my entire life, I found myself making every excuse not to run. The only time you'd probably see me running anywhere was to get to a good sale. Living in the Bay area has really helped motivate me to stay healthy and active. You can't live here and not participate in some kind of hobby that doesn't get you off the couch. I mean hello, why live in the Bay if you're not going to take advantage of the gorgeous weather! I'm in love with the idea that you can enjoy all the amazing food here but still create a balance between indulgence and a healthy lifestyle. So eat, drink, and run to your heart's content my friends. Next race is November 14th- The San Francisco Mermaid Race. Can't wait!

ps. check out my friend Kjersti's blog for expert running tips you can use everyday ;)

Have a lovely weekend everyone.