CAN I GET A PUPPY, PRETTY PLEASE?

In an effort to explore more, capture more, and learn more... Mike and I took a break from our daily computer grind yesterday and casually strolled to Bernal Heights Park. It wasn't the best of days in the Bay Area with winds gusting up to what felt like 50mph at times, but we were determined to not take this 'winter' weather for granted! It was still a beautiful day and we loved every minute of being outside. And as it turns out, yesterday was one of our happiest days together.

  

With a string of unfortunate news popping up in our personal lives, we haven't been feeling our best lately. It's during times like these, I am once again reminded of how grateful we are for our friends who have gone above and beyond to support and cheer us on. The other day we looked at each other and asked, "just how did we get here?" At times, it doesn't feel real that we've left our past lives so abruptly. Maybe we're just on a long-winded vacation? Then after our adventures at Bernal Heights yesterday, we felt ready to take on the world.

   

While in Bernal Heights, we stumbled upon a charming installation on Bernal Hill. There were two antique chairs and a treasure chest engraved with 36 questions on it. As we inched closer to the hill, we saw a young couple sitting on these chairs, facing each other and holding hands intimately. What a romantic site it was. We thought of three things immediately: 1. this could be a unique first date spot or 2. has anyone been proposed to here? and 3. a perfect set-up for engagement photos. We snapped a quick photo with the installation and we're saving the questions for a rainy day. Who knows, maybe Mike and I will fall in love with each other all over again.

  

Then, the best thing happened to us. Dogs appeared EVERYWHERE in the park. Apparently, it was that time of the day when dog walkers come for their daily stroll. Melissa, one of the dog walkers was kind enough to let us play with and take pictures of her dogs. I was in pure bliss. Mike took this opportunity to improve his photography skills. I must say, he did a wonderful job of capturing the lively moment. I can't get enough of these furry animals and photos!

           
How adorable are they? They were the friendliest and most playful bunch of dogs I've ever met. It amazes me that people in San Francisco don't need to leash their dogs. It really is a different world out here. Many social norms I grew accustomed to are going out the window. This East Coast girl at heart is quickly becoming a West Coast fanatic.

  

We didn't want to leave, but eventually left the park making our way back. It was such a wonderful time. And now, I am determined more than ever to get a rescue puppy (or two) one day.

As we continue our travels, we hope to have more days like this. We'll be in San Francisco for two more weeks before going back to the East Coast to see our families. After that, we'll keep traveling domestically and hopefully internationally as well. I'm keeping busy with wedding planning tasks and hopefully I'll have more to share later in the year. Definitely excited to see what happens next.

90% of the photos here were taken by Mike, my awesome other half. I had the pleasure of editing them. :)

TEAM WORK

After 6 hours of intense internet research (today I learned all about hotel room blocks and transportation options for weddings) at a coffee shop, we realized just how hungry we were. And instead of dropping into a random Chinese restaurant nearby to celebrate Lunar New Year, which would've been the easier choice, we agreed that the better option would be to buy some veggies and cook. It didn't take much brainstorming for us to decide on fried rice... we'll have to save dumplings for another night, maybe when we're less tired.

I'll admit, Mike usually does most of the prep work and cooking too. It makes it easier for me to blame him if the food sucks, but so far it's been non-stop praise. Tonight we worked as a team, although cooking fried rice is definitely not rocket science. I have to say, it was one of the best fried rices I've ever eaten (tooting my own horn with no shame)! Goes to show, when you cook with love, your taste buds will thank you.

If you're curious, here's what's inside the fried rice:

• White rice
• Green pepper
• Red pepper
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chicken breast
• Scrambled eggs
• Fried egg on top
• Sesame seeds
• Sriracha, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and soy sauce to taste

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

We've been in San Francisco for 3 weeks and much has happened during our time here. Just to name a few:

• Visited several SF neighborhoods entirely by foot, hills and all
• Finally achieved what some call "runner's high" while running through Golden Gate Park
• Spent quality time with some of my favorite people, most of which are fellow ex-P&Gers (cannot believe there are so many of us here)
• Drove up to Tahoe for a long weekend and successfully worked, ran, played Monopoly Deal, Heads Up, Boom Cup, cooked, laughed, danced, rapped... and then unsuccessfully tried to snowboard after a year hiatus. Sprained my knee after one run, which was100% my own fault... I let my fear get the best of me (Self reminder: Shuo, don't do that again)
• Explored cute coffee shops and totally failing my goal to drink more tea vs. coffee
• Met with a Venue coordinator for one of my good friends' weddings and actually knew what I was talking about
• Decided on a potential business name
• Made progress designing my own business logo, after hours of sketching and brainstorming

To be honest, it has not been an easy 3 months for me so far. I've had days where I literally cry myself to bed only to wake up with more tears in my eyes. I have never been so scared in my entire life. I often question if I'm cut out for this, only to reassure myself that if I continue to work hard... it'll all pay off somehow, even if it takes years. It's worth noting that cringeworthy moments will continue to pop up as I make my way through this... shall I call it, life experiment. Like when someone you haven't met before asks what you do for a living or why you're in San Francisco. I wish I could give them my life story for fear that I would be judged for being completely insane. Yet, San Franciscans have been a relief. People here are more accepting than I ever imagined (shout out to awesome Lyft drivers especially).

On the bright side, I create my own work hours and I am my own boss. Not to mention, I am so motivated and inspired by my friends here. They all work so hard for companies they adore and are always pleasures to be around. In particular, Mike and I send our fullest gratitude to two amazing friends who are letting us crash with them for a bit. I'm also having a blast exploring this new city with Mike. My heart is completely wide open. Though the beautiful weather certainly doesn't hurt.

And for the subtlest of announcements, Mike and I have been engaged for about 3 months, which only means one thing... I now have another wedding to plan!!