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. :)