We'll be moving to San Francisco in just 2 weeks and plan to sell our car, so on Monday, Vince and I took advantage of still having a car and ventured out on a day trip down scenic Highway 1. We made no specific plans and had a blast stopping at random road-side stands, getting close up to sea lions, taking 17 Mile Drive, wandering through Monterey and Carmel, and of course, eating delicious food.
I'm not a photo person. I enjoy taking pictures for and of other people but am ridiculously bad at taking snapshots of my own life. After moving away from friends and family, my husband and I decided we needed to put more effort into documenting our lives, so I've decided to make a concentrated effort to take a few pictures each week. Here's a peek into our weekend.
We're obsessed with the selection of fresh food at the Mountain View farmer's market. Why buy fruit and veggies at the store when you have access to locally grown, fresh, organic produce?
If there is one image that could sum up our free time, it would be this. *Bonus* You get a sneak peak into my next hand drawn type series to be announced tomorrow!
While frozen yogurt is our go-to sweet treat lately, we've had fun trying other things too. Krunchy Kale is a delicious snack we found at the farmer's market. Forget potato chips — this is healthy and crunchy and surprisingly flavorful.
The Bay Bridge which is surprisingly more beautiful than the Golden Gate Bridge
It's time I admit. When my husband and I would dream about the great places we would live and the things we would do, California was not in the plans. Not by any stretch. In fact, it was on my personal 'Will not live there' list.
However, when a job opportunity with Apple comes into play, California suddenly flies to the top of the 'I want to go to there' list.
A snapshot of where I spend my days — the workspace at B'stro
After nearly 2 months of living in this sunny state, I have to admit I'm unabashedly in love. In love with San Francisco.
When we announced our plans to move 37 driving hours away from the state of Indiana, friends and family would congrate Vince, then promptly ask if we were excited to move to California. Up until we actually moved here, our response would be that we planned to stay here for a couple of years, and then move on to other opportunities. However, at this point I (we?) have zero plans of moving in the near future. We both love our jobs, everyone we've come in contact with has been amazing, and who can argue with year-round temperatures in the 60's?
We've secretly become addicted to bread (any type) from Acme Bread Company. It's probably the most expensive, delicious bread you will ever taste
To top that off, in addition to the fact that we're in the heart of a developer's paradise in Silicon Valley, we're also in the heart of a designer's paradise. Try and read a design publication without finding a reference to San Francisco. I dare you.
So to all of our friends and family want to hurry out and visit while we're still here? No rush. If all goes well, we'll be here for a while.
I spent my first official weekend as a California resident enjoying the great outdoors. While most of the midwest was buried in snow, we were experiencing nothing short of ah-mazing weather. I promise. I'm not trying to rub it in.
While the major goal for the weekend was to purchase a bike so I could leave the bloody battle commute on the 101 behind, we spent most of our weekend in the Midpeninsula Open Space District. The Open Space area is 60,000 acres of land protected for public enjoyment, and enjoy it we did.
Saturday consisted of a 3 mile hike in Monte Bello, and Sunday was a 5 mile hike in the Los Trancos and Coal Creek reserves. We're planning to hit Russian Ridge next weekend.
Enjoying the view after a fun picnic lunch at Coal Ridge
In other news, I did end up getting the bike of my dreams, a Dahon Mariner, and I love her! (If you're doubting, it's a her, don't try to argue this point. You will lose.)
This morning was the first of my 5 months of eco-friendly commutes. I ride my bike 3 miles to the the station, sit back and enjoy 45 miles of train ride, then ride another 2 miles to Creative B'stro. We're hoping to move to the city / San Francisco in May once our initial lease is finished, and then my husband will have the joy of riding the Apple bus, which includes wi-fi. Rough.
Come on Indiana. Now you're just messing with me!
Disclaimer: This is another post about me moving. If you're tired about me blogging about our move, you can stop here.
Now that just my mom is reading, here goes. Lately I've been verbally dreaming about all of the great things waiting for me in California, but just today it hit me that there are actually a lot of things I'll miss about Fort Wayne.
JK O'Donnell's Most people who know us know that we love, love this little Irish pub in downtown Fort Wayne. In fact, on any given Friday night, you could find us tucked into a corner or hanging out at the bar. We've met some of the most interesting (and most odd) people there.
Cheap cost of living Where else can you rent a 1,000+ square foot apartment for a little over $600?
Lots of friends and acquaintances After moving to Indiana less than 5 years ago, I knew about 5-10 people. And now, I can't count the number of great people I've met.
My Aptera co-workers I started off at Aptera as a lowly intern. A year and a half later, they took a gigantic chance and made me the web team lead. It's been a fun challenge, but the best part has been all of the great people I've been able to work with.
Our nephews (and the rest of our Indiana family) Who wouldn't miss these adorable little guys?! Seriously though, my husband's family graciously accepted this quirky Kansas girl into their lives. I've got amazing in-laws.
All photos by Jenna at Andy & Jenna Photo Design
With all of this said, after being apart for nearly a month, I'm really ready to spend some quality time with my favorite man. January 29 come quickly!
My little section of Indiana is covered in a thick blanket of cold, wintry snow, so I'm dreaming of a warmer climate. T minus 18 days!
Photo by Mayu on Flickr