California: Day 3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Birthday day! 

We woke up early and drove over to Herbivore (for the second time in three days!) for a big birthday brunch followed by a drive into the city. JP brought me to the bench at the highest point of Delores Park and we sat and overlooked the big and beautiful city. It was a gorgeous day in San Francisco. 

That afternoon we went to Union Square to go ice skating. It was JP's first time ever ice skating and one of my birthday wishes to go. So, JP made it happen and it was so much fun! It turns out that John-Paul is quite the professional skater. I'm sure we'll be seeing much more of him on the ice. 

We headed back to our hotel and changed into our fancy birthday outfits and headed to Millennium, a beautiful new vegan restaurant in SF where JP had made dinner reservations. Oh my goodness. As they walked us to our table there was a huge display of roses on the table, all a part of JP's secret birthday plans, and only the beginning of an incredible birthday weekend.

California: Day 2

Day two was declared a lazy day upon waking up. JP made breakfast for us; a scramble with tofu, soy chiroso, black beans, and homestyle potatoes. The rest of the afternoon was spent laying around reading and watching hockey games. Before picking up burritos for dinner, JP and I raced out to see the sunset over the mountains along one of his cycling routes. A beautiful end to a relaxing low-key day. Birthday festivities were planned to begin early the next morning, so we certainly needed our rest!

California: Day 1

After sleeping in a bit, JP and I went out for a delicious breakfast at Herbivore. Tofu scramble for him, french toast and blueberry cornbread to share. We then went for a walk around Berkeley and grabbed a cinnamon roll topped with lemon icing and blackberries at Cinnaholic. With full bellies, JP whisked us away to the Golden Gate Bridge. I was a little child jumping with excitement and smiling so much that my cheeks hurt. It was the most beautiful and wonderful day for a visit to the GGB. We walked across the big red bridge and took pictures galore. These were definitely some of my most treasured moments from the entire trip.

Return

Long time, no chat, right? Let's get things rolling.

The last few months have been a whirlwind. Spending a few weeks in Indiana (the longest consecutive time spent at home since moving to SC) with my family, was a great blessing. I had the opportunity to grow closer with those who I typically only get a few days out of the year to spend time with. The first week of January was spent in California with my best friend, John-Paul. It was the most wonderful trip and I can't wait to write about each day and share a few photos here!

Alas, winter break has come to an end and a new semester has just begun. Sometimes I find myself more focused on (and/or overwhelmed by) my "Grad School Prep List" than enjoying this season that I am currently in. A season to learn and love more, enjoy, and appreciate all of the people and opportunities I am blessed with.

Today is for reading a non-textbook book, writing cards, and packing gifts for a few very dear people with upcoming birthdays (!!!!!).

I hope you're enjoying this quiet Sunday as well.