Vespertine Circus, Nopasf

The strength and agility we witnessed two nights ago at the Vespertine Circus performance inspired me to get back on my training in attempts to obtain a fraction of their muscle control and athletic ability. A relative of a friend runs this circus show and performs as well. They ran "Important Business" at the Children's Creativity Museum for its final three days before they change it up. 

Based in the office at a toy creation company, the employees, full of unique personalities, interact with astounding acrobatic moves with each other and their individual acts. From Fabrics to Flying Trapeze to a hula hooping, each segment was as impressive as the next. So glad to do something a little different in the city! Like i said, very motivational - I wish I was that flexible!

Although we had grabbed a quick drink and appetizer at Tropisueño, after the show we craved a full meal. Everyone constantly reminds me of how amazing NopaSF tastes, so the opportunity finally arrived. People make reservations here up to 6 months in advanced, but they welcome walk ins, if you're willing to wait. Our predicted wait time? Two hours. Option number two: wait for someone to get up from the communal table or bar. Ten minutes later, I snagged a bar stool and F stood beside me.

The food definitely lived up to the hype. Everything tasted fresh. We ordered broccoli, cucumbers, and the pork chop to share. Not a single dish disappointed. We both love our veggies, and when prepared properly such as here, anyone would turn a veggie lover too. Finish off with a perfectly most cheesecake and good night :)

Body Temp

I checked out a new yoga place with a friend this afternoon. Body Temp offers a free first session, so there is no reason not to go check it out. I didn't have the greatest experience, solely because I ran 9 miles about an hour before the class. Not smart. They only do Bikram yoga; if you're unfamiliar, that means it's hella hot in the room! You'll sweat if you stay in child's pose. I'm normally a "push yourself" yoga-goer, but today I just gently allowed my body to rest as needed. My legs screamed at me from the mornings' run, and no proper meal had yet entered my stomach.

All of that aside, the studio is nice, clean, friendly staff. It's on the smaller side, when compared to Urban Flow (which I love), and their prices seem a little high for me, other than the 30 days for $30 deal, which is killer if you're going on a yoga kick. Today's instructor, as friendly and as excellent of a practicer as she may be, didn't particularly grab me and get me into the practice. I'm a sucker for the meditative voice and spiritual side of practicing, and her style teaches with more of a straight forward approach. Apparently, they also offer a night, candlelight, soothing class, which I want to check out.

If you love Bikram, I recommend it. If not (like me), maybe not your thing! If you're curious... heck it's a free first class. why not go?

Tequila, Urban Flow Yoga

If you couldn't tell by my previous post, I was a bit stressed out yesterday - just with a lot on my mind. No better way to fix stress than with yoga and tequila, although after today, I wouldn't recommend them together. (Not that I would have recommended them together before...)

Yoga was in my after-work plan for the day. Tequila snuck its way in there. A coworker from another department invited me for a happy hour drink, and I couldn't refuse. After all, I missed his birthday celebrations a few weeks ago! Anyways, three of us ended up taking a shot (okay two shots) of tequila after work. I tried to balance out out with a side of asparagus, but I already knew that I was about to make yoga all the more difficult.

Yoga, something I mocked in high school but grew to love in college, frequently helps me with stress and to relax. I don't consistently practice, but still feel pretty attached to the work outs. I knew last night that yoga would be the perfect medicine for my anxiety. Urban Flow never disappoints. Given, this was only my second visit, it's the type of studio that reassures you that each session will be as great or greater than the previous. Each class cranks up the heat, they have tons of windows letting the sun shine through, and it is an overall calming, warm environment. Both teachers I've had were very in tune with Bhakti Flow, oneness with nature, and all that jazz, encouraging the dedication of your practice to another. Brad, today's instructor, is probably the best I've ever had in helping with my form (or maybe my form needed extra help today due to the tequila). He frequently circulated the room and stopped at almost each student to correct their form in the most positive and encouraging manner. He actually assisted me in holding a pose for a full ten seconds, which is a long time if you've ever taken a class. It felt amazing to have proper form and push myself when I wouldn't have been able to hold it without him. Urban Flow is unique in that it is by donation, and no donation is too small. Note: if you are paying by credit card, it is minimum of $16.

Now that I've sweat out the tequila, it's time for chicken pad Thai, no tofu. These people recognize me from coming here so much. Happy Saturday night :)

Scala's Bistro

I had a lunch meeting today at Scala's Bistro, located next to Sir Francis Drake hotel, practically on Union Square. I couldn't pull out my camera during this meeting, so unfortunately, I have no pictures. You'll just have to take my word for it and check it out yourself!

Very warm, clean feeling when walking in the door and the staff is friendly, but they don't over do it. I sat at the bar with a glass of water while waiting. Seated, both myself and my business companion attempted to eat fairly healthy; he is trying to become vegetarian. So, he informed the waitress that we would have a boring order: arugula salad for him, green strawberry salad for me, and asparagus to share. Everything tasted fresh and delicious. I've been craving asparagus for weeks, and this perfectly grilled dish did not disappoint with it's red, non-overpowering sauce.

After a productive and uplifting conversation, dessert menus arrived. He declined the menu and ordered for us his favorite option: Bostini Cream Pie. Excellent choice. Go try it for yourself.

I'd love to return to Scala's to try some of their main course and meaty dishes. I've been meaning to have dinner there for quite some time; this might be just the motivation I need to make a reservation!

Nick Saban's Speech

Since I've been boring the past couple of days, enjoy this video that a friend shared with me on facebook a few days ago. Pretty good motivator. Self discipline is something with which I've always struggled.

"Discipline: Doing what you're supposed to do, when you're supposed to do it, the way it's supposed to get done"

"You are going suffer through one of two things in life: the pain of discipline, or the pain of disappointment."

"Your character is a accumulation of your thoughts, your habits, and your priorities on a day-to-day basis"

Lady Foot Locker, Yoppi

Toppings Galore!

So, I need to buy new running shoes, badly. Niketown seemed like the natural choice to begin, but it was just my luck that they are under construction and closed today. Instead, an attempt at Lady Foot Locker at the mall proved to be just as unsuccessful of a venture. The store is lasted out nicely we a decent variety, but there is no easy I'm spending $100+ a pair of shoes when the sales person has no clue what they are talking about. She was very nice and could help me find a size, but her usefulness ended there. The store is fine if you know what you're looking for, but don't expect knowledgeable assistance.

The trip to the mall did, however, turn out to be worthwhile as F and I stopped at Yoppi to share a refreshing snack. He selected plain frozen yogurt and we topped it with fresh mangos, nuts, raspberry sauce, and dark chocolate.  We voted on next week's flavors before finding a good people watching spot in the mall to enjoy our concoction. Yum.

Eats, Land's End Sunset

Not too much to report from today. Started the morning off right with steel cut oatmeal and pepper sausage from Eats, a breakfast joint on Clement Street. Everything on the menu looked and sounded delicious, as well as everything passing by. But in finally trying to eat healthy, I avoided all the gluten and practiced a little self control... for once.

After finally catching up on all the boring errands that I had put off from yesterday, I allowed myself to enjoy the clear skies and heat of the day, by sitting on the patio, lounging in the sunshine, allowing it to soak in while I napped. I made myself a healthy dinner before meeting up with my friend to go watch the sunset at Land's End.

Couple after couple pulled up in their cars and bikes and at end of their nightly walks to watch the sun sink down below the ocean. C and I felt a little out of place in this romantic setting, but regardless enjoyed watching the boats go by as the sun lowered deeper in the sky. We were fortunate to choose a night when the wind was only a soft breeze. Normally, for example yesterday when I was here, the wind is very strong in Land's End, and along the ocean in general. Tonight was the perfect night to catch up while taking in a proper West Coast sunset. Goodnight!

Pizzetta, B Star

What a way to return to the city. After feeling accomplished in my 4 mile run, I received a warm welcome before a long day of walking in the sun, good food, and relaxation. We ventured down to Land's End to look out over the ocean and see Sutro Baths, a sight I've seen more than a few times, but F had not.

Next, we leisurely made our way to Pizzetta, which opens at "noonish." It is a tiny pizza place on California and 23rd. I completely forgot to take a picture of this inside, literally 2 or 3 tables, a counter with the kitchen behind it, and the tiny office visible above the kitchen. I'll have to return to take pictures, as I can't do it's quaint atmosphere justice with my description. We sat in the sun at a table along the sidewalk. There are heat lamps above head that are calling my name to return for a glass of wine some evening in the near future. We ordered two pizzas to share: one with egg and sausage and the other with arugala and mascarpone. Delicious.

After more walking around the Inner Richmond, we passed the afternoon lazily. I had to babysit tonight, so we grabbed a quick,  happy hour bite to eat at B Star. Apparently, they are known for their Tea Leaf Salad, and now I know why. Amazing - dried shrimp, lentils, romaine, sauce, and more that I don't remember. We could easily have eaten two or three instead of splitting the one. Try it. We also ordered Lotus chips, which I really enjoyed, but F said could use more salt. Also tasted mango tuna tacos and satay with a coconut creamy sauce. Although they were satisfying, the salad was by far the best. I had eaten here once previously, downed the bass with a glass of wine while watching Karate Kid 2 at the bar. Today made for a second pleasant experience. Now I know why there is usually such a long line!

Since I really didn't do anything productive today, tomorrow is bound to be boring with errands. Cheers.

Golden Gate Park: Ultimate Frisbee

It has been over a year since I last played ultimate frisbee. I played in a couple of recreational teams during my last summer living in Madison, WI and loved every second of it. In moving to San Francisco a year ago yesterday, finding pick up frisbee games has been on my to do list. I signed up for email notifications, but never made the time to attend. Tonight was the night! As nice as the people I met seem to be and for what a great work out you always get with ultimate, I can't believe i waited so long to play. I'm rusty and not in tip-top shape, but I made a solid dive catch and kept up on defence. It cost me a jammed pinky, from being super intense and an overall badass, which I now need to tape and ice. Worth it. Cheers! 

Cafe Bellini, Union Square, Walks & Talks

After a non-exciting day at work, I am glad to be off to enjoy the rest of another sunny day in San Francisco. With a small amount of time to kill before meeting up with R, I grabbed a small snack at Cafe Bellini on Powel. I'd walked by here several times without giving it a second look. Today, with my stomach on the prowl, their display cases full of pastas and goodies caught my eye. In attempts to be healthy, I ordered a quinoa salad and mango smoothie. Sitting here in Union Square I am satisfied and ready to meet up with R!

R volunteers walking someone's dog a few times a week, and today I'm going to walk with her to catch up. This post might be a little premature, but I can already tell you how the rest of the night will go: city walk and catching up on the latest events in each other's lives, go for a quick run with R's own adorable dog, and make a healthy dinner together.

Art for sale in Union Square! Nice view while snacking :)

If we do something new and fun,  I will share, but for now, enjoy the rest of your day!  If you're in SF - take advantage of this GORGEOUS sunshine!!

Mission Cliffs, Dolores Park, Bi-Rite Creamery

Part of the gym was being re-routed!

Today has been my ideal version of a day off from work. (Well, I did work for 2 hours this morning, but we'll pretend). Mission Cliffs is a fantastic indoor climbing gym. I met up with a coworker, F, and we spent 3 hours maneuvering up the walls. So, I have been here once before, about 10 months ago. It is such a fun way to work muscles you never even knew could ache; and my upper body definitely felt it. I'm going to try to go more often, so F doesn't have to keep re-teaching me the knots to tie in, and in order to climb to the top on the ones that my arms just couldn't handle.

What better way to follow a healthy morning than to enjoy lunch in the sunshine? We bought a few items at Bi-Rite grocery before heading to relax for 3 hours in the sun at Dolores park. If you live in San Francisco and have never been to this park, you are missing one of the best places in the city. People from all walks of life come to picnic and socialize and take advantage of gorgeous days like today.  You'll see more than a few interesting characters, people selling food and otherwise, and those who want to share their musical selection with the entire park. I may or may not have taken a nap.

Refreshed, we stopped at Bi-Rite ice cream. Normally, the line wraps around the corner. Luckily, we only had to wait 10 minutes. Amazing. They have gluten free cones and vegan ice cream, as well as all the dairy, sugary stuff we all love. I forgot the names of my flavors: 1. Involved peanut butter and chocolate 2. Something with cinnamon and snickerdoodle. Go there. Worth it.

Now a quick break/shower before seeing Oz. So excited!!

Crunch

My Friday night may have been slightly healthier than your Friday night.  I joined my friend at her gym for a kickboxing class. I'm definitely one of those people that gets so much more out of a work out when there is an instructor pushing me on - so it seemed like a great idea. Crunch is a gym that I previously categorized with a weight watchers / 40 to 50 year old women getting their work out on with strength in numbers....

Wrong. Total opposite. The gym has bright, lively colors and the class was both effective and fun! The manager was nice and helpful even when I explained I was not interested in a membership at this time. We attended kickboxing with Roberto who I now love and would religiously go to his classes if I was a member. (Maybe it was because he told me I'm a natural, always a motivator! ). Crunch is much smaller and more personalized than my large city feel gym.  And much, much cleaner. Scattered about the walls are fun,  uplifting,  and motivational phrases such as "Objects in mirror are more fabulous than they appear," or something to that effect. It definitely didn't hurt that this particular location looks out over the beautifully lit Bay Bridge. I will definitely take advantage of my 5 day pass.

I am satisfied with my gym (24) for now. Especially when my boyfriend and I enjoy piña coladas in the sauna (shh don't tell! ) and pretend we are on vacation :) I have another 18 months on it and maybe can upgrade to the more personalized feel that is Crunch when all is said and done.

By the way, I'm more than over calling him "my boyfriend," so from now on he is "D." And while I'm at it,  this same friend I've been referring to will be mentioned with frequency,  so let's call her "R."

D & R - forgive me in advanced if I accidentally use your full names :)

Twin Peaks

Twin Peaks

A warm, bright, sunny day in the city combined with a Monday off work provides numerous choices of how to best utilize it. Today I decided to go to Twin Peaks - standing on one while overlooking the other in the picture above. This city continually amazes me in the amount of nature it has. A short bus ride, semi-steep climb up city streets, and slightly steeper hike up the peak rewards you with beautiful views of the city on days like today. All of the city icons are visible: Golden Gate & Bay Bridges, City Hall, Golden Gate Park, downtown/Market Street, the Mission.

After taking several minutes to appreciate the beauty of San Francisco and identify the different neighborhoods as if I was looking at a map, I wandered away from the tourists to the other side. There, you can climb up and over each peak to get a view of the other side of the city, and a small work out. A couple took in the sights romantically together. The only thing that may have made it better would be wine and a picnic.

The neighborhood surrounding Twin Peaks is beautiful. The homes are large and colorful and obviously have floor to ceiling windows to take in the scenery. They make for a nice walk after leaving the hike.

I’d like to return with friends/my boyfriend. It would fun to bring lunch along and just enjoy the sunshine. Surprisingly, I didn’t see anyone with a dog, which if you are familiar with the city, they are usually everywhere. I’ll have to check if dogs are allowed and borrow a friends’ pet for a day.