Birthday in Las Vegas.

This past weekend I celebrated my 29th birthday in Las Vegas. This checked one more item off my 30 by 30 List and it marked the one year countdown to completing that list. It was also my very first trip to Vegas and much needed mini-vacation. But, boy, did we pack a lot into the time we were there!

The first night (my actual birthday) we ate dinner at BLT Burger. Ali (go check out her blog!) and Alberto surprised me with mini red velvet cupcakes for dessert and they were delicious. Afterwards we checked out the volcano show outside of The Mirage Hotel and then made our way back inside for Cirque du Soleil LOVE (the Beetles one). I was literally blown away by how impressive it was. I loved the music, the sets, the costumes, the dancing, the incredible feats of strength. A + A had seen other Cirque du Soleil shows and said it wasn't as acrobatic as others, but I had nothing to compare it to. I loved it! Probably one of my favorite things we did.

After the show, we walked around to a few of the other hotels: The Wynn (played slots for the first time), The Venetian, and The Palazzo. My feet were exhausted after that first night, but it was incredible.

The next morning we started the day off with a champagne brunch at Le Village Buffet at The Paris. We bought the Buffet of Buffets, which basically encourages you to each as much as you can in 24 hours. Brunch was good, particularly the crepe Micah and I split, oh, and the creme brulee, mmm...

Inside The Paris there are little cobblestone streets and the casino area feels more open (like you're outside).

Next up we toured around Caesars Palace and then went to The Bellagio (which might have been my favorite hotel). They have a garden/conservatory that is decorated with changing seasons. All the re-creations are made with flowers and other nature items (like pine cones). They did an incredible job. As you can see from the pictures, it was Christmas themed.

The Eiffel Tower at dusk.

We were hoping to catch the fountain show at the Bellagio, but then it became a little too windy (there was a storm brewing) and one didn't start on schedule, so we bailed. We found a warm spot at a Starbucks. The kind lady even gave me a free water! My feet needed a rest and my body needed some water, so it was the perfect place to recharge (no caffeine even required).

Since we still needed a little more time before our next buffet, we played slots again. I lucked out and got a good machine (it was called Storm). I won a whole $2.30. Striking it rich in Vegas!

Planet Hollywood buffet didn't disappoint. Again, my favorite part, the square of cheesecake at the end (I'm starting to see a pattern). Also, great, we saw a lot of the Miss Universe contestants (eating from the salad bar, of course!) Had they not of had their contestant sashes on, we would have never been able to tell them apart. Tall (check). Really thin (check). Long hair (check).

And after all that eating, we headed down to Old Town Vegas. Basically Gatlinburg (anybody? anybody?) Best part about it, we upped the ante and played roulette. $20 dollars in, $42 dollars out, net gain of $22. I.was.on.fire.

On the last day in Vegas, we took in even more of the sites, including New York, New York, MGM (pictured below not the MGM, but Caesars), and The Luxor. Who knew one could travel the world in just one city.

Overall, Vegas was a ton of fun. Thanks to our tour guides, we got to pretty much see it all. I'm glad to have gone, but I'm not sure that I'm sold on the place. It was overstimulating and I was pretty Vegas-ed out when I left. Let's just say I got my fill for awhile! :)

Now to get crackin' on my List!!

The Official 30 by 30 List.

1. Travel to Europe (completed in March 2013)

2. Be a pescetarian for two consecutive months (completed on 11/2/2012)

3. Join a book club (completed on 10/9/2012)

4. Create a signature healthy snack

5. Make a quilt

6. Create/Join a support group for mental health professionals

7. Spend a weekend with Heather and MK in a different city (completed in June 2012) 

8. Decorate a fancy, tiered cake (completed on 11/30/2013)

9. Go dancing with Micah

10. Attend an Alabama football game (completed on 11/23/2013)

11. Do a mini triathlon or a half-century (completed on 6/16/2012)

12. Get close to completing my clinical house for my LCSW (maybe 2500?) (completed in Nov 2013)

13. Take couple pictures with Micah (completed AFTER - on 12/8/2013)

14. Host a dinner party

15. Spend a weekend in Las Vegas with Ali and Alberto (completed in December 2012)

16. Go camping with Micah (completed in July & October 2012)

17. Get a massage (completed in June 2013 & Dec 2013)

18. Visit Lake Tahoe (completed in June 2013)

19. Attend a foster care orientation meeting

20. Volunteer at an organization I care about (completed throughout 2012 & 2013)

21. Send a random gift to a friend (completed in October 2013)

22. Sell an item on etsy

23. Find a plant that I can keep alive (for a least 6 months) (completed on 2/4/2013)

24. Plan and make a 5-course meal (completed on 9/2/2013)

25. Sign up for a CSA box (completed in April 2013)

26. Take a mental health day and see a movie by myself

27. Write a poem

28. Donate blood

29. Run Bay to Breakers (completed on 5/19/2013)

30. Celebrate my 30th birthday in style (completed on 12/1/2013)

On being a Pescetarian for 2 months.

In the beginning of this year I created a 30 by 30 list (30 things that I want to accomplish before turning 30). For me, this decision was about stretching myself to incorporate different experiences into my life and being intentional with goals (big and small) that I have.

One of the things on my list was to be a pescetarian for 2 months.

There were a couple reasons I wanted to give pescetarianism a try. First, I wanted to detox a little from the meat products that I intake and increase the amount of vegetables I eat. Second, I wanted to challenge myself to try something that I knew would be difficult for me. Because, I'll be honest, I like the taste of chicken tikka masala and a hamburger and lentil and sausage soup. And, third, I wanted an excuse to explore seafood a little bit more and take advantage of the plethora of seafood options living by the ocean brings.

Things that I learned about myself while being a pescetarian for 2 months, in no particular order:

                     1. Seafood is often a more expensive protein option, but it's also a very tasty one.
                     2. After a few meals of eating tofu, my stomach sometimes hurt.
                     3. I do not need to each meat that much.
                     4. There were times that I really craved eating meat.
                     5. Some non-meat "meat" alternatives are tasty (e.g. Morning Start sausage patties) and
                         others are not (e.g. Litelife sausage links - yuck!).
                     6. I felt awkward telling other people that I was being pescetarian, because I did not want
                         others to feel inconvenienced by my own dietary decisions (whether or not they felt
                         that way).
                     7. Sushi is SO good, and I should have eaten it more than once during my two month
                         stint as a pescetarian.

Wrapping up, I'm glad I did it and I want to incorporate the things I learned about myself into my eating habits moving forward.

Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho

This summer has been a whirlwind of visiting new places, hanging out with family and friends, and trying to stay semi-caught up with work and life in the midst of all the traveling. It has been good and it has been exhausting, and it is not over yet.

A little over a week ago, we went camping in Idaho for Micah's family reunion. His family has a week long reunion every four years. They pick different places each time and it is a huge gathering of around 75+ people. This was my second family reunion and my first time in Idaho.

Lake Pend Oreille is a massive lake, spanning 65 miles long and some parts are over 1,000 feet deep. The military actually uses the lake for submarine research because it is so deep! It's beautiful and I didn't even see more than the small area where we were located.

I turned my phone on only 1 time during the 4 days that we were there and it was spectacular. I didn't check my email, or look at facebook, or respond to text messages. I was completely unplugged and it was gloriously liberating. I need to do this more often, for no other reason than it feels good to "go rogue" from being overly connected.

Friday was whitewater rafting day. We were on the Clark Fork River in Montana (another first time for me in another state). The river was a blast and I only almost fell out of the raft once, so I consider it a rafting success. That shake below is Huckleberry, which I guess is all the rage in the montana/idaho area. We indulged in them on our two and a half hour trek back to Idaho after rafting. It was well worth the pit stop.

Camping would not be camping if s'mores were not involved. And, boy, were they involved. I am now informed that they make marshmallows in every shape and size in an effort to improve the s'more equation. But, the classic marshmallow is the perfect amount of marshmallow to chocolate to graham cracker ratio. Don't mess with success, folks.

A family reunion of 75+ people feels very intimidating to an introvert like me, but Micah's family is so incredibly understanding and welcoming. Slowly, I am becoming more and more comfortable with his outgoing extended family. And, I think it will just get better over time.

Heather + Tyson

The wedding locale was absolutely beautiful. It was on the property at The Hawk and Ivy bed and breakfast. And although I would be hesitant to recommend the b&b (due to the quirkiness of its owners), the property is incredible.

The old tobacco barn has been redone and is so cute with all its strung lights and country feel.

Seriously, this place is insane! Obviously my phone doesn't do it justice, but you can get an idea of how awesome it is.

The night before, at the rehearsal dinner, there was a time to toast the soon-to-be newlyweds. I couldn't pull myself together enough to make one, but as I sat there taking in everyone's sincere and heartfelt words of love and encouragement, I couldn't help but smile, inside and out, for how excited I am to see Heather and Tyson journey together as a couple in this life.

Heather is my kindred spirit. Our friendship has seen us through some of life's tougher times and I am so grateful for that. We have always been able to have the deep conversations, no matter how much time has lapsed. I know I can share anything with her, even if it's that I disagree. But mainly we are kindred spirits because we can share that life is hard and life is ugly sometimes and yet still remind one another that in the day-to-day grime there is beauty and there is love, and it is worth it.

Heather, your joy on your wedding day was absolutely infectious. You were truly a radiant bride. I couldn't be any happier for you that you have found someone that makes you smile, that gets lost in conversation with you, and that I'm sure indulges your "would you rather" and "what if" games. Love each other well, as the connection you have is beautiful. I'm excited to get to know him more as the years go by. I'm excited to see where the wind takes the two of you, together.

After the ceremony and after some picture taking, it poured rain, hail storm and all.
And then it was over in 5 minutes.
And there was a little cool relief from the heat.
Somewhere in there is a metaphor for marriage.

Oh happy times!

Fortunately for everyone, I don't have video prove of the dance that was performed so elegantly by yours truly, Heather, MK, and Hava (Heather's twin sister). But, to give you an idea of the dance concept, you can watch THIS video.

And, I end on this note. Because this is Heather + Tyson. And this is love.

Atlanta to Asheville.

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive,
and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."
-Anais Nin-

{Mary Kay, Heather, Me}

I always say that I would never want to repeat junior high, but I would do it a million times over if it meant the difference between having and not having these two friends. A week ago yesterday I flew to Atlanta to meet up with them for a Girls' Trip right before Heather's wedding (post to come!). And, we had a great time. I'm not sure I've laughed so much in a long time.

The first night we stayed in Atlanta at The Artmore Hotel, which is a cute, renovated boutique hotel. We totally lucked out as we got upgraded to their largest suite. It was a 2-bedroom apartment. I'm not kidding when I say the room was bigger than my own apartment. When we got there we had a bottle of champagne waiting for us (thanks babe!). It was the perfect way to toast to the beginning of our trip. When we first got the the hotel, it was almost like 7th graders reuniting with how giddy the 3 of us were. After we calmed down a bit (and turned down free Jerry Seinfeld tickets - what were we thinking?), we headed to our dinner reservation at South City Kitchen.

Good gracious, the food at South City Kitchen was delicious. As one yelp review said it, "Put some south in my mouth." We started the evening with fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and delicious cocktails. I then ordered the Southern Caesar Salad that had fried okra, grit croutons, and grilled shrimp with a side of macaroni and cheese. It was incredible and I am determined to attempt a recreation of that salad. Finally, we ended the night with cheesecake bread pudding, and yes, it was as fabulous as it sounds.

The next day we hit the road and drove up to Brevard, North Carolina. We stayed at The Red House Inn, making my first bed and breakfast experience a huge success. There was a little cottage in the back of the house that we stayed in and it was perfect, complete with it's own back porch.

Somehow I was unaware of the fact that there are so many amazing chocolate shops in North Carolina, I seriously ate my weight in chocolate during the four days I was there. The chocolates below, clockwise from the top right are: honey hazelnut, raspberry, lemon mint, and espresso. My favorite was the lemon mint. The mint in it was fresh, not extract, I thought the truffle was creative and refreshing.

Breakfast at the Red House Inn is a complete English breakfast. There was scrambled eggs, roasted tomato, ham, sausage, mushrooms, beans, and an english muffin. I ate it ALL.

While enjoying our breakfast, we enjoyed the entertainment of seeing a white squirrel! Who's ever heard of a white squirrel that's not albino? I guess they are quite the show stopper in Brevard as many tourists are so fascinated by them. I can understand why, this little guy was pretty darn cute.

Thursday morning we drove the final stretch to Asheville, a quick 45 minutes from Brevard. There is nothing quite like a rode trip with girlfriends.

I am incredibly thankful for those couple of days reconnecting with some of my oldest and best friends. There is something about being completely known by other people. I know that I can be myself, my whole self, because there is full acceptance. And, knowing that these two put up with my awkward jr. high self to be my friends either proves that they are too great or too crazy for words (or perhaps a mixture of both). Those few days full of laughter, remember whens, practicing the wobble, heartfelt conversations, sharing dreams for the future, and Heather's nurse stories were good for my soul. Good for my soul.

Even though arriving in Asheville was the end of our Girls' Trip, it was the beginning of wedding festivities and there was plenty of fun still left to be had. Here's a look at the vacation house we stayed at in Asheville. It was called Green Gables and was really quite cute.

Up next: The wedding!!

I'm a triathlete.

Last weekend I raced in my very first triathlon. Micah and I have been talking about doing a Tri for probably close to 2 years. So, when I wrote my 30 by 30 list (aka 30 things I want to do before turning 30), a tri was one of the things on that list. To be honest, I'm not quite sure what motivated me to want to do it. I suppose it was one of those strength tests just to see if I could. But, more than that I really enjoy the feeling of working towards something. Of making a fitness schedule and sticking to it. Of crossing off the days until the "big day." Of the excited, butterflies-in-your-stomach energy that comes right before the race.

Triathlon Breakdown: 400 meter swim, 11 mile bike, 3.1 mile run.

Finish Goal: 1 hour, 45 minutes

The weekend of the triathlon was also the weekend before our 3-year anniversary, so we decided to make a trip of it. To Pleasanton - where everyone wants to spend their anniversary.

The weather was HOT. And, I loved it! Living in San Francisco definitely makes me miss summer, so I soaked up every minute of being able to wear dresses and not have to tote along a sweater or jacket.

I could barely sleep the night before the Tri. I felt so anxious about the whole thing. I kept playing through possible scenarios, such as being attacked by some under water creature in the lake or having my bike tire pop (one of these is infinitely more likely than the other, but both seemed highly plausible at 3am). Finally morning came and we loaded up for the park. Seeing the sunrise over the lake was definitely a perk of having to get up so early.

(Top Right: Before picture; Bottom Right: After picture)

The lake seemed so oddly calm compared to the nervous energy pumping through my body. It didn't help that the race started in waves and the beginners were the last wave to go. Almost immediately after getting in the water, I thought to myself that there was no way I was going to be able to even finish the swim portion let alone the other two parts. I had not anticipated that the open water swim was going to be so hard and yet I (pun intended) felt like a fish out of water. But, I just kept swimming even though I had to keep my head above water. It was slower, but I made it.

The bike ride was my favorite leg. For the most part it was a pretty flat course. It had great views of the lake and a couple vineyards too. We made up some time on the ride; passing people gave me little bursts of energy.

Lastly, there was the run. I will never be a runner. I hate running so much. I dreaded it through our training schedule and I was dreading having to run it after swim and bike workouts put together. I'm not a fast runner, and I'm okay with that. I just wanted to complete the run to finish the race. But all the dread did not prepare me for the race course itself, which happened to be a trail run...with hills and then some more hills. It was brutal. But reaching that finish line never felt so good. All I can say is never underestimate the power of positive thinking ("I can do this"); that, and of course, huge incentives ("When I finish, I'm eating the biggest breakfast of my life!")

Final Race Time: 1 hour, 38 minutes

Did I mention it was hot in Pleasanton?

It was.

After finishing we went back to the hotel to rest a little, but then got increasingly hungry so quickly located some greasy breakfast food (and just as I promised myself, I ate a lot it).

We lounged around most of the afternoon, hitting up the hotel pool, me enjoying the hot sun while I could. We had already decided to celebrate our anniversary that night, so we did a little wine tasting a Wente Vineyards and then out to dinner at Oasis Grille and Bar.

Happy Anniversary Babe!

On Sunday, before heading back to the city, we stopped by another winery, Thomas Coyne. We sat out on a picnic bench, looking out over the vineyards. These last three years have been filled with lots of changes, and I'm so thankful that I have such an incredibly loving and supportive best friend and husband to "do life" with. Here's to many more happy anniversaries!

Cheers!

Walking the Bridge.

This weekend Micah's cousin came to visit us. As always, when we have visitors, we get to enjoy some of the more "traditional" SF sites. And of course, the most iconic of those sites is the Golden Gate Bridge. This is fine by me, because it gives me an excuse to take more pictures of my favorite bridge.

We only walked about half of the bridge. We were on a time restraint with a flight to catch.

And, wow, I had forgotten how frightening it is out there, wind blowing, cars zooming by you, great heights and monumental threats of falls. Oh, and the bridge physically shaking.

But, goodness. It is beautiful.

Lazy Pancakes.

What do you get when you combine a hankering for pancakes and the epitome of laziness?

Batter Blaster, that's what you get!

REVIEW:

• Pros: Easy, pancakes are light and fluffy, almost no clean up!
• Cons: Perhaps one of the more disgusting things a person could consume, takes a little bit of time to get used to flipping them, pancakes not very substantial (i.e. you'll be hungry in an hour).

p.s. I bought a new app (it's called Diptic) that lets me make collages and I love it!

who needs to eat on their birthday?

Last Sunday was Micah's birthday and to celebrate I planned a trip to Alameda Island to visit St. George Spirits, a fancy pants distillery almost in our backyard. And, well, the trip did not go exactly as planned, but we still had a lot of fun and I think you could call his birthday festivities a success.

We started out the day with a trip to the gym. I know, right. The gym? We are at the beginning of our sprint triathlon training and neither of us wanted to skip the workout. Anyway, we did a short swim and a short run and then bussed it across town to catch the ferry to Alameda. The plan was to get over there and have brunch, but I had sorely miscalculated the distances to the restaurant we were going to go to and then back to the distillery. We tried to call a taxi, but that did not work. So, here we are, having each eaten a banana and an energy bar, hungry post workout, and there was no food in sight. We didn't have much of an option than to walk over to the distillery that was about 1 mile away.

Lo and behold, we get close and spot an ice cream truck. Perfect!

Chips and ice cream, that will hold you over for about 10 minutes.

The distillery has an amazing view, looking across the bay, of San Francisco.

The tour was fun and informative. Not to mention it's just pretty plain cool to see the inside of the old hangar that now houses the distillery.

Every distillery has a shark, right?

St. George Spirits got their's from a company that makes the prototypes of animatronics. This shark was the mold for the one created for the movie the Deep Blue Sea.

And then we got to the tasting. I'll admit it probably would have been a little more enjoyable had we had food before the tasting. But, we went slow, enjoying ourselves, and drank lots of water too. All the beverages we tasted we're fabulous. The two we enjoyed the most (and bought bottles of to take home) were Buddha's hand (a citrus-y infused vodka) and a coffee liqueur that uses coffee beans from local roasters (it is insanely yummy).

Afterwards, we walked the mile+ back to the ferry, made our way back to SF, and immediately bought food (real food) to eat. Hey, we got to eat an actual meal before 5pm, I'll count that as a success?

We then went home and got ready to have some friends over for cake and ice cream. I made a cake (which I maintain is an essential part of every birthday). Unfortunately my mad decorating skills could not mask the not-so-moist-cake. I blame the recipe, I shouldn't have tested out a new recipe...

Happy Birthday Micah!