Running, Biking and Hangin' with Dave...

I kind of feel like my entire life revolves around my running schedule these days. The marathon is 5 weeks away and, as my running coaches say, I am encountering the "Rundroms"...the state where you're just simply bored of running so damn much! I typically save my long runs for the weekends, so I ran with the Nike Running Club Saturday (thank goodness for them) for 16 miles. I did 16 miles myself the previous week, but stopped for about 20 mins at Panera to visit with our friends 1/2 way through the run. This time, stopping wasn't an option or I'd be completely lost in my own city and have to call (beg, plead) Dave to pick me up at some random location. The run was absolutely beautiful, through the Presidio and Golden Gate Park (two of SF's largest parks...miles long each). A good portion was along the route of the actual marathon, which is really helpful and sets my mind at ease (as much as that's possible with me completely freaking out that the marathon is an add'l 10 MILES from what I did Saturday). After the run, I showered, took an hour nap and then ate - wait for it - an ENTIRE box of Mac'n'Cheese (one of my favorite meals of all time). God bless those folks at Kraft.

All last week, I was looking forward to my "date night" with #1 Hubby in the World and we left around 6:30pm on Friday to take the bus to a random bar called Route 101 (Dave read about it on Yelp as one of the friendliest bars in SF). It did not disappoint...random dive bar with a friendly bartender and locals that aren't all aggro about yuppies from the Marina on their turf.


Dave waiting for the bus, Greyhound in-hand and then spotting Fern Drive; the street he grew up on in Meriden!

Last week, another big update was that I got my own BIKE! I have been borrowing our friend Jen's bike to train for the triathlon at the end of this month (2 weeks from now) and decided that I liked biking so much, I would get my very own. My beloved CraigsList came through for the millionth time and I ended up buying a road bike from a kid and his dad who both work at a bike shop in the South Bay. It's awesome! Check out my new baby.


Road Bike...took me an hour of searching on CL before realizing a "10-speed" is now called a "Road Bike" b/c there are more gears now...sheesh

Speaking of bikes, Saturday night was an event called "Twilight Criterium" that took place in our 'hood. Pro bikers race - at nighttime - around a 4 block radius in the Marina (i.e. these are city blocks = very short. The goal is to make as many loops as you can within 1 hour. The street corners are even padded with bales of hay in an effort to protect bikers who crash at the super-sharp turns. It was amazing! Lots of people turned up for the event, many with roadies from home in tow (we had a Greyhound to keep us company). Check out a short clip which somewhat gives the feel of the speed whizzing by you!


Twilight Criterium Racing in the Marina

It was a fun, relaxing weekend! We are looking forward to more of the same this upcoming weekend...we have a new location in mind for Friday Date Night too...this time we're going to hit up a well-known SF dive-bar-brewery called Magnolia's - yum!

Launching into Space

My job at Symantec is to develop new marketing programs for the US and Canada...from a "back to school" theme to a movie promotion, to - my latest venture - a program to launch our new 2009 products called "Blast Off with Norton". My team has launched this program that will give a chance for consumers (i.e. YOU) to "experience zero-gravity" in a chartered Zero-G Flight, and then - ultimately - a chance to go on a sub-orbital flight. We're talking space camp and the works!

So, not to totally geek out, but I wanted to post this video our PR team put together to promote the contest:



And, quite possibly the best part? The US hosted a launch party in San Francisco last night at a fun club called Templebar starring.....The Jabbawockeez!!! If you're not familiar with them, they were on "America's Next Top Dance Crew" and they are SICK.



After they performed, they came up to the "VIP Suite" (where Dave and I were hanging...you know how we do) and we quickly snapped this photo - I was in HEAVEN!


Chillin' with the Jabbawockeez


Norton Launch Party Sizzle Video

*** Warning: Major plug coming: ***
Stop what you're doing and go REGISTER for the Blast Off contest. It's free, easy and will take you just a couple minutes (no purchase necessary). If you are already a Norton customer, you'll be amazed at the difference with the new products. They are FAST, LIGHT and you won't even notice they are there. Email me if you need any product! You know I've got a Friends & Family (major!) discount!

I Stand Corrected....After 30 Years, Turns Out I DO Like Rock (???)

Yes, I learned something new today. For 30 years I have not liked rock. Actually, to say that I simply didn't like rock would be an understatement...I could hardly stand to be in the same room if it was playing. For some reason, the music just turns my insides and makes me feel the opposite of good....the opposite of what my beloved Hip Hop makes me feel.

That is, until tonight.

My husband has helped me see the light...and I owe it all to someone I only previously knew from some random reality show on MTV...Travis Barker.

Check out this awesome rendition of Flo-Rida's "Low" with T.Barker kickin' in drums. It's SICK and may change your perspective on either Rock or Rap...depending on which side of the fence you are on!


Travis Barker Performing "Low" on Drums

There are other fun T.Barker videos if you're interested in more...they will show up after you watch this one on YouTube.

I am a changed woman! (Well, I'm "changed" in that I totally appreciate rocker-drummer-dudes who love hip-hop music now...not quite sure I'm ready to take on my first Rock Concert or anything until T-Pain is opening!).

Lordy, Lordy...Dave is.....Thirty!

We had a full, full weekend in SF! Lindsay and Jon flew up from San Diego and we made the most out of every minute!

Thursday was Dave's actual bday. He woke up to the "Chalkboard of Dave" where he could enjoy a walk down memory lane...thanks in large part to his Mom & Dad sending me pics from home!


Dave's Birthday Chalkboard

And in case you can't see the details, I wanted to call out a few of the "gems" (sorry, Dave!!!):


Dave as a baby


Really, Dave? Thank goodness you were SAVED from that last pic!!!

Alas, he survived until that night. I picked up Lindsay and Jon after work and, straight from the airport, we went to Toronado, a brewery that we've heard about for a few years but had never actually visited. My Dad surprised us with $50 to "buy the first round" and then, when I called him, he asked if $50 could even cover one round of drinks for 4 people?? Fortunately, it can at Toronado. The great thing about this place is that there is a SAUSAGE HEAVEN next door called Rosamunde Sausage Grill. Two words: Life. Changing.

On Friday, Lindsay and Jon when to the Chihuly exhibit at the DeYoung Museum and said it was fantastic! That night, we had Jen, Alex, Chris and Valerie over for cocktails, then walked to Umami...Dave's favorite Sushi place (so far!).


Gearing up for Sushi at Umami


The Crew Demonstrating Dave's "Oldness" with the Big 3-0


Attempting to Behave....this was obviously BEFORE Sake Bombs


AFTER Sake Bombs, but we're still standing!

On Saturday, believe it or not, Lindsay and I resumed our marathon training with a 14.6 mile run!!! It was a beautiful day and we cruised around the city...past Fisherman's Wharf, along the Embarcadero (waterfront), past the Farmer's Market at the Ferry Building, to the AT&T Ballpark, then back home...almost to the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a really fantastic run and we both enjoyed ourselves (believe me...I used to think it was impossible to believe the words "enjoy" and "run" could coincide in any way).

We rewarded ourselves with lots...and lots...and lots...of Pink Lemonades at Sam's Anchor Cafe in Tiburon where the BDay celebration continued! We took the ferry over, where we met friends and relaxed in the sun all day.


Having Lunch at Sam's

Sam's is one of those places where you start out stone sober. You are relaxing, laughing, having a great time while sipping on lemonades and other "delicacies". Then, you stand up. And it's all over. The lemonades hit you like a ton of bricks and it's GAME ON from there!


Jonny Cakes (my bro-in-law), Feelin' the Love


Red Headed Sluts...aka The Beginning of the End (thanks, Ben!)


The Crew at Sam's


Lindsay and Jon, enjoying the view

Our friend, Ben, has to come incognito to Sam's because, well, let's just say it's not his first time to the rodeo and he has to slip past the host-nazi to make sure it's not his last. He rolled up in a full-fledged wig DISGUISE! It was awesome. By the end of the day, Jon had to try it on for size....


Dave, Ben and Jon getting on the ferry back to SF

We went to Kelley's Tavern (KT's) where we had a fun time tasting several cocktails (well, we did have to make sure their Red Headed Sluts were as great as Sam's, right?? It's practically our DUTY).


Dave and Jess at KT's

On Sunday, we rallied and headed up to Tomales Bay for some roadside oysters! We were lucky to be joined by John, a friend of Chris & Valerie's, who we met at their wedding in May and absolutely adore! "Our" Jon, unfortunately, was not so lucky in the Health Department that day...he was...under the weather, as they say. I think one too many vodka-tonics will do that to you sometimes. But, alas, he was a real trooper and came with us on the field trip anyways! We had a great time and the oysters from The Marshall Store were delicious!


Best Oysters and Best Atmosphere...The Marshall Store


Enjoying the Scenery at Tomales Bay


Gosh, I love this man...


Chris and John had to take the "backedy-back" on the ride home...it was a rough one!

After Tomales Bay, we took Lindsay & Jon straight to the airport to catch their flight back to San Diego. It was such a fun, fun weekend and a great way to celebrate Dave entering Middle Age (just kidding!!!!).

Happy 30th Birthday, Dave! I love you so much!!!



For even more photos, check out the gallery.

Living it Up in La La Land

We visited our friend, J, in LA last weekend. You may recall before he moved into his current house, we visited over the winter ("Why I want to be J...for a day"). This time when we visited, we were in for quite the treat.

Thursday, we went to Culver City straight from the airport which was shockingly adorable! We ate at Ford's Filling Station (apparently, the restaurant of Harrison Ford's son). It was DELISH!

On Friday, Dave and I worked from a bar down the street from J's house, followed by an awesome dinner at a new place called The Stork Supper Club. They make their take on a pitcher of mojitos and, on round two, J requested they "add double the amounts of alcohol and half the amount of sweetness...I don't care what it costs." Well, they certainly delivered!!! Put it this way...I was home by 12am that night!

On Saturday, we went to Manhattan Beach, which Dave and I had never visited, and spent the day lounging in the sun and ocean.


Kickin' it in Manhattan Beach

That night, we went to comme Ca for cocktails and then to Ago for dinner.


Bartender at comme Ca


Lovin' the Fruity Tooty Drinks at comme Ca


J and Dave at the Bar

We ended up at Crown Bar (after waiting outside for the required 20-30 minutes while the bouncer considers our story. Dave and I danced our butts off until closing, while J attempted to close his own deal with the wide selection of beautifully collagened ladies at the club. :-)

On Sunday, J and his roommates hosted a house party on behalf of a mutual friend who is launching his own clothing line. Dave and I changed our return flights in order to witness this mayhem, and mayhem it was! Here are a few pics and a video of the...experience.


J and me at the Party


The ladies of LA....one of a kind...or is it one of a dozen??


Short video of the party

Thank you, J, for a great time over the entire weekend! LA is certainly one of a kind!!