Too much Celebrating, back to blogging

Oops, I jinxed myself by saying, "We'll see how long this lasts" in my last entry. Actually, I went to LA to see mi amiga and bridesmaid Julie. I got sick with a nasty cold, and, ok, I've just been lazy. So here's a little catch-up.

In LA, Julie and I chose the 4 bridesmaid dresses.

The matron of honor dress is also chosen - for Marin.

Just maid of honor dress to go - here's one option.

I've been focusing a bit more on wedding planning. You can see my handmade postcard Save the Dates here.

Upon my return from LA, Shamus picked me up from the airport and we took a mini-road trip to Point Reyes. No whale sightings, but beautiful sights all around. Check out the elephant seals huddled together on the sand in the first picture.

After this whirlwind of activity, I think things are dying down for a bit and I got a chance to go to yoga today. Namaste.

A Classic San Francisco Bike Ride

One of my favorite spots in San Francisco is the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero. I always bring weekend visitors to the Saturday Farmer's Market. One of the perks of having a nurse's work week - three 12 hour shifts per week - is that I sometimes get to go to the smaller, albeit, just as pleasurable farmer's market they hold on Tuesdays.

Just as we did Monday night, we rode through our Laurel Heights neighborhood and through the presidio. The views we got to take in were spectacular.

Shamus is sitting on the wall of a monument built in 2005 to pay homage to San Francisco for being a home to all who immigrate to the wonderful city - I guess that include us!! We're happy it's there.

Just around the bend, the Golden Gate Bridge comes into view. The sight of it never gets old.

This bike ride also gives you an unobstructed view of Alcatraz, always a fun sight. The picture on the right, is one of the red roofed buildings of the Presidio, Chrissy Field, and a hazy San Francisco skyline.

The final stretch is a straight-away down the bike friendly Embarcadero to arrive at the Ferry building. We enjoyed local organic grapes, a pear, my favorite coffee - New Orleans Style Iced coffee flavored with chicory from Blue Bottle Coffee Co. - a raw "lasagna", chicken tacos from Mijita, and a cupcake from Miette.

A Cherry on Top

I worked today - a 12 hour shift on the general medicine floor and had my butt kicked. I think I had too much fun over Halloween weekend and wasn't ready to jump feet first into the chaos that is 14 Moffitt. Today, like many other days working as a nurse, I came into contact, very close contact, with people who are dealing with failing health. Even working in a hospital, it is sometimes difficult to remember how vital my health is continue the life I envision, and just how quickly it can be threatened.

Tonight, after work, I got a chance to celebrate my health when my spontaneous and adventurous fiance suggested a night time bike ride. Today was a rare jewel of a day in the city of San Francisco - a 70 degree day that stayed warm until well after 7pm -

no fog, no wind. Just a calm, perfect, late Indian Summer night with a full moon. Our bike ride was most definitely the cherry on the top of my day. Shamus and I set out down Spruce St and toward the Presidio. We admired the lights in the hills of Oakland from Inspiration Point for a moment and then continued on down Arguello through the Presidio - the smells of the earth and the trees were memory inducing. I'm pretty sure I smelled trees on my grandparent's land in Wisconsin, Camp Ihduhapi, and the land that produces spicy Zinfandel grapes. Once we arrived at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, we pushed a magical red button and were let through the locked gates. It was such a treat to get a new view of the city we've fallen in love with over the past two years. We snapped a few pics, but it was with our more portable, less capable camera. We plan to repeat the journey with a better camera in tow. Today, I am especially grateful for my health, the smells of nature, and late night bike rides.

All the Goodness in My Life

I've begun a blog to keep a record of all the good things in my life. I am blessed in so many ways, I am amused and amazed by so many things on a daily basis and I am eager to link all my loves together here in a collage-like blog.


Daily Goodness
People and things I am thankful for on a daily basis:
My husband-to-be Shamus



My parents Bob & Debi and my sister Anne













Friends, our cat Frederick,

My job, my physical capabilities, the city of San Francisco, music, fresh air & sunshine, Starbucks and wedding blogs.

last photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty
Photo by Aaron Delesie