Day 3 - Thrilled for a long weekend

Loyal readers,

I'm slowly but surely getting settled into my new Californian lifestyle. I've already become a vegan, started composting, and am planning to attend my first protest.

In all seriousness, though, I really have got off to a kickin' start here in the 94123. Moving was an adventure, it still is, since a lot of my stuff isn't here yet. I do have most of my stuff and I'm about 72% unpacked. I've already been to IKEA twice and was thrilled that I saved my $150 gift card that Google gave me 3 years ago (shoutout to Yalowitz). My Aunt Faye (or AFF or A Double F or just Aunt Faye Faye) has been a tremendous help in the absence of the Queen aka my mother. Aunt Faye is pretty much the most relaxed partner you could ask for. AFF loves to help keep me calm and is a master at organizing my belongings/planning the layout of my apartment. Suffice to say, AFF has been tremendously helpful in helping me get settled into my new life here.

In addition to moving in, I've already entertained my first guests, Katie & Abby Droz. The Droz sisters are driving through CA while they're in between going to grad school and starting a new job (respectively). Katie and Abby came over, inspected my apartment and then we headed to the roof of the building to drink some red wine. We then headed to the North Beach area for a late but very yummy dinner at Trattoria Contandina. I was so exhausted that my head nearly collapsed into my Fruti de Mare pasta (which was outstanding BTW) so I took myself home and opted for collapsing in my bed instead.

The most fantastic thing about life right now is the fact that I don't have to be back at work until July 7th. I mean, why Google would decide to give us 2 days off for July 4th is so positively fabulous that I will thank Eric Schmidt next time I see him (we're BFF's). In my extended weekend, I have plans to reunite with some old friends like Andrea Cohan & Erin Sink. Equally as exciting news is that I'm going to take a road trip to Sacramento to pick up a bed that I really want at IKEA. They don't have it at the IKEA in San Francisco so I'm going to cruise on up to my new state capital and will try to get my bed there. I figure, on July 4th, why not live the American dream and buy from a Swedish store.

It appears to be pretty stunning outside of my windows so I think I'm going to venture out and maybe bike ride or run. Biking up the hills here is only mildly intimidating but I feel like it would be a noble conquest to get around the city on 2 wheels.

Until later....
s