Lots to Blog About

1. Congrats to KOB and Bill T: Looked like an amazing wedding. So many smiles on so many faces.

2. Congrats to Allie and Brian on their engagement. Enjoy this time before you need to start planning! So happy for you both.

Steve and I just got back from a great weekend in Wine Country. Matt and Rob came down from Portland. We only get to see them a couple times each year due to the distance, but we always have such a blast. This weekend was no exception. Although, it did rain for about 90% of the weekend.

Friday night, we got it to the cottage (Buster came too), rested a bit then headed out to the Girl and the Fig, our favorite restaurant out there. I got snapper (yes, FISH AGAIN) and the rest of the boys got the steak. Great apps, cheese plate, wine, dessert. Then, we played catch phrase and some other games. BTW, Matt and Rob presented us with some awesome wedding presents on Friday:

Get this: they put a frame with a bunch of Sakonnet Vineyards (where we had our rehearsal dinner) corks in it. So thoughtful. And they put a picture of Steve and I from the big day in it. We cannot wait to find the perfect place for it. They also made a wedding album for us, and gave us LOADS of games that will definitely be used during future hangout sessions with them and others.

Sat: got backed goods at Basque, went wine tasting in Sonoma for a few hours, bought loads of wine, then bought stuff for dinner. M/R cooked an awesome dinner, even though my tummy was hurting (still is :(). Lots of games, early to bed.

Sun,: Back to Basque for brunch, then off to Napa, checked out downtown, shopped, etc. Then drove to Berkeley, shopped, had dinner, drove them to the airport.

It was a nice, stress-free weekend. Put some things into perspective too, ie: I have an amazing life with a great partner, awesome friends and a kick-ass dog.

I'll post more this week....

TS

Ignoring the blog

Not so sure how much people are reading, anyways, but I have been very busy lately studying, working, etc. I will post in detail soon about what has been going on.

Looking forward to getting away next weekend. Studied about 10-12 hours this weekend, and will be doing about 3 hrs/night this week. Some things still are not clicking....

6 weeks to go!

Steve at the ER

Before freaking out, he is fine...we think. He had some serious stomach pains for a couple of days that gradually moved towards his appendix. I took him to the ER last night at like 730, since an appendix can rupture pretty easily/unexpectedly.

The ER was like an interesting movie for the first 3 or so hours; interesting characters, hyped up stories, different reactions to good/bad news. It was VERY busy.

Steve works as a doctor at UCSF, where we went last night. I was a bit disappointed that he was not seen sooner; not that he is "entitled" to special treatment or anything, but it seemed he has to wait LONGER than most routine issues. Also, he just needed blood work, an IV, urine sample and a CT scan, which take about a half hour combined. We were there from 730 PM to about 4 AM.

He does not have appendicitis, but there is something "weird" going on in his stomach (inflammation, etc.) that requires more investigation. I hope it will pass soon.

I knew it was weird when I brought home a cookie for him and he was not immediately all over it.

This morning, guys arrived at 930 to install new closet and bathroom doors. They look really great and we are happy with them...

Halibut

Last night, we went out for a big group dinner at a local favorite, Aperto. Steve has a friend in town so we thought we would show her a local favorite. This place gives Slow Club a run for its money.

And, get this..........I ordered Halibut. First time having a full fish meal in my life! Guess I am no longer "allergic".

It was actually pretty good - both light and tasty.

We were there for three hours and ate SO much...salads, focaccia, wine, main courses, desserts.

And Steve and his friends are off for all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ today. Lord help them.

I'm hitting the books again today........making some good progress.

Hasta la proxima,

TS

Feliz Weekend

Looking forward to some great meals this weekend (italian tomorrow, korean bbq on Sunday). Also looking forward to meeting baby Song.

Tonight, we will just hang out with Buster and watch the Red Sox destroy the Rays.

It's been a long week. Back to the books tomorrow after taking a couple of days off.

Have a great weekend, everyone! It will be back to the grind before we know it.

"Lose Control" (dont let the title worry you, mom)

Her award will be my scholarship. But damn, I wish I had the swagger.

Remeber the Missy Elliot song, "Music Make you Lose Control". Well, in the past couple of days the LSAT has made me "lose control". Maybe it is too much to work on applications to law school while at work, editing the ever-important personal and "what I bring to UC Berkeley, Stanford, etc. law school" essays. Maybe it is a bit much to do practice problems on the bus.

I just do not want to have to study all night long, every weekend day, etc. until December. I do have some fun outings lined up (Oktoberfest party in Napa that I was pleased to be invited to today, mom visiting, dad-in-law visiting, Matt and Rob visiting). Lots of wine drinking in the next month or so.

Unfortunately, until December 6th, my "eye" needs to be on the "prize".

I have faith that I will have my nerves in check, and will do well. Not perfectly, or even near it, but well.

Some may not know that I have been seeing a cognitive behavioral therapist. She's a "tell it like it is" Brit, and is exactly what I need to help me through the next couple months (and who knows, maybe years). I often wish I could see her daily. I would have fun explaining that to the insurance Gods above (below).

Debate was okay tonight. Nothing new.

Off to bed soon.

Hasta la proxima.

TS

Gym-boree

Not only did I get a discount when I re-signed up with 24-hour Fitness, but they have since put in (almost) all new equipment.

Unfortunately, due to studying and crowded gym time after work, this means I have to go in the AM (ie 530 or 6) and on the weekends. Today was the first time I actually enjoyed being there (ie it did not smell, people were not farting all over the place, etc).

I think I have found the right times to go.

I do miss the luxury of the BSC in Copley Square. I only pay $10 less per month now, but BSC was SO much better. Not to mention people were in better shape, which results in some additional motivation while working out.

I have tried a few gyms in SF in the past year..starting with this 24hr a block from home. The gym I switched too (Bay Club) was like $100/month and more like social hour. With no pool. (Although I would NEVER go in the 24hr pool...you can smell the old, dirty men from a mile a way).

A gym is a gym. Some are better than others. I need to stop using a sub-par gym as an excuse not to exercise.

Hasta la proxima,

TS

Random Thought: Is this lame or what?

The biggest smile I have displayed in some time came tonight when I did two logic games (the most difficult section for me.........ie 8 horses in a row, #2 is red, #4 is named freddy, if #4 is younger than #8, how fast can #1 run?) and only got ONE question wrong.

I need to get out more.

But seriously, the no-cable thing has done wonders for my studying. I hate to say that I look forward to "conquering" the questions, but it is kind of true.

Don't hate.....appreciate.

In more (normal) exciting news, we have a dinner date with Ms. Orr tomorrow to celebrate her bday (wish Abby were here too!) at the Slow Club. It has already been a long week of work and studying. Will be nice to have a glass (or 8) of wine and relax/hear about the Rufo wedding party.

Hasta la proxima,

TS

Graduation

Buster completes step one of his "become a good doggy and make my daddies spend thousands of dollars on me" phase tonight. He has learned so much!

Like Steve, he has the book smarts
Like me, he has the unique, dashing, almost unparalleled combination of street savvy, book smarts and wit. I kid.

We are proud of him!

Also, happy birthday to Marley, Abby and Pete! Lord knows what we would be doing tonight if we were at Colby.

Hasta la proxima,

TS

Random thought: Leather Remains Weird

It was a nice, warm day in SF today, yet hundreds of thousands of people came to the Folsom Street Fair wearing ass-hugging, sticky leather outfits. I was expecting to be more shocked by the sights, and we ended up only spending an hour or so there.

So many people look forward to this fair to express their inner (and during this weekend, outer) leather-ness. Weird to me.

I don't hate....I appreciate.

I am glad we live in a city where so many people feel comfortable expressing their uniqueness. That being said, leather whips and chains are still really weird to me.

Off to study.

Hasta la proxima.

Excess

Just got back from our every-three-month Costco run. We bought oodles of wine, cereal, etc. - so if you want to come party and then get the munchies for some cereal, you know where to be!

This week has been pretty busy at work with my new "leadership" role. I had to exercise some authority today, which was a bit weird. I was surprised that it was taken so well by my coworker. I have also been hitting the books pretty hard since we do not have cable. I did see some movies (6th sense, AKA) that I had not seen in a long time.

This weekend should be fun. Tonight, we are just keeping it low-key with some wine after spending $$$$ at Costco and then Whole Foods. Tomorrow, we play tennis in the AM, then plan our vacation to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver!!!

(This all depends on whether Steve can convince me that the winter olympics are worth the crazy expenses involved). Also, we booked our flight to a wedding in Hawaii in May. This means I will not be able to head back east for the college reunion, but there is always the 10 year fiesta!

This weekend is also the Folsom Street Fair. I saw so many rugged men downtown at work, and there were all these rumblings about the fair, etc.

So, Folsom Street Fair is about excess, camp, etc. Costco involves a different type of excess. I never thought I would buy a 20-lb bag of frozen skinless, boneless chicken breasts.....

Hasta la proxima,

TS

Surprise

What a great day! Great review (surprisingly) at work, promotion AND tickets from Lauren to the Giants game tonight. Now if only they were to give out free Cold Stone Creamery, I would be the happiest camper.

So, thoughts of leaving work are officially behind me. Onward and upward.

(Those who speak to me regularly...just tell me to shut up if I talk about leaving again).

More tomorrow...Off to the game!

Appreciation

First off, congrats to Mrs. and Mr. Rufo. Secondly, I'm thankful to have so many wonderful people in my life.

Today, I saw the usual (attractive) man asking for "help for food" outside of 7/11 on my walk to work. Now, I have never helped this guy out (don't carry cash or much food), but many do. He looks so genuine and appreciative when people give him $$$.
For the first time, I saw him accept food from someone when they said "all i have is this yoghurt". Remember, he asks for HELP WITH FOOD. Well, this nice young lady forked (or spooned) over her yogurt, and you could see she felt good about herself after making this random act of kindness. What does the guy do?

***IMMEDIATELY THROWS THE YOGURT IN THE TRASH***. I got so upset for some reason, even though I am sure lots of homeless SF-ians do similar things when not given change or money as an offering. Anyways, needless to say I will look at this guy very differently every morning as I pass.

Got me thinking about appreciation. Many of you have heard about my discontent at work, but my mom brought up an excellent point - I should appreciate what I have.

I should also learn to realize that this is not the time in my life to "call the shots". I'm putting in my time for an eventual reward. I cannot and should not rush this reward. That being said, this "annual review" at work tomorrow should be quite interesting as I have a lot of feedback to give (and receive, I am sure).

Agotado

Means "exhausted", "spent" in Spanish. Full day of speaking/writing Spanish with potential clients from Spain (mi segunda patria - second homeland.......ok maybe third after Chile).

I have such trouble falling asleep when I know I need to get up early (be it 5:30AM like today, or just on a Sat. when I am planning on working out). This is frustrating. I worry about sleeping. How messed up is this?

Too tired to write much....long day, but it was nice to reconnect with some Spaniards (a couple from Salamanca even!).

Hasta,

TS

Random Thought: Dogs are Cute, but Weird

Disclaimer: NOT Buster, but looks like him.

Buster had school again last night. Will bring camera next week and post pics. He has learned what "down" means and I teared up the first time he did it on his own. This guy's a proud papa.

I got to thinking how weird dogs are, specifically mixes like Buster....how does a Boston terrier swing a cute chihuahua into making sweet love, then producing a thing like Buster. That's one lucky terrier.......or chihuahua. (btw how lame does "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" look? Ask me in a year and I bet I will have seen it)

Buster gets the most eye-gunk (eye boogers, however you like to call 'em) I have ever seen a dog have. They are worst (most plentiful) in the mornings or when he wakes up, but his eyes can constantly use a good wiping.

His nose is also totally wet, which is normal for dogs. He also has the most "ups" I have ever seen a dog have (ie, boy can jump). He still chews on his yellow blanket from the shelter...all night long. He howls like a wolf when provoked. He throws his head back like whiplash when over-excited. He spins like 8-9 times before doing his business (#2....tmi???). He "bloops" when in a deep sleep.....I don't really know how to describe this sound....but it makes us smile in the middle of the night.

One of the weirdest creatures I have seen....but that's why we love him.

Hasta la proxima,

TS

Dealing with High-Maintenance People

I'm curious to hear people's take on how they deal with high-maintenance people.

Do you ignore them?

Does it make you want to work even harder on his/her behalf?

Does it drive you nuts? How do you deal with this?

Certain clients at work (I know they are NOT reading this) are driving me absolutely nuts. The harder I work, the more they expect. When I go away for two weeks (ie honeymoon) on end, I come back to 0 emails from them. However, when I am in the office working on more pressing matters, they will send me 3-4 emails per hour with seemingly mundane questions.

Bad luck? Do some people have a sixth sense and know just when to push buttons?

I'm starting to just smile....take a deep breath....and sigh.

If anyone has some tips about dealing with overbearing people (spouses excluded...I kid...love you Steve), please share!

Oh, and thanks for all the positive re-enforcement about the blog!

Sorry if today's entry is lame. It's Monday...and I had to rush home from work, walk Buster, cook....and now we are off to his second obedience class.

Hasta la proxima,

TS

Making it my bitch (pardon the strong language)

For those out there that know me (I have been getting some great blog feedback via email from people as far as Belarus), you are all well aware that the LSAT and law school have been a three-year long saga in my life---delayed by meeting Steve, anxiety issues, feeling overwhelmed by the amount of money involved in law school, moving cross country, buying a house, etc.

I am done giving myself a hard time about not having been back to grad school yet. I am 26. I have years and years of work ahead of me. My preoccupation with all the issues and responsibilities in my life is totally normal.

On another note, I can only do so much in my job as a non-lawyer. I have hit the proverbial glass-ceiling. Sometimes the ceiling feels concrete and unbreakable.

I start studying today, again, and am in good place about the test. I will not overstudy like I did before, nor will I let the test run my life (ie not go to gym, study during lunch at work, stay in on a weekend night to study).

By December 4th, the LSAT will in fact be my bitch.

Hasta la proxima,

TS

Weekends

People live longer in Europe (well, according to most EU statistics). People in the US are always in a rush, eating fast food at their desk, stomping over people to get on the subway or bus, running across the street and almost getting hit by cars.

My point: The next prez (ahem, Obama) should work on a mandatory four-day work week for most jobs. Admittedly, I would be pissed if I needed an operation and a hospital told me, "Oh, we are closed on Fridays". This is why I say MOST jobs. I think that morale at most organizations would be boosted if this measure were implemented.

This is not to say that there are not more important agenda items that should be addressed first...and quickly.

However, today is Saturday...I (and most) had a long week....and while I am enjoying the day...tomorrow is Sunday....and Sunday means thinking about work....again....vicious cycle.

Songs I can't get out of my head

What are thing songs you cannot stop singing (either internally or out loud?).

Guilty pleasures right now:

"When I Grow Up"--PussyCat Dolls
"Damaged"--DK (i'm embarrassed)

Not-so-guilty pleasures:

"Disturbia"--Rihanna
That new Kid Rock Song about "Sweet Home Alabama"
"Free Fallin'"-John Mayer Version

Happy Friday, everyone!

Today

Today, we remember.....

Make sure y'all tell your loved ones that you love them....









On another note, I just had a REALLY good turkey sandwich from Whole Foods and am thoroughly enjoying non-vegetarianism.

Also, I got my first comment! Thanks Ande....Yeah, Brit Brit needs repeated reality checks...

Go-To Restaurants

We just went to Slow Club, our local go-to eatery. Love the food, wine selection and atmosphere there. I also love that the clientele is mainly potrero/mission folks, and the place remains a bit unknown to the general crowd.

We were realizing how amazing it is to have such a comfortable, high-quality place right around the corner from our condo. In Boston, the closest restaurant was PF Chang's (nothing against its fans). In Maine, it was WHOP or Subway...and we know what WHOP can do to a midsection. I digress....

This week seems ridiculously long with some key deadlines at work. It was nice to have a couple glasses of Oregon Pinot Noir tonight to just chill out with Steve.

Check it out: www.slowclub.com

Hasta la proxima,

TS

Rambling: Confrontation is NOT Always a Bad Thing

Had a much needed "confrontation" of sorts at work today - something that has needed to be done (also something that has caused many sleepless nights over the past few months). I feared having this confrontation, but when it was happening I realized that it was nowhere near the big deal I anticipated.

Lesson learned: sometimes you just gotta put yourself in uncomfortable situations. It is crazy how much I learned about dealing with difficult and stubborn people just by putting myself in this situation today.

Also, instead of sitting at my desk during lunch and scarfing down my food, I have been bringing my lunch, eating it at my desk (ok, sometimes still in a rush), then heading outside for 30-40 minutes an reading in the sun (or fog, I am in SF afterall). I have been reading (and re-reading) "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff". While some chapters seem to be filler or simple fluff, others have proven to invaluable with how I am trying to see life....Telling myself that life is not an emergency. Also, the author recommends the following when feeling anxious: think about whether the matter at hand will really matter a year from now. Chances are it will not. Of course, things one's your marriage, etc. are exceptions - not the rule.

Looking forward to the weekend, and it's only Wednesday. Went to Chow this past weekend, a great go-to eatery/bar in the Castro. Heading to Park Chow this week for a much-needed one-on-one dinner with my friend Laurel.

That's it for now. Hasta la proxima.

TS

Buster Starts School

Tonight, we took Buster to his first obedience class. He was overly hyped-up (a la quad latte from pete's) but performed well. He may be teacher's pet even (like I was in high school....wink wink). We realized that we may spoil him too much and need to have a little more distance.

Goal=Convince Steve that Buster should NOT be sleeping with us.

a.) for the sake of his well-being when we are not around;
b.) for the sake of our new marriage. (kidding here).

Happy to be Anti-MTV

Britney Spears won two VMAs? And who the hell is Russell Brand? So glad MTV has gotten so crummy in the past year (a la tila tequila). Glad Britney is finally recognizing that she has kids, but come on........"video of the year"......How much did her rep pay to get her that "honor"? Bet she had to sacrifice a kid or two for it...

Hasta la proxima,

TS

PS. Happy Birthday Tedward!

Intro and Whatnot

Hey all (ok, maybe nobody is reading this yet........but they will, oh yes.):

I thought I would start this little blog-thing to document my struggles and triumphs as a mid-twenty something, currently feeling quite out-of-place in good ole San Francisco.

Moved here with my partner (now husband, kind of - he still refuses to call me this) about a year ago from Boston. Boston=mother, father, security, friends, stable job, Red Sox, Patriots (sorry about Tom Brady), etc.

SF=the unknown...for now......stay tuned. So far, job is okay, city is okay, people I have met are okay. Everything is okay. Time to make things GREAT.

This will be a regular thing as we have decided to eliminate cable from the equation of life....

Hasta la Proxima (until next time)

TS