I Left My Heart in San Francisco

San Francisco and Auckland will always be my two homes. I am never more comfortable than I am in these cities. Unfortunately Auckland is a little far for a quick weekend trip (at least for now) so instead A and I made a quick dash over to San Francisco for the weekend. 

It was so nice seeing my family again! We hadn't seen them since New Years (when Stanford lost the Rose Bowl those twats) so it was a good time for all. 

In honor of my birthday (or our engagement depending on who you spoke to that evening) my mom threw a little cocktail shindig. Before everyone arrived we had an impromptu photo shoot! Here's my adorable parents.

My mom said she wanted a closer photo...so then this happened.

Like father, like daughter.

I'm pretty sure my dad takes the cake for worst photographer ever...so glad we have already hired our wedding photographer! 

The night was filled with loud chatter, vivacious guests, and wonderful libations! It was such a treat to see family friends. Typically our trips are so short our time is reserved for family and close friends only, so it was nice to finally catch up with old family friends.

Choice, Chance, Change

A and I are in San Francisco visiting with my family. There's nothing quite like dysfunction that makes you appreciate what you have. Sometimes I need reminders like the above to help me stand up for what I want and I'm always glad I did. 

Tomorrow is a new day, a new year, a new start...it's my birthday. 

BatKid

There are some days when I am very nostalgic for San Francisco and Friday was one of them.  San Francisco made a 5 year-old child's dream come true by turning the entire city into Gotham City for one day.

Batman and BatKid out to destroy evil!

BatKid (his real name is Miles) is currently in remission from Lukemia and asked the Make A Wish Foundation to become Batman for the day.  San Francisco was more than happy to obliged and the whole city helped out!  Thousands of people showed up to volunteer as they watched BatKid catch The Riddler, who earlier that day kidnapped Lou Seal - the famed Giants mascot.

The Riddler was caught and detained after kidnapping Lou Seal.

They even gave BatKid a Key to the City!

Do you think the key opens doors?

 Here's the newspaper report for the day!

I'm so happy to call San Francisco one of my homes!  It truly is an open and welcoming place for all.  If you would like to see more of Batkid's adventures check out the video below:

Marin County Triathlon

My dad and I competed in the Marin County Triathlon last year and somehow I managed to convince him to do it with me again this year!  The triathlon took place this past weekend and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.  Andrew and I made our travel plans to fly out to spend the weekend with my parents and Saturday morning for the tri.  

Our plans were foiled (slightly) when I took a tumble on my bike on Thursday and banged up my knee.  It hurt like hell and Friday afternoon I decided to pull out of the tri last minute.  I was super bummed (and still am), but I was happy to play spectator and paparazzi to my dads accomplishment!  

The Sustainable Sports Foundation puts on this annual triathlon.

We didn't arrive in time to see my dad take off on the swim, but we were able to catch him right as he came out of the water!  Luckily I was able to get a good spot on the beach and snapped a couple quick photos of him.  

 Then there was a lot of waiting.  I wasn't able to snap any pictures of him while he was in the transition area (my lens wasn't nearly big enough) and we were standing in the wrong place to see him off on his bike ride!

Great sign I spotted right by the transition entrance!

These flags lined the pathways and went all the way to the finish line.

 Seriously there was a lot of waiting.  We had a good time though, laughing at my Aunt's hilarious stories!

My mom and Aunt Deirdre

My big brother Travis

And then dad came charging down the hill!

He was all smiles.

 Then we had more waiting until he came back around for the run.

Conservation Core was everywhere.  Definitely felt like we were in the Bay Area!

 And then came dad!  He couldn't stop smiling the whole time.

Last leg of the race!

My mom ended up chasing him down the path so she could get a photo of him!

Mom had to get the shot!

Deirdre and Andrew

Me and Andrew.

 And not soon after dad came through the finish line!

He actually finished 1:37, but the clock was started from the first round of people (my dad was one of the last).

All done!

All in a Row

I'm a little quirky (aren't we all?).  But the more we live together, the more Andrew likes to point out my quirks. They almost always have to do with my ever so slight OCD.  I swear I'm not compulsive to the point where I need a reality TV crew following me around...I just like things how I like them and not any other way.

That being said, in photography, I'm drawn to things being in rows.  It pleases me.  I like things neat.  And tidy.

Perfumes on a ledge.

That's why I love my mom's bathroom.  Everything is neat.  Everything has a place.  And she lines up her perfumes on display, like its art.  I love it.

Back Home

I just landed in Phoenix and I must say its good to be (almost) home. I had such an amazing trip and am feeling very home sick for the Bay Area. It was great catching up with friends and family. Even though I just landed I'm busy planning my next trip there in October. Going back to compete in the Marin County Triathlon for the second time, so hopefully I'll get to catch up with everyone I wasn't able to see on this trip! 

Now for the 2 hour drive home...

Breakfast with Mom

Since I flew this time I don't have a car to use. My mom graciously is letting me use her car, as long as I drop her off and pick her up from work. Even though they have been early morning starts its been lovely spending those moments with my mom. With both of our schedules being as hectic as they are it's nice to spend some quality time with her. Just two girls chatting away.

The other morning we decided to have a quick little breakfast at a cafe not too far from her work. 

My breakfast was delish! Of course I ordered the sweetest thing available. My mom was much more sensible. Although both were super yummy! 

Spending the Day with Grandma

My Grandma is a special woman.  Spending time with her is always one of my favorite things to do whenever I come home.  She has lived such an incredibly full life and continues to do amazing things everyday!  For example, a few years ago she decided to compete in the Angel Island swim (a 1 nautical mile swim from Angel Island to Tiburon in the freezing waters of San Francisco Bay) and was the oldest person ever to have competed!  She's pretty awesome!

Grandma cutting flowers for her church

So naturally I was excited to hang out with her during this trip.  Luckily she caught me on my cell phone as I was driving to her house.  It turned out she was helping with the floral arrangements at her church.  So I made a quick stop to meet up with her.

Church courtyard

Alter floral arrangement

Close up

I love this color

I've always loved stained glass windows!

Left over flowers - they are donated to the church from a local florist.

I was only at the church for 30 minutes or so before we went back to her house.  Since I caught her a little earlier than she expected she needed to get ready for the day.  I was happy waiting and ended up taking more photos of her flowers!  I think I need a new subject!

These are off her deck in her backyard - yes that's right, she lives in San Francisco and has a backyard!  

Purple my second favorite color!

These were the biggest succulents I had ever seen!

Her dining room floral arrangement

 Grandma quickly changed and we were off again.  We headed over to the Legion of Honor to check out their new exhibit, 'Impressionists On The Water'.

Entering the museum

Entrance to the exhibit

Unfortunately cameras were not allowed in the exhibit, so no pics of the impressionists; but, if you're really interested and you live in the Bay Area you should check it out!  It's pretty impressive.

Next off the Rodin room where they have a permanent collection of his work.  It's incredible what he was able to create out of stone!  These photos don't do his work justice.

Love it.  On our way through the parking lot Grandma pointed out the old street lamps.  Apparently the bases are adorned with images of 'old San Francisco life'.  Pretty cool.