"Pebble Beach was pretty rocky"

Time to blog about the last 2 week(end)s!

Last weekend was the Women's Expo. We obviously had lots of fun, but it was a pretty ridiculous event. Jill claims that "it was like the Erie County Fair, but on steroids" - which is pretty accurate! Collectively, we bought some fancy pillows, jewelry, and makeup. We then enjoyed a yummy dinner at The Cheesecake Factory (and decided our costumes for Halloween...stay tuned!).

Happy Travelers

This past weekend was my Mike time, at last. : ) He arrived late Thursday night, and we enjoyed some "celebratory wine" before passing out (9pm is basically my bedtime now, ha!). Friday morning was spent experiencing the more touristy part of San Franny... mixed with some day drinks and sightseeing. We took the BART into the city, then walked around Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39 before deciding that as wonderful as these "must see spots" are, it was already time to really begin exploring - Mike & Emily style. We took the BART back to the east bay and drove across the San Mateo Bridge, through SF, and into Half Moon Bay. There, we were able to catch the last few moments of the sunset before eating a pretty tasty (Mike) dinner at Pasta Moon. Dessert was had, and then we drove back to Hayward - ready to rest up for three more days of fun!

Mimosa + Sierra Nevada

Love

Pier Walk

What does the SEAL say?!

Happy eyes (and pizza was coming)

The Pacific!!!

Yay!

Half Moon Bay

Our substitute Kitty

Saturday was spent doing a magnificent COAST DRIVE! We (us + Jill) started in Pacifica and traveled south to Carmel-by-the-Sea (a non-stop trip total of about 2.5 hours). But of course we stopped. And often. Mike planned some great stops, but we stumbled upon our fair share of treasures, too. We paused to enjoy several beautiful beaches, a brewery, and some boot shopping along the way. Our "destination" was Pebble Beach (THE golf course, Google it), just south of Monterey, where we were able to watch the sun set over the Pacific. The 17-mile-drive (and $10) to get to Pebble Beach was well worth it. The night ended with dinner in downtown Monterey at an Italian restaurant, of course (my fav). Oh, and then Mike & I watched "The Rock" - since we couldn't experience the real thing.

He's on a surfboard <3

Sunday was Golden Gate Bridge day! We took a 3ish hour bike tour through the more historical (and ritzy) parts of San Francisco, over the Golden Gate Bridge, and into Sausalito. The wealthier areas of SF have beautiful bay/bridge views, but Mike & I think the houses themselves are pretty uggs (hate to say it) for the amount of $$$ needed to live in them! The GGB was big and bright and very cool to bike over! Once we got off the bridge, we rode into Sausalito, which is basically a separate and cute little country. There we enjoyed some well-deserved burgers, bevs, and ice cream, before taking the ferry back to the Wharf. The ferry was fun simply because it sailed right past Alcatraz, and poor Mike was still being denied this particular adventure because of the really smart government shutdown. Anyways, there’s just no exercise like FUN exercise, especially with your favorite people!

Monday was Mike’s last day, but that didn’t keep us from enjoying every last second! We drove into Golden Gate State Park and ended up at the beach - no complaints. We ate at a “beach chalet” overlooking the Pacific, and then spent the last couple hours catching some rays. It was perfect.

The most delicious mojito + a Riptide Red Ale

And for a little job/apt. update, my job ends on Nov. 1st...and so does our apt. here in Hayward. Sooo, we're rollin' with it... By the sounds of it, the district I'm contracted to now has continued need in a middle school, so I will most likely transition there (I'll know for sure next Tuesday). Jill's job has been going well - the drive is a bummer, but it's a paycheck! Oh yeah, and no one will ever be allowed to tell us to "be flexible" ever again after all this.

Dan & Kt come in 4 DAYZ!!!

Everyone tell Mike congrats on landing 5 residency interviews already!!! He's so cool.

XoXo,
Emily

Wine a little, you'll feel better!

So Dad came to visit for the weekend, and we had SO MUCH FUNNNNN! Yeah, it was just a great time all around :)

He arrived Thurs. afternoon and got his first taste of Northern California...mountains, some palm trees, arid-ness, and traffic (haha some good, some bad...you'll have that)! We went to Texas Roadhouse for a quick and easy din, then Walmart to get some movies (a must). And as usual, Dad didn't stay up for the movie (he was out in 10 minutes), but Jill and I watched it...we love us some scary movies!

I worked a pretty intense day Friday, so I was so happy to come home to Dad. He, Jill, and I took the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) into the city (about a 30 minute trek total - NOT bad) and enjoyed a fab dinner at Palomino. It was recommended by co-workers for it's food and view, and it didn't disappoint. Our waiter was entertaining enough, and we obviously enjoyed each other's company...all in all, an evening well spent.

Frank da Man...on BART!

SF : )

The Bay Bridge & Belle of the Bay Boat

At Palomino, mmm.

View from our table!

Saturday was the coolest. We drove about 1.5 hours north to wine country to experience Napa's finest flavors. We arrived around 9:30, just in time to buy some yummy baked goods from the Farmer's Market before embarking on our trolley wine tour at 10. The trolley was a legit trolley car turned road racer that drove us from winery to winery! This 6 hour adventure delivered 4 different wineries, all decorated and unique - some a little quirky for various reasons (like the people, heh). We sampled lots of red wines (more so than white because of region, growing climate, etc...), as well as some sparkling wine. Lunch was also included to counteract all the alc. We ended up buying 2 bottles of delish white wine at the last stop. What a trip! Scenery was breathtaking...

Ready to board the trolley!

Along the way, so pretty!

Where the magic happens.

<3

Hey, there's us!

So fun.

Just takin' it all in...

Then sadly on Sunday, Daddy jetted back to the east coast. To distract ourselves, Jill and I decided to watch the Bills game at a local sports bar. Another great decision. We went to Jack's Brewing Co. about 15 min. south in Fremont, and had some delicious breakfast and lunch - can't forget the mimosas! The game started at 10 am here and ended at 1:30 pm, so you can't blame us for eating 2/3 meals at this spot! Luckily the Bills won, so we were able to walk out of there with our heads held high and Bills jerseys beaming.

Cheers to a Bills W!

And as of late, jobs are yet again an issue...this time for me! The SLP I'm covering for on maternity leave is indeed returning Nov. 4th, so my position is over Nov. 1st - but like I said before, the company I'm contracted with has been pretty accommodating, and are searching for a position to keep me here until the holidays. Keep your fingers crossed..... Jill's job is going well so far, though! She started last Friday, and it's a job. So we travel on!

XOXO,
Em



P.S. This weekend Jill, Heather, and I bought tix to the Women's Expo - hosted by Joan Rivers & Niecy Nash (enough said, haha) in San Mateo. We're looking forward to it, seeing as how the politicians SUCK and are ruining any potential plan of exploring the local, beautiful national parks (not even gonna go there, bleh)!