Resolution

SF MoMA

In a lot of ways 2016 was personally great (loved ones got married, engaged and brought babies into this world; my husband and I both transitioned to new aspects of our jobs; I got involved with a wonderful organization, and I generally got to enjoy another year of good health and fun adventures in California) but I was still happy to see it go. My friend had the brilliant idea of going out with a bang, in the form of a wonderful feast with friends. So on NYE we had a private dining room at a San Francisco restaurant, filled with 9 fantastic people, amazing food and delicious wine. I will always remember that meal and am grateful my friend thought of putting it together.

And now, we're fully in 2017, not just feet wet but hair dunked, body temperature acclimated. There aren't any totally new habits I want to do this year that I didn't start on already- eating healthy, exercising more. All the usual self-care, wellness and fitness habits I know to do but need to actually do. The hosts and guest on my favorite podcast Another Round were discussing the difference between telling people you'll do something (like going to the gym) and actually doing it. Anyway, as I get older, self-care moves to front of mind so that I can be in good shape to take care of other things.

And those other things? Well the 2016 election taught me I can't take democracy for granted. So in 2017 I have to keep learning what's going on, finding ways to make my voice heard and find a way to make an impact where I am. Last summer thanks to a friend's suggestion, I started working with a children's organization in San Francisco; this was meant to help underprivileged kids right in my city, but it has already impacted me immensely. 

I also want to remember to speak up more, in different channels. For a long time I did not put political views on social media; in fact I have had a tenuous relationship with social media and like to think I should just be living IRL. But I'd like to learn how to use tech to advance democracy. This is one article in WSJ that I found suggesting some nonpartisan tools to track government. I also downloaded Countable, an app for tracking government, and am finding it easy to use. I joined the Women's March in San Francisco this weekend - again, thanks to brilliant friends - and resolve to keep the inspiration and energy from the event in my heart going forward, and to continue to turn it into action.

photo from Buzzfeed

And finally on the fun side, I want to do more West Coast exploring this year and am starting to make those plans. I also have loved ones getting married this year so I'll be traveling to celebrate with them (I've got one bridesmaid dress ready and am about to order another one). So among other things, there will be a lot of fun in 2017.

November Wrap Up

November was a mix of new and old: I went to my first-ever NFL game and also did a 5K fun-run with friends from the office (okay, I've run races before BUT this one was different). I also went bowling with friends (before they dropped me off at the airport!) and hung out in Dolores Park for the first time in a couple months... gotta love the warm temps in mid-November... and visited home for almost a week.

Much Appreciated Wedding Gifts

When I got married a few months ago, one of our gifts was the Campfire Kit from Brooklyn Slate Company, which has some ingredients for fancy s’mores: Baked Vanilla Marshmallows, Castleton Grafton Graham Crackers, and Mast Brothers chocolate (with sea salt). It also came with a slate board (not pictured, but quite fancy in a simple, industrial way).

It was an awesome gift because we could make an occasion of enjoying the s’mores, but also keep the board as a cool tangible thing to use in our home (and remind us of our friends). And it’s way cooler than a blender. So if you’re thinking of fun gifts to give your friends, find one that combines instant gratification with long-term substance.

I made these (with lots of help).

For such a city girl like me, the perfect bachelorette party is an idyllic escape with friends.

Searching for someone

Anyone know a German guy named Axel who visited New York City in Fall 2009 with his digital camera? He went to Top of the Rock and had pics of the colorful floors. I met him one night at Fat Cat downtown.

I was on a first date and he sat next to us on the couch watching a jazz group. Axel took our photo without us looking, but then he showed us and asked for my card so he could send it to me. I never got it.

Four years later, I’m marrying that guy. I’d love to get in touch with Axel, who documented our first date.