It’s SO good to be back in SF! As much as I loved being on the east coast for its holiday vibes, I’m so so happy to be back in my routine in SF – one week back and I’m feeling like my motivated self again. ❤
The highlight of being back was reuniting with Joe after 3 weeks apart. We cooked each other dinner and had a date night last week, and by the weekend we were excited to get out and take advantage of the sunny, chilly winter weather in SF.
Friday: Work reunion + game night
On Friday, some friends from my previous job got together because one member of our crew was visiting from NYC. Kim and Jake live in SF now and I see them quite often, and it was so nice to have Ke back in town as well! We ate at China Live which served upscale dim sum and super strong drinks made from bai jiu. We caught up on the latest happenings of our lives and it felt so good to have the old crew back together.
After dinner, we went back to Kim’s apartment and played Codenames. I’m not a huge game person but I really enjoyed this one!
Saturday: Buena Vista + Haight exploring + Golden Gate Park + Kava Lounge
Saturday started off with a run. I’m not training for anything at the moment but trying to keep a consistent running base this winter. 🙂
After my run, I freshened up and met Joe for an entire day outdoors. Joe and I both love the outdoors and exploring SF, and we decided to just start walking and see where the day took us.
We started off in Buena Vista park, a small park near the Haight. We took our time exploring the trails and enjoying the views of the city.
After our mini-hike, we worked up an appetite and made our way to the Haight for pizza and more exploring. The Haight is one of my favorite neighborhoods, and I just loved showing Joe my favorite crystals/herbal elixirs store and roaming this unique hippie part of town. Joe’s friends also joined us for a bit and we got drinks + ice cream 🙂
After a few hours, we left the Haight and strolled over to Golden Gate park. The park is pretty massive and each time I go I discover something new. Joe brought me to the top of De Young museum and we got sweeping views of the whole park!
I love the trails off the main road of Golden Gate Park – this one brought us to a gorgeous gazebo by the lake – it felt like we were in Japan.
I just got a new iPhone and we played with the new camera by having a photoshoot. It’s such an upgrade from my previous phone and I’m so excited to take my pictures to the next level 🙂
We sat by this tree and chilled by the lake…look at those views ❤
Our walk through Golden Gate park was so refreshing and adventurous, definitely a highlight of the day. Afterwards we took a break at Kava Lounge sipping our CBD drinks and chatting away. Joe has also fallen in love with this sanctuary and it couldn’t make me happier 🙂
By the time we got home, we were pooped! A full day outside exploring, and it left us feeling more refreshed.
Sunday: Glen Canyon + Mission for lunch + lazy afternoon
Another sunny day! Joe and I decided to matchy-match with our lumberjack look 🙂
Donuts for breakfast at our neighborhood fave: Bob’s on Baker. Their glaze donuts are the die for.
Then we took Joe’s car and drove down to the southern tip of SF to Glen Canyon Park. Glen Canyon is a unique park because it’s an actual canyon nestled between the hills and truly feels like you are out of SF. The hike was full of moss and rocky cliffs – it felt like we were in a state park!
Top of the canyon
After our hike, we drove to the Mission for lunch. We got Senior Sesig burritos and they hit the spot. Afterwards, Joe showed me a hippie-dippie store in the Mission where he bought my Christmas present, and we took some time browsing through it.
The rest of the afternoon consisted of a nap and cooking a healthy dinner to offset our heavy lunch.
What a wonderful weekend! I love that Joe and I both share exploring outside as a way to recharge, and by the end of the weekend, I felt more refreshed than the start. Meeting Joe has given me a second wind of loving SF. Even though I’ve explored a lot of SF in the past 2.5 years, sharing it with Joe makes me feel like I’m experiencing everything for the first time again.
I’m excited for this short work week because on Friday, Joe and I are going to Mexico!!! We’re taking advantage of the long weekend and soaking up the sun for our first big trip together. I can’t wait ❤
I Run Like A Girl 