I Run Like A Girl

Hellooo gang! I’m coming out of the weekend feeling oh-so refreshed as it had all my favorite things: seeing friends, being active, and getting plenty of sunshine. Last week felt like we were finally seeing the end of “June glooms” in San Francisco, and all the vitamin D has done so much for my mood.

Saturday: spin class + Golden Gate Park + dinner party

I woke up on Saturday craving a cardio workout, so I booked a Soul Cycle class on Class Pass. Soul Cycle is one of the more expensive classes on Class Pass, so I usually save my credits for one Soul Cycle per month and I use the rest for yoga. The class was so much fun! The instructor had great energy which helped me put more effort than usual. The class left me sweaty and sore and was the perfect start to the weekend.

I got home, cleaned up, and Joe and I headed out for lunch in our neighborhood. Rene recommended Papa’s Kitchen on Haight Street, and we decided to check it out. Papa’s serves Chinese takeout, and we both ordered General Tso’s chicken. Even though these Chinese takeout spots are not close to authentic Chinese food, don’t get me wrong, I am a sucker for sesame chicken or anything similar to it.

After lunch, we got home, and I went right onto the bed. Joe asked me if I was taking a nap, and I said no. The next thing I knew, I woke up two hours later! The spin class sucked the energy out of me, and I didn’t realize how much I needed this nap.

Afterward, we got right back outside to enjoy the afternoon. We walked to Golden Gate Park and set out a blanket. We plopped ourselves between two groups which led to a pleasant surprise. The first group was hosting a sound bath, so we enjoyed the calming, meditative instruments from afar. I felt we were Annie and Lilian in Bridemaids when they mooched off a workout class in the park.

Right after the sound bath finished, the second group started their event…a birthday party with a drag show performance! We got a great view of the drag artist singing different songs. It was a fun, upbeat contrast to the soothing sound bath before. The whole afternoon was so San Francisco as you never know what fun events you’ll stumble upon here.

After the park, we went home, and I cooked a side dish for a dinner party we were about to go to. I discovered pesto orzo salad on my Instagram Reels the other day, and I decided to make it for the party. It was basically this recipe, but I substituted mozzarella for feta cheese. So delicious.

The dinner party was hosted by Joe’s coworker and friend, Luis. We also saw a few of Joe’s old coworkers who I’ve also gotten to know over the years. It was a sweet reunion as it was the first time we saw them since returning to SF. Luis cooked barbacoa for everyone, and it was divine! Good food + good company made a wonderful dinner party.

Sunday: yoga + brunch date + Alamo Square Park

I woke up early the next morning and made a match latte. I’ve been experimenting with matcha recently because coffee has been making me crash hard in the afternoons. Overall, I enjoy the sustained energy from matcha, but it’s so hard to motivate myself to pick matcha as I just love the taste of coffee first thing in the morning.

Then I headed to a yoga class. I’ve been wanting to try out a yoga studio in my neighborhood that I’ve heard good things about – they are LGBT-owned and known for creating an inclusive vibe. The studio typically doesn’t have many spots on ClassPass so I was pumped to finally score a spot. It was a great class and the perfect slow flow I wanted after a hard workout yesterday.

I got home and changed clothes, and Joe and I headed out for a walk together in Buena Vista Park. This park is on the other side of our neighborhood so we don’t come here that often, but we both love the park as it used to be our go-to spot when I had my previous studio in the Haight. We picked up some coffee (so much for my matcha game), sat in the park, and chatted away under the sun. I’m grateful we had this time together before going off to my next activity.

After our stroll, Joe headed back home and I continued onto NoPa where I met Carmina for brunch. Carmina and I met at my last job, and we became quick friends. Since then, we both moved on to other companies, but we’ve kept in touch and she’s still one of my closest friends in the city. I hadn’t seen her in some time and it was so lovely catching up over the last few weeks. We ate at Beretta, an Italian restaurant. I thought the food was just okay, but it was more about the company for me. ❤

We got dessert at Souvla, a Greek restaurant next door. I’m obsessed with their baklava frozen yogurt. Flashback to Joe’s last apartment when we walked to Souvla all the time for fro-yo. I’ve been craving this since we moved back, and I’m so glad Carmina was down. 🙂

We enjoyed our froyo at Alamo Square Park. I love this park as it has a local feel (despite being famous for the Painted Ladies attraction) – it felt like the whole city was out enjoying the sunny afternoon. The whole catch-up with Carmina warmed my heart. There’s nothing like being with friends who you can just be yourself with. ❤

Enjoy the week, my friends!