The end of summer and growing up...

I've had my fair share of fun, summer days these last few months. But I'm ready for fall.

Here's how my summer ended this past Labor Day:

Matt's Big Breakfast // Swimming at the Butte's // Grimaldi's for free Birthday Pizza 

I've been thinking about what I need/want to accomplish before the new year, but I keep having thoughts to slow down and keep it simple. 

And then I feel like I'm all grown up.

It's weird to feel older, sometimes I have mixed feelings about it. (I know... I'm only 28.)  It's been interesting to discover that I've taken on some "old-ish" qualities just within the last few years.

For instance:

· I like the taste of banana peppers, pickles, and Tabasco more and more (not all at once).

· I like traveling, but not to crowded places.

· I prefer staying in than going out. (This might be one of my introvert qualities, but I'm taking it as 'growing older' too.)

· I like rain. (I used to despise it as a teacher because of rainy day schedule. It's also not good for my hair.)

· I don't care what kind of car I drive, as long as it has good AC.

· I love being a mom. A lot. I used to think moms were lame, but I know a lot of cool moms. And I guess even the cool moms are a little lame, but in the best possible way... I just wish I knew that growing up.

· I now realize that my mom and dad DO know what they're talking about.

· I finally see the advantages of living an "early to bed, early to rise" lifestyle. I used to think it was just a "neat" tip, but it actually does make a difference. 

· I am beginning to be more and more appalled with the lyrics and the quality of music that is played on the radio.... like, disgusted... like, I can't believe they were allowed to record this and they're playing it on the radio for anyone to hear... like, ew...

· I like surrounding myself with happy people. It's better for my health.

· Sometimes teenagers make me nervous.

· Ripe fruit and veggies bring me so much joy. Like "I can't believe this came out of the ground and tastes so gloriously amazing!!!!!" kind of joy.

· Puns get funnier to me every year. And I will always laugh at the "So and So called" jokes. (Example: "The ocean called... they're running out of shrimp")

I'll just end by quoting Blink 182: "So I guess this is growing up." 

Nothing says growing up like Blink 182, right?

I've unsuccessfully re-fashioned a few shirts in my day, but this one actually looks legit. The neck was too large, and somehow I was able to stitch it up into a proper neck size. Now my life can go on.

See that chalkboard I'm standing in front of? Our goal was to cross off everything before summer ends, and since we decided summer officially ends on Labor day, we still have a few things we need to accomplish before then:

· Matt's Big Breakfast - We heard we have to go early, and it's been pretty difficult waking up early on Saturdays.

· Paint our bedroom - I guess I should clean it first.

· Postino's - Technically I've been, but William hasn't, so I guess I just have to go again. (Oh man I love that place so bad right now.)

· Open Mic Night - Probably won't happen, but at least we've had a couple jam sessions.

· Make a berry pie and homemade tortillas - Actually, I'm planning on making a blueberry tart this week (and I'm counting that as a pie).

· Host Suppa' Club - Sorry we've been slacking, Suppa' Club members. We'll try and hurry it on up.

Everything else was crossed off and made for a busy and fantastic summer. Let's bring on the Fall Festivities.

Sometimes ups outnumber the downs

1. Good-looking cousins with good-looking kids.
2. Cornhole with June... a Utah staple.
3. A-COOL COOL COOL TRICKS.... YEAH!
4. Water-watchin' at City Creek
5. Good times and a good hair day on the Alpine coaster.
6. View on the bridge at City Creek
7. Locked out, but don't mind since we don't experience AZ weather in UT.
8. Booty shake with William's good-looking cousins
9. My first Park City visit. AHHHH-MAZING.


In July, June and I went to Utah twice.


The first time, we flew up with my mom and visited mostly her side of the family. The trip was so fun and again reiterated my belief that I have the funniest family on the planet. They are also the best storytellers (it helps that they also have the best stories to tell). Thanks to my mom for letting me come and treating us to shopping days and good eats. Thanks to my Aunt Carol and Judy for their amazing hospitality. Thanks to Jane and Susan (June's 3rd Grandma) for having such a beautiful home and a perfect lunch. Thanks to Katie and Aileen for traveling great distances to meet June. Thanks to Amy for just being plain awesome.


The second time we went to Utah, we went for a funeral. Then it turned into two funerals. I am so grateful that I got to know how wonderful Grandma B and Uncle Richard are. But I probably won't eat anymore funeral potatoes for a while. 


And of course, it's also always great to spend time with my in-laws: BBQs (my favorite meals), dance parties (complete with costumes), settling Cataan, and Alpine rides with NO BRAKES. Thanks to my in-laws for creating the best memories... and for being so good to June, even though times are tough for her when she's jet-lagged.


Now, a note:


Dear Uncle Reed,


While in Utah attending two funerals, hearing about your sneaky heart attack nearly gave me one. Please refrain from those Dana treat cravings.


Love,
Niece Jenny

San Francisco

I can talk about San Francisco in at least five posts. Lucky for you, I'll keep it at one (maybe two). I expected this city to be amazing. It exceeded my expectations, and we were there for only 48 hours. I already want to go back this very second.

Eat:

• Pizzeria Delfina - get two pizzas, eat both.

• Zazie's for breakfast - particularly their Challah French Toast

• Gott's Roadside - cheeseburger with a side of sweet potato fries AND onion rings

• Sausolito Taco Shop - William said these were the best tacos he's had since his mission in Mexico.

• Salted Caramel Ice Cream from Bi-Rite (I cannot emphasize this one enough.)

Do:

• Bike the bridge

• The Ferry Building on a Farmer's Market Day and sample EVERYTHING

• Trolley Ride to Union Square

• Ride a boat around the Bay

• Muir Woods 

 

A Day of Laziness and Close Calls.

(My Dback hot dog (they lost) and the only Fourth of July decor in my house was a drawing of fireworks on our chalkboard.)

Our 4th was pretty spectacular, to say the least. Of course, I planned several things to do on William's day off. But plans changed after we went to Walmart and Barros, then took a very long nap (because nothing says 'America' like Walmart, pizza, and laziness). 


This was probably the most exciting thing that happened for June:

Probably the best fifty cents we've ever spent.

Lucky for us, my mom planned a great evening of hot dogs, chips and salsa, pies, cupcakes, neighborhood rides (the weather was a m a z i n g, right?), and of course fireworks. 

June clapped after each firework. It was the best. 


We also had a horrifying moment when we lit what was supposed to be a "tame" firework. Instead of peacefully spinning itself on the ground, it flew up, barely missing the top of our heads, and went over the neighbor's house. 


My life flashed before my eyes and all I saw were delicious hot dogs.


And of course, June applauded.

Eat and swim and eat and more eating

One thing I need (REALLY REALLY NEED) is something to look forward to. Sometimes I'll have spells where I'm not feeling the most happy about things, and I quickly realize that I need to plan something to be excited about.

I'm feeling pretty content after making our 'Summer To Do' List.

I realized much of our list is food-related (grilling, pies, breads, Postino's, etc.). William wants to try an open mic night, which makes me incredibly nervous. But I may even be more nervous to clean our garage, simply because there might be attack-ready spiders lurking in the depths therein. 

I saw this, and I've obsessed over several chalkboard art all over the webs, so I styled it after those. I loved doing this. Just like Debfreckles says,  "I want (need) to be creative more often... I realized that being creative makes me happy and I am going to try and do it more." 

P.S. I'm definitely looking forward to this the most: