Some Holiday Spirit

After a misguided and failed attempt to capture the holiday spirit one weekend in December (we decided to go Christmas shopping in Union Square, on a Saturday, slightly hung-over and without alcoholic beverages; poor planning, I know), I was feeling more bah humbug than normal. So in an attempt to remove the commercialized stink from the air, below are some highlights of fun and/or maybe more unique things we did this holiday season.

The holidays day began the Tuesday before Thanksgiving when Martin and I slept like pilgrims in a rustic cabin on the coast…After much anticipation and a reservation booked 6 months in advance, we were spending the night in the Steep Ravine Cabins on Mt Tamapalais!   Unfortunately, even with all of my previous research, we arrived uninformed of the locked gate (which may or may not have been my fault) and without the knowledge that mattresses were not included!  The cabin was cozy with our fire and dim lighting… the plank of wood as a bed, was not so much. I surprisingly slept better than expected with just a towel and sheet for padding under my sleeping bag; Martin not as well on my yoga mat that we just happened to have in the car.

Our cabin for the night...not too bad from the outside

The next morning we were off to Dunsmuir for Thanksgiving and a family tradition first (we normally spend Thanksgiving at the Lake). The days were spent relaxing and cooking.  And while Martin made Christmas cookies with the two munchkins (6 batches and all) on Friday, Dana, Brenda and I borrowed Cody’s car and went to see the Hunger Games in Shasta City…okay slightly commercial, but such a guilty pleasure.  

The Munchkins decorating batch #4

Dunsmuir turned out to be just what I needed, a little family time, fun new traditions and everlasting new memories…my favorite being Cody having to awkwardly explain to me, Martin and my mom what pixelated bukkake meant during a ridiculous game of Cards Against Humanity.  I will let you google that one yourself.

Continuing with new traditions, without the annual trip up Hull Mountain the day after Thanksgiving, Martin and I had to select our Christmas tree from one of many beauties at the Guardsmen Tree Lot at Fort Mason.  Similar to the trek up the Mountain, the Guardsmen provided free alcohol (in the name of charity) and a walk up a hill was still required…  To make the evening memorable, Martin thought it would be appropriate to walk home with the tree rather than drive.  So after grabbing our tree at the entrance nicely tied up in twine, we set off up and over the hill, with our Christmas Tree up and over Martin’s shoulder.   About a mile in, and a mile still left to go, we got thirsty and opted to stop for a drink at the Buena Vista Café to regain our strength….With the bar relatively empty, Martin walked right in with the tree over his shoulder, propped it against the bar and grabbed a seat.  After a few random glances the bartenders warmed up to the idea, sharing stories of their favorite Christmas Trees while the tourists looked on in awe and confusion.

 

Its a tree in a bar!

We wrapped up Christmas with the traditional Crab and Ravioli dinner twice, once before and once after Christmas, and spent Christmas morning on a flight to Santiago…the one event of the year we will most likely not repeat.

 

A Romantic Dinner

This past weekend, Martin and I headed to Carmel for a two-night get away.  It was a nice break and much needed after the craziness of in-laws and friends in town, starting a new job and our constant travels.  On the way down, I asked my local friend for restaurant recommendations and we were provided with two options; both deemed to have good food and a romantic ambiance....we made a reservation for Saturday night at one of the said locations.

Burt first we had a great dinner at a random spot on Friday night complete with a family-run vibe, live acoustic music and great food and service. In comparison, not only was Saturday not a romantic location, but a slight let-down… It just wasn't what we were looking for.  While the food was good and it had hints of romance (white lights strewn in the trees on the patio), the place was large and impersonal, and the focus seemed more on turning the table with a constant distraction of the hustle and bustle of the waiters rushing by our table....It lacked the intimacy that we love.

But as we sat there complaining, wishing we had gone somewhere else, I asked Martin the simple question: while we knew this wasn't our idea of romantic, what would we deem a romantic restaurant?  Or even better, what restaurant would we recommend to a friend for a romantic date spot in San Francisco. 

And much to my dismay, we both sat there stumped for 20 minutes and I was left unsettled for the rest of the night.  Could I not name one single romantic restaurant in San Francisco? 

Fun spots, great food, great ambiance, restaurants for a big night out with friends or the restaurant that could be the next French Laundry...I could name at least 5 for each category all scattered throughout the city.  But I could not and still struggle to find a romantic one in SF.

Does this mean we are an unromantic couple?  I would hope not!  I could name plenty of amazing and romantic spots that Martin and I have checked out during our travels and time together...dinner on the hills of Bellagio overlooking Lake Como, enjoying an intimate dinner amongst books and three other tables at our local spot in Zurich, an amazing four course meal at Café Beaujolais in Mendocino last Labor Day Weekend and my favorite, our BBQ dinner in France that ended up in the tent during the storm of the season.  Unfortunately the brain block is limited to San Francisco.

So please, if you are reading this, please give me peace of mind and share with me your favorite romantic spot in SF! I am desperate. 

Two Halves Make A Whole...right?

Because if so, I have officially run a marathon!  Well sort of...in the past week, I have finished two half marathons so I would say that counts. 

One typically low day back in April, I signed myself and my mom up for the San Luis Obispo City to Sea Half Marathon (my mom was unaware about the entry, but more on that later) and in a moment of weakness I thought I would try my luck at the Nike Women's Half Marathon lottery...what were the odds of me getting into the event?...Unfortunately for me, the odds were in my favor.  In the blink of an eye (or three clicks of the mouse) I was officially signed up to complete two half marathons one week apart. 

The first part of training; convince my mom to join me for the first one...Thankfully she was willing and ready (or I am one hell of a salesman) and we were set to go!

Our first attempt at training didn't go as planned:  we were slowed down by two munchkins on a century bike ride (aka one mile ride) while Martin and Ray completed their own super century (aka 140 mile ride).  But thankfully with a full week off between jobs, my mom and I were able to capitalize on the weekday freedom and get in a nine mile walk just a few weeks later. To ensure we walked the full distance we called in the sag wagon (aka my dad) to come pick us up a few towns over rather than turning back mid-way. And like a good sag wagon, he treated us to refreshments and food at the nearby deli afterwards.

Our training continued individually and we reconvened two weekends ago in Pismo for the big day.  True to Gimbel form, the entire family came to show their support. 

We woke up early Sunday morning and got a jump start on the course before the sun was up.   The miles melted away as the sun rose and the valley fog burned off... And, left with no other distractions, obligations or things to do, it was the perfect opportunity to catch up with my mom.  As always, I was left amazed at how strong and supportive she is of me, the family and all of our crazy whims. 

We crossed the finished line just before 10am and took the opportunity to stretch while the family came to find us.  It was the perfect morning and even better after I enjoyed my chocolate milkshake at breakfast. 

In stark contrast, was the Nike Woman's marathon, completed less than 7 days later...With no one to talk to during the 13.1 miles, the event seemed more like a pink and estrogen filled chore than a fun outing with friends…but hey, I got my Tiffany necklace at the end so I can’t complain too much!   

Denver, Colorado

When McKane officially moved back to Denver, I knew it was only a matter of time before I went out to see her and the city that made Hurricane McKane the person I know and love.  The weekend was just as expected and even better…dinner and margaritas at the famous El Rio Friday night, one too many bowls of queso, a long night of dancing; big brunches, long lazy days,  and good times with friends.

Unfortunately we had such a great time that the only two photos taken are below:  One of the 3 Margarita limit sign at the Rio and the second, the aftermath of me having said two and a half of said margaritas.