Boston, 8 miles, croissants

Friday! For being a short week it has felt exceptionally long. I actually managed to get my long run in this morning before work but I am super angry because when I mapped it out the map said 9 miles and then when I saw how fast I ran it I knew it couldn't be right so I went back and re-mapped and it was only 8 miles. Very frustrating since I really wanted 9 under my belt today.

I think I need a Garmin but I just can't imagine spending $300 on a watch since I usually don't care about my pace, I just run by how I feel.

View from mile 4 this morning.

 Of course I still treated myself to a croissant and double shot latte when I finished. There are few feelings better in the world than finishing an early morning long run, taking a hot shower and sipping on a cup of hot strong coffee.

I had to move my long run to this morning because I am flying to Boston early tomorrow. My grandmother is not doing well and I want to spend some quality time with her while I still can. Hopefully we will watch Pride and Prejudice, talk about her and my grandfather and their travels and maybe she can try to teach me to knit one more time if she's up to it. (I am a TERRIBLE knitter, she makes gorgeous things and is just so crafty.)

Going back home will feel nice and I can't wait to hug my little cousins. I haven't been to Boston in over a year, which is a long stretch for me.

Tonight I will meet one of my best girlfriends for a drink, go on a little dinner date with J, finish up some things before I leave tomorrow and not so secretly dread my 6 hour flight.

 Happy Friday, friends. Hug someone you care about extra tight today.

Away we go!

Today we leave for Santa Barbara to celebrate something very special. Things have been very busy around these parts. Portland for Thanksgiving, Jesse traveling nonstop, crazy work schedules, guests in town; but this weekend it will be nice to have some time together and celebrate two people we love dearly.

It's been so rainy here in SF. I finally got to bust out my rainboots that haven't been work in a year or so. It made me very happy. And these three things also brightened up this dreary Friday.

My new fox sweater

Gold OPI manicures!

Rifle paper stationary to write letters to friends near and far

On another note Thanksgiving in Portland was great. I love my family so very much and always enjoy being home with them. The older I get the more I like doing nothing but hanging out at the house and cooking rather than planning extreme excursions.

Hopefully I will be more diligent on posting. I plan to document this weekend very well. It's going to be gorgeous and I know I will have to share some photos.

Leaving, on a midnight plane to Georgia

More like a 3pm plane. We leave today! Off to Atlanta for the night then a three hour drive to southern NC. Can't wait to celebrate J's good friend Andrew and his new wife Kristin. I also can't wait to eat pancakes at Ria's Blue Bird in Atlanta and frolic along the autumn scenery. Full report Monday!

Can't wait to enjoy coffee from here with J after our morning run!

Wanderlust

“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” – Jawaharial Nehru

This week J and I get ready for a lot of travel. We leave to Atlanta on Thursday then drive to the smoky mountains of North Carolina Friday. We come back late Sunday and leave for Hawaii on Wednesday morning. I can't wait but we have so much to do!

PDX

I went to Portland for the three day weekend to visit my family. I love how short my flight to go see them is now! 

Some highlights from the weekend

Donuts from my favorite donut stand at the Farmer's Market

Picked up two gorgeous bouquets. My Mom loves flowers.

The sweetest (literally and figuratively) little bake cart at the market.

Took my brother's out for ice cream after we had dinner in the Pearl with my parents. I had the salted caramel, of course.

FINALLY got to meet the new addition to the family. My parent's new pup Lilly. She's SO cute and SO spoiled.

No trip to PDX is complete without spending some time outdoors.

Nor is it complete without drinking some microbrews

Sunset and a BBQ on my parent's back deck overlooking Portland and the Columbia river. 

 Ready for a busy work week and helping to cover the DNC. Next week I start running again!!! GASP! I am nervous and excited. More on that later.

How was your long weekend?