Adjusting to a Different Pace

This is the first view that we saw when we arrived 12 days ago at Valencia Avenue. I am not fooling myself. Leaving New York was really hard (while in New York). Starting anew in Northern CA is not difficult. I'm sure it will present its challenges but so far feels like a vacation. The views, food and myriad of options for outdoor recreation is unmatched. In just under 2 weeks I have also had the chance to see a lot of old friends from back east so it has certainly made the transition easier.

We departed Elko, NV and really struggled on that last 8 hour leg to San Rafael. We encountered scary and somewhat dangerous people at all of our NV gas/rest stops. We approached a Starbucks around noon on our last day and pulled over. We filled the gas tank one last time and treated ourselves to 2 dirty chai lattes. Soon enough we entered Reno. We had to pull over and see what it was all about. Again so many scary humans. Approximate time spent in Reno - 9.5 minutes.

After Reno we worked our way up into the Sierra region and through Lake Tahoe. We arrived at the CA state line and still had a decent ride ahead.

Jenni and I were tired, dirty and overwhelmed by the drive but upon arriving at my house we dropped our bags and began unpacking boxes. We were like robots. Two women in a house full of chaos after a week of chaos. We needed structure. Neither of us even had a glass of water until the kitchen and dining room looked livable. I don't think Jenni will be buying us any glassware for upcoming holiday gifts. She must have spent a whole 90 minutes unpacking just our glasses.

Once we realized our level of delirium both Bi and Dave were home. We made a huge meat and cheese plate and cracked open wine to enjoy the first night on stable ground and in a new place. Jenni and I went outside and toasted our accomplishments. A cross country drive covering 13 states in 6 days with a cat. Visits with family and friends. Hikes. Walks. Brunches and dinners. Rain, snow, sun and wind. Maybe even a little speeding ticket. Just a tiny one:)

We drove down to Larkspur (also in Marin) and the 4 of us had dinner at a little Italian spot called Picco. It was such a fun night. Dave and I were finally in the same state again after 2.5 weeks and the move was over. We just had to enjoy ourselves and the company of some of our best friends.

Stewie is settling too. He loves the vast amount of space and the fact that there are birds outside of every window.

We kicked Jenni's first San Francisco visit off with a meal at Mission Chinese and a very fast visit to Fisherman's Wharf. It was a true tourist hell but what is better than listening to and watching sea lions? These guys are ridiculous and I could honestly watch them for hours. All three of us were lingering and enjoying the sounds and sights wondering if the other 2 were willing to stick around longer.

Here's a quick clip of their sound. It's insane. Some of them just swim around and jump on top of their sleeping friends. Others are total hams looking directly at the camera and posing. This old guy above is our favorite. He has to be 100 years old.

We toured Baker Beach and had margaritas at Tommy's. We drove down Lombard Street and walked around Cow Hollow. Jenni kept commenting on how everything looked like Italy.

The above photos were taken by some strangers at Baker Beach. Strangers who were fully dressed. We witnessed our first selfie stick at Baker Beach. There was a couple sitting on a picnic bench and they were taking actual selfies holding the camera out with a hugely long selfie stick. It was a professional device. Luckily this was the strangest thing we saw at Baker  Beach. I forgot to let Jenni in on the fact that it's clothing optional. Note the lack of nudes in the background.

On Sunday Jenni made a reservation at adhoc up in Yountville so we woke up early and headed to the Napa valley area.  I have never been to a Thomas Keller restaurant but it will be hard to return and not eat brunch. Brunch is like a big hug and this meal was worth getting up early for.

We finished the afternoon with a few hours at Dave's favorite - Silver Oak. We took a tour and drank delicious reds. We enjoyed the stunning grounds at Silver Oak and the incredible space.

Our last stop was in Sonoma at my favorite - Domaine Carneros. We each had a glass of bubbles and some cheese to hold us over. We were headed way south to Alameda for family dinner with Dave's Aunt Carol and his cousin Anne.

For Jenni's last few days we tried out local Marin restaurants. Got our nails done at a vegan and all organic nail salon. Yes - the polish is vegan. We are in California.

Jenni cooked an incredible dinner for us and we had Bi over. It was his first day of work at his new job and we all celebrated. We had a lot to celebrate. We even cracked open the bottle of Silver Oak that Bi had given us as an anniversary gift in 2011.

We took the ferry in on her last day to try out my new commute. No offense to my NJ friends but this sure beats driving down 78 West.

Jenni left on Tuesday night. We had one last meal at Wayfare Tavern. It was bittersweet but having her and Bi around was comforting. Now it's just me, Dave and Stew.

Here's a sampling of life since Jenni has gone home. Is this vacation still? I can't decide.

Incredible Mexican food in Oakland Friday night.

A view and clip from the Further show last Friday night at the Greek theatre. What an absolutely stunning venue.

A quick shot from China Camp State Park. Dave and I did a 6 mile hike on Saturday. This park has trails that lead to the street that we live on. We had to look out for mountain bikers and mountain lions.

A night view from our back porch here in San Rafael.

Views and adorable baby shots from my hike with my friend Kate and her incredible baby Harper at Tennessee Valley on Sunday.

We have been FaceTiming with friends and family a lot and getting used to the distance. I think we will be ready for visitors very soon. I have even had dinner with my closest New York bud Shachar and seen my old friend Meghan from Digitas. It helps living in such a desirable place and having Dave alongside.

One last view from the house. Visit soon.
XO Brie