Indian Summers, a Warehouse, and Fashion Night Out

Three and a Half Weeks In: Hi Everyone! Sorry it's been so long since writing, (this work thing really does take up a lot of time, huh).  I'm still here in San Francisco and still loving it, if not more every day.  The weeks are just flying by at this point, and it's really starting to feel like home.

I've started to get a taste of the Californian life, which is awesome, I must say.  A few weekends ago, my aunt and I went to a local farmers market and picked up some great vegetables, fruits, bread, fish, and anything else we deemed delicious (which was pretty much everything).  As I've already stated, the food here is amazing.  But this produce, was out of this world.  I mean, it was SO fresh.  And the best part? They have them  year round here...unbelieveable, I know.

Last weekend was Labor Day and we went shopping both Saturday and Sunday.  Although my wallet lost some substantial weight, it was well worth it.  We went to the outlets up north and got some pretty amazing stuff! And good deals never hurt either :).

Speaking of weight, I joined a gym! I felt like such a grown-up (well, let's not push it).  It's been so nice to escape to the gym for an hour or two and just work out.  Unfortunately, I don't get there enough and unlike my wallet, haven't lost a ton of weight but to be honest, I don't care,  because I feel amazing.

So, as I still travel on my quest to find a place to live in the city, I am starting to get pretty darn frustrated.  My mom found this awesome artists' studio and it was big enough to turn into an awesome studio.  The best part was, if we put money into the rennovation (new bathroom, kitchen, floors, walls, paint job, etc), I could rent it out for $800 a month for a 600 sq/ft place!!

Unfortuantely, it was too good to  be true, and the town wouldn't let the owner rent it out as living space.  The guy couldn't have been nicer, and as my Mom always tell me, everything happens for a reason.  So out I go, back on my adventure, to find a place.

Brian (my beau) left today for Chicago!! He is leaving his car at our friend Pat's house and then flying home.  Sunday he leaves to fly to Chicago, get his car, and from there he is going to roadtrip out here!! He starts culinary school September 20th.  I am so excited.

This weekend I am heading home for a wedding...I am so thrilled to see everyone.  And the best part? My mom is coming back with me on Sunday to stay for TWO WHOLE WEEKS. Ah, I am SO excited and happy.  I already have so many places I want to take her. If you guys have any ideas too, let me know!!

It is getting warmer in the city, due to the Indian Summers that are approaching.  It's been so great to walk outside and soak in the seventy degree weather (yes, that is warm here!).

I hope you all have a great, happy, healthy, safe and rejuvinating weekend :)

For now, I am off to Fashion Night out with the team. Much love.

Xx, Devon

A Gorgeous Day and an Earthquake

Second Week In: Hey everyone, my name is Devon and welcome to my blog.  I am a Jersey girl (no, not like Snookie) and just made the trek to California, San Francisco to be exact, for a new job.  This is actually my second week in San Francisco—sorry for the delay! It took me a week to get used to the time change (even though I swear I'm still on Eastern standard time) and settle into my new job!

As of now, I am staying with my Aunt in Pleasanton, which is a quaint and cute little town about 45 minutes outside San Francisco.  It's a lot like my town in New Jersey and I love it there.  I have the cutest little room with 'welcome home' signs on the wall (thanks, Aunt Karen!) and everything I need.  

I take BART into work everyday, which has been pretty great (except for today when a man stood over me the whole and trip and reeked of cigarettes. bleh. Not to mention he stared at me for most the tripped. Creeped me out so much, I practically ran off of the train looking over my shoulder).  I don't mind commuting and love people watching—what better way than to sit on the train for an hour and just gaze around?

San Francisco is...amazing.  It's so clean and such a humble city.  The architecture is beautiful and the people so friendly.  Not to mention the food...oh my God, the food.  So fresh and so delicious! The other day, I walked down the street to the taco truck that is there until 2 p.m. and got three chicken tacos—made my day.

Today was a gorgeous day in the city.  Usually when I arrive, the fog is still thicky and heavy and it can be quite chilly, but it was already pretty warm and extremely clear at 8:30 a.m.  It's my favorite kind of day in the city.  There is no better place to be on a pretty day than in the city with everyone else who appreciates how nice it is outside.

Around 11:18 Pacific time, so 2:18 Eastern time, I got a call from my Mom.  When I answered, there was no answer and then the call got lost.  I instantly freaked, as I always do when my mom calls unexpectedly (this new thing I started doing now that I'm not physically with them!), but knew it was probably nothing, as usual.  But this time it was.  A second later, I got an email from her that read, "WE just had an earthquake".  What?! But I'M in California!! Doesn't that happen HERE?! 

Luckily, it was only about a 5.8, and everyone is okay! But still shook everyone up....literally and metaphorically.  Easy to say, I survived my first "event" being away from home.  It was scary and I wished I was there (well, besides being in an earthquake), but like I said, it could've been much worse—thank God it wasn't! 

My mom said it was gorgeous day there as well, and jokingly said she's starting not to like those days as much—something always seems to happen!  September 11 was a beautiful, beautiful day as well. 

San Francisco is still standing!  No earthquakes here! (fingers crossed) Now my friends and family can't use that as an excuse not to move to Cali! ;) 

Tonight, Karen and I are going to Target to do some "good deed" shopping. I'm tres excited. 

So, that is my first week in the great city of San Francisco and state of California.  I'm doing pretty well on missing everyone.  I got to see my boyfriend and his mom this weekend, which was so nice and fun.  And he'll be in San Jose for culinary school at the end of September, another thing I can't wait for!!!!! (partially because I cannot wait to eat the amazing concoctions he mixes up :P)

When I asked my boyfriend innocently why California is called the Golden Coast, he told me because of the gold rush (duh).  But I think it's golden for a lot of other reasons.  The beautiful weather, the personality and the people.  I think I've started to fall in love with my new home. 

Until next time...D