pulido's tailor

This is one of my childhood hang out spots. For the past (at least) 17 years, my mom has worked as a part time seamstress at my Uncle* Oscar's alteration shop. I used to come with her on weekends and sit at the front desk doing anything and everything to entertain myself: ring up customers, play with the "PAID" and "RUSH" stamps, practice my stitching on fabric scraps.

Once I started high school and then left for college, I didn't stop by as much. But other than the newly painted yellow walls, that gap hasn't changed much. The clothes are still hung with the same hangers in the same system, my uncle will unfailing always offer me something to eat upon arrival and the hum of sewing machines can always be heard among the Enrique Iglesias playing in the background.

It was a weird place to grow up but it's still a home.

*We're not actually blood relatives in any way but he's been a part of my life for as long as I can remember so he'll always be my uncle.

home life

First, I just wanted to say thank you for all of your kind notes on my last post. The general consensus was that this is just a weird time most people have to get through-- not a reflection of your character or who you are. It was a much-needed reminder. Thank you, thank you.

After all of those kind words, I really tried to focus on the simple, everyday things that bring joy. I mean, I try to have that perspective on a daily basis, but this weekend it was a priority.

I went to bed when I wanted. I woke up when my body was ready. And then I had breakfast on my nightstand, alternating between Dreadfully Ever After and Gilmore Girls reruns. I hung out at my uncle's tailor shop without ever checking the time. I ran errands, took a quick trip to the pier and then had a coffee-less coffee date.

I embraced the life of the unemployed.

PS - Did you see my guest post about Lake Como and the Alps over at Alex's? Talk about embracing life.

scenes from home

It occurred to me that by posting my Lake Como photos last week, a lot of people thought I was still in Italy (and in the sunshine). Well.. I wish, but no. All of my recent travel photos are from my trip in August (I just take a long time to post everything).

So to bring my blog back to reality I thought I'd share some scenes from home. They're just a few little things, none having much to do with the others. But I like them, because I'm happy to be home (ironically, none of these are taken at my own home).








1. Just after sunset.
2. Pfeffer nüsse.
3. Harry Potter polymer clay figurines by Melanie. Aren't they ADORABLE?! She made me a little owl.
4. The view from Mel's sun room.
5. Our new favorite Sunday night activity. I got a turkey last week!!!
6. Three-bean & beer veggie chili, homemade by David and yours truly.
7. Raiza, adorable as ever.
8. The most perfect, purple sunset.

scenes from home

Just a few things from my last days at home. Some of the things I missed the most when I studied abroad last year were veggie burgers, Mexican food, and my nieces (of course). On Friday, David and I drove all the way to Santa Cruz just to eat my favorite avocado-mushroom-jack-veggie burger (on fresh sourdough) with sweet potato fries for lunch. And about an hour before I left for the airport, we took a quick trip to La Morena for ceviche and aquas frescas. It was perfect.

Right now, I'm sitting at SFO, waiting for my flight in a little less than an hour. The next time you hear from me I'll be in Coly, France!

weekend

So much happened this weekend and I have so few pictures to show for it. This lack of photos usually makes me regret not taking more, but this weekend it was nice not to have it out every 5 minutes. After work (and time in the Sunset photo studio!), I went to give David his birthday presents and we went out for dinner. Right next door was the new (to the Bay Area) grocery store Fresh & Easy and since David's mom has been there 4 (now 5) times in the past two weeks, I had to check it out. (It was pretty cool).

Chai lattes at the Chit Chat Cafe with Anna, a Saladmaster demonstration with my family (they made soup without water and chocolate cake on the stove with carrots and zucchini in it), and a night in San Francisco at a stand up comedy show. My favorite line from the night? "I love food... I eat every day."

And now, it's back to "reality." (Technically, the last two weeks were supposed to be my Spring Break but Sunset called me in for extra hours and it wasn't much of a break at all). Tuesday is my last first day of the quarter ever and life post-graduation awaits. Oh boy.

weekend

After extra long hours at work last week I was so thankful for the weekend. Lots of family (with homemade pizza and pancake dinners), a strange balance of storms and sunshine, and my first shopping trip of the new year.

That's right. For some bizarre reason I haven't made any superfluous purchases since December and I certainly made up for it this weekend. I also painted my nails for the first time in more than a year. I'm not quite sure what's become of me but it's nice to do something new once in a while. Of course the old will always hold a dear place in my heart: staying up too late, parading around in rain boots, and television marathons* are my specialties. I love being home.

*Especially Harry Potter ones.

weekend

After turning in two of my final papers in last week, this weekend was a lot more enjoyable. On Friday night our apartment was filled with people- there was Sarah's amazing Indian feast, Jenna's legendary cocktails, and more noise than our apartment has seen in months. David came to visit again so we had another fun game night (except this time we didn't end at 4am).

Come Saturday the weather was beautiful. Anna and I made carrot cake muffins (coming soon), David surprised me by bringing my beloved spaetzle (which I cooked with lots of cheese then served with polenta), and I lay on the couch enjoying the sunshine and warm breeze. We took a quick trip home to visit my nieces (see below), have a pizza night, and enjoy being home and being together.

Please note Raiza's adorable face below. I firmly believe that this is the most hilarious face that an 18-month-old baby has ever made. With Elmo.

Sunday was a little disorienting with the time change-- I accidentally adjusted my cell phone after it had already automatically changed. I was two hours off for most of the day, but Panera honey-oat toast for breakfast and midday drives along beautiful 280 set things right.