After being in the new apartment in a new city in a new neighborhood for a little over two weeks now, I feel I am beginning to settle in and must say that I am totally loving it!  I haven’t had as much time to explore as I would like, but I’ve enjoyed going on some jogs around the surrounding blocks, taking mental notes of the awesome restaurants and shops to return to, meeting the local barista at the corner cafe, and sampling the dinner specials at the neighborhood Irish Pub.  On Sunday I went cafe hopping (one of the things I love best about San Francisco) and discovered this gem, Ritual Coffee Roasters. I just may have to try my luck working there, maybe an un-discovered startup can give me a job!

I also ventured out to the Mission Branch of the SF Public Library and got me a card and everything! Isn’t it cute, with a local student’s artwork on it. Much better than the one I had from the Orange County Library for probably 17 years, although my first grade printing of my name on the back was  quite endearing.

We, as in the three roommates and I, have been diligently compiling a list of things to do during our tenure in the city, and by diligently I mean whenever we think of something totally random and completely awesome that can only be done in San Francisco, we add a sticky note to the board. We thought the “Did” side looked rather lonely, and luckily we were able to fulfill one of our “Dos” this weekend when we had a lovely housewarming party. Seemed as though lots of friends were out of town for the occasion, but we are excited for dinner parties, tea parties, and of course, costume parties!

Tonight we received a special treat from our awesome neighbor, Matt, who lives in the flat above ours with three roommates. Can you guess what it was? Ok, you cheated and looked at the picture below. Freshly baked, chocolate chip oatmeal cookies, and they were even still warm. Deliciousness. I have to say Kara and I were a little concerned when the doorbell rang at 9:30, but it was an excellent, tasty, and friendly surprise.  Next on the agenda, reciprocate with a backyard BBQ of sorts for the three flats. Neighbor bonding!

This weekend we are all heading back to the Lair of the Bear for a staff reunion that happens every five years. I’m sure I’ll have much to report when I get back. Go Bears!