I thought about sitting back and reading my book, A Might Heart, but my blog just seemed to intriguing to pass up. I couldn't wait any longer to write all about San Francisco.
The flight out there was long... very long and I was in the middle seat. That started the trip. We took a cab into the city and I wasn't quite sure we were going to make it. The cab drivers out there seriously have a death wish. For the first time, I was honestly scared for my life while riding in a car.
I think I'm going to have to time-line the trip around food. It was all so great. The first dinner I had was at Bistro Aix, and I had roasted chicken with green beans and roasted red potatoes. The chicken was cooked just right with just the right amount of crispiness to the crust. We had a wonderful Napa Valley Zinfandel, from Neal Vineyards in California. For dessert we had a warm chocolate cake with whipped cream and a creme brulee. Delicious. This dinner rating, +8 (on a scale of 1-10)
Then we worked the conference a little. For lunch we went to this local fresh deli with all types of wines, olive-oils, cheeses, meats, everything. It was awesome. We had a fantastic Caprese salad. It was so fresh and delicious. Was in heaven.
That night we went to an all organic restaurant and brewery, Thirsty Bear, and had some awesome beer. All the brewed beer was organic as well as the food. It was such a good feeling eating all organic. I had a Brown Bear beer, which had a perfect malt taste and aroma. For dinner we had artichoke, black olives, chick pea puree, manchego and white truffle oil flatbread; patatas bravas. fried potatoes with spicy brava sauce & lemon aioli; and dungeness crab-stuffed piquillos, lemon aioli, parsley oil & micro cilantro. Let me tell you, I didn't think i was going to like any of it, but it was all delicious and I loved every bit of it. This dinner rating, +8.5
Next Night: Hawaiian Asian fusion food. The apps were pretty good. The wine was good. But the entrees were a little plain and so so. Not my favorite meal. But that's alright. Rating: 5.5
After that the meals blended together and it nothing stood out.
The last night, we went to see the Golden Gate Bridge. It's just a bridge, but then again it is so much more. It is massive. Standing to the side of the bridge, you just feel so completely minuscule next to this thing. It really is a piece of work. I love pictures and took about 1000 while were there. But loved the one above the best.
Overall, I had a really wonderful experience in San Fran. But I have to tell you my favorite part may have been all the tranny's that live there. I was in Old Navy one day and there was this guy with full make-up and woman's clothes but totally not hiding the fact that he was a guy shopping in the woman's section. He was holding a shirt up to him, to like see if it would look good on him, and I really just wanted to be like, "It looks fabulous." But I couldn't spit out the words. It was fun though.
I have to say the other thing that really stood out about San Fran was the architecture. It was brilliant. So diverse and awesome. Every building had its own character and every building was different from the next. I love that. It reminded me of the type of architecture in Boston.
I highly recommend taking a trip to San Francisco when you get the opportunity. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. I plan on going back as soon as I get a chance.
I moved into my new apartment yesterday and it is definitely different but it's a good feeling. I am slowly getting things into places. I am excited and will add some pictures soon of the place. The location is perfect. The view from my rooftop deck is awesome and I am just really excited about it all!
That's all from me!
-KT

California! Here we come!

I get to go to California next week! For work! I am really excited to go. I've never been to the west coast and I have to say I am ready for the adventure. I am ready for warm weather and I am ready to work! My company is attending the RSA Conference in San Francisco. We have developed a new site- Threatpost- and for all those who are not security nuts ( I am expecting no one that reads this is) you can learn all about security news there. It's a great resource, if I do say so myself. Anyways, I will be working the Threatpost Bloghaus... a booth for bloggers to come and hang out and write about what they are seeing at the conference. It's going to be a great networking opportunity and I think it's going to be an awesome overall experience.

I can't wait to wake up in the morning, go for a run and see all there is to see in San Fran. If anyone has been there and has any suggestions of what to see on my run, please let me know! I don't know how much free time I will have outside of the conference, so I have to squeeze as much in as I can on the runs.

Also, I found an apartment! I will be moving to Charlestown, not Charleston, May 2 and I am really excited. It's all a little nerve racking but it is going to be a great experience. I think this will be the first time that I am truly 'on my own'. So here I go and I am sure there will be plenty to blog about once I move. But so far when I tell people that's where I am moving, I get a great response and a 'oh you are going to love it'. I hope they are correct! There is a rooftop deck on top of my building with the greatest view of Boston. If I could live up there, I would. It's absolutely gorgeous! Can't wait for the wonderful 4th of July fireworks from the roof! If you are ever in Boston, you have a place to stay! Mi casa es su casa.

The new Dave Matthews Band single, Funny the Way It Is, is awesome! Even if you don't like DMB, I really think this album is going to be liked by everyone. There are also a couple other songs that are on YouTube, Spaceman and Why I Am, and they are old school DMB and it is a refreshing sound. Being a tribute album to Leroi, who passed away in August of last year, adds so much more to the album and makes it that much greater! RIP Roi. They are coming to Boston and playing at Fenwy Park May 29 and 30. Phish, Warren Haynes, and others will be joining them on stage, or so the rumors go. I really can't wait!

Well, I am going to quit blabbing for now.

Have a great night,
KB

Do MANners still exist?

So, here I am in this wonderful city of Boston. One would think there are endless possibilities to find an attractive male to share fun times with, laugh with, have a coffee with, you know the usual. Like I said, one would think. But guess what, it turns out there isn't. ( I'm sure there is, I just haven't found any yet, so I'm going with there are none, hang with me).

It all started a two weeks ago when my cousin and I went to a math geek and athlete theme party. Yes, I am a fan of theme parties and obviously I dressed as a geek (ruler in hand). So at this party, an attractive male lurked next to the table. I being a weak one for the lurking sort, made eye contact then looked away, not making anything of it. I am making conversation with my cousin and one of her friends from work and when I turn around, lurker is there and still cute. Naturally, I introduce myself. I have to say he was a little shorter when he was in front of me than when he was lurking next to the table farther away. Anyway, conversation was good, music was good, my drink was even better. As the night wound down and people started leaving, the cous and I decided it was probably time to head out. Mr. Lurker asked for the number. I felt like being nice that night and allowed him my number.

He called. On Monday (waited the whole two days to call). Anyways, he asked if I wanted to go out. blah blah, long story short, we did... we went to an awesome restaurant. However, the part that makes this story all worth the back story, this kid had NO and I mean absolutely NO table manners. How does a guy ( I forgot to mention he was much older) not have table manners with a girl he is trying to impress. I was appalled. One, he reached across my plate to grab something, that he could have easily asked for with a please and thank you. I really wouldn't have minded the interruption. Then, he scarfed his food down. I was barely finished with one bite before he was on to the next dish ( we had Tapas). It was by far the most disheartening date I have been on in a long time. The only good thing was is that he paid even when I offered to split. So we are leaving and my car was parked far away so he drove me to my car... the inevitable awkwardness pursued and he tried to go in for the kiss, don't worry, I slid the cheek in there right in time. I know, I am a pro!

Do manners exist anymore? Is it something that I have to get over and accept that guys don't have manners? I hope not. I really hope not. So until the next date, match.com it is. JUST KIDDING.

Hasta Pasta,
Katie