first impressions.

well we're here and pretty much settled. after 4 weeks of living in suitcases, our stuff arrived without problems and we're feeling very at home. but to help paint a picture of our new life here, i've pulled some popular quotes about sf. so let's see where this gets us:

"you can go one block to the next in san francisco... and get a completely different opinion of what the problem is." - don johnson.

while it has it many charming traits, sf really does have very serious problems. the homelessness and drug problems are growing and admittedly it's depressing. it feels like a very daunting task to try and solve, but we'll find a way to contribute as positively as possible! that just means there's much work to do- but we're not afraid!

>>> never had a fireplace, so we're not quite sure how to use it. for now it's the perfect jumping ledge;)

"it's a good thing the early settlers landed on the east coast... if they landed in sf the rest of the country would be uninhabited." - herbert mye

after growing up in utah and living in nyc, i've decided that i'm perfectly fine never experiencing a winter again. although summer here is very cold, i'll take it any day. because when the fog rolls out, it's absolutely beautiful. then don't forget the abundance of things to do. the kid attractions are amazing, the nature is breathtaking, the food is fattening (although you'll find yourself a fair share of 'avocado power bowls.'), and the architecture is stunning. it's a very charismatic city.

>>> he's as needy as ever right now. sos.

"there are a thousand viewpoints in this viewtiful city." - herb caen. 

when the fog rolls in and covers half of the golden gate bridge, it's pretty cool. when i'm about to drive down a crazy steep hill and all i can see is the bay straight ahead, it's pretty humbling. when we hit up the playground in the presidio and are surrounded by trees on one side and victorians on the other, i'm in awe. it's so so cool. and i can't wait to see more.

>>> beach trips are in regular order here. although sweaters are the usual attire. this was a fluke.

"it's an odd thing, but it's said that anyone who disappears is in sf." - oscar wilde. 

that's the truth. today i'm walking to the park with a friend and we run into a friend of hers. as we're walking away she says "that's _____ getty. you know the getty's of LA...." uh yeah.

apparently danielle steele lives somewhere around here. as do a variety of other celebrities. who knew. i'd never guess this is where the famous would land, but who wouldn't want to disappear here??

>>> they can sing every song from trolls, but they don't know what to do with a trash can. heaven help us.

>>> see instagram for the story behind this find.

"i've always been better treated in sf than i actually deserve." - mark twain.

again, true words! the people here are freakishly nice. our super opens doors for me, changes high lightbulbs, brings up our packages... all for free and even smiling! it's weird.

the moms on the playground don't get mad when sam throws sand, they literally say "oh, he's just a kid who's still learning..." in nyc i would've left the playground crying after being chewed out by the nanny.

i think life here is just easier, so everyone is happier. go figure;)

>>> the dance parties here are dope (that's california slang for very cool)! always a festival with dancing and singing. we're trying to learn how to dance as cool...

"i can walk down the streets of sf. here i am normal." - robin williams.

i asked a friend yesterday, "so even though it's august, can i wear my fur vest because it's so cold?" she replied, "honestly, no one here knows what they're doing. look at that lady, wearing all black with a huge scarf. then that one there is wearing the brightest sundress we've ever seen... clearly no one knows what to do."

that is the truth. anytime i'm uncertain on what to wear (i don't think robin williams was talking about his wardrobe, but i'll use it in reference to my wardrobe), i just think about that guy i saw today wearing a grey womans wig, stilettos and a camouflage jumpsuit. i can assure i'm not going out in that everyday.

"chicago is the great american city, new york is one of the capitals of the world, and los angeles is a constellation of plastic; san francisco is a lady." - norman mailer

i couldn't tell you why it's true. but it is! there's just a feeling here that feels.... classy. obviously it's not classy like paris, but for the states, it's classy.

>>> picture taken while on a hike in berkley... and berkley is exactly what we've all imagined. it smells like pachouli and everyone is wearing linen gauchos and dreds. unless you'r that guy in a land rover dressed in vineyard vines and loafers. it's hilarious.

"if you're alive, you can't be bored in san francisco. if you're not alive, san francisco will bring you to life." — william saroyan

i always said if you're bored in nyc, it's your own fault. but i do feel that if you're bored in nyc and want to get lost, then you'll definitely be lost. it's hard to be lost here because everything is so bright and there are people who are aware. in fact, i don't think i've seen one person yet crossing the street and looking down at a phone....?

"i was married once — in san francisco. i haven't seen her for many years. the great earthquake and fire in 1906 destroyed the marriage certificate. there's no legal proof. which means that earthquakes aren't always bad." — w.c. fields.

doesn't pertain to us at all, but i thought it was funny, because i am terrified on where i'll be when the next earthquake hits. please not on a bridge... haha!

 "i don't think san francisco needs defending. i never meet anyone who doesn't love the place, americans or others." — doris lessing

i was constantly defending nyc. and i always will. so many people hate it there. but i actually have yet to meet anyone who hates san francisco.

>>> on the hunt for the best little beach town in the bay area. so far capitola is taking the lead.

so there you have it! this is home now and we're making the most of it. and when this, what seems like, eternal fog clears out, come and visit! we've got the perfect place for your air mattress;)