This weekend was one of hosting. Not web hosting, kids, people hosting. I love sharing San Francisco with friends. I want people to experience the places I call my favorite. Personally, I love my taste, so shouldn’t everyone?

Tracy was in town for her work. Here she is enjoying a latte this morning, post-breakfast, pre-cream puff. I’ve known her since 1991 when I was a little suburban child who moved to the big city of Philadelphia. We ran in the same activist and punk-esque circles. Luckily, I get to pay her to be my friend, as my company hires her company to do web work. And, as you’ll see in a future post, her company’s going to build my swim team’s new site.

She arrived on Friday and we had sushi for lunch at Hotei (across the street from sister restaurant and best sushi in town, Ebisu). Delish. I don’t get sushi that often because someone I sleep with doesn’t like it.

Then, we drove over to my office to give her coworker a tour and load them up with product. Dinner was at my favorite East German restaurant (oft-mentioned here), Walzwerk).

Tracy’s gig was on Saturday, so I didn’t see her. Instead, new-to-town and Scout connection, Dottie and the man went out on a photo tour. I joined them after swim practice for another favorite, burritos at Papalote. Which, of course, had to be followed by a Ritual Roasters‘ latte.

This morning’s breakfast was a bust, so no link to that. But Tracy had time for another latte (pictured above) and a cream puff (as did the manfriend) at Beard Papa’s before catching her plane back to Philly, her wife and her gorgeous daughter.

So, if you’re coming to town, you can pretend you’re me and enjoy these fine establishments. Don’t mind the hipsters, the food is fab and worth it.

After much futzing around on YouTube, I finally uploaded the video from yesterday. Enjoy!

No, my team isn’t this good. Not yet.

Go tell one of my favorite knitters, Rachael, to have a fabulous birthday! While you’re there, read about the miracle reunion of Digit, one tough little kitty.

There’s something I never imagined I’d be typing… Not being the overly patriotic type, and mostly vegetarian, the 4th of July holiday doesn’t do much for me. I don’t really want to celebrate our government’s actions, our country’s reputation in the world or the alleged independence and democracy our president it spreading.

That said, what could be more American than spending the day with the US Olympic team, as they prepare to go to the Pan Am Games in Rio? My swim team was invited to their practice this morning and got to watch our country’s best synchronized swimmers do their thing. It’s beyond inspirational.

For all the joking about the sport, the make up and the Martin Short SNL skit, these are incredible athletes who I admire. To see them live is breath-taking. Swim high, hard and in formation!

More photos on my flickr page. Video removed 7/5 and will be reposted once YouTube has finished processing it.

It’s the start of a brand-new day.
A little knitting at the breakfast table.

Delicious coffee.

Some Cheerios.

And, posting this is going to make me late to work.

(extra points if you can finish the vacation Bible school song lyric from the title!)

Thanks for so many kind words, both here and on flickr about the Brancusi sock. Although I was proud of the design, hearing that other people respond to positively makes it that much better. And after a day like today at work, you guys were my highlight.

Coming home after 10 1/2 hours at the office, not working out, no walk in the park for Janie Sparkles, and no sense of accomplishment or pride in what I did today makes me understand addictive behaviour. All I wanted to do was eat a bowl of buttered noodles and bricks of cheese. I understand why people eat or shop to fill an emotional void. Anything to provide a little release or break from the mundane that weighs us down. Don’t worry, I didn’t go out and buy an iPhone…

Dinner with C and a friend at a local pasta joint (how I love thee, starches) was a better end to a day that hopefully won’t be repeated tomorrow. Knowing that knitting is sitting there, waiting to be done, whether or not it’s my design, gives me comfort. Being able to share this activity with like-minded souls (and soles) instills peace.

So, thanks again. And for anyone else who’s had a hectic Monday (or Tuesday or Friday or anyday), go touch your fiber, hug your loved ones or animals, think about the things that truly matter, and smile.