Bi Bim Bap, Half-Birthday, and Oysters

Julia is launching a radio show on Arouse with her friend Caitlyn. They will feature Indie music. It sounds like a lot of fun and she's already met more cool people to hang out with and learn the biz. Stay tuned... more info to come.

Julia went to Diaspora (Korean restaurant) for some bi bim bap and also the nearby staple, Panera. Congrats on her efforts this past week to eat more healthfully, to exercise regularly, and to go to bed at a reasonable time. Yes, music to parents' ears.

I tried smoked oysters for the first time--at my desk, straight from the tin--and loved them! I had to avoid looking at the oysters; the shape and color was quite off-putting. However, I did enjoy the taste and texture. I'm not ready for raw, but I would definitely order them smoked. Baby steps.

Julia's half-birthday was January 25. She is officially 18 1/2. These half birthdays are important to summer babies, who never get to celebrate the event while in/at school.

 

Melt, Jeni's, Apartment, and Encore!

Julia's first full week back at school--rather light with classes going over the syllabus and such. Still huge buzz on campus after the championship win for OSU against the ducks. Work was crazy busy, with everyone back from vacation and beginning the third quarter of the fiscal year.

Besides some great food at Melt and Jeni's, Julia attended a hockey game and secured her first apartment! Very exciting! The apartment is in a great location and hopefully they will enjoy being off campus next year.

Steven turned 46 on the 13th. We went to Kabob House--Afghan and so good--and bought a new Buick Encore!

San Francisco Trip

First time trip to the West Coast for Julia and Steven! We stayed at the Hilton Hotel in Union Square--busy and bustling one way, bums the other way. It was surprising to see how many homeless and deranged characters were on the streets. We saw and ate a lot. Major highlights were the scenery (amazing mountain and Bay views), the bike tour, and Muir Woods. My best meal was in Sausalito, smoked salmon and egg frittata.

Sausalito, CA

Chinatown

Haight-Ashbury

Bathroom mural in Haight-Ashbury

Union Square Christmas Tree

View from Telegraph Hill (near Coit Tower)

Coit Tower

Lombard Street (crookedest street)

Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Bridge

Pier 39 with the seals!

Bay Bridge

View from Mount Tamalpais (near Muir Woods)

Redwood Trees