Silversun Birthday

Happy Birthday Kyle! For your birthday we did some really fun things:

1. Ate at Mua, the brussel sprouts were so tasty and the tofu was cooked to perfection.

2. Opened presents: a nice button down from All Saints to snaz up your closet.

3. An evening at the Fox with Silversun Pickups and Against Me.

You are quite an amazing fellow! Thank you for being born!

Sending you lot's of Birthday Love!!!!

Santi Tortilla's BBQ Birthday

This weekend we celebrated my friend and climbing partner, Santi Portilla's birthday. We BBQed at La Loma Park in Berkeley. His mom made some kick ass food and the weather was amazing. It was a great time being lazy with friends. Happy Birthday my Tortilla! XO!

Turtle Rock

Last weekend I was sad that I couldn't take a road trip to climb so my amazing friends joined me for a quick day session at Marin's Turtle Rock. I worked on my project there (some V6-V8 traverse, not sure) and finished all the moves and I actually think I might be able to put it together in the very near future-just need a tad more endurance.

The day was a blast. We got in some good climbing, some sun, wonderful views, a whole lot of silliness and even had dinner at the Pelican Inn.

It was good fun. It felt great to be outside and be in the company of lovely friends. Yay for friends, sunshine, climbing outside, and yummy food!

The 1st round of highlights-Paris

Well, after 3 weeks of jet setting I am back on Cali soil. I am exhausted but so glad I went to Europe with my mom. Paris was inspiring in so many ways. The food was amazing, the culture was rich, the art was impeccable, and the architecture was breath-taking. And on top of it all the people were so stylish, beautiful, and hip that they made the SF hipster look like a dork who's trying too hard. Ah, Paris, I envy you.

Here are a few of the little things I loved in Paris!

1. Crepe carts

2. Lemon and herb dressed Greek salad paired with champagne spiked with raspberry syrup

3. Fresh bake croissants and cafe

4. Random fruit stands

5. Art and history

6. Flea markets and craft fairs

7. My favorite French restaurant in Gare de Lyon, Le Europeen

(and me wearing a striped shirt to feel authentically French)

8. Outdoor cafes at night

9. Quality time with mom.

10. The Eiffel Tower

11. The left bank

12. Carousels

Girls night out

On Tuesday Daniela and I went out to Mua and had dinner and drinks. We tried out my new Fuji Mini max camera and I am physched on it! Check out these fun little mini Polaroids it takes! I am so excited to take this to Europe and snap some awesome pics.

The Slanted Door

Images via here and here

Last night I went to San Francisco to meet Leighsa for dinner to celebrate her vow renewal to her husband Ronnie (since the first time around, they eloped). They had the ceremony during the week and I couldn't get out of work so I was glad to meet her last night, give her a wedding gift, and catch up. We had dinner at the Slanted Door in the Ferry building. It was packed so we sat in the bar and order apps and wine. We got Japanese yellow tail with crispy shallots and Thai basil, crispy vegetarian imperial rolls, daikon rice cakes with shiitake mushrooms and shallots, and green papaya salad with tofu. The food was amazing. It was my first time eating there, I definitely recommend checking it out!

St. Patty's Day

Last night some friends and I got together for a few St. Patty's day drinks after a good session of gym climbing. We hit up an Oakland local spot, Cafe Van Kleef. They have the most amazing Greyhounds (which happens to be my drink of choice). They make theirs with fresh squeezed sweet grapefruits from Mexico and each drink comes complete with a giant wedge of grapefruit. Yum! The evening was awesome. There is nothing like killing the pain of forearm pump with a tasty drink and the entertainment of friends. Happy belated St. Patty's day everyone!


*Photo from NY times: http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/10/oakland-eclectic-cafe-van-kleef/

An evening at Tamarindo

Last night I went to dinner at Tamarindo with some of my favorite ladies: Leighsa (my honorary big sister), her mama (who is pretty much a mom to me too), and Audrey (my roomie and one of my closest friends). These women have hearts of gold and have been with me through it all. They are the one's who have been there in the darkest moments of my life and have also been there to celebrate some of the biggest and most wonderful times too. I feel so lucky to have them. I love you all!

PS-Leighsa, thank you for the lovely black pearl necklace. It is beautiful!

BOBA!

How can a drink be so interesting? It's just liquid you suck through a straw, right? Ah, but that's the beauty of Boba, it's not just liquid-it's chewy treats too! Lately, my addiction for Boba is out of hand, I have to have at least 1-2 a week! For those of you who haven't experienced the joy of Boba I have included a link to the history below.

These tasty tapioca and tea treats are at the top of my indulgence list right now! My favorite spot is J&S Coffee Tea House in the Pacific East Mall in El Cerrito. It's right next to Bridges Rock Gym and makes for a great mid climbing refreshment. I recommend trying a classic milk tea or coffee milk tea at first and then venture into the more interesting flavors. Yum, Boba!

History of Boba (Bubble Tea)

http://www.bobateashop.com/bhistory.php

The Weekend is Over

Sadly, it's Monday and the weekend is over. How was your weekend? I spent the weekend in town, which these days is a rarity. I had a night out on the town in Oakland and had some amazing sushi at Ozumo. The sashimi starter was my favorite, it was fresh and delicious. This is definitely a go to spot in Oakland. We hung out in the bar watched the Olympics and ate delectable sushi.


This weekend I also spent some time with my dear puppy, Amos. Amos had surgery on Friday and had to have a growth removed from his jaw. I spent most of Saturday lounging on the couch with him and making sure he was resting and comfortable. He is such a little trooper. He is recovery nicely and he can't wait to get outside and play!



To wrap up the weekend I watched some mindless TV marathons with friends and caught some more of the Olympics. I also spent some time climbing at the gym after hours. It felt good to be climbing with friends again after my finger injury and I am more motivated than ever to get back into shape and climb hard.



Have a Happy Week Everyone!

Love,
Izzy