Bits of Life

Golden Gate Bridge Adventure /  by Kate Brightbill

IMG_3377.jpg

Birthdays. 

I remember my fourth birthday clearly, and not another until seven. Sophie's fourth birthday was spent on a plane. I put a stick that said "happy birthday" in every meal she ate that day, and we had a grand time traveling cross country together. She requested Thai food for dinner on her birthday, then fell asleep, jetlagged, at the table. Safe to say that she may not remember that day when she is an adult.

We set out for FIVE to be a memorable birthday. One of those that she can remember in her 30's and beyond. My husband picked the perfect bike for our big girl, and she could hardly speak when she saw it... she just whispered "it's beautiful!" and ran to her daddy's arms. We spent thanksgiving morning riding it here and there and everywhere... and then we thought about making the day MEMORABLE, and took it a step further. 

My sister sent me a link to 101 things that kids growing up in San Francisco should do, and it's about time: we needed to walk across the bridge. We loaded the car and took a drive to the beautiful landmark. Sophie biked on the walk side, so we were rule-breakers a little, but she was giggling and blissfully happy. What took us so long to get over there?

What a gorgeous, amazing day. 

IMG_3248.jpg
IMG_3267.jpg
IMG_3255.jpg
IMG_3300.jpg
IMG_3292.JPG
IMG_3277.JPG
IMG_3333.JPG
IMG_3319.JPG
IMG_3310.jpg

This weekend was big and dramatic and increased the thankfulness levels tenfold. One trip to the ER and one significant car accident for family {everyone is FINE in both cases} shook us up and made us recognize the incredible blessing that is our health. I'm finding myself a bit extra protective for my loved ones and wanting to hold them close and kiss them extra and tell them how much I love them. 

Happy Thanksgiving weekend and now welcome to December! Ahhh how I adore the Christmas season. 

xoxo.

 

Beautiful November /  by Kate Brightbill

IMG_2966.JPG

Today we were walking past a million leaves and my children begged us to let them play for five minutes with the leaves. The begging was unnecessary. It was a dreamy scenario for any kid and we had nowhere to be {ahhh, I'm savoring the blissful last days before school begins and forces us to adhere to regimented schedules}, so obviously we said yes. 

Also obviously, I took pictures of every bit of their excitement. It was one of those moments where our hearts were all so bright and content and grateful all at once. 

IMG_2961.JPG
IMG_2954.jpg
IMG_2955.jpg

(Maggie didn't quite realize that when said 1-2-3!!! It meant it was time to throw the leaves). 

IMG_2940.jpg

xoxo.

Deep Thoughts: Corner Stores /  by Kate Brightbill

corner stores.jpg

This series is brought to you by "things I think about more than I should and it's time to put to writing." Not deep at all.

San Francisco has corner stores everywhere. In most neighborhoods you can find a small market within a few short blocks of walking. This, my friends, is a corner store. When we were kids, we scoped out the best corner stores for 25 cent bags of chips and lemonheads, and ohhh, BubbleYum... responsible for about 65% of all cavities for children born in the 80's. A different corner store was responsible for supplying us with 5-cent "sour power" which came before sour belts and sour patch kids, and far better than sour straws. Corner stores have always had their place in my life. 

They say you never know the good things until they're gone. True that. The corner store near our old home was that GOOD thing in the world of corner stores. The best deal on lunchmeats! Fresh fruit salad! Delicious sandwiches! And most importantly: the kindest people ever.

My corner stores {we have four options going all different directions} are all more standard. Subpar. They're there for you when you need a last-minute meal, and you peruse Pinterest to find that incredible recipe that requires five or fewer ingredients so you don't have to actually trek extra blocks to the real stores. These stores are there for you. 

BUT... they also may have only 7 avocados to choose from, half over-ripe {good luck!}. They may only have the white beans that need to boil for three hours, and they may charge 50% more than they should, but they're there for me. Sometimes I absolutely love them {tortilla chips on taco night!}, sometimes I absolutely hate them {$2 for a CAN of white beans!?}, but they're there for me. 

The question and the REAL reason for this entire post and what I ask myself every time: 

What is cheaper, really?

If I go to Trader Joes, I'll probably go for - say, oranges- and then get in there and say to myself, oooh, but the CHEESE. The cheese needs crackers! Or bread! Or both.... and we probably should have some cinnamon almonds in the house too... 

SO the quick run for oranges at the grocery store is $20. 

I've answered my own question... I should have picked the corner store. $3 oranges. 

Yes on the price. Yes on the calories. Over and out. 

xoxo.