I’m a pretty good writer so I wasn’t expecting a lot of corrections, just maybe a missing ‘and’ and a ‘their’ spelled ‘there’ here and there. I received an email with a link to my document about 28 hours later and well ahead of schedule. Boy, was I surprised. My blog post apparently had a number of mistakes that only the sharpest eye could catch. It was a good wake-up call for me because there were a lot of mistakes I missed all together. The blog post sounded so much more focused and clear after I got it back from eproofread. While I can’t afford to use them for every blog post, this was helpful for me to realize where I need to improve my writing. After perusing through their site, I also found out they do resume editing as well. I’m not looking for a new job right now, but if any of my readers are, be sure to check out the professional proofreaders at eProofread.

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It seems like everytime my fiance and I decide to have a movie date night, we always end up amongst the flocks of people at Loews Metreon and Century Theaters. Last night, we decided to break the mold and check out what was playing at Embarcadero Cinema. The last time we were there we watched Slumdog Millionaire, and it won the Oscar for Best Movie in 2009. We stumbled across “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” on Rotten Tomatoes (my favorite movie review site ever) and since it got 83% fresh, we decided to check it out.

The movie would fit in the suspense-thriller category. The two lead characters, Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist, are so utterly mismatched that the relationship they develop throughout the story is so intriguing. It is a Swedish movie, so for those of you that aren’t blessed with 20/20 vision, you will need your specks to read the subtitles.

Lisbeth gives the movie its edge. She is one of the strangest and most eccentric female heroines I have ever seen in a movie, and her story and personality will just blow you away. There is something about her character that just draws you into her.

I don’t want to give too much away about this movie, but be prepared to sit at the edge of your seat the entire length of the movie (its a little over 2 hours). And for those who have weak stomachs, there are certain scenes that may just be too much to handle. The Swedish name of the movie is ‘Man Som Hatar Kvinnor’ which translates into ‘Men Who Hate Women’  so that should give you some kind of idea of what this movie is about. Salander and Blomkvist set out to unravel a deep family secret from 40 years past. And trust me, it is deep and twisted.

They say that the US of A is going to make its own Hollywood remake of this story-line, but they definitely have some big shoes to fill because this movie takes the cake as the best movie I have ever seen. Ever.

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A couple nights ago, I had the amazing opportunity to meet with Chris Martin and Martin Dawson. Don’t know who I am talking about? Then read their story here: Golden Gate Endeavor.

On Friday, November 13th, Chris and Mick stepped onto land after 189 days, 10 hours, and 55 minutes of rowing across the North Pacific Ocean. And when asked what their first meal was when they reached San Francisco, “Steak and Eggs,” they said.

Chris and Mick are two Brit guys who decided to do the impossible, to row, in their specially designed rowboat, from Choshi, Japan to San Francisco, USA. And hearing them speak about their adventures was enticing on its own.

I mean to think about two guys, out in the middle of the ocean, rowing every two hours, while the other prepares meals, catches some shut eye, or even blogs, is just incredible! At some points along their journey, they encountered sharks, a pack of 50 dolphins on a mission to get somewhere, and even 60 foot waves, all to fulfill their mission of doing what was thought impossible.

So…how has hearing their story changed my life? Well, it’s not like I am going to spend hours on the rowing maching at the gym and start practicing for my ocean rowing adventure, but what I am going to do is this. I am going to follow my dreams. No matter what it takes. I am not going to let fear inhibit me from anything. I am going to live my life to the fullest and take life as it comes. That’s what I am going to do. How about you?

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Zippgo, is a fresh, new company that will basically change how the Bay Area will move.  They provide 100% recycled plastic boxes to people like you and me who are on the move. And that’s not all! They are also working with corporations to assist with business moves.

The idea behind Zippgo is a simple one: to provide an environmentally friendly solution to moving that costs less and is super convenient. They are basically revolutionizing the way Bay Arean’s move by reducing the amount of cardboard that is used during moves, and replacing it with these plastic boxes that can be reused many many times!

Not only is this environmentally friendly, it is very easy to use! Just let them know when you need the boxes, how long you need them for, and how big your place is, and they will coordinate with you a time to drop them off at your door. So no more time wasting scouring for boxes or finding a friend to drive you to the nearest UHaul: these boxes will come directly to you, and will be picked up directly from you. It can’t be easier!

In addition to plastic boxes, they are offering additional eco-friendly moving supplies such as packing paper, Expandos (which are the eco-friendly version of styrofoam peanuts), and Geami wrap (eco-friendly version of bubble wrap).

So when it comes time for your next move, keep Zippgo in mind. They will take care of you!

Oh yea, they have a booth at next weekend’s Green Festival at the San Francisco Concourse and Exhibition Center so be sure to come by and meet the amazing people behind Zippgo.

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Why does it have to be so darn scary to ride the bus these days? Why can’t there be some kind of security or feeling of safety when a rider walks onto a bus?

The other night, after making a quick stop in Union Square from work, I got into the N-Judah at Powell Street. Now, the N-Judah is generally suspicious-people free, but that wasn’t the case that evening. A group of four guys who were VERY suspicious got on the train at the same time I did. It was a little later in the evening so there weren’t that many commuters riding the train to begin with. I sat down, and these guys sat in the seats in front of me. Once the doors closed, after about a minute since we had all gotten on the train, one of the guys looked at another guy, got up, and sat in the seat right behind me. For no apparent reason!

You can imagine what I was feeling when that happened. I immediately held my purse even tighter, and tried to avoid any eye contact. The entire ride home, my heart was racing as I envisioned the worst possible things that could happen on that ride.

As soon as I got off the train, I called my fiance who was equally concerned about what I had just told him. I was scared shitless and I felt if something were to have happened to me, then what? I would then be a real life example of the kind of bodies that Benson and Stabler come across on Law and Order: SVU. And that is not the way I want my life to end.

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According to a recent article in Forbes Magazine last week, San Francisco made the top 10 list of the World’s Most Happiest Cities. And guess what? We were the only US city to make the list. Holla!

Here are the other cities across the globe that made the list:

1) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2) Sydney, Australia

3) Barcelona, Spain

4) Amsterdam, Netherlands

5) Melbourne, Australia

6) Madrid, Spain

7) San Francisco, CA XOXOXO

8 ) Rome, Italy

9) Paris, France

10) Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Bakar Fitness and Recreation Center @ UCSF Mission Bay

When it comes to gyms, this one’s the cream of the crop. With a rock climbing wall and an outdoor pool on the roof, an indoor pool, squash and racquetball courts, basketball court, every possible group fitness class out there, and state of the art cardio and circuit training equipment, it just can’t be beat. It is a gym that makes working out fun again.

Delfina Pizzeria – Mission

Just the other day, I made a post about the best pizza in San Francisco, according to the locals. For me, Delfina Pizzeria is just phenomenal. Every time I take a bite into the Salsiccia Thin Crust, I feel like I’m in heaven. They have two locations now, the original in the Mission and the newest in Pacific Heights. There is something about the Mission location that makes it my favorite. And of course, can’t beat the fact that Bi-Rite Ice Creamery and Delores Park is right across the street.

Tuttimelon – Marina

It seems like Frozen Yogurt places are popping up all over the place. There are probably over 15-20 different Frozen Yogurt brands within San Francisco city limits, but the one brand that always makes me wanting more is Tuttimelon. They have several locations throughout the city, but the Marina location is my favorite. The staff there is super friendly, and their toppings just always look pristine, not to mention, they are never out of my favorites: gummi bears and captain crunch! Yum!

South Park

Being a doggy-mama, you can bet on me knowing some of the best dog parks in San Francisco. This hidden gem is my favorite dog park. A cute oval shaped park, with a kiddie playground in the middle, surrounded by cute little boutiques and cafes, make it feel like you are in some remote European town, playing fetch with your pooch.

Ferry Building Farmers Market

I pretty much never have an excuse to do nothing on a Saturday morning. The Farmers Market is pretty much the most ideal way to spend a Saturday morning. With an abundance of fresh flowers, organic produce and veggies, and other little nick-nacks, it is always bound to be a great way to start your weekend.

Swig

I may be a little biased about this place, but hey I cant help it. I randomly met my beau here. It will always hold a special place in my heart. PS, the bartenders here make awewome drinks.

Town Hall

When it comes to restaurants, this is number one in my books. The ham and cheese toast with the decadent jalapeno cream sauce and the buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy are my staples here. And when I am feeling even more gutsy, I top off my meal with the Pumpkin Sticky Toffee Cake. ( G’on, log onto Open Table and make that reservation.)

Union Square

I am not talking about the shopping, but in fact THE actual Union Square. That area right on top of the parking garage. On nice sunny days, I grab the current book I am reading, get a Jamba smoothie from the downstairs of Macys, and find a nice little spot right on the steps of Union Square.

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1) They are wearing an Alcatraz sweatshirt that says “Psycho Ward” with shorts in July

2) They refer to the city as San Fran or Frisco

3) They have a camera around their neck and asks you for directions to Fishermans Wharf

4) They stand around the Union Square street performers watching them in awe, as though they have never seen anything like it

5) They are gathered around the Cable Car turnarounds at Powell Street and Ghirardelli Square waiting for their turn on San Francisco’s infamous moving landmark

6) They ask you where the beach is in North Beach

7) When riding MUNI, they continue to get up at each stop to look at the route map

8 ) They ask you where the nearest Rice-a-Roni vendor is

9) They ride bikes with a big Blazing Saddle sign on the front and drive little yellow cars around the city

10) They dine at Chevys and California Pizza Kitchen

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In honor of the 60th anniversary of the classic childhood game, Candyland, starting early Wednesday AM, Lombard Street is going to be transformed into a real life version of the popular boardgame.

Clearly, the street will be closed to traffic, as children from the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center participate in the beloved game as colored game pieces and interact with life-size game characters. Remember Queen Frostine and Gramma Nut? Wouldn’t it be freaking awesome to meet the life size version of these popular characters?

Can I play?

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Well, it may not stop you anymore!

I recently came across this site called Groupon where each day it features an unbeatable deal on the best stuff to do, see, eat, and buy in San Francisco. They basically work with businesses by promising them a minimum number of customers , and wah-lah, if that minimum is met, everyone gets the deal. (Your credit card will not be charged until the minimum is met.)

Recently, San Francisco gave out deals for $13 Manicures at Tip Toes, $20 off to Parea Wine Bar, and a $15 Bay Cruise. And it just gets better and better.

So if there is something that comes up that you totally LOVE LOVE LOVE, then make sure you tell all your friends about it and make sure the minimum is met. It’s exciting, nerve-wrecking and easy, all at the same time!!

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