Restless feet

At this moment a good friend is road-tripping it cross country, from West to East. Following his blog is rekindling my own wanderlust. I have come to realize that I am just not happy unless I am planning adventures. So my head is now filled with potential travels. Until these bucket list vacations can be made a reality, I will just have to be content with local experiences and staycations. There are 70 items on my bucket list, and all but 5 are travel-related.

I don't live large-- I drive a 10-year-old Japanese import, bought my one good purse at an outlet store, and shop at the cheapest grocery store in town. Last month workers in our city, which , of course, includes library employees, took a large pay cut. Next month will be worse. It doesn't bother me that I'm always going to be shopping at discount stores, and have to cut back wherever I can. What does bother me is that I may not be able to make many of my travel dreams a reality.

Of course, this will all change after Colin Firth and I are married.

~Lizzie~

In a galaxy far, far away....

Emma and Lizzie will embark on a mission to AT&T Park where they will watch the Giants whoop the Arizona Diamondbacks back to their snake hole. They will be dressed in Star Wars garb, for it is Star Wars day at the park.

Pictures and travel goodness will follow!

xoxo
Emma

OMG.... too much goodness!

September 30th, 2009
Originally uploaded by Edgar Wright

Edgar Wright is from England. He directed things that I love and adore. Lizzie and I went to England. We passed this place.... a few months before he took this picture. Lizzie loved the Jack the Ripper Tour.

I love Edgar Wright.

WonderCon = WonderFUL!

Scout and I had an amazing time at WonderCon. One of the best things I could do with her was to expose her to "nerds like her" (her words, not mine!!!). My co-worker, Che, had told me to prepare Scout for "being the coolest kid in school that isn't popular". How true he was. Scout is interested in things that her peers don't care about:

Classmates: Jersey Shore
Scout: Big Bang Theory / Firefly

Classmates: Sucker Punch / Easy-A  (we're talking 7th grade here)
Scout: Scott Pilgrim / Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog

Classmates: Twilight
Scout: Anything she can get her hands on that's age appropriate

It was awesome to see her react to the costumes, the merchandise and the people. As a whole, comic book convention goers are pretty nice. They always take the time to talk to you and they're genuinely interested in the nerdiness of others. Case in point: Scout and I chose some kick ass Firefly artwork. The artist was there, signed the work and talked to us about how nice Fillion was and how grateful he was to do something he loved. I mentioned that I had seen him at ComicCon, but didn't purchase because I had to fly home. I was purchasing this time because I was closer to home and could transport the artwork in a car. When I purchased the artwork, he put it in a hard plastic sleeve with a handle. This ensured that everyone could see the artwork, it would keep it safe AND flat. No matter where Scout and I were, people stopped us to look at the artwork and comment on how cool it was and how much they loved Firefly. Scout was in awe. No longer was she the nerd at school trying to preach the Legend of Jayne... there were people who KNEW it! 

It's a shame I can't take her to ComicCon, but in time, we will go together and she will love every minute of it!! 

change of plans!

It's the weekend for mother-daughter fun! Scout will become an honorary Library Girl this weekend as we traverse the wilds of WonderCon! The weirder the costumes... the better! 

Nerdy mom-daughter weekend adventures!! :D 

Library Girls (and Scout) go to the City

New and weird adventures await us at WonderCon 2011 in San Francisco next week. Join the Library Girls (and junior girl, Scout) as we traverse the crazy world of comics. Join us for excitement!! 

Gratitude above all things...

It's always at the end of vacation, on the way back home, when I really being to digest the trip as a whole. This trip was the right amount of excitement, relaxation, insanity and fun. Since Lizzie and I became friends, I have realized just how lucky I was to find the best travel friend ever. While Scout is the best travel kid ever, I am so thrilled in being able to truly enjoy travelling with someone who embodies a positive travel philosophy. Some of the best memories I've had during this trip was the simplicity of the shared experience.

I've traveled to many places with friends and family. During that time, I've taken a lot of notes about what works and what doesn't work. Those notes have prepared me for the day when I would find a good travel friend in Lizzie. Traveling with others really gives you a sense of what you do and do not want in an experience. Here are some of the little things I've learned along the way:

1) Research is awesome. A time table to help establish things is helpful. Sometimes things don't work out as planned and sometimes adjustments have to be made. Good research helps derail disappointment for things like operating hours.

2) It's okay to not spend every minute of every vacation day together. It's fun to experience different things then return with exciting stories to share. Lizzie and I each had a day to ourselves in London and Paris. For me, those 2 days made me feel nomandic and happy. I loved sharing my day with Lizzie and loved hearing about her day out!

3) Local food is amazing. Seek it out and get the true essence of the city you're visiting. Lizzie and I have enjoyed great meals in every city we've visited. Expand your taste buds!

4) Planning ahead with your entire group is a necessity. Don't waste a lot of time arguing in hotel rooms or stopped cars on where you're going/eating/visiting. Decent planning means that you have a lot of your bases covered and what people want and do not want during the trip!

5) GPS is awesome... but be prepared for the time that it stops wanting to give directions. Paper maps still work!

6) Where one traveler is weak, the other is strong. Embrace your knowledge and know when to concede to your travel friend for their knowledge.

7) (most important) Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility. Remember the trip isn't about only you. There are other people involved who are interested in other things! ;)  No trip is perfect, but the way you and your travel partners approach challenges can make or break a trip.

There isn't a day when I don't appreciate how lucky I am. I'm grateful for every second that I'm alive and living my life in the moment. Life IS a journey and I'm so fortunate to have good people around me.

Raise your glass, kiddies, to ADVENTURES!  :)

xoxoxoxo
Emma

A free, quiet moment to write about Sunday!

Laundry is in the dryer. Lizzie is napping after the late breakfast and I have a moment to myself to steal the computer and write about our travels.

Before I begin on Sunday's adventures, I'd like to say that driving through Arizona / Phoenix at night is boring. It was also dark. No lights and all together scary when you're on a 2 lane freeway through the desert. Our drive that was supposed to be 5 hours started to leak into 6 hours with the sudden emergence of road closures due to both accidents and construction. We were very angry and tired monkeys when we arrived at our hotel.

That being said, let me tell you about Sunday... our first real day in Phoenix. We got to the hotel at about 1 AM and found out that the hotel clocks said 2 AM. Our phone clocks said 1 AM but hadn't reset. One of the fantastic parts of our day was finding out that my hotel scouting and reservations paid off in a room that was over 30% off the current rate because I had booked so early. Our very basic and out of the way hotel in Mesa was at capacity due to Spring Training. Yay us!!  :D

The first game was in Surprise, AZ at Surprise Stadium. This was the venue that was furthest away from our hotel. At an hour drive through very un-picturesque landscape, we were happy to arrive and find our seats. We were not prepared for the heat (a crazy 88 degrees) and how close we were to the field (right past the 3rd base bag in the 5th row). They were so close!

The Giants stomped on the Rangers with a great score of 11-8. Take that, Claw fanatics! Their food at their stadium was lackluster. The only thing that was delicious there was the shared sno-cone. Perfect for the weather!

The day was capped with a trip to Alice Cooperstown for dinner. I had the veggie sandwich (which promised grilled veggies... and ended up being some marinated mushrooms and salad mix crap) and Lizzie enjoyed pasta with andouille sausage, chicken and a cream sauce. I had one bite and it was tasty.  I whittled my sandwich down to random carrot shreds and looked around at other goodies. There's a 2 ft hot dog called "The Big Unit". When someone orders it, there's a huge bell that goes off so everyone looks to see who is eating the Unit. Heh. It got annoying after the 2nd time. The first time, I thought it was a fire drill.

Back at the hotel, Lizzie and I stressed out about Monday's game and our big surprise which we will write about soon.... with pictures. There are some people who know about our project, but we will reveal more soon.

Be well and travel safely!
xoxoxoxox
Emma

Special shout out to Yoda!!!

 

Hello Yoda!!

We're sorry!!!

Lizze and I had anticipated more writing on the blog. Before we run out to breakfast, I'll try to put some fun tidbits on here (and add more when we return and are doing laundry).

Sunday was our first game at Surprise Stadium in the city of Surprise (!). The stadium was new and beautiful. It was the right venue for the Giants to beat their World Series Rivals, the Texas Rangers! The food was meh... but the one treat that Lizzie and I enjoyed on a hot day was a Sno-Cone. We shared a Cherry / Watermelon slushie.

We're off to breakfast, but we'll write more soon!!


xoxoxo

Emma

let it begin!!

Pablo is on the field warming up and we are 5 rows away from the green!

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Lucy and Ethel rent a car

So tonight we arrived at McCarren International Airport in Las Veas feeling like experienced world travelers. Everything ran like clockwork. Our flight departed early, was absolutely smooth flying, and we arrived ahead of schedule. Then Lucy and Ethel went to pick up the rental car... and hiarity ensued.

So the process is that you pick out your vehicle (the keys are in the ignition) and they scan the vehicle when you leave the lot. We picked out a blue Nissan Versa-- yes, big spenders-- and Emma pulled the car forward so we could put our luggage in the trunk. Then she tried to get out of the car... and the door wouldn't open. I pulled on the door from the outside, and the door wouldn't open. She was stuck in the car looking sad and defeated and pleading for help.  Getting locked inside the rental car doesn't sound like a good way to start this trip. Finally Emma realized that the door won't open when the key is in the ignition. *facepalm*

Then we tried to pop the trunk, and spent 5 minutes trying to find the lever, only to realize that we could use the key. *double facepalm*

relaxing

Hells to the yeah!

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this is how we do it!

Waiting leisurely at the airport and enjoying the beautiful weather and quiet lobby. Today has been good to us and thanks to Lizzie's smarts, I have downloaded the blogging app for my phone. There's nothing better than a fun adventure with a bestie. we will have touched ground in 3 states by the end of today!

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File under "only in San Francisco"

After our delightful snack at Tartine we stopped by the Bi-Rite Market, just for fun, and then headed through the Mission District toward 101 to get to SFO. On the way we noticed a man sitting alone on a bus stop bench who was having a very animated conversation with himself.... in sign language. Whatever the "voices" in his head were saying, his hands and fingers were flying.

TSA... yay!

Emma is more excited to go through airport security than a normal person. It's quite amusing.  We have an hour before boarding so we're crusing the duty free store. (heh)

Who said getting to the airport has to be a hassle?

We have discovered the joys of a late flight. Since we don't have to be to the airport until 2 p.m., Emma and I are enjoying a Saturday brunch at Tartine in SF. Lattes and pastries before out flight make for a leisurely start to our adventure. This beats battling traffic at 6 am any day!

Memories

It suddenly occurred to me that it has been almost exactly two years since your Library Girls went on our grand trip to London and Paris. It really seems like just yesterday. The best thing about blogging our travels is being able to relive all those wonderful experiences through the pictures and words that we set down. Scrapbooks are lovely, but usually you're writing tidbits about something days, weeks or months after the event actually took place. In documenting our travels as they happen we have truly preserved a moment in time.

And in those short two years technology has made it possible to capture so much more information on the go. This trip we will be blogging via mobile phone. So check back often and you can follow us almost to the minute!

~Lizzie~

We'll follow the sun

Your favorite globe-trotting book pushers will be hitting the road again in just a few days. We've grown weary of these dreary winter skies and are heading to warmer climes. Stay tuned for fun in the sun!

Concerts!!!!

Lizzie and I will be going to see the Decemberists in February. Epic!


xoxo
Emma

Ferry Building Happiness!

My day started off not too differently in terms of when I got up (6 AM) but it did change in what time I left my house (7 AM) and what time I got on BART towards the city (7:55 AM) and what time I made it into the Ferry Building (8:45 AM). My breakfast choice was supposed to be easy: Acme Bread and Cowgirl Creamery Cheese. In entering the building, my brain explodes with the 3 additional choices that jump out:

1) A mind dizzying hybrid of cheese and bread: Cowgirl Creamery Sidekick. Creamery Cheese and Acme Carbs combine to make delicious grilled cheese and various food stuffs.

2) Il Cane Rosso had some yummy meat, egg and potato breakfast choices. (Even if it did replace my favorite French place, Mistral)

3) Boulette's Larder was the fancy schmansy choice. Open kitchen, Acme breads and Blue Bottle Coffee (my indulgence). This is a place where one can easily drop $25-$30 on breakfast... per person.

Too. Many. Choices. All different price points

I temporarily patched the hole in my heart with breakfast at Boulette's Larder. I seem to do that when Scout is gone... gourmet, local goodness to keep the sadness at bay. Upon coming into Boulette's it's a little scary because there's so many fancy jars with fancy spices and an open kitchen... almost like stepping in where you don't belong. The staff squashed that feeling immediately upon seeing me and offered me a table of my own or a seat at the community table. I chose the community table.

A little slice of heaven in a warm kitchen with a view of the Bay Bridge ensconced in fog was my companion. I ordered my breakfast (Eggs scrambled in duck fat with breadcrumbs) and coffee (a glorious pot of Blue Bottle Coffee... all. for me!). The eggs were fluffy and decadent. The breadcrumbs added good texture. I was in heaven and made good to savor every single bite lest my goodness disappear quickly into my tum tum. The coffee was a dream come true. Upon leaving the pot and pooling in my tasse, a gorgeous crema formed on the top. When I poured some cream into the cup, a wave of milky goodness swirled in my cup. To sweeten it: ground turbino sugar (it's Sugar in the Raw that's been ground a little finer than those bigger granules) and it was perfect.

Soon after my breakfast came, a sweet couple came and sat in front of me. There was a ginormous flower arrangement between myself and the couple, but (per my evesdropping) they had just come back from a month in China. The girl could not get over how wonderful the coffee tasted and was giddy over the crab souffle. Their excitement was infectious. I loved that.

I left after my gourmet breakfast in search of duck fat. No... not really (though it was crazy delicious) and went to Blue Bottle to pick up a bag of coffee for me. On my way there, I watched the Ferry Building open up to Sunday morning shoppers. Nothing beats the smell of fresh bread and napalm in the morning. After my bag of coffee, I decided to enjoy some time outside.

Under non-gourmet breakfast conditions, I would have enjoyed my bread and cheese under the shadow of the Bay Bridge. Today, I enjoyed my stint Sittin at the (ferry) dock of the Bay: wastin' time.

I wasted a good 30 minutes watching the water drift under the haze and fog. It was bliss.

I wrote the following when I finally found a place to hang my jacket (inside where I could sit and write):
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How lucky I am to be here. The Bay is at my back and the Ferry Building in an energetic frenzy to the front. My table is in a comfortable spot between Book Passage and Peet's coffee against a large picture window. I'm surrounded by everything I love in life... well minus Scout being with me. The comforting whirr of the grinder and smell of fresh ground coffee makes everything okay. This is not a normal day...but an extraordinary one. :) The communal table and the City in general makes it less difficult for me to be single. There are great people to talk to, lots of people for me to watch and time to appreciate everything in my life.

It's not as if I couldn't do this at home, but closer to home... my prospects at being coupled seem slim. My sitting at a coffee shop would be solo and not at a communal table. Trying to recreate the feeling I get by writing is rejuvenated at the coffee shop, but it's different. Certainly, some man wants to date a raven haired lady who writes and curses like a sailor. Right?
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It bears repeating, I love when I write. In 2011, I vow to write a lot more!

xoxo Emma

Hello new viewers

Lizzie and I have a mess of stuff going on this year and we're excited to share our experiences with you. Make sure and follow our blog.

We also love comments!

xoxo
Emma