Did I do what I said I would in 2010?

 2011 is right around the corner, but before I jump the gun and create a list of new resolutions, it's time to see if I kept my 2010 resolutions (my results are in red):

• resurrect the SF museum & sightseeing mission
• Okay, so I didn't go to as many SF sights and museums as I would've like to this year.
• continue to exercise my brain by reading, writing, blogging, etc.
• Read a ton of great books this year and kept it consistent in the blogging space.
• complete as many items on The Big Eat SF: 100 Things to Try Before You Die list as I can
• 12 down, a ton more to go! This will stay on my resolution list for 2011.
• take one domestic vacation
• New York, Philly, Tampa, does LA count?
• take one international vacation
• Thailand!
• give back to my community/ volunteer my time for those in need
•  Definitely lacking in this area, but I did manage to volunteer for a friend's event that supported education programs for children in need/ supplemental education
• spend less time doing mindless stuff online (ie. facebook)
• I don't spend much time on here, but I am still on it. That's not bad right?
• master the acoustic guitar
• Lessons have been going great and I learned all of the basic chords and how to play a few songs. I won't be taking lessons anymore after next week, but will still practice and master it. Work in progress.
• run another half marathon, maybe a 10k - the point is to continue to be active
• Ran the San Jose Rock N Roll half marathon with my sister, Craig and brother in law, Matt. It was the guys first time and a lot of fun to be able to experience this with Craig. I thought I was done with these, but I think he may be hooked now and wants to do another this year. I also ran the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge with my coworkers.
• be a better daughter, sister, girlfriend, employee, friend & independent. 
•  Yes on all counts. I even managed to get promoted this year!
• exude more positivity (by surrounding myself with more of it & less negativity)
• Every day.

NYE post back in December of 2010: CLICK HERE

Coming soon: 2010 wrap up and 2011 resolutions. Stay tuned. 

Peru Planning

Back in 2008 I started planning a trip to Peru for 2009 and it didn't pan out - I think I went to Australia instead (not a bad plan B!). Well, I've officially put Peru back on the list of things to do for 2011. I already have a ton of recommendations from friends, but am always open to getting more travel tips & tricks. Here's to another amazing year of travel...

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Triplets

Sometimes people think we're triplets. If we weren't 5 and 7 years apart with me being the youngest, I might be able to take that as a compliment.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your families a very merry xmas. Cheers!

XOXO,
Melissa

Busy Bee

I love being busy, but right now all I want to do is crawl up into a ball and do absolutely nothing. I will get a good post in soon. Until then, hope everyone is having a holiday season that's a little less stressful than mine. Guess that's what I get for working for a retailer. For now, I'll leave you with a photo and an "until next time" to my dear friend Rosalind who is leaving for the Netherlands for Spring semester. Wishing you the best! Cheers :)

Runyon Canyon Park

Runyon Canyon is the place to take your dog for a walk in West Hollywood, but not just any walk - an intense one. There are inclines with beautiful views of LA. You can even catch a glimpse of the famous Hollywood sign. The park has a liberal dog policy so there are tons of cute pups roaming around with their owners unleashed. This was the perfect way to end a weekend of eating.

LA Food Crawl

Went down to LA over the weekend and my friends took us on the most gluttonous (yet, delicious) food crawl all in a 24-hour period. Here's where we went from start to finish.

I should also add that I had absolutely no complaints - EVERYTHING was yummy.

1. UMAMI Burger - They grind their own meat here and the burgers were so delicious that I scarfed it down before I could even get a photo of it. I did, however, manage to get a photo of some of their beer offerings & steal a friend's photo.

2.  Fisherman's Outlet Seafood Restaurant & Market - Fresh seafood and a ton of options. Get something grilled and with garlic butter and you can't go wrong.

 

3. Wurstkuche - Exotic (and gourmet) sausages. We tried the Buffalo, Beef & Pork and the Gator & Pork sausage. I'm not much of an exotic meat girl, but I figured if it's in a sausage it can't look that scary. Plus, it's their specialty.

4. Scoops -  The gelato here is made with fresh ingredients and the flavors are unlike anywhere else. My picks for the day were Banana Cream Cheese & Burnt Sugar. Two thumbs up for both. It made the perfect palate cleanser for the next meal.

5. Kyochon Chicken -  These tasty Korean chicken wings are soooo tasty. They're crispy, sweet and now my mouth is salivating because I would like a few more right about now. Time to look for a place like this in the Bay.

6. Beul Dae Po - All you can eat Korean bbq. LA's Ktown really does Korean food best. Everytime I come to LA, my trip isn't complete without it. Even after a long day of eating, we were all still ready to take part in "all you can eat" kbbq.

Disclaimer: Please do not attempt to consume all of this food on your own in a short time period. This was done in a span of 24-hours with 6 friends sharing food at each place. It also included a short nap before the all-you-can-eat session. This food marathon was also followed by a hike the next morning in an attempt to burn off a few calories. See details of this hike in the next post.