Another week full of little joys! Here they are in random order:
SWEET CUSTARD PIE DATE NIGHT
A quick stop at Nations Burger in Orinda, CA after attending our friends' baby's party which served as our date night . Mr Sweetie went to town because I was not looking and ordered burger, fries and shake for himself! Definitely royally cheated on his diet! I got a slice of custard pie because it reminded me of the warm egg pie that I used to eat as a kid in Manila for my afternoon snack. It was a luscious treat that brought me back to my childhood.
LITTLE UNEXPECTED DELICIOUS SURPRISE
When you are craving something but did not have much expectations then the first bite made your eyes go wide with unexpected deliciousness. (I got this pastry from a little cafe in San Francisco that sells store bought pastries but this orange cranberry scone was fresh because it was still warm!)
SUMMER STRIDE PRIZE 2018
20 enjoyable hours of reading and I received a 2018 Library tote bag as my prize. I cannot say it enough -- I love my library! I love the San Francisco Public Library. Participating in Summer Stride is one of my summer traditions during the last few years! There's still time to join in if you are a member of SFPL. Summer Stride is through August 19, 2018.
GIRLS' MUSEUM DATE WITH MAGRITTE
A second visit to see the Rene Magritte at SFMOMA this time with my girlfriend, Jax. An item on this year's friendship list was checked off as well which was to hangout sometime during the year and not just during our yearly holiday outlet shopping tradition.
EATS WITH MAGRITTE
A delicious lunch follows at SFMOMA's Cafe 5. Jax and I had salads from the seasonal menu. She had trout salad while I had the whole grains, kale and fried squash salad. Cafe 5 is a must if you are visiting SFMOMA. The sculpture garden is a fabulous place to enjoy a coffee and pastry moment following the your culture vulture experience.
EATING ONE TACO AND ENJOYING IT
After getting my waxing done (which is a huge joy in itself to have nicely arched eyebrows and smooth legs once again!), I treated myself to one carne asada taco from a taqueria in SF's Mission neighborhood. I ate, I savored it and I enjoyed it. And I am proud of myself for really paying attention to what and how much I eat these days.
LAOTIAN SISTER'S BABY'S 1ST BIRTHDAY
Another item was crossed off my list which was to see my Laotian sister at least once a year. We hardly see each other most especially she is now a new mom. Our bond of friendship will always be there, though. We attended her baby's 1st birthday party on Saturday where we enjoyed delicious Laotian and Asian food in her sister's backyard on a beautiful cool summer afternoon.
TEMPURA SUNDAY LUNCH WITH MOM AND DAD
Japanese food is what makes my parents happy. I have taken them eat American food after church for our Sunday lunch but it was a no go for them. Mixed shrimp tempura and udon made their tummies happy (and mine queasy because the grease!) Most important thing is my parents' happiness.
MY ULTIMATE JOY ALWAYS: MY MOM'S KARE KARE
Kare kare is an oxtail stew in peanut sauce. It is a traditional Filipino dish. My mom's kare kare is the best (and not just because I am biased!) but popular among our friends and family. Whenever she cooks it, people hope to be invited to lunch at our house. My mom packed this dish for me on Sunday that I ate for lunch 3 days in a row, and licked the sauce off the plate!
This has been a beautiful week full of many joys. It was fun to look back and be grateful for the blessings that this week has brought week.
July 9 - 15, 2018