Saturday, January 14, 2012

Love The One You Are With

Source: etsy.com via Paige on Pinterest






I’ve read several blogs on marriage recently – most in response to Mark Driscoll’s book Real Marriage (which I have no intention of reading – I’m not much of a Driscoll fan, but that’s all I’ll say on that matter).  Oh, except that I did love Sarah’s post over at Emerging Mummy describing the beautiful marriage she and Brian share. 

Other blogs have been in response to New Year’s resolutions or just a reminder to keep a focus on that most important of relationships.  I especially loved Ann Voskamp’s words and practical suggestions to connecting with one's spouse.

And as I’ve been reading these reflections on marriage my own thoughts have often drifted to my relationship with Josh.  I’ve never been the romantic or one to gush too much about what we have, but the more I’ve allowed myself to reflect the more I’ve realized just how precious and rare it is.  It is so different from what I see in others, and yet I believe each couple has their own rhythm that they find if and when they stay true and push through those frustrations and unmet expectations.  I’ve long given up comparing what we have to others – I like that ours is a bit different and that our roles cannot always be defined.  Because regardless of what books or others say we have a security in our love with the first goal being to simply serve the other.

After 11 years of marriage and over 13 years of becoming best friends I still marvel when he starts to fold towels in the early morning hours (like he did today).  I love that we can laugh at the goofiest of things when the lights are out and we are soon to fall asleep.  I love that there are no assumptions - even when it comes to our schedules and whose work or passions take precedence.  I love how he prays over me…how he throws Selah into the air with abandon…how he whispers love to our little nugget inside my belly. 

Too many things that I love to recount…but exploring San Francisco this week together solidifies that there is no one I’d rather explore with (he is my Boots so to speak – sorry, Dora the Explorer is on right now).   We’ve travelled the world together exploring and engaging new cultures…and although we’ve walked the streets of Paris at midnight, experienced Chinese New Year with all it’s fascinating colors in Thailand, and watched the sun set on beaches of Mexico…we still love new sights and rarely take a new adventure for granted.

So, thank you to my adoring husband for continuing to explore and see new sights – if you travel to San Francisco, here are a few recommendations from our travels.

A definite must is to purchase a new pair of sunglasses - well, this was our first stop as Josh left his shades at home and needed not 1 but 2 new pairs!

We decided to be true tourists on this trip since we were limited in transportation, and took the open air tour bus the first day to scope out the places we really wanted to see.
Josh is a fan of architecture & skyscrapers...so this was on his list of must sees: The Transamerica Pyramid Building...

I on the other hand, am a fan of Crepes...especially Nutella Crepes!  And we found a delightful little bakery called Honey Honey that made this gem for yours truly!


I am also a fan of tea and all things British!  Found the cutest Tea Shop where I located Jame Austen tea (how much more British can you get), a cute print of stuffed animals having a tea party that I bought for the new nursery, and just quaintness (not sure if that is a word) all around!


An aspect that I did NOT love so much about San Fran were the crazy steep streets.  I loved gazing up them as we drove by, but when it was time to actually walk these bad boys, I most definitely was aware that I have not run in quite some time!  I don't think the extra few pounds from the little nugget helped either...

This handsome fella had pity on me and purchased us an all day trolley pass so I could steer clear of the steep streets.  And yes, we did take the customary picture of Josh hanging off the trolly...but I like this one better - isn't he a cutie?
We rode the trolley down to the Ferry Farmer's Market on Sunday afternoon & I was amazed at the care that local farmers took in growing all sorts of produce.  I especially found the mushroom stand intriguing.  These people were serious about their mushrooms...and I have a feeling they grew "special mushrooms" we didn't see here...

One of my favorite parts of vacation is when we just stop and find little places to sit and sip coffee.  This was outside the Ferry Building and Josh had purchased a coffee & an organic ice cream sandwich.  We people watched for a long time & enjoyed the sunshine!

San Francisco has great architecture...and although this isn't technically architecture, I loved this sign in China Town...there were lots of happy moments like this to be found as I looked up at the buildings!

Here is the famous Golden Gate Bridge - it was impressive.

But the Red Woods were far more impressive in my opinion...here we are standing inside one of the tree trunks.

Again, just a quick snapshot to show how large the trees were in comparison to our small selves.

Ahh...Looking Heavenward!

We also found a secluded beach on the other side of the woods.  We sat in the sand watching this father and daughter playing.  I wish this picture could convey her delight and determination in chasing the bird.

My final recommendation is to visit Sonoma or Napa Valley.  We went into the small town of Sonoma and then also drove through several vineyards stopping occasionally...these are a few barrels at the Kunde Family Winery.

I loved the vineyards & will write another blog about my experience there.  For some reason it literally did not hit me until I was standing among the vines that I had chosen ABIDE as my word for 365...and within the first two weeks of January, here I stood getting an up close demonstration of John 15.

And the best piece of advice I have for visiting San Francisco...go with someone special - the one you love to explore with...the one you laugh easily with...the one who will let you have a moment in the vineyard and not ask any questions...the one who offers to give you a piggy back ride if your feet are hurting that badly...the one who knows you best...and then...it will definitely be a trip you won't soon forget.

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