And now, back to our regularly-scheduled programming! Yeah, that whole “going a week without blogging” thing? Sorry about that… sort of. Dan & Sarah’s wedding last weekend was out in the California wilderness (no, really- the area we were in is actually designated as wilderness), and the wifi + cell service out there was virtually nonexistent. At first, I panicked a little bit about not being able to post updates, but it was actually a huge blessing in disguise! Without email, Instagram, Facebook or my blog to distract me, I was really able to focus on the reason we were there in the first place- to celebrate my best friend marrying the love of her life.

This past year’s taught me a lot about loosening up and going with the flow. In the past, I’ve been the person that clings to a schedule and needs to know exactly what’s happening, well in advance of when it’s going to happen. But being in Europe earlier this year by myself was a huuuge lesson in spontaneity (I didn’t book my stay in Ireland until I was already in Italy), and it’s a quality I’m learning to love!

For example, it was on my calendar to head to San Francisco on Sunday morning after the wedding, and to spend a couple of days meandering through the Bay area. But after talking with Sarah the morning after the wedding, I decided to go out, buy a sleeping bag, and join the group going camping that night. And you know what? I had SO much more fun than I would have by myself in the city! I’m not a “nature” person, I’m definitely more of a city girl, but guys. California is STUNNING. Our campsite was right next to Lake Hume, and it was one of the most spectacular views I’ve ever seen. Almost enough to make me want to go camping again!

So, as always, lessons learned/things that transpired over the past TWO weeks:

• I saw a bear! A REAL BEAR. We were shooting wedding portraits in the Giant Forest with these 2,000 year old Sequoias in the background when a momma bear ambled her way across the path behind us. And then, not a minute later, there came a little baby bear gamboling his way across the paths! It was SO CUTE!!
• High altitude is no joke. We were at 7,000 feet and I was out of breath from climbing a flight of stairs. And going running? Ha. I’ve never felt so out of shape in my life.
• One thing I will say in favor of the high altitude- it’s awesome for keeping my hair looking good! No humidity meant no frizz.
• If you’re ever in San Francisco and you’re looking for good Thai food, go HERE. It was, hands down, the best plate of pad thai I’ve ever had in my life. No exaggeration.
• Tip: try to keep your eyes on the road as you drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. Looking up at the architecture for extended periods of time *could* mean that you accidentally veer into the little rubber barrier things that prevent you from hitting oncoming traffic. (One of the scarier moments of my life)
• I like that San Francisco-ans do whatever the heck they want. I’ve never seen such a high volume of people with neon hair in one place, and I loved it.

Some iPhone photos from my time on the west coast!

If you’re in SF, I definitely recommend heading to Pier 39 to see the sea lions- they were hilarious. I’ll warn you, though- it smells something awful down there.

Bi-Rite Creamery- so worth it! I had a mini-scoop each of Vanilla Lavender and Creme Brûlée. Thanks to everyone who suggested going there!