with eyes wide open

Schleepy Olive

2012-01-28T01:10:00.003-05:00

A very funny video...gets funny at about 1 minute.

A little bit of coast, a whole lot of beauty

2012-01-28T00:57:00.001-05:00

Today the fog lifted and we set out in the car headed North West towards the coast.
The first plan of business for the day, cross the Golden Gate and get an amazing shot...

Then we headed North on 101 only a few exits to highway 1. There, we went on a very curvy road for a very long time and came upon Stinson Beach. It was so nice to see the Ocean again. It is one thing that I have very much missed being in land locked Colorado. No offense to those in the wonderful snow-capped state, but the Ocean is just so beautiful in my eyes.

There we had a picnic and headed back further west.
Another hour down the curvy coast and through a few little towns...

and past many Historic Dairy Farms labeled A-G we came upon Point Reyes.
The lighthouse was only visible after walking around the cliff.

We searched and searched for whales and although only 2 were seen today and we saw none of them. Very sad, however, with all of the whitecaps, we had no clue if one of them may have been a whale.

We then headed back up through all of the curves and found Muir Woods...home of the Redwoods and the very first meeting of the United Nations. Each tree can live up to 2,000 years and grow to over 370 feet tall. The trunks were wider than my whole body.

49 miles around San Fran....

2012-01-27T01:44:00.002-05:00

After our half day adventure on day one, Nicole and I consulted the travel book for some ideas. The DK San Fran guide came nicely equipped with an itinerary for a solid 49 mile cruise around the cities most prominent sites enjoyed by both tourists and the local frannies.

Fort Mason was our first stop and our first taste of the famous bay fog that blankets the city on more than a few days throughout the year. The sounding barges off in the distance added a natural soundtrack to the port city as we scoped out some of the ships in the marina.

Next up was the Palace of the Fine Arts and Exploratorium. At first glance, the towering pillars and domed structure felt like a strange crossover between and Italian duomo and Cambodian wat. Either way, it was really quite striking. As were the rest of the grounds.

Fort Point was our chance to peep the Golden Gate bridge from a solid vantage point. However, the thick fog managed to hide the bridge in its entirety but we enjoyed the eery scene nonetheless.

Lands End gave us a wider view of the beachfront and again, more fog. This was followed by the very Dutch feeling Queen Wilhelmina Tulip garden.

Shortly following we happened upon the Legion of Honor monuments that included "The Thinker" statue by Ronin that was housed in a very European square lined with stoic pillars and a clean marble flooring.

The drive continued south on the Great Highway that hugged the coastline and wrapped us back into Golden Gate Park. Probably the highlight of the trek, we walked a path around some gorgeous lakes and scenery that again , was enhanced by the low lying fog, birds and lush green that surrounded us at every turn.

The drive concluded with a cruise through the 60's hippy-famous Haight Street and past the Mission Delores which is cities oldest structure dating back to 1791.

Not on the official itinerary but worth a look was the crooked street section of Lombard that gave Nicole a chance to really test her skills on what I can only guess is at least a 45 degree decent down a squiggly stretch of road that offers the passenger a thrilling view of the city, and the the driver.... a reason to wear adult diapers.

After dropping our things at the hotel we made our way back down to the Fisherman's Wharf on foot in search of clam chowder for dinner. After finding some grub we walked the Pier 39 shops and took in the seaside scene.

Walking back along the Pier we discovered a full blown family of Sea Lions making themselves comfy on the wooden slip docks of the marina. They were quite vocal and seemed to be enjoying the gathering crowds as they squawked and passed gas repeatedly for all the hear....and smell, if you so chose. :)

Our night was only short one detail however, and so we hiked a few blocks over to the Ghirardelli chocolate factory for a hot fudge sundae. Needless to say, I will pay for this later at the hotel, but holy good chocolate god of mercy was it awesome.

Day 2 conclusion: San Francisco is quite a city with some gorgeous pockets and great energy. Even the fog seemed to add to the experience.

Off to the Redwoods manana!

Thanks for reading,
adam

9:58 pm...settled in...What a beautiful city

2012-01-26T01:32:00.002-05:00

We are here in San Francisco for 5 days of fun, relaxation and visiting old friends.

Today we arrived and after napping for 3 hours got up and put on our walking shoes. We are staying only 3 blocks from Ghirardelli Square.We walked along Fisherman's Wharf and down each Pier.

We headed North through Chinatown and East to the Financial District, a bit more North and West up Market Street and the amazing shopping.

The city is definitely known for its hills, and we walked them today. I don't even have to do my TAM workout because I feel like I have buns of steel. We walked a total of about 12 miles today.

After heading back to the hotel, we drove off to Safeway to find groceries. We are all stocked up for a few days full of snacks, picnics and plenty of time outside in this beautiful city.

In the morning, we are off to Golden Gate Park and Presidio

7:59 am...the sun rises in Phoenix

2012-01-25T10:00:00.001-05:00

We are now in Phoenix and a little delayed...by 30 minutes. San Francisco we will see you soon.

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4:36 am

2012-01-25T06:37:00.001-05:00

DIA.....so schleepy...waiting for our 5:45 departure to Phoenix

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2:45 am, Colfax Creepin

2012-01-25T04:47:00.001-05:00

Well, after a nice 30 minute nap, we walked in the 22 degrees to the bus stop...we are enroute to San Francisco...via Phoenix...via DIA....via Colfax.
We have a 30 minute wait outside for the.AS bus which will bring us to the airport.

For those of you who dont know....we are taking a 5 day trip to San Fran in the midst of our Japan preparations...will explain later.

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Olive's wardrobe

2012-01-22T10:46:00.001-05:00

As I cleaned out closet the morning, I pulled out ALL of Olives outfits. She has such an eclectic wardrobe! It includes onesies, winter coats, costumes and even a bathrobe!

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Inspired

2012-01-22T02:29:00.001-05:00

Can't you tell? When was the last time Ad wrote a blog and had you all laughing and on the edge of your seats for more?

The time is here, he is inspired and I promise, the exciting and entertaining Adam blogs may be back!

Thank you Yokohama

(and thank goodness his tshirt collection is now down to a near 25 vs. 75 before...I did keep 2 for sleepy time shirts though, they are so soft and worn in, I love them almost as much!)

farewell trusty..."hole"-y...predominantly unfashionable wardrobe :(

2012-01-22T01:35:00.002-05:00

You were cheap, kinda wrinkled, sorta moth ball smelling and mysterious.....but you were always there when I needed you....and without you, i'd be naked. But alas, our time together has come to an end.....the seas of change are upon us and I must ship you back from where you came from.....Goodwill. That's right thrift store wardrobe, its not easy for me but don't fret....some broke college kid with $2 for a shirt and $13 for a cheap bottle of rum is going to give you your youth back in a way my liver just can't hang with anymore. Its not that I don't love you......its just.....well....i mean.....the suitcase...its just not big enough for all of you.....and to be quite honest.....some of you make my wife question my sexual orientation and i'm working hard enough as is to the care of that issue on my own. Enjoy college again....or at least college nights with people who hang out at colleges in cheap cloths to drink off free kegs....because you are what makes a keg stand sparkle. So long thrift store clothes.....so long.

Thanks for reading,
adam

too young to be worrying about weight

2012-01-20T10:34:00.000-05:00

This has nothing to do with our move, or Japan or Colorado. It has to do with society. I am not a parent, yet. But, I have grown up around children and almost every job I have ever had, I have had direct contact with children. I have seen bullying, I have seen the issues children face.

Being obese sucks.I don't know first hand, but I have seen it. It is so easy to place blame. It is hard to break any habit or practice, whether it be an eating habit or an attitude, or an opinion.

As you grow, you learn habits from your family....weekend activities, outlooks on life, health and eating habits too.

Is this ad going too far? I am not sure. I think maybe it might hit home with many people.

I currently work in a restaurant and see what people feed their kids...tons of sugared lemonade and soda, fried foods... We do have grilled chicken on the kids menu, but you know how many people order that over the cheese pizza, grilled cheese or chicken fingers?

Do you know before kids can talk, they can recognize the yellow M and know french fries.

As we head over to Japan, I remember so much about Korea. I was a size large then (at 5 ft. 132 lbs.) Here in America...I am an XS and down to (5ft, 118 lbs) Before we left, I would wear size M in Target tank tops, now, I am in XS. The clothes are being made different to work for all here. In Korea, I had no self esteem issues because I knew I could never look like one of my skinny asian coworkers. Here in America, I am one of the smallest. I know we have different bone structures and builds then over there, but still, I think something is being said here.

I know this is a really touchy subject. But, we must get active and teach healthy eating habits. Eating out isn't always the best way to do it. In order to lose weight and get this nation back on track, we need to spend less time on our rears on our phones or computers and more time outside and being active, exercising and enjoying life. We need to cook more and spend quality time with our families instead of in front of the TV or in our separate rooms on the one of four computers in the house. We must become less lazy and more proactive.

There has been a huge increase in the size of people since the 80's and 90's when I was growing up. The future is not looking so pretty.

Sorry for the rant, and I know that this is a tough topic for people. It just stinks that young children are already feeling this way when they are supposed to be young, carefree and enjoying life.

Peanut Butter Jelly Time

2012-01-20T00:12:00.000-05:00

.....slightly off topic...but then again, isn't everything? Well anyway....now that i've wrapped you around my finger with my massively deep revelations....let me blow your mind.

The peanut butter and jelly sandwich is in my opinion and icon....but as in many icons....it too can become stale and overly exploited. Such was the inspiration I found in my gourmet PBJ creation....and the fact that I was hungry enough one night to eat like i'd swallowed a dime bag.

No, my inspiration is not inspirational but the end product was. A sandwich that redefines the legend.

Now, after you pick up the pieces of your exploded cranium.....grab some bread (preferably something wheat with oaty-ness)...and add the following;

-peanut butter on both slices (the natural stuff...trust me)

-honey ( in a zig zag pattern across only one side (unless you are in fact Pooh bear...then go nuts my friend)

-on the honey side, sprinkle a generous handful of raisins

-on the opposite slice spread plain greek yogurt on top of the peanut butter (again...go with it)

-sprinkle a handful of honey nut cherrios on top of that yogurt

-place small slices of banana over the raisins

-put the slices together, close your eyes and pretend to be religious if just for a moment and thank the sandwich gods for the moment in your life about to happen.

Eat, Smile......repeat as often as possible and be happy. :)!

thanks for reading,

adam

Let's Yokohama!

2012-01-18T20:20:00.001-05:00

Big news is happening in the Damiano household! To put it out there, we are moving to Yokohama Japan. I am excited! Adam is excited! We have done nothing but daydream about what we will experience.

And, those of you who know me, know this is not entirely true. I am also making to do lists and Adam is spending a lot of time laughing at me and my craziness. So, here are the exciting facts.

I was hired by a school ISE-English There, I will be teaching anyone from ages 2 to adult one on one or a very small class of 4-6. Each student has their own personal goal whether it be business English, tourist English, singing songs in English and well, tons of other personal goals with learning and mastering the English language. I will work Saturday - Wednesday 1-9 (daytime on the weekends) Adam will be given a spousal visa and begin his job hunt shortly after we arrive.

We will be living at the Aobadai Social Apartment. I am not sure of our exact address but when I know, I will post it for you all. If you have google earth, you can paste this into the address and look at the surroundings 神奈川県横浜市青葉区たちばな台2丁目8-4 (that is the buildings address in Japanese)

We will be leaving on February 6th, we will arrive there late on the 7th, take the limo/bus from the airport to Yokohama. My boss Tim will pick us up there and bring us to our new home. We then will have the 8th to explore the city, take some pictures and get a few things for the apartment (and rest). Then, on the 9th, I will begin training for a week before I start teaching.

Between now and then we have a lot to do to empty out our place. We have a trip planned to San Francisco the 25-30th and on the 31st, Olive and I are flying to Florida. She will be staying with Grandma and Papa for 6 months before she comes to Japan. (it is mandatory 180 days from the date of her Titer Test)

Thats all for now, Ill keep you updated and hopefully Adam will start feeling inspired to blog again for all of you adoring readers of our blog :)

A Close Up

2012-01-11T14:29:00.004-05:00

Adam got some new macro lens's for the holidays and has been having fun with Olive. Here are a few of his favorite shots.

Winter Park, Colorado

2012-01-11T14:06:00.000-05:00

Momma and Frank came to visit our not so snow covered city last week. We all hopped in a rented Tahoe and headed for the mountains in Winter Park. As most of us are very novice winter activity people, we rented gear and headed up the bunny slopes for a few hours of fun, and sore muscle activity.

As darkness fell, we headed back to our beautiful town home rental in Fraser. Frank bbq'ed some yummy steaks, Momma made us hot chocolate with yummy homemade irish cream, we played Apples to Apples in which Tiffany was the definite winner and I, the total loser. Adam and Shawn messed around with the panoramic photo option on Ad's phone. We sat by the fire and laughed, drank Blue Moon's and slept like rocks.

In the morning, we headed out to the adventure park to go tubing. I think the people in China were able to hear our high pitched screams as we flew down the double black diamond hills.

This was Adam and my first real weekend out on the slopes of Colorado. We are so happy that we were able to experience them with our family. We can't wait for our next trip together!

Food

2012-01-07T13:10:00.000-05:00

Ad and I are huge fans of food....as most people are. Mostly we cook and eat in, but we do have two new favorite places that we frequent more and more.

Pinkberry

We love pink berry. For a little more than $2 we get mini cups. You pick your flavor yogurt (1 of 5) and then top it with as much goodness that will fit onto without falling out of the cup. Adam usually gets chocolate yogurt topped with granola, blueberries, yogurt chips, and peanut butter. This time, I got their seasonal mint yogurt and topped it with peanut butter, chocolate mini chips and captain crunch cereal!

Garbanzos
Garbanzos is a Colorado based Mediterranean restaurant. It has a similar feel to Moe's! mexican. You walk in and order in line. Everything is calorie labeled and healthy and fresh (they also give you a sample of falafel when you come in) I usually get a plate. This is loaded with onions, red cabbage, pickles, babaganoush, pickled eggplant, hummus, tabouleh and lettuce. Then, you can get falafel, schwarma, or portabella mushrooms. Top it all with tzaziki or tahini, or red chili, or mediterranean garlic LOVE IT!

Adam gets everything in a pita like a big ole sandwich. We belong to their members club and get tons of specials in our email.

Christmas LIghts

2011-12-16T18:56:00.000-05:00

Since 1935, Downtown Denver has lit up its courthouse using more than 600,000 lights. Traffic stops, people look on at all there is to see. There is a nativity scene out front along with very large angels with trumpets hanging off either side of the building.

In addition, there is a parade on both Friday and Saturday nights early in December.

The 16th Street mall is also decked out with tons of lights!

Flash Back

2011-12-15T11:04:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite funny videos :)

Snow

2011-12-14T10:32:00.001-05:00

The snow and winter are here. Adam still takes the scooter since he works two miles down the road on a very well paved, well scooped road. I have resorted to the bus.
The temperature gets up into the 40s during the day and down to the teens at night. We haven't had a snow fall in about two weeks, but the stuff on the ground just never seems to disappear.
Olive isn't quite sure if she loves it or not. We have tossed her in it numerous times...but I think it is too cold for her.
There is something about the way the white snow makes everything feel cheery...and cold.
I am still getting used to the christmas lights though. Those of you who have never lived in the south may not know it, but the leaves don't really fall of the trees the same in Florida. So, when Christmas lights are strung, you can't see but the part you are looking at. Here, at night, all the trees look like pretty spirals because you can see the lights wrapped all the way around. Pretty neat observation from this Florida girl.

Dumpster Dive...America style

2011-12-14T10:27:00.001-05:00

The other day...most like a month ago, Adam found a treasure...a brand new bed frame. We are finally adults, no more mattress on the floor. The bed is a bit high though and we have had to teach O-town to jump on the end tables first then up on the bed so she can make it.

Bad Bloggers

2011-12-14T10:20:00.000-05:00

Ever since our move here to denver, we have been so incredibly bad at sharing our memories from this great city. As our year is quickly coming to an end, we are promising to catch up and do a much better job.
excuses
#1 Internet is way slow
#2 Blogger interface is just not so user friendly any more
#3 Our daily activities are just not as incredibly exciting as they were when we were overseas
#4 Lazy.
:(

1 year anniversary

2011-12-11T18:43:00.000-05:00

Adam and I very rarely spend lazy days together and decided that Dec. 11 was the perfect day to do it. We have been officially married 1 year.

We spend the morning lazy in Pj's drinking coffee and well, sleeping until 10...which is pretty late for us We then walked across the street to Snooze. Adam is totally in love with their silverware. Had some amazing mimosas and breakfast. We split the yummy granola and yogurt with grapefruit. I had the Chilaquiles Benedict and Adam had the scramble.

We headed back home for a champagne nap and woke up around 3 to get ready for our night out. We jumped on the bus and headed downtown with no exact location in mind. We strolled the streets and ended up at D'Corazon. We drank maybe 4 margaritas a piece...I had the Pomegranate and Adam had the original. We shared faijitas and had super yummy sopapillas for dessert.

We ended our night out looking at the Christmas lights downtown. I think so many things made this night perfect. The idea that we had no plans and just did is something rare for us. We spent the day reminiscing about the past year and dreaming about our next year and where on earth it may take us.

I know we are really lucky to have each other and share similar dreams and actually having the gumption and support of each other to chase them. I never in a million years would have thought that this was in my cards. I never realized that when you are with the right person, the one person who truly balances you, anything is possible and and those possibilities truly develop into your life.

Our Christmas Tree

2011-12-01T19:16:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! This year we decided to purchase a fake tree even though we live in the land of Colorado where tall greenery is all around us. Adam wanted to have a traditional tree, so we strung popcorn and cranberries. We had no idea how long it took to string enough yardage to go around the whole tree.

Four hours later, we had our tree decorated, laced and lit in the living room.

Here is the completed tree with all of our fabulous wrapped gifts from the family!

Give Thanks

2011-11-25T15:32:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving! We were lucky this year to be able to spend it with the Ramirez's, Shawn and Tiffany and of course Olive and Chloe. Tiffany's parents took a trip to Denver and we definitely reaped the benefits with an amazing home cooked meal.

We had tons of Champagne and wine...which led to...

DANCING and Salt Shaker Maracas and an Adam who was very curious of his family.

Our last three thanksgivings have been so incredibly different and each so special.

2011...In Denver with Shawn and Tiff

2010...In Jacksonville for lunch and Orlando for Dinner

2009...In Bali, Indonesia

I wonder where we will be in 2012...

Road Trip Day 9, Taos

2011-11-18T13:40:00.000-05:00

This ladies and gents is the beginnings of an Earth Ship. It just so happens that my cousin Jeff used to live in one. On first hearing the name, I had no idea what he was talking about and risked the thought of him being an alien lover and well...thinking abductions and such. And then, he brought us to his "earthship" that he rented years ago and explained the technology. Now, instead of a house, I want one. I want to help build one. I want to live in one. It is a very cool concept founded by Mike Reynolds more than 40 years ago.

The idea behind an earthship is that it is self sustainable and can be built anywhere. The walls are made of glass bottles, tires and earth. The home has solar panels and a very well developed drainage system to bring rain water from the roof into the home through reuse and reduce. Basically the design principle is very simple:

This video will explain the entire building and living within an earthship.

It was truly eye opening to see how simple it is to live in a natural environment. You just need to purchase some land and build!

After we went through the earthship, Jeff brought us to the Rio Grande Gorge which is 650 ft. above the river. I had no idea that the Rio Grande runs all the way from the Gulf of Mexico to Colorado. The water level was not very high or gushing, but it was a very impressive site.