July Roundup

Here’s a new little feature to keep everyone somewhat updated on my life. Because let’s face it, I’m kind of a “out of sight, out of mind” person. If you aren’t immediate family or interface with me on a regular basis, I probably never talk to you. This was painfully pointed out to me by my cousin a couple weeks ago. So this is one step in the right direction. If you want more, message me on FB and we’ll set up a call or Skype date.

Happenings

Fourth of July weekend- Jam-packed. Did a bit of everything—hiked, went to parties, visited the beach—except see fireworks. Cause I was way too tired to do that after everything else.

Sunburn- the price of that weekend was a nasty, lobster-red sunburn. Who knew that it could snow in July? Ew.

Blog published- I’m a published writer! Actually, I've been a published writer for 2+ years. But anywho, read my post on the McAfee intern blog!! 

Rafting the American River- Just around the riverbend...is more river.

First kisses- the anticipations, the nerves, the 90-10 rule…sigh

Songs on Replay

Anything by Sam Smith- Just can’t get over that voice! I discovered this crooner when he covered Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know” and have been listening to him ever since.

I Choose You by Sara Bareilles- This is so the soundtrack of my future wedding video. Sums up everything I feel about marriage. It really is a choice. Now, I won’t go any more into that and save you some major sentimentality.  *sniffles*

Food to make you hungry

Fry Bread with Cookie butter- First time having cookie butter and let me tell you, I’m converted.

Meadowlark Creamery- The best soft-serve in the Bay Area!

Chocolate Covered Bacon- 'Nuff said.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Back in the day, I was the BIGGEST baseball fan. I would religiously watch the De-backs every night (Third grade homework was much less time-consuming…those were the days). I could give anyone a detailed explanation of the game. I played the sport closest to it—softball—and took it very seriously.

But junior high came and I was girlified and baseball exited my life. But the other week I relived those baseball glory days of my youth.

McAfee was gracious enough to send all the interns to a Giants game. And not just any Giants game—the Battle of the Bay versus the A’s. So for the first time in six years, I went to a MLB game.

And can I tell you! Ballpark food is pretty darn awesome. McAfee also gave us food credit (so spoiled) so I made sure to try a myriad of items including a polish dog covered in sauerkraut and ranch, fry bread with cookie butter (converted!), and garlic fries. It was a meal I affectionately refer to as the “kiss of death.”

I died of happiness as I joined along in the cheers. Though I had to restrain myself from saying “BYU” instead of “Giants”. #colorguardprobs

As for the baseball, embarrassingly I am not the expert I used to be. I mixed up the ump signals for ball and strike. It took me a bit of time to remember what RBI stood for. Yeah, I was a bit rusty.

In the end, the Giants won! (Haha A’s and Dodgers fans!) It was a good night at the ballpark. 

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A Love Letter to My Temporary Home

Dear Bay Area,

Happy 6 months!

I didn’t plan to stay with you for very long. I was just passing through, taking a break from the bitter, snowy winter of Utah. But after a few weeks, I just knew 4 months wouldn't be enough.

Cause basically, you stole my heart.

You stole my heart with authentic Chinese food. You stole my heart with your green hills in springtime. You stole my heart with nerdy street names like the corner of Research St and Reliance St. You stole my heart with perfect weather almost all year round.

Like every relationship, we have our bumps in the road. Literally, in your case. And don’t get me started on traffic, or parking, or basically anything that has to do with cars (or BART). And I’m a little afraid that someday soon you’re going to get the shakes.

But everyone has their quirks. And your positives far outweigh the negatives in my book.

So let’s toast to our unlikely union. I’m sure you’ll have a wine glass in hand with something probably from the Santa Cruz Mountains. I, on the other hand, will toast you with some green power smoothie filled with kale and whatever else.

Cheers, Bay Area! Cheers to six wonderful, life-changing months. And cheers to our future months together.

With love,

Sarah

What to Expect At A Rugby Game

In an unexpected turn of events, last Saturday I found myself at a rugby tournament in Palo Alto. Not my usual scene--my only other interactions with the sport have been Forever Strong (mostly because of my undying adoration of Sean Faris) and the time the BYU Rugby team took a picture with the colorguard and President Samuelson.

Needless to say, it was quite the experience. Here are some of the things one can expect to see at a rugby game.

1. Shorts

So many short shorts--thought I was somehow back in Europe again or something. And with those shorts, thighs. And lots of men losing or forgetting their shirts. Moral of the story: there was an abundance of exposed skin, like a sorority car wash.

2. Skinned Knees

Rugby is a brutal sport. Lots of tackling and body slamming and grappling. And guess what? Those short shorts aren't very protective. By the end of the tournament, everyone was limping around with nasty bloody knees that could inspire you to have a rendezvous with lunch (if you know what I mean...).

3. Tattoos

I'm not a fan of tattoos. I can count on one hand the number of times I thought someone's tattoo was attractive, impressive, cool, etc. Well, add another finger because there were some sweet tats at that tournament. 

4. Beautiful Man Hair

Something I definitely did not expect was the parade of long, flowing, wavy man hair. To me, it just seems wrong for men to have better hair than me. I might have been green with envy at that tournament, especially at the guy with the full and perfect top bun. Not fair.

So am I converted to the sport of rugby? We'll see...