The GGA Project -- Day #333 "Crossing Over, Overdue"

Well this is one of those things I just can't believe I've never done, with over a decade in the bay area under my belt.  I guess it falls into the category of touristy things you don't think to do when you live in a place.

Except that I don't, in fact, live in San Francisco.  I just like to reap all the benefits of being a stone's (really amazing) throw away. 

Today's New Activity: Walking Across the Golden Gate Bridge

I don't think all the double, double, toil and trouble in a band of witches' cauldron could have conjured up better weather for it.  This, folks, is Northern California in early November :)


How nice it was, too, that my parents and Monkey were able to join in the fun today.

For the record--and in case you're considering crossing this landmark bridge yourself--it doesn't take long at all to cover the just over 2-mile trek across and back.  Well, not unless you stop to take 40,000 pictures.  Not that I would know anything about that.  Hey!  I said it was touristy!

There are still about a million things I would like to do in The City that I haven't gotten around to yet.  And with just over a month left in this project, chances are most of them won't make it onto this blog.  But I'm so happy that this past year has afforded me the opportunity to get off my ass, out of my rut and my backyard, and take in some of the wonders this area has to offer.

And you know...one more thing.  I was thinking about it, and why is this blog even "anonymous" at this point?  When I started this project, I was concerned about certain people finding the blog and reading about me and what was going on in my life.  That was like a worst case scenario for me at the time I started writing again.  But that thing I didn't want to happen already did happen, and many months ago at that.  What am I worried about at this point besides the thought of being all the way out there?

No more hiding.  Just over 30 days left to go, I'm finally ready to begin truly living out loud--joyfully, gratefully, abundantly...

My name is Kisa.

...and this is my beautiful son, Kalil.

Thank you so much for reading...

The GGA Project -- Day #56 "Three Cheers for Repurposing"

Today the monkey and I tagged along with my parents on one of their discover-the-attractions-in-your-own-backyard weekend day trips (they are still somewhat new to the Bay Area, having moved here about a year and half ago, and they love to just get in the car and drive and see where they end up.  I'm pretty sure they've seen more of the Bay Area in this way, in this brief period of time, than I have in my 11 years here).


Today's New Activity: Exploring the Presidio


The Presidio is a sprawling former army base at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, which is now a beautiful, well-used recreation area/residence/office space/events venue/cemetery--much better use of the space if you ask me.  I can't believe I'd never been to this place before!


First things first, though: lunch/dinner at a cool little pub called Liverpool Lil's, where we had a super yummy backed Brie and roasted garlic appetizer, served with bread and Granny Smith apples.  Then I had grownup macaroni and cheese as an entrée.  Mmmmmmmmm.


Anyway, in the midst of The Presidio is a Veteran's cemetery, which has given the fallen what I would venture to say is the most beautiful view ever afforded the no-longer-living, and for all time, no less.

It was breathtaking.


For a good while we just drove around taking in all the potential there at the Presidio to be explored, if one were to get an earlier start on the day.  There were loads of people jogging and biking and mopeding along the water with the Golden Gate Bridge standing as an iconic and awe-inspiring backdrop.

And my, it was such a gorgeous day.  I can't get over the fact that it's early February, the rest of the country in knee- or chest-deep in snow, and we're experiencing 72 degree weather in San Francisco!  I feel so lucky to be living right where I am.


Then we just drove all throughout the base, taking in the various views and the gorgeous architecture of all the buildings therein.  Before leaving for home, we went down by the water--practically underneath the bridge--and took about a million pictures while a group of at least 20 surfers floated in the water, waiting around for their chance at the tiny nods in the direction of actual waves that were coming up here and there.


We all took in the sunset

And just before we left, the lights on the bridge came on.

It's shameful that it took a project to get me down to this amazing spot, this singular spot in the world that so many people have come to appreciate, just 40 minutes away from my house.  I am really taking to this thing, this try new things thing.