I always dreamed of having a perfect summer in New York. What I forgot to factor in, was the fact that I work 40+ hours a week and didn’t make enough money to do the things I truly want: travel and eat lots of food. Fortunately for me, I’m surrounded by some pretty amazing people who helped make my first summer in New York pretty great.
After looking through most of my photos, I can tell you I spent a significant amount of time at sporting events, running around Manhattan, apartment searching, and trying new restaurants.
Here’s some photos that perfectly capture my first summer in the Big Apple.
As I sit here typing my summer recap, I can’t help but think these past few months were my “last summer”. I don’t mean to say that I won’t have days at the beach, or weekend getaways, but going into my last semester of school, the only things I imagine in my near future are long hours, office cubicles, and an entry-level income. That being said, this past summer was one for the books and here are my top 10 favorite things about Summer 2014:
1. FOX Sports San Diego – Is it ironic that I start my list with an internship? Over the summer I worked in the marketing department doing everything from learning about OAP’s (On-Air-Promotions) to helping manage our two brand representatives ( the FOX Sports SD Girls) to writing press releases and drafting tweets. The stuff I learned was only half the fun though; the people I worked with (shout out to Megan, Gema, Jacquelyn, Katie, and Brie… the list goes on) were absolutely incredible. I can only hope that my first job will have coworkers that are half as amazing as these ladies. Did I mention that I also got to cool events and spend my summer at the ballpark? Talk about one killer internship!
2. World Cup – Do sports montages make you as emotional as they make me? When the US qualified for the World Cup and the #IBelieve commercial came out, I was ECSTATIC to say the least. The best part of the WC, besides the US making it out of the Group of Death, was Tim Howard‘s stellar performance (16 SAVES!), putting a GK in the spotlight (He was even named Secretary of Defense on Wikipedia!).
3. Fourth of July – The fourth is my favorite holiday by and far. But, what’s not to like? Hot dogs, fireworks, slip n’ slides and hanging with friends. This year I spent my 4th on Coronado, which is arguably the best place to spend a fourth. There is a sense of camaraderie because it’s such big Navy town and there’s nothing better than watching fireworks on the beach, right?
4. The Beach – What sort of San Diegan would I be if I left the beach off my top 10 things about this summer? There’s no greater feeling than the saltiness of the air, wind blowing through your hair and the sun beating down on your face. The beach and ocean are my place of solace – where I go when I want to escape and I am so blessed to have so many beaches at my fingertips.
5. San Francisco – One of my best friends and teammates, Phebe, lives in San Francisco and I had the opportunity to spend a weekend with her in Marin. It was an adventure (Megventure) filled weekend and you can see all the highlights in my blog here!
6. Boston – This past Spring, I was elected as Vice President of NYU SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee). This position led to an opportunity to represent NYU at the UAA SAAC (University Athletic Association) in Boston the first week of August. I, along with the rest of our exec board and Denise, our advisor spent 48 hours in Boston reviewing legislature, meeting our conference rivals, and conquering a ropes course. I walked away with 30 new friends, a sense of community within our conference, and a black eye (Let me tell you, tag is dangerous!).
7. FOX Sports (LA) – On my last day in San Diego, I drove up to Los Angeles to get a tour of FOX Sports 1’s studios and meet with some people in the communications department. My visit to LA reaffirmed my passion for working in sports broadcasting and desire to continue my career with FOX Sports.
8. Learning to drive stick – I’ve wanted a shiny, fire engine red, Jeep Wrangler for as long as I can remember; the only thing standing in my way (besides the cost) is the fact that I have no idea how to drive manually. One of our closest family friends, Yo and Trena, however, own a 1985 Jeep Laredo and on one of their last days in San Diego they let me “learn” to drive stick. After stalling out what seemed like 100 times and giving whiplash to my passengers, I finally was able to shift up and down through the gears while riding around the block.
9. Catching up with old friends – I was a little weary of returning to San Diego this summer because many of my high school friends were either back at their respective colleges, interning in LA/NY, or traveling the world. Luckily for me, two of my oldest friends, Lauren and Kayla were around this summer and we spent HOURS together giggling, reminiscing and just being girls. It’s sort of strange to think that I’ve known them since I was less than a year old and 21 years later we’re still friends despite all the places I’ve moved and events that have transpired.
10. Spending time with family – Family is not an important thing to me. It’s EVERYTHING. This summer I was blessed to spend so much time with my mom, dad and sister, along with my adopted family (the Staab’s). I know I can always count on them to have my back and support me in all my endeavors. As I end my last summer, I realized how much they’ve sacrificed for me to get where I’m at and I’m eternally thankful for everything they’ve done.
As the leaves turn to orange, the weather gets colder and football season hits full force, I bid adieu to my last summer. I will cherish it closely in my heart forever.
5 D’s of Dodgeball:Dodge, Dip, Duck, Dive, Dodge
San Diego,CA
FSSD Girls at the Races
What’s better than good friends and fireworks?
#1 in your hearts, #1 on the field
Los Angeles, CA
“Taking over for Eric Wynalda, I’m Meg Patten. On behalf of Rob Stone, Warren Burton, Brian McBride and FOX Sports 1, thanks for watching.”
Los Angeles, CA
7 Miles later… the most gorgeous view with a gorgeous best friend.
Stinson, CA
“She had not felt the weight, until she felt the freedom”
Tiburon, CA
Happiness is the sand between my nose and a sunburn on my nose
Coronado, CA
Best SAAC in the UAA
Boston, MA
Driving them crazy
San Diego, CA
Old Friends are Gold Friends
My Rocks
San Diego, CA
Years of hard work, dedication, blood, sweat and tears into art.
San Diego, CA
It comes as no surprise to me that my time at Fitness Quest 10 flew by quicker than you can bust out 10 burpees, but hey, time flies when you’re getting fit right? The competitive yet family like culture, sheer positive energy radiating from the facility and the beaming trainers, employees and clients are just a few of the many reasons why my internship this summer rocked so much.
I’ve learned so much during the course of my internship, like how to deal with high profile clients, and how to explain my fitness journey to people, but perhaps the most helpful thing I’ve come to learn is the importance of the people whom you surround yourself with.
It’s not everyday when you’re get up at 5:30, work out at 6, work for 8 hours, and you still want to hang out with the people you’ve just spent 12 hours with. There is something to be said about the people I had the incredible opportunity to work with at Fitness Quest 10 these past few months. I looked forward to going to work each and every morning, not because I loved what I did (which I really did!), but because of the people who greeted me with a huge smile at 6AM in the morning and gave me gigantic hugs each night as I left completely drenched with sweat. These trainers, clients, and staff transformed my life in so many ways; I couldn’t even begin to list how much I will miss them. Though the employees at the gym were absolutely incredible, this post is dedicated to my FITSPIRATION, all the interns who I had the distinct opportunity to get know on a more personal basis.
Amanda – My fellow marketing intern! Your go-with-the-flow personality and contagious smile made coming to work that much easier. I was ecstatic upon finding out that you would be my fellow marketing intern and am so glad I got to know you better. You taught me so much using the cameras and I really enjoyed being partners in crime with you and grabbing Starbucks (and Chez) with you. Best of luck at Oregon, I know we’ll keep in touch.
Emma – Do your feet hurt from kicking so much ass? Girl, you’re running the world and you don’t even know it yet. I loved coming into the gym and yelling your name because I knew I would get an equally loud response, followed by an epic hug. Keep your head up and working hard because it will pay off.
Elliott – Pretty Boy, I miss your awesome hugs already. Let me tell you how inspiring you are to us all. Your love for your family, desire to be the best and big smile on your face is truly encouraging, especially during a grueling workout. Though we didn’t get to hang out as much as I wanted, I know we will hang in the near future. Much love my fellow San Diegan.
Sibel – DUDE! You’ve made an impact on my life, left footprints on my heart, and have forever changed my outlook on everything, especially food. Your passion for nutrition and fitness is inspiring and even though I vehemently make fun of your Paleo lifestyle (PALEO OR DIE), please note that it is because I love you and am jealous I don’t have the will power to do that.
Sam – I wish I could convey how incredibly cerebral and passionate you are, but I know my words do you no justice. Just trust me guys, he’s really intelligent! I loved our DMS sessions and learning about anatomy and just hanging with you and Britt. I don’t think I’ve ever met anybody as laidback and as we say here in California, “Chill”. You are making a huge splash in the fitness industry and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Ryan – Let’s make it known that I lost every single bet I ever made against Ryan. Whether it was a throwing contest or a basketball contest or just Friday Game Day with the kids in the gym, you treated me like a younger sister, and I can’t even begin to explain how much that meant to me. Thanks for putting me in my place when I needed it and pushing me to my limits in the weight room. I look forward to you kicking butt on the football field, but watch out because I’m going to be winning this next bet (I just haven’t decided what it is yet). Check out this video of Ryan doing a Men’s Health Challenge. P.S. It’s about to go down.
Zach (with Traps) – Oh boy! Where do I start with you? At first I thought you were some crazy intense trainer who wouldn’t talk to a lowly marketing intern like myself, but you opened up and I’m so glad to call you my friend. Even though you have your tough exterior, you are so incredibly kind and are an awesome fried chicken cook (nom nom nom). Thanks for “keeping it real” with me and reminding me to stay hungry and humble in all aspects of my life.
Justin – Mr. Just Go Fitness. You really are just GO GO GO and I LOVE it. I thought you would get sick of me by summer’s end but you never said “NO” and I think that’s pretty rad. Your encapsulating hugs, the no-look fist bumps, and Jeff King/Old Spice Man impersonations always put a huge smile on my face. I know you’re going to rock as a Personal Trainer and I can’t wait to be making the big bucks to hire you. Check out Justin’s Webpage here to see what he’s been up to!
Jesse – I don’t even know where to start with you Jes. I feel like you’re a little kid in an adult’s body and you keep me young at heart. You are so incredibly genuine and I don’t think I have met anybody else (or a hockey fan) who would OR could tolerate me bashing your beloved Penguins on an almost daily basis. Though you may root for Pittsburgh, say some words funny (Carnegie ahemm!), and messed up a very famous Steeler’s coach’s name, I love you to death and am so glad I got to meet you this summer. Keep your head up, keep making videos with Amanda, and stay forever young. You can check out Jesse’s awesome blog here!
Jenni – JENNAYYYYY! My snuggle buddy. My new older sister. My new best friend. You keep me humble and have rekindled my confidence in our generation. Your passion for life, your incredible faith, and incredible work ethic is OUT OF THIS WORLD. You have taught me so much, given me a ton of advice on EVERYTHING, and shown me how to lead a life worth living. I can’t believe we only got to spend 6 weeks together, but it’s been something I wouldn’t trade for the world. You’ve been through so much but your strength is unreal and just being around you makes me want to be a better person. I love you so much.
The interns on the 4th of July
I love you guys to the moon and back and hope you realize that this summer was something incredibly special. I expect you all to stay in touch and come visit in New York because I already miss you tons.
Here’s some videos of the interns dancing, because hey who doesn’t love dancing interns?
Keep an eye out for these guys. Next thing you know, they will be on the cover of Men’s Health or on a huge billboard in Times Square. Their future is bright, their smiles brighter, and their hearts full of gold.
It’s been awhile, and to say that I’ve missed blogging would certainly be an understatement. I’d like to say that I’ve been busier than usual, but that would be a lie, especially considering my life in New York, but I’ve been busy nonetheless, so here’s an update on everything in my life.
I came back to sunny San Diego on May 18th and have loved every second of it. A few days after getting back, complete with jet lag and all, I started my internship at Fitness Quest 10 – one of the top gyms in the country, home to multiple IDEA and ACE Trainers of the Year. I’ve been on the marketing side of things which includes making videos, shooting photos, editing social media posts and aiding in the editing of monthly newsletters which is definitely up my alley. I love the environment, the people, and culture of the gym, but what I’ve learned so far is that I definitely NEED an active environment when I grow up. This internship has also REAFFIRMED my love for wearing athletic gear in the workplace.
I’ve also been practicing with a semi-professional team since coming home, the WPSL San Diego Sealions. The practices are super-intense, fitness-filled, butt-kicking workouts. I don’t think I’ve ever run so much in my life, but I know it will all pay off come July 28th, when I head back to New York for preseason. The team is incredible though, the girls, although some are almost 12 years older than me, are so fast and skilled and dedicated – it really gives me something to look up to as a collegiate athlete. These girls not only have time for jobs, but practices and fitness sessions and family – it truly is INCREDIBLY INSPIRING. Tonight, they are playing in their final game before nationals.
Since I’ve been home, the weekends have seemed to literally slip through my fingers like sand at the beach. Last weekend was my Mom’s birthday and we went to the Fleetwood Mac concert with some friends then I drove her and Dad and Twist down to the airport a mere few hours later so they could go to Portland, OR and Seattle, WA to see a soccer game and her sister. The weekend before I was in Parker and the previous weekend I was in Huntington Beach channeling my inner-beach bum with Lauren – twas an amazing fun-filled weekend. As I write this post, I glance at the calendar and begin to wonder how the past six weeks have flown by.
This weekend has been one for the books. On Friday I went to Baked Bear with some of the interns. Saturday was filled with Bootcamp and a beach day with Jesse, Justin and their cousins, picked up my BFF, Kate, from the airport, and hanging with my mom for her bar crawl. Today, I came home to the group of interns surprising me at the house for a goodbye party. I immediately burst into tears, stunned at the gesture. I cannot even begin to put into words how much these people have impacted my life in the past 6 weeks. They’ve taught me to love, and be compassionate,and above all, taught me to follow my heart. I love them dearly, and leaving San Diego this week is going to be that much harder because I had 9 beautiful people come into my life this summer.
It’s national ice cream day so I’m off to nom on some ice cream and watch Batman: Dark Knight Rises.
It’s late Saturday night and I’m sitting in my very neat, packed-up room, lying on my bed, wondering – will this be the last time I get to do this? And by “this” I mean – spend a summer with my family, friends and of course, my two favorite dogs. Is this my last summer at home? Is this what growing up is like? Is this the end of an era? It’s definitely a question worth asking and definitely a question that will be the root of many future discussions.
With only a day and a half left until I leave for New York, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. I’ve been pondering my career goals and life aspirations, my successes and failures, but most importantly my current state of being. Simply said, I’ve been thinking about my past, present and future.
I was raised to be extremely independent and have grown used to operating on my own this past year; as a result, this summer has been anything but normal (for lack of a better word). The incessant pressures to act the same way as I did before college mounted higher than ever and the repetitive questions of “How was your season?” and “How do you like NYU?” just added sticks to the fire. Summer, for whatever reason, turned more into a job than a break from the constant rush of the city.
Coming back home to San Diego has definitely been a learning experience this summer and the learning curve has been very steep. Throughout the Summer I’ve compared stories with teammates and friends, and I’ve found one thing to be certain – coming home isn’t easy, but that doesn’t make leaving any easier.
This summer has been filled with a ton of great experiences including: my family visiting from around the world, a trip to Indiana, friends hanging out, road trips up to Los Angeles, and of course lounging on the boat. But New York is calling my name and is bound to be nothing short of craziness, a fast-paced lifestyle and my much needed dose of some “me” time to figure it all out.
Yes, I love San Diego and everything it has to offer, but I felt like I have come to the crossroads of my childhood and my future adulthood and I must take the next step into my life. As much as my parents don’t like it they need to realize it’s all part of me growing up. My independent side is yearning for adventure and quite honestly, I’m stuck here. I’ll be back in the Winter, for a few shorts days, perhaps even a few weeks, but the time has come for me to spread my wings and fly away from here.
Goodbye San Diego, you’ve been great. Next stop New York City.
This past week has been great. Besides the gorgeous weather and the fact that it finally feels like summer, my twinny/teammate/best friend, Phebe, came down for a few days to visit. It seemed like an eternity since I had last seen her, but in reality it had been less than 30 days. What is it with time seeming to go by really fast?
Matching Twins
Anyways, we spent four lovely days together exploring San Diego, getting tan, and just having a big adventure. Seeing as Phebe is from NorCal and doesn’t have beautiful beaches to sprawl out on, we made the most of her trip and spent numerous hours laying out (and burning just a little bit). Aside from taking her to the #1 beach in the United States, Coronado’s Central Beach, we ventured to La Jolla (hello tourists) and to Del Mar (hello parking nightmare) to give her the complete SD experience. Her trip was not complete without a little joyride around the military base where we found jets and helicopters out of their hangars and some good ole Mexican food from my Mamcita and Miguel’s (of course!). Having Pheebz around made everything seem normal again – we jammed out every morning to “Good Day” by Nappy Roots, ate, worked out, and did everything together. We are partners in crime to say the least.
Enjoying the Surf, Sun and Sand
While Phebe was in town I realized how lucky and thankful I am to be living in San Diego and in such close proximity to so many awesome natural wonders. Where else in the world can I spend my mornings Surfing and then drive a couple hours be snowboarding (granted there is snow in Big Bear)? Central, 19th street, Shores, and Blacks are just some of San Diego’s greatest wonders where the white sand meets the green foam of the sea. It truly is a gorgeous sight and recommend anybody coming to California to sneak a peek.
Loving La Jolla
After four short days it was sad to see my beach buddy head back home, but in less than 6 weeks we shall be reunited again, except under less fortunate-fitness-related circumstances, but reunited nonetheless. Until then, stay sunny San Diego.
Two months until I’m back in the city and I cannot even explain how much I’m missing it. I love to take pictures and more often than not I love to pretend that I’m actually a great photographer. Whilst in New York, I tried to avoid looking like a tourist and carrying around my large Canon 60D, but hey sometimes you just cannot resist the beauty of the Concrete Jungle. Here are some of my favorite pics from both my Canon and my handy dandy iPhone.
Flying into NYC
There will never cease to be construction
The Park in the Summer – Absolutely Beautiful
One of my favorite places to indulge myself
The park in the Spring
Subway Signs
I love stepping off the plane and seeing this
Rainy Days
Benches in WSP
Fences around the Village
My School
Love the vibrant colors in the Fall
On the way to our game
The Park at Night
I can’t wait until it’s all finished
So early in the morning after a snowfall
Our Beautiful Campus
Beautiful Holiday Decoration
A Birdseye view down 5th Ave
The SE Corner of Central Park in the Snow
Madison Square Garden
The Highline
Sunset on the Highline
Times Square
The Brooklyn Bridge
Central Park in Winter
Times Square is the place to be after any win
The Flat Iron Building
Jam of the Day: “New York City” by The Peter Malick Group feat. Norah Jones
I was recently asked by a childhood friend, Veronica, if I could guest write on her blog on what to pack when visiting San Diego, she posted it on her blog so I decided to do the same and add some pics. I’ve never been into fashion, but since moving to NYU, I’ve somehow channeled my inner fashionista and decided to start wearing clothes that are a little more becoming than the typical soccer shorts and hoodie I donned all four years through high school. Even though San Diego is pretty laid back in terms of style and clothing choice, there are some must have items before visiting America’s Finest City. Here are my top ten must haves whether you’re visiting for just a few days or a few months.
Bikinis, Tankinis, and Swimsuits galore! – San Diego is a large beach town, with some of the best beaches in the World and currently the number one beach in the United States. Even if you’re not a big swimmer, wearing a bikini is a way of blending in with the locals–you never known when the ocean will call or when the marine layer will clear out.
Shorts – Short Shorts are a go-to staple here and I know my closet is filled up with a billion of them. Whether they’re athletic shorts or fun multicolored jean shorts, they are a go-to item in San Diego.
A swimsuit and shorts – a great combo
Your Favorite Pair of Jeans – San Diego is a casual city, and along with that comes a casual dress code. Whether I’m going out to dinner or going to a kickback, I’m pretty much always in my jeans – they’re cute, comfy and never out of style.
I’m addicted to my white jeans
Sweatshirts – San Diego is beautiful 11 months out of the year, however there is a one-month period known as “June Gloom” that simply stinks! The marine layer seldom leaves the coast and a sweatshirt or hoodie is absolutely necessary, especially if you head to Coronado or La Jolla in the morning or late at night for a bonfire. I always have a stash of sweatshirts in the back of my car just in case.
The Patten girls in sweatshirts on the bay
Rainbows Sandals – Or a pair of casual sandals for the beach. Over the course of my high school career, I developed a pretty extensive tan on my feet from wearing Rainbows everyday. They’re super comfortable and perfectfor any occasion. If you don’t have any and you’re in San Diego, head to your nearest surf store or up to the Rainbow Factory in San Clemente.
Rainbows for Big Foot
Sundresses – Although SD is super chill, it’s nice to get dressed up during summer every once in a while. Knee length dresses to maxi dresses are totally fine, as long as you have a smile intow.
A Wide of Variety of Outfits to Choose from for a night out
Workout gear – San Diego prides itself in being one of the most fit cities around, so if you plan on spending any time here at all, I recommend bringing running shoes and some workout gear. Anywhere from the mountains out to the East to the beaches out west offer great options for workouts, plus if you find yourself in Coronado you might find yourself running among some of our nation’s finest Seals and Naval Personell– what’s better motivation?
Workout gear can be used for climbing mountains or jumping on them
A Camera – Whether its on your iPhone or Canon, I highly recommend bringing a camera along for all of your San Diego adventures. Maybe it’s just me but I’m a photo bug and would much rather have a bunch of pictures to remember my travels by than just memories. San Diego is so photogenic; why not take a few pics?
Smile for the camera!
Sunglasses and Sunscreen – Also known as Sun Diego, the sun is always out and I highly recommend protecting your skin and your eyes. I’ve been a victim of a few burns myself (must be my Irish heritage), and would hate for anybody’s vacation to be ruined by just forgetting to put some lotion on.
Everything’s all good when you protect your eyes
A Sense of Adventure – There are so many amazing things about San Diego, so many places to explore, so many foods to try, and one who wants to truly experienceSan Diego at its finest must be open to new things. Although I recommend this for any sort of travel, this is especially true in San Diego, where you’rebound to run into something weird and exciting, especially in Mission Beach.
They say that music is the sweet medicine to life and I couldn’t agree more. There’s nothing better than belting out your favorite songs while driving with the windows down, hair blowing, with good company. Although I often have Music ADD and can’t listen to a song more than a minute and half, here’s my top ten songs for summer 2012. Hope you enjoy these whether you find yourself at the beaches or in the city this summer.
“All I want to Do” by Sugarland – The lyrics to this song are exactly how I feel during summer, plus Sugarland is my favorite country band. Everything is perfect in this track.
“Boys in the Summer” by Jessie James – Probably my favorite summer anthem of all time! I love everything about this songs because it’s all so true, plus who doesn’t love the cute guys in the music video?
“No Faith in Brooklyn” by Hoodie Allen – Maybe it’s because it has “Brooklyn” in the title which makes me think back to the city but I love this song. On the boat the other day it kept showing up on Shuffle, and I instantly fell in love. It’s got a great beat and laid back vibe.
“Give You More Remix” by Sucka Free CJ – This song takes back to cruising the Coronado strand with not a care in the world. You should definitely check out the rest of Sucka Free CJ’s tracks they’re pretty sweet.
“Payphone” by Maroon 5 feat. Wiz Khalifa – I don’t care how many times I hear this on the radio, I will never get sick of this song. Maybe it’s just me but putting Wiz Khalifa in there was a good choice.
“Good Day” by Greg Street Presents Nappy Roots – Everyday is a good day! Shout out to Miss Couture for showing me this song en route to Australia.
“Wide Awake” by Katy Perry – I’m not completely sure how I feel about this song, but there’s something that caught my ear in this song. Twist, my sister, always has great music and she showed me this one, so I’m gonna trust her on this one.
“Drive By” by Train – This band has always been one of my favorites and when they came out with this song at first, I thought it was too “pop-like” for them, but it actually fits them nicely.
“Buzzin” by Shwayze – This song is the epitome of a summer jam. Shwayze has never produced a song that I don’t love, plus the lyrics have a chill flow to them.
“If You Ain’t Here to Party” by Luke Bryan – For all y’all Country haters out there, just take a listen to Luke Bryan or head to the nearest country concert and you won’t be able to turn back. This is a summer classic that’ll be forever on repeat for me.
So there’s my top ten favorite summer songs. Comment if you have any recommendations or additions to this list.
Summer is my absolute favorite season. I mean, who doesn’t love summer? It’s perfect in almost every way possible, but maybe that’s because I live in one of the best places to enjoy it. No School, Soccer everyday, great weather, waves crashing on the beach, cruising down the 101, enjoying a breakfast burrito, tan lines, hanging with friends, going on the boat, and simply living life up. It’s the perfect mix of ingredients for the best time. Here’s my list of top five things to do with friends during a summer in San Diego.
Coronado – Also known as Crown Town, this place is the crown jewel in my heart and I spend a ton of my free time here. In between riding bikes around the island, 4th of July, and the #1 beach in the country, Coronado is the place to be.
Indulge yourself in some Mexican food – Aside from being my all-time favorite, Mexican food is bomb here in San Diego. My top picks include: Miguels, Chili Peppers, Tio Leos, Don Panchos and Rubios (Hello Fish Taco’s). If you ever plan on visiting me, plan on going to these places as well.
Go to the beach – Whether it’s Coronado or La Jolla or even Del Mar, San Diego has some of the best beaches in the country. I have so many fond memories at each of them and look forward to making more in the future. The beach is the perfect place for playing soccer, laying out, or catching a few waves. If the Sun and Surf isn’t for you, come after dark and enjoy bonfires – nothing smells like Summer like the Ocean and S’Mores.
Take a Road Trip – L.A. and Santa Barbara are only a few hours away via Car and are such fun places to visit for the day. Along the way be sure to stop at the Rainbow Factory to pick up a pair of sandals – it’ll be worth the visit!
Go to a Padres Game – Yes, they may be last in their conference and the league, but hey, a fan is a fan through thick and through thin. Petco Park is a fun stadium, there are no bad seats in the house and it’s downtown! After the game, hit up the Gaslamp district which is home to some pretty famous bars and restaurants.
Circa 2008
If you’re ever in the SoCal ever be sure to stop by and say Hey! Hope you enjoy 🙂
