I had a really great summer!

So my buddy Ran talked about the idea of "that summer" in her latest blog post (btw, she is utterly candid and charming--check out her ramblings! plus she's really cute), which got me thinking. I have also read a plethora of teen fiction in which girls suddenly and miraculously transform from dull weed to beautiful and vivacious rose in the matter of weeks. Life becomes much better, and they have this renewed energy to face high school, get straight As, date the high school quarterback, and become prom queen. BRECK. Anyways, I ate that up in high school!

Now, I like to think that I am at least a tiny bit more mature, and reflecting on the past twenty (shudder) years of my life, I have realized that "that one summer" that I dreamed about was completely wrong. I have always believed that at some point in my life, the switch would suddenly turn on--I would become an adult: confident, nonplussed, mature, and grown-up looking (also maybe have a boyfriend). Now, I have realized that adults have the capability to be just as irresponsible and immature as teenagers, but with huge consequences (take note: rogue trader, Kweku Adoboli, age 31, recently lost an estimated $2 billion for USB. In his case, age did not mean wisdom).

There is no magic switch. You must learn and mature by trying out as many new experiences as possible, and always reflect. Only that way, can you grow.

Stepping off my soapbox now! Here are some pictures of the highlights of my summer:

Cosmopolitan, Mojito (best one EVER), white wine at E Tutto Qua, San Francisco, CA

delicious, tender, fresh scallop appetizer at E Tutto Qua

Rose sashimi

Lavendar-infused toast at Mission Beach Cafe

So so so good. Pumpkin thai curry.

Salmon and strawberry summer rolls at butterfly, San Francisco, CA

Cherry blossom cocktail at butterfly, San Francisco, CA

Crème brûlée at butterfly, San Francisco, CA. Of course, I cracked the burnt sugar top with a spoon!

Beautiful, exquisite novella. South of the Border, East of the Sun by Haruki Murakami. Delicious to the last drop. This page was my favorite.

The best salad of my life! Jamaican chicken jerk salad at Coconuts, Palo Alto, CA

In my office in San Francisco, CA

Forever 21 rings

Express earrings

I discovered Aritzia, a Canadian store, in New York. Lovely clothes!

Fondue at Max Brenner's. :)