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Inspiration Edition No. 10

I was feeling really bummed out about moving back to San Francisco (so much that we seriously considered extending through the summer.) The San Francisco rental market has gone crazy while we’ve been gone so between finding an apartment and managing all the logistics of moving plus leaving our friends here and beautiful Paris in springtime… Well, I wasn’t looking forward to much. I realized I needed to make things to be excited about. So here are some of the things I am thinking about that are getting me super excited to move back to San Francisco.

A. We scored tickets to Outstanding in the Field. I couldn’t be more excited. (Thanks A-M.)

B. This is an image from Lisa Congdon’s Hand Lettering a Day Project. She has inspired me to sign up for a calligraphy class.

C. We made reservations at the Human Nest for our Anniversary. It is down by Big Sur and the nest overlooks the ocean. We also booked some of our favorite campgrounds for later this summer.

D. San Francisco weather is perfect for maxi skirts. I want this pink one with pockets!

E. I am hoping to take some cooking classes at Tante Marie’s when I get back, maybe in late summer or fall when we feel settled.

F. Our last apartment was on Nob Hill and it just wasn’t realistic to get bikes with the hills and babies. But now we are looking for apartments in some of the flatter parts of San Francisco. I can’t wait to take family bike rides all over the city. This bike is from Public Bikes.

I also signed the kids up for some summer day camps and made reservations for our favorite restaurants. I’m going to miss Paris like crazy but this got me very excited to move back and get into a routine. Hopefully all our Paris friends will come visit us soon. What are you excited about this Spring and Summer?

 

  1. meagan

    March 22, 2012

    don’t forget wine country!!!

    xo the egg out west.

  2. jacin {lovely little details}

    March 22, 2012

    i have another thing to look forward to – you HAVE to make reservations at atelier crenn for dinner when you get back here. its one of the most ridiculously amazing meals i’ve ever had!

      • jordan
      • March 22, 2012

      it looks amazing!

  3. kelly

    March 22, 2012

    yay! Welcome back to the bay. (almost)

  4. Zoë {Conversation Pieces}

    March 22, 2012

    I think that’s a great way of looking at things… and having cycled in SF, I know why less hills is a good idea for bikes! Good luck with the move x

  5. Collette | Hoopty Doopty

    March 22, 2012

    That’s an amazing list to look forward to. The Outstanding in the Field sounds so wonderful – never heard of this. I just recently read about the Yurts – oh so want to stay there. Gorgeous. And yeah I’d be loving that bicycle too!

  6. Tina Ramchandani

    March 22, 2012

    Two more things to be excited about:
    Black Sesame ice cream at Humphries
    Salted Carmel ice cream at Bi-Rite
    I just got back from San Fran. It was my first time there and I loved it. I know it must be so hard to leave Paris but San Fran is not a bad option at all!

  7. Lily

    March 22, 2012

    I highly recommend the Inner Sunset for places to move. The neighborhood is very chill, it’s less expensive, and you’re right by the park! I lived there for a few years and really loved it.

  8. This gets me excited too. We just moved to silicon valley due to my husbands new job. I feel your pain with the rent market. I’m sure it’s even worse in San Fran. I plan on doing fun stuff in San Fran since it’s not too far so thanks for the ideas!

    – Sarah
    http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com

  9. Katie

    March 22, 2012

    That is such a good idea to be proactive about getting excited. It worked! Now I’m excited to go to San Francisco. (No travel plans yet)

  10. Amy

    March 22, 2012

    After spending a week in Paris, I can totally understand why you’d be sad to leave. I love the little things you have to look forward to. Also, I’m pretty sure I need that skirt. Wishing you a smooth transition back!

  11. Leemore

    March 22, 2012

    I hadn’t heard of Treebones before, but just looked it up as a result of this post, and it sounds amazing! I booked the Human Nest for our anniversary. Thanks for the recommendation!

  12. EB

    March 22, 2012

    I have one word for you… burritos.

  13. Perri

    March 22, 2012

    Outstanding in the field is amazing! My bf took me last year for my bday and I’m afraid I’m spoiled and want to go every year!

    Do you happen to know of any calligraphy classes in NYC? I was actually looking yesterday and couldn’t find any intro or interesting looking classes.

    Safe travels back!

  14. Lindsey

    March 22, 2012

    Still in denial you’re leaving so I will not participate in this game 🙂

  15. Sandra

    March 22, 2012

    Welcome back soon to the west coast!

    I am excited this spring for TWO trips to NYC – the first on my own to see Death of a Salesman and also see the Cindy Sherman exhibit at MOMA along with LOTS of other galleries and shows and museums. The second trip will be with the man and our six year old daughter. A different type of NYC trip but great just the same!

    And generally excited to see my magnolia start to blossom and the rain to stop for a bit….I love spring!

  16. Sarina

    March 22, 2012

    You go girl! Life is what we make of it! And A+ giving yoursel those things to look forward to. Sarina @ lowtidehightide

  17. The New Diplomats Wife

    March 22, 2012

    don’t forget the ocean! we moved back to the US from Europe and I’m not going to lie, the transition was tough – much tougher than I thought it would be. But you’re on the rigth track with planning lots of activities and things to look forward do, it helps a lot. Also, be sure to give yourself some space and time to transition, things will be different and that’s okay.

    Also, don’t forget in california you have the ocean! now that’s something to get excited about!

  18. aimee

    March 22, 2012

    san francisco weather is lovely right now! another idea to add to your list:

    the sf cheese school: http://www.cheeseschoolsf.com/

    my boyfriend and i attended the dark beer and cheese pairing class and it was SUCH a fun, tasty and educational time!

    ps – i met you briefly at dinner with blake and aubrey a few weeks ago but just pieced together this was your blog 🙂 so hello again!

      • jordan
      • March 22, 2012

      Hi Aimee! That school looks amazing!

  19. Sarah Robertson

    March 22, 2012

    If I get to move back to SF some day, I’d love to live in NOPA. I loved biking along the Panhandle and Golden Gate Park with Bryan and Jessie. We’d also bike up Steiner Street to get to Crissy Field.

  20. victoria

    March 22, 2012

    i so look forward to having you back, and i know i’m not alone! we all want you back.

    you can look forward to dinners at my place, walks at fort funston, fun projects together, bike rides and i’ve taken classes at tante marie’s – it’s awesome! xoxo

  21. Lizzie

    March 22, 2012

    The human nest in Big Sur?! I’ve been DYING to go there!!! We sat in the nest at the guy’s shop up there for a good 3 hours. I think I could live in one. Or at least have one in my backyard…

  22. LaTrelle

    March 22, 2012

    As you mourn your final few weeks in Paris, I long for SF. I live in Chicago, definitely beautiful, but I SO miss SF. *plotting a relocation as I type*

  23. Natalia

    March 22, 2012

    I admire you for looking at the bright side! It’s the attitude I need!

  24. Alexa

    March 22, 2012

    Jordan, that nest place is out of this world, never heard of it before. Other cool things about SF: The Slanted Door, Pizzetta 211, wonderfully weird (and thus fascinating people), day trips to Berkeley and Sausalito, living near the bay and the ocean! Frankly I would be missing Paris too…but SF certainly isn’t a bad place to go back to.

  25. Maria @ Busy as a Bee in Paris

    March 22, 2012

    love the long drapey skirt, but how on earth do you keep the bottom clean? (and not trip all the time) because i must admit it’s very pretty! paris will miss you too!

      • jordan
      • March 22, 2012

      I have to clean it more than other articles of clothing but unless you are walking through mud they stay clean! You definitely have to grab it when you head up the stairs though. I almost tripped the first time.

  26. Liz Rivera

    March 22, 2012

    Great post! San Francisco is such a beautiful city. I used to live in Napa and I loved driving to San Fran and visiting all the beautiful museums. The Legion of Honor was my favorite. This summer I’m looking forward to going to the beach. I live in l.a. and sometimes getting out to the beach can be a serious journey with all sorts of traffic and annoying issues but the trek is always worth it when I get to see the vastness of the ocean and lay in the sun for awhile. Mostly I just love the never-ending days of sunshine stretching across the spring and summer months, makes me want to get out and get creative.

  27. Megan Flowers

    March 22, 2012

    We do got married in Big Sur! We camp every year with our son. One year I would love to go for an anniversary trip. The human nest looks amazing. I crawled around one at the Spirit Garden in Big Sur. I can`t wait to hear how it is to spend the night in it. I was thinking of Deetjen`s or the Post Ranch (if we can afford it!) . Definitely check out Deetjen`s for breakfast while you are there (if you have not). Welcome back to California!

  28. Candace Prokopets

    March 22, 2012

    Wow, I didn’t realize you were moving back so soon. Happy Moving! I’m always inspired by your SF posts so I’ll be looking forward to having you back in the bay. 😉 My husband and I tried out the slides in SF that you recommended on a previous post. Looks like we need to try out the Human Nest too!

  29. Kacie

    March 22, 2012

    I love Lisa’s Hand Lettering project. It’s so fantastic. I love seeing them pop up in my feed every day or so. That drapey skirt and the bike have be DREAMING about spring. When exactly are you leaving dear Paris?

    Kacie
    http://acollectionofpassions.com/

  30. Jocy

    March 22, 2012

    Cycles are part of life and it’s great you’re being proactive about the next chapter! Also, San Francisco is one of the greatest cities in the world. In all my travels, non-Americans always list it as a place to visit … you’ve been so lucky to have experienced living in two iconic cities!

  31. Jenny

    March 22, 2012

    I too would be sad to leave Paris, but it’s been just beautiful in SF lately and as you know the city changes so quickly that discovering all the new things in the past year will be like rediscovering the city again (Wise Sons Deli!!). I’m personally biased, but the Alamo Square area is great with kids.

    If you don’t mind, what camps did you sign your boys up for? I have a 4 year old daughter and am stymied by summer plans.

  32. sha

    March 22, 2012

    maybe you can look forward to other future trips and discovering new places in your home of San Francisco. thank you for sharing your adventurous time in Paris.

  33. Hilary

    March 22, 2012

    I would trade you in a heartbeat – do you want to live in the Presidio?

    I’m actually looking for a new place right now, too, and Forest Hill is central and appears to be darling. Lots of great shops and restaurants, if you haven’t yet checked it out yet!

  34. Tan

    March 22, 2012

    So glad you’re excited to return back to SF! I’m sure you’ll be back to Paris loads of times.
    This summer I’m most excited for our wedding 😀

  35. Tania

    March 22, 2012

    What a great list! I’ve done 2 of them and they were both wonderful experiences–Outstanding in the Field, we went to Soquel Farm near Los Gatos (are you going to the Secret Cove?!), and we slept in the Human Nest one night (and another night in a yurt also on the property). I blogged about the nest here http://www.2drifterz.blogspot.com/2009/01/time-we-slept-in-nest.html

    I think it’s a great idea to book things like that to psyche you up for the move.

  36. Rae Veda

    March 22, 2012

    I’ve completely fallen in love with a bike here in Lawrence. I want it so bad for my birthday. It’s light blue with a basket. I hope you get yours too! xo, rv

    http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/

  37. Shena

    March 22, 2012

    The summer camp at the Audubon Center in Tiberon (Marin) is amazing. You should check that out too.

  38. tabitha

    March 22, 2012

    Oh wow- you’ve come up with some AMAZING things to make SF (even more) exciting!
    I’m particularly jealous/can’t wait to hear about Outstanding in the Field and The Human Nest! And SF really is the best for bikes- I rode everywhere when I lived there. (and have fond memories of family bike rides all over the Bay Area as a kid too).
    I’m actually picking up my new bike this weekend and couldn’t be more excited to get riding here in LA. It’s this one: http://www.linusbike.com/models/roadster-sport/ and they have loads of other cute bikes too!

  39. Brett

    March 22, 2012

    I would be sad to leave Paris as well! It’s my favorite city 🙂 and I actually know the people who own Treebones! It’s such a lovely place and everyone is super nice! I hope you have a wonderful time.

  40. steve o.

    March 22, 2012

    oh yeah back in sF! enjoyed and was inspired by you bold paris move. peace
    s.O.

  41. Sarah

    March 23, 2012

    Jordan, I am sad for you guys too. Paris is so magical and so very different from San Francisco but I am glad to have your adorable family’s energy back in this fair city. Good luck with the apartment hunt and I hope to connect with you when you’re back in the city.

  42. KateB

    March 23, 2012

    You are simply the best. “I realized I needed to make things to be excited about” sums up the reason why this is one of my favorite favorite blogs! It’s not about wishful thinking, it’s about making life as great as it can be. Bravo, Jordan! SF is lucky to have you back.

  43. Meg

    March 23, 2012

    Gosh that all sounds so wonderful!!!

  44. Amanda | Little Door On The Sound

    March 23, 2012

    Hope you have a wonderful trip back state-side. I can imagine you must be so bummed to leave Paris! Maybe a trip to Big Sur is in order when you get back? We were just recently at Nepenthe and stayed at the Ventana – breathtaking and one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever been too. Also Deetjens is SO cool if you want to stay somewhere very unique. Good luck with everything!

  45. MILENA @ JUEGOS DE VESTIR

    March 23, 2012

    Very curious all pictures … I was surprised the long table on the coast of the ocean … very good .. and human nest is great .. but someone could come in?
    very good blog ..
    regards

  46. Maryann

    March 23, 2012

    Have you thought about finding a place in Glen Park? It’s not too flat, but it’s a very child friendly neighborhood close to the Mission/BART/MUNI.

    Do you recommend any particular summer camps? There are so many that they are overwhelming.

  47. Love your positive attitude! Nothing quite like the promise of great food and bike rides (among other things) to keep you looking forward. Anyway,”you’ll always have Paris”!

  48. Hilary Freeman

    March 23, 2012

    Jordan be sure to stop into the Gourmet Corner in Burlingame. He sells all of the french butter, jam, mustard, bread (!) and cheese that you will be longing for once you leave Paris. It is the only thing that gets me through my “I want to move back to Paris” phases.

  49. Ashley

    March 24, 2012

    To put things into perspective, I am dying to get to San Francisco in the next couple of years! There are so many wonderful things happening there! You are returning to a beautiful part of the planet <3

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