My absolute favorite city in the entire United States is San Francisco. Granted, I haven't been to all that many cities in the U.S., but of all that I have been, Honolulu included, I love San Francisco the best.

My husband had a conference for work there last week so when he planned his trip way back when... I planned mine. I was really stressing lately on finding someone to watch our four boys, but Grandma and Grandpa took them the whole time and they all had a great time. Big relief for me, because my boys have been known to not get along on occasion. So anyway, although the time I had out there was short, only three days, I came back recharged and ready to start tackling the obstacles in my way, namely ME. I spent Friday walking around a department store that we, unfortunately (or fortunately for my bank account), don't have here and it was really nice. Time just for me, by myself, no distractions except all of the sale signs.

That night we met a friend of my husbands for drinks and then ended up back at our hotel in one of the restaurants for a great sushi dinner. Toni would be proud, lots of fish and vegetables. Saturday we rented a car and drove down Pacific Coast Highway and made a number of stops to get out and just watch and listen to the waves. Of all of the things I've done in my life, I have to say that just sitting by the ocean and listening to the waves has always been one of my most favorite things to do. It always brings me back to me. We ventured down to Pescadero to have lunch at a local place that is known for it's artichoke soup and for it's pies. The soup was good, but for the hype that was built up for the pies, I wasn't too impressed. The journey was definitely the highlight over the destination on this excursion. We drove back to the city and went down to Fisherman's Wharf where we had dinner at a fabulous restaurant. I have to say it was the best seafood I have ever had and I'm pretty sure it wasn't all that unhealthy. The scallops and shrimp were grilled and the veggies steamed. I'm guessing the crab cakes had a little bit more unhealthiness added, but all I can say is... it was way worth it!

I think we all forget at times just how much we benefit from taking some time to recharge. I have been running myself ragged these past weeks with the boys and school and the boys and football practice, throw in there a little part-time job and my goal of putting myself first was definitely slipping. I am determined to do something this week to renew the excitement I had in "me" at the beginning of the program and now that I have had some time to "recharge", it is the perfect time to do it!