Hello Everyone!
The New Year means it’s time for the time-honored traditions of setting lofty resolutions that will ultimately be left unresolved. As I have been thinking about my intentions for this year, I remembered the mandatory leadership class I was required to take as a section leader for high school marching band. Specifically, there was a framework for goal-setting called SMART, focusing on coming up with goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (we all know how much leadership gurus love an acronym).
While I think I am kind of smart, my goals have historically never been SMART. However, as I am in this period of actively taking steps toward creating the life I want, maybe now is the time to start trying it out. What about you? Do you have any New Year’s resolutions/SMART goals? I’d love to hear them if so!
With that said, let’s find out What’s Up With Will…
Earlier this week, a pipe burst at 12:00 AM, so we have had a non-stop flow of construction workers and plumbers coming in and out of our apartment. Thankfully, the leak is now fixed, but our apartment looks like a scene out of Dexter, with plastic wrap covering the spots where the wall was removed. I can not believe that it has only been a little over a week into the new year, and 2026 has already started to rain on my parade (quite literally).
Aside from that, I took it relatively easy for the week, really trying to savor the time off from school that I have. The only other semi-fun logistical update is that I was filling out the paperwork to start as a Graduate Teaching Associate (not assistant, as I previously thought). I am extremely excited about the opportunity, but now I am realizing that I have a lot of lesson planning ahead of me.
I did, however, make some time for self-care by taking myself on a solo lunch date.
In honor of Taco Tuesday, I stopped at Bar Camino, which served discounted tacos, including the quesabirria, which was crispy, crunchy, and, most importantly, cheesy. While I do not think it was the best by any means, I personally do not think it is possible to create a bad quesabirria. Even an okay one is miles better than a lot of other foods, but not ice cream, which I would grab at my second stop.
The attendant at Lottie’s Creamery gave me some of the biggest samples I have ever seen, allowing me to try multiple flavors, all of which had huge mix-ins on par with Ben & Jerry’s, and sometimes more! I ended up getting their best seller, Vanilla Salted Almond Toffee, sandwiched in a macaron. I normally shy away from vanilla at ice cream shops, but the vanilla flavor was surprisingly complex, and the bits of toffee, softened up from being in the ice cream, added texture and another layer of taste.
A while back, when Rylee’s parents came to visit, one of the spots they went to without us was the John Muir Historic Site. At the end of their trip, they told us it was one of their highlights. Despite having no clue who John Muir was, I added this to my list of places to explore. Having the itch to go out on an adventure while needing to stay nearby in case the construction crew needed me, I figured it was high time to stop here.
The John Muir Historic Site honors, you might have already guessed it, naturalist, writer, explorer, and one of the foremost advocates for wilderness preservation in American history, John Muir. Over his life, he wrote over 300 magazine articles and 12 books, inspiring everyone to appreciate the outdoors, and is commonly recognized as the father of the National Park Service. The historic site encompasses 9 acres of Muir’s original property, a far cry from the original 2600 acres of farmland he and his family tended back in the day. I could not help but chuckle when the park ranger pulled out historical images of the property and pointed out where the 7-Eleven gas station across the street would have been located. It feels like a slap in the face for one of the great nature advocates of his time.
Parlor Room (Top Left), Scribble Den (Top Right)
Office (Bottom Left), Kitchen (Bottom Right)
John Muir’s original home remains on site, too. I enjoyed walking around the Late Victorian Style Mansion, moving through 17 different rooms and a bell tower, but my favorite room was Muir’s office, which has been affectionately called the “Scribble Den”. This has led me to the unfortunate realization that I desperately need a Scribble Den as well. Move over, Man Cave, there is a new room in town…
As I walked through the home, I stumbled upon a quote that I think follows the ethos of this newsletter quite perfectly:
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe
A while ago, we asked our resident Tiki expert, Mikk, where the best Mai Tai in the Bay was. His answer was Boo Loo Lounge in Orinda, CA. Walking in, I was surprised to find out it was only slightly larger than the average bedroom. Despite its size, it was completely adored in Tiki decoration, and everyone seemed to know everyone else. While waiting for Mikk to arrive, he texted us to order the off-menu Smith & Cross Mai Tai. Our waiter looked confused when we asked for it, though, and had to consult the bartender before telling us that it was, in fact, a drink that could be made.
The original Mai Tai was created as a way to emphasize the flavor of the rum itself, and Boo Loo Lounge’s variant did a great job at that. For some context, as you graduate from the world of Captain Morgan, high-quality rum tends to develop a funkier taste. In the case of Smith & Cross, it ends up being a funky, almost-banana-y taste.
I happened to score free tickets to The Kenny Barron Trio at the Lesher Center, as part of their SF Jazz partnership. Kenny Barron has been regarded as one of the best Jazz pianists in the World by The Los Angeles Times, so I was excited to see my first Jazz show of the new year. As soon as they got on the stage, they realized that someone had misplaced their setlist and would have to improvise. That being said, despite its rocky start, it was some of the smoothest Jazz I have ever heard.
If you could not tell by now, I love watching completely irrelevant YouTube Videos. It soothes my soul. Here is another unnecessary video. I can not vouch for how correct this person is mathematically and scientifically, but it made for a fun watch.
