Coffee and Lunch out
So today was an interesting day...
It was a gorgeous Friday morning and running errands at the front end of this 4-day weekend led us into our local Starbucks for a leisurely latte at 8 am. We returned home to spruce up a bit and decided that a day on the train had the most potential for fun and freedom (from Friday LA traffic and parking).
So we hopped on the Metro Goldline into Pasadena for coffee and lunch. It was gorgeous out too, so we headed towards a coffee house that we saw on TV (of course, right?) Jerry Seinfeld has a show on Netflix called “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” and he took Jay Leno to Jones Coffee Roasters in Pasadena. We were super excited (and also very caffeinated!)
So excited, that we got off of the train one stop too early - whoops! But it was so nice out, that we decided to walk. It was just what we needed to get our daily dose of exercise and sunshine! Once we arrived, the sound of live piano music filled the air along with the smell of roasting coffee beans. Giant colorful modern art paintings, portraits and other incredible works of art hung proudly all over each wall. It felt like a museum that you are allowed to drink coffee in (so totally our vibe)!
It was great! We sipped on coffee and talked about new Podcast ideas, funny movies to watch, weekend plans, and some DIY projects. We even got a good laugh when a barista walking by with a rolling trash can that almost toppled over right onto Mike. (She caught it at the last minute, thank God) - or our day might have turned out a bit differently.
So it was time to find a delicious lunching spot so we walked up Fair Oaks, coming across some amazing Antique Shops (which I wished I had taken photos of, but didn't.)
Before you know it, just by happenstance we were face to face with a restaurant we've been wanting to try out but also knew an old friend probably still worked there. So we took a deep breath, and we went in! We ordered up a soup, salad and a lunch pizza and started to relax a settle back into our conversation on new blogging or Podcast topics.
Have you ever found yourself face to face with an old friend and not known what to say or even do? That sinking feeling in your stomach, trying to remember when the last time your paths may have crossed...? Well this was about to happen.
Deep down, I was feeling good. Mike and I have grown more than ever these past two years. We are not those drunken party-animals we once were. We are motivated, determined and more confident and we've learned to face some of our deepest fears. But this was a tough one. Our eyes met and brief "hello's" ensued. And ya know what, it wasn't as terrifying as I had imagined.
We finished eating, paid our bill and I left a brief "hello" note with the Hostess on our way out. Life's too short for holding grudges, being scared or feeling awkward. This year I am all about facing my fears, being the best me I can be and spending more time with those who make me feel loved, doing what makes me feel creative.
Walking back to the train station I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. This was a good day all around!
So here's to random days off with the hubby, coffee's caffeine, California's beautiful weather, safe public transportation, and crossing new bridges that I never thought were possible!
Thanks for reading,
Crystal Olguin
Feb. 16, 2018
