#4 and #11: My Two Monthly Items Accomplished in One Day

31 Oct 2011 1 Comment

by pukifreeberg in Uncategorized

Two of my list items will not be crossed off until September rolls around next year…however, in order to accomplish them, I need to be making some progress each month. Yesterday (October 29th) I had the epiphany that the month was almost over and I hadn’t checked off either of my monthly missions: #4 Do one new hike every month and #11 Try a new restaurant every month. So today, which was luckily a Sunday, was my day to accomplish both, which I did successfully and enjoyably!

#4 was added to the list to get me outdoors to explore the ridiculously beautiful area surrounding my current home in Southern California. It is super easy to get stuck in a routine of hitting the same short hiking trail up the hill from my house, just because it is 12 minutes away and extremely convenient. But I desire to venture out of my little comfortable routine and discover new hiking spots in the area…of which there are an abundance. Today I gathered a few friends (including Erich, who inspired this project and blog) and hit up Topanga Canyon State Park. The park entrance is less than half an hour from my house and I have absolutely no excuse for the fact that I had not been there in the year and a half that I have lived here. It was a lovely wide trail with awesome views in every direction. Even though we only went on a short excursion (due to time restraints and the fact that we all failed to bring water), I am happy that I have now discovered this place and am excited about exploring the many epic trails that appear to be included in the park.

#11 Prior to hitting the trail, my friend Omar and I inhaled a scrumptious breakfast at Nat’s Early Bite Coffee Shoppe. This place was the first on my list of new restaurants to try. It is literally two blocks from my house, and again, I have failed to go there in the year and a half that I have lived here, despite the fact that it is obviously THE happening brunch spot in the area. Every weekend I drive passed and see dozens of customers coming and going and hanging around outside the entrance waiting for a tables. It is the epitome of a hole-in-the wall diner with absolutely zero ambiance, yet it is totally charming and seriously delicious. Omar and I split an order of pumpkin pancakes, which were a seasonal special. We felt it was only appropriate to indulge in such a dish since tomorrow is Halloween. We also split huevos rancheros, which were unlike any huevos rancheros I have ever had before, but delicious nonetheless. As advised by yelp reviews, we checked out the “Big Kid” retro toy store next door while we were waiting to be seated. It seems to be the thing to do since they have even installed an intercom between the two establishments to let diners know when their table is ready. I thought that was pretty clever.

It was yet another fun and successful day playing in Los Angeles and exploring the diversity that this city has to offer! Good times…

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