We haven’t ventured into the city in a while, but Monday I woke up and told Josh we needed to have an adventure. I played it off like the boys are so active and they would benefit from the extra stimulation, but we all know I call for these adventures purely for selfish reasons. Like, I love being together in the car, music playing and scenes of bridge views framed by fluff and peeks of blue. I love having a loose plan that allows for last minute changes and parks us at the base of a giant tower. Turns out, walking around Coit Tower was the perfect adventure.
Those steeples, they’re my favorite. Tipped with gold and stately piercing through the city hubbub, they’re the first thing I look for.
We’ve lived here almost a full year and never have we white knuckled our way down Lombard Street. The fact that people actually live on that road, their homes zig zagged along the twister, makes them my hero. The city was calm Monday, so we drove slowly and stopped to stare and look as touristy as we could with our camera lens peeking out our car window. We pointed and guessed the cost of the cozy homes nestled just above the city’s bustle and day dreamed about loft living and the art of raising a family in the real city. Fun to day dream, but we’re mostly toe dippers – wading the waters of city life with the safe retreat of our suburban tree lined streets.
It’s nice to start a week with an extra day off and a little adventure. Speaking of adventure, Josh seems to have finally figured out the best route for taking public transit to work but it’s not a viable long term solution for his commute (2 hours!), so we’re still weighing the options of moving or buying a second car. We’re in the middle of this debacle with the school district and moving to another district – a better district – sounds so so appealing right now. I hate conflict to the enth degree and maybe once it’s all resolved, I’ll share the details; But, running from conflict aside, there’s this very large part of me that wants to stay put and work it out. A part of me that wants to hold the district accountable to change so that other kid’s services aren’t neglected. So that other parents, who work full time and don’t have the luxury of seeing first hand that their child isn’t getting services relating to their IEP don’t have to deal with the run around the district has been giving us. That part of me, it wants to stay here for the long haul and join the community of special needs families in this district and freakin’ advocate! 
Thankfully, Judah’s teacher and his para-educators are 100% amazing and I have faith that things will be resolved soon. And whether we move or stay, at least we’re doing our best to advocate for him and hopefully it’ll make a good change not just for him, but in the way the district handles things in the future with everyone. I will say this about advocating for your child: I wholeheartedly believe that you should do everything you possibly can to work with the district to resolve things, but sometimes your best efforts are not enough, and filing a complaint or taking other formal action to get resolution is what’s needed. Every situation is different, but keeping in mind the child’s best interest is key.
End of rant.
I hope your week is going well! Fill me in, I haven’t been in blogland in a few days and feel behind.
Joyce
/ February 23, 2012How fun! We haven’t explored “the city” in awhile. I’ve only been to Coit Tower and Lombard once. We had gone to Coit Tower to watch the sunrise during our weekend at church doing the 30 Hour Famine. Breathtaking! You will never run out of adventures in SF.
I love how you and Josh are matchy matchy! Norm and I both have gray hoodies that we wear with jeans sometimes on the same day too.
Oh, and lucky that the bridge reopened earlier than expected.
This week has been a little crazy. Lots to do and some semi-cranky kids. Should I be glad they’re not 100% cranky? =p
suzy
/ February 23, 2012ooh, that last picture is my favourite.
i wish i lived near such an interesting city…
erin
/ February 23, 2012i’m sorry you’re having conflict! i’m not sure if i mentioned it before, but my mom does speech therapy for special needs preschoolers in a somewhat rough part of town. after hearing so many heartbreaking stories involving special needs kids with parents who have as little to do with their education as possible, it’s nice to see someone who feels and *does* the opposite. judah is so lucky to have you!
Jillian
/ February 23, 2012Sometimes a little family adventure is all it takes to out a little breath in the lungs. I have been craving a road trip of sorts out this way.
It sounds like you guys have some big choices coming up! Prayers that it will be clear what is the best decision.
Jillian
/ February 23, 2012*put
Audrey @ Putting Me Together
/ February 23, 2012These pics are awesome. I’ve not been in blogland for a week or two and have been trying to catch up for the last couple of days too. I selfishly want you to move to the south bay. =X
Kristine
/ February 23, 2012Ahh, these photos are amazing! I’m so jealous of anyone who can take a day trip there. Looks like you had a fun adventure
mrsink
/ February 25, 2012I get so nervous driving around the city, but when Josh is driving, we have a blast! I am so grateful we live where we do. There really is so much to see and do around here!
mrsink
/ February 25, 2012Thanks for the prayers! I have been so so anxious about all the change and decisions – even though I put it in the Lord’s hands, I’m still worrying a little. I hope your craving for a road trip gets satisfied soon! Little family adventures are so fun!
mrsink
/ February 25, 2012I didn’t know your mom does speech therapy for preschoolers. That’s so cool! I do know there are parents who aren’t as involved with their child’s education as they could be and it does make me really sad. I’m so grateful we are in a position where I can devote my time to the boys and their education.
mrsink
/ February 25, 2012haha! Josh and I always end up matching…which brings more stares because we already look like brother and sister rather than husband nad wife. hahaha! So, funny story… We started off into the city and just before the bridge I panicked and said, “Josh! I think the bridge was supposed to be close until Tuesday!” Thank goodness they opened it a day sooner!
mrsink
/ February 25, 2012haha! I may not have mentioned this before, but I SO love reading your blog.