hasf 2010

HASF: Haight-Ashbury Street Fair 2010.

I'd have put this up yesterday, but silly old me was too exhausted from the day's shenanigans to sit up and start drafting, so I had to procrastinate to today. I shall make this short and simple; the fair was a load of fun and it was very warm as far as San Francisco weather goes. Considering those two factors, the place is swarming of people. I must say, the crowd itself was more amazing than the fair, then again, that's what makes the fair what it is. There were loads of things to buy, ranging from clothing to accessories to food to gifts. And let me just say, there were loads of free food going round the place. In total, I received 3 drinks and 5 or so snacks. As my dear friend used to say: 'Hey, if it's free, it's for me!" I couldn't agree more on that account. Here's a few photos to get the gist of my day.

It's 11:30am, fair barely started, yet it's packed!

My buddy Carlos in line for a free drink.

Our FREE drink! *laughs*

I'd be surprised, but then again, we're in Haight.

Ganja cookies! Though brownies are better.

Hmm...

More FREE food! Pita chips and hummus.

Good music.

I cannot even tell you how disappointed my friends are I didn't buy it.

Holla!

They are amazing. Nothing further.

I was flashed too many times in under half an hour.
This man is nothing short of amazing.
Carlos bought a new hat!

Well folks, that's a summary of my day. to end it on an interesting note, on the way home, we saw a man in his sixties walking around Market in Castro, starkers. Wow. And I got my first ever sunburn on my left shoulder! I know, not to be excited bout, but it didn't even hurt a bit. Whew.

adrenaline-infused, sun-tanned, minor-oriented

Now that the excitement is over, it's time to keep working on my projects. As much as I needed my "holiday from my holiday", I'm glad in coming back to my controlled existence; being in the theme park today just reminds me how easy it is to lose control of certain things and forget yourself. Well, that's healthy from time to time, but I'll keep that on a minimal basis.

To finish the updates bout some activities: I've been sewing and planning all sorts of activities throughout the summer for me to enjoy, yet not exert too much planning on my part; I need a slight bit of spontaneity in my life (Kit laughs at this point). As much as keeping control is a big role in my life and how I live it, I need to break off that repetitive shell of my personality and branch out to more unusual habits (for me). In a way, it sort of pains me to leave a part of myself behind, yet I know it's for a good reason that will probably help with my acute case of obsessive compulsive disorder. I wonder what will happen when I break out of my ordered life? I've scheduled everything, down to the very day I reorganize my bookshelves and sort through my closet for items to discard. Well, I'll be thinking of this as an experiment, day by day, I'll be recording any changes in my personality or behavior when I prevent myself from doing things in my set norm.

On line for the first ride; Angela & I (left).

To business! I've just returned from the excursion to Great America. As I type this draft at my friend's house, I'm still thinking of events of the past few days. All the laying low from public eye yet keeping my eyes on the public, the reorganization of my present state, changes with the lives of those close to me, and all the changes bout myself that I'm still trying to comprehend. My addled thoughts is overwhelmed by the information that I seem to absorb on an hourly basis bout topics important to me and those that aren't. Yet, try as I might, I cannot shut them out and forget. They're there. Just in the recesses of my mind. It feels unjust, yet I might have a use for all this seemingly useless information. Anyroad...the theme park was the same as always since I started going there in middle school. The fun is gone for the most part, I still adore the water rides, otherwise, it's all a bit of a bore. I suppose having a good company works if you're tired of a place, so I did enjoy the day all in all. I just wished there was some swimming done in the day, but beggars can't be choosers. Now I finish this day off with the completion of the new sketches. My scanner's being unreliable, so I shall have to put the photo up another time.

anticipation is good for the soul

Good evening to you all! First things first, I was aware that on the beginning of my post two days ago, I said that I would be sleeping at 11PM, while my update was up at 11:43PM. Well, what can I say? The day was full of meaningless tasks, with the exception of thrifting, my Joann excursion, and a visit to the nearby Dollar Store. I just couldn't for the life of me, detach myself from reality's droll and come home to the nice solitude of my blog. I absolutely mean it, I'm not using sarcasm here (even though I adore sarcasm to the point of absurdity). Well, I'm still pretty beat over the activity the past couple of days, it's probably the lack of sleep that's causing it. I shall have to show all of you what my couple of days looked like, through photos of my room. which is the main focus of my days this summer anyways. I'm not sure if I said it before, but I intend to be a bit of a recluse for the next two months.

My bed - sketch materials, photos, scans, snacks.

Floor 1 - paint, sewing box (RIP machine), new materials from Joann, stripped PJs.

Floor 2 - oodles of clothing in need of re/deconstruction (zebra duvet!).

Floor 3 - another bag of clothing in need of remodeling (shirts).

Wall - part of my redecoration of my room! Love it.

Well, there's all that I can show without ruining the surprise that is my new room. I shall have to gather more photos of my improvement to show you lot. I feel proud of all the work I've put into my new surroundings. And the fact I've been very productive the past two weeks. Although, tomorrow, I'm having a bit of a holiday during my holiday. I haven't been to Great America in ages, so I should go once this summer, while there's still time. I know I'll be a bit tan when I come home. A small price to pay for all that fun in Boomerang Bay!

Until tomorrow, take care all. Remember to lather on that sunscreen!

summer of sorts

As typical as it is to be so excited bout summer, I have some good reasons why I'm ecstatic of the coming months. (Anyone want to venture a guess on where the photo is of?) If I should be asked to list out the more momentous happenings, well, here they would be, in no particular order:

- Summer classes! Yes, this would classify my semi-newly acquired "nerd status", thank you very much. I'll be taking Yoga and Pilates (as always).

- Working part-time again. I used to be such a workaholic, well, what better time to get back into that old habit, it's been absolute ages in my opinion.

- I'll be back on the road. I cannot believe it. I'll be free of taking the train all over the place. As for buses and cabs, goodbye. The only thing holding me back is my lack of auto. Hopefully that'll rectify itself by the end of the month at least.

- More time to get my old hockey physique. I'm not saying I'm fat, else I'd receive a slap from certain individuals, but it can't be denied that I've let myself go, terribly. I miss the days when I can run 8 minute miles. Now, those are 11 minute miles. Shameful. My coach would be so disappointed in me.

- I can work in a new novel every 2 days again! With the literary classes on the down low, I can have my old jaunts in the park to read the days away, weather and work permitting of course.

- There's less reason for me to go partying and clubbing (sorry?) as I plan on keeping myself busy with the fitness classes, reading, work, blogging a few times a week, reaffirmation of my creative outputs, and spending some time to organize myself.

- Bonfires and a few relaxing gatherings with friends. Do I hear a picnic?

- My friend Tiffany is coming to live with me for the summer in a couple of weeks..

- Last but not least, August is full exciting things to do, and I for one cannot wait to get the summer done with so I can see my dearest friend in the world; Mark Kristian Suarez [Pajarillo], who is now Private Pajarillo! Of course other than our reunion, which I will be driving to Oklahoma for his graduation from Army boot camp to attend, I have my Napa excursion and "makeover" to look forward to that first week of August.

On a final note, though I've been told to consider love in summertime, I really cannot think of a good reason to even bother. Honestly, I don't think I'd be tempted to dive into that particular scenario anytime soon. For the moment, romantic pursuit holds no significance for me. Besides, I could never be complacent with a "safe" relationship; I believe that if the people you care for don't challenge you in some way, then you only feel obligated to care for them.

As one of my favorite authors, Ursula LeGuin, said: “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” So, as much as I look forward to my destination, I shall endeavor to enjoy the time I have ahead of me, the said journey. I hope to come out a better person when I write the response to this post in two and a half months' time. Bonne chance à moi.

spring cleaning: part un

It's that time of year again, the weather is having sudden bursts of warmth and sun, it's a sign of Spring Cleaning! There are only two things in my room that's accumulated in a craze, and those would be my book collection ("The Library" as my friends refer to it) and clothing. Every summer, I tend to go on a reckless shopping spree. What can I say? Retail therapy is amazing, even though I have no reason to need the therapeutic part. It's just this bad habit, whenever I pass by a thrift store, I must pop in for a second. That second lasts for at least half an hour, and I rarely leave empty handed. If I don't go in, the thought will just keep nagging at me for the rest of the day, until in the end, I surrender and go back anyway.

Back to my anecdote. By the end of summer, after galavanting through thrift stores, garage/yard sales, discount stores, and the occasional mall, I have amassed a small Everest of items that takes over half of my floor space. I know I have to stop, I'm working on that. Bit by bit, I'm weaning off. This summer, my goal is to only spend, at the absolute most, $200. Including back to school clothing. As for food, school fees, gas, car insurance, bills; basic necessities, that's a completely different matter. But I refuse to spend more than $50 a month when eating out, not including groceries. As for school materials, there's WalMart and Office Depot and their sales. I'm definitely signing up early to rent texts from the school bookstore for the Fall. From now on, I'm not treating friends, until I have a steady income coming in, and all my financial needs are met.

Here's a photo of my pile of novels I got rid of, and donating. Count: 50. Left: around 300. I have a very long way to go from here. Good luck to me!

day of overflowing love

Why are we subjected to showing affection to people we love on Valentine's Day? Is it really necessary that we should buy chocolates, jewelry, and all sorts of gifts just to prove our love? No. It is just another hyped media thinking that's gotten the consumer in all of use. Boyfriend or no boyfriend, I still don't like the purpose of this so-called holiday. I'd rather receive a greeting than a gift. It's the thought that counts right? And case in point, my close friend SY called twice just to greet me a "Happy Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year." Now THAT is what counts.

I predicted that I would cancel plans with my friend for today since last Thursday, and I was right on the point. Don't doubt me when it comes to a topic I strongly feel for.

Now that I've ranted my piece to no one in particular, I shall indulge in good food, a bowl of Ben & Jerry's, and a series of horror films.