All's Quite On The Western Front

I'm officially (almost) all moved in to my new SF apartment! My mom left today, and aside from the very stressful few days, I already love it here!

My new place is 1 block from China town, 1 block from a cliff (that if hiked straight up (similar to Cinque-terre in Italy) continues my street), about 15-20 minute walk to Fisherman's wharf, and a few blocks from a church, a park, and Little Italy. I am also sharing my apartment with a gay couple, who are very nice and will be referred to as M & T. They are not the least bit flamboyant, just prefer each other to women. And, if all of that wasn't enough, all the walking up hills is going to give me buns of steel in less than 2 weeks!

Last night was my orientation, where I met the head of my department, heard a few speeches, and watched a slide show of unbelievable student work. I almost cried it was so phenomenal. My department chair has already singled me out, informed 4 other students not to talk to me, and deemed me as competition. Therefor, I can safely say I'm going to be the loner of my class. Great.

I also got to hear a speech from an ex-49er player turned film director that I should compare myself to a Jedi. Another Great.

And, to top it all off, the student population is 85% asian, 10% gay, 4% minority, 1% attractive male prospect (that one guy, was also on crutches). Can I get another Grrrrreat?

Well, at least I get a few days to settle in to my apartment, learn my way around, and catch up with a few friends. This city is nothing like New York, and so far, I am in love. Plenty of free stuff to do, amazing food, and beautiful weather. No one is walking head down, ipod on, and giving you the death stare. It is just the opposite. They say hello and even...smile! I believe I may be converting to California-ism.

Katrina Revolution

5 years ago, I was a freshman in college. I was in a new town, with new people, and starting a new life. And, then, 48 hours later, I thought my entire past had been wiped away. Returning home that Christmas was heart breaking. New Orleans was a town burnt out and demolished beyond repair. But, from disaster comes enlightenment. A whole city was reborn.

Today is my first day as a California resident (although I am still homeless). I am once again in a new town, with new people, and starting a new life. But, a lot has changed. My past has been rebuilt. My hometown has reinvented itself, and I have been trying to do the same. You can't forget your past, but you can do your best to improve it.

As I watch the sun come up, still unaccustomed to the time change, I can't help but think about where I've come from and where I've been. It's a long road we are all on. A road to recovery. Recovery of our souls, our health, our senses, and in the end, our happiness.

Professional Nomad

If this was a job title, I might actually be qualified.

4 moves, 1 year, and less than 24 hours before my plane takes off.

Until then....

Hang 10, and see you on the flip side!

Fish & Fog

My last week home is about to start. It's a bittersweet feeling I've become accustomed to, complete with last minute rendez-vous, procrastination packing, and a cold. The summer flew by, and just when I was starting to feel at ease, a whole series of obstacles is waiting in the midst.

The fog of San Francisco awaits, while a thick fog has settled over my brain. The unknown people, housing, and classes are just beyond my reach. And, once again, I need to muster up some bravery to excel outside my boundaries. This time it seems the most difficult. In the past my ignorance was bliss, now it feels more like a hinderance. I've grown much more attached to my roots, and now I'm forced to extend all my branches...even blossom?

In the meantime, I'd like to take a breath, but it seems my sinuses are keeping me from doing that, too. A fish out of water is how I feel. And, for the time being, a fish out of water; I will remain.

Follow Up, Up, & Away

This weekend was fan-flippin-tastic!

Friday night I enjoyed a relaxing Greek dinner with my family, after a long day babysitting 'Jumpin' Jack Flash.' Before the day with him was through he imparted several bits of wisdom, including 'I have control of my balls.'

Saturday I did some yoga, sewing, and relaxing before a decadent night! I went to my grandmother's 89th birthday dinner at Ralph's On The Park, a local Brennan owned restaurant on the edge of City Park.

After dinner I went with a few people to see our friend, Will, (the one whose car I was in, but not with, a few weeks ago...also an excellent musician) play an acoustic set at a home-style coffee shop. The Neutral Ground, as it is called, is right behind my high-school, and walking in brought back a lot of memories. It is the ultimate bohemian breeding ground with 60's and 70's band posters, local art, and funky furniture lining the walls.

After his set, we all headed down to Frenchman, to see The Revivalists, the same band as 2 weeks prior at Tipitina's. It wasn't until we were at the bar, drinks in hand, that I decided to tackle the escapade with Will's friend. 2 weeks had gone by, and we still hadn't spoken on the matter.

Me: 'Ok, so....What do you know?'

Will: 'Everything.'

Me: 'Ok, great. Let's hear it!'

The night continued with little controversy over the matter. He seemed more amused than anything. Thank goodness! It wasn't until after hours of dancing that Will brought it up again.

Will: 'So, let me hear it again! What else happened?!'

Me: 'Huh? You mean the other night?'

Will: 'Yea, There has to be more to the story! Come on!'

Me: 'I don't think there is!'

(The story was re-hashed, yet again. When it came to the part about the car, this is what happened)

Me: 'Listen, I'm really sorry.'

Will: 'Why?! Don't be sorry! My friend said he had a great time! He loved both bands, and he had fun with you!'

Me: (blushing) 'Yea, I meant I'm sorry about your car.'

Will: 'Oh! haha! You know how many people I've hooked up with in the back of that car?!'

Me: 'Well, I'm glad we can share that experience now.'

That was the end of it, until we were dropping him off at his house, and the last thing he screams is:

'Have a good night you guys! And, (worn inside out), so glad you hooked up with my best friend! Thanks!'

No, Will, Thank you! So glad we are still on good terms! He really was the one doing me a favor.

Sunday I woke up exhausted from hours of dancing and spent the afternoon preparing for a yoga workshop for next weekend. I hope all these good vibes come with me on my journey westward in 2 weeks!!!

Grantacular!

As I finish up my grant application this week, I decided you may want to see what I've been working on...

Here is the inspiration!

And, here are some of the illustrations...

California Here I Cum!

So, I finally have a little scandal to talk about!!

Friday night was a long awaited Revivalist's concert and reunion with some high school friends. I purposely scheduled tomorrow's oral surgery after this event, knowing it would be epic....and it was.

We went to Tipitina's, stopping for a quick beverage down the street at Miss Mae's. Miss Mae's is usually a late night stop, so starting our evening there should be the first hint.

We got to Tipitina's, where a friend of a friend was going to meet me. The guy I know is out of town, but his friend was down here visiting. I texted him that I was there and wearing a bright, floral dress. As about six of us walked in, I wasn't paying much attention...until someone said my name, and a finger was pointing in my direction.

It was my friend Arianne. He had mistaken her for me, as she was also wearing a flowery print. She said when she saw him, she immediately thought, 'No, I'm not _(worn inside out)_, but she will be glad to see you!' Needless to say, a tall, tan, blond curly haired, man was standing in front of me. JACKPOT!

We hit it off, talking about spontaneous adventures, world travels, and California. Because, wouldn't ya know?! He's a drummer from San Diego, who studied Ecology. FML.

Talking lead to more drinking....drinking lead to watching the band....watching the band lead to dancing....dancing lead to grinding....grinding lead to making out...

...and that's when we took it outside.

My car was parked too far away to walk, but he said his (meaning our mutual out of town friend's) was down the street. We got about half way when he slammed me up against someone else's car and kissed me hard.

Begin soft porn novel.

We got to our friends car, hopped inside, and started going at it, as my nearly naked ass was facing a main street directly across from the bar. We were in the heat of the moment...literally. Can you say Hot Mess?!

We were going at it, until he stopped me...and my memory is a bit gray. I believe I must have been sweating buckets and hardly breathing, because it's about 100 degrees here, and we were inside of a car, without the air conditioning on. He turned on the air, after stopping me, because I must have been about to faint. Foggy windows are an understatement, unless they look like the ones in Titanic. I opened the window and the air outside was cooler than in the car!

We decided to stop, got out of the car, and walked back in for some water. It was literally too hot to fuck. We closed our tabs and came back outside, where we spent the next 20 minutes chatting. Then he decided to tell me his flight was at 7:40 am (it is nearing 2 or 3 am), and that he better get going. He kissed me softly, one last time, and then left.

I walked back to the bar, caught up with my friends, and hung with the band for a few minutes. We went back to Miss Mae's with a few people and then home. It was an amazing night, until I got up the next day, when a hamburger couldn't even cure my hangover!