I had the most fantastic of days. And get this, it's not even over?! It was a leisurely start, and so far, a leisurely middle. My cereal was accompanied by a Trader Joes brownie. Ok, two TJ brownies. ... ok, three. But only three, and they were small! I onlined awhile. Onlined, smiles for new invented verbs. Got shit done.
I walked. I walked at first with headphones in, but that was just distracting as there were so many things going on i wanted to enjoy and experience. Like, for instance, the woman with the stroller who thought it would be a good idea to try and move through traffic. stupid.
I walked down a street ive never been down before. I saw the sun on many a peoples faces and saw benches, and flowers, and an earring (that looked like a peacock feather) stuck to a palm tree. Im assuming someone had dropped and lost it and someone else decided to leave it there for said owner. I could be wrong and maybe someone just wanted to give the palm tree some accessories. Beauty it up a little. Or not. ...
I saw someone cleaning out their garage. I saw a lot of colorful garages. It's san francisco, everything is colorful. I visited a book store, got some coffee. some delicious coffee. yum. walked some more. walked very slowly. sat on a fire hydrant for a good twenty minutes. just sat. sat and watched. watched the people on the corner try and sign the passersby up w/ something environmental or child saving. I dont think i could do that job.
I waited outside the body piercing place for it to open. those lazy bastards don't open until noon. HA. I didn't buy anything because at $60/ pair I really better like them. I sucked on a lollipop. I walked some more. I saw people ive seen a lot before, because like I have also said before, its a jumbo sized college campus. I sat for a long time. it was really hot and all I really wanted to do was get naked. I settled for the next best thing and took my shirt off and unbuttoned my pants. i was still really hot. So i took my shirt off and laid on my stomach. hey, don't judge. I read some, and ate a delicious nectarine. it was soooo juicy. and just when i thought my day couldn't get any better, girls (hello sarcasm). two girls walked up. and out of the entire park, the entire practically empty park, they chose to sit oh very close to me. those bastards.
overhearing their very loud and obnoxious conversation i came to realize they had just graduated high school, one of them was going to school in san francisco, they were both from Montreal, and they definitely did not live in the mission. I know this because they were talking about how nice it is over "here". aka, the mission. Anyway, long story short I was having a wonderful quiet relaxing afternoon until these two chatter mouths came and made me feel like I was sitting on top of them. So, the title of this post, Girls. Girls. Not sure what im going to do if I end up birthing one. They can be loud, and annoying, and whiny. But, i survived, and my mom still puts up with me. Lesson learned.
I have pictures to come, but yes, they are to come. .....
meanderings
One of my most very best friends told me a story the other day. Her and her boyfriend were in Mexico. The had a good day and were hoofing it back to their hotel. On the way my friend suggested they slow down, take in what was around them, and meander their way back. Meander? My friends bf was confused and didn't know why you would meander when you obviously know exactly where you are going. But, ok, he agreed. They slowed their pace and eventually wondered into a party where they danced the night away and had an incredible, unexpected time.
I need to do a bit more meandering in my life.
Regarding meandering, here are some pics of yesterday. Who doesn't love board games on the beach?
I need to do a bit more meandering in my life.
Regarding meandering, here are some pics of yesterday. Who doesn't love board games on the beach?
cocktails
Driving the other day I passed a sign above a bar. The sign said COCKTAILS. Cocktails. What a funny word, and really, just kind of a funny word for what we use it for. It's meant to describe a mix of alcoholic drink. Hmm. Here is WIKI's definition of it.
Here is the history portion, if interested :
"The earliest known printed use of the word "cocktail" was from The Farmer's Cabinet, April 28, 1803:[4] "11. Drank a glass of cocktail — excellent for the head ... Call'd at the Doct's. found Burnham — he looked very wise — drank another glass of cocktail."
The earliest definition of "cocktail" was in the May 13, 1806, edition of the Balance and Columbian Repository, a publication in Hudson, New York, in which an answer was provided to the question, "What is a cocktail?". It stated that:
“Cocktail is a stimulating liquor composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters — it is vulgarly called a bittered sling and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, inasmuch as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head. It is said, also to be of great use to a Democratic candidate: because a person, having swallowed a glass of it, is ready to swallow anything else.”
Compare the ingredients listed (spirits, sugar, water, and bitters) with the ingredients of an Old Fashioned.
Often, the Sazerac is cited as the first cocktail, even though it didn't appear until 25 years later.
The first publication of a bartenders' guide which included cocktail recipes was in 1862: How to Mix Drinks; or, The Bon Vivant's Companion, by "Professor" Jerry Thomas. In addition to listings of recipes for Punches, Sours, Slings, Cobblers, Shrubs, Toddies, Flips, and a variety of other types of mixed drinks were 10 recipes for drinks referred to as "Cocktails". A key ingredient which differentiated "cocktails" from other drinks in this compendium was the use of bitters as an ingredient, although it is not used in many modern cocktail recipes.
The first "cocktail party" ever thrown was allegedly by Mrs. Julius S. Walsh Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri, in May 1917. Mrs. Walsh invited 50 guests to her mansion at noon on a Sunday. The party lasted one hour, until lunch was served at 1pm. The site of the first cocktail party still stands. In 1924 the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis bought the Walsh mansion at 4510 Lindell Blvd., and it has served as the local archbishop's residence ever since. [5]
During Prohibition in the United States (1920–1933), when the sale of alcoholic beverages was illegal, cocktails were still consumed illegally in establishments known as speakeasies. The quality of the alcohol available was far lower than was previously used, and bartenders generally put forth less effort in preparing the cocktails.[2] There was a shift from whiskey to gin, which doesn't require aging and is therefore easier to produce illicitly.[6]
Cocktails became less popular in the late 1960s and 1970s as other recreational drugs became common. In the 1980s cocktails once again became popular, with vodka often substituted for gin in drinks such as the martini. In the 2000s, traditional cocktails and gin are starting to make a comeback.[7]"
Here is the history portion, if interested :
"The earliest known printed use of the word "cocktail" was from The Farmer's Cabinet, April 28, 1803:[4] "11. Drank a glass of cocktail — excellent for the head ... Call'd at the Doct's. found Burnham — he looked very wise — drank another glass of cocktail."
The earliest definition of "cocktail" was in the May 13, 1806, edition of the Balance and Columbian Repository, a publication in Hudson, New York, in which an answer was provided to the question, "What is a cocktail?". It stated that:
“Cocktail is a stimulating liquor composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water, and bitters — it is vulgarly called a bittered sling and is supposed to be an excellent electioneering potion, inasmuch as it renders the heart stout and bold, at the same time that it fuddles the head. It is said, also to be of great use to a Democratic candidate: because a person, having swallowed a glass of it, is ready to swallow anything else.”
Compare the ingredients listed (spirits, sugar, water, and bitters) with the ingredients of an Old Fashioned.
Often, the Sazerac is cited as the first cocktail, even though it didn't appear until 25 years later.
The first publication of a bartenders' guide which included cocktail recipes was in 1862: How to Mix Drinks; or, The Bon Vivant's Companion, by "Professor" Jerry Thomas. In addition to listings of recipes for Punches, Sours, Slings, Cobblers, Shrubs, Toddies, Flips, and a variety of other types of mixed drinks were 10 recipes for drinks referred to as "Cocktails". A key ingredient which differentiated "cocktails" from other drinks in this compendium was the use of bitters as an ingredient, although it is not used in many modern cocktail recipes.
The first "cocktail party" ever thrown was allegedly by Mrs. Julius S. Walsh Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri, in May 1917. Mrs. Walsh invited 50 guests to her mansion at noon on a Sunday. The party lasted one hour, until lunch was served at 1pm. The site of the first cocktail party still stands. In 1924 the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis bought the Walsh mansion at 4510 Lindell Blvd., and it has served as the local archbishop's residence ever since. [5]
During Prohibition in the United States (1920–1933), when the sale of alcoholic beverages was illegal, cocktails were still consumed illegally in establishments known as speakeasies. The quality of the alcohol available was far lower than was previously used, and bartenders generally put forth less effort in preparing the cocktails.[2] There was a shift from whiskey to gin, which doesn't require aging and is therefore easier to produce illicitly.[6]
Cocktails became less popular in the late 1960s and 1970s as other recreational drugs became common. In the 1980s cocktails once again became popular, with vodka often substituted for gin in drinks such as the martini. In the 2000s, traditional cocktails and gin are starting to make a comeback.[7]"
balloons
This is a photo i took awhile ago at the 16th st BART station. Someone had tied up a bunch of balloons. So random how can that not make you smile. I love it.
Sometimes San Francisco, and the mission in particular remind me of a college campus.
Sometimes San Francisco, and the mission in particular remind me of a college campus.
kristens away message
Yes Ms Moore Im talking to you. Because of your gchat message I think I will now give the name christ whenever ordering anything to go. And no I can't capitalize/punctuate that correctly, I just feel wrong.
I was once working at a Starbucks. Yes, I did it for only maybe a month. It was the 4am to 11am shift. Besides being tempted by all the pastries in the morning it was actually a good shift. It went by fast. ... Anyway, this guy when time, when asked his name, responded with the word, "Me." Like Me was his name. .... I don't care if it was or if it wasn't but it was a pretty clever / smart ass thing to do. ... The kid at the register hardly knew what to do with himself.
I wonder how long it will be until we all just have numbers to identify us. Like Social Security numbers I suppose. No one will ever have to ask us our name. We'll just hold up our card (which has our personal number, and every other little bit of personal information on it) to a scanner and there ya go. Maybe there wont even be a scanner. Maybe they, or it, or whatever, will know who we are. Maybe they get our personal thumbprint as we open the door to the place so by the time we get to the front of the line the people already know what we want to drink. Ugh. Im creeping myself out.
I was once working at a Starbucks. Yes, I did it for only maybe a month. It was the 4am to 11am shift. Besides being tempted by all the pastries in the morning it was actually a good shift. It went by fast. ... Anyway, this guy when time, when asked his name, responded with the word, "Me." Like Me was his name. .... I don't care if it was or if it wasn't but it was a pretty clever / smart ass thing to do. ... The kid at the register hardly knew what to do with himself.
I wonder how long it will be until we all just have numbers to identify us. Like Social Security numbers I suppose. No one will ever have to ask us our name. We'll just hold up our card (which has our personal number, and every other little bit of personal information on it) to a scanner and there ya go. Maybe there wont even be a scanner. Maybe they, or it, or whatever, will know who we are. Maybe they get our personal thumbprint as we open the door to the place so by the time we get to the front of the line the people already know what we want to drink. Ugh. Im creeping myself out.
the flow of events and other wanderings of the mind
I have been wanting to write a bio / about this thing for awhile now. When I first started this thing it was more of a journal than anything else. Let's face it, I was online more than doing anything else in my life, so I figured if I was online anyway I might as well make some use of my time. And I toyed on an off with the idea of making it private or whatever. But then I finally decided well hey, if people actually care what I am up to, I will have this thing to direct them to. Is that totally impersonal or what? ... So I made it public, but the blog itself is still rather private. I hardly have any photo's of me or my life. I don't mention my name. I rarely feature other people's names. ... What's with this? ... I think part of me wanted it to be somewhat anonymous, but why? I think I was scared a bit. If strangers stumbled upon this what would they think? How would they judge me? Then part of it was that I don't need people to know who I am. It's not necessary to me still doing what I enjoy, which is contributing to this online journaling place.
And caring what strangers think of me is silly really. I can be only me.
I have always been a confident, extroverted, outgoing person. Through the years I have moved and changed, been more cocky than I probably should, and been more timid than I really am. I have held back when I should have jumped and pushed to hard when I should have been patient. ... When you get to be older, and become more aware of being an individual, interacting with other individuals, there is this overwhelming sense of self and where I am and who I should be. And really it's not who I SHOULD be, but who I AM. And also really, it's not when you get older, I should be more correct and say, since IVE gotten older....
These thoughts, scrambled in my brain, I think come from reflecting on the past and how that has shaped me. Reflecting on where I want to be and how I am going to get there. Going back to the jumping/pushing/patient comment. As much as maybe I should have done this or that. I did what I did and am still only me. Every single left or right, up or down has been a player in this life of mine now. So really, I can only just be thankful. And so far, I am still doing ok. I probably could be doing better. And I know for certain I could most definitely be doing worse. And that is the kicker. I don't want to be wondering about doing better. I want to be all I can possibly be NOW. No wondering and wishing years and years from now. Im getting enough wrinkles as it is, my ankles now crack like I remember my mom's doing, and I swear my memory is now at 3 days tops.
I came across THIS blog about a year ago. Not sure how I ran into it, but I check in every once and awhile. I think it was her Muy Thai that drew me in at first because I was doing Muy Thai for a long time. And just to insert, still love it, and want to get back into it at some point. But anyway, I came across this post she actually wrote on March 6, 2009, titled "A Life of Gratitude". The following is an excerpt from that post. She talks about a sequence of events and how they got her to where she is now. And after you read that you can read my About Blog section, because yep, thats right, Im going to do it. Who knows, this could be the start. .....
"I was in Hainan and was journaling about the entire flow of events last year. I thought it started with muay thai cos that's how hy and I started talking, how I found my muay thai family and muay thai is also what made me eventually make the choice to come home even if I had consciously not articulated it then. But as I looked back further, it just seemed it was all meant to happen... .
If the movie 'Chocolate' hasn't come out then, I wouldn't haven watched it just before I broke up with my ex. If we hadn't broken up, I wouldn't have decided to take up muay thai. When my friend finally signed up, she did it with another friend and they happened to be the last two for a full class. If the class wasn't full, I wouldn't have had to trawl the internet for a school nearer my place. When I called and emailed them, they were in Thailand for matches and no one responded to me. Yet, when I decided to go down and take a look myself, they had just come back. Just like that, I found RTF and my 师父 and 师兄. Because of muay thai, hy and I started talking. And it was her friend who got me the writing assignments. The only regret I have is leaving my job in school cos I was happy there. But if I hadn't left that, I wouldn't have gone to a place that turned out to be unhappy and looked for muay thai. So I guess, all things were meant to be. I guess that also contributes to my feeling peaceful cos it feels good to know it has all been planned and I am fulfilling destiny. And it will all lead to good tidings and faith."
And caring what strangers think of me is silly really. I can be only me.
I have always been a confident, extroverted, outgoing person. Through the years I have moved and changed, been more cocky than I probably should, and been more timid than I really am. I have held back when I should have jumped and pushed to hard when I should have been patient. ... When you get to be older, and become more aware of being an individual, interacting with other individuals, there is this overwhelming sense of self and where I am and who I should be. And really it's not who I SHOULD be, but who I AM. And also really, it's not when you get older, I should be more correct and say, since IVE gotten older....
These thoughts, scrambled in my brain, I think come from reflecting on the past and how that has shaped me. Reflecting on where I want to be and how I am going to get there. Going back to the jumping/pushing/patient comment. As much as maybe I should have done this or that. I did what I did and am still only me. Every single left or right, up or down has been a player in this life of mine now. So really, I can only just be thankful. And so far, I am still doing ok. I probably could be doing better. And I know for certain I could most definitely be doing worse. And that is the kicker. I don't want to be wondering about doing better. I want to be all I can possibly be NOW. No wondering and wishing years and years from now. Im getting enough wrinkles as it is, my ankles now crack like I remember my mom's doing, and I swear my memory is now at 3 days tops.
I came across THIS blog about a year ago. Not sure how I ran into it, but I check in every once and awhile. I think it was her Muy Thai that drew me in at first because I was doing Muy Thai for a long time. And just to insert, still love it, and want to get back into it at some point. But anyway, I came across this post she actually wrote on March 6, 2009, titled "A Life of Gratitude". The following is an excerpt from that post. She talks about a sequence of events and how they got her to where she is now. And after you read that you can read my About Blog section, because yep, thats right, Im going to do it. Who knows, this could be the start. .....
"I was in Hainan and was journaling about the entire flow of events last year. I thought it started with muay thai cos that's how hy and I started talking, how I found my muay thai family and muay thai is also what made me eventually make the choice to come home even if I had consciously not articulated it then. But as I looked back further, it just seemed it was all meant to happen... .
If the movie 'Chocolate' hasn't come out then, I wouldn't haven watched it just before I broke up with my ex. If we hadn't broken up, I wouldn't have decided to take up muay thai. When my friend finally signed up, she did it with another friend and they happened to be the last two for a full class. If the class wasn't full, I wouldn't have had to trawl the internet for a school nearer my place. When I called and emailed them, they were in Thailand for matches and no one responded to me. Yet, when I decided to go down and take a look myself, they had just come back. Just like that, I found RTF and my 师父 and 师兄. Because of muay thai, hy and I started talking. And it was her friend who got me the writing assignments. The only regret I have is leaving my job in school cos I was happy there. But if I hadn't left that, I wouldn't have gone to a place that turned out to be unhappy and looked for muay thai. So I guess, all things were meant to be. I guess that also contributes to my feeling peaceful cos it feels good to know it has all been planned and I am fulfilling destiny. And it will all lead to good tidings and faith."
"camping"
It looked like someone had a lot of extra space on their property and decided to charge people money to park and sleep there. Well hell, its America. We can find ways to make money on anything.
The young girl's name was Princess. She was manning the ranger station, and doing a pretty good job with her bright green, blue, and pink nails. The older woman in charge of the store, her name was Angel. And was donning a baby blue sweatshirt and eye shadow, respectfully. They were both very sweet and helpful. We bent the rules a bit, and in a fully reserved campground ended up asking someone if we could crash in their spot. It ended up working out. Perfectly actually.
So, if you are ever in need of some "camping", here HERE.
cheers-
The young girl's name was Princess. She was manning the ranger station, and doing a pretty good job with her bright green, blue, and pink nails. The older woman in charge of the store, her name was Angel. And was donning a baby blue sweatshirt and eye shadow, respectfully. They were both very sweet and helpful. We bent the rules a bit, and in a fully reserved campground ended up asking someone if we could crash in their spot. It ended up working out. Perfectly actually.
So, if you are ever in need of some "camping", here HERE.
cheers-
serving
Serving, in a multiple of ways and various shapes and forms can be a humbling experience. I currently spend my time serving other people food. The fact is in America servers make their base pay from their tips. Rely on them really. So, for instance, when someone tips .80 cents they might have well just spit me in the face. A huge slobbery loogie.
So, people of America, do you not think that the people serving you food have more brain cells that could be of use, rather than asking whether you want that medium or medium rare. More skills, other experiences, they have aspirations and goals. Making sure things can be as enjoyable as possible and you choose to "reward" that service essentially, with .80 cents. Don't go out to eat if you can tip less than a dollar. A little word of advice from me to you.
But, I understand tipping has become less of a reward for good service and more an expected gesture. Which, i agree is bs. But anyway....
At work the other day, serving some old lady. And really, I mean old. As I offered her more water she paid me a compliment. "Honey, you have nice legs. I wish I had legs like that." Not sure what this means coming from an old lady, but it made me smile. So thanks old lady, and thanks mom and dad for the legs. Appreciate it.
So, people of America, do you not think that the people serving you food have more brain cells that could be of use, rather than asking whether you want that medium or medium rare. More skills, other experiences, they have aspirations and goals. Making sure things can be as enjoyable as possible and you choose to "reward" that service essentially, with .80 cents. Don't go out to eat if you can tip less than a dollar. A little word of advice from me to you.
But, I understand tipping has become less of a reward for good service and more an expected gesture. Which, i agree is bs. But anyway....
At work the other day, serving some old lady. And really, I mean old. As I offered her more water she paid me a compliment. "Honey, you have nice legs. I wish I had legs like that." Not sure what this means coming from an old lady, but it made me smile. So thanks old lady, and thanks mom and dad for the legs. Appreciate it.
being home
Visiting home, or rather, this place where I grew up, and haven't lived in 3 years, was exactly what I could have expected, only in no way could have written it better. Without getting into every single little detail believe me when I say the trip was quite perfect.
I would however love to share the many, "my gosh, that is new" moments, and "woah, that's so and so, he saw me and I didn't say hi, is that ok?" moments.
It first began on the flight. The flight from SFO to SEA is a gorgeous one. Snow peaks, and water, and green fields aplenty. I ordered a ginger ale, because that is what I have always ordered, and will continue to probably do so until airlines stop offering free beverages.
Because my music was blasting so damn loud through my headphones I faintly knew the pilot was announcing something, I just had no idea what. I believe he was saying that we were now in Washington and were about to land. I believe this is what he said because the attendant came by and tapped me on the shoulder. Damn it. But no, I thought. There was no way we were here already! I didn't recognize anything. And I didn't. But, oh there it was. the sound, and the islands, and the bridge, and my actual home, oh, and this little ol thing called mount rainier. Which, I had apparently been staring at the last 5 minutes, but didn't know it because i completely forgot what it looks like. Yeah, do you realize how shitty that felt? That I didn't remember what it looked like. I felt like a failure, a fraud, a person whose home is obviously somewhere between where she grew up and where she is now.
Kates picked me up. I told her arrivals as I was concretely standing at departures. If you ever pick up anyone from the airport and they didn't check baggage you should always pick them up from departures because its always empty. I don't know why I told her arrivals, my mind was a little off, but I get this call, "Where are you, you said there were no cars!" So, I ran, I ran through the airport, down to arrivals, traversed through 4 lanes of crowded airport traffic, that thanks to combs was behind her because if anyone knows how to get around traffic, she does. And hopped into the car, with the door barely closing behind me, and my head I think falling into Kates chest on an attempt to give her a hug. It was so good to see her.
Driving back to the Gig I knew it would be different. Since I had been gone a whole new bridge went up. I mean, an entire bridge was built. Ok, really it took 7 years to build, but it was up and running now, and I hadn't seen it since. There were things uglier, and louder, and brighter on the side of the freeway. Like the giant obnoxious billboards. One specifically which pissed me off for the Emerald Queen Casino (and no I am not linking to them, blaaaahhhhhhhh on them). This disgusting monstrosity on the side of the freeway make me want to gouge my eyes out. It's not just the billboard, but the actual building, taking over the entire other side of the freeway. I mean, really?!!!!
I have to say, some of the changes were good. The lanes are wider and smoother, and riding over the old bridge I don't know how we ever fit everyone on those 2 little lanes. That thing took a beating, and im glad it has some weight lifted off it's shoulders. The new bridge isn't as ugly or intrusive as I thought it would be either. So, glad to see, some change is good change. Also, the bay area could learn a thing or two about their toll system. and CLEARLY marked lanes etc etc. Anyway, I was impressed.
A few more things, the signs for the city I feel are bigger, and easier to read. They communicate a bit more. Kates said it's because of all the old people. Not sure that's true, but a funny explanation none the less. We now have a costco, and panera bread, and movie theatre (like a big one), and lots and lots of other shops. All places the kiddies can spend money and sit on their asses and get fat. ... No, but really, as much as I was critical, they made the areas tastefully. And although they cut down LOTS of trees, for the most part the areas are off the path, a bit hidden, and if they just keep the rest of the trees in the Harbor, Ill be ok. The day it turns into house after house after house I will run for the hills.
I love my little Gig, and Seatown, and the northwest in general. I do, I LOVE it. It is so much a part of me. In me as much as a place can be, and that will never go away.
I would however love to share the many, "my gosh, that is new" moments, and "woah, that's so and so, he saw me and I didn't say hi, is that ok?" moments.
It first began on the flight. The flight from SFO to SEA is a gorgeous one. Snow peaks, and water, and green fields aplenty. I ordered a ginger ale, because that is what I have always ordered, and will continue to probably do so until airlines stop offering free beverages.
Because my music was blasting so damn loud through my headphones I faintly knew the pilot was announcing something, I just had no idea what. I believe he was saying that we were now in Washington and were about to land. I believe this is what he said because the attendant came by and tapped me on the shoulder. Damn it. But no, I thought. There was no way we were here already! I didn't recognize anything. And I didn't. But, oh there it was. the sound, and the islands, and the bridge, and my actual home, oh, and this little ol thing called mount rainier. Which, I had apparently been staring at the last 5 minutes, but didn't know it because i completely forgot what it looks like. Yeah, do you realize how shitty that felt? That I didn't remember what it looked like. I felt like a failure, a fraud, a person whose home is obviously somewhere between where she grew up and where she is now.
Kates picked me up. I told her arrivals as I was concretely standing at departures. If you ever pick up anyone from the airport and they didn't check baggage you should always pick them up from departures because its always empty. I don't know why I told her arrivals, my mind was a little off, but I get this call, "Where are you, you said there were no cars!" So, I ran, I ran through the airport, down to arrivals, traversed through 4 lanes of crowded airport traffic, that thanks to combs was behind her because if anyone knows how to get around traffic, she does. And hopped into the car, with the door barely closing behind me, and my head I think falling into Kates chest on an attempt to give her a hug. It was so good to see her.
Driving back to the Gig I knew it would be different. Since I had been gone a whole new bridge went up. I mean, an entire bridge was built. Ok, really it took 7 years to build, but it was up and running now, and I hadn't seen it since. There were things uglier, and louder, and brighter on the side of the freeway. Like the giant obnoxious billboards. One specifically which pissed me off for the Emerald Queen Casino (and no I am not linking to them, blaaaahhhhhhhh on them). This disgusting monstrosity on the side of the freeway make me want to gouge my eyes out. It's not just the billboard, but the actual building, taking over the entire other side of the freeway. I mean, really?!!!!
I have to say, some of the changes were good. The lanes are wider and smoother, and riding over the old bridge I don't know how we ever fit everyone on those 2 little lanes. That thing took a beating, and im glad it has some weight lifted off it's shoulders. The new bridge isn't as ugly or intrusive as I thought it would be either. So, glad to see, some change is good change. Also, the bay area could learn a thing or two about their toll system. and CLEARLY marked lanes etc etc. Anyway, I was impressed.
A few more things, the signs for the city I feel are bigger, and easier to read. They communicate a bit more. Kates said it's because of all the old people. Not sure that's true, but a funny explanation none the less. We now have a costco, and panera bread, and movie theatre (like a big one), and lots and lots of other shops. All places the kiddies can spend money and sit on their asses and get fat. ... No, but really, as much as I was critical, they made the areas tastefully. And although they cut down LOTS of trees, for the most part the areas are off the path, a bit hidden, and if they just keep the rest of the trees in the Harbor, Ill be ok. The day it turns into house after house after house I will run for the hills.
I love my little Gig, and Seatown, and the northwest in general. I do, I LOVE it. It is so much a part of me. In me as much as a place can be, and that will never go away.
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