turn off

Went to a b-day party last night. It was in the lounge area of a restaurant and was mellow. Got to really talk to people without having to shout too much, so that was nice.

Despite the laid-back atmosphere, one guy and one woman stood out in my mind b/c they were intense. Specifically, they were more close-minded.

The guy and I were talking about his new home in SOMA. I mentioned that DNA Lounge, right by his place, was a cool place. Immediately, he commented that the club was grungy, as if the place reaked. I tried to explain why I liked the place, but his overwhelming dislike for the place dominated the conversation.

Okay, see you later sir...

A few minutes later, I was talking to this woman. It turns out that we met at a pool party a month before. I made the connection b/c I rarely go down to the South Bay, so I knew I must have met her at one of the two times I was down there this year.

She didn't recognize me because my hair was different. I joked that my hair only look this good when I get out of the salon, where I was a few hours before the party. She immediately commented that I could make my hair look that way, but I was just lazy and unwilling to make my hair look good. It was so shocking to be accused of being lazy that I was defensive. Still, I managed to laugh it off and change the subject.

Then I remembered her once again, with this hostile attitude at the pool party...

Despite these incidents, the party was fun! I caught up with a few friends and met some new people. Still, the negative experiences stood out because I hope to always give people a positive experience. I believe one of the fundamental duties of being human is to bring joy to others' lives by accepting them unconditionally.

For those times when I judged you or made you uncomfortable. I apologize. I promise that I will continue to strive to be a delightful person, especially to all of you that I care so much about!!

i have a big head

Work is busier than ever, but for some reason, I am enjoying it.

Life is back to having fun and loving life.

It is as if the stress of the previous six months have disappeared.

There is a certain clarity, and I feel invincible right now.

This must be how fighters are in a ring, taunting the opponent. C'mon, show me what you've got!

time for everything

Monday 6pm - restaurants that take reservations - I tend to avoid SF restaurants Fri and Sat night - why deal with the crowd, the noise and the temp staff who has not tried everything on the menu?

Tuesday 8am - the best time to go to Safeway - most stocking clerks start their shifts around this time, so this is the best time to get produce at Safeway. the seafood department is open as well. perfect time to pick up fresh seafood for the home-made meals that night

Wednesday 730am - golf ranges - both Presidio and San Bruno are open at 7 but never has any crowd b/c people are commuting. it's possible to hit 70 balls and still get to work by 9! Presidio is closed Tuesday until noon

Wednesday 7pm - public library/book stores - reading at night is a luxury, and you can hit the main library until 8 Tues, Wed, Thurs or borders until 11 or midnight most nights. all these places have cafes in case you need something sweet to go with your book or magazine

Thursday 7pm - museums - most have late nights on Thursdays, and it's usually discounted

Thursday 8pm - Costco - b/c it closes at 830, and they stock everything for the weekend (Fri evening and Sat are the worst times to go)

Friday 630pm - climbing gym - ladies night are never as popular as they should be, so avoid the crowds and save $ ladies! first Fri of the month at the Touchstone gyms and first and third Fri at Planet Granite gyms

Friday 930pm - SOMA Trader Joe's - this location closes at 10, but not a lot of people take advantage (Sat and Sun are the worst times to go)

Saturday 7pm - gym - while everyone is waiting for a table or looking for parking, you can pump away and get a head start in your endorphin production before the night out on the town

Sunday 930am - Civic Center farmers' market - don't have the same cachet as Ferry's Building, but getting a week's grocery for $15 is worth it. restricted parking for the trucks unloading ends at 930, so you'll always find parking on Hyde

social pressure

As much as I love my friends, sometimes I have to remove myself from the social circles to avoid the pressures.

Life is not about obtaining the same identical goals. What makes most people happy may not be what I am looking for from men, career and self.

The reasons why I value people who are so different is that they are actually more open-minded to let me be me.

Looking forward to meeting many, many more different-minded people for the next few years as I continue to enjoy the single life.