Twin Peaks Sunrise

This day started at 5:20am and went until 2:30am the next day. After another one of our famous fort rumpuses in the empty upstairs room, Meghan, Barrett, Corinna, Amy and I awoke to our alarms at 5:20 to get up to Twin Peaks to watch the sunrise. We got ready, putting on many layers, met Chelsie, Maria and Nick down in the kitchen and sleepily left the house to walk around in the morning chill and find the van. We piled in and made the drive up to Twin Peaks. Obviously when we parked and got out of the van it was still dark, so we made our way up the rest of the hill on foot in the freezing wind hitting us. We had to wait about eight minutes (though it felt like an eternity) in the dark, and just when we felt like we wanted nothing more than to head back to the warmth of the car, the first glimmer of the suns rays were visible behind the hills, beginning to light the whole dark city below. It was like nothing I can describe in words and pictures cannot do it justice. It was however, one of the most revered moments of my life: sitting on a hilltop with good friends all around me, watching the sunrise in the quite morning air, lighting the city I've come to love so much with a soft warm glow. That is a hard moment to beat.

Left to Right: Meghan, Me, Corinna, Barrett, Amy, Chelsie, Maria all on top of Twin Peaks.

Corinna, Me and San Francisco!

Cliche, but I love this pictures series. Especially us dancing. Funny thing is, we had no idea Nick was taking these. Now that is capturing the moment. :)

After the sun had risen, we decided to explore more parts of the early morning city. Our next stop? The Cliff house! We made it off the beaten path a bit and ended up climbing down the cliffs to some tide pools and caves.

But not before Barrett and I had the chance to fight on the Cliff House balcony. Typical...gotta love our roommate relationship.

The discover of several very neat caves made it onto our agenda...and this was all before breakfast! Amazing!

Since it was only 7:45, we decided to head over to one of the most popular pancake spots in town. They always have a huge line out the door, but they open at 8, so we were able to get a table. Cute little place in the Mission with delicious lemon blueberry pancakes, amongst other things. Funny side story: As I was eating, I began looking at the artwork on the walls. Much of it seemed to have the same qualities as the artwork I see at The Arc everyday. I looked over to pleasantly be surprised by a name of an artist I recognized, and they were from The Arc. This pancake place was sponsoring artists from The Arc and helping sell their work, which I later read on a place that was on the wall. Totally made my day (as if this day could have gotten any better).

We decided it was time to get the van back to the house in case it was needed for more important things. Also, we weren't sure we were really supposed to be joy riding around the city in it.

It was about 10 by the time we got back and we were all still going strong, so the next stop on our list? The hair salon for some feather extensions. Never thought I'd participate in something so on the hype, but Barrett, Meghan, Becky, Amy and I all agreed we'd get them together before leaving the city.

As we were coming back from getting our feathers, we were taken by surprise by Merna, who had seen us get off the bus and hidden on some one's front porch so she could jump out at us (have I mentioned how much I love the Urban staff? haha). Anyway, we talked to Merna for a while and then decided it would be best to go get some lunch. So, after lunch, I'm not gonna lie, it was pretty difficult to stay awake. But, it was already almost 3:00, so we decided it wouldn't be wise to fall asleep at that point. The park was our solution. We headed over to bask in the sunshine and try to get some home work done. All it resulted in was us talking, looking at the clouds and drawing thins on each others limbs. A very hippie reminiscent SF afternoon if I do say so myself. We we again greeted by Merna who as walking by and saw us. She hung out with us for a bit, until the sun began going down and it was getting too cold to stay outside. We headed back to the house for dinner and to see what our next activity would be. Silent Disco anyone?
That's right. Our evening plans consisted of a Silent Disco. For those of you who may not know what that is, it does not mean people awkwardly dance with no music. Everyone is given a pair of headphones to wear and the DJ plays the same thing on everyone's headphone station. Pretty great idea. However, we thought it started at 10, but it actually began at 11, so we had about 45 mins to kill. We ended up wandering into a small diner that has been on Market St. since 1916. We ordered some sodas and put a quarter in the juke box to request some songs. It felt like we'd stepped into the past for a while.

We eventually made it to the silent disco, which turned out to be a blast! Hilarious when you'd take off your headphones and the whole room was quite with a bunch of people dancing about like they're in a club.

We got home around 2:20 and all fell into bed, exhausted. Meghan didn't even make it to her bed, but spent the night curled up next to me on the foot of my bed.

Another best day to add to the list. I felt like this picture of our shadows was a good ending point. This was when we drove into Golden Gate Park to see the buffalo before breakfast that morning.

If Breaking into a Hotel wasn't Enough...

Friday night comes around and we've got no plans. Nothing to worry about, since we always manage to find something to do in this amazing city. After laying on Meghan's floor for a good three hours after dinner, we eventually thought it would feel so good to go in a hot tub. Well, we are in San Francisco! One of the biggest tourist traps, making it home to many hotels down near the theater district. We found that the Hilton had a pool and jacuzzi, so off we went to catch the 5 Fulton. So basically, Meghan, Corinna, Barrett, Amy and I have to be the worst at sneaking into somewhere we aren't supposed to be. All of us were freaking out as we were about to go into the lobby. Then we realized that this is a huge hotel and that no one would know if were were staying there or not. We found out what floor the pool was on and got on the elevator. When we got to the doors to the pool we had to wait for someone with a card key to open the door for us. Down the hall a hotel staff person was walking towards us. We panicked and ran around the corner all filing into a single stall bathroom, slamming the door behind us, well actually we quickly tried to find room to close the door since five people was about four too many to be in this bathroom. A few seconds later we realized how ridiculous we were being and so we sent Corinna out to see if anyone was around to open the pool door. A couple was coming back into the hotel, so Corinna grabbed the door behind them and we all ran back out of the bathroom towards the pool.
Despite our paranoia we were able to enjoy at least a good 30 minutes of relaxing hot tub time. However, we failed to think about the fact that we were going to have to ride the bus back, in the cold, all wet. Totally worth it haha. To warm up, we stopped by one of our favorite restaurants, Little Delhi, for some delicious $1 Hot Chai Tea. Meghan went in to get us some to go and the rest of us stood outside and waited. While we were waiting for her, a woman right in front of us was pulling away from the curb in her car, as another guy tried to catch the yellow light in the intersection behind her. They collided right in front of us and both got out of their cars, the man yelling (mostly profanities and insults about the woman's driving). A couple that was standing next to us outside the restaurant began getting involved, screaming at the man to calm down and "shut the f--- up!" All four of us were shocked that these random people were so angry over this fender bender. A few seconds later a motorcycle cop arrived and began trying to calm everyone down. After about a minute more of screaming between the man in the accident and the couple that had been bystanders, the cop yells "You", pointing at the couple, "shut up and get going, since this really doesn't concern you. And You sir", turning to the man in the accident, "need to calm down immediately."

Oh the things you see just walking down the street here. Pretty fascinating. On the bus ride back we had another interesting, though more comical and less angry experience. On Muni buses, in order to get the back doors to open when the bus stops, you must step down into the stairwell. Obviously first time Muni riders don't know this. Most simply look confused and then flustered as everyone on the bus begins yelling "step down" at them, however, this man chose to handle things differently. The bus stops and the man waiting to get out doesn't know how to open the door. Before anyone could yell instructions at him, he screams at the top of his lungs and then begins to moan "Driver, let me out. Let me out please!" To make the guy stop yelling, the driver opened the back door, but the guy was too busy yelling to notice. Just as they are closing, he realizes and tries to hop out. The man standing next to him jokingly goes "Oh, missed your chance." The man then starts screaming again "I'm trapped! They are holding me hostage! Crazy Californians!" The bus driver again opened the door for him and everyone on the bus starts yelling "Go! The doors are open! Go now!" As he exits the bus he yells "I'm from New York. We don't have to deal with things like this! But thank you for releasing me!" Hilarious!

And people say San Franciscan's are wacked. NY could give SF a run for it's money.

What a night.

A "bombastic" Final Site Vist.

Well, in the closing of the semester, final site visits came around. We were instructed to give 15-20 min presentations in a meeting with our site supervisor and a member of the urban staff. Meredith and I received a phone call from the reception desk that Barry had arrived for me and we went downstairs to one of the conference rooms, me with my learning contract and several examples of my semester work in hand.

Usually I am not a good presentation giver, but this was easy. One, because it was only with two other people, and I know them both pretty well; and two, because it was something I am now really very passionate about, making it fun to share my thoughts and what I've learned with others.

I went through my learning contract goals one by one, giving Barry examples of work I'd done and then having Meredith provide feedback. I showed some tangible examples of my semester work (newsletters, photos, designs) and told some stories that exemplified some of the principles I've learned.
Barry thanked me for my presentation and told me I'd done well. Meredith and I returned upstairs, discussing the presentation. As we set foot back in the office door, the phone rang; it was the reception desk calling to tell us that Brad and another woman were here for me. Confused, Meredith and I wandered back downstairs. Brad apologized for being late, explaining he had hoped to sit in on my presentation with Tatiana (a board member from Westmont, visiting to evaluate the Urban program). He asked if I would mind giving it briefly again. So, I got out another copy of my learning contract, went into the gallery and gave my entire 15 minute presentation again. About half way through, Brad gets this worried look on his face, says "Oh I'm so sorry. I've just remembered I didn't lock my car and my computer is in there", and runs out of the room, leaving me and Tatiana to sit and wait, trying to make conversation.
What an awesome experience.

The day just got better, as we were having community dinner provided by Meghan and Katie. They sent out an email, saying it was theme dinner (we often have those) and everyone should dress "bombastic". I walk into the house to find Merna standing in the hallway looking well, hella bombastic (like my Nor Cal slang? haha). Black sequined skirt, stilettos, eye makeup, glitzy rings and chewing bubble gum. "Merna! Whoa..." I exclaimed. "Well, I'm just dressing the part. Want some gum?" Before I could answer, Brad comes walking down the hallway looking not so bombastic, but trying desperately with a sombrero on his head. Yep, that's our staff. Man, I love living in this house with all it's crazy people. Great theme dinner! Great day!

I'm 20

Since it was Easter weekend, I was able to head home for a couple days and also celebrate some of my birthday with my family before I left on Monday. Easter was good, but quite this year. We had our annual egg hunt and a good brunch with the family. Monday I was able to have lunch with my family before I headed back on a plane to SF.

When I got back to the house a couple good friends took me out to dinner, which was great. We went out for delicious Thai food, thanks to Corinna for being equivalent to google and knowing several restaurant reviews off the top of her head.

Anyway, we got a little bored waiting for the bus on the way back and began taking pictures.
Nick, Barrett, Meghan and I trying to sit on the bar after Meghan had just fallen off...pretty funny.

Piggy back rides from Barrett!And proposals from Meghan... Apparently I rejected her with a punch to the face haha. Poor Meggy...

Thanks for a great birthday, guys! I can't believe I'm 20! Weird...but I think it'll be a good year. :)

Like usual, the bus ride back was incredibly entertaining. The bus was packed, so we were all standing in a very tight space. This woman behind me began talking to man that was several people in front of me. She began accusing him of staring at her, calling him many obscene names, threatening that a cop lived in her building, and if he didn't stop looking at her, she'd call him up. I'm not really sure what she expected, since she was freaking out and the entire bus was looking at her. During the ride, the bus lurched forward and Nick stumbled back into the lady. Barrett, Nick and I all thought "Oh no! She is going to start cussing him out now." But, in a very normal and sweet voice, after Nick timidly said he was sorry, she goes "Oh, that's quite alright." A second later? She goes back to yelling at the same guy for sexual harassment or whatever she thought he was doing. Interesting people reside here, that is for sure.

What is Gender?

A simple question to answer, yes? Perhaps if we still lived in a world were male and female was roles were limiting and clearly defined. Where men are seen as the providers, the protectors, the dominate in society; and where women are put in the roles of the nurturers, the supporters and the submissive. I'm not saying that they can't be any of those things, but let's be honest, we are far past these primitive notions of men must be the sole providers and that women cannot (or should not) hold a job or live independently (just a few examples). And, if we are being really honest, we can see that gender isn't as black and white or as simple as male and female. There is a whole community becoming more and more prevalent of gender non-conformists, transgendered and transsexual people. Weather you believe it is right, wrong or don't have an opinion on it, we can't ignore the fact that it is there.
Last week we had a speaker come to the house for our Urban Studies seminar to speak to us about transgender issues. So many questions were brought up that I had never even begun to think of before. Until Willie came to speak I wasn't aware of how little I knew about the transgender community. You often hear about "Transgender" when talking about the LGBT acronym, grouping it with three sexual orientations instead of dealing with it as a subject of gender identity, which is what it is.
This gets to the root of the question of what exactly is gender? I confidently can say I am female, but what truly makes me female? Obviously it must be more that just what chromosome I was given or what I look like. I believe it has to even go somewhat beyond the cultural expectations placed on my gender. These questions are hard ones to answer. Yes, I am a woman, but no, I do not want to be mostly defined by my femininity. I refuse to be held to certain expectations or roles because I am female. I want to be held to expectations based on who I am, not what I am. Though it must contribute, I don't believe I am who I am simply because I am female.
Now, to get even more confusing, what if a person doesn't feel as if they are the gender they are born? Essentially that is what a transgendered person is. We hear terms like "transvestite" or "drag queen/king", but don't realize that these are people who often simply "play" with gender. Yes, these people often belong to the LGB community, but fall more into the category of gender non-conformists rather than people seeking to become and belong to the opposite gender.
Interesting things to think about. How do you tell someone that they must love who they are if they feel as if every part of them doesn't belong to the gender they were born? How do you dismiss some one's feelings if they are uncomfortable going into their gender's bathroom? It is difficult for most of the population, having never felt these particular insecurities, to understand where people who feel this way are coming from. But, just because it is difficult to understand, doesn't mean it isn't a legitimate issue.
Though confusing, I'm glad I've been given these opportunities to be exposed to different members of the population regarding not just this topic, but many others as well. I hope that I can come to respect, even if I don't fully comprehend, others that are different than I am, no matter their differences.
Thoughts on this?

"Laughter is an instant vacation"

It's days like today that I can look back on, recall the smallest details and have one of the biggest smiles put upon my face. From start to finish this day was jam packed with good things.
No sleeping in on this Saturday. Most of us were up at 8 to head to Karen's house for brunch. After getting off the bus three stops too early and then walking half a mile uphill in the wrong direction, we eventually arrived about half an hour later than we were planning (whoops). We enjoyed a nice morning brunch, some hang out time in Karen's living room, a tour of Jacob's (her nine year old son) tree house and to top it all off, some hilarious mad-libs. I left Karen's happy, full and hoping to make some headway on my homework. That didn't work out too well for when we arrived back at the house, Barrett, Meghan and I decided it would be a good idea to try and play frisbee between our windows. That activity lead to the frisbee falling and getting stuck on the roof, so we had to go out our window and get it. That then lead to us trying to find a spot on the roof to hang out. We eventually found our spot on the third story and proceeded to bring some snacks and our computers, hoping we would all make some headway on the research paper. That didn't work out too well as we began people watching passers-by on the street below, yelling hello to them, and spotting some cherries growing in the tree in front of us.
Excited about our find, Barrett and I ran downstairs to try and pick some. Barrett climbed the tree, while I stood on the sidewalk catching the cherries she threw to me and Meghan looked over the edge of the roof from two stories up. A woman running by stopped, gave me one of the weirdest looks (I then realized people could not see Barrett in the tree, so I looked like I was talking to it) and turned to ask me if I lived in the house. I told her I did and she asked what it was. I was forced to explain the whole "it's an off-campus college program" spiel to her while I looked like an idiot who had just been talking to a tree,, when really, Barrett was the total creep crouched in the tree. Anyway, I threw some cherries up to Meghan (that took a few tries) and we all tried to eat them. They were bitter and disgusting, but still worth the fun trip down stairs and a good distraction from homework.
By that time, we had to start getting ready to go for our trip down the coast to Pie Ranch in Pescadero for their monthly pot-luck and Barn Dance! YeeHaw! Meghan and I threw some cornbread in the oven for the pot-luck, got ready and the minute the cornbread was done we bolted out the door to make a quick stop at the Bernal Heights Library branch to pick up a copy of "Where the Wild Things Are" (yes, the children's book...I'll explain later) before exiting the city.
The hour and a half drive was filled with laughter, amazement, rejoicing and many fond memories. Meghan was riding shotgun and had full control of the radio, so we sang and danced for a good while. Amy had fallen asleep in the very back row of the car and Barrett and Meghan urged me to take a detour down a road that looked like "fairyville" (but really, it did). It is amazing. You drive half an hour outside SF and you are in what looks like a foreign land...I'd even go so far as to say Narnia ;) The landscape was beautiful! However, for most of the drive we were caught in a lot of fog, so you couldn't see a lot, but it did add to the mystery of the places. Any who, back to the detour to fairyville. We came out of the road at a culdesac with a bunch of cute, but run down houses near the fields and beach. Meghan goes "Talk about your fixer upper", quoting the Lion King, which we had watched recently to compare qualities Mufassa and Brad Berky (our program director) share; we concluded that they are one in the same. As Meghan finished speaking, I see Amy's head pop up in the rear view mirror and the following utterance comes out of her mouth, "Talk about yovef heo sufefh sluf...". Had to be there, but one of the funniest moments of the semester. I think Barrett and I were crying and Becky took almost a full five mins to regain a normal breathing pattern. None of us knew what she had said!
Still laughing, we got back on the main highway towards Pescadero. A few mins later, Barrett screams from behind me and all of us turn to look at her (well, not me of course, since I was driving and would never avert my eyes from the road...). She was looking out the window and pointing into the fog. We all glanced to our left and saw King Kong. No joke! It was a thirty-forty foot tall gorilla standing in the field on the side of the road. What the hell is wrong with Northern CA? Love it.
As we drove further, we decided the beach to our right was too tempting to not pull off and look at. Still making our way through the fog, we got out of the car to join hands and spring through a field of wild flowers towards the deserted beach. It was like a scene from a movie, seriously. We ran around the beach and cliffs for a while, taking some pictures and then finally getting back in the car to chow down of the corn bread that was now our dinner, since we had sacrificed the pot luck for our epic beach adventure.
I love these girls so much! Band pose...we have too much fun

So many things going on in this picture...haha

At this point, we were finally nearing our destination, though we were having such a great time in the car already. Then, this happened to make us forget about our destination for a few mins. We turned around a bend and one of the most beautiful, amazing scenes I've ever seen was before my eyes. Picture this, the fog suddenly clears as we round the corner and a landscape of fields and hills stretches before us on our left with the setting sun lighting it up, making the colors warm and vibrant and glowing. To the right of the mountains are some puffy pink clouds with golden linings that rise above the crashing ocean waves that are to the right, also illuminated by the glow of the evening sun. Part of me is sad I didn't have my camera with me to snap a photo, but the other part of me is glad because I was able to fully capture the moment with my mind instead of worrying if my photo would depict what I was seeing as accurately as possible. Interesting thought...but for another time. Anyway, I feel as if now I MUST move to Nor Cal some day...everything about it seems to be so right for me, but that's also another topic. Upon seeing this sight all of us went silent and then all let our screams of awe.

Though this journey was amazing in itself, we had an amazing evening, dancing the night away to the live country band and swingin' our partner's round and round. Who knew square dancing could be so much fun?! We each danced a few dances with each other as well as some guys who asked us to dance. I have never laughed so much at a dance in my life. It was excellent.

The drive home was also eventful...how could it not be with this bunch? We looked for several places to stop along the way in hopes of cooling off in the ocean. We couldn't find a good spot for beach access and gave up after a long drive down a rather creepy dark road, where Meghan thought it would be a good idea to bring up the topic of who the third twin was between her, me and Barrett (evil twin running an ice cream shop...long story). Barrett and I both said it was her because of Barretts impervious logic that Meghan is also Lord Voldmort. I chimed in saying very matter-of-factly that "If Lord Voldmort was in the car, I wouldn't even care about crashing it." Cause that makes perfect sense! Like I said, eventful drive.

When we arrived home, surprisingly enough we didn't head to bed. We didn't even start getting ready for bed. We built a fort!!! Corinna, Meghan, Barrett, Amy and I took over a third floor room and had a mild (as opposed to a wild) rumpus, complete with Barrett's dramatic reading of "Where the Wild Things Are" before the lights went out. Like girls do, we lay there for another 45 mins talking about different things and actually having some pretty deep and constructive conversations.

I apologize for the length of this post, but the small details are mostly for my record. This had to be one of the most fun days of my life with some of the most amazing people I've had the opportunity to become friends with this semester.

My First Baseball Game was a lot O' Orange

Giants vs. the Dodgers at AT&T Park. And you know what? I rooted for SF instead of LA...what can I say? I guess it's captured my heart. Actually, I think to truly call yourself a San Franciscan, one must support the Giants since they won the World Series last season. :) As you can see, we were pretty dang excited! We all had so many layers on...it was freezing!

Corinna and I were very eager to get in the gates.

AT&T Park: Home of the San Francisco Giants.

Meghan, Nick, Corinna and Barrett all ready for the game to begin.

Their field has an amazing view! And, if you look closely at the screen, you'll see Brian Wilson! The Giant's pitcher, whom we (mainly Barrett) are mildly obsessed with.

Barrett, Me, Becky and Amy...and a GIANT (haha get it?) baseball glove.

The stadium also offers an excellent view of the Bay Bridge, so obviously we all had to get a picture in front of it (even if you can't see it...it's that small string of lights in the background).

Well, it was a great night, filled with many cheers, screams and laughs. The Giants won, walking out of the stadium was like nothing I've ever experienced, and the long walk to Market St. to catch a less busy bus was much needed. But seriously, getting out of there was ridiculous. You know how most crowds are angry and pushy? Well, not this one. Everyone was so excited the Giants won, so all the fans were singing and smoking pot to celebrate while in the multi-level ramp that took about 10 mins to get down. Only in SF...

I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed my first baseball game and have since become a Giants fan. Go Giants!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Little Moments, Big Smiles

This post is a dedication to one of my favorite people I've had the privilege of meeting. Howard, one of our clients, who is famous for his many exotic hats and guitar playing, walked into our office yesterday to find me addressing letters. He began talking to me about the new song he'd just learned to play and then stopped, picking up the picture of Rosie the Riveter that was laying on my desk. He goes "Dnelle," (that's kind of what it sounds like when he says my name)"who is this?"
"That's the iconic image of Rosie the Riveter" I replied.
"Oh yeah, I know Rosie", he said, "But where did I meet her, Dnelle?"
"I don't know, Howard. I've never had the privilege of meeting her."
Upon seeing me addressing envelopes, he says "So, you are sending letters?"
"Yes."
"Can you do me a favor? Send one to Rosie for me. Say 'Dear Rosie, This is from Howard and I miss you. I want to talk to you soon. From Howard.' Make sure she knows it's from me."
I couldn't help but have a huge smile on my face as I assured him I'd get right on that.
He then strolled back out of the office saying "Thank you! Make sure you say 'From Howard'."
:)

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