Early Morning Walks with KJ

"You know you want one..."

thanks to KJ for the pic ;)

Bay to Breakers, May of 2011

All the festivals, food music and otherwise, really keep us busy here in the city. I know that it was a couple months ago, but this is one of my favorites... marking the beginning of the summer, it is a footrace from the bay-side of the city to the ocean (7.25 miles, roughly). I've run the race seriously for the past three years, always making my way backwards to the mayhem and partying that follows the (somewhat) serious runners. This year was the 100th anniversary of the race and rumor has that it may be the last, but I don't believe a bit of that hogwash. Here is a video I took at the very edge of the panhandle at around noon (I think?!). My blog coauthor Beth and I ran the race in 1:15:26 (according to my watch, which was stopped during my port-a-potty break at mile 5). Here we are relishing in our accomplishment and enjoying the day with our neighbors.

Great Deal: Blind Cat (formerly Dirty Thieves)

$7 for a tall PBR and shot of whiskey during Happy Hour (4-7pm). Let bartender Casey hook you up!

PS. Their amazing whiskey selection should make you smile.

Signs of a nomadic city

I've long theorized that San Francisco is home to a disproportionately high number of non-native inhabitants (no, I don't mean plants -- the Bay Area is one of the top 25 biological hotspots in the world so consider that myth debunked). I myself am a non-native, and I can also say that I've embodied another tried and true San Francisco lifestyle of nomadism, sans the Kerouac-inspired beat poetry, bad jazz and orgy-rific tendencies of course.

On average, I've moved to a new place in a new neighborhood every year and a half -- making me a modern day nomad of sorts. Maybe it would've been better to just pop a tipi in an empty lot like this guy did and call it a day? I mean, free to move about, no utility bills and all the perks you could want, including eavesdropping from curious onlookers like me...can't beat that, can you?

An inspirational "freak" of sorts

Living in San Francisco the last 5 years has given me the chance to meet a lot of interesting characters. Some in drag. Some with subversive political agendas. And some with inspirational stories like Jason Tanko. The husband of Clare, my manager at my first job that brought me to the Bay Area, Jason is a true testament to the innovative kind of person that this city attracts. He turned his unique passion for street lighting into a thriving business, all the while re-purposing pieces of Americana to create an environmentally friendly solution that lights up the streets of our communities.

If there's anything to say about never listening to the word no and finding out a way to follow your quirky passion -- just like many San Franciscans do -- then this story is it. Enjoy the interview with Jason. (Video courtesy of Layaco Media, a local San Francisco production company).

Sun is back to the city

Ahh, at last our amazing city is getting to enjoy the summer sun! You know the stuff, the warmth that makes girlies put on their dresses, the best excuse ever to skip outta work a bit early and head to Dolores Park with something cold to sip, finally busting out that SPF 50 that you bought like three years ago, opening the window at night and appreciating the cold breeze that (hopefully) flows in... it's time to get to enjoy each other in all the fabulous outdoor spots in this city... the parks, beaches, grassy hills, outdoor patios, front stoops... this photo is at Ocean Beach, a place under appreciated by me (but I'm working on it!). Where's you favorite summer spot to lay around on a blanket (or not) and waste some time in the best way possible? Reply!

Hail to the poo

The last sunny Sunday that I spend calling the Castro home, and this is what I get as a goodbye? It's only fitting -- the flag must be at half mast in mourning. Or maybe it's me who's in mourning...I sure am going to miss those giant macaroons from Hot Cookie (you know which ones I'm talking about), the endless supply of lube and condoms, and the late night drunken domestic disputes below my window. Hell, I'll even miss the sea of middle-aged nudists on display in Harvey Milk Plaza from time to time. The Castro has been a colorful home to me the last year and a half. When I leave with my Uhaul truck in tow, I'll imagine Dorothy in drag as she waves goodbye, standing tall in her size 12 red rhinestone pumps and singing, "There's no place like home [especially in the Castro]!"