I found this

Ahoy,

Going through the vaults of my laptop, I came across this project I did my last year at Cal. I wanted to document my final year by taking a picture of myself from the same angle every day. Also, I wanted a different backdrop each day, thus forcing me to have new adventures all the time. I know, what a drag it must be to find new and exciting things to do. My schedule my final year was pretty plush. Even though I had compressed my 4 years into 3, I had run out of classes I had planned to take by the last semesters. During my freshmen year, I had planned out everything to get what I needed - a BS in Environmental Sciences, and minor in City Planning. I had fulfilled both sometime during my third year aside from thesis requirements, and needed "fillers" to be a full time student. I just took more planning classes and they were great. This meant it was easy for me to have two days of no school during the week - time I used for my job and three day weekends. 

I do feel like I got to see and do a lot in the Bay Area as my time ended there. I was looking forward to leaving forever and never looking back, also, incredibly excited for grad school. I had never planned on staying anywhere in or near CA, and had every intention of going. If you look closely, you may notice one image towards the end of this video as the reason I came back. That was my best not-so-sneaky attempt at documenting a random person who wouldn't stop bothering us at the airport.

seriously sunny,
jt

megabus: a comparison and a walk down memory lane

Ahoy,

I used to ride the megabus pretty regularly on the east coast. I never knew a time before megabus, and I don't remember how I stumbled across their services. I would take it to visit my family in Boston over holidays, and my cousin in DC because I wanted to leave the city. I also took it to Philadelphia with visiting friends just to see more of this large country. Looking back, living in NYC - the most crowded place in the US - gave me many moments where I felt like the loneliest little ant in a big, big city. Getting away from the city to family was one of the saving graces that I always looked forward to amidst the work and school I was shuffling to and from every day. I relished those hours on the bus that would take me away from it all to something warm and familiar. 

I was pleased when I heard that megabus was going to have another go at their west coast hub, but I could also see how it failed the first time. The NY hub had people going out to so many destinations - Philly, Pittsburgh, DC, Boston, Toronto, Baltimore etc. And for nearly all the lines they had trips out nearly every hour. Not only was frequency high, but ridership also seemed high. Most trips had people lined up, and only when I rode weird hours was the bus empty. 

Nonetheless, I was happy to give it a try, especially because it was much cheaper than flying. Boarding in NY typically went without incident and quickly. They didn't even confirm your numbers, just glanced at the date/time. They either got more organized or decided they had to check, so in CA they actually check you off their manifest. From LA, you can get to Las Vegas, Oakland, SF, or Sacramento. They leave 3 times a day up to the Bay Area; I rode the 7 hours to Oakland. There was one stop along the way. I got a McDonald's happy meal because I wanted the toy. This hasn't happened since probably elementary school. Some things you can't grow out of. It came with a book about a goat that learns to eat healthy. I would fall for this marketing ploy on the way up and receive another book about a traveling dodo. 

Both my buses to and from were pretty packed, which I'd like to think is a good sign that they will continue to offer their bus services here. All the drivers I've encountered here seem to enjoy their jobs. My guess is that the companies they worked for prior to megabus were not as nice. 

Landing in Oakland was great. The air was much more crisp, as were the leaves. The trees were ablaze with the changing of the seasons. It was refreshing and life-affirming. The only seasonal changes in LA are daylight savings. I feel like it's a unique type of torture to make each day the same as the next. 

quizzically fallen,

jt

100 year aqueductiversary

Ahoy,

Because I'm a dork and love museums and educational things, I jumped at the chance to go to the Natural History Museum for free as part of their 100 year anniversary/birthday celebration. It was a weekday, so it wasn't too crowded. I haven't seen their newest additions of the above walkway and glass lobby and always gawk at the glowing creature as we drive by at night. The other exterior addition of urban and edible gardens was not ready last time I was there. 

I was pleasantly surprised to check out the history of LA exhibit. Clearly I had done my research because I had no idea there were any new exhibits inside. The history of California ownership, trading, ranching, and climate were all very interesting to me because I'm a dork in more ways than one. It's always fun to learn new things no one else wants to talk to me about. 

It was the 100 year anniversary of the LA aqueduct and they had this commemorative bottle on display from 100 years ago. They also gave out commemorative bottles for this anniversary for me to keep for the next 100 years. I'm sure it's an heirloom I'll pass down that will be cherished for years to come. There was an exhibit displaying some of the artwork regarding the aqueduct. I found some neat tidbits of history and commentary on the importance of water for development. 

I loved the edible garden. There were plants, fruits, vegetables, herbs of all varieties growing. And the other side was a flowing garden with various pools and ponds and even a place to dip your toes. I love to dip my toes. The RRS is all too familiar.

There are portions of the museum that are super modern and new, and other older exhibits. All have their merit and deserve a closer look. Think of it as more did-you-knows to bore your friends with. I'm sure they'll love you for it. 

knowingly unlimited,
jt

development projects

Ahoy,

On my way into downtown Culver City is a series of empty buildings and car dealerships. This is a shame because I also pass the Culver City metro expo station. This is prime development space and for the more than a year we've been here, there has been nothing going on. If I've learned anything from my education it's that this is prime transit oriented development, people! Fewer parking space requirements, more mobile options, better access to a whole neglected market, and a destination for a new market. If you build it, they will come!

For a long time, there were great works of street art (READ: tasteful graffiti) on these buildings visible from the Washington-National, Washington-Landmark intersections. Branded Arts had taken over the exteriors and commissioned out to artists while developers tried to tackle some red-tape and hoops (my best guess). A and I had begun to regard these works of art as a sort of welcome mat home. We looked forward to whenever there was a new one up, and definitely noticed when they started to come down. It was a little saddening at first, but I knew they were coming down eventually. Such prime space would not stay in development limbo for long.

Recently, the trademark something-is-happening indicators have emerged. The art came down, the construction/demo equipment rolled in, ground was broke, and fences went up. It's an exciting time to live in Culver City. I guess a whole bunch of projects finally got pushed through all at once.

Culver City, I've learned during my time here, is a quickly growing and developing place. I have patronized a new liquor store, 3 coffee shops/cafes, pasta restaurant, bakery, etc. There are so many new and old things all within walking distance. It's incredibly exciting to live in a place that is so quickly changing. It's unique to me being a part of a community with all these transitions I've been fortunate to not only learn about but now also witness.

The RRS is fearful that now there is this coffee shop across the street we will never leave.

urbanly nerdy,
jt

I wrangled his skinny butt

Ahoy,

As promised (because I never break promises to my 1 reader), his answers:

1. Does the toilet paper go over or under the roll? Over [apparently he observed, and noticed I do it under, but also he changed the roll probably less than once a month before I came along]

2. Cats? Dogs? Both? Both

3. Can you eat breakfast for dinner? Yes

4. Cold pizza: yes or no? No

5. Is it acceptable to open presents as they arrive or do you have to wait for the actual birthday or holiday? Wait

6. Should the dirty forks and knives go in the dishwasher with the handle sticking out of the utensil tray or down in the utensil tray? down

7. Is it acceptable to leave dishes in the sink to "soak" overnight, or do they need to be cleaned before bed? Soak

8. Toothpaste: cap on or cap off? Cap on

9. Again on the toothpaste: roll it from the bottom or just squeeze really hard? Roll

10. Are towels a one-time use item or do you use the same towel until laundry day? Same Towel

11. How about washcloths? same washcloth

12. Road trip or flying? flying

13. What's the right thread count for sheets? 800

14. What brand of toilet paper? Any

15. Mayo or Miracle Whip? Mayo

16. Pepsi or Coke? Coke

17. Can you eat the holiday candy out in the display bowl or must it be left there for display? Yes

18. What is YOUR definition of camping? Camping with a tent, sleeping outside

19. Turn the thermostat down when you go out or leave it alone? down when you go out

20. At what point is a garbage bag too full to stuff more trash in it? Can't fit any more in [I don't think he lives by this judging from the state of the recycle bin]

21. How many times is it acceptable to hit the snooze button? until it is annoying to anyone else sleeping

22. Thrift store shopping: great deals or gross? great deals

23. How far in advance is it OK to plan a vacation? 3 months

24. Restaurant reservations: necessary or too restrictive? necessary

25. Roller coasters: love 'em or hate 'em? love em

26. More chocolate chips, less cookie or more cookie, less chips? perfect balance

27. How much orange juice must be left in the container for it to be returned to the fridge? 1 cup

28. Chip clips or just roll the bag up? chip clip

29. Call the doctor or just take some medicine at home? medicine at home

30. Where is the prime location for the TV remote to stay? visible to anyone looking for it

31. Is it OK to have a TV in the bedroom? Yes

32. Should folded clothes be put away, or is it OK to just pull as needed from the basket of clean laundry? Yes [to put away]

33. Do you need to write a grocery list or just wait until you're walking around the store to figure out what you need? either way

34. Making the bed: must-do or waste of time because you're just going to get back in it? not a must do but nice

35. Is it OK to shave/clip toenails in the living room? Sure


flamingly bundled,
jt

about time for the first time

Ahoy,

Everyone is always shocked when I admit I've never been to Bishop. You would think the RRS has a memory like Dory, the blue tang from Finding Nemo, given all the times he is shocked to find out I've never been to Bishop. Shocked! It's only after the 3rd hour of conversation about climbs in Bishop that he notices I'm bored. I think one day he is going to be incredibly attentive as a caretaker. Help us all if I ever fall ill.

We took the weekend after his midterm to go to Bishop and wrangled his friend G, and his girlfriend L, and their dog Penny in a car. I had a great time not roughing it in a hotel. Don't get me wrong, nature is great and all, but I've always preferred civilization. I've been camping before and I remain skeptical of the novelties of voluntarily ceding the modern conveniences of plumbing.

I messed around on some baby warm-up stuff. And then we were off to grade chase. A has been shooting for a V6 at Bishop, or V7/V8 anywhere else so he could start breaking in his new solutions. So let's face it, this trip to Bishop would really be about his relentless lust for locking in a V6 and thusly- his solutions. He got his 6, the pictured top out is French Press - super balancey and crimpy. And this time, there were also more girls than just me. The second day, they brought me to a bakery, which was marvelous. I would have been happy had they left me there all day. Not all dreams can come true.

There is just as much praise for the food we devoured as the company we kept as the rocks we climbed at Bishop. Fun, food, and friends - essentials of life. Small town America is always fascinating to me, but I know I would never thrive there. At this rate, it's once every 3 years. So look out, Bishop, me and my kid shoes are coming for you! I'm sure you're shaking in your boots.

sneakily afoot,
jt

I found this list

Ahoy,


I found this article that listed the below questions. I think they are funny regardless of the future. These are my answers.


1. Does the toilet paper go over or under the roll? I never notice.

2. Cats? Dogs? Both? dogs, but they are always more fun when they are not yours.

3. Can you eat breakfast for dinner? I can't eat breakfast for breakfast.

4. Cold pizza: yes or no? all pizzas go!

5. Is it acceptable to open presents as they arrive or do you have to wait for the actual birthday or holiday? acceptable as they arrive, waiting is for sentimental, withholding suckers

6. Should the dirty forks and knives go in the dishwasher with the handle sticking out of the utensil tray or down in the utensil tray? no dishwashers

7. Is it acceptable to leave dishes in the sink to "soak" overnight, or do they need to be cleaned before bed? preferably before bed

8. Toothpaste: cap on or cap off? on, because otherwise you're just going to get it dry and crusty and then it won't come out unless you squeeze really hard and then it suddenly bursts everywhere and then I'll have to clean it up. Not from experience or anything, just my imagination. Honest.

9. Again on the toothpaste: roll it from the bottom or just squeeze really hard? I tend to squeeze, rolling from the bottom is for people more patient than I

10. Are towels a one-time use item or do you use the same towel until laundry day? same towel until laundry day

11. How about washcloths? laundry day

12. Road trip or flying? depends on where we are going. I can't sit still either way. Road trips mean Backstreet Boys on loop because he hasn't gotten around to adding to the cd collection in the car.

13. What's the right thread count for sheets? I think his majesty has higher standards than I.

14. What brand of toilet paper? nothing fancy, I don't need to wipe my butt with a pillow.

15. Mayo or Miracle Whip? neither

16. Pepsi or Coke? neither

17. Can you eat the holiday candy out in the display bowl or must it be left there for display? candy is for eating, you're a sucker otherwise.

18. What is YOUR definition of camping? if you're glamping you should just go to a hotel.

19. Turn the thermostat down when you go out or leave it alone? turn it down when you leave if you remember

20. At what point is a garbage bag too full to stuff more trash in it? I don't think he knows. If I don't take out the garbage, he will keep stuffing it down.

21. How many times is it acceptable to hit the snooze button? a lot of times, especially when it's his duck alarm tone

22. Thrift store shopping: great deals or gross? sometimes great

23. How far in advance is it OK to plan a vacation? a year or so for international trips and serious planning several months in advance, domestic trips as late as several months, road trips a few days

24. Restaurant reservations: necessary or too restrictive? depends on the restaurant

25. Roller coasters: love 'em or hate 'em? love 'em

26. More chocolate chips, less cookie or more cookie, less chips? more chips

27. How much orange juice must be left in the container for it to be returned to the fridge? at least 2-3 fingers in a cup

28. Chip clips or just roll the bag up? chip clips, soggy chips are for suckers

29. Call the doctor or just take some medicine at home? at home care

30. Where is the prime location for the TV remote to stay? I have a notorious reputation for losing the remote. We don't have a tv, but my parents know this all too well.

31. Is it OK to have a TV in the bedroom? yes, Saturday morning cartoons

32. Should folded clothes be put away, or is it OK to just pull as needed from the basket of clean laundry? put away

33. Do you need to write a grocery list or just wait until you're walking around the store to figure out what you need? I like to wander the grocery store and I take my lack of list as an excuse to take more time in there.

34. Making the bed: must-do or waste of time because you're just going to get back in it? waste of time

35. Is it OK to shave/clip toenails in the living room? yes, but catch them in something

His answers to come as soon as I can wrangle his skinny butt here.


safely wilted,
jt

new gyms

Ahoy,

I went for a visit to the up and coming Touchstone gym, LA.B, near downtown. The walls are so, so, so very tall. It's going to be so, so, so big. I'm pretty excited, as I'm sure everyone else in LA who climbs is, because it's about time something quality came around here. Hangar 18 has become known for not having water fountains, though novel, that is not a good thing to be known for. Nor is it impressive that they only change the sets once a year. I'm just growing ever more loyal to this gym with each passing day.

I first climbed at a Touchstone gym. They taught me how to top rope, and my climbing arsenal grew from there. Though I didn't climb many times there before I left the Bay Area, I'll always regard Touchstone gyms with a certain degree of nostalgia for where it all began, and the first time I climbed with A. For the following years, I would only occasionally go climbing, mostly when I went to visit A in LA. I didn't really get into climbing until NYC. In a moment of boredom and loneliness, I made the rash decision of joining the climbing club at school, and got a membership to the Manhattan Plaza Health Club. I tried to go 2 or 3, sometimes 4 times a week. It was really convenient because I could stop there after work on the way home. It was a small gym, but they had a new wall up every week and the staff and climbers were always nice. With the club, I'd sometimes go out to Brooklyn Boulders or the Gunks for day trips.

We recently learned how to lead climb, which is a new frontier I'm happy to pursue. Though we boulder a lot, I've always enjoyed the ropes more and am eager to do new things.

grippingly dangled,
jt

closest thing to an art museum I'll ever like

Ahoy,

I'd been wanting to go to the a+d museum to see the Never Built: LA exhibit. It was ending October 27, so I had to force my RRS to tear himself away from his schoolwork to catch this. Such drudgeries I make him endure. In true timely fashion, we got there with a little over half an hour to see everything. That turned out to be just barely enough time to read everything, take a second look at the ones I liked best and get a souvenir.

The exhibit is a collection of drawings, displays, and plans for developments and the like for LA. It ranged from housing projects to highway plans and theme park proposals. A and I both liked it a lot. I loved all the descriptions of each project. Whoever wrote them must have been having a great time because they were all laced these snarky, backhanded comments regarding the pettiness and backwardness of politics and politicians. From the exhibit, you can imagine that LA could have been a much more iconic city in terms of architecture. There were ideas from some really big name architects, and they were all really grand.

We stopped by LACMA to look at the giant rock after the museum closed because he loves the rocks, especially giant ones perched atop a walkway at an art museum. He also likes art museums. We just agree to disagree on this point.

We agreed to try the Oaxacan place down the street from us. I had tried to go before but the hours listed were incorrect. It's a pretty small place, and feels a lot like you're eating in someone's house (I think because it is). It was delicious. I got something that looked like a pizza. He said he had tried mole before and never liked it, but the mole here completely changed that. And it was easy to pick up a bottle at the Bar & Garden across the street to have with our meal.

structurally distinguished,
jt

prepping for the holidays

Ahoy,

Halloween came and went without much incident. The RRS had family visiting, so we dressed in our costumes for dinner and boba with them. I was a Christmas tree and he was the star of David. We are trying to be culturally sensitive. And also, I figure this is like two birds, one stone. It's a costume and holiday card all in one go.

A doesn't like scary movies, so he said we could only watch PG movies.

lustily haunted,
jt

that time I ate at Charlie Trotter's

Ahoy,

I've just seen the news that Charlie Trotter has passed away. Although, it's really not like I knew the guy, and I don't even remember meeting him. His passing does bring to mind what I do know of the man and his restaurant. Charlie Trotter's is a common name on the Chicago, and even worldwide, fancy restaurant scene. I didn't know it at the time, I had no clue. It was one of the best restaurants in the world and I had the opportunity to dine there as a high schooler. A meal here typically cost in the hundreds of dollars. For some reason, I along with other peers got a free meal in high school for some reward for leadership or community service or something.

I really didn't know what I was in for. I figured, free meal - sign me up! (This mantra would guide my decisions for many years to come.) I knew nothing of the reputation of Charlie Trotter. I knew nothing of the culinary world outside my own house nor the proper mores associated with fine dining. I even showed up late. And the RRS will attest to my dining barbarism because it was years later on our first formal date where it was just the two of us (and not also all my high school friends) he was appalled to find that I didn't put my napkin on my lap.

I really don't remember much of my meal at Charlie Trotter's. Thinking back, I should have made more measures to do so. I do remember that my bread plate was never empty. Whenever I finished a roll, someone would swoop by unnoticed and place a new one. I do remember there were many dishes and each dish was only a few bites. What kind of meal is this?, I wondered. But the food, I don't remember what we ate, was all delicious. And someone would come out to tell us what we were eating, all of it foreign to me. We sat in a private room, I think. The restaurant was closed that night and we were the only guests, a ragtag group of high schoolers and their club sponsor. I do remember we got a tour of the wine cellar, and I do remember not being interested because I knew nothing of wine or its many forms of seduction. I do remember being incredibly, incredibly full. And I'm pretty sure Charlie Trotter, the chef royalty himself, came out to greet us and give us the tour. I do remember he seemed like a nice fellow, no airs about him.

Thinking back, I'm amazed and grateful to have had the opportunity. So many others save for months to dine here and we even had the restaurant to ourselves. So many others covet their time at his table, and at the time my meal here was not nearly as well appreciated as anyone else. It was dinner and just like any other night I needed to eat and do more homework. I regarded it as simply any other meal, and only in my adulthood could I truly appreciate where my taste buds had been. It was only years later when I had begun to acquaint myself with the world of James Beard and Michelin that I even remembered that I ever ate at Charlie Trotter's.

I can make no excuses for the immaturity of my high school self. My current self, however, apologizes on her behalf. When I later saw that Charlie Trotter had closed his restaurant, I knew that my meal there was once in a lifetime. I remain forever grateful that I not only got to dine at his restaurant, but also got to meet the man. I wasn't worthy.

tastefully spooned,
jt

talk show

Ahoy,

I got tickets for the Ellen Degeneres show! I went with a friend, M. She had never watched a whole episode or been to a talk show taping. Ellen is the best host. I think this was the best first time experience for attending a talk show taping. A was supposed to go with us but he couldn't play hooky, so he missed out.

We arrived at the studios about 9am and were the first ones in the standby line. Within the hour, a representative came out and checked us in and gave us a numbered ticket. We were sent off to go get food or coffee and told to come back. We found the most hipster coffee shop in Burbank. When we came back, they had us wait on the benches and played that day's episode on screens. This waiting experience was better than Jimmy Kimmel. We spent quite a bit of time there, but it never felt like it was dragging along. We got into the audience for the taping of Monday's show, and got a bonus guest from Tuesday's show (Matthew McConaughey).

The Ellen Show is a delightful time. I would go again. We got Mexican food at this restaurant close by and M commented the horchata was as pure as Heisenberg's meth.

applaudingly afoot,
jt