Welcome to America

Last night I went to my first baseball game ever. It was the Giants vs. the Phillies at AT&T Park in San Francisco. I’ve never even watched baseball on TV let alone know much about it, though I do remember playing it in elementary school (or maybe it was softball).

I’ve seen hockey games in person and it’s a completely different experience watching a game live and there are all of these little rules and traditions you take part in as a spectator. The atmosphere and energy, of course, is different, too.

Aside from the slight drizzle and chilly air, it was a really fun first experience complete with hotdog (very essential to the experience), garlic fries, beer (even more essential), hot chocolate and the Giants winning 7-2. Thanks, Nelson :)

Photograph taken by my friend who went to the day-game on Wednesday. Weather was not quite as nice when we went (because it was in the evening), and we sat a lot closer (lower level, sec. 121, row J, between home and third).

Concert bliss

I’ve concluded that I enjoy concerts a lot more when I’m sitting down and relaxing with a beer (or chocolate mousse!), rather than standing and trying to move and crane my neck to see the band because there are too many tall folks in my way.

I saw Ra Ra Riot, Andrew Bird and Death Cab for Cutie yesterday evening at the Greek Theater in Berkeley with a new friend. It was such a great show; I felt so happy, even as it rained a little.

The after-shower rainbow. (from tvham)

Weekendness

On Sunday I ditched my school work and spent most of the day with my siblings. The weather was gorgeous and we all agreed that it was nice to be outside, enjoying each other’s company. We should do it more often.

We went downtown and checked out the recent exhibits at the art museum. Their newest exhibit is the Andy Warhol exhibit (did you know he was born Andrew Warhola?).

Make your own Andy Warhol pop art.

Other exihibits:

I wasn’t able to take a lot of pictures because due to copyright issues they don’t allow photography of any kind. I had to be sneaky about taking these ones.

I’m glad a took a little time off, even if I had to catch up and stay up late later on. Being outside with company reduced the loneliness I’ve been feeling lately, which was nice. I wish I had more time to do these spontaneous outings.

Fun, good things from the past few weekends

The end-of-the-week dinners with my cousin, Christy, that I always look forward to. And whatever shenanigans that eventually take place—you just never know.

Dragging my best friend Michelle out to temporarily cure her boy-woes with frozen yogurt and margaritas (which were a tad too strong, but maybe that was the point?)

Random drunk people at clubs who say weird things such as, “Girl, you phwazy!” (rhymes with ‘crazy’).

Bargin book sales at $5 a paperbag. Reliving one’s childhood by reading books you once loved. And having someone who shares the same joy.

I enjoyed some solitary time framing and hanging up artwork in my room, baking with pumpkins, installing yet another shelf, reading, watching movies and listening to new records.

Spending time with my mother and older sister’s friends and clients—all older woman—having a surprisingly great time, and being reminded of the value and absolute joy of female company and friendships, and that they should be cherished.

Escape

Even though it is a fairly large city we live in, it can, at times, feel awfully confining. At which point, my friends and I are itching to skip town for the weekend and seek temporary solace from the banality of suburbia in newfangled settings. The question now remains: where to go?

Party heartily

Are you in town? Do I not hate you? Well then get your party dresses (or pants) ready because it’s my birthday.

Weekend of fun

I ran Bay to Breakers with my two best friends from high school on Sunday in San Francisco. We dodged the naked people, laughed at the funny and clever costumes, resisted the free doughnuts during the run and ate gyros when it was all over. Next up: Muddy Buddy.

Eating frozen yogurt, taking naps, getting coffee, eating burritos, watching really bad movies, reading books, eating mac & cheese with noodles in the shape of Spiderman, watching cartoons on Adult Swim, playing wii mario kart, eating thai food, swinging in a hammock, taking bike rides around the block with b.

Weekend fun, whimsy, discoveries, etc.

• Visiting Michelle in Monterey, dinner in Carmel and biking around town for hours and hours the next day.
• Buttered toast with the most amazing blueberry jam EVER.
• SJ Bike Party!
• Birthday party with lots of hilarious drunk people and lots of rap music.
• The guy who kept calling me ‘mama’.
• “Why’s that gay guy hitting on my cousin?” Christy.
• Receiving novel-length e-mails.

Cupcakes in the park

About a month and a half ago, I apparently signed up for this Cupcake Meetup/Swap. I was reminded of it a few days prior, but not feeling quite as social as the day I had signed up, I contemplated not going—plus, it seemed ridiculous to drive all the way up to SF for, what, cupcakes?* I did, however, RSVP for the event and after some coaxing from cousins and friends, I relented and said, “FINE! Damn it, I’ll go.” And I’m so glad that I did!

I had an awesome time. The park was lively and it provided a fun and laid-back atmosphere for our little meetup. People came from all over the Bay Area and everyone was super nice, but that was to be expected because who else could be die-hard cupcake aficionados if not the nicest people in the world? There were about 20 of us and everyone, amazingly, brought a different flavor (I brought Strawberry with Strawberry buttercream).

Here’s a sample of what I brought home with me:

Flavors included: Chocolate with a pear filling and vanilla buttercream, Pink lemonade, Carrot/almond/coconut with vanilla buttercream, lemon, banana with chocolate buttercream, vanilla with a nutella center, chocolate with a marshmallow-based frosting, chocolate with a vanilla center (à la Hostess cupcake), vanilla with vanilla buttercream (with sparkly sprinkles), chocolate with peanut butter cream filling and a fudgy frosting, toasted almond with vanilla buttercream and gingerbread with maple frosting (vegan).

*In retrospect, not so ridiculous as my sisters and I have driven all the way to Redwood City for cream puffs and to Union City for doughnuts, so naturally a trek would be made to SF for cupcakes.