Sarah J

finally, some real SF weather - rain, gray, chill, rain.
not wanting to leave yet, tempted to find a place/job and stay, but also completely at a loss for what to do. stir crazy and aimless. as my trip starts to draw to a close, I just want to get to a spot where I can stay indefinitely and just sort stuff out (ie: the future) but also want to keep going. I need a break from travelling. sick of living out of a backpack and sharing spaces with people, knowing that I can't settle because it'll only be for a couple days. as a result, I'm constantly on edge and restless.
very apprehensive about returning to NYC, but very much looking forward to Philly. desperately hope it works out. trying not to think about it too much because it will inevitably be a let down if I count on too many things. the limitless possibilities are also a bit overwhelming.
solution: sit with a book and some coffee in a clean well lighted place - Ernest Hemingway

so there's been a bit of a lapse in updates, but there's a couple good reasons, namely that I haven't had easy internet access. but the main reason is that I'M HAVING TOO MUCH FUN!!!
hooray.
SF is living up to all my expectations, except that it's ridiculously hard to find a grocery store or a cheap diner when you need one. good lord food's expensive here! but I really like the SFSU campus - it's only about a half hour walk from the ocean and a half hour train ride from downtown! it reminds me a bit of UH which is way cool. tropical atmosphere without the isolation of an island. score. plus I found a cool surf shop and their surfing season is fall and winter - looks like I'm gonna get out on the waves again in the next few days. only question is whether I can withstand the cold. at least I have an appropriate wetsuit. just need the hoodie and maybe some booties. hee hee.
only expectations that have not been met: the redwoods are so much smaller than I imagined! probably wasn't in the right spot.
it's nice and warm - in the 60s, although a bit windy. at least it's been sunny almost the whole time. my only complaint is that I have too few days left and so much yet to do! argh... guess I'll have to come back! darn?

such a quaint little Victorian-style town. unfortunately I won't be able to attend high tea at the Empress. but I did get to take the Clipper (catamaran) across Puget sound. got to play soccer yesterday and can walk today. not as bad as playing frisbee in Iowa. hopefully going to a minor league hockey game tonight. hooray!

red eye flights s-u-c-k
I was tired last night at 7p and all but passed out at the airport waiting for the plane. I would've slept soundly on the plane had it not been so cold. stupid flight attendant didn't find the extra blankets until we landed. duh!
but enough complaining. I just need to chill out here and fiure out a way to get to Union Station tomorrow by 9:30a. hmm...
I hate imposing on people, but this is what I get for coming to LA without knowing how to drive.

ahhh! I don't want to leave yet!
I've become addicted to surfing and the pain is no longer unbearable.
I have yet to go snorkeling, fishing, surfing, swap meet, penguins... so much more to do and such little time! I think that means I just have to come back some time.
debating whether or not I want to buy a wet suit so I can continue to surf no matter where i am. I think I should. I know I'll regret it later. it's just money. meh.
so much more to brag about, but you'll just have to ask me personally for details:
Manoa Falls
Harbor Boat Festival
Surfing
gallery night
Iolani Palace
North Shore
Poi (blech!)
Hula
Pearl Harbor
etc.

waking up to a gecko on my window, it started to dawn on me that I'm in hawaii! other confirmations: the bracelet on my ankle, the flowers outside the window, the perfumed scent of the lei on the door handle, the surf board above the mirrors, and, oh yeah! the warmth!

this whole island smells like perfume so far. perhaps it's the lei Suzie gave me when I got in. mahalo!

LA has been unreal. I haven't quite processed everything yet... and now I'm in Hawaii and it's even more unreal, but totally sweet. I can't wait to get in the ocean!!!