A Happy Sign

Knitting is for girls c.2011

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During my rides on the train, it isn't uncommon to see passengers partake in their hobbies, whether it's reading, writing, knitting, sleeping etc. My ride home today was a little bizarre. I get on the first stop of the route, so the trains layover for several minutes, even during rush hour. After the train filled up, some time had passed and everyone started to get a little restless. The beeping sound that signals the closing of the doors kept sounding off non stop. Everyone knew something was wrong. After several minutes of annoying beeps, the conductor announced that there were technical difficulties and everyone had to transfer onto the train on the otherside of the platform. Groans were heard all around as everyone got up out of their seats and rushed over to the otherside.

I was able to find a window seat. Just as soon as I had sat down, an older man in a work suit sat right next to me. He immediately smiled at a young guy sitting right in front of us. I hadn't noticed that the young guy was knitting. The man next to me asked him, "how many times have you heard 'I've never seen a guy knit before'?" That's when I noticed that older man next to me was also knitting.

I admit, I've never seen a male knit before, and there I was, sandwiched between two men who were knitting. They were so close to me that I couldn't get a picture of both of their hands in the same frame. I snuck some pictures, although I really wish they had turned out clearer.

While I was doing this, I received a call from an out of state phone number. Since I was in the middle of taking pictures with my phone, I instantly picked up the call. It was the phone interview I had been waiting for. It was for the volunteer spot for Habitat for Humanity's Global Village program. I was smiling to myself during the phone interview. Perhaps sitting next to the only two male knitters in the city was a sign that something out of the ordinary was about to happen.

The interview went well and I'll be off to Romania for a couple of weeks later this year. As George Bailey might say, "Holy Mackerel!"

New Year, New Start

Central library c.2011

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New year's resolutions. I know the majority of people have the idea that a new year's resolution is only an attempt at a goal rather than a goal waiting to be accomplised. I know everyone says this, but I really do have every intention of sticking to my resolution. Well, at least the one I have relating to this blog.

After being without home internet service for exactly one year, I decided to do something about it today. I wasn't boycotting any service, but not having the internet at home simply ...just happened. I was using the library's service and the service on my phone, which is why I didn't feel any sense of urgency to have another connection. However, I wasn't able to spend as much time at the library with my new schedule. Blog entries and other personal projects backed up as a result. I like the quiet environment at the library and it made it easier to gather my thoughts there, but I'm going to have to practice self discipline at home and stop making excuses.

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2010 wasn't my favorite year of the decade. Actually, it ranked pretty close to being the worst of my 20s. But here I am, still standing in 2011 and completely open to optimism instead of absolute realism.

Speaking of optimism, something happened two days ago that made me smile. Let me back track a bit. Two weeks ago, I sent in a volunteer application to Habitat for Humanity's Global Village program. They ask applicants to list their top three location choices. I relunctantly filled out the other two choices even though I had my heart set on El Salvador, my mother's country. After a few of days, I only heard back from the team leaders of my other two choices, Romania & New Zealand. I wasn't thrilled about these places but their program dates are the most convenient.

After reading the responses from both team leaders, I was beginning to like the idea of volunteering in Romania. I'm ashamed to say I don't know too much about the country other than their strong Olympic gymnastics history, and Transylvania, but the email was very enthusiastic and detailed. I wrote back to the Romanian team leader expressing further interest. After few email exchanges, it was settled that I would be contacted for a phone interview very soon. As the idea of going to Romania continued to brew in my head, a "sign" came my way two days ago.

I went to Borders in Hollywood for no apparent reason. As I was browsing through the travel section, I talked myself out of buying any guide related to Eastern Europe. I didn't want to get too ahead of myself. What if I'm not contacted or it simply doesn't work out? I'll be disappointed and I'll be out $25 on a useless guidebook. So I wandered over to the fiction section, specifically to the "V's". It's no secret that I'm a fan of Jules Verne. I looked and I hoped I'd find a copy of one of hard to find books that I've only read online. I found something better. Off at the end of the shelf I saw a small purple book with a title I had never heard of. "The Castle in Transylvania"

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Um, what?? A "new" Jules Verne book set in Romania? It may be a freaky coincidence but I am choosing to see this as a happy omen. I bought it without any hesitation. On the way home, I read that this was published in the middle of 2010 and it was the first english translation since the 1890's. The story was also written 4 years before Dracula (which is next on my reading list). I think it's pretty obvious the publishers are trying to capitalize on a certain teen vampire series, but that's ok since it worked to my benefit. Heh.

Not only am I choosing to view this discovery as a sign of a new opportunity abroad, but also as a sign that other things may fall into place in 2011. It may sound too "Pollyanna" but I'm ok with that.

A new fountain at the train station

What's funnier than watching people try to run through a busted sprinkler at the end of a long day at work? I can't think of anything either. It was just one of those "You've got to be kidding me" moments.

Detached Rose

Detached c.2010

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Ever see something on the street and wonder how it got there? Well, recently on a bus ride I saw a gorgeous rose behind a seat. I wondered who it belonged to. Was it one of many? Was it a street vendor's? Was is a gift? A rose from an unwanted someone ? Was it on a man's suit? A girl's locker?...Whatever the story maybe, I left it there. Maybe it'll be of good use to someone else.

Out of service

c.2010

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Ever had one of those "You've got to be kidding me" moments? Like on a train ride home at the end of a long day you learn there was an electrical problem that shut down a northbound train and it immediately disrupted the schedule because all trains must now share a single track and after waiting for an extended period of time you discover the malfunctioned train was stranded on your stop? Yeah, I've heard those moments are pretty funny in retrospect.

Passenger in the dark

Passenger in the dark c.2010

On my daily commute, the longest bus ride (distance wise) happens to be the quickest ride since the route goes through the carpool lane of the 10 Freeway. I’m always thankful that I’m not stuck in traffic during that time.

Daylight savings in the fall means the sun seems to set around…3. By the time I get out, it feels as if its 10pm, especially if the weather is cold.

The ride home on the freeway is very exposing. It's dark outside and the lights inside the bus are a spotlight on the passengers throughout the ride. You also can’t look at anything outside of the window other than your own reflection.

Today was different. It was nice. The bus driver turned off the interior lights on the freeway. Passengers were given anonymity and were only lit by the oncoming traffic and the red scrolling marquee inside.

I attempted to take a picture of this, but being in a dark and vibrating environment, it's not surprising I failed to capture a steady image. At least I did manage to capture the movement of being on the carpool lane.

“Road trippin” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers began to play on my ipod, and it seemed appropriate. I have no idea when I’ll take off on a trip again. But for now, this was nice.

Walking through the rain

Aids walk L.A. c.2010

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The Aids Walk is something that has been on my long "I've always wanted to" list. This year, the time and the opportunity finally coincided.

It was a rainy day but that didn't stop me or the friend who told me about the event. There were all sorts of participants and no one was bothered by the nonstop drizzle. In fact, it was welcomed. There was one exceptionally hilarious sight during the entire route. A woman participated in her high heels. Now that is dedication. I'm not sure if she just stayed up from the night before, or if she woke up and put on her walking shoes but either way, I was impressed. I'm not a huge user of high heels, but I can walk in them with confidence...for a limited amount of time. I can't dance in them all night and I most certainly cannot walk a 10K in them. Only in L.A. I suppose...