Saturday, July 31st

Up early to pay bills this morning, as early here is late everywhere else, and it was just as fun as you imagine. Then went downtown for another open call interview for bartenders.

I sat at the table with a scrabble of other hopefuls. I noticed that the two gentlemen at my table had each entries in the space for previous convictions while neither had entries for the spaces that asked for college and higher education. Of course, we weren't applying to work for the Department of Defense.

My interview went very well. Great conversation with the sharp woman who screening me. She immediately asked me about running my consulting business (eso es ltd, "So It Goes" in Spanish and "SOS" in English) and how that made me perfect for the task of helping open up their new location. I slammed home a few questions about wine, and felt really great. Then, suddenly, at the end she said, "well you know we have scores and scores of male applicants" and I felt the downturn and figured that's that. But we'll see. I wish'd I said, "well I'm sure you do but there's only one like me," but I didn't so it's up to you, Universe.

I rolled over to Proper, the gastro-pub that held the wine dinner earlier this month. I had wanted to reconnect with the cooks I'd met, and said hello to one of them in the open kitchen, but it was just a passing thing as I was on my way up to the roof deck, which is located just about 100 feet from the fence at Petco Park.

The menu was more expensive than I was comfortable with, and this represents a sea change for me because San Diego menus, even this one, are still far cheaper than Boston menus. I ordered the ahi edamame stack and a glass of cava. The ahi dish was $12, we had a similar one available at Teatro for $14, and that was in 2003.

Nevertheless, I pressed on. It truly is a beautifully built bar up on the deck, and my service was first rate. Very friendly bartender and cocktail waitress. As our conversation went on, the two gentlemen at the end of the bar started to chime in from 10 feet away as we discussed the future of beverage/spirit consumption. Turns out these guys make high end yeast for local distilleries. A few minutes into our conversation their friend and business partner, the co-owner of a local brewery/distillery came in with his family. They had me come down and introduce myself. Though my insecurity tried to throw me at his feet and beg, "Please! Please hire me! I"ll be an asset! I need a job!" I held myself back and wished him to have a nice meal with his family as I thanked him for his time. But I walked away with a business card, and a round of warm smiles from everyone on the deck. Guess I made a positive impression.

Making my back to the car, I heard a commotion spilling into the street from the Gaslamp Tavern on 5th. It was an 80s party, and I found myself defenseless at the sight of multiple blondes in aerobic gear. I talked with a couple guys in the party. They had hired a double decker bus to ferry them from bar to bar throughout San Diego before ending up at a club later tonight. This was at 3 in the afternoon, and it was their first bar. Pretty safe to say that was going to be one messy outing.

Later that night, I finally connected with my great friend and former schoolmate Andy and finally saw a bit of Bankers Hill, another neighborhood here in San Diego. We were in a very nice restaurant, but this was also above our preferred price range ($10 draft beers?!). The very friendly and knowledgable waitress was a bit put by our orders of burgers (still $14) and the cheapest red wine on the menu, but I feel we acquitted ourselves by buffering the evening with after dinner espressos.

So good to see my friend. I'm very happy we're in the same city.



My iPod selected the song below as I wrote this draft:

Maybe the road's not easy,
Maybe the prize is small,
After all the years of waiting,
I'm going to show them all.

Tale of Two Coasts

As most readers are outside of California, you already know it's been a hot summer. I travelled through 14 states to get out here, the only one that I did not actually step foot in was New York, as I was on my way to Pennsylvania. It was hot. Over 80 the day I left Andover, and seemingly getting warmer as I headed into the interior. By Illinois it was in the 90s. The heat index in Columbia, MO was 100. In Oklahoma and Texas, it was in the high 90s. In Arizona, it was well over 100. Much to my surprise, California was the coldest state I experienced. All the way down to 61 degrees by the time I parked my car off Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles.

And, as you've read, it has not warmed up much here in sunny San Diego. And today, proof. It is the coldest July in 99 years here. Now, if this is cold, life could be a hell of a lot worse. But I thought you all might find the comparison interesting, as it seems to fly in the face of expectations. In more ways than one, we're living in strange times.

Coldest July in San Diego:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jul/31/grsq-san-diegos-coldest-july-99-years-about-end/?sciquest

Whilst New England bakes:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2010/07/31/new_england_sizzled_in_july_but_shy_of_records/

For what it's worth--I miss the heat! It's summer! I'm a Leo! I know all those days must have sucked and been unbearable, can we ask Mother Nature to balance it out a little bit?

still here

holding the line here in SD. staying on top of the searches and keeping positive. happy that i can always head to the beach when i want to, the waves help soothe the mind.

wishing everyone a wonderful weekend. enjoy the end of July and start of August.

Tuesday, improvements

Don't want to divulge too much for fear that loose lips sink ships, but today was certainly positive. Heard responses to my job inquiries, and finally saw some decent housing options. Some of that pressure at the top of my head has eased.

I also got to walk along the beach, cook dinner, hit the gym, and play my saxophone.

Still rumbling through my head is "Lawyers, Guns, & Money," my first jukebox pick that made me a big hit at Tiki Bar on Sunday. I played it honor of my dad, as it was his birthday. My father took me to see Warren Zevon at the Paradise back in the mid-90s. That was, and will always be, one of the best shows I have ever seen. Cosmically enough, about 30 minutes later a group of guys were talking about Kris Kristofferson. One of them tried to place a movie but couldn't remember the title. When I said, "Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid", I got the same uproarious excitement as when I played Warren Zevon. My dad took me to see that one at the Museum of Fine Arts when I was about 12 or 13. The guy who couldn't remember the title had seen it with his father at a similar age.

I'm extremely blessed to have absolutely wonderful parents. I'm a lucky kid.

Two simple cultural outings such a long time ago, helped me share smiles with strangers in a far away place. That was a gift from a father to his son, preparing me for the future. So, it's not much, but since I couldn't be there with you on Sunday, Dad, this one's for you:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5puAN1PGQw

Sunday Night

Had a very sweet day today. For some reason, the video I shot of the surfers on Pacific Beach won't load, and I am quite disappointed. Today was one of discovery. After wanting to hit the beach and bodysurf, tan and read, I found myself, and all of the beach community, eclipsed by clouds.

I stopped off to watch the end of the Red Sox game, that was a bad idea. They blew it.

But I heard from my friends, and it made me strong. I stopped into a New Jersey pizza place, killer pizza. Then I went to see the start of the Cubs game, my friends were there at Wrigley.

Despite the clouds, I went down to the beach. On the pier, I watched the surfers. It was wonderful. My understanding expanded. There were even out of shape surfers, this gives me hope. From a distance, I understood more about the relation to the wave, timing, respect of the ocean. Beautiful.

It was after six, it was grey, but I still went into the water. Wonderful, warm, welcoming.

Though I intended to go to the movies, I found myself at Tiki Bar to see the end of the Cubs game. They lost, and I was understandably angry. But it was open mike night, and I met the whole slew of performers. So I've been invited back with the request to bring my saxophone.

The bar is known to a friend of mine from home. I was in the right place.

Just wish I could show you all my video. . . I'll work on that.

p.s. I am very happy that Wally is back with me. He didn't like being stuck in the suitcase.

Snapshots on the outskirts of Comic-Con

Plenty of bright sunshine downtown today, but none at the beach. After checking out a few apts, I went downtown to check out the periphery of Comic-Con. Can't wait to go next year.

A View of San Diego Harbor

The view here is from the top of the convention center, the bridge you see leads out to Coronado. San Diego is just a beautiful city.

Jerk Parking Job

Who parks like this??! I should have backed up and knocked this piece of crap over but I did not, that would have affected the car behind me, and that wouldn't be fair.

Friday, apparently

Another morning poring over signonsandiego and craigslist listings for housing and jobs, sending out applications and making calls that never get returned. But you have to keep running up the hill to get to the top.

Check out this cool office building I went to yesterday. It's set back on a busy commercial street, home to multiple office parks and businesses, but this one is clearly the best. It looks like a James Bond hideout, a bamboo Pacific hideaway in the midst of urban sprawl. That waterfall extends down three stories.

Comic-Con and More on Del Mar

Today is the start of Comic-Con, the annual pilgrimage for Comic/Sci-Fi fans from across the globe. I put in my request a bit late to get a pass, but I understand it shouldn't be too difficult for me to get in next year. Besides, I have plenty of things to take care of today. At some point this weekend, though, I'll head downtown and check out the scene. People in costumes walking around the streets always amuses me.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/local/comic-con/


Speaking of costumes, here's a feature on Opening Day at Del Mar Racetrack:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/jul/21/horsing-around-hats/

Winners Circle

The clouds never parted today, but that was probably a good thing for an all day event.

Feeling gloomy, to match the weather, I made my way northwest to Del Mar, a very ritzy beach community in San Diego County. My GPS kindly directed me on an express route, avoiding the traffic on the 5 and leading me through the majesty of Torrey Pines (where I once splashed through the waves during a blinding fog back in October 2008). The roads became saturated just before Jimmy Durante Way, which leads directly to the Del Mar Racetrack, where it was Opening Day of the racing season.

I avoided the mass lots across from the track and found a free spot on a residential street then made my way down. Quickly ensconced in a throng of high heels, big hats, and more plastic breasts, noses, and necks then I have ever seen in my life, most of which were perched on Botox-paralyzed faces. Saw one arrest (for jaywalking) and, even though it was only 1pm, saw a half dozen girls of varying ages too drunk to walk; a sideshow for an entire afternoon of countless women of varying ages who could not manage their heels.

The crowd was an equal juxtaposition of trash and wealth. We were shielded in a private area on the infield, hosted by a local financial firm. Plenty of food, drinks, and friendly people. I don't gamble on principle, and this was my first visit to a track of any kind. I felt pretty overwhelmed and out of place at first, but I gradually settled in and enjoyed myself. I received a quick overview on how to bet, which I figured I would ignore. I filled up on food and went to watch a couple of the races, we had a very good view of the starting line, but we couldn't hear the announcer too well (bummer). Crowd watching became pretty tedious rather quickly, so I made my way back into the party.

After a very confused reaction to my, "I don't gamble, I have enough vices already" routine, I succumbed to peer pressure and decided I would place a bet. I reviewed the race card and made my choice, which expanded a bit while waiting in line. The queue was pretty lively, and I bullshitted with the guy in front of me who seemed to be an accomplished bettor. It was suddenly my turn. Remembering what I'd been told earlier, the words lept out, "I've never done this before, I'll take two each on the 5 and the 8 horse to place."

"Spoken like a pro," said the very cool looking man behind the counter. He reminded me of Zakes Mokae, the great South African actor. Peering out from his straw hat and over his glasses he repeated, "spoken like a real pro." I felt my novice smile spill over my cheeks. As he handed me my slip he fixed his gaze on me and said, "See you in the winners' circle."

Back at the table I announced, "well, that's another vice to the collection," but I did feel more a part of the event. The race began and both of my horses were all the way at the back, and as I sat there thinking, "see, this is why I don't gamble," I felt disappointment creep in. But in horse racing things change in the blink of an eye, and before I knew it there was the 8 horse "Ruffled Feathers" coming on strong up to the head of the pack. It was a photo finish, and the 8 horse was victorious. I won.

I went back to see my new friend and said, "well you called it."

"I had a feeling about you."

"Now you're going to see me here everyday," I joked.

"That's how it happens. We call it beginners luck. People do it once, they get hooked. They start doing it every race, all the time. The bets get higher and higher. You never win. You might win, but when the bets get higher you're not winning, you're treading water. See it everyday."

"I hear you. Quit while you're ahead."

"That's the secret."

I recouped my bet, and separated out my $1.60 winning yield feeling very satisfied. Time to go. And now, I had a few extra quarters for the parking meters.

Day At The Races

Today is Opening Day at the Del Mar Racetrack and, as someone couldn't make it, I have scored a ticket.
http://www.delmarscene.com/events/opening_day_hats_contest.htm

Bit of a gloomy start to the day, still grey outside. We'll see if that's all gone by noon. On the radio on Sunday I heard that, "the heat wave has broken." I guess a heat wave is 80 plus degree weather, which lasted for about 5 days. We're back in the 70s.

Mainly been looking for jobs this week, so not much excitement to report there.

Here are a few things from the past couple days.

Driving in LA I shared the road with a Ferrari Testarossa (red, of course), multiple Porsches, and a vintage silver Delorean which, as Flex astutely observed, had to be going 87 mph or less in order to be visible.

Liquid Kitty is a great bar in LA. Arsenal is crap.

A guy at a friend's party in Los Angeles assured me that I had made the right decision by moving out here. I had a friend down here encourage me by saying, "San Diego's a tough city to crack, but it's worth it once you do."

At a wine tasting last night, my restaurant consultant angle was very well received. Time to make a website.

Malibu

Made my first trip to Malibu today. Absolutely beautiful stretch of the California coastline. Driving the PCH is a pleasure while traffic is moving though, for the most part, it was not. It took an hour each way to go 20 miles.

It was worth it. I love the beach. The beach here is gorgeous. I went to Zuma beach, which seems to stretch on forever and today was virtually saturated with people. The beach is free and offers solace to a crowded mind. The water was much colder, though only a handful of miles away from where I was yesterday. The current was incredibly strong, I ended up with a front row seat to a lifeguard rescue (not an emergency, just someone helping out a kid unsure how to make his way through the current).

All that and a homemade meatball sandwich make for nice, relaxing day.

LA Saturday

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Check out the track below and also get a better look at the Sunset Tower:

http://www.sunsettowerhotel.com/

http://www.ilike.com/artist/The+Egg/track/Venice+Beach

No new job or apartment leads yesterday, though I did get a couple of nice rejection letters, so at least I know my stuff is getting out there.

On a more positive note, my friendship with Dean brought me to Los Angeles yesterday to get my hair cut at the Argyle Salon, located in the Sunset Tower Hotel. This place is a palace. Intentionally obscured from Sunset Boulevard by a trio of huge palm trees, the Hotel is an opulent oasis perched at the top of the Hollywood Hills. Everyone on the staff was upbeat and welcoming, and it was great to see a friendly face.

Traffic yesterday was less kind. It took over two and a half hours to make it up to Los Angeles from San Diego, normally it would take just two. I still had some time and went directly to Venice Beach and found a sweet parking spot. The boardwalk was very active but the beach less so, despite the fantastic waves crashing against the shore. As I've found on all of my previous visits, the water in LA is warmer than San Diego. That doesn't seem plausible, but it's always been a few degrees warmer and more inviting. No shock of numbness running from your toes through your spine when you step in, no fear of letting a rave rise up over your groin to pulverise your testicles with cold. None of that. Instead, warm seduction, how LA.

I had about 20 blissful minutes to thrash through the waves, then rinsed off at one of the showers, bought a new pair of flip flops from one boardwalk stands (where I had picked a previous replacement pair in 2008), changed in the car and set out toward Hollywood. The 9 mile trip took 75 minutes.

After my appointment I felt no desire to hop back in the car, so I went to another swank hotel (The Mondrian) a few doors down. Made my way out to skybar, the pool lounge, where every single woman, both guests and staff, were clad in bikinis. Though there were of course a few perfectly built actor/model types, most of the men were fat, hiding behind designer shades and buzzing PDAs. I tried to enjoy my one $14 drink to the fullest, dreaming of how I'll be back at this place when I find success out here.