Random Circumstances, Through The Looking Glass

I.

So today Drew, Tara, Vaughn and I were walking east on University Avenue in Berkeley, coming back from the International Food Festival, by which is meant Indian/Pakistani curries, samosas, and paneers, BBQ stands, Vietnamese shrimp rolls, the best apple-cherry cider one can have legally while under 21, falafel, gyros, lamb, and lots and lots of opportunities to purchase clothes or sign up for Comcast cable Internet service, when a wild-eyed gentleman rounded a corner and barked at Drew and me, "Five minutes before you get shot, by my watch."

We watched him with interest while he ranted his way down the street. Maybe that was how he greeted everyone, because we could still hear him several blocks removed.

But that was still rather friendly for the day. One lady who ran afoul of a car trying to turn into a parking lot muttered, "Sometimes you just have to tell them to f--- off."

In any case, about five minutes after we left the herald of drive-by shootings, we were in the car, making for the freeway, when two police cars and then a crime scene unit van passed by. So apparently the crazy man was prescient for somebody, just not us. In a city, I suppose you could go along all day telling people they would be shot in five minutes, and you would be bound to look like Nostradamus at least occasionally.

II.

Chocolate Almond drip coffee with brown sugar and non-fat milk is the best way to start a day with the SF Chronicle, particularly while seated on a bench in the flowery median on La Playa street, just in front of Java Beach.

III.

There is a 24-hour Donut World at the corner of 9th and Judah. 24-hour access to donuts! I tell you, the world is a beautiful place sometimes.

IV.

I'm hoping to land a three month sublet in an apartment just steps away from Golden Gate Park. It would be an incredible base camp for establishing myself in this city.

V.

There are potential writing gigs to be found. I've applied to write action/adventure stories for 8 year olds (I'm thinking one title might NOT be "Timmy's Adventures in Neverland Ranch"), online campaigns for a Green organization, or to be an editorial assistant at an architectural magazine. Haven't heard anything back, but I am hopeful that there are the gigs out there. There are also internships to be found, so if I get the right sort of regular job, I can pursue resume padding.

Anyway, that is all for now.