Showing posts with label hiking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hiking. Show all posts

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Mission Peak and Natural Bridges State Beach

Saturday: MIssion Peak hike with Shiva, Mai, Phil, Amy, and Paul. I thought we were going to take the easier route, but we did not. We used the Stanford Avenue entrance. Steep climb. Bad breathing. Weak left knee. It was all bad. I had to take a break every ten minutes or so. I wanted to give up after about twenty minutes, but I pushed myself past the pain and exhaustion. I think about halfway up the mountain, I started feeling better and took fewer breaks. Finished the ascent in one hour and fifty minutes :D

We took an alternate route down because Phil said it would be easier. It definitely was not. Some parts of the trail were super steep. At one point, Shiva fell >: Luckily, she fell back instead of forward. Then it was my turn to fall. I was slowly stepping down sideways. I decided to take a few steps at a time but gained too much momentum, propelling myself forward until I tripped and fell. Unfortunately, I fell harder on my bad knee and also kinda threw out my left shoulder. But I got up and continued. We finished the descent in one hour and forty minutes. Well, Paul and Amy left without us because they had places to go.

Exhausted and hungry, the rest of us went to eat at Green Cafe in Milpitas. Good pho. Then I was happy to go home, shower, and rest haha.

Sunday: Natural Bridges beach with Shiva. Small beach. Smaller than I remembered from second grade haha. Granted, I was a small child, so everything else looked big. Arrived there around 3PM, but it was kinda cold. Overcast. Breezy. Sand was warm. Water was freezing. Shiva didn't get to boogie-board >: But the waves did get her at the shins. Other than that, we just chilled on the sand and talked about random stuff. (Her birthday is coming up soooon O: She's gonna turn 24! And then she's leaving for law school!) We stayed for almost two hours. Eventually got too chilly, so we headed back to SJ.

Details are lost because I'm exhausted. I need sleep. Rawr.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Happy Birthday, Shiva! Yaayyy!!!!

You're 22! Woohoo! :D


Anyway, the past few weeks have been a blur. I don't really remember too much /:

Wednesday, June 29, I went hiking with Albert, Steven F, Christine L, her younger brother Andy, Marian L, and Joanna L. I walked from my house to the start of the hill that leads up to IBM. Albert was supposed to meet me at the bottom and hike up with me. But he drove up the hill and came back for me later XD Drove me to the parking lot up the hill. We all went on a trail, which lasted about an hour. Got to know Steven a bit. Hadn't seen him since Lisa H's birthday lunch in our second semester of college. Anyway, Marian and Joanna kept falling behind on the hike because they are not "outdoorsy" people. Had to take several breaks for them to catch up. We stayed at the top of the hill for a while, admiring the view of the city, laughing about random stuff--like the giant ants that live on the hill and falling off the cliff because the fence isn't sturdy--and walking down memory lane to childhood.
After we walked down to the cars, Steven, Albert, and finally Christine competed to see who could access the Internet on their phones the fastest if at all in the hills. Christine won XD Albert and Steven had to check their jury duty statuses. Then we all went to Sweet Tomatoes down the road. Had a hearty meal XP I piled a bunch of salad stuff on my plate, while everyone else took small portions of salad <_< Had clam chowder because everyone else recommended it. Had different tasty bread. Got some jello (it's been a while since I've eaten American jello). Then frozen yogurt (but I think it was actually ice cream) on a cone. I was sooo full, but I had to get my money's worth. And it was worth it XD

This past Thursday evening, July 14, I went to the movies with Harrison who gave me a ride, Amy G, Lisa H, Albert, and Christine. Transformers 3... was ok. Overall, just eh. Parts of it were amazing though. Really good CG, especially in the battle scenes. Story was eh, but again certain parts of the storyline were really good. Acting and human characters were meh. I liked Epps' part, and that was really it. Most of the other characters annoyed me too much -_-
Got out of the movie after 23h00. Talked for a little while with everyone before parting ways. Had to go home soon because Mother would have freaked out if I didn't get home before midnight.

Friday... Mother had a car accident in the morning. Some guy in a Honda rear-ended the Murano in the right-turn lane... after they had both stopped for a while. Mother got his insurance policy cancellation notice but nothing else really. She told him that they should move their cars out of the street to not block traffic, but the guy drove off -_- Mother freaked out and called me when I was on my way out of the house. Told me to stay home so that I could call the police for her when she got home. Except I can't make a police report if she leaves the scene without getting any witnesses -_- But she came home, Harrison walked to my house, and I called our insurance company. Harrison waited a long time before I finally finished the call and we could leave. Mother drove us to the light rail.
I was irritated because Mother kept yelling at me like everything that happened this morning was my fault. If she had just calmly asked me to call the insurance company, I would have. But she didn't, so I was eager to get out of the house. And I think this is a waste of time. There's very little visible damage to the bumper. But the three or four scratches really set Mother off because "it's a new car." It's two years old, and cars eventually get minor damages after a while of driving. But no, she was furious that I even suggested that we let the matter go.
If I were in Mother's place, I would be furious that the guy drove off without giving all of his information, which luckily turned out to be on the letter he gave Mother. But no, Mother's furious that the guy lightly tapped the bumper. She started acting a bit racist, saying that Mexicans can't drive by the law and they always do shit to others without caring or whatever. I was pissed that she said any of that, and Harrison could kinda pick up what she was saying too ):
Anyway, this crap... grrr.. I have to go with Mother on Tuesday at 11h30 to some auto body shop to get an inspection to assess the damage, which really doesn't look like much. Harrison said it looked like it needed a $5 paint job, with which I agree. But of course, it's actually probably gonna cost at least $200 or something -___-
After all that hassle and arriving at campus, Harrison and I walked around and talked and stuff. We went job hunting as well. Checked out places around the campus, like Pizza My Heart, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, and Gordon Biersch. Also took the light rail back toward Oakridge. Walked there from the light rail (and Harrison gave me a piggy back ride a part of the way). Went to Target so Harrison could buy a kiddie pool and a foam noodle for his water balloon fight next Friday. Also asked around to see if some stores were hiring. Then light rail to our stop near home. Walked for half an hour to Harrison's house. Tried to play with his kittens, but they were too cautious of me especially the black one (again? >: So sad). Sat and talked with Harrison for a bit. Then went home.
So the interesting thing about applying for jobs now is that most places only have online applications. Three or four of the places Harrison and I checked out told us that we had to print out the applications, fill them out, and turn them in. And two places had the actual physical applications on hand. So sad -_-

Saturday, I filled out some job applications because Shiva said she wouldn't talk to me until I got ten done ): I posted this on Facebook, and other people did not sympathize with me -_- Instead, they were proud of Shiva. Rawr.

Sunday, I was anticipating Shiva's return to San Jose :) She got to my house around 15h00. She got settled into my house, and then we went to Harrison's house to play with the kittens again XP I think Shiva just has a way with animals. The kittens allowed us to pet and rub them to sleep.
Then I drove Shiva and Harrison in Shiva's car to Stephanie S's house. Then Shiva and I switched. Drove downtown. Were a bit late. Parked in front of Los Gallos De Villa. Autumn called me and asked if I was there. I said I was almost there but told her to look for a tall Indian guy (Killol) and a Chinese girl (Marian) with glasses and a ponytail at Iguanas. I told her to talk to them XD Harrison and Shiva, meanwhile, were getting Horchata (mmm tasty). Walked to Iguanas. Hugged Autumn because it's been soooo long since I've seen her. She seems more carefree now, I guess haha.
We went into Iguanas and ordered our food. Sat outside in front of the store. Windy day. Food was good. Conversation was much better :D Stephanie's awkward and physically painful date, Marian's pigeon story, my obsession with "1000 Ways To Die," etc etc.
When Shiva went inside Iguanas for something, I took out the birthday gift that her friends and I made and put together. I didn't know how to surprise her with it, so I placed it on the table in front of her seat. Then Harrison covered it with his jacket XD When Shiva was back, she didn't take the jacket off. So Killol asked Harrison if he would like to take his jacket back XP Thus, Harrison unveiled the booklet on the table, and Shiva was pleasantly surprised :P She looked through the book and saw all the stuff that people made for her :) It was wonderful. Then she went around and gave everyone a hug :) I told her about some of the images being cut off because the guy who printed the pages enlarged the images without telling me that it would cut off the images. But it's ok. Shiva will get the digital copies. Also, I told her that everyone that went to the Vegetarian House dinner contributed to the book :) That was awesome :3
Harrison's friend, Margaret C, came late haha. Then we all went to Bijan Bakery because people were cold and they wanted to be inside. More conversation, plus overpriced sweets XP Killol was ecstatic when he finally found Shiva's ticklish spot hahaha. He also faced Marian's wrath for poking her and invading her personal space too much XP Poor guy got hit so many times Sunday night.
Then we all walked back to Shiva's car. Took group pictures and parted ways.

Monday, Shiva and I didn't have anything to do. So we got up kinda late. I had to pick up Brother and drive him to my house so that he could do his laundry. Shiva had to work on some profiles for all the places she's interviewing with this week. When we drove Brother back to his place, we called Harrison to see if we could come over. But he was not home ): So Shiva and I drove around. She asked me where I wanted to go, but I couldn't think of any place I wanted to go. She kept pressuring me XP So I directed her to a park that her GPS said was close by. But it was in a not-so-good neighborhood, so we left. Next, I directed her to Davis Middle School. I remember it had more trees years ago. Went to my old house on Skyway Drive next to Valley Christian. Then back to my current house. Actually, we drove up Bernal Road to IBM. Then parked in the parking lot of the county park. Then hiked halfway up the trail that I went on a little while back with Albert and our friends.
On the way up, I saw someone I hadn't talk to since I was little. Talked to her a bit, and then kept going up. Shiva and I saw dragonflies (they weren't there last time). Then we walked off the main trail toward the clifflike area so that Shiva could take a picture of the city. When we turned around to go back down, we saw deer :D Three of them! We slowly got closer to them, as Shiva took pictures. Then went back to her car. I slipped a little on the way <_<
But then we went home. Totally forgot to go to the bank and to go get slurpees ): I feel bad about that. I'm sorry I forgot, Shiva! Next year!

Today, Shiva has an interview. It was at 9h00, but while she was on her way there, they called and rescheduled for 14h45 -_- She was already halfway to Berkeley too. Woke up early just to get rescheduled. Rawr. Waiting for Shiva to come back now.
At 11 or so, I have to go with Mother to get the car inspected for damaged. Really not that much damage. I think the inspector may laugh on the inside a little when she sees what the damage is. I know I did.

Anyway, summer is going well enough. May drive up to Davis with Autumn one of these weekends to visit Maggie. Considering going to So Cal with Shiva when she goes back on Sunday. Must find a job though. Must buy textbooks soon too.

Rawr.

Sunday, January 3, 2010

What a Workout!

My knee hurts, my back aches, and the bottoms of my feet sting T-T But it was worth it.

Around 13h00, I picked up Harrison and then Cristina D. They had met before today through Key Club. Interesting. I drove us downtown to Autumn's house. Then off to Alum Rock Park. Parked on McKee Road because I could remember the name. Then we walked for like the next three hours.

Up one trail past sheep to two benches. Down the same trail. Up another less steep, more curvy one, which ended back at the entrance we started at.

I was already tired after the first ten minutes XP but I kept going haha. We had a nice view of the city from the benches. It would be so awesome to camp there. You would able to see all the lights in the city, probably not many stars. But still a nice view. Could almost be romantic haha.

And O-M-G, our conversations -shakes head- I don't know why, but like I said in previous entries, many of the conversations I've been having with people have revolved around sex :O With details haha. I kept silent most of the time ^_^; but I did contribute a few words here and there haha.

Talks of sexual encounters and whatnot. I'm just like O_O Though, Autumn mentioned how Brian and I used to talk about sex all the time haha. Yeah, I talk, but I really haven't done anything >_> It's just talk without experience. Now, you guys are talking about experiences and stuff. I felt slightly awkward, even though I kept listening haha.

"Once you go black, you never go back." haha Well, actually, this was declared later on at Autumn's house, but yeah XP After having sex with a black guy, apparently you can never be satisfied by anyone other than a black guy ever again haha.

Anyway, the long hike left me sore. My knee was killing me. So we walked back to my car. When we reached McKee, I reached into my pocket for my keys. And they weren't there! D: I searched all my pockets. I was frantic. Only thing I could say was "Fuck!" Cristina tried to calm me down a lil. If I panic, I won't find my keys. I was freaking out. Mother would so kill me if I lost the keys to the Avalon AND the Nissan (they're attached to the same keychain). Autumn suggested that I might have dropped it in the car. If so, we could just call a locksmith. So we went to my car, looked in the window, and saw no keys.

On a whim,
though I was sure I had pressed the lock button when I got out of the car, I decided to try the doorhandle just in case I didn't lock it. And it fuckin' opened! I was dumbstruck for a moment. Then I realized the car unlocks all locks when you try to lock all doors with the key still in the ignition. So I looked at the starter, and there they were! My keys! :O Damn, I was fuckin' relieved haha. Fuuck, I've never forgotten my keys in the ignition before D: That was the first time and hopefully the last. Scared me half to death T-T

Man, I'm so glad that it was a nice and safe neighborhood. If I had parked my car in some ghetto ass place, my car would have been long gone. Ahh, geez -_- My memory is dying slowly.

After that, I drove us back to Autumn's house. Got some water to drink and some apples to eat. Juicy Fuji apples, mmmm... haha. They were really good. Also pork buns, corn bread, and tamales.

Around 17h30, we decided we wanted to go look at the Monopoly board on San Carlos. So we walked for twenty or so minutes. Went in the Fairmont first and the left. Got to the board. Were disappointed by the size of the board. Took our time pointing out all the sexual innuendo we could find on the board game. I refused a group hug, heh, sorry. Then we walked back to Autumn's house. Mother called during the walk back to yell at me for being out all day -__-

Six hours is only a quarter of a day >_>

Anyway, more innuendo-filled conversation on the walk to and from the board game.

I drove Cristina and Harrison home. Now, I'm home, and Mother decided not to yell at me because I said my friends and I hadn't eaten all day.

You know, I don't know what it is. Maybe we're just all good friends. Or maybe they really are just open about stuff. But damn, there was a lot of talk about sex today haha. Ah, and though it would be a funny thought, Autumn, Cristina, Harrison, and I did not talk about sex the whole time XP Most of the time, maybe. But not the whole time. We talked a lil bit about music and racial/physical preferences >_>

What I mean is who we're attracted to. Yeaah. I dunno if I should mention what everyone had said because I'm not sure if everyone would want me to say much :P Even though, they're pretty open about everything. Obviously. Hm. Well, we know Autumn has only dated Grant, so yeaah. Go black, haha. Cristina prefers black guys over all others. Not lesbian, but she thinks some women are fiiine haha (even I don't scope people out for real). She may be a 5 on the Kinsey scale, like how Harrison rates himself (though, I think they meant to say 1 not 5 haha). Harrison prefers Asian girls and short hair, yeah. Though, he wouldn't let his preferences stop him. Cristina and I pretty much agreed that we've never really found ourselves attracted to Indians (the Asian ones, not Native Americans) before. Just never clicked with any.

And yes, although I contributed to the Indian comment, I did not actually talk about my preferences XP Though, I'm sure I've mentioned them in this blog at some point... Or not. Not actual physical preferences. Just ideal girlfriend qualities or something like that haha. Still not much to inform you of what I want, but eh -shrug- you don't need to know, do you?

And you know, I actually haven't mentioned love or the lack of it all that much in this blog (compared to my old LJ). Oh, I'm so proud of myself XD

I'm still obsessing, I s'pose, but not like I used to haha. Good. Or maybe I'm just fooling myself. Hm. Anyway, I just read my obsession-tagged entries from March 2009 (because I was looking for the linked post). Wow. Such a downer. Actually. Still a downer. Still thinking the same way.


"Who could love such an inconsistent person? So inadequate. So afraid. So boring. So lost." I still feel this way -sigh- but eh whatever. Oh, forgive the slight ADD-ness of the entry. I never seem to be able to focus on just one thing.


I've kinda been talking to people lately. But I feel like everything I've been saying is nothing. Don't know how to explain it. Don't know what I'm trying to say, I s'pose. Ahhh, I just want release. Release of what? I do not know. Or maybe I just don't want to acknowledge what I know. Blehh, I'm not making sense, am I? -_- I just need sleep. And to stick to resolutions, yeah. Focus focus focus. On things. More important things -nods-


Man, it's 48 degress outside right now. Just went out to cover the car. Painful. Should have worn a jacket. But it was only for a few minutes haha.

Ok, going to bed early again. So tiiired x_x and in pain haha. I need a massage. But I'll just settle for a hug from my stuffed dog in my sleep haha... ^_^

Bonne nuit, mes amis.