The Wind - Day 86

Or more accurately the wind storms.  These have been going for a few days now along with rain showers.

The winds are so powerful they keeps us awake at night.
Plus whatever else is going on eclipses,  full moon etc. leaving us very tired and a bit cranky.   In light of this, I have decided to skip yoga today and stay cozy at home. It feels decadent, especially since it was nice instructor, but also hardest instructor.

Hack Night - Day 85

One of the reasons we came to California besides doing research towards Brett's PhD was to get a feel for the industry here and for Brett to meet other programers ( AKA hackers in his circle ).

One great opportunity for this is "Hack Night".  These are gatherings for computer geeks to work on projects and either help out others who need help or ask for help if you are stuck on something.  Held in actual company offices it promises to be a perfect match for Brett.

Off to Downtown SanFrancisco we go.  

It is in a building built in 1912 that used to be a rope manufacturer.  What an amazing space.  The brick walls, wood ceilings, old metal beams.  Just WOW.  So, out comes my camera.  I ask permission to take pictures of the buildings features  (which for ME are not the computers and equipment). The details are great,  however, you really have to be there to feel how fantastic the space is.

Once I am done I take my KOBO out and read for a few hours until it is time to go back to Berkeley.    It was a successful evening  (for both of us -  especially since I was not expecting such a score).  Brett is overjoyed at his time spent with what he calls  "these are my people".  At least ten times on the Bart back he says the had sooooo much fun tonight.   That my friends, is why we came here.  For Brett to be with his people :)

One another note:  I noticed there were actually 12 girls out of 50 in the group. Good to see how one generation is changing things.

Thinking Outside THE BOX - Day 84

Time is quickly approaching for our return.  As I look around I am dreading packing everything back in our car plus what we bought here.  As you remember in day 1 the car was already totally full. Brilliant thought.  Send a box home with the summer clothes!

Buy box, tape and sharpie

Call U.S. Post - Fed Ex -  Purolator  to get quote on approximate cost

Cost is surprisingly high -  plus custom brokerage and taxes

Debate - are willing to pay that much  

Decide -  we will bite the bullet

Pack up box - seal - address

Load 40lbs box in car 

Soon I will be rid of this extra load and have space in the car = less stress

Now off to fill our customs forms and ship that puppy.

Oh so wrong on that.      It appears that for customs, you need to give an exact amount of everything in the box and their individual value…..??????WT@3%???///.….even if it is all used clothing all originating from Canada.

Are you kidding me?  I must have between 50 to 75 pieces, at least.

Result: Pick up box - take it back home.  .

Now the real stress begins.

  

P.S.  The only bright side to the story, is that Brett found a good authentic restaurant next door ;)

Hello Beautiful - Day 83

I have walked by every day sometimes even more than once a day and failed to notice this deep purple beauty.

Until today....

What's Up There? - Day 82

I seem to have become very interested in ceiling here.  Here are some of the different ones…

At the UC Berkeley

At the Hair Salon

Yoga Studio

Urban Outfitters - San Francisco

"Pas Un Chat" - Day 81

Translates to "Not One Cat". A French saying that means "no one around".  This is how I would describe the UC at Berkeley Campus today.

Long week-end Saturday,  where most students have gone home to visit with family,  was a perfectly beautiful day for capturing the campus essence.

My Thoughts Exactly - Day 80

Saw this license plate on one of our walks.....