Dan and Laura: January 2009

So I just had some random thoughts I would like to share...

Light'n Your Load

Because we don't have laundry in our apartment, we use the laundromat called Light'n Your Load that's half a block away. I was not looking forward to having to go to a laundromat before we moved, but it isn't as bad as I thought it would be. I just have to carry my stuff down and back, which can get kind of annoying, but at least we live close enough that it isn't too much of a burden. The nice thing about it is that you can do all your loads at the same time, so it goes really fast. Plus I like listening to music, playing games on my phone, and reading magazines while I wait.

This last week was kind of an interesting experience at the good 'ol Light'n Your Load. As I was waiting for my wash, this Chinese man caught my attention. I first noticed him as he was strolling back and forth through the isles, so I started watching him. He then started to... how do I explain it... pinch the air? He was walking around and had his right hand out in front of him doing pinching motions. I was sitting right by the windows, slightly confused. As he came a little closer I saw that one of his eyes was a lazy eye. It was kind of freaky because he was starring at me with one of his eyes and then looking at the window with his other eye. I had turned off my music now and was just cautiously watching this guy. He proceeded to keep pinching the air and then progressed to pinching the window, while muttering. So then he starts raising his voice and walking back and forth in front of the windows. It was then that I realized he was talking to his reflection. He was getting really mad at his reflection and saying things like, "I told you to get away from here." Then he would try and fake out his reflection by making quick movements to throw his reflection off his game. This continued for a little while... pinching the air, running outside trying to catch the "person" (which was really himself), pouring detergent into the machine, and hiding behind some of the washing machines. It was actually really sad to me. I mean this little guy was really mentally challenged, and I just wondered how long he had been here. I don't think he was really doing his wash and I swear one time he put a magazine into the washer. The saddest part to me was that I am sure no one takes care of him.

Homeless Folks

This thought leads me to the topic of homeless people. I really think there are so many homeless people here. It is crazy. Everyday I see the same people at the same corners. I almost feel like I should start saying hi to them since I see them everyday when I walk to work. I used to be kind of afraid of them when I first came here. But the more I see them, I just feel bad for them. The thing is, ya they can pester you and beg but they can't really do much else. I just wonder what really goes on... where they sleep... how much money they really get in a day... and if they need my help. It is sad to me because I know some people really do need help, I just don't know who to trust. The saddest thing I have ever seen though was when I was walking right on Market Street after work. This lady and her little boy were sitting on an old ragged blanket. The boy was playing with his toys which were really rusty old garbage things. The kid looked so happy, and his mom was holding this dirty cardboard sign that read something like Help... need food. She looked so wrecky and out of it, and unfortunately my impression was that she was on some big time drugs. I literally got tears in my eyes and had to look away. It was so so sad.

On a happier note...

Saturday

We walked outside on Saturday to head down to the pier so Dan could take some pictures for his class and here is what we saw.

Hello China Town!

Let the Chinese New Year festivities begin with the flower fair.

It was really fun to be there and see everything. I'm excited to see what else will be around.

***

While we were out walking around by the pier we happened to find a farmer's market that is down at the Ferry Building. Apparently it goes on every Saturday. It was so neat to see all of these tents set up with gorgeous fresh food. We ate lunch there and had some awesome Mexican food. While we were eating, I noticed that the lady sitting at the table next to us has been on Food Network, Elizabeth Falkner! She has her own restaurant in San Francisco. It was cool to see that she was eating at the same place that we were. I think that is the first time I have seen someone here that has been on TV. Here is a picture of her.

***

As we were walking home we happened upon a crew preparing to film a movie or TV show or something, right on Market Street. We didn't actually get to see them filming, but who knows, maybe I'll see it in a movie sometime.

There you have it... random thoughts. Hope you liked it.

So I meant to write this post quite a while ago, but better late than never right?

This Christmas/New Years was different. On Christmas Eve we flew back to Salt Lake City to be with family! It isn't different to be with family during the season, but what was different was to be in Salt Lake as a visitor instead of a resident. But it was so fun to be back.

The next couple of pictures are what the Christmas season looks like in "Frisco Town" (as Dan would say).

Hello Macy's!!

This is a huge Christmas tree in Union Square. I actually saw some workers put lights on the tree on my lunch break one day. I can't believe they could actually do it.

Some hotels near our house.

Who puts lights on these buildings?

The first part of our break we stayed at Dan's parent's house. These pictures are taken on Christmas Day.

Mia enjoying her new book.

Jamie, the birthday boy!

Naps were taken...

Scotty is such a happy Christmas Boy!

We brought in the New Year with Dan's friends. Unfortunately I didn't get everyone in the picture here, but boy oh boy we sure partied it up! Can't you tell?