Day 100 - Saw radio in action

For 24 hours, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of SF teamed up with KGO Radio 810 for their annual Cure-a-Thon. The regular station DJs use their magical voice powers to raise money for the cause in a telephone fundraising drive. My shift began at 6 AM, and when I arrived, the on-air team was in full vigor like it was lunchtime. Amazing.

There were no radio booths, no On Air signs. The personalities stood in the middle of the room around a table, sharing encouraging words through their hand-held microphones. The 70-something-year-old head of the event was the most energetic person in the room, not slowed at all in his 30 years of participation. Volunteers arrived in teams, all smiles and big hearts. It was truly an uplifting morning.

APPLAUSE! APPLAUSE!
Well, thank you, thank you. I can't even believe it myself, that I've made it through 100 days of new things. Some have been very lame, some have been very exciting, but all have been new. I've learned it takes work and dedication to keep things lively, but the results are invigorating.

Day 99 - Nighttime sightseeing

I see the Golden Gate Bridge every day and every night. But never have I seen it up close at night, like a tourist. About 9 PM, the bridge was still flush with visitors. My phone camera does it no justice - it was breathtaking.

Day 98 - Had a European lunch

Today I found myself on an outdoor patio on a beautiful day. I had been in the same spot for about an hour earlier, chatting with a friend. Unfortunately for her, she had to run off for another appointment, leaving me alone with the sunshine and a growling stomach. My plan to kill time before my next meeting was sidetracked by this luck. I had lunch here, which was actually not the unusual thing.

No, the strange part was that it felt strangely like sitting in a different country. The man across from me was reading the newspaper with reckless disregard for time. The business meeting next to him lasted for four hours. The tourists fresh from the conference center were excited and speaking French. I was eating quiche.

We were surrounded by beautiful flowers and fragrance. The courtyard seemed to fend off the tall buildings around us and the serious business they held. The sun seemed to be shining only here, the blue skies floating only over our heads.

These things never seem to happen and here they were, all happening at one time. It was a vacation in downtown San Francisco, and one I will not soon forget.

Day 97 - Tried new food

Well, these places were new to me. Nothing but good reviews for Nick's Crispy Tacos on Broadway at Polk. Of the carnitas and pescado tacos, neither were crispy but both were delicious. And the place was bizarre. Order at the counter by the door, and get assigned a plastic number in a silver stand. Turn around to sit and you're greeted by chandeliers, plush booths and deep red walls. A taco place? No, more like a nightclub. Which it actually is after 10 PM. Way to use the space.

For dessert, I stopped at Cultive Frozen Yogurt, one of the new places that allow you to serve yourself. Ten yogurt flavors, twenty dry toppings, all kinds of fruit, and even dessert sauces, it's hard to control yourself. Mine was classic chocolate/vanilla swirl with colored sprinkles and walnuts. Topped with two cherries. Yum.

I attempted a hat trick, intending to also dip into the new American Cupcake on Union Street, but I just missed the closing time. Another day...

Nick's Crispy Tacos
1500 Broadway, shared with Rouge

Cultive Frozen Yogurt
1998 Union Street

Day 96 - Visited the ocean

In tough times, I find solace in the ocean. The far-off horizon reminds me how small I am, and the continuous waves remind me that life goes on. The motion and the sound is soothing. With the news that a sick friend is deteriorating, a dose of sea water seemed apt. The Big Being Upstairs did an amazing job with the sea, though my photo does it no justice.



And a follow-up: I re-visited the tulip garden in Golden Gate Park, and this time, the tulips were in full bloom. As were the tourists.