Changes

It's the first day of a month-long break before I start a new job in July. I'll be leaving for the Philippines in a few days, but until then, I have absolutely no plans, no obligations, and no idea what will occupy my days. I do have a to-do list though, albeit short and vague. Whether or not I'll get around to everything is debatable, but here it is, in case I need it for reference.

• Bake a pie
• Finish off a roll of film from February (whoops)
• Visit Point Bonita Lighthouse
• Re-read books that meant something to me
• Find good flight music / books / games
• Sort through old photo files

Today, I tackled the last bullet point. 

I found pictures from over three years ago that were taken during my week-long Austin to San Francisco road trip with Hoan. In particular, there were some old iPhone photos from the Petrified Forest that gave me pause, mostly from nostalgia coupled with the acute understanding of how different my life was back then as an early-20s gal who was about to move in with her longtime boyfriend and start a new life in a big, scary city.*

But anyway. 

We had a pretty tight schedule – our goal was to drive 7-8 hours a day and spend no more than a few hours in each city. Unsurprisingly, we ended up exploring Albuquerque for much longer than expected, so by the time we made it to the Petrified Forest, we had about an hour until sunset. That said, the trip through the park was rushed, but efficient. Park the car, snap a few photos, take a moment to breathe it in, then on to the next stop. But even looking at these pictures, I can still remember being completely engulfed in awe and amazement and disbelief at the sight of it all.

I've had similar moments before and since, but this one is arguably the most vivid. I hope I'm due for another one of these really soon. Good for the soul, I think. 

*San Francisco is actually not big at all. I mean this in many regards, but in this case, physically.

Oversize life

 
 OAK + FORT trench, ASOS jumpsuit, ASOS mules, thrifted Coach bucket bag
This jumpsuit is one of my favorite items right now. Here's why: it's easy to throw on when I'm too lazy to get dressed, it makes eating large meals less of a burden, and it's versatile enough to wear for most occasions.

The one downside? Having to strip all the way down just to use the restroom. But there's not much I can do about that.


 
 

Unfortunately, the weather hasn't improved much since my last post. The past month or so has been riddled with rainstorms, fog, and the gloom that typically accompanies it. That said, today probably wasn't the most ideal time to go to the Conservatory of Flowers, even though the rain had let up for most of the day. But even in this weather, I still think the building isn't without its usual charm.


 

Karl the fog

 
 Topshop jacket, Uniqlo sweater & jeans, ASOS boots, thrifted Coach bucket bag
When it rains in San Francisco, it literally pours. And everyone loses their shit.

Kidding. But on this day in particular, the rain chose to keep falling and falling, which was unfortunate for me and my friends since we had plans to visit Alcatraz. It didn't stop us though.

Fast-forward three hours and two wet & uncomfortable ferry rides later, I was back in my neighborhood after being incessantly blown around by the wind while on that tiny island. The rain had turned into a light drizzle while the Outer Sunset was slowly blanketed in a thick layer of fog (as per usual). Despite it all, I still have to admit – Karl's presence makes for some pretty great photos.