Jason's Daily Notes

I built and launched my web site - check it out!

It only took two days; thanks to Squarespace for making everything easy. Including registering the domain and building my logo.

I think this is a good step for me to build my personal brand and attract new clients. I think I should be an LLC (for personal reasons related to family too).

I have been seeing Daniel every day (and sleeping together every night) for almost the last two months (since he visited me in LA at the beginning of January). Last night was the first night that I decided to sleep alone. I needed a break. It felt good to have a mental reset. Spending all my evenings and free time with someone is nice, but it also made me a little crazy. I found myself acting more irrational (perhaps in an attempt to get more attention?). In any case, I awoke this morning by myself and feeling more normal, albeit still tired. I think I'll appreciate Dan's presence more if I ensure that we periodically have some time apart.

I've been continuing with my freelance work, but I have stopped applying to new projects. I think I should, though - my energy just hasn't been there.

In reality, most of my productive hours lately have been spent playing Cities: Skylines, which I downloaded onto my laptop a few weeks ago (after returning from LA in early February). My daydreams have shifted even more into designing ideal cities. I haven't had an impetus to change.

Let's recap my days:

Monday, February 25: Woke up at my apt with Dan. Went for a run; it was drizzling/showering slightly. I decided to stay home the whole day and avoid the rain. But before it started raining, I went to Safeway and bought a bunch of groceries, which hopefully would sustain me for the next week and a half until I fly to LA. I cooked a huge pot of chili (should last 3-4 days) and played Cities Skylines.

Sunday, February 24: Woke up at Dan's apartment early - he had to go to work. I walked home, played Cities Skylines for 6 hours. Went for an evening walk around Precita Park, then proceeded to the 885 house for family dinner. I bought vegan cheese from Safeway for Thomas (who is very allergic to milk/dairy). Russell let me in; Dan and Thomas were there preparing the pizza dough and sauce. There was also Yash (sp?) who also works at Apple and happens to live across the street from me. In fact, he lives with Tom P (my former flatmate!). Dan also was making homemade pretzels, which involved dipping the dough in a dangerous chemical. I tried to help but I was just making things worse, so I sulked in a corner to recharge my energy. Colin and Nicole arrived - they are now dating! We had a lovely dinner all sitting around and drinking wine. Dan was pretty drunk - we walked home and I made a quick ramen before passing out.

Saturday, February 23: I woke up thinking today was Friday. I went for my morning run at 8am. Dan left for his place around 9:30am to meet Augie for breakfast. I spend the day playing Cities Skylines. Dan texted me around 2:30pm to invite me out - I rushed to get ready and met him, Russell, and Augie at El Farolito. Because I had rushed to get ready, I was feeling flustered and stressy. I just wanted to complain about things and get attention. Little did I know that Augie was also the attention-seeking type. We all hopped on a bus to go up 24th Street to upper Noe (near Castro / Twin Peaks) where we began a walking tour. We went to a small parklet that has a stone slide, then walked through Kite Hill park and across Market Street, eventually making our way up Vulcan Stairs and to Corona Heights park. It was my first time there during the daytime, and the views were amazing. The weather was clear but chilly - somehow Augie was only wearing a shirt. Russell took photos of us which looked nice. (Russell also refused to give me his phone to take photos of him, which irked me). Augie had to go back to the South Bay, and Russell had to go home to get ready for the evening's show, Mean Gays starring Laganga Estranga and Kim Chi. Dan and I walked to Dolo to use the bathroom, then we stopped by my place to recharge for a minute, and we took the bus to his place to cook dinner (chicken/chickpea Vindaloo).

Friday, February 22: Did my morning run (a square route, as far as 21st and Alabama). Dan left for class. Did some work and played some Cities: Skylines. I cooked some veg chili (beans and potatoes). Around 3:15pm I began walking up Mission Street (Dan and I had planned to meet to go shopping). As I was texting him, around Mission/14th St, a bus stopped and Dan stepped out! I accompanied him to St. John's where he prepared Sunday's music. We then walked to Rainbow Grocery (on 13th) to buy spices and yeast. We then walked to Nordstrom Rack (by the Bed Bath and Beyond) to do some shopping. Dan ended up buying some shoes. Finally, we went to Costco to buy the pork belly he needed (he is planning to cure his own bacon). I was exhausted and somewhat frustrated (i.e. in a difficult mood) as we caught the bus. I was darting in front of traffic. The 12 bus got us to my apartment promptly. We watched some Netflix (The Assassination of Gianni Versace which was too violent for Dan, and Sex Education).

Thursday, February 21: I had some homemade veg bread before left Dan's place around 9:15am. I stayed home, did some work, played some Cities Skylines, and the day passed. The burn on my thumb has stopped swelling with liquid each day. In the evening, Dan texted me "had a beer, don't know where to go now" which I understood as "I want to go out but don't want to admit it." So we joined up; I was ready to drink; Dan simply wanted some pie at Mission Pie. Then we realized that we didn't need to go out, so we just went home. Watched some Netflix and slept.

Wednesday, February 20: Went for my morning run around lower Noe Valley (Church and 28th). Stayed at home, did a little work but mostly played Cities Skylines, then went for a late afternoon walk around Noe Valley while listening to podcasts. I walked to Dan's place in the evening, and we made a chicken vindaloo (thanks to Trader Joe's).

Tuesday, February 19: Because yesterday was President's Day, today felt somewhat like a Monday (but I'm not really working so it doesn't really matter). I went for an afternoon walk all the way up Mission St, to St John's (which I only now saw/visited), and a bit into SOMA and Mission Bay and Potrero Hill. I passed the Costco, Airbnb HQ, and Adobe's offices before walking back south along Potrero Ave. Dan met up with me; I was feeling flustered and demanding, so we settled on having dinner at Mi Yucatan. I had a big filling plate of roasted chicken with potatoes, rice, and beans.

Monday, February 18: It's President's Day. I was still recovering the weekend in Tahoe. My thumb's burn is looking more gnarly. I walked in the afternoon to Dolo, and back down Valencia Street (there was a police/fire activity at the corner of 15th and Valencia). The weather was sunny, brilliantly clear, and frustratingly chilly.

Last night was Ben's birthday. Dan and I went to Oakland. We rushed (ran) to catch the BART in time. Start at La Taqueria Familia near Ashby station. After ordering our tacos/burrito, Dan and I sat. A minute later, Ben arrived, and right behind him were a gaggle of gays: Ryan, James, Kyle, and Roberto. Roberto and Ben are now dating, yay! (Apparently I had briefly met Roberto during Halloween this past year at Toad Hall, but I only very vaguely remember it.

They all sat around Ben and I (which was slightly awkward at first). We ate our Mexican food and I was able to win over the table with talk of the recent Fyre Festival documentary on Netflix. Two lesbians joined us. Trevor also arrived. The taqueria was closing so they kicked us out.

We walked to the Starry Plough but there was a $12 cover so nope. Haley (whom I met when she came to my apartment one night) joined us. Continued to the White Horse Inn. $6 cover and the doorman was so slow.

It's a nice bar, with several different spaces to hang out plus a dance floor. Got our drinks (not too expensive, but also not too strong). Danced a bit. Marc arrived. Then Greg. Then Tae and Yana. I was bouncing between the groups. Dan left. Trevor and I did shots with a beer back. Eventually Black Opal was there.

We left as the bar closed. Ben and Black Opal demanded to go to the Jack in the Box. But it was drive-thru only. So we (BO) harassed the cars to let us order, didn't work but BO got some new fans. Confusion as to where to go next. Tae was chatting with two friends and I ended up driving one of them two blocks away in my Lyft (he had longish hair and his name was unique and short, like Star or Key?).

The Lyft home was just me, Ben, and Roberto. Roberto put on some classic Killers and Blink-182 and we were singing the drive back. Dropped them off at a taqueria and I was home.

Happy New Year!

I'm at home in LA, have been here for nearly two weeks now. I've been helping my mom a lot with things (since she only has use of one arm now).

Today, our new kitchen cabinets arrived. I spent several hours assembling it. It was exhausting, because many of the screws did not have pre-drilled holes in the wood, forcing me to push heavily with my arm. I may be even more sore tomorrow. (My legs are still sore from Sunday's hike to the Hollywood Sign.)

I've been texting with Daniel regularly. He misses me, and I can tell he's excited to come here. I guess I'm in a relationship now (?).

I am trying to start the new year off by staying busy and building productive habits. I guess that can be my resolution, to be more disciplined with my time management.

I also have a promising new project! I'll be consulting to help build a marketing/customer acquisition plan. Super excited and impressed by how easily it was to get this project. Definitely looking forward to doing more freelance work soon.

Monday 17 September
Back to work. The roads in Emeryville are being paved, and so the bike stations are also closed. This means I'm taking Lime scooters to/from the office.

Left work and got home early (5:15pm) and I DIDN'T HAVE MY KEY. It wasn't in my pocket, not in my backpack.

FUCK. I LOST MY KEY. And my phone was low on battery (18%). I texted my roommates; Evelyn was still in Mexico. Alex would be back around 7-8pm, so I had a few hours to kill. I'd wander and listen to podcasts until my battery died.

I texted Dan and he was on the bus (conveniently) about to pass me. So we met up. and

Tuesday 18 September
Work actually went well. I'm learning to work better with Allie and Jensen (gradually letting go of my defensive/combative attitude toward them and trying to be more collaborative). I'm noticing them be more friendly toward me too.

There was a Cal Young Alumni meetup in San Francisco after work. I went and chatted with a few people. Met a girl originally from China, and another girl with her fiancee who is originally from Antwerp. We connected and they were impressed by my international history. Was alright, but definitely reminded me that I'm not 22 anymore!

After that, I was biking home but saw that Jorge was in the city. I texted him and we met for a drink in Castro at The Mix. He had been in a bike accident (his dog Dexter had pulled him down) and he had dislocated his finger and broken a ligament - ouch!). He's scheduled to go into surgery at the end of the week.

Wednesday 19 September
Made a copy of the spare house keys at the key machine in Safeway.

Couldn't find a lime scooter so I Go-biked to MacArthur.

I stayed in and did not drink (for once)

Thursday 20 September
I decided to text/message a lot of people whom I haven't heard from in a while. It feels good to reach out to people and maintain a relationship! Especially for me, because I have so many people in my life that I can often lose sight of.

Went to Hi Tops in the evening, met David N. there. Ran into Henry and his friend Nate there, too. Ended the night with a Super Duper burger and fries, biked home. I felt bloated.

Friday 21 September
Woke up feeling warm - my room had retained a lot of heat somehow. Maybe it's the dark curtains in the morning? It's sunny, and I was listening to Earth Wind and Fire's "Septemeber". Mood elevated.

Took BART to MacArthur and walked in to the office. Took care of a few small things; but since it's only 5 of us today, it's a pretty chill day. Lunch at Drake's.

I'm back in the office; it's Tuesday morning, but feels like a Monday thanks to yesterday being Labor Day.

I was in Chicago and Michigan for the long weekend. Chicago for 2 days, where I stayed with Matt G and hung out with Sam. In Michigan, I was camping at a gay campsite (Campit) with Jacob and his bf James. I also went to dinner with James's friends Cassie and her family (parents Sally and Todd) and friends (Christie and husband DJ). What a great weekend!

Thursday
My flight left SFO around 9:45am, so I had to be up and out the door by 7:30. It was an easy flight, I listened to podcasts and started reading a new book (The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck). I landed at MDW at 4pm. I had plenty of time before I was scheduled to meet Matt (around 9pm) so I got on the CTA Orange Line (having bought a $20 3-day pass). I went downtown, getting off at Roosevelt and walked around the museum area near the waterfront (Field Museum, home to Sue the T-Rex) and the Shedd Aquarium.

I had a few hours and noticed that there was a Couchsurfing meetup in the Ukrainian Village, so I went to that. On the way, I had a Chicago style hot dog at Fatso's Last Stand. I met Yakov, and soon joined Vanessa and Lesya. Later, Paul also joined us. We chatted for a bit - beers were only $2!

Matt was running a little late, so I waited for him at the Willis Tower and he expensed an Uber to take us home. He lives in the north (Rogers Park); we went for drinks at the nearby pub The Glenwood.

Friday
Woke up to the sound of Matt working; he was working from home in his living room (he lives in a 3rd story walk-up apartment building and has a bedroom, kitchen, and living room!).

I wandered off; walked to the beach, found some young guys on Grindr from the nearby university, then hopped on the Red Line to walk around Wrigley Field. Then, I met up with Sam, who had just arrived in Chicago the night before having driven 10 hours each day from California. We went to Lou Malniati's for an iconic Chicago deep dish. We then walked around Millennium Park and took the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour, which was a great way to spend the afternoon. Then, we went to Andersonville where we ate at the Hopleaf, and where we met Matt. Even though it was not supposed to rain, a heavy thunderstorm moved over as we were about to leave, so we stayed for another drink before parting ways with Sam. Matt and I then went to drop off my stuff at his apartment, then we went to a pub for pre-wedding drinks with his friends Matt Jack and Andrew Burch. We had a few drinks and chatted, then we were tired and just went home (i.e. no Boystown).

Saturday
I had to leave early (8am) to be able to pick up my Turo rental car from the near South Side. But some thunderstorms were passing over so I waited a little bit and was delayed; also, the Orange Line was running on one track, so I didn't arrive there until 10. It was a 2011 Corolla with not many extras, but it worked. I got on the road, stopping by Dunkin Donuts before leaving Chicago, and listening to several episodes of Up and Vanished (my current podcast obsession) before crossing into Michigan, where I got lunch in New Buffalo. I then continued to the campsite. The rain had let up, and Jacob and James had already set up the tents. I met them at the main visitor center.

We had dinner plans, so as we were trying to figure out rides (knowing that we'd be drinking), James' friends and their family came to pick us up - in two cars! Jacob and I rode with Christie and her husband DJ. We drove into town (Douglas) and had several bottles of wine at Borrowed Time. We also played some corn hole, which I totally suck at.

Then to Sal and Todd's house, where we had an amazing steak dinner with plenty of delicious sides, plenty more wine, and a good amount of smoking. It was starting to get late, so we somehow were able to call a Lyft to drive us back to the campsite. There was the nighttime swim, which ended as more thunderstorms rolled in. So we wandered and made some friends and literally hung out until 5am. Drenched with rain storms back to our tent.

Sunday
Woke up around 10:30am. Showered and got some breakfast. Hung out in the pool most of the afternoon; it was sunny and great. We had thought to go to the Dunes resort, but it just didn't work logistically. Jacob wanted to stay in the pool, so we then James and I went to dinner at Sal and Todd's (I got us a taxi). Dinner was amazing again. I'm glad to have made a new friend in Cassie.

Monday
My flight was at 12:55, so I had to leave the campground by 9am. I showered and bought James and Jacob breakfast and said my goodbyes. Then I drove on, having a McGriddle from McDonalds along the way and returning the car. It was hot and humid in Chicago, I was melting as I waited for my Lyft. But I made it to Midway just in time; the security line was thankfully not long at all (I'm glad I don't have to take electronics out of the bag, slightly uncomfortable at the dog sniffing, and frustrated I don't have my TSA Pre-Check yet). The flight was smooth, considering how many thunderstorms there were across the route. I watched more Netflix (Insatiable and One Day at a Time). 

I was obviously exhausted when I arrived back in San Francisco. Our new roommate, Helena, had moved in over the weekend. Alex wasn't back from Burning Man yet. I cooked pasta and fell asleep at 9:30pm.

Tuesday
I feel refreshed this morning, energized from my trip. I also feel more grateful to be living my life in San Francisco; I appreciate the people I have in my life and my coworkers and all the opportunities that I have. I'm truly lucky and feel so empowered to live my life.

I also have avoided looking at work emails or messages for almost the entire weekend. Until now, that is. Ok, off to work!

I'm about to leave to Chicago. I'm excited; definitely in need of a vacation.

Work has been going along; I'm happy with my workload, but I'm not getting along with my coworkers. It's like there's an invisible wall between us that even I can't break down. The idea of going out with them for a drink outside of work is cringe-worthy. They don't respond to my humor; they generally just like to complain about things and that negative energy affects how well I can respond to things. I'm not planning on quitting anytime soon, however. It's a good job and I'm happy with the responsibilities that I have.

Yesterday: Last night I went to meet Priscilla, who was visiting SF for a work conference. I met her at the Thirsty Bear to pick up two wristbands (she can't use them to go to the party tonight, so I'm giving them to Evelyn). I met her coworkers, Rusty (?) the dancer and John the talkative, gregarious manager. There was also Ryan, the attractive young rep from Box. I left them as they went into the Gold Room.

My health is good. I've been going for my runs every 2 to 3 days. My lower back pain/bruise is gone, but there is some lingering discomfort throughout the length of my back, which may be due to sleeping in awkward positions.

My social life is steady. I have a very wide circle of acquaintances here in SF, but no real close friends that I see every week. I am sort of dating-ish(?) Daniel. As in I see him every week and he's excited to see me (this past weekend, he was house sitting Bill and Curtis' place in the Castro). I don't know if anything serious will come of it, he doesn't have social media which doesn't match well with who I imagine myself being with (I want to become more connected and up to date with the world).

Living situation: I have fully moved all my stuff into my new bedroom. Helena should be getting the keys to move in tonight. Had a little disagreement with Evelyn over a $6 difference in rent, but it'll settle down over time. I have started looking at apartments in Oakland, and it looks like if I want my rent to stay around the same rate ($1200) I should get a 2-bedroom apartment and find a roommate. But I'd also want laundry and access to BART (or a parking spot), which increases the rent. Plus, the idea of moving all my stuff is daunting. My new room is good and spacious, and I'm in the action in the city, so I should enjoy it for some time.

Resolution progress: I finished a book last night (Unstoppable by Anthony Robles). And I've stayed off Reddit on my phone. Not the most ambitious month, but I did start off injured, so I needed the rest. Plus, continuing several of my past resolutions (using GoBike, running, kickball) has been keeping me occupied. For September, I think I'll delete all my dating apps. I also want to make a video diary each day (and either post to Snapchat, IG, or combine them all and upload to YouTube). So let's see how that goes. It'll be challenging because I'm traveling for most of the first half of the month (Chicago and Seattle). I may also re-join improv. I also want to control my spending (below $3000) as that has definitely creeped up lately.

Family: Mom is good at home; she does exercises occasionally. No complaints about Uncle Ben.

The world is in the same weird spot as always. There was a shooting in Florida over the weekend (at a gaming tournament). A hurricane almost hit Hawaii. John McCain died. The investigation into Russia-Trump continues. Chaos in Australia's political system.

The weather is still chilly in SF. Fogust has been strong. I'm happy to be in Chicago and wearing shorts. I have weirdly been getting allergies, similar to what I've had in LA during September. Climate change, perhaps? Or has my body just developed a histamine response to SF's allergens?  (Daniel said that this happens the second year you live in a city.)

--

Ok time to head off to the airport and onward to Chicago - bon voyage to me!

Me
I'm doing ok. I think my social life is healthy outside of work. My back is still sore, almost 2 weeks after my car-bike accident. I hope it heals and it's nothing permanent. It's sore whenever I bend over forwards. And part of the bruise is looking worse than ever. Otherwise, I feel healthy.

Family
I just called mom; she's doing ok. She's exercising and trying to stay healthy. I'll see her on Thursday night when I fly to LA.

Friends
Bonded with the roomies last night. We had interviewed a candidate to move in (Martin) and then just ended up hanging out until midnight.
I'm excited about this weekend - a surprise! :)
I should contact more friends. Antonis is moving to a new job in Berlin.

Work
My work life is getting stressful (even though it's all my fault basically!). I was upset today about the fact that I'm excluded from the production of our new video (via YouTube director). Jensen asked me to take my phone call outside.
I needed a break, so I'm now at Peets in the Emeryville Public Market. A little time and a little distance helped me.

Society / News
Apple is now worth a trillion dollars. Pres Trump is a bigoted anti-immigrant idiot. Manafort is on trial. Fires are burning across northern California. There was an earthquake in Indonesia (Lombok, near Bali).

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