On December 11, 2022, I wrote that I woke at about eight and took steps to get the boys ready to go and pack. I got a cup of coffee downstairs and saw the proprietor. I checked the bike - it got really wet because the fly flipped up.
I parked out front and went in and grabbed our stuff before taking the boys to the coffee shop for a bagel, a pastry and a bunch of cookies. We returned to the hotel to check out and as it was only drizzling, we had a clear ride to Larkspur. One of my boys started saying hello to people we passed, which was really funny.
We went to Larkspur Landing and looked at books. I sent pictures to my family when the boys asked for books. I took a bunch of photos in the photo booth. We headed to the ferry. I saw and acquaintance on the boat. I gave the boys full backpacks – that helped get us downstairs.
The ride was OK – we ate chips. When we got off we rode quickly up market.
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Friday, January 26, 2024
Up to Phoenix Lake
On December 10 I wrote that I woke to my boys watching TV in our room at the San Anselmo Inn. It was raining a lot. The boys urged me to get up and I complied when they stopped watching TV.
We got the umbrellas out and put jackets on to walk to the coffee shop where we sat next to a lady from Novato who said we were very well behaved. I had a bagel with egg and ham – the boys had a couple of croissants.
When we were done we walked to the shops to get new umbrellas and rain boots. We also got a book at the book shop and I picked up an STS from Ludwig’s specialty liquor store.
The rain had ended then so we ran to the inn, changed and hopped on the bike. We rode past the Seminary and up to Phoenix lake. When we got to the top of the dam, I texted pictures to my siblings and the three of us had refreshments. We looked at the old pipes.
We stopped at the Shaver Grade Trail before heading back to San Anselmo. As we approached town it started to rain very heavily. I put the rain fly on and the boys went upstairs and changed. We were in the room for about an hour. I made them hot cocoa and had a little coffee.
Later, around 5:30, we went to Jane’s tacos and had quesadillas. I had a Mezcal flight with my chicken molé. The wait staff gave us crayons and were really nice. We went to the gelato place and then I stopped at Ludwigs on the way back to the Inn.
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.
We got the umbrellas out and put jackets on to walk to the coffee shop where we sat next to a lady from Novato who said we were very well behaved. I had a bagel with egg and ham – the boys had a couple of croissants.
When we were done we walked to the shops to get new umbrellas and rain boots. We also got a book at the book shop and I picked up an STS from Ludwig’s specialty liquor store.
The rain had ended then so we ran to the inn, changed and hopped on the bike. We rode past the Seminary and up to Phoenix lake. When we got to the top of the dam, I texted pictures to my siblings and the three of us had refreshments. We looked at the old pipes.
We stopped at the Shaver Grade Trail before heading back to San Anselmo. As we approached town it started to rain very heavily. I put the rain fly on and the boys went upstairs and changed. We were in the room for about an hour. I made them hot cocoa and had a little coffee.
Later, around 5:30, we went to Jane’s tacos and had quesadillas. I had a Mezcal flight with my chicken molé. The wait staff gave us crayons and were really nice. We went to the gelato place and then I stopped at Ludwigs on the way back to the Inn.
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.
Monday, January 22, 2024
We Rode to San Anselmo
On December 9, 2022, I woke up at 7am and the boys had eaten and dressed. We were on time to school. I worked from home that day. I called the inn to confirm our reservation before finishing up work and packing. I got to the school and when the boys got out we were ready to go.
The bike was full to the brim with stuff for our trip to Marin County. We took Pacific to Mason and headed down Clay to the ferry building. Some of the ladies in the line for the boat asked about our trip.
We had an hour on the ferry and got the boys chips. I thought I lost my keys but they were in my sweater pocket which was below my jacket – I was only looking in my jacket pocket. It was a very brief freak out.
We rode to San Anselmo pretty quickly and hung out in our suite until we were unpacked. Then we went to the pizzeria and stopped by the gelato place afterwards. The boys ate very little sadly but they played in the park. We had fun.
Back at the inn the boys watched TV and we read a book about kitty cat architects. They went to sleep and I set up my work computer and had a beer while watching Gundam Mobile Suit 0079.
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.
The bike was full to the brim with stuff for our trip to Marin County. We took Pacific to Mason and headed down Clay to the ferry building. Some of the ladies in the line for the boat asked about our trip.
We had an hour on the ferry and got the boys chips. I thought I lost my keys but they were in my sweater pocket which was below my jacket – I was only looking in my jacket pocket. It was a very brief freak out.
We rode to San Anselmo pretty quickly and hung out in our suite until we were unpacked. Then we went to the pizzeria and stopped by the gelato place afterwards. The boys ate very little sadly but they played in the park. We had fun.
Back at the inn the boys watched TV and we read a book about kitty cat architects. They went to sleep and I set up my work computer and had a beer while watching Gundam Mobile Suit 0079.
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.
Thursday, January 18, 2024
The Nutcracker
On December 8, 2022, I wrote that that morning I woke at 7:15 and walked to the coffee shop. Later, I walked to Fillmore and to the school because I would be chaperoning my sons’ class for matinee of the nutcracker. We took the bus with 11 kids and six adults. One of my boys was late so took another bus with his teacher since he’s in another class. I noted there were others chaperoning his class.
The transfer was OK but I noticed none of the kids were holding hands. I mostly stuck to my boy but there were others was nearby. It was a mix of parents I knew with other kids. I discussed Muni with one parent who drives busses for a living. At the ballet my other boy was still late and when she showed up she went to the wrong place.
I gave an umbrella to him and then we all went inside. We sat down at our seats. I noted that the parent with my other boy texted me. The performance was really interesting and many parts were expected. It was set in San Francisco and there was a lot of snow.
When it ended the kids were complaining that it was too long. Everyone clapped at odd times. One of the teachers got us on a five bus quickly and we went home. A couple of people had left early but everyone else left together. I got my bag and texted my coworkers while having coffee across from the school while waiting for them to get out of class.
The transfer was OK but I noticed none of the kids were holding hands. I mostly stuck to my boy but there were others was nearby. It was a mix of parents I knew with other kids. I discussed Muni with one parent who drives busses for a living. At the ballet my other boy was still late and when she showed up she went to the wrong place.
I gave an umbrella to him and then we all went inside. We sat down at our seats. I noted that the parent with my other boy texted me. The performance was really interesting and many parts were expected. It was set in San Francisco and there was a lot of snow.
When it ended the kids were complaining that it was too long. Everyone clapped at odd times. One of the teachers got us on a five bus quickly and we went home. A couple of people had left early but everyone else left together. I got my bag and texted my coworkers while having coffee across from the school while waiting for them to get out of class.
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.
Sunday, January 14, 2024
The Double Pirate
On December 3, 2022, I wrote that the night before I met an acquaintance at the bike polo courts. We met the bike party regulars and a few others.
The ride went up 18th. My companion was very popular with the crowd. At Sanchez and Market we sailed through because of corking. The music bikes were really loud so we jumped ahead to Page – everyone had to walk but not us! Panhandle was crowded but we were really excited about the recently decorated Christmas tree.
At Entwined we hung out with Bike Party people. A bunch of people from the neighborhood were there. There were also a few people I knew from twitter. Even a safe street advocate walked up as we were leaving.
The ride disappeared because my companion got a flat. However a person I knew from the Wednesday ride saved us! Later he showed us the double pirate at the De Young. We said bye to him there and took Grove to Alamo Square and found the ride at Civic Center where I saw more people I knew– one of whom had just done a bike tour to LA.
The ride took Market to Valencia. I said bye to my companion at Dolores Park where Bike Party was shut down early by a Ranger. I learned then that one of the organizers turns out to live near me.
The ride went up 18th. My companion was very popular with the crowd. At Sanchez and Market we sailed through because of corking. The music bikes were really loud so we jumped ahead to Page – everyone had to walk but not us! Panhandle was crowded but we were really excited about the recently decorated Christmas tree.
At Entwined we hung out with Bike Party people. A bunch of people from the neighborhood were there. There were also a few people I knew from twitter. Even a safe street advocate walked up as we were leaving.
The ride disappeared because my companion got a flat. However a person I knew from the Wednesday ride saved us! Later he showed us the double pirate at the De Young. We said bye to him there and took Grove to Alamo Square and found the ride at Civic Center where I saw more people I knew– one of whom had just done a bike tour to LA.
The ride took Market to Valencia. I said bye to my companion at Dolores Park where Bike Party was shut down early by a Ranger. I learned then that one of the organizers turns out to live near me.
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
My Funny Valentine
On December 1, 2022, I wrote that the night before I went to the restaurant named Punjab. After that I went to the Geary Club. I had met the guy working behind the bar before. I learned that he worked at Kung Fu too. I texted an acquaintance about it.
In the morning of the day that I wrote this, I woke at 9:30 and went to Mercury. A barista I liked was working and I tried being funny. The sign was down because of rain. I let one of the regulars know. I walked home and worked most of the day on the chapter 1 summary. At one point I made a bunch of fruit and veggies.
I worked until six and went back to Mercury to watch a duo play piano and guitar. They did the song My Funny Valentine. I had given a flyer for the show to a couple of regulars. One of them likes to sit outside with her dog. The other will often sit in the sun reading. However, neither were there.
I later headed to the Uptown to see an acquaintance.
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.
In the morning of the day that I wrote this, I woke at 9:30 and went to Mercury. A barista I liked was working and I tried being funny. The sign was down because of rain. I let one of the regulars know. I walked home and worked most of the day on the chapter 1 summary. At one point I made a bunch of fruit and veggies.
I worked until six and went back to Mercury to watch a duo play piano and guitar. They did the song My Funny Valentine. I had given a flyer for the show to a couple of regulars. One of them likes to sit outside with her dog. The other will often sit in the sun reading. However, neither were there.
I later headed to the Uptown to see an acquaintance.
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.
Saturday, January 6, 2024
The Tweed Ride
In the morning of November 19, 2022, I wrote that I got up at 8:30 and got my wool suit on for the Tweed Ride. I chose my favorite tie but opted out of the vest because it was damaged. I had decided to ride my vintage Schwin even though the hub cable was loose. I rode to Mercury. I told the guy who goes there on a Public Bike about the Tweed Ride and I noted that the baristas were impressed. When I was finished I stopped at home and then I rode Valencia to 18th.
About 20 people were at Dolores Park. I saw all of the people I had gone to the event with on previous occasions. As time went on I noted that quite a few people from Bike Party were there as well. When the ride started, we rode up 18th. Unfortunately, the group got split up at Sanchez and Market. One of the ride leaders made sure we went slow so everyone caught up. At Waller we caused a hubbub. On Fell the new bagel place had a bunch of people double parking. I just blocked a whole lane. A person I knew honked at me encouragingly as he passed us. I heard him say my name.
In the Panhandle I tried getting photos. My friend was controlling traffic. At Stanyan we split up again but things improved on JFK. I looked for people I knew as the groupd passed the Beer Garden popup in the 14th Avenue meadow. From there we circled Stowe Lake and eventually headed back to Conservatory of Flowers.
I got to know quite a few new people – some of whom were particularly fashionable. There were people with really cool bikes and a bunch of people from outside of SF like Sacramento. I noted too that while most of the crowd were affluent white people the crowd was pretty diverse.
We all lined up to take a photo. I learned later that one of the bike partiers had flashed the camera.
After the picnic we rode to Page Street and down Pierce. We returned to Sanchez and eventually to Shotwell via 17th. We sat at a new place called Buddy on 22nd and Capp for a drink. The experience was pleasant. The ride leader bought me a beer. I flirted with the waitress and shared gossip with my Sacramento acquaintances. When we were done I followed the Sacramentans to Dolores Park before going home.
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.
About 20 people were at Dolores Park. I saw all of the people I had gone to the event with on previous occasions. As time went on I noted that quite a few people from Bike Party were there as well. When the ride started, we rode up 18th. Unfortunately, the group got split up at Sanchez and Market. One of the ride leaders made sure we went slow so everyone caught up. At Waller we caused a hubbub. On Fell the new bagel place had a bunch of people double parking. I just blocked a whole lane. A person I knew honked at me encouragingly as he passed us. I heard him say my name.
In the Panhandle I tried getting photos. My friend was controlling traffic. At Stanyan we split up again but things improved on JFK. I looked for people I knew as the groupd passed the Beer Garden popup in the 14th Avenue meadow. From there we circled Stowe Lake and eventually headed back to Conservatory of Flowers.
I got to know quite a few new people – some of whom were particularly fashionable. There were people with really cool bikes and a bunch of people from outside of SF like Sacramento. I noted too that while most of the crowd were affluent white people the crowd was pretty diverse.
We all lined up to take a photo. I learned later that one of the bike partiers had flashed the camera.
After the picnic we rode to Page Street and down Pierce. We returned to Sanchez and eventually to Shotwell via 17th. We sat at a new place called Buddy on 22nd and Capp for a drink. The experience was pleasant. The ride leader bought me a beer. I flirted with the waitress and shared gossip with my Sacramento acquaintances. When we were done I followed the Sacramentans to Dolores Park before going home.
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.
Tuesday, January 2, 2024
A Funny Thing Happened
On November 12, 2022, I wrote that my kids had been invited to a birthday party. They were watching cartoons when I got up and I had a coffee before I got our three bikes ready to ride by 10am. We went to 45th and Lincoln and from the boat playground went up Martin Luther King past the Polo Fields and onwards to the waterfall.
The boys did all right. They rode on the sidewalk at Rosegarden and we crossed Fulton OK. Then we took Balboa to Cinderella bakery. I got coffee, Macarons and a cream puff. Then we rode zigzag to Mountain Lake playground. A funny thing happened – a bus driver I know honked at us from his 44 bus. Later he tweeted at me to say that it was his first time honking at anyone.
When we got to the park my acquaintance texted to say that his son’s birthday party had been moved to Rossi Playground. We rode Lake Street. Some lady was rude but otherwise it was fine getting to the playground.
A bunch of kids from the birthday boy’s school were at the party and my own kids knew a few of them. I was at first bummed that I didn’t have the same rapport with the parents at my own kids’ school but quickly realized that I do – I just have to explore it. I helped with pizza and cake. I saw a couple with a newborn again. There was another parent I had met.
When things wound down Andrew and I took the kids to JFK to celebrate the passing of prop J. I saw all of the usual suspects along with a few public officials including the livable city Director. A guy I know bought me a beer. I spoke to so many people I had helped to organize the project. I also saw a bunch of car free people I had known over the years.
I wasn’t able to speak to everyone but people were showing off their new foldable e-bikes and there were quite a lot of people I knew from twitter.. When we left I tried to say goodbyes but the boys had run off to watch a person I know playing piano on Stow Lake Drive.
The ride to 41st was hard because I was tired. So, I took a nap and the boys watched TV.
The boys did all right. They rode on the sidewalk at Rosegarden and we crossed Fulton OK. Then we took Balboa to Cinderella bakery. I got coffee, Macarons and a cream puff. Then we rode zigzag to Mountain Lake playground. A funny thing happened – a bus driver I know honked at us from his 44 bus. Later he tweeted at me to say that it was his first time honking at anyone.
When we got to the park my acquaintance texted to say that his son’s birthday party had been moved to Rossi Playground. We rode Lake Street. Some lady was rude but otherwise it was fine getting to the playground.
A bunch of kids from the birthday boy’s school were at the party and my own kids knew a few of them. I was at first bummed that I didn’t have the same rapport with the parents at my own kids’ school but quickly realized that I do – I just have to explore it. I helped with pizza and cake. I saw a couple with a newborn again. There was another parent I had met.
When things wound down Andrew and I took the kids to JFK to celebrate the passing of prop J. I saw all of the usual suspects along with a few public officials including the livable city Director. A guy I know bought me a beer. I spoke to so many people I had helped to organize the project. I also saw a bunch of car free people I had known over the years.
I wasn’t able to speak to everyone but people were showing off their new foldable e-bikes and there were quite a lot of people I knew from twitter.. When we left I tried to say goodbyes but the boys had run off to watch a person I know playing piano on Stow Lake Drive.
The ride to 41st was hard because I was tired. So, I took a nap and the boys watched TV.
This is an occasional series chronicling my life. This Notebook Analysis series is meant to be contemporaneous piece developed as an agglomeration of my notebook pages. In each of these posts I used my notes to develop my recent thoughts.
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