Damn right it was a good day...

I needed this. I kicked it in Berkeley pretty much all day long and got to kick with some really cool folks. Some old, and some new. It's funny how a place like Cal can bring back sucky memories, yet still be a source or solace and a sense of comfort. I guess it's the best that you make out of crumby situations I suppose. Anywhos, first hopped on BART and did some people watching, and ear hustled random chatter. It's funny just to kind of step into the world of other folks, at least for a moment or too. Quite entertaining. I got off at Downtown Berkeley to wait for my homie, when I got a call from Mylinski about our project. Of course I couldn't pass up an opportunity to crank call her once or twice, as she is now the grad advisor for our program and her phone has no caller ID. Yes!!! The fake ass calls have only just begun... muhahaha!!!

Next, I kicked it with "Kodaman" for lunch, which was really cool. We just shot the breeze at Mel's, and it was funny how the convo went from him quitting his lucrative job in Japan because it didn't make him happy, to dancing, to discrimination, to standardized test. I told ya this convo caught a big as breeze and couldn't stop.

After me and "Kodaman" parted ways, I went to go get my caffeine fix (well, decaf now) from Starbucks on Oxford and ran into another one of my former students, Ricardo. I am so proud of this guy, as he is doing such gratifying and commendable actions on campus and beyond. Along with other colleagues, he is working on creating a class at Cal for first generation college students that come from underserved and underrepresented backgrounds. How deep is that! It's always great when folks give back and pass along what they have learned to those that are nipping at their heels. The day before, I ran into another former student, Jaime, and he is wrapping up his final semester. It's amazing how time flies, and I am so grateful that these folks are continuing to pursue their desires. Despite how murky the waters may be.

After I loaded up on my quick fix, I thought it would be a great idea to pay my "Cal Dad" a visit. It had been a long while. It's always important to make time to see folks that have impacted your life so much, as it can be a confidence boost when things are kind of sketchy. I was so happy to see him, and at first, it was kind of difficult to start the convo. You know how you're kind of fishing for a way to begin, but once it was tapped into, I swear it was like old times. I miss that comfort. I got to talk to him more about my plans for study and potential career paths, which also helps me to further wrap my brain around what I want to do, and get a better understanding of how I can accomplish it. Thank you "Cal Dad" for listening. We got so engrossed into conversation, that he forgot that an appointment was arriving. We made plans to meet up again this Tuesday. I can't wait!

Since I was carless, I had to find ways to eat up time before my ride came. Ventured into a store or two, but then I thought, "What is Miss Jennykins up to?" Off to the YWCA to cause trouble! She could only kick it for a bit, but it was cool. This woman is on her way to doing big things and I am soooo happy for her! She landed a job as a backup dancer for a local artist, and in October, they will be going on tour, with their first date in Atlanta. Hot Dayum! That's hot. I just hope she doesn't forget the little folks like me.

Next I went home for a spell, then went back to Berkeley to catch my homie Nick rock out! The Skindivers kick ass! Tonight was a battle of the bands competition, so you know I had to hold it down for my folks from the SLC. Despite being the only chocolate chip in the audience (heehee) it was a lot of fun. I can safely say that I am a Skindivers groupie. Oh, and the Nick's choreography... fierce!

All in all, today was a good day. I actually began it by going to the gym (which wasn't so bad), and got a bit of homework done. I definitely need more days like this. They give me further comfort in who I am and what I want to be.