All Arse About Face

All Arse About Face
Originally uploaded by roijoy

Now that I'm paying a lot of attention to passengers on my commute, looking out for a photo opportunity, everyone suddenly has a starring role all around me. It's interesting how regular commuters claim their space and make it become an extension of their breakfast bar, bathroom, make-up dresser, and multiple other environments that seem to follow them out of their homes.

It's a bit like being able to look at a council estate with the exterior walls torn away so that you can see individual lives tending to their habits, not yet interacting with the rest of society.

Big Roller

Big Roller
Originally uploaded by roijoy

Didn't do a lot this weekend but got some well needed rest. Ant has been traveling a lot so was also happy to have a lazy weekend. I did manage to fit in a gym session though and am hoping to get back to a more regular fitness program right away.

So no clubbing, fancy dinners, or exotic entertainment, but still felt like a VIP!

Taxi Seem Tempting versus Walking!

I went through this whole week feeling remarkably tired. I did a workout early this morning and am feeling tired again now. On close consideration I'm feeling it's probably just the need for a little more sleep. I have had regularly late nights for the past 2 weeks and will probably spend the next 2 weeks on a very strict awake and sleeping cycle.

Back On The Job

My sumptuous weekend was making being back at work a huge test of will. Still, I was able to get the things done that needed to be done and in general make good progress.

It was a sunny and nice day and tempted though I was to work through lunch, I was eventually seduced by the sunlight to take an afternoon break from the office. I spent the evening, cooking, watching Ruth Rendel Mysteries on TV and then edited some photos from the weekend.

Bed before midnight would be a good move I think...

Russian River, Poolside

Just got back from an amazingly relaxing weekend at a house in the Russian River area of California. We lounged by the pool, ate, lounged by the pool, played games, lounged by the pool, went for a walk in the woods, lounged by the pool, and then, oh yes, lounged by the pool!

You Go Girl

I went for a rapid Coca Cola, ( Well that's what I asked for. What I got could well have been own brand cola, but hey, I wasn't out for the drinking) at Pier 23 with a friend who was also moving on from my previous employer. She's always been a really fun friend and we are all wishing her the very best for the future - You Go Girl!

There's an apartment for rent again in our block. It's been available for 3 days now. Why am I seeing any significance in this. Well. when we moved out here in 2006, Landlords were barely able to finish putting up to let notices before being stampeded by hordes of eager, money waving, would be tenants. Also, our block has a reputation of having desirably spacious accommodation. So three days standing empty seems really odd.

That's the economy for you I suppose!

Traveling Incognito

Traveling Incognito
Originally uploaded by roijoy

I've taken to capturing my daily commute with my iPhone camera of late. I really like the candidness of these images. Also, as I look at them, each individual starts to emit a really strong persona instead of just being another commuter on the train. It's almost as if they are moments from a movie with each person caught in the frame taking on the starring role for that moment.

It's also inspired me to put together a multimedia piece which I have started working on. It will take a while to complete but I'm finding it fun to do.

Work is really busy at the moment and is taking the lion share of my time right now, but I am managing to keep hold of my weekends to recharge.

There was a nice San Francisco moment last week when Antonella and I wandered down to the Castro on Sunday afternoon to enjoy real Italian ice creams. We sat in the pedestrianized outdoor plaza to eat them in the sun. In the middle of people walking around and shoppers enjoying the weather, there were 2 naked men sitting opposite us, chatting away oblivious to any "difference" between them and those of us who were fully clothed.

A few tourists couldn't help gawking and taking a few surreptitious pictures. But for the San Franciscans, it was just another day in the Castro.