"If you come to San Francisco, summertime will be a love"

"Travelling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things- air, sleep, dreams, the sun, the sky- all things tending toward the eternal or what we imagine of it." -Pavese

The above quote sums up the whole of what was my first week alone. The first few days, I was ecstatic. I was out and about all day every day, until the city quickly got the best of me. I didn't know anyone; I didn't know where to go, and in all honesty, the city was kicking my you-know-what. I was waking up early for morning walks, then I would go back home and get ready for my days, where I would walk, and then walk some more. To say the least, walking the hills takes some getting used to, so my legs needed a break.

Up to this point, I haven't actually been lost in the city, but just because I know where I am, that does not mean I haven't lost my way. I've missed bus stops here and there, and I've ended up a few blocks downhill from where I meant to go, which means, I have had to walk back up. I took a few days to rest, because, in short terms, I was exhausted. I'm not sure if the exhaustion was purely physical, either. I was mentally exhausted from leaving my comfort zone, and letting go of everything happening without me back home.

I certainly needed a few days to get adjusted and situated, because even when I don't have a "plan," my life still requires organization. No matter how care-free I get, organization is a key aspect of my ability to function in life. I took a few days to thumb through stacks of magazines and pick out places I would like to see at some point during my time here.

After a few low-key days, I managed to make it to the Curran Theater Saturday night to see a performance of "In The Heights." I bought a ticket from the Tix Bay Area box office in Union Square. The box office sells half-price tickets the day of performances, which is convenient for tourists looking for a cheap way to see the different shows.

Temperatures hit the 80's over the weekend (which is pretty much brutal for San Francisco), so Sunday I took advantage of the warm weather and went to Ocean Beach. In reality, Ocean Beach is only eight miles from where I'm staying; however, the amount of time spent on a bus for eight miles can quickly add up. The bus stopped on every block, so after about six miles, I got off the bus and foolishly decided to walk the last mile and a half or so. Even though it was hot and sunny inland, I could see the fog over the water, so I contemplated turning around. It was cold, foggy, and I could feel myself getting shin splints from walking in my flip flops. I decided to keep going, though, because if it was a total bust when I arrived, I could always

call for a taxi home.

Finally, an hour after I left, I arrived to a crowded stretch of sand. I couldn't see much due to the fog, but I figured I would stay anyway. A short time after that, the fog lifted, and I was able to see hundreds of people along the Pacific Ocean, enjoying their first summer day. This day was all I wanted it to be; it was perfect.

Over the past few days, I have been exploring my options of things I might want to do after college. Volunteering with the Peace Corps? Interning with Amnesty International? Working for a non-government organization in Peru? Some people might think these are a stretch for me, but I've always been a big dreamer. Even if I don't push myself with the little things, I usually manage to find a way to follow through with my large goals, without being limited.

At first thought, I didn't exactly accomplish anything I had hoped to in my first week. In hindsight though, I did exactly what I came here to do. I took a few days off to do what I said I would, which was breathe. I finally realized I came out here thinking things would magically just happen for me, and I couldn't have been more wrong. I came out here with the notion that simply just being here would change my life. In fact, it is not in my existing here that my life has changed, but rather, I have started to change upon the realization of not wanting to solely exist here.

As of today, I feel rejuvenated and ready to take this city on. Tomorrow, I am going to the Giants vs. Orioles baseball game, which takes place during the weeklong Giants County Fair. Granted, it's not Texas State Fair at the Cotton Bowl, but people watching is great entertainment. This week, I will also start volunteering with the AidsWalk organization, in preparation for their largescale July event. Next week, my best friend in the world comes to visit, so I am preparing myself (and the city) for that. As much fun as I'm having on my own, it is always nice to get into some trouble.

I have to give a shoutout to the women who work with my mother- since they are living vicariously through me this summer. Now that I'm back on my feet (literally, as of my morning walk), I promise not to disappoint.