November 2000
11/3/2000
Tonight was a friend's birthday so the crew met up at Wild Cat to help her celebrate. Ok, I don't want to sound like a punk, but there are times when I'm ashamed to be associated with some other men. Perfect example, my friend's boyfriend was trying to keep her on a leash. He wouldn't hang out with the rest of us, but she had to be with him all the time. One time he came looking for her, and she tripped and fell back on me. Only in talking to another one of my friends who had a different view, I found out that they guy shoved her. And in recalling how hard she fell back, she would have been laid out on the floor if I weren't behind her. After I found that out, I so wanted to kick his ass! No one has any business laying hands on anyone else. And yes, it's even worse when a man does it to a woman. It's the act of a true coward in my opinion.
Today was holiday; I think it has had something to do with veterans
or armed forces. I decided to take the day off to take care of some
things and take a break. Chelsea and I got together and hung out. First
we had brunch at IHOP and then she told me about this park in the foothills
that over looking the Santa Barbara. It took some figuring out and even
stopping for directions, but we eventually got there. I think the place
is called Franchesta (sp.) Park. It's an old mansion turned park, with
an incredible vista of the Santa Barbara. If you can, grab something
to eat, a jacket, and head on up there, because it's 
worth
the drive. You could see clear to the Channel Islands. I got some nice
pics, check them out in the gallery. Chelsea took a liking to my camera
(see toys), almost had to pry it out of her hands…lol.
Anyway after that we went to the Botanical Gardens to try and get some more shots in, but it was really overcast. Found out that Chels' favorite sound is the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. How funny is that? Haha! After we chilled back her place, it was a long day. She had things she had to do and so did I, so we parted ways. It was the best day off I had had in a very long time.
Much love to ya Chels!
Did
I ever mention how MUCH I love cars? Today I was able to do 2 things
that I absolutely love. First, I was able to photograph something and
second I was able to be around some incredible driving machines! My
boss owns a 1999 triple black convertible Porsche 911. I got to ride
in it once..oohh baby! It's a bit on the small size for someone 6'1"
and a little large…haha. But damn that thing has pick up! But wait there's
more! Our old Controller recently took possession of his 5 spd. Pewter
2001 Corvette with chrome rims. Can I just tell you how HOT those 2
cars are?! I asked them to meet me by campus to take some shots. The
Porsche showed up first and about 20 
minutes
later the Vette showed up. After UCSB, we went down to Goleta beach.
The first spot on the beach had a flock of sea gulls, and we weren't
having that! So we moved to the opposite end of the beach, closest to
UCSB and I took some shots there. The setting sun offered really cool
lighting against both cars. I'll post the pics as soon as they are developed.
Oh, and get this, Chelsea was supposed to come right, but she had to
study or something…her loss because she could have gotten a test drive…haha!!
11/22/2000
I HATE driving to LA on Holiday weekends! There was traffic all through Montecito and Carpinteria! It turned an otherwise 90-minute hop into a 3 friggin' hour journey!! Did I mention that my folks in LA are mainly vegetarians? Yup. So I have to confess, I stopped off at this little hole in the wall to get me a Gyro. Ever had one of those? Try 'em they're da bomb! They're made from lamb that's been slow roasted, onions, tomato, and wrapped in what I think is pita bread. By the best one I had was in San Diego. Anyway, it was aiight.
11/23/2000
Turkey Day!! It's good to be around family. What family is without its drama or issue? It's still good to see them while you have the chance. All of the cousins came over, and after dinner we played Monopoly. I absolutely love that game! Inspires me to be a black Bill Gates…haha. Well, we played and I cleaned them out. Youngsters, will they ever learn? I should recommend that they read Sun Tzu. There's a part in The Art of War, that talks about using stealth. While everyone was making a big to-do about how many 500s they had etc., I just worked quietly. Making deals, buying property, and just chilling. Bobby, at the end of the game just went, "What just happened?!" I just had to smile to that…
11/24/2000
Drove back up from LA, and the drive was only 90 minutes like it should have been! Woohoo! Went to the Wild Cat with Beth (friend who used to go), Tasha (she was visiting from up north), and Beth's sisters came. Unfortunately, the sisters didn't like the Wild Cat. I walked with Beth and her sisters to see where they were going before heading back to the 'Cat. Did I mention that Beth's husband is a cop? Yup, one of SB's Finest. Hella cool guy, just don't piss him off…lol Anyway we met up with him. Wait, what about the guys back at Wild Cat? Well I headed back there after awhile and as I was waiting in line Tasha and Gloria came out. Ooops! When I caught up with them damn Tasha was ticked!
11/25/2000
Went over to John and Cammy's…always cool of course. They got on my case cause they say they never see me unless Tasha is around. J Which isn't entirely untrue. We had dinner and I learned to play Chess as I was sitting around. That game is tight! I mean I got whooped each and every time. I want to learn to play better! After dinner we went and saw Best In Show. It's not the usual thing I would see, but it was pretty funny. I rate it a matinee.