Bay to Breakers- May 15, 2011

Yesterday was the annual Zazzle Bay to Breakers footrace held in San Francisco. The name of the race reflects the start point of the course near Embarcadero (the "bay" side of the city) to the west end of the city and the "breakers" of Ocean Beach. This year was a little special since the race celebrated its 100th anniversary and had a few new incentives to increase participation (over 50,000 crossed the finish line yesterday). 

1. The new race start time was 7 am (not sure how this is an incentive).

2. To improve the flow of the runners/walkers the race employed a wave start of the race. The participants were divided into corals depending on the pace they wanted to run the race. This was pretty cool, because we were able to see others start the race and it was definitely less chaotic (but still fun). 

3. Alcohol and floats were forbidden. This was obviously not enforced because marijuana and alcohol were present in  all their smoky," fumy" glory. Of course no one thought of a no-naked people ban. Despite multiple warnings from our friends, we ran into many "exhibitionists". We counted 17 (15 men, 2 women). It was like counting shooting stars. 

4. There was a new location for the post-race Footstock festival, which was lame because that was another mile walk from the finish line. 

5. This year all registered finishers received a medal. 

* I didn't post any naked people pictures. 

Pretty in Pink

Coral E (I was suppose to start at D, but I wouldn't be a true participant if I didn't break some rules)

It was 7am and we had already been up 3 hours

A B2B tradition: Tossing tortillas 

Spectating the spectators

Elvis representation was in full swing

One of the water stations

Chicken Little: The neighbors joining in the revelry 

There were so many photographers that I thought this was the finish line

American Bison

The actual finish line

A much deserved rest at the end of the race

My bib and medal

PALY 9 year reunion

Yesterday, I met up with a few girlfriends of mine from high school-Helen, Tuling & Diana. We hadn't seen Diana in almost 10 years! It was fun catching up with them and see what they have been doing after graduation. We looked at some old pictures and reminisced about our days at Paly. Here are a few pictures from high school courtesy Helen and one courtesy the waiter who finally took our picture.

All grown up...

Holiday Season Check-list

Even though we don't celebrate Christmas, I still get in the holiday mood during this time of the year. Maybe it is the Christmas songs on the radio, movies on TV or the holiday decor everywhere (or a hidden agenda to get good presents for my birthday >;) ), but I definitely get that warm, fuzzy feeling where I want to spend a lot of time with my family and friends.

There are a few things I like to do or I would like to do (bold print is activities already done):
1. Drink seasonal Starbucks coffee
2. Visit San Jose's Christmas in the Park
3. Go ice skating in Union Square
4. Take a holiday tour in a cable car through San Francisco.
5. See the Nutcracker.

Last week Nazia and I made a plan to visit the well-known San Jose's Christmas in the Park. There was much anticipation built, and the park definitely met our expectations . We spent much time walking around different exhibits, and enjoying the glittering lights. Ayesha joined us later and we went to the nearby House of Siam for dinner. I definitely will come back-maybe make it a tradition.

                My Starbucks Gingerbread latte that made its way to every picture of me.

                     An "extra" Santa we took a picture with...

                                            

 Too cute =)

Gingerbread House

This was my favorite part. Behind us was a forest of trees decorated by San Jose schools and community groups.

Nazia with a girl she convinced to say "Happy Holiday" to the camera.

One of my favorite pictures of Nazia :)

At dinner at House of Siam 

Oprah!!

Dear Family and Friends,

Recently, I had a chance to be an audience member on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Most people would consider shaking hands with Nelson Mandela, listening in a lecture of Stephen Hawking or singing a duet with Barbara Streisand a milestone. I consider this one of mine. I sat in my seat with the same fervor and enthusiasm a 12-year girl reserves for a Taylor Swift concert.  Before I continue, I must thank Mahin, and the special group of ladies who made this trip so memorable.

The show is taped in Harpo Studios in Chicago, Illinois. We were asked to show up at the studio in the morning. As we waited in line we found ourselves surrounded by overzealous and notably well-dressed fans who traveled from all over the country to be part of Oprah’s last season.  About 45 minutes were spent adulating Oprah on how she had made a difference in so many lives. Meanwhile, I was keeping count of how many men I could spot. I knew it would be a task equivalent of finding a right-wing fan at a Lady Gaga concert. I counted two men in line. There were a total of 15 during the taping.

We were escorted through security into a waiting room where we spent nearly three hours building up the anticipation. “Will there be a celebrity on the show?” “Will there be any furniture abuse (Tom Cruise reference)?”, “Any make-overs?” The questions were endless. The audience members were so excited that we were told to use our “library voices.” (You can get teaching ideas anywhere!)

I won’t speak about the content of the show to keep this light-hearted.

After watching Oprah tape her show, I can truly understand why she is so successful. Her command of language, her ability to make her guests comfortable, and her charming personality made the entire show taping seem effortless. The BEST part was when she looked directly at me, waved, mouthed “Hi” and winked. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I am not embarrassed to admit I felt I was on cloud nine!

One regret I have is that due to the serious nature of the show, I did not get to jump up from my seat and scream like I usually see women do on her show. Mahin and I even practiced! And I was secretly hoping we all would get new cars! Oh well….

Much Love,

Sana