All Points Towards California: Working for the Weekend

Orientation tomorrow! I am officially starting work, thank goodness. Now I realize that I actually need to read up my hospital/policies/procedures/etiquette, etc for tomorrow. My first shift is then on Tuesday, 7-7 (but my guess is it will feel a lot longer). So this weekend has been mass studying intermixed with numerous and adventurous study breaks. The beach has been temporarily been placed on hold until I adjust and really get my stuff in order.

Study Break #1: Driving around Downtown San Diego

I haven't been back here since my first night when Dad, Amy and I went out to dinner in the Harbor for a fabulous seafood meal. Actually, I lied; I haven't been here since Street Scene (held near Petco Park). However, I wanted to check it out; I realize now people are slightly hesitant about downtown: parking is super difficult on the weekend unless you are in posession of numerous quarters (not me thanks to laundry this week) or copious amounts of cash (i live and die by my debit card these days). So a brief photo tour of downtown or what I like to call pictures I can take safely while stopped in traffic or park for 5 minutes without being chased away from parking enforcement.

like i said...in traffic

there are multiple parks right along the harbor...so of course i had to photograph coronado across the way

and the big navy ships.

Gaslamp Quarter sign. had to take it.

Petco Park... still need to get to a Padre's game

Study break #2: Balboa Park

After several frustrating failed attempts at parking, I found my way through Balboa Park to find a nice bench, some shade (?), and some study time. Studying outside is either super productive or not at all for me. I managed to get a lot done and rewarded myself with a leisurely stroll back to the car with some detours at some museums along the way. First, the Timken Museum of Art: it's always free, has some neat American painters and I was done in 15 minutes. Probably not going to complain about "there's not enough time to be cultural" ever again. A favorite from the Timken:

The Cranberry Harvest, Island of Nantucket (1874)-Eastman Johnson

Every time I have visited the Park, I see something new. For instance, tucked away in the courtyards are these crazy old and classical sculptures. I miss art history, apparently.

And, even a wedding... I'm living the life of a papparazzo?

Study Break #3: La Jolla Cove; Open Water Swimming Race

My studying continues today (sunday) with cooler temperatures, church, and navigating Coast Blvd to find the elusive oceanside parking spot in La Jolla. I had read in a local mag about this annual race. Every year, over 3000 people turn out from all ages to swim races from 250 yards, 1 mile and 3.2 miles in the Pacific Ocean. It's funny because every other day of the week, the cove is quiet and sprinkled with a few tourists. However today, in addition to the race participants, in the "Children's Cove" a little south of the race, were additional visitors:

Seals-all lined up in a row. Fascinating.

Ya know, just hanging out, getting some rays.

probably 50 seals give or take.

Back to the race. So I have seen a couple open water races before, but never so many spectators. If you ever have the opportunity to watch something like this (like a triathalon swim) it's simply amazing. Like salmon swim upstream or whatever, everyone fighting for placement, feet flying, trying to swim in one directions. What's even crazier--there was an intermittent swell during all of the races. So not only are the participants battling the cold water, flailing body parts, and mental challenges, but also there are 3-4 foot waves every 6 minutes or so. Basically places were changed merely by riding a wave into the finish. Enjoy the pictures of the ant-sized swimmers. Now I really want a fancy shmancy camera--there are just too many photo ops that are only adequately captured by my digital cam. More about orientation tomorrow!

The race at the cove