CHARITY FAILURE



Today is the San Francisco Walk Against AIDS. I asked Milford and Alan if they were walking when I first arrived in California. Alan had made no plans, but turns out that Milford organizes a major walk team. So, I asked him to let me walk with his team and he was kind enough to say "Sure!" --- this was over almost 3 months ago! Milford's dog, Lucy, even went to the trouble of contibuting $25 in my name so that I could join the team!

I was to have met Milfords team near Golden Gate Park for 8:45AM. Well kids, it is 10:50AM and I am sitting here infront of my iBook. I suck.

I had the pleasure of meeting an individual with whom I've emailed last night. We hung out -- my plan was to be on the MUNI headed home for a good night's sleep by no later than 10:00PM. However, this individual was so cool. We ended up talking and talking. ...and we both lost track of time. When we noticed it was close to 1AM I realized that I had missed MUNI --- so he drove me home, but he needed me to provide directions as he is not particularly familiar with San Francisco.

Now, if you know me at all -- you're probably laughing.

Me.

Providing navigational directions.

That doesn't work. However, I gave it my very best shot.

By 1:45AM we were actually close, but no cigar. We eneded up in a part of the Sunset area which I did not know existed. We stopped at two gas stations for directions, but no one seemed to know "my markers" --- Ingelside Area, Randolph Street, Stonestown Mall, Balboa BART station

So, at about 1:50AM after releazing that the second gas station attendant didn't either speak english or was refusing to do so -- my friend asked if they had maps. They did. I bought one. It is up above. You will note the price sticker is $3.95. The faux gas station attendant gave me a "deal" and sold it to me for $5.37 or something like that. I just paid him.

Luckily my friend knows how to read a road map. This is a skill that has managed to escape me over the years.

Anyway, after a few misteps we got here at about 2:15AM! Believe it or not, it was my navigational skills that got us here!

Of course, I didn't get to bed till 3AM. So, thinking ahead, I sent Milford an email with the subject line -- "URGENT" --- asking him to call me on my cell phone which I put next to my head as I fell asleep. So, I figured with my alarm clock AND a cell phone at full volume -- I would wake up to make it to the Walk,

I guess the alarm clock went off. It probably went off a lot. And, Milford called twice. I didn't wake up.

At approx 10:10AM I woke up due to the sound of Alan's garage door shutting. By the time I pulled clothing on and ran to the MUNI stop, the little electronic commuter sign reported that the next train would be in 49 minutes. So, I headed back here and phoned Milford. Told him I was sorry. He was cool and laughed at me. So, I am going to meet up with his team at Milford's After Walk Party at 2PM.

While I had a great time last night, I failed charity.