December Already?

Well the loft is coming together slowly. The kitchen is entirely set up, quelle surprise, save for a new microwave and Cuisinart. Maybe Santa will be good. Made some scones for a neighbor's brunch and how lovely it was to just flour the marble counter and roll out the dough. No rolling cloth or pastry board necessary. Cheddar chive, Christmas eggnog, and gingerbread; the middle recipe I created by using a buttermilk scone recipe and substituting eggnog, then adding candied orange and citron peel as well as a variety of seasonal spices (nutmeg, ginger, cloves, allspice).

The floors are starting to look more clean, less dusty, though with almost all of the building construction nearly finished the dust should stop generating so thickly. Three windows leaked during the first pouring rain, two of them over outlets -- heh, the landlord will definitely have to work on those. And why the heck won't this damn T1 line work? I can see my router, but I can't seem to get out onto the Internet.

Buying a new bedframe too, since Ikea has two choices I like for sale this week. One is a wrought-iron type of frame but in a pewter type finish, the other is a white wooden country cottage style. Need to see which will work with the futons.

More to come when I get time, and a better Internet connection!

November Newsings

October was a pretty full month. First week was spent both sick and packing up for the planned move-in to the new loft on the 8th, but... no sign-off from the fire marshal on the alarm system, so we couldn't move our bodies in -- just boxes.

Then half a week trying to recover, get well enough to fly off to InterPride in Minneapolis, while camping out on a sofa bed. Minneapolis was even warmer than San Francisco, thankfully, since I'd opted to leave the bulky winter coat at home. Both workshops went over very, very well. Jack and I presented Advanced Parades -- and the attendees asked us to extend another 90 minutes. What with the skill the two of us possess, I think we should do this professionally, at the city level. Though small, the ageism workshop was very informative, and contained some great discussion.

Had fun meeting up with Kia and Kelly, and a bunch of players, at Grumpy's, where I ordered way too much food for the masses, because I was hungry! The planned trip to UMinn's Library for the opening of Gene Trotter's history section was an hour late and the hors d'oeuvres were mostly sweet. At the dinner hour. And this wasn't the first time we've run into that. Savory, folks, savory!

Spent the night catching up with family friends just outside the city, where one of their dogs snatched my fun, colorful, loopy yarn scarf I paid a whopping $7 for, at Wal-Mart, the night I went up to buy a bigger suitcase. They now have a new, nicely shredded, pull toy.

At the end of the conference I caught a flight to St. Louis. Gary was nice enough to offer me a place to stay in his new digs, and I finally got to tour Simu and meet a bunch of people I only know from the back channel! I also bought Aaron "Cupcake" Standridge a Stoli at dinner, a final pay-up from all the help he's given me and such, over the years. Got to see some of the pre-art for HJ, although it's come a long way since, and one of the designers working on a scene. Mischief, Melissa's and Matt's new pup, is so very cute. One of the dogs at the office is actually named "Fugly" -- poor thing!

With the loan of Gary's car I was able to spend several hours down in Frenchtown, the totally cute and pre-Civil War section of St. Charles, along the Missouri River. I've always loved being among architecture from that time period, it's part of why I loved living in New England. So much more character and detail than today's little boxes. That's why I'm also moving into a 100+ year-old cotton mill that's been converted to lofts. You wouldn't believe what we can't touch, paint, or deface in any way, given it's a registered building. To thank Gary, I found a cute, grapevine basket, complete with handle, that I filled with some homemade cinnamon apple potpourri.

Dinner at Vivian's Vineyard was quite the adventure, and I enjoyed meeting Pete/Ozias and his wife Maggie, as well as many others -- although, I'd wished we'd been all at one table. I sorta suck at socializing since I'm inherently introverted and it takes a lot (or at least one drink) to get me to be more extroverted. Sushi with Elonka, Jeff, Jim, and Gary the next night was a real feast too. Yeah I know, I don't come off introverted on the back channel of the game!

Back home to sleeping on a sofa bed and sorting out 13 mid-sized UHaul boxes of crap, to see what I was actually going to take to the loft. Still no move into the new place! Compromise by sleeping on an air mattress (ugh... my back...) in an empty loft space, in my new landlord's home building, while they finish our suite. Supposedly the last sign off happened today, but I haven't heard a thing yet, so moving over tomorrow night is probably nixed.

One month and counting...

Another Autumn Already?

I'm excited and stressed out at the same time. I've been working almost non-stop, on back-to-back projects, since April. Maybe even before April. I had a one week breather that was filled with production meetings, birthday celebrations, contract talks, errands, and it hardly felt like a vacation.

But the upcoming move next week is still freaking me out! Will I earn enough money, as I have been the last six months, to afford this place? Overall, it won't be that much more expensive than living in the cottage in Bernal Heights. $30 more to be precise. Wait... with the free T1 line, it might be less expensive... oh, no... it'll be less expensive because I can't bring myself to commit to cable TV or a dish network! Hah.

I miss being able to watch movies whenever. And BBC America. Even the History Channel and Animal Planet. If the steady stream of work continues, though, for the next couple of months, I think I'll bite the bullet. I might also try to see if the local dish company or Comcast will set up the whole building and give us discounts to join in... as the building is supposedly wired for Cable (whatever that means). I guess that simply means no installation fees.

Bought a nice book on Feng Shui. That brings my total up to three now. But... but... this one had a purple cover and pretty pictures inside!

Projects coming up:
Curtains for the mezzanine
Stained glass divider for the mezzanine
Gel fireplace for the mezzanine
New bed for the mezzanine
Closet organizers for the mezzanine closet
Paint TV console
New bedstands
Bookcases for the mezzanine
Change out overhead fixture in the mezzanine with tiffany dome
Buy Crate & Barrel wall sconce for mezzanine
Buy mirrors to feng shui mezzanine
Verdigris the ladder
Tile the bathroom floor with stone and glass cobblestone swirls
Put up shelves for work station and in bathroom
Put up curtains on passageway and living room windows
Buy breakfast island for kitchen
Put trompe l'oeil mural up on dining area wall
Buy chairs for dining area
Upgrade computer ::sigh:: This might be on the 2006 list now.
Buy new desk and chair
Hunt around for living room furniture
Work on moveable wall art pieces and set-up
Plan out entry way labyrinth
Buy racks for kitchen
Get new Cuisinart ASAP

Think that's enough? And following on the heels of a blog trend:

Places I Have Lived
Arlington/Fairfax, Virginia
Newton, Massachusetts
Greenwich, Connecticut
Franklin, Massachusetts
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Silver Spring, Maryland
Allston, Massachusetts
Brighton, Massachusetts
Waltham, Massachusetts (short term)
Woburn, Massachusetts (short term)
Boston, Massachusetts
Chelsea, Massachusetts
San Francisco, Callifornia
Oakland, California

Places I Have Visited
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Kansas
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Barbados
Canada
France
Grenada
Martinique
Mexico
Monaco
Puerto Rico
Venezuela
Virgin Islands

Aftermath

The birthday celebrations are done... I think. Only thing missing was some sicky-sweet, over-sugared, gloppy-iced, commercial cake, but I can live without it... maybe.

Brandy treated me to dinner at one of my favorite bistros, Plouf, which I think means "Make A Splash" in French, and might also explain the dearth of taxidermy marlins on the walls. They specialize in mussels. I haven't been there in years, but Belden Place is such a special little alley that feels like Paris or Rome. It was time to return there.

I'm a traditionalist, so I ordered the little bivalves a la mariniere, and Brandy got them poulette, which adds some cream, shallots, and bacon in with the white wine, garlic, and parsley. We used all the bread to sop up the heavy creation! With an appetizer of beef carpaccio drizzled with truffle oil and a chocolate fondue, we were in heaven! A stop at Lush for some bath bombs and soaps, and we were both ready to retreat.

I had a full day to recover before Lindsey and I were destined for lunch at Tartare, a restaurant that got raves the first two months after it opened. I'd promised her in when I read the reviews in April that we would try the place. I got there late and panicked when the interior was dark. How could they be closed on a Thursday? Within a few minutes, Lindsey pulled up and said that she'd been trying for five days to get a reservation... and so, we concluded they were shuttered. Sad.

Heading for the Ferry Building we set out for the Slanted Door, a unique Vietnamese dining experience. Another yummy appetizer of sliced beef, this time in salad, then entrees of squid and shaken beef. I took the leftovers home! Too full for a proper dessert, we settled on some chocolates at Recchiuti before parting ways. I'm off Joseph Schmidt and Scharffen Berger because they both sold out recently to Hershey, even though they promised it would not change their product, and cited the merger as a means for improving their product's reach. I was glad Michael Recchiuti came out and said he would never sell to a big conglomerate. That's why I stopped buying Godiva years ago, when I learned Pepperidge Farms bought them. Why pay a lot for "Belgian" chocolate made here in America?

I continued to shop for a bottle of Tea's Teas Green Jasmine, a bar of Dagoba's Organic Chocolate -- Xocolatl flavor (dark chocolate with chiles), and a couple of pastries from Frog Hollow to tide me over this weekend, while I wait for the paint on the front porch to dry.

On Friday I met up with Kathy for a quick lunch (since she was working and this was just about the first Friday I've had off since April) at my old haunt, Lightning Foods, of fabulous salad bar fame. Roasted red potatoes, roasted chicken, pan-fried crispy beans just the right shade of green and still with a bit of snap, pesto tubes, alfredo shells, silky tofu (the one and only place I'll eat it unfried), and a bunch of other things amid the usual greens and vegetables. And a nice treat of Ghiradelli chocolate and toffee crunch frozen yogurt to add the perfect ending.


I still miss having a piece of so-sweet-hurt-my-teeth sugar frosted cake though!

Sweet September

Well, let's not even talk about the birthday that I have coming up, because I can't believe how old I'll be. I'd much rather recall the celebrations, when I lived in Boston, where we drove out to western Massachusetts to go apple picking. The autumn scent in the air on a nice Indian Summer day. Blue skies and foliage just beginning to turn. Freshly-pressed, icy cold cider. Rides on hay carts, pumpkins, and homemade jams.

Unfortunately, by mid-August, much of the apple season is over in California. Instead, I prefer the warm Napa valley with the smell of crushed grapes pungent in the air. Cool foggy nights and sitting in hot tubs under massively starry skies. Similar rituals.

But this year I won't quite have that luxury. I'm packing so I can move into my new space... a pretty damn awesome loft that is totally brand new. The location leaves A LOT to be desired, but for an artistic space that just might renew the creative spirit in me, I'll take the 10' tall walls of windows, earthy exposed brick, stainless steel appliances, maple floors and beams, and a nice deep tub, and call it my little oasis.

Almost Infamous

Heh!

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/07/08/DDGM7C8H4S1.DTL

Too bad Leah Garchik was a bad, bad girl and didn't fact check her column first, not like she's doing major journalism or anything, but still... She would have learned that I bent over backwards for the band for two years before denying them entrance to the parade last year, after they were repeatedly disruptive, rude and inconsiderate, and creating havoc with the contingents near them. I suffered the complaints from volunteers and registered groups in the parade, alike, for almost three years before taking a stand.

And then, to have them either falsely register for the Parade, or not register at all knowing full well why they were not in the Parade is irksum. Bastards. Hey Leah, did you know I CALLED them a month before the parade to ask the Stanford Pride contingent if they were the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band? And did you know I was told by the contact person for the contingent that they were absolutely not the band?

Nah, I didn't think so. Any way, we can't tell if I'm the cold hard-hearted person that they're referring to, or our Safety monitors, who actually started to block them and get them off the route before I arrived up there to deal with the Band.

Mid-Year Musings

A bit early, yes, considering the solstice is still about a week or so away, but I'll never have time between now and then, giving the parade is coming up on the 26th. Things are going much more smoothly now that Lindsey is at the helm. I'll have a three-week break before we start up at UCB again. In between I might do other little projects, or perhaps even find time to start working on the Ex-Er Expo and Ball. All in all, I expect to be pretty busy until just before the holidays. Work-wise, it's been a good year -- a nice change from the barrens created by the dot.com bust.

Almost a month since my step-father died. As usual, and probably because I've lost so many people during the last half of my lifetime, I was pretty much able to remain strong, although the cemetary was difficult to deal with and I almost lost it. I thought they waited for you to leave before they lowered the casket all the way down!

The other night I had what I consider a special dream. My mother was giving me some of his things, and among them was a scrapbook he'd kept of things I'd done in school and in the community. In the dream I started to cry with big, heaving sobs. I woke up feeling good, rather than sad, because it was an acknowledgement of his love.

My mother's hearing loss is a major concern... and I worry that, like everything else I've inherited from her, that I'm experiencing loss as well. Maybe it's all those rock concerts I went to...

The Iceland trip is off, dang it. Seems the U.S. Icelandair company doesn't want to honor the Iceland-based sponsorship and airline tickets from our "sister" city, so... so much for my exotic trip this year. Guess I'm either looking at New Orleans, in the swelter, amid the other GS geeks, or perhaps two days up in Calistoga, on my own. I haven't done the latter since Eric and I broke up years ago, so only moderate memories are attached to the place. Still... while I love the ideal of a solo revel in the sun and thermal waters, it would be nice to share it.

As for any midwest journeys, I'm still trying to figure out how largely MIA people and those who spent most of the last year on LOA are more senior and productive than me. I haven't taken one LOA or disappeared for more than a couple of days during the last 7 years. Getting the emails and IMs of disappointment from those who hear I won't be present only affirm that I am liked, loved, and appreciated. There's always Thrilla and Maelstrom By The Bay!

Berkeley Babblings

As I was walking down Bancroft Street enjoying the early morning and spring, with the cherry blossoms, warm sun, and scents, I reflected upon recent events and was surprised to find myself thinking -- in this glorious weather -- how much tolerance I do not have people who lie and engage in duplicitous behavior.

Sure, there's a reason that it's come up, and so's the feeling of being played and betrayed. Not to mention used. All I can say is, I'm glad I'm not someone who makes decisions based solely on the input of others, especially others with personal issues with me (come on now, it's so CLEAR to everyone else, why can't you see it or acknowledge the truth?). How many times did I offer, no, I asked specifically, for us to talk? How many times did you brush me off, or promise to get back to me... but you never did? If you really cared as you said you did, why wouldn't you be true to your word? Unfortunately, I'm not the only person you've burned, and one of these days, it will catch up to you. You can't continue to ignore issues. You can't continue to pretend that issues don't exist. Well, actually you can, if you enjoy living in that kind of a fantasy.

Once I decided this person no longer deserved my respect (since I apparently I wasn't getting any respect, caring, or consideration in return for what I gave out) then I was able to move on.

Work has been extraordinarily busy and for that I'm grateful. It's been fun to be creative again and feel like I have value, instead of being underappreciated and unthanked. Looks like it's going to be a regular gig that keeps me busy through the end of the year.

That'll finally allow me to upgrade my computer for the first time in about 8 years, and all good things come to those who wait it seems -- I've been offered a mostly-free trip to Iceland in August. Land of the near-midnight sun. The great golden orb will rise at 4:30 AM and set at 10:30 PM. I'll probably love it, since I love Daylight Savings Time. A small vacation, yay!

April Come She May

I love spring. Spring always makes me feel renewed. What I love most about living in California is that winter can seem like spring. After a summer of hot, dry weather and brown grass, rains in November bring lush greenery, camellias, jasmine, lemon and orange blossoms, acacia mimosa, roses, and the usual equinox display of tulips and daffodils.

The cherry blossoms are pink and fluffy, apple blossoms spun off the trees last week in the rain storms, like large snowflakes. Wisteria will peak this week, then disappear until its time for a second blooming. Loquat and mock orange are in full flower. Scotch broom is bright yellow against an almost jade green, and smells like lemon pledge.

I like only wearing a light wool shawl, instead of a bulky jacket.

With spring, I also feel lighter and more generous towards people... well, towards those that deserve it. I have a pretty short list right now of those who just don't deserve that generousity, because they don't practice it where others are concerned (unless the others have something they want or need). That's just a big karmic no-no in my book. But hey, if someone wants to take a personal issue and try to make it a professional issue, be my guest. Just don't lie to my face while you're doing it. I know the truth, as do others.

So I'll give my kindess and generousity to those who know how to return it, in the true sense of renewal that comes with spring, and try to understand those who can't give deserve something back.

Plan for Valentine's Day!

I'm working with this great guy and great company on the U.N. World Environment Day Parade and 60th Anniversary celebration coming up in June. Check out www.organicbouquet.com for your sweetheart! They keep their roses priced the same all year 'round and don't jack them up for some commercially-created day, plus, their flowers are organic! My personal favorite is their "Timeless Beauty", but I also think the Valentine's Tulips are gorgeous.

Jumping January

Two years or more of a drought economy, and now I have a ton of little projects to keep me busy. The college up the street needs an on-call scanner, color-corrector, and optimizer. Woo, walk to work and do something totally easy, thanks to an old client!

A colleague of mine is going to see about hiring me to do junk work, which will pay the ancillary bills and maybe allow me to save up some money -- plus, the bonus is that I can work at home in my jammies at any hour I want!

Three contracts signed: two for parades; one for magazine design, layout, and production management.

Two contracts probably still to come in August, for an expo, doing vendor liaison or something more responsible; another small parade contract. I'm gonna be the parade maven of San Francisco and create a city job for myself!

I'll either get a PowerBook (used darn it, they wouldn't blow the bucks for brand new!) which I can probably hijack for the next 7 months, or I'll save up and buy myself a souped-up Macmini, since I have a monitor already. Although... a 17" or 20" cinema display would be very, very nice.

I'm just going to be thankful that this all seems to be coming my way!