And what ugly dogs they be. In my daily commute up to San Francisco, I’ve had the opportunity to start listening to NPR in the daytime again, a ritual that used to be a large part of my workday back in the Electro-Pub days. It was something we started doing during the what will probably now be called the first Gulf War, listening to KQED from 9am to around 3 when the news had pretty much been reported for the day. Talk of the Nation was born during that time, and is still one of the best call-in discussion shows around—if you’ve ever despaired of balance in talk radio, it will restore your faith somewhat.
2002
Back on the plane…very nice Thanksgiving, as I’d hoped. Got lots of good time with the folks, my brother & sister-in-law, and the Happy Cabeza, aka my niece. And now I head back to the Bay Area for another tour of painting, taking on the living room and kitchen, a little web design, and planning another trip up for Xmas. Tra la la indeed.
New things discovered while on this trip:
- The Isaac Mizrahi Show on Oxygen. Simply fabulous, you must see it sometime.
- There is such a thing as too much food. Food coma was nearly a physical reality this year. As it was, I’m sure I was quite antisocial, lying on the floor and groaning.
- I have metal in my new shoes. This I discovered at the airport, of course, so I will have to remember to wear shoes next time that can’t be declared dangerous.
- Family is still the reason for the season. The best thing about holidays is being able to have long period to just sit and talk, more or less uninterrupted, and just hang out
So that’s the holiday summary. I even managed to get some work done in there somewhere. Onward to the 12 days of Xmas, then…
I could start this post by admitting to overwhelming guilt for not updating more often. After all, what’s the point of a weblog that doesn’t get fresh content? But given the time for either life or a weblog, I choose the former, and that’s what I’ve been doing, for those one or two of you who may still be checking in here.
So what does life look like at the moment? I’m still in California, for starters. I came down just after Labor Day in search of love and work, and am happy to say I’ve found both. The Deb and I are settling into a domestic routine, and I am working harder than ever, although I have a new primary field: house painting. The transition from desk labor to manual has been a tough one physically, but otherwise very rewarding. My mind is a lot less cluttered, and mostly it feels good to be working full-time again, albeit between several clients and with a lot of commuting (the house in question is in San Francisco).
I must also admit that I’m really enjoying the climate. As much as I love the Pacific Northwest (and that is a lot), I never fully adapted to the weather there. I’ve been walking around in shirtsleeves until just recently and just loving it. Barring severe employment problems or a big spat, it looks like I’m here to stay for a while.
Other new things going on include a total obsession with Bollywood movies, learning to cook South Indian food, seeing friends and catching up after two years away, and the purchase of my very first cell phone, just yesterday. My geekiness is finally complete (as I log this from the airport lounge on the way home for Thanksgiving). Happy Turkey Day, everyone!
Well, I’ve survived the drive south a third time this year—the secret seems to be in making the first day as long as I can stand, so that the second, wherein I drive through the hot Central Valley, is as short as possible. It worked! I even had time to stop in Davis, my favorite college town, to get a grilled cheese animal-style at In-n-Out Burger. Mmmm…..
So now, two days of relaxation and unpacking later, I’m settled in at The Deb’s lovely abode, computer humming, and putting the shoulder to the wheel job-hunt-wise. The resume’s down to a page, I’ve secured another client reference, and applied for two more jobs. My dream job at Apple, alas, was closed, but I remain buoyant in the California sun.
In other notes, a happy 2nd anniversary today to Lee & Tanya, my dear brother and lovely sister-in-law. Longtime readers (both of you) may remember my tale of the wedding (see Sept. 11 entry). The long and happy life I wished for you two then is still my wish—may you grow together in love, compassion, and fun.