Halloween - The boys did indeed go as boys this year. A contingency of 12 politically incorrect Asian men wandered the streets with Fabulous Fus!!
Thanksgiving - Frank and I did the NEW YORK City thing - shows, restaurants, and dinner at Malle's.
Christmas - We headed off to Walla Walla, Wa.
Day 1 - Oakland Airport > Portland > College Place (in Walla Walla County) > Games
Day 2 - Christmas Tree Shopping > Ice Burg Run > Christmas Eve > Games
Day 3 - Stockings > Church > Lunch > Gifts > Dinner > Games
Day 4 - Sheet Rock > Walla Walla Tours > Ice Burg > Leminy Snicket > Dinner > Games
Day 5 - Shopping > Wine Tasting > Dinner > Games
Day 6 - Visits > Aviator > Dinner > Games
Day 7 - Walla Walla visits > Grapefields > Dinner > Games
Day 8 - Portland > Westin - Heavenly Nap > Red Star > local bars
Day 9 - Shopping > Mother's Bistro and Bar > New Year's Dancing
Day 10 - Mother's Bistro and Bar > Kimberly visit > Pizza > Finding Neverland >
Day 11 - Home to San Francisco
Friday, December 31, 2004
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Halloween – It’s a Boy Year?
Thank God the Spawn of these Girls All Passed Away!
– Halloween 2003
His royal highness, Jeff Qin, has returned from abroad and Halloween plans may now commence. Qin and his personal consort will be wearing Emperor caps with the extra ball on top … which means the rest of the Chinese contingency are … eunuchs!? Robes and hats with a “Manly” ponytail will match.
From the road with Mr. Qin
Sorry I haven't seen you guys since Serena and I flew back from Beijing. Crazy time here … ANYWAY, I do have the costumes, and they are fabulous, or as fabulous as they can be for $30 a head. There are twelve altogether. The garment is a silk robe, and everyone got their first color choice. For headgear, there are 9 caps with queue attached. There are also two Empress Kits, which include a floral-fan thing overhead, a dangling-to-the-side-of-the-head thing and a coordinated fan.
All the other caps are color-coordinated with robes. For John, Frank, Douglas, Jim and his friend, size XXL. Randy and Paul got M's. Tassos, his straight friend for Greece and I are in XL. Tassos and I have Emperor Caps, but they are not very different, just an extra ball on the top. I couldn't get them all that way, as they wouldn't stack for transport home. Sorry, that means that the rest of you guys are eunuchs!
We could give the straight guy the funny prince hat, to make him easy to find; his hat would work with the gold robe. All together, the collection is really very colorful and we will look quite dramatic. I propose Peking Opera style make-up, and have some photos to help. Easy version is start with a white base, add heavy black eyes (slanted, of course) and black lips. Fu Manchu recommended.
For more elaborate options, visit the Peking Opera site at http://china.tyfo.com/int/ent/opera/peking/peking-index.htm
Big Bow,
Qin
Saturday, September 25, 2004
Viewing The Princess Bride as a Buddy Film
According to Vito Russo, in his book The Celluloid Closet, society has been fairly obsessed with maintaining the male role onscreen. Films about war or men together were constantly under scrutiny to avoid risking the male standard. To avoid the confusion that the male might prefer each other’s company, there was often a task, a woman or something in which the men or the male lead could do to prove his masculinity (i.e. heterosexuality).
On the surface, The Princess Bride (1987) directed by Rob Reiner might not seem a good example of the “buddy” film. However, upon closer inspection, the film has all of the necessary elements of a great buddy film and uses comedy to great effect, with a lead that is less than typically masculine. There are multiple sets of “buddies” in the film. There is the Grandfather/Grandson set, the Prince Humperdinck/Count Tyrone Rugen set and the three main characters of Westley, Inigo Montoya and Fezzik.
One aspect of the buddy film is the absence of a female character and the first set played by Peter Falk and Fred Savage illustrate this well. Falk interrupts Savage’s game playing to read him a “romance” novel, editing out the heterosexual love scenes and expressing concern when the grandson might be too involved. The book selection alone adds a level of suspect in this relationship, though it seems in line with the mentor/student role rather than a sexual role. The mother, who has a single line at the beginning of the film, is never seen again—she is merely the character that opens the door and brings the buddies together, then leaves.
Another aspect of a buddy film is that there are a group of men going off to war or attempting to conquer something. The lead character, Westley, played by Cary Elves is a simple farm hand and heads off to “prove” himself worthy of Buttercup, played by Robin Wright Penn. When it is assumed that he has been killed by pirates, she is forcibly engaged to the hyper-masculine Prince Humperdinck. The Prince and Count Tyrone Rugen use Buttercup as a pawn in their efforts to start a war. The fact that he would have his fiancé killed illustrates another Russo idea that male bonding is associated with violence. The Prince has his bride abducted in order for him to hunt down the enemy’s who abducted her which will allow him to “prove” his manhood.
Russo comments that heterosexual romance was a standard plot ingredient but there was a sense of fear when the women were too expendable. The buddy set of the Prince and the Count plays on this fear well. They are the villains and do despicable things to the other characters to prove their power. However, on the side of love, their actions provide the plot element that brings the three other buddies together.
Westley has not been killed by pirates and return to begin his quest to save the abducted Buttercup. Along the way, he conquers the Spaniard (Inigo Montayo) with in a sword fight, Fezzik (Andre the Giant) with brains, and a battle of wits with Vizzini, who loses and dies. Each of the scenes have close physical contact between the men but because the actions are associated with a fight, it is deemed acceptable and, excepting Vizzini who died, the conquered men become his close friends who are willing to put their lives on the line.
The Princess Bride is a great example of a buddy film pulsing under the overt plot of a romance film. This film has three sets of buddies who display different aspects of the “Buddy Films” described by Vito Russo. I feel that the comedic dialogue did indeed allow for more bonding to take place in that it seemed to move the overt plot forward. However, I find it ironic that a movie built around the lines “As You Wish” (i.e. I Love You) is more of a buddy film than it is the expected romance film.
On the surface, The Princess Bride (1987) directed by Rob Reiner might not seem a good example of the “buddy” film. However, upon closer inspection, the film has all of the necessary elements of a great buddy film and uses comedy to great effect, with a lead that is less than typically masculine. There are multiple sets of “buddies” in the film. There is the Grandfather/Grandson set, the Prince Humperdinck/Count Tyrone Rugen set and the three main characters of Westley, Inigo Montoya and Fezzik.
One aspect of the buddy film is the absence of a female character and the first set played by Peter Falk and Fred Savage illustrate this well. Falk interrupts Savage’s game playing to read him a “romance” novel, editing out the heterosexual love scenes and expressing concern when the grandson might be too involved. The book selection alone adds a level of suspect in this relationship, though it seems in line with the mentor/student role rather than a sexual role. The mother, who has a single line at the beginning of the film, is never seen again—she is merely the character that opens the door and brings the buddies together, then leaves.
Another aspect of a buddy film is that there are a group of men going off to war or attempting to conquer something. The lead character, Westley, played by Cary Elves is a simple farm hand and heads off to “prove” himself worthy of Buttercup, played by Robin Wright Penn. When it is assumed that he has been killed by pirates, she is forcibly engaged to the hyper-masculine Prince Humperdinck. The Prince and Count Tyrone Rugen use Buttercup as a pawn in their efforts to start a war. The fact that he would have his fiancé killed illustrates another Russo idea that male bonding is associated with violence. The Prince has his bride abducted in order for him to hunt down the enemy’s who abducted her which will allow him to “prove” his manhood.
Russo comments that heterosexual romance was a standard plot ingredient but there was a sense of fear when the women were too expendable. The buddy set of the Prince and the Count plays on this fear well. They are the villains and do despicable things to the other characters to prove their power. However, on the side of love, their actions provide the plot element that brings the three other buddies together.
Westley has not been killed by pirates and return to begin his quest to save the abducted Buttercup. Along the way, he conquers the Spaniard (Inigo Montayo) with in a sword fight, Fezzik (Andre the Giant) with brains, and a battle of wits with Vizzini, who loses and dies. Each of the scenes have close physical contact between the men but because the actions are associated with a fight, it is deemed acceptable and, excepting Vizzini who died, the conquered men become his close friends who are willing to put their lives on the line.
The Princess Bride is a great example of a buddy film pulsing under the overt plot of a romance film. This film has three sets of buddies who display different aspects of the “Buddy Films” described by Vito Russo. I feel that the comedic dialogue did indeed allow for more bonding to take place in that it seemed to move the overt plot forward. However, I find it ironic that a movie built around the lines “As You Wish” (i.e. I Love You) is more of a buddy film than it is the expected romance film.
Monday, September 20, 2004
Weimar: Germany's Example - Class 4
We are settling into a routine. The large black man in the back seems like he is sleeping but is genuinely friendly, if not overly interested in the topic of the class. The lesbians have fallen into a back-and-forth banter with the instructor, who, without his notes would be completely lost.
Luckily for us, we got to listen to the discussion on Dorothy being a lesbian coming of age story. The term “Witch” is a code word for LESBIAN!!!! So, when Glenda asks Dorothy whether she is a good witch or a bad witch … yep, a whole new meaning. She initially responds that she’s not a witch! However, by the end of the film she is informed that she has had the power the entire time … does this mean that she is now “sexually” aware? Does her Ruby Red shoes indicate anything? Once you start down the yellow-brick road there are all sorts of potential interpretations.
Anyway, this week we discussed the role that the German film industry, prior to the rise of the Nazi’s, had on the notion of homosexuality. Loosely speaking, there was a perception of three types of sexuality, male, female and the third. Because of this idea, many felt that the issue of homosexuality did not lie with the homosexuals, since they were born this way, but with the people who had issue.
With this foundation, the discussion went to the various interpretations of the third sex. The third sex was divided into the Male/Female In-betweens which included those who demonstrated characteristics generally associated with the opposite sex. The other aspect of the third sex was centered on the Instructor/Student ideal.
Our film, Maedchen In Uniform was a dry film, pieced together about a motherless girl who goes to a boarding school and falls in love with one of the instructors who shows kindness. Oxygen guy brought his little Toto to class again and in a fit of boredom chewed through his leash and then visited the classroom rubbing his stinky little body against all of us … apparently we are now marked!
Speaking of marked, next week we get to appropriate the monster genre! I can’t wait.
Next Week: Required Reading: Queer Monsters: Vampires, Zombies, and Creatures – Oh MY! Screening: The Old Dark House (Whale, 1932). Required Reading: Harry Benshoff’s “Defining the Holloywood Queer Monster.”
Luckily for us, we got to listen to the discussion on Dorothy being a lesbian coming of age story. The term “Witch” is a code word for LESBIAN!!!! So, when Glenda asks Dorothy whether she is a good witch or a bad witch … yep, a whole new meaning. She initially responds that she’s not a witch! However, by the end of the film she is informed that she has had the power the entire time … does this mean that she is now “sexually” aware? Does her Ruby Red shoes indicate anything? Once you start down the yellow-brick road there are all sorts of potential interpretations.
Anyway, this week we discussed the role that the German film industry, prior to the rise of the Nazi’s, had on the notion of homosexuality. Loosely speaking, there was a perception of three types of sexuality, male, female and the third. Because of this idea, many felt that the issue of homosexuality did not lie with the homosexuals, since they were born this way, but with the people who had issue.
With this foundation, the discussion went to the various interpretations of the third sex. The third sex was divided into the Male/Female In-betweens which included those who demonstrated characteristics generally associated with the opposite sex. The other aspect of the third sex was centered on the Instructor/Student ideal.
Our film, Maedchen In Uniform was a dry film, pieced together about a motherless girl who goes to a boarding school and falls in love with one of the instructors who shows kindness. Oxygen guy brought his little Toto to class again and in a fit of boredom chewed through his leash and then visited the classroom rubbing his stinky little body against all of us … apparently we are now marked!
Speaking of marked, next week we get to appropriate the monster genre! I can’t wait.
Next Week: Required Reading: Queer Monsters: Vampires, Zombies, and Creatures – Oh MY! Screening: The Old Dark House (Whale, 1932). Required Reading: Harry Benshoff’s “Defining the Holloywood Queer Monster.”
Sliding into 36 – The Pre-Birthday Events
Tapeo
Frank did a great job of getting the boys together … not that there is that many left! John was heading off to meet Ben in Paris and Jeff was off to China. To solve the big hole that would be left in their lives if they missed the opportunity to celebrate my birthday, we met at the Metro and had dinner at Tapeo! It was a nice collection of new friends and friends I haven’t had the opportunity to see in a long time. Even better was the fact that Tapeo was offering 2 for 1 Tapas and we got to eat like little piggies – thanks go out to Rusty for taking over the ordering responsibilities!
Surprisingly, I lost two pounds according to the scale!
Badlands
I was going to say I haven’t been dancing for ages … then realized that technically we had gone dancing at the foam party in Guerneville, so I’ll say that I haven’t been to Badlands forever! And, it hasn’t changed, though they are currently trying to lure people in with cheap beer … it worked.
Now, I’m not the world’s best dancer and will cop to the fact that I tower on the dance floor. I’m often reminded of a great children’s book where a camel wants to be a ballerina. She realizes that she will never be a great dancer but enjoys herself and does not dance to please other people. I am not that self-actualized … others were demonstrably more comfortable with themselves. It was like watching the “Live from Badlands – The Elaine from Seinfeld” dance! We arrived and there were not that many people … and yet the dance floor was dangerously full. Legs were flying. Hips were popping. And people were spinning.
Now add to the mix the towering giant (self-actualized) who would drink two beers at a time and who would finish the beer by holding it aloft over his head and dripping the last drop into his mouth! Then, with a giant flourish, he would swim those long limbs back into the air and swing them monkey like around and around. It really gives tall people a bad name.
However, the shorty’s were well represented by the bouncy-I’m-a-Tigger toy and the guy that was crushing something invisible in his palm with his invisible pestle. Once the magic was ready, he blew the magic into the room … yeah, right. Thank God James joined us or we would have looked like little stuck up snobs … judging everyone who wasn’t us! I can hardly wait to return for my 37 birthday!
Frank did a great job of getting the boys together … not that there is that many left! John was heading off to meet Ben in Paris and Jeff was off to China. To solve the big hole that would be left in their lives if they missed the opportunity to celebrate my birthday, we met at the Metro and had dinner at Tapeo! It was a nice collection of new friends and friends I haven’t had the opportunity to see in a long time. Even better was the fact that Tapeo was offering 2 for 1 Tapas and we got to eat like little piggies – thanks go out to Rusty for taking over the ordering responsibilities!
Surprisingly, I lost two pounds according to the scale!
Badlands
I was going to say I haven’t been dancing for ages … then realized that technically we had gone dancing at the foam party in Guerneville, so I’ll say that I haven’t been to Badlands forever! And, it hasn’t changed, though they are currently trying to lure people in with cheap beer … it worked.
Now, I’m not the world’s best dancer and will cop to the fact that I tower on the dance floor. I’m often reminded of a great children’s book where a camel wants to be a ballerina. She realizes that she will never be a great dancer but enjoys herself and does not dance to please other people. I am not that self-actualized … others were demonstrably more comfortable with themselves. It was like watching the “Live from Badlands – The Elaine from Seinfeld” dance! We arrived and there were not that many people … and yet the dance floor was dangerously full. Legs were flying. Hips were popping. And people were spinning.
Now add to the mix the towering giant (self-actualized) who would drink two beers at a time and who would finish the beer by holding it aloft over his head and dripping the last drop into his mouth! Then, with a giant flourish, he would swim those long limbs back into the air and swing them monkey like around and around. It really gives tall people a bad name.
However, the shorty’s were well represented by the bouncy-I’m-a-Tigger toy and the guy that was crushing something invisible in his palm with his invisible pestle. Once the magic was ready, he blew the magic into the room … yeah, right. Thank God James joined us or we would have looked like little stuck up snobs … judging everyone who wasn’t us! I can hardly wait to return for my 37 birthday!
The Surprise!
I love John and take back all of the snide little things he has revealed in the past. I want the title back of being the person who cannot keep a secret! I’ve been having a rough time at work lately and really wanted to look forward to something not work related. With this in mind, I instructed Frank to keep birthday weekend plans hush hush.
So, when I talked to John before he flew off to Paris, I thought I had the whole thing figured out. Rusty was picking us up, so that meant a ride to the airport. Frank doesn’t like to fly long distances for short weekends, so that meant the West coast. It could be Disneyland but we had been to LA last year for my birthday. John said it was somewhere “family” oriented. I’m thinking family + west coast = Palm Springs! Nope. I took it to mean “Family” (WINK WINK), not family with children. Oy vey.
The Vehicle
Anyway, I’m out front of the apartment and Frank is late. The kitchen phone rings and I have to leave my spot on the front porch to answer it. The caller hangs up. I start for the front door and it rings again. AGITATION!!!! It’s Frank and he’s calling me to come out front … it’s what I was trying to do. I am channeling my inner peach maker and when I walk out the door … there it is a convertible mustang!! Excellent. Now we’re on a road trip and my schema is completely blown. However, I have a fabulous new CD and a book on different hiking options in Big Sur!
A perfect surprise and John didn’t blow it this year! Good job Frank!
So, when I talked to John before he flew off to Paris, I thought I had the whole thing figured out. Rusty was picking us up, so that meant a ride to the airport. Frank doesn’t like to fly long distances for short weekends, so that meant the West coast. It could be Disneyland but we had been to LA last year for my birthday. John said it was somewhere “family” oriented. I’m thinking family + west coast = Palm Springs! Nope. I took it to mean “Family” (WINK WINK), not family with children. Oy vey.
The Vehicle
Anyway, I’m out front of the apartment and Frank is late. The kitchen phone rings and I have to leave my spot on the front porch to answer it. The caller hangs up. I start for the front door and it rings again. AGITATION!!!! It’s Frank and he’s calling me to come out front … it’s what I was trying to do. I am channeling my inner peach maker and when I walk out the door … there it is a convertible mustang!! Excellent. Now we’re on a road trip and my schema is completely blown. However, I have a fabulous new CD and a book on different hiking options in Big Sur!
A perfect surprise and John didn’t blow it this year! Good job Frank!
That's Big Sur to You!
We’re driving in our car … we’ve turned on the radio! I think everyone should either own a convertible or rent one because you should have the opportunity to be “one of them!” at least once. Plus as you drive along, you get to enjoy all the elements that are usually shielded by the frame of the car. Strawberries … yum. Salt air … refreshing. Lettuce … debateable.
We made our way down the coast to our lodgings at the Big Sur Lodge. (www.bigsurlodge.com). No TV. No radio. No phones. Just a fireplace, a book and good company. It is amazing how a little separation from civilization can calm my nerves. Of course, I had to process work stuff but that is pretty easy to do while stepping over logs, avoiding poison oak and viewing the waterfalls.
Our plans can be summarized by the following:
- Hike
- Eat
- Read
- Hike
- Eat
- Read
- Sleep
- Repeat
Along the coast!
Not a bad way to spend the weekend and over the course of three days we enjoyed three different hikes. I would talk about the person in the restaurant who broke a chair when he sat down … but I swore not to mention names.
The Hikes From the Big Sur Lodge
Pfeiffer Falls + Valley View
This 40 to 60 minute stroll along Pfeiffer-Redwood Creek features some of the finest redwood groves in the Big Sur region. Expect steps in the few steeper sections and a number of wooden footbridges across the creek. The 60 foot high waterfall at the end of the trail is a scenic highlight. A wooden platform at the base of the falls is a fine place to rest, meditate or have a picnic lunch … okay, we took pictures and then continued to the Valley View Hike.
You can climb through the oak woodland to the Valley View Overlook. The view from this vantage point includes much of the Big Sur Valley, Point Sur and Andrew Molera State park.
You can climb through the oak woodland to the Valley View Overlook. The view from this vantage point includes much of the Big Sur Valley, Point Sur and Andrew Molera State park.
Buzzard’s Roost
A rugged two-hour hike along the Park’s western edge will take you along the river, through shady redwoods, then through a series of switchbacks among bay trees and tanoaks to the chaparral covered top of Pfeiffer Ridge. From the top there is a magnificent panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountain Range.
A rugged two-hour hike along the Park’s western edge will take you along the river, through shady redwoods, then through a series of switchbacks among bay trees and tanoaks to the chaparral covered top of Pfeiffer Ridge. From the top there is a magnificent panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountain Range.
Point Sur Light Station – State Historic Park
The Gate to the Lighthouse!
One could argue that it isn’t a “hike” but the tour does go uphill and we were required to walk. This was definitely on of the highlights of the hiking experiences. We had to wait for the gate to be unlocked before we could drive across the private cattle land and park at the base of the hill. We had two docents, who reminded me of my father, and they were great storytellers. It was obvious to our little group of eight that these guys enjoyed the experience.
Point Sur is the only complete turn-of-the-century light station open to the public in California. From 1889 to 1974, families lived and worked in the buildings atop Pt. Sur. The unique stone lighthouse still guides ships with its light, though it is not totally automated. Some would call it cheesy … I call it good upbringing! I can’t fully explain but I am always comforted knowing that these experiences would be ones I could share with my parents and with Frank.
The Lighthouse
The Highlands Restaurant
I’ve just finished a lovely cheese omelet made with my new omelet pan. And while I take a certain level of pride in my proficiency in the kitchen, I can only dream of the meal we had at the Highland Restaurant. We enjoyed the chef’s five course tasting menu, which included wine pairings. Bats and moths entertained us as the sun set over the ocean.
What did we eat?
What did we eat?
What did we eat?
What did we eat?
- Lobster Bisque
- Halibut sashimi
- Scallops in a Lobster reduction
- Squab wrapped in Proscuitto
- Veal
- Squash Brule with raspberry sorbet
The meal, of course, called for a roaring fire back at the room. Of course, we had to break into the room since we both left our keys inside. Perfect day. Perfect night.
The Big Day Arrives
God was sad to see me getting older he cried all morning, which forced us to stay in the room and read the Sunday paper before heading out to a little hippie café where we had an organic brunch. From there, the sun smiled down as we drove north on the 1.
Just south of Half Moon Bay we saw the Arata’s Farm, which is home to the Hay Bale Maze … yep, we stopped and got lost with the chickens running around our feet. We finished the afternoon with a showing of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and dinner at the Hungry Hunter.
Yep. I’m tired … but in a good way. I’m looking forward to another exciting year and hope to share many more adventures with Frank, my family and friends.
Taking a Break in the Maze!
Just south of Half Moon Bay we saw the Arata’s Farm, which is home to the Hay Bale Maze … yep, we stopped and got lost with the chickens running around our feet. We finished the afternoon with a showing of Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and dinner at the Hungry Hunter.
Yep. I’m tired … but in a good way. I’m looking forward to another exciting year and hope to share many more adventures with Frank, my family and friends.
Taking a Break in the Maze!
Saturday, September 11, 2004
Confusion Says ...
If you use the following Lucky #'s and win the Lotto ... and you know who you are ... I expect you to share!
Douglas' Fortune Cookie: You are affectionate and loyal to those you love! (in bed) Lucky #'s: 8,14,21,38, 41, 17
Frank's Fortune Cookie: Life is like a good book. The further you get into in, the more it makes sense. (in bed) Lucky #'s: 6,16,23,36,38, 16
The following was made possible from Eric's on Church Street in San Francisco, CA.
Douglas' Fortune Cookie: You are affectionate and loyal to those you love! (in bed) Lucky #'s: 8,14,21,38, 41, 17
Frank's Fortune Cookie: Life is like a good book. The further you get into in, the more it makes sense. (in bed) Lucky #'s: 6,16,23,36,38, 16
The following was made possible from Eric's on Church Street in San Francisco, CA.
A Quarter Into It
The San Francisco Fringe Festival is in full swing and SF Sonja (aka. Turtle) is a back with a vengeance with her cohort Aaron. Twins. Birthdays. Mid-twenties angst. Flipperland Productions presents, "A Quarter Into It"
I was going to say I'm Sonja's number one fan, but that conjured up an image of Kathy Bates with a sledge hammer, which then led to another image of Kathy Bates and a hot tub, wheich inevitable led to Kathy Bates getting out of the hot tub. Oy vey. Let me simply say congratulations, Sonja!
There are two more performances, so if you haven't decided on your Fringe Festival play, look up the showtimes for A Quarter Into It website.
Blow out the candles and say hello to the most surprising birthday ever! A pair of twins turn 25 and decide to take a vacation to celebrate. They unwittingly check in to L'Hotel de la Crise, in the Quarter Life Crisis district of town. Their fears & adolescent expectations come to dazzling life in this comedy about the most embarrassing life crisis of them all.Ms. Sonja is excellent as "Sonja" (not herself, really!), the fabulously snobbish, snooty, French waiter, and a bouncer. Aaron, kept up playing himself (not with himself, although there was a moment when he reached down to unbuckle in a moment of confusion), a construction worker, and Jenna Biatch (wearing the infamous Wig ... yes, my nasty one!). Hell, I got a "Thank You" credit, (sniff sniff) and a pair of comp tickets. If that wig could talk ... she would thank all of the polyester strands that made her possible.
I was going to say I'm Sonja's number one fan, but that conjured up an image of Kathy Bates with a sledge hammer, which then led to another image of Kathy Bates and a hot tub, wheich inevitable led to Kathy Bates getting out of the hot tub. Oy vey. Let me simply say congratulations, Sonja!
There are two more performances, so if you haven't decided on your Fringe Festival play, look up the showtimes for A Quarter Into It website.
Friday, September 10, 2004
Labor Day Weekend Pictures
Ben, Frank, Ernie and Douglas
What do I do next?
That tent looks pitched.
Arriving with all the goodies!
Randy and Paul visit Camp Fur !
Thursday, September 09, 2004
Toto Meets the Dark Rider - Class 3
It ain't no sin to take off your skin and dance around in your bones.If one’s sexuality is not explicitly stated, does that mean anyone can assign one? If this is the premise, then Dorothy, in “The Wizard of Oz” (TWOOz) could be a … lesbian! Sadly, we were not able to participate in the discussion since we had previous obligations with The Black Rider, so I have no answers. Is TWOOz really a lesbian coming of age story? Are the male characters archetypes of manliness? No brain? No heart?
— The Dark Rider, now playing at ACT's Geary Theater
The Oxygen Man brought his little Toto to class. His Toto, looked a bit like Benji … well, like Benji, if Benji smoked crack. Anyway, it turns out that Tranny is a cat person! Surprise! She was looking sassy in a smart pantsuit. The instructor began class and Toto began licking his bum … slurp, slurp, cough, and slurp. Obviously distracted by the antics of Toto the instructor tried to continue with class. Toto apparently has worms! He proceeded to scoot across the floor like a bobsled! At the end of his run … he threw up! The lesbian by the door ran out of the room. I bit my finger to keep from laughing.
“I think your dog is sick!”
“No, he was sick in the cab! This is just the last of it!”
Oxygen Man cleaned it up with a hankie from his front pocket. Unfortunately, as stated, we were unable to see if Toto II enjoyed the performance of Toto I, since we were running to a German inspired fable of deals made with the devil.
I enjoyed the performance in that it was unique, the staging was well executed and it was unlike anything I watched stateside (Germany and Czech are a different story!). Death. Deals with the devil. Discordant singing … you’ll have a gay old time. Frank looked like he was having a tooth pulled without anesthesia and John, Tasos, and Jeff loved it. Read the REVIEW before attending.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
A Weekend in Guerneville, California
We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. - Jawaharlal NehruAnother way to look at this past weekend would be to state, “What happens in Guerneville, stays in … well, actually it typically flows down the river and ends up in Jenner, CA.”
Guerneville is a difficult place to describe. The best description I have is “Gay and White Trash,” although both seem to get along just fine and the line between the two is often blurred. Gureneville is home to such festivities as the Russian River Jazz Festival, Lazy Bear and Womyn’s Weekends. It is also base camp for the yearly canoe trip that I’ve participated in over the past 9 or so years. Even though the participants change, depending on scheduling conflicts, the routine is pretty much the same – at some point during the weekend the troops launch canoes into the Russian River and spend a day in the sun, eating, drinking, splashing and sometimes tipping over.
The Canoe Trip
Burke’s Canoes used to be an affordable way to access the river for the day. It was a little bit of a sticker shock paying $50.00 rental fees verses the $20.00 fees when I started years ago. It’s not like they’re buying new boats every year! The afternoon is always entertaining, especially when the river rats, those actually spending the day in the river not on it, are on display. It’s kind of like floating past a scientific gene-pool experiment. Lovely.
The boys this year, sans Michelle who seems to think spending time with Baby Frank takes precedence over spending time with the “other” boys in her life, were from all parts of the country. We had boys from Chicago, Los Angeles and of course the local bay area guys for a total of 8 canoes and 18 floaters. The river was lower this year, so the obstacles and the weight of certain boats made the journey a bit more challenging. No one drowned … I’ll take that as a successful event.
Hollywood Bob was the loudest and went from zero to misery in about ¼ of the Absolute Vanilla Vodka bottle he was mixing. I can’t imagine how to set the expectations any differently … silly city boys … when the event states that one will be in a canoe on a slow river for four hours … what more can be said? Bring more alcohol? Bring a seat cushion? People need to remember that the goal is not to finish as quickly as possible, but to finish without any beer left in the cooler! Remember children, life is a journey! It was an enjoyable event overall, though next year, a small survey might be added to the screening process.
Q1) Do you like sitting in the sun for hours in the middle of a stinking green river?
Q2) Does your idea of a good time include viewing car parts, river rats, and slime for hours at a time?
Q3) Do you own your cooler?
Q4) Do you melt if water touches you?
Q5) Do you have ADD?
Depending how you answer, you will be welcomed with open arms or advised to sit by the pool and drink margaritas. Every one should be happy with the final decisions.
Other Weekend Adventures
This year we camped at Fife’s in a borrowed tent for Randy and Paul. Frank and I are both over 6” tall and have used my “4—man tent” in the past. Apparently, we count for 2 average people each since we barely squeezed into it last year. Randy had a retro Winnebago tent … let’s just say it was HUGE! We had a front room and a back room! Thanks boys.
Comedy
The Triple R has an outdoor stage during the summer and it was warm evening and comedy night was excellent. Tom Orr did his shtick with Dirty Little Show tunes II, that led up to the comedy performance of the evening, Diane Amos (Yes, the Pine Sol lady!). Steve, Frank, Joe and I were seated near the back of the audience. Steve noted an older gentleman invading his personal space and giggled. A few minutes later, I hear an “OH MY GAWD!” and note that the octogenarian (Mr. O) is not only invading Steve's space but also invading his own personal space and grunting like one of the seal lions at Fisherman’s Wharf! Trust me, I was enjoying the comedy musing of Diane and was ill prepared for Mr. O’s self—stylings. What is a girl to do? Correct! I giggled my ass off! Steve and I couldn’t stop. Shockingly, I was chastised for my ill behavior! ME? I was not displaying a privates show in public! Anyway, Mr. O was escorted off of the premises.
Wine Tasting
Ernie, Ben, Frank and I took a little Russian River Wine Tour along Westside Road. The journey took us to five distinct wineries, a lovely lunch in Healdsburg at the Oakville Grocery before heading back to Guerneville and the Foam party.
The Foam PartyDavis Bynum Winery — THEM: Distinguished as the first winery on Westside Road. Emphasis is to limit production so that the wines reflect the individuality of each vineyard. US: The stand-alone bathroom needed primping and the wine didn’t make me want to dance (in foam or otherwise!) Ben purchased.
Belvedere — THEM: Great wines, fun-loving staff. Aromatic gardens, beautiful views of the valley. US: We agree, and fabulously add, a touch of heaven. Ben and Frank purchased.
J Vineyards — THEM: Experience our unique wine and food program. US: We did and the pairings were delightful! No one purchased.
Rodney Strong: They had nothing to say although Ernie found his bottle of wine for the day. Ernie purchased.
Roshambo winery — THEM: Artisinal wines. Modern art. Amazing architecture. Drop dead gorgeous views. US: One of the servers was drop dead gorgeous and the price for a case of wine was good. Frank and Ben purchased.
Last year, the Foam Party, was a novelty and this year we were better prepared. Basically, Club Fab is a converted movie theater. The interior is divided into different levels with the dance floor located on the lowest section next to the stage. For this particular event, there is a “clothes check” where you strip down to your swimsuit, shorts, Speedos or as was the case last year … your underwear. I wore a sassy black-and-white checkered Speedo that I got from a garage sale. I’m not quite a German tourist (if you know what I mean) but I was able to pull the thing off in the dark (not literally), covered in foam.
The dance floor had a temporary wall made of plastic tubing and sheets of plastic and two foam-making machines to drop soapy foam on the dancers. At times it is so deep that I was gasping for air and other times it was low enough that my knees were exposed. It’s not supposed to irritate the skin … but when you are forced to sign a waiver … you have to wonder.
I have to admit that it is amusing seeing men and women approach the bar looking like they’ve just stepped out of a bubble bath! Hilarious. What happens in the foam … stays in the foam. We had a good time and I’ve never been so clean in my life!
The Trip Home
This had been the most relaxing three-day weekend I’ve had in a long time. Even though we were busy and had things to do, the pace was perfect and being able to spend time with different people without having to drive was great. We even got the chance to enjoy a BBQ at Joe and Larry’s! All things must end but we thought extending the last day would be better than rushing home. We chose to return to San Francisco via the Napa Valley. We had lunch at one of our favorite restaurants in Calistoga, The Flat Iron Grill. As usual, the food was excellent, affordable and the wait staff is the stuff that creates the saliva glands to go into overdrive of both men and women. The topper of the day was a blast-to-the-past experience in Sonoma ... Train Town!
Thursday, September 02, 2004
The Sissy - Day 2 of Film Class
I have a feeling that I’m not going to be drinking the negativity and social observations provided by our textbook, The Celluloid Closet. I can agree with the idea that there could be subtext, but the book tends to take context and throw it into the victimization of an entire group. Movies are not entertainment, characters do not somehow drive plot, and character portrayals are precise examples of the world around us!The idea of homosexuality first appeared on the screen as an unseen danger, a reflection of our fears about the perils of tampering with male and female roles.
—The Celluloid Closet, pg. 6.
The “Sissy” character is supposed to be a sexist character in that a male has taken on female characteristics and is now deemed “less than male.” I’m sure that there are numerous examples to support this but our film, The Kid Brother, does not seem to play out that theme. As the youngest of three boys, the kid brother completes the traditional “female” tasks, since there is no mother figure. However, he does not complete them in the traditional way and applies his brain to create new ways to do dishes and wash and hang laundry. He is proven to be ingenious and is obviously the hero in all of the escapades. Technically, he is supposed to be far younger than the actor portraying him, thus the title “The Kid Brother.” The film plays out like a rite-of-passage film, where the son must prove himself and does so by the end of the film.
In our reading there is a scene where the older brothers believe that there is a woman behind a curtain. The reality is that it is the younger brother. Both older brothers try to woo the lass and when the “truth” is revealed they chase their brother with intent to beat him up. They do not accomplish the task because, once again, the younger brother outsmarts the older two. The Celluloid Closet presents this scene as an example of the two brothers molesting the guest behind the curtain, then when they discover that the person is not a female, they fly into a homophobic rage and must regain their “masculinity” by beating up the brother. I disagree. They were simply duped and upset by the fact. Not being overly intelligent, they reacted in the manner that made sense to them, use brute strength.
One could be “positive” and say that he completed his rite-of-passage using his “natural” skills. He did not have to become a dull, muscle head and in the combat between the villains he was victorious based on his quick thinking not his muscles. Quibble if you must … however, I find it ironic that the example of the negative little sissy was heroic from start to finish. Granted, he beat up the cretin that was harassing him from the start of the film … but even a sissy can get mad and use his manicured fists! Who are we to determine what defines a sissy or not? With a G perspective … Class #2 is over.
The Tranny—I can’t believe she snuck by last week unnoticed and maybe she was not as “fabulous” as she was last night. I must compliment her on the fashionable bob-wig and the smart lavender outfit with matching jewel encrusted nails. Dare I say that she was very demure last night, yes, I will. My only advice would be to make sure the wig covered the “natural” color underneath. Projected Antagonist: Seems at peace with everyone … this may change!
Screened: The Kid Brother
Next Week: Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Screening: The Wizard of Oz (Jack Haley, Jr., 1939) plus clips from films featuring Agnes Moorehead (and others?). Required Reading: Patricia White’s “Supporting Character: The Queer Career of Agnes Moorehead”
Monday, August 30, 2004
Friday, August 27, 2004
Back to School
The city is warming up and the kiddies are heading back to school to enjoy the warmth of the sun through classroom windows. Feeling the annual tug to return to the classroom, I lept at the chance to take a new class. Frank and I have signed up for a "History of Homosexuality in Film” course being taught at the LGBT…YXYZ Center! Not that I am a stickler for details, but the posted signs indicated that the class began this week, when in reality it began last week. So, I’m already behind in readings!
The Course: The History of Homosexuality in Film
Now, you can tell that it is going to be fun because the final words of the course description says, “let the fun begin!!” and includes not one but TWO exclamation points. If two exclamation points don’t just scream excitement, I don’t know what does.
After just one night, I know that there will be more drama in the classroom than there will be during the presentation! Let me introduce the major cast members. This is not a comprehensive list since the minor characters have not established themselves and will be introduced throughout the course as necessary.
Artsy Instructor—This is a primarily gay audience, so it makes sense to have a “GAY” instructor, but a gay and artsy together, some would say a dream come true!! How do I know he’s artsy you ask? Well, first he’s thin as a rail (can’t afford to eat or spends his cash or art supplies and such), then he is sporting the dark glasses and has sculpted facial topiary, a t-shirt with a vintage tie and waves his hands in nervous gestures. At times, when he wants to pass over the baby dyke, he whispers, “Anyone else … anyone else have an answer?” Projected Antagonist: Hostile Baby-Dyke
Angry Baby Dyke—She also needs to eat and has that “I haven’t washed in protest of the war” look to her. Her unkempt hair is low-budget Ellen and her hip huggers and safety pins scream intellectual. Knows her stuff and speaks freely. She has a Bush, President Bush, mentality, which means her opinion is the RIGHT opinion. Grew up in San Francisco, so her LGBT… Gay card is official. Project Antagonist: The class
Oxygen Man—One of our dear octogenarians (wheeze wheeze) and a possible smoker!! He arrived in classic Sound of Music shorts with suspenders that hiked up everything (you know what I mean) inappropriately. During the introduction, he made a … phone call, “Hello? Hello!! I think I left my … what? Outside? oh, (wheeze wheeze) okay. Enjoys life in general, though I’m not sure if he knows where he is … he’s got potential for bringing the unexpected to class. Projected Antagonist: The Artsy Instructor
Screened: The Celluloid Closet
Next Week: The Sissy. Screening: The Kid Brother (Howe and Wild, 1927) Required Reading: Celluloid Closet (C.C.) pp. 4—18.
The Course: The History of Homosexuality in Film
Course Description: An overview of the representations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender identities in the cinema, from the silent era to the present. Using the Celluloid Closet as a main text, students will begin by exploring homosexual subtexts in classic Hollywood films and the history/politics attached to these earl “queer” images. As the class progresses, students will turn their attention to films made for and by LGBT communities, in tandem with prominent queer film theories and critiques. Hollywood coding, the sissy, the queer monster, “lesbian” supporting actresses, and camp are among the topics that will be discussed in this course —all with the objective of giving voice to the “love that dare not speak its name.” Students will also be introduced to various film forms, from mainstream (Hollywood) narrative cinema and (International) art-cinema to documentary and underground cinema, and will explore the ways in which these diverse film forms have constructed and articulated queer desires and identities – let the fun begin!!
Now, you can tell that it is going to be fun because the final words of the course description says, “let the fun begin!!” and includes not one but TWO exclamation points. If two exclamation points don’t just scream excitement, I don’t know what does.
After just one night, I know that there will be more drama in the classroom than there will be during the presentation! Let me introduce the major cast members. This is not a comprehensive list since the minor characters have not established themselves and will be introduced throughout the course as necessary.
Artsy Instructor—This is a primarily gay audience, so it makes sense to have a “GAY” instructor, but a gay and artsy together, some would say a dream come true!! How do I know he’s artsy you ask? Well, first he’s thin as a rail (can’t afford to eat or spends his cash or art supplies and such), then he is sporting the dark glasses and has sculpted facial topiary, a t-shirt with a vintage tie and waves his hands in nervous gestures. At times, when he wants to pass over the baby dyke, he whispers, “Anyone else … anyone else have an answer?” Projected Antagonist: Hostile Baby-Dyke
Angry Baby Dyke—She also needs to eat and has that “I haven’t washed in protest of the war” look to her. Her unkempt hair is low-budget Ellen and her hip huggers and safety pins scream intellectual. Knows her stuff and speaks freely. She has a Bush, President Bush, mentality, which means her opinion is the RIGHT opinion. Grew up in San Francisco, so her LGBT… Gay card is official. Project Antagonist: The class
Oxygen Man—One of our dear octogenarians (wheeze wheeze) and a possible smoker!! He arrived in classic Sound of Music shorts with suspenders that hiked up everything (you know what I mean) inappropriately. During the introduction, he made a … phone call, “Hello? Hello!! I think I left my … what? Outside? oh, (wheeze wheeze) okay. Enjoys life in general, though I’m not sure if he knows where he is … he’s got potential for bringing the unexpected to class. Projected Antagonist: The Artsy Instructor
Screened: The Celluloid Closet
Next Week: The Sissy. Screening: The Kid Brother (Howe and Wild, 1927) Required Reading: Celluloid Closet (C.C.) pp. 4—18.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Dougan's Books
Last Summer by Michael Thomas Ford
I have to admit that I was a little disappointed with Provincetown last summer (my first visit), which is curious since we had a fabulous place to stay, went whale watching, drank, ate, and got to enjoy numerous shows and adventures. I didn’t get the “magic” of the place and the books that I’ve read that were set there seemed a bit shallow and didn’t quite capture the essence either. This book has changed my mind ...
Full Review > >
I have to admit that I was a little disappointed with Provincetown last summer (my first visit), which is curious since we had a fabulous place to stay, went whale watching, drank, ate, and got to enjoy numerous shows and adventures. I didn’t get the “magic” of the place and the books that I’ve read that were set there seemed a bit shallow and didn’t quite capture the essence either. This book has changed my mind ...
Full Review > >
Monday, August 23, 2004
The Best Buck in the Bay
Yee haw! I got my boots on … I’ve got my hat dusty … I’ve got my saddle on my horse … forget that, there is that damn 200 lb. Weight limit and I haven’t been on a horse in years. However, I am an admireror of those who can get on those gentle beasts and I’ve got sunburn to prove it. Who knew one could get a burn in the bay area? You’ve got to love it when a drag queen with Texas size hair trying to rally the troops with a little chocolate and an application to dress a goat! And who knew that La Honda, CA had so many pastures, redwoods and mansions? I digress, the sun shone brightly on the Gay rodeo.
The grand parade
Gay Rodeo 101—There are “Rodeo Events” and then there are “Gay Rodeo Events.” Bull Riding is a typical rodeo event. A man or a woman gets on a bull that basically would rather be grazing someplace thinking bullish thoughts. The contestant must stay on for six seconds in order to qualify. Nothing new here, thus it is in the category of Rough Stock Events and is an activity that could be found at all rodeo events across the country.
The cowboys Get Ready for Action!
Goat Dressing is not a typical event and is found under the category of “Camp Events.” Camp is another series entirely and beyond the scope of this little blog. Goat dressing includes, a goat, two team members and a pair of tightie-whities (a.k.a. white underwear). The teams of two must catch a goat that is tethered 50 feet away from the start line. While one contestant raises the rear of the goat, the other contestant must fit a pair of the underwear over its legs and into the “dressed” position. Both contestants must run back past the start line and timer before the goat drops its drawers in order to qualify. The fastest time wins!
There is Ms. 2004 Rodeo Queen in the bottom right corner!
There is some statement that in Dallas there are only steers and queers and the same could be said about the IGRA Rodeo. Of course, this year was the 20th anniversary for the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association (GSGRA).
Watching the from the grandstand!
Events:
Calf Roping on Foot
Team Roping
Mounted Breakaway Roping
Chute Dogging
Goat Dressing
Bareback Bronc Riding
Barrel Racing
Steer Riding
Steer Decorating
Bull Riding
Wild Drag Race
Flag Racing
Pole Bending
The boys in the bleachers!
We missed the wild drag race in order to get back to the hotel for the “Degrease” party at the pool and then the dance in the evening. Next year, I will get Frank to participate in the goat dressing and get my buckle.
The boys: Jon, Randy, Douglas and Paul
So sweet it should be illegal!
The grand parade
Gay Rodeo 101—There are “Rodeo Events” and then there are “Gay Rodeo Events.” Bull Riding is a typical rodeo event. A man or a woman gets on a bull that basically would rather be grazing someplace thinking bullish thoughts. The contestant must stay on for six seconds in order to qualify. Nothing new here, thus it is in the category of Rough Stock Events and is an activity that could be found at all rodeo events across the country.
The cowboys Get Ready for Action!
Goat Dressing is not a typical event and is found under the category of “Camp Events.” Camp is another series entirely and beyond the scope of this little blog. Goat dressing includes, a goat, two team members and a pair of tightie-whities (a.k.a. white underwear). The teams of two must catch a goat that is tethered 50 feet away from the start line. While one contestant raises the rear of the goat, the other contestant must fit a pair of the underwear over its legs and into the “dressed” position. Both contestants must run back past the start line and timer before the goat drops its drawers in order to qualify. The fastest time wins!
There is Ms. 2004 Rodeo Queen in the bottom right corner!
There is some statement that in Dallas there are only steers and queers and the same could be said about the IGRA Rodeo. Of course, this year was the 20th anniversary for the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association (GSGRA).
Watching the from the grandstand!
Events:
Calf Roping on Foot
Team Roping
Mounted Breakaway Roping
Chute Dogging
Goat Dressing
Bareback Bronc Riding
Barrel Racing
Steer Riding
Steer Decorating
Bull Riding
Wild Drag Race
Flag Racing
Pole Bending
The boys in the bleachers!
We missed the wild drag race in order to get back to the hotel for the “Degrease” party at the pool and then the dance in the evening. Next year, I will get Frank to participate in the goat dressing and get my buckle.
The boys: Jon, Randy, Douglas and Paul
So sweet it should be illegal!
August Movies
The Manchurian Candidate—I missed the first one but if Angela Lansbury is anything on par with Meryl Streep then I better invest a few hours to compare the two. A very enjoyable film.
My Yahoo Review > >
Riding Giants—I’m not a surfer but was kept in awe by the waves and the gradual progression of this film.
The Bourne Supremacy—The nonstop action sequences made me forget that I’m not a big Matt Damon fan.
The Village—The yawn. Not a good movie, especially while nursing a lovely hangover.
Eruption – Mt. St. Helens – Imax Dome —As Imax films go, this is not a must see. The footage was grainy, the narration dated and the overall feel was not up to par with current releases. However, as a child I remember watching Kids Are People Too in my pajamas when the alert message scrolled across the bottom of the screen warning everyone to stay indoors. I remember the ash on the cars, the darkness, and the impact this event had on our everyday lives.
Collateral—This was a pleasant surprise. The camera angles, the pace, the performances, all made for an intense experience. Sprinkled throughout the plot all of the subplots and storylines merged together satisfactorily. It is both unapologetic and direct and avoids the syrupy redemption at the end that is too common in movies today.
Kill Bill Vol. II – The Red Victorian in San Francisco is the perfect little theater to catch movies that you may have missed on their first run. They serve organic popcorn with garlic salt and real butter in bowls like you would eat out of at home. There are also a series of benches instead of seats so you can snuggle close to the one you love with a blast of garlic breath! Yummy.
My Yahoo Review > >
Intimate Strangers—The premise of a woman mistaking a tax attorney for a therapist is interesting. The dialogue and the relationship that develops is suspenseful ... what is truth?
My Yahoo Review > >
My Yahoo Review > >
Riding Giants—I’m not a surfer but was kept in awe by the waves and the gradual progression of this film.
The Bourne Supremacy—The nonstop action sequences made me forget that I’m not a big Matt Damon fan.
The Village—The yawn. Not a good movie, especially while nursing a lovely hangover.
Eruption – Mt. St. Helens – Imax Dome —As Imax films go, this is not a must see. The footage was grainy, the narration dated and the overall feel was not up to par with current releases. However, as a child I remember watching Kids Are People Too in my pajamas when the alert message scrolled across the bottom of the screen warning everyone to stay indoors. I remember the ash on the cars, the darkness, and the impact this event had on our everyday lives.
Collateral—This was a pleasant surprise. The camera angles, the pace, the performances, all made for an intense experience. Sprinkled throughout the plot all of the subplots and storylines merged together satisfactorily. It is both unapologetic and direct and avoids the syrupy redemption at the end that is too common in movies today.
Kill Bill Vol. II – The Red Victorian in San Francisco is the perfect little theater to catch movies that you may have missed on their first run. They serve organic popcorn with garlic salt and real butter in bowls like you would eat out of at home. There are also a series of benches instead of seats so you can snuggle close to the one you love with a blast of garlic breath! Yummy.
My Yahoo Review > >
Intimate Strangers—The premise of a woman mistaking a tax attorney for a therapist is interesting. The dialogue and the relationship that develops is suspenseful ... what is truth?
My Yahoo Review > >
Monday, August 16, 2004
Seattle … Now Arriving
[Thursday - August 12, 2004]
Birthdays are odd little creatures. Personally, I like to avoid the specific “days” and let people enjoy the birth of me with a bit of latitude (a.k.a. the entire month of September). Anyway, Frank turned 45 this year so technically there is a ten-year span between the two of us … yes, some may sound the drums of the Lion King and sing “Circle of Life, “ but I define the circle in anything over a ten-year age difference. Quibble if you may.
The Two Towers!
Back to Frank. For his birthday this year, I decided that upon a little get away to the state of Washington. I figured, a dry run might be good and since we’ll be going to Walla Walla for the holidays, Seattle is as good as it is going to get. It turned out to be a good thing because we discovered that there are now over 40 wineries in the Walla Walla Valley and if we can’t distract ourselves in at least 40 different tastings …
Anyway, our flight was delayed but we made a safe flight (yes, yes the pilot helped) from San Francisco to Seattle, took a cab and enjoyed seeing the Space Needle up close and lit up. We arrived at the Mediterranean Inn, which according to Hotels.com was a “downtown” hotel. This is a loose definition of downtown; one not shared by the cab’s flat fee, but was indeed close to the Seattle Center, a short shopping street, and some bar with really bad Karaoke.
How bad? Let’s just say that five quart sized Long Island Ice Teas from the Rainbow Cattle Company in Guerneville, California would not have improved this ambiance. These people were pouring their hearts into the music and once in awhile hit a not on key. Otherwise the other twenty-somethings were too engrossed with browsing the song selections to listen to each other. SLAUGHTER.
Nothing like Dick's late at night!
We had a little Dick’s that night before going to bed. Interestingly, either we were really hungry or the historic little grease joint was good. I swear it was the best burger and fries I’ve had in months! Dicks is so good we witnessed an entire bridal party drive up in a limo, pile out and return five minutes later with bags of food! Hot!
Birthdays are odd little creatures. Personally, I like to avoid the specific “days” and let people enjoy the birth of me with a bit of latitude (a.k.a. the entire month of September). Anyway, Frank turned 45 this year so technically there is a ten-year span between the two of us … yes, some may sound the drums of the Lion King and sing “Circle of Life, “ but I define the circle in anything over a ten-year age difference. Quibble if you may.
The Two Towers!
Back to Frank. For his birthday this year, I decided that upon a little get away to the state of Washington. I figured, a dry run might be good and since we’ll be going to Walla Walla for the holidays, Seattle is as good as it is going to get. It turned out to be a good thing because we discovered that there are now over 40 wineries in the Walla Walla Valley and if we can’t distract ourselves in at least 40 different tastings …
Anyway, our flight was delayed but we made a safe flight (yes, yes the pilot helped) from San Francisco to Seattle, took a cab and enjoyed seeing the Space Needle up close and lit up. We arrived at the Mediterranean Inn, which according to Hotels.com was a “downtown” hotel. This is a loose definition of downtown; one not shared by the cab’s flat fee, but was indeed close to the Seattle Center, a short shopping street, and some bar with really bad Karaoke.
How bad? Let’s just say that five quart sized Long Island Ice Teas from the Rainbow Cattle Company in Guerneville, California would not have improved this ambiance. These people were pouring their hearts into the music and once in awhile hit a not on key. Otherwise the other twenty-somethings were too engrossed with browsing the song selections to listen to each other. SLAUGHTER.
Nothing like Dick's late at night!
We had a little Dick’s that night before going to bed. Interestingly, either we were really hungry or the historic little grease joint was good. I swear it was the best burger and fries I’ve had in months! Dicks is so good we witnessed an entire bridal party drive up in a limo, pile out and return five minutes later with bags of food! Hot!
Seattle – Day 1
[Friday, August 13, 2004]
Seattle the land of liquid sunshine … not! For a wet little town, there is a lot of emphasis on the fact that it actually has less rainfall than Boston or New York. Personally, it sounds like the little yappy dog that insists it is not small … we don’t have that much rain, it’s misty. Misty? Whatever, this weekend it was absolutely gorgeous! And I mean gorgeous in that skin cancer sort of way. Yeah!
My mother will be disappointed but I cannot move back to the home state until the smoking laws arrive. We Californians may be a little freaky and have the terminator for governor but we also have fresh air with our pancakes. We started the day with a little in-room Starbucks and breakfast at the Mecca Café—Not Fine Dining, Just a Fine Diner!. Indulging in a carb-filled breakfast (it was Frank’s birthday weekend) we wandered into the Seattle Center and took the elevator to the top of the Space Needle. This was followed by a race to the ferry building where, we missed the ferry to Bainbridge Island. However, we took the opportunity to wander Pioneer Square and to inquire about the Underground Tour.
On the boat to Bainbridge Island
Catching the next ferry, we enjoyed views and wandered the town to our lunch spot, Café Nola , which had to be, followed with dessert at the Black Bird Café —love the Monkey bars. Anyway, I didn’t plan on biking, which looked like a good option and thought about a bit of hiking which also took some planning. We jumped on the ferry back to Seattle and took the underground tour.
Hmm. Either I am becoming jaded or things just don’t shock me anymore. The “seamstress” stories (a.k.a. prostitutes) didn’t shock. The drugs, the gambling and the filth stories, didn’t shock but the “Steam Baths” sign that was taken down and placed underground made me laugh … since it used to indicate the space used as a gay bath house and is now an area where people can get married (not gay people of course … but that is another story). It is still a great tour and if you get a chance to take it, do. That’s an order.
From there, it was time for dinner and we found a great space, Rosebud, which included the sleigh and memorabilia from the Citizen Kane movie. Interesting ambiance. Great service – the water girl looked like a Stepford wife and the waiter looked better suited for a new age rock band. We finished the evening hopping from place to place on Capitol Hill. Neighbors … was like watching a train wreck unfolding in slow motion. There were muscle boys and Goth girls with horns. A tranny in a gold mini-dress and the 400-pound guy doing a shimmee on the dance floor. Of course, our foray into R Place made us feel … well, old.
However, with three good meals and a few beers under my belt, I cannot complain.
Summary:
· Café Mecca
· Space Needle
· Bainbridge Island
· Café Nola
· Underground Tour
· Rosebud
· Neighbors
· R Place
Seattle the land of liquid sunshine … not! For a wet little town, there is a lot of emphasis on the fact that it actually has less rainfall than Boston or New York. Personally, it sounds like the little yappy dog that insists it is not small … we don’t have that much rain, it’s misty. Misty? Whatever, this weekend it was absolutely gorgeous! And I mean gorgeous in that skin cancer sort of way. Yeah!
My mother will be disappointed but I cannot move back to the home state until the smoking laws arrive. We Californians may be a little freaky and have the terminator for governor but we also have fresh air with our pancakes. We started the day with a little in-room Starbucks and breakfast at the Mecca Café—Not Fine Dining, Just a Fine Diner!. Indulging in a carb-filled breakfast (it was Frank’s birthday weekend) we wandered into the Seattle Center and took the elevator to the top of the Space Needle. This was followed by a race to the ferry building where, we missed the ferry to Bainbridge Island. However, we took the opportunity to wander Pioneer Square and to inquire about the Underground Tour.
On the boat to Bainbridge Island
Catching the next ferry, we enjoyed views and wandered the town to our lunch spot, Café Nola , which had to be, followed with dessert at the Black Bird Café —love the Monkey bars. Anyway, I didn’t plan on biking, which looked like a good option and thought about a bit of hiking which also took some planning. We jumped on the ferry back to Seattle and took the underground tour.
Hmm. Either I am becoming jaded or things just don’t shock me anymore. The “seamstress” stories (a.k.a. prostitutes) didn’t shock. The drugs, the gambling and the filth stories, didn’t shock but the “Steam Baths” sign that was taken down and placed underground made me laugh … since it used to indicate the space used as a gay bath house and is now an area where people can get married (not gay people of course … but that is another story). It is still a great tour and if you get a chance to take it, do. That’s an order.
From there, it was time for dinner and we found a great space, Rosebud, which included the sleigh and memorabilia from the Citizen Kane movie. Interesting ambiance. Great service – the water girl looked like a Stepford wife and the waiter looked better suited for a new age rock band. We finished the evening hopping from place to place on Capitol Hill. Neighbors … was like watching a train wreck unfolding in slow motion. There were muscle boys and Goth girls with horns. A tranny in a gold mini-dress and the 400-pound guy doing a shimmee on the dance floor. Of course, our foray into R Place made us feel … well, old.
However, with three good meals and a few beers under my belt, I cannot complain.
Summary:
· Café Mecca
· Space Needle
· Bainbridge Island
· Café Nola
· Underground Tour
· Rosebud
· Neighbors
· R Place
Seattle - Day 2
[Saturday, August 14, 2004]
Today was not going to be a “food” day. So with just a cup of coffee from the original Starbucks in Pike Street Market, we went to Paroshki Paroshki where I devoured an onion cheese roll and an apple roll type thingy. Yummy!!! Then it was the market. Little nibbles everywhere screamed, tempted and tried to seduce.
Quality Meat!
We saw fruit, we saw vegetables and we saw this year’s bumper crop … fake boobs! Yes folks, apparently under the damp misty skies of Seattle there is a crop of fakery out there just waiting for a hint of sunshine to expose themselves to the light. Not to say that they compete with the flying fish or the other items on display but they were everywhere. Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas had big hair and cigarettes. Seattle had big boobs and cigarettes. Joy. It’s too bad that my brother banged up his knee or he could have been wandering the streets enjoying the sights.
The following is According to Madam X, a fortune-telling machine:
From Pike Street Market we descended down to the wharf. Nothing is too touristy on vacation so we took in “Eruption—Mt. St. Helens” on the Imax dome. It was an interesting film since we had flown over the mountain the night before.
Dinner was a special occasion and we dressed for it … if only I had a pair of fake boobs, it would have been perfect. Frank selected a restaurant, Wild Ginger, and it was worth the visit. Deliciousness and then a movie at one of the downtown theaters.
We were supposed to go to some bear event at the Cuff Complex but opted to go to a little martini bar down the street from our hotel, Tini Biggs. Of course, it was at this time that I realized I might have done an English Major math issue … transposed the tip and shortchanged our waiter at Wild Ginger. Oops.
Very tired. We went home.
Summary:
· Pike Street Market
· Original Starbucks
· Parushki Parushki Bakery
· Imax Omnidome
· Wild Ginger
· Collateral
· Tini Biggs
Today was not going to be a “food” day. So with just a cup of coffee from the original Starbucks in Pike Street Market, we went to Paroshki Paroshki where I devoured an onion cheese roll and an apple roll type thingy. Yummy!!! Then it was the market. Little nibbles everywhere screamed, tempted and tried to seduce.
Quality Meat!
We saw fruit, we saw vegetables and we saw this year’s bumper crop … fake boobs! Yes folks, apparently under the damp misty skies of Seattle there is a crop of fakery out there just waiting for a hint of sunshine to expose themselves to the light. Not to say that they compete with the flying fish or the other items on display but they were everywhere. Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas had big hair and cigarettes. Seattle had big boobs and cigarettes. Joy. It’s too bad that my brother banged up his knee or he could have been wandering the streets enjoying the sights.
The following is According to Madam X, a fortune-telling machine:
Danger, danger lies ahead
Skirt it with a delicate tread
Do not stick you chin out
Or you’ll regret it no doubt.
You are very quick tempered (this is true!). Quick to get excited and quick to cool off (amazingly true!). This will cost you some dear friends (let me know if this is true). Your pride will frequently get you into trouble (possible, very possible). Learn to be a little more sympathetic to the troubles of others. Lend a more willing ear to their tales of woe (bring it on!). You have a fine mind, cultivate it (I’m trying). Make it a habit to do a little more reading (2 books … one weekend!). Find a little more time to do a bit of traveling. It will broaden your outlook on life. Your marriage life will run more smoothly when you overcome your inclination to jump to conclusions (when it becomes legal … I’ll let you know).
Put another 50¢ in the slot and I will tell more.
Your Lucky #s (Nope, I’m not going to share … in the words of Daffy Duck, “They’re mine. Mine. All mine. Mine. Mine. Mine.
From Pike Street Market we descended down to the wharf. Nothing is too touristy on vacation so we took in “Eruption—Mt. St. Helens” on the Imax dome. It was an interesting film since we had flown over the mountain the night before.
Dinner was a special occasion and we dressed for it … if only I had a pair of fake boobs, it would have been perfect. Frank selected a restaurant, Wild Ginger, and it was worth the visit. Deliciousness and then a movie at one of the downtown theaters.
We were supposed to go to some bear event at the Cuff Complex but opted to go to a little martini bar down the street from our hotel, Tini Biggs. Of course, it was at this time that I realized I might have done an English Major math issue … transposed the tip and shortchanged our waiter at Wild Ginger. Oops.
Very tired. We went home.
Summary:
· Pike Street Market
· Original Starbucks
· Parushki Parushki Bakery
· Imax Omnidome
· Wild Ginger
· Collateral
· Tini Biggs
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Seattle - Day 3
This is it. No more. Our waiter had recommended Pesos, a local place just up the street from the hotel. The food was yummy – chicken fried steak with corn-jalapeno gravy! It was a great way to start the day.
At the market
With breakfast out of the way, we went back to the market to procure gelato, fudge, and to basically waste time until we had to leave for the airport. Returning to the hotel via the Seattle Center we watched the kids play in the International Fountain and then spent a few happy hours at SeaTac airport and then home. Now it is back to work … where to go next? How about a rodeo next weekend? The Best Buck in the Bay!
At the market
With breakfast out of the way, we went back to the market to procure gelato, fudge, and to basically waste time until we had to leave for the airport. Returning to the hotel via the Seattle Center we watched the kids play in the International Fountain and then spent a few happy hours at SeaTac airport and then home. Now it is back to work … where to go next? How about a rodeo next weekend? The Best Buck in the Bay!
Sunday, August 08, 2004
The Wedding Guest
There is always one at a wedding. And one should try and avoid being, the one. I thought I was the one but after a little phone call yesterday discovered that I was one of many!
The wedding was simple, fast (once the organist arrived) and elegant. Karen was gorgeous. People were happy and then there was dinner. Vodka. Snacks. Vodka. Snacks. You get the picture. Then dinner. Frank and I had the thrill of being placed at the wine table. A good thing … and a very bad thing. Our new friends, Charles and Jeannie are associated with Rodney Strong up north. We had red. We had more red. Went upstairs. Danced a bit with Frank to the chagrin of the Indianans and apparently enjoyed being plied with champagne and … well, more vodka.
I don’t remember leaving. I do remember a fall or two on the way home. Frank informed me that the police were involved and then I relived the Mt. Vesuvious experience live in the living room, the bathroom and the bedroom. Such a pretty boyfriend.
In Summary ...
It was an unusual day in San Francisco … the sun was shining [cue bird chirps]
The wedding was simple, fast (once the organist arrived) and elegant. Karen was gorgeous. People were happy and then there was dinner. Vodka. Snacks. Vodka. Snacks. You get the picture. Then dinner. Frank and I had the thrill of being placed at the wine table. A good thing … and a very bad thing. Our new friends, Charles and Jeannie are associated with Rodney Strong up north. We had red. We had more red. Went upstairs. Danced a bit with Frank to the chagrin of the Indianans and apparently enjoyed being plied with champagne and … well, more vodka.
I don’t remember leaving. I do remember a fall or two on the way home. Frank informed me that the police were involved and then I relived the Mt. Vesuvious experience live in the living room, the bathroom and the bedroom. Such a pretty boyfriend.
In Summary ...
It was an unusual day in San Francisco … the sun was shining [cue bird chirps]
- Walked to wedding
- Enjoyed wedding -- bride exceptionally beautiful
- Walked home - stopping by mansion to view estate sale and see how “they” live
- Enjoyed a beer at home
- Shared a bottle of champagne
- Walked to reception
- Ate hors de oeuvres
- Drank Vodka and soda
- Ate more hors de oeuvres
- Drank Vodka and soda
- Sat at table with wine guy from Rodney Strong
- Ate dinner, drank more red wine
- Drank more red wine
- Drank more red wine ... continue for several bullet points
- Went upstairs to dance
- Things begin to got blurry
- Michelle told Frank to take me home
- Stumbled ... stumbled ...
- Lost tie
- Fell in the middle of Sacramento Street
- Talked to the Police
- Stumbled home
- Fell on the front steps
- Collapsed on living room couch
- Spewed (and you know what I mean) on myself and couch
- Wandered to bathroom and filled the tub (not with water)
- Curled up in fetus position
- Rinsed off
- Got to bed ... spewed again
- Back to the bathroom
- Got out of bed 3:00 the next afternoon
- Monday ... very cranky!
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
NFV – Non-Fee Vehicle
Preparation. Setting the clock 30 minutes early. Taking my trash and the neighbors trash to the curb. Getting across the Bay Bridge in record time. Knowing that I will arrive in time for a meeting in Rancho Cordova in time and was prepared. All this positive karma went right out the window when I reached into my back pocket to get the bridge toll and realized that I did not have my wallet. Not only did I not have my wallet, I did not have a full tank of gas. I had less than a quarter of a tank of gas.
Taking the first exit, I raided my ashtray for coins and came up with $1.96. A full 4 cents short of the old bridge toll and far short of the new $3.00 toll. What to do? If I was advising someone else I could be calm. I could be collected and provide a word or two of wisdom. Attempting to calm the panic … I have no money … I have no cash … I’m going to miss my meeting … I got back on the freeway returning over the same stretch of road that I joyously covered so recently.
I approached the tollbooth, practicing my excuse. I have a problem … I don’t have the cash …
Hello, I don’t have …
Pull forward.
Excuse me?
Pull forward and I’m going to take a picture of your license plate. You have 5 days to pay the $3.00.
My “ticket” stated that I was simply a Non Fee Vehicle (NFV), which if you are ever in a panic over not having the cash to support Caldrons and the new Bay Bridge structure, and who won’t have problems when they bump that toll to $5.00! You can rest assured that you won’t be the first of last person to not have the correct change.
Taking the first exit, I raided my ashtray for coins and came up with $1.96. A full 4 cents short of the old bridge toll and far short of the new $3.00 toll. What to do? If I was advising someone else I could be calm. I could be collected and provide a word or two of wisdom. Attempting to calm the panic … I have no money … I have no cash … I’m going to miss my meeting … I got back on the freeway returning over the same stretch of road that I joyously covered so recently.
I approached the tollbooth, practicing my excuse. I have a problem … I don’t have the cash …
Hello, I don’t have …
Pull forward.
Excuse me?
Pull forward and I’m going to take a picture of your license plate. You have 5 days to pay the $3.00.
My “ticket” stated that I was simply a Non Fee Vehicle (NFV), which if you are ever in a panic over not having the cash to support Caldrons and the new Bay Bridge structure, and who won’t have problems when they bump that toll to $5.00! You can rest assured that you won’t be the first of last person to not have the correct change.
Monday, August 02, 2004
The Cholesterol Update
As you know, Frank and I started a major diet after Valentine's Day
this year after my doctor chastised my for A) weight gain and B) bad
cholesterol and C) high blood pressure. My initial goal was to lose weight
and to avoid being put on Cholesterol medication for the rest of my
life. After 5 months following the Atkin's Diet plan the results are in
and they are good!
Let me quote my doctor:
And the results are:
Weight Loss: 228 pds (January = 263 pds, change of 35 pds!) - This was even more dramatic prior to TEXAS!!!!! ;-)
Total Cholesterol = 229mg/dL (January = 272mg/dL, change of 43mg/dL!)For most people a total cholesterol level of less than 240 is desirable.
Triglycerides H = 252mg/dL (January = 435mg/dL, change of 183mg/dL!)Triglycerides measure certain fats in the blood. High triglyceride levels can increase heart disease risk. For most adults, a triglyceride level under 400 is acceptable and a level below 200 is ideal.
HDL Cholesterol L = 38mg/dL (January = 35mg/dL, change of 3mg/dL!)HDL Cholesterol is also called "good cholesterol" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your blood. High HDL levels are good for your heart. HDL levels of less than 40 for men and less than 45 for women can increase your risk of heart disease.
LDL Cholesterol =141mg/dL (not tested in January)LDL Cholesterol is also called "bad cholesterol" because too much LDL is bad for your heart. For most people, an LDL level under 130 is desirable.
So basically, I have been able to lower the bad and raise the good! It
is amazing what diet and exercise can accomplish. I am now energized
to continue with the weight loss plan and dedicated time for exercise.
If you need encouragement to join the Atkins Low Carb cult ... see the
results above!
this year after my doctor chastised my for A) weight gain and B) bad
cholesterol and C) high blood pressure. My initial goal was to lose weight
and to avoid being put on Cholesterol medication for the rest of my
life. After 5 months following the Atkin's Diet plan the results are in
and they are good!
Let me quote my doctor:
Douglas, you are making great progress, keep up the good work. Please repeat your fasting Cholesterol in 4 to 6 months, use the last page for the request.
And the results are:
Weight Loss: 228 pds (January = 263 pds, change of 35 pds!) - This was even more dramatic prior to TEXAS!!!!! ;-)
Total Cholesterol = 229mg/dL (January = 272mg/dL, change of 43mg/dL!)For most people a total cholesterol level of less than 240 is desirable.
Triglycerides H = 252mg/dL (January = 435mg/dL, change of 183mg/dL!)Triglycerides measure certain fats in the blood. High triglyceride levels can increase heart disease risk. For most adults, a triglyceride level under 400 is acceptable and a level below 200 is ideal.
HDL Cholesterol L = 38mg/dL (January = 35mg/dL, change of 3mg/dL!)HDL Cholesterol is also called "good cholesterol" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from your blood. High HDL levels are good for your heart. HDL levels of less than 40 for men and less than 45 for women can increase your risk of heart disease.
LDL Cholesterol =141mg/dL (not tested in January)LDL Cholesterol is also called "bad cholesterol" because too much LDL is bad for your heart. For most people, an LDL level under 130 is desirable.
So basically, I have been able to lower the bad and raise the good! It
is amazing what diet and exercise can accomplish. I am now energized
to continue with the weight loss plan and dedicated time for exercise.
If you need encouragement to join the Atkins Low Carb cult ... see the
results above!
Friday, July 30, 2004
Texas Recapped
In honor of the state that believes in bigger is better ... let me present my mini-tome on my impressions of Texas; a land where BMW Mini's must drive in packs to feel safe on the road, long-horn cattle still ramble down the Ft. Worth stockyards, strip malls don't die (they become churches) and Jesus bumper stickers and drive-in liquor barns do mix. Since I can't get around to emailing anyone anymore, y'all probably didn't know I was heading to Texas with Frank to dig through his past (aka. The STOREROOM) and to help him decide what belongings return to California and what will return to public consumption on eBay or a local garage sale at his sisters.
To begin the Hertz God smiled her pearly whites on Frank and upgraded him to an SUV. Now, this was both a blessing and a curse. It was a blessing in that we could make u-turns on median dividers, drive uphill the wrong direction and then flip a u-turn to head off of a on-ramp when traffic got backed up on the freeway (sadly, we were one of many to do this and we were not the first, nor the last!). Additionally, we were able to haul all of the boxes to Frank's sister which was good for the move but not my back. It is pretty wild to be in an SUV and to feel small compared to a lot of the vehicles on the road. My little Ford Focus will not be allowed to cross the border, it is for her safety and mine. Texans and the classic spirit of God. Spending a long weekend in the open air or as some like to call them freeways, I was amazed at the congestion, the stacked freeways and assume someone has a pact to not allow earthquakes. In exchange, there is the sprawl, the strip malls, and of course, a church on every corner, vacant lot, condemned building, movie theater prior to the morning matinee and any other place that could celebrate the Lord and all that he has done for big hair.
On our way to the storeroom (on the real Sabbath!) I saw children fundraising. I thought, like myself, they were going to try and earn the funds (i.e. a carwash) but no, it was pretty much kids holding donation buckets wearing t-shirts with a logo that looked very similar to the "Classic Coke" logo except it said, "Classic God." Clever! In San Francisco, we call those people peddlers, homeless, beggars, housing challenged, but in Texas it is simply a job training program!!! We must have replacements and what better way to accomplish this than by early training in asking for donations without doing anything in return!The Heat ... it was hot. Any questions? No, it was not as hot as Phoenix, but it was hot. Hmm. I must be running out of steam because I can't even bring myself to mock the idea that there are literally hundreds of chain restaurants everywhere. It must have been the heat. And, we made the most of them and ate and ate and ate ... to hell with the diet! The heat had affected our brains and we had to conform ... Must eat at WHATABURGER ... must have FRIES ... must have doughnuts ... must do a U-turn on freeway and drive up an on ramp to avoid waiting in traffic ... What is an 8 pound gain in less than five days? Especially, when one is in STEAK heaven!! Sheer joy, that is what it is.
Okay, so we met family. We met friends. We went to the 6th Floor Museum and learned a whole lot of information surrounding the shooting of JFK. Did I mention we ate a lot? I saw cowboys and a sole Indian (Native American?) and a cattle drive. Frank made a new friend, Amber, who sews her own clothes and can do the splits for charity! All of this with big Texas hair and high heels! I've decided that cruel and unusual punishment is drinking ice tea like a Texan and then being forced by nature to use a public restroom ... where someone could not be bothered to use the toilet and would prevent the display of their masterpiece on a paper towel next to the toilet! Did I mention it was hot? We made decisions of things that needed to stay and what needed to go and all of this in the lovely AIR CONDITIONED confines of a storage unit. I have to admit it was kind of fun going through someone else's stuff and realizing, I have not inherited my Grandmother's pack-rat gene. And at the end of the day ... we finished what we had come to do.
To begin the Hertz God smiled her pearly whites on Frank and upgraded him to an SUV. Now, this was both a blessing and a curse. It was a blessing in that we could make u-turns on median dividers, drive uphill the wrong direction and then flip a u-turn to head off of a on-ramp when traffic got backed up on the freeway (sadly, we were one of many to do this and we were not the first, nor the last!). Additionally, we were able to haul all of the boxes to Frank's sister which was good for the move but not my back. It is pretty wild to be in an SUV and to feel small compared to a lot of the vehicles on the road. My little Ford Focus will not be allowed to cross the border, it is for her safety and mine. Texans and the classic spirit of God. Spending a long weekend in the open air or as some like to call them freeways, I was amazed at the congestion, the stacked freeways and assume someone has a pact to not allow earthquakes. In exchange, there is the sprawl, the strip malls, and of course, a church on every corner, vacant lot, condemned building, movie theater prior to the morning matinee and any other place that could celebrate the Lord and all that he has done for big hair.
On our way to the storeroom (on the real Sabbath!) I saw children fundraising. I thought, like myself, they were going to try and earn the funds (i.e. a carwash) but no, it was pretty much kids holding donation buckets wearing t-shirts with a logo that looked very similar to the "Classic Coke" logo except it said, "Classic God." Clever! In San Francisco, we call those people peddlers, homeless, beggars, housing challenged, but in Texas it is simply a job training program!!! We must have replacements and what better way to accomplish this than by early training in asking for donations without doing anything in return!The Heat ... it was hot. Any questions? No, it was not as hot as Phoenix, but it was hot. Hmm. I must be running out of steam because I can't even bring myself to mock the idea that there are literally hundreds of chain restaurants everywhere. It must have been the heat. And, we made the most of them and ate and ate and ate ... to hell with the diet! The heat had affected our brains and we had to conform ... Must eat at WHATABURGER ... must have FRIES ... must have doughnuts ... must do a U-turn on freeway and drive up an on ramp to avoid waiting in traffic ... What is an 8 pound gain in less than five days? Especially, when one is in STEAK heaven!! Sheer joy, that is what it is.
Okay, so we met family. We met friends. We went to the 6th Floor Museum and learned a whole lot of information surrounding the shooting of JFK. Did I mention we ate a lot? I saw cowboys and a sole Indian (Native American?) and a cattle drive. Frank made a new friend, Amber, who sews her own clothes and can do the splits for charity! All of this with big Texas hair and high heels! I've decided that cruel and unusual punishment is drinking ice tea like a Texan and then being forced by nature to use a public restroom ... where someone could not be bothered to use the toilet and would prevent the display of their masterpiece on a paper towel next to the toilet! Did I mention it was hot? We made decisions of things that needed to stay and what needed to go and all of this in the lovely AIR CONDITIONED confines of a storage unit. I have to admit it was kind of fun going through someone else's stuff and realizing, I have not inherited my Grandmother's pack-rat gene. And at the end of the day ... we finished what we had come to do.
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