Awesome Installer

Hi guys.

So, I had to get that darned washer/dryer installed. I called a bunch of people on craigslist to see if they would do it. It was pretty incredible to see such a range of prices. The guy who I ultimately chose is charging $80. The highest was $350! (He was such a con man, it makes my stomach sink).

Anyway, this guy showed up. Turns out he is such a cool cat. Grew up in the 'hood of LA (Crenshaw). Went to USC. Lives in Oakton now. His passion is simple appliance installations, like this. By day, he works for The White House installing top-secret telecommunications for Bushie - and travelling around the country to do so. I didn't have any extra dollars, so I gave him my copy of Rize as a tip and a bottle of wine. Thanks to craigslist for introducing me to this amazing man!

On another note, as a reality-TV person, I love Top Chef. The Miami edition introduced me to these Bertoli frozen meals. They are so good - not too bad for you - and on sale right now. Gotta love it.

I am making taco pie for a work retreat for tomorrow. So unhealthy, it's disgusting. But tasty too. I got the recipe about a year ago from my jew for jesus high school Spanish teacher!

Living situations: Adult Life

Today, I did my yearly credit check and my combined score was 733. How cool! On some of the forms were my various addresses. Thus, I was thinking about the evolution of my living situations over the years. I will focus this entry on the chronology of living situations during my "adult" life, and how my life has gotten progressively more expensive.

So, since 18, I've lived in lots of living situations:

• 1) St. Paul/Mac - Turck dorm, on what was called the "orgy floor", with Kris Lundell - 1997-1998


• 2) Off-campus slum with 7 students (Tony, Christine, Jesso, Kris, Ruth, Terri, me) people on Portland Ave @ Snelling in St. Paul; no AC; across from gas station. I technically shared a basement, but slept with my gf at the time on a bed with an incline and various coils coming out of it. Other roommate lived literally (and figuratively) in a closet. I think I paid about $100 a month for rent. - Summer 1998


• 3) Wallace dorm in the basement - cool "triple" with Jesse and Kris- 1998-1999


• 4) Mom's house in suburban Ft. Lauderdale - lived with gf, mom, her freeloading boyfriend, and his family: namely his convicted sex offender son, and tennis "prodigy" grandaughter - Summer 1999


• 5) Capetown/Langa, South Africa (a) homestay in the township of Langa, where I shared a bathroom with no toilet seat, or lock, or window shades on the window with 3 host siblings (Simo, Bhukosi, Zozo, and mama Nomaliza) and, (b) homestay in the more ritzy Tokai, where I lived with my friend Danai and her family friend, Lesedi, his wife, and adorable daughter, Denayo; only problem with that spot was the water pressure in the shower sort of sucked. And I was pretty isolated. Can't remember what I paid. - Fall 1999


• 6) Hedonist House (Portland @ Wheeler) - I lived in this disgusting/dirty house with dark and dingy party basement, shag carpet with a motley crew of intelligent and opinionated characters (Shane, Brianne, Ruth, Saskia, Emily, and for a short time, Sam), ranging from sado-masochists to Christians speaking in tounges. Needless to say, we had a lot of fun, with lingerie and Eurotrash and frat-mock parties. I paid $150 a month for a room called "the womb" which was a walk-through. But, again, I slept in my gf's room on a futon without a frame, i.e. on the floor. This is the last time I chose to live with Christmas lights. - 1999-2001


• 7) Northern VA - I lived in a luxury condo in suburban D.C. We had a concierge, a pool, and a dry cleaner in the building. I shared a room with Jason, but there were 3 guys total (Mookie and Christian). There was a lot of strife (including a ketchup situation), but I was the popular one who everybody wanted to with. The apartment was fully paid for by the internship program, but was worth $2400 total, so $600 each (for 4). I thought we were super rich - Summer 1999


• 8) Stanford, CA - I lived in Lantana Hall at Stanford U for free. I ate really good toasted sesame dressing on virtually everything in the dining hall. - Summer 2001


• 9) West Hartford, CT - Lived for 3 days in Clemen's Place, which was ghetto and they basically held me hostage over a parking issue. Then, I moved to the dining room of a nicer 1 bedroom colonial-style spot, where I lived with Melanie (and her boyfriend at the time, Kelvin). I paid about $400 a month, which I thought was steep at the time. The place had a very royal blue color scheme, which was not my thang. And one of those creeky metal-framed futons. 2001-2002


• 10) Kenilworth, IL/Chicago- Lived in a ritzy North Shore suburb of Chicago with Andrea's wonderful family for free. I will never forget their kindness in extending their home to me. Summer 2002


• 11) West Hartford, CT - Lived for 2 years (longest in adult life) with Andrea (and her girlfriend, Cindy) in a spacious 2 bedroom pad, with a separate living and family room. I paid about $470 a month, which was a stretch. My mom furnished this place, and it was the first time I felt like a real adult living on my own. Best landlord ever - Lou Peck, I love you! 2002-2004


• 12) Bolton, CT - Again, lived with friend (Anita's) parents in a fun and exciting house for free! This was a good time with really good food! - Spring 2004 ....We miss you a lot, Arun :(


• 13) Berkeley, CA - Lived for $375 a month (all-inclusive) in a UC-Berkeley law student dorm room/studio (250 sq ft) with kitchenette, which we rented, site-unseen and shared with Anita. - Summer 2004
  


• 14) San Francisco, CA - Moved to North Beach and rented the best value in the frikkin world - $2200 total rent-controlled/$550 a month for gargantuan room with Bay views (actually the huge landslide issue that occurred earlier this year was in my backyard, See: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2007/02/27/BAG6GOBV263.DTL). Lived with Anita and Alex, and Andrea. Lot's of "A's" but we never noticed it. - Fall 2004


• 15) San Francisco, CA - Moved to essentially an adult frat house in Nob Hill (my 'hood in SF) with Laith, Adeel, and Alex. We also had a guest bedroom. This was a LOT of fun - lots of people over, impromptu parties, debauchery, and silliness. There was always someone awake. I lived with Christmas lights, after a multiyear hiatus, under protest. Overall, the place was a sty. I paid $600 a month, which again, seemed like a lot. - 2004-2005


• 16) San Francisco, CA - Moved a few blocks downhill to the Tendernob. Trannie prostitutes hung out by my front door. Got my 1st apartment to myself, a small 1-bedroom for $1000 a month, which was my big jump. 2005-2006


• 17) Washington, DC - Moved across country. Thought things would be less expensive, but they were A LOT more. Sharing an apartment originally with Ahmed, who moved to Dubai, and now with Bill, an absentee roommate for whom this a 3d home. Granite counters, washer-dryer, jets in the bathtub - but my portion is $1200 a month, plus semi-monthly maid service. 2006-present

The one I think about the most was the one in Nob Hill with the guys/the frat house. This was the last time I really felt young and free. It's where I figured out a lot about myself. I will never forget that situation, pee on the bathroom floor and cigar smoke enveloping me, and all!

Gawd - I am scared about what's next?! How much money I would save if I were to pay $150 a month. Those were the days!

Crime and Consumerism.... and Consulting!

I feel like I've exhibited a trend in writing about crime and consumerism. But, I can't stop.
So, from all the consumerism sagas, what was the end result you ask?

• I wrote to Chipotle because they overcharged me for a salad, and they actually responded... with a "burrito buck."
• The "supervisor" at Potbelly called me and gave me a bogus answer about their nutritional information. Basically, they said that because each sandwich artist makes milkshakes from scratch, that each one has a different calorie count. And, that they aren't a huge multinational like McDonald's, which does not allow them to determine this info. They also say that they need to be careful because people may have allergies. I was incensed by these answers, but then realized that they don't really matter in the large scheme of things.
• Maggie Moo's and Baja Fresh never wrote back.

Am I an old Jewish grandfather?

• Then, I had a new, really crap situation (kind of like last year's with Overstock) with my washer-dryer, that my landlord ordered -- from US Appliance. I waited for it all day last Monday. They showed up an hour later than the end of their quoted time frame, and tried to leave it ON THE CURB! They refused to bring it up. I got a little Ricki Lake on the delivery man (who I should have off the record offered money to, to take it upstairs) and they took it back. My landlord had to come here from NY to receive it.

In sum, these companies suck. Is France better in this regard? Gosh I love the idea of France.

Speaking of Rikki Lake, my mom was in town this weekend. We continued work on Sarah's lovely apartment. We went to the Home Depot shopping center in Eckington and, let me tell you, this place is kooky!

Warning -- more consumer talk: First, we went to Home Depot. My mom and I tried to wave at these little babies and the mother flashed my ma and I the evil eye. Then, we tried to engage a person to purchase thousands of dollars of plantation shutters, and they basically ignored us. Then, I asked a person next to the washers/dryers if they could install it and the salesperson said, "you should ask someone else." Ricockulous!

Then, Sarah and I went across the street to AJ Wright, a cheaper Marshalls. Sarah waited on line for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, all this stuff happened.

• I sat next to this little 7 year old who asked me a million questions about whether I liked candy, and then she showed me all the features on her cell phone.
• Then, her mother whacked her brother so hard that the wind got knocked out of him.
• Then, I hear a salesman yell "AMIGO" and run outside to catch a hella drunkard who is wearing a shirt he stole with the security ink tag still on. They negotiated, the clerk unleashed ink on him, and he walked away.
• Then, someone came up to the kid sitting next to me and said "I have bad news, __________ is in jail again." They were all annoyed.
• Then, Sarah and I traversed the hot parking lot. We transported some mums to her car, and she closed the door. Lo and behold, 15 minutes after the ink unleashing, drunk-as-a-skunk "AMIGO" aggressively walked up to our car, tried to open the door, and smooshed his face against Sarah's window. We drove away.
  
  Anyway, I have a cold. That sucks. The absolute worst part about being an adult is that nobody cares when you are sick, and half the time people don't believe you.
  
  I consulted this morning. I can't believe I am a consultant. It makes me feel very special. And, I am working for this hella cool organization that I totally believe in. And, they recruited me for a full-time position, but I could not live where their headquarters are location. Heck no. But, this organization's constituents, to whom I presented today, were the coolest cats ever. And, I feel like the homecoming king (or better) because they embraced me.

You Can't Always Get What You Want

This song lyric "you can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime, you just might find, you get what you need" was part of this horrible fringe festival lounge-singer-themed play I went to. It sort of sums up the perspective I have found myself espousing lately.

I don't know where it came from, but, as of late, I find myself advising people to consider Plan B, and to settle. I am not talking in the relationship realm - but I am talking in the career realm.

I think it's an impending 30's thing.

Here are some examples:

• My wonderful friend is an actress who moved to NY to make it big. All that's happening are big bills. She isn't auditioning all that much and things are just not working out. I am encouraging her to consider other jobs in the acting field, like teaching, voice-overs, etc.
  
• My wonderful friend who wants to be a film-maker, but has a job at a University where she can earn a free degree - but not specifically in film. I am encouraging her to take the free degree in the most relevant fields possible and to work on films on the side (as opposed to incurring big debt for a gratuitous grad program).
• A friend who finished her grad degree and was unemployed for almost a year was terminated. She works at Trader Joe's part-time. I told her to consider moving to a cheaper city, like Denver, where the jobs are less competitive.

I used to be a dreamer - what happened? I have found that lots of people drive themselves batty about finding perfection in their jobs and lives. However, I think you can find happiness short of circumstantial perfection. Is this optimistic?

To see-saw a bit...

I found this week's onbeing on the Washington Post to be compelling. Basically, this dude was hit by a city bus and lost 9 years of memory. With a compromised memory, he found himself in a job he hated, with friends who were toxic. Basically, the amnesia made him realize that he was living his life based on habit, rather than altering elements that drained him. In sum, just because one day is one way, does not mean that the next day has to follow in a certain way.

I think living somewhere in between these perspectives is healthiest. Look at the good in your situation and don't expect perfection, but evaluate and change the things (friendships, work) that are truly weighing you down.

labyrinthitis

This year has been full of interesting new things.

On Saturday, I went to Rehobeth Beach with Sarah and Dawn. I laid down on the sand, and put a towel over my eyes. When I sat up, my world started spinning. I quickly closed my eyes and laid down again and it only got worse. And scarier. The only reason I didn't go to the ER is because I had just seen Sicko for the 2d time. (I want to move to France.)
Things didn't really improve for me. So, 4 days later/today, I went to the doctor. I had a terrible test called: Dix-Hallpike where they manipulated my head to induce the terrible dizziness.
Turns out I have labyrinthitis, for which vertigo is a major symptom.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/labyrinthitis/article_em.htm
It sucks.

Consumer

I wrote a bunch of companies that were pissing me off last night, including Potbelly (see below), Baja Fresh, and Maggie Moo's.

Re: Baja Fresh, my co-worker bought me a cap, which I left there. When I went to retrieve it a day later, they told me they threw it in the garbage.

Then, pursuant to this scary as hell article about the calories and fat in desserts:
http://food.yahoo.com/blog/hungrygirl/9000/scary-sweet-hg-s-restaurant-dessert-
shockers-and-awesome-alternatives/

I wrote Maggie Moo's and Potbelly's.

Re: Maggie Moo's, they won't let me order a kiddie size, and I have to throw 1/2 of their small size in the garbage.

Re: Potbelly, look at this ridiculous e-mail chain:

Me to Potbelly:
I went to Potbelly to get a yogurt smoothie. I asked for nutritional information (fat, calories) and they said they had none at the store. They instead sent me to the website, which does not list nutritional facts for any desserts, including shakes and smoothies. Even McDonald's lists this information. Very disappointing and odd. Why do you leave this information off?

Their response:
Hi Andrew ~

We're sorry for leaving you disappointed. The information we have posted is all that we have available and wanted provide what we had. I am excited to tell you that we're in the process of revising that analysis to include our entire menu and hope to have results soon. Sorry about the delay.

Best regards,
Laura Berrones
Speaker of the House
Potbelly Sandwich Works

My two responses:

#1: Thanks Laura, for your quick response.

I am confused. Are you saying that you don't know the caloric and fat content for your desserts? It is hopefully available internally. Can you let me know how many fat and calories are in a chocolate yogurt smoothie?

#2: Hi Laura,
I have spoken to a bunch of people and we all think it is an absurd and egregious statement that you don't have nutritional information "available" for items of food that you sell. Please put your supervisor in touch with me promptly.
Sincerely,
Andrew

Sketchola

Tonight I had a strange day.

I realized I love Subway's veggie patty. MMM.

I had a late lunch and 3 hour consultative session with a friend who I ultimately decided should leave consulting.

For dinner, I went to Lauriol Plaza with members of UVA Law's federalist society; with people who were saying "Dubya" was a good guy, and that they loved Scalia; who praised Romney as a candidate because they shared his values. The most interesting part of the whole thing is that there was no intellectual meat supporting their pronouncements. Let me say that this group donning nothing but Ralph Lauren (literally) were nothing but cordial to me. But, I will not miss seersucker and pearls if/when I leave D.C.

I also will not miss the sketchiness of this city. About 15 minutes ago, Laura and I walked from Lauriol to the bus stop where we usually wait for the 90 bus to whisk her home. On the way, I noticed a sketchy character who I felt watching me; we were in a busy area, but I could tell he was skillfully eyeing us and choreographing his moves accordingly. Meanwhile, he was wearing very baggy clothes and seemed to be checking his pockets a whole lot. Last night was my boss's going away party and my co-worked was telling us that he was mugged in right around that area a while back, so perhaps I was more vigilant than normal. Nevertheless, it was freaky - the chess game - our movements and his. And, I am 90% sure that he planned to mug us. We decided for Laura to take a cab in front of my place. While we waited, we noticed him approach us and when we made eye contact he turned around. The cab was worth every penny.

Macalester

Here is a scathing editorial in the Star Tribune by conservative columnist Katherine Kersten about my alma mater:
http://www.startribune.com/kersten/story/1230403.html

Here is our President's response:
http://www.startribune.com/scripts/setpass.php?goto=http://www.startribune.com/commentary/story/1241939.html

My YouTube Hall of Fame

I had a leisurely Sunday today and decided to compile my list of my favorite YouTube destinations. Enjoy!

Talk Shows:
Penis Power: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAwLYJYsa0A
Geraldo v. O'Reilly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLPuGuaZTx8
Rosie v. Elizabeth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=817CwlvqjAk
Tyra (Too Many to List):

• America's Next Top Model: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HexJugIqWU8

• Vaseline: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym75B0YkZR8

• Vaseline: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSwYMHkZgLg

Music:
Why Do You Think You Are Nuts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjbtnMz6eQw
Hasselhoff Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgX-hiQdfFw
Remind Me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBvaHZIrt0o
Hot! Hot! Hot!/Appalachian State: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVENWl8uBeg
Dick in A Box: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dmVU08zVpA

Japan:
Take Anything You Want: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0W1VY4b9IQQ
Komodo Dragon: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUkzFQNHq9c
Prank Show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBSLMGNHuGM
Tongue-Twister: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdFW-hrGX7g

Other:
Breakdancing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqS9N7WJOFY
The Landlord: http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/74
Otters: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUk3T2Kfno
Obsession: http://www.obsessionthemovie.com/trailer-12min.php

Tell me what you think!

Old Times

So lots of reconnections to the past lately. Making me question whether I am going soon or something.

- Seen my long-term exes - my ex of 5.5 years who I haven't seen in 4 years (who brought her mother in tow), and my ex of 2 years who I haven't seen in 7 years (who is married to someone I introduced her to and they have twins), in the last month. Both encounters went well.

- Went back to CT for Arun's funeral for the first time in 3 years; it is NOT for me and hasn't changed a bit. It felt strange to be back - especially given the 3 year intervals from first visiting, to graduating, to being away - and the shifts in my perceptions of the place during that time. I don't know if and when I'll ever go back; what would bring me there...

- Going to Puerto Rico next week (my bday present) for the first time in 15 years.

That's a lot to take in, no?

The weather here has been very nice and breezy. Today I spent a relaxed day in Eastern Market with a friend named John.

While waiting for him, I needed a snack and grabbed and devoured a juicy peach, which reminded me of when I first moved to the Bay Area and revelled in the novelty of fresh produce. I also read an article about the disappearance of bees - which they hypothesize is because of over-harvesting (mass transportation, feeding corn syrup, etc.)

My friend and I had time just walking around, sitting in a cafe, and at the park, and discussing interesting topics. I haven't done that in a while. Our conversations shifted from career issues - that people/friends feel victimized by choice of careers and trying to find that perfect job; and that that problem is a privilege - to transgendered people's perception of transgendered people of the opposite persuasion.

Wandering aimlessly is good.

PS: My roommate and I are hiring a maid to do deep-cleaning. I feel that this is a new rite of passage for me, but one that I am ready for.

Arun

The world lost a great man this weekend: Arun Pereira.

I lived with this wonderful man (the father of a very dear friend) who was so loving and full of life in 2004. He opened his Bolton, CT home to me as a member of his family. He and his wife Probhati made me feel completely comfortable despite feeling displaced in Connecticut. He made the most delicious South Asian food, including beef vindaloo from Heaven, which made me the desi food snob that I am today. He took so much pride in his food; I can't believe I will never enjoy those tastes again. He was a person who got so excited about the simple things in life - food, family, friends, parties, drinking, smoking, scheming and dreaming. What a scrappy and smart entrepreneur! Arun knew how to live. He had a magnetic way about him. We talked about all kinds of things, from law to casinos to family. He was an adventurer, moving to California in his last few years - and opening a restaurant in Davis. His philosophy, which he shared with my brother-in-law, was "we come into this world with empty hands and we die with empty hands." With his departure from this world, he leaves many hearts, including mine, feeling hollow.

When my friend Joe in South Africa was murdered I had a crazy apocalyptic dream. Specifically, I was driving around Minneapolis really late at night. The streets were quiet and a bell started to toll. Some kind of toxic gas had been dropped and we were dying of asphyxiation. The world was ending. I woke up from the dream sweating and gasping for air. I looked at the clock and went back to bed. I woke up, received an e-mail that Joe had been murdered.

Yesterday, at about 5 am, right around the time Arun passed away, I woke up from a similar dream. I was driving through a toll booth in Seattle, late at night, when all the sudden the whole city was under attack. The sky was red and there was no escape.

Low Cost Weekend

I had, for once, a mighty low-cost weekend, which I am happy about. Today was a day of domestic bliss.

Today, after watching a marathon of Top Chef (which has motivated me to want to cook), I performed a belated Spring cleaning, which consisted of seperating out and stowing away all of my Winter gear and disposing of my wire hangers, and replacing same with uniform plastic hangers. I spoke to my mom for a while. She is very excited about a number of entrepreneurial ventures that she wants to pursue as a recent retiree, which mostly involve cooking and decorating. She was exclamatory today about some of the ideas we brainstormed, that my heart was warmed. And, then I went over to Mike's house. We did fun things, like pick lettuce from his backyard, make chocolate cake without a recipe, and play Boggle and Balderdash - I lost both and don't care, which feels liberating. You know what was especially nice about tonight is that I barely spoke about relationships, which as you approach your late 20's, becomes the core of single peoples' lives in a nauseating way.

One of the things I associate with Mike's house is a Chilean drink which consists of about 1/2 beer, and 1/2 Fanta. I love how the beer cuts the sweetness, and the Fanta, the bitterness. What a blend! (Incidentally, I also love kahlua and orange juice, which together, tastes simultaneously like a tootsie roll and a creamsicle).

So, today was a triumph; except for my queue of clothing that needs to go to the dry cleaners and charity.

Masons

Tonight we had a game night. We played the game mafia. See: http://frob.com/connector/mafia.html

It's an interesting game because people either love it or hate it. As such, it's hard to organize b/c you never get buy-in from the whole crowd. It bothers me when people say there is no merit to the game. I think it's clearly a psychological game - similar to poker. You decide who people choose based on relationships, reactions, nonverbals, reverse psychology. It's a game about perception.

Another game that I have become obsessed with is "jawbreaker"; a game I play on my cell phone. I am so obsessed that I have played almost 2000 games (those are just the recorded ones). It is the perfect way to pass time when I am waiting. The reason why I don't know the exact number of games I've played is because I cancel any game where I am not going to beat my median score of 204.

I have been interviewing to become a freemason - mostly for the experience. Until today, I did not feel completely "sold" on this ancient fraternity. Nonetheless, I have been going through a series of interviews and meetings. But I met two folks today who I found to be very fascinating and brilliant people; people who were very different from me, but who I related to on this really interesting level; people who could compliment my life with substance and nonpolitical spiritual and philosophical discussion. I am now confused.

New Money

Steph and I attended a rival university's reunion today. It was lacking one main ingredient... fun! At least that was our perception.

I had an interesting discussion/debate with Stephanie about old vs. new money. I prefer new money; Steph prefers old. Both of our perspectives are based on our socializations. Steph was raised in New Canaan and found old money folks to be very welcoming, philanthropic, and with a calmer demeanor. My perception of old money, in contrast, is based on attending law school in CT with "Skips" and "Trips", and interactions with two folks in particular:
1) a man from college who is bleeding money who borrowed money from me and before paying me back made a contribution to my college; he also criticizes anybody who works in corporate America (even poor immigrants trying to support their families), even though he is a teacher who drives a hybrid and lives large in SF. He is the type to criticize poor people for eating fast food instead of organic fruit.
2) a woman from law school who described the deeply-ingrained habit of incest and molestation in her family.
Meanwhile, my perception of new money is colored by the scrappy, materialistic, upward mobility of my family; being Jewish and Puerto Rican -- I've seen their struggles and seen them rise up the ranks (also members of both of my backgrounds have no choice but to be new money based on their historical relationships to the US). Moreover, I am loud, and love Extreme Makeover (a recent episode, involving a cleft palate, made me cry tears of extreme joy). Stephanie thinks these people are gauche and loud and drive Hummers. And, she's right... We're both right...
Steph and I did disagree over who was more likely to be Republican. I posit it is old money, due to dynasties and generations of wealth preservation/a great interest in estate tax issues.

Anyway, on the cab ride home, the frikkin cab guy charged me for two zones plus a $1 gas surcharge and even after I called him on it, he insisted I pay $9.80. it really pissed me off. I didn't give him a tip. I even slammed the door on him. How new money of me. However, the freemasons really want me. What a paradox I am.

Sundry

Sorry - it's been a while.

Been very busy at work. My boss is leaving and crunch time is upon me. It's weird to feel this busy during the Summer.

I'm approaching my 1 year work anniversary. Time actually flew. Sort of. I've learned a lot about life in the last year; working for a large university has been very interesting. I think I've learned that politics reign over substance with regard to career advancement; that if you stroke the right egos and put on a good show, that goes a lot farther than if you are a logical perfectionist.

My mom retired today. It's hard for me to swallow because I always associated her with her job. Now, she is free as a bird. For both she and I it is also hard symbolically because it represents the last phase of her life. Part of me wishes she would continue working so I don't have to think about this. One of the interesting things about her retirement is that she's taught at the same school for like 30 years. She's seen so many people come and go, including probably 10 principals. At the end of the day, she has very few friends and confidants at work, due to all the shifting. I think as a result they didn't really pay homage to her. I see all these people leaving my university who have been there for a year getting more recognition than my mom who has dedicated her life to this position. It sort of ills me.

On the other hand, I am very jealous that my mom gets an excellent retirement....

One thing about my line of work that is remarkable is that I NEVER dread going to work; I actually sort of look forward to it. I hear people around me say they have a hard time getting up in the morning. I feel the opposite. And, when I worked in law -- trust me -- I felt differently. I would watch the clock tick and think "how long could I last in this job without cracking?"

I hate when there is too much pressure to get along with someone you've never met before. Tonight was odd for me. I was buying sunglasses at Filene's basement and speaking with my mom on my cell when the clerk asked me politely if I was selling my phone. Weird. Afterwards, I met my friend Kate's friend Tim who she said I reminded her of me. I think we both felt a lot of pressure to get along, which resulted in him being timid and me being serious/strangely political. After we discussed politics, we asked for Tim's input and he replied, I can't wait to move to NY to escape these kinds of conversations. I've said that before.

I have never outright neglected so many relationships as I have in D.C. over the past few months. There are literally too many cool people who I have a past with and not enough time. I think I have damaged some of these relationships irreparably.

Over the last few weeks, I've traveled to Chicago and Philadelphia, which are sort of similar cities. I hadn't been to the Midwest for a few years prior to my recent trip to Chicago. While I enjoyed myself, it reminded me of the summer I spent there where I was less-than-enchanted with my life. I do have to admit that their housing prices are damn good. It was very interesting to see my high school sweetheart, Kim, whom I hadn't seen in maybe 6 years. She has twins and lives in the 'burbs. She is so down-to-earth, and a good mom. We have really taken vastly different life paths; both are respectable. She is moving to South Carolina in June and I'm not sure I'll ever be there. So, it's sort of sad.

I had a nice time in the gritty city of Philly. Saw Carousel (a play I've sang 4 songs from). It was dark and the last part was weird and the lady next to me coughed on me the whole time. But it was fun enough. Met some really interesting folks through Jen. One of the most notable things about this city was the diversity.

Also been to NY a few more time. Caught up with Danai (who has another play and a movie coming out) and Wendell.

Spent very few weekends here.

Today, I went to the chiropractor. Early.

Missing Out

I just realized the way I can make tangible my feelings of not being in San Francisco.
I feel like I'm missing out.
It's like when you have to study for a test, but your favorite band is playing in a building next door. Or when your friends are eating at your favorite Indian restaurant, but you are stuck at home with a TV dinner.
And, it's weird b/c I have a pretty ideal life here in D.C. filled with lots of interesting people (more than I can keep track of) and a job I really like. I live in a beautiful apartment in a great part of town. I *should* be totally satisfied.
But, San Francisco is that concert or Indian restaurant. Coupled with the feeling that time is 'a-tickin'/life is finite/time is running out, it is sort of a stressful feeling.
I oftentimes wonder/worry (like when I was on the grocery line yesterday), however, that when I get back and miss everything I take for granted here in D.C. Will I experience something akin to Garden State?
I had lunch with Bryony yesterday. She is someone who inspires me to think out loud. And, I realized that D.C. is too conformist and pragmatic for me; and that context leads me to different ways of life. San Francisco inspired me to go to farmers markets and eat raw foods, to get involved in musical theatre, to have conversations about human cheese and lucid dreams. In D.C., I work and go out to eat, and watch tv, and go home.

Good Lawyer

I don't know if the average person gets this, but all the time people tell me that though they chose not to go to law school they would be a great lawyer. I wonder if those same people that say that know how many other people say this. And, how meaningless what they say is. And, how that is exactly what I used to say (and what I was told my whole life). And, if they know what it really takes to be a good lawyer -- a great attention span and attention to detail, the willingness to work more hours, the ability to work well independently, and some combination of avarice/pride/or unbridled passion for an issue (and if it's passion that's the driving force, being OK w/ a middle-class life). Being argumentative, brilliant, and extroverted are not the key ingredients of a good lawyer (though they obviously don't hurt).

Also, last night's democratic debate made my day. It was wonderful.

Also, I am starting to create a corps of service professionals who make me smile (you know how happy Guddu makes me). I got a "clean up" haircut last night at fiddleheads. I love that place! Friendly and fun, and talented doo-dressers. I love Sarah's concierge, Winnie. The guy who cleans my office, Tony, is the sunshine of my life. The owner of Java Green, he's a great man!

Postsecret

Tonight I went with Mike to a really cool art expo thingie called Artomatic in Crystal City (they basically take an abandoned or to-be-renovated office building and turn it into a gargantuan multimedia artists lair).

The most riveting things I saw were (1) this project called postsecret (www.postsecret.com), where people share a secret on an anonymous postcard for the world to see; check it out; send one in (2) a kissing booth, where you and your friend each pick a disenfranchised country out of a box, pose for a picture holding your country, and kiss and make up on behalf of these countries, (3) a really cool yellow photograph for $50 framed that I want and will probably purchase after I finish this blog. (whoops I have the wrong website for it).

I also watched a "blacklight fire dance". The worst part was this uninspired 10-year old girl, who was like the girl from Little Miss Sunshine sans personality. It's amazing how much confidence can make a difference.

I have also recently decided that I want pursue this fad "lemonade" cleanse/diet starting next Sunday: http://www.falconblanco.com/health/cleansing/lemoncleanse.htm
I am so excited for my concoction of fresh lemons, grade B maple syrup, and cayenne pepper for 10 days that I can hardly contain myself.

Today, the weather was perfect in the same way that the weather was perfect on a Spring day in Minnesota. Everybody sits outside in tank tops with their doggies, and radios, and food -- just because. It's loverly.

Nashvegas

My 15 minutes of fame was fun! The best part was that is gave me an excuse to send a short e-mail to everybody I know - from my high school spanish teacher (who is a Jew for Jesus) to my wacky/brilliant law school professor (who is going to show it in his class). Geraldo has apparantly seen it too!

The weirdest part was being accosted on the street by a random woman who squealed and took a picture with me.

I went to Nashville to visit Petey. I had a very nice time. Nashville was a lot of fun; he lives in this cool area which somehow others perceive to be sketchy, but my sketchydar is a little out of whack after living in D.C. It seemed perfectly safe to me.

Peter has this wonderful eclectic group of friends out there. The highlights of my trip were spending quality time with Peter (watching him get a haircut) and Cindy (getting an acupressure chair massage with her at the Opry Mills Mall). And, going to a concert with Petey's buddy bear (a wonderfully interesting Nashville expert/descendant of Thomas Jefferson) Gia. Well, it was supposed to be a rally for Edwards that got cancelled (due to the VA Tech tragedy). We went to the Ryman, a pretty historic spot, and instead of politicking in the traditional sense - they brought Vince Gill from off the golf course, and Ashley Judd, and others and they sang solemn songs and it was just totally moving - especially the call-and-response version of Amazing Grace that we sung.

The plane trip back was rocky. On the plane, I sat next to an off-duty commercial pilot and there were German high school exchange students (1/2 of the plane at least) who screamed with every bump. It lightened the experience.

The one thing about Nashville that I didn't love was how smoky the bars were.
I am now sick at home with a cold that isn't quite debilitating, but rather yields magical, flourescent phlegm. I have been eating Asian food exclusively - which is a family tradition for us; something about the lack of dairy, the spice, the ginger, the hot tea perhaps? Call us crazy!

My roommate has been around and has been uber-friendly. I realize now the ultimate sign of a roommate liking you is when they speak to you through your door without knocking.

I am really into my new Nouvelle Vague/Bande a Part CD. I bought one for Petey for his bday.

Yo

Hey - random stuff:
1) My boss (who recruited me to leave CA) is leaving (for CA). Many things may change around work and in my life. More details to follow.
2) My office (that I love so dearly) is moving. Apparently my new one is even larger, so no harm, no foul.
3) I was nominated (thanks to Katie Miller) and interviewed for a documentary series called "onbeing" put out by the Washington Post. A lot of people are going to know me as of this Wednesday. They basically condense a 3-hour interview into a less than 4-minute documentary that I won't see until it goes live. The weird thing about my interview is it made me realize how nice it would be to have a therapist. I wasn't 100-percent my normal self, or how I thought I would be. I didn't tell any of my stock stories (about uvulas, Iceland, childhood garage sales), or discuss kombucha. I mostly mused a lot more about my life and drew some important connections about how my socialization truly shaped me to be who I am today - however trite that may sound.
4) I am going to Nashville, Tennessee this upcoming weekend to visit my buddy bear Petey and am mighty excited about it.
5) Today we had a fun Easter party, and ate handmade potstickers, drank fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice, and played win, lose, or draw. My friends here are first class.
6) Last night I saw a wonderful movie called "The Lives of Others". The ending disappointed me, and made me feel like a total capitalist.
7) I am so proud of Geraldo after watching a Youtube video where he creams Bill O'Reilly on the issues of free speech and immigration. Go watch it now.
8) I discovered the hippy haven of Mt. Pleasant this weekend. My friend Mike knows the city really well and is generally a good person to know and have in your/my life. He hosted a really fun sedar this weekend. I like singing the Hebrew songs.
9) Last weekend, Jessica, Doug, and niece and nephew were here. We ate lots of vegan food per their new diet and I sort of dug it. We did the kite festival, the Natural History Museum, the carousel on the mall, the monuments, the zoo, and lots of restaurants. It was good bonding. Doug my bro-in-law gave me a lot of his clothes, including Gucci pants that probably cost $500. I have a whole new wardrobe. Some of them don't technically fit me, but it's worth the squeeze. (Though not with shoes - my pinky toe is achey breaky!)
10) I hosted a crew regatta on Georgetown Harbour this weekend. It was cold and entailed lots of standing.
11) I saw a church production Godspell this weekend (this version was set on the D.C. Metro). And I enjoyed it. It was very interactive, and I was at the center of audience participation (one of the cast members, a friend, sold me out for this purpose) I am on a CD-ordering kick. At the aforesaid sedar I discovered Nouvelle band a parte, and ordered it (a French band that does an interesting array of cover songs). I also got Avenue Q pursuant to my last post.