In which the abnormal is normal again

I'm not mentally a San Francisco citizen yet. Sometimes I need reminders of where I am now, such as:

• Seeing gay couples holding hands next to a guy walking one small dog with one hand and cradling another dog in the other

• Driving home from work, seeing a woman brush her teeth in the driver's seat of her car (at least she was doing it when she was at a stop)

• Not having MTV on free cable to watch on weekends anymore and being okay with it

• Walking around the Mission district on a Friday night with Nicole and having to avoid vomit on the sidewalks at least four times

• Having my favorite ginger-tofu egg bowl at Samovar

• Pulling up to my driveway, getting out to unlock the garage door just in time to hear a passerby vent to his friend with exasperation, "He loves anal sex!" (Normally there are charming people pushing strollers, riding bicycles, or walking dogs by my driveway.)

• Instead of the dreaded Chico's uglified clothing chain as my one boutique option down the street, there are great modern clothing design shops like Sunhee Moon (where this Maltese puppy hangs out) and Otsu, a vegan boutique.

• When the sight of a hipster guy in chic glasses, scruffy hair, a fresh sweater, collared shirt, with a messenger bag and nice shoes becomes as cliché as the homeless people sleeping in front of shops

• Seeing a woman walking down the street in fashionable glasses, heels, and a vintage skirt, carrying two bags of potting soil

• Calling my friend (and ex-manager) Joy on the mobile while exiting my building, as she says in a charmingly stalkerish way, "Hey, I can see you leaving your apartment! I'm in the blue car across the street!" (--where she lives)

• Having brunch at the Pork Store with the CMU boys (Joe, Sam, and Jim) and running into Aynne there. (Can't seem to get away from Yahoos)

• Loading up on beverages at the local Safeway, realizing as I walked home that I can't carry that kind of weight all by myself, even if it is just two blocks, then running into ex-Yahoo Jonathan Grubb who turns out to live in the building next door

• Going to Frank's housewarming party from which I could see a tempting Fluevog shoe sale across the street, and then later in the evening, the scent of pot lightly wafting in from the balcony

• Leaving an old-school hip-hop party, because it deteriorated into people wrestling on the floor which exposed someone's butt three or four too many times

(faux 100-dollar bills, records, and faux graffiti decorated the walls, lit in black light. Kathleen and I at least enjoyed the hostess cupcakes, hohos, and sporadic amateur breakdancing)

In other shopping news, I ended up returning all the Luella bags I ordered from Target. I think they were a little too punk for me. (I kept the clothes and bangles though.) Instead, I opted for Levi's at $20 each at Target (my favorite store). Plus I got this much cuter red bag by Queen Bee, a designer featured at the Otsu shop! (Yes, I am a bag whore. Well, only for cute bags.)

24 is the magic number

I have finally unpacked my last cardboard box from my move! And my livingroom/dining area is almost all set up except for putting up my paintings. I am so refreshed by the new open space. I am actually excited to come home to my new pad. I just need some large square pillows to provide seating for the new dining table. If you see 24 x 24 inch attractive pillows anywhere, let me know!

Even at work, I got switched to a refreshingly larger workspace. I mean, my cube is still a crowded bullpen shared by 3 people, but they finally swapped out my clunky old CRT monitor with this lovely 24-inch cinema flatscreen display. The luxuriously vast, magnificent pixels almost fill my peripheral vision! Let me tell you, it is freaking awesome.

The Visual Designers got priority for these fancy new screens, so the Interaction Designers and Researchers looked on with envy as we visual folks shared a Christmas in February. I can now view my artwork really huge, with all my palettes together on one screen without constantly moving the palettes around the art. When I have a browser open to Yahoo, I almost see the full length of the page. And if I want, I can rotate the monitor 90 degrees for a super big vertical view. Best of all, it doesn't wobble, even with its very minimal adjustable-height stand. My old CRT wobbled when anybody walked by or nudged the cubicle. It drove me NUTS. Maybe one of these days I'll get one of these cinema displays for home use!

Speaking of home indulgences, I was checking one of my favorite blogs, design*sponge upon which I discovered a sale including Jonathan Adler items. I love these little striped vases, but I don't think I have a place for them. If you want a real conversation piece, try getting this boob vase, which is also on sale. I also like his fish and fruit-themed items. They all have a bit of whimsy nostalgia mixed with modern simplicity.

Also I finally put these Philips Aurelle lights to use. I got them last Christmas from my cousins, and at the time I doubted I would use them. But now I have this fabulously long low table that is perfect for them! They are rechargable LEDs but simulate the flicker of candles.

This Saturday I am invited to a friend's housewarming in the Haight. I think I am getting close to throwing a housewarming party of my own, maybe the weekend after next (or the weekend after that)! Keep your calendars open!

Stop the Cuteness!

I went a little bonkers yesterday and went on a shopping spree.

But there was just too much cuteness out there. I was having too much fun. It was like that Junior Senior song going on in my head, "Don't stop! Don't stop the beat! Can't Stop!"

The retail madness started online, because I was reminded by my Marie Claire magazine that Luella Bartley has a line of colorful Brit-mod-punk fashion at Target. (My fashion-obsessed friend, KT had already told me this a few weeks ago, but I forgot to actually go buy the stuff.) Luckily at Target's prices, I am allowed to go a little crazy.

However, I then hopped in my bug and headed into the danger zone: Union Square, the shopping mecca of San Francisco. Thanks to my recent travel, holiday, purse replacement, and moving expenses, I had some Nordstrom card Rewards which were to expire at the end of the month.

I didn't have any particular item in mind, but the Nordstrom sales staff is so on it! It was rainy, so I was carrying my lightweight, weather-resistant leSportsac, and wearing my "Purr-fect" cat-eared hoodie, and a saleslady zoned in all the cues.

As I approached the handbag area, she said, "Do you like leSportsac?" And I said, "Sometimes." (Really, only if they have a great print and good colors. It's otherwise a rather dull, utilitarian bag.) And she said, "Well have you seen our new Tokidoki line?" (...again, KT had informed me about this like a month ago.)

Each bag even comes with a collectible keychain charm by one of my favorite designers, Meomi! It was too perfect. They had so many different sizes and shapes, I almost couldn't decide. I finally settled on a large flat messenger tote.

As I purchased this bag, a teenager with stopped to admire the tokidoki display, while her mom said, "I don't know about leSportsac. They seem a little pricey." Then another, older woman was exchanging a Marc Jacobs bag nearby, while her salesman was pointing out how the tokidoki line was doing so well. She looked at them, puzzled, and said "Hmm. I don't think I'd want one of those."

I wondered if she must even realize how Marc Jacobs collaborated w/ Murakami on the much-coveted rainbow LV bags, not that she would even care. At which point, I felt lucky be old/successful enough to afford nice things, culturally aware enough to appreciate different influences, and young enough to still enjoy something so colorful and whimsical.

I continued shopping some more in Union Square, then stopped at Citizen Cupcake (which gets surprisingly popular around 4pm on Saturday) at the top of the Virgin Megastore for a late lunch, and finally I got some much-needed bathroom storage at the Container Store.

Now that I've sufficiently spoiled and indulged myself, I must now head full-force into straightening up my apartment (and checking on my finances)!

Driving like Mario in a Windows XP world

As I zipped down the 280 freeway in my bug this morning, I was taken aback by how beautiful the view was. --Especially today, because it was sunny (though a bit chilly by Californian standards), with blue skies, wispy bright clouds, and endlessly rolling hills of green pastures. In the distance you can see mountains and trees in fading hues of blues, and you even get to see the water at some points, like by Half Moon Bay.

I had a cd playing Francoise Hardy (60s French Pop) on my fab car stereo, and as corny as it sounds, I felt like I was floating on a cloud. It's one of those moments, where I really feel lucky to have a life where something so lovely be a regular part of my daily experience.

--Which was quickly followed by a nerd moment, where I realized that this must be what the Windows default desktop was taken from. Except it's way better in real life. It actually makes my morning commute enjoyable.

I was telling someone how much I enjoy zipping down the 280, and he claimed that a racetrack designer was responsible for creating the 280. He said all the turns are made for cars going at way higher speeds than normal, which made sense to me. There are just enough turns to keep the drive interesting, but they're not so sharp that it seems dangerous to go so fast. Plus it never gets congested, so you can always cruise along. I highly recommend driving on it in a turbo VW bug!

I was enjoying the bug's light, bouncy suspension, going around the curves, which then made me imagine how it might feel if I were in Mario Kart in real-life. (Which I played at work the other day; my coworkers all kicked my ass, because I don't play it everyday like they do.) My players of choice are Toad and Toadette, because they are lightweight, zippy, and can use the golden mushroom. (Kind of like me and my VW Bug. Except for the mushrooms.) And I like the way they say "Hi!"

Hmm. Am I hanging out with tech nerds too much?

Well, eventually I intend to take the company wi-fi bus to work more often... especially when they can finally get the wi-fi to actually work! (We do work for an Internet company after all, for God's sake!) But maybe that racetrack designer is too good at what he does.

I hope I didn't insult Mike's blog yesterday by noting that his "secret" was such a non-secret. I started hopping around his entries, and he has a pretty entertaining blog, including amusing entries about such things as imaginary speed dating and insightful anecdotes like Why Nice Guys Don't Finish Last and Dating and Learning. Sure, he may drop an inappropriate joke here and there, but that appears to be a requirement if you want to work as a webdev at my company. ;)

I hope you all had a lovely Valentine's or Anti-Valentine's Day. Yesterday in San Francisco, there was an enormous Anti-Valentine's pillowfight! What a great town.

In case you are wondering what those apple/popcorn things are pictured above, please enjoy this delightful video forwarded by my manager. (How cool is my manager!?)

Oh you silly boys.

I just read this supposed "secret" on my friend Mike's blog, that men are stupid, lazy, hungry, insecure, and horny.

Maybe this is news to women younger than 25 or so? But this is no news to many of us (grown women). I am guessing Mike is trying to cover some ass for the guys who can't get it together for a ridiculous commercial holiday such as Valentine's Day, a day that (in my opinion and experience,) generally sets many women up for disappointment.

Any woman who has had any real dating experience, has pretty much figured this (men are dumb, lazy, etc.--Mike said it first!) out by the time they get through their 20s. The real secret is what women are thinking.

When we were little girls, we began a lifelong habit of overanalyzing boys and relationships. Imagine little neurotic Carries everywhere. And as we grow up, we manage to balance our overanalyzation w/ reality, like when we realize that boys are stupid. I mean we had that instinct even when we were super little and hated boys, but some how in junior high the hormones make us think boys are cute, which temporarily blinds us to their stupidity.

I'd say for most guys, understanding women takes a lifetime of experience. :) It's rough for you boys, isn't it?

Consider it a balancing out/karmic thing, after years and years of gender inequality.

Men just need to get out there, be proactive, slowly get over their fears, become more self-aware, socialize, listen, and observe carefully. Kudos to those of you who are already doing that. I worry about those that aren't. Especially those that have so much to offer. And I'd say all my friends have lots to offer. It's like that Smiths song:

"Shyness is nice, but shyness can stop you
From doing all the things in life you'd like to.
So if there's something you'd like to try
if there's something you'd to try
Ask me, I won't say no, how could I?"

And everyone needs that super social buddy (of the same gender), who is your social role model (maybe more than one) and also encourages you to get out and talk to new people. And make use of your friends of the opposite gender to ask them about stuff. If you're new to getting out there, it's always going to be awkward and difficult at first, don't worry too much about that. It's just like learning anything new.

Eventually some men get it together, despite all their shortcomings. That is what gives us ladies hope. Being well-groomed and attentive helps too. At some point women just get tired hearing about poor puppydogs who can't get it together. Wah wah wahhh. Do something about it already. As long as you keep trying, you'll start to learn, and some of us women can be forgiving.

Meanwhile, I am happily spending Valentine's Day single, w/ my single girlfriend, instead of a potentially disappointing evening with a boy who has no clue.

Good luck and Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm gonna make it after allllllllll!

How will you make it on your own?
This world is awfully big, and girl, this time you're all alone.
But it's time you started living.
It's time you let someone else do some giving.

Love is all around, no need to waste it.
You can have the town, why don't you take it?
You might just make it after all.
You might just make it after all.
-theme to The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Not that I am old enough to remember the show, but I did see Oprah giddily interview Mary Tyler Moore. Oprah was so inspired by Mary Tyler Moore Show, that she did a spoof of the intro sequence, with Oprah instead of Mary spinning in the streets.

Sometimes that's how I feel now, walking out of my new San Francisco apartment. I mean, I don't actually spin around, but I sometimes get a silly grin on my face. I can't believe I'm finally living in "the City," like my coworkers have often assumed anyway for the last several years. Now I can tell them they are right.

I moved a week ago, just before Chinese New Year. I have also thus been living sans internet connection at home, which has been a little bit weird. But all will be restored to normal tomorrow, when the cable people come to bring it back.

I live in a super-central location, one of the few sunnier spots of San Francisco. I am near my favorite karaoke bar, the Mint, my favorite tea lounge, Samovar, and very close to a massive Safeway. And I have much more space than my old place, which is absolutely fantastic! I am a walk away from the Castro, Mission District, Bart stations, several bus stations, and very close access to both freeways to work. And every week I seem to find out about another coworker/friend who lives very close to me.

Plus I can opt to take the free wi-fi bus to work! Well, they haven't gotten the wi-fi to work yet, but I am just as content to sleep or eat breakfast while someone else does the driving.

Unfortunately I have so much crap, that I have been too busy unpacking and arranging furniture to explore the city yet. But I know there is a lot going on close by!

Today I took a break from unpacking and walked to Tartine, my boss's most highly recommended bakery/café. There was a line out the door, so I nearly walked away, until my college friend Michelle popped out to say hi! So I joined her and her husband Peter (also a Bruin friend). What a lovely surprise! They don't even live in SF (Foster City actually), and it was their first visit to Tartine. They shared some of their yummy almond croissant pastries while we caught up.

They wanted to look at a furniture store that had its last-day closing sale, so I joined them. As we looked around, I saw a really fun square-themed mod-multicolor shelf that remarkably resembled my giant Mondrian-styled dollhouse. The brightly colored acrylic panes even slid across each shelf, just like my dollhouse!

I almost considered getting it, but the colors would clash too much with my livingroomspace, and it was almost $800. But then I saw a large, long flat bench in a birch color. I was just thinking that I wanted a long, low table like that as a new dining area, with pillows for seats, and this seemed to fit the bill! It was marked down quite a lot, and my incredibly generous friends, Peter and Michelle said they'd help me carry it home!

So I bought it, and now there is this table with plenty of room for card games, board games, and dining. It could even double as a long seating bench. I better clean up the rest of my place soon so I can start entertaining friends for games, food, and karaoke!