The End to 2008

I've had an unconventional recent few weeks which includes: 4 White Elephant Exchanges, 3 hours of rock band to welcome Christmas,  1 'onesie' Christmas party, 1 holiday hot pot, 1/2 a bottle of truffle oil used for holiday fries, 1 phantom vintage bike, and the most daunting Christmas gift ever given to a 25 year old - a 5 year diary ... It has been a perfect end to 2008.  

Problems

I can't say sandwich in French - Rosetta stone recognition won't allow me progress to be the Ambassador to France.  "Un Sandwich"... "Un Sandwich"... "Un Sandwich"

Sunday At the Flea Market

I had the periodic pleasure of going to the (world's famous) antique flea market in Alameda today.  Imagine, 3 hours of roaming - going through rows and rows of jewelry, furniture, chachkis, dolls, and poodles .  Ever time I go - I feel like my $5 admission is fully utilized - even when I return to my car empty handed - it's like roaming through a museum - except it's much colder.  I always try to find poodle objects - found 2.

I so love to take pictures every time!  They are odd and ephemeral.

Fil was pretty darn lucky.  We spotted a set of 5 Eames beige fiber glass stackable  chairs - from the beginning of our route.  This was precisely what he had been dreaming about for 6 months!  We decided to come back as this was still early in our trek.  Finally at 2pm, as he did not find anything (apart from an old scuffed up leather Member's Only Jacket that he tried on) that captivated his interest - we walked briskly to the stall that had the 5 chairs.  Unfortunately, only 3 were left - but the lady gave him a wonderful price on 2.  

I've also reasoned that in the future when I finally get a home I can call my own - I will be growing herbs in a baby tub.  Oh yes - and I do want a small vanity mirror.

Among the memorable treasures I found today was a circa 19th century 18K gold wind up pocket watch for somewhere at $500.  The details were gorgeous and SO notable - the face of the watch itself was made of light blue porcelain - the exterior of the watch had many a hand etched stars.  The man was kind enough to let me hold and stare at it - fully knowing that I was not a prospective buyer.  I really should of gotten a picture.

Walking for 3 hours in the cold is tough - but looking over the pictures makes it so worthwhile.

I Think I Will

I kind of just want to try my hand at something new.  Life isn't meant to be wasted on work, television and the occasional interesting news article.  I have to get out there and make an effort - explore the world even within the boundaries of the Bay Area.  Part of the reason why I decided to get into a less stressful work environment was precisely for my benefit of building various dimensions of myself.  I don't want to find myself  years from now watching a 7th season of 30 Rock pondering what ifs during commercial breaks...  I need to get into the groove of planning out my evenings of the week wisely - noting that I shouldn't end my days with hopeful thoughts of nothing.  

If anything, I will get a chance to people watch, food watch, and have a small income that I can dedicate to a selfish cause (like future furniture).  If anything, I will learn how to make myself useful when there are spills or serving is necessary.  These are life skills.  I feel so awkward when I am at parties and what nots - I can't serve, period.  I dread my birthday when I have to cut the cake.  How do I divide things evenly.   It's time to get out there and get my hands dirty.  Yes, I think I will try my hand at catering.  

Miscellanies of 12.2.08

Chocolate covered pretzels are very good.

Thermals are a God-send particularly when you go home to a house that is not heated due to a general cost cutting strategy.

"Hunt and Peck" - I recently read a short story in the New Yorker (dated 12/1/08, page 65 'In Other Rooms, Other Wonders").  The witty descriptive number was used to describe character Husna's method in using the typewriter.

Prodigious - I heard someone use this word at work - I certainly do not remember the context of it.  "remarkably or impressively great in extent, size or degree: the stove consumed a prodigious amount of fuel."  Yes, my vocabulary is lackluster.

For New Year's Eve, I want to wear a modestly made paper crown at a dinner party and sing 'Auld Lang Syne' at the stroke of 12.  Small excerpt:

"Should old acquaintances be forgotten,

And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintances be forgotten,
And days of long ago !"

Why is it that I always get extremely tired at 11pm and after taking a 5 minute nap find myself ready to have fun in the wee hours?

Slumdog Millionaire

Directed by Danny Boyle.  

Picture this - a young boy named Jamal Malik sits in the hot seat of India's 'Who Wants To Be A Millionaire'.  Rupees and love are on the line.  The questions serve as a table of contents to the young boy's life.  In it we learn about his hardship growing in Mumbai starting at the bottom of the bottom - and we see how destiny brings him to this point.  He's been a lucky boy. 

Although the film is not incredibly surprising, it gives the viewer a chance to see presence of the strong caste system in the emerging country, India.  Films like these are valuable in that the viewer gets a chance to see the day to day lives of developing countries poor folk without feeling the full on guilt one gets from stumbling across a World Vision infomercial.  

The film is generally quite good.  Dare I say that - I wouldn't be surprised if this were somehow nominated for some Oscar? 

P.S. The Bollywood dancing in the credits at the train station kicks arse.

My Car's Talking And I Am Listening

My dad was right about the VW.  I just didn't expect it to happen so quickly.   I always thought that I was different and the exception - and that I could avoid all things harmful.  (I still think I can drink water in far away places without getting diarrhea).  It's ticking at me - in sporadic silly beats.  This conversation is provoked by using my car's blinkers.  I don't know...He was right.  

Should have seen the writing on the wall when - the car's battery broke down all but 5 days after I purchased it.  Thank goodness for AAA.

I still love my choice in car by the way.