I thought I was traveling through terminal 5 but alas, it was not yet ready for the likes of me. Perhaps they’ll have their shit together for me to travel through there upon my return. It’s the same, good ‘ol Heathrow terminal 4 from my youth. I don’t know why it is that wherever you travel, if you have a connecting flight, you either have to walk to the other end of the airport to reach your departing gate or it’s the one immediately adjacent to your arrival gate and you have 3 hours to kill at 10pm when all the shops are closed. I may have to do a little more traveling to test this bold theory of mine. Or maybe the theory is an excuse to travel!
I could never get my brain around time and travel. I’ve been up and traveling for about 12 hours now. When I say ‘traveling’ I include the car ride to the airport and all the waiting time. You’re in limbo. You can do nothing. This is a vortex in which you have no idea why your skin is suddenly so oily and your breath smells like a rat died in your mouth when all you did was take a ‘quick nap’. In this vortex you can read at a rate unfathomable in your normal life. You contemplate the existence of the universe and you believe every random idea your sleep deprived brain concocts. You are at once irritated and grateful for the talkative fat man sitting next to you who wants to help you with your heavy carry on bag and tell you all about his family.
My family ALWAYS takes British Airways when we travel over the Atlantic. I love British Airways. It’s one of the few consistent things in the arch my life to this point. Ever since I was a child I have enjoyed the red and blue uniforms and the smiling faces of the pilots & attendants of British Airways. The pilots & attendants are all very nice and the friendliness seems genuine. They embody the stereotype of their nationality: nice & proper. It’s all in the details and BA knows detail like Emily Post knew etiquette. They might be the reason for my displeasure with our average American customer service representative.
My flight to Kuwait is boarding now. I imagine once I get in at 6:30am local time I’ll want nothing more than to shower and sleep. My father seems very excited to have me there and he may keep me up for a while showing me around the apartment and giving me my cell phone. Now he is a man of detail.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Tucson Begins
I arrived safely back in Tucson, AZ on Tuesday evening and have been adapting to my temporary life in my old home town. I'm experiencing a bit of a culture shock already. Man, I can't wait to move to Egypt and see how drastic that shock will be. I have to be brave through this though. I'm on a spiritual journey and I can't deny myself any inch of my past. It's what I've been running away from all this time and I now have to face it head on before I can continue my life as a whole person.
My first day back I drove down to 4 Avenue; a street near the university where all the non-republicans go to hang out. It's the only area in which I ever felt comfortable when I lived here so I thought it would be the best place to visit first. I was right. I was surrounded my liberal brothers and sisters in the southern heart of this red state. I did notice, however, that people aren't nearly as friendly here as they are at the Golden Hill neighborhood haunts: Jaraco, Krakatoa, the Turf Club, Luigi's, Grant's Market, Hamilton's. They don't smile as much here. It's almost as though they are all afraid of human connection. Who knows, maybe they think I bite. I think it has something to do with the driving culture which is stronger here than in San Diego if you can believe it. I miss the old neighborhood already. Maybe it's because this place is new even though I spent eleven years here before I moved to San Diego.
I went to a bar with my best friend from high school last night. A nice little dive she patronizes when she can. She has three children, a husband who works 80 hours a week, two jobs, and is going to school to finally finish the degree her first child interrupted. I mean to say she doesn't get a lot of time away from her life but when she does she goes to The Saddle Horn. I have been there with her before when I've visited Tucson to see my mother or my aunt when she was ill. It was fun because I was able to step out of my own life for a bit and learn a bit about the kind of fun had on the 'the other side of the fence'. On previous visits we ran into people we went to high school with. People who barely remembered me and who I only pretended to remember.
At The Saddle Horn I had a couple of Bud Lights, if you can believe it, and played a terrible game of pool. The bar was filled with people my friend knows casually. In typical bar form two of them started chatting with us, drunk as they were, and I ended up having a discussion with one of them about presidential candidates. Oh Ben, where are you when I need you?
To say this guy was an under-educated, ignorant redneck would be kind. He actually said that he didn't believe Barack Obama had the country's best interests at heart because his grandmother lived out of the US and he wasn't really an American because one of his parents was naturalized.
Of Republican candidates he said Romney was the best because he had 'family values'. When I asked him to tell me in detail which family values he felt Romney possessed that the other candidates didn't he said 'you know, like work and providing and stuff.' His opinion of McCain was that he was unsuitable because 'he was a prisoner of war and when they asked him if he wanted to be released he said no.' It sounds to me like someone watched a special on FOX and stopped looking for more information.
He ended our 'discussion' by yelling the word NO at me as though I were a dog who had just taken a dump on the carpet for the tenth time. This nameless man is ruining Arizona for me because I know there are more of him out there. I also hate that someone this dumb actually gets to vote. But I also love that someone this dumb actually gets to vote. 'Tis the nature of our system.
Internet access is spotty but I'll try to post again soon. I'm having a lot of thoughts I want to share. I may have to write them all down then post them when I can.
Obama '08!
My first day back I drove down to 4 Avenue; a street near the university where all the non-republicans go to hang out. It's the only area in which I ever felt comfortable when I lived here so I thought it would be the best place to visit first. I was right. I was surrounded my liberal brothers and sisters in the southern heart of this red state. I did notice, however, that people aren't nearly as friendly here as they are at the Golden Hill neighborhood haunts: Jaraco, Krakatoa, the Turf Club, Luigi's, Grant's Market, Hamilton's. They don't smile as much here. It's almost as though they are all afraid of human connection. Who knows, maybe they think I bite. I think it has something to do with the driving culture which is stronger here than in San Diego if you can believe it. I miss the old neighborhood already. Maybe it's because this place is new even though I spent eleven years here before I moved to San Diego.
I went to a bar with my best friend from high school last night. A nice little dive she patronizes when she can. She has three children, a husband who works 80 hours a week, two jobs, and is going to school to finally finish the degree her first child interrupted. I mean to say she doesn't get a lot of time away from her life but when she does she goes to The Saddle Horn. I have been there with her before when I've visited Tucson to see my mother or my aunt when she was ill. It was fun because I was able to step out of my own life for a bit and learn a bit about the kind of fun had on the 'the other side of the fence'. On previous visits we ran into people we went to high school with. People who barely remembered me and who I only pretended to remember.
At The Saddle Horn I had a couple of Bud Lights, if you can believe it, and played a terrible game of pool. The bar was filled with people my friend knows casually. In typical bar form two of them started chatting with us, drunk as they were, and I ended up having a discussion with one of them about presidential candidates. Oh Ben, where are you when I need you?
To say this guy was an under-educated, ignorant redneck would be kind. He actually said that he didn't believe Barack Obama had the country's best interests at heart because his grandmother lived out of the US and he wasn't really an American because one of his parents was naturalized.
Of Republican candidates he said Romney was the best because he had 'family values'. When I asked him to tell me in detail which family values he felt Romney possessed that the other candidates didn't he said 'you know, like work and providing and stuff.' His opinion of McCain was that he was unsuitable because 'he was a prisoner of war and when they asked him if he wanted to be released he said no.' It sounds to me like someone watched a special on FOX and stopped looking for more information.
He ended our 'discussion' by yelling the word NO at me as though I were a dog who had just taken a dump on the carpet for the tenth time. This nameless man is ruining Arizona for me because I know there are more of him out there. I also hate that someone this dumb actually gets to vote. But I also love that someone this dumb actually gets to vote. 'Tis the nature of our system.
Internet access is spotty but I'll try to post again soon. I'm having a lot of thoughts I want to share. I may have to write them all down then post them when I can.
Obama '08!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
The big move...
So I just got back from NY where I saw a couple of shows, missed a couple of shows and hung out with some friends. Now to tackle the preparation for next big trip.
I've procrastinated long enough, it's time to pack. All I have to do is put stuff in boxes. This shouldn't be too difficult. First, I think I'll get some coffee. Oh, and maybe some boxes.
I've procrastinated long enough, it's time to pack. All I have to do is put stuff in boxes. This shouldn't be too difficult. First, I think I'll get some coffee. Oh, and maybe some boxes.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Happy Birthday Baby Jesus (observed)
Today is the day I dread every year. Christmas. Everyone is expected to participate. Whether you fly home to spend time with your family or stay and huddle around all the other people who don't have anywhere to go or can't afford to leave; in the end YOU MUST CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS.
I'm not going to complain about the commercialization or the loss of meaning in the holiday. We've all heard these prospectives and I have nothing new to add. My point is: Why don't all national holidays have the same clout? For instance, have you ever been invited over to a stranger's house because you have nowhere to go on Memorial Day or Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Invitations are made on July 4 and Thanksgiving but those are the only other times and even then the invitations don't have the same gusto as the ones made around Christmas. This is the only national holiday based in religion. Easter doesn't even get this kind of national recognition and I am told it is more important in every sect of Christianity than December 25.
I imagine that celebrating Christmas in Egypt will be very similar to the way Chanukah is celebrated here in The States. Some people will observe it and others won't. Those who don't will respect those who do and may ask a few questions about the family's traditions but a big deal will not be made. I think my trouble with Egypt will be during Ramadan when everyone is expected to observe a month-long slow down of all things for the sake of the fasting Muslim. I should try to see the beauty in these religious holidays and maybe one day I will but right now they just seem alienating.
I would just like to say that I have no plans to do anything of significance today and I am happy about it. I will not attend an orphan's Christmas gathering. I may do some laundry. I may sit in the sun and read. I may have an apple. I will snuggle with Charlie who, incidentally, is still an asshole even if he is spending more time out of the bedroom.
It's looking like it might be a good day after all.
I'm not going to complain about the commercialization or the loss of meaning in the holiday. We've all heard these prospectives and I have nothing new to add. My point is: Why don't all national holidays have the same clout? For instance, have you ever been invited over to a stranger's house because you have nowhere to go on Memorial Day or Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Invitations are made on July 4 and Thanksgiving but those are the only other times and even then the invitations don't have the same gusto as the ones made around Christmas. This is the only national holiday based in religion. Easter doesn't even get this kind of national recognition and I am told it is more important in every sect of Christianity than December 25.
I imagine that celebrating Christmas in Egypt will be very similar to the way Chanukah is celebrated here in The States. Some people will observe it and others won't. Those who don't will respect those who do and may ask a few questions about the family's traditions but a big deal will not be made. I think my trouble with Egypt will be during Ramadan when everyone is expected to observe a month-long slow down of all things for the sake of the fasting Muslim. I should try to see the beauty in these religious holidays and maybe one day I will but right now they just seem alienating.
I would just like to say that I have no plans to do anything of significance today and I am happy about it. I will not attend an orphan's Christmas gathering. I may do some laundry. I may sit in the sun and read. I may have an apple. I will snuggle with Charlie who, incidentally, is still an asshole even if he is spending more time out of the bedroom.
It's looking like it might be a good day after all.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Charlie is an asshole
As some of you know Charlie, the cat, and I have quite the history; I love him dearly. Over the past couple of years I have not spent as much time with Charlie as I would have liked but every time I went to Ben's house I made sure to rub his belly and scratch his head for an appropriate period.
Ben left for Illinois on Wednesday and asked me to look after the orange tabby. Considering his time-sensitive diet, it would be best for someone to stay at Ben's house in order to accomplish this task. I gladly volunteered before Ben could even finish the request. I think he may have said, "So I'm thinking about driving to Carbondale for Christmas..." and I interrupted, "Do you need someone to watch Charlie?" Again, I love Charlie dearly so this would be a great opportunity! Hang out in Ben's house, watch his movies, read his books, enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with living alone, and snuggle with Chuck.
My first night here was first-rate. I left my house around Charlie's dinner time with a small overnight bag which had my name embroidered on it and headed over to Wilson Street. I would not want my things confused with those of other overnight guests (thanks Kat!). Upon my arrival Charlie did not run to the door as he had when he lived with me or as he had when I cat-sat for him in Mission Beach and University Hights. I walked in and slammed the door behind me for fear of his escape but it was not necessary. I searched for him and finally found him, safe and sound, beneath Ben's blankets on his bed. I fear Charlie might be getting old, he spends most of his time in bed. Or maybe he's just cold because every house Ben has lived in since I've known him has been cold to me so what's to say Charlie doesn't feel the same?
The evening was fun. I gave him treats and got the lay of the land. Cat food located here, TV turns on here, sign on to the wireless network 'Lucy in the Sky' here, charge my cell phone here. I had the pleasure of watching some FAMILY GUY which Ben had recorded on his DVR.
So here comes my first Charlie feeding. It goes well, like an old pro I return to his familiar bowls and replenish his water supply then give him his third of a can of food. He gobbles it up like the youngster I remember, squeaks and all. I hang around the house, tool around on facebook, watch some TV, flip through Chomsky. Bed time!
Admittedly I fell asleep on the couch hugging the remote control and taking full advantage of my new power over television. Due to this power I had forgotten to give Charlie his late-night feeding aka dinner. This is when the REAL Charlie fun begins. At 1:30am the cat sat on my head. I remembered this from the old days. He then started to kneed my hair. I remembered this also and remembered hating it. Since I had not responded to his massage, he walked over to the dining table and started knocking pieces of mail onto the floor one by one. I got up long enough to return them and pet him a little but made the mistake of rolling over and going right back to sleep. He then walked over the the glass bowl of rocks Ben has displayed on his glass top coffee table and starts knocking the rocks around. This wakes me up immediately and he gets his overdue dinner. I moved to the bed, he came and snuggled. 5:30am the fun begins again. The same routine: head, hair, knock shit over, another feeding.
It was better last night but again, this morning at 5:30am, Charlie wanted to be fed. MAN! Does he not know I'm in training? I'm trying to return to my pre 8am-4pm work schedule sleeping hours. To the days when I stayed up till 3am and woke up at 10am. PM hours were reserved for drinking and hanging out with friends, not sleeping.
In the end he is orange and cute and makes fun squeaking noises. I can't complain too much but Charlie hours are going to be the death of me. I have no idea how I did it when he lived with me during grad school.
Ben left for Illinois on Wednesday and asked me to look after the orange tabby. Considering his time-sensitive diet, it would be best for someone to stay at Ben's house in order to accomplish this task. I gladly volunteered before Ben could even finish the request. I think he may have said, "So I'm thinking about driving to Carbondale for Christmas..." and I interrupted, "Do you need someone to watch Charlie?" Again, I love Charlie dearly so this would be a great opportunity! Hang out in Ben's house, watch his movies, read his books, enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with living alone, and snuggle with Chuck.
My first night here was first-rate. I left my house around Charlie's dinner time with a small overnight bag which had my name embroidered on it and headed over to Wilson Street. I would not want my things confused with those of other overnight guests (thanks Kat!). Upon my arrival Charlie did not run to the door as he had when he lived with me or as he had when I cat-sat for him in Mission Beach and University Hights. I walked in and slammed the door behind me for fear of his escape but it was not necessary. I searched for him and finally found him, safe and sound, beneath Ben's blankets on his bed. I fear Charlie might be getting old, he spends most of his time in bed. Or maybe he's just cold because every house Ben has lived in since I've known him has been cold to me so what's to say Charlie doesn't feel the same?
The evening was fun. I gave him treats and got the lay of the land. Cat food located here, TV turns on here, sign on to the wireless network 'Lucy in the Sky' here, charge my cell phone here. I had the pleasure of watching some FAMILY GUY which Ben had recorded on his DVR.
Digression:
Ladies and gentlemen, this technology is amazing. I had never navigated a DVR before. Oh, I've seen it done many a time but never by my hand and let me tell you I felt powerful. I controlled the repellent advertising machine. I said, "I will NOT see your scantily clad ladies purchasing scotch on the rocks and giving bartenders 'come hither' looks! I will NOT buy your Miller Light! I REFUSE to tune in next week for the inadequate rerun of some show on hold due to The Writers' Guild strike!" All this with the press of a button.
Ladies and gentlemen, this technology is amazing. I had never navigated a DVR before. Oh, I've seen it done many a time but never by my hand and let me tell you I felt powerful. I controlled the repellent advertising machine. I said, "I will NOT see your scantily clad ladies purchasing scotch on the rocks and giving bartenders 'come hither' looks! I will NOT buy your Miller Light! I REFUSE to tune in next week for the inadequate rerun of some show on hold due to The Writers' Guild strike!" All this with the press of a button.
So here comes my first Charlie feeding. It goes well, like an old pro I return to his familiar bowls and replenish his water supply then give him his third of a can of food. He gobbles it up like the youngster I remember, squeaks and all. I hang around the house, tool around on facebook, watch some TV, flip through Chomsky. Bed time!
Admittedly I fell asleep on the couch hugging the remote control and taking full advantage of my new power over television. Due to this power I had forgotten to give Charlie his late-night feeding aka dinner. This is when the REAL Charlie fun begins. At 1:30am the cat sat on my head. I remembered this from the old days. He then started to kneed my hair. I remembered this also and remembered hating it. Since I had not responded to his massage, he walked over to the dining table and started knocking pieces of mail onto the floor one by one. I got up long enough to return them and pet him a little but made the mistake of rolling over and going right back to sleep. He then walked over the the glass bowl of rocks Ben has displayed on his glass top coffee table and starts knocking the rocks around. This wakes me up immediately and he gets his overdue dinner. I moved to the bed, he came and snuggled. 5:30am the fun begins again. The same routine: head, hair, knock shit over, another feeding.
It was better last night but again, this morning at 5:30am, Charlie wanted to be fed. MAN! Does he not know I'm in training? I'm trying to return to my pre 8am-4pm work schedule sleeping hours. To the days when I stayed up till 3am and woke up at 10am. PM hours were reserved for drinking and hanging out with friends, not sleeping.
In the end he is orange and cute and makes fun squeaking noises. I can't complain too much but Charlie hours are going to be the death of me. I have no idea how I did it when he lived with me during grad school.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Stupid xyz.
Today is my first official day of unemployment. I did not go into work today. I did not check my work email and voice mail. I slept until 8am then spent the following two hours tooling around on facebook. Stupid facebook.
My plan was to write all about my last day at work much sooner but the weekend took over. Friday night I invited some people to join me at Hamilton's (on my list) at the last minute. Much beer was consumed by these friends. I had two beers and I was TRASHED. Lit. Gone. I have no idea how it happened. There was a nice mix of people there and some of them had nothing to do with the theatre. I went home and fell asleep in my bed as it spun around the room at an alarming speed. I'm just lucky it didn't knock any of my stuff over. Stupid bed.
Saturday was a lazy day. I tried to grab breakfast at the Big Kitchen and couldn't eat more than a two bites. I drank water instead. No worries, if nothing else, there will be more Big Kitchen prior to my departure. Later, I had the greasy hangover breakfast I needed when I picked Mongo up off the side of the road in Hillcrest and we went to the 19th hole for chicken fried steak and eggs. The day continued with rest, more rest, and Children of the Revolution with Erin. It ended with me desperately needing to sleep as Erin, Nikki and Kristin went to the Whistle Stop for drinking and dancing. Stupid hangover.
A few things need to be said here: Children of the Revolution is a good movie and should be seen. I can't believe I can't stay up past 10 pm anymore. I refuse to pay a cover to go into the Whistle Stop. It's a bar! Why am I paying money for the privilege of standing around and drinking beer? I can do that for free at a million other locations. Stupid cover charge at beer bar.
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday: Coronado & The Del. Erin and I spent a lovely afternoon walking on the beach, strolling through the over-priced shops at The Del, and eating sorbet at Moo Time. This is where we discussed whether sorbet had to be made with fruit or if it could be made with other flavor extracts such as peppermint and still be classified as sorbet. At one point, while on the beach, a cute old man walked by and asked if we were sisters. I said, "No sir, we're not." Erin mentioned he may have been thrown off by all the curly hair but I think he knows sisters don't hold hands while looking out at the ocean. Stupid cute old man.
The evening was spent with Rhianna at Wine Steals where there was decent Pinot Noir and good conversation. They've expanded since the last time I was there. It was pretty hoppin' for a Sunday night and there were plenty of new seating areas. I love this place because not only can you have a glass of wine but you can have half a glass for half the price or buy a bottle and forget about it. Mounds of bread, meat, cheese and fruit are also available although Rhianna and I did not partake of the food, only the juice. Stupid cheese.
My plan was to write all about my last day at work much sooner but the weekend took over. Friday night I invited some people to join me at Hamilton's (on my list) at the last minute. Much beer was consumed by these friends. I had two beers and I was TRASHED. Lit. Gone. I have no idea how it happened. There was a nice mix of people there and some of them had nothing to do with the theatre. I went home and fell asleep in my bed as it spun around the room at an alarming speed. I'm just lucky it didn't knock any of my stuff over. Stupid bed.
Saturday was a lazy day. I tried to grab breakfast at the Big Kitchen and couldn't eat more than a two bites. I drank water instead. No worries, if nothing else, there will be more Big Kitchen prior to my departure. Later, I had the greasy hangover breakfast I needed when I picked Mongo up off the side of the road in Hillcrest and we went to the 19th hole for chicken fried steak and eggs. The day continued with rest, more rest, and Children of the Revolution with Erin. It ended with me desperately needing to sleep as Erin, Nikki and Kristin went to the Whistle Stop for drinking and dancing. Stupid hangover.
A few things need to be said here: Children of the Revolution is a good movie and should be seen. I can't believe I can't stay up past 10 pm anymore. I refuse to pay a cover to go into the Whistle Stop. It's a bar! Why am I paying money for the privilege of standing around and drinking beer? I can do that for free at a million other locations. Stupid cover charge at beer bar.
Sunday, Sunday, Sunday: Coronado & The Del. Erin and I spent a lovely afternoon walking on the beach, strolling through the over-priced shops at The Del, and eating sorbet at Moo Time. This is where we discussed whether sorbet had to be made with fruit or if it could be made with other flavor extracts such as peppermint and still be classified as sorbet. At one point, while on the beach, a cute old man walked by and asked if we were sisters. I said, "No sir, we're not." Erin mentioned he may have been thrown off by all the curly hair but I think he knows sisters don't hold hands while looking out at the ocean. Stupid cute old man.
The evening was spent with Rhianna at Wine Steals where there was decent Pinot Noir and good conversation. They've expanded since the last time I was there. It was pretty hoppin' for a Sunday night and there were plenty of new seating areas. I love this place because not only can you have a glass of wine but you can have half a glass for half the price or buy a bottle and forget about it. Mounds of bread, meat, cheese and fruit are also available although Rhianna and I did not partake of the food, only the juice. Stupid cheese.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
2 days
Michael brought Owen in to the office today and I got to hang out with him for a little while. I like Michael's children, they are very sweet. I'm going to miss that family. I was really looking forward to spending more time with them.
Owen was wearing the new scarf I just made him and he looked very cute. He insisted on wearing it because of the "snow" outside. This game is particularly humorous today because I had a conversation with Monica this morning about the snow storm she's experiencing in NY. It's sunny and maybe only a little chilly in La Jolla. I couldn't find snow in my freezer. So not only is Owen pretending that it's snowing where it's sunny but Monica is acting like it's sunny in NY and went for a run "before it get too bad". My friends are crazy. I love them.
Owen was wearing the new scarf I just made him and he looked very cute. He insisted on wearing it because of the "snow" outside. This game is particularly humorous today because I had a conversation with Monica this morning about the snow storm she's experiencing in NY. It's sunny and maybe only a little chilly in La Jolla. I couldn't find snow in my freezer. So not only is Owen pretending that it's snowing where it's sunny but Monica is acting like it's sunny in NY and went for a run "before it get too bad". My friends are crazy. I love them.
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