November 19, 2004

• Days Go By - I've had a fun past couple weeks - it's amazing I've had time to work 40 hours a week and get some much needed sleep!  Carter and Kelly took off for a vacation in Slovenia (with a pit stop in Amsterdam) but we had a chance to get together and play some card games before I bade them adieu.  I miss them, as they will be gone for the remainder of November and beginning of December. 

  Our title office has been the top producer in business over all our other 5 branches in San Francisco, so management treated us to a dinner Thursday night at The Slanted Door at the Ferry Building.  Although my colleagues and I invariably lead different lives, it certainly is pleasurable to share some good wine and food and laugh the stresses of the corporate world away.

  Last Saturday, Hal and I traveled to the Flower Mart.  I haven't been there for several months, so that is the quintessential kid-in-the-candy-shop event for me.  If there is any place for Rich to frenzy, this is the place.  I bought these two new oncidium orchid hybrids and we picked up a rosemary bush resembling a small christmas tree.  I certainly got my fix without going overboard..

  Sunday night was a hilarious hoot as Hal, Mike and I ventured to Theatre Rhino to watch Matthew Martin perform as Margot Channing in "Awe about Eve."

  I've known Matthew since I was 18.  He used to wait at Cafe Flore in the mid 80s and was a true performer back then.  As the years have passed, I've been privileged to seeing him perform at the now defunct Josie's Juice Joint, Cable Car Theatre, as well as unforgettable performances during Mark Huestis Presents at the Castro Theatre.  Through Matthew, I have been priviledged to befriend the likes of John Epperson aka Lypsinka, as well of other performers.  Matthew used to be one of the roommates of Anne Rice's previous residence in the Castro (subsequently sold and everyone evicted) where they used to host dinners and holiday parties filled with piano playing, tap dancing, singing and anything anyone had to offer.   I wish I could put video on xanga somehow for clips of Matthew's unforgettable performances.

  Tuesday night Mike invited me to attend an Academy of Friends networking event benefitting LYRIC.  I used to be a member of LYRIC when I was in my early 20's and I was glad I had a chance to speak to the coordinator and let him know I would be interested in volunteering in some capacity.  I received an email yesterday to let me know they were going to contact me in the next two weeks.  I would prefer to be a facilitator with a group of youth as opposed to solicitating contributions so I hope that works out.

  Wednesday, I had the pleasurable opportunity to meet up with Samael7 at Harvey's for a couple manhattans and munchies.  I hadn't seen Samael7 since the end of September so it was so awesome to catch up with each other.  We had planned and eventually headed down to his place to play xbox like we did this past summer.  The game of choice was X-Men (I forget the subtitle).  It was great to see Bella (or so I noticed, Bellisima), Allie and Bailey scurrying everywhere.  I told Samael it was interesting to be there, like time had stood still, although now in a new context, if that makes sense.  Next time I'll bring over my two new games, my highly anticipated Halo 2 and Star Wars Battlefront (woo hoo!)

  Yesterday, I had lunch with a dear friend of mine, DoveJoe, who was a client of mine when I sold securities some years back.  How I am glad we kept in touch over the years.  DJ comes to the city from Santa Rosa, so this time we met up at Zuni Cafe.  I had this fantastic salad with shaved persimmons and pomegranate seeds, and a spicy kale soup with a poached egg - heaven.  I have to find an equivalent recipe online for the soup when I have time. 

  After work, Hal and I attended one of his client's book signing (Small Bites, Big Flavors). Tori Ritchie has her own show on the Food Network, I've learned.   I was pleased to meet such a friendly down-to-earth personality (and a SF native to boot), and will look for her schedule on tv.   Later in the evening, Rick D., Rick C., Rich M., Mitch, Mike, Hal and I amongst a few others met up at Home, a monthly get together of friends organized by Mitch, and a nice dinner ensued before it was time to go home.

  Needless to say, this weekend will be quiet and relaxing before the social calendar starts again!

   

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