Happy New Year

© Linda Davick

Everything Is Wrong

Our car broke down. Our dryer broke down. As you can see, I'm having to air-dry my new socks in the kitchen.

Everything may be wrong, but when you find one thing that's right in the middle of everything that's wrong, isn't it terrific?

I found these socks I loved at Ross Dress For Less. Foolishy, I bought only one pair. I liked them so much that I put them on as soon as I got in the car. When I took them off that night, I was still head over heels in love with them.

The next morning I wanted to wear them again; but the dryer had broken. I drove straight back to Ross Dress For Less. (This was before the tie rod snapped in two on the car.) I was stunned to find that no one had bought even one pair of my favorite socks in my absence. So I bought all the rest. And now, even though everything is still wrong, I feel grounded.

Movie Review

Today when I noticed the Little Man standing in his chair clapping for Little Children, I decided we should go see it. I didn't like it at all!

But here's a rave review for you: Sofia in a tiny can that you can take to the movies in your bag. It comes with an flexible straw. Great with popcorn and chocolate. Named for Sofia Coppola, who directed Lost In Translation.

Christmas Is Over.

photo Linda Davick
I was walking down Geary Street. When I saw Santa painted on the front window of Royal Ground Coffee Shop with his tooth blacked out, I knew Christmas was over.

Tom, Can I Have A LOT Of Wine?

Waterfall acted shocked when she found out that Tom was the one who had given me the mini-bottles of wine in the Guessing Game. Maybe she was just a sore loser, who knows. (Gosh, Waterfall! Of all the readers who took the challenge, you came in 2nd! That's pretty good!) But nonetheless, her advice was sound:

Tom gave you mini-bottles of wine? Next time, ask for "a LOT of wine" rather than "many bottles of wine." He'll be less likely to misunderstand you. :)

After reading her comment, I said: "Tom? Can I have a LOT of wine?" Sometimes all you have to do is ask. This evening Scott and Spots accompanied Tom to Weimax Wines & Spirits in Burlingame. Tom and Scott decided to buy a case of wine apiece. The only stipulation being that each bottle had to be under $10. Bob at Weimax helped them pick the bottles out. As I drink the wine, I'll review each bottle for you.

Segregation

Linda Davick
On holidays when you were little, did you have to sit at the baby table with all the little kids? And all the adults got to sit at the big table?

These birds were doing the same thing this evening.

Grand Prize Winner

It's hard to believe, but a relatively new visitor to this blog has won the Guessing Game. Take a bow, Dee. For your award, you may choose one of the four prizes shown above. Free shipping is included. E-mail me your address to claim your prize. If not claimed within 48 hours, prize will go to Waterfall, who came in a close 2nd.

Guessing Game

One of my favorite games is called Gifts For Linda. To play, match the givers (below) to the gift they gave (above).

Merry Christmas, Baby

On the flight to Cincinnati, the plane is not at all full. The whole row of emergency exit seats behind me is empty. As the doors are closing, a blond girl runs back and plops into the seat by the window behind me. I'm dying to stretch out, so I pick up my things and move back a row, across the aisle from her. We smile at each other, happy to have this extra space.

The flight attendant announces that those sitting in the emergency exit rows must be willing and able to assist crew members in the event of an emergency. The girl and I eye eachother and she dissolves into a puddle of giggles.

The flight is smooth, but as we're getting ready to land the wheels lower with a loud CRACK! The girl across the aisle yells, "SHIT!"
She works her hand between the seats in front of her and says, "Excuse me! Excuse me!" Then I hear her ask, "Will you mind holding my hand? I'm petrified of landings." I lean forward and see a young guy sitting in front of her. He doesn't look bad. Apparently he takes her hand. She explains, "When I was 10, I was in a plane that almost crashed when it landed, and since then I can't help it–I'm always afraid of landings."

When the plane hits the ground, she retracts her hand and says as if coming to her senses: "I'm sorry. I really should have sat beside someone. But this is a great way to make connections!"

He turns around. "Are you from Cincinnati?"
"No, Chattanooga. I'm in the mental health field. Have you just come from visiting your family? Is Cincinnati your final destination?"
"No. I'm on my way to Chicago."
"CHICAGO! Why aren't you on a direct flight from Chattanooga to Chicago?"
Because this way I met you, I'm thinking he's thinking.
He mentions something about the exorbitant cost of the direct flight.
"That's INSANE!"
"Are you visiting your family?" he asks.
"No. I've decided to go to Arizona. I have family in Nevada, but my ex-husband will be there, and you can imagine how interesting that would be!" She dissolves into giggles again. Then to nobody in particular: "I have a long layover here. Four hours."

The fasten seat belt sign is no longer illuminated. The guy leans forward and turns around. I look at his hand, hoping I won't see a ring on his finger. I stay seated; she and he are standing. She asks me, "Do you want to go in front of me?"
"No!" I grin.
She smiles. "I can't wait to hit the bar. A vodka & tonic is just what I need." Her voice carries.

We file out into the terminal. First she walks behind him; then I see them walking together and talking; then I notice that he walks on ahead. But before I go right to catch the shuttle to Terminal B, I catch a glimpse of them walking together again. Here's hoping they arranged a quick Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

I flew out of Chattanooga at 2:46 this afternoon. The airport security guy opened the bag I was checking to screen it for explosives. He saw the destination tag and said: "Looks like you have a long day ahead of you."
"Yeah. How about you?"
"I get off at 6:30."
"That's good. Only a few more hours."
"It's better than last year, that's for sure."
"What. Did you work longer last Christmas?"
"I was in Afghanistan."
Heart sinking: "Oh. How long were you there?"
"One year. 364 days. I made it back. But 4 guys in our group didn't."
"I'm glad you made it back."
"Yep. They may have gotten 4 of ours, but we got lots more of theirs."
As I'm backing away he calls out: "Merry Christmas!"

Running In Chattanooga

Here's where I jog when I'm in Chattanooga. It's a cushy red track at the foot of Signal Mountain. I was able to squeeze a run in twice this trip–once on Monday and once today.

Today is my dad's birthday. He'd be 87 if he were alive. As my mom says, wouldn't he be crazy about all this computer/digital camera business? YES!

Walking In Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a beautiful place. Mom and I
drove over to the River Walk today. It's an eight mile path that runs along the Tennessee River.

New Shoes

Today, for the first time in my life, I bought something for Mom that she liked. A pair of Sketchers with velcro straps instead of laces. (above, next to boom box.)

She said, and I quote: "Every time I take a step it makes me feel happy."

Later that evening she asked, "Honey? There's a new pair of shoes in my closet. Do you know where they came from?"

Storybook Family

After dinner we went over to Susan and Our Franklin's. It's really R. Franklin, but the first time I heard it, I thought they were saying Our Franklin, and so I continue to call him Our Franklin. They have three incredible girls: Marie, Claire, and Lucy. We had perfect timing: Claire had just finished making cookies; Frank had just finished making tortillas. Someone else had just filled a big bowl with sangria.

New Baby

I didn't get to Knoxville to meet Katy, but tonight I did have dinner with my old jr. high school pal, Gwen. Just this morning she adopted a new baby. They told Gwen she was adopting a cat, but the baby acts more like a kangeroo. I think Gwen should name her Roo.

Roo has big brown eyes, but I didn't want to use the flash and risk scaring her on her first day home. She had been in the shelter for six months before Gwen found her and signed the papers.

My Extended-Stay Room

Here's where I crash around 9:30 or 10 each night. I've decorated it for Christmas.

This has been one of the more stressful trips to visit Mom since she's moved out of the home she built and into the retirement community.
She's changed drastically over the past month. She can't remember anything that happened 15 seconds ago.
I wasn't really prepared for this, even though my sister had been with Mom at Thanksgiving and tried to tell me.

Candlelight Dinner

clockwise from top left: me and Mom, her pals David and Gloria, a mean sax player, my dance partner, Frank.

After the MRI, it's 2:30 and we're starving. I'm so scattered that I drive all over the Chattanooga area looking for the Picadilly Cafeteria–our old comforting place to eat. I make a few wrong turns and get hopelessly lost. I'm the one who needs the MRI.
We find Picadilly and sit down at our old table with our trays.
Then race back to the Terrace for their dinner dance.

By the way ... this guy Frank is a great dancer. It made me wish I had gone to Mrs. Howell's School of Dance like I was supposed to.

Person of the Year

Right before going in for her MRI, Mom discovers she's been named Person of the Year.

White Christmas

© Linda Davick
Tomorrow I leave for Tennessee. Today on our walk I took 89 photos, just to make sure I wouldn't forget what it looks like here.

Dave Warnke Print

Higgledy Piggledy
by Dave Warnke

DAVe, my favorite artist, has a beautiful 16x20 inch Giclee Pigment Print for sale @ stores.ebay.com/The-DAVe-Shop.
The prints are unframed on heavy-stock, Hahnemule paper. Prints are signed, numbered. Limited edition of 12. (December 27 Update: Sorry! All gone!)

Comfort & Joy For Your iPod

© Linda Davick
Say you're going to a Christmas party and your iPod doesn't have anything to wear. Here's what you can do: Choose one of your favorite photos or drawings. Then ...

1. Go to this Web site.

2. Choose the type of iPod you have. (I have the old fashioned iPod Shuffle.)

3. Upload your picture, and hit Make My Free iPod Cover.

A PDF file will be sent immediately to your computer. You'll see a template that fits your iPod superimposed on top of the image you sent. Print it out. Cut and fold along the lines. Dress your iPod.

Poodle Mania

© Linda Davick
Are you one of the hundreds who took my official Character & Temperament Types test on December 10? In order to receive a proper diagnosis, you may want to consider taking it again, in light of the fact that today my client added a pink poodle to the mix.

Subject: POODLE!
Date: December 13, 2006 9:32:16 AM PST
Linda,
They love yr dog faces! Would you mind rendering a Poodle for us as well? Same size etc. Let me know when you think you can get it to me!
thanks,
Tim
Subject: Re: POODLE!
Date: December 13, 2006 9:43:13 AM PST
Tim, I would love to do a poodle. Is Friday too late?
Subject: Re: POODLE!
Date: December 13, 2006 9:56:24 AM PST
I'd like it tomorrow if possible. Is it?
Subject: Re: POODLE!
Date: December 13, 2006 10:02:50 AM PST
Yes Sir.
Subject: Re: POODLE!
Date: December 13, 2006 10:03:02 AM PST
Great! - Thanks Linda, things are hectic here so every minute earlier we get things is a good thing.
Subject: Re: POODLE!
Date: December 13, 2006 10:10:19 AM PST
OK, I'll get it to you fast as I can...
Subject: Re: POODLE!
Date: December 13, 2006 10:12:27 AM PST
Thanks!
Subject: Fwd: POODLE!
Date: December 13, 2006 10:14:53 AM PST
David, just wanted to let you know they added a poodle just now.
Subject: DG/RE: Fwd: POODLE!
Date: December 13, 2006 12:36:29 PM PST
woof!
Subject: pink poodle
Date: December 13, 2006 3:28:00 PM PST
Tim, here's your poodle!
Sincerely,
Linda
Subject: Re: pink poodle
Date: December 13, 2006 3:28:30 PM PST
YES!! THANK YOU!!!

Doubting Santa

© Linda Davick

Nothing Is Wrong

inner sunset mural project
Today I went to the office supply store on 8th and Irving to buy some giant padded envelopes. This was painted on the wall outside.

I found out that this piece of wall is actually an exhibition space–part of the inner sunset mural project. It used to be curated by Receiver, but they've moved to a new gallery space in the Mission. Two interesting people, Esther Pearl Watson and Mark Todd, have work up in the new space.

Character & Temperament Types

© Linda Davick
If you had to choose one for a pet, which would it be?

Mission Accomplished

This morning Tom and I went for a jog. On the way home, he had an idea. "Let's stop by the Christmas tree lot."

Emmy and John live next door. Every year, they finish their Christmas shopping by September, and get their cards mailed out by mid-November. We knew they didn't have their tree yet. For once, we were determined to do something before they did. But when we walked into the Christmas tree lot, guess who had arrived minutes before. Yep. Em and John.











They managed to pay for their tree seconds before we chose our fat boy. (below, left to right: our tree, their tree)











While Emmy was fishing in her purse for keys, Tom and I exchanged glances. We threw our tree on top of the Ford and squealed out of the lot, blasting the horn. People, baby buggies, dogs, bicycles, ambulances scattered. We flew up 45th Avenue and skidded to a stop in front of our homes seconds before they did.

The Unexplained Explained

I just googled Gatorade Nutrition Facts. I found out why I gained 5 pounds yesterday, on the day I wasn't allowed to eat anything.

Gatorade Serving Size 12 fl oz
Calories per serving: 310

I drank 128 oz, for a total of 11 servings. That equals 3,410 calories–more than twice the calories I eat on a real food day.

Three good things:
1. It turns out I'm absolutely fine and there was no need for me to have spent enough money to buy a car on this test.
2. I woke up after the test immediately, so Tom didn't have a chance to question me under the influence of the truth serum.
3. Scott had us to dinner, so I didn't have to worry about lack of solids this evening. I made a masterful flourless chocolate cake to celebrate my hearty digestive system.
Scott, dinner last night was wonderful. But I think I ate too many potatoes.
(Tom took this photo of me when we got home.)
Have fun this evening...say hi to Gayle for us!
Thanks again for a great evening,
Linda

You sure you're just carrying potatoes?
Good time hanging out w/you...Thanks v.much for doing the dishes (making a return invite far more likely!)
Scott

More Tales of The Unexplained

© Linda Davick

Today the nurse called to talk to me about my colonoscopy tomorrow. She wanted to make sure I wasn't eating anything. She wanted to make sure I was drinking the Miralax / Gatorade solution. She stressed the importance of drinking clear liquids only.

She asked me a list of questions about my medical history. Was I allergic to any medicines? Had I ever had lupus? Or a heart condition? Or a thyroid condition? Did I have high blood pressure? Did I have any transplanted organs? Did I smoke? I must have said "no" fifty times. Then she got to the last question. "Do you drink?"

"Yes!" I replied happily.
"How much?"
"Oh, a glass or two of wine a day."
"Well don't we all!" she responded.

I started warming up to this nurse. She asked me if I had any questions for her. "Does white wine count as a clear liquid?"

"Yes," she said. "But truthfully, you may want to think about it–not having had any food all day..."

So for dinner tonight I had broth. I went easy on the wine, mixing it with a little fruit juice to make a pale Sangria.

Suddenly I realized it had been quite a while since I had checked my weight. I thought: This is a great time to weigh if there ever was one. Emmy has a scale, so I went next door. I adjusted it carefully to make sure it was set to zero. Then I took off my jacket and necklace and shoes and belt and climbed aboard.

I had gained 5 pounds.

Tell Me Why You Cried, And Why ...

Barbara gave me this button a long time ago. I don't know why, because I never cry. Then yesterday, I started crying. For no reason. But why? I'm happy! I was told that you don't have to know why; that if nothing else, it's a good exercise–kind of like doing yoga. That when you're feeling more joy, you also find yourself feeling more sadness, and then you're able to feel more joy. (I hate this zigzag stuff. Who invented it? I like following a line straight to joy, and then directly on to more joy.)

Me: It must just be the holidays.
10 minutes later
Me: This isn't real crying. It's fake.
10 minutes later
Me: This is crazy! (eyes and nose dripping all over the carpet.) I have a good life.
10 minutes later
Me: Oh, I know what it is. It's because I drank too much coffee this morning.
My counselor, throwing up his hands: Yes. It must be the coffee. I'm glad we finally figured it out.

Tonight was the final meeting of my online class. It was funny! During the last two minutes, suddenly everyone realized it really was over, and a flurry of messaging sprang up. Thanks were given. E-mail addresses were quickly exchanged. Apparently some kind of human bond had slipped through our computer connection over the course of the class. It completely snuck up on me. Suddenly I was sad! I typed, "I'm sad." Tina typed, "I am too!" I typed, "I'm signing up for MMST 231." Sylvia typed, "Me too. I'm excited!" All's well that ends well, and points straight toward a new beginning, no zigzagging.

My Walk Wednesday

The Helmand

photo becks & posh

I have only one word to say: Aushak!
(raviolis filled with leeks and scallions served on a yogurt, mint and garlic sauce)

Two more words: Thank you.
(Thank you, Anne & Peter.)

One Horse Open Sleigh

Linda Davick
On the beach this evening, a San Francisco-style one horse open sleigh.
p.s. Try not to do too many bad things until after December 25.

Saturday Night

by Saul Steinberg

Saul Steinberg's work is being shown at the Morgan Library, where Katy used to work, and at Museum of the City of New York. I don't think the N-Judah stops at either place, though.

Moon Above Sea Wall