(Literary) Treat of the Day

Last week, our organizataion co-sponsored a book talk on The Spirit Level. UK Authors Richard Wilkinson and Kate Pickett presented their research on why less equal societies have lower levels of trust and worse overall health for a number of outcomes. I read their book the next day and highly recommend it.

Could be a Treat (depending on how you look at it)

As I was walking home from the BART today, I decided to deviate from my usual route. Halfway to my apartment, I noticed an unfamiliar sign that reads:

Coffee

Espresso

Sausage

Wash and Dry

Yes, it is your typical laundromat that also serves coffee and sausage! I think I now know what the C&C Music Factory meant when they sang their 1991 sensation "Things that make you go hmmm".

Treat of the Weekend (Sort of)

I saw the house that was supposed to the "Full House" house over the weekend. Too bad Kimmy Gibbler wasn't around...

Treat of the Day (Everday!)

Imagine a loft that is converted into office space, complete with high ceilings, beautiful wood floors, couches galore, dining tables, a library, a large functional kitchen, and a rooftop garden. This zen-like setting is where I am working for the next five months in the Bay Area. In addition, two of the managers bring their dogs to work every day, and one dog is a playful puppy.

On my second day of work, we all took a break at 2 pm to eat freshly baked pie and ice cream (with dairy free options !). We receive a shipment of fresh organic fruit from a local farm on Tuesdays. Every Friday, we have a shared vegetarian lunch that two staff members prepare on-site for the entire organization. And yesterday, we hosted a book talk that was open to the community on the topic of income inequality and health outcomes. Then, several of my co-workers and I went to a happy hour at a new wine bar around the block. It was great getting acquainted with them and being able to share my story.

Trust me, the setting is amazing, and I am very lucky to be here. And yes, I actually do real work!

Treat of the Day

San Francisco is a real gem when it comes to culinary offerings. Without question, the city is a foodie's delight. Yet, somehow, I end up going out for dinner with two friends from college at a half Irish/half Indian restaurant called Kennedy's that has an arcade. There's nothing like Bangers 'n mash, Chicken Tikka Masala, and air hockey!

Treat/Un-Treat of the Day

My first few days in San Francisco were exciting and adventurous. After moving into my new digs, I began to explore my new playground. There was mailing letters at the post office, enrolling in a local gym, shopping at a real farmer's market, catching up with old friends, getting a tour of the city, and much more.

I also took my first trip to the grocery store. Because my kitchen was empty, I had many groceries to purchase. So, I shopped and I shopped and I shopped and managed to accumulate five heavy bags of groceries. And after I paid, it was only then that I remembered that I took the bus to get there, for I don't have a car. I started to walk toward the bus stop when it started to rain. Growing impatient while getting wet, I flagged down the first cab I saw and hopped in.

When I got back to my apartment building, I exited the cab and put the bags down on the ground. Little did I know that a puddle had started to form there. Apparently, paper bags and puddles do not mix. There I stood, completely embarrassed, as I watched my groceries fall out of four of the five bags. The spice jars started rolling away from me, and I scurried to retrieve them.

Fortunately for me, three nice ladies saw what happened and came to my rescue by running into the corner store and getting me several plastic bags. They helped me re-pack and I was on my way.

Welcome to San Francisco!

Treat of the Day

Andy Samberg once said "I'm on a boat". Well, Andy Roni says "I'm on a plane." Whoever decided to put WiFi on a plane is brilliant.

It was bittersweet to board the plane today. Bitter because I knew it would be hard to say farewell to the life and friendships I've cultivated in Atlanta. Sweet because of the sugar I put in my coffee!

I was lucky that I had two friends/co-workers -- Brenda and Seetha -- drive me to the airport and help me schlep my overweight bags to the curbside check-in. I have to use words like 'schlep' because I know Seetha will be reading this post and she is currently a student of the Yiddish language. And by student, I mean that she is taking advantage of the Yiddish word of the day calendar I gave to her as a present that now sits on her desk. I'm glad Seetha is becoming one with the Jews, but I hope that our co-workers who sit near Seetha don't think her excitement and enthusiasm for Yiddish makes her a nudnik or even a meshugenah!

One of the especially nice things that Seetha did for me was decorate my door and office to say farewell and mazel tov. Photo appears above. It's uncanny how much the drawing of "Pandy Bear" looks like me. Except I'm a little concerned about the facial droop; apparently, my caricature makes me look like I could be having a stroke