Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Dear Scarf Thief



Eat it.

I bought another one.

So, I sent my sister an email the other day asking if she wanted me to bring the Tofurkey as her daughter and I wont be indulging in the actual turkey and it is fun to have a fake so that people talk less about the fact that I'm not eating turkey. She just emailed me last night to tell me, yes, I should bring one. Therefore, I'm plotting my getaway from work so I can make it to whole foods to get a fancy overpriced fake turkey to take along with me on the train home in about two hours.

Happy Thanksgiving my friends. I am really looking forward to this getaway and actually catching up with some of you that I don't see regularly. My goal is to just make sure my jeans still fit by the end of the weekend, because lord knows they cost too much for me to eat myself out of them.

Bye!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

A Working Relationship

I just got mah hurr did at the local burbur.
I guess I haven't established that I now have a working relationship with my barber? In that, I'm satisfied with the barber and he gives me the same haircut over and over and that is the best for both of us. Mary seemed to be somewhat shocked by this, but I thought it was common knowledge now?

It just occurred to me how funny his name.

Wait for it...


Zoran.


Yes, Zoran. He is Serbian (*nudges Milan*) and he gives a terrific haircut, in that he can give the same old style barbershop haircut in his sleep. I swear he doesn't pay a lick of attention while he chops away, but as far as I'm concerned it always comes out good.

But the reason I even bring him up is that we were discussing thanksgiving, which led to discussing food, which led to him talking about Serbian food which made me bring up my new crush... you know, the restaurant I was gushing about.

I was all "I just went to this amazing Lebanese restaurant on Saturday." and he was all "Semiramis." and then I'm like "OMG. How did you know that?" and the he was like (in Serbian accent) "It is the closest thing to real Lebanese food you can get."

And then I sighed.

Things are slow.
I'm so ready to get outta town.
One rehearsal, one half day of work, a train ride to Indiana, a care ride to Michigan and then it's time for a break!

Monday, November 24, 2008

What else is there?

This post will be dedicated primarily to food, because really, in the season of thanks what else is there?

This Saturday I had the most delicious Lebanese food I've ever had. Really, I couldn't stop raving through the entire meal and then two the waitress who said "Oh, you haven't been here before? This is the best Lebanese food in the city." And, she is right.

Semiramis

Now, you might take a look at the menu and think it looks basic, and let me affirm that it is. There is nothing off kilter or necessarily special about this restaurant, other than the nearly perfect execution of the food. Basically I found this restaurant by doing some Yelp research for a place that was BYOB, off the browline, vegetarian friendly and nice, but inexpensive.

Ryan and I got to the restaurant at about 8pm on Saturday evening only to find quite a wait... which I wasn't thrilled with, but willing to endure after all that research. While we waited, the host opened our bottle of wine, gave us some glasses and poured us a glass. They also brought out a generous amount of complimentary sumac fries, which were a sign of the delicious things to come. After about a 45 minute wait, we were seated and waited on right away. The waitress immediately brought out more fries with the garlic mousse. Then shortly followed our entrees, the Vegetarian Platter as well as the Lentils and Rice with Carmelize Onions and House Salad. This all seems very basic, but I have to tell you that not a single bite of it was. Each part of the dish was better than the previous, with dolmas that literally melted in your mouth. The hummus was fresh, the tabbouleh flavorfully moist, and the falafel was perfectly crunchy on the outside while soft and tasty on the inside.

This was all followed by a dessert of arabic coffees and baklava, one of my favorite desserts.

And by far and away the best part, was the bill... which was not at all reflective of how pleasently stuffed I was.

Two thumbs up!

Friday, November 21, 2008

!

WE HAVE LIFTOFF!

I just dealt with some gentleman in India and we got it to work, finally.

Oh, finally.

I feel the weight of the interweb being lifted from my shoulders.

Still no Internet and Why people steal from me

Still no internet. I received a phone call from my new friend Mark in San Diego yesterday that went something like this.

"Davin, It's Mark from at&t and well I need you to give us one more day. I spoke with (name of manager) in our central office and he is understaffed and we can't get through to someone who is able to complete what we need them to, so just give us one more day and then if you don't have internet by tomorrow night I understand if you don't want service with us, but just give us one more day."

The thing is, I'm this far into the experience that I have to see it through, ya know? It gives me some sort of sick satisfaction to have this gentleman do a little bit of begging, but that still does not turn my internet on. But! at this point, I'll wait. It has been 18 days, so...

Last night I went over to a local speak easy style bar that has opened not so long ago called The Whistler. I was meeting up with my friend Abby to do some catching up after too long of not seeing each other. We get there and it is a bit crowded so we saddle up to a ledge along the wall only to discover there are coat hooks underneath where we decide to hang our coats. A few minutes later a couple spots open up at the bar, so we decide to get more comfortable and enjoy conversation. Abby takes her coat with her to the bar, I leave mine on the hook. Fast forward a couple hours, a couple drinks, and piles of good conversation later to me pushing my way through the hipsters the coat hook to pick up my coat and my new scarf I had just purchased on Tuesday. I find my coat, but no scarf. The scarf was gone and I remembered that I hadn't actually tucked the scarf in the coat but rather hung it on the hook with the coat, easily accessible to hipster petty thieves.

The second thing I do is check the pocket for my iphone and thankfully it was there... but mother of pearl! Where is my scarf!?

But see, this is like standard fair for me. People take my things. They just do! And, I can't seem to catch much of a break with regards to this sort of thing... sure I could have tucked the scarf in the coat, but must I always be on guard? I suppose so, but as you remember, even in the midst of locking up my bicycle that too was stolen, for the second time...

Then to add insult to injury, take a look at this post on Sartorialist today.

On the Street....Scarf Homme, Milan & Paris

Whatever, Milan and Paris!

I had a late night discussion with Mary about my stolen goods and we tried to decide if I was still being taught some lesson? Because, in all seriousness, everything has been stolen from me at one time or another... except possibly my home? She asked me if my shoes has been taken and I recalled the story of being a boy at Michigan's Adventure and having my new Reebok pumps stolen while I was in the water park. I was held in the park because I was not able to exit without shoes on. A sign of things to come?

I write this not to complain, but rather to inquire - Why?

On a lighter note, how do we feel about the new gmail themes? I've chosen "Tree."

I'm relying on the sun today because it was 19 degrees when I woke up.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Best Friends Forever

I just made my way into work because I spent the morning with at&t. We're practically bffs now. I called Mark this morning and told him things still weren't working and another repair man had come to my house and it was the same story. Mark asked me if I knew what this experience was and I told him "hell" and he said no, it was " at&t torture, which got Mary thinking that maybe one of the t's in at&t actually stands for torture? I think I shall propose that for their next marketing campaign.

While waiting around this morning I did some morning talk show watching and I caught a few minutes of The View where they were discussing Thanksgiving day preparations. This got me thinking about Thanksgiving's quick arrival and as I made my way to the bus stop in the snow, I actually felt excited about the quickly approaching holidays. I don't particularly care for the way in which this season seems to come more quickly each year, but the truth of the matter is that it serves as a fantastic excuse to spend time with people I care about and to that I look forward.

I watched the movie Control last night as I am now the proud recipient of netflix. This is a really stunning film, all in black and white and telling the story of Joy Division. The plot is predictable (as it is a story you've probably already heard) but the cinemtography was just gorgeous leaving so many film stills possible. I recommend it if you have the chance.

I read in the RedEye this morning that travel costs are expected to be at quite a low as globally financial times are rough. Apparently many hotels/resorts etc. have been building and now they have excess capacity yet fewer travelers to fill the space. This furthered my itch to get on the move. I've been sitting still now since Septemeber and I feel like travel is calling me. It might have to wait until after the first of the year.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Why blog?

You know, if a blogs stop being posted regularly they die and I fear that mine is near death. All those I've resuscitated it a few times before so I shouldn't assume it has stopped breathing just yet but when ever I get a bit removed from it I think to myself "well, why in the world does anyone care what I did this weekend?" But, then I think how lame it is when people write about how they haven't blogged and blah blah... and to that I say BORING. So, I think it better to be directly boring than boring about being boring, you know what I'm saying?

So!

The truth of the matter is, I had a fairly eventful weekend with Robin and I taking a quick as the wind trip to Michigan for an "Alumni Benefit Concert" at Otsego High School. Let's just say this experience was "something else" as I think it not the smartest of me to write some opinions publicly. Regardless, it was good to see my folks for a short bit, especially as they settle in their new home and I always have a giggling good time with Robin... so that was a treat. As quickly as we left on Friday evening after work, we returned on Saturday evening after the concert as both of us are obligated on Sunday mornings.

Sunday afternoon I spent some time writing a paper for a my class and contemplated why I subject myself to such painful circumstances. I mean, I value education... or one could say that I even live to be educated, but I find this class situation to be something I'm not crazy about. But regardless, I try to make smart decisions and finish my work and yada yada... and then reward myself with a trip to the movies. That evening, Ryan and I went to see the James Bond flick and I have to say that it rocked my world. I think I could have watched another two hours of it. It really was stylish and terrific and although the opening sequence seemed like a ripoff the Sebastian Tellier record cover, I was all over it.

-----

I originally began to compose this post at 10am. It has sense been interrupted by a staff meeting, lunch and 80 minutes on the phone with the deterioration of my very will to exist: at&t. My current situation with trying to get dry loop internet setup with at&t is a textbook case of davin "luck." It can be traced to such situations as "the never ending car troubles of Davin's Plymouth Breeze" or "Davin's apartment being robbed" or "The ceiling caving in while Davin lives with Linsey" or most recently "Davin's bike gets taken while locked up at his place of work." It is the way in which my life goes and I just deal, but I can't say I don't do so begrudglingly.

I don't know that I will ever have internet at home again. The beaurocracy and their inability to get through the red tape and get my problem fixed seems bigger than something I could master and my hope or will is deflating. So, now, with a phone warmed ear I leave it in the hands of my latest "help desk friend" Mark. Please, Mark. If you read this blog, make it happen! Honestly! Help me! Please! Don't give me another number to call, don't put me on hold, don't tell me you'll call me and then don't, just don't! Ok!? Just fix it.

This is all I can muster today.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Sicky sick sick

Hi friends.

I've had a cold the last few days and haven't felt very able to do anything, mostly staying home except for my one venture out to do my final presentation in class yesterday. I've made it to work today, but I think I will head right back home in a little bit as I'm not much service to anyone in this state... and frankly, I think it is silly to put others at risk of getting sick.

I'm doing my best to get better because I have to sing in my home town on Saturday (thanks to Robin) for an "Otsego High School Alumni" concert of sorts. I don't know. I was originally hesitant, but now it has been in the news paper and I called my mother last night to tell her I was sick and her only response was "Well, you better get better because people are planning on you. Everyone at church came up to us and told us how excited they were." How does one respond to this? "Oh, ok. I'll get better right now, then." Grar.

So, I will just sleep as much as I can, I suppose.

In other quick familial news, I thought you may appreciate this little tidbit of a paragraph from an essay my niece wrote about her brother. It is entitled "The Hero of My Life":

"Keegan is the coolest brother/hero because he gives me advice and helps me with homework. Like I said in the last paragraph we talk a lot, so every time we talk he is usually giving me advice about something that is I need it. Sometimes he doesn’t give the best advice but it is usually very good advice. Like the time he told me to just go up to my old boyfriend and just say it’s over really loud and walk away and don’t look back. Can you imagine what would have happened if I did that? Just to let you know I didn’t do that. I broke the news to him nicely. If I need help on homework he’ll help. Just the other day/yesterday he helped me with my science homework. He basically gave me the answer but that not the point. My brother is an amazing person and is my hero because he gives me advice and helps me with my home work."

Amazing.

I think this is all I can muster for now.

Oh, and I've updated my website. http://www.thesearemypictures.com - take a look if you like.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Whoa.
Total election hangover for the last week.
I wasn't able to even bring myself to blog for the remainder of the week, but now after a weekend of rejuvenation all feels right in the blogosphere, well, as it relates to me.

The weekend was generally good although it ushered in what feels like real winter weather, include actual snow flakes yesterday.
Yuck, I say.
I put on my winter coat for the first time and thought how I needed to purchase another as I get sick of wearing the same coat for what seems like the eternity of a Chicago winter.
Look at me, complaining about the weather already after we've had such a beautiful spring/summer/fall.
You can tell me to cry you a river. I will.

Friday night I was able to celebrate a couple of birthdays with friends and then Saturday Ryan and I made our way out to the suburbs to Ikea, which seemed somehow underwhelming. Although, I must confess (as I have done before) that I have a fascination with the suburbs as and escape. Being there is somehow exotic, if I only stay for an afternoon. Saturday evening I went with the ladies to do a late celebration of Jessica's birthday. Her only desire? A night with Girl Talk, so that is what we did. It was quite the scene of day glo clad hipsters. It was a lot of fun to watch and to participate in. The climax of the evening, the moment I had been waiting for patiently was the release of the balloons, which thanks to the magic of the iphone you can see with me below.







Fuuuuuunnnn.

Sunday involved singing, more singing, Trader Joe's (which I believe to be the best place on the planet for frozen meals... but maybe I shouldn't be proclaiming that as it says something about my eating habits) and what has become my favorite Sunday night activity, Brothers and Sisters (also, maybe not the best thing to admit.)

I'm patiently waiting this week for at&t dry loop service at my house. I had a moment last week of ultimate frustation. One of those moments you realize how small and helpless you are in the midst of a beaurocratic commercial structure. Ugh.
But, I have no choice but to wait and in an effort to use time and money more wisely, I've cancelled Comcast and upped my Netflix!

I just got off the phone with Mary.
She called me "sanctimonious."
I'm looking down on her as I type.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

I don't know how one even writes about a night like last night. It was really a defining moment in American History, but in my life.

I left rehearsal at 9:30 and ran to the train to head downtown with Ryan. When we got off at the Harrison redline stop, we began to run toward the park as it was nearly 10pm. I got three text messages saying "He Won!!" and at the same time the streets erupted. Literally. People began running almost aimlessly, jumping up and down, high fiving, hugging and cheering. I've never seen anything quite like it.

Not wanting to miss a thing we sprinted toward Grant Park to make our way with the masses toward the jumbotron, just trying to get some idea of it. We pushed our way in and made our way pass security and slid as deep into the crowd as was possible. This was just a few moments before John McCain gave his incredibly gracious concession speech, which actually gave me a glimpse of the man people had said that he was or used to be. After the fact, I think I finally had some insight.

We then waited for a bit before President Obama came to the stage and spoke what was an incredibly somber, yet moving speech. You could see tears in so many people's eyes and the visual of it all just seemed like something I couldn't have imagined, if only for the sheer magnitude and diversity of the crowd, all collectively feeling like we had a say in making this happen. We were a part of it, for real this time.







When all was said and done, we just sort of lingered.
I don't know what else there was to wait for, but it felt like we needed to take it in as much as we could. When we finally made our way out to the streets they were filled with people and celebration.







And then we all (in an AMAZINGLY orderly fashion) made our way down the streets to head home... all the while chanting and celebrating.



It was incredible.
I feel so tired today. Emotionally and physically exhausted and I have to make it through this day of work and night of class.

Umm, Yes I Can?

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The ticket!



I can't help but be thrilled.

A buzz



I barely slept last night. I honestly tossed and turned with a number of unfortunate dreams in the mix. I was thankful when morning arrived and I started receiving text messages from friends telling me they had voted.

Regardless of outcome, today is a historic day. I honestly felt it in the air as soon as I left my house. I think the energy is especially strong in Chicago as one of her son's is in the mix.

There are no saviors here, but I'm thankful for representation that things can be different and better.

Now, we just vote and wait.
Having done the former, I'm left with the latter.

*twiddles thumbs*

Monday, November 3, 2008

General Optimism

Hi Friends.

I have to tell you, I think the weather is reflective and also a contributor of/to my mood. It is a truly lovely day out and is supposed to continue to be so for the next couple days. Low 70's and sunny.

My weekend was the right amount of leisure, lazy, and productivity. Friday evening I enjoyed Halloween festivities with the bulk of the 20 somethings in Chicago. It really is quite a scene to just walk around on the evening of and see the young urban professionals dressed up in the various and sundry costumes. I remember when I first moved to the city who surprised I was at the serious nature in which adults treated Halloween, but now I'm right there with 'em. Bring on the costumes and bring on the party.

My costume, you ask? Well, here I am with my friend Ana. She was "bloody mary" and I was...



... a deviled egg! Yes, yes. I told this girl I know that I was a deviled egg and she responded "Oh, I was a deviled egg last year." so, I mean, I know it is not original, but it felt just punny enough to get me through the night. Oh, and I wore white sweat pants. Enough said.

Saturday was mostly just laying low as the weather was grey and the mood was "day after." The only activity of note was watching The Diving Bell and The Butterfly with Ryan and Linsey, which I have to admit I was resistant to do as the premise seemed somewhat boring, but I was fully engaged and recommend it whole heartedly as a result.

Sunday I did the usual church singing and had a lovely little lunch with Tina. This was followed by the kind of cleaning I usually reserve for spring, but given the spring like weather it seemed all too appropriate to move all the furniture and mop the floors. The truth is I'm not necessarily a clean freak, but I am certainly a happier person when all is in order, smells good, and lacks any sort of dust. That is the state of my home currently.

Now, most importantly, I am feeling all sorts of anxious optimism about tomorrow. I received my confirmation email so I do actually have a ticket to the rally tomorrow evening. Regardless of outcome, I feel so strongly about the sheer magnitude of this point in history and so pleased to be a part of it. I do believe in my heart that things are getting better. I feel sick about the blatant bigotry that a race like this has so clearly pushed to the surface but I think about the history of our country and the fact that it was created on a foundation of opression. This is now less the case more than it ever has been (thank you jesus!), and if you don't believe it, look to the fact that one ticket is headed by a black man and the other includes a woman. Now, this has been a long time coming, but it is here and with regards to these matters I do not believe there is a true reverse. Possible steps backwards? Maybe, but reverse, no. Most of all, I believe that with progress comes optimism and optimism is something I am happy to be a part of even as it relates to dreaded politics. This is why I feel so strongly about encouraging everyone I know to be a part of something big. Something new and different and progressive and forward leaning and inclusive and and and... American?! How exciting!