shokufeh is…home

… but they found me. They being all the places where I used to shop, even if it was just window shopping.

In the past week, I’ve gotten catalogs from places I haven’t given much thought to (or only thoughts of too bad they’re not here) since leaving Chicago last August – The Container Store, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware…. I’ve even gotten a couple of 20% off coupons for Bed Bath & Beyond, for in-store use only – go figure.

They haven’t figured out that my name has changed, as evidenced by the catalogs being addressed to my maiden name. It’s still a little creepy that I’m so easily found. Somewhat comforting at the same time. But mostly depressing, since we don’t have those stores here.

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I like this guy!
It looks like Creve Coeur (also my husband’s hometown) grows nice guys.

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My favorite trash mail subject line this morning:
“Increase the size of your mangina!”

I think mangina is a word I could start using. It falls in the same category as chestacles, used by Claude on Less than Perfect.

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Note to others: Feel free to ignore this entry

I have the best husband in the whole world. Last night, we had these plans to get up really early and go to Jamba Juice on the way to work – free smoothies between 6 am and 9 am. And how can we pass up an opportunity for free fruity beverages?

However, This morning when the alarm went off, I was more than willing to pass up the opportunity, as long as I could keep sleeping. Sam, however, got up, drove to Jamba Juice, stood in line, and brought a smoothie home for us to share. With energy booster to help me get going. So, instead of rushing to Jamba Juice and onto work, I got to sleep some more and then be gently awakened by a man holding a smoothie.

Did I mention that his trip coincided with our morning rain? And, he put the phone right next to the bed so that if he needed to call me, I wouldn’t have to get out of bed. Remember this, Shokufeh.

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My little to-do list, stuck on my computer today, says
Spend $

This amuses me.

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While we’re on our mats, basically making up half a W, with a partner making the other half…
Instructor: Do you know who created these exercises?
Student: Satan?

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I love arare! I wasn’t familiar with these yummy rice crackers, often flavored with soy sauce (or shoyu, as it’s called here) and bits of seaweed, before I came here. But now I’m all about them.

And I just had these great cookies – Arare chocolate chip! I know, it sounds weird, but they were yummers! Maybe if you’re lucky, I’ll experiment in the kitchen and bake some for you.

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Dear Four-Day-Weekend,

It was lovely while it lasted. I think we both knew, going into the relationship, that it wouldn’t last forever. Really, it was just circumstances that threw us together – a state holiday for Good Friday, the first day of Ridvan on Monday. But I think we made the most of our time together, and I have no regrets. I hope you feel the same way.

The memories I will carry of you include… two trips to church – for Good Friday and Easter morning… two trips to the Baha’i Center – for the election of the LSA and the observance of the first day of Ridvan… my first visit to the Polynesian Cultural Center – I will remember you throughout the year, as I make use of my kama’aina annual pass…. I think my favorite part of our time together was snorkeling at Hanauma Bay – you seemed to enjoy yourself too, with the glorious sunshine and the colorful fish. And tonight was the perfect way for us to say goodbye – I will probably buy Bend it Like Beckham when it comes out on DVD, as it was brilliant.

With that, I wish you the best, until circumstances bring us together again.
love,
shokufeh

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I really wish I had my camera today. We got our “epidemiologist in the movies” gear. Also known as a crazy suit. Respirator with bright pink filters on the sides, goggles, white Tyvek suit, gloves. I think I would be really nervous in a situation that requires this paraphernalia, but if we have such a situation it’s better to be with than without.

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I just saw a man in a motorized wheelchair, balancing his lady friend on his lap, whizzing down the sidewalk.

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