Keep the Old and Make New Friends

Posted on January 31, 2012 // Leave a Comment

When Marc moved to NYC, I knew (more so than with other friends) that our relationship would be drastically altered. So many times I drove to and from his loft here in SF. All the times I stuck my head in his refrigerator. All the wine I consumed at his place! The champagne-filled picnics at Dolores Park on glorious sunny days. We have that friendship where it’s almost completely face time. Very limited talking on the phone or emailing.

Having a relationship like that is extremely addicting. Obviously I was sad when he left. Who else was going to prepare my meals and selflessly share his Ridge wine?

We’ve always loved hanging out with Marc’s friend Keith, but with Marc’s departure, it’s as if we got a worthy replacement. Dinner, drinks, wine country, birthdays, trips. Even in NYC, it was me and Keith raging into the wee hours. Unexpected and fortunate.

Austin vacation in March. Who’s with us?

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Money Monday: HOAs

Posted on January 30, 2012 // Leave a Comment

99% of San Franciscans can’t afford to buy a single family home unless you want to live in Bayview which may sound pretty, but most definitely is not. Instead we hoard our money to buy a little piece of the American dream called a condominium which means you’re permanently attached to other property owners through a building Home Owner Association (HOA). As a full-fledged member of an HOA, you have the privilege of paying monthly HOA dues. These dues can pay for utilities for the common areas, insurance, and other maintenance. Essentially, HOAs = flushing money down the toilet. If you sell your place, you will never recover this money. If you have fully paid off your home, you will continue to pay HOA dues for the duration of the time you own your home. It’s mind-boggling. So mind-boggling that hard-working people are dumb enough to pay this crap. All because we can’t afford a non-detached home. Are you with me? It’s an abusive real-estate cycle.

Since most of us property-owners can’t afford anything but a condo, the best we can do is minimize the HOA payment. I was lucky enough to buy into a newly-formed condo with reasonable owners who wanted the pay the least amount possible, because we were all smart and logical. We started out paying $100/month. I’m currently the only original owner from that first triumvirate. Since then, the dues have increased to $200. Even this amount is low. You will not find many condo owners in the city of SF paying less than that.

Sometimes I haphazardly look at Zillow listings when I dream of a better life outside of the ‘Loin. Yesterday I came across this 2-bedroom, 2-bath beauty in Lake Merritt going for $420k. 1,300+ square feet a few blocks away from BART. Doesn’t get better than this. Take a look.

200 Lakeside Dr APT 301, Oakland, CA 94612

200 Lakeside Dr APT 301, Oakland, CA 94612

200 Lakeside Dr APT 301, Oakland, CA 94612

200 Lakeside Dr APT 301, Oakland, CA 94612

200 Lakeside Dr APT 301, Oakland, CA 94612

Gorgeous, right? But something had to give. That’s (what I consider) a low price for such a cute place. I emailed the agent and asked him one question – what are the HOAs?

$720!!! That’s per month. Granted, the place comes with a door man, but $720 with all the same caveats I mentioned above. Money down the drain. So sad, so pathetic. Whoever buys this place is stupid.

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Movie-holic

Posted on January 29, 2012 // Leave a Comment

Since I’ve been too fatigued to do anything productive, we’ve spent a lot of time watching movies lately. Our goal is to watch all the flicks nominated for best picture. The problem is I don’t even want to watch Hugo or The Descendants or War Horse. They look totally lame. Plus, since Moneyball was nominated, I kinda question the Academy’s judgement. Moneyball doesn’t even belong! So mediocre.

Here’s my ranking.

Do Not Bother

Moneyball – Good thing we didn’t watch this on the big screen. I almost fell asleep, it was so boring.

Go Watch

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – This is not a film I would recommend for my parents. Can I say, ummm, graphic?! Still, damn good exciting picture. I tend to hate movies over 2 hours but this one, I couldn’t even tell; it zoomed by. Makes me want to read the book.

My Week with Marilyn – Between Rooney Mara for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Michelle Williams as Marilyn, goodness, close call. Can’t say My Week with Marilyn was as good as Dragon Tattoo, but a movie I’d recommend nonetheless. Good acting.

Superb – Top Movies of All Time

The Artist – loved it, unique, made me laugh, cry. LOVED IT. Don’t let its silent status deter you. Great acting, plot, timing. All around phenomenal!

A Separation (Iran) – No doubt this will win best foreign film. Every seat was taken when we watched it at the Embarcadero. Cinematography was outstanding. One of those movies that will make you feel so blessed to be American. Occupy Wall Streeters need to watch this picture and shut the hell up. We are so lucky to live in this country! Vaguely reminded me of watching a modern day Crucible, vaguely. Lying, not lying, standing your ground, sticking to your principles, being a role model for your children, protecting your children, and also religion. Many Iranians are devoutly religious so often times, people will be asked to swear on the Koran. This movie touches on that a lot. Beautiful, emotional. WATCH THIS. One of the best movies I’ve seen.

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Feeling Blue with the Flu

Posted on January 28, 2012 // Leave a Comment

I’m STILL sick. I must have the flu. I wake up every morning feeling like I got beat up the night before—even though I go to bed before 10pm and wake up at 7:30am. Can’t wait to kick this thing. Plus there’s the Kaiser race on Sunday. I have no energy; I might have to (gasp) walk it. But I’ll save those thoughts for later on in the week.

I’m completely out of wack.

I only consume wellness drinks and chocolate. I don’t feel like eating which is a huge RED FLAG. I typically spend most of my days dreaming of what I’m going to eat next.

Read? Yep, can’t remember the last time I did that. Words on a page…so stressful. I scan the paper version of the Wall Street Journal and flip through San Francisco mags. Have any of you been reading up on the SFMOMA expansion? Pretty incredible.

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Fashion Friday: Aging Beautifully

Posted on January 27, 2012 // Leave a Comment

There’s so much to see with all the awards shows: Golden Globes, Screen Actors Guild, People’s Choice Awards. But I did a serious double-take when I saw this fine woman on the red carpet at the SAG Awards. Can I look like that when I’m 47-years-old? HOTNESS! Diane Lane is stunning, whether she’s in a gown or sweats. She always looks natural and beautiful. Josh Brolin is one lucky dude.

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Religion Humor

Posted on January 26, 2012 // Leave a Comment

My friend Kristen had this posted in her blog. I had to post as well, especially since I just blogged about religion a few days ago. So true isn’t it!

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Best Beach Blanket Babylon

Posted on January 25, 2012 // Leave a Comment

Well happy joy joy, I remained sick for the rest of the week. I have no voice! I sound pretty bad.

Did get to step out in the middle of the week with friends to see Beach Blanket Babylon. BBB is superfab. It’s always a great show. There’s a reason why people see it over and over. I’ve seen it at least 6 times. In all my years of going, it has never changed as much as it has recently AND it’s the best it has ever been.

They capture all the quirky events going on in the media. They do this fantastic reprisal of Les Miserables. And they do a bit of Glee. They have Artie in a wheelchair, the whole cast. Hilarious! Plus they keep all the funniest stuff from before which makes the show quite long. It seemed longer than normal.

Anyhow, MUST GO NOW!

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The One-Day Sickness

Posted on January 24, 2012 // Leave a Comment

I came home from work last night feeling ill. As if I’d caught something while riding the bus home. I felt so terrible that I immediately collapsed into bed where I spent the next 11 hours tossing and turning, feverish, and chilly. My whole body ached.

I took a shower hoping I could shake it off and go to the office. Nope. Wasn’t happening.

Here’s the deal. I completely covered up in a turtleneck and sweats. I walked down to Walgreen’s and picked up four types of Odwalla juices: Wellness with Vitamin C and Zinc, C Monster packed with Vitamin C, Superfood with Vitamins A, C & E, and Serious Energy with Vitamins B, C, and green tea extract. That ought to do the trick, right?

For lunch, I walked down two blocks to Osha Thai for fire-spicy Tom Yum soup and tea. I think I sweated out all the germs by the time I was done.

At 3pm, I had an acupuncture treatment at Circle Community Acupuncture. It’s that perfect price-point where you can afford to go every week. While it’s a room full of people, even smack in the afternoon, my acupuncturist takes the time to talk through my symptoms. I feel like it’s very personalized.

Now I’m back home relaxing. Still not 100%, but good enough to work tomorrow.

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Money Monday: Discounted Wine

Posted on January 23, 2012 // Leave a Comment

K & LMost people know about K&L wine. If you don’t, you’re missing out. If you do, consider this a reminder.

K&L is a California wine merchant that carries superb wines at a discount. You knew that already? Well I went and did all the comparison shopping, and K&L beats them all—BevMo, Safeway. No one’s going to beat 2 Buck Chuck, but that ain’t fine wine. Wine club member at Cakebread, Rosenblum, Caymus? Doesn’t matter, K&L still beats the wine club discount.

I had this splendiferous wine in NYC–a T-Vine Grenache–that’s going for $21 a bottle at K&L. That same bottle is $42 on the T-Vine Cellars site.

Check out your closest K&L: SF, Redwood City, and Hollywood.

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Championship Sunday

Posted on January 22, 2012 // Leave a Comment

Well that was exciting. 3 point spreads, with one game going into overtime. Are they always that exciting? Can’t remember last year’s. All these games are a blur.

Sucks that the Niners lost, but it was fun while it lasted. Everyone sporting their red and gold. Our priest ended the mass with an energetic, “Go Niners!”

Sure was nice watching the games in the comfort of our own living room, cozy while drinking wine. Doesn’t get better than that. Especially seeing how cold and rainy it was at Candlestick.

Superbowl Sunday 8am run through Golden Gate park. Can’t think of anything better before a day of munching on chips, dip, and beer. We got another couple to join us. Fun-fun, come along!

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