mall diving

In past years I have tried to get at least some of my holiday shopping done sbefore Tnaksgiving. Two years I managed to get it all done and shipped by Turkey Day.

This year, buy December 10 I hadn't gotten a thing and had just as little in the way of inspiration.

I got home from work and decided to bail on a holiday party in favor of a rush though Union Square, Bloomies, and the like on a mad dash for family treats with a San Franciscan bent. (So far neither the Haight nor the Castro produced any gems.)

I got home to a message from James who had been back east for work and play for over a week and was elated to be back in SF. I invited him out for roadies and shopping downtown, an adventure to which he readily agreed.

I will tell you, cruising Bloomingdales and giant city-center malls with a tall cocktail is really the only way to do it and stay sane. We shared our family stories and caught up and got a wee bit accomplished in the way of shopping. I was on a mission, and James was impressed by my focus. Hey, I can talk, drink, and critically eye at the same time. Next store.

Seen on our tour:

Every child's Christmas wish: conjoined fetus twin pandas. Ew.



Coming soon: A chain competitor to Good Vibrations: You & I Cum!



WTF there? UniKum: where you and I can cum together.

And a very special sighting: Heather MacDonald Marriedname.



I got to be friends with Heather years ago through James, and we had the whole country music and librarian scene to share. Love her and haven't seen her in years. Clearly, finding the love of her life and marrying him agrees with her. Holiday hugs to Heather.

After closing down the mall, I was exhausted and eager for bed. James, a bit daffy from travel and jet lag and a stronger-then-is-usual roadie, was jonesing hard for some Pho. I was not. On my side, I had the fact that noodle joints were all closed by 10:30.

Until we passed this corporate/hotel lobby in 80's shiny black deco and neon serving Thai food late. I offered that we could get take out. James squatted determined for a full sit down. Of course, loving the James as I do, I acquiesced.

This may be our favorite new bar. So, so random. In all ways. The "band" makes the scene. They sounded very much like a college cover band.

"They" were an ancient asian guy with a voice like Bob Seger and who I image is his ancient caucasian wife playing the jar of beans. Makeup by Tammy Faye.

This was an attempted sly over-the-shoulder iPhone shot:



In the new year, we'll take y'all back. Have your requests ready.