Fish Tales

Do you know what it is I fear most when I ride my bike to school and back?

It’s not the buses and cars with whom I share the road.

Or the bumps and divots in the pavement that rattle my bones.

Or the jackasses that fail to look both ways before pulling into the street.

Nor is it the freeway merges or the bums on the bike paths or the thick, gray morning fog.

It’s the parked cars. I don’t trust the fuckers.

After the movers carried the last piece of furniture into our new home on Saturday afternoon, one of them looked around and asked, “Did y’all move the TV by yourselves?” We explained that we did not own a TV. He laughed and then told us that such a thing wasn’t that unusual these days. Why he said this, I don’t know. Was he trying to make us feel better? Should I be distraught over the fact that my house is missing this vital piece of furniture? Should I be ashamed that we fall into the “not so unusual” category? Or relieved?

Either way, I don’t care. Tonight, Eric and I dined on our back stoop so that we could watch the sun set over the ocean as we shoveled delicious, organic food into our mouths. This morning we sat in the same spot sipping coffee and chatting about the future. This afternoon I walked the length of the beach barefoot. Personally, I’d trade a TV for such opportunities any time, any day.

The move went well. The unpacking when smoothly. Give me a few days, maybe a week or two and this place will feel like home. Already, I love it. My door is always open as are my neighbors. The people are friendly. The atmosphere relaxed. Ocean Beach is not just a neighborhood, it’s a state of mind. I am looking foward to embracing it.

Dear Internet,

It was hot in San Diego this past weekend. A scorching 85 degrees with no humidity. The people of San Diego were devastated. They bitched and moaned like it was the end of the world. As we know it. On Sunday, Eric and I brunched at a pub in Little Italy called the Princess Pub. Yeah, it’s a British pub in the heart of the Italian district. Don’t ask me. I don’t get it either. Anyway, our waitress stepped outside to check on us and commented that it was “hotter than a witch’s tit.” I had no choice but to throw my drink in her face, grab her by the collar with one hand, and smack the shit out of her with the other. “Hot! Fool! This ain’t hot! Hot is Baltimore in August!” That is what I said to her before I released my grip. As she crumpled to the ground crying, I kicked her in the ribs just to get the point across. Oh, Southern California!

Speaking of Southern California, here is the view from the new house:

Yeah, now imagine this photo in a panoramic format. Yup, that’s what I get to look at everyday. Hey, how’s those cornfields?

Love,

Fis(her)

Every year between December and March, the gray whales of the Pacific Ocean embark on the longest mammal migration in the world. They travel over 10,000 miles from the Bering Sea in Alaska to the waters off the coast of Baja California, Mexico where they mate and give birth. Following the birth of their pups, they then return to the Bering Sea. During this roundtrip migration, the whales hug the coastline of California much to the delight of biologists, tourists, and entrepreneurs.

This morning I boarded a whale watching boat in hopes to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures. Although they rarely breach the water on their yearly migration, their “blow” (as it is known) and tales can be seen up to one mile away on a clear day.

Today, I did not see a gray whale. However, I was given a voucher by the company who offered the tour to return for free anytime. They guarantee a sighting, you see. So, I think I am going to go back on Friday. Hopefully, the whales will not be as shy my second time out.

Nonetheless, I did see dolphins. Lots of dolphins. The naturalist on board the ship estimated numbers upwards of a 1,000 regarding the “pod” of dolphins which converged upon our boat. Watching thousands of dolphins leap from the ocean at once was one of the coolest things I have ever seen. My pictures do not do the sight justice, but I thought I would share anyway:

A few big events for us this weekend:

1. Our friends Thomas and Adrienne welcomed their second child into this world. Beatrix Morningstar Marriott was born on Friday evening. A healthy, eight-pound baby girl who is so cute even Eric could not resist her charm.

2. Last week, Eric and I (along with our friends Matt and Michelle) signed up to participate in a Community Supported Agriculture program. Every week for the next four weeks we will receive a box of seasonal fruits, vegetables and herbs from two local organic farms. This week we received our first box-o-veggies that included a huge diversity of leafy greens including but not limited to: arugula, kale, some purple type of lettuce, mustard greens, and dandelion greens. We also got a few blood oranges, a few regular oranges, avocados, lemons, tomatillos, tomatoes, scallions, and fresh coriander. Personally, I am ecstatic about the items. Woot!!!! Organic veggies!!!!

3. We bought some real furniture this weekend which is very sexy and will look fabulous in our nifty, urban loft.

4. I joined a book club here in San Diego. Last night I attended my first meeting. The members of this club are wonderful people. There is an incredible diversity among the members which makes for a lovely, intellectual discussion group. I am looking forward to the next meeting in February.

5. Finally, photo night is back on the menu! After we bought our Nikon, Eric and I started “Photo Night” as a means to motivate us to learn to use the camera. Each month we would assign a theme. Then we would have approximately four weeks to take various pictures of our own interpretations of that theme. After four weeks, we would make dinner, pour wine, and present our photographs to each other. This time around it is extra exciting because Matt and Michelle wish to participate.

Today, I ventured into the Specific Ocean (Pacific Ocean for those not in the know) to do a little boogie boarding. The Pacific Ocean is not exactly a heated indoor swimming pool. A wet suit is an absolute necessity this time of year. Fortunately, I own a wet suit. Unfortunately, I purchased said wet suit about six years ago.

There is nothing quite like the experience of forcing one’s mass into a neoprene suit that is at least one size too small. External bits became internal . Blood circulation decreased by about fifty percent globally. Once zipped up, there was a wonderful euphoric sensation as the neckline choked off air intake. Light headed and unable to put my arms to my side, I headed to the beach looking (and feeling) more or less like this:

I imagine that I looked quite funny marching down to the beach in my one-size-too-small wet suit but once I hit the water I couldn’t have cared less. There is something about the Specific Ocean that makes all else seem insignificant and unimportant. The feeling is hard to explain but, for me, it is akin to tranquility.

*Sigh*

I don’t really know where I was going with this post … I’m just gonna call it done and go back to the beach.