Flat Stanley

I only recently met Stanley Lambchop, thanks to to my D.C. buddies who introduced us via Webcam on a Skype call. He heralded from Cleveland, Ohio, and - showing no signs of fatigue when he nimbly slid out of his envelope and unfolded -- he seemed eager to visit the national monuments.

I have since learned a bit more about Flat Stanley's adventurous spirit and his role in promoting literacy and other school subjects. While I find the story of his "flattening" rather disturbing - having survived a falling bulletin board - I'm truly inspired by his determination to dust himself off (or, in his case, straighten his creases) and make the most of his 2-dimensional state.

Through his many doppelgangers, he may be the most well-traveled flat boy I know. Perhaps we'll have a chance to host Flat Stanley ourselves some day. In the meantime, I wonder where in the world he's trekking at this very moment...!

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It's All About Country

I love Tuesdays. Tuesdays are when iTunes releases its Free Single of the Week. I like free things. And I like the suspense of not knowing... Will this week's single "hit it big" and go the way of Colbie Caillat's Bubbly or MGMT's Time to Pretend; or should it be vaulted, never to be played again, like Black Heart Queen (link to disturbing lyrics only) by Gallows? Ah yes, life's little intrigues.

Today's pick seems promising: If I Die Young by The Band Perry, a sibling trio that features an accordion; now you can't go wrong with that. A country music selection seems appropriate, following the Country Music Awards over the weekend. Our Pastor's blog on the CMAs and his love for country music -- plus the fact that the awards show postponed our Sunday night pastime, Amazing Race, by a week (go, cowboys!) -- reminded me that country music has peppered various parts of my life. My father used to play 8-tracks of Johnny Cash and Alabama when I was a kid in Singapore; and growing up in Indiana, well... Fond memories and good times.

Go, Band Perry!

Countdown to Morocco

"Hello. We're interested in a week-long tour, leaving from Fes and ending in Marrakech; including a short camel ride, overnight stay in the Sahara, and visits to cultural sites. If possible, we'd also like to see goats in trees! What are our options, please?"

Planning for our Sep '10 Morocco trip began with this message, sent to several local tour groups recommended by friends who will be hosting part of our stay. Since then, we've convinced ourselves to make this a real adventure... With a backpack each, a camera, Arabic and French phrasebooks, and various maps (including the all-important one for l'Office National des Chemins de Fer du Maroc [Morocco's national railway]), we plan to explore the North African country on our own, sans guide. So psyched!

Squeaky Musings from Africa: Coming Soon...

(Photo credit: 7 Incredible Natural Phenomena...)

Aged Like Fine Wine

The title may make my guy blush, but he said so himself, "I look better than when we got married!" And indeed he does, in his new suit, recently acquired from a place that we're giving high praise, for both quality (apparently) and customer service. Since most (including myself) wouldn't trust my opinion on clothing quality, especially in terms of men's suits, I'll focus on the customer service. In a phrase, "It's a trip."

Harry O runs a local menswear store on 2nd Street in San Francisco, less than two blocks from a Men's Wearhouse. He holds his own next to the national competitor, though, offering classic and modern suits and accessories that he promises will make you look like, well ...a pimp. And that's a good thing. Apparently.

Harry O is a slender, handsome, mustachioed man. He says free love brought him out here from the Bronx in the 60s. On our first visit, he offered us an espresso - excused himself to greet two stylish, sultry-voiced lady visitors in their 20s - then got busy fitting my guy in a dashing dark and subtly-checked suit that he fished off the rack after giving him a quick once-over. It was perfect. His expertise showed as he stepped nimbly from one side to another, folding cuffs, pinching fabric, measuring with a metal ruler, and scratching marks for alterations with chalk shaped like a guitar pick. Every few moments, he stepped back to admire his handiwork with a "yeah, dawg" and a "I tell ya, pimpin' ain't easy!"

We dropped a little over "2 bills", including alterations, for an almost custom-tailored suit that makes my guy look good. And Harry O is just plain cool - and good at what he does. There's little doubt that we'll return the next time my "fine wine" needs another suit. Maybe after aging another 10 years.

A Neighborhood Jaunt: Bernal Heights

I can’t help but p-a-u-s-e a moment to deliberately breathe in the fresh coffee aroma that fills this small but inviting space. “Now this is a good cup of hot chocolate,” I muse, savoring another gulp of the calibration drink that I order at every café. Whole milk, no whip, please.

Nervous Dog Coffee in the Bernal Heights neighborhood of San Francisco exudes a welcoming vibe, with its beckoning overstuffed couches (“get’cha butt over here!”), marigold walls featuring works of local artists, and a friendly barista whose upbeat “hey there!” would prompt any introverted visitor to beam in response. I’m glad we came here, randomly picked from a growing list of joints in the City that offer free wi-fi. With a playlist that includes acoustic recordings by Eddie Vedder, Curt Cobain, O.A.R., and Garbage (the band; not a commentary); and a colorful clientele of tattooed skaters our age and focused telecommuters, this place exudes energy that is anything but nervous.

Three hours earlier… Our lunch at Angkor Borei across the street is also worth a note. They offer a tasty Cambodian lunch special of a curry-based soup, rice, and two-item combo from a selection of nine entrées. At $15 for two, we were very satisfied with the chili pork, ginger beef, napa cabbage with shrimp, and crispy spring rolls; though my carnivorous companion has his usual complaint - not enough meat.

Four hours earlier… Under self-imposed exile, we took our telecommute on the road today, mainly to give realtors free reign of the house (yes, we’re selling), but also to get some fresh air. So glad we did.