Rorschach.net

In southern California folks are obsessed with how great the climate is. Upon finding out I’ve moved, I am harassed by natives who want me to confirm that this is the best place to live. There’s something obsessive about their persistent questioning that boarders on neurotic. I’ve been frightened on more than one occasion where I felt anything less than an overly enthusiastic “yes” would result in injury. It is as though if I disagree, I am disparaging all who live here.
Don’t get me wrong, it is a great place to live. But I always feel I disappoint them with my answer that I am enjoying it as much as all the great places I have lived. I think life is about more than great weather. In the 10 towns and 4 states I’ve lived in, I’d found wonderful people and places that I cherish still. There’s always the great local diner or bakery or ski hill or beach that become part of your daily life. Moving means finding new favorite haunts and replacing the favorite cup of coffee and best place to get your dry-cleaning done. But more than anything when it is time to move on, moving is about meeting new people while missing the friends from “home”. I find missing the people the worst after having seen them so recently. Having company from Kansas with Paul’s family first and then Lydia from Lawrence, I am reminded of what wonderful people are no longer a short car ride away. Thank goodness for the internet and airplanes and friends who remain friends even with miles in between.

Now here’s a political candidate I can fully support. http://paultobia.com

I got some great games for my birthday and Christmas, but the one I’ve been playing the most is Viva Pinata. At its core this is Microsoft cashing in on the whole pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh thing, complete with Saturday morning cartoon using the in game characters and giving you hints. But it’s so well done and such fun to play I don’t mind that at all.

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I do enjoy a nice night out at a restaurant. If you know one of the chefs it even better. If you’re at the table with the chef’s 6 year old son it’s even better than that. What a great cap to 2006, with a big plate of sashimi and excellent asian style tapas.