Sunday Randomness
Today is the last day of Hanukkah. We celebrate, though we are not religious, because when Maya was little we wanted to expose her to more than just Christmas, and also because it’s fun. (Truthfully, this confused her as she told friends that we were Jewish when she was little, and why wouldn’t she think that?) We have latkes with our dinner and give gifts on the first night, and the other 7 night we just light the menorah. This year, of course, the light of Hanukkah felt dimmed by the horrible shooting on Bondi Beach in Australia. My mind immediately went to my friend Nadine, who is Jewish, and who I knew from our time in Philadelphia, where her (now ex) husband was going to dental school while Ted was working on his PhD. She lives very close to Bondi Beach. I messaged her, asked if she was OK, and while she is thankfully physically unharmed, she is not OK. She was there that day, and says it is scary being Jewish these days.
I was thinking of Nadine a lot this week, of course, and did a google search to see if I could find a link to some of her amazing paintings. She’s an artist, these days mostly a photographer (She took the first photos of Maya, when she was 2 weeks old, because our camera battery died and she lived right upstairs in our apartment building). She also paints and does pottery. My google search came up with her official photography website, and also one of her paintings on sale on eBay! I’ve always wanted to own one of her paintings, both because she’s so talented, but also to remember that time together in Philly, but I couldn’t really afford one. This one was in San Diego, and lo and behold, I could afford it! I remember when it was exhibited in a gallery in Sydney, because she sent me a flyer, which I still have. So I made an impulsive decision to buy myself a gift for my upcoming 60th birthday. I’m so glad I did. I did zero research, I thought it was a canvas, but it’s not. It’s 3D, wooden, and has a lot of texture. It’s named ‘Band of Brothers’, from her exhibit ‘African Innocence’ (she is originally from South Africa).
Look at the sweet Christmas Cactus our friends gave us at their holiday party! I mean, the friendship is the main gift, and then the party (lots of work and money goes into that, as we all know), but I have always wanted a Christmas Cactus, and now I have one! (OMG, my windows are filthy.)
Speaking of Christmas Cacti, look at these in front of a neighbor’s house. They sit out front all year, I have no idea what goes into their upkeep. Through the heat of summer they look like crap, but then they do this.
Our weather has finally changed. Can you see the low fog over the hills? For weeks we were socked in by this fog, bringing much gloom, dampness, and cold to our area. On this drive, we were in the sun, then as we passed through these hills, we were shrouded in cold, damp fog. The worst is that it also holds down air pollution, so the air quality was kind of crummy. This is the air San has been dealing with longer than we did, because as you can see, as of a week ago, we had sunshine, while the valley was still socked in. Now we have rain, glorious rain. That means a lower pressure air system, and hopefully it gives us some cleaner air once the rain clears out.
Back to Hanukkah, I couldn’t find my usual candles this year, so I bought these at the grocery store. They suck. Do not recommend this brand. They were under $2, which is good, but look, some of them wouldn’t stay lit. Bad. Spend the $6.
Almost 2 years ago, I wrote about the slow leak from our bathtub faucet. It was almost manageable and the repair was drastic (ripping out 45 year old tile and drywall), so we lived with it. Which means we’ve been listening to it dripping for over 2 years. Recently it got a lot worse, and was a constant stream. UGH. Happily, a neighbor has a friend who is a plumber, and he was able to fix it for SO MUCH LESS than my fear. To be clear, it was $325. I was imagining an entire replacement of the bathtub area, into a walk in shower (which admittedly we would all love, but would be very spendy) which would be closer to $10,000. HUGE DIFFERENCE. NO MORE DRIPPING. Beyond the cost, there is the guilt in California of wasting water. Whew. I’m glad that’s taken care of.
I don’t write about work much, but my company supports payroll software, which means lots of year-end work as tax rates and reporting requirements change. So while some folks are winding down a bit for the remainder of the year, my work is crazy busy. And my job specifically is very reactionary, meaning I have to wait for other people to get their work done before I can do anything. There is not a single thing anyone on my team can do to manage this work, it comes when it comes. So one week we don’t have much to do, the next week I’m finally getting my shower at 5pm and we’re eating dinner out of the freezer (thank you past me, for freezing leftovers), because I didn’t have any way of knowing that this was going to be an insane week. (I mean, of course I know this time of year will be busy, but not THIS busy.) It’s frustrating.
Friday I was planning on having some leftover salad for lunch, but it was a little too leftover. Meaning, slimy. So I had chips and guacamole instead. Does that count as fruit (avocado) and veg (corn chips)? No? I’m still not sorry, it was delicious.
We’ve had a lot of little earthquakes lately. (3 or 4 this week, one while I was typing this post, which motivated this section of randomness) They’re mostly centered in San Ramon, a few towns south of us. Are they a warning of THE BIG ONE, or are they a bit of relief, letting off steam? The science is out, because no one knows. Is it wrong that there’s a small part of me that wishes there had been a small one when Birchie or Engie were here this year? Not enough to scare them, but just a ‘hey, you’re in Cali’ thing? Probably wrong, probably would have scared them. Sorry.
Friday I ran a ton of errands, trying to get things wrapped up for Christmas and so on, but Ted’s aunt and uncle have requested some specific English Muffins, and the bakery ran out by 10am. So yesterday I went at 8am, which was much luckier. They’re in the freezer now.
I liked this mural I saw on the way to the bakery. I think this is how Mulder thought of himself, very fierce but also cheerful with big feet.
A few doors down from the mural is this Turkish shop. If you’re ever looking for an evil eye, this shop has you covered. Let me know your theme, I’ll find it for you.
On our walk yesterday, I came across this sticker several times. Likely we’d all be sent to Venezuela, or perhaps Zimbabwe, but I wanted to imagine being sent to Paris. I sent it to my white liberal sisters, and asked them where they wanted to go (as if anyone has a choice) and one is joining me in Paris, the other Copenhagen.
After my early morning trip downtown (still parking issues, we are urban yo), breakfast, weights, yoga, and a walk, I made some popcorn and sat down to watched a dumb rom com, Champagne Problems on Netflix. Christmas, romance, Paris, champagne, what’s not to like? I mean, there were stupid stereotypes and it was entirely predictable, but it was fun and I enjoyed it. After that I wrapped my gifts, and finally took a shower at maybe 4:30 (in my non leaking tub!!!). So what, I got clean, that’s all that matters, right?
This is me at the grocery store. To be clear, I’m the one asking for help. I love these coneheads.
Lastly, you all know I’m thankful for you, right? This meme expresses my feelings.
46 Comments
Birchie
So much to say here! I’m glad that you have Nadine’s painting, and it’s all the more special (though sad) knowing that she is here against the odds.
The Christmas Cactus is the only plant that I know how to take care of! I was given one that never bloomed, and then I learned how to “take care” of them: neglect! You’re supposed to put them in a cool dark place during the summer. Once I started doing that, it bloomed like crazy from Christmas through Easter. I guess leaving them outside like your neighbor does somehow achives the same thing.
I felt a little pang of PTSD reading about the world of year end payroll. I DON’T HAVE TO DO THAT ANYMORE!!!! Woo hoo!!!! But yes, it sucks. You have no control over anything.
Chips and guac for lunch FTW, and may all of us white liberal women be deported to Paris.
J
I know about the cool dark thing, so I was surprised that this plant stayed outside all summer. Clearly I’m going to have to watch and see if that is indeed true or if I have imagined it. This is in a complex in front of ours, and the units are very small, one bedroom, maybe 600 square feet. I’m not sure there would be a place to put them inside!
Lisa’s Yarns
How awful that your friend was there during the shooting. My heart hurts for our Jewish community.
We went to our first Hanukkah party last week at Taco’s besties’ house. When they were singing the song while lighting the candles, his friend stopped and yelled ‘Taco, sing!!!’ We all laughed so hard about it afterwards. Time for him to learn some Hebrew for next year.
I’ll join you in Paris when they deport us. It is kind of funny that white liberal women are seen as the enemy. That means we have some power, even if they are annoyed with us. Our ancestors did not have that kind of voice or power! So it’s kind of nice to sit with that and appreciate it.
J
I hadn’t thought of that twist, that there is fear behind the sticker. I like that, thank you!
Michelle G.
Hi J! I think it’s wonderful that you were able to buy your friend’s painting! How scary for her to be on that beach, and I’m glad she’s physically safe. I checked out her photography website, and WOW, it’s amazing! What talent! Thank you for sharing. Happy Holidays!
J
Hi Michelle, yes, Nadine is amazingly talented. I’m glad you enjoyed seeing her work.
Nicole MacPherson
Wow, Noelle sure looks terrible compared to your cactus! But then, she’s 20 years old, which is probably 100 in people years. I LOVE YOU NOELLE
Your poor friend, I am so upset with the rise in antisemitism that is happening. I mean, “rise.” It was probably already there. It’s just so sad and upsetting, and I cannot imagine how scary it is to feel like a target. I would have thought Australia to be a relatively safe place, I guess nowhere is safe.
I liked Champagne Problems! Rob and I have been going through all the new Christmas romcoms on Netflix. That one was great, there was a Santa one we just watched too that I liked. I think we are up to four now, and next on the list is a Vineyard Christmas. Appropriate since we live on one!
I often am asked to reach for things on the shelf! I’m not super tall – 5’7″ – but tall enough to reach, usually.
J
Yeah, why should Noelle have to produce flowers when she’s 20? I sure as hell am not producing flowers anymore.
I also thought Australia was safe. I told her, ‘this would not surprise me in the US, with our stupid gun culture, but Australia?’ She said yes, it was shocking and she had thought they were safe. UGH.
I’m glad you liked Champagne Problems! I’m the only one who would watch such things around here, so I felt no guilt just watching without anyone.
Regarding reaching for things, Thank you for your service! Much appreciated by those in the under 5’5″ club.
Margaret
How wonderful to have Nadine’s painting! It’s important to treat ourselves at times; otherwise, it’s easy (for me anyway) to feel deprived/resentful. Love the mural–very Mulderesque. Paris, Lucerne, Dublin, Edinburgh, the list could go on and on.
J
The list is endless, right? Well, not endless, but long.
nance
I personally LOVE the fact that someone is so afraid of the power and wisdom of we Liberal White Women that they feel our mere presence is an existential threat to them, whoever they are. How scary for them, hiding in their old room with the bunkbeds still in it, yelling down to their mother that, yes, they’d like mashed potatoes with the pork chops tonight; that would be fine, whilst selling shit on Ebay.
Your lunch of guacamole and chips sounds very healthy to me. I personally have had just a sliced avocado for lunch before, and I’ve felt as if I was being quite celestial about my health. Same thing applies when I grab a handful of mixed nuts and a few grapes. Fiber! Protein! Fruit!
Your poor, dear friend, having to deal with such violence and hatred. How frightening that she was at the event! That will be a very hard thing to contend with in the times to come. I’m so glad you were able to find a painting of hers that you love and that you could afford, too. I really like it.
I am very short–only 5′ 4″–but the shelves at my grocery store are not super high. I’m able to reach whatever I need easily. I wonder if it’s because it’s a relatively old building. My issue is bending way down low to get things; I can often get a bit dizzy when I get back up–not good.
All those evil eyes have me intrigued. Do I need one? I’m going to do some research and I’ll get back to you. I think a whole shop of them is absolutely wonderful. Do they even need to lock their doors? Have a security system? Hmmmm.
You are a big green flag! XOXO
J
Maybe I could have wandered right into the store, even though it was 8am and they don’t open until 10 or 11. But I didn’t even try, because the evil eyes were watching and warned me not to.
I believe we are the same height. Our smaller local grocery store, I can reach pretty much everything, but at Safeway I sometimes have problems. I think 5’4″ is average though, so not really that short.
I do like the idea that people are afraid of our power!
coco
sorry to hear that work has been hectic when most people are wrapping up work to enjoy the holidays. good that you prepared and had freezer food. slimy salad doesn’t sound as good as avocado with chips.
Happy holidays! hope you get to rest next week.
J
Thanks Coco! I took the week off between Christmas and New Year’s, so that will be restful for sure.
AC
I like that you celebrate Hannukah. Having once had a Jewish dil, we have a few times, I think even a few times when the dil wasn’t actually visiting. IIRC, Danica quite liked doing that. All the best to your friend and how wonderful that you purchased her art.
J
We try to celebrate but not be culturally insensitive. If anyone ever said it was inappropriate for us to celebrate hanukkah, we would stop, but so far we have had full support from our Jewish friends.
ernie
Hooray for a reasonably priced bathroom fix and no more leaking water. Yikes about the mini quakes. I’m excited for you that you bought artwork by your friend. How amazing. I wasn’t aware that your job switches up from busy to slow. I enjoy your reaction to that Deport Liberal Women sticker. Mini went to Paris, very briefly, while studying abroad and she LOVED Paris. I was there back when I studied abroad too, and I’ve not been back. Oh, and I love that wall mural that you pass on the way to the bakery. I laughed at how Mulder probably thought of himself that way. Green Flags in people – totally agree.
J
OMG my job. So reactionary, all based on when other people get their work done. Which of course is based on when the government agencies publish their changes, blah blah blah. It can be frustrating.
DB Stewart
Bondi Beach was devestating. Deport white liberal women? 2025 is so exhausting.
Those green flags say it all.
J
Devistating for sure.
PocoBrat
You are all the green flags, J! <3
I will watch _Champagne Problems_ and report back!
I'm so glad that you have your friend's painting. She seems so talented. How sad that people have to feel unsafe because of bigotry and in that same incident we get to see how wonderfully people are moved to courage by their faith and humanity (thinking of Ahmed Al Ahmed)!
J
Yes, thank goodness for Al Ahmed, not only saving lives, but also giving people hope and comfort in the face of such tragedy.
I hope you enjoy _Champagne Problems_. It’s silly fun.
StephLove
I’m sorry for your friend in Australia. That must have been a terrible expereince.
What pretty Christmas cacti (both yours and the neighbors).
Beth made latkes for Hanukah, too, and we’re not Jewish either. We don’t go as far as lighting candles, though.
We also watched Champagne Problems and a couple more similar films. Our last one will be the one about the lesbian couple that find a baby on their doorstep. I think it either just came out or will later this week.
J
A baby on the doorstep story! I hope it’s good and that you enjoy it.
Alexandra
A number of my friends who loive downunder have been saying this was bound to happen for a long while now. That the sparodic violence is growing and that minorities there are always targets by this one or that. It’s just heartbreaking that so many have lost their lives. It happened here, in Quebec City not that long ago. But it was muslims at prayers who were gunned down.
It’s hard to reconcile why anyone would want to do this.
What a joy to be able to buy your friend’s painting. There’s something special about owning art you have a connection too.
No festive cactii here, it’s all poinsettias at the moment. Which are colourful too.
And how funny everyone’s watching the same movie? We watched this one a couple of weeks ago and loved it.
J
Yes, I’ve read that the Jewish community in Australia have been raising red flags for a while now. And like you, I cannot imagine what gets into a person’s head that makes them want to kill people because of their religion (because of their anything, really).
Fun that everyone seems to be watching the same movie(s). My cousin told me about it, and that she enjoyed it.
Alexandra
ore so now in the last decade we’ve seen this kind of behaviour on the rise. Is it because of the internet, and so many on-going wars? I guess we’ll never know why or understand what motivates these kinds of people.
I know, right? We watched The Beast In Me starring Clare Danes on a recommendation. But seriously, I wish we hadn’t. In fact, the OH didn’t finish it. I started watching Emily in Paris, just silly lightweight fluff instead. A nice counterbalance to all the onscreen violence. Have you watched the new Knives Out movie? That was fun.
J
I’m the only one around here who likes Emily in Paris, but maybe I’ll give the new season a try! Italy, right?
Suzanne
The mural is fabulous. I love that it makes you think of Mulder. <3
Your friend is so talented. Her photography is so painterly and contains so much movement and emotion. I'm happy for you that you were able to find one of her paintings to buy!
The faucet saga sounds awfullllllll — and now it's fixed, hurrah!!!
J
Thank goodness for plumbers, right? Especially those that we can really trust to do the job right. Such a blessing.
Daria
Love me some randimosity on a Monday evening, thank you!
My sister friend is from Copenhagen, and I went with the kids to visit her sister in spring on 2022. It was lovely- like an easy, less crowded Amsterdam.
Paris! You know how much I love that city. And the country. I’d be gladly deported there 🙂
Terrible things re: Jewish community. Glad to hear she is okay but no okay. How can one even be okay?..
J
I was thinking of Amsterdam the other day…I’ve only been once, way back in ’93. Would love to go back. And Copenhagen! I’ve never been.
Melissa
That must have been awful for your friend. I’m so glad she was not hurt (physically, that is). I love your Christmas cacti, although I guess they would bloom in June here? Congratulations on your bathroom fix. What a relief not to have to spend thousands, but still end up with a non-leaky tap.
J
SUCH A RELIEF on the non leaky tub! I was pretty pessimistic about the whole thing.
Gina
I can’t even imagine what that must have been like for your friend, I am so, so sorry. The bravery of the man who attacked the heinous cowards who were shooting was amazing, though.
Those latkes look quite tasty.
I never knew how much I needed a Christmas Cactus until this very moment.
We are supposed to be getting all of the rain tomorrow on Christmas Eve. 🙁
J
It was pretty clear today, but it’s sure raining now! I hope it’s OK where you are.
San
The Tule fog has finally lifted in the Central Valley, too, but now we have rain (and a storm or two coming). I hope it won’t cause too much damage/flooding.
I heard of all the little earthquakes in the Bay Area. I’d like to think that it’s a way of blowing some steam, rather than further loading up strain on the faults… but who the heck knows! I’ve always been a little excited to feel an earthquake here in California (did you know I wrote my thesis about the San Andreas fault?) Of course, I’d be alright not having to live through the BIG ONE.
I am so sorry your friend Nadine was caught up in the Bondi Beach shooting. How terrible. I am glad she’s ok. And I am so glad you impulsively bought her painting!
I am thankful for you (and all the others) too, Julie! Merry Christmas!
J
Wait, are you telling me that you’ve never felt an earthquake, after all of your time here? WHAT? Or do you mean that you find them exciting when you do feel them? I used to kind of enjoy them. I liked the thought that for a few minutes, we’re all thinking the same thing. We used to listen to KGO radio, and people would call in and talk about it. We were in San Francisco in 1989, and that earthquake was the first one that scared me. Now I’m fine if it’s small, but I’m always worried that it’s going to start small and get bigger. Terrifying.
It’s pouring outside now, but it was lovely today. I hope there’s no flooding, gets kind of dicey, right?
Merry Christmas!
Stephany
Wow, how scary that your friend was at Bondi Beach. I’m glad she’s safe, but that’s a trauma that will live for a long time I’m sure.
Ugh, that sticker. That makes me angry, but I like Lisa’s reframing that it shows how much power we have now that people are so scared of us. Muahaha!
J
Yes, very scary that Nadine was there!
Regarding the sticker, yes, I like the reframing too.
Saskia
Loved reading this article. I’m gonna watch Champagne Problems this week…
have wonderfull days and a ‘lots of love’ 2026!
J
Thank you Saskia, I hope you enjoy Champagne Problems!
Diane
I do think chips and guac is a full meal, and so much better than sad salad.
I’ve been bingeing the Hallmark movies lately – I can get a Hallmark+ binge pass with my library card via Hoopla. I don’t have Netflix, so I’m pretty much sticking to the Hallmark ones, and there have been some pretty good ones so far this year – She’s Making a LIst, and the one about The Grand Ol’ Opry. Unfortuntely I don’t think the binge pass works overseas, so I guess I’ll have to catch up on the other 20 or so movies when I get back from our trip.
My heart goes out to your friend Nadine – thanks for sharing. The news has been shit lately, and it’s shit that’s happening to real people, people just trying to go on with the every day mundane activities of life and this season. I’m so glad you bought her art – please post a picture when you have a place for it in your home!
J
Thanks Diane, I posted a picture of my painting today, not sure my photo does it justice though.
Tobia | craftaliciousme
I am just slowly tryong to catch up on my favoite blogs. I give it up to read all the others. Sigh.
I love that you went all in and bought some art from your friend.
My grandma used to have. a t of christmas cacti. I never really liked them that much but that huge one of your neighbors looks amazing. I love that you triggered my memory of my grandma wit this.
J
Oh, how sweet! I love those little triggers of memory too. <3