No, I didn’t forget you — well, not too much — I’ve just been embroiled in a new place (embroiled denoting the intensity of the sun here, by the way). I’m still kind of wandering around in a daze getting used to San Jose and my new home. It’s not entirely pleasant, I still feel very uneasy here and even though I’m not yet homesick, I can tell that I will be. I feel very out of place and sort of temporary.
So, this week I’ve been shopping (a lot) and doing freelance work for the old job. A recap:
Friday before last — the 20th, I think — I made a pilgrimage to one of my favorite spots, the Winchester House.
What I love about this huge mansion is not just the gorgeous Victorian architecture, but the fact that Sarah Winchester, the filthy rich heir to the Winchester Rifle fortune, was completely insane. She believed that the spirits of rifle victims were out to get her, and she would be safe as long as she kept building on to her “modest home.” So, construction continued 24/7 until the day she died.
Jann took that picture of me while waiting for the tour — it’s so rare that a good photo of me is taken, so even though I look rather dour (as usual) I figured I’d post it up as evidence.
This Friday, the Winchester Mystery House figured in another event — Mac, of Pesky Apostrophe fame came west to take the tour, and I met up afterwards with her and her friend Statia over at the posh Santana Row for a little post-mystery sushi. How odd that I never had a chance to meet her over on the east coast, but by chance she shows up here? Mystery, indeed. (It also turns out that Jeff — aka Rebel Prince is here this weekend, too. Heck, it’s like I never left home!)
I mentioned in an earlier post somewhere that I went out looking for a new TV for my much larger home here. I sold my old HDTV for a pretty sum, and began to contemplate my options — again, since I have a healthy bank account from the sale of the house, I can afford just about anything I want, but my damned fiscal schizophrenia jumps to life. Nonetheless, I decided that this would be the only time I could afford to get what I really want, so I closed my eyes and jumped in with both feet; I bought a beautiful 50″ flat panel plasma display. Being cheap but with expensive taste, I got it for the best price possible using a combination of credit card points and the Memorial Day sale price further offset by the sale of my old set. I’m not going to tell you how much, because I’m embarrassed at spending so much on a TV. But damn it, it looks thin and gorgeous, just how the rich should be.
On Saturday, the new couch and chair I ordered were delivered, and it was such a relief to have something to sit on. Poor Diego is having a bit of trouble with them, as they’re leather and very slick and new — he slides around on them when he jumps up.
Next up to purchase: coffee and kitchen tables (so I have someplace to eat!) and a dining table. Then, it’s time to stop the spending and concentrate on the earning.
Yesterday I went with Jann and Mike to a huge flea market — emphasize “flea.” Now, I’m not an expert on flea markets, but I expected something that was akin to a large yard sale or antiques show — the kind of thing you see on those HGTV shows. Instead, it was a huge shopping destination for the tacky airbrushed blankets, car stereos, and precious Sunday dresses for little girls. Among the hot purchases: underwear from the “Top Man” brand so when you strip off, he knows what’s what; as well as the “professional” Bath Thing.
The produce, however, was amazing; I wanted to buy it all even though I don’t cook and really don’t like most of it. I did buy some roasted pumpkin seeds — yum!
Looking ahead, today I’ve got more work to do for the old job, then the authoring of the official DVD release of our last 48 Hour film… but tomorrow, I’m going to take my first trip to the beach. Santa Cruz, here I come! Don’t worry, I’ll take pictures. 
