Wednesday, March 23, 2011

New Things added to List

I have a bunch of things to add to my list of New Things. (I've been in meetings for three days, putting words together well at this point will be tough.) I'm traveling for work in San Francisco and not only is this my first time here, it is a great city for first experiences!

1. I road a trolley! As soon as I knew I was coming here, I had this on my list of to do's.

2. I saw and climbed up the famous Lombard Street. The incline is much more intense than I expected!

3. Walked across the Golden Gate Bridge. Actually, on my list was to get a good look at it -- walking across is a good way to do that.

4. Saw a Redwood forest. This might be a little deceiving. There is a small park here in the city that boasts of having a Redwood forest. In reality, it is a small city park with 12-20 Redwoods. Still, I saw Redwoods!

5. Entered and finished a 12K race. I have never raced that distance before. By the way, that also means I set a personal record! We finished in 1:55:54.

6. I had dinner in a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. Maybe what this one should really be is that I visited a Chinatown -- but I like the fact we ate there, too.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Prophetic Tagger


Though not the most artistic piece of graffiti, the message is a good one.
(Yes, Tiffany, I knew you would appreciate it.)

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Raindrop Memories

Yesterday while on hold, I was treated to the Muzak-version of the Burt Bacharch song, Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head. At first I laughed, trying to remember when the last time I heard that song was and surprised to discover I still know all of the words.

As I hummed along and pictured the bicycle scene from the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, I suddenly had an upset stomach. Then I had memories of a weird smell -- a very specific weird smell. "How do I know that smell and why would I associate it with this song," I wondered.

Just as the song ended, a light blue dental chair popped into my head. Ah ha!

Starting at the age of 9, I went to see my orthodontist once a month for 5 years. It was not a pleasant experience as he often jabbed my gums, tightened wires or caused pain in a variety of others ways. While sitting in the waiting room, I remember my stomach churning, anticipating the torture he was about to inflict -- all the while smelling those chemical smells and listening to 60s and 70s hits converted to Muzak.

Who knew that a simple song not heard for years could bring back such intense memories? Who knows what will happen if I hear a Muzak version of the Mamas and the Papas or even Michael Jackson!

Photo by D Sharon Pruitt.