Salty and Sweet

I've been wavering to the extremes of salty and sweet all day. I went to bed last night a little hungry, planning on having a creative breakfast. I started with sauteed spinach, topped it with some grilled tomatoes and two eggs over easy. There was a side of potatoes and toast involved as well. You can see in the photo that I accidentally popped one of the yolks, but it was a pretty freaking sweet breakfast.

Several hours later I went to see a movie and had popcorn, which was salty. After the movie, I made coffee and wanted a doughnut to go with it, so I made that happen. About an hour later, danged if I don't want something salty. But to round the day off with a healthy close like the way it started, I had a salad, which had some salty ingredients.

There's something strange about a day where you don't have to do anything. I realize I don't have any of them coming up for probably about 6 months cause it's going to be an interesting time. Which is good, cause if I hadn't been kind of sick today, I would have found something to do anyway.

Somewhere a copy editor is laughing or crying about this

Passive voice isn't weak, it's polite

I have been bombarded with comments over the years by editors saying that the passive voice isn't the best choice (I just used it again). But it has been used deliberately and pleasantly, I feel (did it again).

Skunk, of "Elements of Style" fame said "The active voice is usually more direct and vigorous than the passive." Sounds like an obnoxious drunk to me. All up in your grill, being all vigorous.

Columbia says "Active voice makes subjects do something (to something); passive voice permits subjects to have something done to them (by someone or something). Some argue that active voice is more muscular, direct, and succinct, passive voice flabbier, more indirect, and wordier."

Sounds a lot like me actually (flabby, indirect and wordy).

And yet, I turn your attention to the writing of Mr. Thomas Jefferson: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

The above passage essentially said, "Suck it, England. We rock." And it used the passive voice (some active too, but still).

Also, for funsies, listen to "Fixing a Hole" by the Beatles with only the right headphone on. It's a kind of haunting a cappella.

"You have to update your blog now"

Yes Narges. Yes, I do.

I recently listed all the cars I've driven in my decade behind the wheel (read it here)and today added to that total. My work had a function at Cavallo Point (which is gorgeous) and needed people to shuttle guests from the airport.

Four of us were asked to help. One drove the boss' car, two drove their own nice cars (a new Saab and a BMW) and I had a car rented for me as my POS would not sufficiently impress the guests.

I was only marginally insulted for a brief amount of time, and when I drove the 2009 Lincoln Towncar I instantly got over it and wanted to be an old man or a mobster.

Talk about a nice ride. That car wants to go 80 mph, and you can't really do a lot to stop it. It does what it wants, and you're going to enjoy it while it does. Leather, 6-disk CD, seat that adjusted so much I had no idea when to stop (clearly not a genius) and a trunk that could fit my apartment.

So we're at 34. Here's hoping the rest continue to be as great as the most recent two

It's on

Cause really, who goes to garage sales anymore?

So I bought a camera on ebay. It's from the early 1960s, comes with three lenses, and will hopefully be here before my birthday next week so I can play with it.

I'm really excited about it, but I always have this nagging thought when I "win" an auction: I'm the only one stupid enough to have paid this much for this thing. Cause really, that's what auctions are based on. You and some other people want something, and the one who will part with the most money for it, gets it.

Still, I'm excited. Despite the dubious honor of my "win."

Dropped off at the pool (I'm pooped)

For the first time, in what I now realize is a really long time, I swam some laps today.

I used to swim 3/4 of a mile three times a week. This would have been in 2003 and 2004. It amounted to 40 laps, I think, and took about half an hour or so. On one occasion, I swam the full mile (to get a certificate saying that I did) and it took me just under 50 minutes.

Today I drove to the gym in Potrero Hill (got lost on the way) and did 16 laps in a little less than 15 minutes. I probably could have done a lot more if I knew how to go a lot slower, but I'm used to swimming at a certain rate and frankly, my arms and lungs couldn't maintain it for very long.

But then I was able to go in the steam room and the sauna, so all-in-all it was a good trip. I hope to return tomorrow after class, but we'll see if I'll be able to.

This is all in preparation for surfing, which will recommence soon.