political rant / apartment update

One of the interesting things about moving to a new part of the country is the change in political scene. The most significant political issue in California, the grocery workers strike, just ended today. The strike lasted nearly five months and involved most of the major chains (Von's, Ralph's, Albertsons and Safeway). To keep from breaking picket lines, many people changed their shopping habits and went to Trader Joes, Costco and Target instead of their usual store. It will be interesting to see when/ if people revert to their old habits. I for one will not be shopping at Albertsons again period because they "preemptively" locked out their workers before they even declared they were striking.


On Tuesday California has its primary and will vote on Arnold's Propositions 57 and 58, "Vich will put Caleeforneea's financial haus in ordah and tear up de kredit kards forehvah." AND there is some kind of local election, I can't remember what the position is, but I remember the ad:

"My opposition claimed she would uphold our local values, yet in 1996 she founded 'Republicans for Clinton.' I, [candidate's name] have supported everything George Bush has ever done and will continue to blindly do so forever. Elect me!"


In other news, we moved into our new place. So far, so good. It's a very lovely spot where you can see Lake Mission Viejo to one side and the Saddleback Mountains to the other. As I was carrying some boxes up the stairs late in the afternoon, I noticed the setting sun made the mountains appear purple and the cast a dusky pink glow on to the wispy clouds. Some tall palms were sillhouetted perfectly in the foreground and a gentle breeze cooled my brow. Then some doves started hooting in a tree nearby and I said to myself, "ENOUGH WITH THE BEAUTY ALREADY!" Sheesh.



Barry started his new job last week. For the sake of brevity, he's working for a couple of Indian guys located in Torrance. They currently sell Macs but are not an "Apple Reseller." Barry is going to help them acheive this status and work as a sales guy. The drive to Torrance is a long one, so he is working on setting up a home/office situation.


How stupid do I look moment-of-the-week: We inquired as to whether the apartment complex collected recycling. The leasing agent explained, "Oh, you just throw everything in the dumpster together. We pay a company to pick the recycling out of the trash later on."

Okay, well, maybe I'll toss the rent check in an aluminum can and they can fish it out "later on."

Until next week.