Friday, August 03, 2001
Erica chimes in
Hi kids,
Behold, the round robin lives!!
Before I get too deep in this email and you all resort to skimming, here's
my new address:
1426 W. Hollywood Avenue, Apt 3W
Chicago, IL 60660
ph: 773-271-1655
same email: egoldman2001@kellogg.nwu.edu
Leila: As usual, it sounds like you're doing lots of fun interesting
things. I'm so impressed that you're training for the ironman - hard to
imagine. I can understand why these events get addictive, even though I
don't know if I'll do another marathon (I don't think my knees want me to
run anymore.) The Anchorage marathon was amazing - it was almost entirely
Team in Training people, lots of first-timers like me, and it was really
inspiring - a real adrenaline rush. Plus, I love the people that come out
to support the runners, stand by the side of the road handing out water and
candy, and cheering everyone on. It's really cool to have a total
strangers helping you out and cheering you on. I remember Matt U. and I
too have a random connection to Mark Hertz -- Hebrew School and Kailua. (I
think my parents still see his parents occasionally.) He always seemed
like a really nice guy.
Krista: what's this I hear about a condo?! Congratulations! That's so
exciting! Is it located near your current place? What type of building? I
must hear more!
Mike: Elvis promotions at the cafe sound like fun. Amazing that Elvis is
still a primary draw, so many years later!! I hope you're getting a bit
more relaxation time than you were when I was there in March! Glad to hear
that you're teaching again - I'm sure it helps your mood a lot - I know I
feel yucky when I'm working all the time and don't have a chance to work
out. Plus, it sounds like its a fun way to reconnect with Hawaii
people. Please give Rob a hug.
There's actually a lot going on for a change. Not even sure where to
start. Well, first the good news: I graduated in mid-June, and in late
June, Peter and I moved into a cute place in Andersonville, and I love it
(Andersonville is a neighborhood of Chicago - when K. and L. came for the
weekend, we had Swedish breakfast here the first day and Mediterranean
dinner with Peter here the second day) Things are going well and we're
getting along great (although, we've really only spent 2-3 weeks together
since we moved in, since I spent a couple weeks traveling.) It's a
six-flat building, and all our neighbors are SO friendly; I've never lived
in such a friendly place!. There's 3 gay male couples (including my
landlord and his partner, who live on the first floor and do all this home
improvement/beautification stuff themselves... crazy), a single gay man and
a straight French couple with 2 little kids. We had our neighbors from
across the hall over for dinner last night (Peter and I made ravioli!!
crazy), and they seem really nice. I've never felt so domestic.
I just got back from my 2-week travels in Europe, which a wonderful
trip. I spent the first week in Greece with some friends from school,
where we went to a couple Greek islands and just hiked and lounged on the
beach and shopped for cheap silver jewelry. I spent the second week in
Madrid with Kim Crumpton, Kim (Dang) Funasaki, Christine and Jeni Lee for
"Dang Tours Europe '01" We had a wonderful time - it's been so long since
the five of us have been together in the same place for such a long period
of time, and it was great to have nothing to do but enjoy each other's company.
Then there's the less-than-good news, which is that a lot of people in my
class who were also hired to work at Accenture (my new job) had their start
dates pushed back to March, which essentially means they don't have a
job. I'm still scheduled to start Sept 5, but apparently they're letting
people go left and right, and a friend who currently works there told me
how important it is to make an impact immediately and make sure people know
my work... it's kind of a stressful environment to be starting a new
job. But, I'm trying not to worry about it too much.
Then there's the far-less-than-good news, which is that my dad has
cancer. He has some complicated combination of Leukemia and Lymphoma, and
he started chemotherapy a couple weeks ago in Houston, where there's a big
cancer center. (Interestingly, it was Rachel Glober's father, who works
in Houston and specializes in stomach cancers, that got my dad into the
program there, even though my parents haven't really been in touch with
them for a number of years. The Globers have been incredible - getting my
dad a laptop to use in the hospital, inviting my mom over for dinner,
etc... really great people.) In a few days I'm flying out to Houston for
a month to be with my parents; at this point, the doctors don't know
whether my dad will need to spend the whole month in Houston or whether we
can go back to Hawaii for a while; I guess we'll see what happens. (I went
through the dilemma of whether or not to back out of my European travels to
go to Houston earlier, but we had been planning Dang Tours for a couple
years now and my parents would have been really upset if I didn't go... I
still feel kind of guilty about it, but it was good to be with old
friends...) I've been talking to my parents on the phone every day for the
past 3 weeks (more frequently than most of my life!!) and generally my
dad's spirits are fairly high and everyone seems pretty optimistic. I
think one of the hardest things is not really knowing what's going on, and
having no good way to evaluate the performance of the doctors and the
treatment (other than superficially). Leila and Mike, I know you both
went through this stuff... how did you deal with the uncertainty? I often
feel like I should do more, but I don't know what more to do... what did
you do?
So generally, I alternate between feeling highly anxious about my family
and somewhat anxious about my job and very happy about my new relationship
and new home and somewhat anxious about my new relationship and new
home. Today's a happy day - Peter and I are going to see a good live band
in the park tonite (Chicago has these great summerfests where the whole
city comes out to play) and I'm getting my photos developed from Dang
Tours. Life could certainly be worse. :) Mike, I'll let you know if I
make it to Hawaii at the end of August - I'd love to see you!! And love to
go to your aerobics class.
Talk to you all soon - the Round Robin lives!!
e.
Leila hangs her head in shame
Lovelies! I am so happy to hear from you. Let me say that it is all, all
my fault. I seem to be unable to deal with the real life round robin. What
is wrong with me? For instance, my scooter got a flat tire a week ago and
it's still SITTING ON THE SIDEWALK IN SOMA because I don't exactly know what
to do about it.. lazy lazy me!
Anyway I have lots to tell you and am so happy you all got in touch. First,
a few comments:
Erica: Congratulations! You are a star! I can't wait to hear about your
job experiences and your perspective as you leave school. I believe you are
traveling now? And congrats on the whole cohabitation thing--it should be
great. By the way, on the whole power crisis topic, here's an interesting
statement by a woman who decided to go without:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2001/07/12/MN228732.DTL
Just shows you that there are lots of alternatives I guess.
Krista: Congrats on the condo!! Exciting! I totally agree with you about
not buying with Andrew, but have you considered living together in it? When
do you close? When do you move in? When do I get to visit? Fun!!! On my
end, we did not move to buy, nor did I move into a big expensive apartment.
I moved into a cute and very small studio in my same building which is
costing me hardly more than my previous apartment. I think it was the right
thing to do. I'm focusing on saving money and paying off debts (which would
be easier if the bloody stock market would just stabilize!)
Mike: I think I pretty much cry once a week on Sundays or Mondays missing
you and Rob. I talk about you two all the time. On occasion I see Shane,
who seems to barely be keeping it together. One weekend afternoon around
three p.m. I was running in SOMA and whom did I see but Marc and Marty, who
were LEAVING the End Up (an after hours club). It was so weird... I'm glad
you are doing well and that business is growing and that you are teaching
again. Although I haven't forgiven you for leaving me!
In gossip news, I've reconnected with two hawaii kids: Matt Uiangaleilei
(sp?), who I ran into at a dance club a year ago, then he disappeared, then
recently he called me and is back in town. I don't think the three of you
knew him as well as I did. More recently I found (through the internet
weirdly) Marc Hertz, who grew up in Kailua and is now doing editorial work
here in San Francisco. I actually will probably see him tonight out
dancing. He is very cool and smart. He says he took a math class with you
in high school, Krista, and Mike he used to see you at 24 hour fitness on
2nd street.
In job news, my company is still afloat. That's about all there is to say
about that. It's fine. I should learn to love it more.
In tri news, I have seven weeks before the Ironman, which means training is
INSANE. I'm pretty wiped. This weekend: 110 miles biking, 2.5 hours
running, 3 hours swimming. sigh! After Canada (August 26th) I plan to take
a little break.
Socially things have been good, I've hooked up with a bunch of pranksters
who like to do things like dress up as Santa for the fourth of july, play
urban golf, etc. (more about the group at
http://www.ixian.com/ead/excerpts/cacophony.txt) That's been fun because
sometimes I think my friends here don't like to get as silly as I do.. this
group outpaces me by a mile. Also spending a lot of time with Lee and Kim
and my friend Rob from grad school. And the Wednesday Night Club crew, etc.
etc.
In the world of boys, for a while I was dating this guy Adam who is moving
out of the country. I actually wrote something about it, basically about
how dating him was the same kind of uncertainty as the city is in right now
(so many layoffs, climate changes, etc). The story is at
http://www.hypnagogica.com/indeterminate.html. But then the most crazy
thing happened. This boy whom I dated when I was 18 found me through a
search engine and sent me a love letter I wrote to him 10 years ago!!! this
is the letter: http://stuph.com/gone/but/not/forgotten.jpg. most of my
friends think this is creepy but I think it's incredibly romantic. We've
been talking and I'm going to visit him next weekend (the 20th). I know
this sounds crazy, but in a way it's just amazing to reconnect with someone
who was sort of there in the founding moments of your romantic
consciousness. Very intense. In case any of you remember from way back,
his name is Thomas, he went to UT Austin, and here is a picture of us then
outside of Epworth: http://www.hypnagogica.com/onemorekiss.html.
Well I think this is more than enough crazy news. So happy to hear from all
of you. I miss you much. I am very much in support of the big "we are 30"
party next year--let's make it happen!
Aloha Hawaii USA
That's Elvis's title song from "Paradise Hawaiian
Style". I probably know more about Elvis then I have
ever wanted to know. But he is a big seller and we are
already planning Elvis Week 2002.
I miss all of you, I always missed Krista and Erica,
but I miss being so close to Leila during those last
years in SF. Miss Judy Garland, has a wonderful song
entitled "San Francisco", that always gets me a little
misty eyed about that city by the bay. You know I
always say:
"There's Brooklyn bridge
and London bridge
and the bridge of San Louie bay,
but the only bridge,
that's a real darn bridge,
is the bridge across the BAY
San Francisco
blah blah
It is a great song. Anyway life here is going well .
Business is OK we could always be busier. We have been
doing the Elvis promotion weekly and are planning a
big promotion with coke during September for Aloha
Week. Remember that big Block party were they block
off the streets. Speaking of such, Rob and I went to
Gay Pride here, it was small but we had a good time.
It is nothing like San Fran.
Well I have started teaching at 24 hour Fitness again
and thank God - I'm getting so fat. I work all the
time and haven't been working out as much but now I
have to go to teach. I do see a lot of people at the
gym including:
Walter, the instructor from YMCA that Leila liked. I
don't like him very much I was reminded recently of
how pretentious he is. I see him at the gym and I know
he sees me but never says hello, until the one day in
the parking garage he honks from his fabulous
Corvette. Besides what I say about San Francisco I
always say
I am going to try and send this again. I'm not sure I
remember everything I wrote although I'm sure it was
important.
..... I have also seen Sara Pheffier(sp?)at the gym.
She is as thin as ever and has 2 or 3 kids. Her
husband and her opened a rugby equipment store in
Puck's Alley.
I also saw Kai'ina working out with his boyfriend. I
don't know if you remember him he came to a couple of
my college years' get togethers. I think he was
friends with Serena. Leila I'm sure you remember her.
I think she was a couple of years younger then us and
her tongue was pierced. She was a wild one.
I think I'm getting the cold shoulder from Willow I
called her a couple times and she has yet to return my
calls. I guess since I don't have a place in SF I'm
not important anymore boo hoo. actually I think she
may be jealous of the cafe. After all I did steal a
Friday of media coverage from her and her belly
dancing / fashion exploits.
Kristin Ing is teaching dance at Punahou and working
at Diamond Head Theater. She is a busy girl but I did
hang out with her at the carnival.
I saw Traci Young at Costco she was buying q-tips. She
is living with a guy named Woody Milks. Which I only
mention because I went to school with him at Epiphany
thru the third grade. They are fine and she works at
Roy's in Hawaii kai.
I also see Josh Hebling working out with his wife Mia
I guess they are high school sweethearts. I wonder if
they have ever had sex with anyone else, especially
Josh. Nah - he is fine and relaxing in-between jobs
right now.
Nothing much else happening here I take it none of you
returned for the Alumni Luau. I didn't go I figure
last year was the big reunion. Maybe if business is
good Rock Island could host one of the events for our
next reunion.
Rob is doing well he is very supportive and knows how
to handle my moody moments. I don't know if I could do
this with out him. He says hello to you all.
As for Sex in the City I am watching my dollars so I
don't have HBO. I wait for my Dad to tape it and then
he gives it to me later to watch. Heck I don't even
have a cell phone, actually you get use to not having
one. Next week we are thinking about getting indoor
plumbing.
Well I am happy to be here I miss all my friends in
the city by the bay. Being back and driving through
certain parts of town or hearing 80's tunes on the new
93 FMQ ( all 80's format now) or whatever makes me
think of you guys often. I'm so glad that we still
stay in touch and can pick up were we left off when we
are back together. But I must tell you the thing I
miss most is ......
the cool SF weather. I haven't worn a pair of long
pants since I have been here. I have so many cute
things that are just too hot to wear. Well on that
note.
Luv and Aloha
Michael
oh I almost forgot the cruise. Hawaii is getting so
many cruise ships in here now it is really becoming
big business. Would you guys want to do an inter
island cruise or one from Calf let me know
Leila gossip on SF please what is going on there?
Krista's first post
Hey kids!
How are YOU? I'm circumventing the snail-mail version of our round robin
for fear that its been attacked and consumed by a predator of some sort.
This will be quick - just wanted to send a big congratulations to Erica!!!
Sweets, you are an MBA graduate with a job - ready to take on the world of
retail, consulting and mileage plus. After a luxurious vacation-summer, of
course. :) Please keep us informed about plans, moving, boys, etc.
As for news from me -- I've bought a condo! Who knew? It was somewhat of a
quick decision-making process, but we stumbled upon a condo complex that was
both nice and affordable (shocking!) and I've decided to do it. I'm buying
it alone (first question that usually comes back is whether Andrew and I are
buying together and we aren't -- it's an area where I'm a bit more
traditional -- want to tie lives together legally before binding them
financially). It's a big one-bedroom that's about 10 minutes from where I
live now. Not as lovely of a neighborhood (I'll miss Midtwon terribly) but
I think it's a good move. Still close to most everything in the city. For
more cheesy information, you can visit www.piedmontheights.com -- I'm moving
into a Filmore unit. Met some of the neighbors (knocked on doors one
afternoon) and really liked the ones I met. So it should be good. It means
moving in July, though, which bites!
Might be taking a road trip up to Vermont next week (4th of July week) --
not 100% yet. Andrew's uncle has a house on the lake that we are planning
to stay in, as far as I know. It's not really planned out at this point,
though and I'm trying to let go and just see what happens. It's a stretch,
I'll admit, but we'll see what happens. Other than that, I'll be in Atlanta
for the summer (hint, hint Rica :).
Anyway. Not too much else is going on. Just busy with work and play and
such. In the past month I've been to Chapel Hill, Baltimore and Montgomery
and tomorrow I leave for Albany, NY. It's been an interesting adventure and
I've met some great people. After this trip, work travel will slow a bit.
I'll still need to visit Kansas City and Lexington, KY, but then it will
slow until next spring.
Mike -- I've been thinking recently about your suggestion a few years back
for us to do a cruise or something in honor of turning 30 next year. I
really like the idea of us getting together to do something in celebration,
if it's a vacation-vacation or a long weekend. What are y'all's thoughts?
:)
Love you,
Krista
