The Spirit of the Age

That's the definition of the word "zeitgeist."  Good word.  Trusty wikipedia says, "it describes the intellectual and cultural climate of an era."  That's a big load for a word.  Even a fancy German word.  

Here in San Francisco, Zeitgeist is probably better known as a bar than The Spirit of the Age.  And a great and mighty bar it is.  Let me set the scene for you:

Think German beer garden (I guess a tip of the hat to the word's etymology), but instead of hale and hearty Bavarians, it's full of bikers (cyclists and motorcyclists), hipsters, stoners, and just about every other brand of San Franciscan.  The inside is nothing to write home about. Small. Smelly.  You're average dive bar.  And the bartenders aren't winning any teddy bear of the year awards. But step outside onto the massive back patio and you're in al fresco drinking heaven.  Picnic tables abound.  If it's sunny (and there's no point going there if it isn't), it's packed.  And your neighbors are bound to be in good moods.  There's good burgers a fryin' on the outdoor grill and the sound of the grill man screaming 'order up!' to be heard over the music (punk, speed metal) from inside, mixed with the haze of all kinds of smoke (barbecue, cigarette, you name it), the tang of the salt from a margarita, and the sun beating down on your head is one great way to while away an afternoon.

We took Declan there for the first time today.  I wonder if he'll like it as much as his folks do?

Blog-Shy

I have a friend who calls herself The Reluctant Blogger.  Good name.  I wish I'd thought of it. I've always shied away from starting a blog, even though there are many I enjoy.  I've avoided creating one of my own for two reasons:

1) fear I have nothing to say

2) fear I have too much to say, and that it is all narcissistic, unfocused and boring

I think the concept of blogs scares me in the same way that polishing my resume does--it's in the same realm of 'look at me!  aren't I great?!'  

However, I have recently found myself craving a creative outlet like never before.  Taking a break from a career that I'm good at but don't love, and being a mother which I love, but am not yet sure I'm good at, has left me...um...looking for some balance.  I've never been good at balance, but it's always good to strive for, right?  Hence: Wobbly Balance.  

I've also held back from the world of weblogs because I hoped to hit upon a theme--something that would tie the blog together and keep it out of the realm of "today I had a ham sandwich for lunch" writing.  Well, I think I'm too scattered to be thematic.  So, no real theme here, at least not yet.  Isn't that more balanced anyway?

First Mothers Day

So I've never been a big fan of Mothers Day.  Luckily, I have a wonderful and very low-maintenance mother who has never made a big deal about this day.  We usually do something on the day, or sometimes the day before, to avoid the crowds.  At the very least I call her and wish her a happy day.  

This year I am a mother.  To this crazy character here.  And I must say, I must have become a sap because I like it a little bit better this year.  Thanks Declan, for making me a mother.