points north
Wow - I guess I inadvertently took a blog break, didn't I?!? Things here have been even crazier than normal, and I also got a bit of bad news which has been quite the blow, so I guess I've been completely preoccupied with everything else...
We went up north to visit with my family this past weekend (holidays, part 2!), and it was good to get away for a bit. We spent Saturday with family, and then went up to the Bay Area on Sunday (grandma was babysitting!) Jerry was interested in checking out a synth/electronics swap meet of sorts in Berkeley, and I was taken down memory lane when I realized it was held at Gilman Street - a dingy, old club I used to frequent. Then we went to find my favorite Ethiopian restaurant in town, The Blue Nile, only to find it gone. But, we did find *another* Ethiopian restaurant, just down the street from where The Blue Nile had been, and we had an amazing lunch! Someone really needs to open and Ethiopian restaurant here in Ventura! I always enjoy being back in Berkeley. As someone said when I first moved there in 1990, in Berkeley, you'll see one of everything you know, plus a bunch of things you never knew existed. So true!
The clock was ticking as we had to get back to my mom's house for dinner, but we had just enough time to check out the Daiso that recently opened in Daly City. (It's located in the Serramonte Mall - take the Serramonte exit from 280 - it's right next to the freeway.) Now, I'm probably biased since I had the opportunity to visit a few 100 yen shops in Japan, but I wasn't as impressed with Daiso as I had hoped. It was certainly huge, and it was definitely crowded, but I didn't find all the "cute" I was hoping for. They had a few cute things that I snatched up (stationery, a couple of Christmas ornaments, kid's toys), but most of the shop was pretty utilitarian. Some sections had promise, like the dishware section, but there wasn't anything particularly amazing when I went. However, I get the impression that the product turnover is pretty quick, so I would definitely check it out again to see if it gets better. I was especially disappointed that they didn't have any Japanese candy! I guess that's probably for the best...
I love Ethiopian food! Yum. Looks like you had fun and lovely weather, too!
Posted by: Mariko | January 17, 2007 at 12:26 PM
I love Ethiopian food, too! I could really go for that right now (ok, maybe after 9 am). Sorry to hear that the Daiso was a letdown. Guess you'll just have to come back to Japan!
Posted by: molly! | January 17, 2007 at 03:51 PM
Hope the bad news don't put you down!
And I never had Ethiopian food.. you make me curious!
Posted by: stefana | January 17, 2007 at 11:07 PM
Hope the bad news don't put you down!
And I never had Ethiopian food.. you make me curious!
Posted by: stefana | January 17, 2007 at 11:07 PM
I hear ya. Nothing like inhaling a chou cream from Fujiya, followed by some 100 yen shopping and Yuzawaya for fabric across the way...yep, of course I am talking about Minami Senju. Really, it is the new Shibuya. ;-)
Going to the quilt festival at Tokyo Dome tomorrow, *without* the kids this time. Wish I could see you and Mariko there, since, unlike when we met at Tomato, I will be allowed in the door.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 18, 2007 at 02:38 AM
At least it's not bad news about your pooch! Have you picked a name? In my head, I keep calling him Zippy, but I named my dog Scribbles, so I'm not sure I'm to be trusted with names. Ah, another excellent reason for me to not have children: I might name the poor things something like Naugahyde (sp?) or Smudge.
Posted by: scribblesnbits | January 18, 2007 at 10:17 AM
Incredible car i've before what a nice artist you are..
Posted by: Juno888 | May 14, 2007 at 10:42 PM