I spend a lot of time in Marina del Rey
lately. It is the home of a yacht club and million dollar condos.
It's also the home of Costco, a bitchin' dollar store and some social
services agencies. It is a mix of the incredibly well heeled and the
those of us with worn down heels. Sometimes, this mix is annoying.
Sometimes, it's really funny. I can say honestly that it is never
dull. I had two encounters in one week that encapsulate the dichotomy
of the interactions.
Scene One: Entitlement Zone
I'm in the express lane in Pavillions
Market in the heart of MdR. It is a regular market with some upscale
touches, but nothing like the Hoi
polloi market that is Gelsons where they dust the fruit
individually and toss anything with even a hint of a blemish. There I
stood with a flexible but not wide open schedule for that day. There
were things that I needed tp get done in a timely fashion. The man
ahead of me conducting his transaction had his I phone on the little
counter next to the credit card reader. He still had reusable bags in
his cart as he explained in comedic schtick how disorganized his rain
was. After finishing the transaction, he decided to put the spare
change into one of those little boxes designated for a charity. The
slots are difficult when the box is empty. This one was full to
bursting. That meant putting some English on the change while not
moving his iphone from the little counter or his cart or himself out
of the path of my transaction for nearly five minutes as if the rest
of us were free to participate in his disorganized brain. If I had
given a hint that I found this inconsiderate he would have been
annoyed...nay, he would have been enraged that I called him on being
an self-absorbed, inconsiderate bastard while he was being
charitable. This is the way of the land of million dollar condos.
Scene Two: The Insightful Merchant
I was on my way to another destination
after a Costco run when I realized that I hadn't eaten for many hours
and would keel over before long. I ended up in a donut shop looking
for water (I left home without that as well) and a viable snack
(something not calorie crazy). I know, donut shop! The water was nice
and cheap, but my eyes chanced upon a display of Cheetos. Returning
to film shoots had re-kindled my love of that diabolical snack food.
“Oh no! Not Cheetos,” I said in
despair.
“But why not Cheetos?” Asked the
Merchant. “You work very hard every day and deserve a little treat.
"Besides, Cheetos are inexpensive and quite delicious.”
How could I not buy the Cheetos? I also
felt quite tickled from the entire encounter. That little chuckle
carried me through the rest of my errands.
The aggravating and the amusing have
always been part of my dealings in MdR. That merchant is likely
accustomed to selling to all the stripes of MdR customers and has
become quite charming at the game. I plan on frequenting his
establishment. On the other hand, in order avoiding bursting a vein
or courting arrest, I have learned a great deal of patience and
forbearance in dealing with the Entitled. Dude would never get why I
couldn't accept that his time was far more important than anyone in
the line. He would just get indignant and enraged. It's not worth the
effort. I have perfected the knowing eyebrow raise at the often
beleaguered store clerks. And that's enough. The Hubs is not so good
at these tactics, however. That is why I've taken to shopping without
him when I have to shop in MdR. It's just easier on both of us and
the lunkheads we might encounter. That's what a good spouse does.
Scenes from a Marriage
On October 3rd, Jon and I
marked our 15th anniversary! We are amused that we are oft
viewed by our friends as having a smooth sailing marriage. All but
one friends who happened to have roomed with us for a spell cackled
at that notion. It's taken years of negotiation and mellowing that
comes with age to get to this point. I don't know how many very tense
shopping trips over the years it took before I realized that Jon
simply cannot suffer fools without reacting in strong terms. Sure, he
was helpful with carrying bags or pulling the heavy granny cart up
curbs. But that help was not worth the tension we both endured for
hours after the trip. Jon wasn't changing, so it was best for us both
that he didn't come along for some of the trips. However, there are
some excursions that Jon really doesn't mind tagging along. He
doesn't mind shoe shopping. In fact, he has a lot more patience for
that kind of shopping than I do. The other day, I saw him rocking my
big ol' purse on his shoulder the other day, I knew that he is
definitely a keeper. But then, I always have known that.
Strangely, what we think of as our real
anniversary is on Christmas Eve. That was when we officially
seeing each other. This year makes 20 years that we've been together.
That's hardly seems possible to me on most days. And then, my knees
creak and I remember that I'm not 33 anymore and Jon's hair is a lot
grayer (or whiter, actually, as is mine). We celebrated the wedding
anniversary with a favorite meal that was one that we often had while
we were dating. It was spaghetti aglio e olio
topped with a little lump crab meat and
garlic bread. I also had my ultimate crab cakes and Key Lime Pie for
dessert. It was simple for me to make, and something we really enjoy
for the taste and the memories. I want to do something really special
for the 20th anniversary in December, but I have no idea
what. We tend to be strapped for cash at that time of the year. Maybe
we'll pull off a getaway somewhere for a few days. I really wish
there was that Star Trek exhibit somewhere. That would have been nice
to visit again. I'm open for suggestions.
Meanwhile, I have a lot of writing to
prep for Bent-con and the other projects. What's going on? I promise,
promise, promise to post next week. Meanwhile, see the photos below for my recent adventures.
Stay tuned.
Farmer's Market Tuesday
From the wedding 15 years ago
My adventures in a wholesale food market where I get my catering foodstuffs.
A new way of serving scrambled eggs and a sausage patty.
