Nerves. I’m running out of them. It’s not good, I shouldn’t be.
What, pray tell, would lead me to divulge this to you? Well, it has recently come to my attention that as of March 31st I will no longer have a job. Some would say “that’s great,” others “oh no” (with fake concern) and then there’s the realists that just say “shit.” Right about now I’m one of those people saying “shit.” The last period of time when I didn’t have a job I ended up living with my parents and driving a fork lift. I am confident enough to believe that that will not happen again but it’s always scarred in the back of my mind.
The others reasons my nerves have been at their end recently is because I had found a job I knew I could kick ass at and would be perfect for me. About two weeks ago I had a short, get to know you type, phone interview for that position and have not heard anything since. It really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, these things happen all the time. And honestly, I didn’t let myself get too emotionally attached to the position, it’s just at the back of my mind I knew this was the position for me. I’m still crossing my fingers that they’ll actually want to get to know me and not just my nervous voice on the telephone. At the very least, be a decent company and let me know either way. I am a little envious of those people that didn’t pick up the phone when they saw a number they didn’t recognize, listened to the message and had time to prepare themselves prior to returning the call regarding this position. Oh well, not a whole lot I can do.
As it goes in Monty Python’s The Life of Brian, “Always look on the bright side of life, (whistle whistle whistle).” I guess as an alternative I can, in due time, book my ticket to do some traveling in April. I think most people would think that’s a better alternative, but honestly, I want to work, I want to have some sense of security. My rent won’t pay itself!
Yes, another diversion, road block, whatever you want to call it. I came across this article last Friday and found it really interesting. It’s an interview with Michael Chabon, who lives in the bay area, with a journalist from the Wall Street Journal discussing the literary scene in San Francisco. It’s short and pretty entertaining.
Anyways, enough about me and on to talking about books. You know, those things which smell so nice when you turn their page, have little words and sometimes a few pictures in them. Yes, books.
Monday, March 8th
@ 7pm
- The March Monthly Rumpus at The Makeout Room. Ok, before I tell you what this is all about I just want to say that I have been trying to include this in my events posts for the past two months but always find out about it too late. Oh no no, not this time. I wasn’t going to let the Rumpus get away from me again. So, the Rumpus. Rather than spell out for you what the Rumpus is (an online magazine) I’ll direct you here to learn more about it. The Monthly Rumpus though is a gathering of writers, sometimes performers, sometimes musicians and their supporters/fans that takes place at the Makeout Room in the Mission. It’s a chance to meet, listen and talk to like minded people in the bay area. This month’s Rumpus is being put on in conjunction with McSweeney’s and will feature authors Jesse Nathan, Jami Attenberg, Mark Morford, Gerard Jones, performances by Chicken John and comedian Nato Green and the sounds of K. Flay. The Girl From Emapanada will be there with food and there will be a raffle for prizes. Geeesh, that was a lot. Get tickets here in advance or show up at the door. I’ll be there if I can!!
Monday, March 8th
@ 730pm
- Camille Rose Garcia, author, will be talking about and signing copies of her book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the Booksmith. With last Friday’s release of the Alice in Wonderland movie it really doesn’t come as much of a surprise to see an author presenting their book that relates to the movie. Ms. Garcia however has reinterpreted the story and has given much darker undertones (from what I understand) than the original which in turn has won her a cultish like following. If you like Alice but always wished she and the story were a little more dark, creepy and perhaps gothic, check out Ms. Garcia and her book.
Wednesday, March 10th
@ 6pm
- Max Watman, author and I’m guessing a purveyor of fine alcohol, will be signing and talking talking about his book Chasing the White Dog at Space Gallery as a part of Slow Food Writers Night. Yeehaw! In his book Watman talks about the history and contemporary tales surrounding hooch (moonshine, for those not in the know). Sounds pretty fascinating, not going to lie.
Thursday, March 11th
@ 8pm
- Dave Eggers, author, will speaking with Abdulrahman and Kathy Zeitoun at the Herbst theater in conjunction with City Arts and Lectures. I think this event pretty much speaks for itself. Unfortunately the event is sold out, trust me, I tried to get tickets. I did see one or two on craigslist so that may be an option. If that doesn’t pan out for you, I recommend reading my review of Zeitoun.
Friday, March 12th
@ 1pm
- Chelsea Handler, author, comedian and talk show personality, will be speaking at Books, Inc. at Opera Plaza. I’m not going to lie, I actually think she’s pretty funny. Would I be willing to read one of her books, probably not, then again I did read that trash by Elizabeth Gilbert. Her latest book, Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang, talks about her life, just as I’m assuming she does in her other books.
Saturday, March 13th & Sunday, March 14th
@ 630pm & 5pm
- Gordon Edgar, author, will be talking about his book Cheesemonger: A Life on the Wedge at Amnesia in the Mission on Saturday and Book Passage in Corte Madera on Sunday. In case you were wondering TheFreeDicitionary.com defines “Cheesemonger” as “a person dealing in cheese, butter, etc.” More than guide book apparently Mr. Edgar goes in depth into the field of cheese. Mr. Edgar is the “cheesemonger” for San Francisco’s pretty awesome Rainbow Grocery and in his book tells tales of cheese and his interesting industry. If you’re a cheese fan this may be kind of interesting for you.
Look at that, nearly something for every day of the week. Finally some excitement in San Francisco.
