If foodies resemble bookworms, then they need recommendations too.

As per extremely recent tradition, I spent New Year's Eve quietly at Leonard's house, and watched a few minutes of fireworks at midnight. The next day, returning videos (of which more anon), I stopped by …

If you wish to review 2002 in my life, instead of or in addition to yours, read my journal. (It's about 4/5 of a megabyte of text; month view may be more manageable.)

It was a new year again, like last year. -Mike Parsons, "Luxury"

From the drive north: Sumana: "Hello, Serramonte Center!" Leonard: [in fake deep voice] "Hello, Sumana Center!" [normal voice] "He thinks everyone is a Center, you see."

I had a good time in Bakersfield. Frances: "I think Dr. Seuss is the fourth member of the Trinity." Susanna: "Mom, you don't even believe in the Trinity."

Wow, what an awful picture of Garrison Keillor. He doesn't look nearly that gruesome in real life.

Yesterday I surprised Leonard by riding Amtrak to Bakersfield and spending time with his family. Despite my fears, he hadn't discovered my plot. We enjoyed a lovely evening and the family surprised me with several …

The default "end conversation" phrase has now changed to "Is there anything else I can do for you?". This seems to apply in all situations, work or no. This worries me.

Yesterday, upon encountering my cheerful demeanor, a customer said, "This must be your first day." No, sir, it was my last ever on the register, cross your fingers.