NEW YEAR EVOLUTIONSDearest Family and Friends
57 Cumberland Street, San Francisco CA 94110
Phone Number: +1 415 738 2112
December Highlights
An Announcement
Normally my New Year Resolutions are a litany of ‘mores’: achieve more, do more, smile more, keep in touch more, travel more, sleep more, be more - everything but eat more (an ambition eternally doomed). 
But for 2009 I wanted to do something different, have a project for the year that is both a challenge and intellectually interesting.
So I decided to Buy Nothing for the year and see where that took me, and by extension Esme and Colman. (for further details see below)
Christmas Festivities
This was our first Christmas in San Francisco since we moved here, and so we actually bothered to get decorations up and bought a very Castro lichen-and-pussy-willow wreath.
Esme was fascinated by the lights in all windows, our walks to and from Kristan’s enlivened by the twinkles, sparkles and pulsating seasonal colours of Noe Valley.
Colman survived the redundancy axe in early December, which cut a big swathe at Yahoo! On a happier note, i-escape reached the great milestone of 1000 hotels and villas live on the site, which represents a great deal of hard work from my colleagues and me.
Jason and Meredith moved to Australia at the end of the month, and their farewell party in the Wish bar in SOMA organized by Sophia and Gerardo was very good fun.
Naturally Adam and Jen were in full Santa Claus costume, the rest of us looked more glamorous although less fun. I had had a tragic haircut so wore a hat; Colman just looked cool in his, no ulterior motive.
We even went to a bar afterwards for some dancing – felt like years since I cut a rug. We look forward to seeing them in Sydney in years to come.
There was a very enjoyable celebratory Christmas dinner at Kristan and Steve’s with Lelli and Toni. Esme loves her cube with shapes, and enjoyed unwrapping it almost as much. Kristan produced the most delicious sea bass with tahini and pomegranate sauce. Yummo.
Colman and I went to Grace Cathedral on Christmas Eve for the Festival of Lessons and Carols, a lovely service marred by the lacquered and long-nailed over-made up lady in fitted fuchsia to my left whose violent objections to my singing manifested in her clamping her hands over her ears and turning away from me. I was quite put out!
DLG Gift Exchange
This year we broke with the Secret Santa tradition, and went for White Elephant instead. This is where you put all gifts in a pile, draw names/numbers and go in order. First person picks a gift from the pile. Second person either picks a gift from the pile or steals the first person’s gift.
The third person can then get a gift from the pile or steal the 1st or 2nd person’s gift. After a gift is stolen twice, it cannot be stolen any longer.
Amy B hosted in her new swanky pad. The array of gifts, some even regifted from previous White Elephants, was quite something. I stole the photo holder mobile, thinking that would work for Esme’s room, when in turn it was stolen from me. But I triumphed by stealing in return The Cheese Knife which we had all admired at Julie’s a few weeks previously. Result!
Christmas Party
We hosted a Christmas Drinks party with Tom and Kim the Saturday before Christmas, starting with a luncheon first with Patrick, Catherine and Caroline,
which was very jolly, and nice to have the old ‘house’ together again.It was a very interesting mix, ages ranging from 4 months to late 60s; nationalities from Bulgarian to Indian, Irish to Australian; even a chap with a peg leg in a skirt and Deep dressed up as a Christmas glitter ball.
Mulled wine whetted all whistles.
Jason & Meredith came to say farewell. Laurel, John and Ruby to their last party before moving to Oakland. Fred and Christine to their last party as single people, announcing their engagement and imminent marriage – many congratulations!
Babies and children ran around in the afternoon (Ava and Caroline thrilled to be reunited); the hard drinking types, including representatives from the DLG, showed up slightly later.
Adam and Jen presented Esme with an excellent Christmas present: a faux leopardskin double breasted coat to match her Mama – we certainly cut a dash when out together.
The last guests departed at 11.30, Colman had already gone to bed so wasn’t present in the survivors photo. Tip top party, say so ourselves!
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Film
Films of the Month
The frantic watching of film continued apace. I took Tom to see Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino at an industry screening at George Lucas’ state of the art preview theatre, only to be greeted with the opening shot of dreary Europe and the caption ‘Berlin 1995’. In fact we were watching Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes in
The Reader a delicately nuanced film examining the nature of German guilt post-Holocaust, with a standout performance by the 18 year old David Kross. I took Armani to see Changeling starring Angelina Jolie who was all eyes, skinny limbs and incredible lips; mostly very good with the odd lapse into melodrama.
Adam and I chortled through much of Gran Torino, not being the target audience it’s fair to say. Others in the screening room whooped and cheered instead and Clint does do curmudgeon extremely well. 
I enjoyed the Coen brothers latest, Burn After Reading, a silly and entertaining counterweight to No Country for Old Men. We also watched Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller in The Edge of Love, the wonderfully innovative and moving Persepolis, and really liked the dark, witty, tightly-scripted In Bruges by Martin McDonagh.
Contenders for the best of the month for us were all very different: the searing, naturalistic and bleak 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
which we watched with Michelle and Brent; the extraordinary and inspirational documentary Man on Wire; and the beautifully crafted Wall E, which we watched en famille with Hugh, Sally, Max and Zack on Christmas Day.
But for local content, the best one of the month for us was Milk, which we saw at the Castro Theatre, featured prominently in the movie, that was shot in the ‘hood last year. So moving, a wonderful central performance from Sean Penn as slain first openly gay man elected to public office in California, Harvey Milk, and amazingly topical with the Prop 8 verdict still fresh in our minds.
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Hugh, Sally, Max and Zack
Visitors of the Month
Colman was thrilled to host his brother, No.3, Hugh, and family for Christmas and New Year. We have spent Christmas more with Hugh and Sally than any other family members since Colman and I have been an item. 
They flew in from Ithaca, upstate New York, and stayed at Geoff and Armani’s apartment as they had gone to Europe for 2 weeks.
We got together for tea and dinner on their first day – the cousins having fun immediately, Esme hero-worshipping Max who was in turn charming to her.
The family soon oriented themselves in SF, and saw many sights including the Exploratorium, Twin Peaks, Mission Murals, Golden Gate Park, cable cars, Asian-Art Museum, Fisherman’s Wharf and the Conservatory of Flowers, where we met up with Jecca, Billy and Luca. The boys ran around and climbed trees with great enthusiasm.
Christmas Day
Started foggy and cleared to a stunning day. We had bought a goose, almost the size of Esme, from Bi-rite (where else), and I pored over recipes for a couple of days, before settling on the stuffing and gravy combo.
We were joined for Christmas Day by downstairs neighbour, Kim, and our babysitter, Jonathan.
The boys went to the park with Colman while Esme had a morning nap.
She was beside herself with excitement on their return. We had a Skype call/webcam with the Stephensons and O’Neills in Dublin, Plymouth and Rio, which was great fun.
The pile of presents in the corner drew almost equal attention. Max was disconsolate that Esme had more presents than him, despite it being pointed out that he had already had two separate present opening sessions.
She was blissfully ignorant of such politics, and we kept back half her gifts, which were opened gradually over the next week - thank you family, godparents and friends!
Sally and Hugh provided champagne, salmon and cream cheese for first course, which kept the wolf from the door until the main event.
Roasts are easy in many ways, it is all about the timing. Kim had the harder task, cooking red cabbage, brussels sprouts with pancetta and feta, and broccoli with lemon and olives. I was responsible also for the parsnips and potatoes, parboiled then roasted in goose fat. 
My goose was well and truly cooked to perfection. Thanks to Kim as well as Jamie, Nigel and Prue for their contributions! The main meal was a great triumph – gorgeous dishes, excellent wines and delicious goose.
Jonathan brought the lemon pie and ice cream for dessert. And the meal was rounded off with Niamh’s famous Christmas pudding that we set first; her two sons scoffed it with relish.
Most of us, excluding Jonathan who drinks sensibly, were a little tipsy at the end of the day, and we were all satisfyingly full to bursting with fine fare.
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Monterey Weekend
Adventure of the Month
We set off the next morning down south in convoy to Monterey.
My Christmas present to H, S, M and Z was tickets to the famous Aquarium, which was packed to the gunnels for the holidays. The kids had a great time, Esme felt seaweed in the touch pools; we all loved the otters, the rescued birds and the wave surge tunnel.
Esme was a bit alarmed at the darker rooms but cheered up in the marine-themed play area, the three of them posing in the giant clam to charming effect. 
Max and Zack thought the sharks the best; Hugh and Sally liked the spectacularly presented jellyfish.
We stayed in a Best Western. The children loved running up and down its corridors, Esme squeaking with delight as she chased and was chased by the boys to the refrain of ‘Esme’s got no knickers on’ – no doubt the shape of things to come.
Point Lobos State Reserve
On Saturday we headed for Big Sur, which didn’t disappoint.
Another stunning day, the sea was calm and cobalt, the winds light, and the views ravishing.
After an hour’s touring the legendary Highway One, we headed north for Point Lobos and had a picnic lunch while Max climbed the nearest tangled tree.
Then we headed out to the point to see the sealions, clamber on the beach and examine the unusual rock formations created by intrusive granite deposits topped by mudstone, conglomerate and ancient marine terraces.
On the next headland, densely packed with gnarled lichen-encrusted Monterey cypress, we briefly saw migrating whales, hugely exciting.
The others played on the shingle and sandstone pavement shore, spotting a fossil trilobite, orange octopus and purple starfish.
I hot-footed it to Bird Island, sadly rather depleted of birds in the non-nesting season, but nonetheless a gorgeous walk in the sunshine.Elkhorn Slough Reserve
On the warm and sunny Sunday we went for a walk around this reserve, home to the largest tract of tidal salt marsh in California outside of San Francisco Bay.
It was good of everybody to indulge my hobby, and the boys did pretty well despite the lack of much for them to do other than trudge around the lagoon,
through trees and rushes, and across the bridge. Esme’s favourite bit was being allowed out of the backpack to trot up and down the aptly named Hummingbird Island; Max liked looking through the telescope.
We finished with a short frolic on the beach at Moss Landing: Hugh tested the waters for a temperature comparison with the Irish Atlantic, Esme enjoyed the wind whipping her hair, Max made a sandcastle.
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New Year
Dan and Dayna’s
Jonathan kindly babysat for us and we took Hugh and Sally to Dan and Dayna’s annual shindig. Poor Dan broke his leg before Christmas and so was manfully coping with medication mixed with alcohol and a constant stream of concerned ladies eager to mop his fevered brow.
Dayna looked sensational in a vintage dress – and was the birthday girl with the mostest.
The table was groaning with excellent food, and we drank champagne in vast quantities all night. Dan’s commode was even pressed into service.
We met the usual array of fascinating people from porn producers to to film makers to bar tenders turned novelists to opera singers – the latter performed a show stopping ‘Happy Birthday’ for Dayna.
Also present, looking very glam, were newly weds Arne and Cati.
We staggered out at 1.30, relieving Jonathan by 2am, as Paula and Ethan’s party didn’t materialize – rather luckily as our hangovers the next day were stonking enough as it was.
Farewell to Hugh and Sally, Max and Zack
On New Year’s Day we had brunch together before heading over Golden Gate Bridge to Marin Headlands. The fog cleared to reveal the Golden Gate in all her glory, and the Ithaca Stephensons posed in the wind and sunshine.
By now I was feeling like death, having woken up with a clear head and only slight queasiness, so my fond farewells were rather truncated, and after getting home had to spend the rest of the afternoon in bed, retching every half an hour – classy. Colman made me promise never to drink more than 2 glasses in one sitting ever again!
Hugh and Sally, Max and Zack said they had a brilliant time, as did we, and we look forward to the next reunion.
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Buying Nothing in 2009
Buy Nothing
I’m excited about this project for 2009, by its challenges, its opportunities, its social consequences, and will write about them through the year.
We already strive very hard to minimize our ecological footprint –
we don’t run a car nor a tumble dryer, everything is recycled, where possible all food consumed is sustainably produced (especially fish and seafood), we only eat ‘happy meat’ (yes we’ve long ago eaten our last foie gras). I already offset all our travel and household emissions. Two years ago I gave up beef on environmental grounds (methane emissions are 18% of greenhouse gases, cattle rearing is least efficient use of land for food by some distance). 
So this challenge to not purchase stuff is not about being green nor about saving money, although these could turn out to be side benefits, it’s more about reducing, both in volume and in terms of the worth we attach to them, and extracting better use of, our existing material possessions.
No books, CDs, magazines, newspapers, cut flowers, clothes, accessories, underwear, footwear, jewellery, make up, beauty products, art, presents, cards, kitchenware, bedding, luggage, ornaments, haircuts, facials or non-essential household items.
We are bombarded with images, beset by peer pressure, marketed at to acquire and consume from the bewildering range of goods on display in the capitalist catalogue – a paralysing tyranny of choice. We all possess more stuff than the average monarch in medieval times. 
Stuff wastes hours in maintenance, cleaning, archiving, editing, arranging, storing, protecting it from vermin, cold and heat – time and space you will never regain in your lifetime. Fewer goods should create more space, both physical and mental – it clutters both mind and home, and frees up time to spend on oneself, one’s family, one’s community.
We haven’t noticed not living with over 60% of our possessions while in San Francisco. True we have less space than in London to fill, but equally we’ve not missed many of the items now mouldering in our attic.
There are obvious exceptions to Buying Nothing: food, certain toiletries and household items, essential services, memberships. The methodology for choosing which is allowed and which not, will be explored through the year.
And rules for the items I am allowed to purchase:• One Out One In – we have to be down to the last squeeze of the toothpaste tube before the next is bought
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No Bulk Buying/Stockpiling – ignore the 3 for the price of 2 special offer – it may sound cheaper but the surplus items clutter up the place, and stockpiling encourages one to burn through things faster as the supplies are in house• Anything for Esme that ‘needs’ to be bought this year has to be second hand
• I’m not allowed to use Colman to purchase things on my behalf. (He isn’t taking part in the experiment but the domestic arena has traditionally been my fiefdom, so by extension he will be affected)
I’ve decided that exploring the nature of experience is more enriching than accumulating possessions, thus supporting the arts is not just allowed, it will be positively encouraged in my year of thrift.
Likewise travel, where possible, is on the agenda. No souvenirs, that’s all.
I decided to do this in late November and I have to confess I bought some trousers and vintage jewellery knowing they’d be the last purchases for a while. My desk diary for 2009 was bought on the 30th December, just under the wire. And I treated myself to the Omnivores Dilemma and new yoga pants just before Christmas – the last presents to self. However, there were other items I was tempted to stock up on but very deliberately resisted the temptation to do so – sorry darling, the sorely needed underwear upgrade will have to wait another year.
I am sure I will miss most delving into books and CDs, adding to the jewellery collection, indulging in retail therapy, buying art, luxuriating in facials and beauty products, browsing vintage shops, art and antiques fairs.
Not buying presents will be very hard – I love getting gifts for family and friends – Dayna the lucky recipient of the last birthday present bought in 2008 for her landmark special day.
And sending my signature postcards will have to go – to create them requires getting the photos printed out, buying card, glue and a stamp – boo.But hopefully these self-imposed limits will encourage me to come up with creative solutions, make me value my existing possessions that much more, engage with my community in sharing and bartering goods and services, and teach me much about myself.
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2008
Highlights
So many! Getting to know the incomparable and charming, beautiful and engaging Esme as she achieved each developmental milestone. Skiing for the first time in 7 years in Tahoe in January. Sharing our days with Lelli and Soren and family. The neverending party that is Adam and Jen. 
Our birthday party in February. Winning the Golden ‘Gina at the Oscars. Santa Cruz in March. The Yucatan in April – our first family holiday. The extraordinary excellence of the DLG. Point Reyes in May with Mum and Judith. McKerricher State Park with the Lawsons in May. 
Playdates with Marcus, Isis, Ruby, Georgia. Harbour cruises and yomping in Yosemite with Keith, Karin and Marley. Tahoe and terrific times with Tracey, Tony and India. THE BIG CHILL – perennially the best weekend of the year. 
Adventures in Patrick’s Point State Park with the Gold-blyths and Hickmans. Esme and Marcus’ joint birthday party in Golden Gate Park. Gastro good times in Sonoma County and Napa with Angie and Graeme. Emily and Niall’s wedding in Dublin. Spending time with Family. 
The social whirlwind in London – especially the parties in our honour and the i-escape get together. Clear Skies in Clear Lake. 
Thanksgiving and New Year with Dan and Dayna. Christmas with Hugh, Sally, Max and Zack. Dancing in the streets for the Obama victory when at long last Hope Won!Top
Bird of the Month
The weather was stunning all weekend in Monterey, and despite our busy agenda and children running around all over the place, managed to see 44 different bird species – including Osprey fishing off Point Lobos, energetic Bufflehead, secretive Common Loon, graceful Bonaparte’s Gull and Pied-billed Grebe displaying on Elkhorn Slough, and the last, a Great Egret, spotted grazing on the freeway verges driving back into San Francisco as the light faded.
New Life Birds this month included the uncommon Say’s Phoebe, wintering on the coast, flashing past as we clambered over the rocks at Point Lobos. On my solo walk at Point Lobos, I saw America’s smallest woodpecker, the 6.75” Downy Woodpecker. And at long last a positive identification of the distinctive citrine yellow and glossy black Townsend Warbler. At Elkhorn Slough, a group of birders helped me identify the 4” Ruby-Crowned Kinglet high in the branches above.
Kindly, everybody allowed me another 10 minutes of hanging over the end of the bridge at Moss Landing before heading home on our last day to discern the identity of a flock of ‘peeps’. These little waders never halt, constantly scurrying and darting, probing and bobbing, and at 6” in length and always seen from a distance, are hard to make out distinguishing features. However, triumph! Their yellow legs positively identified them as Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla.
On the drive back to SF, Colman went through the bird book testing my memory of the birds seen so far in two years of living in California: 145 in total so far but with about 600 potentials in the state, I obviously need to get out more!
Mural of the Month
Stencil of the Month
Bumper Sticker of the Month
Be Nice To Your Kids As They’ll Choose Your Nursing Home
Love and hugs
Nadine, Colman and Esme xxx
