it's been a year

Editor's note: We at GreensandBrowns, gave ourselves a one year timeline to post all desired wedding photos. Amazingly so, it just didn't happen. The project is not complete. We appreciate your patience as we close out this matter. This day marks one full turn of a year since we walked down the aisle. Emmelle, this can only be described as The Best Year. Thank you. We came together as allies, schemed, pillaged and are now expanding our empire from in the east (bay). In year two, we look forward to more bloodshed and conquest. In the meantime, let's enjoy this handsome photo, sponsored by Hugo Boss: Thanks for stopping by! Return to the GreensandBrowns home page.

morimoto napa

Birthday meal courtesy of Emmelle some time ago at Morimoto Napa. Besides the disappointing nigiri (surprising), there were some pretty memorable dishes.

Toro



Braised pork . Interesting to note that there were quite a few Korean-inspired dishes. For instance, this braised pork tasted similarly to braised Korean short ribs (kalbi jjim).



Or this. Korean-style chirashi with a poached egg. Fancy pants.



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"on the radio" - regina spektor

With the pace of life continues to accelerate, I've caught myself contemplating more and more about growing old and well, dying. I don't think they are purely morbid thoughts; it's not fully accurate to claim that they are thoughts about death. It's really about not being able to come to terms with lack of existence. Really an ongoing internal discourse on existentialism. As I told a dear friend recently however, thoughts about aging and death are pretty selfish. I mean, think of all of the individuals who have perished in this world.

I am selfish.

So let me indulge that for a moment. One of the primary considerations du jour lies in the physical form. More specifically, at what age do you feel that your physical and mental states are the true embodiment of self over the course over a lifetime? Let me put to rest the argument that it's about your spiritual being rather than any physical condition. I'm sure that is true and I believe that as a Catholic - but it's hard to contemplate as a worldly dope (yes, I do need to attend mass more).

I want to understand when I want to be for the rest of eternity. Is it as I am right now? Married, making good money, in solid physical condition, still with all my hair? But what about in five years when we have children - won't that be a special time? Won't I still be in top mental state? Or maybe twenty years? By then my face will start to wear some handsomely distinguished lines, my bloated salary will afford ridiculously-priced suits and watches. I'll have learned so much caretaking children and parents. But I actually cherish years gone by when my children would be nestled snuggly in my arms...There's no perfect answer.

And just as difficult is how life continues to change, evolve, grow before it stops. No matter how prepared you can be, it's still sudden, right? You are alive, and then you are not. You have all of these beautiful thoughts and memories stored in your mind - all of which have never been experienced by anyone else, and then they are gone (at least in this world). Isn't that crazy?!

I have a lot more to say on this topic, but I just wanted to share some thoughts to introduce a Regina Spektor song lyric that shares my sentiments. Also, I've been listening to a lot more music written and performed by women. I'm just putting that out there; you can read into it however you'd like...

This is how it works
You're young until you're not
You love until you don't
You try until you can't
You laugh until you cry
You cry until you laugh
And everyone must breathe
Until their dying breath

No, this is how it works
You peer inside yourself
You take the things you like
And try to love the things you took
And then you take that love you made
And stick it into some
Someone else's heart
Pumping someone else's blood
And walking arm in arm
You hope it don't get harmed
But even if it does
You'll just do it all again




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kemmner torneau dress watch

Sometime in 2011, I stumbled upon a German watchmaker who sold handcrafted time pieces through an eBay storefront. At the time I had convinced myself that I needed a dress watch for business-related matters, and perhaps even a less expensive wrist option for travel needs than the Longines Master Collection watch that Emmelle had gotten me just a few months earlier. During a random night of online surfing (possible offline boozing), I accidentally clicked the Buy option and lo and behold, I added this price-friendly automatic watch to my collection.

It's nothing too special, but I think terrific value for anyone who might be considering an entry-level automatic movement watch not willing to pay the normal price tag. I do find the black leather strap to be a bit clunky - it took weeks for the leather to become even supple enough to easily close the metal clasp.





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new city, new restaurants

You can't travel around the safer parts of Oakland without noticing the high concentration of skinny jeans, scruffy beards, fixed gear bicycles and in general, a deliberate intention to appear homeless. It's hard to get away from all of that - they are everywhere! Their story is not so different from ours - San Franciscans finding a like-culture across the bridge at a much friendlier cost of living. Well, that's the narrative that I've established in my head. 

Thinking of a positive to this realization...oh yes. There is at least one.  

I speak specifically of well-regarded eateries that are both already established and are springing up in the area. Restauranteurs are answering the call to offer delicious eats on the cheap. Two specifically that we have enjoyed include Hawker Fare (closer to Downtown/Lake Merrit) and Brown's Sugar Kitchen (right in the heart of West Oakland). Both of these restaurants have received national attention and accolade, so I don't plan to add anything new to the conversation. However, I'd just like to say a few words from the perspective of proud new residents.

Hawker Fare

We've already been here a handful of times - simple, but well-executed Asian rice plates. I think I can eat a rice bowl with protein and greens/pickled vegetables for any meal of the day, and these guys do it exceedingly well. It's a perfect go-to place to take guests; a location where you don't have to fret that the bill may be uncomfortably  high for guests. The hipster vibe is readily present here; I've mentioned to Emmelle that the place feels a little bit like Brooklyn. San Francisco East or Brooklyn West, oh fickle West Oakland.

Brown's Sugar Kitchen

I have no idea how long this place has been in West Oakland, but it brings east bayers out in droves during weekend breakfast and brunch hours. We've never driven by when there wasn't a glut of eager patrons littered around the main entrance. Yes, the food is delicious but I just want to comment quickly on the audacity of the owners to build their establishment surrounded by warehouses and abandoned industry. This is the kind of establishment that will help our community thrive. It's clear to see that it's a treasure in this area, and we'll be taking weekend guests for years to come. Dining for two will always be preferred, as you can patiently wait for seating at the counter, watching the cooks churn out tasty plates.

By the way, I've never had fried chicken and waffles that I really considered memorable. After brunching at Brown's over the weekend, I'm recanting that long-held belief.

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reclaimed wood dining table

I've done a poor job of posting updates as our new home rapidly changes. I don't really know how to expand on that thought - I just haven't. Every week, something is unpacked, a small furniture piece is acquired, an accent is delivered. Now there are considerations for an accent wall, multiple rugs, art work that will help define our design style (shouldn't it be the other way around?). I'm resigned to the notion that our home will never be 'complete'. Even if we fill every corner with a desired piece, I'm certain we'll have wistful feelings to replace with something fresh. It won't ever be over.

While I say that, I'm hopeful that our dining set purchase will last us for many years to come. I've always fancied a bench and the rustic look works very well in our space. It's a reclaimed wood piece from Wooden Duck in Berkeley. There is my shout out. While we are accustomed to eating meals together in front of the TV, it's been a highly functional furniture piece when guests are over. 

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christopher nolan's batman franchise

We are a little over two months away from the release of Christopher Nolan's third and final installment of his Batman treatment - The Dark Knight Rises. After foolishly thinking that the Star Wars prequels would be the last time I obsessed over the plots and spoilers of a soon-to-be-released film, along came Nolan's trilogy masterpiece. Now, at 31, I devote a few web minutes each day to learn about the latest rumors and storyline updates. I've flip-flopped multiple times on whether I should learn every minutia of detail or wait to be pleasantly surprised upon viewing. I actually want both. Mr. Nolan - please make this happen.

Anyway, for posterity's sake, the three trailers (for me to watch incessantly over the next two months).

Teaser trailer:





Second trailer:





Third trailer:




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