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I'm dedicating this space to my good friend Farshad who is
celebrating his birthday. I know he
enjoys reading my on-line journal that I started writing in February, 2004. So I've re-created a few journal entries that
I might have written over the last couple of years that involve times spent with
Farshad. Some dates are
approximate, although most are accurate (because I'm a bit of a
social-perfectionist, and often record my outings in my calendar).
So, I've looked back at my calendars from years past and chosen some
highlights, and re-created what I was thinking at the time.
For Farshad, I give you my time, my effort, and my
memories. Enjoy.
11.25.1998 "My New Co-Worker"
Today, I met someone new at Motorola. It was funny how it happened.
I got a call asking for some PCMS support. The person said his name was "Farshad", but he told
me that his name plate on his cubicle was missing. So, he described where he was situated in the cubicle farm. Once I got in the vicinity, I was lost (surprise).
So, I knocked on the nearest cube asking where I could find
Farshad.
"That's me! You must be Rena!" he said. I noticed his stylish turtleneck and his bright smile. "Nice watch!" he said, admiring my prominent, silver
Storm watch band. Cool.
02.17.1999 "Richie Hawtin"
I had the most amazing time last night! I met Farshad, his friend Brendon, and Aaron for dinner at the
Eatery. I LOVE that
place! I used to go tons
when it was owned by Mas, but I haven't been lately. I should try to make it out there more often.
Anyway – after dinner, we headed
out to Mars to see Richie Hawtin.
OMG! It was soooooo good! It
was a full-on live set, and he kept the crowd on their feet for the
better part of the evening. I
think I stayed until 1am then called it a night (it was a work night).
Farshad is so cool.
It's funny - when I see him at work, he's all business-like
(you know - dress shirts, dress pants, etc). But tonight was the first time I saw him outside of work. He was all styled out - toque, funky Porn Star shirt,
necklace. I'm looking
forward to more outings.
05.20.99 "PVD"
You know sometimes when music can almost have the
same effect on you as drugs? You’re
at a show, you’re dancing, you’re surrounded by people. Then suddenly, the music almost seems to be inside you. And you just get lost in the music. And you feel so incredibly energized, and you’re moving but
you can’t really feel it, and you feel like you could dance and
groove for the rest of the night?
That’s what I felt like tonight at the Paul van Dyk concert
at Sonar. I went with
Farshad, Ashley and Brendon. Hands
down, this has been the best DJ live-performance that I’ve ever been
to.
07.05.99 "I.W.S (aka Ironhead
Worshippers Society)"
We’re officially obsessed with Ironhead!
“But, Ironhead, what’s with that thingy?”
I swear – Farshad says that at least 6 times a day. Aaron even drew a picture of us in Photoshop. Check it out:
07.15.99 "Chili Shooters"
Today at work, Emmanuel brought in one of those
huge Subway sandwiches, and we split it amongst 8 or so people. There were a bunch of leftover condiments, and for whatever reason Farshad and Aashish decided to have a shooter contest, using little
paper containers of chopped chilies. It looked painful. Farshad later told me that he temporarily lost his hearing and sense
of taste. I can’t imagine what the chilies did to their
stomachs.
08.25.1999: “Mars Attacks!”
It was young intern Donal’s last night out. He’s been in Vancouver for the summer, and now he’ll be
going back to Ireland. But
we all went to Mars to enjoy some cheap beer and hard-driving
electronica. It was
really funny – we kept ordering more and more beer (which is served
in these little plastic cups on cheap night).
Farshad was asking where all the empties were, and Donal
(right-pissed out of his mind) says, “I know where they are!” And he disappears under the table, and re-emerges with a huge
stack of about 40 cups.
“I was saving ‘em!” he yelled. OH, that silly Donal.
12.09.1999: “First Aid Supplies”
We had our annual catered Holiday lunch at
Motorola. But this year, there was no booze. So, Farshad
and Emmanuel decided to buy a mickey of vodka from the liquor store
and spike our jug of juice on our table. They hid the remainder
of the bottle in the First Aid room. It was a little stressful,
but funny. I wonder if they’ll remember to go back and get the
remainder later?
06.05.2000: “Fiction”
Tonight was the debut of Farshad spinning at
Fiction. Such a cool
place! It’s small and intimate, and I love the décor. And the martinis are cheap! I can see us hanging out there Tuesdays on a regular basis.
08.02.2000: “Mexican Babies”
Okay, so Farshad and I are sitting at the Eatery,
discussing hotel arrangements and other things for our upcoming New
York vacation. We’re
trying to come up with cost-effective solutions, so Farshad proposes
that we could go for a family deal i.e. he and I pose as Ryan’s
parents.
He further explains:
“Well, I’m dark, you’re Asian, Ryan kind of has olive
skin, and he’s got kind of almond-shaped eyes. He looks kind of Mexican. If you and I had a kid, he would look kind of Mexican. Like Ryan.”
The woman at the table beside us
interrupted us to apologize for eavesdropping, but she wanted to tell us
that that was one of the funniest things she’d ever heard.
Oh Farshad – you so crazy!
09.08.2000: “Top
10 Favourite things about NYC”
Words can not describe how amazing my New York trip
was with Farshad and Ryan! Here’s an e-mail I sent to the Mot
crew with the deets:
Hi all,
>it's my first day back from New
York, and all of you wished me a good trip.
I'm happy to report that I had a fabulous time, and I'm still a little dazed.
Anyway,
just to give you all a brief run-down of my trip, here's my
Top 10 List from NYC (a la David Letterman):
> 10) Central Park - fell asleep
on the grass under the blue sky (so peaceful).
> 9)
MOMA - I love all art galleries, but I especially loved the disco ball room, and the home movies downstairs.
> 8)
Shopping - 2.5 words:
H&M
(huge European clothing store - I actually waited
35 minutes to try on clothes).
And
for those of you that know my fetish:
1 pair of Kenneth Cole black, soft fabric, seamless, loafers/slip-ons.....
> 7)
Brazilian Street Festival - how can you not enjoy beautiful
Latino women wearing bikini tops and the Brazilian
flag as sarongs, and gorgeous Latino men wearing
yellow/green soccer jerseys (and all of them eating huge pieces
of meat on sticks).
> 6)
Chinatown - meeting up with my old friends from Vancouver Curtis
and Paul, and hiding from the rain in a small
restaurant in Chinatown and stuffing our faces
with vegetarian dim sum and laughing and talking and catching
up with each other (feels like old times).
> 5)
Wedding - from the limo ride, to the gorgeous house in Jersey, to the quaint little chapel, to the beautiful private dinner
@ Tonic.....(and seeing Ashley and Brendon, of
course).
> 4)
Blues bar - stumbled across this by accident, and sang along with Moe Holmes' blues band until the wee hours of the
morning.
> 3) Wigstock 2000 - saw Kristine
W. and Lonnie Gordon perform, and laughed while
Lady Bunny and all the other fierce trannies traded the most wicked
one-liners since "Paris is Burning".
> 2)
Clubbing - danced to Eric "More" Morillo @ Century-Fly,
and saw Danny Teneglia @ Vinyl.
> 1)
Realization - this was probably the best vacation I've ever
taken, and I owe most of it to Farshad and Ryan,
who were so easy to get along with.
I can hardly wait until I go back.
> Rena
11.06.2000: “Cheeky”
Tonight was Farshad’s new night at Cheeky (Stone
Temple). It’s cool to
go to these functions because I’m guaranteed to know people there. I hung out with Ash and Brendon mainly. It was a good vibe!
04.05.2001: “Do, A Deer”
Tonight was something different! Me, Farshad
and Ashley went to the “Sound of Music Sing-A-Long” at the Vogue
Theatre. I got dressed up as a nun. Man, some of those
people are hardcore with the costumes! But it was a riot! I’m so glad I finally did it. It’s one of those things
I’ve always wanted to go to....
06.22.2001: “A Grown-Up Night”
To be honest, I didn’t really think I’d have
fun tonight, but I ended up having one of those unexpected awesome
nights.
Farshad had
invited me to his friend Gislene’s. She was having people over. I didn’t really know who was going to be there so I was
getting kinda nervous-like (not really, but you know what I mean).
Anyway – when we got there, it
was kind of late and many people had left by then.
So, it
ended up being really intimate. And
Gislene is the most AWESOME host! Her place is beautiful (we kept commenting how adult and mature
and sophisticated it was). It’s an older place west of Denman, but it was decorated in
such a classic yet funky style.
I
felt so comfortable there right away.
We dove right into the food and
drinks – wicked appetizers, sushi, fresh margaritas.
It was so incredible! We
ended up chilling out, having awesome conversations, and I had a
really good time. Thanks
to Farshad for inviting me!
08.02.2001: “Area:One”
Today was the Area:One festival at UBC.
I went with Shelly, Karen and Chris, and we met up at
Farshad’s first. It was
crazy busy, and it wasn’t that hot (well, it was hot inside the
tent). For me, the
highlight was Timo Mass. I’m
glad I saw New Order, but they sure don’t sound that great live (but
what do I expect). We didn’t stick around for Moby – I had seen him earlier
in the year at Plaza of Nations.
Afterwards I was supposed to go to
a Tribeca party that Farshad was throwing.
But I fell asleep on the couch at home and didn’t wake up
until 1am! I suck. Oh well.
08.31.2001: “Can
I borrow a Pair of Women’s Black Underwear?"
Yeaaaaaahhh – so, tonight Farshad and the gang
met at my place.
We were
going down to the Park Theatre to see an interactive “Rocky Horror
Picture Show”. Farshad’s
friend Dave (whom I’ve never met) came over. He was actually performing in the show.
Anyway, I open up the door, and he
comes in wearing a black corset-thingy and garters.
He shakes my hand, and says, “Hi, pleased to meet you. My name is Dave. I
have a favour to ask. Can I please borrow a pair of women’s, black
underwear? I promise,
I’ll give them back after the show.”
“That’s ok, honey,” I said,
“I’ll give you a pair, and you can keep them.” I must say – Dave looked pretty hot in my underwear.
09.21.2001: “Let's
Burn the Evidence"
So, tonight we went to Shabusen, an all-you-can-eat
sushi and Korean BBQ place up on Granville and 14th.
I was with Farshad, Carleen, Gislene, Ian, etc. It’s very social, because the BBQ pit is right in your table,
and you get to cook the meat yourself.
Well surprise, surprise but we
over-ordered. After about
2 hours of eating, we were barely making it through what was on the
table. Suddenly, our ‘last’ order came. I swear, we were so full!
We didn’t want to be charged for wasting food, so we joked
about hiding the leftovers in our purses and flushing them down the
toilet. But then somebody
got the bright idea to burn the incriminating evidence beyond
recognition in the BBQ pit, and no one would be the wiser.
It worked. Genius.
10.04.2001: “Bad
Girl"
Tonight it was just me, Farshad and Ashley.
I like the dynamic when it’s the 3 of us.
We complement each other. We went to Eatery, then caught “Bad Girl” at the Hollywood. It’s a Film Fest movie, a documentary on porn.
It was kind of bizarre to be
watching XXX-themed images with an intellectual, Film Fest audience who
were being all “Let’s evaluate the possible positive influences of
pornography on female empowerment, blah, blah, blah .
Part of me wanted to stand up and scream,
“People, you’re looking at someone’s 2-storey high beaver
and a 30-foot dildo! Get over yourselves! We're
all perverts! Admit it!”
10.10.2001: “Basement
Jaxx and Crime Lab"
This was one of the best live shows I’ve ever
seen!
For my birthday,
Farshad had bought me a Basement Jaxx ticket. It was at the Commodore, and it was incredible! The stage was just full of people. There was a lot going on – costumes, visuals, dancers, lights
– but for whatever reason, it just totally worked! Such a good energy.
Then we checked out Crime Lab (by
then it was 11pm). We
shared some ostrich and crab cakes and had some drinks, and talked
until closing time. It was one of the best nights of just me and Farshad that
I’ve had in awhile.
03.22.2002: “Another
Year Gone By"
Farshad’s birthday this year was at Carlos &
Bud’s.
Ok – he had to
reserve the entire front portion of the restaurant this time. And
it was packed I
think he said 76 people had confirmed. I can’t believe it! Well,
actually I can – Farshad is the most well-connected, people-person
that I know. Afterwards
we went to the Drink. I
had one of the best nights in a long time. But then, I always have fun at Farshad’s birthday bashes.
05.17.2002: “The
System Is Down"
Farshad sent me this cool link today.
It was this funny Flash movie entitled “Techno”. There was this weird character in a Mexican wrestling mask and
he was responding to an e-mail about what he thought of techno music,
and then he started imitating a techno song. It was totally hilarious! I think I’ll have to check this site out more.
http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail45.html
06.15.2002: “Boat
Party"
There’s something about cruising around
Vancouver’s harbours on a boat with about 200 other people at 11pm.
Picture it – it’s a beautiful night (but the wind is making
it a wee bit chilly), the water is like dark glass, and the house
music coming from the turntables is echoing across English Bay and
seems to be coming from the trees in Stanley Park.
Outdoor parties seem almost
magical – electronic music and nature together.
It doesn’t seem very natural, but very surreal. Another great night powered by DJ Abasi.
06.29.2002: “Am
I From This Universe?"
I find hanging out at home with friends is often so
much fun.
Tonight we were
all at Farshad’s. He
had an impromptu BBQ, and then we played “Headbands” all night.
Too funny! It’s
the game where you pick a card and without looking at it, you insert
it into a headband that you’re wearing. Everyone else can see the card, which can be a famous person, a
household object, a fictional character, etc. Then, you have to ask yes/no questions to the group to
determine what/who you are.
I don’t really know if anyone
won?
But it didn’t matter – it was fun.
06.30.2002: “Shine
On"
Tonight was a late one, and
it was so much fun.
I went to Shine with Aly and met Farshad there. The music was kick-ass.
I
love that R&B room in the back. We
pretty much danced the entire time. Then afterwards we went to the Naam for late-night nachos and
quesadillas. It’s funny
how some nights you can just have endless amounts of energy.
08.02.2002: “An
All-Day Affair"
Today was an all-day Rena and Farshad date. We planned it earlier in the week.
First, we went to see “Austin Powers:
Gold Member” in the theatre. It was ok. I had
wanted to see something funny, and it fit the bill. Then we met Farshad’s friend Blair at Random on Davie. He’s hilarious! He
totally made us laugh. The
food was pretty awesome – we shared lots of tapas.
Then it was off to the Drink.
Liberty and Barry were there, and we danced most of the
night. Afterwards, we
were hungry so we went for late-night food at DV8.
I wasn’t in the best of moods
this week, and I was hoping tonight would take my mind off things.
Well, it worked. That’s
the thing with good friends like Farshad – they remind you of how
much fun life can be.
08.17.2002: “Carleen's
Wedding"
I’ve only been a fan of weddings recently.
When I was younger, I never really enjoyed them.
But today, I was Farshad’s date for Carleen’s wedding. How fun was that!
The ceremony itself was
really nice – simple, in a small church, etc.
But the reception was at the Sutton Place Hotel. Very, very nice! Dinner
was awesome, speeches were a minimum - it was never a dull moment. But then after dinner, that’s when things kicked in.
Ryan was DJing and he did a kick-ass job. I’ve never been to a wedding where they’ve played
“Apotheosis” before? We
danced almost the entire time. Carleen
was the best bride – no frou-frou attitude. She kept her dress on the whole time she was dancing (which was
basically the whole night).
If only I could go to a wedding
like this every season!
09.12.2002: “Big
Open Spaces"
There’s something about art galleries that I just
love.
I’ve been to a
couple around the world, and most of them are similar – big, open
spaces, and it’s peaceful and reflective. There’s no rush, your focus is on what’s in front of you
– it’s very here and now.
Tonight Farshad and I checked out
the O’Keefe, Kahlo and Carr exhibit at the VAG.
I really enjoyed the Frida Kahlo work. She was an extremely interesting individual.
I have one of her prints from Mexico. When I bought it, I didn’t know a single thing about her.
I really should check out the art gallery more often. It’s such a wonderful space, so different from other spaces
that I frequent (like work, the mall, home, etc).
09.27.2002: “Lickerish"
Well, another year gone by for me. Tonight I celebrated with the str8 friends. We
checked out Lickerish. I
really like it there. The
food was amazing! We
shared tons of things – they have really good yam fries, and the
beef sashimi was out of this world.
It’s a good space too. As
usual Farshad helped me organize it.
Craig actually showed up. And
he brought me flowers. AND, he got a haircut. It was a great birthday. I
think the alcohol bill was more than the food – crazy how that is. I will definitely go back.
10.31.2002: “Costumes
and Sushi"
I couldn’t believe it! It’s Halloween, and Farshad and I went to the Eatery with our
Halloween costumes on! I
was a bandita (female Zorro) and he was Indiana Jones.
We had the most intense conversation and I totally forgot we
were all decked out, and the only people around us who were in costume
were the waitresses. Hilarious!
And they took our picture and hung it on the wall. Nice!
11.27.2002: “Thieving
It In Style"
Randy rocks! He’s
so awesome! Farshad and I
have been seeing him at the Eatery almost once a week for the last
couple of years, and every so often he knocks 10% off the bill, or
gives us free dessert or sushi, and he always cracks us up.
Well tonight, he was going to show us his appreciation. And he totally delivered.
For dinner, he took us to
Dali-Darbar – his treat. We shared some of their signature dossas, then had tandoori chicken and other delicious dishes.
Then it was off to Commodore for the Thievery Corporation concert.
We arrived in his BMW. The show was amazing – it was a full-on
live act And we were right up against the stage – it’s such
a personal space, perfect for that size performance. Good times.
12.23.2002: “Kicking
It Ethiopian Style"
Today I tried Ethiopian food for the first time.
I went with Farshad to Commercial Drive, and we just took a chance.
That’s what I love about Farshad – he’s fearless that way,
always looking to try new thing, not worried about being disappointed,
etc. Anyway, it was very different and delicious! We had
one of those flat, dough-pies and they put some lamb and beef on it.
The spices were amazing, and we ate with our hands. Wild.
01.25.2003: “Waldorf"
I haven’t been to a big, organized event in
awhile. But Farshad promised that
the Waldorf party would be a success, and he was totally right I loved the Tikki
room (everywhere you look, it’s bamboo!). I don’t go out very often, but when I do, I really enjoy
myself. Next time, I’ll
have to buy a Hawaiian shirt.
09.03.2003: “Miss
Vera, You Make a Fine Burger"
I’m loving my time off this summer! Today was a typical, beautiful day. I biked down to Kits beach where I met Farshad. Then we went to Vera’s for some burgers. I had never been to this Kits Cowboy establishment. It rocked! We sat
in the sun, talked about life, and enjoyed good food and company. Then we went our separate ways, feeling very satisfied and
relaxed. I couldn’t
have asked for anything more.
10.13.2003: "Thanksgiving
Cheese"
Today I was actually spontaneous, and I loved it. I was on my bike, and I thought, “Hmmm, what’s Farshad
doing today?” So, I
called him up and miraculously he was home. I offered to drop by and he sounded quite pleasantly surprised.
I went to Safeway, then showed up
at his house with some cheeses and breads for a mid-day snack. He was upstairs preparing a turkey for Thanksgiving, and his
dad and brother were there. We
ended up all sharing the food. I
feel so comfortable and at ease with Farshad’s family. It’s the best. I
love it when you get to that point with your friends’ families, that
you can just sit and hang out, and there’s no pressure to have
focused conversations. You can just chill out and be yourself.
12.29.2003: "Sissy Boy"
Farshad had a surprise for me tonight. He made dinner reservations, but didn’t tell me where we were
going. He ended up taking
me to West on South Granville.
Wow! That place was amazing
The
food was incredible and the service was impeccable! We were all dressed up, and I felt the $100 I spent on dinner
was worth every penny.
Then we headed to the Odyssey for Sissy Boy.
We picked up Glyn, then ended up meeting Ivan and Trevor. We
danced for almost the whole night, to Cathy Dennis, Blackbox, Rick
Astley, etc. I haven’t had a fun night like that at the
Odyssey in ages. And it’s all because of the right mix of
people, and a good mood, and good music. Oh, to have time off
again so I can go out Mondays more often….
01.29.2004: "Blue Water Bar"
I finally got to try the Blue Water Raw Oyster Bar
in Yaletown. It was
Dining Out Vancouver, so the deal is a 3-course meal for $25 at all
the nice restaurants in town.
I
went with Farshad and Glyn and had an amazing meal.I realize that Farshad is one of those friends who shares a lot of interests with me. We can do almost anything together (travel, go shopping, visit
art galleries, check out concerts, chill out, try new restaurants, go
casual or get dressed up, etc) and enjoy ourselves. That’s definitely something not to take for granted.
03.12.2004: "Meet Me at the French
Place in 5 Minutes"
Farshad and I have been meeting Friday afternoons
if possible. He comes down to Yaletown to do his record pool, so I try
to meet him for coffee. Lately
we’ve been going to La Boulangerie Parisienne on the corner of
Hamilton and Helmcken. We
get herbal teas served in fancy tea pots, and some delicious French
pastries. We talk about
whatever is new (even though we’ve usually seen each other the night
before at Eatery). But
it’s a nice break in my day, and gets my mind off work momentarily. Thank you for the much needed distraction, Farshad!
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