Finding the right paper has turned out to be a lot more difficult than originally thought. We've spent a lot of time at Flax, going through their paper books. We tried all different sizes to figure out how much and how many.

We finally ended up going with a paper we found online at PaperMojo. One of the things we loved about them is that they will cut the paper for us. We still have to cut the 336 pieces for the little liner boxes, but that's better than having to do all the cutting. We also have to find a ribbon that we like to make the bow on the box.

Now the fun starts: the folding! I have a feeling we are going to become experts in peak folds.

I know, we're supposed to be the vanguard. We're supposed to lead the way, set the agenda, be at the forefront on exactly this kind of delightfully blistering, divisive, sticky cultural issue, especially given our world-renowned reputation for flying our fearlessly flamboyant freak flag as high as the Transamerica Pyramid dancing on ecstasy at Burning Man.

[ … ]

In other words, we're supposed to know better. We're supposed to get it right, particularly about something as obvious and relatively, uh, straightforward as gay marriage, exactly the kind of issue about which the world expects California not merely to have our godless, revolutionary sh-t together, but to know how to follow through. After all, in terms of blue-state, damn-the-fundamentalists street cred, we gotta represent.

This is why the truth is so very difficult to admit: we failed. Choked. Dropped the ball. Botched it completely. Gay marriage, that is. Prop 8. The whole gay rights shebang. What a shame. And how utterly embarrassing.

He rambles a bit in the middle, but still says it better than I can.

Let’s make one thing absolutely clear: We will put this right!

Activities

Food

San Franciscans pride themselves on the local food, which draws from cusines of the world, makes a point of local, sustainable ingredients, and a bit of flourish. There's everything here from the haute to the modest, and you don't have to spend a lot to get something sublime. A smattering of our favorites:

Millennium

Our most common description of Millennium is that "They make incredible food that just happens to be vegetarian (mostly vegan)" WAIT! Check your preconceptions at the door, and your experiment will be greatly rewarded. Avowed meat eaters we've brought here have all had a wonderful meal (much to their own surprise!)

Their menu changes frequently, and they're always looking for what's fresh. The dessert menu often has pairings that induce (at a minimum) a head scratch. Yet somehow they work as if by magic!

La Taqueria or Taqueria Cancùn

In San Francisco the burrito has mutated and taken on a life of its own. It is as big as your head and comes wrapped in foil. Locals will eschew utensils and make it the ultimate on-the-go fast food. I may be risking a religious holy war by putting forth a suggestions for a good burrito, but both of these places are in the heart of The Mission, a quick walk from a BART station if you don't feel up to walking there.

Absinthe

Walking distance from our new house, in the heart of Hayes Valley, this brasserie offers unique cocktails and some very yummy food. Try the fried chickpea appetizer, but be warned: they are addictive!

The Slanted Door

Pan-Asian fusion (with an emphasis on Vietnamese) in the Ferry Building. Spend some time perusing the stalls in the Ferry Building before treating yourself to this experience!

Dosa

The original is on Valencia in The Mission, but the link above is to our local Dosa. (It's bigger!) Across the street from the Kabuki Theatre (now a Sundance Theatre) Contemporary southern Indian cuisine. (Most folks are only familiar with northern Indian) Cocktails blended with spices to accentuate your entrees.

Sapporo-Ya

If your only exposure to ramen are freeze-dried noodles and a questionable "flavor packet" you need to come to Japantown, peruse the wares offered for sale at Kintetsu Mall, and order some miso-based ramen Sapporo-Ya. I will not argue that it is the best ramen in the Bay Area, but it is close to home, modestly priced, and quite satisfying.

If you're looking for something specific, ask us! We'd love to help!

Opportunities to change the hearts and minds of Americans on same-sex marriage don’t come along very often. Based on this unprecedented reaction, we think “Fidelity” is one of them. Fuel the phenomenon of “Fidelity”. Watch the video. Sign the letter. Spread the word.

Do you remember these cakes? With the fountains? And the stairs? I used to think they were the most awesome thing ever. The bigger, and more ornate, the better.

Now, they make me giggle. I don't think this is the kind of cake we'll be getting. But it certainly makes me laugh to think about it for just a moment.