Lunchtime Tasks

1. Borrow Transatlanticism by Death Cab for Cutie from the library.
2. View the Visual Politics exhibit at the San Jose Museum of Art.

You would think that eating might be one of the tasks, but when heavy snacking happens during the morning, it isn't much of an option by the time lunch rolls around.

On the first task, I was entirely successful. I walked briskly to the library, searched through the rack of CDs and quickly found the one I wanted despite the fact that it lacked an insert because somebody stole, lost or ate last September. I was just on my way to the self checkout stand when I caught sight of Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell, one of the five books Mark listed as those he most enjoyed last year. Because of his recommendation and because I like her style of storytelling when I've heard her on This American Life, I decided to borrow Vowell's book even though it's about her rather peculiar road trip/pilgrimage inspired by three assassinated presidents (Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley).

The first task took all of five minutes. It then took me another five minutes to hustle over to the museum to complete the second task. I hustled because I wanted as much time as possible to stroll leisurely through the exhibit. But when I reached the front steps, I stumbled upon a sign that told me the museum was closed on Mondays, something I conveniently keep forgetting whenever I get excited about visiting. I ended up sitting at one of the museum's patio tables and reading the preface to Assassination.

I failed at the second task, but I won't be daunted. Tomorrow, after a quick bite, I fully intend on running over to the museum at lunch to view that exhibit.