Ouch...

Lancer: Did you enable the feature that alerts you when people post comments on your blog?

Me: Not yet.

Lancer: Yeah, that's probably not necessary.

Ouch.

I happen to know from my fancy counter that people are indeed visiting my blog, though most don't leave comments because they don't have account, don't want to sign up, don't leave comments, don't know me, or don't know what to write. So there.

Indy

I grew up on Indiana Jones. I loved the little roller-coaster ride in the old mine, the live heart removal, the ginormous boulder, the hot-chick-gone-bad-but-only-after-she-got-hot-with-Indy. So, I was very excited to go see the new flick. We cajoled our friends, The Fosters, into going on opening night. I was a little let down, to be honest. Here's why:

1. Aliens. Really?? Aliens? I'm open to believing in old, ancient curses, but they're usually of the Jesus or Incan variety. However--I'm not really down with the big-headed extraterrestrials in this flick.

2. Where's the hot chick? The good girl gone bad? The naughty Nazi? All this movie served up with an old, not-so-hot chick in mom jeans and a dowdy vest. Plus, her hair was a hot mess. Bleh.

3. The never ending cat and mouse game with the skull. Maybe you wouldn't have lost it so many times if you hadn't given custody to the weirdo in the trance-like state. Just a thought.

4.. This isn't really a complaint, per se. But did anyone else think Shia looked pretty hot in that scene where he rolls in through the fog on his bike? Just asking. He's legal, btw.

Overall, I would give it a B-. Which sucks, because I *so* wanted to give it an A.

Doggie Heaven

We took Lil' Guy to Livermore today to indulge in a little slice of Doggie Heaven. There was swimming, sniffing, fetching, catching and bird-chasing. Some of our fave pics below:

Breakin' Out Of The Burbs

This weekend, we decided to bust out of the burbs. We hooked up wtih Tinger (Travis and Inger...we gave them a super-hot celebrity nickname, like "Brangelina") and went to a gourmet burger joint up in SF. We yelped it, and Flippers seemed to be the go-to place for tasty grub.

Bonus: Lance had to say a stupid food name. His burger was named "The Taste of Russia" and he was forced to say the whole thing. Ha-ha!

Next, we headed over to Ruby Skye to dance the night away. This reminded us why we love clubbing in SF, and specifically why we love clubbing at Ruby Skye. It's a great crowd with great music. It's an old theatre built in the late 1800's, and the style and vibe is second to none.

Shortly after 1 am, it became apparent that we are now old, and we headed back to to good ol' burbs.

Better Late Than Never

Husbie and I went to France for 2 weeks about a year ago. On a reccomendation, we checked out Jacques Cagna. We decided that this would be our huge French food blowout, and we gave ourselves an unlimited budget. I sprung for the following: "Langoustines de l'Atlantique en croustillant, salade, purée d'avocat, chips d'artichaut, sauce au pamplemousse". This allegedly means "Crisp Dublin Bay prawns, salad, avocado purée, artichoke chips, grapefruit sauce". It was pure heaven. It was almost 50 euros, just for this one appetizer, and I would have paid double.

When I returned home, I was trying to figure out how to get my hands on the recipe. I wrote to Bon Appetit, because they have an "RSVP" section where you can write in and ask for your favorite recipes from amazing restaurants from around the world. I never heard back from them, but always checked my copy to see if my recipe had been chosen. Sadly, it had not.

Yesterday, I received a letter from Bon Appetit. It thanked me for requesting the recipe, and noted that it may or may not be included in a future RSVP section. However--Jacques Cagna was kind enough to forward the recipe to them, and in turn, they forwarded on a copy to me. I about died. I don't know who I am more impressed with-Jacques Cagna for sharing their secrets, or Bon Appetit for passing said secrets along to me. At this time, I will be grateful to both of them, and look forward to making, sharing, and savoring this amazing French dish. Once I translate it to English, of course.

If you ever make it to Paris, please do yourself a favor and stop in:

Jacques Cagna, located in the district of Saint Germain des Près near the Sein

14 rue des grands Augustins 75006 Paris
Tél. 01 43 26 49 39 Fax. 01 43 54 54 48

One Week ....

Until I strap on my hottest shoes, round up the girls, and drink a mock-tini. SATC is back! I've missed the girls. It will be great to have them back!

I know everyone thinks they're Carrie...but they're usually Miranda. In my case, I am actually Carrie. See 10 convincing points below:

1. I have always been a writer

2. I have blond, naturally curly hair

3. I have cajoled a man into going to Mcd's instead of a nice, upscale restaurant

4. I don't like romantic junk. When Petrovsky starts busting out that horrid song, Carrie and I flinched inside. A lot.

5. I've dated a BIG. We did *not* end up happily ever after, however, unless he considers the curb part of that magical ending.

6. I once lied to a caller, and pretended I was my own (fake) roommate. I thought it was a telemarketer because they called me Carrie, so I lied and said "Kaari" wasn't home. Turns out it was someone calling from church, and they just needed directions for an activity. I (not-so)helpfully told her I was "Kaari's roomie" and could give her the directions. Said caller returned the call an hour later, and told me my "stupid roommate" gave her horrible directions, and she was lost in Palo Alto. Oops. That roommate of mine sure sucks with directions!

7. I resisted getting a cell phone for a long time. Longer than most normal people.

8. We have the same middle name!!

9. I have been a "real life" model. No roadkill here, though.

10. I like hot shoes and vintage finds.

My Seinfeldian Post Office

I swung by the post office the other day with a simple plan in mind. Grab stamps from the machine and send off my birthday thank-you notes.

I get there, and one machine is out of service. Bummer.

I go to the other machine. Also out of service. Bummer. And, really, both machines??

I look at that little automated postage center, and see Mr. Ebay with 3 large baskets of packages that need to be weighed and stamped one by one by one by...you get the idea. He was so serious about his work he had a glove on his left hand. I'm not sure what purpose this served....but I knew he meant business.

I look at the long, 15 person line to get stamps.

I look around for Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer.

I leave the Post Office with jack squat.

Argh.

Happy Birthday Asian Girl!

We hauled it all the way to East Bay for Asian Girl's Birthday. She's pretty old now, BTW. Her husband started off the night by sending a bottle of bubbly over for the table drunkards, who faithfully lived up to their name.

We scored $10 filet mignon (truly...and it was fabulous!) and then horked down shrimp cocktail, salads, soup, and a million side dishes....which successfully un-saved us all of the money we saved on the $10 filets. I never was good at math.

Love you Asian Girl!! By the way, we love your new bangs!

Note to self: Do not stand sideways in photos. It's *very* unflattering.

What The Crap

The above picture shows why it sucks to live in California these days. Lance and I are planning on going back to horse and buggy soon. And, yes, in case you can't read it...it says $67.85. AND I DIDN'T EVEN FILL ALL THE WAY UP!!! But my taking the photo caused big laughs at the pump. I'm so glad my 16 gallon/$68 fill-up could amuse the hybrid drivers. Hardy-freakin-har.

I Scream...You Scream..

I think my next suburban shindig will be an old-fashioned ice-cream social. Lots of different ice creams, tasty toppings. Nuts, whipped cream, cherries, sprinkles. That's one more topping away from a Digital Underground song, BTW. Yes, I am definitely having this baby in the next few weeks.

XOXO...A Girl Who Gets Addicted To Crap Shows

My latest guilty dish is Gossip Girl. It's trashy, stupid, and implausible. Naturally, I cannot get enough. My friend Sarah's Tivo got me hooked, and I would like to both kiss and slap that little machine. I busted out 2 episodes at her house, and made sure to catch the season finale tonight. Just what I need...another junky show. I'm in love.

In case you're from Utah...

...and you really want the recipe for the Technicolor 14 layer Jello Salad for your man...here ya go:

6 1/4 cups boiling water

5 packages of (4 serving size) Jello: any 5 different flavors

1 cup (1/2 pint) Sour Cream

Stir 1 1/4 cups boiling water into 1 flavor of gelatin in small bowl at least 2 minutes until dissolved. Pour 3/4 cups of dissolved gelatin into 6 cup mold. Refrigerate 15 minutes until set but not firm. Refrigerate remaining gelatin in bowl about 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually whisk in 3 TBS sour cream, and spoon over gelatin in the pan. Refrigerate 15 minutes until set, but not firm. Repeat process with remaining layers. Refrigerate 2 hours, or until firm. Unmold, and serve. Mmm...mmm...good.

Goodies

Lancer and I enjoyed a fabulous Anniversary week. We dined at Le Papillon. Husbie did a great job choosing an amazing restaurant. It was also close to our little abode. It reminded us of our amazing trip to France last year. Sigh...

We both ordered the lobster bisque and then shared a baby greens/blue cheese salad with balsamic vinaigrette. Husbie got the pheasant, and I got the beef tenderloin. We finished up with a Grand Marnier dish and cream brulee, respectively. Delish.

Back to the house to exchange gifts. I gave him some funny and playful gifts...but the best gift of all was the labor of love known as...TECHNICOLOR 14 LAYER JELLO SALAD. Since planning, and pulling off, Husbie's 40th bday, I have gotten *really* good at lying and sneaking around. I managed to whip up the Jello delight for him, one layer at a time...and he was in the house the whole time. I'm amazing.

I got a Tom-Tom, which will hopefully help me not get lost-lost and feel lame-lame:

Then I got a vintage marshmallow tin. It looks fab in our retro-ish kitchen:

Then I got the gift of all gifts....a fabulous vintage 1920's right-hand ring. It's platinum and diamonds, and looks great with my wedding ring. Nice choice again husbie! Smooch..here's to many more fabulous years!

Speaking of Dads...

Mine is leaving tomorrow, and he does so maintaining he doesn't snore, and never has. Currently, I am writing this while on the couch watching the news with him, and Mr. Snorebags is having a heyday.

When confronted with the news about his snoring last evening, he alleged, in a hushed tone, that it's actually his wife, Robyn. No explanation, however, on how/why he snored all through my childhood whilst married to my mom. Hmm.

The best part is that he is always trying to claim that he isn't even asleep...he's just resting. To prove his point, he will occasionally open his eyes halfway and blurt something out loudly. Suffice to say, I realize where my volume-control problems stem from.

Argh

It's that time of year again...when everyone from Hallmark to Tom Shane uses the phrase "dads and grads" to sell their crap. Boo! I hate that saying.

Love Me Do

This weekend is our 5th anniversary. I will refrain from posting tender thoughts and special feelings on the subject. I will, however, share the following with you:

1. The first time I met Lance, I told him I thought I was hot. Long story, mostly said for benefit of my friend nearby.

2. The second time I met Lance, I told him it was nice meeting him. He reminded me of behavior pointed out in #1.

3. How embarrassing. And also kind awesome. And clearly effective.

Lance is the hottest, funniest, smartest, coolest person I have ever met. We have one fabulous little family. I am a lucky girl indeed.

Some fave wedding day pics below:

Creepy

My dad and his wife are in town this week (That's not the creepy part) We did Thai food at our favorite place in San Mateo, then headed down to Palo Alto for gelatto. Strolling along University, we decided to hit Borders to satisfy our inner geeks. I skimmed over the new books, and then headed to the magazine section. I saw this beautiful girl on a cover, and I was trying to figure out who it was, and got a little closer. That's when I realized it was some weird glammed up Barbie..on the cover of what has to be the serial killers Bible...Haute Doll.

The dolls are caked with makeup, dresses up in designer clothes, and posed like real women. There was even this odd cartoon with the dolls acting out parts. They were solving a mystery, trying to figure out who killed their friend..another doll.

There is just something *very* wrong about this, yes?

The Original Google

Overheard at Beethoven Museum in San Jose:

1st grader looking at card catalog: What is that?

1st grader with clever answer: I think it's a robot.

Yes, little one, it *is* a robot. It's an evil robot by the name of Dewey, and you should be glad you've never had an encounter with him. He sucks.

I'm Trying To Tell You Now It's Sabotage

Husbie and I were rolling down El Camino a few days ago. I looked over to my right, and I see this guy looking like he was straight outta Sabotage.

This is pretty much what I saw:

I laughed, and told Lance about the weirdo next to us looking all Sabotag-ey. He exclaimed that he had seen the same weird dude a few miles back, and noticed his weird fake 'stache and creepy wig. I got excited for a second, and tried to see if we had somehow magically ended up in the middle of a new Beastie Boys video. The weird-wig-stache-dude *did* look a little like Mike D. However, I quickly realized the chances of the BB filming on El Camino in Cupertino, CA were fairly slim, and that the dude was likely just a weirdo with a penchant for synthetic hair items and poor disguises. Such a letdown. But who was this mystery man? Perhaps it's DB Cooper. Now that would be awesome!

Forget Sexy--I Want to Bring Crazy Back!

So, I kinda like 90210. That's probably an understatement. If you peruse my comments section, you may see some silly banter back and forth between Brenda Walsh and Kelly Taylor. While it would be super-awesome if it were really them, it's not...mostly because it's not 1992, and more importantly, because they aren't real people.

With Kelly Taylor and Donna Martin back on board for 90210-re-do, some are wondering where Brenda Walsh is. You know, deep down, they have to bring Brenda back...because Brenda is a crazy train-wreck freak, and so is Shannon Doherty.

If you agree, you can sign this petition.

Iron Works

We went and saw Iron Man tonight. I have decided that I need to start reading comics, but that's beside the point. The acting was fabulous, the cast was amazing, and the story was cool. The lame losers behind us, however, WERE NOT COOL. Here's a few thoughts for them:

1. Don't bring your loud, annoying toddler to a flick that starts at 9:30 PM and goes until midnight.

2. Don't let you kid openly talk during the movie at normal levels throughout said movie.

3. Don't follow your kids lead and do the same aforementioned loud talking.

4. Don't ignore me when I look at you for the bad behavior outlined in points 1-3.

5. Don't think, at any time, that the solution to my "annoying glances" is to bust out a small, portable DVD player to entertain your lame kid. Did I mention the kid did not bother to wear headphones...so, the movie played out loud right behind my head.

Howsa 'bout you trade in the DVD player, take that dough, and get a freaking babysitter like normal people.

Don't get me wrong. I love kids--I do. See proof below. But this type of behavior is seriously unacceptable.

Ice-skating with J--the model child. :)