Gone Too Soon

I know it's human nature to be upset when losing things or people before their time. It hardly seems fair.

Which is why I am so upset at having lost one of my great loves--Fuel Restaurant in San Jose. You know, the one where the owner Gene knew my name and order by heart. It was like my Cheers. I'm a cute, female, less fat version of Cliff.

And it closed right before Brooke was coming into town--we already had plans to dine there. On to plan B, which will NOT be at Chili's, Olive Garden, or that other crappy chain you tried to sell me on. Um, I'm allergic to all of the food at all of those places. I'm thinking Dish-Dash. That was my "go-to" before Fuel came into my life.

I have a few words to say about you, Fuel:

I had birthday parties with you.

I snuck off to lunch with you.

I snuck off to dinner with you.

I got takeout for my fun GNO's from you.

I dreamt about your generous portions of grilled pork salad rolls--4 for $8. I would have paid double.

You were my "go-to" restaurant when I was trying to look hip and fancy. Everyone was always impressed. They came out with full bellies, and smiling pocketbooks.

The worst part is I never got to say goodbye. You just up and left me. I feel so alone. I think I need a grief counselor.

PS--another Fuel devotee and I have been emailing each other tonight on Yelp. We're going to leave a note for Gene on the door and hope he gets it. Whoever hears from Gene first will email the other person. We want to know where he's going next, cause you know our crazy arses will be there day and night!

That's not weird, right?

PSS--Aren't you glad this wasn't another NKOTB post??

Busy as Bees

I was all excited for November to be the "relaxing" month between October and December. Yeah, that hasn't happened yet. Here's what we have been up to:

Had a delicious birthday dinner for our funny and adorable friend Ashley. If you haven't read her blog, you should. You will be funnier for it--trust me. Yes, we ate at Fuel. Don't judge-it's delish.



Next, Lancer was all excited for this motorcycle show in San Mateo. It has a ton of vendors, and they all display their newest wares and goods. They even had a (likely pink and purple filled) section for ladies. I was sold.


However, when we arrived, Lancer and I started seeing signs about some Harvest Festival--that's code for arts and crafts.Turns out we were a week early. Oops. Since we were already up there, I suggested we stay and see what they had going on.



It wasn't totally heinous--in fact, we had some delicious food, bought some yummy soy candles, and a Christmas gift I want to wear now. However, the Ball n Chain vetoed it. Guess it has to wait. As Lancer said about the craft fair--"You hit paydirt, and I just hit dirt."


We also got a DVR--FINALLY. I'm not sure why we were so behind the times on this--we're fairly tech savvy. It makes no sense. Even The Atwoods had DVR, and they're as thrifty as can be. Finding this out was almost as bad as when Tat beat me @ Dance Dance Revolution. This machine has already changed my life. I am now hooked on 30 Rock, and feel myself getting lazier and fatter. Thanks, Comcast.Speaking of the Atwood family, I got to visit Hayley and little baby Lincoln. She's right--I could have snuggled him for hours. He's so cute, and looks just like Avy. Congrats--we love you!


After the Harvest Festival, I tricked Lancer into going to Fry's and buying one more huge crockpot. Hey--I'm a big batch lady. I need big batch equipment. I had to clear off a whole shelf so I can have quick and easy access to them. I am convinced this is going to make my life easier.

It's also Clementine Cuties time!! We stopped by Whole Foods, and this is all that's left from a huge crate. We love these babies--and they're perfect right now. Not too firm, not too soft--juuuust right. Eat up! Vitamin C is waiting.


I also got to help host a baby shower for my favorite Twilight Mom, who is actually now going to be a mom. A real one. We can hardly wait for Renesme.

Mom to be opening her gifts

Alyssa with the other love of her life--Eddie. I was going to take him down post-Halloween and then put him back up for New Moon next Friday--but then I thought Alyssa would enjoy having it up for her shower. Lance is thrilled.

Kristine arranged 3 cute games, because Alyssa LOVES games. And we have to do what Mama wants.

The Ladies

I finally got to use my buffet warmer--this was a Christmas gift from Lancer last year. I love it! It keeps food the perfect temperature while you entertain in the other room.

And this is Brooke's famous salad, as interpreted by Heather. It was delicious. Here is the link for the recipe since everyone asked for it. Repeatedly. (You Warner ladies know how to eat! I mean that in the best way possible!)

The whole spread

And the adorable (and from what I hear tasty) carrot cake that Sharla made and decorated all by herself. It was so cute! It says "Goodbye tummy, hello mummy." I love that the baby on the cake is British.

Phew! That was one crazy week. I am so excited for next week--New Moon on Wednesday, Twilight in the theatre on Thursday, and then the New Moon party on Friday. I am ready for Eddie. Bring it on Twilight Moms! I will shove you out of the way if you get in my way. You tweens have nuthin on this crazy lady.

Lessons I Learned from Chipotle

Back in our newlywed days, a new Chipotle opened up in Foster City. I was excited--I love good Mexican food. They had this highly addictive creamy avocado and corn salsa that was sooo tasty. I would find excuses to go during the week--then it became a few few times a week--soon, it was every single day. I couldn't get enough. Lancer warned me not to eat there all of the time, that I would get sick of it and start hating it. I ignored his sage wisdom.

A few months later, the thought of Chipotle made me want to hork. It took me 5 years before I would eat it again, and I have to say it wasn't even all that great. Bleh.

My point--I think I'm starting to move into that scary territory with Fuel in SJ. They have these grilled pork rolls and mango beef salad that I think about all night and day.

I popped in tonight, and the guy says to me "grilled pork rolls with gluten free sauce and a Diet Coke?" Crap--moving into Chipotle territory, right?

Worse. The food is delivered, and the lady says "here you go, Kaari."

Def-initely Chipotle territory. But I can't stop myself. And I don't think I want to.