TODAY

I am grateful for...

1. family
2. friends
3. answers to prayers
4. the past
5. the future
6. freedom to choose
7. warmth
8. hope
9. love
10. forgiveness

BELIEVE IT!

Dear Cafe Rio Employees,

When I decline your offer for dressing, it is because I don't want any. No need to ask me three times and then give it to me anyway... Over the years, you have wasted gallons of dressing on an unappreciative recipient.

Gracias for your future efforts on my behalf,
R

GONE WITH THE WIND

In honor of Pioneer Day, I trekked across the country last weekend to visit my friend, Kristan, in Atlanta. Oh, Atlanta!

We started the trip off right by going to the Margaret Mitchell House, which is the birthplace of "Gone With the Wind." Peggy wrote most of the novel in a small apartment on Peachtree Street, which has been converted to a museum dedicated to her and her wonderful novel. The tour guide told us that "Gone With the Wind" is the second best-selling work of all time, topped only by the Bible. Wow!

While at the MMH, we had made a vow to never be hungry again, so we decided it would be prudent to head to Mary Mac's Tea Room for some lunch. The place was hopping, the waitress was enthusiastic, and for the first time in my life, I was a minority in the room. I thought the restaurant was delightful, and it definitely satisfied my desire for some homemade Southern Cooking. The waitress made us try some sort of soup made out of turnip greens, which was surprisingly delicious, despite its putrid color. I also tried fried green tomatoes for the first time, which were surprisingly mediocre, despite their being fried. The dumplins were divine, though, as were the macaroni & cheese and sweet potato souffle. Maybe it wasn't the most balanced meal, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

After lunch, we made our first attempt at visiting the High Museum of Art. Our plan was foiled when we unexpectedly punctured a tire and had to wait for that to be repaired. This was for the best anyway, as we didn't really want to go anywhere that wasn't named after a lady with "M" alliteration in her name. So we drove back to Krissy's home in Roswell and decided to tell Atlanta Proper "Au Revoir" for the day. We went to dinner with Kristan's hilariously loud family, picked up ice cream at a place called Brewster's, then hunkered down to watch a James Bond flick.

Saturday we went to breakfast at the Flying Biscuit, which is a campy little joint with pretty good food. Kristan let me try her grits, and I think I ate more of them than she did, since they were a novelty to me. Naturally, we went to the pool after breakfast, where I got fried in a few random spots (clearly my sunscreen application wasn't quite consistent). The gals in Kristan's family are ridiculously tan, so I think they could have stayed there all day, but we were running out of time, so Kristan and I took off for our second (and more successful) attempt of visiting the High Museum of Art, which was a fairly nice museum. Kristan blogged about an exhibit called On the Beach which was fabulously interesting. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I think it is something you have to see to really appreciate why it is so great, but trust us, okay?

The Varsity is supposedly the world's largest drive-in restaurant, and I believe it. It was ginormous! We didn't dare really eat there, since we could smell the grease from about 3 miles away, but we tried the "F.O." beverages (Frozen Orange), which basically tasted like a slushified Dreamsicle. Yum!

Next we began our drive past millions of churches to the Disneyland of Georgia (which is not anything like Disneyland). Yes, that's right. Ever heard of Stone Mountain? Droves of Southerners go there nightly to watch the Laser Show Spectacular, which is pretty much weird. That's the only word that really comes to mind when I reflect upon my S.M. experience. It was definitely weird. And did I mention weird? They basically do a laser show on the side of a rock they affectionately call a mountain. Whoever "they" is. Anyway, here's a tidbit: the guy who sculpted Mount Rushmore began the etching on Stone Mountain but abandoned it when the Mount Rushmore commission was offered. Some other guy had to finish it. Anyway, we had fun sitting out on the grass and eating our picnic dinner whilst talking/playing cards/people watching prior to the show.

Sunday we went to church, then to see an antebellum (pre-Civil war) home called Bulloch Hall. The museum docent was very knowledgeable, and it turned out that we picked a great house to visit, as it is the location where Teddy Roosevelt's mother grew up, and thus where his parents were wed. I would love to own a house like that someday... so much character!

We ate dinner at Kristan's grandmother's home, then headed to the airport. It was a fabulously fun-filled weekend. Thanks for being such a great tour guide, Krissy!

I felt so busy throughout this week, but when I stopped to think about everything I did, I realized the list mostly consisted of entertainment....

I watched "The Great Gatsby" with Mike, Chrissy, and Jacque on Monday night after a pool party at the home of one of our church leaders. To be honest, I LOVE the book, but cannot, in good conscience, recommend the movie. It was so looooooooooooooooooooooong and drawn out. Not only is the book 3,000,000 times better, you could probably read it just as fast. Consider yourself warned.

I finished "Year of Wonders," which is a novel about a small town in rural England that is afflicted with the plague. The residents decide to quarantine themselves from the neighboring towns, and several folks turn a little bit kooky in their hopeless and desperate isolation (a la "Lord of the Flies").

I went to Welfare Square and helped bag bread in the bakery, which I guarantee was more fun than it sounds, thanks to fun folks who were there.

I watched "Australia" with my cousin Caprice. Hell-o Hugh Jackman! Everyone kept saying the movie was really long (which it was), but it was interesting. It made me wonder how I would fare in the Australian outback. If you haven't seen it, you might want to add it to your list.

I read an amazing book called "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close." It was a real page-turner, so it only took me a day to read it. The style of the writer was definitely fascinating. Also, the subject matter was emotionally intense. I'm not kidding when I say I couldn't put it down.

I watched "Gone With the Wind" in preparation for my upcoming trip to Atlanta. I thought it would be great to brush up on my history of the Old South so that I can appreciate the things I see when I'm there. The Margaret Mitchell House is definitely on the list.

Well, that's all for now. Until next time.... ciao.

INSPIRATIONAL?

FOR THE CAUSE...

My friend Betsey organized a team for Relay for Life, which is a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. The idea is that someone from each team walks all night long from 6 p.m. until noon the next day as a demonstration that we will not give up on the fight against cancer. Let's just say that it turned out to be an interesting night...

Here are some highlights (in order of occurrence):

Josh belts out some karaoke (and likes it).

Tyler and Mike set up some tents.

In the process, Mike discovers that we possess a perfect lightning rod for the impending thunderstorm.

Josh and Betsey start quacking.

Mike, Elizabeth, and I act really natural while Josh snaps our photo.

(Yes, this photo is blurry/cheesy, but is the only evidence that I was there...)

Elizabeth and Kate bundle up.

Mike loses his head.

Betsey blows away.

'Twas a fun-filled night, despite the lack of sleep. The weather provided an adventure for us all... not only was it raining/lightning part of the night, but the wind at the mouth of the canyon wasn't exactly soothing. Let's just say that the event started out with nearly 500 people, and ended EARLY with only about 100 remaining.

Yes, other folks quit when their tents started blowing down the hill, but our team held out strong all night. I will do it again next year (hoping for better weather, of course).

BON APPETIT!

I just finished Julia Child's autobiography, My Life in France, which was delightful, to say the least! Julia and her husband, Paul, were both very passionate people, and this book made me feel like they truly lived life to its fullest. I loved reading about their relationship with each other, and the different ways they were able to support one other through various periods of time. Although I know practically nothing about cooking and wine, it was fun to learn a little about the technicalities of the cooking process that Julia worked so hard to perfect for her cookbooks. Also, the novel was filled with a smattering of Paul's photographs, which were impressive, to say the least. If you're looking for a good read, I highly recommend this. The book will make any reasonable human want to go to Paris.

I was fascinated to hear about Julia's intensity and focus in life. She might have been hard to be friends with, due to a highly dominating personality (just speculating), but here is a photo of the two of us, taken a few summers ago at the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. I would love to go back and spend more time dissecting the replica of her kitchen sometime soon...

But in the meantime, bon appetit!

OUT OF WORDS...

I cannot figure out how to post a youtube video into my blog, but I know it can be done... tips on this for future reference, anyone?

Anyway, I cannot hear enough of this song lately, so I thought I would share a link for your enjoyment:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yY4tBjIwDJ8

And let it be written that I WILL marry a man who can serenade me with a guitar. And if he can dance like Jason, then that's not shabby, either....

BROWN PAPER PACKAGES TIED UP WITH STRINGS

These are a few of my favorite things...

1) This lovely little pen from Paper Source. I feel so classy/feminine when I pull it out. I'm already on my third...

2) Miss Vickie's Sea Salt & Vinegar Potato Chips. I've developed a bad habit of purchasing these with my veggie sandwich almost daily.

3) MAC Lustreglass in lusterwhite (not the color below, thanks). Nothing like some diamonds on your lips...

4) ALDO shoe insoles. I basically cannot believe I ever survived without these... they have saved many a pair of flats from peril.

5) Tiffany Cushion Earrings. These very versatile hoops that were well worth the wait. Plus, they match my cushion ring.

6) Writing lists. Really, it's therapeutic.

THAT'S AMORE

Yesterday was Pi Day, for those of you who were not already aware. To celebrate, I drove down to Pizzeria 712 with K8, where we met up with our friend, Kristan, for some big pizza pie. I fell in love with the margherita pizza, mostly because the crust was PERFECT. In my opinion, crust makes or breaks a pizza. I also appreciated the atmosphere... some Brian Kershisnik pieces adorned the walls, the furniture/size/lighting were fitting for a pizza place, etc.


*As I side note, I wanted to post a picture of this event, but when I pulled out my camera, one of the chefs promptly began making fun of us for "making memories," at which point I put my camera away.

HAPPY PI DAY!

CACTUS TREE

Last weekend I went to sunny Arizona to spend time with some of my all-time favorite friends, whom I know from the glory days otherwise known as college. Let's review the tapes, shall we?

1) FINALLY found a good definition of a cactus... such a relief! I've spent years wondering about these fascinating organisms, but thanks to this highly informative plaque at the Desert Botanical Garden, it seems there is no need for me to wonder any longer...

2) Relaxed/beautified our footsies. Thanks, Paige, for capturing the moment with this awesome photograph (which maybe should be my new facebook profile picture???).

3) Kristan inflated her air mattress in the middle of the night; Kate was convinced Krissy was shredding some documents. I have no photos of this incident because Kristan shredded them all.

4) Saw the beautiful Chihuly glass exhibit at the DBG.

5) Listened to Jimmy T. and Johnny M. whilst in the car. Belted out "ooh-ooh-ooh ooh-OOH-ooh" at the top of our lungs. Reminisced about the John Mayer concert in LV and the sketchy (to put it mildly) hotel we stayed at in 2004 because of our lack of moola.

6) Ate these delightful treats from Sprinkles:

7) Sat by the pool at 4 p.m. in FEBRUARY!!!!!!

8) Completed this crossword on the plane and accidentally knocked over Kate's apple juice in my glee (which if funny in hindsight):

9) Retained my title as "Take Two Queen." Clearly, the tiles below do not belong to me, as most of them are not being properly utilized in the formation of words.

10) Left wanting more. Can't wait until WHR 2010!!

BLUE SKIES...

Last weekend I went on holiday to the "land where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars." My friend Derek lives in San Fran, I was itching to get out of town, and I found an awesome deal on a flight. It was as if the stars aligned just for me, so I packed my bags for a mini-vacation....

My one fear was that it might rain the entire time, but it turned out that luck was on my side; on Saturday the sun was shining and the sky was blue. Derek & I took advantage of this wonderful fact. We walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, up to a little lookout point over by Sausalito (where there was a fantastic view of the bridge) and then back. We figured that round-trip, this was almost a 6 mile walk, which I LOVED... it made me feel so energized and alive! Derek had a brilliant idea to take a photo every other lamp post on the way back across the bridge, so I have posted a few for your viewing enjoyment. There were about 5 million to choose from (mostly quasi-semi-pseudo crappy), so I limited it to my 3 favorites:

Lamp Post #1: "This is going to be fun(ny)!"

Lamp Post #17: "Do you think the camera is working?"

Lamp Post # 1,031,319: "We should probably spice these photos up."

After the photo shoot, we ate lunch at this lovely little place: http://www.cafegratitude.com/, where I was fulfilled and Derek was refreshed. Then we headed to Chinatown to take a "tour" of an antiquated fortune cookie factory, which was apropos since I have consumed roughly 150 fortune cookies this month (this is not hyperbole...more on that another day): http://www.sanfranciscochinatown.com/attractions/ggfortunecookie.html.

We then met up with some of Derek's SF pals and participated in a Chinese New Year Treasure Hunt, which was an interesting and clever event. The following link will show you some sample clues: http://www.sftreasurehunts.com/hunts/sample_clues.html. After over 3 hours of hunting, we decided to throw in the towel and nourish our bodies at the House of Nan King, which is a ghettrofied (word is made up, but I think you get it) yet delicious Chinese food establishment in Chinatown.

The weekend was enriching for me, and I was grateful to get away from the doldrums to spend high-quality time in good company in an invigorating city. As with every other time I've been to San Francisco, I left my heart there...

WORMY

Dear Anyone Who Has Ever Made Fun of Me for Compulsively Washing/Sanitizing My Hands,

This is just a friendly reminder that if more people were like me, events like this would be less likely to happen:

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/11/todays-video-do.html.

Love,
R

TIME-OUT

For the record, it looks like this score was actually higher....

NOT SHABBY, EH?

LOVING LOVE

I was conversing with one of my friends awhile back, when I randomly burst out with the thought: "Kahele, I just want you to love!!" He thought that was the funniest thing he ever heard, but it was true. He had a recent history of shyness in the dating department, but I could not understand why, and I told him so.... he is a wonderful fellow with all sorts of great traits. I basically told him to buck up and take on the challenge/risk of truly loving someone, even though it was going to require valiant effort on his part.

Well, it happened!! After dating for awhile, Kahele and Elisa tied the knot yesterday!! It was so much fun to go to their reception last night and see them looking SOOOO happy and in love with each other. I felt like I was watching a chick-flick, except that it was real and I knew the couple involved. I am proud of Kahele that he took steps in his life to make this relationship happen. It wasn't easy for him, but it certainly paid off in the end. And oh, yeah... they're going to Paris & Rome on their honeymoon. How romantic is that??? I am a lover of loving love.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS, BUT KEEP THE OLD...

Simply put, I think there is not much in this world that beats spending time visiting with friends you have known for a long time. Yes, I enjoy meeting new folks, but I especially love friendships that are tried and true.

AFTER ALL, TOMORROW IS... ANOTHER DAY

I usually try to be upbeat on this blog, but let's face it... I feel grumpy right now. Actually, I have pretty much all day. I feel sorry for the people who have conversed with me today. Truly sorry.

But the good news lies in the words uttered by Katie Scarlett O'Hara at the end of Gone With the Wind: "After all, tomorrow is... another day." (Followed by theme music, which I hope came flooding into your head).

So here's to a better tomorrow! I promise to smile and be more cheerful!

FRESH

Oh, how I love New Year's Day, and all the self-reflection related thereto... Life is so busy that sometimes it's not easy to take the time to contemplate the bigger picture and correct your life's course... but it is so important! 2008 was, indeed, an eventful year.

I traveled...

Two trips to The Happiest Place on Earth, two trips to Beantown, one trip to Kiwi Land, one trip to the Adirondacks, one trip to the City of Brotherly Love, one trip to St. George... and I feel like I'm even forgetting one more trip I took. Maybe it will come to me...

I read...

The Many Lives & Secret Sorrow of Josephine B. (and the rest of the trilogy) by Sandra Gulland, Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell, 1/2 of Stiff by Mary Roach (which I will finish soon, I'm sure), Winter Wheat by Mildred Walker. I'm sure I read more books than that, but those were the most noteworthy.

I ate...

Lots of popcorn, hot chocolate, 730 pieces of toast, and thousands of Peanut M&M's.

I welcomed...

Another nephew into the world, the opportunity to go to various plays and concerts, darker hair, rekindled friendships, the summer, the opportunity to meet one of my idols, tulip blooms, growth in my position at work, the opportunity to work in a brand new office building that smells divine, the chance to spend time with my family and friends, the end of an extremely negative relationship, the potential to love someone better, the time I was able to spend at the temple, Friday afternoons, new earrings from Tiffany & Co. that I've wanted for ages, my sister's recently discovered sense of humor and the corresponding laughter, and on and on and on.

Yes, 2008 was a good year, but I'm pretty darn sure 2009 is going to be even better. Bring on the good times!!

P.S. I apologize about the formatting issues in this blog; I cannot, for the life of me, figure out what is causing the problems...