Tigelleria and Mini-Appletinis

For my birthday, the puffs took me to Tigelleria Ristorante in Downtown Campbell, a charming little place that specializes in slow, organic, Italian food. Even the bottles of wine we had were from an organic vineyard somewhere in Sicily.

The food was delectable and the desserts were both beautiful and tasty. I highly recommend the poached pears drenched in dark chocolate.

An Affair to Remember was projected on to one wall and I was amused to see that the people at neighboring tables were paying more attention to the movie than their dining companions. Some only turned back to their tables to take another bite of food.

Following dinner, we headed back to our house to drink countless mini-appletinis. Yum!

Thank you, my darling puffs, for a wonderful evening!

Just What I Wanted

Ever since Richard taught me how to make his grandmother's delicious salsa, I've wanted a food processor, but I've always felt too guilty about buying such an expensive item. So I bought a mini food processor, which was a pain in the butt to use.

Still, it was better than nothing ... that is, until I lost it, but I'll save that story for another post.

Anyway, for my birthday, Arnon gave me a 12-cup food processor. Ooh la la.

Initially, Arnon felt bad about giving me a kitchen item for my birthday, but I love it. I'm looking forward to making butternut squash filling for ravioli, sugar snap pea paste for soup, and of course Richard's famous salsa.

Be Prepared to Leave

Dear Red States:

We've decided we're leaving. We intend to form our own country, and we're taking the other Blue States with us.

In case you aren't aware, that includes California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and all of the Northeast. We believe this split will be beneficial to the nation, and especially to the people of the new country of New California.

To sum up briefly: You get Texas, Oklahoma and all the slave states. We get stem cell research and the best beaches. We get the Statue of Liberty. You get Dollywood. We get Intel and Microsoft. You get WorldCom. We get Harvard. You get Ole' Miss. We get 85 percent of America's venture capital and entrepreneurs. You get Alabama. We get two-thirds of the tax revenue, you get to make the red states pay their fair share.

Since our aggregate divorce rate is 22 percent lower than the Christian Coalition's, we get a bunch of happy families. You get a bunch of single moms.

Please be aware that Nuevo California will be pro-choice and anti-war, and we're going to want all our citizens back from Iraq at once. If you need people to fight, ask your evangelicals. They have kids they're apparently willing to send to their deaths for no purpose, and they don't care if you don't show pictures of their children's caskets coming home. We do wish you success in Iraq, and hope that the WMDs turn up, but we're not willing to spend our resources in Bush's Quagmire.

With the Blue States in hand, we will have firm control of 80 percent of the country's fresh water, more than 90 percent of the pineapple and lettuce, 92 percent of the nation's fresh fruit, 95 percent of America's quality wines, 90 percent of all cheese, 90 percent of the high tech industry, most of the U.S. low-sulfur coal, all living redwoods, sequoias and condors, all the Ivy and Seven Sister schools plus Stanford, Cal Tech and MIT.

With the Red States, on the other hand, you will have to cope with 88 percent of all obese Americans (and their projected health care costs), 92 percent of all U.S. mosquitoes, nearly 100 percent of the tornadoes, 90 percent of the hurricanes, 99 percent of all Southern Baptists, virtually 100 percent of all televangelists, Rush Limbaugh and Bob Jones University.

We get Hollywood and Yosemite, thank you.

Additionally, 38 percent of those in the Red states believe Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, 62 percent believe life is sacred unless we're discussing the war, the death penalty or gun laws, 44 percent say that evolution is only a theory, 53 percent that Saddam was involved in 9/11.

Finally, we're taking the good pot, too. You can have that dirt weed they grow in Mexico.

Peace out,

Blue States

Credit: Liza

Eager for Christmas

I'm seriously in the mood for Christmas. For the last few weeks, I've been
using a cute snowman picture as the background image on my computer
at work, and I have an assortment of Christmas images for the screensaver.

For the last two weekends, the family around the corner has been
putting up Christmas lights on their two-story house, and they're still
not done. I think it's going to be an
awesome display, like the house
in that one annoying Chevy Chase
movie.

Wait, is there a Chevy Chase
movie that isn't annoying?

Anyway, you should come over to our place in December to go check out
the house. On one day in December, they will also provide horse-drawn carriage rides around the neighborhood.

Please Vote

You don't want people like this woman selecting our next president.

Credit: Jaime

Lacrosse

Photos from Arnon's most recent lacrosse game. He wants it to be known that he scored three goals and three assists. Apparently, he can't stop respecting himself.

Chopped Liver

Last night, Arnon and I had dinner with Haley. As usual, my "Hello Haley" was greeted with "Where's Arnon?" When she saw Arnon, she ran to him while squealing his name and gave him a big hug, followed by a kiss.

Apparently, I am chopped liver.

Anyway, there's something about the way Arnon eats that makes kids want to eat, too, and it's no different for Haley. Only this time, she wanted to feed Arnon while trying to match Arnon's intake, bite for bite. That's never a wise idea as the man can eat and she's only three and a half years old.

Pizza Party

I know what you're thinking. You're surprised that I let kids into my house. You're even more surprised that I shared a meal with them. Well, you'll be shocked to hear that I actually like these kids. They are entertaining and well-behaved. And the little one is absolutely adorable.

Who are these kids, you wonder? They are Jeremiah (age 10), Jenica (8) and Julia (4) and they live across the street from us.

Their parents have told us that we can borrow them whenever we want, so we had them over for pizza and then played together at the park in our neighborhood.

I think it's so much nicer to borrow kids than have kids of our own.

Another Woolie

Lisa, can you believe there's an octopus Woolie?

Sex and the City

Yes, I know I'm behind, but I finally watched Sex and the City, the movie. Am I the only one who thinks Carrie is annoying and Big should have found someone else to be with?

Also, I think Miranda looks the best out of the four, at least in the movie. In some of the older episodes, Miranda looked like she had meth teeth.

Anyway, I had some friends over to watch with me. We made a night of it by feasting on tacos and mojitos, and, in honor of the movie, downing cosmopolitans during the movie.

Mendocino

As you may have noticed, Arnon and I visit Mendocino frequently. It is Arnon's dream to live there full-time when we're older, but in the mean time we try to go monthly.

In my opinion, our best trip there was last November. The weather was perfect, ranging from freezing to chilly, and it smelled wonderful everywhere we went.

On that trip, Arnon discovered his favorite spot to sit and ponder the universe, at Point Cabrillo. I think it's difficult to get to that spot so I sit elsewhere. If a giant wave were to crash in that area, we'd both be swept away to sea. Anuj and Tiny might be relieved to never again have to endure my hyena-like laughter, but our families might grieve over our missing bodies.

Anyway, we also enjoyed spending several hours at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg, looking at the different trees and plants that grow along the coast. There were dozens of different mushroom species along the paths, as well as berry-covered bushes.

One section of the botanical gardens was devoted to raised vegetable beds. For years we had talked about square-foot-gardening in our future home, so it was exciting to see successful examples of it.

Also, for the first time in my life, I enjoyed looking at the different flowers on display. I credit Lisa for the change in me.

Lisa loves flowers and used to talk to me about different floral arrangements she made, and when we walked in Pleasanton, she would point out beautiful flowers along our path that would have gone unnoticed had I been alone. She probably thought I wasn't paying attention to her flower talk, but I was, and I enjoyed and learned from it.

We spent one chilly evening that weekend watching Stranger Than Fiction, starring Emma Thompson and Will Ferrell, which is now one of my top-ten favorite movies. It was so pleasant to cuddle up on the couch, gas fire in the corner keeping us toasty, and actually sit through a movie together. It may sound mundane to you, but it was charming for us, and a small taste of what an evening would be like in the future when we're retired and living in Mendocino.

Crisis Counseling

Junk Drawers and Medicine Cabinets

I really love Paho Mann's collection of photos of junk drawers and medicine cabinets.

What do you think? Is it art?

Mendocino Photos

Photos from our September trip to Mendocino:

Comptche

Last December, Arnon and I planned a four-day getaway to Mendocino. Unfortunately, we both came down with the flu shortly beforehand. Though we felt miserable, we figured it would be better to recuperate by the ocean than in our drab apartment.

Anyway, we were clearly sicker than we thought because we spent one of those days visiting the neighboring town of Comptche.

I took a lot of photos in Comptche but the two above are the best, if you can believe it, of the set. There is simply nothing of consequence in that town. And yet we've met people who have moved from other parts of California to Comptche to build their dream homes.

Clearly, I can't see that special something that drew them to Comptche.

Smug

We all know Prius drivers can be smug, but these two take the cake.

This car was in front of us in Berkeley. We thought he was the smuggest bastard, but then this guy came along ...

... who smugly sealed access to his gas tank with an Obama sticker. It seems his modified Prius doesn't need a drop of gas.

Anuj's Birthday Lunch

For Anuj's birthday, the team took him to Red Robin for lunch.

Our waiter, who was quite attentive to our table, told me quietly that he would gather the entire crew to sing for Anuj. "Oh no, my friend's really low key," I told him, to which he replied, "No, no, it's no problem."

"No really, he's really low key so it's not necessary," I pleaded and he said ok.

So you can imagine my surprise when the entire crew gathered around our table and sang loudly to Anuj. I think Anuj was even more surprised.

So the lesson here is that if you want to spare your friend from being serenaded by restaurant servers, then the worst thing you can do is to let them know that your friend doesn't want any attention.

Point Bonita Lighthouse

Last April, we took Wes to see Point Bonita Lighthouse. I'm posting these photos for Wes.

Ferndale, Punta Gorda, and Cape Mendocino

A little over a year ago, Arnon, Marc and I took a trip to explore Cape Mendocino. Arnon wrote about the trip immediately after the trip, but it's taken me a lot longer to post additional photos from the trip on my site. Needless to say, I tend to procrastinate.

Mateel Cafe in Redway:

Fern Motel in Ferndale:

Punta Gorda Lighthouse:

Cape Mendocino:

Ferndale Museum:

Celebrating:

I realize that the trek across black sand to both Punta Gorda and to Sugar Loaf Island was difficult and I respect both Arnon and Marc for their endurance and will power, but for me, the highlight of the trip was discovering Flax Grande chips by Bien Padre.

These chips are truly amazing!

Sadly, they are only available at grocery stores and restaurants in Northern California. I tried ordering them online but failed.

Pictures You Don't See Everyday

Credit: Andrew N.

For Dingo

Leave the Babies at Home

At the last Stealth game I attended, back in April, I was astounded by the number of women who brought their babies to the game. It's cold, bright, and loud in the arena and not a suitable place for them.

Plus, I'm opposed to women changing diapers in their seats as well as the less offensive but still annoying act of standing up to bounce their babies while blocking the view of those seated behind them.

I realize that these mothers are pretty anxious to get out of the house and lacrosse tickets are cheap, but damn it, does it have to come at the expense of lacrosse fans who are sensible enough to leave their brats at home?

Luke Chueh

Jaime recently introducted me to Luke Chueh's art. Some of it scares me, but I love the ones displayed below.

I Asked For Scrambled	The Miscarriage	Foul Prey	Inhibition
Disintegration	My Happiness is Riding On Your Misery	The Facade Doesn't Fit	The Unraveling
15 Minutes of Shame	Another Useless Gift	Locked	The Soundtrack to My Life
The Exit	The Prisoner

I recently bought "I Asked for Scrambled" and "Another Useless Gift". I'd like to get some of the others but they're sold out.

Paternity Test

Credit: Roger

Jihad Kitty

Men's Diving

Global Warming Rug

WTF

Credit: Anuj

Coonskye

I picked up Coonskye's remains from the pet hospital last night. I had expected a simple box containing his ashes but received a lovely urn with an epitaph instead.

Gummi Lighthouses

Does anyone else think these gummi lighthouses are less lighthouse and more you know what?

Photos

Chaney's Farewell	Cory's Farewell
Long Lunch	Triplets

Hello Kitty Wedding

Photos

Cho's Birthday Dinner at Chef Chu's (Aug 2008)

Hanging Out

My In-Laws (Apr 2008)

Arnon and Haley (Apr 2008)

Excited About Our New House

Golden Gate Park

Saturday, we went to the revamped California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. There were some cool things to see, like the four-story rain forest and the creepy creatures from Madagascar, but overall I was underwhelmed. Also, I was annoyed by all the small children and mothers with strollers, and the humidity in the rain forest dome made me feel miserable.

Following the museum, we visited the Japanese Tea Garden. I'd like to plant similar trees in my backyard but I don't know if Arnon would be willing to share his vegetable garden space with me.

Next, we went to the Rose Garden. I'd never been a fan of roses, but for the first time I appreciated their beauty. I still don't care for the smell, though.

Can you believe I wore white? So out of character.

Anyway, after a fun afternoon in Golden Gate Park, we headed to the Castro for drinks at Lime (love their key lime martini) and dinner at Home.

It's always so much fun to hang out with the puffs.

X-Rated Furniture

Photos

Dmitriy and Polina at Three Degrees in Los Gatos (Sep 2008)

Laughing Heartily

Dessert in North Beach (May 2008)

Comedy and Ice-Cream

Game Night (Feb 2008)

Sarah Palin Debate Flow Chart

Credit: Roger

Divorce Cakes

Credit: Anuj

Renaissance Faire

A couple weekends ago, we went to the Renaissance Faire in Hollister with Andrew and Liza. They looked great in costume. I wish I had dressed up. Perhaps next year I can dress as an aristocrat and Arnon can be my slave.

Good Quote

"Good friends, good books and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life."

- Mark Twain

Alaskans Against Palin

Credit: Liza

Santa Clara Art and Wine Festival

I've been going to art and wine festivals all over California for years, but it never occurred to me before to actually drink wine at them. Well let me tell you, it makes all the difference in the world.

Serenity Now!

Dude, what's with everyone around me either quitting smoking or going off their meds and acting like whiny little bitches or flipping out every other minute?

Former smokers: it's your own damn fault for getting addicted to cigarettes in the first place, so don't take your frustrations out on everyone else when you're craving nicotine. Get a grip, or at least get away from me.

Former pill poppers: you know how we joke that someone's "off their meds" when they act like psychotic assholes? Well guess what? You're now that psychotic asshole, so you need to either get a grip or get back on your meds.

If only I smoked or took pills to ease my nerves, but I don't, so my only outlet is venting in this blog.

Slow Food Nation

Since Arnon and I had been brooding over our house, Richard and Jason came up with the idea of taking us wine tasting in Sonoma to get us out of the house. However, the weekend we chose for wine tasting was also the weekend of Slow Food Nation, which Arnon really wanted to check out, so we decided to spend a day in the city.

It was cool to see vegetables planted in concentric circles and Arnon got some free packets of seeds, but he ultimately thought the people there were all posers.

Following lunch, we shopped a bit in the Castro and then took a nice long walk with a great view of the city. En route, we passed a small garden with raised beds. Very inspiring.

Before dinner, we went furniture and home decor shopping and stopped for appletinis at Lime.

The guys treated us to a wonderful dinner at Mission Beach Cafe, where we discovered watermelon and tomato salad (who knew they worked together) and Navarro Vineyard's Muscat. Deelish! (A couple weeks later, on our way back from Mendocino, we stopped at Navarro Vineyards to pick up a couple cases of Muscat and their tasty grape juice.)

Thank you Jason, Richard and Wes for dragging us out of the house and treating us to a fun day!

Day Dreaming

Exactly two years ago to the day, I was sitting on the rocks in the Mendocino Headlands, Things to Do in Israel and the Palestinian Territories guidebook in hand, and day dreaming about all the beautiful places I would see on my upcoming second trip to Israel. We were active that weekend in Mendocino, but the only thing that stands out in my memory is that I was planning my trip to Israel.

I find that very few things are as satisfying as planning a trip to foreign lands, so I've been keeping myself happy by planning next year's trip.

Initially, Arnon suggested we spend three weeks touring Italy. Then we discussed spending a week in Prague followed by a week in Paris. We also considered a trip through Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

Finally, we agreed on a seventeen-day tour through Eastern Europe starting in Prague and ending in Ljubljana in Slovenia. In the days between, we would get to see Moravia and Trojanovice in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, Auschwitz and Krakow in Poland, the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia, Eger and Budapest in Hungary, Plitvice and Rab Island in Croatia, and Lake Bled in Slovenia.

Sounds wonderful, no? Well, my parents thought it sounded gloomy, but I think it's intriguing. As for Arnon, he thought it would be nice to see Poland and Hungary, where his grandmothers were born and raised. (His maternal grandmother was born in Miskolc, Hungary and his paternal grandmother in Czestochowa, Poland.)

Anyway, just when I thought everything was settled, we received our first property tax notice. Worse, a few days later we received notice of our supplemental property tax. Ouch!

So we decided that our late-spring trip will have to wait until early September of next year. In the meantime, I will be day dreaming.