So it's NaBloPoMo. I may be able to keep up with the daily update, I might not. I will give it a serious try.

So...

I leave to go to New York in a few days. What has me the most concerned is the fact that I think I am wholely unprepared for... get this... what to wear. I know what I will wear to Pee Wee Herman on Broadway. That is all good, figured that out. Classy black dress but the rest of the trip? I have NO clue and it's making me crazy. But... I know that most of the time we will be super casual which is bonus.

Tomorrow is the election and I have to say... this doesn't seem like the result will be good. BUT I will be THRILLED to have this whole thing over. The five robo calls tonite alone will come to an end, the commercials can go back to pharma erection advertisements. I have never thought that I would actually look forward to a Cialis ad more than now. But the political ads are beyond frustrating. And I am over them.

Had a great Halloween, didn't really dress up big time for the days but tried. Sorta. A Pink Wig was about the best that I could do.

Also during November I am going to attempt heartily to read at least an hour before I go to bed. That might be a goal that is better attempted than posting all month. Either way I am on a journey which is awesome and so very exciting and I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow.

Currently Reading: Things the Grandchildren Should Know by Mark Oliver Everett

I have to admit, late night dinners of grilled cheese with F and my hipstamatic could possibly make for the nearly perfect evening.

I just rocked through the Golden Globes from last night on my dvr in like an hour and a half ok seriously like two. Thank you Steevoh for saving me the time and energy it would have taken to watch it live.

There are a couple of comments in case you missed the show, here is what I think and probably would have said aloud had you been sitting on the couch next to me.  Meryl Streep was wearing earrings looked like Eiffel Towers at first but were amazing!  Tina Fey's character is the head writer for a show called TGS not AGS.  Christina Hendriks is unbelievably hot. Stanely Tucci is hot.  For the record Michael C Hall is going through chemo give him a break on the cap ok? He is amazing.  Thank you Drew for taking out the tongue stud for the night you looked absolutely gorgeous and classy.  Quentin Tarintino freaks me right out with the constant weird smirkie smirk.  Martin Scorsese is a total mensch.  Suzy Amis ... brush your hair, you once were in the movie Twister your hair shouldn't look like it was too.  Ok that was harsh.  The Hangover? Really? Huh....No I still haven't seen Avatar.  I would like Kate Winslet to read the phone book to me. George Clooney? I get it now. Toby Maguire looked pissed he didn't win... sorry brother Jeff Bridges IS the Dude remember?  The Dude abides indeed.  Toby wouldn't have thanked his stand in.  That is another mensch.  Jason Reitman looked man too... but what did you expect? Of course Avatar won.  Start your Oscar campaigns now. 

In other little things going on... Denver Restaurant week is coming up in a month or so.  I am excited because there are a couple places we will go to that offers a great bargain for a great meal.  We haven't chosen exactly where but I am looking forward to it.

Saturday we went for Brunch to Colt and Gray.  The place has gotten some great press and lots of props, that they do brunch is a bonus for us since it really has become one of my favorite meals.  We walked in and the first thing that struck me was how absolutely lovely the room was.  The chairs were sexy as hell.  I want a set...bad.  Our waiter came and took my coffee order and returned with a french press and a hourglass timer. Nice touch.  Then we had a waitress which was really weird to switch servers halfway through the meal I have to admit.  Our waitress took our order, I could hear the line call our order since we were sitting right by the kitchen door. Then fourty minutes later our french toast and panckes came out.  My pancakes sat on the pass bar for so long my plate nearly glowed it was so hot.  The syrup was absorbed into the pancakes and actually crystalized in the cakes.  The orange compound butter had a peice of paper still stuck on it. I understand how a compound butter is made and wrapped in wax paper traditionally but having to peel it off hot pancakes while it was melting nearly took the bloom that  the nice coffee service put on my morning.  F's french toast stuffed with apple and marscapone was lovely and the apples were slightly crisp.  I personally would have liked them a little crisper, but it's a good idea.  I would also probably add a little vanilla to the marscapone.  Our friends got the french toast and the sausage breakfast. The sausage was room temp.  The foie grois fat fried potato triangles were delightful, but deep fried I think.  All the flavor of the liver fat had cooked off which is a shame because it would have been an amazing compliment to the spicy and herb induced sausage.  Our meal ended and we cruised out.  I totally over tipped ... WAY over tipped.  Oops.  I didn't check my math... learned a lesson there.  But maybe because of that over tip I will get better service off the line next time we go in... hey there is that chick that tipped almost 18 bucks on a cup of coffee (which basically is what I did almost) lets make it right this time!

We also went to dinner at Marco's Coal Fired Pizza.  Ordered the spectacular lemon wings.  The onions, those sweet sweet onions could easily be my favorite thing in the whole world.  There is something about them acting a bed for the wings.  F ordered the Toscana Napoletana pizza, the crust was thin and chewy and hot.  The grape tomatoes were sliced in half and scattered across the top and were like little bombs of yum.  But the shaved parm, salty and placed on the tongue just melted. But seriously the best part of the pizza was the thinly shaved Prosciutto di Parma.  Oh ma gaw.  It just melted. And when F let me have the last couple of slices that had fallen on the plate of the cheese and meat, I knew in that moment that he really does like me.  I wouldn't have been so nice I don't think.  Ok I would have but I would have been sad about it.  F is super sweet and knows just what it takes to make me fall just that much more for him... prosciutto. 


And Sunday we went to Zorbas for breakfast. We like our breakfasts what can I say? A plate of gyros each was enough food for a family of five. I have left overs which is a great thing for the rest of the week!  But the highlight I have to admit was the Kotosoupa Avgolemono. I initially was a little turned off by the idea of chicken soup with lemon and rice and egg... but I thought what the heck I will try anything.  I seriously am so glad that I tried it because it was amazing.  It was an authentic treat that unexpectedly knocked me out it was delicious.  I almost asked for a to go order. 

So much for the New Year's diet.  I fell off the wagon and hit my head and realized that is a dumb move to even try it.  I might have to try the work out route instead. 

I am ending the night watching Anthony Bourdain in Paris (again... I want to go to there) and Tunisia.  I am making a goal to enjoy the simple pleasures and watching this great travel show about food makes me happy to have such great options here. 

It might not be lamb's head kabobs in Tunisia but I have really enjoyed my eating opportunities of late.  The company of course is always great too.  I am lucky to have a great boyfriend, great friends and all available to join me! 

So the holiday season is upon us.

Photo from Last Year at Mezcal

Hanukah is in a week, Christmas at the Vaughans tonite and for the rest of the world seemingly in a few weeks. New Years then Winter. It's all a little overwhelming I have to admit. I am stuck in this world of crappy gift giving because I dont' have much money, there is some job security but after the last four months I am not so sure (although the problem in our office has gone away, but that doesn't mean anything...really) so I am trying to play it low key, but with low key comes crappy gifts.

Keep those expectations LOW my friends and family because this year the magic ain't happening.

But I do really enjoy seeing the Christmas Tree lots popping up all over the place and people driving cars with trees tied to the roofs and wreaths placed on the grills (that really is my favorite, which is weird, but it does make me smile...broadly).

I have had an exhausting few weeks. But everything is better now. Much better. I skype'd with my niece which was all sorts of adorable and very exciting since this lady hadn't ever actually done it before. I was brave and spoke my mind about something that was bothering me and everything was ok in the end. I survived some serious sad insanity at work and walked away feeling much more pity than the anger that most people feel about the situation. I didn't go out much the last few weeks because I wasn't just "feeling" it and to force myself to be out at shows wasn't my idea of fun. I did see my friend's band play two weeks ago but it was so crowded all the pictures I got were blurry and not good. I ordered a couple of lenses for my camera so hopefully I can get inspired again.

The good news, the very good news, is that I am seriously surrounded (some close by and some further away) by the most amazing and interesting and consistently creative people I have been since I was in college. And some of those people from college still are around which is so neat. I have an amazing family. I have a really great boyfriend. I find myself wanting to yell how lucky I am but I can't because I don't want to be a braggart about any of it. I don't take it at all for granted. Not for one single minute.

Yikes has it really been over a month... oops. I guess that real life business of not having much to share has gotten in the way with posting online. Lets see...

Started to read The Death of Bunny Munro then got freaked out when I was reading it that I would hear it as in fact Nick Cave was reading it to me in my head. It was a little disconcerting to go through that before I would go to bed so I put it down a couple of weeks ago and haven't picked it up again. Perhaps I will get to it soon, it wasn't bad, not great but certainly worth finishing.

I saw my very first Fellini movie in a theater. Wait that is confusing. I saw a Fellini movie in a theater, which is the first time seeing a Fellini movie on a screen larger than 42". Ok that makes better sense. It was early on a Saturday night and we were thinking of something to do. I was thinking about dinner and a movie but it turned out just to be Amaracord. In true Fellini fashion it was beautiful, disconjointed and delightful. I really can say it was better on a theater screen. One of the trailers before the movie was for the TV show "Modern Family" (which I am finding delightful to watch by the way)... there was an older gentleman in the theater that very loudly said "that looks like a comedy, I am not going to watch it". It was so funny. We giggled about it all night.

Later that night we went to Karaoke. Yep. I swear my little mind was blown. I just can only say F can sing... daymn. He got some ladies to clear the dance floor of tables and dance. It was amazing to see. Didn't know about this skill of his. Just thinking about it makes me smile a little. Ok... OK... alot.

I got over some of my issues with Jack White freaking me out after seeing "It Might Get Loud". He still creeps me out a little bit but after watching this movie about the three guitar giants play and talk about playing I respect the begebus out of the guy. And it was cool to see a little closer up than I ever have or will the set up that The Edge uses. Technology is is friend and it's neat to know a little bit more about how he makes his sound so uniquely his.

Finally placed an order for one of the many jars in the Vices Jar Collection from Jonathan Adler. It was such a disappointing mess that the delivery took nearly two weeks to arrive that sadly I don't think I will ever go to the effort to order again. I adore (no j'adore) the aesthetic that Mr. Adler has there is something truly lovely about the 60's Hollywoodchic design style but I am done. NOW... that being said they did me right, by crediting the shipping charges and offered me a discount on any future purchase, but sorry. The Prozac Jar will have to be my stopping point.

Got a miserable cold that lasted for a couple weeks. Cracked a tooth, possibly from grinding my teeth and am in the starting process of getting it fixed (part one of the initial root canal is done... and I can finally close my mouth completely and chew... its fantastic).

I met a lovely little girl that makes my bro and sister parents and me an aunt. This was the highlight of September I have to admit.

Memorable shows include: The Flaming Lips at Red Rocks,the Happy Mondays and the Physchedlic Furs at the Boulder Theater, Jen Korte and the Loss at the Walnut Room, David Cross book signing at the Tattered Cover (for a couple reasons....F was there, it's all I can say) and then the standup at the Paramount (even though because of my tooth and the ensuing bone infection, oh I didn't mention that above? Yeah... I was miserable), Aenka in a parking lot and Derby on the Rocks Western Regional Championships.

It has been a great month hope that it has been for you too.

Senator Kennedy... I actually have something to add....

Ok so there has been alot of talk and coverage of Sen. Edward Kennedy's passing. I didn't really give it much thought except, what a loss for this nation that we lost a great politician (personal transgressions aside - I remember the trial of his nephew as I followed it with great interest for personal reasons).

But this morning as I was walking into work I remembered something really crazy that happened to me when I was working at this law firm in regards to Senator Kennedy.

Normal working day. Sitting at my desk, answering phones, doing calendaring stuff, doing my j.o.b.. The phone rings.

Of course I answer it, it's my lead's incoming line and I answer professionally and I hear on the other line: Good afternoon this is Ted I am calling for (my attorney's name). Um ok... So professionally I say, (My Attorney) is out of the office can I take a message? So "Ted" continues, and here is where I am paraphrasing....tell him Senator Kennedy called and would like to personally invite him to this event taking place in Denver and I would like him as my guest. Oh by the way ... would you like to join us at our table?

I totally freaked out.... calmly I said that I would pass the message on, got a phone number and then became the most giantest of giant policitcal nerds ever. I said... I never expected to ever hear your voice on the other end of the phone and this is a real honor sir, I met your families Aunt Eunice Shriver at blah blah blah.... for a fundraiser for blah blah blah and that was a highlight sir, but this is really is very exciting for me to talk to you on the phone Senator. I think I said Senator 10 times in one long run on sentence.

He was so nice. He confirmed asking me to attend this politico thing and told me he would like me to join the table...again. I actually look at my calendar and I can't go. Damnit. I tell him I am sorry I can't attend and so very much appreciate his invitation, Senator. He says if I ever make it to DC to call his office and arrange for a lunch.

Who am I? Just some dumb ass political geek Legal Secretary answering the phone and he is a mensch and says he invites me to his office? Certainly he has better things to say certainly... but he is saying this... to me.

It was really cool.

I hung up the phone and freaked out and this morning remembered this is what our nation mourns. Someone that actually gave a shit. Someone that radically worked for change back when it was actually more than just a buzz phrase.

I hope that he has found peace by his passing and his family finds peace too at this time of mourning.

(thank you Blessed Are the Forgetful (and Charlie Kaufman ultimately)

Friday night when we are chilling out at the hotel we decided to try and watch the movie on Netflix Instant View. Unfortunately our internet connection wasn't fast enough and it kept stopping and starting which was frustrating. I have a copy of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind buried somewhere and what is really crazy is that F loaned me a copy too. I remember the first time that I watched the movie I thought about him and how much I wanted to have the re-meet without the baggage.

Funny that it happened in a way. I certainly remember our relationship before but it is so much better now. So much better and honestly I will cherish this every moment because I am lucky to have this wonderful guy in my life.

At this work thing there were a couple of funny situations and he handled it like a pro.

I love that this is one of his favorite movies because it always was one of mine. I am glad that I haven't seen it with him ever actually. But the fact that we tried says everything.

Movie-rama for the day...

Woke up and discussed our favorite movies... you know top 10 stuff... I really couldn't come up with ones that were my favorites but know that meant that I had to watch some movies today to determine if in fact any would be my favorite...

The Savages
The Puffy Chair
The Hawk is Dying
The Tunnel Dwellers of New York
Le Cirque: A table in Heaven

not a movie but watched none the less

The first three episodes of Damages from this season so far
some Robot Chicken
CSI from last week


Not really any of my favorites but certainly really good in their own ways.  This is why I can't pick favorites. 

I am planning on doing a little baking tonite I think, F wants cupcakes, I am ok with that and I can take the extras to Freak Train tomorrow night.  I also want to make some cheese straws and something for lunches for the week. 

I also have to call my Oprah.

I am really impressed today... my faith in our Country honestly is renewed.  I hope that our political station in the world is brought to a better level than the past 7 1/2 years.

I got the morning off because I knew that I wanted to watch the inagural proceedings from my couch where I could get as emotional as I needed to and not be in a conference room with my co werkers.  Not that they are bad people, they are wonderful, but knowing the political scene from a very small insider point of view, I didn't want anything I thought or felt clouded by the hoots and hollahs.  I went into the office just drained.  I am hopeful and look in such an anticipatory way for our future in this country which I haven't felt in a very long time.  There are great challenges and I hope that locally our politians feel this air of hopefullness and do right by it's citizens.

Our nation is at such a cross-roads and it is extremely exciting to see and in a very very remote way be a part of. My career path will be distinctly effected by this administration and I am routing for the positivity that potentially is on the horizon.

I listened to President Obama's speech and was transfixed by the challenges that he raised.  I went back and read the previous Presidential Inaugural address and the impact, not so effective and tranfixing.  Not just because I didn't watch it 4 years ago (I didn't) and not because I didn't care (reading it now I find it rhetoric and excuse filled and I didn't). The tone today was no bullshit, lets get to work.  And the humor found at the conclusion of the benediction at the inaugural proceedings I think shows the magic we are about to see and participate actively in, just by being citizens of the United States. 

And the first proclamation by our newest President (how brilliant to be able to actually say this...finally) is amazing. Today is a A National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation. This is something amazing:

"NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 20, 2009, a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation, and call upon all of our citizens to serve one another and the common purpose of remaking this Nation for our new century."

(courtesy of the Whitehouse.org - the Breifing Room blog. Our new administration HAS A BLOG...pretty spectacular.)

So we move into the future.  With great anticipation and hope. Which is a privledge because we haven't felt this way, or I will say honestly in my own case, I haven't, in over 8 years.

History is being made.  And to that I do with a heartfull of joy say "Amen".

My neighbor rules the school.  She absolutely just does. She confirmed so much for me in the spance of like five minutes.  She made not only made me laugh by her potty mouth (which she doesn't normally have...huh what a concept) but she busted out the knowledge on me.

So I have to say... thank you H and Amb would be proud, of both of us.

sometimes magic is just MAGIC

Ok so I fell madly in love with Rob's Mom's cheese straws. Established. Made some of my own. Established. Freaked out that the die in the cookie press matched Rob's Moms. Yeah blah blah blah Zoe, why you walking me down this road of we already know?

Well remember I said that using my Grandma D's cookie press waxed me a little nostalgic and happy that I can have this new tradition going with this and how thrilled I was to be using it? Yeah well, I just went to put everything back in the box and there was this piece of paper on the bottom. There was a recipe in my Grandma D's handwriting but it was my Grandfather's first wife's (who I knew) recipe because in HER handwriting there was an additional note at the bottom. I shed a tear or 10.

This is such an amazing treasure I can't get over it. Now I have to make the cookies tomorrow I think. So totally freakie. But so amazingly neat I am kvellin'.

Ok I am outta here for the evening... I have some bitness to take care of and some magic to make happen, I need to spread this around. I just couldn't let this moment go undocumented on the cloud and put the coolest thing this evening for me out there in the world so hopefully you can be touched by a little something magical and special yourselves tonite!

I was given a writing assignment this morning to write an "article/blog post" of 1200 words on cute boys with beards. I actually did it, and it was pretty good, but I am not posting it because seriously I can sum the whole thing up in five words:

My Boy F is dope.

That is all.

Wellbutrin... I hate you and you can suck it.

I loves me my Jonathan Adler... this is not new territory here on this blog. I am tempted to make a JA tag, just to see how much I mention him.  But last night when I opened Hanukkah presents from my Brother and his wife, I nearly peed my pants.  Not only was it from my third favorite place in the general Phoenix area (haus) but something distinctly Jonathan Adler that I didn't even know existed.  I have decided that I need to rearrange my dressers now to accommodate its fantasticalness in my bedroom.  Seriously.  So freaking cool. Or maybe in the bathroom.  Better.  Magic.  Anyways.  So exciting.

And my parents... totally amazing, they are gift giving geniuses. I was so crabby and miserable (damn to Wellbutrin... you suck and I am not taking you anymore), it was just torture to give them the giftcard printout laziness that I printed.  This Wellbutrin sucked the life out of me and my gift giving energy this year.  I thought it was just a general malaise about the economy but really it is the fact that again, in my quest to quit smoking and put off my seasonal effective disorder annual freakout, I made things worse.

So I have been off the meds for 24 hours which cold turkey is not the way to go, but holy shit I feel better. It might be pyschological but holy crap, happy today.  For the first time, genuinely happy, in like three weeks.  The next time I think about Wellbutrin someone take the pill bottle away from me like I am on some Judy Garland / Liza Minelli freakout wannabe pill popping show-o-rama because seriously... that shit sucked.  Auntie Pickles is a little better and that is what matters. 

When I was downtown a couple of times for the DNC this August, there was talk around and about discussing the Code Pink contingency.  Mostly in my circles because they were passing out condoms that were supposedly pink and branded with their "make out not war" jargon.  Fun right?  So I didn't give it much thought, I didn't get any condoms from the Code Pink group, got a couple pictures of a group of ladies that were coming from the Convention Center when I was on my way to the Buell the night F so awesomely got me into the ETown taping. 

So I am cleaning yesterday afternoon, it really helped me in about 100 million ways by the way after I got home from my parents....and accomplished far more than I intended.  Anyways... so I find this sticker that I was handed.  I go to their site today... lo these months later and I have to say, kinda impressed with some of their action items.  I really honestly thought that they only mobilized to get involved around the conventions but really they are quite the PAC. 

See? Looking at political stuff, looking to cooking some good food this week, actually finishing holiday cards (yep I am sooooo going to do it!!!), maybe even hitting a couple of stores?  Gosh it is really good to be back.  Holla.  I am been going through the motions of happy and largely faking it outside of a couple of conversations with Valentine and G so girls... I am back.

mike tee vee

So I have this "thing".  Call it my David Cross "thing" it's all about cute bald funny boys in glasses... bonus...what can I say.  The only thing is, I see pictures of David Cross and I think... huh... yeah... make me your bitch David Cross.  Then I forget about it.  Then this weekend I was watching cable and I am watching Alvin and the Chipmunks and I think... really? Now do NOT get me wrong, I appreciate the producers hiring him because Zoe got the eye candy yesterday, Mr. Cross maybe made a buck or two for a residual yesterday on top of whatever he made signing on and it was nice since F wasn't over... but still... wow.  I know Mr. Cross got ALOT of flack for doing the movie, but why didn't Jason Lee, he was the f'n "star" and it was awful....huh? Where are the Jason Lee haters, why just dump on my not so super secret bald boy friend eye candy boy?  Either way... I will admit it, I watched most of (and certainly not all of) the movie yesterday afternoon.  I feel better.

I also watched Greys Anatomy from like three weeks ago and I am almost thinking that its over for me.  Sorry Shonda Rhimes but you are beginning to lose me and Steevoh.  I will wait out the rest of the season but I think its a done deal. 

I ate an entire can of pringles today too and now I am just so bizarrely thirsty ... thank you msg.

I am riding my email like a pony ride outside of KMart too today.  This is NOT a good thing. I am feeling super paranoid and beyond appalacigic about the whole thing too.  The email that I am expecting is not coming and it is frustrating the crap out of me.  I mean really.  Come on.... give me the goods damnit...email me already.  GRRRRR. You are making Miss Zoe absolutely batshit. 

And maybe because I just saw Jersey Boys on Saturday (which was really terrific and worth the accolades), but seeing the House Party ad the other night... I just clicked on who the original was... nevermind you get to see Russell Simmons, Rev Run, Missy AND Beckham all in one video:



I do like the ad alot,makes me want to have a party minus the spray paint, it made me want to go and buy a pair too, I never had any Adiddas.  See I can't even spell it how can I have enough cred to own a pair of shell toes...

and here is the full remix video (thanks to the popup action on the ad on youtubes because I wouldn't have known who did the remix to bring it to you here):



Haven't really worked too hard today as you can tell.

I am tired today. For no other reason than I am. I haven't done anything of any consideration outside of working last night. But I will say that I am happy that I finished up my work last night because this Monday when I go into the office I won't be stressing at all. I think I have only had one and a half cups of coffee at this point in the day which mid-afternoon is really strange for me. This probably explains alot.

I planned to run a couple errands this afternoon but really it ended up just a while ago as a run to Goodwill (glad I got the call beforehand) and took the bags of clothes and stuff for donation. There was this guy unloading his car who was being a little mean to the helper guy because he didn't just have receipts handy. It was sad to me. Give the guy a break dude.

I am watching Iron Chef now and am completely disgusted by the concept of gooey duck. This is probably something that I wouldn't search out to eat. I am enjoying watching the last minute scramble of the plating. That is always my favorite part of the show, watching the chefs plate.

It makes me hungry though and I am trying to figure out what I am going to do for dinner. I might go and hit The Counter. Mr. Sheehan didn't like Five Guys (even though for the size of the burger it is about a third less, much closer to my house and from my experience really good and cooked perfectly (sorry my burger wasn't burnt Mr. Sheehan, but we did go on a Saturday where it was PACKED and maybe the burgers spent less time on the flattop than yours) but makes The Counter sound like the second coming of Round the Corner. I don't so much care about the alcohol factor, but humane raised cows, ok I won't feel AS GUILTY. Can you tell I am craving some protein? But after looking at the menu, I realize I have all the ingredients to make burgers here. The only thing that is missing is french fries or potatoes of any kind here.

Um weirdness....George Duran is now hosting Secret Life of..., which is pretty cool. I love Ham on the Street though. I got a really great recipe for Rice Crispey treats with coffee from him. OH MA GAW that is totally what I am going to go and make RIGHT NOW. Seriously.

Signing off to go and bake...thank you FoodTv for getting me off the couch!

Things are good...

So the gift giving season is officially upon me.  Yesterday I was completely freaking out because I totally thought Chanukah was on the 12th this year.   Then when the holiday didn't show up on my Google Calendar I was really whiggin'. But I am a goofball... Oops totally looking at 2009's calendar. So PHEW, I didn't totally under estimate how much time I had to shop, but now I am actually totally on schedule, I am actually far more ahead of the game than I usually am.  I have only one more, no wait, three more stops to make. 

I have a couple more gift cards to get, one stop at the mall and one other stop (look at me being all vague, but I don't really know who reads this and can't give my secret shopping joy away).  So I am totally way ahead of my game. 

Went to dinner last night at the original Pasquini's on Broadway.  It was so delicious and I have to admit the pizzetta was delicious this morning for breakfast even though I wanted it for lunch, breakfast was so much better.  I thank you F for treating me. I haven't been back at that location because it was the first place I went after WH died and I think I always associated it with that really bummer of a memory.  But you (F) made me remember Wilco and then I realized I need to break out those files and listen again because they are really good and I know that.  Then just as I sent him the links for the Colbert Report appearance he was watching it.  Funny. 

Oh and I shopped off list at Target last night and only forgot one thing. My dishwasher is not functioning (meaning the latch won't close, it isnt' worth spending 185 dollars to pay someone to come and fix it when I can get something that uses less water, makes less noise and is more energy efficient if I save for a couple of months and buy a new one).  So a 9 dollar dish rack isn't a bad investment but certainly not something that I absolutely need and I think that is why I didn't remember it, but it is on the list.  Pleanty of people survive with out a dishwasher, I can too for a little while.  F reminds me he survived with one bowl for years.  UM that totally freaks me out, but I can live without a dishwasher. 

I got some great work to do at the office today too.  I feel like I am making myself known for quality and dependability and that is what I want.  After so many years of feeling invisible and scared that I wasn't valued at the other places I worked (The Island and The Firm... for those of you following along all these years), I feel better finally about my job.  I actually very much like going to work and know how completely lucky I am that I am able to say that I am going to work daily.  This is a great company and really a pretty great group of people.  Lucky Lucky Lucky. 

I have turned on the fireplace because it is friskily cold outside.  It is really comforting.  And so is the result I just got from my Magic 8 ball. 

I had a terrific weekend. One that hit all the right notes.

Friday at work I just didn't keep myself busy enough. I tried really hard, but I set myself up for knowing what I will do this upcoming week which will probably be even a little slower since there is the holiday and all the big kahunas are out of the office. I am actually a little excited about the idea of having the time to do what I have to do to get my desk and cubie thing all cleaned out.

When I came home I got all sorta spruced up. I met up with F and his friends D and L (and for a brief moment a flash...D) for a little snackie and beer at Sputnik. I ordered the arepe's but I realized I made a dining faux paux and should have ordered the mac and cheese. Oops. Didn't see it on the menu, didn't look down far enough. So corn cakes with spicy meat it was.

From there we went over to the Pepsi Center for Coldplay. Now here is the deal. My boss (who left the company in August bought the tickets but since he left I inherited them. I was a little excited about the idea of going to the big rock show. Seriously it was entertaining. The neon confetti leaf things (oops the article says they were butterflies, which when they came out of the machines were magical) were honestly my favoritest moments. My least favorite moment... the super sticky floor, seriously that was nasty. F and I walked out of the venue amused and entertained which was the total point. There were alot of people who probably got much much more out of the show. One thing that I also enjoyed was the band walking out into the audience and playing in the "bleachers". It was charming (which is a word I used more than once this weekend).

We were going to go to a party but because it was about 11:30 decided to just come home. I stopped at the liquor store for some beers (at the total last minute) at the place over on Evans and Colorado Blvd. The guy yelled at me "hurry up we are closing" as I walked in the door. OK OK gosh. But I knew the six pack of Heineken was all I needed. Stood in line behind a couple of kids buying Vox Lemonade and Sprite. It sounded like a nasty ass mix but they invited me over to their dorm. Hi, and no, I have my man waiting for me at home, can't.

Came home had some beers and F showed me some nuances of my new camera which was rad. Showed him the "through the lens" action with my arrow. It was fun to share something funky with him technique-wise.

Saturday we went for burgers to Five Guys. It was packed and busy and delicious. I really liked how I made my burger and the fact that they pack the bag with French Fries. Phew on ordering only one order. We had a great lunch. It is also really good to know it is delicious because it is so close to my office.

Saturday night there was alot going on. Met F up at the Meadowlark for the Jason Cain CD Release (he is the singer of Astrophagus, who are terrific, but didn't get to see him unfortunately). Saw Elin Palmer and The Beebs and had to jam over to the 3 Kings for the Velvet Cash show (which I promised to shoot some pictures at, they really should update that shot... lord knows I have taken more recent ones than the one they have up there... bygones). Then cruised back to the Larimer Lounge for Dead Confederate which was surprisingly good. I got to shoot a little bit and it was so great. I got a little geeked out and I really appreciate F not making too much fun of me. Chatted with some people after the show and Brian asked me if I was F's other half... uh.... ummmmmm..... huhhhhh.... yeah? It was awkward. But I kinda liked saying it.

Came back home and lounged around in bed all morning. It was terrific.

And today I ran over to the mall to pick up Calexico tickets for tomorrow night. Its is actually ok to pay for a show now and again. I would have waited until tomorrow night but I was worried it would sell out and didn't want to walk up and see the "sorry sucka" sign. Walked through the mall which was really busy actually. I walked through a couple of stores and was largely disappointed by the stuff stocked. I am at a huge loss for some of the holiday gifties I need to work on. Yikes. I just don't want it sneaking up on me and getting stuck with something really bad.

I am hoping that this week I can get over the end of this cold and stop coughing, its really f'n annoying.

Ok... off to get stuff ready for the work week and to finish up on a little tv now that it is 10:00. Hope your weekend ruled as much as mine did.

I have this coupon for Borders basically, buy one get one half off.... but see here is the deal, I haven't even read the McSweeneys yet  (I have all issues except number 4) so how can I go and buy more books?  I went looking to see if there was something that I couldn't live without on my wish list or whatnot but seriously... no.

I have four boxes of books that I haven't read in my storage locker that I know of, so time has come today to break out some fiction and get to readin'. 

Thanks for the offer Borders, but um, I will take a pass.

But there are six things that I am loving big time today (outside of the fact that I am skipping the remainder of the DIFF, we already established that):

Hint Water - I might have written about this when I got my IPhone (they had it for those in line waiting, which I thought was so awesome)... so yummy... and I am dehydrated beyond all belief right now, so this water thing is very important.

Lady Bug Push Pins - They are making my bulletin board cheerie, mine came from Paperchase though

The smell of well made microwave popcorn - when its overdone its miserable but WS just made it perfectly and its really nice.

The fact that I am leaving the office early hopefully today

Our recycled rulers made out of jeans and yellow pages, I think this is my next favoritest of the swag.

The fact that the Franks Wild Years album has come up twice in my Media Player today (without even being prompted)

watchout I am full of asides....

So Thank you Steve From Vancouver for your suggestion to not miss Of Montreal whilest talking between Bambi Lee Savage, beers and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.  I wish I had bought you more than one beer, seriously, or at least gotten your email address, because you were awesome.  I had no idea.  First of all I like the 80s disco pop its a guilty pleasure.  Kind of like my appreciation for Howard Jones... see 80s disco. Anyways... I know I loose a little punk cred but fuck it... Always...give me a chance to shake my booty and I will, just ask those that saw me shake it at the Meadowlark Friday...I could have done it all night... but we cruised to the Larimer Lounge (I did get to see SlakJaw again  nothing like seeing a guy play a gutbucket bass and play it damn well...but that wasn't booty shaken stuff as much, but the point was proved during O'Death that dumbasses will mosh to anything).  Ok back to my love of the big show:  add theatrics to the thing and seriously I am down.  Whats even crazier is only now I am beginning to process what the f' it was actually, maybe about.  I know that there was a story line in there (besides the pig masks, buddah, ninjas and hanging... I know it).  Anyways it was a great show and Steve From Vancouver... I hope you had a great time at Sigour Ros because I had a great time at Of Montreal. And thanks F for getting me in, and thanks Scott for letting F in.  How about that for a little gratitude chain of joy?

See I am not a completely ungrateful bitch. 

In fact I really do think I am the complete opposite, I am just a little put off by a couple of minor little things from the last couple of days.  But that is as far as I can go or will go.  See a little self-censoring goes a long way. Its kinda hitting me from all directions and I am having a really hard time  biting my tongue but know that it is best that I don't say anything and get the fuck over it. Oh hell... I am not... changed my mind....

I thought that it might be that I am just ill equipped to deal with crowds, but that isn't it at all...because Sunday night at the show I had a great time smack dab in the middle of the crowd. Had a great time.  Maybe it was because the people at the concert were there to I DON'T KNOW enjoy themselves and not be a pretentious fucker?  No one stood there and talked about the cultural significance of the pig head ninjas, but certainly they could have and it would have meant something. 

But earlier Sunday night no, and last night no, not so much.  But I think it really comes down to people who think that they are so brilliant and smart and interesting when really... not so much.  Sunday standing in line for popcorn for F, I had to listen to these people jabber on about how important a director so and so is.  Seriously?  Shut up, no one really cares that this guy could "be the next George Lucas" that I seriously find doubtful.  Then the festival gal shlepps a ticket holder line totally through the middle of the concession line which was unbelievably rude and unnecessary considering she made that line go through a set of doors further away from where the ticket takers were.  Then the concession line moved like molasses as it was and this little detour made it worse.  It was awful and I missed the beginning of the film I was there to see.  For a five dollar bag of fucking popcorn peicelets (but refils are free!).  Then last night.... oh last night.... Don't get me wrong, Denver is getting to be far more culturally significant than it was say even five years ago, but asshole loud talker guy, you are standing inthe alcove to buy tickets to see the same damn Wesley Willis documentary, Joyrides as I want to see so shut up, this movie isn't going to turn the axis of documentary filmmaking on its ear. I promise you.

Wesley Willis was a schizophrenic who happened to have a recording deal and got some time on MTV, sure interesting and amazing stuff but I doubt you spent any time with him.  I did.  Not a lot and I don't claim to have any more insight than the next person that knew Bill and hung out with him and Wesley Willis when he came through Denver and played at the Lions Lair and The Raven, but seriously... shut the fuck up loud talker guy you know nothing.  He actually thought he was still alive.  Really.  It was aggravating. Then I don't get in.  I sat out in the alcove waiting for F, for a half hour, don't get my ticket because like a dumbass thought he wanted me to wait for him and the damn movie sells out so I don't even get to see the one doc at the festival this year I really wanted to because he was already in line and didn't get me a ticket.  Trust me it isn't a big deal, I doubt I missed that much, but I did have to listen to that schmuck for a half hour talk out of his and smoke like a chimeny.  F did try to give me his ticket but I was bent enough (there was even a guy with a sponsor laminate (THANK YOU WHOEVER YOU ARE) that was willing to give me his ticket, but F said "its ok dude...we are ok" um... what wait?  what? I would have bought that guys ticket... we are not ok here... So that twisted me more, so I made him keep his ticket and see the film and cruised, talking to myself as I walked away from the theater... whose crazy now?) it was best that I didn't stay, I was pissie.    The festival people this year are assholes.  Not like last year, where I sat next to the lady in The Outsiders of New Orleans and had a great time and went and kibbitzed with after and she offered to teach me how to knit.  Everything I have seen this year has been full of pretentious yutzes. 

I will give this years festival one more shot, maybe.  I am about to hit the "purchase online" button (which I should have done for the movie last night... but for some reason really just assumed incorrectly that I would get a ticket in queue... I should not have waited...or assumed we'll meet out here meant  anything other than buy your ticket and get in line without me, ok? I am getting bitchy and I mean it to be amusing I swear)....I just think I have enough piss in my sails that I will wait until these show up on cable and not go.  I just have this sourness. 

Ok so here is the round of of what I am thinking about considering going to see that hopefully will redeem the festival in my eyes (maybe one of these three can turn my sourness around):
Happiness is a Warm Gun - remember hearing about this?  no? really?  huh....
Life.Support. Music - This actually looks a little more affirming than what I missed yesterday and I should be able to leave the office early on Thursday to make it in time since it starts at 6:15
Surveillance - does Jennifer Lynch have the knack her dad does?

But I don't know if at this point it is worth it. Honestly. I might find more value going and chasing down a couple of movies online or even retail. I don't think it is.  I wanted to give it a shot this year... but too maddening and not in a good way.  I might just go and see Rachel Getting Married for the same price and get popcorn included (and Jonathan Demme is a culturally significant director maybe). This really honestly is the way I going. I will get a canned but warm welcome to the theater from some random employee before the movie which I actually think is kinda charming.  I think I just talked myself out of the remainder of the fesitval.  Wow that wasn't really all that hard.

Just found a way to possibly add the Gigbot Calendar to my google calendar too.  Sweet.

I have been listening to some stuff I downloaded.  Basically it is like 200 versions of Ring of Fire.  Since going to the roo bar on Sunday I realized it is the one song from the jukebox when they were in Cherry Creek I missed hearing ( the Stan Ridgeway version)  it, so found a collection. So found it but in a collection of like 200 other versions, but surprisingly...not bad. 

Oh and by the way its noon... and grrrrrrr. 

That is all.

I have a bunch of errands that I have to run today. I don't want this to become a "to do list" but it kinda is.

I have to go and get in the shower and get ready for my day. It is early and I am raring to go. I had a great night last night. We went to dinner with the family (I stand by my choice by the way), came back and watched a movie (it wasn't all that bad, but not all that good either), went to the Larimer Lounge to see The Giraffes (who were all sortsa awesome... but the putz in the brand new Joy Division t-shirt, you are lucky you didn't get a swift kick in the head... no I am not expecting just not a size fucking 2... nice brand new shirt by the way... F said he probably doesn't even know what the band name comes from...), came home laughed at some stuff and no Valentine words were not said... still. Gah.

Today I have to get a book, pack up some books, I need to get rice crispies for brownies (maybe for a little snackie for my office and F's editorial meeting or data day depending on when I get to baking), vacume (the autumn leaves are totally finding their way into the house and it makes me crazy), I have to finish some work work, and catch up on some tv.

And I just saw our Urban Bunny so I am so happy to see it alive. It is a good omen for the day I think!

Happy Sunday, hope your day is a great as mine has been so far.