See What Sticks

I topped 20,000 hits today. It took less than four years! I believe this is a singular achievement in the blog world.

I talked to TK today. He's on pins and needles waiting for my next post.

I think there's some bad juju hanging over the abode. Both the fridge and the dryer conked out this week. But it did give me an opportunity to help the economy and go appliance shopping with the wife.

I got some financial advice from The Wig on his recent visit. I asked him what I should do with my retirement account. He said he'd mull it over and come up with a plan. A few days later I got an email. “Put all $500 on red the next time you go to Vegas.”

Apparently, the Jersey shore has changed a great deal since I spent time there in the 60's and 70's with my parents, siblings and Philly cousins, at least according to the highbrow E show, Jersey Shore. In a related item, Mike “The Situation” will be Wolf Blitzer's special guest on The Situation Room. Yeah, I know The Soup did it first. They must have gotten the idea from my pending blog file.

I'm thinking about getting a cat suit like the one J Lo wore on New Year's Eve.

Whatever

Who was the shit for brains advertising genius that came up with this one?

I prefer this interpretation.

http://www.suckatlife.com/bucketOfDoes.html

The Tradition Continues

I mentioned Chapeau in my last post. Our forays into SF to dine there with the families we went to France with back in 2005 have become our newest tradition. We had another outstanding meal there Sunday, preceded by big excitement. We were on our way in when the Green Monster, aka #1's Expedition, lost all power. #1 morphed into Sully Sullenberger and safely navigated the crew into a gas station in Daly City on nothing but momentum and sangfroid.

After we came to a stop, we began to discuss our options while The Exec took a peek under the hood. He doesn't know anything about cars, he just wanted to see what an SUV engine looked like. We decided to cab it in to the city and were lucky enough to get a mini-van that could hold all of us, although not particularly comfortably. Mike got us to our destination within a few minutes of our reservation time. The effusive owner welcomed us with open arms and sat us immediately. Since nobody had to drive home, the boys started off with a couple Grey Goose and XO martinis, fine French vodkas each. We all went with the three course prix fixe and had a leisurely and exquisite meal, basking in bonhomie. When it was time to go home, Mike came back to get us. I think I still owe somebody taxi fare.

Overdue?

No, according to #1. I was concerned that I had to crank out a post yesterday, when I was not quite ready, but I got clarification from #1. I ran into him at our posh club, shortly after I had a locker room chat with The Exec. I asked #1 if I had to post yesterday. He let me know today was my deadline. What a relief! So next Sunday is my next deadline. My magnanimous friend even let me know that today's post didn't have to be complete by 1:22pm. He's clearly not one to stand on ceremony.

He and his wife also joined us last night at the Catfight, the annual hoops game at NDB pitting the Notre Dame Tigers against the Presentation Panthers. In a nail biter, the Tigers emerged victorious, their first league win this year. A friend behind us pointed out that my daughter had some smooth moves. I explained that genetics had played a major role.

I was fortunate earlier this week to receive a visit from my long time pal The Wig. The Jersey based boy was in Tahoe for a week's skiing with family, and made an overnight stop in the Bay Area. I was Poncho to his Cisco Kid, as he drank whiskey while I drank the wine. I served him some Woodford Reserve I had been hiding from my wife for a while. We had dinner at Sweet Basil, one of Foster City's few good restaurants. Give it a try sometime.

https://webpos.wlinformation.com/zonicorderingbr/?str=Sweet-Basil-Thai-Cuisine-Foster-City

Speaking of good chow, we're heading out to dinner tonight in the city. If you're lucky maybe I'll get some new blog material and you won't have to wait until next Sunday. I'm looking forward to our return to Chapeau!, our first time at its new location.

http://www.chapeausf.com/

Gotta Write

#1 says so, thus it must be. I know on which side my bread is buttered. He gave me some left over Pork Tinga, which I've just finished off. I've been running around the house warbling “Pork Tinga”, sung to the tune of “Goldfinger”.

SB1 left yesterday for DC. I slipped him a C note on his way out, mainly because I'm an easy mark. It came in handy as he had to grab a cab from Dulles because he got in late and the buses stopped running. At least that's what I was told.

I'm going to take SB2 to the natatorium today. We both need the exercise. We had an interesting event occur when we took him for a haircut the other day. It seems we forgot to take him to the bathroom for a while so when we sat down at the “salon”, my wife noticed his diaper was hanging at about his knees. Whoops! We sprung into action. Fortunately l had a spare in my car. When I got back in, my wife had him in one of those nylon robes the old ladies use when they get their hair dyed blue. “I'm ready for my perm, Mr. DeMille.”

Have I ever mentioned that my buddy The Exec is taking an Italian as a third language class?

Stats

My hits skyrocketed to the low double digits this weekend when #1 put my link on his FB page. He feeds my belly then feeds my ego. What a chum!

I got a comment today, which I'm pretty sure came from the Wolverine, pointing out that I misspelled Rihanna's name. I suppose he should know since he owns her entire discography. I just gave Rihanna's fan club his email address for future communiques. Its the least I can do for him since he'll be stuck inside until mid-April unless he can get his snow blower started.

Prospero Anno Nuovo

Only a weekend now separates me from returning to the daily grind of my corporate existence, which I'm very grateful to have nonetheless.

The week off has been enjoyable but not terribly productive. I put the kids to work taking down the Christmas lights and cleaning up the garage. They did a great job. I have to teach them how to cook.

The highlight of the week was New Year's Eve, except for SB1, who had his wisdom teeth removed. Me and the missus caught a ride with The Execs over to #1's house for a locals only, green celebration. #1 put together a hell of a Mexican feast, consisting of homemade salsas, authentic tortillas and the following handcrafted (by him) specialties: Pork Tinga, Pollo a la Crema con Quelites y Chile Poblano Asado, and Mariscos Frios con Sabor Veracruzano. #1 is a hell of a cook. I topped these delicacies off with a couple shakes of his Habanero Chipotle hot sauce. He gave us a bottle for Christmas, which will probably only last until President's Day.

#1's son and his friend were the bartenders. I was appalled that these innocent, under age young men were pressed into this duty, so I mixed my own drinks. They did a great job after they learned the hard way that you have to hold the top on the cocktail shaker.

We spent quite a bit of time on the front patio. #1 recently installed a heater out there, for which I'm sure he bought a carbon offset. I fluttered between the inside and outside groups. I like to spread my charisma. At one point, I heard some Italian being spoken. I looked over and saw a friend's mother chatting with The Exec. Just as in our 2003 Italy trip, The Exec had his head cocked toward the speaker with a flummoxed look, repeatedly saying “Si, Si”.

We wrapped things up by watching the replay of the Time Square ball drop. Being a clueless oaf, I planted myself in the easy chair in front of the TV and began a running, tequila aided, commentary. I had a hard time watching Dick Clark and probably made a few untoward comments. The guy needs to pack it in. Then Rhianna came on to do a song. I almost didn't recognize her with her shirt on. Lastly, we were treated to The Black Eyed Peas. I believe I said something to the effect of “Remember when entertainers had talent”.

At least my friends are still talking to me. I know this because Mrs. Exec woke us up on New Years Day with a 9:45am phone call.