I could floss with that girl.

Randomly, (nearly) the rest of my New York pictures! We spent the last few days in Brooklyn with Emily & Gene. Sunday we set out for Williamsburg, in search of foodie. Luckily the area was not as yuppie-saturated as we'd been warned.

We got a little turned around at first, and happened upon this place...



We're pretty sure the bakery sign is for laughs...at least we sure didn't see any bread. They had some really great prints and books, though. Emily got me a great print for my birthday and I got Sophia a cool book for her upcoming 5th birthday.

Then it was off to the Brooklyn Brewery...



They had some really great beers; between the three of us I think we managed to sample most of them (esp the unusual ones). We had a small tour over here by the tanks, where they told us about the history of the place.



We saw this board by the tanks as we left the tour, and it amused me, so I took a picture.



Turns out, Monster is their resident mouser! I met him later, but forgot to snap a photo. He was a great cat, but his fur was incredibly filthy! Someone liked rolling in the dirt...

The goal was to find some incredible Brooklyn pizza, so we headed into Manhattan on the trains so we could walk back across the Brooklyn Bridge, where one of better pizza haunts lives.





It was really scenic; there were lots of people but it was never annoyingly crowded. That's Manhattan we're leaving behind. It's rush hour at this point, so all that traffic is heading out, too.



If you look to the left of the city, you can see Lady Liberty!



More Manhattan!



We made it into Brooklyn and got in line at Grimaldi's Pizza. If you enlarge the pic, you can see a green awning way up there. That's the entrance. It was an hour and a half wait (we discovered the hard way), but it was actually worth it!!



I had my usual cheese, the other half was pepperoni. The pepperoni itself was unlike any I'd ever had before. I could have eaten it for days. The pizza itself was made with slices of cheese, rather than shredded. It made a huge difference in taste. I never thought I'd meet a pizza significantly different from the rest (I mean, come on, y'know?), but this was worth the wait.

Apparently it's one of the handful of places left with original coal ovens. (They all tend to burn down.) The old places are grandfathered in, but it's illegal now in the rest of the city.

The place is small inside, so we opted to take our pizza down to the pier.



It was getting to be sunset, so it was very pretty. We hung out for a little longer then hopped back on the trains for the short ride home.



We stayed in that evening; some of their friends had just gotten back from overseas travel. It was nice to sit for the evening and not walk everywhere! (Walking isn't so bad, but the heat was pretty impressive considering the time of year.)

Emily and Isis relax...



...and Chazz does some of his famous burrowing...you can see his little eyes!



The next day we spent in Park Slope, which was gorgeous, but will have to be another post!

No, you did NOT shoot that green shit at me!

Wow, thank you, Veloute. This is...unreal.



I really don't know if this is real, I think it might be. Keep watching, it continues to top itself. NSFW, to say the least.

I like Dickache.

Whoops, kinda neglected this for a while...

Hooray! Had a great birthday this past weekend. Spent the evening at The Granada in Dallas to see a couple bands, and even ate cheese fries at Snuffer's next door beforehand. Shh. But they're so tasty...



(photo credit, Bill Ellison; I didn't want to drag my Rebel around that night, but this was my view!)

One of my favorite local bands, Odis, was headlining, which meant I got to hear absolutely everything on the record (yes, I just said "record," that's how old I am) and the couple faves I have that haven't been recorded yet. It was a great last show--they go on tour now and I'm outta here in two weeks. And of the three bands before, The Campaign was my favorite. I bought their album...only five songs, but quite good! (And also only $5.)

Sunday was very relaxing, spent at the theater. I finally got to see Up in 3D (which I can't really see due to my eyes--strabismus and all--it's mild but it messes with my depth perception) and thought I'd see what the big to-do about The Hangover was all about.



Up was really cute--I think it was pretty sentimental and intense for younger audiences (I could be crazy), but I did enjoy it. (And JESUS, that ten minute montage designed to kick you in the emotional nads...thanks, Pixar.) But certainly worth the matinee price.



The Hangover was certainly funny in parts...on the whole I thought the performances were great (I know, I was pretty surprised myself), but the writing and story just had almost zero effort. Like after the concept they just hoped it would write itself. The two inspired scenes were the photos over the end credits and the initial morning-after scene. Whoever got to deck out the hotel room obviously had a lot of fun.

It was good to see ex-Daily Show correspondent Ed Helms in something big box office. (And it was fun to see him get to be a guest on the show a couple weeks ago, too.)

Also saw Public Enemies opening night, but that will have to be another post! D seems to have gotten temporarily desperate, since he is out watching Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen as I type. You take what Denton gives you.

I'm not like other guys.

:(

That literally makes me want to die.

I have not fallen off the face of the planet, but we're closing on the house tomorrow, yippee!

This has been me lately:


(Thanks Cute Overload...)

And thank you so much, Alex, for these Michael Bay Facts...

But I'll return to normal programming soon.

Hey, nice bulbs, Emily. Oh, and I don't mean that metaphorically.

DOG POST!

I used to sleep like this, both hind legs hunched up...



They glare, but they love.



ISIS!



CHAZZ!



I could tell you about Isis' shameful love of a particular man's extended leg, or Chazz's inability to control his lower hindquarters when he witnesses said encounter...but I won't. I mean, after all, they are both spayed/neutered. As a witness, I'm here to say that apparently, you just can't fight that feelin'.

In any case, here they are, looking very reserved, indeed...(well, except how Chazz has his junk situated just above the Lion's head, which he then proceeds to sit directly on, in a really funny and inappropriate shot...)



And btw, I ADORE sleeping with Chazz; he burrows for the whole night, only occasionally waking you with his panting. Pics to come, but SO CUTE.

I like my coffee like I like my news--watered down and stupid.

I can't help it, I have to post this, it's too goddamn funny. This is the beginning and middle of the feud between Jon Stewart and Morning Joe...

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Corporate SynerJoe
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Newt Gingrich Unedited Interview

And that was great, but the second segment is even better...

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Morning Joe's Sarcastic Starbucks Sponsorship
thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Newt Gingrich Unedited Interview

Sarcasm? Doesn't even one of them know what sarcasm means? I think they meant they were exaggerating or embellishing, but yeah, sarcasm would imply some pretty hostile pokes at Starbucks on their part. JESUS.

There was a third segment where they called Stewart an angry man and The Daily Show got a pony involved, but I liked the first two best.

Don't look at me, I'm fucked up on corn bread.

So the weekend of June 5th (actually by "weekend" I mean Friday--Tuesday, I like a long weekend) was spent in NYC for my and my two best friends' birthdays. We landed in JFK and took the A train way out to the tip top of Manhattan where Drew lives, in Washington Heights. It was really starting to rain pretty heavily, and even though we found a neglected umbrella on the AirTrain, it just wasn't cutting it. Luckily Drew lives close to the station.

Luis was working late, so Drew and I caught up while D popped out for beer and wine. Drew cooked African peanut soup, a recipe from a vegan friend. We all had two helpings and it was incredible. It would make a great winter dish, and even though it was June, the weather was unseasonably suited.

Luis showed up and he and D were introduced. D had beer, the rest of us wine, and 3 bottles later it was time for bed. I'm really glad we got to squeeze in a night at their place, it's so easy to kill both wine and time there. Any conversation that can range from Slovakia to enema kits is a win in my book.

Saturday we all got a slow start to the day; I walked down to the local bagel shop for everyone's order. Eventually we set off for Christopher St., which is always great for people-watching. There was a street market set up as well, with lots of yummy looking foods and trinkets...



The creepiest book ever written?

On the way, we also passed the usual barrage of (fun, not creepy) sex shops. The people who work there are--seriously--almost too helpful. They are more than happy to open/demonstrate anything in the store. I not only learned the benefits of glass anal toys and dildos (!), but got to touch the inside of a fleshlight. Ew. I don't recommend that one.

We walked out to the pier at the end of the street. Drew said, "I always think of you at this pier! Gay Sex in the 70s!" (Drew and I watched this documentary when he visited me in TX; this one was during our day-long film & margarita bash. The docks featured in the film were the scene of much anonymous sex; they used to be just off the pier--you can kinda see the remains.)



The gorgeous weather meant a ton of half-naked bodies on the "lawn" area, sunbathing and an insane number of dog-walkers. I noticed a huge drop in the number of smokers while out and about in Manhattan, yet I don't recall all these fucking dogs. It's like all the smokers quit (apparently a pack is $9.50) and got a dog instead. I guess I prefer the dogs?

After a long break enjoying sitting and sunshine (and subsequently only a mild burn for me!), we walked through Union Square (I would spend far too much on foodie here every week if I lived near, yikes) and finally arrived at Les Halles a little early.

The service here is consistently shit (though our waitress really did improve from her initial ambivalence-bordering-on-irritation) and the food is always mind-blowingly tender. I had my usual (filet de boeuf, bearnaise), others had ribs, flat iron steak, mussels...I forget. It was OM NOM NOM to put it mildly. Desserts, shared, included bananas flambe (what a show) and the creme brulee, and a dessert wine. Totally satisfying on a transcendental level.

Then we all said goodbye and Drew and Luis left back for Washington Heights and we left with Gene and Emily for Brooklyn. I think Les Halles (the Park Ave location) was a perfect in-the-middle spot considering the two of them live quite far apart.

We took it easy the rest of the night with beers on the stoop (aka "stoopin' it"). They live in a fabulous two-story brownstone, with their apartment on the second story, in Windsor Terrace. Brooklyn is sooooooooo nice, I'm a fan. Bigger streets, more space, more quiet...I guess it's cheaper than Manhattan considering the space, but it's still pricey as hell.

More on the rest of the weekend next! But in addition to Gene and Emily, we also got the company of Chazz (brown) and Isis (white), their two miniature Italian Greyhounds. I'm not a dog person by any stretch of the imagination, but these two are damn sweet, often a little cat-like, and I'll take 'em both anyday.



And yes, that is their lion blanket cushion. LOVE.

Let me out there, sir, I have no problem exposing myself.

This can be a post of randomness. First of all, I love Linda in my finaid office at school. Everything is always better after talking to Linda.

Secondly, this past Saturday, with the heat index it was 108 here in DFW. Technically, I think it was 98, but it only matters what it feels like. And in Boston? It was 67. I don't care what the heat index was there because did you just read that part about how it was 67??

Also, after I posted my critique for La Zona on the little website I write for, the editor asked me if I'd like to become a featured writer rather than just a contributing writer. I'd never asked about it because I barely finish my crap by my deadlines as it is, and I didn't know if that was annoying. But neat-o! I don't know yet what category I'll get to cover, and I have to write a little more often (but like once a week instead of doing 7 in one week at the last minute, ha ha), but I'm happy to try. I want to have something to do outside of studying, you know?

I think everything is still going nicely with the house? I have drawn my own impressions about my buyer, but you know, I shall say nothing here. For the moment. And balls, do I need to finish up packing. Good thing I've got a ton of Stewart/Colberts to catch up on...

Random picture time! These are the miscellaneous pics from Boston I never posted; they didn't fit in with the others, really.



This was a shop near the hotel; I believe there was also a music school nearby. In any case, I just like shiny instruments. I also love the red curtains for the secret back room.



Sexy cupcakes at Whole Foods (yet another establishment that does not sell alcohol, wtf). These looked SO YUMMY. Don't know if I could actually eat it. (Yeah, right.)



There was a brief moment after a few beers where I really wanted this Barbie Vespa Scooter thing. It looked fun. Then I remembered I'd be driving it in Boston. Nevermind.

We'd already eaten dinner that night but were trying to buy a few drinks to take back to the hotel. Since this was turning into the stupidest of challenges, we drank at the cutest Asian restaurant near the hotel.



I really wanted to try the food, and now I am completely blanking on the type of food or the name. It will come to me...maybe...



But it looked delish and I think we were the only Caucasians in there, a good sign. I'll be back in a couple months if it doesn't come to me before then!

Are you sure you're a woman? You look more like an artichoke.

I know, I should be finishing up with the packing. But I had all these Netfux to catch up on! I polished off the newest season (4) of Weeds...not only are the episodes short but the seasons tend to be, too! It was enjoyable, if a bit choppy. And while I do really enjoy Weeds, I just need to take a minute to bitch about the marketing.



I mean, really? Of course Mary-Louise Parker is wicked hot, she always has been. And sure, the "tangled web" reference works, but why the fuck is she wearing this? I realize any excuse to show skin is going to be jumped upon, but really? It's just so shamelessly unrelated to the content of the show. And ok, so also, maybe this poster was ALL OVER the NYC subways and maybe I got tired of seeing it...it just started to bug me. (Ha ha.)

/rant off.

Anyhoo. Movie-wise, I can really recommend a film called La Zona.



It's a little hard to follow who's who at first, but it becomes rapidly obvious. It's a great film set in present-day Mexico City, and the story revolves around mob mentality and class divide--and it's not heavy or bleak (but great stark cinematography, I'll grant). I really enjoyed it--really nicely done.

Also re-watched La Strada. I have always loved this film, but somehow I often forget how damn depressing it is!



I mean, it's Fellini, so it's hardly a shocker in that department, but I guess because it's not necessarily something you see coming during the film? Sure, it's a bleak character mix from the get-go, with Zampano being a barbaric opposite to Gelsomina's simple Chaplin-esque character and Richard Basehart's The Fool. I mean, you know it's probably not going to end well, but somehow I forget it really packs it in there towards the end. Sneaks up on you.

But uh, on that note, I really do recommend it if you haven't seen it! What an endorsement, right?

Now I'm watching Recount, which I recall got a bunch of Golden Globes at one time.



It's enjoyable enough, though however much I agree with it, it's completely, unapologetically one-sided in its re-telling. The only people who would watch it probably agree with it to begin with, so what's the point really? It does have a slew of great actors, so what, just sit back and enjoy the performances? I will say that Laura Dern makes a fabulous Katherine Harris...

I'll pack later.

Hey babe, I negotiate million dollar deals for breakfast. I think I can handle this Eurotrash.

I'm working on my NYC post with pics, but in the meantime, it's Friday! Two awesome clips.

I was sad to see the hair go, but definitely funny...

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Stephen Gets His Hair Cut
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Stephen Colbert in Iraq

And just great stuff all around, Nina Simone's Feelin' Good... (Eventually I start to think Bond video, but in a good way...)

Feeling Good, Nina Simone

I have tremendous imaginary respect for you.

Now that THE FRAKKING POWER IS BACK ON...I can catch up on my episodes of The Colbert Report, which are taking place in Baghdad this week.

This made me giggle and I really want whatever kind of puppy they have.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Tom Hanks Care Package
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Stephen Colbert in Iraq

You know, maybe I just don't like you.

Ok, it's coming up on 24 bloody hours without electricity.

We passed "getting pissed" about 18 hours ago. Supposedly 200,000 others are still waiting as well.

We're not only wired to want what we can't have, but we're also wired to want what we really don't want.

So even if our plane was three hours late leaving JFK and we got home around 1 am, I'm still really glad we didn't fly home last night.

We were eating outside at El Arroyo (about five minutes from home) when a wind came through that made the temperature drop at least five degrees. It felt great, but it's also a huge tornado indication! It was kinda funny to watch all the people on the upper exposed part of the patio scatter like ants. It hadn't even started to rain yet. We got home just after seven to no power.

Shoulda stayed at the restaurant, jeez. At least they had cold drinks and power...

And guess what! The frakking power is still out. Eighteen hours +. So much for the fresh feta from Central Market...grrrrrrrr.

Hold on! Quiet! Let me ignore you one at a time.

I hesitate to write about it here, but fuck it. We got an offer on the house, we negotiated, and we've accepted an offer. WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Actually, that itself is jumping the gun. The guy's financing (a single guy is buying our house, which I love) could still fall through, a pigeon could shit on it, who knows. But still, it's a positive move in the right direction and I embrace it wholeheartedly.

I admit my first emotion is sadness--I really love that house and, you know, IT'S MINE!! Some strange dude is going to use my spa and probably neglect my fireplaces. Harsh. I'm working on it.

I have been really stressed lately and feeling run-down, so I'm hoping to quash that in the next two days since Friday brings a SEVEN AM flight to New York City. We're going to stay with Emily and her hubby Gene for most of the duration, since we've not even seen their new digs since the move to Brooklyn! The first night we're crashing with Drew and Luis in Washington Heights, so D can finally meet Luis, who is cute as fuckin' buttons. I am really, really, really looking forward to seeing everyone more than I can say. I'm so glad my two best friends will finally be within driving distance (ok, train distance, who am I kidding) for the first time in seven years.

Someone's gonna MOVE, aren't they?

Plus my dad sent me a great article about these great foodie places in Brooklyn that was in the NYTimes a while back and I am ALL OVER THAT BABY.

Oh, and we're totally hitting Les Halles Saturday night (D's present to me) to celebrate all three of our birthdays since we all turn ** this year (almost exactly one month to the day apart from each other). KILL ME. Everyone tells me their *0s were SO MUCH BETTER than their *0s, so I am throwing in the towel and choosing to believe they aren't just lying to themselves.

Oh, and even though I've known Drew for eight years and Emily for twenty-two (omfg), and even though we all lived in Japan at the same time (VERY different cities), they have never met! I have no doubt it will be a great night, since everyone is really wonderful and enjoys a rockin' good steak as much as I.

I like a fresh bowl. Remnants upset me.

I forgot all about my aquarium pics!



So the seals are just outside the entrance and it's easy to sit there for quite some time. However, the penguin feedings were just beginning, so we finally went inside.





In the center of the aquarium is a giant circular ocean tank with a spiraling walkway to the top.



There seemed to be about 3-4 of these guys, but they hid when the divers started feeding time! Shy!



The people in the background are a little dark, but it gives you an idea of how large the tank is.



The jellies are a special exhibit. Also, very hard to snap pics.



Splat.







It's a little tricky to see here, but there are two guys. I think they normally blend in a little better than they're doing here.





That's a brown bottle he's sucking on.



While walking up to Haymarket to return to Little Italy, we stumbled upon the Holocaust exhibit. I'd seen it before in 1998 when I went with Veloute and Annie. It's still impressive; prisoners' numbers are etched on the glass, very small, since there are so many.





And we passed this twice during our trip, it was just weird.



I'm sure there IS a playground somewhere, it just looked misplaced. Even better was what seemed to be a drug transaction going on.



I'm sure it wasn't...*cough*

You want to bankrupt somebody? Cost him everything he's worked for? Make his wife leave him, even make his kids cry? Yeah, we can do that.

I admit it. I love drunk men.

So I went to see a local DFW band tonight here in Austin. Know what I LOVE LOVE LOVE about Austin? NO ONE BOTHERS YOU. And don't misunderstand, I really do applaud any man who has the balls to address a totally strange female in the hopes of...well, whatever it is he's after. But that happens frequently in DFW, whereas in Austin, it rarely seems to happen. So I am far more ready to hit the town a lobo solo here in Austin than I am back home.

And all was good. Til it got close to 2am.

First of all, I absolutely had the rapt entertainment of the bouncers and staff at this particular bar. One came up to me at the end and said, "That was a first." I guess not too many single, sober people show up to enjoy a show and read in-between.

(For the record, a couple people did come up to me and ask how I was able to read amidst all the din. "Drugs," I said. I was a total WIN all night.)

I had had two screwdrivers and closing was a half-hour away, though my waitress had completely disappeared. So I pulled a Renee Raddick and motioned with my finger to this douche who had been chatting me up the latter part of the night, to come here.

He trotted over, pulling cash out of his wallet for his friend nearby, as if he'd had a bet with someone as to whether or not I'd cave. Who knows. All I know is this motherfucker was WASTED and the friend tossed me the $20. I had originally said, "If you buy me a screwdriver, I'll answer three questions for you." (I didn't want to lose my seat, but I wanted one last drink.) There was a lot of bumbling between the two of them (and drunkenness), and they soon went away, apparently unable to comprehend what I'd said. I was thrilled.

Now, I was raised properly. To the point where I should have tracked that poor idiot down and given him his bill back. However. I pocketed Mr. Andrew Jackson, sauntered up to the bar and got my own darn screwdriver (without losing my seat). That, my friends, is called ASSHOLE TAX.

Bygones.

First of all, I'm in Austin! WHEE! So the condo I'm staying in is AWESOME. I actually DO know the area a tad--it's off 2222, which is the GORGEOUS highway you take to get to Mount Bonnell and County Line (the former is more essential, the latter for beer'n'bbq on the lake--om nom nom!)

But it's aaaaaaaaaall the way in the back of the complex and then in the back of its building, so the back balcony has a great view of swaying trees/bamboo. Sold! And the entry way is strewn with potted plants--they even line the staircase to the upstairs residence. There is even a mouthy white cat. And no, mom, I did not pet him. (*cough*...*averts eyes*)

Anyhoo, I was at least mildly responsible in completing my financial aid entrance counseling while still on my first beer. They had little questions you had to answer like a quiz, geez...

Completely unrelated, my dad sent me this link about the 2009 Cannes screenings--brief and interesting reviews, all contained in one page. Win. I do want to see Up! as soon as possible! I'm sure that will beat Drag Me to Hell at the box since they both open this weekend (are you kidding?), but I am still happily impressed with the latter.

Within those reviews, I was intrigued by the Inglorious Basterds review, though not surprised. I am looking forward to it, yet I fully expect to be disappointed for some reason. I love Tarantino, but he does often let me down. And I still haven't seen the original, argh! Wait...ok, there. Moved it towards the top of the queue. (Not the VERY top, since Weeds season 4 comes out this week. Priorities, dude.) I have a feeling the original is SLIGHTLY different, call me crazy.

Also, I would high-five this writer based strictly on his review of Lars Von Trier's Antichrist. I adore the sentiment of loathing it but being delighted at having been there to see it. He's just...one of those filmmakers...I have a hard time knowing just what I think of the man. I think he may be a TOTAL ASSHOLE...yet I'm drawn to his films. (And I didn't even know about The Boss Of It All, added to queue and bumped near top.)

I was also a little sad to read the new Almodóvar film Broken Embraces seems to be a bit of a loss, but to be fair, I really did not enjoy (contrary to popular opinion??) Volver. Penélope Cruz did a very nice job, but it was nowhere near enough to make the film worth it. For me, old Almodóvar is where it's at.

Ok, time to order my Mangia pizza!

Here, kitty, kitty.

Last night we saw the new Sam Raimi, Drag Me to Hell.



It was SO. MUCH. FUN.

I absolutely have to recommend seeing it in a theatre, preferably one with KICK-ASS sound. I always advocate kick-ass sound, but here it has the added benefit of drowning out the type of crowd that will be watching it with you.

I am for and against the crowd in this film. Right off, I knew I had to talk myself out of expecting a respectful audience. To be fair, it's an incredibly over-the-top gory suspense fest, so it's not like one needs to concentrate or discern intricate plot details. However, I just like to enjoy the movie, kwim?

This crowd was one-third teenagers, one-third people my age and one-third a bunch of white-trash ghetto morons who talk at the whole film (though not too much to need killing). And also, this is where the great sound is essential. I honestly barely heard them. And despite a constant hum of mutterings and titterings from the crowd, well, after Christine came home from getting her fortune told and she's alone in the house? Yeah, that theater? You could hear a mouse fart.

I thought it was a testimonial to great editing.

Also, seeing it in the theater really sucks you into both the tension and the story, plus it is fun with the weekend crowd. I went in not knowing a single damn thing other than it was penned (along with his brother Ivan) and directed by Raimi, and it was a really pleasant surprise. It was goofy gore in true Raimi style, with great laughs and amazing suspense. (And Alison Lohman is pretty perfect, too, she gets it just right.)

And apparently, since Bruce Campbell's schedule was tied up with Burn Notice, he does not appear at all in the film. I admit I wondered where he was, even though I don't really care about the Raimi Details in his films (kinda hard not to spot the car, though...)

In any case, it was damn fun and I recommend it--that is, if it even sounds like your cup of tea to begin with. If not, well, 90 minutes might feel kinda long...

Ok, now it's off to Austin by myself for the weekend! Mostly, I'm going to work on my articles and hopefully finally get around to my financial aid entrance counseling (gee, don't know why I've been putting that off). I've got the keys to my realtor's condo (aka, the Very Awesome Sam) in way North Austin (new territory for me). Just want to get on the road before the sun gets lethal...

Maybe her gynecologist pulled the wrong tooth.

So I have had it for six years, but my Vermont battery finally died yesterday. My wonderful husband was already on his way to meet me for lunch, so he picked me up for lunch, then he jumped my battery and we drove to AutoZone where he bought me a new one and made it work again. Did you know a goddamn battery (with tax) is A HUNDRED DOLLARS?? Have they really gone up that much?? The hell happened to fifty or sixty??

And the AutoZone guy says it's more than Freon wrong with my A/C. It does sort of...make a noise when I turn it on full-blast. He thinks maybe the compressor. I'm pretty sure that's the part that runs about $1500. Goddamn you, Hans, it's like you KNOW I just need you til July-August. You are making me suffer because you know. I thought we had something, damn you!!

So I'm hitting Austin this weekend while I can still stand the drive in the heat. Stupid car. At least I don't need to spend money on the A/C. He could really stick it to me if he wanted. And he just might, so stay tuned! (No pun intended...)

Not much else. People look at my house. People go, "Eh, no."

I finally bought Ally McBeal on ebay. That's right, I'm owning my shame. I BOUGHT ALLY MCBEAL.



Even more disturbing is the realization that Richard Fish might be my favorite character. Well, except now it's season 2 and Lucy Liu has joined up...she obviously rocks more.

There is a bootleg region 1 that occasionally pops up, but I bought a legitimate set, Region 2 (yes, on purpose). For one thing, my next DVD player is going to be multi-region. You can break the region code on your player (most, naturally not on mine), but it didn't really work on D's. So I'm watching it on my computer. You can switch regions on your computer five times before it's set for good (I'm sure there's a way to override this as well). But so far, it's still really enjoyable. So there.

Do you know how popular I am? I am so popular. Everybody loves me so much at this school.

My friend C at work was just telling me how much she enjoys Ryan Reynolds, and I admit I certainly do, too. But I'm not the one who said:

"I would drink that man's bath water."

Win.