CORuscate

Love the PV

2009-11-13T09:54:00.024-10:00

Most recently I was at Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes for an event. Overall the weekend was a success. The resort team really delivered on the faith that I had in the overall vision of the project (mind you I signed the contract when it was literally a pile of dirt and would occasionally check-in with hard hat tours to ensure that everything was on schedule and appropriately reserved for the big event).

One of the reasons it's great having creative and resourceful people in your life is that they blog about your events for you!

This lovely lady helped with the flowers.
This magnificent man helped with the photos.

I just ran around all weekend trying to mask my stress level with a smile:

Mar'sel is one of my new favorite restaurants. Ever. It also happens to be ranked top 10 Restaurants for California Cuisines in Los Angeles Area by Gayot. There is this enormous fire pit on the patio and you can dine at one of the seating areas around the pit. I felt like I was transported back to a summer evening in Italy. It was my moment of cognitive dissonance to remember that I was a mere 40 minutes from home.

Other fun facts about the property:
1) They were filming Matchmaker Millionaire as I was setting up for one of my dinners. It was like tail-dating as I was 15 feet away from their walking conversation. Apparently the episode will be shown in February (I don't watch much on Bravo so I'm not 100% on those details).
2) They were also filming Cougar Town at the spa. It's an amaaaaazing! spa, so I can see why.
3) Would bet at least $50 that I saw Mark McGuire (or his twin) in the lobby.
4) Nelson's (another restaurant on property) has amazing sweet potato fries!

They're baaaaack!

2009-11-09T19:24:00.003-10:00

LOVES 89% off

2009-11-06T15:46:00.003-10:00

The Blind Side

2009-11-05T07:38:00.007-10:00

I'm talking about the book. I know. I know. I know. The movie comes out on Nov. 20, but I strongly encourage everyone to read this book. The trailer does a decent job of pitching the movie and I will likely see it (I say likely b/c of time, not interest). I admit that I would not have the same interest level about the movie had I not read the book. It's a fun read (really!). For those that do not eat, sleep, and breathe all things NFL or college football, you should not be intimidated. This book only skims some of the history of football, mainly to demonstrate the evolution of the game (think Malcolm Gladwell's category of "The Few" in The Tipping Point), and how players like Michael Oher, have changed the play book and pay structure of the NFL. Yes it's a heart warming human interest story, but it's also an inside look into the behind the scenes of football recruiting. The plot of the book could easily be compared to your favorite episode of Friday Night Lights (tv series). BTW I'm hoping that I'm not dissapointed with Sandra Bullock, b/c in my mind Tami Taylor should have been cast as the Mom.

Slow is the new fast

2009-11-03T10:47:00.007-10:00

There was an article in the NYT today about marathon running. I enjoyed reading it b/c for years there has been alleged trash talking but elite runners that slow runners are picking away at the prestige of completing a marathon. It was refreshing to hear comments from gold medalists and elite runners that distinguished them from the snobby naysayers. In a world, I mean nation, concerned with rising obesity it seems we should encourage activity regardless of the pace of that activity. Hey skinny! Don't knock down those trying to rise. I digress. My point was that I'm thinking of pulling a Brett Farve. I know I said I was retired from marathons but, this picture reminded me of my first marathon, also the NYC marathon.

That marathon was followed by SF, which was not a pleasant experience. At all. The trip to SF was fun, the race was not. (I did have a life changing move that involved a cross-country road trip, a minor hiccup in my training schedule.) Thankfully I don't have much time to give to anything else right now so my Farve-like inclinations might get trumped by pure lack of time. Maybe I'll settle on finding a half marathon for right now. Hmmm ....

Revenge of the Nerds!

2009-10-30T12:41:00.003-10:00

Orange is my favorite color. So it's only natural to over indulge in the Halloween colored nerds. But, over-indulgence will have it's revenge. Sugar crash is BREWing!

In the mood for ...

2009-10-30T09:13:00.005-10:00

A reminder for those that have either forgotten or have not yet heard, Stereomood is the new Pandora.

(p.s. If you select the "calm" play list you'll even hear one of my favorite songs, Heart Skipped a Beat by the XX.)

HAPPY almost HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-28T12:13:00.009-10:00

Both of my brothers married talented, beautiful, creative women. My sister-in-law Therese is responsible for this festive banner with which I've adorned my office door. I figure I'm at work more than I'm at home and to fully appreciate how adorable it is I decided to put it to best use at the office. :)

The most powerful octogenarian

2009-10-21T09:17:00.005-10:00

Thomas S. Monson, the current prophet is listed as numero uno in Slate's 2009 80 over 80.

Why do I care? Obvious reasons aside, it's refreshing to see the "world" place him above "celebrity" figures.

Katie the Birthday Lady!

2009-10-14T05:49:00.006-10:00

Happy Birthday to the fabulous Katie Clifford. I like this picture of Katie b/c I can hear her laughing. Those that know her well appreciate her contagious laugh, which sometimes leads to snorts, and then more laughter, and really an increased quality of life!

Also, happy birthday to my new nephew who makes his introduction into the world today. Hooray! How special that two of my most favorite peeps will share a memorable day.

ABSOLUTely

2009-10-08T07:50:00.006-10:00

My freshman year of college my friends gave me a coffee table book that contained a collection of the Absolut ads. I loved them. I was an informal collector. Sometimes it felt weird to have a collection that existed based on products of which I did not consume ... but it's sort of like the magnet on our fridge "I tried rehab but it killed my night life" that holds up the Temple schedule. Opposition in all things people! ANYWAY ... I only bring this up b/c I saw this and a big part of me wants it, you know, just to have it. Maybe this is a time I can use my job to my advantage (meaning I will end up buying this for a work related function and then keep the bottle?!).

Kissing Cousins

2009-10-07T14:35:00.005-10:00

There are a lot of reasons for the stir felt in the October air. I'm not big on costumes, so Halloween doesn't really push my button. But, I do love all things fall. When I left Boston everyone said "you'll miss the seasons" and I knew that they were right then, and they're still right. Thankfully I'm beyond busy so I don't have time to play the "wish I was there" game. I remember when I lived on the border of Texas and Mexico (you guessed it, no "fall" season there!) my Dad sent me a letter that had this vividly bright red leaf. I think I still have that in a journal somewhere. :)

Anyway, I digress. The tangible thing that I now look forward to around this time of year is these chewy delights. Think part abba-zabba, part salt water taffy, part peanut butter, and part wow! They are more easily found in the candy section (in bulk) this time of year.

It would make sense that I'd enjoy a peanut butter kiss from this darling cousin of Bit-O-Honey. Bit-O Mary Jane Yummy!

post scriptum: they also make you a lot of friends at work.

CHIK-freeL-A

2009-09-30T05:18:00.009-10:00

One thing that is awesome about today is my co-worker won the "Business of the Day" contest at the local Chik-fil-A. Chik ching! Chik ching!
Score.
Free lunch today!

Life choices ... as demonstrated by my nephews

2009-09-25T18:42:00.013-10:00

I really want to spend my weekend like my two year old nephew - sipping it down in style:

But instead, I will follow the lead of my other nephew who is already worn out by age one:

Both plan leave me with lots of personality and uber cuteness, so no need to feel sorry for this gal.

little boy blue (eyes)

2009-09-07T10:10:00.008-10:00

So excited to see my parents, my brother and sister-in-law, and their cute little Casch (below) in a few days. I got to spend some time with the Chris et al. a few weeks ago and it will nice to see Casey et al. before the official first day of school ... an ominous start date of 9/11.

Momma said there'd be days like this ...

2009-09-03T09:29:00.003-10:00

Ham & Cheese

2009-08-26T19:03:00.004-10:00

Ham and cheese is what my sister-in-law says to get this cute face out of Mr. Kelton. I don't know if I have ever met anyone with as much personality as this guy ... and he's only two! Sure had fun visiting with them.

This will make your LIFE! (not just your Tuesday)

2009-08-25T05:55:00.004-10:00

Or at least make you LOL (literally)!

District 9

2009-08-16T20:01:00.002-10:00

Saw it. Loved it.
(But it's not for everyone, so I can't give it a universal endorsement.)

Five Minutes of Heaven

2009-08-12T06:38:00.003-10:00

On my to-see list.

From my email this morning:
Forgiveness is a complicated, slippery thing. In the poignant and powerful Five Minutes of Heaven (in theaters 8/21), two men—a murderer and the victim’s brother, who witnessed the killing—grapple with the consequences of a horrific event that has caused a ripple effect of tragedy to course through both of their lives.

The film opens in mid-’70s, troubles-plagued Northern Ireland, where Alastair Little, a 17-year-old Protestant, shoots 19-year-old Catholic Jim Griffen three times in the head in front of his little brother, Joe. Cut to 33 years later, when a television show tracks the men down, hoping for a tearful and public reconciliation. But Joe (James Nesbitt) has other plans; he plans to murder Alastair (Liam Neeson). Neeson and Nesbit give complex, standout performances, and director Oliver Hirschbiegel keeps ratcheting up the suspense, less interested in assigning guilt than in the process of how to let go of the past. Given the film’s bleak subject, you might be surprised how hopeful a message it ultimately carries.

"Crazy drunk driver"

2009-08-11T19:30:00.003-10:00

I had to head up towards Redondo for a work thing this morning and as I was sitting in traffic (usual flow) I looked at my ride side passenger mirror and saw this blue car bolting through the shoulder of the road. I was in the far right lane b/c my exit was less than a mile away. My exact thoughts were, "what a JERK! I hope he gets pulled over". Less than 90 seconds later a CHP cruised up the same shoulder with lights frantically flashing and whaling sirens serenading. He was shortly accompanied by an entourage of additional uniformed cars and motorcycles. High speed chases happen too often on the 405, but it's not that often that you are an eye witness. Apparently I was privy to the opening scene. Here's how it ended:

Happy 1st Birthday to Casch!

2009-08-09T19:41:00.003-10:00

I'm spoiled with ridiculously good looking nephews (and this one is an ambi-turner!)

Baby step to 2010

2009-07-27T08:15:00.004-10:00

Daria will be coming to DVD in 2010!!! Woot. Woot. Who doesn't love a daily dose of cynical teenage angst to remind them how far (hopefully) they've progressed.

DJ at heart ... literally

2009-07-01T21:51:00.006-10:00

This is so cool. I want want want it!

The Yamaha Bodibeat, a sick music player that syncs your music to your heart's beat.

Strap to your arm pre-workout and as you get going, the device starts taking your heart rate and shuffling songs accordingly; all produced by matching your playlist's beats-per-minute to your heart rate. It does come uploaded with some preloaded music but you can also add your favorite workout tunes.

Aunt Enabler

2009-06-24T20:37:00.009-10:00

So my cute and precocious little nephew just had his second birthday. Life is great in the sense that takes everyone on various and unique paths, but it's not so great when there is distance involved and you don't get to eat up every precious moment of a kid's learning and growing. Praise be to the Internet and blogs.

I'm not a proponent for buying love (anyone remember that episode of Full House when Uncle Jessie tried that trick ... quality time is so much more valuable than material items!). I am however, a huge fan of enabling. That was probably my best self-aware a-ha moment of the week. Enabling usually has a negative connotation, but I find so much satisfaction in providing someone else with the means/power/opportunity to do.

Case in point: My nephew is obsessed with balloons. As his Mom and Dad can tell you he has uber ball-dar (yup, balloons are "balls"), so as part of his birthday present I sent a laughably large, but not inflated, red balloon; a conveniently perfect color for the Elmo themed festivities! This balloon is not 100% full of helium, as transportation was tricky. Therese and Chris are in Ohio for her sister's wedding so they are at the mercy of their rental car, hence the size restriction.

Therese sent along a happy report that the balloon was a hit! The giddy profile of Kelton's enthusiastic reaction to the balloon makes my heart smile. Happy 0-2 King Kelton!