Idol Thoughts ... they're baaaaack

Here we go again. Booyah. I'm giddy--in an extremely manly sorta way of course. Felt like coming home to a warm blanket watching the Season 9 premiere last night.

I thought I'd take an "I'm bored" break from work and start off the season with a chat about the judges.

First, Simon leaving. I hate it, but I don't hate him for it. Idol can't last forever and a true champ leaves on top. I'm still not sure whether I'm going to watch it next year when he's gone though. I'm leaning toward no. He's my AI northern star and the last remaining sense of normalcy in the pop-aspiring world. Not sure if I can stomach it without him.

Second, here come's Ellen. I'm just not sure. She's great. Hilarious. Looks like a scene from Seinfeld when she dances, but let's hope that keeps to a minimum anyway. But what expertise does she have as a musical judge? Further proof that the show is less about musical talent and more about popularity and ratings. Could be a sinking ship. Explains why Simon's ditching I guess.

Last, who knew Victoria Beckham was so nice? Mad props to her, and her hubby for marrying her.

Feels good to be back.

The 10 Days of Utah

The 10 Days of Utah...

2 friends parties
Catching up with NYers
1 much needed haircut
9 "Incredible"movie showings
1 Sherlock Holmes viewing
1 indoor soccer game cheering
WAY too much eating
Fondue Family Fun night
8 trips to Salt Lake
1 Asher Birthday
Day After Christmas shopping
Chinese food for Christmas dinner
400 dollar delta voucher

We had a great time, as always!

The House of Nanking

I miss New York. A lot. There, I said it. Feels good to be honest. But, doing fun things in our new city seems to dull the pain--and sew the seeds of a new city love. Thanks to my brother Alex, we did one of our favorite things in any town yesterday--ate yummy food at a new restaurant.

Welcome to the House of Nanking. Chinese food. In China Town. I had beef with broccoli. H had pork fried rice. Verdict? Whoah mama. We're going back. Soon.

I could get used to this place . . .

PS. We're "spot" people. We've found our Chinese entree spot--preesh to Alex. Now we need to find our Dim Sum and our Sushi spot. Any ideas???

Crabby

Apparently it's crab season in San Francisco.

My brother, Jared and his wife, RyAnn have been a great help at getting us settled in San Francisco. They have lived here a little over 4 years (I think?) and have an annual crab fest...and this year we joined them!

We had a feast of sweet crab, caesar salad, mini grilled cheese, pasta salad, bread, homemade cocktail sauce. Let me wipe the drool off the keyboard real quick. Ok, I'm back.

We also played some games, listened to Christmas music, took Christmas card photos, and just enjoyed being with family. We are lucky to have them show us the Northern California ropes.

f/4 Holiday Celebration

All apologies for the self-promotion peeps. Can't help myself sometimes. Who am I kidding? You're used to it from me, right?

Anyway, me and the boys are doing our part to spread a little holiday cheer over at f/4. Each of our "One Photo Per Day" photos is Christmas-themed for the next little while. Think of it as a way to see the holidays through three sets of eyes--er--lenses. Bonus is you can use any of the photos as e-Christmas cards if you're so inclined. Go modern. Go green. Whoah--I sound like a San Fransiscan.

Just click on the "Send as E-Card" link underneath any photo. Include a personalized message. Send to multiple email addresses. It's easy.

Good news--it's free. That's right, f/4 is recession-friendly.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Thanks

I am thankful for

Jed...who makes me happy and complete and a long list of other things
Family...who makes me laugh and makes me want to be a little better
Friends...whose qualities make me want to be like them
Yahoots...who makes me smile every time I see them



Gospel...the simplicity that makes me grateful and thankful.
The newest member of the Thompson family...Zoie


Gym membership...which keeps me sane and not so guilty for eating yummy SF food
Opportunities to live in TWO of the greatest cities in the world...what an adventure


It's a great time to reflect on what makes you happy and thankful...so, what are you thankful for?

I love lists.

Some of you may remember the 60 Things in 60 Days list (which I must say, we gave it a heck of a shot) and since we've moved to a new city, we figured it's time for a new list. Not so aggressive, no time lines, but a list of things to keep us going and exploring this new city of ours.

Check out the list on the sidebar. We've been able to check a few things off the list. (Also, we are going to need to alter a few of these "San Fran To Do's"...27. Get a lap dance at Mitchell Brothers Theatre (Tenderloin)" may be switched to Get a laptop at the Apple Store-Chestnut Street (Marina)

So, lets not wait for the most gratifying part of a to-do list, let's cross some things off:

25. Grab a Vietnamese sandwich from Saigon Sandwiches. (Tenderloin)
Our Opinion: Two thumbs WAY up! We shared (new city, new habits) a pork Vietnamese sandwich with the BEST roll...the jalepeno's were disguised as green peppers (I mean, really, who cuts jalepeno's in a vertical strip) so I really got my clock cleaned. But, other than that, delicious!

43. Check out the southern view from the top of Alta Plaza Park. (Pac Heights)
Our Opinion: Fabulous. You can literally see from sea to shining sea at this park. We were mis-led by the world wide web and, contrary to the internet, the lights at the tennis court DO NOT EXIST at Alta Plaza Park.

44. Get a taste of the Mission at Pizzeria Delfina. (Pac Heights)
Our Opinion: Very Tasty. I hope I don't sound too bitter...but, it just was NOT our NYC pizza that we adore. However, it was authentic tasting (as authentic as Brooklyn...because I have YET to go to Italy on a pizza tour...which I would love to do)

We have a long ways to go...but, we aren't going anywhere anytime soon.