tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38284673242603021552024-03-05T19:23:06.081-08:00xta's worldxtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-22922745986351371022008-02-08T10:40:00.000-08:002008-02-08T10:53:23.358-08:00Chinese Prozac, Middlesex, & Breakfastmy sister had me try these little pellets that her Chinese acupuncturist "prescribed" for her. they are the bomb. who knows if it's just the placebo effect (and i'm perfectly ok with that), but if i'm feeling like total booty, i feel just a little better after i take this funny combination of herbs. ALL LEGAL, THANK YOU! i haven't learned how to get nitrous oxide in pellet form...<br />here are the ingredients (and likely spelling bee words):<br /><br />white peony root<br />chinese angelica root<br />white atractylodes root<br />poria<br />ginger root<br />mint herb<br />honey fried licorice root<br />bupleurum root<br /><br />i looked them all up and they all seem legit (i.e. not gonna kill me). i wish they could fit a higher dosage into each pellet, though...i have to take freakin' 12 of these things at a time! i'll let you know if things change!<br />___________________________________________________________<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KOYQpK28Uo6-3A2sP9r6TySrtPscB_krEdaYxPqWJmMCkvfI6jgVIGatusGLcX7j3MZJDXQLuSHfvchMkjDyfPyLGPIyEVMMdN9lFoQ65koVxjBsC-wfuIlLRWgesLXrtIEMyGPNl2M/s1600-h/middlesex.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5164684123118921266" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KOYQpK28Uo6-3A2sP9r6TySrtPscB_krEdaYxPqWJmMCkvfI6jgVIGatusGLcX7j3MZJDXQLuSHfvchMkjDyfPyLGPIyEVMMdN9lFoQ65koVxjBsC-wfuIlLRWgesLXrtIEMyGPNl2M/s320/middlesex.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div>i finally finished Middlesex. i'm not much of a reader, but am enjoying a read before bedtime. this one took me FOREVER. it's crazy that Oprah put this book on her list...i feel the topic is less than mainstream. i guess that's the point, eh? good for O - she's awesome. i enjoyed the book, but i wouldn't say i loved it. they constant flash forwards & flashbacks were actually kinda fun, and i love the true first-person narration. i'd give it a B+.</div><div></div><br /><div>___________________________________________________________</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>for those in Houston, K and i found the best breakfast ever...although this place has been around awhile (we're just late on the game). The Daily Grind on Washington has got great food and a totally cool, comfy ambiance. kristy declared it the best breakfast in town after she was able to build her own omelette! no more endless substitutions of spinach, mushrooms, and other veggies for her! so check it out.</div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-55531856833883503222008-01-30T10:08:00.000-08:002008-01-30T10:15:56.492-08:00Battlestar & NitrousI've been watching Battlestar Galactica (the new one, duh). Overall I have many complaints about it. I don't really feel a connection to most of the characters, some of the "filler" episodes are really dumb, and one of the main antagonists in the show is so super annoying i don't know if i can handle it.<br /><br />of course they do that thing where you'll have a few crappy episodes and then have one super good one JUST to keep you watching. damn them!!! so i'm still watching. i'll give it til the end of Season 1 and re-evaluate.<br />__________________________________________________________<br /><br />went to the dentist for 3 fillings yesterday. i have to say, and i'm not afraid to admit it, i love nitrous oxide. of the legal/non-legal drugs i've ever taken (i'm not telling you which!), it's the only one whose effects go away minutes after you stop taking it. that's nice...no hours and hours of wishing you could (a) go back in time and not take whatever you took or (b) throw up/kill yourself. plus it makes you not care about anything that's bothering you, while thinking funny things are SO funny! good thing it's not legal! also good thing my dentist loves to use it liberally! guess i'll have to not brush my teeth for a few months in order to go another round.<br /><br />__________________________________________________________<br /><br />KRISTY PASSED HER NATIONAL BOARD EXAMS!!! that girl is the bomb. now all she has to do is graduate and she's a DVM! you can't imagine what a relief it is.xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-918815202704611252008-01-23T10:26:00.000-08:002008-01-23T10:34:56.873-08:00what's new?so it's been like 4 months or so since i last posted. bad me.<br /><br />i think i've decided to do this in a different way. i want this to be more free-flowing and random, but will still concentrate my efforts on alerting you to what's good and bad in the way of products, restaurants, etc.<br /><br />so here we go!<br /><ul><li>i bought a Sony-3LCD HD Home Theater Projector-VPLAW15 from Best Buy 2 weeks ago. i also purchased a 92" widescreen pulldown screen from Mountsandmore.com. i love them both to death. they are the reason to live. i will never watch movies on anything else. i had picked up the Toshiba-XGA DMD DLP Projector-TDP-T45U and i cannot say i recommend it. it's loud and not as clear as the Sony. the Sony is not as bright as the Toshiba and costs more, but the brightness doesn't seem to matter when the clarity is so good and the cost was worth it! it quietly purrs like a kitten! the Sony projector and Da-Lite screen get a THUMBS UP!</li><li>i tried the banana empanada recipe found online from Tyler Florence. it sucks...THUMBS DOWN. maybe someday i'll find a better one. his had too much masa harina in it, so they came out very heavy, starchy, and hard. boo.</li></ul>more later!xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-14219539205654210442007-09-20T10:54:00.000-07:002007-09-20T11:03:16.115-07:00*CRUNCH!!*<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuq9yb0a1ngWgr4hzWHZbecHUDWB0mqj3bbpq9TjI-pI0dHkItJ-4aHkoKpoJ9S_MWCVCw0afD6vrhz3C9ivA8WRvBqUNMShztvIvsOyfzbHqRXcmw7QaAfjgj3G-rLb2z-g-WnGDm91c/s1600-h/meat.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112346727262597938" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuq9yb0a1ngWgr4hzWHZbecHUDWB0mqj3bbpq9TjI-pI0dHkItJ-4aHkoKpoJ9S_MWCVCw0afD6vrhz3C9ivA8WRvBqUNMShztvIvsOyfzbHqRXcmw7QaAfjgj3G-rLb2z-g-WnGDm91c/s320/meat.bmp" border="0" /></a>so i love hamburgers typically. well, i did until i read fast food nation. then i kind of thought i could do without them. but not Whataburgers. NEVER Whataburgers! but occasionally i get a craving and i indulge.<br /><br />so the last few times i've eaten at Whataburger, i am enjoying the deliciousness when *CRUNCH* - i bite on a piece of BONE. i mean, EWWWWW. but i remember, this is an animal i'm eating, and it once had bones. yet i still hope everytime i get a craving that it doesn't happen again.<br /><br />so today, after giving blood, i went to enjoy a "hearty meal" at cafe express...a hamburger to be exact. and guess what? *CRUNCH*!!<br /><br />i couldn't finish my burger. am i cursed? is someone trying to tell me something? cuz this is really cramping my style. i mean, i can give up the occasional burger now and again (i pretty much already have). but WHATABURGERS?!?! no me digas!!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">for being non-reliable in the boneless department, Hamburger Meat (and probably the beef industry and carnivores by association) get a THUMBS DOWN!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53Sn-DwLFujcQr6xicd-Q3bVLqPbc8jFH1Q5aGmVblk09NT9A8IoPfQNIoZ9t9tGH7Oz05nf_4BQ18Iu31jPzpi1TF7GDJ7NjEBGI9cqeZRBq9KBnpxalrUAnEfblaQOA9_ct7ujNg8Q/s1600-h/thumbs%20down%20bu_475x485.shkl.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112346667133055778" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53Sn-DwLFujcQr6xicd-Q3bVLqPbc8jFH1Q5aGmVblk09NT9A8IoPfQNIoZ9t9tGH7Oz05nf_4BQ18Iu31jPzpi1TF7GDJ7NjEBGI9cqeZRBq9KBnpxalrUAnEfblaQOA9_ct7ujNg8Q/s320/thumbs%2520down%2520bu_475x485.shkl.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-27483915569947807722007-09-20T10:50:00.000-07:002007-09-20T10:54:14.695-07:00bird poop / pecan droppings be gone!<a href="http://www.bubblescarwash.com/express.aspx"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112345614866068242" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNCVqPgGdbkLo8ImFdSVSGjXUyUHbR5Z2LYgJbVEsZjcAr6-jOs5Q5eXjWwLfgL1vfk-miLFw52a0Vk8fLbcQkGdLRZtrlOlmrcy2BcudAUsMuwoKu0wuaK0GR6MsAo7wcfrTJn-Sdx4/s320/bubbles_hand.jpg" border="0" /></a> Mark tipped me off to this. on Washington & Heights, there's a new Bubbles EXPRESS wash (not the hand wash). dude, they spend 3 minutes rubbing your hood and windshield down while you sit comfortably in the car, then it goes through the big washer....ALL FOR FOUR DOLLARS!! you get unlimited use of their vacuums as well. oh, and did i mention they're friendly as well?<br /><br /><div align="center">for being so cheap and convenient it's almost a crime, Bubbles Express Car Wash gets a THUMBS UP!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaWCm-adLQuqEU9doLVj1STORs4353bsJPpeW1lgicYjrLqVq94SbCv1c8m2jpE_QtXGTVeVLg7-upNK7FB1hr2KHqrIibeT6_1nMwXdaZ3uA1RpRUaI1ungTPxUOyb9WgEKs_ozLn2g/s1600-h/thumbs+up.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112345541851624194" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvaWCm-adLQuqEU9doLVj1STORs4353bsJPpeW1lgicYjrLqVq94SbCv1c8m2jpE_QtXGTVeVLg7-upNK7FB1hr2KHqrIibeT6_1nMwXdaZ3uA1RpRUaI1ungTPxUOyb9WgEKs_ozLn2g/s320/thumbs+up.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-79786165163539507652007-09-05T14:05:00.000-07:002007-09-05T14:17:50.938-07:00this picture is making my mouth water<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU0p5Zxf8fH2XEJD7Kwa68G0RGjZNCHCZ3rzAzDg-5pCz0qmCk7P-yyJa8bWfNRyI_mmqlqNijoTcpQe5aAo7Xvdc5sKMAAYYhgaq0SfighbcpJCFAp92AO7dA95LRT20s7md0DJjuKA/s1600-h/wings.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106829565875349506" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgU0p5Zxf8fH2XEJD7Kwa68G0RGjZNCHCZ3rzAzDg-5pCz0qmCk7P-yyJa8bWfNRyI_mmqlqNijoTcpQe5aAo7Xvdc5sKMAAYYhgaq0SfighbcpJCFAp92AO7dA95LRT20s7md0DJjuKA/s320/wings.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><br />I have a problem. A WING problem. When my old college roommate's boyfriend (Mark Dettmeier, I think) first took us to eat buffalo wings at Wings-N-More, I was like…"eh." They were fine…nothing to write home about.</div><br /><div><br />Sometime in the past few years something either in my taste buds or in my brain must have changed. Because much like Whataburgers, every month or two I just HAVE TO HAVE SOME WINGS! In fact, I'm deep in a wings craving as we speak. They make me happy...I know, it's sick.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center">For being delicious when they're spicy and accompanied by celery, ranch dressing, and a cold draft beer (what wouldn't be?), BUFFALO WINGS get a THUMBS UP!!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2a4lVYkjxZl9XP0mY3P_v0TeT7cfRgab-HadrAwuvjURPhUve2l6Wy7aDq8W49ZbJywuQeay5CVL04QKiZVT1ypWQooEx3M9CVDDFXnZHjvzEvHrE2FfQWlfTgNvanJ4WSb9dlsZr0A/s1600-h/hand-thumbs-up.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106829406961559538" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl2a4lVYkjxZl9XP0mY3P_v0TeT7cfRgab-HadrAwuvjURPhUve2l6Wy7aDq8W49ZbJywuQeay5CVL04QKiZVT1ypWQooEx3M9CVDDFXnZHjvzEvHrE2FfQWlfTgNvanJ4WSb9dlsZr0A/s320/hand-thumbs-up.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUo8NradHl1Vu7sG9mLx_x1fTJI_V2Gi9M5xDR5DocHo850eYtY1_I9rGbwT71r48vt5geht5Fj9LeoSqPD4GM3tHLfYzWuLpHSxrkjEYL50hDm_rO0g1xwEZ_5BCezfEvFaRVa66W8-8/s1600-h/thumbsup.gif"></a><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><div></div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-83375769246771804212007-09-05T14:04:00.000-07:002007-09-05T14:16:44.516-07:00just as Rick Springfield warned...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzNFsYJp2grSx-TTxcbC2vA483KRIjkLHLkDE3UZCrc9Nob3W-xHQhdZ4fjsJgorVrBAM20Iegdu31KwjHRyVEr6weCrt-uYJArm8HONiOvsCNXX0RcjcznK2UXhIV30TwienBZntzIk/s1600-h/strangers.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106829248047769554" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpzNFsYJp2grSx-TTxcbC2vA483KRIjkLHLkDE3UZCrc9Nob3W-xHQhdZ4fjsJgorVrBAM20Iegdu31KwjHRyVEr6weCrt-uYJArm8HONiOvsCNXX0RcjcznK2UXhIV30TwienBZntzIk/s320/strangers.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Last night I turned in early due to my post-Labor-Day-visit-the-family-then-have-a-rum-and-coke-to-ease-my-troubles exhaustion, around 9:30. Around 9:35 Elsie started barking and I heard a loud noise. I went to the front window and found that someone was parked in my driveway. I peered for a few minutes to make sure (A) it wasn't someone I know coming to visit me happy sleepy time and (B) it wasn't someone preparing to kill me. There was a young blond girl walking up and down the sidewalk in front of our house, talking on a cell phone. So I went out and asked her what she was doing parking in my driveway. She stammered and explained that her dad was over at the next door neighbor's house looking to buy a motorcycle from them, and that there wasn't room elsewhere to park. I said something like "well I just want to make sure you don't park here all night" and went inside. But then I of course thought to myself "SAY SOMETHING! TELL HER TO PARK ON THE STREET! GET OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY!!" but I felt too stupid to go out again.<br />So I decided to sick my vicious dogs on her…I let them loose in the backyard. Typically they will bark their heads off at the slightest movement outside (much to my annoyance). This time, I let them outside, they barked for a few seconds, and then headed back to the house. What gives? What good is it to have a pit bull if you can't scare unwanted strangers away?!?<br />The girl spent another good half hour running her dad's truck's engine and preening herself in the mirror. They finally left around 10:15, sans motorcycle.<br /></div><br /><div align="center"><br />For being rude and inconsiderate, the random late-night strangers and our crappy neighbors (who are going to rent out that stupid house when they move in a few weeks to someone I'm sure will bug the hell out of me) BOTH GET A THUMBS DOWN!!!</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglO4xvFZKMbX_oHviK9852-DaINt-M80XhnTRrKMw0BfhTq_tLeI1erz2CfwTrshysw_ZqdU6wkiZ5VydH-VN7Wg3ViBb4hYkdvXJX3nhUCFl62C9Jz8EoGAh2RKg3hCmFw_CsqPjlGMQ/s1600-h/down.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106828913040320450" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglO4xvFZKMbX_oHviK9852-DaINt-M80XhnTRrKMw0BfhTq_tLeI1erz2CfwTrshysw_ZqdU6wkiZ5VydH-VN7Wg3ViBb4hYkdvXJX3nhUCFl62C9Jz8EoGAh2RKg3hCmFw_CsqPjlGMQ/s320/down.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-90465090949050035182007-09-05T14:01:00.000-07:002007-09-05T14:03:59.209-07:00like walking on clouds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXjsXRXpjybmhVGQQ7Z19nt30ukVg_Xl0nAvwNEL4bTKNA-eWqrQw2c-9PFC_NohQmaGAi8JntQmYRSZ54WM3Yuv2NYCuf58rfpkrBJ_VClH2xEaOoyzy9iHLbtcxkesQMnnV-GEb-Z8/s1600-h/earth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106828599507707826" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXjsXRXpjybmhVGQQ7Z19nt30ukVg_Xl0nAvwNEL4bTKNA-eWqrQw2c-9PFC_NohQmaGAi8JntQmYRSZ54WM3Yuv2NYCuf58rfpkrBJ_VClH2xEaOoyzy9iHLbtcxkesQMnnV-GEb-Z8/s320/earth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Apparently these things came out in the 70's. This chick Anne Kalso invented this insole that uses "negative heel technology". All I can say is, these shoes rock. Sometimes when I wear them I DO think that I can breathe easier, and that I'm slumping less. But then I think it's all in my mind. It doesn't matter…the shoes have a kicking arch, make my feet hurt a lot less, and are comfortable. As someone on eBay said, they may not be cute, but they're comfortable!<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">For being ugly comfortable shoes, Earth Shoes get a THUMBS UP!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdx_nkwZy-N0-bvNMFce3X5amLuwG3HW15ysHboOj4en5V0GYa-sv-aHVp3Tk8kIEJOI0tfWN1qwnIdjCAxJrpAZ6nLyfuuvN6JzAuBqiwGrpMLAypK8VqCZbLrQTOyTMtbqu7m-pJNPk/s1600-h/thumbsup.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5106828479248623522" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdx_nkwZy-N0-bvNMFce3X5amLuwG3HW15ysHboOj4en5V0GYa-sv-aHVp3Tk8kIEJOI0tfWN1qwnIdjCAxJrpAZ6nLyfuuvN6JzAuBqiwGrpMLAypK8VqCZbLrQTOyTMtbqu7m-pJNPk/s320/thumbsup.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div align="center"></div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-50963889585125446732007-08-14T13:15:00.001-07:002007-08-14T13:18:46.207-07:00not to be confused with a tangerine<p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgYMZWl2qwnqlItc8Mbxkio9IVs0Tb_37M2KdD6ILzAVDdKo7EVGuJ-A8Qy6aClSh0iO48W4MESWFZY11t8xX1r3TY2T8KkjD2t1W76OullkBxVS4FimZwiaAoXTPAIGc30xjsiNcg3I/s1600-h/nectarines3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098652592268937058" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgYMZWl2qwnqlItc8Mbxkio9IVs0Tb_37M2KdD6ILzAVDdKo7EVGuJ-A8Qy6aClSh0iO48W4MESWFZY11t8xX1r3TY2T8KkjD2t1W76OullkBxVS4FimZwiaAoXTPAIGc30xjsiNcg3I/s320/nectarines3.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>it's big, it's juicy. you know you want to bite it.<br /><p>i only recently have discovered the beauty of nectarines. i mean, i knew they existed and i've had them before, but never did i know how awesome they are! i like my food sweet, juicy, with a little bit of crunch, and the nectarines got it all!</p><p>gone are the mealy, fuzzy days of the peach. today is a nectarine day.</p><br /><div align="center">for being my fruit of choice these days, nectarines get a THUMBS UP!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhY4uMT8hKcnWMewP6OA05kaDi4E1wvJfv-Hf02-WRIwedLz3PInUsxbJF9UBxUiz4S6-tY9FmPtv-GLwQ_3RBKelfh2MJ8TfniK5kG-5Xt5GXxIaaoRYDPJN-qfNQmvl9a52w6hx9d0/s1600-h/K_tony_thumbs_up.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098652506369591122" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhY4uMT8hKcnWMewP6OA05kaDi4E1wvJfv-Hf02-WRIwedLz3PInUsxbJF9UBxUiz4S6-tY9FmPtv-GLwQ_3RBKelfh2MJ8TfniK5kG-5Xt5GXxIaaoRYDPJN-qfNQmvl9a52w6hx9d0/s320/K_tony_thumbs_up.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-34704775040451720672007-08-13T10:42:00.001-07:002007-08-13T10:59:21.206-07:00meet me in st. louis louisa few weekends ago kristy and i journeyed to st. louis MO for our friend johanna's wedding reception. we had a good time catching up with all of kristy's college buddies, and i had a little too good of a time drinking keg beer (as usual). as with any trip, we hit a few bumps.<br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztKFTC6Juk-OkQ4jOf5DQZ4sS8Ue8gSChYcdbZiWwjFS04rC99RkIwwAxasXn246JkBqTghEVhrF8a2LC8Qm0ofVHULM_kvhtQBER894TnFWyvBMU7PE4VizqObXuFzzvrwnTlIHyimM/s1600-h/ban_enterpriseLogo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098242577510991666" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztKFTC6Juk-OkQ4jOf5DQZ4sS8Ue8gSChYcdbZiWwjFS04rC99RkIwwAxasXn246JkBqTghEVhrF8a2LC8Qm0ofVHULM_kvhtQBER894TnFWyvBMU7PE4VizqObXuFzzvrwnTlIHyimM/s320/ban_enterpriseLogo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />when we got off the airport shuttle at the enterprise rental place, there were a bunch of dressed up people with papers in their hands waiting for us. uh-oh. we were coerced, shamed, and downright insulted into buying rental insurance. guess what - I DON'T THINK SO! i've rented a million rental cars for work and never has this happened to me. lame.<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2JScyRnIowbLJsp_A1ZDAk_3Fg8WSHnjki0qpwhxAfPIDGSW6SafkKC1rfPcSvqBlizmKc0STLvPcx26CTZ75m0Wu-T4Mw8KEU6k1wQRFzB9Ra-0Ix99Vb9WrdspVffh2pfQx_21WEQ/s1600-h/chig2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098242491611645730" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2JScyRnIowbLJsp_A1ZDAk_3Fg8WSHnjki0qpwhxAfPIDGSW6SafkKC1rfPcSvqBlizmKc0STLvPcx26CTZ75m0Wu-T4Mw8KEU6k1wQRFzB9Ra-0Ix99Vb9WrdspVffh2pfQx_21WEQ/s320/chig2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />this is a picture of our friend, the chigger. despite not being anywhere near grass, kristy and i were eaten by these little buggers all up and down our legs. who knew? it's been a long while since i've had a chigger bite, but MAN do they hurt! the bites looked so red and pronounced that kristy was convinced she had the measles. she should stick to diagnosing the 4-legged variety animals only i think.</p><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p align="center">for being buttholes and generally trying to crap on our good time, both ENTERPRISE CAR RENTALS and CHIGGERS get a THUMBS DOWN!!!<br /></p><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hsUDwOVu78kNM6g1F4lZkul_9AM0lSxPNlZrGafUnwuH73Jqj7TzyOs6gbYioDCmysRfX2sxu57ljyGsYbKFdHNvB8sQs9CR5Z4mfwOlORzN51o9NNHWOIVf4d8innu7IZ1NhEZ6fTo/s1600-h/thumbs_down.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098242397122365202" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hsUDwOVu78kNM6g1F4lZkul_9AM0lSxPNlZrGafUnwuH73Jqj7TzyOs6gbYioDCmysRfX2sxu57ljyGsYbKFdHNvB8sQs9CR5Z4mfwOlORzN51o9NNHWOIVf4d8innu7IZ1NhEZ6fTo/s320/thumbs_down.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAeD-CZSRn5bngBgjTVT-PJeBoP-om-T1rOSlBwJvzsqr0_F4MSvjplW6nUoUVuOFA109Q0Ol1NcNpC7ep5P0WalfAaSUe5Av4hPTLaZSKLN4dfwY7agMb2g-1DvMyXj40Udy9bck0l4/s1600-h/hdr_logo.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098242302633084674" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzAeD-CZSRn5bngBgjTVT-PJeBoP-om-T1rOSlBwJvzsqr0_F4MSvjplW6nUoUVuOFA109Q0Ol1NcNpC7ep5P0WalfAaSUe5Av4hPTLaZSKLN4dfwY7agMb2g-1DvMyXj40Udy9bck0l4/s320/hdr_logo.gif" border="0" /></a><br />on the plus side, we used my Hilton HHonors points for a free stay at the Embassy Suites near the convention center, and it was marvelous! comfortable, nice, clean - what else could you ask for? we missed the complementary "manager's reception" that happens every night (free drinks!), but were no less impressed by it. we also got almost a week free in London a few years ago thanks to the HHonors points.</p><p>as i mentioned to kristy, Mr. Hilton may not know anything about raising respectable daughters, but he sure knows how to put a rewards program together! Mr. Continental Airlines should take a few notes.</p><br /><div></div><div align="center"><br />for being easy, fair, and fun, the Hilton HHonors Rewards program gets a THUMBS UP! </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMT9G6uIN8XatjwR1v41UBZKlle_vbhLzfbfAGbNLUq-fXRczszqCcYarQmKqiWlhTeFJR-7_GiMLAmsXNnGs8XKd1doCax91kiCm_IGFfpFRYreBW-UmotCxxJnwFd1pxdw8d_xEvFHM/s1600-h/All-Thumbs-Up.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098245721427052354" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMT9G6uIN8XatjwR1v41UBZKlle_vbhLzfbfAGbNLUq-fXRczszqCcYarQmKqiWlhTeFJR-7_GiMLAmsXNnGs8XKd1doCax91kiCm_IGFfpFRYreBW-UmotCxxJnwFd1pxdw8d_xEvFHM/s320/All-Thumbs-Up.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><div></div></div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-39175271633047387562007-08-13T10:29:00.001-07:002007-08-13T10:59:56.999-07:00if you like pina coladas...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhMJbsRhL7iqAhkTfVWLQsOHAqf_5NFTO5Xxj_R0VE8hUo7uHSLolW2Sn7Z_Pf1gSm9RyPiF8ET81JHb207wUIFtihgDSub8kFkjuAuIu9IbUgz2nKkMlw2k51hisX1GJCqrg2Rj98jQ/s1600-h/beach_laspalapas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098238669090752226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhMJbsRhL7iqAhkTfVWLQsOHAqf_5NFTO5Xxj_R0VE8hUo7uHSLolW2Sn7Z_Pf1gSm9RyPiF8ET81JHb207wUIFtihgDSub8kFkjuAuIu9IbUgz2nKkMlw2k51hisX1GJCqrg2Rj98jQ/s320/beach_laspalapas.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />this is the beautiful beach in front of Hotel Las Palapas in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. it kicks ass. we spent one of our better vacations there about a month ago. just behind those umbrellas is a beach bar where they'll climb a coconut tree to knock down a coconut for a delicious drink for YOU!<br /><br />oh and did i mention the clear blue water?<br /><br />'nuff said.<br /><br /><br />for being beautiful and relaxing, Hotel Las Palapas gets a THUMBS UP!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8SX2WtTxv9sVHakfeHyNxuaMtQToGFw4jVezz_x5MFNZxZg9haqqK8i1UUAulIrRGKZVvfH30LVTg8D9XTdw24hmNH0jTZ2IfSCS3t5D827YouCvHK08w-aHo5NXKcRfbmRL8OG5Nwg/s1600-h/buck_thumbs_up.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5098238596076308178" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix8SX2WtTxv9sVHakfeHyNxuaMtQToGFw4jVezz_x5MFNZxZg9haqqK8i1UUAulIrRGKZVvfH30LVTg8D9XTdw24hmNH0jTZ2IfSCS3t5D827YouCvHK08w-aHo5NXKcRfbmRL8OG5Nwg/s320/buck_thumbs_up.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-51034006450260794412007-07-16T10:29:00.001-07:002007-07-16T10:33:26.430-07:00at least they're not Andes mints<div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyaGETgqWyg9Hdf2KhlaXGzSkyP6ZuTHQTkCWn0SxcEU94jE0pkwDkNaK2R1YlJaaFMSlWuk5j-mZPGDeKCXW1SI4_W9yZC1T7Cg_7SiogzDh6f6hebpKEg0W3EnlNUU-HH0E1rVilFQ/s1600-h/LooseWrappedSpearmingStarlightMintsWC103047.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087848339047431650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoyaGETgqWyg9Hdf2KhlaXGzSkyP6ZuTHQTkCWn0SxcEU94jE0pkwDkNaK2R1YlJaaFMSlWuk5j-mZPGDeKCXW1SI4_W9yZC1T7Cg_7SiogzDh6f6hebpKEg0W3EnlNUU-HH0E1rVilFQ/s320/LooseWrappedSpearmingStarlightMintsWC103047.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />these look about as good as they taste. blech!<br /><br />what's worse? the green ones with chocolate flavoring in them...DOUBLE BLECH!!<br /></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><br /><br />for not being worth my time, and for being a poor substitute for the classic red starlight mints, GREEN starlight mints get a THUMBS DOWN!!<br /><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fINH-mg034yPrZVuEOXlzVgnxA2Dp8aJpzTn2wZN5JVump0Zq6Xqhz464lM84f_LhhJ-pwO0GgJBRyBXAhyQodSIhLgLNjaYBO35xMPegJ-wEUJrv0SkNN-rxAFJQLV84xOzNuTjErc/s1600-h/ist2_166742_thumbs_down.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087848175838674386" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-fINH-mg034yPrZVuEOXlzVgnxA2Dp8aJpzTn2wZN5JVump0Zq6Xqhz464lM84f_LhhJ-pwO0GgJBRyBXAhyQodSIhLgLNjaYBO35xMPegJ-wEUJrv0SkNN-rxAFJQLV84xOzNuTjErc/s320/ist2_166742_thumbs_down.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-3135055338557101022007-07-16T10:15:00.000-07:002007-07-16T10:28:48.091-07:00for those with teeth and hoo-has<a href="http://htexas.com/photos/features/0306Haldeman.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087845732002282914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAtcERM6sdlyXjAbhhNqONiYG_LO7fYcL7Eg95ALXb6nX81qfky1SajDI8O926tO7hkZwEFWrGSpkNHPyIxfdhd56P1pR6OowS1rW0GUcYxpsdRSWVqSRl_u7tuNPwf8kRuhzhVbyITc/s320/0306Haldeman.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Dr. Sandra Haldeman is the most patient and interesting doctor i've ever had. she only does gynecology, but has many many contacts in obstetrics.<br /><br />her story is interesting...after a career as a RN and midwife, at 50 years old she decided to become a doctor. in addition to medical school, she first had to take her prerequisites! she is a testament to following your dreams and doing what you love, no matter the age.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWFgxW2WOoOXZCDiz6jAGRJsQNhf7aCTnhrcgxJUpmTI5eB4djyEK27yYMqIeeZQTO7vU0ADY84EU1EsNMZJriI9bYfrP6OY14TffJ6_C03XenOnxstn4xKz2EXf8QsnV5FOHvHqTTaw/s1600-h/ndentist1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087847119276719554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzWFgxW2WOoOXZCDiz6jAGRJsQNhf7aCTnhrcgxJUpmTI5eB4djyEK27yYMqIeeZQTO7vU0ADY84EU1EsNMZJriI9bYfrP6OY14TffJ6_C03XenOnxstn4xKz2EXf8QsnV5FOHvHqTTaw/s320/ndentist1.jpg" border="0" /></a>(no picture) Dr. Sue Ellen Richardson is just a damn good dentist. and i have been to pretty much all of them in Houston, and they all suck.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">for being kickass doctors, Dr. Haldeman and Dr. Richardson both get a THUMBS UP!!!<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQg0H0IA0cxjbSnTLPz6LyeoXKwx7oRmg-EtzUU6fgbLBQr1VAWiB_Gd8kwGYg6ZwIW_kj5f8Sx2YyPrnAHSrWThTTwff4UP2UmEUSlKw2vfz89uAXG1jSRdVPIMcDPPq4V_6EYDRj_I/s1600-h/030405_thumbs_up.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087845418469670290" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQg0H0IA0cxjbSnTLPz6LyeoXKwx7oRmg-EtzUU6fgbLBQr1VAWiB_Gd8kwGYg6ZwIW_kj5f8Sx2YyPrnAHSrWThTTwff4UP2UmEUSlKw2vfz89uAXG1jSRdVPIMcDPPq4V_6EYDRj_I/s320/030405_thumbs_up.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-4994585133275377432007-07-13T07:43:00.000-07:002007-07-13T07:49:27.010-07:00the shins will change your life<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Wesaba1ko_TdeLiyG-fVYPcqgG4_LRtdD82nV4esCr4o4Nm_vuQhJGvqfPd3r1m84TCLjEz7TT1_YzenuKso_5XrBVHX1rz44vpVtDgEL81k_f8zU9vmeebydTcmg0ExVvDtkqo0uCA/s1600-h/shins.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086692730851802498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Wesaba1ko_TdeLiyG-fVYPcqgG4_LRtdD82nV4esCr4o4Nm_vuQhJGvqfPd3r1m84TCLjEz7TT1_YzenuKso_5XrBVHX1rz44vpVtDgEL81k_f8zU9vmeebydTcmg0ExVvDtkqo0uCA/s320/shins.jpg" border="0" /></a> at least that's what zach braff thinks.<br /><br /><br />i think so too maybe.<br /><br /><br /><br />i've been listening to their latest album "wincing the night away" and i just can't believe how good it is. it's solid gold.<br /><br />overall, these guys rock...i mean look at that picture? how can you not love them???<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">for (a) being a great live band, (b) being cute, awkward guys, and (c) producing innovative, beautiful music, the Shins get a THUMBS UP!!<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy38ojHU6xnCBwmIhB6c80mHTcvsHcAxjq85iUPCZKef_kJDkuIviAu0MfNF3WDSblB0FNjInSSQxDAAgQIWApz_ETEQTC72asyXMJD3gFeFdrresrCnBD5RvdReAdipIt2uhA-BFjHhk/s1600-h/untitled.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5086692614887685490" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy38ojHU6xnCBwmIhB6c80mHTcvsHcAxjq85iUPCZKef_kJDkuIviAu0MfNF3WDSblB0FNjInSSQxDAAgQIWApz_ETEQTC72asyXMJD3gFeFdrresrCnBD5RvdReAdipIt2uhA-BFjHhk/s320/untitled.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-16408520200677599392007-07-11T10:43:00.000-07:002007-07-11T10:54:32.899-07:00mmmm....iced coffeeeee...<a href="http://www.houseofcoffeebeans.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085998188542604210" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQglbWMLCj38wCdef0AaA7hg2cLRPi2V8JKFI5QY91Mrp2axo_4tXwMhd7FIgQROemzA_OEVue2gMwFW_zgQg6J9ayOG2IkO3MsjkSdhNyNo6cXwwff7oxmr5e3wwg1EGIRD5Iq_pIPXE/s320/store_front1_BW.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />kristy donated a crapload of money to kuhf/npr this past year, so the bonus for ME since i'm actually in houston during the week is that i get the free pound of coffee she gets every month as a thank you gift.<br /><br /><br />i have to go pick it up at House of Coffee Beans on Bissonnet, and every time they are so friendly and they offer everyone a free taste of coffee - either a hot selection or an iced selection. holy crap. their iced coffee rocks...it's milky, sweet, coffee-licious goodness.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">for being nice, serving coffee (which in and of itself rocks), and for free nips of delicious iced coffee, House of Coffee Beans gets a gubernatorial THUMBS UP!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoepE8CSYS6MBXzkEu3quk64BTYqllyMAIDQax8ja2fi1QCmEDIIBvbnSwR8aHtymULgohrDM0gW_lbVByZuNbO9VIhQYhI4hcFP5rDR0R11mCF5FqjDCTh1WX4rRiFX5519cDRTDIOW0/s1600-h/untitled.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085998106938225570" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoepE8CSYS6MBXzkEu3quk64BTYqllyMAIDQax8ja2fi1QCmEDIIBvbnSwR8aHtymULgohrDM0gW_lbVByZuNbO9VIhQYhI4hcFP5rDR0R11mCF5FqjDCTh1WX4rRiFX5519cDRTDIOW0/s320/untitled.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-32411805553918445692007-07-09T09:04:00.001-07:002007-07-09T09:16:25.111-07:00<a href="http://abc.go.com/primetime/lost/index"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085228839640806290" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEcjTuWDQYssCIeOE8ExmZoW987TAHl-PX5tQ8E2k0hUBLbk4PYHzw4GydWqJQgi1ieXqKTNY2tCI6zDxc084Q6Xu6iFPrlXBW2Cxlytgqey3u2pHewLO-9GaWkr9urpl3an1Ihpycqsg/s320/Lost-season2%2520mynd3.jpg" border="0" /></a>whether it be oohing and aahing over Jin & Sun, rolling my eyes at stupid-ass Jack's temper tantrums, or gritting my teeth at Michael's whining about Walt, i cannot get enough of this show.<br /><br />this is solid tv. it's totally wacky and tests your patience...and man do they ever love to kill off main characters. but that's why i love it. it's totally creative and the plot twists are endless.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p align="center">for being so shocking that i contine to jump up and scream "holy crap!", and for being totally addictive, LOST gets a THUMBS UP!</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY0oPPQFAoP4BXbpgNOuKHVdfIRAVyAdQcdHUNzyxBjRzsErkEIA8nCOkzxm2xWVp8krPwYFE4HwstA5_NyCsN8RhFQMEQSUQOqQ19xe7q7gGGMq0oMoR7QVZ8ZQecJbONar1_LIahO4/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085228740856558466" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY0oPPQFAoP4BXbpgNOuKHVdfIRAVyAdQcdHUNzyxBjRzsErkEIA8nCOkzxm2xWVp8krPwYFE4HwstA5_NyCsN8RhFQMEQSUQOqQ19xe7q7gGGMq0oMoR7QVZ8ZQecJbONar1_LIahO4/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a> </div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-60440916929461105002007-07-09T08:51:00.000-07:002007-07-09T08:59:04.447-07:00<a href="http://www.b4-u-eat.com/houston/restaurants/reviews/rsv0386.asp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085225880408339314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6fMrSAIrPw5hSnHUWBv0XbT2fDfKLF50uu42ju7Coxrz55SExewe2EhOv8iRD_hT2W3TaH74yugWKz-PvVR7chLQBXAfwRfOX74oJBPV-0N3KDvnkYmy1W-MgBji-7lNdL9GKluWOVmQ/s320/spf.jpg" border="0" /></a>so kristy, tina, mark, and i went to Spanish Flowers on Main a few weekends ago. this place is typically decent but not great. the things it has going for it are (1) fresh tortillas, (2) really good salsa, and (3) it's like 5 blocks from our house. everything else is "ok" and sometimes the service kinda sucks.<br /><br /><br />that will be my last trip to this establishment. why, you ask? because what i can only think was the chili con carne made me sicker than a shithouse donkey. i mean coming out both ends SICK!<br /><br /><br />thank god for mama ninfa's.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">for making me pray to the porcelain god for 13 hours, and for making me hate mexican food for a few days (which i swore i could never do), Spanish Flowers gets a THUMBS DOWN!!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NafFLErXl53H9GND-BSrHicSdr5nN3CxkkwvLkq8KQ4DVrKrdAKibwInSoVm8FhYzv4CL_sPj8bL0I26GLh7q1UqtLPqqZ-kRX15q5UWXIRG-Lnx5aXtrQbeuVuZOrV7fYw9wlr9n7A/s1600-h/thumbsdown.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5085225317767623490" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2NafFLErXl53H9GND-BSrHicSdr5nN3CxkkwvLkq8KQ4DVrKrdAKibwInSoVm8FhYzv4CL_sPj8bL0I26GLh7q1UqtLPqqZ-kRX15q5UWXIRG-Lnx5aXtrQbeuVuZOrV7fYw9wlr9n7A/s320/thumbsdown.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-26540098339285883752007-07-06T06:26:00.000-07:002007-07-06T06:35:36.366-07:00HORCHATA - AY YAY YAY YAY!!<a href="http://www.kerns.com/products_horchata.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084075232899937074" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFu19_hnzIYyKIzZUUDpsXZL1Qfc1JrMVHYpaMxKXYuA5cmb8sFrOPk-h8YA10IsVH-eLSC7tDu7wX3A3KlNN0ld1yW2fhgD3JzBvFl5BAbhLZjTZALbxmjxC3brL4iiZOyRBIYmzQknM/s320/horchata_pack.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />robert, carmen, and tina all LOVE horchata. for those that don't know, this is a typical drink from Mexico that tastes like sweet, cinnamony, ricey milk. it's pretty darn good, but typically only enjoyed at mexican restaurants. robert said he's tried virtually every horchata on the market, most of which are mixes or powders, and they're all sick.<br /><br />that is, until he found Kern's. i can only find this stuff at Target (which blows my mind), but i've been drinking it every night as a sweet dessert. i love it over ice. unfortunately, it doesn't do much for those lactose intolerant (or those of us who are lactose somewhat-tolerant, like me - just ask corine!)<br /><br />i love how the writing on the carton is all "there's a fiesta! it's called HORCHATA!" so every time i drink it, i have to go "HORCHATA - AY YAY YAY YAY!!!" in my most crazy Sabado Gigante voice ever.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">for being crazy fun like that, and for being a sweet treat ANY time of day, Kern's Horchata gets a THUMBS UP!<br /></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZWYkwgQs0ylW732gXshtRgvAVUiFaszX1ocQBeCQSnhXOc_QzOP_VH-uSv54wU5pcQps99gg7dC1ygsugPWINqPWYaLH65dw3cQr2TiTaa4veEAbgM8OVoklAIYDOI9FCku3GHpYiQc/s1600-h/images2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084075159885493026" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZWYkwgQs0ylW732gXshtRgvAVUiFaszX1ocQBeCQSnhXOc_QzOP_VH-uSv54wU5pcQps99gg7dC1ygsugPWINqPWYaLH65dw3cQr2TiTaa4veEAbgM8OVoklAIYDOI9FCku3GHpYiQc/s320/images2.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-8439713175798904322007-07-06T06:15:00.000-07:002007-07-06T06:25:57.322-07:00too bad they don't make "snack size"<a href="http://www.julioschips.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084074356726608658" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyyYUb-oPHWNPkKVwxg7eUB0BQo1-BS0od0N9KLINXxQ0FQdnPypHR58QB5vNbVxZeeOh54vR0MwIH5QYGSJcw2nBUuUiKpbLhLC7PkaBvz393FEdE5UHnqa1fXqBZRO7eiy87N3Kdw4/s320/chips.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://www.julioschips.com/"></a></p><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">so one day we were at john and allison's house and before going out to dinner they decided that we should have drinks and snacks. they made fresh guacamole (delicious!) and busted out some of these Julio's Tortilla Chips. if you read about them, you can see that they have a light dusting of flavors on them. sorta tastes like salsa and lime, but it's not overpowering at all! plus these chips are light, so they don't weigh you down!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left">here's the rub...i can't find them anywhere in Houston! so for now, i have to keep bugging Kristy to go to the HEB in college station (BCS for those in the know) to get them.</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="center">for being delicious all on their own (as well as with fresh guacamole), Julio's Tortilla Chips (made in Texas bizatch!) get a THUMBS UP!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzldm8peZaDxWj25tNmKCA2x_ArmaC8Zqn0TjJmc5yqZCWuqBHrUhfljo1RDVpY10oHgKeteY_c4QZrA9cXGfOQAKdCc8QdZtmEf_9kB3H6f_iQPTV-HorA8HMlumrH6Ot06bf558HiY/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084072097573810930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzldm8peZaDxWj25tNmKCA2x_ArmaC8Zqn0TjJmc5yqZCWuqBHrUhfljo1RDVpY10oHgKeteY_c4QZrA9cXGfOQAKdCc8QdZtmEf_9kB3H6f_iQPTV-HorA8HMlumrH6Ot06bf558HiY/s320/images.jpg" border="0" /></a>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-51725180634296001252007-07-06T06:04:00.000-07:002007-07-06T06:15:44.406-07:00it's BETTER, but maybe not BEST<a href="http://www.pilotpen.us/products/ballpoint/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084069847010947794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AO_4q8BD40BeadcUkDlvYVzmlkx_b94I_BRt7ywG7XvGotuSfO-48HTddjuzPHmbHOSrRAvYjEBf-c375xMEkIpn_YYb6k10h8tq4T2IRYgopb217LhFN5PzwJtvUiq_UcIam_hnTdk/s320/BetterRetractBlackBP.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />this one's for kristy and mama. they are freakishly in love with this pen. kristy for sure favors a black ink pen.<br /><br />it's gotten to the point that whenever they see them in the store (which is seldom), they buy out the store.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div align="center">so for my mom and kristy (and i like them too), Pilot's BETTER Retractable ball point pens (fine point) get a THUMBS UP!<br /></div><p align="center"></p><p align="center"></p><p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCL_VyMknBdIiZAAb40ijwj9C-OQxhgeq8BwTuYd2lxguO-cBtj_VuSmysIGybvJkP4CX4Tgj8CxBf6tGOxFSus5yxSY0pZwL5BuFb-1Ll-_FEZV-2XU30ga7UV-ENJjt87hnC_WhsbA/s1600-h/4%20Thumbs%20Up.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5084069975859966690" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCL_VyMknBdIiZAAb40ijwj9C-OQxhgeq8BwTuYd2lxguO-cBtj_VuSmysIGybvJkP4CX4Tgj8CxBf6tGOxFSus5yxSY0pZwL5BuFb-1Ll-_FEZV-2XU30ga7UV-ENJjt87hnC_WhsbA/s320/4%2520Thumbs%2520Up.jpg" border="0" /></a></p>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-73928680345009649882007-07-05T10:50:00.000-07:002007-07-05T11:43:40.311-07:00it's no Mai's!<a href="http://www.dragonbowlbistro.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083785133628895938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0WVeji7RdyNvTIsFwCdkTnPQqFPr_PXAV679MVI0s-1aGNMarJjhE9CFzlL_ub0B2reZ3-_nuua3pXnZrcX3BdHUdc5MR4m1ti85IcZwkPLEXFvOiibY0zwoaPgB8NFsxcOqoNicA4c/s320/logo.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>if you like watery noodles that taste only like beef broth, then you'll love Dragon Bowl Asian Bistro on 11th street at Shepherd.</div><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">por moi, however, Dragon Bowl gets a THUMBS DOWN!!<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqdmyuk000fOVF-CiGgrW6_g6I6-upEJGVpbkSLHLe5rlj_0dSo3-VTRZPzQ_1mih76CwW0sqQ05riTETpjVeRhi2cwkmZmifYLf8X5O6duY3ycNiLvgP3-b01z7oyDthi1AN6WuUk6k/s1600-h/simon.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083772510720012946" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqdmyuk000fOVF-CiGgrW6_g6I6-upEJGVpbkSLHLe5rlj_0dSo3-VTRZPzQ_1mih76CwW0sqQ05riTETpjVeRhi2cwkmZmifYLf8X5O6duY3ycNiLvgP3-b01z7oyDthi1AN6WuUk6k/s320/simon.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><div></div><div> </div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-32859203283236155812007-07-05T08:47:00.000-07:002007-07-05T11:41:46.352-07:00giant poodles are scary<a href="http://www.abcpetresort.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083740843926139490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEV5pd6V0uXHZ4Z_l-47FDLBpT30Frxre8zgQs39oYeH7Y3ObiHPbJ78MzM7Xu4VnZkU-uk4t8iVn6326Vwm5KcqUrdnFlpiVDq1lD1pWiSjw-f2tFhX3g0-Dh5mYNjieiRFKvsIKtvis/s320/TOTAL.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />i recently had to board Elsie Marie Pants and found a place up in Spring (about 15 minutes from IAH) that's pretty decent. plus, it's not totally booked like every other place! they have the outrageous options of doggie b-day celebrations and "VIP suites". of course, Ms. Pants gets a VIP suite anytime she stays!<br /><br /><p></p><p align="center">for their courtesy, fun options, and crazy 10-foot poodle out front, ABC Pet Resort gets a THUMBS UP!</p><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQnQO1BzfK80vMpf_gK_hnFiFqgd0iLe81ISXQ9B_k1QyAzgqZghQbVkeMxVNnNz_x_45_vyOmyY0LwsAGA1TMdeyUcETd_dZhHi3zc9rq80IjGud5xkMyg2Zx382_aGBVzo6SbMRKLE/s1600-h/thumbsup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083740749436858962" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQnQO1BzfK80vMpf_gK_hnFiFqgd0iLe81ISXQ9B_k1QyAzgqZghQbVkeMxVNnNz_x_45_vyOmyY0LwsAGA1TMdeyUcETd_dZhHi3zc9rq80IjGud5xkMyg2Zx382_aGBVzo6SbMRKLE/s320/thumbsup.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-87776978907298447502007-07-05T08:44:00.000-07:002007-07-05T11:41:16.386-07:00mama ninfa lives<a href="http://www.mamaninfas.com/default.asp?id=1"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083739379342291506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_FRMkRk9nKId5qyUWOchg72zL1U2s0GD5VNJz83WCdFhIoZ_uQJp03Q3oyzocJD6p306lFHAUABVIJWTpHUVfPkXpvjM85leP49TEL6v4I_r0iPSwiRst5DUhqAsgYSlkJvGtudHkKRM/s320/logo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />we went to eat at Ninfa's on Navigation last night and although the Ninfa's everywhere else in this world totally blow, the one on Navigation rocks! strong margaritas, unbelievable food. one waitress we had was a beeyotch, but mostly we've had good service. go early cuz it gets crowded!<br /><br /><div align="center">the original Mama Ninfa's on Navigation gets a THUMBS UP!<br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs18J5eijRh5L7eEki_DvsAmpVFa67vpRjIwUpHOrw9g8uUAIofFTtypqN_yRVA-mrTBtdz0xwGCZwDI3trG-meBIByWe5N5iNcckHrrj0zXlZD0IppzR8DXYl8PjNRwo_1jAWI1rS4Oo/s1600-h/thumbs_up.jpg"></a><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083739452356735554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVify0d3w_MGvoaOfXeE2UCbtlPSAfHRTnsWpefxKo-t2yQOtclpqZJ7YszPfP3kTWAvovh0ByPzG9ItZUHpRwNA83llvDLfCc_11Al2Z49cuk79mHuL2vB68vFl-iMTFi_GbF6Y6HHQ/s320/thumbs_up.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-87691580182687702212007-07-05T08:27:00.000-07:002007-07-05T11:40:13.118-07:00ipod fufor fixing my ipod, i used this site to buy the parts:<br /><a href="http://www.ipodparts.com/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083783918153151138" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh05uiY8SWdIu2oQd0mgX7frJrvo5KuijouP4e35SaOc1R4zw-ONAobdtRGK87W0ZLRVrCXMSJXveFCQjFpee-MIRgBCYG_8okv7XFpwyTzJlii9z2PUJKCaadxC83yJ6WwNyQrRvFde0/s320/ipodparts.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />the parts guys were very helpful when i almost couldn't get something working.<br /><br /><br />I used this site to learn how to fix the pod:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083783978282693298" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouZQnB4_pkXCKdoArwoYOhyk-dBVpczaz-PNryg0Nz3ziw3Z8BBplMWaSZCylNFdUZXIU85Zt2EbCphlaTFnWHZDCturNGI49WOdZTOwe2zu7qRMsg_Yn_X-PHPQ_XPulBxKqkXQAnOU/s320/ifixit.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><br />their GUIDES are awesome.<br /><br /><br /><div align="center">these 2 sites get a THUMBS UP!</div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZB4GDT1y7dIdb03x2uE2tFeRHyyCcXMDlDCNf4S5RoinvIbSxNrVq25g1T81vWqdEFJka9i_KWuzt565GAW9ki8wBqwO0YkQAU78zvgcoCBhz3V1-Yh0ZDn03uzqskll00zx92awmZk/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083737678535242258" style="CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZB4GDT1y7dIdb03x2uE2tFeRHyyCcXMDlDCNf4S5RoinvIbSxNrVq25g1T81vWqdEFJka9i_KWuzt565GAW9ki8wBqwO0YkQAU78zvgcoCBhz3V1-Yh0ZDn03uzqskll00zx92awmZk/s320/images.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div>xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3828467324260302155.post-72722986325973993482007-07-05T07:31:00.001-07:002007-07-05T10:48:50.223-07:00new site (sorta)so i've been having trouble accessing my website from work, where i seem to do all my updating. now i've decided to try using this blog as a way to more frequently update. i will still host stuff on my old site, but the main updating will be here (until this doesn't work anymore!).<br /><br /><br />i also think i might like to take a "here's what christa hates and loves" type of angle to this blog...we shall see.xtahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16779533836954117566noreply@blogger.com0