Not too much to talk about today, except 8 DAYS TIL VEGAS...can't get here soon enough.

Dear 36-38 Kenneth Cole Reversible Belt,

I hate to do this this way, but I just can't pretend any longer.

We've been together for a long time. You always supported me when I needed you the most. You've been there for me when I was wearing black shoes, and you were there when I wore brown shoes. No matter how much pressure I put on you, you've always strong. You've even been there when I forgot a less dressy belt for a change of clothes the next day, after a wedding maybe, and when that happened you didn't mind hiding under a baggy t-shirt. We've had some good times, you and I. When we first met, I really enjoyed how you looked and fit. It felt good knowing that I had some wiggle room, not needing that last notch.

But now I've lost some weight, I'm feeling pretty good about myself, and don't get me wrong, I still wish we could be together, but you and I...we just... we're not a good fit anymore.

I didn't want to have to do this, but I wanted you to hear it from me...there is another belt. I met it last week at Macy's. It's a 32-34 and it fits really good, looks nice too, and I think we will be really happy. I hope that you don't take this the wrong way. I'm sure that you will make someone at the Goodwill very happy someday.

If only I wasn't lazy, and had the tools to make another notch so that we could continue on...but that would just be delaying the inevitable.

Take care my friend...and good luck, I will miss you.

It's Monday!

I had a nice weekend with the kids....actually I watched them pretty much exclusively since last Thursday night. Taylor really enjoyed the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. "Ohhhh, that's sooooo beautiful" was heard a few times as was "I love the Olympics...there is swimming, and gymanstics and....swimming", and "China!".

On Saturday I took J.T. to Gymboree again. He really enjoys it, too bad it's $70/mo. We don't have time to take him every week, but if they offered a per-per-class option we would totally go for it.


Mowed the lawn and even managed to work in enjoy a few beers by the pool on Sunday (Thanks Dean & Denise).

This week should be pretty busy. I have two softball games slated for the week (which will both likely be followed by happy hours), my buddy who is currently living in North Carolina is in town (will also require a happy hour), I have a business lunch on Wednesday and will be watching the kids on Friday.

AND the count down to vegas begins...10 days and counting!

Katsuya = F'n good.

We had an amazing dinner at Katsuya last night. First of all the decor was amazing. Very stark, very linear and open. The bar had 20 clear lighted acrylic columns about 12" square with chef knives etched inside the tops, perfectly spaced throughout the bar.


The music was at a good level to enjoy but still have a nice conversation. Ironically, we sat exactly where the picture in my previous post was taken which had a great view of the entrance of the restaurant so we could make fun of look at everyone that came in.

Another interesting aspect of the evening was the fact that there were Paparazzi milling about outside the entire time we were there, didn't see any fabulous people other than ourselves though.

Here is what we ordered:

Halibut wrapped in Crab and Avocado
Spicy Yellow tail Roll
Salmon Sushi (my first time and I liked it)
"Crack" Roll (Baked crab hand roll in rice paper)
Baked Miso Marinated Black Cod in Hoba Leaf (holy crap this was good!)

I believe the dish below is the Spicy Grilled Prawns, which we did not have but it gives you an idea of the presentation of the rest of the dishes.


I also found a new favorite drink called the Burning Mandarin. It's made with Madarin Absolut, a hand crushed Serrano Chili and hand squeezed lemon and orange juice with a splash of cranberry. Sweet with a spicy bite with no hint of alcohol. Could have easily consumed a pitcher.

All this (and a couple few drinks) and the bill was under $150

So, next time you are in Hollywood (or Brentwood or Glendale) stop in to Katsuya.

Danger.

There are things in this world that are dangerous. Traversing the 405 on foot, poking a cougar with a short stick and listening to Coldplay are all dangerous activities, goes without saying really. But what about the dangers you don't know about? Here is a list of some I was unaware of until today:

Huashan Trail in China
Stealing from Batman
Chinese Snackbars
Messing with Circuit City

That's all for today...Japanese fusion awaits, Katsuya here I come!

I know I know, I'm being lazy and not updating this. And if I expect people to actually read this I need to provide you all with some content. These things I know, but I'm still lazy.

Anyway, had a nice couple days with the kids on Friday and Saturday. They are both getting so big and are just way too smart. Taylor's newest phrase is "In fact..." e.g. "Daddy, I think I need a snack. In fact....I'm going to eat these Dora snacks right here!" She's not even 3 yet...

Saturday night I went out to dinner with some friends at the ever popular Le Chene. If you've never been and you live in the area you should go. French Cuisine with a nice atmosphere. It is kind of out there, located on Sierra Highway about 5 minutes from Agua Dulce. It was a little weird being the "7th wheel" but the food was excellent, the conversation was nice and the company, as always, did not disappoint. After that we closed down All Corked Up, my favorite local wine bar (and there are at least three that I know of) and then it was off to "sleepy".

Sunday was spent helping my Dad move furniture and install base boards for their new carpet installation. After that it was home to see the kiddies and then off to the gym. The night was capped off with a 2-pack in the spa to relax my achin' bones.

As for my plans this week, I'm excited for dinner plans on Wednesday night with the wife. We will be going to Katsuya in Hollywood. Supposed to be a pretty cool place and the menu looks great.



I'll be sure to let you know how it is...