Get Crafty

A couple years ago I was on a hunt for some Japanese craft books I saw online. After some exhausting web searching I tracked my coveted books to a Japanese bookstore in Portland. Lucky for me, I still have family in Oregon. Even more lucky for me, my Mom shares my eccentricity. She seemed excited to hunt down these books for me and didn’t seem to find it odd that she would have to search for them with a picture, since the books are written in Japanese. I had my craft books in a couple of weeks. (Thanks Mom!) Unfortunately, I didnt get around to using them for a couple years. (Sorry Mom!)

Tonight I dug my books out and made my first softie. He was inspired by a monkey, but I thought he ended up looking more like my favorite video game character, Katamari Damacy (with a tail, of course.) Check out the whole project here.

Day Trippin’

Although Julian and I are finding more and more to do in town, we still find ourselves in Denver at least every two weeks. (More often when the kids are gone.) Today was my first chance to see the Denver Art Museum since they added a new wing and despite my past reservations about the architectural design, I was very impressed with the final product. I was even more excited to discover cameras are allowed inside. One of my favorite pics has become my new blog header (see above) , and you can see more here.

Our day’s theme must have been “get around to doing those things you’ve been meaning to do,” because after seeing signs for Bayou Bob’s cajun restaurant several years ago, we finally stopped in. Julian was having a hard time containing himself when he saw a combo plate that let him order all his favorites: Jambalaya, Etouffee, Gumbo and Red Beans & Rice. I tried a Fried Oyster Po’Boy and I was sold.

On the Turntable

Here’s the deal: Fire up your favorite music player, set to shuffle and list the first 10 songs in your library. No buttering up the list by skipping your more embarassing items. Here’s mine:

1. “Surgery” – Jack off Jill

2.  ”Big Apple Stomp” – The Piney Girl

3. “The Emporer’s Soundtrack” – Lupe Fiasco

4. “Tear Stained Letter” – Johnny Cash

5. “Champion” – Songs: Ohia

6. “The Wonderful Star’s Walk is Wonderful” – Katamari Damacy Soundtrack

7. “We Are What You Say” – Sufjan Stevens

8. “From my own True Love” – Decemberists

9. “Keep on the Sunny Side” – O Brother, Where Art Thou Soundtrack

10. “Somebody to Love” – Queen

Phew, That could have gone a lot worse!

My recommendation of the day: “Moses” by 20 Minute Loop

A Perfect Latte Exists in the Springs – I Swear!

Most people know I can come across as rather snobbish about my Pacific Northwest upbringing. (Take one trip in that area and you’ll know why.) I would argue that the snobishness is masking my deep desire for good and local coffee. When I first moved to the Springs I never stepped a foot in a Starbucks (yes, I know they’re from the west coast too) because I expected to find local coffee shops within walking distance. I was in for quite a dose of culture shock when I began to realize nothing is really in walking distance, but definitely not a coffee shop. Over time I learned the Starbucks lingo and forgot the way I shivered when hearing someone say “Frappucinno.”

Tonight I visited my long time favorite Pizza restaurant, Poor Richard’s. Recently revamped, Poor Richard’s has added sister restaurant, Rico’s, that serves up acoustic music, chocolate, tapas and coffee. The entire Poor Richard’s menu can be ordered at Rico’s, but I passed on my usual ricotta and olive pizza and opted for stuffed figs with roasted red peppers and a cheese sampler. My coffee order was a last minute thought, but ended up being the most memorable. The espresso was smooth and the milk was steamed to marshmallowy goodness. Unfortunately Rico’s isn’t convenient for a morning stop, but you will most certainly find me altering my route on occasion.  

Packing up and starting fresh

Ta-da and welcome! I’ve decided to move over to a real blog where all you many-many readers can comment on my fascinating entries.

Woot-Woot!

After two weeks of waiting, Julian’s remote control helicopter has finally arrived from Woot. Every day woot offers one item at a discounted cost and sells it until there are no more. Another item won’t be available for purchase until the next day. Whether Woot has a stuffed monkey or big-screen, plasma TV for sale, shipping is always $5 (which explains the two week wait for your goods.) I’ve been trying to snag a Bag O’ Crap from Woot for many months now with no luck. (Due to its mysterious cult like following, the site’s servers usually crash within minutes of offering the crap for sale…next thing you know they’re sold out!) Today I got home before Julian and am telling myself not to open his package, but the anticipation is killing me…

21st Century Time Capsule

Today Lifehacker listed several sites where you can schedule emails to be sent to yourself (or friends, family) at a future date – as far as 30 years in advance. Of course, you’ll want to use an email service that you can trust to stay in business for awhile, like gmail. After I send messages to my loved ones, I think I’ll spend the rest of my evening emailing all those Myspace surveys and quizzes back to their owners, because in 30 years I think you and all your friends will need to know your favorite month, when you had your last cigarette and like, what you’ve done with your top 4. (If you don’t know, you don’t want to – and NOT because its interesting!)

Happy Firework Day!

Julian’s Dad had us (and about 100 other people) over for partying and fireworks on the 4th. His house is built on the side of a rock in Manitou Springs. The 1/3 mile trek up to the house steps are well worth the spectacular view. Plus, he’s quite a party-thrower. Karaoke, live music and the best green chile stew in Colorado make for quite a night.

Welcome to Springfield, Part II (Literally)

A select few 7-11 stores across the country were given face lifts this week, in celebration of the new Simpson’s movie. Denver is now home to a Kwik-E-Mart where you can stock up on Buzz Cola, Krusty-O’s and Squishees! Of course this meant a family trip to Denver was an absolute emergency. Today we crowded into the Kwik-E-Mart to stock up on snacks and take pictures with Apu and friends. (I know; why am I not taking up a career in marketing?)

Welcome to Springfield

The Simpson’s Movie opens later this month and my whole family is really excited. At their website you can play games, tour Springfield and turn yourself into a Simpson’s character. I made myself and took the liberty of making Julian as well (shh!) Stay tuned for more Simpson’s surprises!

Update: Taco-Truck Exceeds Expectations

I have actually visited the taco truck I wrote about in a previous post several times now. For $4 you can be filled up on 2 loaded tacos, with your choice of meat (my favorite being the Carnitas tacos.) You are viewing a pre-chow-down pic of Carnitas and Pollo tacos with a roasted jalapeno. Bam!

Champagne Dreams

On Friday me and some friends from work went out for a bachelorette party. Our second stop of the night led us to The V Bar in downtown Colorado Springs. Since I was chaueffering that night I only got to try one drink, but my one was worth a whole bucket of well drinks. The Pink Socrates (made with x-rated liqueur, champagne and strawberries) tastes even better than it looks. I see another trip downtown in the near future.