Sundance 2011 #2

If you thought the first 2 days were great, the next 2 got better and better!

After a crazy busy Friday and Saturday, Sunday and Monday had some relaxation time built in.

Sunday, after some exercise to work off the cocktails from the night prior, we hit Main Street for a little shopping. Jewelry was the focus on this trip. After that, we had 2 more movies-

Red State- the big Kevin Smith drama about the church against gays- think serious drama that resulted in protesters from that crazy church in Topeka, Kansas. The news coverage has been fun to read- and to be part of it was legendary! Be sure to check it out.

Cedar Rapids- A crazy funny comedy with Ed Helms, Anne Heche, John C Reilly and others. Never thought a flick about insurance sales could be so funny!

Monday, we were down to just 2 of us with Jen's departure on Sunday. We had another day of relaxation prior to our final 2 movies (boo hoo)-

The Details- Comedy turned drama turned love story with a great ensemble cast including Tobey Macguire, Elizabeth Banks, Ray Liotta, Kerry Washington, and Laura Linney. Wow. Strange plot, but fun to watch. Here think raccoons and worms. Seriously.

Perfect Sense- This one was a thinker- what happens when you start to lose your senses? First scent, then taste, next hearing, and ending with sight. You go crazy? The film with Ewan McGregor would say so. Weird...

That brought us to a half Tuesday to gather everything, eat a last "Sundance meal" and head to the airport. Last year I cried being sad it ended; this year I was simply so happy with a wonderful Sundance 2011 experience to reminisce about.

Boy, am I lucky to have the opportunity to enjoy this every year. What an experience! Sundance is incredible. I simply love it. The majority of Sundance 2011 is over. * Sigh * Pics will be posted. Hold your horses friends. They WILL come.

Sundance 2011 #1

Well, the good news is we are having a fantastic time at Sundance 2011 (10th Anniversary for me!); bad news is my laptop/Internet are really, really slow posting pics, so the photos will have to wait and it's just commentary for now.

Here is a recap of the first 2.5 days...

Thursday-
After Amy and Jen arrived and we secured our Movie Tix and Sundance Swag, we settled in for some pre-dinner wine at Casa Darien. Next up, dinner at the wonderful Purple Sage on Main Street- this place is a staple for me. So yummy. The over indulgence of the night included, but not limited to, blue cheese fondue, martinis, wedge salads, pork tenderloin, salmon, butterscotch pudding... That about tops off that night. Bellies were very full and satisfied.

Friday
The movie day of all movie days! 4, yes I said 4, films in 1 day. There were:
"Rebirth"- Documentary about survivors from 9/11
"Martha Marcy May Marlene"- A young woman's life after escaping from a cult
"The Ledge"- A jumper being talked off the ledge by an unhappy police officer
"Win Win"- A struggling attorney becoming a guardian for an old man with a grandson who becomes part of their family

We saw actors such as Hugh Dancy, Liv Tyler, Terence Howard, Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, etc. Some great films to kick off Sundance 2011.

Saturday
Spa and concert day!!
Started with massages and pedicures at the spa (all of us did the deep tissue thing and we sure looked it afterward.... rough, but loose!)
Next up was the movie "Terri" with John C Reilly- won't say to much more about that- not one of the best we have seen here. Moving on.
Bring on the evening!!!- Cocktails, sushi, and private "Third Eye Blind" concert
I decided to splurge and get a little private VIP area for the girls so we could actually sit and enjoy the music (ok, it was really for some better people watching opportunities!)
Yep, that wrapped up a super, super Saturday

A few great days that brought tons of excitement and fun! Park City is bustling with Sundance energy as always! Next, up a relaxing Sunday with more films and pics WILL come later.
Actors ready.. and.. scene.

How Is the New Year?

It's been 2 weeks. Have YOU kept up your resolutions? Not me.. as I mentioned prior- I don't do them. BUT the New Year has been going pretty darn well so far.

* Work is great and busy
* Keeping up on the exercise
* Enjoying some delicious sushi in different states
* Have gotten 2 massages already
* Traveled to 4 different states

Not a bad start. I have been so crazy- taking today in California to get caught up at home... ya know those fun days.. sleep in, haircut, pay the bills, DVR TV shows missed, cleaning, reading tons of snail mail... I love these days.

One thought to ponder.. as I mentioned 4 states, I was in Las Vegas for about 24 hours this past week for work with a few free hours for fun. I am amazed. Do people REALLY look in the mirror before they leave their hotel room and set foot on the strip? Seriously. I saw many more ass cheeks and crotches that I ever hope to see in one lifetime. Ladies, just because it is short and tight does NOT mean it's cute- no matter how good your body is. And girls with not-so-great bodies, I just simply have nothing else to say. So Las Vegas... I loved the sushi, MGM Grand hotel, free cocktails, coming out $3 ahead while gambling, and some good work completed, but I can do without the fashion trauma of Vegas. My eyes still hurt 2 days later.

Did I mention I came out $3 ahead? Happy New Year again, 2 weeks in.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2011 is here! Looking forward to another wonderful year. 2010 was one of the best thus far (in my life anyway) and I am looking for 2011 to be even better. The expectations are high!

I have never been one for New Year's Resolutions. My thoughts are this: If you live your best healthy, happy, honest life all year long, there should be no need for resolutions. However, I understand everyone has goals. Goals are great. And little "slip ups" here and there are ok too. :)

I have goals- such as places I want to travel in the world, things I want to provide my parents due to all they have provided for me, etc. but here's my ideas of living your best life everyday:

* Exercise several times per week
* Eat as healthy as possible (this is where the slip up's come in- little indulgences are fine- did I mention I like my wine and cupcakes???)
* Work hard to be successful at your career (you determine what this means to you)
* Treat people, especially your family and friends, with respect and honesty
* Have fun! Try new things!
* Love a pet
* Keep up on annual health check-ups- ALL of them
* Have a hobby or 2 and keep up with them
* Keep a financial budget and stick to it
* Take at least one vacation per year- no matter what- to keep sane (I try to take at least 3...)
* Conduct little surprises for people now and then (isn't that fun!?)
* And last but not least, make sure you have lots of love in your life- lots of love

Those are the general rules I live by. Simple. Ok, easier said than done, but how life should be lived in my book. A good life. Things were good in 2010 and looking for 2011 to be great. Keep focused on what matters. Enjoy 2011!

I wish everyone in blog-land a happy, healthy, fun and prosperous New Year!

Holiday Photos

JARROD, DAD, MOM & ME AT WENTE WINERY

JARROD & DAD AT TAMAS WINERY

JEN & ME AT LUCKY 13

JARROD & MOM

EMILY & ME AT LUCKY 13

THE GIRLS AT LUCKY 13

ANDI & ME AT BARIO

The Day After Christmas...

I am such a kid on Christmas.... I keep a gift list all year long and Mom shops from it for the big day. Yes, I do appreciate the time with family, respect it is the day we celebrate Jesus birthday, and do not take for granted all we have in life. I reflect on what I am thankful for and feel lucky for all that I have. Those wrapped gifts beneath the tree are also on that list of what I am thankful for.

This year was great once again... (thanks Mom & Dad)

* 5th in a series of charms for my Tiffany & Company charm bracelet- this year a black stiletto pump shoe charm- so cute!
* Workout clothes from LuLu Lemon
* A new funky suitcase (black and white) for all of my worldly travels (ok, mostly work trips)
* Kiehl's products (LOVE Kiehls- ya know, the plain white packaging with the black print- great stuff- focus on eye creams this year- fighting the early stages of crow's feet!)
* And the fun this 'n' that stuff of books, water bottles, cute cupcake cases, etc. All the stuff you would never buy but love to get!

I simply love getting (and of course giving) Christmas presents. A big highlight of the year. The sad thing is, the day after, my new list has already started. Remember, I have a birthday in 4 months....

Time to go roll Swedish meatballs with Mom. Hope your Christmas was smashing!

Merry Christmas!!!

A very Merry Christmas Eve to all...

I am sitting on the couch, in front of the TV which is playing one of many football games (this one happens to be the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl), relaxing with the folks while we wait for Jarrod to return from work to begin Feast #1 for the holiday weekend- I am foregoing our tradition of Christmas Eve homemade pizzas and I am trying slow-cooked BBQ tri-tip sandwiches with picnic fixins'. Something new for Christmas 2010! Reviews come later.

I am quite relaxed while Mom is curled up on one end of the couch, Dad on the other, and me hogging the love seat with laptop in lap (how ironic), Casey cuddled up next to me, and a nice glass of Pinot Noir glistening against the roaring fire (nope- not a cliche- this is for real). Reminiscing about what I adore about Christmas since I was a kid:

* I fondly remember Swedish meatballs and homemade rolls on Christmas Eve at Grandma & Grandpa's house in Minneapolis
* The famous Candlelight service at church before heading to Grandma's- best church service of the year- so pretty
* Over maximizing the capacity of Grandma's basement with every relative we cram in plus about 10 wrapped gifts per person under the 3 foot fake tree that Grandma shoved in the closet- ornaments, lights, and all- every year
* Those yummy Kemp's ice cream treats shaped like Christmas tress and Snowmen heads that are only available during the month of December- love those!
* Gifts in the stocking from Santa on Christmas morning that still continues these days (yes, it IS from Santa... he does exist and he does know what I want for Christmas)
* Getting Hallmark ornaments and PJs every single year
* Insisting we watch some cheesy holiday movie every year on Christmas Day- don't forget the 24 hour repeat of "A Christmas Story" on TBS every year, but I am partial to "Elf" these days
* Shopping with Mom the morning after Christmas as early as possible (but not as early as Black Friday!) to buy the 50% off crap I really don't need, but MUST have- starting at the Target holiday isles!!! Gift wrap, bows, tape, tinsel... anyone?
* And my favorite Christmas memory for the past several years.. heading to Tiffany & Company the day after to have my new charm added to my charm bracelet... it's not even half full and it's BEAUTIFUL!!!

In California I cannot say "Oh the weather outside is frightful...", but I can say... MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!!! HO HO HO!!!

Fa La La La Lifetime

I have another confession to make: I'm cheesy (as if you didn't know that already if you a) have read my blog or b) know me at all). This time it revolves around super cute holiday movies.

B (or C or D) list actors, incredibly sappy plots (well, not sure if they could be defined as "plots", more like "attempted story line") and very unrealistic over-the-top happy endings.

I wonder if anyone has taken a count of how many holiday movies there are each year? Hundreds I am sure. As I mentioned in my previous post- Lifetime, ABC Family, Hallmark Channel, etc. all house these holiday movies. But the focus of this blog is simply Fa La La La Lifetime. I know, I just like to type it. And say it out loud.

Right now I have on the screen of my Geek Squad mounted HD Samsung (thanks Best Buy) the film (again I use the term film loosely) "All I Want for Christmas". This one covers all of the stereotypes:
* Virtually unknown actress (she was a killed off supporting actress on Dawson's Creek years ago)
* Set in some small town that always has an over-the-top Christmas theme
* Some bah-humbug characters
* Some hot guy
* Some funny, heart-loving character you just can't help chuckling at
* And, of course, the angst-ridden story line about "saving Christmas", "finding love", or something similar

Ah, the joys of these fun flicks. Yes, they are crazy cheesy, sappy, goofy, and could be described as "tear jerkers" by some, but I love 'em each year. They are all the same and some I watch year after year- think updated versions of "A Christmas Carol"- one from a few years ago with "Facts of Life" (tomboy Jo) fame Nancy McKeon- "Comfort and Joy" and a new one tonight with Christina Millian- "Christmas Cupid"- even the titles make me chuckle.

Time to sit back, relax with some fresh pressed coffee, and enjoy a little holiday cheer before I hit the gym. As a matter of fact, this holiday cheer just may make the treadmill run go by just a little faster with headphones and the treadmill TVs... Fa La La La Lifetime my friends. 'Tis the season!

ICE CREAM!!!

Yep, this is going to be a short post all about ice cream. Just ice cream.

Got me started due to the fact that I purchased the annual Peppermint Stick/Candy Cane ice cream today that, of course, only comes out during the holiday season. That got me thinking of my love of ice cream and my faves. Oh, how I adore ice cream (almost as much as cupcakes).

Phish Food. Ben & Jerry's.
Peanut Butter Chocolate. Haagen Daz.
Vanilla Cherry. Haagen Daz.
Daiquiri Ice. Baskin Robins.

Now.... very sad... but years ago, around Valentine's Day, Baskin Robbins had this absolutely amazing Hunk O'Cherry Burning Love. Had it once. Or twice. And have never seen it again. Boo hoo. Oh how I have missed that hunk.

Bad news? Most of this ice cream is loaded with fat and calories.
Good news? Peppermint/Candy Cane only has 120 calories. Yippee.

There ya go. Left smarter (about ice cream) than you came.

Tasty Treats

Yvette, Colleen, Jen, Dave and me at Triptych



This one is for Kristy Knapp... :)




I had one of the BEST dining experiences last night in San Francisco. I took some of my work team out for dinner in the city- Triptych.




One word sums it up. WOW. Just simply wow.




Let's start at the very beginning. A very good place to start. I did some research, like usual, on places to go with reasonable prices, a variety of options on their dinner menu, and most of all exceptional desserts. Yum.




Triptych is located on the border of a not-so-great neighborhood off of Harrison downtown, but it's fine once you get there and street parking is all around. Right across from a laundromat/bar/comedy club (yes, seriously- how fun is THAT!?) The place itself is fairly small, but had art-theme decor with local artists on the walls. The staff was extremely friendly- 1 guy liked just like Actor Jason Ritter (John Ritter's son) and he agreed with me when he looked on the internet to find out who Jason Ritter is... He was flattered.





A group of 5, we decided to order 1 of every appetizer to share:


Sweet Potato Fries


Bacon-wrapped shrimp in white beans


Artichoke and mushroom ravioli


Ahi tuna with crisps


Chicken drummies





These, along with a darn tasty white wine I had never heard of, an even better sangiovese for the red girl and another magnificent malbec. Cheers!




Entrees included the pork tenderloin special with green beans, carrots, and mashed potatoes (me), the salmon special (2), and their pride osso bucco (2). There were sighs and groans made by all as we consumed with delight.




We ended the meal just as we did with appetizers: 1 of each!!!


Molten chocolate cake


Pear tart


Gelato ice cream sandwich (my very favorite choice!)


Triple layer chocolate mousse





The scary part is the serving sizes weren't so ridiculously huge that I was not stuffed to the gills when we left; just simply sufficiently full and very satisfied (not sure if that sounds like a restaurant review or a sex ad???)




One of the surprise add-on's to the evening was the restroom. Decorated over the top with 70's paraphernalia- the best being the Charlie's Angels posters, pics, etc. but I would be remiss if I did not mention the photos of Saturday Night Fever and Kristy/Jimmy McNichol. Ha! Hilarious and so fun to observe while you "take care of business".




Overall, nothing bad to say about Triptych. The atmosphere, staff, food, and yes, bathroom, were all amazing and we will definitely be back. For sure. Bring on the apps, dessert, and kitschy bathroom of Triptych!





http://www.triptychsf.com/