Viva La Costa Rica!

Last week we were lucky enough to be included in a little jet-setting vaca to Costa Rica with the greatest bosses of all time...the Twin's bosses! None of us had ever been to Costa Rica and man did it NOT disappoint. Below is a photo timeline of the trip.

Twinners arriving at LAX to catch our red eye flight!

Luckily we travel with people who have access to the President's Club, so we spent all of our time before the flights in there. Super clean bathrooms, free food and booze, awesome people watching and a discussion with a stranger about how they abuse the poor ducks to make foie gras. After hearing about it, I may not eat it ever again! Poor little ducks! Below are the ladies enjoying the freebies.

Taking red eye flights is one of my biggest nightmares...I can NEVER sleep on a plane. Granted, I should take the advise of a dear friend and suck down 2 Advil PMs and a large glass of wine...but the flight was only 3 hours - I did not want to have to be hauled off the plane fireman carry style while the husbro stopped my appendages from flailing about while the twin wiped the drool from my face.

Kirk on the other hand has no problem falling asleep anywhere...it makes me crazy and green! Here he is in the lounge at LAX before our flight.

Here he is during our layover in Houston. maybe it's the hood/hat combo that somehow lulls him to sleep?
Welcome to Costa Rica...ready to land!

Part of the backyard of our house. Amazing!!! The first night we were there, about 12 Howler Monkeys played in the trees as we were swimming! Very cool...but slightly disturbing as I personally believe they are better known by the enormous size of their pale white saggy balls than their howling. I bet you're glad I don't have a pic of that to share!

Friday consisted of the Coco Combo - 1st phase - Wave Runners! We all had so much fun on them that we ended up spending the next day on them as well! I could not help but thinking the following while riding:

Have you ever seen a sad person on a wave runner? Have you? Seriously, have you? Try to frown on a wave runner. You can't! They're awesome, it's just throttle. People smile as they hit the pier.
The second phase of the Coco Combo was zip line! Being a Young Lifer for so many years, this was an event I am used to...although wearing a harness and a helmet I don't think I will ever really get used to. We look like such a shiny group!

The twin was golden...did not cry once which is a big deal for her when it comes to heights. She did start shaking and almost crying once though (when they had her go upside down)...poor weener!

Here I am on the 4th zip...upside down - not shaking or crying :)

The third phase of the Coco Combo was ATVs. I opted out of riding on my own and got on the back of the Husbro's since I was sans sun glasses. It was a GOOD choice when I experienced the amount of dust that I got smacked in the face with.

The group on ATVs...fun, but due to the heat and lack of paths due to construction issues we chose to cut this phase short and head back to the beach for extra time on the wave runners!

Shadow ATV'n!

Also mixed into the trip was a lot of much appreciated sleep, some of the most awesome food ever, very strong drinks, private chefs, a thunder and lightening storm and discussing how now that we have tasted Costa Rica...we MUST plan a trip back!

Adios Costa Rica...back to reality!

Game Day in SD!

A few weekends back we made our way down to SD to a much anticipated Game Day! And man did it live up to expectations. We were met with an awesome assortment of chips, dips and veggies...and drinks (BEERITAS with a little tequila for kicks).

You may notice that Kirk and David are missing from the picture below that I took...why? Oh, that would be because we were discussing the following:
- The Biggest Loser
- Survivor All Stars
- Amazing Race
- Jerseylicious


Because of those topics...I realized 15 minutes or so later that this is where they were. I am guessing they were discussing scooters or surfing.


This is Sumo with Daniel. Not sure how I feel about the face to tongue proximity.

After chatting for a while and stuffing our faces, it was game time! We broke ourselves into 3 teams of 3.

Team C - Darrin, Troy, Wendy - You can tell from the expressions of bliss and joy that they were not the winners of the day...not even one of the games.

Team B - Erin, Barbara, Julie - We won Taboo - woo woo!

Team A - Daniel, David, Kirk - The winners of the day taking 1st in both rounds of The Naked Game.

I know what you are thinking...the naked game??? I beg your pardon? Well, the game is basically 3 rounds of guessing the same clues - once with clues like taboo, once with one word clues and once with charades. Hard to explain the greatness of this game without playing yourself, but it is awesome! (Also known as Fish Bowl and Bucket of Nouns...at least I think that is what they told me).

Below are some fun pics from the Charades round...

This is Barbara acting out one of David's clues, Ka(r)ma Sutra. That is right people, not only did David write down a clue like Kama Sutra knowing that someone would have to act it out somehow...but he also misspelled it....with an r mixed in there. (Note: the guessers must say exactly what is written on the clue...misspellings can make it a little tricky)

Below is yours truly acting out the clue: Masturbating Bear (from Conan O'Brien)...I don't write all the clues people, I just act em' out!

I know what you are thinking as you see the pic below...Kirk is playing games and smiling at the same time. YES HE IS! He actually likes this game...pretty much loathes most other games. This is him acting out Tasmania. It followed with him spinning in circles rapidly.

Below is the Twin acting out the clue Shark Porn. (If you are not a big fan of Friends, you might not get this one)!

We took a break in the middle of games and ate a late lunch at the same diner we hit up last time we were in SD and it was awesome. Then after more games back at the house we headed out for some tasty sweets at this place called Extraordinary Desserts. Erin & Dan got organic rootbeer floats. Prost!

We went back to the house after dessert for some more chatting and then headed home, but not before I coerced the gamers into a game day photo op with my timer set! Yes...Kirk is asleep.

I know that some people thin games are lame. In fact, when I told a coworker that my weekend plans included a game day her response was..."man, you ARE married!" No shame in my game though...I love game day!

To Come...

I really wanted to spend the next hour posting pics and retelling the awesome Saturday we had down in San Diego last weekend...GAME DAY!!! Here is a sneak peek...

The problem is, I worked my booty off at work the last 2 days working some hellish night shifts to get all my deadlines met, spent ZERO time with the husbro, left work early today to beat traffic home, have to go to Target, then have to shower, then have to pack, then have to eat, then have to leave for the airport...and if Kirk gets home and sees me blogging I will receive the look of death from him. One day...one day, he will learn to love my blog. That day may or may not come before Jesus comes back!

Anyway, I will blog about game day next week when I am back in town...until then...

Peace Out Bitches...I am Costa Rica Bound!

Day to Day

Here are some random things that have been going on in the life o' hoolay that past few weeks...

• Below is the remnants of a little fall I took outside my office...or as I like to say - I aggressively/violently hugged the pavement. Walk much?

• We have a new employee starting at our office...her name is Fanny! Awesome.


• Little Man missed Kirk so much last weekend while he was away scooter racing that he slept in his hamper both afternoons.

• Went to dinner last weekend at the Lido Deck...amazing food followed be amazing dessert. I was not even really hungry for dessert, but ate it anyway...why???

• Because this is the fortune I got at PFChangs...and you don't mess with fortune cookies!

While at a menu ideation at LA Food Show this week a commercial came on the tv in the bar encouraging people to go to school to become UTI Instructors...I am sure that it does not mean what comes to mind, but still...no thanks!

I know I commute a LOT, but it is somewhat disturbing the amount of roadkill I have been seeing on the road. A squirrel here, a skunk there - YUCK! I am beginning to think that God intended freeways to control the rodent population.

I picked up bagels for my office on Friday and ordered the "assorted bakers dozen" only to realize after I got to work and pulled them out of the box that according to Noah's Bagels "assorted" means (3 wheat, 3 plain, 2 cheese, 2 raisin, 2 cranberry, 1 mystery fruit). That is NOT what I call a great assortment people. No Everything, No Onion, No Chocolate Chip, No Egg...Not impressed Noah!

Our lawn mower died in the middle of the husbro mowing the backyard, but he decided to finish the job anyway...with the weed whacker. That is dedication.

Brendan Fraser...can anyone remember that last good movie he was in??? I saw a billboard last week for his latest work of "art". Furry Vengeance...really? There are starving people all over the world and Furry Vengeance finds a studio to fund it's budget?

I Guess You're Not *That* Hungry

Tonight as I was leaving work I realized that my tank was empty...I meant to get gas in the morning, but was late for a meeting so I had to stop on Century to fill er' up before getting on the freeway. I do not love getting gas on Century though...mainly because it usually involves me getting out of my car right as some slightly crazy eyed looking man comes up and starts washing my windows, only to have me say no thanks...then he continues...then I rummage around in my purse and/or wallet...and/or floor boards to come up with a little somthin somthin to offer him for the windshield wash. Awkward interaction always, not horrible though.

So as I pulled into the gas station tonight that sassy man was already washing another persons windows, so I thought I was in the clear! Then outta no where a different man approached me and asked if I could help him out because he was very hungry. I had just scanned my credit card and I looked over and he was unscrewing my gas cap. I told him thanks so much, but that I could pump it. He insisted that he pump my gas...so....what do I do? Say thanks so much as I open my car door to do my "gotta find some spare cash" dance through my purse & car. This time though...nothing! I did not even have $1. I shut my car door and looked at the man and said,

"I don't seem to have any cash or change on me, but I would be happy to go inside with you and buy you something to eat."

His response was, "I am gonna shoot it straight with you. All I really want is a pack of cigarette and a lighter."

My response, "I appreciate your honesty, but I don't really want to buy you something that is bad for you."

His response, "We all do things that are bad for us."

Me..."Yes, that is true. But I just really don't feel comfortable buying you cigarettes. Thanks so much for pumping my gas though."

Him..."No problem..." (gas pump stops...she's full) "...do you want your receipt?"

Me, "I got it, thanks again!"

Sneak Peek: Rollout City

As many of you know, it is menu rollout prep time at CPK...or as I like to say - "It's rollout city, and I'm the mayor!" Last week we spent time in the test kitchen with our F&B department teaching the new items that will be coming to CPK in June. It's a long day, but super fun & we get to eat a LOT of really good food! Check out the goods below... Click to enlarge pic!

1. Lesley making an Italian Deli Focaccia Sandwich
2. Lesley enjoying her sandwich, which I'm guessing was followed by a mild heartburn
3. Roasted Artichoke & Spinach Pizzas cooking in the oven
4. Reading through the new recipes as a group in the pasta station
5. Kirby, me & Lesley - making chef coats look good
6. Speed contest in the pizza station...fastest & least sloppy wins!
7. Q&A Session with the whole class
8. Taste testing the new pizzas
9. Why our food is so awesome...BUTTER!!!
10. The Polish Hammer (Paul) showing off his pizza to the group
11. Me reading the steps of making the Baby Clam Linguini...after seeing this pic, I may read less in public.

Where Do the Hours Go???

What I intended on doing today:

• Laundry
• Cleaning the master and guest bedrooms
• Changing the sheets on the beds
• Sweeping
• Cleaning the fridge
• Finish menu rollout work I brought home
• Calling to set up my first Friendly Visitor meeting with my new friend I will call "Biddy"

What I actually did today:

• Slept in until 9:57 am
• Checked Facebook
• Went on a walk with the Twin & David to get lunch (and an ICEE!)
• Watched the latest DVR'd episode of Parenthood (which was awesome)
• Got a pedicure with Sarah & the twin
• Hung out at the Fitz House
• Blogging...
• About to head out for dinner at the Lido Deck, Newport Beach with the Twin, David & Jerry (twinner's boss)

I let the day get away from me...that seems to happen most of the days that I fill my to-do list with chores. Although I had a fun day, I feel like I did not accomplish much aside from being a semi pile! In order to make myself feel so not completely self-centered and lazy I DID make the call to set up my first visit with Biddy. Our first visit will be on the 21st and I am pumped to hear her story and play some cards! Bring it on Biddy...Bring it!

Bunny Chow! May I Have Some Mo' Please?

Completely by accident this afternoon I was fortunate enough to fall in love with my lunch! This beauty below is the WorldFare BusTAURANT that parked in the lot next to our office and it was de-light-ful! It's similar to the Koji Taco Truck where it shows up in random places all over Southern Cali, only this one is a double decker!!! Their kitchen is on the first floor of the double decker and the top is filled with seating and umbrellas for you to eat under.Their specialty is what they call a bunny (below) originated in Durban, South Africa. A hollowed out small loaf of bread filled with your choice of filling.

You choose from...
- Short Rib Bunny: Worcestershire braised short rib, Horseradish Crème Friache
- “The Original” Bunny: Chicken Curry, Coconut Milk, Chick Peas, Cashews, Cilantro
- BBQ Bunny: Barbeque Braised Pork Butt, Sweet Corn Jalapeno Relish
- Ciao Bella Bunny: Hand Made Meat Balls, Marinara, Parmigianino Reggiano
- Garden Bunny: Vegetarian Chili w/Black Beans, Red Beans, Sweet Corn, Garbanzo Beans, Tomato

I had the Short Rib and BBQ Braised Pork Butt...if I could do it over again I would get 4 of the BBQ!

This is the pic of the Curry Chicken Bunny and it totally made me think of my girl Pye!!

Below are some Bunnies with their Beet & Burrata Salad...and in the cup...what is in the cup you ask???

Oh...that would be the Truffle Macaroni & Cheese Balls! You get to choose between these lil' beauties and fries...guess what I chose?

The BusTAURANT is going to be in Santa Monica tomorrow...wish my office was in Santa Monica!

He is Risen

Kirk and I had a change of plans for church this morning as our church was having it's Easter services at the OC Fair Grounds combined with other churches. In order to stick to our schedule to be in Valencia later and avoid the crowds, we decided we would check out a different church instead. We looked up Crossline (a church we had intended on visiting when we moved last year) and they had a service at 9:30 which was perfect! The pastor spent the majority of his sermon going over the biblical responses to the resurrection.
The four responses to Jesus' resurrection were:
1. Worship (think the 2 Marys and some of the disciples)
2. Indifference (think the guards, who witnessed the miracle, but did not particularly care)
3. Rejection (those who refuse to believe and refuse to examine/question the evidence)
4. Doubt (think Thomas...have to see to believe)


I am thankful that although my response was once Indifference, it is now and will remain Worship. The ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate miracle, the ultimate life giving gift!