Death Star Pumpkin

"Oh, I'm afraid this pumpkin will be quite operational when the trick-or-treaters arrive."

Picture Friday

Spooky Labs

Pat Leaves the House on a School Night with his Lady Friend

We had my in-laws staying with us last week. They seem to eat their body weight in toast and tea on a daily basis, but other than that, they're not too bad to have around.

Plus... Free babysitting!

We're fairly social people. We like to do stuff. But our access to the Outside World has been virtually shut off somewhat reduced since becoming parents. If we do get to leave the house these days, it's usually during daylight hours, when Little People are at their most cooperative. (Ever take an overtired toddler out in public after dark? Not recommended. They're like Gremlins.)

Last Thursday, I left work, picked up the Little Dude, brought him home to my in-laws and hustled downtown to meet up with Jen.

We went out to dinner and a show at The Rep.

Our table had a view of a relatively busy street downtown.

And there were people! Out! Doing stuff!

It simply hadn't occurred to me that all you other people still had your own lives and got to go out and do stuff (on a school night even!).

Honestly, I was shocked.

The only problem was the tiredness. Years of early morning wake-ups have conditioned my body to start shutting down at 10:00 PM. I was worried about falling asleep on the drive home. Seriously.

Or, You Know, You Could Always Just Go out and Buy the Book, You Cheap Bastard...

I looked up the call number for a book I was going to check out last Friday.

And I didn't get around to going over to the library until today.

And I didn't think to look if someone had checked it out in between last Friday and today.

Damn you, other library patrons!

Weird Gym Guy of the Week

In the bathroom at the gym:


*grunt*

*clear throat*

(walks over to urinal)

"Uh. Sore."

*grunt*

*grunt*

*clear throat*

"Good workout."

*grunt*

(leaves without flushing or washing his hands)

Jackie at the Liquor Store

I walk into your store and see you eyein' me
"Who's this kid think he is, tryin' me?"
It's like you don't even recognize me
Why you wanna treat me like that?

I come into your store on a regular basis
Your isles of booze are like an oasis.
But "He's underage!" is your hypothesis
Why you wanna treat me like that?

(guitar solo)

I ain't going to no frat party.
I ain't buying no Bacardi.
And yet, every time you have to card me.
Why you wanna treat me like that?

(fade out)

Rough Weekend

Rough weekend at the box office according to MSN.

I guess nobody goes to the movies anymore.

Dear New York Wine & Culinary Center,

First, I just want to to thank you for providing 2 of the Top 10 best meals I have ever eaten.

Second, I was hoping you could tell me how you cook your turkey burgers. I don't need the exact recipe or anything like that, I just want to know how you get it to cook through so nicely and not dry out. The menu describes it as being grilled, but is there more to it than that? Is it just grilled? Pan seared? Some combination of the two?

To say it was the best turkey burger I have ever had is an understatement. I didn't even know a turkey burger could be that good.

Keep up the good work.

Very truly yours,

Pat