Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Nightmare on Schnoogie Street

Holly has served as the Fashion Police in our household for the past 4 years or so. Her task has been a tough one with me on some occasions, partly because I don't keep up with the trends and partly because I don't care!

The picture here represents all that is wrong with the way I dress at home. I got home late from work tonight, so I went straight in to change and put on my fuzzy pink socks because it is getting cool at night now. I had some laundry to do, so I grabbed my crocs (it might be obvioous that I have two pairs) out of the closet on my way into the garage.

Upon realizing my fashion faux pas once I got out into the kitchen, David and I had a good laugh about just how distressed Holly would be were she here to witness my complete lack of taste, style, coordination and apparent understanding of colors.

We took a picture. She's going to be appalled!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

It's Official!

Multitasking is bad for you.

I heard this debated at great length this afternoon on NPR. The gist of the study says that while multi-taskers like to believe that they are getting lots done and doing it all well, they actually are more susceptible to random and insignificant pieces of data distracting them and interfering with their ability to process information effectively.

At least that is what I think was said. I was on the phone, leading a conference call while eating my lunch and driving. I wasn't texting, though!!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Too Much Good Stuff

I have been fortunate in my life thus far to visit a myriad of interesting, fascinating and fun places. I hope to continue on this road for many years to come and for that reason I often look for new opportunities to broaden my horizon and expand my understanding of the world I live in. Today, I had the unexpected opportunity to visit a world-renown location somewhere between Hemet and Riverside...the largest Arco (and subsequent AM/PM market) in the U.S.

Admittedly, my journey to the promised land of convenience stores started out unassuming enough. It was 107 degrees, I had been driving with the A/C blaring for about 30 minutes and I was thirsty. I originally chose the freeway exit for the Unocal and Circle K sign that prominently signaled a snack-oasis, but as I rolled along the road and off of the freeway, I realized that I was across the street from a landmark that I have never seen or visited and decided that I must be able to join the ranks of the people who can claim, "I have been there."

While I left my car to fill-up, I entered the sliding doors and blinked slightly as the brightness and mass of the store greeted my eyes. Packaged foods, coolers, freezers, a deli and an entire food court waited for exploration. The fountain area had 3 separate machines and at least two different kinds of ice, including my favorite, the chewable pieces that are rather elusive in the typical quick-serve retail environment.

I probably burned a good 10 minutes just looking around, deciding what to purchase, before I finally landed upon a caramel iced latte from the fountain area (using the tasty chewable ice balls, of course). It was a tad sweet for my preferences, but between the good ice AND the "largest Arco in the world" status, I was content with my choice.

Now I can tout my claim that I have been exposed to too much good stuff, right there in the middle of the desert. Everyone should be so lucky!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Not Going For the Service

We have chanced upon a great little burrito place in Ventura called Corrales. I wandered past it one weekend when I was walking around, killing time before the Emmaus Board meeting. There was a huge line at 10 in the morning, leading me to believe that it must be tasty. I immediately called David to tell him about this place (we are all about the good Mexican food) and we agreed that it was a must-visit.

David made it to Corrales and made it a point to tell me how good it was, but the timing had not been right for me to go. I found myself passing through Ventura on my way to Santa Barbara at lunchtime last Wednesday, so I seized upon the opportunity to stop at what the Ventura County Reporter ranked as "the best cheap eats in Ventura County." How could I pass it up?

I ordered a chile rellano burrito with beans, cheese and avocado (really, there could be NOTHING better on the menu). The woman at the window surveyed me, took my money and handed me my number. 5-minutes later, my number was called, a bag shoved through the window and I was ready to dig in.

One look and I knew that something was wrong...there was chicken or pork in my burrito...nope! I went back to the window, explained the problem and was told to wait. A few more minutes and a new burrito appeared - success! It was totally worth the wait and at $4 for my whole lunch, it does count as some seriously cheap eats!

As I recounted my experience to David, he (in his usual low-key way) summed it up perfectly. People line up for the food, they're not going for the service!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

'Tis the Season to???

I was out running some much-needed errands yesterday, including a stop at Target (better know as Tarjay in the sophisticated circles). As I navigated my cart through the store, I came upon the above-pictured corner in the back of the store, often used as the seasonal section.

I had to think for a moment. What is the date? Mid-September. So which message do I listen to? "Make the Outdoors Yours" evokes thoughts of summertime and BBQs, not too outrageous given we are in So Cal and have a good 30 days before things really start to cool off.

I could look forward to the end of next month and get in on the Halloween decorations with the "Bare Bone Prices", OR I could just skip straight to Christmas and load up on my fill of Christmas wreaths.

Good grief, I am confused!

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Hangin' with the Schnoogs

Something has been missing in my life...creating a void, a sense of emptiness...the blog!!!

There has been plenty of action going on in the last few weeks, none of which I have taken the time to articulate in a short, entertaining and well-worded entry!

Things, they are a-changing. I've got a list of items to share, so let's begin with a great Sunday afternoon last week in Ojai. Me and my girl went out to check out the Ojai Valley Inn and spend an afternoon in the sun, a very wise move on our part.

The grounds are gorgeous, the staff super friendly and the restaurant tasty. I really don't know why we left to return home!