First fruits
We received an olive tree sapling as a housewarming gift four years ago.
Today, I discovered the very first olive. That made me very happy.
Hanukkah Gift Guide
From the wife’s blog, Designist Dream:
Get ready for the only Hanukkah Gift Guide featuring Israeli designers and Israeli-made products exclusively. 8 days of Hanukkah, 9 days from now. 4 categories of presents: For Him. For Her. For Them (Kids and Babies). For Home.This holiday season, show your love for Israeli design. Support Israeli designers and artists. And most importantly, wow your friends, family and loved ones with amazing, unique gifts available for purchase (and delivery) online.
Please spread the word about this amazing gift guide. It’s a great way to show off another side of Israel, support Israeli artists and look quite fashionable all at the same time. An unbeatable combination.
Two slipped discs and a kidney stone.
I have had my face bitten my a dog. I have dislocated my thumb at least three times. I cracked my head open on a brick fireplace. I have had severe nerve pain in my back due to pressure on the dural sac. I have broken my toe. I have been dropped on my head (as a teenager, not as a baby). I have had joint inflammation so bad I couldn’t even stand, close a fist or rotate my hips. And I have had two slipped discs. Though absolutely none of these instances remotely compares to the excruciating pain I went through on Thursday night. I passed a little piece of Satan called a kidney stone. It came on fast. Real fast. I initially felt a little discomfort and then the next thing I knew I was keeled over on the floor whithering in pain trying to get into a comfortable position. Absolutely unbearable. The pain was so bad that I vomited. Long story short. Went to hospital, received an infusion of fluids, had some x-rays and I will get an ultrasound later this week. Feeling like crap. And to top it all off the gears of my car busted this morning. Have mercy.
Give the kid a break!
Arg.
I had a nice post all planned out about an incredible exhibit I saw yesterday but I came home from a pleasant evening out to find an email in my inbox that made my head explode. Seriously my stress level is through the roof. Breathe. Breathe.
Good times in little Tokyo
I just got back from an unbelievable meal at Sake Bar Hagi, an unassuming Izakaya on 49th street. You wouldn’t expect to find such an authentic joint so close to the always overbearing Times Square. The food was ridiculous. Just amazing. Uber-authentic Japanese food and not a piece of sushi to be found. We chowed down on an absurd amount of yakitori, karaage, udon, and edamame. My favorite dish was probably fried sardines and daikon. However, we wimped out on the yam jelly. Its a texture thing. All the food was washed down with copious amounts of sake (the kind we had was advertised as “peculiar in taste” - how can one not order that?) The meal was finished with green tea and a red bean pancake with red bean and black sesame ice cream. Best thing about the meal was both the price and the leisurely pace that the food came out. Highly recommended.
Where babies come from…
Bleh! Meh! Shmeh!
That is how I feel right now. Too much Mexican. Too many frozen margaritas. The sweet juice really masks the flavor of the tequila. POW! Jacob must be so proud.
Humilated at Starbucks
I went back to Starbucks today for my green tea latte. I pulled up to the drive thru speaker and ordered with confidence this time.
Me: “One tall green tea latte please with an extra shot!”
Barista: “Extra shot? Of what? There are no extra shots in a green tea latte!”
Me: “Oh. I’m confused. Because yesterday I said I wanted a green tea latte but would like it stronger and the barista told me to ask for an extra shot.”
Barista: “Extra shot? Silly man. You don’t ask for an extra shot in a green tea. You can ask for more powder. But not an extra shot. Shots refer to espresso.
Me: “Ok. Thanks. I appreciate the clarification.”
I pull up to the window to pick up my beverage.
Me: “I feel humiliated. This can be very intimidating.”
Barista: “Don’t feel humiliated beverage ignoramus.”
Me: “I hate myself.”
Barista: “You have a cute baby.”
Me: “Thank you. I hope she doesn’t remember this.”
Riddle me this…
So I have this fifty dollar gift card for Starbucks. It excuses me spending for spending seven dollars for a cup of coffee. I got the card from my credit card company so I’m not actually spending my own money so I don’t feel bad about it. Though I obviously do because I feel the need to explain why I was actually in a Starbucks.
I order a green tea latte. It was quite delicious but a bit too milky for my liking and the tea flavor was not that strong. I go the next day and ask the barista via the speaker (it was a drive through) if I could have a green tea latte that is strong. She said “What do you mean? Would you like an extra shot?”
I was completely thrown off. What did this barista mean by “shot”? If we were talking coffee I would be on the level. In my confusion and feeling a little intimated (it took a lot of courage to even ask if I can have the latte stronger) I said “Yes, another shot.”
The tea was indeed stronger but I am confused as to what the extra shot was. Do they use a tea powder? A syrup? Why must they use this silly vernacular? Any Starbucks experts out there willing to fill me in?
Date Night and the TV strike
Looking forward to going out with the lady tonight. Problem is we are beat. I wanted to catch a movie, but staying awake might be somewhat problematic. Too bad I can’t interest Ziva in 30 Days of Night or Saw IV. Thai food is definitely going to happen and perhaps a delicious Thai ice tea will give me the boost I need.
In other news, you know a show really sucks when the creator apologizes for the first eight episodes.
I completely support the television strike and I am thankful for it as well. I have about 15 episodes of “My Name is Earl” to catch up on. As well as the entire season of Mad Men. My DVR is backed up with tons of movies as well. First on the list will be From Dusk to Dawn II. Only because its stars Bruce Campbell.
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