Yesterday we spent a very rare day without television or blogging...yeah, no kidding. As much as I enjoy the thoughtful discourse and look forward to more, we all should take the opportunity to step away from the TV and put down the various foods we are throwing at GW when he speaks.
In case it's too much work for you to think about something to do, try some of our favorite ways to chill at the flip.
1. Just finished
The Historian. You have to get that it's written from the perspective of a historian...then the imagery and detail come alive. I have been collecting vampire lore since I saw my first
Bela Lugosi movie when I was 7 so I was completely enchanted by the retelling of the story of
Vlad Tepes in a way I had never seen. I am looking forward to the movie in hopes that it closely aligns with the telling of the story in print.
2. New CDs that dropped this week are the new Blue October and the sequel to Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime. I have been a fan of Blue October for some time now and the band deserves much wider recognition. Their amazing music (the use of violin in any unconventional means, I applaud) combined with haunting stories makes for a great CD that I cannot say enough about. For anyone that has ever had a broken heart or fought back tragedy with a vengeance or in spite of their selves, there will be a song on any of their CDs that speaks to you. With the release of Queensryche's sequel, I returned to the original to read the lyrics of "Revolution Calling." Similar to my experience with Good Night, and Good Luck, I am reminded how far we have come and how far backwards we have gone now in this country. Let either or both remind you as well.
3. Recently I shared a bottle of V. Sattui's Henry Ranch Merlot wine with my favorite blogger...I nearly went mad without another until I found their site. Though you cannot order just ONE bottle, trust me, ONE would not be enough. The Merlot is superb, the Muscat divine and I was surprised I loved the Chardonnay. Try them, they're worth it.
4. The best ice cream in the world is in Ohio...yes really, in OHIO. If you have the chance to stop in Cincinnati, you must try Graeter's Black Raspberry Chip...if not when you are there, then have it delivered where you live. There is no other formula like it and would will be surprised how others pale in comparison once you have tried it. The also create amazing Easter confections worth a nod as well...however if chocolate's are your passion, then Las Vegas's own Ethel M's is the best of the best. We argue between the lemon crème and the raspberry crème but both are superb. They use all natural ingredients and you will be surprised when you bite into one. I have had them shipped all over the world and they always arrive in perfect condition.
5. Wicked competitive games of Scene It? take place in our house routinely now. While I still hold the crown of game master in this foray...the five year old is catching up with the new Harry Potter Edition. If it's been a while since you have played a good board game, its time to try a new version. While I will never conquer the Trivial Pursuit Star Wars Edition, this is a game I can play and enjoy.
6. While we are self-described Grey's Anatomy freaks and LOST conspiracy theorists, the uber-nerd in me is completely freaking out over the reprisal of the Dr. Who role at last. The Daleks show up next week...how flippin' cool is that? Peter Davidson is my favorite, who is yours?
7. Some of the funniest books I have read and the makings for a great gift for your best friend/girlfriend/sister. Laurie Notaro is without question one of the most hilarious columnists today, if for no other reason than you know someone JUST LIKE HER. Her books make you laugh out loud and though I love them all, The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club left me crying so hard from laughter, I had to call my sister at 1:00 AM after I finished it. Great books for a day when you could use the feeling of shooting-Dr.-Pepper-out-your-nose laughter.
8. For those of you that loved the book Wicked, tickets are on sale for the shows tour dates across the US. Tickets here in Dallas went on sale 12/2005 and you can still get great seats but you will have to wait until May 2007 to see it...LOL
9. Only a few more months until football season starts! WOO HOO! Whether you have a favorite here or here, lets celebrate that we can yell at the TV soon in sport, rather than polictics!
10. It's been out a while, but if you missed it, Shaun of the Dead is a great, nutty take on zombie movies.
So there are a few ideas...what's your favorite way to chill? I am headed to the couch with a cheeseburger and a hot blonde...