Cartoon of the Day - Memorial Day

Until next time..... Lorie

House Md on FOX Television

One of my very good friends loves the show House Md., which is a television show about a cantankerous yet brilliant doctor (named House) who is the Sherlock Holmes of rare diseases. When I told her about my cancer, she said that she had heard about carcinoids on the show. So for all you House fans out there, here is a list of episodes in which carcinoids make a guest appearance:


Season 1 Episode 3 "Occam's Razor" (Chase hypothesizes patient has a carcinoid)
Season 1 Episode 5 "Damned if You Do" (Cameron hypothesizes patient has a carcinoid)
Season 1 Episode 14 "Control" (Wilson does a CT scan to rule out carcinoid)
Season 5 Episode 10 "Let Them Eat Cake" (Kutner hypothesizes patient has a carcinoid)
Season 5 Episode 18 "Here Kitty" - (Final diagnosis - by House of course - is carcinoid tumor of the appendix)

Memorial Day 2010

On this day of remembrance, please keep in mind the families of those who have lost loved ones doing the something that they felt was their duty - something I truly appreciate, the protecting of our country. Also, please think of those still serving both here and abroad. Remember, Freedom isn't Free! God bless America! Thank you to all of my wonderful readers who are there for me during my son

So... What Are We Gonna Do Today?

I found this little guy on the site The Daily Squee and just thought he was so cute, plus he reminded me of Nano when I'm on my computer and he wants my attention.Hope you are all having a fabulous weekend. Until next time..... Lorie

Preview: Come to Play WG & SUJU as guests

special!A special prepared by 'Come to Play' for the current global era!Two idols who are in the middle of Hallyu comes to 'Come to Play'!Korean girl group's pride who seized America!Super Idol (Heechul, Leeteuk, Shindong, Donghae, Kyuhyun) who conquered Asia!★ [Promotion of national prestige Guinness record]President of Asian girls! Super Junior!- The story about being photographed by a

Back in the USA

Meg and I are traveling the Pacific NW because she just graduated from her Masters program. She gets one last hurrah before starting a real job. We just spent three days in Vancouver. Vancouver was a beautiful city (see picture of a cloudy day in Vancouver), highlights included seeing grizzly and black bears up on Grouse Mountain, fantastic sushi, Granville Island, and hikes along the waterfront. Unfortunately the beer in Vancouver was pretty mediocre. We tried brews from many local establishments and the only place of note was Yaletown Pub.

Last night we pulled into Seattle and found a proper pint or two at Pike Pub and Brewery (their 'XXXXX Extra Stout' was life changing). It felt good to be back in the US, drinking American beer. We've got a couple of more days in Seattle and then on to Portland.

Cheers,

HolzBrew

what an unlucky month for me..

i have to write this no matter what..i just feel unlucky for what has happened to me in these past few weeks..all these unfortunate events started when i lost my IC and other important stuff because i lost my wallet when i went for shopping..fine..it's still ok since all those things can be retrieved again..secondly was when my external hardisk faced some problems that made me change it's casing

Celebration's Relay for Life

On, Friday, May 14th our town of Celebration held it's annual Relay for Life. This years theme was Broadway and the booths were amazing. Then there was the luminary ceremony, which always gets to me... it was so beautiful. We were able to light all the way around the lake in downtown Celebration. There was an entire street of luminaries for my friends Dennis and Amber Larkin's son Noah, who I

How to Make a Bad Day Better.....

Get a hug from mom:{courtesy of The Daily Squee}Until next time..... Lorie

Cartoon of the Day: And They Say "Father Knows Best"

These are the same reasons my husband takes his vitamins.....Until next time..... Lorie

Money - That's What I Want!!!

"The best things in life are free!But you can give them to the birds and bees…I want money!"[From Barrett Strong, Motown Records, 1960]Another cutie from BabiesMakingFaces.com Have a great day everyone. Until next time..... Lorie

Bike MS Fundraiser @ Sugarbeet Restaurant

Call Sugarbeet, 303-651-3330 or email Michal@lefthandbrewing.com for tickets.

happy birthday our madam park!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR PARK YE EUN!..GOOD LUCK IN YOUR FUTURE UNDERTAKINGS AND HAVE A SPLENDID BIRTHDAY THIS YEAR..SARANGHAE!~

Can't We All Just Get Along? Part 2

Another wonderful photograph from one of my favorite sites The Daily Squee..... These two are just so cute. Until next time..... Lorie

happy 2nd anniversary my shining SHINee

HAPPY 2nd ANNIVERSARY MY SPARKLING SHINee DEARIES..IT'S REALLY FAST HUH?..ALREADY BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE WE HAVE BEEN TOGETHER..I CAN'T BELIEVE SINCE I FEEL LIKE JUST WATCHING YOU GUYS DEBUTED YESTERDAY..ANYWAY, TO OUR DUBU LEADER ONEW, ALMIGHTY KEY, FLAMING CHARISMA MINHO, BLING BLING JONGHYUN AND MAKNAE TAEMIN..HOPE YOU GUYS OWNS NUMEROUS OF VICTORIES IN THE FUTURE AND I WILL SUPPORT+CHERISH YOU

there goes my 500GB external hard drive..

i'm so damn sad and i cried like mad yesterday..my 500gb external hardisk crash!..oh my~..that is my worst nightmare and fear all of this time and yesterday it happened..just imagine..thousands of vids in it lost just like that..waaaaa~~..i'm so lazy to download all over again..luckily there's a friend of mine who fancies kpop just like i do..but my pictures..they all gone..sob sob..i can't do

Baby Caterpiller Snuggler

I saw this photo over at Babysaur, isn't he cute as a bug in a rug?Hope you all had a wonderful weekend, now I'm off to watch the Lost series finale!Until next time..... Lorie

I love you, Thomas Keller

As a young twentysomething culinary enthusiast living a life in high-rent Southern California sustained exclusively by an entry-level professional position, I find myself gravitating towards more towards low-to-mid level restaurants with only the occasional completely gratuitous meal splurge, seeing as the reality of eating out doesn't always meet my dining dreams. As a self-proclaimed food writer, I try to be as critical as possible in my taste outings, but with my limited budget I find that most of my posts tend to be more positive than perhaps a normal critic's might be. Does this mean that I don't understand the subtle nuances of food and the experience of taste? I don't think so. I like to think that I simply don't waste my time with food that has even the slightest possibility of being mediocre; there's too much food to choose from and too few dollars to get it with, and with the abundance of GREAT food and drink in San Diego alone, why bother taking a risk when sublime surely awaits elsewhere?

That being said, there exists a completely above-and-beyond realm of dining experience, the creme de la creme of restaurants across the globe, Michelin-starred, reservations months in advance required, any of which I would sell my firstborn for the privilege of a single meal. The French Laundry tops this personal list. That being said, Thomas Keller- this blog is for you. Quite simply, how many Americans idolize certain movie stars or athletes with celebrity obsession, I don't like to think that I consider "American royalty" anything more than a voyeuristic infatuation that Us Weekly has taken too far by preying on people who have nothing better to do than gossip about the latest sex tape and Hollywood escapade. I prefer to get my kicks in food, and great food is only made by great chefs, just as great movies are only made by great actors. As a more behind-the-scenes person, it's easy for me to understand and appreciate another artist behind closed doors. Of course, as the only American chef to have more than one Michelin starred restaurant, Thomas Keller is the Robert DeNiro of chefs in our time.

Chef Keller (can I call you Thomas?), you inspire my mind and tastebuds far beyond any other artisan weaving together plates of mouth-watering delight today. Thus far, I have only had the pleasure of dining at Bouchon in Las Vegas, and I pray every day that will not be the end of my experience of your vision. As some take pleasure in playing music, creating art, shooting hoops, going camping, or what have you, I take the most pleasure from taking the first bite for the first time in a new restaurant where from the moment I walk in the door I am treated as though I am home. It seems to me that you share the vision of comfort without over-pampering, and the highest standards for freshness and innovation without stuffiness. You hold the belief that perfection in food is unattainable yet should never cease to be the goal, in which the happiness of the experience can in fact create a perfect meal. A meal does not start and end with the food on the plate- it encompasses the company, the talk, the setting, the moment, and the food just happens to be a fantastic bonus in which memories are made from.

I don't tend to lose my head irrationally over a "celebrity", but when I heard that you were appearing at Williams-Sonoma to sign copies of "ad hoc at home", let's just say it was shades of Beatlemania fanaticism which surprised even myself as I lay gasping on the floor frantically scrambling to check my schedule. Unfortunately, with a steady gig in the 9-5 world comes the inability for noontime ventures such as this would require. Luckily, I had a friend who happens to be in between jobs and with a crisp $20 and the promise of eternal love, he agreed to get a copy signed for me. I regret that I couldn't shake your hand myself, but it's probably better that way- I can't guarantee that I wouldn't have jumped over the table to at the very least kiss your feet and offer my undying servitude.



As a stauch vegan, I'm sure it was difficult for him to be in the presence of completely opposite-idealed people discussing their love of foie gras and puzzlement at the idea of never again eating short ribs or a slice of Fondo di Toscana truffle cheese, but like a champion he stuck it out. Beforehand, I tried to enlighten him as to the lucky experience that lay ahead, but unfortunately my enthusiasm could not be properly channeled through another. Please accept my shameful excuse and humblest apologies. I'm sure it was an embarrassing moment when he handed my business card for this blog to you, and I doubt you'll ever even take the time to read this, but if you ever do, please know that I hold you in the highest respect as a chef and sharer of food the likes of which I can never replicate, but only appreciate and aspire to enjoy at least once at every establishment. Your book now sits proudly by itself on my coffee table, and I have already begun to collect ingredients to further my culinary exploration in homage to whom I consider the greatest chef in the world today.

Thomas Keller, I love you. Save a seat at the French Laundry for me- I'll see you there soon.

Memorial Sloan-Kettering (MSK) Appointment aka Chicken Wings

There is a great scene in "Tommy Boy" - one of the funniest movies of all time - in which Tommy (a sweet brake pad salesman who couldn't sell lemonade to a man dying of thirst) convinces a disgruntled diner waitress to re-open the kitchen so that he can have some chicken wings. His friend Richard watches in awe:

Richard: That 180 you just pulled on the waitress, why can't you sell like that?

Tommy: I'm just having fun. If we didn't get the chicken wings - so what? We still got that meat lovers pizza in the trunk.

Richard: No, you relaxed. That is what selling is all about.

After this pivotal scene, Tommy remembers "chicken wings" whenever he meets a tough client, and becomes a one-man brake pad selling machine.

Gary and I walked into Memorial Sloan-Kettering (MSK) confident and relaxed. If I didn't like what Dr. Nash had to say, so what? I already had a surgery date at Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ).

Analogy = RWJ: Meat Lovers Pizza :: MSK: Chicken Wings

My Sloan-Kettering appointment took about 4.5 hours, and basically consisted of a series of exams by a nurse, a surgical fellow, and Dr. Nash (including a sigmoidoscopy). After all of the exams, Dr. Nash sat down and answered our questions:

Questions Answered:

Why does the colon have to be removed? We finally understand why a portion of the colon needs to be removed - there are a series of lymph nodes close to the appendix that need to be removed, and in order to do that you have to cut the blood supply that runs to the right portion of the colon - and you can't leave a dead organ inside of you.

What is the difference between Carcinoid Cancer and Goblet Cell Carcinoid? The leading paper regarding Goblet Cell Carcinoid came out of MSK, they do not present the same way in pathology - and look quite different; so if the pathology from RWJ indicates Carcinoid Dr. Nash didn't see any reason to think that it was Goblet Cell...but their pathologists would look for it.

Why didn't my tumor show up on my March CT scan? Dr. Nash actually personally reviewed the CT film and confirmed what Dr. Maloney said - the appendix is obscured by folds in the colon.

How do you die from Carcinoid Cancer? There are several ways, but destruction of the liver is most common.

How soon do I have to have the right hemicolectomy and are there any other options for treatment? Dr. Nash confirmed chemo doesn't work on this type of cancer so it is important to surgically remove everything with a potential of cancer - starting with the lymph noids. Dr. Nash confirmed that a right hemicolectomy was absolutely necessary for any tumors over 2 cm big. However, Dr. Nash disagreed with RWJ on one major point - the timing of the surgery. Dr. Nash said he wanted to wait until I was more fully healed from the first surgery - and when I mentioned that I wanted to wait until after school was out, Dr. Nash said that was absolutely appropriate since the cancer was slow growing a few weeks would only make a negligible difference in metastasizing.

Do I need an Octreoscan? No. Dr. Nash does not feel this is a good test for my case because it is mainly used for confirmation of Carcinoid, and we already have that confirmation. The better tool for follow up testing is CT scans.

How long have I had this cancer? Years.

Is there any chance of developing Carcinoid heart disease? No. I do not present symptoms of advanced Carcinoid Syndrome.

What is my follow up care? Since there is no cure, and no other effective treatment other than surgery, I will have regular CT scans for the rest of my life, followed by surgeries should any tumors reappear. I could never get another tumor, or I could get one in a few years - or in ten years, it's completely unpredictable.

Dr. Nash scheduled surgery for July 19th, and I signed an intent form - which is not a contract - to reserve the operating room. He said if I decided to go with RWJ, that all I had to do was call his office and they tear up the paper.

After a lot of conversations with family and friends, going over pros-cons with Gary, and trying to figure out where my emotions were re: comfort level, I have decided to go with MSK. In short, it makes sense that if they are going to do my follow-up care that I have the surgery there. Also, if anything goes wrong, they are the premier institution in the country for Carcinoid Cancer treatments.

New Time Line:

Cancel RWJ Surgery
Cancel CT (Dr. Nash said it's unnecessary)
June 25th - Colonoscopy (reschedule to another date in June so that I can attend graduation of my 12th graders)
July 8th - Pre-Surgery Testing at Sloan-Kettering
July 19th - Surgery by Dr. Nash at Sloan-Kettering

Cartoon of the Day - The "Magic" of Disney

Remember kiddies..... DON'T try this at home... :-)Until next time..... Lorie

Maxine Weighs In.....

We need to show more sympathy for these people. * They travel miles in the heat.* They risk their lives crossing a border.* They don't get paid enough wages.* They do jobs that others won't do or are afraid to do.* They live in crowded conditions among a people who speak a different language.* They rarely see their families, and they face adversity all day ~ every day. I'm not talking about

random ..random..random..

i dunnoe what to write for these past few days..so, i guess most of you think i've already abandon it, right?..seriously i will never do so like i mentioned in my previous post..this is the place where i can express my feeling and share it with the world..anyway, i'm still here still enjoying in my kpop world..believe it or not..i've been living like this for 10 years..quite a time,isn't it?..^^

Digital Room 500 Business Cards ***Giveaway***

***CLOSED***And the winner is Margaret from Nanny Goats in Panties... CONGRATULATIONS!! Thank you all for participating, good luck next time.I appreciate your support of my blog!Right before the Disney Social Media Moms Conference, I was lucky enough to receive my business cards from Digital Room. They have my name, address, phone number, blog address and even a photo of me and Nano on them. I

You Heard About It

A couple of pictures of the NHC 1st round certificates (Gold, Silver, and Bronze for Old Woodie, Tripel Sunrise, and MarzBock, respectively) and the 1st place ribbon I won for Old Woodie. Onto round two for Old Woodie, the judging occurs June 17th in Minnesota. Fingers are crossed.

-Holz

Moms, ever feel you need to find something new to do and you don't want to spend a lot of money??? Well, introducing Groupon.com. One ridiculously huge coupon each day, on the best things to eat, see, do and buy in your town. Sign up and receive daily email with coupon for savings at up to 90%..... Until next time..... Lorie{FTC Compliant: As an affiliate of MySavings.com, I receive a small

New! Twin Sisters Double IPA Label

You "Otter" Think This is Adorable

This is a little guy from the fabulous site Daily Squee..... isn't he the cutest little otter you have ever seen? "Got milk" anyone??? Until next time..... Lorie

Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee & Bicycle tour

Ah, family vacations. That phrase so dear to some, and yet so unbearable to others, continues to be loaded with a multitude of connotations and almost never predictable events that haunts families all over the world. My immediate family, being split from our entire extended family by the whole of the United States, lived an almost exclusive bicoastal vacation lifestyle and never ventured anywhere outside the confines of California, barring a Minnesota/ Wisconsin trip one time that thankfully was never repeated. Wild stuff, believe me. Somehow, even with one sister married, one brother engaged, and me living across the country, my mom managed to scrape together a family vacation someplace other than our grandparents' houses for the very first time.

A family friend was getting married at a Sandals resort in Jamaica, so obviously that means the entire Demmon clan finally had an excuse to get some stamps in our passports together! My sister, brother-in-law, and I, not invited to the wedding, spent the first two days mainly relaxing at our Sandals resort and planning activities once we joined with the parents, brother, and sister-to-be post-nuptials. Sandals, if you are unfamiliar with the eye-glazing concept of complete and utter middle American tourist propoganda, is a chain of all-inclusive resorts that cater to 99% honeymooners and fat white people drinking pina coladas who are getting their love handles sunburned. Of course, me being not one to judge, wholeheartedly embraced the obvious antiquated ideals of rich and faux rich white folk being served by a darker shade and relished in my glorious location unfortunately sans fiancee in what seems to be a place where a lady missing a man compares with missing a nose.

Obviously, there's a tangent that burns within me, but the real reason I actually think people might be interested in my experience in Jamaica is for the one activity that A) I picked, B) was off-resort, and C) crazy as it might seem, actually involved physical movement. I could add D) there was not a drink with an umbrella to be seen all day, but I have to admit the "Dirty Banana became a guilty favorite of mine.

100% downhill, the Blue Mountain Bike Tour was hardly the Tour de France, but it was a fantastic opportunity to see actual Jamaica and not just the inside of a gated resort that honestly could have been absolutely anywhere in the world. A 2 hour bus ride through the heart of Jamaica was the only time I was able to even catch a glimpse of what this country has to offer, despite the fact I was still seeing it through windows of a moving bus. Still, it was a nice change than the barrage of beluga whales and their drunk husbands and horny newlyweds.

Off topic again.



The lush greenery of the countryside overwhelms the majority of the mountainous island and serves as the representation of green on the nation's flag. Coffee is one of the biggest exports of Jamaica and Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee can be found across the world and remains highly regarded as some of the best coffee on the planet. Amongst the endless advertisements for activities available for Sandals patrons, nestled somewhere between a authentic "Jamaican bobsled" experience and a steel drum show was a flier for the Blue Mountain Bike Tour, touted as a "must-do" for islandgoers looking for something a bit more adventurous. Being a single, bored white tourist with an appetite for delicious and a yearning to see "real" Jamaica, I signed myself, my sister Lauren, and mom Patty up for the next day's tour.

We left the hotel at 8 AM sharp and aboard a massive tour bus were able to observe small villages, bustling markets, catch glimpses of unbelievably humongous cruise ships docked near a rock quarry, a house shaped like a cruise ship built by a retired eccentric boater, Mick Jagger's quaint island getaway, and an abundance of palm tree farms and working fields that seemed to take us back in time to plantation days. We eventually made it to the foot of the mountain, but the ever-long twisting and winding, often surprisingly narrow and treacherous "road" kept us on the edge of our seats for at least another half hour until we reached the middle of the mountain where our journey really began.



The Blue Mountain house welcomed us with a Cajun style French breakfast, complete with some of the freshest coffee in the world. Even with a more experience palette than most, the first sip caught me by the seat of my pants and kicked my ass. Strong doesn't begin to describe what I can only imagine is the coffee equivalent of crack! Our guides were pleasant, patient, extremely knowledgeable, and let us load up on plenty of piping hot black coffee and beignets before walking us through the life of the coffee bean.




Much of the old traditions remain in Jamaica, partly due to lack of modernization, along with a will to replicate the extremely hands-on approach to maintain what the world expects in quality.




Would you believe that the black substance you suck down every morning from lattes to cappuccinos starts its life as a red berry? The thick shell must be hand peeled to reveal the inner seed, which resembles a small nut. Once roasted, it takes the familiar form of the bean we all know, love, cherish, and grind into oblivion. Infinite factors play infinite roles in breathing life and flavor into the bean which ultimately distinguishes it as a certain flavor or roast, depending largely on the human handling component. Temperature, location, and length of grow time are larger components taken into consideration, but minor steps such as roasting time, place, the fineness of grind, etc. all play major roles in shaping the complex bean into beverage.




Our guide demonstrated the old way of hand-grinding the roasted beans into powder in a wooden container not unlike a mortar and pestle. The sooner the ground beans mix with hot liquid, the fresher the flavor. I don't doubt that the coffee we had was the freshest coffee I have ever had. Barely out of the ground, every raindrop and molecule that ever came in contact with the plant made its presence known on my tongue. For me, it was a religious experience.



I couldn't resist at least ONE dorky tourist photo, complete with safety gear for the ride ahead! Does this make me the most legit barista or what?



I'm sure the warnings against leaving the resort have some merit, but looking at the gorgeous landscape around me, I can't help but wonder if part of the indigenous population smiles knowing they have this unspoiled beauty almost all to themselves.



After breakfast and our coffee lesson, we claptrapped our way down the mountain at about 5 mph on ancient cruisers to soak in the scenery and make sure the old folks didn't fall off the cliff to our right. Traces of civilization were apparent (the occasional car, power line, and a parade of school children complete with snappy uniforms that would make any nun weep with delight), but for the most part I have to hand it to the bike company- with numerous waterfalls, unusual plants, exotic birds, and an unbeatable view, they have got this tourist thing down pat. Around every few turns we'd come across one of these old coffee depots, an old community center of sorts where farmers could combine their goods to share with all. Sort of an antiquated farmers market, where the only goods were coffee.

Our guide explained that many children walk to school, sometimes miles, since the mountain is a large community and small pockets of families could easily be separated by a different side of the mountain. A number of them leave school halfway through the day to work the coffee fields with their families, and uniforms are required in all schools to ensure no one appears to be of a higher or lesser status due to their clothes. They were ordinary, silly kids but very disciplined in their group walk home, but we still got a couple curious kids who, when they heard the rattle of what must be a daily event, lined up to give our entire group the longest moving high-five train I have ever seen. Still, there was a shy one or two in the bunch.







We had probably ridden for about a half hour before we came across the post office that served the entire mountain. Rain, snow, or sleet, right? How'd you like to climb a mountain for your job every day?



Across the bridge lives the resident Rastafarian elder. (white folks with dreads, try not to drool). Rastafariansm lives, jah love. You can tell when he's home by the barrage of black SUV's parked outside. This has nothing to do with coffee but was bizarre.



Our coffee lesson and ride ended at the picture-perfect location, complete with the obligatory beer-drinking contest (which I clearly should have entered based on the offensively bad performances given by all). The ice cold water was as fresh as anything I have ever tasted, and as cliche as it was to swim under a waterfall in Jamaica, I have to admit it was perfectly engineered for a great ending of an extremely enlightening experience.

happy BAEday tae yang-sshi!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR BELOVED YONG BAE!!..HOPE THE BEST IN YOUR FUTURE UNDERTAKINGS AND MAY YOU WILL BE BLESSED WITH TONS OF VICTORIES IN YOUR CAREER..SARANGHAE AND FIGHTING!

{NEWS} Super Junior 4th Album Number 1 Weekly Chart Sweeping , 70000 Record Sales in 5 days

Super Junior has sweeped various weekly music charts with their 4th album. On the 13th, Super Junior has conquered daily charts in various CD sales charts including Hot Tracks and Yes24 and even conquered weekly charts (Second week of May.) Super Junior who has gotten a lot of attention with the pre-order sales of 200000 CDs has sold over 70000 CDs at Hanteo Chart becoming the top CD

{FANACCOUNT} SBS Inkigayo Rehearsal Moments 05.16.2010

CREDITSCredit: 海世代 HEYFISHEREFrom：ZOEY。Translated by minoko2440 @ sapphirepearls.comReup/Shared by minoko2440 @ sapphirepearls.comDistribute by: Twelfs.com + aizamia@blogspotBONAMANA 1. During one of the recording, Donghae’s magician’s handkerchief wasn’t placed properly and almost fell out of his pocket halfway. 2. During one of the recording, Donghae’s shoelace was untied, he keep staring

{NEWS} Lee Teuk says Super Junior will do its best with 10 members

CREDITSReporter : Park Kun-ouc kun1112@Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>Shared at TwELFs.com + aizamia@blogspot Lee Teuk, leader of Korean idol group Super Junior, has said the group will do its best to promote its latest album although making a comeback with only 10 of its original 13 members. The singer made the remark during an interview with Asia Economic Daily on

Super Junior for W..

credit to: twelfs.comshared by: aizamia@blogspot

finally....i'm back!

hello peeps..woah..it has been a long time since my last update..anyway, don't worry..i won't abandon my blog coz this is the place where i share my joy and sorrow moments..and i guess there are some of you already unfollowed me..it's sad but that's ok..i will keep updating and thanks for those who are still here with me..i think i will update anything here starting from next post..not only about

Madeleine Bistro

Even at the crippling old age of 25 I like to think I'm still young at heart! I hit the big quarter century in fine style surrounded by friends, beer, and music in the City of Angels having the time of my life. The weekend consisted of midnight stumbles around Hollywood, sidewalk hot dog vendors, the obligatory Kidrobot excursion, and of course good eats. I'm not terribly familiar with the L.A. food scene, and I can't imagine even scratching the surface over a weekend. With vegans in tow, we were steered by our Studio City resident friend to Madeleine Bistro north of Hollywood in Tarzana which offers only animal-friendly fare with nary a furry friend served!



To be honest, when we walked into a completely empty restaurant on a Sunday morning, I wasn't expecting much. The brunch menu isn't the most striking, and the atmosphere of French bistro meets California streets isn't exactly the most unbelievable or unique concept around. I suppose the whole vegan spin is a draw for animal lovers who also enjoy a bite out, but the faux-McDonald's breakfast meatless menu for three times the price and nary a bacon strip to be found didn't tantalize my tastebuds as much as I had hoped for L.A. However, due to the fact that I was VASTLY outnumbered, I sat down and plotted my upturned nose decline of food.

Well, maybe ONE beignet. I'm hungry now, and that won't be too much to fill me up until we can find a BLT, right? I'll take a half order.



Adorable! I'm sure they'll be tasty. At least enough to tide me over until REAL food, right?



Shit, these are amazing. Have I been fooled by the carnivorous propaganda?! Is it possible that this hippie crap can be... delicious?!?



Delightfully so! Sugar in the morning isn't my regular route, but after tasting these piping hot, sugary sweet morsels of absolute pleasure, I would be willing to forgo the dry toast and coffee for the rest of my life! Homemade strawberry compote sidled along lovingly to the large, hot, sweet balls of goodness which happily made their way into my mouth. After trying a bite, several others at the table promptly ordered their own and all were gone within moments. Even a half order was enough to satisfy not only my sweet tooth, but my desire for additional brunching! Everyone was kind enough to allow me to steal bites from their plates as well, and I was astonished to find flavor explosions on every plate. Don't misunderstand, I've had plenty of experience with vegetarian and vegan fare, but to go in with low expectations and to come out singing praises isn't exactly the norm. I know what I'm in for and generally have a realistic idea of what's going to be sliding down my gullet. However, Madeleine Bistro is absolutely a place for those skeptical carnivores and already committed vegans alike. An added bonus is the fact that it's away from the hustle and bustle and hours-long waits in Hollyweird! Skip the line and head for Madeleine.

18621 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91356
818-758-6971

Pick-Up at Pathology

Sloan-Kettering requested to examine my glass pathology slides; today I went to pick them up from Robert Wood Johnson.

RWJ was just ranked one of America's Best Hospitals 3 years in a row by US News & World Report - so you can understand my bewilderment when the woman at the "Information Desk" said that she had never heard of "pathology" before, and asked me to describe what they do. After my very precise explanation that went something like: "they look at cancer cells and stuff like that", the woman kindly replied, "maybe you should call someone; I've never heard of that department before."

After wandering around the hospital grounds for a while, trying to figure out where my slides were, I saw a new woman sitting behind the "Information Desk" who was wearing an official name tag that inspired confidence. After her very professional reply to my inquiry, I came to realize that the woman whom I had initially asked about pathology wasn't even an employee! She was just a "joe schmoe" standing in the general "Information Desk" area, and was trying the best she could to be helpful when I asked her for directions. My faith in RWJ restored, I set off for the "Tower Elevators" and quickly realized that pathology isn't an easy department to find.

Clearly lost, I asked one orderly for assistance, who told me to "take a left when you see the people with microscopes". Perhaps it's the symbolic English teacher in me, but I was expecting to find a clearly marked sign PATHOLOGY THIS WAY hanging over either 1. a large black and white photo depicting a row of scientists on the brink of discovery, or 2. a bronze sculpture of a scientist bent over a microscope hard at work....but no, after several twists and turns I came to a place where there were literally dozens of real-life people in lab coats bending over microscopes; at which point I turned left.

Triumphant, I finally found the pathology department and signed for the unmarked, nondescript padded manila envelop that contained seven glass slides encased in two small plastic containers. As I walked slowly back to my car, I began considering the significance of what I was actually carrying in my hand; I was carrying the answers to my illness. I suddenly felt very humble - my fate had come down to this, a series of purple stained blobs suspended between two thin layers of glass. However, be that as it may, I refuse to allow these little stained slides to color my entire world.

"In my room the world is beyond my understanding; but when I walk I see that it consists of three or four hills and a cloud." - Wallace Stevens

4.0 GPA

Sadly the title of this post is not referring to my grad school marks. I was back in the lab today whipping a new summer brew, mad hopologist style. The HolzBrew 4.0 GPA is a an American Pale of modest strength, but full flavored. Pairing 4-varieties of American hops with ... fresh grapefruit, hence the G.P.A (Grapefruit Pale Ale). Who's excited?

In other news, the Flanders Red Ale has been moved to long term storage and is just starting to develop a slight pellicle. Only 17 months left.

-HolzBrew

Stout, San Diego

I've gotta hand it to San Diego- for a food lover, there's no place quite like it. For someone equally enthusiastic about spirits, it's unbeatable. Before this I thought myself an expert on culinary variety, and I'm sure there are places even more rampant with speakeasies, pubs, saloons as well as hole in the wall joints and white collar silver settings, but until I go to that place I'm content staying right here. Stout is a fantastic pub in the Downtown district that's large enough to accommodate a party of any size, and still dark enough to make you feel a little bit dirty and ready for a beer. Seemingly filled with hockey fanatics, they offer a wide span of sports offerings across countless HD TV's, but this doesn't strike me as a typical sports bar. Stout remains first and foremost an Irish pub, and one of the most popular across-the-pond experiences for San Diegans.



Typical Irish fare is served, along with some bar requisites like burgers and buffalo wings. However, how can you waste a pub opportunity by not getting a Reuben? With a Smithwick's in one hand, my eye on the Penguins, and a mouth filled with sauerkraut, there are few places I find myself as happy, or as full. Recommended for meatheads, hooligans, and drunks alike!

Stout Public House
1125 6th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 702-7933

Left Hand Night @ Buffalo Wings & Rings

Left Hand Night @ Buffalo Wings & Rings
Thursday, May 13th
5:30-7:30 pm
1760 W. Chandler Blvd
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 963-8000
http://www.buffalowingsandrings.com/

Come to one of the Phoenix metro area’s premier craft beer bars. Meet a rep from the brewery, and enjoy Left Hand offerings of Polestar Pilsner, Milk Stout Nitro, Chainsaw Double ESB, and the extremely limited 2009 Widdershins Barrel-Aged Barley Wine. Once you’ve had our beer with their fantastic food, you’ll never go back. See ya there.

Sloan-Kettering Appointment: Thurs May 20th

Just got an appointment with Dr. Nash at Sloan-Kettering for Thursday, May 20th (see post below). Dr. Nash only sees patients on Thursdays due to his surgery schedule, and May 13th is already booked (they will call me if there's a cancellation). I don't need a colonoscopy (yay)- but I do need to get my glass pathology slides from RWJ... I wonder how difficult that will be.

PC Love

(Picture: after my surgery, when I came back to school, two of my senior boys handed me this little balloon along with a scribbley handwritten note....and yes, they really did cross out "It's a Girl" and write "Welcome Back" in black marker. What hams.)

I have been feeling very guilty about the amount of school I have missed because I love my kids and only want what's best for them. I am usually the kind of person who doesn't want to show even a hint of weakness or vulnerability in the work place, but today - again - I forced myself to stay home and nurse a soar throat instead of doing what I usually would do (which would be to go to work anyway). I finally decided that if I was going to get through the remainder of the year, I would need support at work in order to avoid the overwhelming temptation to push myself beyond my physical limits.

So, today I decided to let a few of my close colleagues at Paramus Catholic know about my situation. Below is the email I sent to them and some of the amazing words of encouragement I received in response; I am so lucky to have such caring people in my life.

"Dear Friends and Colleagues, First of all, thank you for all of the incredible support, prayers, love, kindness and help in keeping my classes going. I wanted to share with you that I was recently diagnosed with a rare carcinoid cancer, which is the cause for my recent absences. I have every reason to believe that with God's help I'll beat it, but my body right now is not letting me do what I want (which is to be at school working). I guarantee I'll be back in full force very, very soon! I am so lucky to have found my second home at PC - each one of you has made such a positive impact in my life; I am truly blessed."

* Beautifully said. I'll keep you in our intentions today as I teach! Love you. - B.G.

* You are truly an inspiration to me in the way you love the students and this profession. I am confident that you will return but in the meantime I will pray for your continued strength and determination to beat this. Take good care of yourself - we will miss you and look forward to your return. God bless you! - M.P.L

* I am so sorry to hear what you are going through. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know. - A.P.

* By the grace of God, I know you can beat this. If I can be of help in any way, please let me know. Know that you will be in my prayers. Hugs. - L.R.

*I had no idea! If you need anything, please let me know and I will def say a prayer for you but I have faith that your faith is already carrying you through this and it is done. I will see you soon, again please don't hesitate if you need anything, to talk etc. I do have friends that work at Sloan Kettering if you need a second opinion or anything :) - M.L.

*Your directness, your openness, your balance of optimism and pragmatism do you credit. You are a good role model, in many ways. I'll see you later - F.M.

* Thank you so much for keeping me updated. I knew you have been out, but did not know why! Please know that Our Lord and His Mother will be hearing from me on your behalf!!!!! If you need anything else, PLEASE let me know. I am available and happy to be of service. God bless. - S.B.

*I am SO SORRY to hear of your illness. You happen to be one of my favorite teachers here - always so professional and accommodating. You will be in my prayers, and I believe you will beat it! - N.K.

* My thoughts and prayers are with you...come back to us soon!! - C.S.

* You'll be in my intentions every day...if you ever need anything let me know - T.S.

* First of all, I've subbed a few of your classes and they have been great kids. Second, I am very sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Anything you need at all please let me know. I will keep you in my prayers and pray for a speedy and safe recovery. You are not just a respected colleague, but someone who brightens my day whenever I get to see / chat with you. I hope to see your smiling face again soon. - J.S.

*I had no idea !!!! I just wanted to tell you that I am here... - B.R.

* It was inspiring to hear from you. My thoughts and prayers are with you for a successful outcome and your return to PC. We are truly blessed to have you in our PC family and English Dept. You have enhanced our PC community in many ways with your unique skills, special gifts, outstanding talent, amazing background, bright mind, cooperative nature and outstanding heart. I hope we see each other more next year on a professional and personal level. Your students love you and miss you. May the Lord's strength and peace be with you. - L.D.

* I had no idea. Please be assured that you will absolutely be in my prayers, and from the bottom of my heart if there is anything I can do please, please do not hesitate to ask - from grocery shopping, washing laundry, to taking you to doctor's appointments - I'll be there. Just keep me posted. - C.L.

* So very sorry to hear about your current setback. Try to keep in mind that God can make something good out of every kind of hardship. I guess He is asking something different from you right now. I will place you in my prayers, and, if you would like, I would have your name placed on the Felician Sisters' prayer list. -K.D.

* I hope you are feeling better. Please let me know if there is something else I can do to help. - C.D.

Dr. Garrett M. Nash, MD, MPH at Sloan-Kettering

I just received a call from Nicole at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Basically, the conversation went like this:

Nicole: I wanted to let you know that I received all of your reports, and I forwarded them to a colorectal surgeon Dr. Garrett Nash for review. He may require a colonoscopy before he sees you.

Me: Does he specialize in carcinoid cancers?

Nicole: Yes. I specifically worked with a nurse on that team and she recommended either Dr. Nash or Dr. Temple, but Dr. Temple is not in next week and I thought that you wouldn't want to wait that long.

Me: Is Dr. Nash in your New York office?

Nicole: Yes, they all are. (See below for explanation of "they")

Me: I am scheduled for a colonoscopy, but my doctor doesn't want me to have it until the day before surgery.

Nicole: Yes, I know. I see you have it scheduled for the 7th, and I told the nurse that but sometimes our doctors will not see you without one, so we are trying to get it approved.

Me: I see (long dramatic pause)

Nicole: I only work part time, but if you don't hear from someone in this office by Monday, feel free to call me on Tuesday.

**Pleasantries Exchanged - Phone Call Ended- Googling Commenced**

There are two names that have come up at Sloan-Kettering as carcinoid experts, neither of whom are Garrett Nash. However, Sloan-Kettering uses a team approach, and both doctors who have come up in association with carcinoid cancer treatment (Philip Paty and David Kelsen) are on the Team of Colorectal Experts along with Garrett Nash.

Dr. Nash's education includes both Harvard and Columbia schools of medicine - so I think it's safe to say that he's good (see below); let's just hope he'll see me without anymore tests.

Education
MD, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; MPH, Harvard School of Public Health

Residencies
University of Massachusetts Medical Center; NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Fellowships
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia and Cornell; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

Surgery Notes and Pathology

I had my post-surgery appointment with Dr. Wagreich today, who was pleased with my progress but indicated that it would still be a couple of months before internally I was entirely healed. When I asked her about my appendix having to be cut away from my abdomen, she said that she had already spoken to Malone about it - and Malone would have to go in and biopsy that entire area since Wagreich, unaware of the potential for cancer, left some "scar tissue" that was connected to my appendix attached to my abdomen wall.

Wagreich also gave me copies of her and Dr. Davidov's surgery notes (he is the general surgeon who performed my appendectomy), as well as my pathology reports. I also went to University Radiology to pick up my barium drinks and CT / MRI reports.

I don't want to brag, but I've passed a couple of pretty tough tests in my day, most notably the California State Bar Exam and English Praxis Test. The feeling is always the same when you see that envelope, and today's little white envelopes were no different. The butterflies still fluttered even though this time I already knew, for the most part, my results. Unlike the CA Bar and Praxis, however, I didn't pass my pathology tests on my first try. (Warning to the medical world of rare cancers: I'm bringing my A-game to all future exams.)

Interestingly, since most of my medical tests and reports were so focused on my ovarian cyst and fibroids, little to no mention of my appendix appears. It is a little scary that no one seemed alarmed until pathology came back. Perhaps the most unsettling report concerns the CT scan because Dr. Malone said that she couldn't even see the appendix on the CT films, yet the CT report indicates the appendix looks normal.

The relevant report findings appear below:

3/18/10 CT Scan Report: "the terminal ileum and appendix appear unremarkable"

4/21/10 Surgery Notes from Dr. Davidov: "appendiceal tip slightly swollen and edematous in a clinical picture that might be consistent with a history of possible appendicitis that had improved, and now has recurred."

4/22/10 Pathology Report: "the tip of appendix is enlarged measuring 1.2x0.8x0.8 cm. sectioning of the tip reveals an area with soft yellow mass measuring 3x0.5x0.5 cm and extends to 1cm from the appendix base. Final pathological diagnosis of appendix, appendectomy: appendiceal carcinoid (3 cm in greatest dimension). Tumor infiltrates through the muscularis propria of the appendix into periappendiceal adipose tissue. Perineural invasion is noted."

Left Hand Brewing Dinner @ Wishing Well

Left Hand Brewing Dinner
May 24th
5pm
Wishing Well
767 S. 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-238-6555‎

Reception

Left Hand Good Juju: Cape May Salts, Sea Urchin & Meyer Lemon Mignonette

Course 1

Left Hand Sawtooth Ale: Southern Fried Chicken Drumettes, Country Ham & Collard Green Springroll, Red Eye Gravy Mayonnaise

Course 2

Left Hand 400 pound Monkey: Braised Pork Cheeks, Golden Beet Spatzle, Sautéed Dandelion Greens & Fava Beans

Course 3

Left Hand Jackman’s Pale Ale: Pan Seared Bluefish, Crab & Sweet Corn Fritters, Shaved Red Onion, Jersey Tomato Gelee, Cider Vinaigrette

Course 4

Left Hand Imperial Stout: Imperial Stout 3 ways: Imperial Stout Zeppele, Imperial Stout Pot de Crème & Imperial Stout & Roasted Banana Pudding

chef carmen a. cappello

chef de cuisine eric mchugh

* Please ask your server or bartender for other vegetarian options

9th Annual Virginia Beer Festival

9th Annual Virginia Beer Festival
May 15th
2-6
Elisabeth River Pavilion and Pier
Downtown Norfolk, VA
www.festevents.org/event/67/9th-annual-virginia-beer-festival-in-partnership-with-the-virginia-arts-festival

A festival of foamy fun! Raise a glass, a stein, a frosty mug to the fine art of beer making in this popular annual celebration that features live music, food, and of course, great beers from Europe and America, direct from the brewers who proudly produce the best in the world. This year, the Beer Festival returns to the newly reopened Town Point Park-join us!

TICKET & TABLE PACKAGES

Advance tickets available by calling Ticketmaster at 757.671.8100 or by visiting the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office at MacArthur Center.

Tasting Tickets (includes sampling privileges and souvenir glass) $25 in advance or $30 at the gate (cash sales only).

General Admission (does not include tasting privileges nor souvenir glass) $15 in advance or at the gate.

Reserved Table (includes Admission Tickets and reserved seating for 8 guests) $320 in advance by May 10, 2010 only.

Boater's Package: Includes 4 Tasting Tickets and Parkside docking during Festival hours, reservations strongly recommended. Please call Kenneth Payne 757.441.2345, ext. 3017 or email paynek@festevents.org to reserve a boater package or for more information. $250 for vessels up to 35', pricing and ticket quantity increases for larger vessels.

9th Annual Virginia Beer Festival – After Party
May 15th
6pm
245 Granby Street
Norfolk, VA 23510-1813
(757) 626-3100

Empire will strike back with Left Hand Brewing right after the 9th Annual Virginia Beer Festival. The following beers will be featured:

On draft:
400 lb. monkey IPA
Fade To Black – Volume I
Oak-Aged Widdershins

In bottle:
Good Juju
Milk Stout
Black Jack Porter
Chainsaw Ale

Left Hand Brewing Tasting @ Di Bruno Bros.

Left Hand Brewing Tasting @ Di Bruno Bros.
May 12th
5pm
Di Bruno Bros.
930 S. 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-922-2876
http://www.dibruno.com/

In 1939, after emigrating from Italy and working a few years in the ever expanding city of Philadelphia, two brothers, Danny and Joe Di Bruno, came together to open a small grocery in the Italian Market. For Danny and Joe, Di Bruno Bros. was first and foremost about family and community. "A smile doesn't cost you anything," Joe would tell his grandsons as they helped him open the store each Saturday morning. The brothers' store became a touchstone for the community, each customer that walked in the store was treated like family.

As time passed and the humble grocery grew, Danny and Joe reflected back to the European roots, shifting their focus from an everyday grocery to an imported gourmet food store. The shelves of the store were filled with imported cheeses, oils, and vinegars. Cured meats and provolone hung from the ceiling, left to age till perfection and to fill the store with an intoxicating and inviting aroma. Memories or great food and conversation shared with friends and family over long evenings at the dinner table inspired Danny and Joe to celebrate family and food with everyone they encountered; they became culinary pioneers for the community.

To this day, nothing compares to the Di Bruno Bros. experience. Danny and Joe's dedication to culinary pioneering still drives the Di Bruno Bros. of today to provide the most authentic foods from traditional, artisanal producers, and to inspire everyone who walks though the doors to nuture the relationship between food and family. Each cheesemonger, gourmet specialist, and customer serivce representative you encounter holds not only a passion for fine food, but the legacy of Joe and Danny Di Bruno close their hearts.

Di Bruno Bros. continues to be family owned and operated, with the original storefront standing proudly at 930 S. 9th Street in Philadelphia's Italian Market. Come and celebrate this historical open air marketplace with Left Hand Brewing as we pair our beers with some of the finest cheese and charcuterie in Philadelphia.

Grill 'Em All

The gods of metal are surely smiling upon the latest trumpeteers of delicious glory on four wheels! Never has there been such an homage to all things delicious and devilish all wrapped upon in a mobile unit, thrashing their way into our hearts, minds, and stomachs. Grill 'Em All is a newcomer in the recent food truck explosion based in L.A., but with a solid menu and unapologetic culinary offerings they've already smashed their way into the highly competitive market and destroyed all that stand in their way. The duo of Ryan Harkins and Matthew Chernus paired up with a wild vision and have already landed a spot on the Travel Channel's "Food Wars", which followed the unholy pair as they blazed through California preaching their ideals of metal and BURGER.





Luckily, through mutal foodie fanatic and metal maniac Dave Witte I was able to catch these guys as they served up their goods boardwalk-side in Mission Beach, under the shadow of mighty Belmont Park. Unfortunately, a gloomy sky deterred many a regular Saturday beachgoer and potential slaves to the newly introduced Witte Burger, namesake of the very man above! I didn't need to ask what the Witte contained because to bear such a proud name means only one thing- A GLORIOUS EXPERIENCE. However, for the benefit of you mere mortals who haven't yet experienced the madness that is Witte, it's a burger on a homemade bun, slathered in California cream cheese, beer-fried bacon, Sriacha soaked grilled onions, and a roasted garlic aioli to make your arteries beg for mercy. Since the boys were on a roll filming for Food Wars, a malt vinegar aioli served as a delightful substitute in the garlic's stead. Not a disappointing choice. The film crew recognized the tunnel vision of food fanatics that have just been handed something that can't possibly exist outside the realm of awesome, and took the opportunity to ask us a few questions. I'm sure our close ups of sriacha-stained blood drool and flecks of juicy meat torn apart will look just greeeaaattt on all those HD-TVs. Hello America! This is Beth and Ashton and we're disgustingly enthusiastic! Join us in our revelry!





Only those who are from the South understand the automatic connection when you come face to face with one of your Rebel kin elsewhere in the nation. An immediate bond is formed for life once the name "Richmond" is invoked in conversation, and an instant friendship cements itself usually over a beer. Since the City of San Diego generally frowns upon public displays of drunkeness, we had to make do with gorging ourselves with meat rather than hops and yeast. The boys took to us instantly once we spoke the name Witte, and we didn't even need to ask- within minutes we were handed two dripped, glorious, thundering, mighty burgers, a side of truffle fries to boot!



The trumpeteers of Viking lore ten thousand strong could not have blasted more thunderingly into your face than this burger. I felt as though I was balancing on a pitchfork of insanity simply attempting to comprehend the madness of this gluttonous treasure. Mighty Thor himself would smite a legion of warriors to feast upon the Witte at his victory table, and sacrifice a thousand virgins to appease the demons swarming in his head with which the absence of burger would appear.



These preachers of metal and munchin' remain tadpoles in the food arena, but with a solid menu of absolutely phenomenal offerings and a schtick to rival any major stationary restaurant, I can't fathom that these crazy metal apostles won't achieve immortality through food.

Finding Perspective

I guess it's all about perspective, which is what I was trying to find tonight while wandering around one of my favorite places on earth: Barnes & Noble.

Sure, I can pretend to be a literary snob and claim to only shop at hip independent book stores like Book Ends in Ridgewood, or Labyrinth Books in Princeton, or City Lights in San Francisco. True - being in places like those is almost a religious experience, but when it comes down to it I'm a junkie for the written word, and Barnes & Noble is a quick, cheap fix for my insatiable addiction.

I'm not quite sure what exactly I was hoping to find...perhaps something uplifting, clinical and a little cathartic all at once - complete with a cool cover and an inside jacket littered with rave reviews from esteemed critics and cultural icons alike. I began searching.

I started in the NEW AGE section, but everything there was, well, too new agey.

The NEW AGE section was right next to CHRISTIAN INSPIRATION, which I immediately abandoned after seeing Joel Osteen's novel prominently displayed, since I personally don't find Joel Osteen particularly Christian nor inspirational.

I moved over to TRUE CRIME (my favorite genre), and thought that perhaps a grizzly murder might make me forget about colons, and lymph nodes, and nuclear medicine, and survival rates...but again, I was turned off by the first novel I saw: BMF - The Rise and Fall of Big Meech and The Black Mafia Family. I'm Sicilian. I have no interest in reading about Big Meech - call it national pride if you will. Moving on.

Over in SELF IMPROVEMENT, I found Jennifer Love Hewitt's book about dating and Queen Latifah's book: Put on Your Crown. I wasn't in a "girls kick ass" kinda mood, so I made my way to PSYCHOLOGY (one of my other favorite sections). Unfortunately, I couldn't concentrate because there was a creepy 45ish guy next to me in the SEX and RELATIONSHIPS section, shooting sideways glances in my direction; I couldn't tell who was more uncomfortable - him or me.

So I went back over to SELF IMPROVEMENT and I found a subsection labeled: Death & Grieving, Dreams, Dating. Now, this would make perfect sense if the shelf was filled with books featuring heroines who dreamed about killing their awful boyfriends, only to feel badly afterwords - but otherwise, a disconcerting combination.

Next, I made my way over to the MEDICAL REFERENCE section, which, unfortunately, was near the SEX and RELATIONSHIPS section where the creepy guy was still lurking among the Karma Sutra books. All I could find in my haste and awkwardness were Medical Reference books. (Duh - did I read the section label?) But just when I thought all hope was lost, out of the corner of my eye I saw an ominously entitled best seller: The War Against Toenail Fungus. And just like that - as I looked down and wiggled my perfectly painted pink toenails - I found it. Perspective.