CatHouse Chat

Random acts of culture and flash mobs

SWACGirl has a lovely roundup of this phenomenon that's becoming more and more popular, which is what sparks this brief post:

I just want to say that I love this! Ever since ImprovEverywhere started doing their fun improvisational skits, I've been enjoying seeing the creative and surprising ways that these groups bring smiles to people. I really hope that this trend keeps up, especially with the simple funny things as well as the "random acts of culture."

YouTube, of course, has several videos listed under random acts of culture, or you can check out the search for flash mob. Google, of course has extensive results here and here, detailing just what these phenomena are as well as links to webpages and videos.

So, go check them out; I think you'll be delightfully surprised by the creativity and joy that this new fad brings!

Roy's Restaurant in Orlando still continues to deliver a FANTASTIC dining experience

Since my Mom lives in Orlando, we're down here frequently to visit and we usually go out for dinner almost every night. One of our favorite restaurants has always been Roy's, but - for one reason or another - we haven't been there for two or three years.

Well, last night, we took Mom out to Roy's - and I confess I was a little worried. Sometimes it happens that a favorite restaurant decides to rest on its laurels or management lets things slide or some other thing happens and you just don't enjoy eating there any more. It is sad, but it's true - and I am so glad that it hasn't happened with Roy's Orlando!

We have always loved all the Roy's we've visited for the superior service and the excellent food, a combination I've long considered to be a very good bang for the buck. No, they're not cheap, but I believe that Roy's really gives excellent value every single time. Of course, they're not quiet, intimate restaurants with classical music playing subtly in the background and waiters smoothly catfooting around your table, but Roy's are always full of boisterous energy, cheerfulness and good humor - exactly my style!

Last night we were served by two lovely and attentive young ladies: Carolyn, our server, and Elizabeth, who bussed the table. They were both very focused on providing an excellent dining experience, and they did wonderful credit to the Roy's reputation. Carolyn took care of any needs we had and struck the perfect balance between hovering and ignoring us; she never interrupted conversation, but it seemed we only had to glance up for her to be there, ready to bring us what we wanted. Elizabeth whisked away dirty dishes, filled water and iced tea glasses and kept everything running smoothly with a smile. Her friendliness and hospitality would grace any fine establishment!

There was only one bobble the entire evening (and it was only a mere bobble) - Carolyn misheard me and thought I'd ordered the signature blackened ahi appetizer instead of the dinner. However, with the typical "can-do" attitude I've encountered at each and every Roy's, she took care of the mistake quickly, courteously and very professionally - I had the proper order in front of me in about five minutes! That attitude is one of the best things about eating at Roy's: if you have a request, they can accommodate you; if there's a problem, they will fix it to your satisfaction with speed and grace - Roy's loves their customers, and makes sure they know it.

Finally, of course, my daughter and I finished with Roy's signature flourless chocolate soufflé, served with a drizzle of raspberry coulis and a scoop of vanilla ice cream; no trip to Roy's, as far as I'm concerned, is complete without this deliciously decadent flourish! Mom is a bit sensitive to chocolate (although she loves it - drat those allergies!) and truly enjoyed her vanilla crême brulée. And you can imagine our surprise and delight when the manager, Sid, came over to make sure everything went well and comped us our desserts! He was very gracious and wanted to welcome us back after our long absence - now, isn't that the aloha spirit taken to the max?!

So, if you're going to be in Orlando and want a wonderful, fun, and top-notch dining experience, I earnestly urge you to go visit Roy's - and tell 'em the kooky ol' Kat sent you!

 

The blessings of my life...

I am BEYOND blessed... I am enjoying a quiet night in and around the pool with the Beloved Husband. Hawaiian music (courtesy of Pandora, Verizon Wireless, and my MotoDroid...) playing quietly in the background...

How can life on earth get better?!

OK, this has GOT to be one of the best versions ofHamlet... EVER!!!!

Starring Patrick Stewart and David Tennant (ooooo!)... I've GOT to get the video!

Hamlet in 85 macros - GO "READ!!!!"

*snicker*snicker*snort*giggle*ROTFLMAO!*

It's beginning to look a lot like... Straight No Chaser

I've been working with my music folder, organizing and cleaning things up, and came across this wonderful AWESOME group. I learned about Straight No Chaser last year (I think), and completely fell in love with their talent and sense of humor.

And so - especially since I drove by a house today that already had its Christmas tree up (it shone through the window beautifully!) - I present to you their famous version of the Twelve Days of Christmas:

As I said, they are very talented, so make sure you go over to their Amazon store, and BUY EVERYTHING!!!

Jack Black: an idiot of colossal proportions

The 40-year-old "comedian" Jack Black went on the "dark side" during the MTV Awards praying to the devil.  Black, who was promoting  a heavy metal video game called Brütal Legend, asked the "Dear Dark Lord Satan" to bless the rock star nominees with "continued success in the music industry."

via christianpress.com

This is one reason why I never watch any of these award shows anymore. I mean, why should I? I think the only award show that doesn't seem to go out of its way to offend Christians (besides the Dove Awards - d'uh!) is the Country Music Awards. Country music appears to be the only genre outside of Christian Music where it's still wrong to bash Christians.

Of course, I see idiocy like this - I mean, asking Satan to bless anything! [rolls eyes] - and I am reminded of Galatians 6:7-8 -

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

God is perfectly able to mete out perfect justice; He is merely being patient until His appointed time.

Frankly, I wouldn't want to be in Jack Black's shoes - I'm far more content to be covered by the Blood and Righteousness of Christ, considering that's the only way to escape the wrath of God...

NO!!!! No, no, no, nononononono!!!! Not Patrick Swayze!!!!

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Patrick Swayze, the hunky actor who danced his way into viewers' hearts with ''Dirty Dancing'' and then broke them with ''Ghost,'' died Monday after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 57.

via www.nytimes.com

Oh, damn. I liked Patrick Swayze. I loved Dirty Dancing, Road House, and so many of his other films... And, from what I've heard, he was also a very sweet guy in real life....

Damn.

Father in Heaven, I pray that You are welcoming home another of Your children. I pray that Mr. Swayze is now face to face with You, completely healed and rejoicing in Your presence. I pray that You send Your Spirit to comfort and uphold his family in their time of grief, and that You remind them of Your love and grace. Hold them in Your strong and gentle arms, Father, and bless them with Your mercy and salvation.

(kittipurrs to Fausta for letting me know)

(Crossposted to Virginia Virtucon)

For your Saturday amusement - John Scalzi critiques Star Trek tech

The Borg
Featured in First Contact, these are the most fearsome aliens in the galaxy, and look like the Tin Man on Goth Night at the local leather bar. You don't know whether to fear the Borg or to ask them if they think that upcoming AFI album will be, like, awesome.

via blogs.amctv.com

LOL! That bolded portion is worth the price of admission right there, *snicker!*

Very much worth the read - even if you're a die-hard Trekker. And, to be fair, he started out dinging Star Wars. Wonder what he's going after next? Firefly? V? Independence Day? Lost in Space? (Nah, that one would be too easy!)

Superbowl Ads

Well, from what I hear, they weren't much to write home about - except for the Budweiser ads. Now, I don't drink Bud, but they have had a consistent style of sweetness, humor, and respect in their ads which I really appreciate.

NOBODY can top this one:

... or this one:

And this year's is just sweet:

Thank you to Anheuser-Busch for giving us fun, respectful, and CLEAN ads which make us smile, and which are wonderful examples of what advertising CAN be, but so rarely is.

I think I need to start drinking their beer...

All right, I'm officially addicted...

... to Bones... Funny, interesting - although Bones does drive me nuts a bit with her anti-God comments - and just... I love it!

... Which means it'll probably get canceled after the next season [headdesk]

An American Carol opens TODAY!

And I'm going to go see it! I was thinking that my closest theater was in Lynchburg, but my blog-sister, badrose, alerted me to the fact that it's playing in DANVILLE!!!! Maybe 'rose and I can meet up and watch together...

The "Lost Fleet" series is well worth the read!

In the past week, I bought and read the four books currently available from the six book series by Jack Campbell (a pen name for John G. Hemry). From what I read, the fifth book is due out in 2009, and I daresay that the last book will be available by late 2009 (just from the release-pace of the current four).

I confess, the first book took about a day to lure me in (mainly because I kept getting distracted by other things), but I've definitely been hooked, and have burned through the other three books in a frenzy of enjoyment for the excellent plot and vivid, realistic writing.

One thing which grabbed me is the premise:

The Alliance has been fighting the Syndic for a century-and losing badly. Now its fleet is crippled and stranded in enemy territory. Their only hope is Captain John "Black Jack" Geary-a man who's emerged from a century-long hibernation to find he has been heroically idealized beyond belief. Now, he must live up to his own legend.

When I started the first book, I expected a prologue which set up the scenario, but right from the first paragraph, Jack Campbell plunged his main character right into the crisis. It's only by reading the book and "watching" the plot unfold that you see and understand just who John "Black Jack" Geary really is.

Now, Campbell is a bit like David Weber for me, in that the more detailed battle scenes will make me skim a bit, but the plot and character development are - to me, anyway! - absolutely riveting!

So, I highly recommend fans of military sci-fi stories to pick up these books and enjoy them. If you like the Honor Harrington series, you will definitely find this one a fantastic read!

Pretty please, if you think you might like to buy them, I ask that you click out on these Amazon links I've provided - it would be nice to get some "paying" hits, LOL!

UPDATE: Well, the link image widgets from Amazon don't seem to be working, so I'll do this:

Book One: Dauntless
Book Two: Fearless
Book Three: Courageous
Book Four: Valiant

This is a 'flirtini'

Ah, drinks at the beach again... Yep, life is tough, but I guess that SOMEONE has to live it ;-)

(UPDATE: the Catch31 version of the "Flirtini" uses Absolut Melon [?] for the vodka and so on, and it was quite nice. My taste buds might have preferred a wee bit more sweetness, but it was light and refreshing, and two flirtinis didn't make me stagger [always a good thing]. Of course, any excuse to have some bubbly makes me a happy camper! LOL)

Fireproof - the movie totally ROCKS!

An absolute MUST-SEE! I just got out, and the movie was wonderful: excellent acting, a strong message and plot, and all-around fantastic....

Gordon Biersch restaurant Virginia Beach

Ah, back in civilization - in other words an area with GOOD food and GOOD beer! (Sorry the pic is dim - no flash on the LG Voyager mobile. Ah, well...)

(UPDATE: Um, yeah... OK, I can see the drawbacks to NOT having a "flash" on my cell phone...)

TWO WEEKS until An American Carol opens!!!

And I'm so bummed - I'm going to have to wait a little bit until it gets into my area, because - when I checked yesterday - neither Danville or Lynchburg (my closest "big" cities) will be showing it on October 3rd. [pout]

But, for those of you who WILL have it in a theater near you, make sure you GO SEE IT! And then come on over and tell me how fun it was (no spoilers - or not too many - please, LOL)

Here's the newest trailer:

And here's the first trailer:

Finally - FINALLY!!! - a movie that loves America instead of all the vile slurs that Hollywierd loves to sling at this great country....

Oh, and here's An American Carol's website...

I WANT TO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!

An American Carol will be arriving in theaters on October 3rd... And I've GOT to see it!

This is Ithildyn's fault!

My blog-sis, Ithildyn, posted this via Twitter:

It was so funny that the next episodes have been impossible for me to resist (I'm currently on #4). Please - watch them and be prepared to DIE-DIE-DIE laughing your a** off!

The rest of the episodes I've found are under the fold...

Dr. Horrible LIVES!

Yeah, yeah, I know it's old news, but Hulu is hosting Joss Whedon's Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. I had been under the impression that Dr. H wouldn't be available for free after July 20th, but this is a good thing!

So, if you haven't seen Dr. Horrible yet, go on over and have a laugh.

Ooooo! Peek at the next Harry Potter!

Right here.

(kittipurrs to my blog-brother, Michael)

Have you checked out Dr. Horrible yet?

Better hurry, 'cause he's all gone for free-view on Sunday the 20th...

Joss Whedon, of Buffy and Firefly fame (to name two), has done this for kicks and profit, and it's rather surreal... But I love it! It's too funny, and just odd... I guess I need to gratify my inner geek!

So, go check out Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog NOW!

Went SCUBA diving this morning

- and it was lovely! Mauna Kea and Hualalai were clear and standing in a cornflower blue sky, with Mauna Loa looming in the background. Kohala had already gathered her drape of clouds, so we couldn't see her, unfortunately.

We went to Anaeho'omalu Bay (Ah-nye-ho-oh-mah-loo or "A-bay") and paddled out to a mooring in the Diveyak the Beloved Husband bought a couple of years ago. I confess that I was initially a bit skeptical, but it's a wonderful product. There's room for two people and all their scuba gear, it's tough and maneuverable while remaining light and transportable.

As a matter of fact, it's so transportable that we can get it in one of the old flight bags my husband has and the airlines will accept it as luggage, since it's under 50 pounds. Well, it's just under, but that counts! We've decided that it will definitely be worth paying extra baggage costs, if necessary, in the future when we return to Hawai'i. It certainly saves us a HUGE amount in dive-boat money, because a two tank dive off of one of the dive shops' boats can be $150 a person *gasp!*

Anyway, we had a lovely time, although I didn't see any of my beloved Domino Damsels (or, "three-spot dascyllus")- but only the mature version was present. My favorite guys have three very distinct spots and are the juvenile form. As they get older, it's almost like the spots enlarge until their sides are pretty much all white. Nevertheless, I love 'em - they remind me of Trojan Horses, with their "manes" all roached and crested... Here are some more good images for you to check out.

So, although my Beloved had to go up and get the camera he'd forgotten on the Diveyak, we do have some pictures of me underwater. Of course, I'm only going to post the most flattering.... *snicker*

Hey, look! Hawaii video!

I've been having issues with uploading stuff from the room's internet connection (GMail in particular is being pissy), but I finally managed to get this video mashup onto YouTube:

I've also got some AWESOME video from Thursday night's Manta Ray dive, but the Beloved Husband's camera recorded them in QuickTime format, and I've been using Windows Movie Maker - and we all know how much Windows loves Apple [rolls eyes]! Can any one give me some suggestions?

Luau time!

Oh, we're goin' to a hukilau...

Pics will be up later. I think.... *snicker*

Godspeed, "General Hammond"

Don S. Davis, the actor who played General Hammond on Stargate SG-1 for seven years just died.

I always loved his character; Gen. Hammond was a tough guy who loved and took care of his people - and he had a subtle and precise sense of humor. Just as much as Richard Dean Anderson's character, Col. Jack O'Neill, shaped the series, so did Gen. Hammond - and Mr. Davis played him with great skill and grace.

My heart and prayers go out to his family.

Thanks to XM Pops channel -

I was listening to Mussorgsky and Rimsky-Korsakov this morning (also Debussy, Verdi, Bach, Ravel... Mmmmm!), and went to Wikipedia to research some of their works and their biographies. On Rimsky-Korsakov's page, there was a music file of "Flight of the Bumblebee," a short piece of about one minute which takes incredible talent and dexterity to perform.

Check out the search results from YouTube! This one in particular was unique and extremely well-done:

Pretty awesome, don't you think?

Also, take a look at this one; I'd seen it sometime last year, I think. It's a little more traditional... Well, at least it's played on piano!

One word, people:

WOW!!!!!!

Iron Man was GREAT!

UPDATE: Well, that's odd... TPad isn't accepting, or Verizon isn't sending, the text messages I send with the photos! [pout]

Anyway, what I said was:

The Munchkin fell asleep on the way down to the theater (4 o'clock show, and she's asleep!! Pre-teens, I guess, LOL), but she perked right up when we went in to the movie. We had a wonderful time watching it, and then went to Red Lobster for dinner afterwards...

Home now (obviously), and very satisfied with our great evening...

Of course, we could still go to the horse show nearby... [hmmm....]

Yet another reason that I just love the guy...

William Shatner, on himself:

In the book you also talk a lot about “Shatnerian delivery”. Can you explain?

I don’t really understand what it means, except when someone’s doing an impersonation and I turn to the person beside me and say, ‘Does that sound like me?’ And they guiltily nod ‘yes.’ Apparently it’s rhythmic. If somebody does me, I’m now aware they think they’re doing me. I’m aware of the tip-offs.

Your voice is really soothing in real life.

Are you going to sleep? Maybe it’s the subject matter.

His autobiography, Up Till Now, is available and looks like a fun read, and I hope it sells like crazy.

But anyway, I've always loved Shatner - he really is a good actor, it's just that I think he knows people like him best when he's really "playing" [sound trumpets] WILLIAM SHATNER!!!! [another trumpet ruffle, please], and so he indulges them. He knows how to laugh at himself, unlike most other actors these days.

Instapundit (where I found this article) updates his entry with a note from Bill Quick:

Since I know Shatner fairly well, and I’ve spent a fair amount of time with him, I can tell you that this is pretty much the way he really is. He’s not putting anything on here.

... Suddenly I'm getting the very scary and hilarious idea of putting Shatner in a room with Robin Williams and seeing just what kind of insanity they create....

All for now, except for this FANTASTIC and oh-so-Shatner video -

Rest in Peace: Charlton Heston

Another one of the honorable and larger-than-life Old Guard has passed on to glory:

"Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played," Heston's family said in a statement. "No one could ask for a fuller life than his. No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country."

Moses, Ben Hur, John the Baptist, Marc Antony... He liked to act in roles that were bigger than life and played out on a grand scale - just like his own life.

Rest in peace, sir. You'll be missed.

Update: Some video of the man at his best...

.

.

Merrie Monarch Festival enters its 40th year

Well, one good thing to come out of Aloha's closing is that it reminded me of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo, Hawaii. This year, the Festival begins today, and runs through April 5th. The best hula in all the world will be showcased at the Festival - wahine and kane (women's and men's divisions - pronounced "vah-hee-nay" and "kah-nay") and two different styles: kahiko (traditional style "kah-hee-koh") and auana (modern"ow-ah-nah").

To get a glimpse of some of this beautiful style of dancing, start here on YouTube... But there's something about the kane kahiko...

UPDATE: You will note that it's very similar to a Tahitian haka - which isn't odd, since the Hawaiians came in to Hawaii from that general area, and certainly brought those traditions along with them. However, it is my undertanding (and I could be VERY wrong), that hula tells a story, but the haka is more of a formal threat display, or a war chant... Again, I could be wrong ;-)

HAH! Another excellent beer ad!

Guinness: Tipping Point
Uploaded by Razorbuzz

Rube Goldberg meets dominoes...

It reminds me of the "Big Ad"....

(Purrs to the PuppyBlender [good thing he doesn't try that with cats, huh?])

Day by Day Cartoon fundraiser HUGE success

Chris Muir, the author of the fabulous Day By Day cartoon, planned on having a fundraiser to gather $10,000.00 to help with the growing expenses of the site as well as help compensate him for the time and effort he puts into the strip. He'd planned on running it for the month of January...

Seems like we-his-readers had different ideas:

I can't believe I'm saying this...

Please don't send DBD any more money!

Well, I put up a perfectly good 10K Fundraiser thermometer "graphic," and you guys just smoked past that in under 8 hours. The Fundraiser notice was barely up for 24 hours. As of 5:28 this evening, (January 7, 2008), DBD readers have hurled - hurled, I say - $20,185.52 this way.[...]

I am truly amazed. Gobsmacked. Stunned. And, obviously, at a loss for words necessary for what all of you have done.

All I can think of is from what I said earlier: "I know this is very much a vote from readers on DBD."

Thank you. Thank you all for your vote.

You're welcome, Chris.

After all, we don't just love your characters - we love you, too!

[note: I can't permalink to his letter because the redirect to the PayPal donation page is embedded in it.]

Oh... Brigadoon!

Flipping through the DirecTV guide, I saw That's Entertainment III, watched the last 20 minutes and HAD to put on Brigadoon (I wanted to watch Singin' in the Rain, but we don't have it [pout])...

*happy sigh*

Brigadoon, Brigadoon,
Blooming under sable skies.
Brigadoon, Brigadoon,
There my heart forever lies.
Let the world grow cold around us,
Let the heavens cry above!
Brigadoon, Brigadoon,
In thy valley, there'll be love!

Oh, boy... Jigzone is addicting me again!

Have you gone over there and enjoyed all the puzzles? You can change the number of pieces, you can change the shapes of the pieces... Hours of good, clean fun!

I'm procrastinating...

After the trauma of the black widow spider, I am really not in the mood to finish Halloween costumes (that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!)

I have two seams left, one on the Munchkin's cloak, and one on the hem of her pants. Then I also need to make her shirt, which is a simple "pajama" tunic, very much like a hospital scrubs top. All I need to do on that is - well, everything! But, it's a very easy design: I could churn it out in two hours, tops, if I just focused...

The Hubby's costume ought to have some hemming done, now that I've cut the sleeves shorter and also taken some length off the bottom of the cloak. But, what do you think? You figure he's going to scare the *piss* out of a few people in this getup?  *snicker*

I keep telling him that he needs to really walk the streets of Chatham...  (I am so evil!!)

Yeah, and you see how concerned the Munchkin is!

But that's really the Best Husband in the Universe underneath all that - up on drywallers' stilts, and he's almost NINE FEET tall!!! He says he's going to lower the stilts for better stability, though. He's also made a *huge* sickle to add to the effect as well as adding to his balance.

*sigh*

Chatham won't know what's hit them this Halloween... And my Beloved is already planning more for next year!!

So... I'm still procrastinating... LOLOL!

Technorati Tags: Halloween, Halloween costumes, procrastinating

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

OK, put your drinks and food down, and get ready to laugh hysterically - the Onion has totally nailed all the election rhetoric and posturing with this video!

WARNING: Language alert - if you're not ready to listen to the "s-word" several times, Just. Don't. Watch!

(But it's absolutely side-splitting...! *snicker*)

Poll: Bullshit Is Most Important Issue For 2008 Voters

P.S. It's not my fault - Rightwingsparkle made me do it!

Technorati Tags: humor, bullshit, the Onion, Election 2008

Hitler - BANNED! (well, from iSketch...)

OMG, you have got to see this! (CatPurrs to my blog-sis, Beth)

(Warning, there are some four letter words in the sub-titles)

I have no idea what movie they used for this, but the way they chose the scene and inserted new dialog is absolutely hilarious! Bravo zulu for imagination and excellent execution!

Last.fm has hooked me...

I really like the way it will see what I already have on my iTunes and add it to my preferences (saves a lot of work!). I've been a wee bit confused with "scrobbling" and playlists, but I did figure them out once I applied my brain to it (gee, surprise!).

I'm not usually one for "social networking" sites - facebook and del.icio.us (or however it's punctuated) are baffling to me - but this one just might work for me! There are also widgets I can use here on CatHouse Chat - or there will once Last.fm gets enough info to generate lists and recommendations.

So go check out Last.fm and see if you can join the musical parade! If you'd like to friend me there, I'm using my romeokat -at- gmail -dot- com e-mail addy, or you can go to my user page.

Technorati Tags: Last.fm, social networking, music, online music

Sad that it's Monday? Here's something fun...

I went over to Neatorama because of a link from the Evangelical Outpost's weekly 33 Things list, and the post for this little video was just begging me to click on it!

Technorati Tags: Neatorama, mean kitty song

Oh, it's been a while!

I just "stumbled" across VH-1 Classics while looking for something on TV, and they're playing Rod Stewart's "Infatuation"!

I loved that video!

Dang, and just yesterday I heard T'Pau's "Heart and Soul" on XMRadio... I think I might need to immerse myself in the 80's again !

Annapolis fireworks

Last night was just lovely! First, we had diner at the Chart House restaurant, and then took a water taxi over to the main dock area.

We caught the tail end of the Fourth of July parade and wandered around old Annapolis before going to the Naval Academy, where the main event was center stage:

Technorati Tags: Annapolis, fireworks, Naval Academy, Chart House, food, restaurant

The Last Supper - Hawaiian style

All y'all know that the Beloved Husband indulges me outrageously, right? Well, tonight is our last night in Hawaii, the last night of our vacation. Most likely, it will be another year [sob, sob] before we can escape out here again...

But the Husband knows what a "foodie" I am, and knows that our small town and it's close neighbors can't satisfy (generally) my love of really good food, prepared extremely well and served with style and awesome service... So, even after we'd gone to Roy's Waikoloa last Saturday with the Munchkin's godparents, he allowed me (*wink, wink*) to go there again tonight...

Roy's gave us an opener of some edamame (soy beans), which were tossed in some sort of a lightly spicy toasted sesame seed oil.

Of course, I had a glass of wine (um, er... several...! LOL) - a lovely, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, which went well with every course I ordered (well... maybe not the chocolate soufflé...)

The Munchkin ordered from the kids' menu, and therefore got a couple of slices of a cheese quesadilla, and then some apples and carrots with a ranch dressing dip.

Then the main dishes started arriving...

I started with the seared ahi (tuna), which is a Roy's signature dish. It's something I always enjoy, and if there's nothing on the appetizer menu which is completely novel and intriguing, it's my standard pick. The Beloved Husband chose it as one of three appetizers he had for his dinner.

There's a mustard sauce (the darker brown), which is fairly spicy, and a lighter sauce which is very flavorful as well.

Roy's is very accommodating - when I go to their location in Orlando with my parents, Mom wants the ahi without the searing spices, and with just wasabi and soy sauce. The staff has never failed to prepare the fish as she's asked, and always with a cheerful, "can do!" attitude.

Our other appetizers were the Szechwan Pot-Stickers (oh, yeah, THEY went quick!)  

and the spring rolls:

I didn't taste the spring rolls, but the Husband devoured them and I LOVED the taste he gave me from the potstickers... Nummy!

While the Husband had the same ahi appetizer for his "main course," the Munchkin had a lovely pasta with tomato sauce for her dinner... and she left very little behind when she was done!

She's been quite shy recently about having good photos taken of her, so this is the best I could manage for dinner.

Me, I had the Lemongrass Scallops in a coconut sauce, and it was DE.LISCIOUS! I've got the last third of my serving in the 'fridge for tomorrow's breakfast. It was very hard to leave some on the plate so that I had room for another Roy's standard I always order:

The chocolate soufflé!!!

*sigh* *satisfied groan* *sigh*

*ahem* Excuse me while I loosen my belt...

So, now we're at our time-share condo, packing up the last bits of stuff in preparation for our departure tomorrow... And I'm still drifting along on a very happy chocolate high, thanks to Roy's!!!

If you're in a location which has a Roy's, I would encourage you to try them out. *PLEASE* do NOT expect a quiet, candle-lit and romantic atmosphere: Roy's is a very boisterous and active venue. The service and the food, however, have always given a wonderful bang for the buck. I always love to go to a Roy's, because I know I'll have good food, prepared beautifully, with cheerful and enthusiastic service.

Technorati Tags: Roy's restaurants, cuisine, pacific rim, chocolate souffle

First dive in TWELVE years!

We're going on a 2 tank boat dive tomorrow, and when I let the shop know I hadn't been diving in a fair while, they weren't terribly concerned. That's probably because a) we're going out with people on intro-dives and qualification dives, and b) I was very up front with them and let them know my normal dive style (very laid back, slow paced and mellow).

So, the Beloved Husband (brilliant and wonderful guy that he is) suggested that we do a shore/boat dive together this morning before the Munchkin and I went to swim with the dolphins at Hilton Waikoloa Village.

May I present: 

ME!!!!

On my first dive in twelve years!

I also got to admire my favorite fish, the domino damsel -

I've always loved these little guys. When the Husband and I were here from 1987 through 1995, I remember one dive where I spent a half hour watching and playing with a little, teeny-tiny damsel fish guarding his wee coral castle from the monster (me) who was thousands of times his size. It was adorable!

At any rate, the dive this morning was GREAT! I was a bit unbalanced with the weights, and had to cut the dive short because I started to get a little cols (yeah, even in Hawaii you need a basic wetsuit), but otherwise it was like I'd never stopped. I was using air at a nice, easy rate (I was also using a 63 cu. ft. tank, versus the typical 80 - I like them better anyway, since they're smaller and better suited to my size), I had no trouble with buoyancy control and felt relaxed and comfortable from the start.

Hooray for me! Tomorrow's boat dives ought to be a breeze!

Anyway, we're off to the Hilton Village now, and I'll post more later. After all, I still owe you some pictures of the mongoose I played with last Monday down at South Point.

So, "see" y'all later, and hopefully with lots of dolphin pics!

We're in Ur NCC-1701 Charmin' Ur Wimmen

It's Ith's fault again... but this time it's not a smackdown of Islam - THIS time it's

LOLTREK!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Go read and see....

Technorati Tags: lolcats, loltrek

lolfrienz ar 2 funnee

I CAN HAS CHEEZBURGER? oh, iz too funnee an oddly amuzing! adventures of teh lolrus and lolcatz ar too silli!

Mus' go zee and lolololol wit lolfrienz and lolcatz - am putting on mi rss jus 2 keep up wit bukkit! Mak shur u chek out da beginin an' aboutz us...

Go lol and giggle!

Manolo and the Bumblebees

Ah, the Manolo! I have great fondness for the blog of the superfantastic Manolo, and today he brings several of the YouTube gems to his ShoeBlog...

I adore the "Flight of the Bumblebee", and the Manolo serves up SIX versions!

This one is my favorite:

I mean, really - a Goth (or is it "punk"?) classical pianist? How wonderfully bizarre is that?!

The wonders of ‘net searches

I was just running through my Sitemeter hits, and saw that one visitor had found me via this search (for this post). But one of the other results was from February at BlackFive, which had this video posted:

Oh, yeah. Yes, indeed. Thank you so much, Subsunk - I needed that...! You made a perfect video to go with Trace Adkins' lyrics...

Facing the giants: Where are today’s Wilberforces?

A heady weekend for me indeed! Yesterday, I was blessed to finally watch Amazing Grace, an extraordinary movie about the great abolitionist, William Wilberforce. Today, I finally sat down and watched Facing the Giants, a movie made by godly men and women who desired to begin reclaiming the arts for God. The passionate, devout, and practical Christian faith presented by both these movies humbled and inspired me, and they made me think about my life and how I'm living it.

William Wilberforce was a young man - only 21 - when he was initially elected to the British Parliament. His career was unremarkable until after his conversion to Evangelical Christianity in 1786 and his subsequent contact with abolitionists like Thomas Clarkson. He was appalled with the degradation and horrors inflicted on human beings made in the image of God, and he began his campaign to abolish the British slave trade in 1789, when he gave his first speech against it in Parliament.

For eighteen long years, with many setbacks - both politically and in his health - Wilberforce slogged on, introducing and re-introducing his bill to abolish the slave trade with dogged determination. It wasn't until 1807 that the bill was finally passed and made into law!

Yet Wilberforce didn't stop there. Although he campaigned to redress the inequities of many social ills, his central focus appeared to remain on cleansing England of the abomination of slavery. He continued his efforts to free men, fighting on to eventually outlaw slavery in the British Empire. Eventually, his health could no longer take the strain, and he retired from Parliament in 1825 - yet, in 1833, three days before his death, Wilberforce heard the great news that the House of Commons had passed a law which freed the slaves in British colonies.

A true story about a true hero of the Christian faith.

Facing the Giants is a simple movie, an uplifting movie, about how God can bless the life that is 100% committed to Him. Yes, the movie has a very basic theology - God may not say yes to every couple's prayers for children, for instance - but it is a lovely reminder that our God is the GREAT God, the Lord God Almighty. There is nothing too difficult for Him, and His eyes are searching the earth, looking for the man or woman who is dedicated to Him, so that He may show Himself strong on their behalf. God can do anything He wants to, and He loves to bless His children abundantly! This film clearly presents Christ as the Savior who transforms His followers and wants every part of their lives committed to Him so that He may bring healing and strength and glory.

A beautiful parable about the power of the Creator of the Universe - Who is also the Lover of our souls.

Put these two movies together, and I am wondering - Where are our Wilberforces? How can we stand against the giants in our lives?

And suddenly, God's still small voice reminded me: *I* am a Wilberforce. The very God of Creation dwells within me, waiting for me to turn to Him and to use His power in my life. God desires to use me as another David, who faced down Goliath with nothing but a sling and a stone - and unshakeable faith in God. God wants me to be His Nehemiah and rebuild the walls of my own Jerusalem in spite of seemingly impossible odds. God wants me to be a Lazarus; He wants to call me out of the grave of sin and give me new life - eternal life.

I can free slaves. I can slay giants. I can rebuild a city. I can walk on water. I can keep from sin. I can do the impossible!

Jesus Himself said

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

Jesus has claimed me for His own, and what man may deem impossible, He can do - because with God, ALL things are possible.

For several weeks, I've been thinking on MercyMe's song, "So Long, Self," and been longing to sing along

So long self
Well it's been fun, but I have found somebody else
So long self
There's just no room for two
So you are gonna have to move
So long self
Don't take this wrong but you are wrong for me farewell
Oh well, Goodbye, don't cry
So Long Self

I can put off my old man, my old sinful nature, my dead and putrifying self and put on the glorious and unspotted raiment - the character of Christ. I can stop listening to how the habits of my body are defining me and limiting me, and I can step out in faith and believe that how God defines me is how I truly am:

• I am called in Christ
• I am chosen in Christ
• I am loved in Christ
• I am precious in Christ
• I am perfect in Christ
• I am righteous in Christ
• I have purpose in Christ
• I have strength in Christ
• I can do all things through Christ

And so, it's time to listen to and believe the "Voice of Truth" -

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand

But the waves are calling out my name
And they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. "Boy, you'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
The voice of truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

When I give 100% to God, He gives back 1,000,000%. When I fully commit to Him, He fully commits to me.

And, in the center of God's will, working in His power... I am a majority.

So I'm going to lay it down. I'm going to leave it all on the field. I'm going to "...[forget] those things which are behind and [reach] forward to those things which are ahead, I [will] press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

I'm going to be a Wilberforce.

Want to join me?

What do I think about the “I-mess”?

Well, it doesn't really matter, does it? But, if you absolutely want to know:

What she said.

Perfect.

I could deal with this

Yep. It wouldn't suck...

*sigh* And now I've got another program to TiVo!