Are you there blog? It's me, IAH.

Yeah, I've been neglectful about blogging. It's not because I don't like you. It's me, not you. Hush your filthy mouth...

So let's get back to talking about the minutia, inanity and hubris that fills my day to day life, shall we?

Yesterday was a delightful day full of tasty food and good friends. Really, it was.

Started off with early morning breakfast with Loraine and Tami at Doyle Street Cafe. Instead of my usual (some derivative of bacon 'n' eggs) I opted for a combo platter of potatoes, salsa, avocado, bacon and love. The best part? On the bill it was listed as "Heaven with bacon". Now that's what I'm talking about...

Then it was off to meet my mommy. She was in LA last weekend and brought me some snacks. Who's got the best mom? IAH, that's who.

Back to Oakland to meet up with Ilana for pedicures, gossip and good times. After Ilana and I parted ways (with red nails!) I walked to the new yogurt place on Piedmont Ave. Despite the dumb name, Tutti Frutii is some tasty sheesh. For reals.

I came home with the full intention of doing laundry but opted to nap instead. You know my motto: don't fight the feeling.

Met up with Mandy for dinner at Aunt Mary's. It was their one year anniversary (!). Lots of good food, silliness and heart laughs ensued. And I've even got the signed poster to prove I was there.

Discrimination!

I feel I'm the victim of discrimination.  

Is it because I'm a woman?  No.  Is it because I'm a half-breed?  Nah.  Or because I'm the coolest, funniest, sassiest gal in town?  Probably (but that's not what I'm talking about today).

It's because I don't have a microwave.  That's right.  This world is geared toward microwave owners.  And not for me :(

Much to my mother's chagrin there is no microwave in my kitchen.  She brings it up every time she's cooking in my kitchen (which is not a rare occurrence).  I pooh-pooh her each time and show her how my kettle and/or saucepans can do the job in a jiffy.  And without that pesky radiation...

Trader Joe's is also not an advocate for those who live microwave-free.  A good number of their (frozen or refrigerated) products come with microwave heating instructions and nothing else.  Um, hello?!  Et tu, Trader Joe's?

And now let's talk about the Busken Bakery of Ohio.  Jemmy brings me a delightful loaf of schnecken from her visit to Ohio.  She suggests warming it up before eating.  I look at the packaging and there is a sticker with heating instructions:  slice and heat in microwave for ten seconds.  That's all they say - no other heating instructions.  AY!  (Note:  I warmed the schnecken in the oven and it was delish!).

Here's my point:  WTF?!  Throw me a bone, packaging people, and give some non-microwave heating instructions.  Dang!

Jive turkeys?

Phew - it's been a busy (but great) day!  Started innocently enough with a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of coffee.  Then it was off for a bike ride (I LOVE my new bike!).  Midway through my ride I spot a flock of wild turkeys - what?!  The photos are a bit blurry (I was tired, sweaty and the sun was shining too brightly - really...).

Then it was off to meet my mom at Peet's for some iced tea and yip yap.  And, being the super mom that she is, she had some treats for me.  My mom and stepdad were in LA over the weekend and my mom brought me some favorites from Porto's:  plantain chips, tres leches cake and a wee napoleon.  Who has the best mom?  IAH does, that's who.

Then I raced home to meet Michelle.  We headed up Piedmont Avenue to Mountain View Cemetery.  We found where her great grandparents are buried.  Then walked around the cemetery (it's really more like a hilly park, I swear).  We came back down Piedmont Avenue for lunch and then wandered around the neighborhood.

I'm tuckered out.  I think I'll sit on the couch with my cats and watch television now.  Bye.

The Prince of Darkness

The next time you see my mom ask her to do her Ozzy "Prince of Darkness" imitation.  Seriously - do it.  I dare you.

We just drove back from the city (lunch with my grandmother - yums!).  My mom starts talking about how she loves some show called "Americans Are Talented!" hosted by Sharon Osbourne.  Then segues into how she doesn't like Ozzy (or Black Sabbath) but saw a few episodes of "The Osbournes" and is still laughing about the time Ozzy declared himself the "Prince of Darkness".  Ay dios mio...