The twin terrors, Rachael and Dawn, invited me to join them for the year-end holiday luncheon at their new property, the Laguna Cliffs Marriott in Dana Point. The property is GORGEOUS, the view is beyond compare, and the atmosphere is fun and upscale without being the least bit stuffy. In short, this is a lovely place to spend time!
Lunch was YUM-O! The chef who was carving the prime rib had the most charming French accent. He put a slice of beef on my plate and asked, "Would you care for ah-nothah?" I smiled and said, "Well, if I must." He very gallantly replied, "Of course you must! It is win-taahhh!" As if I need to beef up any more...it was sweet and charming (and the prime rib was delicious!), so I'm smiling and moving on.
I also met Tony, the most charming Big Man on Campus if ever there was one. Given that the poor guy was in a room filled with women and he was outnumbered 75 to 1, he held up remarkably well. Kudos to Tony!
I also got to sit with Rae's girls who were universally warm and wonderful. We entered the ballroom as strangers and left as fast friends. These girls are fantastic, dynamic humans, and it's easy to see why Rachael was drawn to each of them. Keepers, the whole lot!
It was a fantastic afternoon; new friends were made, bellys got filled, the blessing of having a job in this economy was not lost on anyone, and a glorious time was had by all. Happy holidays, indeed!
With love and a fully stocked carving station,
JODI
WE HAVE LANDED!! This year's pilgrimmage to our blog's namesake show was outstanding. We made seeing the performance a Pfun Pfairy event and had friends, neighbors, co-workers, and cohorts in the audience with us. In total, we were a crowd of 28 and occupied half of the Maverick Theater.
The show was goofy and fantastic (as always). We all got a charge out of it when Voldar, Martian villian extraordinaire (who was exceptionally saucy and sexy this year...bigger weapon, indeed!) ad libbed, "What's next? Is it not enough that we speak perfect English? Are we now to attend inane plays and wear pretty, pretty princess tiaras?!?!?!" You can't buy moments like that, and that is precisely why we keep coming back year after year after year.
The entire cast was wonderful. The kids were mesmerized and the grown ups were delighted. There really isn't a better show to see at the start of the holiday season. Do yourself a favor: buy some tickets and enjoy! Happy holidays!!
With love, Martian and otherwise,
Auntie Jodi
The Phyllis and I went to the Honda Center to see Celine Dion. About 15,000 other people did the same thing, but what the hell, I’m sure she knew that we were there and that’s all that matters, right? I am not now nor have I ever been a huge Celine fan, but I have got to give that girl kudos. She puts on one hell of a show. Singing, dancing, video screens…everything the modern diva needs to take her show on the road, she brought it, and more (that having been said, it’s still Aerosmith and Bad Company songs I’m singin’ in the shower). We were fortunate enough to be in the Black & Decker suite, so our seats were fan-freakin-tastic (thank you, Miss Vicki). We shared the suite with some very fun folks; Lanie and I were mesmerized by the shoes Celine wore with every outfit, Eiji and I kept checking the score of the USC v Notre Dame game (38 – 3…..SCORCH!), and Paline was her general sweet self…if you’ve got to the share the company suite, these are the folks with whom to share it! With love and Kathy Griffin’s voice echoing ‘Rene Angelil’ in my head, JODI
Ain't no Halloween like a Tetonian Halloween!
As pretty much everyone knows, Halloween is the biggest Tetonian event of the year. This year we mixed it up a little and instead of doing a baked potato bar, Theresa made a ton and a half of homemade ziti. If you've never had Theresa's ziti, I pity you. Ambrosia fit for the G-ds, Theresa's ziti is.
So, this year the beautiful Taylor and her posse came by to say hi and show off their fabulous costumes. Taylor dressed as Artemis. Why Artemis? So she could make grand, sweeping gestures with her hands and say, "I am reminded of the hunt!" Taylor's beau, the handsome Craig, dressed as Julius Caesar and the rest of the motley crew rocked it with everything from superheroes to princesses. Ah, to be 15 again....
Another tidbit that made this year different was my introduction of Tito's Handmade Vodka to the Tetonians. If you've never tried it, you really need to make a point of getting your hands on some (BevMo, baybeees!). Smooth and delish...after the first sip, we agreed that Tito's was to be the neighborhood beverage of choice. After the first bottle, we renamed ourselves St. Tito's Parish and dubbed the maker St. Tito, Patron Saint of Libations. So, our street is Teton Way and we refer to ourselves as Tetonians. Tetonians/Tito-nians?!?!? Coincidence? I THINK NOT! Sometimes the stars align and it all comes together exactly as it should (and it doesn't hurt any that Tito himself is smokin'...check out the picture!).
We're already working on a theme for next year...my vote was that we all come as paparazzi and photograph everyone who comes by to trick or treat. If you've got any ideas, bring 'em on!!
For the love of vodka,
JOD
