my pick won

I think Sean said it best:

"All I can do at this point is give props to my girl, April. She pulled off the grandest of Idol picks and, for at least one year (probably forever), has dethroned the self-proclaimed Idol Guru....[C]ongratulations to April on a boldly contested battle (one I really failed to even show up for)."

I predicted the winner after the auditions but before the Hollywood round began. She wasn't even on Sean's list (top 10 or "people to watch"). Here's an excerpt from the notes I took during the auditions; my pick is clearly indicated. Please note that I also noted Blake (2nd place). Unfortunately, Sanjaya is there, but in my defense his audition was leagues better than his Hollywood performances:

SEATTLE

Thomas (black w/ fro)
Blake the beatbox
Shaymali (Indian girl w/ brother)
Sanjaya (her brother)
Rudy “in a band” – rudolpho
Jordan Sparks (Glendale, AZ) - big curly hair WINNER!

I should work in Vegas.

JEWELL OUT!!

Dali for dinner

Last Monday Tammer and I had dinner with a few friends at a place called Dali (there should be a little accent mark over the i). It's a Spanish tapas bar, and the location couldn't be better; it's right across the street.

The food choices were both elegant and varied, and the five of us certainly took advantage ordering three items a piece. Just to give you an idea we had braised rabbit, roasted duck, broiled quail and stuffed squid (i declined to try that one- i was squeamish). We also tried some fried cheeses and Spanish tortillas. The portions were the perfect size for all of us to have a taste of everything. Really a delightful journey for the taste buds.

The restaurant also offers a wide variety of wine and beer, but we stuck with the sangria (which we ordered two liters at a time).

We had a heck of a time, and I can't wait to get back there. Come visit and we'll go there.

visiting family

I am in Chattanooga visiting family. I have been here a week, and one would think that having a 3 week vacation would give me plenty of time to "blog". However, I can't really go on the internet unless I am in the basement near the wireless modem (i need a new wireless card, I guess), so very little gets written.

Since Friday I've been spending time with family. I've gotten to see my nephew play baseball a couple of times and my niece play in the dirt. I got to see Shrek the Third with my littlest brother and his family and Ryan and his family. I'm loving it.

i remember

These photos are old, but I am feeling silly and narcissistic.

Remember these guys? They still make me laugh.

craigslist ad

i was able to unload a desk with the following ad:

A desk came with our apartment, we don't want it.
It's functional, but a little ugly.  Perfect for
your kid who's just going to destroy it anyway.
Also would be good in your garage or under that pile
of papers that currently resides on your kitchen table.

It's amazing what people will go for.