It’s that time again when we all pretend like next year is going to be really different from last year.

It’s stupid, really, if you stop and think about it. You carry you into every new day, so expecting to wake up on January 1st a different person is just dumb.

Oh sure we can set some goals, I’m gonna exercise (sure you are), I’m going to eat less (whatever), I’m going to get a real job (good luck with that), I’m going to be cleaner (for today, maybe).

Mostly, by the time you’re an adult (and I use the term loosely), you’re pretty much WYSIWYG – ha! Remember that from the 90s? Some BS computer cleverness. Like the, “You have an ID-10-T issue.” Yes, don’t we all sometimes.

This year, though, I’m really thinking about making some changes. I know, I know, the last 2-3 years have been all about changes around here. First moving 1000 miles from the Kraken, then buying a dump and making it livable. Do I regret any of it?

Sure.

I sometimes really miss spending frenetic days with the Kraken. She is always on the go and seemingly incapable of just being. But she’s young-ish. She’ll settle. Will she? Ever? I don’t know.

This house. I have huge regrets about it. But on the other hand, I think I have turned it into something a little special. It’s still tiny, it still has some issues, but it’s also comfy and pleasing. And it has kittens, what else could one possible ever want?

I go around and around on the yard. First I want a spectacular yard. Then I don’t want to pay for it. Then I remember we’re not really outdoor people, so will it be wasted? Then the Hubs is on calls all day long and I long for somewhere else to be. Around and around I go. I still can’t pick up the phone and call for a consult at least.

Maybe next year. Which technically is tomorrow. If I am going to do it, I must do it soon as the summer season starts in about 6 weeks, so time is of the essence. Back on the merry-go-round for me!

Anyway

One of these things is not like the others…

These are the Kraken’s pups, Roo is the fawn, Mako is the piebald, Pebbles is the pitt (doesn’t she look photoshopped in?), and Jax is the marled. Their other grandmother got them matching sweaters for Christmas!

This makes me feel like I am too far away from this little family and I should not be. But then I look at Mako’s face and it basically sums up my feelings: Families make you do shit you don’t want to do.

So I will hop back on the merry-go-round of things I should and should not do. I will continue to volunteer at the thrift store. I will continue to make changes around here. I will look at my wreck of a yard and dream. I will lament that I can’t get stuff to grow here. Most of all I will collect pots and yard art and try to get some fresh tomatoes this year.

That’s resolution enough for one day.

Happy and healthy New Year everyone!

While I’ve been digesting a movie-a-night this month, I was thinking, I should review them so others can feel my pain experience the joy.

But don’t worry, I will not torture you with reviews of cheesy Christmas movies. Until I see one I actually like.

Today I’m gonna review a new restaurant. I know, unless you’re here, you probably won’t have occasion to visit this place, but in the event one of these pops up in your town, you cannot say I didn’t warn you.

As you well know, I feel the food scene in my town sucks. Tonight we found out the depth and breadth of that suck.

A new place opened up a few weeks ago, and so far the reviews have been positive. This afternoon we went.

It’s called Beach Buzz and I have heard it’s a company out of Colorado and they are phenomenal. I’ll say I went with hopes.

First, there are 3 entrances to this building. None are particularly better than the others. So you pick a door. I guarantee you’ll pick the wrong one. We went in what we thought was the front door, but nope, it was the door to the bar. We looped around and went to the next door. Nope. Bathroom hallway. But if you stick with it, you’ll get to a mostly empty room with a desk and many young girls orbiting around it. Only one of them will acknowledge your presence and try to seat you in the bar.

We asked to be seated in the dining room. I think her brain shut down for a split second, but she recovered and sat us. With REALLY big menus.

There were a LOT of items on the menu. After our drinks came we discussed how lots of items on a menu can lead to certain failure.

We placed our order. The Hubs got a small pizza, I ordered tacos.

After about 40 minutes of watching a lot of non-focused people scurry around, we flagged the waitress and asked if our order had been put in. She assured us it was. We asked for extra napkins and drink refills. She brought back a roll of paper and a pitcher of warm tea. Then she asked if I wanted more ice.

About 5 minutes later our food came. The pizza looked really good, like a pizza is supposed to look. My tacos had some chicken and some cabbage in them. The fries were glistening. I tried one. You know why it was glistening? Because I was able to literally wring the oil out of it.

When she checked back, I asked if maybe there was something missing from the taco, like a salsa or sour cream. She went back to check and brought me some pesto. She said she was sure it was on it already.

Yeah, I’m eating it and there is chicken and cabbage.

I told her the fries were very greasy. She offered onion rings. No, that’s OK. My hands were coated in oil. I get it, you eat tacos, you get your hands in taco juice. But not usually oil.

The pizza? Yeah, it was not good. The crust was flour and water. We discussed more about how too many menu items prevents the kitchen from doing any of them well. 

Before our food came, we were overlooking the fact it was taking so long, we were definitely going to come back and try other items. Maybe a burger, or a calzone.

What I think happened is they made the tacos and let them sit. They made the pizza while waiting for the oil to heat up in the fryer. They put in the fries and the oil wasn’t hot enough, so they soaked in the oil til they were cooked. Then everything got put aside for about 25 minutes before the waitress brought out the food.

I think this place is probably great for a drink, but if you want food, you’re better off at McDonalds. At least they know how to make fries.

We may wait a year and try again after they’ve gotten some legs under them.

There’s another new place opening at some point that I’ve been wanting to try, but now I’m super wary.

What if it sucks?

I might starve.

Or worse, have to cook for myself. On the other hand, even on my worst day, my cooking is much better than what we’re getting.