Day 267

New car. After months of shopping and driving car salesman batty, I finally decided on a car. I am fickle about my cars. I've owned three new ones in the last eight years (Lexus RX 300, Honda Odyssey,  Acura TSX). I kept each one for a progressively shorter and shorter time. I've had the Acura for less than 2 years! I'm confident that this car is one I will keep for a long time. Why I believe that when I've owned it less than 24 hours, is anyone's guess. It's a Subaru Outback.

Day 266

The exception to my theory. Remember my theory about the inverse relationship between the amount of theatrics to the amount of talent a band possesses (i.e. KISS)? Trans Siberian Orchestra is the one exception to that theory. They put you on sensory overload from the beginning ballad to the last laser light display. It's my all-time favorite show. Ok, I admit it. I do have a kind of cool job.

Day 265

Black Friday. My fun and fabulous friend Vickie and I ventured out early this morning to take advantage of the sales. We did our part to stimulate the economy. Shopping together is dangerous, because we enable each other way too much. 

Day 264

Happy Thanksgiving. So I should have taken a picture of the nice table setting or the turkey, but I forgot, so you get Ezzy instead. Now, Ezzy has this very bad habit of climbing onto the dishwasher door to lick the dirty dishes. It drives me crazy. I'll yell at her to get out. She obeys, but she returns a few minutes later as if nothing happened and starts in again. Thankfully she can tell if the dishes are clean vs. dirty and doesn't bother with the clean ones, because it would not be pretty.

Day 263

What is that? It's a chalk marker. For games and concerts we have to mark seat locations on the floor in some areas. Several years ago, one of my staff came up with this nifty invention. It's a golf club minus the head fitted with a rubber holder and large railroad chalk.  It does take practice to write well with such a long stick, but it's well worth it. No more bending down to mark the floor. Thank you Clete, wherever you are. By the way, that says Section 107, Kings Row 1.

Day 262

Day of Giving. Chef Gary and J.D. are the key to success in our efforts to provide a Thanksgiving meal to our less fortunate neighbors. Gary coordinates the food and JD coordinates everything else. We fed somewhere between 700 and 1000 people tonight. It's always fun getting together with coworkers and feeling like you've done a little good. 

Day 261

View from the dentist chair. I usually close my eyes. They really should put some pictures on the ceiling. Maybe Sudoku puzzles, or Where's Waldo?. Something.

Day 260

Someone enjoyed a Heineken here.

Day 259

Ode to Refs. Sometimes they're good. Sometimes they're bad. Sometimes they're only 15 years old. Sometimes they ref in the fog and sometimes they ARE in a fog. But if it weren't for refs, the games wouldn't be games, so thank you refs.

Day 258

Another sad day at work. The Sacramento Monarchs of the WNBA folded today. Here is a photo my 2005 championship ring as a reminder of happier times. 

Day 257

KISS Alive 35. KISS joined us for a very loud concert this evening. Lots of pyro, lights, theatrics, and of course, makeup. My theory is there is an inverse relationship to the amount of pyrotechnics and the amount of talent a band possesses. I did catch this shot of the lead singer, Paul Stanley, flying to the B stage. 

Day 256

A cool thing. Eli gave me a waterproof ipod player for my birthday. It's awesome. I can listen to music while I swim laps  I, however, cannot sing along...I would drown. 

Day 255

Nutella. Nutella, that delicious hazelnut spread, does not last long in our house. 

Day 254

Birthday lunch. Had lunch with some work friends. Melissa and I share the same birthday (only 18 years apart) and Tara' birthday is Wednesday. A November birthday is a prerequisite to work in my department.

Day 253

Happy Birthday to me! My family, including Hannah via Skype, celebrating with breakfast, fun presents and even a game of cards. 

Day 252

It's probably wrong. I joined my friend, who was shopping for a new bra. While she was browsing, I found myself drawn to these huge bras.  I was fascinated. They have sizes up to "F". I remember being excited when they came up with a "Barely B" and it fit me. I couldn't help it. I snapped a picture with my cell phone. I was trying to be discreet, however, I don't think I fooled anyone pretending to be shopping. No one asked me if I needed help either. They were probably thinking, "Go back to the pre-teen section where you belong."

Day 251

Huh? Dear City Worker, You lose all credibility when you put up a sign that clearly doesn't apply. 

Day 250

Navigation. I really like having a navigation system in my car. I use it everyday. Well, I turn it on everyday. Since I mostly drive just to and from work, I guess I don't need it, but I like it anyway.

Day 249

Bobelaine Wildlife Sanctuary. A beautiful and peaceful place. I took a lot of pictures. Tristan found this nest on the trail. 

Day 248

Maybe a little late for pumpkins. Mike set a couple of pumpkins out for Halloween. We didn't carve or decorate them, but they did get some paint splattered on them when Mike was painting the porch. Does that count?

Day 247

My laptop. Of course, here it is sitting on the counter, but usually it's on my lap, thus earning it's name.

Day 246

I remember. This was my father's camera. He didn't really take pictures for a living, but taking pictures always seemed to be a part of his many jobs. I used to play with all the buttons. I loved the clicking sounds it made. I guess the apple never falls far from the tree.

Day 245

Future Coach? Eli advising Mike on some of the finer points of the game.

Day 244

Happy accident. I was playing with the settings on my camera and got this shot of a burning candle. I don't know what I did, but it turned out kind of cool. It's looks better bigger, so click on the picture.

Day 243

Breakfast. Oatmeal in cup. Does it really stick to your ribs?

Day 242

My office. Who wouldn't want a 6 foot tall inflatable Corona bottle as an office decoration?

Day 241

There must be some mistake.

Day 240

Opening Day. My 21st Sacramento Kings home opener. Does that mean I can drink now? Even after all this time, opening day is still exciting. Of course, the basket is about 2 ft closer to the players when they are under it. The Kings beat Memphis in OT. OT is OK as long as you win.

Day 239

Put your heads together. Mike and my brother Alf trying to figure out how to take the screen door apart. I'm not sure why though.

Day 238

Ray and Fake Ray. Which is which? Happy Halloween.