I used to be someone who’d look at thin girls and think “Ugh, I hate her! I bet she can eat whatever she wants!” and, I’ll admit, I still get jealous sometimes (who doesn’t!?). Yesterday, though, I learned a good lesson.

I was telling a co-worker about some extra danishes that were left over from a morning meeting and he said “Oh, no, I’m watching my weight. I know you don’t have to worry about that, but I do”. *dramatic pause* Those of you who know my history know how ridiculous that statement is. I wanted to correct him, but he walked away too quickly, so you get to hear it.

Ohhh, mister, you better know that I DO have to worry about and I work hard to stay in shape. The only reason I look the way I do is because I don’t eat danishes, and the like, and I do some sort of workout almost every day. I even tried testing that theory this winter (read: “I stopped working out and ate pretty much what I wanted”) and I easily gained weight. I’ve had to reign it back in to shed those extra pounds and it is a constant battle for me.

So, the next time you get the urge to say something like that to a thin or fit girl, or you get that hateful jealousy that seems to come so naturally to many women, remember that she probably not only works hard for it, but, at the very least, there’s undoubtedly something she still wishes she could change. (The latter half of that may stem from societal pressure, but that’s a topic for another time.)

I thought I’d do a little post about all the new businesses in West Meade, most of which I have visited myself.

First is the new Publix in Hill Center. For some time, the closest Publix was way down in Bellevue (I don’t like to drive more than 5 minutes to get anywhere), and I’d only make that trek for special occasions to get some good deli meat or a fancy cake or something. But now I have one right around the corner! It’s a little smaller than the one in Bellevue, and the layout is a little confusing upon first visit, but eventually it starts to make sense. Of course, they have samples and demo stations, fresh sushi all day, a moderate seafood selection and a large deli and bakery section. The food does generally seem to be a little pricier for premium items, but they have a good line of value generic store brands that have matched the name brands in quality so far. Parking is pretty easy, although on a busy Saturday or Friday night, the smallish parking lot gets pretty full/congested. Plus, it is shared by the other businesses…which leads me to Moe’s.

Moe’s Southwestern Grill is a very welcomed addition to this area. Every other neighborhood seems to have their version of the build-your-own-burrito joint or, at the very minimum, a Baja Fresh. Yes, there’s one of those in Green Hills which is also very close, but still. Anyway. If you’ve ever been to Moe’s, you know that you’ll be welcomed by a cry of “Welcome to Moe’s!!!” when you walk in the door. It’s equally inviting and embarrassing at the same time, because if it’s been a bit since someone’s walked through the door, the welcome usually draws attention to your entrance. Which is why I dress up to go eat at Moe’s. Not really. Anyway. The menu items are creatively named like “Art Vandelay” (Seinfeld) and “The Homewrecker” and can be made with or without the meat of your choice. They also serve up some tasty frozen margaritas, which I guess kind of negates my less-than-enthusiastic opinion of The Local Taco‘s service of margaritas. I guess because they are pre-made and just have to be poured makes the ones at Moe’s more enjoyable; you don’t have to stand and wait for yours to be ready. But yes, back to my point, Moe’s shares the parking lot with Publix and….

A new wine and spirits shop. According to my bank statement, it’s just called West Meade Liquors but I think they had a fancier name than that. They are two doors down from Publix and seem to have a very good selection of wine and a liquor selection that ranges from the standard to the little more unique or hard to find variety. I only stopped in for a moment, but I’m glad they’re there. If Tennessee is going to keep up this “can’t sell wine or liquor in the grocery store” thing, every grocery store should have a liquor store within walking distance. It just makes sense.

In between Publix and the liquor store is a frame shop, I believe. I might have to do a little more homework on that one to be more exact. Next to Moe’s, there appears to be a new hair salon in the works, but it is yet to be named. There are still some vacancies in Hill Center, but I think it’s a great use of that land.

The Picnic Cafe had to suffer through all the construction, but their new building is way cute (even though I’ve never been inside since they’re really only open for lunch or catering).

Across Harding is a new Great Clips, but the highlight on that side of the road is the new Harris Teeter that’s about to open! Yes, that’s right, West Meade is about to have a Kroger, Publix and Harris Teeter all within eye shot of the White Bridge/Harding intersection. It may seem a little excessive, but really its all about variety. HT generally seems to run midway between Kroger and Publix in price and variety. I just hope they aren’t planning on putting their personal items section on the second floor like they did on 21st Avenue. That’s majorly annoying.

There are a few new things on the other side of White Bridge, but I don’t know enough about them to even list them here, so this will have to do! I’m just glad my neighborhood continues to expand it’s options. Now to just replace that Taco Bell/Pizza Hut with something more appetizing….

As is customary on my trips home to Cali, my mom and I went to see two very different movies. Spoilers guaranteed.

On Saturday, we saw Angels & Demons, the new “Di Vinci Code” sequel starring Tom Hanks. If you liked the first movie, I think you’ll be sufficiently entertained by this one. Plenty of mystery, action, a bit of blood, and moderately respectable acting. Tom Hanks put forth a good performance and was looking far more in shape than the previous movie. It probably helps that I love Ewan McGregor, and that he got to express his bad-boy side with a twist at the ending. Liam Neesan is always a treat and, although he has had more ambitious roles, he still oops Stellan Skarsgård mastered his character in this movie. I was pleasantly surprised that there was no creepy “what if” romance between Tom Hanks and the lead female role. The pace of the movie was spot on; in fact, I was actually anxious for the “next move” on multiple occasions. For a piece of work I could really care less about, the movie was quite satisfying. But I’m glad my mom paid for it.

On Sunday night, my mom wanted to see “Ghost of Girlfriends Past”, a cute chick-flick with Matthew McConaughey and Jennifer Garner. Identifying Matthew as a star from Day 1, I was open to this proposition. The movie was funny, heart warming, and ultimately redeeming; qualities all good chick-flicks must possess. Matt and Jenn are cute together and make a great sexually frustrated couple who eventually end up together (surprise!).

Last night I visited the new Local Taco in Sylvan Park, in the former location of Goldie’s Deli. I’d heard good things about the food, margaritas and was prepared for a line out the door. It met my expectations on all fronts.

Parking is notoriously difficult, no matter which establishment you are visiting. Complimentary valet service is available for Local Taco, but there is also a lot behind it that connects via a little bridge walkway. I had no trouble finding a spot in that lot.

The line was out the door when I arrived, about 6 people deep, but the looping electronic display of the menu helped pass the time and prepare to place my order. Finally someone using technology to display their menu. I’ve been talking about doing that for years. I was a bit surprised at how limited the menu choices are, in the sense that there are basically only tacos, enchiladas, and salads. No burritos, nachos or quesadillas on the menu. I’m a burrito fan myself, so I was a little disappointed. I’m pretty sure they have more types of tequila than items on their menu.

The tacos, though, were varied, ranging from Korean BBQ to Spicy Shrimp to Vegetarian. The enchiladas were similar, and came with your choice of sauce topping (chili sauce, verde and 2 others). All of the items boasted the use of local ingredients, including the tortillas and salsa. I’m not sure how “local” they are, though. I didn’t see any description or explanation of where exactly they get the items. To me, it seemed more like a marketing tactic, but whatever.

Judging by the price of one taco (~$2.50) and one enchilada (~$3.50), I assumed that the portions were small and the girl at the register confirmed this by suggesting customers order more than one item. All items are served a la carte, except for the salads which are full meals on their own. I ended up ordering the chips and salsa starter (although I asked to substitute the chips for a few tortillas) and 2 vegetarian enchiladas without sour cream.

I needn’t forget to mention the margaritas. Their house margarita, made with Sauza tequila, is pretty cheap ($5.50) and then they go up from there and can be ordered by the glass or pitcher. There are a few specialty drinks and a slew of tequila options. I went with the house margarita on the rocks, with salt. My entire meal came out to about $15, which I thought was pretty reasonable for what I ordered.

After paying, I found a table while I waited for the bartender to make my drink. Customers basically just have to wait at the bar and recognize when the bartender fills their order. My drink sat there for a few minutes before I realized he wasn’t calling out ticket numbers and I was just supposed to check it myself. Soon after choosing a table, my salsas arrived, but with chips and no tortillas. I didn’t speak up and just resigned to eat a few chips with heaps of salsa, which was pretty tasty, I must say. The tamatillo one was probably the best I’ve had in Nashville.

A few minutes later, they brought my 2 enchiladas, each on its own plate, and the two tortillas I’d intended to eat with my salsa. Oh well. The portions were definitely a la carte size, which is just fine with me. Being a burrito fan, I was a little disappointed with how little filling the enchiladas had. It might’ve been because I got the vegetarian ones (which are just refried beans and black beans inside), but even then, I expected a little more than what was there. The heaviest ingredient was the melted cheese on top, which I mostly scooted to the side in efforts to compensate for the calories in the margarita. The menu said it also came with “tomatoes”, but if there was even one slice worth of chopped tomatoes, I’d be surprised. I ended up pouring the rest of my salsas on top of the enchiladas to add a little more flavor.

Overall, it was definitely enough food for me, but I wasn’t overly impressed. I do like that they have a bar (with a cute bartender) and margaritas, although it seemed like the turnover was pretty quick, which makes we question the “drink and drive” aspect of it all. However, I didn’t seem to catch a buzz from my one margarita, so….

In comparison to other places in town, I’d say it’s closest competitor is SATCO. The reason I say that is because of the menu options (no burritos, but even they have fajitas and chalupas), portions and availability of alcoholic beverages (although they don’t have margaritas). Local Taco’s offerings are a little more exotic (bbq, shrimp, etc), but its the same idea just fancied up a little bit. I don’t think the line issue will ever really go away, considering you can only fit about 4 people in line inside the doors before you have to go outside. Unless they come up with a quicker way to order, that will be a constant issue. The outdoor patio looked nice, with a high bar that watches the road, but I stayed inside this time.

I’d say I’ll probably go back again, just to try a few more things, but I don’t think it will be come a regular hot spot for me.

I have a friend who has dedicated an entire Facebook album to getting older and I’m in it.

I see kids driving cars and wonder if they are really old enough to be driving.

I ice my knees after my non-impact speed walk. But my calves still look HOT.

I scheme how best to pack liquor in my luggage post 9/11 (didn’t start drinking till I was 21 so I’m a little late on this one).

I turn 30 in a little over six months. But I’m okay with that, I think.

Six months ago, I was preparing for the biggest professional endeavor of my career. 1 personal office move, 7 departmental move phases (moving over 800 employees) and 3 open houses later, and my project is almost complete. And “almost” is pretty good. The economy pushed off a few of the phases, but those will come a bit easier now that we are in the swing of things here. Not that I’m going to take it any less seriously, I just feel more confident in the planning process and have already been able to use what I’ve learned to prepare for the upcoming months. Its a really great feeling. Just thought I’d share. :)

This weekend I went to see the new X-men movie (officially “X-men Origins: Wolverine”) with my good friend Lyndi, who I haven’t seen in way too long. We saw an early matinee which turned out to be a great idea, since the theater was mostly empty and not full of whispering fans or bright cellphone screens.

I’d heard mixed reviews of the movie, but IMHO the negative ones really only came from hardcore X-men comic book readers who didn’t like the 2nd or 3rd X-men movies either. Really, those people are just asking to be disappointed, or really want a reason to critique and complain about how “unrealistic” it is. Gimme a break.

Anyway, I would say I left the theater feeling satisfied that the movie met my expectations and gave me a little more. There was a solid amount of sci-fi technology stuff, plenty of action and explosions, and Hugh Jackman naked. Really, the latter is pretty much enough in normal circumstances, but here it was definitely an added bonus.

As far as the story-line goes, and me not being much of a “pre-X-men Wolverine expert”, I thought they made a convincing story out of the bits and pieces Logan’s hinted at in the “later” movies. The whole Xavier-showing-up-in-the-field-at-the-end-of-the-escape-route was a little far-fetched (haha, I just did the “unrealistic” thing), but I guess if he was telepathically communicating with one of the kids, it is possible.

So yeah, I liked it. As much as I liked the 2nd and 3rd X-men movies. And I’m excited to see which character they profile next!

Thanks to the few who pointed out that my blog and website were not working (not that I’ve updated it in forever!). Turns out my WordPress index had been hacked and they were using my domain to send out spam. Those clever hackers!

Well, I’ve upgraded versions and I’m told that’s what I needed to do, so here’s to WordPress 2.7!

Ugh, I hate it when I’ve been eating at a place that served seemingly healthy foods and then find out that they are anything but. The only food vendor in my building is a bagel shop new to middle Tennessee. The bagels themselves are fine, unless you get the one covered in cheese, but that’s to be expected. But “reduced-fat” cream cheese is 5 grams of fat for 1 serving. You might as well splurge for the “full-fat” cream cheese at 7 grams of fat.

But what really kills me are the sandwiches and salads. Just a basic egg sandwich has 20 grams of fat. Add turkey sausage and it’s 24 grams of fat. I would expect the sausage to have more fat than the eggs…..what the hell are they putting in them!?!?

And then the salads…omg. The “healthiest” salad has 38 grams of fat and 330 calories. And that salad doesn’t even have meat on it. Add chicken to it for another 100 calories and 4 grams of fat. The dressing must be the culprit.

Anyway, I guess I won’t be eating on site as much as I’d hoped. The Black Bean Burger from Cheeseburger Charlie’s is sounding better and better with only 1.5 grams of fat. Then I won’t feel bad for adding a slice of cheese!

The two other movies I saw over break were slightly less conversation provoking: Doubt and Valkyrie. I shall explain:

3. “Doubt” – It’s cast is probably the most remarkable aspect of the movie, starring Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams. The story evolves as a pseudo witch hunt, where the target is the priest of a Catholic school, his supposed victim being the only black student in the school. Without any evidence, Sister Aloysius Beauvier launches an undercover attack on the priest, recruiting Sister James, a young, innocent, willing-to-please, newcomer to act as her cohort. Still unable to prove anything beyond doubt, Sister Beauvier manages to convince Father Flynn that he must leave or she will expose his “secret”. My suspicion that nothing questionable ever happened was validated, in my opinion, by the last line of the movie. My mom left the theater thinking he did something wrong, so my review is really just my interpretation anyway, but I won’t spoil it for you by spelling out the ending.

4. “Valkyrie” – Let me start off by saying that its difficult to take Tom Cruise seriously when he’s wearing an eye patch. This wasn’t his best performance. However, the story was very educational and some of the cinematography was quite breathtaking. If you don’t know the Valkyrie assassination plot, its worth it to learn about the last attempt on Hitler’s life before he took his own, but its easily a DVD rental.

Book reviews to come soon!