Amazing Weekend

The kids and I had the best time with my family this weekend. I don't know where to start....the beginning is always best:

Jack, Matt and Chris set off for Comic Con at 8:30am, so as not to miss a minute of this convention. They saw Stan Lee, John Franco and got some really cool comics, toys and coupons for free stuff. They also got to see some really weird people. Adults dressed as Pokemon characters, super heros and people wearing lycra that shouldn't be. The smile on Jack's face says it all. Amazing, fun day for him.


Kate and I set out on the subway about an hour later, sharing coffee and a snack at Starbucks with Jill. We walked around the area of Chelsea where most of the activities were. We were due to see Sunny Anderson at 1:30, so we found that building, then got some free stuff at the Welcome Center and walked along the river, then down some cobblestone streets in the West Village and then back to Chelsea. We made a you tube video for Iron Chef and got a free t-shirt, got our picture taken and got some free soda, stood on a short line for free ice cream and met http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Anne_Wong  Lee Anne Wong. She had been a contestant on Top Chef and comments on the Cooking Channel show Unique Eats http://www.cookingchanneltv.com/unique-eats/index.html

she was super friendly and Kate and I were on such a high, I bought some look alike Prada sunglasses and Kate got some earrings. Then we went to wait on line to see Sunny Anderson.

I wasn't sure if we got there early, if we would get a front row seat but WE DID. And it was absolutely incredible!! She is so wonderful. She was funny, genuine and REAL. I guess that is why her show is called "Cooking for Real" because she is. The most awesome part of the day....When I was nodding my head to "yes, I love mashed potatoes and turnips" well, see for yourself....(never mind-video won't upload)

So cool! She came over to hug us! and then talked about her Daddy and Mom. So cool. So real. Kate and I had this after-glow high after seeing her. Kate got her autograph and a picture with her. Thanks so much Sunny. WE LOVE YOU. Kate loved how she signs her name with a smiling sun next to it.

When we got outside, the lines for the fun, free stuff were soooo long. We were happy we went to them earlier. Krissy had called us and we met up with her and filled her in on our exciting adventures and found a busy, but quiet spot to eat a lovely lunch outside. MMMMMMMmmmmmm.

Tomato and fresh Mozzerella, Frisee Salad and Gnocci. with a basket of pastries. Delicious!

Then we met up with Annie and James and strolled over to Chelsea Market, I didn't even realize it was near where we had started out our day

The shops inside were very cool but we didn't eat much, since we had just had that big lunch. But there were many cool things to see. They sell NoFo Chips at Chelsea Market. Too funny.

Then we hung out in the Park and visited and shared our stories of the day. It was fun. 

The day for us ended with seeing Paulo Costanzo who plays Evan R. Lawson on Royal Pains. We were star struck and got our picture taken with him too!

http://www.tv.com/paulo-costanzo/person/67674/summary.html


We met up with the boys at the Javits Center and saw some weird characters. What an incredible day for everyone!!

Some good movies, books and other shocking things

We saw the Owls of Ga'Hoole movie today. Here are two different links for reviews http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1219342/ http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/2010/09/24/2010-09-24_legend_of_the_guardians_the_owls_of_gahoole_review_soaring_3d_animation_eclipses.htmlJack read the whole series in grades 4 and 5 and Kate read the first of the series. It was in 3-D and pretty decent. I was surprised at all the little kids there as it was rated PG and they were too young to have read the books. It was violent but full of action and it was nice being able to share the afternoon with the kids and their friend.

We also went to see The Social Network this past weekend. I felt for Mr. Zuckerburg and his need to fit in. He was so smart, it was hard for him to relate to girls and other peers. Knowing that he is the youngest billionaire makes me happy for him! The constant partying of the non-computer programmers was disturbing but it was a well told story. I have not read the book, but I did read an extensive article that was in Rolling Stone two years ago The Battle For Facebook | Rolling Stone Culture  and it followed the article quite closely. My favorite part was when he told off the lawyers and put down the snobby rowing twins!

I have also been trying to read The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo. http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dragon-Tattoo-Stieg-Larsson/dp/0307269752 and for some reason, I am so exhausted when I sit down, I start falling asleep or the dryer bings and it is time to empty it, or on the way to the dryer.. I see the sink full of dishes and have to wash them, or the phone rings and it is time to get a child somewhere. Usually after the dryer is empty there is a load in the washer to go in the dryer and some clothes on the floor to go into the washer...the never ending vicious cycle.

Autumn is not so bad but now you see why I miss summer....

Other shocking things, the TV is off, Kate is reading her novel for school and Jack is working on that horrible program known as cognitive tutor. It is a torture device for students and could put math teachers out of work. Well, it could put them out of work if the program actually taught them any thing.