Lateness abounds

Well, I suppose it's understandable, as I just got married!! Wooot!

Wedding Rings and stuff

These are random pictures of our wedding rings! These are custom done, Matt came out with the initial design and I embellished upon them and then we had Joe at Samuels make them for us :D

Magic Castle fun and excitement!

Well, we went to the Magic Castle, which, btw, is invitation only so unless you know someone or become a member, you can't go... :(
The dress code is very strict, as well. Men must be in suits, or fancy clothes that are appropriate (see website for details). I haven't found out exactly what it takes to become a member yet (I'd have to be an associate member), but I think it'd be fun. However, I don't think I have enough money ^.^
When we first got there, it was $8 for Valet parking ($3 for members) and $20 to get in, per person. No cameras past the lobby. There are two "secret" bookcase doors in the lobby area, and the one with the owl blinking at you is the entrance (the other is the exit). In order to open the door, you have to say "Open Sesame" to the owl :D
Once inside, you get to roam around, get drinks from the bar (which you have to buy, they aren't free ya know!), watch the shows, etc.
The first show we saw was in the Close-Up Gallery, which seats around 20 people, so it was really up close and personal. Matt's brother, Mark, and their sister Marty's friend Jamie, got picked for the whole show. They had to sit at the table at the front of the room and were picked on by the magician, Allan Ackerman. He does card tricks, and they're really good.
After that, we wandered around for a bit, then decided to see another show before dinner. We went and saw Arthur Benjamin, a math whiz. He certainly was good. He could square a 3 digit number faster than people could type it on their calculators. Matt got to help with that. Then he went with 4 digit squaring, which he was not faster than the calculator, but that doesn't matter. He ever managed to do a 5 digit squaring. He almost got the first one right, but he was 1 number off (359 instead of 360) but then the second one he got perfect. Then his daughter came out to solve a rubix cube in less time than it takes to sing "Modern Major General" and she did it with time to spare.
Then we went for dinner. Matt had himself a half glass of wine, a Pignot Noir, I believe but I stuck to a Shirley Temple. For dinner, they had steaks (gah, I forget what kind!!) you could get in 10 oz., 16 oz., and 28 oz. One guy got the 16 oz. which turned out to be way too much. Matt barely finished his 10 oz. I wanted the Beef Wellington, which had a pastry crust, but they ran out so I got the Filet Mignon with Dungeness Crab and mashed potatoes and baby vegetables.
Oh was that ever so good!! mmmmmm
Then we all had our picture taken, which as soon as I get it I will post it, and then went to the last and best show. Kevin James. He had with him Antonio Hoyas and Sophie Evans as well. First thing he did when he got out was open his big sketch pad, and drew a ball. Then he drew three holes on the ball and wrote Bowling on top of it. then he closed the pad, shook it a few times, and out came a bowling ball!
Though the best part for me was when he made it snow. I can't really describe it, you'd have to be there. Though I am still trying to remember how they did the whole cutting the person in two thing. I was told how once, a while back, but then that was a little bit different... heh, it was great when they moved the severed upper part to the edge of the stage and had a girl feel the pulse. The guy grabbed her wrist and bout killed her with fright :D
yeah I can't remember.
Anyway, good times and I can't wait to go back!!

Rachel

I'm currently making Italian seasoned Swordfish cooked with white wine served with manicotti stuffed with ricotta cheese, topped with spaghetti sauce and mozarella. And for dessert we're having strawberry swirl icecream with fresh papaya, kiwi, mango, and coconut. If we feel like it, we may add whipped cream and chocolate syrup and cherries... Mmmmm oh and we have a sparkling pink lemonade to go with dinner.

Happy mother's day to all you out there! It's a lovely day here in sunny SoCal so i hope you're out enjoying this weather. We are, by driving down to Grandma's house. I must say all the idiots must be having a conference on the road today, thought, judging by how many times they tried to kill us already! Hehe, better luck next time. Surprisingly, the swapt meet was full when we past. Thought people would have better things to do today...