Happy THREE OH, Raf!

And yet another cause for festivities, not that I’m complaining.

I tell you, everyone seems to be having their birthday, and/or turning 30. Haha. This time it was Raffy’s turn to hit the triple X. My coverage of the merrymaking isn’t complete though, but it should help save our birthday boy some dignity. Wink, wink.

With my two baldies: the Bebster and birthday boy Raffioli Gorgonzoli,

aka Raffiki, Gorgi, Ply Li boy, TKB baby, or simply, Raf.

The entire group at some bar in Union Street (I forget the name).
Very BH 90210, don’t you think?

Check out the rest of the party photos HERE.

Happy 30th Raf! We love you like a brother, and look forward to more adventures in the years to come (Hopefully geography won’t be an issue eh?

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Addendum: Interestingly enough, I was checking archives and realized I had posted a similar greet for Raf last year. Only goes to show we mean the brother part. Naks.

A weekend in the city… and other ramblings.

Yay! Met some new friends over the weekend…

This is Boo, the chunk o burnin’ love Bull Mastiff I fell in love with at first sight.
Man, this guy is HUGE.

And then there’s Getty, the adorable Golden Retriever.
Unfortunately the clicks kept him from keeping his eyes open.

Boo with his master. Didn’t get his name but he was nice; somewhat reminded me of Jim Carrey because he was so animated. Plus ofcourse he was cool with our stalking his dog so that’s plus points in my book.

Here we are enjoying the (lately elusive) sun in Crissy Field.
Rain, rain GO AWAY. Please

Strangers yet friends in Crissy Field. Check out the Golden Gate Bridge at back.

Boats taking advantage of the beautiful weather.

After having met new friends, we hung out with old ones…

The Quilas and Bharwanis at the Roastery in Union Street.
(Now I know what my bad angle is…)

Meet Bebo’s godchild, Gabbie and her pet Tamagochi (spell check?).

More pics of our weekend HERE.

I may have bumped into Vanessa Carlton while stalking the dogs (Note to self: move to a pet-friendly apartment on next lease!). I tell you the resemblance was uncanny, except she had those oversized superstar shades on, which MEANS a third of her face was was partly tinted, which REALLY means it probably wasn’t her. But then I researched her on the net after and apparently, she resides in both New York AND San Francisco.

So yes, I may have actually met her. Kewl.

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Notes worth mentioning:

* MUST WATCH: V for Vendetta by the Wachowski Brothers.

Remember remember the fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot…

I was blown away by this film. Absolutely brilliant! Go watch NOW, you will not be disappointed.

* MUST LISTEN: Speak for Yourself by Imogen Heap
(Primary vocalist of the defunct group Frou Frou).

Enjoying a growing fascination for Electronica, and recently acquired Imogen Heap’s latest album. The instrumentation is interesting and her voice is something else. Different. I like it. Get a copy, all songs are good. Also look out for Zero 7, and their popular single When it Falls. Great chillout music.

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I’m realizing that I’m starting to prefer European music over American. Seems like a sweeping statement, but think about it: Sting, U2, Annie Lennox, Coldplay, Jamie Cullum, Dave Matthews, Peter Gabriel (And did I mention Imogen and Zero 7 are both from the UK?)… Versus what, formulaic Hollywood pop? Can’t help but think their music is less cookie cutter (to borrow my husband’s favorite term).

Ofcourse there are exceptions to the rule. I’ve my own list of homegrown faves who are far from the formula. Sarah Mac is an absolute original (although she’s not exactly American. hehe). Then there’s Shelby Lynne, Tori Amos, Nichole Nordeman, John Mayer…

I just wish mainstream didn’t have to be so pop, y’know?

Ode to Juancho.

Okay, these pictures are WAY overdue.

Let me just say that the beginnings of March seemed to me like one seamless party after party (after crazy party!), all in celebration of JJ’s big THREE-OH.

And rightly so; the guy is everybody’s leading man. I can’t think of anyone who deserves three birthday bashes. We’re talking about the man who looks after everyone else, and will go so far as to make sure his friends have their futures in order.

So, to our then disconsolate Bestman (hehe), our brother and dear friend, we’re glad you had the 30th birthday you hoped for, and then some. We love you bro. And we Juan Cho! Hahaha.

Click on each photo to view entire album.

JJ’s surprise party (complete with tears!).

Party bus, baby!

In Absencia.

There’s a reason for my absence. Turn up the volume and find out…

Btw, I’ve got tons of photos ready for sharing. Will post them soon, promise.