jemz

Fuuuuuuuuuuuuu!

I've been fairly busy lately okay, I'm always busy! :-P but I just wanted to say how much I love Napa.

rightsock, seshat, archangelkhaos, rogue_ravnos, and I took yzo to Napa to celebrate his birthday and have a nice, relaxing day of wine-tating in beautiful wine country. We totally missed having damiri coming along but she got to see beautiful horses in Canada, so we drank a glass for her. XD And we missed all who could not join us on our trek. *misses*

But Domaine Chandon was our first stop and a beautiful place, as always. I love the bubbly and Chandon's bubbly is one of the nicest in California. It's a bit more upscale but I love the grounds and felt at home since I come to this winery every time I go to Napa. Plus, a rock mushroom garden!!! How cool is that!?

The next stop is Cosentino! MY FAVORITE WINERY IN NAPA. Seriously. The guys at behind the counter were all nice, easygoing, and friendly. They talked to everyone in the party and when they found out that we played World of Warcraft, the game talk was ON. We ended sampling 13 great wines, suckered convinced seshat to join the wine club, and walked away with a case of wine. They recommended Brix as a great place to eat since Mustard's may be packed. At Brix, the food was phenomally good and we tried The Novelist (which we didn't try at Cosentino since they didn't open any of the bottles) and I had more of The Poet, which is an excellent wine to go with lamb or steak, and we all got to try The Prisoner from Orin Swift Winery (which, I think, I am going to get a bottle to celebrate Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix movie. Or do a HP movie marathon at home and drink that bottle with some good friends and have a fun time. Or something. XD )

The Novelist was so good, we went drove 400 yards back to Cosentino to get a few bottles. :D

Then off we went to Chimney Rock which had fabulous and complex Cabernet Savignon (and prices to match! Ouch!) and was a beautiful winery. But they were really hands off compared to the friendly cameraderie of the Cosentino and Brix staff, so we tasted fairly quickly and headed home.

All in all, it was a very relaxing day of good food, good friends, and a beautiful place to revel in the sun. I felt something tight inside me release as they day went on and I was filled up with positive energy again. Like I'm in a very good headspace and I've worked hard to create that space. Of course, I'm slowly cleaning out junk of my room/house/garage, so it could be the positive feng shui is flowing around me once more. Or the stars are telling me it's a good time to enjoy my life.

I had so much I wanted to write down but I'll save it for another post!


OHHHHHH. BEFORE I FORGET. OH LOVELY FLIST.

ALL YOU LOCAL COOLBEANS WHO KNOW ME ARE INVITED TO MY HOUSE ON SUNDAY, JUNE 24TH AT 1 PM FOR A LAZY BBQ. It's a potluck, so I'll supply the grill, propane, dishes and plasticware (and maybe a bottle of wine or two). You supply the meats, the veggies, the drinks, yourself, and a good time.

Email me (swtjemz@gmail.com) for the address, hugs, squishes, and any questions you've got for me.

XD

P.S. This song (Timbaland feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake - Give It To Me) is on repeat because it is the song that Ryohei dorks around with two of his backup dancers in a video that he put up on his blog. Oh Ryohei, ilusm, don't ever stop being a dancer dork.

P.P.S. And this gif? MAKES ME GLEEFUL. idk why but it does. Oh Jae. ilu2.

JOY. I fly out tonight at 10PM PST.

I am exhausted (from packing), sleepy (because 3 cups of earl grey creme from Teavana is slowly waking me up), sniffly (it's getting cold, then warm, then cold!), super excited (because OMG!NYC!!!), nostalgic (i remember when I was like this right before my London trip), hungry (must eat breakfast!), stressed (WORK is still kicking my tush), and ready for it to be tonight so I can sleep.

Supposedly the hotel has free wireless. Whether it works or not remains to be seen. But thermidor (and maybe dramaphile) will bring her laptop as I am bringing WINE. A fair exchange, yah? ^_^ So we will see if we can update el-jay with tidbits of humor or an ongoing commentary of our day (like I did with the London trip).

Sooooooo, I'm bringing my fav. bottle of Chardonnay Port to share and maybe a random red from my wine collection....I'm tempted with a Mouvedre. ^_^ Now to figure out how to bring it on the plane....I'll probably wrap it up in newspaper and hand carry it. My suitcase is completely stuffed since I tend to overpack for places I've never been to. ^.^;

and my god, I am RANDOM today. Too many things to do. x_X

But still, it's Wednesday. My favorite day of all. So Happy HUMP Day to you all! *humps*


Edit: THIS made me sputter out my tea.

As did this. *giggles* Courtesy of my friend Trey.

aaaaaaaand. A cup of warm Earl Grey Creme and a slice of Cheesecake with Raspberry sauce is YUMMY.