coming of age in the late 80's

A friend and I were recently talking about those movies that define our life ('93 high school grads). Most of the list includes a performer with a connection to (think 6 degrees of separation) or was a member of the brat pack.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Better Off Dead, Can't Buy Me Love, Weird Science, Pretty in Pink, Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, Say Anything, Gross Pointe Blank (although this was not made during the same time period, it has to do with what many of us associate with high school.)

Almost all of the movies have at least one quote that sticks out in the mind. Do you remember them? What are they? Add other movies and quotes in the comments.

Manners

I openly admit one of my biggest pet peeves is table manners. My sister and I both have a problem with some of the judges we see on TOPCHEF and Iron Chef America. I am all for the European style of eating (no fork shifting), but we find that many are eating from muscle memory.

I know that I have my faults, and try my best to set a good example. It can be very difficult. Ella has been taught to hold her utensils correctly (no shoveling food at my table). She has been taught to sit facing forward, asked to be excused, etc. Most of the time I think she knows what she is doing wrong and chooses to do it anyway. As many times as I tell Ella "if there is food in your mouth, your mouth should be closed" I would hope she learned. Unfortunately, this is one of the things that I struggle with from time to time. She points out my faults, much to her pleasure, and my chagrin.

A couple of weeks ago she asked to be excused while I had my mouth full. I pointed to my mouth and shook my head. Which is when she said, "Mommy, finish your bite and say yes."

girls do funny things

Ella and Emma have been friends since they were in utero. Emma is 8 weeks older, but she is more petite than Ella.

Given that the girls share everything, last night at church they decided to share shoes. They were wearing the same style of shoe, just different sizes. (Ella 9, Emma 7.5)

No one noticed. I wondered why Ella kept taking off her right shoe and saying her toes hurt. Turns out the girls did not share both shoes, just the right one.

menendez pond birthday benefit

I love this family. They are good people and great friends.

Birthday Bash Benefit for Ronald McDonald House charities.
http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/tournaments/news/story?page=b_BTL_3_05_08

we had a great time. congrats on being able to support a family for 35 days at the house. that is truly the big catch of the day.

thanks for the fun, food, and facial.

susan

finally a female wins

I am a TOP CHEF fanatic. (I would give my eye tooth to spend a day watching Tom Colicchio in the kitchen.) I discovered the show during the first season while visiting my grandmother. Upon my return home, I learned that I would not see my new favorite show because COMCAST cable does not have BRAVOTV in the line up. How would I know who won? God bless my sister, who also quickly became addicted. She would DVR the show in Virginia, transfer it to VHS, and send me the tapes. She was not allowed to speak about anyone that heard "please pack your knives and go."

I believe that the title of chef belongs to a person that inspires and respects the people that work for/with them in the kitchen. "Chef" is someone that can humble themselves and realize that the front of the house personel or the dishwasher are just as important as the food on the plate.

Harold, from the beginning of season one, continued to impress me. I felt as though he would respect me, the former server, line cook (where he started), prep cook, dishwasher, bartender, etc. I was thrilled when he won.

Season two was fun to watch, but i was not inspired by any of the chefs. Bickering and back-stabbing don't do a kitchen staff any good. Ilan was the best choice (although Sam was the easiest on the eyes).

Season three's outcome did not please me. I was disappointed when Hung, who should have been eliminated due to lack of safety, became TOP CHEF. While all of the "chefs" run around to beat the clock, Hung was dangerous. At one point during the season he had a near miss with Casey's throat and a santuko knife.

Season four brought back all of the joy and anticipation of TOP CHEF. From the beginning I was thrilled with three "Chefs", Stephanie, Antonia, and Richard. All were respectful of others. All had great dishes throughout competition. I was set for a two female, one male finale. Unfortunately, Antonia had a bad day in Puerto Rico and was told to pack her knives. This left Stephanie, Richard, and Lisa (ugh!).

Rooting for Stephanie (1st) and Richard (2nd), I was disappointed when Richard fell flat in the final elimination challenge. Finally, a female would win, but who? Please not Lisa. I was on the edge of my seat. Stephanie had impressed Colicchio with the braised pistachios and olives, giving him something he had never before had. He was admittedly worried when the dish was served. But apparently, when you give Colicchio something new, you win. Yeah, Stephanie!!!!!

I look forward to season five, which is rumored to be a mini-season with tweens & teens. I am all for inspiring youth to cook, but is it the best idea to give a hormonal 14 year old girl a chef's knife?

P.S. Thanks to Donna, who TIVO'd season four and let me invade her house to watch weekly.