Queenkv’s Brainpickings

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Agents for Impov Everywhere boggled minds when they carted in huge desktop monitors and towers into an NYC Starbucks. It looks like a one day deal. In my new role as a “woman of leisure,” I would love to do something like this in the Bay Area.

Almost a decade ago, Mark introduced me to some folks who pulled off similar public performance stunts. They organized a thrift store scavenger hunt in the Mission. That was also our first date. We met artists, programmers freelance writers and photographers and others who wanted a break from the rules and expectations of everyday life. The organized some lovely adult outings in the Bay Area. The legal ones included brunch at a Thai Buddhist Temple and a hiking tour of some of San Francisco’s free gardens, hidden in the hilly neighborhoods. One of the illegal outings ended with an angry train operation who yelled about calling the police.

Good times.

I suppose I express my creative side on this blog as well as in photos and video. It keeps me out of jail and it helps me remember those crazy good times.

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I enjoyed introducing our Bay Area Buddies to the sights, sounds and flavors of Second Saturday in Sacramento. Everyone was quite pleased with this plate of Spanish Tri-tip and garlic mashed potatoes from Tapa The World.

Earlier this month, Susan and Tom introduced us to an amazing spot for sushi in the Mission: The Sushi Bistro. The bistro has a huge selection of sushi – from butterfish sashimi to some more playful sushi rolls with unagi. This monkfish pate melted in my mouth.

Also in the Mission, Susan also hosted a Halloween Feast. We had fun shaping the meatloaf into a scary hand and shaping the fingernails from onion slices. I also loved Mark’s Halloween costume. Brilliant – from the badge to the sunglasses. Next year, I hope I have some flash of inspiration for a costume. Maybe.
(If you’re reading this in the RSS Reader or on Facebook – click on the blog link to see Mark’s costume and a slideshow of our Halloween Feast!)

Only one week left…

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I scored a three-day weekend for this happy event. We spent one night tying up “Terrified” pickles for wedding party favors.

Terrified Pickles from Kris Vera-Phillips on Vimeo.

If you’re reading this entry on Facebook or a RSS reader, click on my blog link to see video of our adventures with pickles. I also posted a slide show of the wedding rehearsal dinner and other wedding stuff.

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Easter Sunday felt like breathing a sigh of relief. I survived another rough week in the newsroom. We covered some really sad news out of Tracy with the murder of an 8-year-old girl. As I focused on stacking my show, producing up the lead to our reporters on the ground and in the air, I said a quick prayer for her family. It’s one of the ways I stay sane when I have to work on brutal stories like this one.

My hubby and I also survived 40 days without alcohol. I made exceptions for special occasions, like my executive producer’s Crab Feed. It raised money for an elementary school and I’m always up for eating & drinking for a good cause. I also don’t remember much of the Crab Feed. That’s probably a good thing. There are rumors that I danced like a go-go girl on a stage. Those allegations have yet to be verified.

Working hard and playing harder in California. It feels like a sweet life.

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Check out all the green leaves. I have three sunflowers standing up. There’s also green vines growing from my white potato seedlings. It’s quite exciting and satisfying to hang out in the garden and observe all the changes.

I love how the First Lady’s helping DC kids learn about the wonders of gardening with the White House Lawn.

The California Academy of Sciences is also helping kids explore the natural world.

We visited the Academy on the President’s Day Weekend. I loved seeing the changes from the multi-million dollar makeover. However, the museum was also very, very crowded.

Our meteorologist takes his family to the Academy during the week. He says they have the place to themselves. On a weekend, the place is packed to capacity: 5,000 people. That adds up to an hour+ wait on the popular exhibits, from the Morrison Planetarium to the Rainforest. I guess that’s why I have so many pictures of the Steinhart Aquarium. No wait.

Still, we enjoyed exploring the other exhibits. I also liked watching kids discover the different dimensions of Science.

Someday, I’ll have some little KVP’s running around. Maybe some little Mark’s as well. Come to think of it, I think I’m better of with baby boys versus baby girls. Little girls can be trouble. I should know.

Ask my parents.

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We shared this feast of crab with salt and pepper. We wanted to try the crab with black bean sauce, but our server, who didn’t want to see Sara leave the Bay Area, insisted we try the salt and pepper version. Yummy! I had fun cracking the legs and other parts with my silver crab cracker. Yes, it was a messy seafood experience, but totally worth it!

San Francisco Nightlife from Kris Vera-Phillips on Vimeo.
After dinner, we dropped off some Medill alums at their apartment. They said we could get back on 80 thru the tunnel on Broadway. We also passed by roller skaters and bikers on the Embarcadero. Finally, we got on the Bay Bridge and headed home.

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On that Saturday, Susan and Tom introduced us to a tasty spot for dim sum in the Richmond: The Golden River Restaurant on Geary. I had a blast sucking out the snails from the shells. I was impressed by the big menu of small plates. The Golden River had the classic dim sum dishes covered – from BBQ pork buns to dumplings. The menu also takes a nasty bits tour of tripe, intestines and more. I fell in love with the crispy pork intestines. It reminded me of chicharon with a blast of spicy peppers and fatty goodness. Thank heavens I squeezed in a yoga class before our San Francisco trip.

Now if only they’d deliver this tasty dim sum to Vacaville!

After dim sum, we walked by the Pacific and beach fans at Ocean Beach. It’s one of the few times I remember the shores being free from gray skies and fog. My cure for a busy work week: salty ocean air, warm sand and no responsibilities.

We made our way back to Chinatown. We did drinks at the Lipo Bar and left after the server tossed my hubby’s half-full beer bottle. We ordered more cocktails at Vesuvio. The boys ditched us at the beatniks’ waterhole for the best Gyros ever. I couldn’t tell you where or how they tasted. The gals didn’t get any leftovers.

Finale, we caught the tail end of the Dragon Dance for the parade.

Chinese New Year’s Parade 2009 from Kris Vera-Phillips on Vimeo.

Good times.

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