A few random moments from this week:

Two 30th birthday parties, both swank and fun. Paul and Burns have never looked better. My liver will be happy when these holidays are over.

Finally sent out thank you notes for birthday & xmas. I'm lousy at writing notes, but one of John's Resolutions for 2001™ is to be better about correspondence of the non e variety. Besides, shopping for stationery and writing implements is fun.

Charming neighbor delivered a birthday gift a few days ago. A nice bottle of wine, and a VHS tape filled with choice bits of kunst, ala Titan Media. Wheee!

Fought a pitched, bitchy email battle with a customer service drone from Odyssey Men video. (Yes, buying more kunst.)

Made reservations for a little side trip to Chicago for the first weekend of February. Praise the gods for frequent flyer miles.... (Jason, wanna meet for a drink?)

Picked up The Naked Chef today whilst spending an xmas gift certificate from the mother unit. I'm trying to reinvigorate my interest in cooking. Unfortunately, I hate to clean up my mess, so cooking can be painful. The Naked Chef looks interesting and fun, though.... (No naked chefs, just in case you were wondering.)

Missing California, a little.

Ready for a beer and a dark bar now.