Mmm, Butterbeer

Yesterday, Hotrod and I went to Universal and had a day of silly fun. It's the best kind really, riding rides, watching shows, eating stuff you're not supposed to, you know.

One of the things we got to do was visit the new Harry Potter section of Universal's Islands of Adventure. The Forbidden Journey ride, a 50 minute wait while the rest of the park's rides were 15 minutes tops, was worth it. (The wait was made especially interesting due to me pointing out to Hotrod that one of his socks was on inside out, and then his insistence on fixing it in the middle of the line. *sigh*) Once you get inside the building, you're entertained with talking portraits, giant statues (Hotrod asked me if Portugal was the natural habitat of griffins. I swear that man is losing his mind.) and 3-D holographic images of Harry, Hermoine, Ron and Dumbledore that look amazingly real. Also, it snowed on us. In the building. Awesome!

The ride itself, despite an over abundance of large, spitting spiders, was pretty good. I commend Universal for making the ride nice and long. It's a good payoff for the wait, IMO.

After that it was lunch time and we headed to the Three Broomsticks to eat. We had fish and chips (tasty!) and butterbeer. I had a frozen one and Hotrod had the non-frozen. It's completely non-alcoholic in case you're wondering.

Butterbeer, which I believe is only available at Universal, might be Hotrod's new favorite drink. It tastes like rootbeer made from shortbread cookies and butterscotch, minus the root. It was good, but very sweet and not that thirst-quenching on a hot day. And it's definitely better frozen. There was a table of kids next to us who had their picture taken with their butterbeer mustaches, something almost everyone drinking the stuff had because of the thick foamy almost ice cream like head on the stuff. Dessert in a cup, really.

We had a great day. I love Universal. No matter how many times we go - and we go often because we're season passholders - we always find something new to do or see and have a great time.

When's the last time you took a day off in the name of fun?

Bested by the short stacks

After a grueling day yesterday that included both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, numerous rides, several water related games/rides that got me much wetter than anticipated, miles of walking in about 90 degree heat, two stuffed dinosaurs and many drinks/snacks/meals, we arrived home safe and sound.

Immediately after getting into the house, the 2 and 1/2 year old and the 5 year old got a burst of energy unlike anything I'd seen before. I believe they could have run a marathon.

Of course, they spent the day riding in style in a double stroller. Why aren't there strollers for adults? I'm not too proud to ride in one, just saying.

Today will be spent recovering from yesterday.

More family fun

Today we're headed to Universal Studios for big fun with the short stacks. I've never been to Universal with kids this little before (5 and 2 1/2) but both parks (US and Islands of Adventure) seem to offer a lot for kids that age.

I'm sure I'll be needing a nap the same time they do.

I Pity The Fool!

What is Mr. T doing on my blog today, you ask? Well, let me tell you. See, Mr. T and I share a birthday. And that birthday happens to be TODAY!

So not only do we both like a good tan and appreciate sparkly things, but we were both born on May 21st. Amazing, huh? I was never an actual member of the A Team, however. Hard to believe, I know.

And while I can't speak for what Mr. T will be doing (jewelry shopping?), Hotrod and I will be spending the day at Universal Studios riding rollercoasters, eating junk and acting like teenagers, despite the fact that I turn 39 today and he's been 39 waaaaaaaaay longer.

Of course it goes without saying that I pity the fool who doesn't wish me happy birthday.

Project Finito and Other Stuff

Today's breakfast: cantaloupe

* Project Runway is over and out. Christian won. Which was basically a meh ending for me. Jillian's collection reminded me of her personality - underwhelming. Rami actually showed some very nice dresses, both short and long. He knows how to dress women and that's important. A point for him for NOT showing the puffy coat. Christian's collection was black, black, black, black, touch of beige, touch of darker beige, black, black and beige with feathers. My issue with his collections are A. it's almost entirely unwearable in real life and B. it's designed for a model body type, not a real women. That doesn't deserve to win, IMO. I'm surprised I'm about to say this, but my vote would have gone to Rami. Even Jillian's was at least wearable. Ugh. I'm over it.

* Islands of Adventure was So Much Fun. Hotrod and I screamed like girls on the Hulk (okay, I screamed like a girl, him not so much), had lunch at Mythos, our favorite restaurant in the park (shout out to Daniel, the manager!), saw a show, people watched, did the Spiderman ride (FAB!), bought a t-shirt, blah, blah, blah. We finished up the day with a yummy cheeseburger at Margaritaville, then I dropped him off at the airport and came home.

* I stayed up l.a.t.e. and finished Hit Reply by Roxanne St. Claire. Wow. Amazing. You need to read this book. You'll be shocked at how a collection of emails and IMs will draw you in and hang on to you! This one goes on my keeper shelf and girlfriend, there are not that many books on that shelf if you get my drift.

*So much work to do today! Send me some productive vibes, will ya?

*Almost forgot to add: Congrats to my bro and his wife on their new son, kidlet #3, born yesterday! I'm so glad they decided to procreate like rabbits. Totally takes the heat off me.

Last Day Of Fun

Today is my last day of fun for awhile, due to my nutso schedule. We're off to Universal Studio's other theme park, Islands of Adventure. I like IA because Spiderman is there and I've had a crush on him since I was a kid. (Not the whole movie Spiderman, I'm talking comic books - the original webslinger.)

Anyway, I should be up and moving but I made the "mistake" of starting a book right before bed last night that kept me reading way longer than I should have. It's a rare book, one that is probably hard to get your hands on, but I happen to have a copy of it. I've had it for a year or two, actually, and it's just sat in my TBR pile...waiting. Then, last night, I picked it up and read straight through to page 180 almost without stopping to breathe!

What is this book, you ask? It's called HIT REPLY by Rocki St. Claire. The kicker? It's written entirely in emails and IM messages. A-Mazing. If you can find this book, you should pick up a copy. Talk about innovative fiction!

Now I'm off to caffienate myself. What are you doing today?