I Went to the Suburbs and All I Got Were Moldy Buns

For the second weekend in a row, I went to the suburban oasis known as Casa de Los Fitzes. It really is super fabulous there. I sleep the sleep of the dead, Max is always ready to cuddle and there is shopping and good food. Pretty much everything I love in a weekend.

On Friday night, Andrew was out so Christine and I took the opportunity to go a favorite restaurant of suburban girls everywhere (or at least the Northeast) - Friendly's. We salivated over the menu. We hemmed and hawed about which delicious thing to order. Initially I was going to get a salad, then maybe a wrap. I finally settled on the Kickin' Buffalo Chicken Sandwich and Christine got the Crispy Chicken Salad with ranch dressing. I made a fatal error and she ended up the winner.

Scene from a Friendly's Restaurant

Melanie: Mozzarella sticks are good.
Christine: Yes.
M: French fries are good. Would you like one?
C: Oh, sure. If you are offering. Tasty.
M (halfway through sandwich): Oh no. My bread has mold on it.
C: What? WTF?
M: WTF?
Waitress: Oh my goodness. That is disgusting. I'm going to take that off. (Editor's Note: I think she means off the bill, Christine thinks she means maybe just off the plate.)
C: Do you want some of my salad?
M: No, thanks.
C: Are you sure? I'm done.
M: Oh, maybe just a few bites. (Editor's Note: It is delicious.)
W: I'm so sorry. That is so gross. Would you like anything else?
M & C: Oh, that isn't going to stop us from ordering ice cream. Two sundaes, please.
W: Okay, here is your bill. I took off the sandwich and the ice cream. I am sorry again. That is disgusting. Your sundaes are in the freezer.
M & C (in stunned disbelief): Wow. Thank you.
M & C (after waitress walks away): That is awesome. We have to leave a good tip.
Manager: I hear there was a problem with your food.
M: Yeah, the bread was moldy.
Mgr: I'm very sorry. I don't know why she didn't catch that. (Editor's Note: Why didn't the cook catch it? The waitress should be able to assume the bread isn't moldy.) I believe you (Editor's note: uh, thanks?). I'm really surprised not just because I work here, but because this is the only place I've worked where the food was fresh. (Editor's Note: Christine wants list of every where else he's worked so she can stay away.) Can we get you anything else?
M & C: No, thank you.
Mgr: Next time you are in, ask for me. I will make your dinner myself and give you free dessert.
M & C: Uh. Thanks.

Christine and I get our sundaes out from the freezer (so awesome) and die laughing the entire way home. We let our tummys rest for a while, then assault them with delicious ice cream.

End scene.

Saturday was spent shopping, where I got a killer dress for Maureen's wedding at Lord & Taylor and Christine and I refrained from getting any matching clothes at Old Navy. I was so exhausted by the time we got back to the house that I ended up staying another night.

La Casa de Los Fitzes es muy bueno!

Suburban Fun (Part Deux)

So I tried to do a mobile upload of this video on Friday night, but it didn't work. Anyway, here it is now, so you can see Max REALLY is the cutest.

We ARE The World

During girls night last week, we spent a good portion of the night listening to the 80s music channel on TV and were treated to several gems, including We Are the World by U.S.A. for Africa. Seven minutes of heaven people. So, I looked up the video on YouTube (love you, YouTube!) and found this awesome version - which includes performer names (for main performers) and lyrics on screen. Because I know you want to play along at home.


In reviewing this awesomeness, I started to imagine a We Are the World for the 2009 - and wondered who it would feature. Now, I know what you are probably thinking - there is no substitute for the original. I mean, suggesting someone replace Bruce Springsteen? The mere suggestion might actually get me run of out town. But, let's play anyway. Here are my thoughts - look forward to your feedback in the comments section.

There comes a time when we heed a certain call - Lionel Richie (Chris Brown)
When the world must come together as one - Lionel Richie & Stevie Wonder (Chris Brown & Ne-Yo)
There are people dying - Stevie Wonder (Ne-Yo)
And its time to lend a hand to life - Paul Simon (Jason Mraz)
The greatest gift of all - Paul Simon & Kenny Rogers (Jason Mraz & Toby Keith)
We can't go on pretending day by day - Kenny Rogers (Toby Keith)
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change - James Ingram (Ben Harper)
We are all part of gods great big family - Tina Turner (Leona Lewis)
And the truth, you know, love is all we need - Billy Joel (Jon Bon Jovi)

Chorus - Michael Jackson (Justin Timberlake)
We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So lets start giving

There's a choice were making, We're saving our own lives - Diana Ross (Beyonce)
Its true well make a better day, Just you and me - Michael Jackson & Diana Ross (JT & Beyonce)

Send them your heart, So theyll know that someone cares - Dionne Warwick (Rihanna)
And their lives will be stronger and free - Dionne Warwick & Willie Nelson (Rihanna & Kid Rock)
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread - Willie Nelson (Kid Rock)
So we all must lend a helping hand - Al Jarreau (Usher)

Chorus
We are the world, we are the children - Bruce Springsteen (the guy from Nickelback)
We are the ones who make a brighter day so let's start giving - Kenny Logins (Brad Paisley)
There's a choice we're making we're saving our own lives - Steve Perry (Rob Thomas)
It's true we'll make a better day just you and me - Darryl Hall (Seal)

Theres a choice were making, Were saving our own lives - Bob Dylan (Daughtry)
Its true well make a better day, Just you and me - Bob Dylan (Daughtry)

When youre down and out, there seems no hope at all - Michael Jackson (JT)
But if you just believe, there's no way we can fall - Huey Lewis (guy from 3 Doors Down)
Well, well, well, well let us realize that a change can only come - Cyndi Lauper (Kelly Clarkson)
When we stand together as one - Kim Carnes (Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland)

Chorus repeats a bunch. Eventually an appearance by Ray Charles (RIP) (John Legend)

Did I forget anyone from the original song? There was also the choir made up of people like Bette Midler, Dan Akroyd, most of the remaining Jackson's (except Janet), John Oates (aw, so sad), etc.

Culture Corner Review: American Buffalo

A Chat Confession to Jason
Melanie: Mrs. Los Fitz got tix to American Buffalo and asked if I wanted to go and I said yes
Melanie: i'm sorry, baby
Jason: to you - WHATEVER.....to fitz - the hand right in her face!
Melanie: um, btw - that is totally going in the review if I ever write one

So, now I'm writing my review. Yes, I cheated on Jason and went to see a play with Christine.

First of all - this is what a seat upgrade looks like, bitches!



Now, onto the review. American Buffalo is the third David Mamet play I've seen this year and is probably my least favorite among them. 2 acts, 3 actors and over 2 hours of dialogue with nary a song to be heard. I felt both acts could have lost about 30 mintues (or more) of repetitive dialogue, easily. Haley Joel Osment creeps me out so much. I don't know why. But big time! So creepy. And kind of distractingly bad in this role. Cedric the Entertainer was really good. Understated for the most part, but he really delivers. And John Leguizamo? Though he might have questionable taste in shirts, he was awesome. Bottom line? If you're a fan of these actors, worth checking out. If you're a fan of Mamet, then worth checking out. But if you're not sure what you're looking for - then pass.

Christine says: Very much enjoyed the seat upgrades, the silver fox that tried to pick Melanie up and then changed seats when she rejected him, and the Ike and Tina shout out in the set design. Now for the actual show...obviously JLeg was awesome, and I was surprisingly impressed by Cedric the (they don't call him) Entertainer (for nothing). But Haley Joel Osmont just plain sucked. His portrayal of a junkie was more like a mentally challenged person. Not to mention he's kind of a scary looking teenager. All in all, I wouldn't pay to see it again but I'd pay to see JLeg in just about anything and now might actually watch a Cedric the Entertainer movie. Was I supposed to keep this brief?

Jason says: This show was great! The cast, well, I can't say enough about them and the...oh wait...I wasn't invited to see it!

Check Your Feet

Something's in the air today. Cross your fingers and check your feet.

First, this from an unnamed reader. I'll call her "Dom."

I packed my gym bag this morning while I was on the phone with Dad, and when I was getting dressed at the gym, yep, I have two different shoes, both black, both nine west with the same height heel, one smooth leather, one croc pattern, fortunately, one right and one left. No one has noticed yet.

And then - Mrs. Los Fitz: Christne's Corner: Uh Oh!

Team Chik-Fil-A is, indeed, my jam

Back in September, I was supposed to run a 5K with Molly, Los Fitzes and my new best friend's The Silks as part of "Team Chik-Fil-A, That's My Jam!" but I had to bow out because it was the same weekend my dad was home. Not only did they clean up at the race (check out Christine's recap here and here), the team signed my shirt and brought it back to me.

Here's a pic of the team, minus the lovely Mrs. Silk who wasn't able to run:


And because Mrs. Los Fitz likes a good challenge and a little friendly competition, she's thrown down a Nike+ challenge at the team for whoever can run the most miles in a month. The challenge started almost 2 weeks ago. I've yet to figure out my Nike+ sportband. But stay tuned, this dark horse might make a comeback late in the game...

Baseball Boogie

It's pretty fitting that just yesterday I was congratulating Los Fitzes on their anniversary because today, more than ever, I am so glad that Christine snatched Andrew up. Otherwise, he might not have shared the following gem with us.



Turns out, 1986 was a big year for sports team music videos. I think that the Dodgers have more natural rhythm than the Patriots or Bears. I wonder if that goes for baseball players over football players in general?

Los Fitzes on Their Wedding Day

Too pretty not to share.

Happy Anniversary, Los Fitzes!

Wishing you many more years of wedded bliss, Mr. & Mrs. Los Fitz!

Jamie McShane on The Closer

Brought to you by Los Fitzes:

Please watch The Closer on TNT Monday, August 18th at 9pm EST. Our brother-in-law Jamie will be on. Not sure exactly what his role entails, but he is happy about it so it must be good!

The Bar Has Been Set, Murphy Family

Murphy Family - Are you ready to compete with these highlights from post-BBQ hijinks with Los Fitzes?



In the battle of the 'burbs, who will reign supreme? NJ or PA? Consider it brought-en.

Things Are Looking Up

It's been a rough couple days around the Musings home offices, but perhaps the healing is on the way. And, special thanks to Mrs. Los Fitz and the newly-named, Shirtless Dangordit! (courtesy of the ever-awesome Sally, though I added the shirtless part because otherwise that's creepy and weird and not cute at all) who helped the healing with wonderful IM conversations, excerpted here:

Mrs. Los Fitz (accepting my response for not posting this week): you better be in tip top shape after this weekend and your gatorosas with shirtless dangordit

Shirtless Dangordit! (in response Mrs Los Fitz's comment that I shared): Tip top shape after the weekend? I doubt it. You'll be recovering through Wednesday afternoon.

I hope the Murphy Family is ready for the chaos that is going to descend upon them around 1:00 PM, Saturday.

Los Fitzes Have a New Section: Drew's Views

So, Mr. Los Fitz has thrown his hat into the blogging ring with the ever-lovely Mrs. Los Fitz. And ladies and gentlemen - it was well worth the wait. Behold:

Drew's Views: Yanks-Sawx

I dare you to read it without laughing out loud...

Happy Birthday, Mrs. Fitz!

A few years ago (I'm not saying how many), the world was blessed by the arrival of the lovely Mrs. Fitz. I hope she has a great day today (it's rainy, but it's finally cooled down) and I look forward to treating her to cupcakes from the Buttercup Bakeshop.

Happy Birthday, Christine!


Head on over to FitzBlog to send your own birthday wishes her way.

Lazy Blogging

Today, I leave it to the professionals. Some call it lazy, but I call it genius.

Shirtless Dan Gordon has a new post. Apparently, he's taken umbrage with my suggestion that he doesn't update that regularly (even going so far as to cite his July statistics) and may be on some sort of crusade to prove me wrong so it looks like my evil plan might be working. Time will tell. No new shirtless photos or push-up videos (though you can still see the old ones, thankfully), but the rapier sharp wit is in full effect.

Los Fitzes posted some excellent videos of their little guy, Max, and his latest tricks as well as their own latest trick - ziplining in Costa Rica. Honestly, how can I compete with that?

Friday bonus for me? Looks like Kristen and I might hit Crave on 42nd after work. In case you don't recall how that worked out for me last time, here's a reminder.

Operation Steamy Hot in Vegas Commences Today!

Y'all, Operation Steamy Hot in Vegas is in FULL EFFECT! I leave later this afternoon, but won't leave you completely high and dry while I'm gone. I've got posts at the ready so you'll have new content every day.

If you're feeling especially lonesome, take a visit to the Fitzes' blog. They've just returned from Costa Rica and I'm sure they will have plenty to say once they get settled.

Here's hoping I come back with at least one or two stories that can be posted on the Internet...

Friday the 13th Couldn't Keep Us Down!

Some excellent shots from our "ladies night" out this weekend. I neglected to take my camera out again after we left the restaurant but it's just as well. I'm not sure we needed the rest of the evening to be captured on film.

Culture Corner: Review of Forgetting Sarah Marshall (or rather, Remembering Jason Segel)

No better way to start this Culture Corner review than with Christine's (or should I say Kilikina's) review:

Any man willing to show his man goods on the big screen multiple times deserves an Oscar in my book. Jason Segel, we salute you.

My own take? The movie was funny, almost uncomfortably so at times. But I'm not sure I loved it as much as I wanted to love it. There is a fairly amusing subplot with a newly married couple. The hidden gem of the movie is probably Paul Rudd. All scruffy and beachy looking. Rawr!

Cinco de Katie! (and a Schedule Update)

First of all, a very big Feliz Cumpleanos to the lovely Mrs. Murphy on Cinco de Katie! As per the usual, I had a rocking time at their house and am mostly really happy that I managed not to gain a single pound. And not that I didn't try between Friendly's and John's awesome cooking.

And second of all, I don't have high hopes for my blogging abilities this week. A quick review of my schedule:
Monday - Mrs. Fitz and I have Culture Corner plans
Tuesday - I go to Chicago for the day (so jet-setty of me)
Wednesday - I see the trainer again (um, yay?)
Thursday - Jason and I have Culture Corner plans
Friday - my mom arrives for Mother's Day extravaganza - eating and Culture Corner!

I'll do my best to keep y'all up to date because I expect to have good things to report on, but I might not get to updating until later this week. I think that the TV listings will take the biggest hit, so in my absence please visit the TV Guide site. It's never let me down.

Operation Steamy Hot in Vegas is in Effect, Baby!

So, since Mrs. Fitz started Couch-to-5K, Mrs. LaPage was so fine in her wedding dress, Ms. Hoffman has SkinnyHawaii on the brain, Mrs. Murphy is, simply, a weight-loss machine and now Mrs. Clark (my Mom) is getting in on the action by dropping 10+ pounds, I've decided it's time to get on the stick. Of course, booking a trip to Las Vegas may have jump started my motivation as well.

Operation Steamy Hot in Vegas (aka, Operation SexyBack) kicked off this evening with a visit to the gym I've been paying for since January. 35 minutes on the bike because it's all that was open. Pretty sure it's better than the sitting on my couch I've been doing for the past five years. I also signed up for a personal trainer "try-pack" that gets me a couple sessions, so hopefully I can start off on the right foot and keep up with it.

I need help creating a good gym mix. Email me your suggestions or leave them in the comments below!

Wish me luck! On June 30, it's do-or-die time!