BEST OF 2009- nods to EM-SHIZZLE

So I have this friend, whose name for all intensive purposes is named Em-Shizzle. I only knew her for an incredibly daring and thrilling month abroad in Spain but I am convinced we were secretly friends in a past life. I stock her blog about once a month and often wonder what she ever did about that guy who had a crush on her in Andalusia. She doesn't know it- but she is one of only two or three people who I feel totally get "it"- life I mean. A little sarcasm, some introspection, and lest we not forget a dash of cynicism all mixed in with an air of les et fair that simply poses as a front for really caring. Seriously, her stuff is one of the very few things worth reading online.

She's real. SO...... back to THIS.

Or getting there actually. I'm not a conformist, but Em-shizzle has peaked my interest so that I want in too. Here it is- late, completely depressing because 2009 bombed on my charts, but here none-the-less because whether I got the idea from someone else or not, it is a good idea (of course it is, it's from Em-Shizzle) and I'll be glad I have it some day.
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BEST OF 2009
1. What was your best trip in 2009?

OK- it's my first entry and I'm already depressed. Have I mentioned how insanely DEPLORABLE 2009 was? Usually Q and I travel quite a bit but this year we "pour"ed every penny into paying off our second mortgage thus kissing two years of salary good bye for good (yep- that sucked). Anyhow, my two trips of the year included a PLC teachers conference with my principal and SCMS teachers, and OGDEN for Q's Dad's funeral (during which I was so beyond sicker-than-a-dog --not to mention how hard that was for Q and his Fam--).

There was a smigin of travel on the docket that is worth remembering however. Q and I escaped to ZION for an overnight spring get-away. The best part I can remember are the toilets at the Motel (capitol M). Not being fasceous here, those toilets were amazing! You could flush 7-10 hotdogs down at once. How do we know this? My uncle owns the hotel and his brother-in-law (who researched and installed the toilets) runs the place. He spent 20 minutes telling us about them when we checked in. We were so impressed we vowed to use the same brand one day in the next millennium when we can afford to build our own house. Some day some day. Other than that, the hotel was free and it was much needed for a married couple who hasn't lived alone in over a year. We watched TV the whole night (in case you were wondering).

2. Share the best restaurant experience you had this year. Who was there? What made it amazing? What taste stands out in your mind?

For sure the best eatery splurge was Scallops and Shrimp on the rock at Anasazi. We even coughed up a pretty penny for the cheese fondue appetizer and chocolate desert. Go there. Actually, save $$ for a year, then go there.

3. What's an article that you read that blew you away? That you shared with all your friends. That you Delicious'd and reference throughout the year.

It was one... I'll have to find it again, the LA police chief wrote about the persecution of Californian Mormons concerning prop 8. I loved the way he didn't use cheap anger, sensationalized tones, or play victim to shout out two simple messages: Mormons weren't the only ones who voted so they shouldn't be targeted, and the persecution was a double standard. Rioters were invoking their right to free speech to persecute Mormons who had used free speech and freedom to vote to defend their beliefs.

4. What book - fiction or non - touched you? Where were you when you read it? Have you bought and given away multiple copies?

Where to start right? Actually, books are something I know and I know well. If you haven't read this puppy then you haven't experienced life in its literary fullness. How good is Sweetness? Let's just say my top 11 books list had to be altered (first time since The Book Thief) and it was no easy task saying goodbye to The Old Man and the Sea. Also, I'm considering Flavia for the name of our first-born daughter. Just read it. You won't regret it... and if you do, you're weird.

P.S. THE ROYAL RIP OFF OF THE YEAR: NO IRMITAS AT DICKENS!!!!! WHAT A SHAFT!!!