Fear the Beard...

Recently, I have been challenged by my friends Sofia and Carley to grow a beard.  I have until my birthday to grow it out.  The rules are that I can shape it, but I cannot shorten it.  What that means is that I can look like a cleaned up homeless bum as opposed to a complete crackhead homeless bum.  I have until my birthday on March 1st, and on that day, I can shave it off and claim my prize - a coveted dinner at Joe's of Westlake.  On them, of course. 

The Destination.

                  


Why is it so coveted, you may be foolishly asking yourself?  Well, Joe's of Westlake is a fine dining establishment in Daly City that offers top of the line cuisine and an ambiance that will not disappoint.  Upon entering, one may order a leisurely cocktail in the stylish and ultra-chic lounge where you will meet some of Daly City's finest.  Soak up the vibe, because it will surely be burned into memory for quite a long time.  

Clearly a place to see and BE SEEN!

When your table is ready, the kind host will escort you and your party to a comfortable table surrounded by diners enjoying their experience.  Yes, a night out at Joe's is an experience that all must revel in at some point in their lifetime.  

It's like you've died and gone to heaven.

Once seated, the extensive wine list will surely please any wine connoisseur's palate.  Their cellar is stocked of only the world's best, so be sure to select wisely, as you want to find just the right wine to compliment your gourmet meal.  

Although I am mostly not indulging, I will be at this dinner. 

There really aren't any words to describe the fare at Joe's of Westlake - other than simply divine, of course.  The knowledgeable waitstaff with years of experience will help you navigate through the (what seems to be endless) menu of delicious appetizers, entrees, and side dishes.  Chef's specials need no fanfare at Joe's.  Whatever you fancy, your taste buds will be craving for more.  

How could you resist?

And don't forget to indulge in one of Joe's decadent desserts paired with a fine port.

You know you want it.

Yes, a challenge is about to be won by yours truly.  The losers are in for an experience that they thought they would never EVER get a chance to experience EVER again.  In the end, I consider us all winners.  

My new obsession...

Yesterday, as I sat in a courthouse in Oakland waiting to see if I would be selected as a juror, I had an idea.  But I promised myself that the idea would only become reality if I did not get chosen to be a juror.  It was a little deal I made with myself as I quietly sat there listening to my fellow citizens respond to personal questions from a judge and two lawyers.  By 10:00 on day two they selected their initial 12 jurors and then recessed for 15 minutes to reconvene and select two alternates.  I was still in the running.  Fifteen minutes later or so, we all mosey on back in to the courtroom to await our fate.  There were about 8 of us left.  I had a 1 in 4 chance of being selected to perform my civil duty for the next few weeks. 




I wasn't selected.  And as a result...

Beautiful, isn't it. 

I drove directly to the new Fiat dealership in Berkeley to place my order for a new Fiat 500 Abarth.  Call me crazy, I know.  I seem to have a new car every few years.  In this case, year.  If I could afford both Donna 468 and the Abarth, I would keep both.  But I can't.  

From behind.  Beautiful, ins't it.

This isn't a farewell to Donna.  Not yet anyway.  The Abarth won't be delivered for about 6-8 weeks - plenty of time to say goodbye and enjoy my final days with a car that I really love, but know that there is another waiting in the wings.  

Unless I win the lottery, I will be saying goodbye. 

What gives me solace is knowing that someone will take good care of her.  But I can't help but wonder, am I now like that weirdo on the show My Strange Addiction?  The one where the guy has an emotional and sexual relationship with his car (a cherry red 1998 Monte Carlo that he has named Chase). 

God I hope not.