Ringin' in 2005

New Year's Eve Day. The day started off just like any other day. It had been raining for a few days now, but there were breaks in the clouds early that afternoon. Sinta and I took advantage of that and headed to downtown San Jose where the Plaza de Cesar Chavez was transformed into the city's annual Christmas in the Park. There were booths of life-size Christmas scenes and a train as well. Rounding the perimeter of the park were Christmas trees decorated by various groups and organizations such as the Girl Scouts and the San Jose Police Department. We didn't stay too long because it was unusually cold. We were bundled up in our scarves and beanies to protect us from the bone-chilling cold.

We retreated to Valley Fair mall to use some of gift cards we received for Christmas. We ended up not using them, but instead, we sat at a French pastry cafe and talked over croissants, hot chocolate and coffee. At the same time, we were trying to plan what we're going to do for New Year's Eve.

What Should We Do Tonight? We started to head home, and it was dark and raining out. It wasn't a good idea to go up to the City, much less to the Embarcadero. Driving on northbound 101, we saw nothing but dark clouds toward the City. We decided to stay home, and Sinta suggested we cook fingerfoods and such. I thought it was a great idea. I mean, stay home and eat until midnight? Why wouldn't it be a great idea?

What's On the Menu? We prepared hot drumsticks with a side of Ranch dressing, chicken rice, meatballs with sweet and sour sauce, and carrots and celery dipped in Ranch. Our exquisite meal was accompanied with re wine. My bro decided to stay in as well and joined us. We ate and ate until our tummies burst. Midnight was fast approaching. Sinta cracked open a bottle of sparkling wine, and we toasted to the new year.

Thirty minutes later, the three of us were in the car heading south to IHOP for coffee and dessert. The ten-minute trip brought us to a closed IHOP. Fortunately, the 24-hour Denny's down the road was open. Seated in a cozy, corner booth, we all decided to order breakfast instead. Sinta ordered the French Toast breakfast that included eggs and sausage, and a coke float. Lokeliko saw the fruit-filled pancakes on TV, and he wanted to try the blueberry one. I selected the strawberry-filled pancake. Both dishes were accompanied with a platter of eggs, sausage and bacon, and hash brown. Needless to say, we didn't finish our plates, but it did hit the spot. No joke, we became nauseous. I was nauseous. You know that feeling when you've have a lot to drink, and you're slowly riding off your buzz? You start to feel light-headed, and that's when you know you shouldn't have had that much to drink? Well, that's how I was feeling, except it wasn't alcohol. It was my reaction to the food. Man, never again.

I hope all of you had a fun and safe New Year's!

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Mother Nature has brought a lot of rain to the Bay Area and snow in the Sierras. It has been relentless for about five days now. I wonder if the swimming pool will overflow. Nah, maybe not.

The rainy days give me a good opportunity to read "The Da Vinci Code".