The Results Are In

Len was the big winner of the night with 16 correct picks on his ballot (tied with Andrea). I think they are both happy, it is the first time either of them has beaten me (will my brain ever return to it's before pregnancy abilities?). It was a good night, people dressed up, they seemed to like the food I made (menu to follow), the dancers were cool, Alan Arkin won, Forest Whittaker made a good speech, the Will Ferrel/Jack Black song was entertaining and I thought Ellen was pretty funny. How was your Oscar night?


Oscar Night Menu
Cheese Plate with Olives and some kind of Salami
Celery Stuffed with Herbed Tofu
Spinach and Gouda Spheres
Sweet Potato Fries with Soy-Ginger Dipping Sauce
Cucumber Salad
Corn and Arugula Salad
Shitake and Potato Pizza
Summer Squash and Herbed Ricotta Pizza
Star Shaped Cookies (thanks for the great recipe D!)
Lemon Loaf
Banana Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting

*****Please note - No Berries were served at this event*****

The Red Carpet

Two posts in one week from Len... a new record.

So it's one of the most exciting weekends of the year here in the Mellen Patch... Oscar weekend. Melanie takes her Oscars VERY seriously. The annual Oscar Party prep is in full swing. I'm trying to stay out of the way... As I recall, Mel and I had our first big fight ever during the prep for our first Oscar party together, in Toronto, 3 years ago. I don't remember all the details but it had something to do with how I was cutting the strawberries for the special Oscar Party Punch. To this day, I will not bring a sharp implement near a highly coveted berry...And during the Oscar prep, I've learned to stay clear, don't speak unless spoken to, get continuous feedback on any assigned task, and, for God's sake, do not mention that the whole Academy Awards hoopla is silly and boring. So in the spirit of the Academy Awards 1) I've posted a new movie-themed mix for your listening pleasure, and 2) I'm going to play critic/prognosticator with respect to the major categories to be handed out Sunday night:

Best Picture:
Will win - Little Miss Sunshine
Should Win - Little Miss Sunshine
A movie that hit all the right notes, perfectly paced with a payoff that worked incredibly well. Not my favorite movie of the year (Borat was, with Children of Men and Half Nelson close behind), but my favorite of the nominations in this category

Actor
Will Win - Forrest Whitaker
Should Win - Ryan Gosling
The winners in this category are usually over-the-top, in your face performances. Gosling's was the polar opposite of over-the-top: understated, thoughtful, quiet, desperate.

Actress
Will Win - Helen Mirren
Should Win- Kate Winslet
This is the strongest category of all in my opinion. Other than Judy Dench (whose performance was at least half voice over), all of these women are deserving. I'm drawn to the understated, subtle performance of Winslet just a little more than to the subtle, understated performance of Mirren but it is really a toss up.

Directing
Will Win - Scorcese
Should Win - Stephen Frears
I did everything I could to avoid seeing The Queen. On paper, it sounded like a yawn fest. To be as riveting as it was, Frears had to be pitch perfect and could not leave a micro gram of fat on the film. Granted, he had Helen Mirren, but he didn't have Nicholson (boring and over-the-top, playing the same character movie after movie), Leo, and Wahlberg to chew up the scenery. A masterfully executed piece of directing.

And before I go, I have to say that this post would not have been possible without the contribution of so many important people... So I'd like to thank my publicist; my personal dog-walker/life coach; my favorite barista at Starbucks; Donald Rumsfeld; Anna Nicole's baby; and of course, my rock, the source of all my inspiration, the love of my life, Little Miss Sunshine herself... Oh shit, I'm being called from the other room... Yes, sweetie... Uhhhh... No, sweetie... I didn't touch the strawberries... gotta go

Words and Pics by Len

I can't believe how quickly things are proceeding... we are almost parents, about 3 months to go. The woman who took our lunch order at Honey's today said that Mel was already a mom: she is taking care of the little human inside of her, she is making sacrifices (no coffee, no Grey Goose Pear Vodka, no exotic trips, etc.). I am starting to visualize the little Mellen, especially when I feel him kicking in Mel's belly. He went crazy on Valentine's Day after Mel ate all the chocolate I brought her. It was an amazing experience for me as I've never felt a baby kick or move in the womb before.

And Mel has never looked more beautiful. I look at her sometimes and, even though it sounds cliche, her face really is glowing.

In other news, I hope everyone likes the new music feature in the 'Patch: soundtrack courtesy of Finetunes. It's fun to set up the playlist... if I have time, I may have more "themed" playlists. This one was just to try it out, so picked out some random songs that I liked. Mel thought it was "too much old stuff" so I was glad to get the support from Purplegary regarding the Who track (Tattoo, one of my all-time Who faves). I did, however, add more "new" stuff to appease the Keeper of the 'Patch... the mother of our child... the boss of me.

It's a ...

Guava Tree!!!

Edible Fruit?

We have a fruit tree in our back yard. But we don't know what it is. If you know or have any guesses, let us know! Thanks.

Happy Wedding Day!

Congratulations Andrea & Joe! Sorry we couldn't be there, we're thinking about you. Hope it's a great day.

25 Weeks (almost!)

Here are some new ultrasound pictures that we wanted to share. I think he's very cute and looks like Len. He's very, very active, people tell me that's one way you know it's a boy. He's getting big, and I'm getting bigger, more belly shots soon!

We're In!

This is our new home. We are very excited. There's still a lot to do (it's only been 1 day), but I took a few photos to show you (these are all downstairs photos, or bird's eye view of living room, I'll show you the upstairs in a few days). It will look much better soon, and then I'll post some new photos. And you should really come see for yourself!