Who is this phony trick-nasty bitch?

Merry Christmas! Reflections on the year...

It certainly has been a while since I've posted... I have been spending more time micro-blogging at my Facebook page. I have many interesting things to post, so hopefully I'll get back to MLO in the new year.

All-in-all the year ended up on a good note. The ugly things and people in my life reared their even uglier heads and are now gone (you know who you are). I learned that many people are not who they seem, and I really should never doubt my intuition.

I have two fantastic and true friends that live close and I am lucky to have them. I have a new house, a new (real) job, and I just enjoyed my first white Christmas.

And in my 12th year with my better half, I am more in love than ever - and there is little more I can ask for in this life than to have someone like him beside me.

So here's to 2009! May it bring more perspective, clarity, joy, and love into my life...

A message from Lisa Garza!

In my disappointment of Lisa's loss on FNS, I decided to do a little research and find an eMail address for her. Indeed I sound like a bit of a stalker, but I did want her to know how much I enjoyed what she brought to the show.

To my delight she replied. Here is what she had to say:

Daniel,

It is VERY sweet and thoughtful of you to write. This was a huge growth experience for me. I did not pursue the show, I was cast. I accepted because I wanted to share my survival story. I hoped that all my pain and suffering could somehow benefit others by inspiring, as well as, challenging the stereo types people hold on to so deeply. I wanted more than anything to inspire hope in woman and kids, especially, that your past does not have to define your future. You can overcome the greatest odds if you believe and fight for your dreams.

I have a severe learning disability, sensory and anxiety disorder partly as a result of a very traumatic and abusive childhood. I worked very hard to be the woman I am today. I am not the fierce competitor I was edited to appear on the show. I loved, encouraged and helped everyone as much as I could. Because, ultimately, I believe what will be, will be, and helping others doesn't keep me from doing my best. I want to build something great as a means to give more. At the end of my life, all I really want is to rest and know, I saved as many kids as I could with the time I had on this earth.

What the judges and "anti" Lisa bloggers, read as uptight, rigid or even snobby, is actually just remnants of a wall I had to build to survive. It is also me trying to do my very best, without the aid of medication. I know I need to work on "reading" warmer on camera, even when I'm stressed, tired, anxious or challenged. I just go into "get it done" mode. My disorder takes over and I get sensory overload. I was trying my best not to show it.

I learned a lot about myself, the world. how much it hurts to be misrepresented and most of all judged. It has made me more sensitive, driven and compassionate. My heart was in the right place and I know my hard work will pay off. I wish my WHOLE personality had been revealed on the show. But, I guess its better TV if I'm just a shallow mini Martha with no real message.

So, thanks again for the pep talk. I love my life. I am VERY blessed and that's all I need. My work will go on with or without the Food Network. Please feel free to join the NFNS facebook fan page or my personal page.

Lisa

Liz enjoys tea at Sugar & Ice at the Wynn

On Saturday Liz and I took a cab over to Fashion Show in search of an iPhone for Liz at the Apple Store. Sadly, they were out by the time we arrived - but we enjoyed shopping nonetheless.

After I bought some (more) new clothes at Tommy Bahama, we headed to the Wynn for more shopping and a little game-play. It was oppressively hot in Vegas at 104+, so we stopped in to Sugar & Ice for some gelato and cold beverages. It was another 2+ hours before we finally made the trek all the way from the Wynn to Mandalay Bay where we concluded the afternoon.

CHA-CHING in VEGAS!

We had been playing the "Slotto" penny slots for a few minutes and Del shouted that he hit something. Looking at the credits top 100,000 pennies left us befuddled wondering where our grade-school math skills went. How much was it? 100 bucks? Nope! That's two decimal points honey!

My big win on the $5 machine. I (mistakenly) played $25 on a single pull at a $5 machine I just "had a feeling about". I didn't realize it was 5 credits a pull. Always betting max I stood agog as my $25 reels began to spin. When they stopped I wasn't sure I won anything big. It was only after I cashed out and looked at my voucher that I knew I had won over $1,000!

Vegas '08: Mesa Grill

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Ruby's birthday evening began with a fabulous dinner at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill at Ceasar's Palace. Pictured here is my dish, one of Bobby's signatures, the New Mexican Spice Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with bourbon-ancho chile sauce and a sweet potato tamale with crushed pecan butter. Ridiculous!

We also enjoyed Yucatan Chicken Tacos with peanut-smoked chile barbecue sauce and Blue Corn Pancakes with barbecued duck and habanero chile-star anise sauce. Phenomenal.

After Mesa we went to our 10:30pm show at Zumanity. It was fantastic! Sexy, sophisticated, scandalous, raucous, raunchy, bizarre and mesmerizing. The music was amazing too!

Scene of the Crime: Our Penthouse in Vegas

Vegas '08 was fantastic fun! Our celebratory trip for Ruby's (aka Mare) birthday was, as anticipated, rife with fun and frolic.

We shared a 2 Bedroom Penthouse at the Mirage, which was fit for 4 queens!

The main salon, including dining area and seating group. Not shown (left) is an entertainment center and art niches. There is also a marble entry foyer and wet bar. The window treatments are motorized.

One of the two bathrooms, this one included a marble vanity, jacuzzi tub and oversized shower. Not shown to the right is a fully mirrored dressing area, walk-in closet with full-sized safe, and a "facilities" room which featured a bidet.

One of the two master suites with King bed and settee. The dresser at the foot of the bed contains a TV in a motorized cabinet which raises and lowers as it is turned on or off.

The decor of the penthouse floor is over-the-top as expected in Vegas and includes a concierge lounge/entertainment area complete with bar.

Lisa Garza Was Robbed!

Lisa was robbed. Adam would make a good host, but Aaron? His clumsy, clunky camera work and done-to-death food was clearly propped up to give it the best light so FN could crown him the star long before the final episode tonight. This was a decision that proved that racism really is alive and well in America.

Lisa brought an element of glamour and style to FN and was a show I would actually watch. Everything Aaron offers, if not just badly, has been ridden 'till the wheels fell off. The only thing worse would have been a chef doing pan-asian.

I know Lisa will pop up again somewhere - in a bigger/better place where she can share her upscale, elegant, glamorous, quirky talents with the rest of us!

Sorry Food Network, you really blew this one.

Goodbye, Lisa Garza...

Lisa Garza didn't win FNS. All three finalists were fantastic, however Lisa is who I would actually watch.

So thus ends Lisa's reign here at mlo. She's been a fixture here since the show started, appearing in her fierce outfits and slinging glamour - turning a non-believer into a fan.

I was a hater, I admit... my original post read:

This is Lisa. She's a contestant on the Next Food Network Star competition. Lisa is a caricature of glamour. Comical and grotesque - she's a train wreck that begs to be observed.

So far there has only been one episode, and Lisa has proven herself to be everything you are imagining she is based on these pictures. Del says she's just like me. I don't know whether to be flattered or appalled.

Lisa proved herself to be multi-dimensional and real while being glamorous. So thanks Del, I'm flattered!

Fierce.

Simply fierce.

Lisa Garza: Glamour on the High-Scale

I admit it. I love Lisa Garza. Here she is turning it out on her way to a big FNS challenge in Las Vegas. They should simply crown her the winner.

She's closer than ever to winning! This last episode they couldn't narrow down the three finalists to two, so all three are competing in the final challenge! Go Lisa!

She's Pretty: Pippi Longstockings Edition

Release the Flying Monkeys!

It's Mani-Pedi Day...

The other day Liz and I pampered ourselves with mani-pedis... As you can see Liz is being lavished extreme-makeover style by a gang of tool-wielding Asians while my feet enjoy a pre-pedicure jacuzzi!

Letting Sleeping Dogs Lie...

It's been OH SO QUIET...

Things have been quiet here at mlo haven't they? Well, I have a host of fun features to post but I've been too out of it to actually do it. I've been busy with a million things and I've also been in pain (and on painkillers!) for the last week or so for a dental problem that hopefully will be fixed on Friday.

Your patience will be rewarded with many more fabulous and frightening things... stay tuned!

When life gives you lemonade, dump it down the sink.

He's Hot

WOW

I think the pearls might be a little tight - they're making your eyes bug out!

My god is he even still alive...?

Diego is sacked out after a busy day at Grandma's!

She's Pretty: Hamburglar Edition

Where's the beef? It appears to be between this lady's lips. No stranger to the burger, this rolly-polly pudding really puts it away...

He's Hot: Disturbing Texas Biker Edition

Flipping through channels in the hotel room we came across this winner; the host of "Texas Politics Biker Style". I don't believe any further commentary is required as I am sure his message is of tolerance, unity, and social progressiveness. He's also likely to be a serial killer.

Texas BBQ

Take a look at those meats! In our quest for the best BBQ in Texas we hit Iron Works BBQ right in town. It was pretty typical of the Texas BBQ we have had: brisket, sausage, ribs... accompanied by pickles & onions, a slice of white bread and some sort of potato salad or cole slaw. Definitely meats-a-plenty!

Itchy Toes?

So we were looking at this glamorous high-rise apartment building downtown in Austin and the leasing agent just couldn't seem to keep her heels on - so of course I had to snap a pic from under her desk. After I realized that if anyone caught me they might think I was trying to snap a peek at her pie, so I quickly put the cameraphone away!

The Texas Capitol Building

Of course Austin is the Capital of Texas... and the Capitol building sits majestically in the center of town.

Tortilleria!

The local supermarket chain H.E.B. has an in-house tortilla maker and every day they make freshly made tortillas! Delish!

Maria's Taco Express

So a while back Del and I saw this place on Drive-Ins, Diners & Dives called Maria's Taco Express. It's a very popular spot with the locals with killer homemade Mexican food. This is very typical of the funky types of places to eat in Austin. Needless to say those enchiladas were as good as they look...

At the Salt Lick

So one of the most touted BBQ places in Austin is called The Salt Lick. It's actually about 40 minutes outside of Austin in Driftwood, TX. All of us that met with AMD for the day were treated to a huge feast of some kickin' BBQ!

AMD Campus in Austin

This is a typical building from the AMD campus in Austin. The guy with the black backpack is one of the guys who runs Neowin.net...

Magnolia Cafe in Austin

These are a couple of typical Austin college hotties! This is at Magnolia Cafe on South Congress, a very fun and funky place with a wild decor and a menu that ranges from blueberry pancakes to enchiladas rojas!

Austin Bound

On June 23 we left for Austin! These are a couple of pics I took on/from the plane. Great views of Lake Washington and the Sound!

Olive Garden Hottie

Lisa Garza Cha Cha Cha!

Lisa was looking glamorous as ever this week on FNS. She is certainly a fan of the headband! I'm left wondering if the bob is a one-piece deal with the bob attached.

Evening at Mary's

Some sort of sandwich from Metro Market that i have disemboweled. Note the extensive array of cheeses and other sundry snacks.

The kitchen is a plethora of food and alcohol!

Mr. Perkins takes a moment from his busy schedule to glance up for the camera.

Makoa looking regal.

Mr. Perkins found a new best friend in Liz.

Mak hamming it up for the camera!