10 Things I Learned This Week

1. Best Weekend Ever
Everyone needs to do a weekend away whenever they have the opportunity. We spent the past couple days at The Beach House, a must visit for anyone coming to Newfoundland and a great spot for those who live here and need to get away. I'll tell you about the meals in a minute...

2. Thumbs Down: The Keg, Friday Night with the Nursing Class
Oh, the meal was good, as per usual and the Kettel One Martini was great, but the service... saying it was a little lacking would be an understatement. The point of reservations is to assure a group they get what they want, so why was the group that had the room from 5-8 still there when we rolled in and how was that our problem? And another thing: the waitress was either the most easily rattled waitress in the history of the world or it was her first night. She was horrible. That's why she got a $5.49 cent tip on a $70 bill...

3. Thumbs Up: Atlantica, Saturday Night at The Beach House
I interviewed the parties involved in Atlantica last June for an article that has yet to materialize in Passion Magazine and so finally getting to eat there was a nice treat. Actually, it was beyond a nice treat; it was the best meal I've had in my life. You have got to go. There is a reason it was named Canada's Best New Restaurant for 2007. The Seafood Soup starter was outstanding and my main, the biggest, most delicious tuna steak every, was heavenly. Yeah, I said heavenly. Sarah loved her Salmon Tartar and Pan Seared Scallops too. The Chocolate Truffles to end the night were dynamite too. You've got to go...

4. My Happy Place, Part I
Saturday morning we got up real early - Sarah woke at 7 am and opened the blinds. We were done breakfast and off for the day before 10 and our first stop was Middle Cove Beach. This spot is one of the reasons I'll miss Newfoundland. While it's only 20 minutes out of town, it feels like miles from everything. Peaceful, beautiful, right on the ocean... calming and soothing are the best two words to describe it. Being there refreshes me...

5. My Happy Place, Part II
Chapters followed Middle Cove Beach. I love Chapters. Delicious coffee, books and magazines galore, comfy chairs... heaven. You can be as social or antisocial as you want, leaf through as many magazines and books without buying a thing and stay until they close the store. Every time I walk out of that place I feel ready for a nap, it's that relaxing to me. They may not have Middle Cove Beach in Ontario, but at least I'll have Chapters.
6. So Much for UNC
Kansas thumped them last night. Thumped doesn't actually do it justice. They put a big time beatdown on the Tar Heels. The loss actually makes for an interesting question: Does Tyler Hansbrough turn pro or not? Last season's loss in the tourney left a sour taste in his mouth, so what will this one do? Sure he won Player of the Year, but he still doesn't have that National Championship. I still think he'll declare for the draft. Oh, and Kansas will beat Memphis tomorrow night.

7. The T-Shirts Look Great
I got my going away present from the E, Smash and Kim Thursday night - the long rumoured "I Heart Spencer" t-shirts with the address for this little number on the back. Sarah can be seen modeling the homemade beauties on the Facebook Fan Page. The desk pen and gift card were great too... as were the Cinnamon Buns too Yennifer!

8. Happy Birthday to the Original Edgar
My grandfather and namesake Edgar Gordon Levy turns 90 tomorrow. 90! I can't even imagine. Buster has been one of my artistic influences throughout my life, as he is a gifted painted and woodworker with a talent with the pen as well and I am proud to carry on his name. He's the reason the "E" is present in all my published works. That and I think it looks cool...

9. Decisions, Decisions
Book or Screenplay? Which do I write? Part of me thinks screenplay because I can bang it out faster than an actual book, but the novel is what truly burns inside me to be written. Any thoughts?

10. A Couple Days of Goodbyes...
Saying goodbye to the '97 Saturn Shitbox SL later today, my man Deuce later tonight, the Blockbuster Posse Monday afternoon and Newfoundland as a whole Tuesday morning. Parting is such sweet sorrow...