Week of April 23: Spring is Finally Here

After record breaking rainfall in February, March and early April, I think its finally safe to say that the winter rain season is over. This week, we were able to enjoy a whole week of consistent warm spring-like weather (minus our usual morning and evening fog). And with the warm sun, both Andrea and I were able to switch from jeans into shorts (and skirts) and from sneakers into flip-flops. With our shorts and flip-flops on, Andrea and I attended our first official backyard BBQ of the year at Brandon and Shannon's.

Andrea and I have always commented on how balanced Shannon and Brandon's relationship is... Shannon works for a profit driven international corporation while Brandon is a school teacher, Brandon likes exotic (and sometimes weird) food like Pho while Shannon prefers normal meat and potatoes, they have a very cute son, Max, and a new born baby girl Kate, etc. In the two pictures above, we can clearly see this harmonious balance that is the essence of their loving relationship.

The picnic umbrellas that were used only a few days ago to keep out the rain were now being used to shield our delicate pale winter skin. We started eating and drinking early.

It didn't take much drinking nor the sun to drive Brian indoors to assume his favorite position.

After drinking a few Miller High Lifes, things got a little more serious. Mike, Brandon and I were engaged in a passionate debate about a topic that is in the minds of many conscientious Americans today... the Top 5 Rap/Hip-Hop albums of all time. Brandon fronted that Ice Cube's Amerikka's Most Wanted and Nas' Ilmatic should unquestionably be on that list. While Mike agreed with Brandon's Ilmatic selection, Mike represented that Notorious B.I.G's Ready to Die album was far superior to Ice Cube. I dissed them both and stated that Eric B and Rakim's Paid in Full and Dr. Dre's The Chronic deserved more props. Needless to say, this debate was never resolved.

The kids didn't seem interested in our adult discussion and simply played. Little did they know that they too will be having similar debates when they grow up. They have much to look forward to!