The Unreal OC is Back!

Well folks Ema and Tom are back after a five month hiatus. You’ll hear about our medical journey, but don’t worry – it’s all good news. You’ll also hear some of your favorite bits like Nick’s List, Things I Hate, Things I Love, and we’ve even resurrected the Police Blotter!

Click HERE to Listen.

Click HERE to be transported to The Unreal OC Web Page.

Thanks!

So proud. . .

You're looking at an unaltered photo of my 11-year-old son's desk. People say he takes after his old man when it comes to his love of gadgets. I'm just happy that he's wise enough to choose healthy hobbies.

As a tween, he'll be subjected to many "hobby" choices over the next few years. He's entering a time of growth and decision, where he'll begin laying down the foundation for who he'll become as an adult. So what if he has four PDAs, seven gaming platforms, his own computer and a love of cheesy horror movies.?

Yeah, who wouldn't be proud of such a fine young man?

Happy Birthday ?

Upcoming Birthdays

Happy Birthday! View All Family News

Wow! An automated birthday greeting from Geni is my first official birthday wish!

Well, I just don't know what to say to the database that found time to send me such a sincere, heart-felt sentiment.

Thank you, Geni!

Now, back to business. . .who's got the cake?!?

SNL - Hit or Miss?

SNL Has always been hit or miss with me. This one is pretty good. . .

New (Old) Radio

Mel's Drive-In Seal Beach - Three Strikes

It's rare that a reviewer (or casual blogger) gives an establishment three tries to get it right. I'm sorry to say that my third trip to Mel's, although better than the previous two, still left my wallet too light and my appetitie unsatisfied.

(You can read my first two reviews of Mel's HERE and HERE.)

I will say that our server, Maria was fantastic. Prompt, polite, and very friendly. I'm a firm believer in giving props to my servers and not blaming them for things they have no control over. In fact, my only gripe this time was the prices were still too high. I'm sorry, but a toasted egg bagel should NOT cost $3.00, or, (gasp!) $3.50 with cream cheese.

The photo here shows my whole grain pancakes ($6.75 - as shown, not including coffee). This was the normal size order - 3 pancakes. There's also an option for a short stack. I don't know how many pancakes you get with that - 1 1/2? Anyway, these tasted fine, but aren't pancakes usually one of the cheapest items on most menus? Mind you, this is a DINER, and a "DRIVE-IN" diner at that. These pancakes should be no more than $5.00. The bagel - $1.75 or $2.25 with cream cheese. I'm suggesting these prices in hopes that someone from Mel's corporate office accepts my invitation to read these reviews and adjusts their prices down to where a normal family who's paying $4.00 a gallon for gas to arrive at Mel's can actually afford to eat there.

Yes, I realize that the days of $5.00 breakfasts (at least in Southern California) are gone. I've witnessed the radical, recent jump of lunch prices from $7 - $10, and have eaten my share of $11.00 burgers. But breakfasts, especially ones in 'diners' should be reasonable. Or not. It's up to Mel's to decide if they want to stay in business. I, for one am not going back until the prices become more appropriate relative to the portion size and the 'diner' genre.

New Blog for Ema's Recovery

I created a new blog exclusively for Ema's recovery, and copied all of the "Breathe In, Breathe out" posts to it.

I'll be updating this more often, and it will also include posts from Ema's own cancer journal which she has kept from the beginning of this whole escapade.

If you'd like to subscribe, here's a link to the RSS.

You can also subscribe to this new blog via email notifications by going to the new blog and entering your email into the field at the top of the page.

Thanks folks,

Tom