Summer 2008 superlatives

Lindsay's best ____ of the summer:

song: "A-punk" by Vampire Weekend
blockbuster movie: "The Dark Knight"
non-blockbuster movie: "Sex and the City"
book: "Bonk" by Mary Roach
food: bacon-wrapped hotdog
drink: cantaloupe juice
activity: lounging by friend's pool
hangout: Cheeburger Cheeburger for the chocolate malt
phrase: "It happened!" (to be used when the inevitable occurs, such as getting paint on your new tile shower)
vacation spot: local hotels offering sizzling deals for AZ residents
reunion spot: Austin, TX

worst summer experience so far: pool at Fernwood Manor found CHAINED with a padlock at 10:30 p.m. first swim of the summer ruined! lame, Fernwood. LAME.

The moment of triumph!

My bathroom is finally done! It went from fiberglass countertop and bathtub held together by stains to tile and walk-in shower. In short, I feel very fancy. Next stop: kitchen. Here come the cabinets.

See below for the bathroom transformation from when I moved in September '06:

Food at the Tempe Marketplace

While some might say Tempe Marketplace is just another power center, I can't help but find myself hanging out there almost once a week. Usually for dinner or happy hour. If you haven't been there, here's a few highlights:

Maria Maria: Carlos Santana's restaurant has a lot going for it, but one of the top qualities is the atmosphere. The patio is big, the music is live on the weekends and the crowds tell you it's a pretty popular place right now. The food is also good, but not really the reason you go.

Cheeburger Cheeburger: Any place that has 80 different kinds of shakes or malts has my vote. I recommend the chocolate malt or the birthday cake shake. The burgers are also pretty tasty, with nearly limitless toppings.

Kabuki: If you're not a sushi purist, but enjoy rolls and cheap happy hour appetizers, this place is for you. A good place to introduce someone to sushi.

Other assorted chains: Chipotle, California Pizza Kitchen, Paradise Bakery, Cold Stone Creamery, etc.