My last night at Comic-Con: 300 VIP party

There was a red carpet and everything at the party for 300. There were also dancing girls, but I took Frank Miller's picture instead. What was I thinking?

Best costume I saw: Stormtrooper Elvis

And the guy had the personality too. Thank you, thank you very much!

They pulled the Ark of the Covenant out of storage ...

I admit it, I'm psyched for Indy Jones 4. Especially since Marian (Karen Allen) will be back.

Comic-Con: Darth Vader helmet as canvas ...

I liked the one with "Starry Night" the best.

Comic-Con begins with the Batmobile

From 1997-2002, I drove a Pontiac Firebird, which I affectionately referred to as "The Batmobile," and my mom semi-affectionately referred to as "The Big, Black Box of Death."

Sometimes I miss it, but I'm starting to develop an affection for boxier, brawnier cars, like Dodge Chargers. Though it will be a long time before I spend money on a new car. We're getting the van paid off in just a few months, and it goes to show how old (or how something) I am that I'm more excited about not making a car payment than about having a new car.

Saw thomas today

Harry potter day!

Home at last ...

This is my first time typing in a week and a half (I don't count the cell phone photo labeling process). It actually feels kind of comforting.

Am home. And still not really on West Coast time, which means it shouldn't be too hard to get up early for work. Haven't reset my watch yet, and don't know when I will, since it was last seen on Chas' arm as he paraded around the house saying "I'm on East Coast time!" earlier this afternoon.

It was really a fabulous vacation ... never mind the colds most of the family caught (I'm sure mine is coming) and the strange migraine/seasickness/food poisoning/mysterious fainty illness that kept me from enjoying Key West.

A glimpse of the Empire State before we head home

Nyc cabbin it

Daytona track has a 31-degree slope

GPS can tell me where to go, anytime

Really, after about three minutes of having this in our rental car (cost $10 a day, and we weren't even going anywhere that complicated) and I was IN LOVE. As soon as I take care of the no doubt thousands of post-vacation work emails awaiting me, I will begin investigating the price of one of these lovely help-boxes.

Ms everywhere

Walked far, saw this

Ny signs 1

Stupendemys

The Fourth of Jee-lye has come and gone ...

It was a day of massive yard work, laundry, getting ready for visitors ("When will our guests arrive?" asked polite Mr. Eddie), grilling, fireworks and not enough sleep.

But it was a good day. We bought $20 worth of safe and sane fireworks, which our boys appreciated -- until they saw the raging warheads our neighbors bought.

"I want some that go up!" Chas said, miming the flight of a rocket.

Of course he does. He is almost 4 and a half, after all.

You got a friend in me ....

Coming soon (or maybe I should say "later"), my thoughts on Brad Bird and why his movies don't feel like "real" Pixar to me (even though they're still very good).