Sharks and Wine

You know, it's kind of weird...I really really look forward to my days off now.  I am not quite sure why - maybe its because I am back in California and I have so much I want to discover for the first time.  Maybe I want to go back and visit all of the places I miss so much.  Maybe it's because I am living in a new area that I want to see and enjoy.  I don't know but I am off for the next two days and excited as hell about it.

Tomorrow me and Sol are going to the beach with some friends, I'm going to attempt to surf again.  Last time I was semi-successful until I saw what I swear was a shark riding awave about a hundred yards away (http://www.southswellsurflessons.com/surf-news/2010/8/11/shark-spotted-off-san-onofre-surf-lesson-in-encinitas-keep-o.html).  I saw a fin and a body cruising on a crashing wave and it scared the bejesus out of me!  I'd like to avoid the below obituary/newspaper article. 

"Survived by his fiancee and both parents Anthony Ybarra was an ambitious guy.  He'd never surfed before but was determined to after recently moving back to California.  Unfortunately, the combination of his size and his inability to surf he looked like a hurt seal (shark bait) flapping around in the water.  A Great White had been hovering in the area (see above link) and unbeknownst to him just happened to be cruising in Encinitas this fateful day.  Anthony was 26 years old and loved golfing, playing poker, and spending time with his fiancee, friends and family."

My life flashed before my eyes and I laid on my stomach and rode the first wave in screaming at Angela and Sol, "Shark!!!!  Get in! Get out of the water!!!!"  Flailing my arms like a lunatic while riding this puny wave in on my belly.  Not my most glamorous moment but I have a shark-a-phobia, sew me. 

Anyway, my point is, I'm braving the storm again tomorrow so wish me luck.  Hope I don't leave my parents without a son.  I hope I can write you guys and tell you I actually "surfed" - imagine that in your head and you might get a little chuckle out of it. 

After the beach I have my Fantasy Football Draft, that should be a good time.  I won last year so its always nice to be the reigning champ.  Who should I draft first?  AP?  Drew Brees?  Chris Johnson?  We'll see who's left by the time it gets to me.

As for Friday, maybe me and Sol will go golfing, maybe I'll go buy some much needed suits.  I really just don't know what Friday holds yet.  All I know is I am going to enjoy the next two days.  Maybe we'll go to a nice restaurant so i can write a good blog.

On another note I have been learning about Wine for the last few days.  One of my servers is a certified Sommelier.  So I decided I should take advantage and start learning a thing or two about a thing or two.  So what have I learned so far?

I've learned that Syrah and Shiraz is the same grape BUT Shiraz comes from Australia because the fokin' aussies can't pronounce it right.

I've learned that a Fungus grows on a grape in Sauternes and makes a good dessert wine

And I've learned that Sauvignon Blanc originated in Loire, a region in France. It does well in cooler areas and New Zealand introduced a whole different kind in the Mid-80's. 

and Lastly, I learned that Cabernet Sauvignon is the son (or daughter depending on how PC you want me to be) of Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon . 

What do you think?  Am I a certified WINE-O yet?

Cheers!