I take many, many phone calls at work. Some of them are automated messages. I received one such message on Sunday from the No on Proposition 8 campaign. I decided to turn it into a little song. For the record, I’ve already voted via absentee ballot, and I did vote “no” on Proposition 8.

This is my third podcast for NaPodPoMo 2008.

Some audio I recorded while walking home from a local shopping center. This audio blog post features some introductory business, depression talk, financial stuff, car sounds and more.

This is my second podcast for NaPodPoMo 2008.

We went with Shannon and Bo to the Halloween happening at Hot Shots in Pismo Beach. Much fun was had by all.

Jen, in her “new” witch’s costume.

Shannon as “Crazy” Red Riding Hood.

Here’s some video footage of some of the contestants in the costume contest:

See a few more photos and another short video here.

The new Yellowbook phone book came today. Before tossing the thing into the recycle bin (who still uses phone books, anyway?), I thumbed through the book’s back pages because that’s where the useful stuff is: The coupons. I clipped one out for Shawnogram favorite Louisa’s Place as well as one for a local Mexican chain called Taco Roco. (Buy one entree, get one free!) Armed with this shiny new coupon, Jen and I decided to take a walk to a nearby Roco franchise for tonight’s dinner. In the 2.5 years we’ve lived in SLO, we’ve had food from this place many, many times. Overall, we’ve found the restaurant’s food to be decent for the price. Tonight, Jen and I each had an order of Taco Roco’s crispy shredded-beef tacos.

Like any self-respecting Mexican joint should, the Raco offers free all-you-can-eat tortilla chips along with a serve-yourself salsa bar.

I chose the spicy, red salsa (does this stuff have a specific name?) ’cause I’ve had it before and I like it. (Jen tends to avoid salsa because she’s white she has a lot of food allergies.) The chips themselves are fine for what they are: Standard, corn tortilla chips. They’re fairly light (i.e. “thin”), and I’ve never detected much in the way of salt or seasoning with these chips. So, if you’re a salsa lover, these are the chips for you. The only salsa I’ve ever tried is the red stuff mentioned above. (I don’t know why I haven’t sampled the others. I guess I’m also white not that adventurous.) It’s got a good flavor and a nice kick, but its spiciness factor shouldn’t cause your cranium to spontaneously combust.

I found the tacos to be a bit bland. I was surprised by this, as I’ve always enjoyed Taco Roco’s steak soft tacos. (This was the first time I’d had the crispy tacos.) The steak soft tacos are an interesting contrast to these tacos. The soft tacos come with a nice combination of onions, cilantro and salsa. The tacos I had tonight were basic: Meat topped with lettuce and shredded cheese. And I don’t actually mind the basic approach. But, no seasoning? No salsa? Not even a little? To be honest, the same style of tacos from Green Burrito have more flavor. For what it’s worth, I did like the taco shells. Warm and crispy, they did a good job of holding the taco filling in without falling apart. (Some taco shells fail in these most basic of taco-shell requirements.)

Understand that I’m not putting Taco Roco down. I’ve always liked the place, and I think the restaurant has some good stuff on its menu. But I doubt I’ll have the crispy tacos again. Not unless I decide to provide my own garnish. Guess that’d give me a reason to be more adventurous at the salsa bar.

Our friend Matt was in town last Friday. He was in the mood for a drive, so he picked up Jen and I, and the three of us drove up Highway 1 to see the big seals that hang out on the beach in San Simeon, CA.

See more photos from the trip here.