Taking the kids to school this morning, I caught a glimpse of Robin Williams (a fellow Sacred Heart parent) heading south on Fillmore after dropping off his son. Anyone who was paying attention couldn't miss him in his schnazzy, black Mercedes G-Class SUV.

On the Mercedes site, they tout this vehicle as one that offers "Classic Lines & Rock Star Status." Well, I've always thought Robin looked like Bono.

Rock star, comedian, or Oscar-winning actor; this man has "the re:look." Although, I have to say that this morning (other than his trés "rugged elegant" driving machine) he was looking a little more "rugged" than rugged elegant.

At that moment, I thought "How fun to have 'real' living in our town. I think I'll take the time to post a story about this 'vicarious living' glimpse of Mr. Williams driving by in a vehicle which I admit I covet."

Five minutes later, my Vicarious Living story got better. Sitting outside of Peet's Coffee waiting for Tim to bring me my morning latte, Robin sat down next to me. In "nanu"seconds, he had me laughing as he imitated the bull-dog across from us who was patiently waiting for his owner to come out of Peet's. Oli, the Bull Dog was given a new name "Mr. Churchill," and appropriately so.

Sporting extra-long, and extra-sexy sideburns, Robin sat for a bit to drink his espresso, and to tell me that he was getting ready to start work on a new film in New York about a kid living in Soho. Although he didn't say, my guess is that it's the upcoming David Duchovny film which starts production this month called "House of D."

As Robin teased "Mr. Churchill" and pet my Golden Retriever, Dakota, I reminded him how we originally got our pup. Three years ago, Robin handed her to me at the annual school fundraiser. That night, back in March 2000, the alien I grew up with, Mork from Ork, stepped in to "save face" for the auctioneer who was failing miserably, and then proceeded to give us a three-hour PG-rated (because Sister Anne was in the crowd) Robin Williams Show. Dakota was the last auction item of the night. Robin had just fetched over $33,000 which one family paid to have their kids become extras in the first Harry Potter film. After the success we had winning Dakota, the following year we were lucky to win a private dinner hosted by Robin and his wife, Marsha at one of their favorite restaurants, Jardinniere.

While I'm not sure Robin remembered me by name this morning, I have to say, as a result of that dinner, it was nice to not feel awkward sparking up a conversation with him.

Here's to having in San Francisco who add fun and flavor to living in this great city.

Robin, thanks for making my day!

~Jennifer (aka "Alpha Female")