Sunday Opera

I am going to this on Sunday if anyone has any interest in joining me, I'd love the company. I'm not sure about all the performers, but Beverly and Erika definitely kick ass.

@#$%^^&@

For those of you who snort and make ugly faces when I mention that I am shy, an IM with my mother today:

[17:17] AuntieAmanda: But you're a more outgoing person than I am.
[17:17] AuntieAmanda: I'm shy.
[17:18] AAMom: @#$%^^&@
[17:18] AuntieAmanda: What?
[17:18] AAMom: That was my response to the fact that you think you are shy!

Apparently NONE of you understand the shy little girl within. Not even my own mother!

Birthday Week

I was just now sitting at my desk feeling sorry for myself. Like a four year old.

It has been a rough year for me this past year, for a multitude of reasons. But rather than thinking about any of that, I was finding myself thinking, "no one wants to come celebrate my birthday with me." Which is both untrue and, in the grand scheme of things, such a small thing anyway. I mean, I have both of my parents healthy and alive. I'm rather healthy (despite my inability to get off my fat ass and lose weight). I have a job that is good overall, despite the whining I've been doing about it (in my head) lately. I have good friends, a lovely cat (no matter what y'all say about her), an apartment and backyard I love, a life in New York that suits me for now, a loving family, a steady paycheck and respect from my job, all that good stuff. And yet... "no one is coming to my birthday party."

But, Vader is coming. Bon Jovi is coming. Lovey is coming. The Erogenous Vulcan will be there. Sheena should be there. It's not like I'll be sitting home alone crying into deviled eggs or anything. Granted a large number of my invitees are NOT coming, but still, people will be there. And Vader, apparently appalled I wasn't doing Birthday Week on my own,* seems to have decided to have a Birthday Week for me in spite of myself.

Ma & Pa Vader were in town this weekend so we all dined together Sunday night. And it was lovely. I haven't seen them in over two decades so it was good to catch up. Monday night I was cleaning and putzing and Vader came over to hang and eat diner food with me. Last night Vader, Bon Jovi, Lovey & I all went to see Xanadu on Broadway (which I cannot recommend enough). And it was even more awesome than when Vader and I saw it last year on the first night of previews. Tonight Vader and the Erogenous Vulcan and I will be watching some documentary and making fun of Star Wars fans while hopefully eating Mac & Cheese. Tomorrow night Steph is in town!!!!! And so a few of us are getting together for dinner and drinks on my actual bday. And I will have fruity cocktails at the Zombie Hut, avoiding the Singapore Slings - I hear they're deadly. And Friday was to be cleaning and cooking and waiting for Fresh Direct but Vader is dragging my but out for mani/pedis right after work and before my groceries arrive. Which should be lovely. And then Saturday will be my party. And even if hundreds of people do not show up for it, at least a handful of lovely people will be there. To drink with and eat deviled eggs with and make snarky comments with and laugh with and look at my costumed lawn flamingo with...

So, I'm going to stop being a baby and be very grateful for what I have.

If only I could figure out how to reverse the aging process for these birthdays.


*My last big Birthday Week was for my 30th and I haven't had the energy to do such a massive one since. So, I think massive Birthday Weeks will be every five years, with mini ones in between. So, y'all get ready for the big 3 - 5 next year.

Barb is Blogging

I would like to start writing frequently again. Hopefully soon. But in the meantime, enjoy a little bit of Barb Fun. Hopefully she'll attend the "Red Hatters" event at the RV Rally coming up and write about that.

W4M

Turnip is looking for a man. The requirements are below:
#1: not a jerk
#2: straight
#3" not an addict
#4: smart
#5: funny
#6: not a troll
#7: not a deadbeat
#8: in our age range
#9: not related to us
#10: in my city

Now, I don't think it's necessarily a man to date, but just to know a man fitting all the above requirements exists. And for #10 I guess New York and LA would both work. So, if you know any such man... let us know.

Numbers 8-10 were added when I wouldn't stop suggesting my father. I would've thought "not married" would've been added in there too, but Mom, I guess she'd be okay with stealing your Man.

I Hate Winter

I hate winter. I hate the cold. I hate layers. I hate wool and sleet and wintery mix and catching colds and flu season and winter coats and sweaters and being cold outside & hot when I go into department stores. I hate taking up a full extra third of space than normal when I'm on the train. I hate black ice and ice storms. I hate having to bundle up. I hate shivering and shaking. I hate seeing my breath in the air. I hate that hot, itchy, sweaty feeling under my layers. I hate having my hair freeze if I don't have time to dry it before going out. I hate not being able to stay outside for very long. I hate people telling me to button up my coat. I hate losing scarves everywhere. I hate walking across campus with the icy wind blowing. I hate everyone hibernating until the Spring.

But I love snow. I love getting out of school for snow days. I love the way it looks piling up on my plastic yard flamingo. I love how quiet everything gets. And how the sky never totally gets dark. I love sitting on my swing in the backyard watching the snow fall down and accumulate on my houseslippers. I love going sledding at the golf course and having someone's parent drive around while we ride on an inner tube or tire tied to the back. I love when it gets really tall and I can make a kickass snow angel. I love snowball fights and the way it feels when it melts and trickles down my bare back under my shirt. I love the way it looks on my coat and my hat and my scarf when I come inside. I love opening the door and watching my Escape Cat take one look at that wet white stuff and run back inside. I love my old Snoopy Snowcone Maker. I love the way it tastes on my tongue and feels on my face. I love that it's cold and wet and yet makes me feel so warm and safe and cozy.

The Christmas Dork Takes a Holiday

I don't know what it is this season, but I'm having a hard time getting into the spirit of things. Normally I'm ALL about the Christmas stuff. But I haven't even baked a damn Christmas cookie yet and it's already December 6th. I am listening to some Christmas music on my iPod, but normally that's ALL I listen to starting the day after Thanksgiving. I'm not doing crazy shopping and gift planning. It took me a while to muster enough energy to get my decorations out and I haven't even gotten a wreath yet. And writing the Christmas Letter seemed more of a chore than usual. I also haven't gone to look at any decorations or Holiday store windows (except Barney's which I walk by on my way to/from work) or anything yet.

Maybe it's that things are crazy at work right now (they should get better next week), I don't have much money for presents and cookie fixin's and party throwing and all, I'm not sleeping well and that always makes me even moodier than usual, and who knows what else. I also think I'm a little tired of getting all into Christmas like the giant Christmas Dork I am and having no one else but my mother be quite as excited. Not that anyone has any obligation to get as into Christmas as I do, but normally I don't care how enthused everyone else is and just plow on having fun regardless. This year I feel a little more 'why bother if it's only just me who's having fun'? I think I just need a break. To recharge, be mellow, all that stuff.

Of course, I still have over 500 Christmas Songs on my iPod to listen to, I still have quite a few decorations up in my apartment, I've already started working on my 160+ Christmas Cards and I'm making plans for Holiday goodness with my folks. And I got a little excited watching The Closer's holiday episode last night where one character keeps going on about his Perry Como CDs. Because Perry Como Holiday CDs rank up there with the Muppets as my all time favorite Christmas CDs. Also, Muffy will be here for a couple of days next week to possibly drag me to a couple Holiday Hot Spots.

So, me taking it down a notch for the holidays still probably leaves me more of a Christmas Dork than most. Still, I feel a bit like a Grinch. At least by my standards. I guess I'll just chill this year and come back stronger than ever in '08. Prepare yourselves, people.


Seriously, if you don't have the Muppets & John Denver Christmas CD you MUST get it.

NYC Snow

Snow in New York City is an interesting thing. I think it's gorgeous for the first hour or so. The city looks so pretty with everything covered in white. Hiding all the ugly stuff, highlighting the pretty parts. And things get so much quieter with the snow. Walking through the city with snow falling is such a peaceful time. And my neighbors are big fans of making praying snowmen with angel wings. How can you not love that?

But then the plows come and push all the snow into piles that turn to ice. People walk all over it and make it slushy and then icy with their foot steps. Dogs (& people) pee and poop everywhere. And dog owners seem less interested in poop scooping in the snow (& people never scoop their own poop). With all the walking required in the city it becomes a pain tromping all over that snow and ice, and wearing pretty shoes on the street is right out.

That's one of the reasons I love having a backyard. The snow stays pretty back there for a while. The footprints made out there are by cats or birds or me. And I can enjoy the snow all I want without worry. During the first snowfall after I moved to this apartment I ran outside and made a snow angel. And giggled like a four year old the whole damn time.

'Tis the Season

Ah the Holiday Drinking Season is upon us. Such a lovely time of year.

I'm kicking it off with two birthday parties this weekend. One tonight for MC and one tomorrow night for Sheena. Both women are much younger than I am and yet pissing and moaning about becoming old. I'll have to drink heavily to survive.

Then next week are the office holiday parties. Thursday will be a circus event. I was told there would be cocktails. Which I will be needing many of, since I will be at a Circus with coworkers. Luckily, I like my coworkers. Which will be helpful for Friday night when we have our own Holiday Party involving dinner & drinks followed with wild post-dinner boozing. We're a lush kind of company it seems.

Side note: my coworkers were appalled when they learned I was a vegetarian, but accepted it. I suspect I might not have been long for this world had I told them I didn't drink. After learning I was a vegetarian, one of my bosses looked at me in horror and said, "Do you not drink either?!?!?" He was so happy when I laughed at him.

Anyway, after staying out until the wee hours with my bosses & co, I am pondering getting on a bus to Boston sometime Saturday morning so I can hit Muffy & Steph's Holiday party. At which I assume booze will be served. If I do make this party and you see me on a bus from Boston to New York Sunday afternoon, do NOT sit by me. It won't be pretty for you if you do. I'll either get ill and not make it to the bathroom, will grumble and fuss and whine at you the whole way down or I'll fall asleep and drool on you excessively. And I am sure I will REEK of alcohol.

Lord only knows what the following week will hold. Maggie will probably be visiting that weekend. And then, Christmas with the family. Which often involves a very drunk Daddy & Mandy and an eye-rolling Mommy. Good times.

Happy Holidays, y'all!!!!

Vote for Dave!!

I believe you can vote 10 times, so I expect nothing less!!!
http://www.cwtv.com/contest/enter/bag-americas-choice

http://wesleyan.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6447651342
www.datedave.org

Guinness, Peanuts & Chocolate

So, last night the folks and I went out to Otto for dinner. Mom hadn't been in a few years and really wanted to go. They no longer do the calzones she had when we were there back in '04, but we still managed to have a good time. I haven't been in ages either, not since Muffy decided we'd gone too often and needed a break. Not that it's Muffy's fault I haven't been, it just sort of fell off my radar after that. Maybe I should blame Muffy anyway.

But, it was lovely. Lots of wine and cheese and bread. And that honey with truffle I love so very much. I think our waiter was not pleased with us for dipping our bread in before the cheese plate came ("did he explain the cheese condiments to you?"), but whatever. That stuff is SO good. I really love dipping the pecorino in it.

And then, to top it all off, how could I resist a dessert called "Guinness, Peanuts & Chocolate"? I could not. Because that's just some tasty deliciousness right there. Even without knowing what's in it. Though next time I might just get the Guinness gelato plain. Just to see how it tastes without all that other tasty stuff mixed in.

Of course, after Otto this visit and Babbo the last visit, my Dad is making rumblings about wanting orange crocs. Anyone who knows my dad PLEASE email him and tell him what a bad idea crocs are (unless they're Disney Crocs). Thanks!

TiVo

My parents are in town for the holiday and we've been having a lovely time.

Though neither one approves of what's on the TiVo. I don't record enough shows they like.

Mom isn't happy that I let TiVo record it's recommendations (when I have the space) and was upset I had no CourtTV or Animal Planet shows.

Dad was APPALLED I didn't have anything from the History or Discovery Channels. So, I agreed to TiVo a Modern Marvels, which we watched last night. Turned out to be a GREAT one on distilleries, a topic near and dear to our heavy drinking hearts. Though, when they got to the scotch section Daddy and I just got too thirsty to bear it and broke into my whisky collection. Mom wanted a mojito, but sadly I did not have rum nor mint in the house. I'm a little disappointed in myself for that. I'll have to hit the liquor store before the Christmas Holidays I think. No tequila, no rum, but two kinds of scotch, one blended Irish whiskey and a bourbon. Heh. I guess when it comes to boozing up I am my father's daughter.

Parents and Cleaning and Football

The folks hit town today. And apparently the apartment passed muster. Oh glorious day. Initially I was going to do nothing but clean this weekend. But then I made plans for Sunday to see Muppet, whom I hadn't seen in a couple of weeks. And then I made plans for Saturday afternoon. And then Saturday night JBJ called up to say, "Hey, wanna see Blade Runner tonight?" And obviously that is an invitation that can't be turned down. And so, not as much time at home as I wanted.

But, I ran the roomba lots, scrubbed the bathroom, made sure the catbox was very clean (just for Daddy), made sure there were surfaces and empty hangers (just for Mommy) and hoped for the best.

And somehow I managed to go the whole weekend without watching football. Honestly, I haven't done that since the season started. Sorry, Mom, but between Monkey Man, Vader and the Erogenous Vulcan I've become quite the little football viewer. I'm even finding I like it. I just don't have a team. I root for the Patriots and the Jets sometimes because I went to Wesleyan. I root for Florida because of Vader, the Giants because of the Erogenous Vulcan, the Steelers because of Monkey Man, the Colts and IU because of Daddy... but I don't have a team to really call my own. College or NFL. Gotta figure out that one out. Any advice and suggestions are welcome. The Muppets say to go for a local team as it's a bitch to root for an out of town team. But, I don't plan on being in New York forever and I already will have to worry about being a Yankees fan outside the city. I just don't know.

New BFF

So, yesterday a 24 year old at work said she thought I was "[her] age." She was surprised I was 33. Heh. I told her it was just because I act so immature all the time. She said no, I just look really young.

I KNOW I don't look 24. I look 33. But still, she's my new BFF.

Date Dave

Yes, I know. I haven't blogged in a million years. I'll start again. Someday. But for now, this is AWESOME:

http://www.datedavid.org/

Come on, Ladies, fill out an application. You know you want to. Except you, Mom. You're still married. And I do NOT want to have to call David Daddy.

Kill me now

I have found two gray hairs in as many days. Life is no longer worth living. I am old. I am never going out again. I am staying home to become a Brooklyn spinster with her cats, her garden and her TiVo.

I will miss you all.

OJ ALL DAY

Pumpkin Made Me Do it

Pumpkin made me do it.

You Are 56% Girly

You're a little girly, a little boyish, and probably a whole lot indie. You have your own unique style, and it pretty much defies gender lines.

How Girly Are You?

I'm apparently not as girlie as one might think. Though some of the questions are silly. Lots of girlie girls have guy friends. I would get more manicures regularly if I could afford it (and had a dishwasher). Being tan all the time leads to wrinkles so I think it's just as girlie to be a fanatic about sunscreen. And I have pretty hair and don't want to make it less soft and shiny by using hair dye - which I think is very girlie of me.

It's apparently been so long since I've posted I had no idea there were all these blogger changes. Bad Amanda. I'll be better once my job search is over. Promise!

Shoes

Vader made me watch this the other day (NSFW unless you watch it without sound, which is pointless). And along with the Robin Sparkles video it's become our favorite youtube thing ever. And I have no idea why. It's so bizarre. But it becomes more and more awesome with every viewing. So at my holiday party on Saturday we kept quoting it all night. And making everyone else watch it. To share the bizarre, as we like to do. We also started making up our own horribly offensive versions that tie into other horribly offensive jokes we have going, but I won't share that with y'all. Because despite what my closest friends might get to see from time to time, I am a really nice person. Honest!

We also wondered who the hell would come up with such madness, so the next day, having no holiday crap to do, I did some research (which took all of two minutes) and it turns out it's from this guy. Who has other songs and videos. And t-shirts. I almost bought a t-shirt. Instead I settled for buying the album from iTunes.

Anyway, I hope y'all enjoy the madness as much as Vader and I did. Or do. I'm sure we'll be saying "shoes," "deck" and "betch" all through our breakfast date tomorrow. We need help.

Post Holiday Party

So, my party is over, my cards are mailed (none of you apparently want cards for yourself), my gifts are mailed and I'm feeling like I have nothing to do. I do have things on my to do list, but until I pack for my trip to North Carolina there isn't anything I MUST DO like there was before. Bizarre. I'm sure I'll adjust.

My holiday party was nice. And fun. Vader showed up early as she often does and helped me clean and prep. Iolanthe and Muffy showed up a little later and helped too. Though there wasn't much left to do as being unemployed helps one stay on top of things. Lots of folks showed up early and then dashed off so that the party had wound down by about 11. Though the last guests didn't leave until 1. It was a small mellow kind of thing.

It was fun. I got to catch up with some folks and didn't spend nearly enough time with others. Lots of cookies were consumed, though not enough. I have plenty to take with me to Raleigh at least. The family will be happy. I might pawn the rest off on Lovey to share with folks at my old job. They always complained about my cookie baking so maybe it'll be my little revenge for my unemployment. The unemployment I've kind of been loving. :)

I guess now I just have to kick back and enjoy the holidays. And my friends. And my family. Not a hard thing to do.