I have my Christmas decorations up, I've had my Christmas Music (I have 470 Christmas songs on my iPod) going since November 24th, I've already started a little baking, Vader and I have already had part one of the Christmas wrapping party (she wraps my gifts in exchange for pizza and baked goods) and I've finished about a third of my Christmas Cards. Oh how I love this time of year!
And this unemployment thing is quite handy at Christmas. While I'm seriously job searching now and it takes up a hunk of my weekdays it still doesn't take up a full work day, doesn't involve an hour and a half round trip commute and doesn't include all the extra hours needed for end of the year projects. So I'm actually on top of the cards and the presents and all this year. Normally I'm frantically shopping at the last minute and sitting around at my aunt's or my parents' house on the 23rd finishing the last of my cards.
This weekend my folks are coming to town, in fact, if the flights work out, they should be here in a couple of hours, and I'm hoping to get in a little Christmas fun with them. Since I'm not living with them anymore, Mom and I don't really get to bake together or decorate together or any of that. So we're having a mini baking party tomorrow afternoon. Vader should be coming over to do more wrapping and maybe other folks will show up as well. We'll see. And we're going to check out the Grand Central Terminal light show as well as the Holiday Market and do a little sightseeing and shopping. I think we're also going to hit S'mac too, as it's tasty and Mom's been wanting to check it out. The main reason they're coming is for TARCON on Sunday, which will be fun, but I'm mostly excited to have them around for holiday fun time.
The Christmas Dork is in full effect!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Thursday, December 07, 2006
How Well Do You Know Me?
You have to sign up to have your score posted, unfortunately. But you can take it for fun if you want.
Create your own friendquiz here
Create your own friendquiz here
Friday, November 24, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving
I just had a lovely Thanksgiving at Charlotte's house with Muffy, Steph, Vader and a friend of Charlotte's. The Erogenous Vulcan even stopped by for a bit.
I love Thanksgiving with my family. I love my folks and we have all sorts of fun traditions. And we always take in an orphan or two who has nowhere else to go for the holiday. So the conversation is often fun and interesting. But since I couldn't be with my family, this was just as good. We all brought different family recipes (stuffing, corn casserole, green bean casserole), Charlotte handled the bird and Steph brought all sorts of good wine. We chatted and laughed and cooked and drank and had a great time for about 12 hours.
And so, I'm very, very Thankful to have all these wonderful friends in my life. People who are almost as much a part of my family as my parents. It's good to have people you love and are comfortable with and can just have an easy happiness with.
I love Thanksgiving with my family. I love my folks and we have all sorts of fun traditions. And we always take in an orphan or two who has nowhere else to go for the holiday. So the conversation is often fun and interesting. But since I couldn't be with my family, this was just as good. We all brought different family recipes (stuffing, corn casserole, green bean casserole), Charlotte handled the bird and Steph brought all sorts of good wine. We chatted and laughed and cooked and drank and had a great time for about 12 hours.
And so, I'm very, very Thankful to have all these wonderful friends in my life. People who are almost as much a part of my family as my parents. It's good to have people you love and are comfortable with and can just have an easy happiness with.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
My Trendy Hair
A few years ago Sheena told me about the Bumble & Bumble Model Project where they'll cut your hair for free. It's not a beauty school thing like my Mom originally thought. Bumble & Bumble has signature hairstyles and cuts and teaches them to their satellite salons who sell their products; while teaching them ways to use and push their products. So everyone in the class has at least two years of hair experience, and lots of instructors are wandering around, um, instructing. It's not a huge hair risk to do the model project. So, I figured I'd been rocking the straight all one-length hair for about two decades now and I could stand something new. So I went ahead and did it and have been sporting sassy layers every since.
B&B also offers styling sessions too for the hair models. I'd never gone for those as all the appointments are 2-3 hours long and during the work day. But a few days after getting laid off I got an email with the April styling session schedule and figured what the hell. You get credit towards their products and a free shampoo and style so why not. And it's been fun. I've got a ton of shampoo stored up now as well as other products floating around the house. Maggie is VERY amused that I now actually do things to my hair beyond washing and brushing. Not that I do much more than that, but still, it's a little more. Since I have products to use and all.
Anyway, yesterday I was there for a round brush blow dry and they announced that Reader's Digest was there doing an article on the Model Project and a photographer would be wandering around taking photos. Heh. I know no one who gets Reader's Digest (y'all don't anymore, do you, Mom?), but it amuses me that a magazine considered to be for the older and more bland reader is doing an article on a place that considers itself rather fancy and shi shi. But, there you go.
Oh, and no one took my picture, but the chick next to me had a ton taken of her so maybe I'll be in the background somewhere. If anyone gets RD, keep an eye out for me. I was wearing red.
B&B also offers styling sessions too for the hair models. I'd never gone for those as all the appointments are 2-3 hours long and during the work day. But a few days after getting laid off I got an email with the April styling session schedule and figured what the hell. You get credit towards their products and a free shampoo and style so why not. And it's been fun. I've got a ton of shampoo stored up now as well as other products floating around the house. Maggie is VERY amused that I now actually do things to my hair beyond washing and brushing. Not that I do much more than that, but still, it's a little more. Since I have products to use and all.
Anyway, yesterday I was there for a round brush blow dry and they announced that Reader's Digest was there doing an article on the Model Project and a photographer would be wandering around taking photos. Heh. I know no one who gets Reader's Digest (y'all don't anymore, do you, Mom?), but it amuses me that a magazine considered to be for the older and more bland reader is doing an article on a place that considers itself rather fancy and shi shi. But, there you go.
Oh, and no one took my picture, but the chick next to me had a ton taken of her so maybe I'll be in the background somewhere. If anyone gets RD, keep an eye out for me. I was wearing red.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Happy Halloween! again
Okay, I'm now hiding in my apartment with the lights off as I have run out of candy. I had an OBSCENE amount of candy and yet it is all gone. I think we're a very popular block. In fact, I heard at least one parent tonight say that this block was the best one. There were lots of folks out in front of their brownstones on my street. I even saw flashes of a strobe light and heard spooky noises down a ways, so some folks were getting fancy.
I was not fancy. I DID put my flamingo in his witch costume and stuck him in the planter out in my front courtyard. And I tossed a sarong around my waist, threw on a silk flower lei and my flip flops to pass for a costume. One girl actually told me she liked my costume. Another told me she was from Hawai'i. Of course, I didn't look like I was from Hawai'i. I looked like a frat boy at a luau kegger. But, whatever works.
There were all sorts of kids and parents out tonight. Way too many parents were yakking on their cell phones instead of talking to their kids for my taste, but I'm into parental bonding. There were plenty of parents following along doing the "What do you say?" "Trick or Treat!" "Now what do you say?" "Thank You." routine that I love. And a few kids wanted to pick and choose their candy. Which seemed a bit much to me. Well, except one kid who couldn't eat nuts. Poor thing must have had to tell that to every house he hit. And one cute little boy dressed as a ninja got a mini-nerds and a mini-chocolate bar from me but gave back the mini-chocolate bar as he couldn't eat chocolate. How cute. He was very sweet and polite about it. So I gave him a mini-lollipop.
I love Halloween. It's not my favorite holiday, but a it's good one when I can hand out candy to cute kids. And even not so cute kids. And even not so much kids. Still fun.
My Mom was always great about costumes for me when I was a kid and was still trick or treating. I think I started out as a witch, at least as far back as my memory goes. Who knows what tortures were inflicted upon me as a baby. Eventually I wanted to look "pretty" for Halloween and Mom came through with a darling princess costume. The dress was nice enough but I LOVED the hat. It was conical and best of all had a gauzy piece of fabric draping down from it. So princessy. Back before my tiara obsession had kicked in.
One year, I think I told my mother I wanted to be a Twix bar. I am not really sure why. Maybe Mom came up with the idea. Either way, the woman put in some effort with that costume, finding the perfect metallic material, carefully stenciling on the orange letters and sewing it all together. She even put a patch on the back with 35 cents written on it to serve as a price tag. But I wore that costume for several years, and towards the end of its life the price tag was hitting me right on my butt. And in the fifth grade or so, boys would come up to me with 35 cents in their hands. Took me a little while to figure it out. Bad little boys!
I believe it was sixth grade when I fell in love with Gone With the Wind and asked Mom to make me a Southern Belle for Halloween. Of course she did it. I'm still not totally sure how. I know she got an old prom dress from the Air Force Base Thrift Shop and altered it to fit me. And I know at one point she was trying to make the hoop from several wire hangers twisted together. I think she may have ended up sewing something kind of pipe into the hem to make a hoop. Whatever it was, it worked beautifully and I LOVED that dress. She even took the extra fabric to make me a pretty little bag for the candy and an eye mask on a stick. I was so fancy. All lacy and ruffled with curls in my hair. The only draw back was when the boys realized they could drop to the ground, roll under my dress and I couldn't do a thing about it. I tried sitting to stop them, but then the skirt just flew up in the air and I flashed everyone. Boys try and ruin all the best Halloween costumes. Bad little boys!
Thanks, Mom, for all those great costumes. So much better than the goofy ones I do these days; The Country Music Awards, Cher Impersonator, Frat Boy at Luau Kegger... Maybe you'll do my costume for next year?
I was not fancy. I DID put my flamingo in his witch costume and stuck him in the planter out in my front courtyard. And I tossed a sarong around my waist, threw on a silk flower lei and my flip flops to pass for a costume. One girl actually told me she liked my costume. Another told me she was from Hawai'i. Of course, I didn't look like I was from Hawai'i. I looked like a frat boy at a luau kegger. But, whatever works.
There were all sorts of kids and parents out tonight. Way too many parents were yakking on their cell phones instead of talking to their kids for my taste, but I'm into parental bonding. There were plenty of parents following along doing the "What do you say?" "Trick or Treat!" "Now what do you say?" "Thank You." routine that I love. And a few kids wanted to pick and choose their candy. Which seemed a bit much to me. Well, except one kid who couldn't eat nuts. Poor thing must have had to tell that to every house he hit. And one cute little boy dressed as a ninja got a mini-nerds and a mini-chocolate bar from me but gave back the mini-chocolate bar as he couldn't eat chocolate. How cute. He was very sweet and polite about it. So I gave him a mini-lollipop.
I love Halloween. It's not my favorite holiday, but a it's good one when I can hand out candy to cute kids. And even not so cute kids. And even not so much kids. Still fun.
My Mom was always great about costumes for me when I was a kid and was still trick or treating. I think I started out as a witch, at least as far back as my memory goes. Who knows what tortures were inflicted upon me as a baby. Eventually I wanted to look "pretty" for Halloween and Mom came through with a darling princess costume. The dress was nice enough but I LOVED the hat. It was conical and best of all had a gauzy piece of fabric draping down from it. So princessy. Back before my tiara obsession had kicked in.
One year, I think I told my mother I wanted to be a Twix bar. I am not really sure why. Maybe Mom came up with the idea. Either way, the woman put in some effort with that costume, finding the perfect metallic material, carefully stenciling on the orange letters and sewing it all together. She even put a patch on the back with 35 cents written on it to serve as a price tag. But I wore that costume for several years, and towards the end of its life the price tag was hitting me right on my butt. And in the fifth grade or so, boys would come up to me with 35 cents in their hands. Took me a little while to figure it out. Bad little boys!
I believe it was sixth grade when I fell in love with Gone With the Wind and asked Mom to make me a Southern Belle for Halloween. Of course she did it. I'm still not totally sure how. I know she got an old prom dress from the Air Force Base Thrift Shop and altered it to fit me. And I know at one point she was trying to make the hoop from several wire hangers twisted together. I think she may have ended up sewing something kind of pipe into the hem to make a hoop. Whatever it was, it worked beautifully and I LOVED that dress. She even took the extra fabric to make me a pretty little bag for the candy and an eye mask on a stick. I was so fancy. All lacy and ruffled with curls in my hair. The only draw back was when the boys realized they could drop to the ground, roll under my dress and I couldn't do a thing about it. I tried sitting to stop them, but then the skirt just flew up in the air and I flashed everyone. Boys try and ruin all the best Halloween costumes. Bad little boys!
Thanks, Mom, for all those great costumes. So much better than the goofy ones I do these days; The Country Music Awards, Cher Impersonator, Frat Boy at Luau Kegger... Maybe you'll do my costume for next year?
Happy Halloween!
So, I just bought a metric fuckload of Halloween Candy. And Brooklyn kids (you know, like country kids) are super cute. So, if anyone in the NYC area wants to blow off work early this afternoon and come hand out candy with me & the flamingo, please do. It's more fun with more people. And maybe we can even make orange drinks!
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Iwo Jima
So, I recently started reading Flags of our Fathers. The ads for the movie have sort of reminded me of my interest in Iwo Jima. I mentioned something about the book when I was in Raleigh with my Dad and he said he liked it. Though he said he liked Flyboys better. So, I bought both books and am starting with Flags.
Back in the Spring of 1995 my then boyfriend and I were trying to get to Honolulu for Spring Break with my folks. This was before Continental started its Newark to Honolulu direct flight so we had to go through Houston or California. Getting to California was a piece of cake for standby passengers (back when I was a dependant and could fly for cheap all the time), but getting from LA or San Fran to Honolulu was a nightmare. After trying for a couple of days to get out of LA my Dad hit town to fly a charter flight from LA to Honolulu. The policy is to not allow standby passengers on charter flights, but Dad asked one of the organizers if it was okay if his kid and her boyfriend could get on the flight in any open seats (with our promise we'd be the most polite and well-behaved travelers ever). The group kindly allowed us on.
The charter was for marines, veterans, going back to Iwo Jima for the 50th Anniversary. My boyfriend and I weren't seated next to each other, but I got to sit next to a lovely man named Milt. And it was probably one of the best flights I've ever had. He was a sweet guy and offered to be an adopted grandfather of sorts if I wanted. He had a video camera and filmed me. At one point they opened the cockpit and allowed the guys to chat with the pilots so he filmed my dad. He filmed my boyfriend and the flight attendants and the movie screen showing the flight stats. We exchanged addresses and kept in touch for a little bit. He even sent me a copy of the tape he'd made. With the flight. And then with the ceremonies on Iwo Jima.
At the time I didn't really know much about Iwo Jima. History wasn't a strong subject for me back then, much my to my father's dismay I suspect. But these were interesting guys on this plane. And the battle seemed to bring back powerful memories for them. And then the more I heard about it, the more it fascinated me. The large number of casualties. The large number of American soldiers, the hold the Japanese had on the island. The battle strategy. Just amazing to me. But beyond watching Milt's tape and the occasional quick internet search I didn't really do too much to find out more. And I want to.
So, for now I'm reading Flags. And rewatching Milt's tape again knowing more about the battle than I did back when I first saw it. And while I'm liking the book, I'd like to read more. I'd like to read something that looks more at the battle as a whole, as Flags focuses more on the six individuals in that famous photograph. They certainly deserve their stories told. But so do all the other men who were on that island and involved in that battle. Let me know if you have any book suggestions. Or if you ever want to watch Milt's tape of the trip back and the ceremonies. It's a home movie, not some fancy edited documentary. But I'm glad I have a copy. And like most people who've become a part of my life, I'm glad I got to meet Milt.
Back in the Spring of 1995 my then boyfriend and I were trying to get to Honolulu for Spring Break with my folks. This was before Continental started its Newark to Honolulu direct flight so we had to go through Houston or California. Getting to California was a piece of cake for standby passengers (back when I was a dependant and could fly for cheap all the time), but getting from LA or San Fran to Honolulu was a nightmare. After trying for a couple of days to get out of LA my Dad hit town to fly a charter flight from LA to Honolulu. The policy is to not allow standby passengers on charter flights, but Dad asked one of the organizers if it was okay if his kid and her boyfriend could get on the flight in any open seats (with our promise we'd be the most polite and well-behaved travelers ever). The group kindly allowed us on.
The charter was for marines, veterans, going back to Iwo Jima for the 50th Anniversary. My boyfriend and I weren't seated next to each other, but I got to sit next to a lovely man named Milt. And it was probably one of the best flights I've ever had. He was a sweet guy and offered to be an adopted grandfather of sorts if I wanted. He had a video camera and filmed me. At one point they opened the cockpit and allowed the guys to chat with the pilots so he filmed my dad. He filmed my boyfriend and the flight attendants and the movie screen showing the flight stats. We exchanged addresses and kept in touch for a little bit. He even sent me a copy of the tape he'd made. With the flight. And then with the ceremonies on Iwo Jima.
At the time I didn't really know much about Iwo Jima. History wasn't a strong subject for me back then, much my to my father's dismay I suspect. But these were interesting guys on this plane. And the battle seemed to bring back powerful memories for them. And then the more I heard about it, the more it fascinated me. The large number of casualties. The large number of American soldiers, the hold the Japanese had on the island. The battle strategy. Just amazing to me. But beyond watching Milt's tape and the occasional quick internet search I didn't really do too much to find out more. And I want to.
So, for now I'm reading Flags. And rewatching Milt's tape again knowing more about the battle than I did back when I first saw it. And while I'm liking the book, I'd like to read more. I'd like to read something that looks more at the battle as a whole, as Flags focuses more on the six individuals in that famous photograph. They certainly deserve their stories told. But so do all the other men who were on that island and involved in that battle. Let me know if you have any book suggestions. Or if you ever want to watch Milt's tape of the trip back and the ceremonies. It's a home movie, not some fancy edited documentary. But I'm glad I have a copy. And like most people who've become a part of my life, I'm glad I got to meet Milt.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Turnip Comes to Town: Day Five
On Saturday we dragged our asses out of bed and headed out for a nice long walk. Turnip and I are both trying to get into better shape so I told her she and I would have to walk to and over the Brooklyn Bridge while she was here. Which is what we did on Saturday. And it was lovely. It was GORGEOUS fall day with a clear blue sky, bright sunshine and weather that was perfect for walking around in the sun. We made it to the bridge and over into Manhattan and back without too much fuss. And all the while taking pictures of the bridge and various skylines and each other, like the big dorks we are. One woman stopped us as we were almost to the bridge and asked if we were walking. She seemed nice so we bit back the smartass responses and said yes. She wanted to know if we'd be up for being walking buddies with her as she was looking for someone to exercise with. Turnip lives in LA so she couldn't. I would've liked to, but my walking & Y schedule depends on what else is going on with me and is hardly regular so I said no. Though maybe a walking buddy would've gotten me out more. Who knows. Too late now. Alas.
After that we hit Bagel World and then tried to make another Yoga class but didn't manage it in time. So, Turnip ran some errands and then we went to get our nails done. Which ended up taking far longer than it should have. After that we headed home to get her ready for her wedding and then she headed off for the NYBG.
She came home after I was in bed and then headed to the airport very early Sunday morning. A lovely visit, but exhausting. So I spent the rest of Sunday just being a slug for the most part. Relaxing.
After that we hit Bagel World and then tried to make another Yoga class but didn't manage it in time. So, Turnip ran some errands and then we went to get our nails done. Which ended up taking far longer than it should have. After that we headed home to get her ready for her wedding and then she headed off for the NYBG.
She came home after I was in bed and then headed to the airport very early Sunday morning. A lovely visit, but exhausting. So I spent the rest of Sunday just being a slug for the most part. Relaxing.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Turnip Comes to Town: Day Four
Friday we got up and headed to Park Slope for breakfast with Turnip's friends from Wednesday night. And that was lovely. Good food and nice people and all. Plus it was a lovely fall day.
After that we headed back to my 'hood for our treatments. Turnip wanted to be all waxed and sexy for her wedding on Saturday so she scheduled that. I figured I'd so something as well. Since I don't have enough hair to make ripping it out worthwhile I went for a massage and scalp treatment. And it was awesome. An hour and a half of massage and scalp massage plus soft & pretty hair. I think I'm going to have to do that more often. Maybe Muffy & I need a mini spa day soon.
After that we got all dolled up and headed to Macy's to buy complicated underwear to go under Turnip's halter dress for the wedding on Saturday. Complicated underwear shopping always seems to be an ugly process. It's not like buying fun undies, the pretty & sexy stuff. This has a purpose (beyond getting one laid) and is usually a pain to get into and out of and just sucks. But we found something fairly quickly and headed to Lush to treat ourselves to fun smelly stuff. And then met JCN downtown to try out s'mac. And s'mac was GOOD. So good. Heavenly. We split four smalls so we could try more things. Manchego, Goat Cheese, Gruyere (I didn't get any of that as it had bacon) and 4-Cheese. Happy, happy.
After that it was off to the West Village for drinks with a few of my friends and a few of hers. We met at Corner Bistro, but it was packed so we wanted to head for a dead bar to just be comfy and drink beer. The one we picked ended up not being so dead in the end, but we got some seats, had some beer and a good time was had. By all, I think.
After that we headed back to my 'hood for our treatments. Turnip wanted to be all waxed and sexy for her wedding on Saturday so she scheduled that. I figured I'd so something as well. Since I don't have enough hair to make ripping it out worthwhile I went for a massage and scalp treatment. And it was awesome. An hour and a half of massage and scalp massage plus soft & pretty hair. I think I'm going to have to do that more often. Maybe Muffy & I need a mini spa day soon.
After that we got all dolled up and headed to Macy's to buy complicated underwear to go under Turnip's halter dress for the wedding on Saturday. Complicated underwear shopping always seems to be an ugly process. It's not like buying fun undies, the pretty & sexy stuff. This has a purpose (beyond getting one laid) and is usually a pain to get into and out of and just sucks. But we found something fairly quickly and headed to Lush to treat ourselves to fun smelly stuff. And then met JCN downtown to try out s'mac. And s'mac was GOOD. So good. Heavenly. We split four smalls so we could try more things. Manchego, Goat Cheese, Gruyere (I didn't get any of that as it had bacon) and 4-Cheese. Happy, happy.
After that it was off to the West Village for drinks with a few of my friends and a few of hers. We met at Corner Bistro, but it was packed so we wanted to head for a dead bar to just be comfy and drink beer. The one we picked ended up not being so dead in the end, but we got some seats, had some beer and a good time was had. By all, I think.
Turnip Comes to Town: Day Three
Thursday was a mellow day. We headed to the Y to take a Yoga class. Turnip is a big fan of Yoga and I've always kind of avoided it. But she wants me to try it so I figured I would. Sadly we had the times wrong and missed the start of class. So we hit the machines, worked up a sweat and then headed home where she did some work and I futzed around the apartment. She headed out that night for dinner and drinks but I decided to stay in and clear some TiVo, pay bills, answer emails... wildly sexy stuff like that.
Turnip Comes to Town: Day Two
On Wednesday, Turnip and I got up and walked to the Brooklyn Promenade to check out the view and get some exercise. Then we treated ourselves to Bagel World deliciousness. We needed to fortify ourselves before heading to Queens in the afternoon to prove our love and devotion to Pumpkin. She's trying to decide on bridesmaids' dresses so we headed out to David's Bridal to try on everything we could fit into and take photos for her. So she can have a better idea of what to put us in. There is a lot of horrible stuff out there for bridesmaids, but we saw some things that weren't so bad. And Pumpkin claims that our efforts were helpful. Of course, she's also threatening to put butt bows on us so lord knows. But, she's the bride, so butt bow be damned, I'll wear what she tells me and smile about it. I think it's in the contract you sign when you agree to be a bridesmaid. Along with a bunch of other things Pumpkin claims I'm now bound to do. Though I am starting to suspect she's making some of those things up.
After a couple of hours of taffeta and satin and zippers and snaps and petticoats we headed to the other less dismal shopping plaza across the street and treated ourselves to cute things from Old Navy, like old man boxers and soft tops. Of course, when we left the Old Navy the skies had opened and drenched us on our walk to the train. And drenched us some more on our walk from the train to Caffe Carciofo for dinner. Though the rain & puddles reflecting the street lights was kind of pretty once we were inside with tea and steamed artichoke and pasta and bread.
After dinner we headed home to dry off and warm up before hitting (don't click the link, Daddy) Toys in Babeland (now called just Babeland, I think) for a little shopping. After which we met up with two of Turnip's friends at the Slipper Room for a little burlesque and music. Her friend is a burlesque dancer these days and that seemed the best way to see her and her husband. I didn't really dig the band, though they weren't bad or anything. But the go go dancing and burlesque was more fun than I thought it would be. Though none of the dancers were my friends. Turnip might have a different take on the performance. Judging by the dancers there and one we saw at Forty Deuce in Vegas I'm thinking burlesque dancers these days are a little less well-endowed than the ones of days of yore. Not that I'm any kind of burlesque expert or anything.
After that we headed home to crash and hide from the rain. Wild times. Petticoats, boobies and vibrators all in one day. You want my rock star life. Don't lie.
After a couple of hours of taffeta and satin and zippers and snaps and petticoats we headed to the other less dismal shopping plaza across the street and treated ourselves to cute things from Old Navy, like old man boxers and soft tops. Of course, when we left the Old Navy the skies had opened and drenched us on our walk to the train. And drenched us some more on our walk from the train to Caffe Carciofo for dinner. Though the rain & puddles reflecting the street lights was kind of pretty once we were inside with tea and steamed artichoke and pasta and bread.
After dinner we headed home to dry off and warm up before hitting (don't click the link, Daddy) Toys in Babeland (now called just Babeland, I think) for a little shopping. After which we met up with two of Turnip's friends at the Slipper Room for a little burlesque and music. Her friend is a burlesque dancer these days and that seemed the best way to see her and her husband. I didn't really dig the band, though they weren't bad or anything. But the go go dancing and burlesque was more fun than I thought it would be. Though none of the dancers were my friends. Turnip might have a different take on the performance. Judging by the dancers there and one we saw at Forty Deuce in Vegas I'm thinking burlesque dancers these days are a little less well-endowed than the ones of days of yore. Not that I'm any kind of burlesque expert or anything.
After that we headed home to crash and hide from the rain. Wild times. Petticoats, boobies and vibrators all in one day. You want my rock star life. Don't lie.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Turnip Comes to Town: Day One
So, Turnip hit town this week. She had a gig on Monday for a Rod Stewart show and then has a wedding on Saturday and figured she'd stay with me the time in between. It's been a fun and exhausting time so far.
Monday night I had dinner in the West Village with some friends and then made a few of them have drinks with me while waiting for Kristie's show to end. She joined us at the White Horse for a drink and then we headed to her hotel room to gossip and then crash.
Tuesday we got up, checked out and had some breakfast. Then we headed to my place to dump her bags and laze around for a bit before running some errands. We wandered the 'hood some making appointments for Friday, doing a little costume jewelry shopping and scoping out where we wanted mani/pedis later in the week. Then a very late lunch before heading home to loaf and get pretty.
Tuesday night we met a couple of her college friends for Indian food, which was lovely and entertaining. And then we wanted a drink so headed over to The Stoned Crow. While Pumpkin and Spanky claim I never take them anywhere else to drink when they visit New York (not that either of them have visited me in years), Turnip had never been. We just had a couple drinks. None of the bartenders I knew (and lusted after) once upon a time were there and the place had more of an NYU vibe than a neighborhood bar vibe. They didn't even have nachos on the menu anymore. It all made me a little sad, but we had our drinks and chatted and it was nice. And now Turnip can say she's been to the Crow. After that, we headed home to crash.
Monday night I had dinner in the West Village with some friends and then made a few of them have drinks with me while waiting for Kristie's show to end. She joined us at the White Horse for a drink and then we headed to her hotel room to gossip and then crash.
Tuesday we got up, checked out and had some breakfast. Then we headed to my place to dump her bags and laze around for a bit before running some errands. We wandered the 'hood some making appointments for Friday, doing a little costume jewelry shopping and scoping out where we wanted mani/pedis later in the week. Then a very late lunch before heading home to loaf and get pretty.
Tuesday night we met a couple of her college friends for Indian food, which was lovely and entertaining. And then we wanted a drink so headed over to The Stoned Crow. While Pumpkin and Spanky claim I never take them anywhere else to drink when they visit New York (not that either of them have visited me in years), Turnip had never been. We just had a couple drinks. None of the bartenders I knew (and lusted after) once upon a time were there and the place had more of an NYU vibe than a neighborhood bar vibe. They didn't even have nachos on the menu anymore. It all made me a little sad, but we had our drinks and chatted and it was nice. And now Turnip can say she's been to the Crow. After that, we headed home to crash.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
*Smooch*
So... I was recently informed that back in the 10th grade I was not a very good kisser. If you know me, you can only imagine how well I took this news. For those who don't know me, I don't like my skills questioned. At all. Luckily the person criticizing my 15 year old lip locking abilities continued on to say that my skills improved greatly and now I am a phenomenal kisser. So this person was not maimed. And might actually get to kiss me again some day. Maybe. Though I'm still agonizing over the idea that I was not a fabulous kisser in my early days.
But, Daddy, the only thing I do with boys is kiss. Just so you know!
But, Daddy, the only thing I do with boys is kiss. Just so you know!
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Let's go Yankees!
So, before heading to Shea I wandered around my neighborhood trying to scope out the new restaurants and the Spiderman 3 shoot. Looks like they might be setting up for a night shot. When I was walking down Court they were putting up some fake Tae Kwon Do sign next to the Cobble Hill Cinema and possibly mocking up the Cobble Hill Cinema sign. I went back after the game and they had changed the Cobble Hill sign to say Styuvesant Cinema. I couldn't tell if the TKD sign was up. But it looks like that little corner is the only place they're prepping to shoot and everything else is just for set up. Which is impressive. They're taking up a hell of a lot of the neighborhood just for one corner. Lights and cables and shit everywhere. And I haven't seen any trailers or anything yet. Just equipment. Though there were signs for catering pointing towards Clinton or Henry or some such. I didn't explore all that much. Too bad I'm not sticking around to watch tonight. Ah well, I'll check it out in the theater.
Today The Senator and I went to my first game in Shea Stadium. I'm not a Mets fan at all but I figured I should see Shea at some point since I love baseball and love New York. It's not the greatest stadium, but I'm glad I went. They have a mascot (which I used to wish the Yankees had but am now glad they don't) and an apple in a hat that slowly rises whenever the Mets hit a homerun. I like the Durham Bull better, but still, fun in a cheesy sorta way. The Senator thinks it's a dump, but I didn't think it was that bad. But I'm not going to be sad when they finally build a new one. Though I suppose the new one will be all orangey too. What's with New York teams and orange?
The game itself was fun. Pedro pitched. While I can't deny his talent, I'm not so fond of him. And for not being fond of him or the teams he's played for, I've seen him pitch quite a bit. The Mets won, upsetting the Senator. But really, the Reds were crap on the field and the Mets do seem to be having a good season. Still, I wasn't so into the game not being invested in either team. Which meant I could just chill and drink beer and hang with a friend on a lovely day while everyone else I knew was at work. And now I can say I've seen Shea Stadium. And never have to go back.
Today The Senator and I went to my first game in Shea Stadium. I'm not a Mets fan at all but I figured I should see Shea at some point since I love baseball and love New York. It's not the greatest stadium, but I'm glad I went. They have a mascot (which I used to wish the Yankees had but am now glad they don't) and an apple in a hat that slowly rises whenever the Mets hit a homerun. I like the Durham Bull better, but still, fun in a cheesy sorta way. The Senator thinks it's a dump, but I didn't think it was that bad. But I'm not going to be sad when they finally build a new one. Though I suppose the new one will be all orangey too. What's with New York teams and orange?
The game itself was fun. Pedro pitched. While I can't deny his talent, I'm not so fond of him. And for not being fond of him or the teams he's played for, I've seen him pitch quite a bit. The Mets won, upsetting the Senator. But really, the Reds were crap on the field and the Mets do seem to be having a good season. Still, I wasn't so into the game not being invested in either team. Which meant I could just chill and drink beer and hang with a friend on a lovely day while everyone else I knew was at work. And now I can say I've seen Shea Stadium. And never have to go back.
Go Sherill!
Tonight Lovey took Vader and I to a Liberty game. I'd been wanting to get to a WNBA game for a while now so when Lovey asked if I was into it for tonight I jumped at the chance. Apparently Sherill Baker is an old family friend of the Lovey clan and can get Beverly tickets from time to time. So we went and had a fabulous time. The seats were great, the game was exciting, Sherill didn't play enough for our tastes but had some good moves, the fans were fun and I really, really want to go back. Lovey loves basketball and thinks Sherill rocks so she's totally got into the team and dragged us all to the team store for a little shopping after the game. She got the Musical Genius a #10 t-shirt and I was weak and got myself one as well. So, you know, I can have something to wear for the next game. After that we headed to the green room to wait for Sherill to pop by. Vader and I got to meet her and she's just the nicest person. We also met a friend she played ball with in college who's in town for a bit. Actually, she blew out her knee and can't play ball any more (the friend, Sherill is fine) and is thinking of law school. But before she goes she's looking for legal assistant jobs (willing to relocate anywhere) to take a break between undergrad and grad and to check out life at a firm before applying to school. So, if any of you lawyer types out there are willing to talk to her or give her suggestions or help looking for jobs, let me know and I'll pass your info on to her.
Anyway, I had a great time and think I might become a Liberty fan. Woo. And watching Vader and Lovey geek out like total fan girls was excellent. Vader may betray Lovey's Baker love and pick #20 Christon as her favorite though.
In other news, tomorrow Spiderman 3 will be spending some time shooting in my 'hood. I'm going to be out and about a lot tomorrow and then am heading out of town that night, but I may spend a little bit of time poking around to see what I can see. Though one of the blocked off streets is on my own little block so I might not have to go far to see anything. And while Mom and I were poking around looking into the Spiderman thing we learned that LOTS of new things have been going on in the area so maybe I'll just go for a nice little walk tomorrow to check it all out.
I guess this means I have to finally watch Spiderman 1 & 2 so I can go see #3 and squeal when I see my 'hood. And I totally will. You should've seen me towards the end of American Psycho when my 'hood and even apartment building showed up. Just ask B. I think the squealing and pointing when Greenwich Street appeared upset the woman a few rows in front of us much more than all my earlier laughing did (dude, it's a funny movie).
Anyway, I had a great time and think I might become a Liberty fan. Woo. And watching Vader and Lovey geek out like total fan girls was excellent. Vader may betray Lovey's Baker love and pick #20 Christon as her favorite though.
In other news, tomorrow Spiderman 3 will be spending some time shooting in my 'hood. I'm going to be out and about a lot tomorrow and then am heading out of town that night, but I may spend a little bit of time poking around to see what I can see. Though one of the blocked off streets is on my own little block so I might not have to go far to see anything. And while Mom and I were poking around looking into the Spiderman thing we learned that LOTS of new things have been going on in the area so maybe I'll just go for a nice little walk tomorrow to check it all out.
I guess this means I have to finally watch Spiderman 1 & 2 so I can go see #3 and squeal when I see my 'hood. And I totally will. You should've seen me towards the end of American Psycho when my 'hood and even apartment building showed up. Just ask B. I think the squealing and pointing when Greenwich Street appeared upset the woman a few rows in front of us much more than all my earlier laughing did (dude, it's a funny movie).
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Life of the Unemployed
Today I got my hair done again and then went off to meet Lovey so we could walk over to Madison & 49th and check out the Meow Mix House. I'm thinking that I really might need a job soon if this is how I'm filling my days. But man, those cats were super cute. Muppet was going to go with us but had a 4PM meeting. I think looking at cats in a store front was the much better choice.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Still Happy Birthday to Me
I had a lovely birthday. With the unemployed state and total flux of my life right now I wasn't really feeling into my birthday. Wasn't feeling the urge to plan a massive birthday week or crown myself Princess of Everything or whatever. My folks have been asking me what I want for a gift and I couldn't think of anything beyond rent money. I feel weird asking for birthday gifts when I'm trying hard not to spend lots of money these days. But, I knew I had to do something or I'd be very angry with myself later.
Saturday I had a party in the backyard. It was a pretty mellow thing, but great. Vader came by early to help with last minute cleaning and such. Then other folks started showing up. And with lovely gifts too. Because people spoil me. And think I'm a trashy princess since some of the gifts were booze and bath products and even a set of sassy stripper pole glasses. Hee. And of course the fancy girl air conditioner.
But it was a good time. Enough food and beer and wine for all. And dill dip. Which Beverly brought. And every time I said Lovey was bringing dill dip people thought I was going to say dildo. Leading to people laughing too much at the words dill dip all night. I manned the grill some but didn't have to do it the whole damn party like last year. So that was nice. Also, since only about 10 or 11 folks came I didn't feel like I was answering the door or hostessing as much and could sit and talk and hang out. Vader, Iolanthe, Charlotte, Britney & Kevin, Bambi, Muppet & Mr. Muppet, Lovey & the Musical Genius and Steph all came. So, a good crew. With lots of joking around, trash talking and mocking of me. Vader brought up the stuffed animal of an ex that I spent a good deal of time mending which amused those who were not aware of my good girlfriend homemaker abilities. And then at one point gynecologists came up and I said something about a tiny pink bagel. A few folks hadn't heard the tiny pink bagel story so I started it. At which point Steph giggled and said, "Ah, Amanda's vagina stories." And I actually do have a collection of vagina stories. Which is a little mortifying. But not mortifying enough that I didn't actually share all of them with the die hard folks who were still around later in the evening. It was a really nice night and I'm glad I decided to do the party thing.
Sunday was a day of Steph. We had brunch, got the AC, installed the AC, watched X-Men 3 and had way too much popcorn. Excellent Birthday Sunday.
And then today Sheena made me come into Manhattan and bought me lunch. I grabbed coffee with Lovey after that and ran into a bunch of folks from the old office which was nice. Everyone seems concerned about me and all that, a good feeling knowing that people do give a rat's ass. On Saturday, Vader insisted I couldn't be alone on my birthday night so she brought piña colada mix over tonight and we had piña coladas in the porch swing before heading to Sweet Melissa's for dinner and chocolate souffle cake. And of course lots of chatting and gossiping and eventual drunken babbling as the piña coladas were rather strong.
And then lots of emails and phone calls and such all day from friends and family. So, lots of Birthday Princess attention.
All in all a good Birthday Weekend. I have a lot of fabulous friends and family and am very, very lucky. And very, very old.
Saturday I had a party in the backyard. It was a pretty mellow thing, but great. Vader came by early to help with last minute cleaning and such. Then other folks started showing up. And with lovely gifts too. Because people spoil me. And think I'm a trashy princess since some of the gifts were booze and bath products and even a set of sassy stripper pole glasses. Hee. And of course the fancy girl air conditioner.
But it was a good time. Enough food and beer and wine for all. And dill dip. Which Beverly brought. And every time I said Lovey was bringing dill dip people thought I was going to say dildo. Leading to people laughing too much at the words dill dip all night. I manned the grill some but didn't have to do it the whole damn party like last year. So that was nice. Also, since only about 10 or 11 folks came I didn't feel like I was answering the door or hostessing as much and could sit and talk and hang out. Vader, Iolanthe, Charlotte, Britney & Kevin, Bambi, Muppet & Mr. Muppet, Lovey & the Musical Genius and Steph all came. So, a good crew. With lots of joking around, trash talking and mocking of me. Vader brought up the stuffed animal of an ex that I spent a good deal of time mending which amused those who were not aware of my good girlfriend homemaker abilities. And then at one point gynecologists came up and I said something about a tiny pink bagel. A few folks hadn't heard the tiny pink bagel story so I started it. At which point Steph giggled and said, "Ah, Amanda's vagina stories." And I actually do have a collection of vagina stories. Which is a little mortifying. But not mortifying enough that I didn't actually share all of them with the die hard folks who were still around later in the evening. It was a really nice night and I'm glad I decided to do the party thing.
Sunday was a day of Steph. We had brunch, got the AC, installed the AC, watched X-Men 3 and had way too much popcorn. Excellent Birthday Sunday.
And then today Sheena made me come into Manhattan and bought me lunch. I grabbed coffee with Lovey after that and ran into a bunch of folks from the old office which was nice. Everyone seems concerned about me and all that, a good feeling knowing that people do give a rat's ass. On Saturday, Vader insisted I couldn't be alone on my birthday night so she brought piña colada mix over tonight and we had piña coladas in the porch swing before heading to Sweet Melissa's for dinner and chocolate souffle cake. And of course lots of chatting and gossiping and eventual drunken babbling as the piña coladas were rather strong.
And then lots of emails and phone calls and such all day from friends and family. So, lots of Birthday Princess attention.
All in all a good Birthday Weekend. I have a lot of fabulous friends and family and am very, very lucky. And very, very old.
Happy Birthday To Me!!
I'm just getting older and older and older.
Shouldn't I be married with kids and a career and stuff right now? Not jobless and looking for a short term gig so I can go back to school? What are most 32 year olds doing these days?
Shouldn't I be married with kids and a career and stuff right now? Not jobless and looking for a short term gig so I can go back to school? What are most 32 year olds doing these days?
Sunday, June 18, 2006
I Feel So Fancy
Just two weeks shy of my 10 year anniversary of moving to New York I'm now the proud owner of an air conditioner. I feel a little extravagant. I was kind of proud of being a bad ass (idiot?) who whethered ten air conditioner free summers in the City. And now I am weak. And I suspect in a matter of days I'll be all, "What was I thinking?!?!?" having not gotten one earlier. Actually it's been lovely today enjoying it in the 90 degree heat in Brooklyn. Though I do keep inching the temp up higher and higher so I feel less extravagant. Heh.
Muffy & Steph decided I needed one as a birthday gift and so Steph and I went out and got one and then he installed it. And it's lovely. And they are darling, darling people. So good to me. And now I can't complain that I'm too hot to job search next week. Alas. I also won't have to go home with cute boys because they have air conditioning (kidding, Daddy, I would NEVER do that).
Muffy & Steph decided I needed one as a birthday gift and so Steph and I went out and got one and then he installed it. And it's lovely. And they are darling, darling people. So good to me. And now I can't complain that I'm too hot to job search next week. Alas. I also won't have to go home with cute boys because they have air conditioning (kidding, Daddy, I would NEVER do that).
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Happy Mother's Day to Me
My parents just went into the bathroom together. I'm so freaked out I'm screaming. ACK!!!!!!
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