* Work at VS continues to go well, although I didn't get as many hours as I hoped to get these past couple weeks. Trouble is, when business at a store is slow, they have to adjust their staffing accordingly. I really enjoy it, and will be going in this morning from 9:30-3 PM. I have worked in almost every room now! I really love helping with bras, and the room with the push-up bras is my fave! It's a small enough room that I am able to keep it totally neat and clean on my own without help. It is also fun to help customers find the bra they are looking for.
* Working for Pamela is also going well! I am helping her both with organizing her artwork and with some personal projects. I am making her an address book and organizing her contacts into a new email address, so that is something I can do from home. It is great! We also have had the greatest intentions of going swimming after I work with her at her house. So far we have only gone once (Pamela loves near a city pool -- which is BEAUTIFUL and FREE!). Every time I bring my swimsuit since that day, it has RAINED! Bummer.
* I have to ask at VS today, but my dad has asked me to come into the hardware store for a 5-day stretch in August! I think it would be super fun, and I hope VS allows me to do that. Plus, it would definitely be good pay because it would be full time hours for those 5 days. Crossed fingers that it works out!!
* SUSAN AND BOB GOT KITTENS!!! They are two little girls named Waffles and Edith, and I love them!!! I have decided to be their godmother. They are so cute!!
* Susan and Bob also got a Wii as a wedding present. (Seriously: Best wedding present ever!) Susan and I are addicted to the game "Trauma Center: New Blood." So addicted, in fact, that I got "Trauma Center" for Nintendo DS. :)
* Went with Aly to an event sponsored by PlayStation. It was their 2009 holiday launch, and we got to see the games that will be coming out this fall in time for Christmas. Let me just express my EXTREME EXCITEMENT over The Beatles: Rock Band!!!! I got to try it out and it is SO much fun! It makes me want to get a PlayStation 3. (Or an XBox 360. Or a Wii.) Seriously. At the event, they had mic stands, and I even attempted my goal of both singing AND playing guitar at the same time! This makes me think Doris and I have to rig someting up so that we can sing and play at the same time! If each of us can be 2 Beatles, we could be a whole band!
* My friend Jaime got me addicted to the Facebook game, "Farm Town." It's basically a farming Sim. It sounds lame, I know. I was skeptical at first, too. But now I love Farm Town!
* I am on a really weird sleep schedule. I need to get normalized! I am staying up really late and not even sleeping all that well. I don't know what my deal is, except when I work late at VS, I feel the need to stay up and chill before going directly to bed. And sometimes that's super late to begin with!
* In art news, my cousin Katie comissioned me to do a drawing for her sister-in-law, Kelly. She sent me some photographs to choose from. I did a pencil drawing of her with her baby son, Anson. It came out really nice! I was pleased with it. Katie will be giving it to Kelly this weekend, so I am eager to see how the gift goes over! I saw a picture of it now that Katie had it matted and framed, and it looks great!
* I finalls saw "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." I really enjoyed it! Because of my VS schedule I was not able to see it in Long Island with Megan and Scott, like I usually do. But I saw it with my friend Sam, and it was really fun! I thinkt he move was very fast paced, and it might be difficult for someone to understand who hasn't read the books. I think at this point, it is an assumption that you've done your required reading! ;) Those actors have really grown up with the movies, and I am so impressed with their acting, especially since they were so young to begin with!
* I have decided to keep my female pufferfish's name "Gilligan." Thanks to all who voted -- I think it was unanimous. I agree; I have been calling her "Gilligan" for too long now, it would be confusing to change her name. She is WAAAY cute. I just noticed the other day that one of the spots (right on the top of her head) resembles a heart!!! I changed her water yesterday, and the tank is just sparkling! My bettas are also doing swimmingly (pun intended). I have three: Otto, Owen, and Olaf. Owen is my oldest little guy and he is just doing GREAT!
* Working at VS has inspired me to do a special cleaning/organizing project. I have been going through my dresser drawers one at a time. I went through panties and bras and threw away old or ill-fitting ones, then tidied the drawer and stacked the bras in the way VS does (which does not crush the cups like my previous storage method did). I also sorted my sock drawer, my pajama drawer, and my sweatpant/exercise clothes drawer. T-shirt drawer: you're next!
* We have a fruit fly infestation again! I mean, it's not the worst infestaton one could get. It's certainly better than bed bugs, fleas, cockroaches, and KATYDIDS! The fruit flies are just ANNOYING and there are SO MANY of them. I have implemented my wine traps, which worked last time I had fruit flies. Crossed fingers that this does the trick.
* While my "relationship" with M officially terminated in January, I have attempted to do the "just friends" thing for the first time. I think it is going well. I have had time away from him to think and I feel like I understand things a bit better just recently. And, I can't help but be so excited for him in regards to how well his career in music is going! He is going some really really great things, and will be playing LOLLAPALOOZA in a couple weeks! Wow!
* Speaking of M, I will likely be doing an incredible costume project for him. He is being recruited as "George Harrison" for a Beatles tribute band, and he needs a Sargent Pepper suit (George wears the reddish one). I am so psyched! Nothing gets me going like a good costume project! It will be my first experience making PANTS. Crazy, right? Something about costume design will NEVER leave my soul! This suit will be CHALLENGING, and it has to fit well. It also has a lot of details. (A LOT.) Plus, since it is for M's tenure with the band, it has to be made well for multiple wearings. The band will wear assorted outfits throughout one show, so it should be easy to change in and out of. My brain is racing with ideas!
* I am feeling the need to really get serious about weight loss and exercise again. I don't know why I've gotten lazy about it. I keep putting it off, and it's the worst thing to put off!
* Just got word that my diploma is available to be picked up from Brooklyn College!!! Yeah, it's official! I'm a master! :)
* Aly and I are going to a Sephora event today. Fun!
Okay; time to shower and get ready for my day! Tally-ho!
- Location:my apartment
- Mood:
awake
Yesterday was the big day! Susan and Bob, two of my nearest and dearest, have gotten married!! The ceremony was in the morning, and took place beside the Japanese pond in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden (where Susan and Bob had their first real date)! It took place in a tiny little ampitheater that I never even knew about -- although I have been to the Garden many, many times. It was a perfect spot for a wedding. The weather was spectacular! It was very sunny, and not too hot!
The day before the wedding, Susan, me, her mom, and the four other bridesmaids met up at Dashing Diva to get manicures and pedicures. We then attended a rehearsal dinner, sans rehearsal (does that just make it a regular "dinner"?), hosted by Susan's parents at Scottadito. It was lovely! We had the "wine cellar" room to ourselves! It was a lovely dinner, and Susan presented me and the other people who had taken a part in the wedding with gifts. I received a really beautiful jewelry set including earrings and a matching necklace, handmade out of pennies!
Me, Susan's mom, and the bridesmaids slept over at Susan's house. Together, Lizzie and I practiced designing a hairstyle for Susan. (Two small twists came around the sides and met at the back for a side-bun, then a flower comb fastened around the bun.) The hair accessory was worn by Mari at her wedding last year! It was "something borrowed," along with the earrings Susan wore (also worn by Mari at her wedding).
We went to sleep and woke up early the next day to get ready. I got up first, to plug in my hot rollers. Then I set my hair. Mari was right behind me, applying a facial masque! (I did one, too!) We rushed at the end, trying to get everything done. Lizzie and I styled Susan's hair, and it came out great! Susan looked beautiful in her dress and sandals ("something new")! In case you're wondering about "something old," it was her engagement ring, which was her grandmother's. "Something blue" was her eyes and her underwear!
Danny, who is Susan's friend and the wedding photographer, came over to take pictures of us getting ready, then the troupe of us headed to the farmer's market at Grand Army Plaza to pick up flowers! We got six bunches of gorgeous, colorful assorted flowers! Mari and I brought ribbons, Susan's mom had shears and supplies. We made the flowers into beautiful bouquets -- each one different! Then we headed to the Garden for the ceremony!
At the Garden, I found Bob and got ahold of the ring (as the Maid of Honor, it is my job to give Susan Bob's ring when it is time). I saw my parents and got to say hello! We learned that the celebrant was running late, so Danny took out photos before the ceremony. It was such a nice setting in the Garden to take photos. I learned that you need complete shade for the best photos. (Spotty shade looks weird!)
When the celebrant --Bob's cousin, Bari -- arrived, we moved pretty quickly getting the wedding started. We were worried about sticking to the schedule set by the Garden (although no one from the Garden bothered us!). Bob and his groomsmen assembled at the front of the ampitheater, and I started the procession in, followed by bridesmaids Merry (Bob's sister), Lizzie (Susan's work friend), Julia (Susan's childhood friend), and Mari (Susan's dear friend). Then, Susan's dad escorted her to the front.
The ceremony was performed. Bari did a beautiful job! Every part of the ceremony was personal and relevant to Bob and Susan. There were lots of personal stories and anecdotes. Susan's mom did a reading of poem, followed by excerpts from a speech Susan gave in high school, tying the themes together. It was lovely, and a real tearjerker! I had to really focus to not cry! Mari did a reading from the "Velveteen Rabbit" which was also beautiful!
When the wedding was over, we headed to the reception brunch at Flatbush Farm restaurant. The reception was located in the outdoor courtyard of the restaurant, which was great since it was such a nice day. We had a menu to choose from several delicious selections! Bob's brother Larry was the Best Man, so he gave a toast. After that, I gave a toast. I think it went well! We all hung out and mingled, and it was really casual and nice! Bob's cousin Ariel made the wedding cake, which was made of cupcakes, all decorated together to form two "sheet cakes." The cake topper was the one that had topped Susan's parents' wedding cake!
Overall, it was a wonderful, beautiful day to celebrate two very special people to me!! I am so, so happy for them!
- Location:my apartment
- Mood:
ecstatic
On Saturday morning, I baked a bundt cake, and I went to Aly's apartment. Aly was hosting Amy's birthday party. The theme was "Wigs n' Staches!" Surprisingly, I'd left ALL of my wigs in NJ. (This is a real bummer because I have a lot of wigs!) BUT, my lovely roomie, Alexandra saved the day by loaning me a lovely PINK wig. Amy herself provided the stick-on mustaches. We only wore the 'staches briefly because they didn't stick on that well. Still, they made for some interesting photos. :) Then, we all MADE and DECORATED kites! My kite was a squid. It had streamers hanging off it to resemble tentacles.
We voyaged to Prospect Park (in our wigs, not our 'staches) and attempted to fly our kites. We did not have much success with the flying part. I am thinking there must have been a small design flaw with the kites. We made many new friends who came and tried to help us fly our kites! it was very fun!
After a long time spent in Prospect Park (it was soooo gorgeous out!), we returned to Aly's for bundt cake. We also played "Catch Phrase," which was very very fun! Amy opened her presents and she gave us all baby spider plants as party favors (so cute). All in all it was a fantastic and fun day! I really want to attempt kite making again!
On Sunday I hung out with Susan once more. We went on a nice walk and saw a different Farmers' Market than I am used to going to. They also had an Indie Craft Mart there. Very nice! It was another beautiful day. Hooray!
The rest of the day included me pretending to clean stuff. Later, Alexandra and I watched the first episode of Star Trek (the original series). Since seeing the new movie, Doris and I have decided to watch the original episodes in order. Alexandra (already a Trekkie) has joined us in our plan. We like Trek!
- Location:my apartment
- Mood:
sleepy
1.) Spent 4 days in Georgia. My mom and I flew down and we helped to throw a baby shower for my cousin Ben and his wife Kelly! I also got to visit with my Grandma, my aunts and uncles, and see 18-month old little Sara (my cousin Max and his wife Kim's little one). It was areally nice time. I am also excited because I got to meet my cousin Lanie's fiance, Sean. They are getting married in June and I'll be going down to GA for the wedding, so it was great to meet him prior to the Big Day! I was also happy because I got to spend a lot of time with my cousin Katie.
2.) I spent one day in NJ with my mom and dad. My mom and I went shopping!
3.) THEN I had a massive Thesis Fest with Jaime. I spent 3 days and 2 nights at her house. We got a LOT of work done. We also did a lot of goofing around. We got some new FISH! My fish is a betta named Herman! Hers is a gourami named Jiesamfoek (they are named after our thesis advisor)!! As always it was a fun and productive Thesis Fest!
4.) Friday night we stopped thesis-ing and I met Paul (
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
pgwfolc) and we went to see the movie "Coraline" in 3D! We both agreed it was really great, and even better that we got to see it in 3D! Hooray! It was also great to meet Paul, who has been my online friend for a long time, but we only just met this weekend!! We were friends through the Lois & Clark message board, so it was apropos to see "Coraline" together, since it features the vocals of Teri Hatcher (she did a great job)!5.) On Saturday I had a SUPERFUN DAY that featured me doing NO WORK. First off, it was GorgeousWarmSunnyBeautiful out. It was also my friend Jim's birthday, and a week prior to Aly's moving day (she is moving to an apartment upstairs in her same building). Aly organized a get together in honor of Jim's birthday. I went to Aly's and waited with her while there was an open house in her apartment. Then we both went to brunch where we met Jim, Colter, and Amy. We had a GREAT brunch, then it looked like it was just going to be an overall great day. I ran home to get my computer (I actually THOUGHT I was going to work onmy thesis, but I was wrong!). I met Aly, Jim, Colter, and Amy for a secondary open house at Aly's, then once it was over we went to Prospect Park and I taught Amy how to hula hoop! Like me she was an adult beginner, and I certainly know how that feels! (See video in previous entry.) After the park hangout, Jim had to leave to go to a wedding (yes, on his birthday)! But I was invited to Jaime's 30th birthday FIESTA. So I called Jaime to see if I could bring three friends along and she said YES! So - me, Colter, Amy, and Aly went to Jaime's where we partied with her and her friends! It was super awesome - good food and drinks and fun and even a little Rock Band (I believe I sang "Hungry Like the Wolf" and "Eye of the Tiger"). Now everyone knows I'm a diva. :) The night ended back at Aly's, where she game me and Amy some items from her giant "box o' beauty" (samples she gets from doing her beauty blogging). Amy drove me home and it was just nice getting to know her more (previously we were more like acquaintances, but now we are better friends!).
6.) On Sunday I met up with Susan. She was back from PARIS where she had been with BOB! Bob's still there, on tour, but they got to have a nice vacation together. So cool! I only saw Susan briefly, but she gave me a GIFT FROM FRANCE: a SQUID WHISK!!!!!! Seriously - it is so awesome!!!
7.) I went to NJ to visit Claire and new baby Helia!!! I brought the ingredients for Pasta Rustico (my dad's special pasta and sauce recipe). I cooked dinner for Claire, her hubby, and her pal Loren. The four of us had a nice dinner, and I did a good job making Rustico. My dad will be proud! Baby Helia is the cutest baby EVER. I got to NJ, and Loren just put this sweet cute li'l baby in my arms and I just couldn't believe how adorable she was. I could have just held her all day! (But then - who would have made the Rustico??) :)
8.) Today it was raining and nasty. Back to school! I looked forward to seeing the kiddies. They are fun and I actually do look forward to seeing them when it is Monday. I gave a presentation about my thesis tonight at class. Claire was a trooper and came to class! Her dad drove her in with Baby Helia because Helia needs to breastfeed very regularly. I think Helia enjoyed my presentation. I was just glad to see her two days in a row! So fun!
Anyway, things are busy but GOOD!
- Location:my apartment
- Mood:
good
- Mood:
excited
We had a great time catching up. We'd originally discussed having Running Club (our term that makes going running sound more fun) because it was supposed to be warm. But instead it was very chilly, so we canceled Running Club and instead had "Eating Sushi and Frozen Yogurt Club" :)
We tried out a new Japanese restaurant and it was nice, plus cheap! Then we redeemed Susan's YogoMonster card for a free yogurt. YUMMM. It was nice to hang out -- I feel like my schedule has been crazy, which has made me really unavailable to hang out with people, but I really need to make time to do so, because it is good for the soul!!
Susan and I are having a Hair Crisis. Here is the crisis:
1.) We both have hair that's slightly longer than shoulder length (no bangs).
2.) We both sometimes like to have short hair, and have been thinking about going short again.
3.) I am worried about the expense of the upkeep of short hair, which requires more frequent visits to the salon (because I am not employed).
4.) Susan is getting married in July, so that means she needs to think long-term about her hair (will she want it in an up-do for the wedding? Perhaps it should be long for that?). Also, I will want to have nice hair at Susan's wedding, and my cousin Lanie's wedding (June). Should this hair be long or short? Hm.
5.) Whenever I think of cutting my hair short again, I see a picture of myself that reminds me: It looks pretty good long!
6.) Maybe I should have long hair until I have a job and can pay for the upkeep of a shorter style. Being able to put it up or back is kind of cool right now.
7.) Maybe me and/or Susan should get BANGS, which wold make our long hair look different, without breaking the bank (bang trims are free at our salon)! Maybe I can get some Bettie Page-style mini-bangs or something.
8.) This Hair Crisis is pretty shallow to be meriting this list in my blog. Less shallow for Susan, who is a bride-to-be.
9.) I am glad Susan and I are on the same page about our Hair Crisis.
10.) There are bigger problems in the world than this Hair Crisis (which is why it is sort-of fun to think about).
- Location:my apartment
- Mood:
giggly - Music:the toilet is running, and it is making me crazy!!
- 15:16 Just had a lovely morning and afternoon with Susan! #
- 16:02 Deciding what to do first: watch more Elvis movies, pack for my trip, dismantle the Christmas tree, finish my room cleaning, or crochet. #
- 17:40 @TheDoifter: That's FANTASTIC!!!!! I am in awe. He is my hero. #
- 22:13 Almost ALMOST feel like I am getting sick. CANNOT let this happen. I am going away on Tuesday! Hitting up all my fave remedies! #
- 23:10 Am upset that two missing items have not been found even after my Big Clean: my kitty hat (knitted by me) and my digital camera's charger. #
- 10:16 Am SO MAD that I am getting SICK. POUT STOMP STAMP STOMP STOMP. #
Happy birthday, dear Susan!!! May 26 be a year of joy, health, happiness, prosperity, and love!
You are the best bean ever! xoxo
- Mood:
cheerful
Greetings! I have just returned from my weekend jaunt to State College, PA!
On Friday, I took a vacation day to go to open studio hours at the darkroom and finish my project. (Which I DID! And it looks really good -- I am very proud of how it came out!) I went to the darkroom with all of my Photo materials AND a bag packed for my State College trip. I worked in the darkroom (and mounting room, matting all my work) from about 1:30 until 5:00, then took the train directly to Susan's apartment to meet up with her.
I left most of my photography stuff at her apartment, and we departed for Chinatown. Susan got us tickets on the Chinatown Bus (there's now one that goes directly to State College!). Susan had taken it before, and it was very cheap and convenient. Well -- we were soon to learn that during the summertime, the State College-bound Chinatown Bus is actually a VAN. The van holds 15 people, and it was COMPLETELY full! We were in the very back of the van, on a seat that looked like it would only hold 3 people, but instead held 4. We were crammed in like sardines! Needless to say, this wasn't the best part of the trip, however the only real thing you can do in that situation is laugh (which we did -- a lot!).
We arrived late on Friday and Susan's mom picked us up. The next day we went to the Arts Festival in State College! It is located in and around the campus of Penn State, and it is a juried show of artisans from all over the country. A lot of the stuff was more "high end" art, so we didn't really buy anything -- just looked around! I got some postcards to send (they are shipping out today, so anyone will get them WAY after I have returned to Brooklyn!). We had a lunch of spinach and broccoli "puffs" (like savory strudels!) from a festival vendor.
Then, at 3 PM, we met up with Susan's friend Danny, and we hiked to the top of Mt. Nittany! (See the photo!) It was about 5 miles of hiking, with the very first leg of the hike being very difficult/strenuous. Once you got over the initial ascent, the hike was then very flat and scenic! Susan had a guide book about hikes in Pennsylvania, so she periodically read to us about things to look for and do. One of the things the book told us to do was to smile and proudly proclaim, "WE CLIMBED MOUNT NITTANY!" (Which of course we did.) I really, really enjoyed the hike. Surprisingly , we weren't even too sore after!
Susan's Dad cooked us a nice BBQ dinner, and then we went to the Creamery for dessert, which is a place on Penn State's campus that has HOMEMADE ICE CREAM, and I have been wanting to go there since Susan first told me about it! We stood on a super long line (filled with summer camp girls) but it was worth it!!! The ice cream was so delicious! (I had Cookie Dough flavor.)
The following day, we went to the People's Choice Arts Fest which was in a neighboring town, and it is kind of like the "competitor" of the State College Arts Festival. The People's Choice Fest features only local Pennsylvania artists/crafters, and it was more crafty and less high end (read: more affordable!). I actually did some Christmas shopping there! I even got myself a couple treats, including a small pottery colander perfect for berries! Susan got her Dad a birdhouse!! In the middle of the People's Choice Fest, a big rainstorm swept in and we took shelter beneath a tent for a while!
We were aware of the time, as I had to catch a 5:00 PM train back to New York, but due to the rain we had some extra time to do a few other activities! For instance, we went to Mayer Dairy (another famous local creamery!) and had "Mexi Hots" (a special kind of hot dog you can only get at Mayer Dairy!) then another homemade ice cream (this time I had Chocolate Marshmallow flavor). We went to a fabulous discount store, Ollie's, where I picked up some discounted scrapbooking supplies and the DVD of "Big Bird in China" (HELLO! Only $2.99!!).
Alas, then it was time for me to head back to New York (I went back alone because Susan is staying a little longer -- but I had to get back to be at work and then class tonight).... But fear not. I will be re-living the FUN when I edit all of the HOME MOVIES that I took during my trip! This film's gonna be an EPIC. For once I tried to make a more coherent movie (not just one that shows us driving around; this one will actually show us doing things!).
Anyway, I wish I was still on my trip, but it was very fun!!
- Mood:
relaxed
The things
vertical_chaosgave me...beans: Hm. I forgot I had "beans" as an interest! I mean, beans are all very yummy, but I believe the true meaning of me putting them down as an interest is because I use "bean" as a term of endearment for
susanbean (susanBEAN) and for a while it was used for some others, but now it's almost exclusively Susan. "Beans" refer to "human beans" and also to a fabricated/shared sisterhood Susan and I made up years ago. So many people used to see us together and think that we were sisters or twins. For a while it amused us and we'd sometimes opt to lie and tell them we were indeed sisters. In the fabricated story, Susan was nicknamed "Bean" one Easter when I gave her all the gross black jellybeans to eat so I could have the good ones, and Susan became ill from TooMuchBlackJellybeans. We never actually told anyone this, but I remember making it up, and the name stuck!etsy: One of my FAVORITE WEBSITES. I check Etsy daily, just to browse. It's a website for crafters and artisans of ALL SORTS to buy and sell their own homemade goodies. I adore the entire principal of it! I only have one item in my shop, Beangarden, right now. I hope to get it up and running one day, after I graduate perhaps! Right now there is just too much on my plate! Still, I love BUYING on Etsy even more than I love selling!! My favorite shop, as you all know, is Cleo Dee's (home of All Things Squid-Related).
leonia: Leonia, NJ is my hometown. I am actually in Leonia RIGHT NOW! Located in Bergen County, which is in northern NJ, Leonia is only one-square-mile in size. Despite being exceedingly small, Leonia has three public schools, and it is a very nice suburban town. It's not difficult to commute to NYC from Leonia, so a lot of people are commuters. I am a 3rd-generation Leonian, with two of my great-grandfathers being mayors of the town at one time or another!
some like it hot: My FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME. Some Like it Hot has everything I like in a movie, including (but not limited to): Marilyn Monroe, men dressing in drag, musical numbers, 1920s costumes and settings, a ukulele, a bull fiddle, gangsters, a chase scene, romance, action, and cases of confused identity. It is the perfect comedy, blending low-brown humor with subtle spoken humor, physical humor, slapstick, situation comedy... you name it! It's a timeless film.
v day: V-Day is an organization close to my heart. Committed to preventing violence against women everywhere, V-Day can take many forms. It can be a month-long festival, or a week, or even a single day. Usually it happens in February, close to Valentine's Day. The V-Day I participated in was the first-ever "V-Day Syracuse" at Syracuse University. Our first V-Day was a week long, with lots of events and activities. The main event of V-Day is a production of the Vagina Monologues by Even Ensler. I was in the first production of the Vagina Monologues at S.U. It was an awesome experience! I am proud to say V-Day is still going strong up at Syracuse, raising money and awareness!
ultra lounge music: Ultra Lounge is a series of CDs that I have been collecting. Featuring "lounge" music of the 50s and surrounding decades, these compilation albums have fantastic artwork and swingin' tracks! I love playing these tunes during dinner parties (they are smooth, suave-sounding tunes). I've got a bunch of these, but my favorites are their "sampler" CDs which have special novelty covers (one features a working Roulette Wheel!) and they contain highlights from the other CDs. I recommend these CDs left and right -- they are really a lot of fun! Organized by theme, some are "tropical," one is "bossa nova," one is for "bachelor pads," some have to do with "TV themes," there are some great Christmas ones... Hooray for Ultra Lounge!
circus peanuts: Ah, yes, circus peanuts. My peers (*cough*
zama60*cough*) are constantly making fun of me for (allegedly) being the Only Human Being Alive who enjoys these delectable treats!! Are you familiar with them? They look like this:
They are not REAL peanuts, but rather, they are spongy, sugary, dense-yet-marshmallow-like, banana-flavored, peanut-shaped treats! Their signature color is orange. Oh, how I love them! I think they are the kind of candy that could outlast a nuclear holocost. I'm not sure if they contain any natural substances (excepting sugar). They have a bit of a reputation being an "old person's candy." I think I like them because my Grams used to eat them with me! :)
** You can comment and I'll ask about 7 of your interests, or you can just ask me about any of my interests if you want!**
Susan is not even moving that far away, and the best part is, I know I will see her more, and just generally make plans to see her more (something I never really did when she was my roomie).
Anyhow -- I know that sounds like a big surprise, but I didn't really want to be posting about things or talking about it much until everything was finalized! So, yes! Finally finalized!
Susan and I are now beginning that daunting task of figuring out what belongs to whom. I am buying the couch and custom shelf we had built for the living room from Susan. Yesterday we did a Cutting Board Swap! Tonight I shall perhaps tackle the bathroom.
My dad has been building me a table for my apartment... I am really excited to be replacing the old one! Now I just have to figure out the TV set, VCR, and DVD player. Maybe Alexandra will want to buy those, since the couch and shelf are a big expense to me... I shall have to talk to her about that...
+ + +
In other news, here is a funny quote:
"I like a woman with a head on her shoulders. I hate necks." -- Steve Martin.
- Mood:
busy
- Mood: excited
+ + +
This Friday was Susan's birthday. We celebrated with a trip to the Nail Salon after work, then we had some yummy Thai food at one of our faves, Long Tan. We split a tasty appetizer, "Thai Bento Box" and a meal that had scallops and crunchy things. It was so yummy, and the perfect amount of food. We also enjoyed some delicious cocktails!
The next morning I got up bright and early to go to the hair salon. (SusanAndAllisonBeautifying2008.) I had a 9 AM appointment, and Susan had 9:45. After getting cute haircuts, we departed on AllisonAndSusanAnnualBirthdayShoppingTri
Starting near Rockefeller Plaza, we went to J. Crew to hit up the sales section. I got:
* green pajama boxer shorts with lobsters wearing mittens on them
* gray corduroy pants
* brown corduroy pants
Next, it was on to Anthropologie (!!!) to check out their sales, and I got 2 tops:
* navy blue short sleeved shirt for going out
* brown short sleeved shirt for going out
After a brief lunch at Cosi (!!!!), we headed to Macy's, where I got:
* DKNY jeans
* this cute shirt to wear to work; looks like a mustard-yellow sweater vest with a blouse underneath, but it is actually attached (so witty).
Finally, we got our makeup on at Sephora:
* Clinique moisturizing lotion
* An eyeshadow duo
* Benefit's "Justine Case" (A mini amount of everything for on-the-go times!)
Shopping: SUCCESS. Weekend: SUCCESS!
- Mood:
sick
One of my cutest videos!!!
- Mood:
chipper
susanbean)!!! (I shall be playing "Happy Birthday" on my uke tonight in celebration!! Alexandra has gotten herself a uke (same as mine, only BLUE), so she will likely join in for a Two Uke Salute to Susan!ALSO, today, Kristen and I are having a Two Uke Salute to Karl, who is retiring from the Museum after over 25 years. We will celebrate by playing "Happy Trails." I have helped a lot with the party, so hopefully everything will go smoothly! I baked the cake and assisted with the frosting. I also painted a box to resemble one of the museum's crates (part of Karl's gift).
Anyhow I think my ukulele is probably exhausted after this week!!
- Mood: cheerful
Happy 2008!
It was a lovely New Year's Eve! First, I went to Jessica's apartment, where Jeremy was cooking up a storm!! He made a delicious marinated chicken, mashed yams, green beans, and a yummy salad! For dessert he made a chocolate lava cake (individual mini souffles!) for each person! SO. GOOD. Doris and Daphne were also there, making it super fun. I had my uke, and played some tunes with the gals and Jeremy. We formed a "band" with me on uke, Jess on bass, Jeremy on clarinet, and Doris on keyboard (Doris made the keyboard sound like various instruments, including the pipe organ). We jammed to the kindergarten-style "hits" I know how to play, like "Clementine" and "When the Saints Go Marching In." It was utterly fab. Most amusing of all was the size comparison between Jess's instrument and mine. I believe Doris has photos... I'll have to get them from her!
After dessert, Doris had to go (she had to work the next day). The rest of us migrated to a party Jess's friend was having in Hell's Kitchen. It was fun because there was rooftop access and we could see the glow and confetti coming from Times Square! We drank champagne and I played lots of "Auld Lang Syne" on the uke. People love the uke! Mostly because it is such an adorable and novelty-style instrument. Soon when I have developed more "skillz," I may attract attention for that reason, but right now it is definitely the excitement of seeing an unusual instrument!
After the party, we went back to Jess's where Daphne and I spent the night. The following (rainy) day, Daph had to head back to Montreal, so she left early, but I had a leisurely morning. We all got up and showered one by one. I tried to put stuff on Jess's kitties, Frog and Toad, for Stuff on My Cat. (UKULELE ON MY CAT.) Then, Jeremy cooked up a storm ONCE AGAIN, making delicious French toast for breakfast. Jess's friend Da (who hung with us the night before) came over to have brunch with us. It was splendid. There was a fantastic assortment of spreads available for topping the French toasts. I think I might have tried all of the combinations of toppings one could have. Jeremy is an amazing cook. He is a keeper!!
After we had eaten and watched ukulele orchestra videos on YouTube, Jess drove me back to Brooklyn so she could get her winter coat which has been in our closet this whole time!! Then I had ROOMMATE CHRISTMAS with Susan, and got some amazing gifts!! She got me a much coveted trio of ELVIS PEZ DISPENSERS, a cookbook for making things out of boxed cake mix (my favorite kind of recipe! even includes some bundts!), and the gift on EVERYONE'S list, the SQUID OF THE MONTH CLUB from
cleodee's! The Squid of the Month Club is the gift that keeps on giving. (I find myself excited for my Feb. 1 squid's arrival.) There were even tampons in my stocking. Susan knows how to do it up right!! I think Susan liked her presents from me, which had a bit of a plant theme to them: there was a stake to put in a plant that says "Plants are people too." There was a blue hat, some earrings featuring a CRAB, and a SUNSHINE mini squid (it was a
cleodee Christmas!). Also the best present I got Susan was a terrarium that looks like a little tiny greenhouse. It is empty, so she can have a fun time choosing plants to go in it!That evening, I also gave Alexandra one of her presents (warm pajamas!!) because it was cold in the apartment and I thought she might like to put them on. Well -- she did! She dropped trou right there in the living room for immediate trying on, and then danced around in her new jammies! This was a very appreciated Christmas present, let me tell you!!! :) Soon, we will have ROOMMATE CHRISTMAS 2 and swap the remainder of the gifts!
That evening I sushi'ed with Bob and Susan, and later on we all (Bob, Susan, Alexandra, and me) sat in the living room and watched some MacGyver (I got Susan Season 2 for Christmas as well!). What a way to ring in 08 with so many of my favorite people. And squids. And ukuleles.
- Mood:
happy
ENJOY!!!
- Mood:
accomplished
So. Awesome.
- Mood: excited
Last night we exacted warfare on the li'l buggers! Susan researched fruit fly traps, and we created all different kinds! Here are some things we did (for your information if YOU ever get an influx of fruit flies):
1.) Funnel trap: Form a cone with an open hole in the tip out of paper. Put a frozen peach in a glass. Put the cone in the glass. Flies will be attracted to the fruit, and will go in the cone and not be able to get out.
2.) Bourbon trap: Open a bottle of bourbon. Flies will be attracted to it, go in, and not be able to get out.
3.) Wine trap: Put wine in a small bowl or glass. Add a drop of dish soap, which will break the wine's surface tension. When flies go to drink, they will be sucked into the liquid and drown.
4.) Cellophane trap: Put a fruit into a glass and cover it with cellophane. Put a hole in the cellophane so flies can get in, but they can't get out.
5.) Vacuum trap: Vacuum up any flies you see.
Of these traps, the wine trap and the vacuum trap are the most successful. The vacuum trap works well when used in conjunction with other traps, because flies gather on the edges of the bottles, glasses, and bowls, and can be easily vacuumed up.
TIP: Fruit flies sometimes live in sink drains, so putting very hot water down a drain can help get rid of them.
- Mood: busy
Later, I proclaimed, "I'm so happy with my bootie."
:-) Pictures to come, when all things are finished!!
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Other updates include... RELAY FOR LIFE. It happened on Saturday and I think it went very well. Except for getting a late start, it was really great. The weather was absolutely perfect! TEAM ELK consisted of me and Aly, however we were joined by honorary Elk: Marty, Susan, and Bob! Susan left to change clothes, then returned with a Chinese Food Picnic Lunch for everyone! It was a delight! Our team raised over $800. (Pretty good fro two people!)
I am glad this was a success, and I am glad that it is over!! I was starting to really feel like I was spread too thin.
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MetroMix! My "side job" of the moment. Basically, it is a new website where I am freelancing. It is going to be kind of like Citysearch, where there are blurbs about restaurants, etc. It has kept me VERY busy these days! I have made a promise (and stuck to it!) that 50% of my MetroMix earnings is going directly into my savings account. I think this is a good "rule of thumb" for this and any other future freelance-style jobs (including Teach For America if the need me again!).
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MY PAINTING! It is up until this Sunday, July 1! I have a lot of people who are coming to see it... Thursday Bob and Susan are coming, and this weekend Stacey will come, and Brigitta! So excited! I have had an amazing turnout of guests. This weekend Marty saw it, then my parents and Aunt Linda came. Also, recently Doris and Jessica came to see it! It has been AWESOME. Thanks to all who have supported me and my art! It means SO MUCH to me!
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I am excited to go to Georgia in July! Must... finish.... crocheting! I am going to post images AFTER the shower because I don't want to spoil the surprise. I know this LJ blog feeds into my FaceBook, so Max and Kim could accidentally see it!
I will be in Georgia for 4th of July. That means, Uncle Frank gets the family all to be on top of the lighthouse for watch the fireworks from there! (So cool!)
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This weekend has been jam-packed with awesomeness. It started on Friday, when Susan's friend Danny came to visit. Danny got Mets tickets for me and Susan and Marty because he is currently trying to see six different stadiums in six weeks, and wanted to check out Shea. I went to work in a carefully thought out outfit that I felt would translate well from work-to-baseball-game: brown capris, a green shirt, and green/yellow sneaker-like flats. BUT! During work I realized that green and yellow were the colors of the opposing team, the Oakland A's! Chrisy, my die-hard Mets fan friend from work told me I might get boo'ed. I ran home to change before the game! Then Susan, Danny, and I headed to Shea where we met Marty and found our seats. Chrisy and I had coordinated and met up midway through the game. It was a lot of fun!!
After the game, which was very exciting (the Mets won 9-1), we went to see my MetroMix "boss" DJ. It was a good time, and some other friends met up, and others were randomly there! We made a falafel stop, then had one final nightcap before heading home.
Saturday was filled with Museum-ing with Marty, Relay FOr Life set-up, and ultimately the actual Relay. After that, we went to a friend's house party, THEN to play a rousing game of Scrabble at a bar (we did not even get a drink!).
Sunday was when my parents came to the Museum, and we ha a WONDERFUL Chavella's brunch with them. After they left, Susan and I went to Central Park and enjoyed a going away picnic for a friend who is moving. It was a GREAT picnic! Susan and I ate Spongebob ice pops. I love Central Park!
Finally, after the picnic, we went to Mari's. Mari was selling some old furniture pieces. By "old," I mean brand-new-looking! We took some small pieces and had an awkward subway ride home, but it was well worth it!
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Today I am checking out a new restaurant for lunch. I'm even excited about that! A Greek place has opened up yesterday in the neighborhood! YES! Gyros for me!
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- Mood: excited
