Barbara-Q!

Every year I invite my friends up to the suburbs to partake in a little mom and dad coddling-dog loving-backyard grass-ing-hammock swinging-frisbe throwing-bbq good time! Its really amazing to be able to open my house up to my friends to provide a quick escape from the city. Plus FREE FOOD!
This year the eats were all vegetarian (my first all veggie bbq-ever!) and mostly vegan. I made delish portobello caps marinated in terayaki sauce. MMmmmm! Also available were asparagus, cold sesame noodles, gazpacho, chips, vegan hot dogs and burgers, and sword fighting corn on the cob. To drink-lemonade, beer, beer, beer and mint julep! The day ended with vanilla ice cream, and soy pomegranate chip ice cream. Soooo good!

Bob and Josh brought a guitar and drum box that one sits on and hit between one's legs whose name I've forgotten, and I brought my uke so we could pump up the jams. Lisa's dad and James delighted us with an awesome collaboration. Guitar and Uke unite!

A freak rain shower forced us all in quickly, but the party still continued! We all sat around my mother as she told us kiddies the orgins of Fritz, our mounted reindeer head. And the night ended with Brendan and I playing two hands piano, of which I feel its pretty clear that I haven't played in 10 years. I even screwed up Heart and Soul.
It was a great gathering of my birthright peeps and my home town friends and moms and dads. Super good times!

Big Apple Circus: Part Two

I'm not even sure how to talk about this Romeo and Juliet-splits-on-two-horses act.
Well, lets just leave it at then, shall we?

So while most of the acts were kinda lame, this one was BALLER! Using just their body weight alone, these two performers spun around and around the axis at dizzying speeds, and at the apex of the spin they would JUMP (!) to increase the momentum. And potentially fall out of the circle. It was nutty and even though in reality it was the same thing over and over (and over and over...) I was completely memorized.
At the end of the act the performers ran around the outside of the circle- really really fast- while the thing was spinning around. UGH SO COOL!

The Big Apple Circus- Part One

EYY!!!

For the last three years I have brought my family to the Big Apple Circus at Lincoln Center. It started as a tradition many years ago and once I got a job brining in the dollars, I continue it. Now we're all adults, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy the phenomenal acts.

Admittedly this year was a bit lack luster, but still enjoyable. I mean how could it not be, its acircus! In addition to Grandma, they brought back everyone's second favorite clown, Bello! He really added some special pzazzaz to the show.

Like I said, the acts were a little...eh- Here's some flipping around though.

I'm a winner!

Phillip and I spent a chunk of time working on a project two months ago. Basically for a whole week we spent every night behind a computer editing a video which had consumed hours writing, recording sound, figuring out logoistics, and filming. Being our second project (our first wasn't really a project, just a good bye song for our darling Agathe) we weren't sure how it was going to work out- just that we were amped, and really were excited about working on a real project together. Our project was a Bicycle Safety PSA for the Biking Rules PSA Film Festival.
We made a 70's themed piece, with some off kilter humour. The best part was that we involved all our friends who were willing to help, and my dad gets a special thanks for providing the voice over. Several weeks ago we received an email saying that we made it into the final round and our piece was going to be screened at BAM! That was some of the most baller news ever. And the other piece of news was that the winners would be annouced at the event- the grand prize for our catergory- ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS!
(yes I took a picture of myself on the big screen at BAM. Don't be jealous.)
Our piece was screened third to last, and after spending close to an hour watching all the other amazing pieces we weren't sure how ours fared but- WE WON! We were winners! $1,000 winners!
Many thanks to our friends and my family who came out, bought tickets to the event, and supported us. For our first endevour, we feel acomplished, affirmed, loved, and a little richer.
Also my dad wore a bow tie. I think that's why we won- fer realz.
After the screening they had a beer reception, with Brooklyn Brewery, my fav. We all drank and rejoiced. Phillip and I tried to network, kinda. I really wanted to talk to No Impact Man, who was on the judging panel, and a personal hero of mine, but I couldn't really remember what he looked like. Probably to his benefit because all I would have done was gushed gushed gushed.
I also wanted to find Tod Seelie, whose blog I read on the regular. He submitted some fantastic photos of tall bikes from when he was traveling in Bali, Jarkata, Toyko, and basically everywhere I want to go. I've seen tall bikes before (and tragically tried once to ride one), but my mom has definitely never been exposed to them and was really excited about them. I don't think he was there.
During dinner my mom said, "You know, this makes me want to ride a bike." All in all, fantastic night!

My dog is totes adorable

This is old man Merlin, and yes hes adooorrrraaabbllleeeeeee. My brother and his girlfriend are taking care of him just because they want to. Merlin seems to be enjoying it, I don't know if he's ever visited the reservoir before. This is totally a geeewwwyy post of my dog. I understand its gratuitous. But its really cute.

Fashion Weekend cont...

So the DVF show was fabulous. I know- because I went to it- and so did Simon Doonan, Andre Leon Tally, Joe Zee, and Fern Mallis. I brought along my pal, Jackie, as a birthday gift. DVF's clothes are always TDF (to die for) so this show was no different. The hair, the draping, the mixing of patterns and layering! Very current, fabulous, and chic. Just like the iconic woman herself.
Its always fun to be in the tents. I ran into the fantastic Terrence, and while we were talking T-money kept getting his photo taken. Because he was wearing a womans vintage sweater with a big bow on the back, backwards, so the big bow was on the front. And it was totally sequeined. And he was falling out, except T has no boobs as he's a dude, so it wasn't that big of a deal. But obvi pictures worthy.
Outside people watching is just as much fun. I saw BryanBoy grabbing a seat, taking a breather, looking at the tents.
Afterwards I just met up with Phillip and we traveled to the 'burbs to have dinner with the folks and have my dad record a voice over for a project we're doing. It was a nice way to take a pause during such an otherwise hectic week. I love my dad.

Best-ele

This is how I feel when my best friends come together. Like running around a field like a crazy person in the best way.
Lisa is soooo beautiful, and joyful, and I love hanging out with her. Even when she wears a grandma sweater. Back in the day we used to call her Big Pun because she liked puns and bad jokes so much. From then to now, not much has changed. She still comes over whenever my parents have a bbq, because she made up an imaginary house next door to mine that she lives in. Its really very well decorated.

We're high on the bar!

oh life!

On Thursday night I met up with Babs and Katie at Terminal 5, not my favorite venue, but whatevs. We went to go see the Dead Weather, and they knocked it out of the park. But of course a Jack White-Allison Mosshart combo is going to be baller, obvi. My only complaint is that the music is so raw and gritty, and sexy and no one is rocking out. Its a venue, a sold out venue, filled to the brim with kids who are in love with this band, with this music, and no one is dancing. Not that I ever want to impose my way of enjoying the jams, but I really think some sexy, sweaty, rought and tough dancing would have just matched the jams accordingly.
Then we went to T-flatz afterwards, and ate a beer or two since thier kitchen was closed.

---FUN FACT---

Drinking a shot of cranberry juice right after a shot of tequilla makes you feel like you never did the shot in the first place. Thanks, Shawn!

Then Friday I got out of work early to meet Babs and Lisa for a taping of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Its always interesting to check out how a show is taped, and for living in NYC I don't nearly take advantage of all that goofy stuff. Surpirze, the band playing was the Dead Weather. So we rocked it out, and we're off to the left watching the band. It was neat-o. Also the bass player of the roots is totes hot and a half.

Friday night I went on the WORST date of my entire life. Ladies and gents, never get so trashed that your date has to shove you into a cab. Also don't write an email the next day saying you don't remember what happened. It's soooo not classy.

Katie, Babs and I saw a matinee- 500 days of summer- and let me tell you, seeing a movie before noon in NYC equals 1996 prices! We saw the flick for 6 or 7 bucks! Baller! Also the movie was adorable and fun. Katie then invited us over to her BRAND NEW APT! Its really sweet, well decorated and totally Kaite. The light filtered through the curtians, the color scheme, the full collection of Twilight... Go Katie! Congrats!

We left Katie, with my new awesome roommate, Laura, and headed over to LIC to check out PS1's warm up. The art, for the first time ever, was kinda meh. No Olafur Eliasson this time... But the installation was cool- it looked like a woolly mammoth.

Then I watched a ton of Babs' IBers get skrunk and go to a strip club. We decided not to pay 20 bucks to see totties and went back to her apt. On the way rescued someone's iPhone. We're good samaritans.

Sunday my pops came over and helped me fix the apt. I have two shelves, and Laura has a light in her bedroom, and he also fixed my earrings! And I bought him ice cream!
It's crazy now that I'm older my dad will curse in front of me, and it still wierds me out a bit. On one had I love it because it shows he's a human and is treating me like a peer instead of his little girl, but it will never stop being bizzare to hear him call his potential new boss a bitch. Sometimes I act like I can't fix things in my apt because there is comfort in having my dad help me. I don't think I do it intentionally, but I have noticed that I do have him come over for things I could probably figure out on my own- as I'm a smart lady. Hey- what can I say- I love my dad.

I ended my Sunday biking out to Bushwick to hang with 10 men and watched "Another Gay Movie." And ate delcious potatoes and veggies at taco night. And then I played pool and rode my bike home.

No one can accuse me of not taking full advantage of this city and living life for every second. Fuck all that noise- I'm a 20-somthing in NYC! I love it!

Funny, Punny, and my Family

And as we reach the end of my photo essay of Nova Scotia, I bring you the funny, the punny, and my parents in Nova Scotia. If you're 50 or older you will love this.
There it is, you can ride it. Tug boats are a big thing in Halifax.
My father, on the quest for the question.
"Hey dad! Do you want to be the plum or the peach!?"
HAH!

Disco dancing on a large rock, all by his lonesome.

C'est l'historie de ma vie.

Mountys!

Oh yes! The mounted police force of Canada! Not on horses!
Forever protecting buildings and taking photos with my parents and me.

Really they were nothing but nice. Not to generalize, but some New York (and Chicago) police officers could take a nice page out of their book.

Hell, I'll fax

Tomorrow at ass-crack dawn I hop on a plane to Halifax, Nova Scotia for a vacation with my mom and pops. I am so excited to skedaddle, the timing couldn't be more perfect.
I've been on a roller coaster (moutagne rousse!) and the ride has finally ended. I'm stronger for it, but I'm still waiting for my stomach to settle. Dudes, leaving roommates, and I'm getting restless at the jorb (which I totes love!) Plus June has totally fucked us all over with just continuious rain. I'm actually angry at June. I just need a break.
So I'm off to hike, eat, sleep, read, play silly games, and catch up with my most wonderful parents. Maybe we will even go whale watching.

However I will miss these fantastique people (and my catties, duh) whilst I am away. Don't do anything too fun without me!

Passover

Did you know its obligatory to drink four glasses of wine on passover? I didn't.
Even though I'm half a jew, kinda, and I've been to many a cedar, I've never really attended an offical one with a cedar plate and prayers, etc. My grandma kinda just told me the story and we ate together (and watched Rugrats passover)
Since all my jewish family members were sick, Babs and I had our very own cedar, and my first.

This is me- opening the door for Elijah. He never came! That's jerk is always invited but never shows up, wtf? We drank his glass of wine also.

Babs- eating a bitter herb dipped in salt water.

"...drink a sip or the whole glass..."
We opted for the later.

Our cedar, complete with an Orange for gender neutralness and olives for peace.

Barbara with our Haggadah. It was very feminist with a poem by Judy Chicago and gender neutral prayers.

BALLER!

Piggy

My Family collects pigs, not live ones but pig-things. And then I saw this building on 1st ave, around 13th st. Loves it.

GUNG HAY FAT CHOI!

No, I'm not calling you fat, I'm wishing you a happy Chinese New Years! It my year, the year of the OX! I'm going to pwn all of you with my might.
In other news, I actaully have Chinese relatives, they are great. For the last 11 or so years we've been celebrating the Chinese New Years by going to REALLY effing big banquet halls, always chosen by my Chinese Grandma, and eat lots of Chinese food, that is usually not vegetarian, so I usually just sit there and gawk. This year was extra special because it was a seafood place. So, no Veggie Lo Mein at this joint. There was, however, mined pork on the vegetarian part of the menu, because pig is a vegetable. Obviously.

BUT NORA! In the middle of the plate is an enormous pile of sauteed onion, you love onion!
Actually, its sea cucumber... whatever that is. Surrounded by all sorts of other fish, meat, and meat with pieces of things, around the pile.
Highlights included
-my Chinese grandma viciously shouting at waiters, she's an intense lady, don't fux with her
-eating a beer, or two or three, for sustenance
-watching the STRANGEST tv program on the mulitple TV's in the hall