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November 29, 2007

SexyBack

I can't get this song out of my head. The worst part? I don't know the words. I just sing/shouted "sexy back" throughout the day. God bless the poor soul who sits outside my office. Poor poor girl.

This is all about to get worse because I just downloaded the song. Chuck is already annoyed, and I'm feeling like I want to dance. Pop and lock. Sing outloud.

What I Should Be Doing Right Now

Knitting.
Making sock monkeys.
Knitting.

November 27, 2007

Print-O-Rama

There's Jen Corace magic in the air--and I have the scoping talents of Meg to thank for it. First, I got this special 8 by 10 print called "Oceans Don't Freeze."
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Then tonight I bought this new little print called "Dress'm Up."
1472 These are early birthday presents to me. And they prove that patience pays off--I've been waiting for a year for a Jen Corace to go on sale.

Recognized

I'm in Old Greenwich, CT at sales conference. This morning, someone from the hotel staff stopped me. "Didn't I see you on TV yesterday?" No joke! Recognized by a stranger--wow, it's time for me to start wearing dark sunglasses and wrapping myself in layers of pashmina.

November 26, 2007

Wow--I guess a lot of people watch The Today Show

This message just came in to the PR inbox:

Please forward this to Rachel K3mpster.

Dear Rachel,

I believe that I recognize you and want to say that you certainly have followed your dreams.

Sincerely,

Mrs. K3mp

Teacher, WMI, Grade 1

How awesome is that!! My first grade teacher recognized me. Cool cool cool.

Me on Today

Rk_today_3 Here's the link to my Today Show appearance--I'm pretty happy with it. I think it may be my best work yet :)

Oh Man, Can't Sleep

I can't--I just can't. I've woken up every half hour since I went to sleep at 10. It's torture! I've been so non-chalent about the Today Show thing this year--up until Saturday. Then I started practicing a lot and mildly freaking out. Apparently, I'm nervous. I didn't have a speck of caffeine past 1pm today, and still I can't get a good night's sleep. Double argh.

November 25, 2007

Thankfulness Abounding

There's so much to be thankful for this weekend. I overscheduled myself a bit, but it didn't kill me. And I feel good and tired and happy.

Thanksgiving was low-key and lovely. I volunteered for three hours that morning, came home, did 3 loads of wash, and then heated up our Fresh Direct Thanksgiving. Lauren was there, and Kambri and Paquita came down for dinner. Food was great--so was the Guitar Hero II. Kambri is damn good. Lauren went from newbie to awesome in under an hour.

On Friday I volunteered again. Cleaned all the cat cages and helped with some of the dogs. Rushed home in time to say bye to Lauren and get ready for a haircut. I splurged for color too--a girl needs to have good hair for her Today Show appearance. Came home, nicely coiffed, and collapsed on the couch. Chuck Netflixed "The Big Lebowski."

On Saturday I met up with Caren and we took the train to A.R. and Amy's house for a party. It was great to see A.R.'s house--it's big and adorable and completely cozy. I got to hold Lylablu for a bit. Caren and I invented a new lullaby about bourbon. And we had the pleasure of eating tons of good food and hanging out with the ever-incredible Phoebe (7) and Amelia (3). They're such cool kids. Phoebe beat me at Guitar Hero, and Amelia danced like a rock star while everyone played the game. It was fun and relaxing and the train ride to Ossining was gorgeous--the trees were so pretty and orange.

And now it's Sunday. I made it. This morning started with some more time at the pet shelter, and then I came home, took a hot shower and tended to my wounds (Jasmine the cat ripped me to shreds--my fault, not hers). Chuck and I did our usual Sunday routine --brunch at Valverde followed by pool. But today there was a twist--I won at pool! Chuck played some great games, but lady luck was on my side. And now here I sit at--?--oh yes, PANERA, doing my writing homework and preparing for sales conference. Tomorrow I go from The Today Show to work to Connecticut for sales conference. It's going to be a busy start to the week. Busy and a little terrifying! I just hope I don't do anything YouTube worthy on TV tomorrow. . .

November 21, 2007

On The Brighter Side

Oh who cares that I'm broke. I'm happy and thankful.

Today I'm thankful for:
-Crafting with Meg in two locations
-Ordering a really nifty xmas present for my mom and dad
-Getting out of work early
-Playing a few good games of brickbreaker on my Blackberry
-Learning how to make collard greens
-Chuck's thorough apartment cleaning
-Apple cider
-Not having to shop for Thanksgiving
-Spending a few hours alone in the apartment
-Guitar Hero play-offs at A.R. and Amy's house this weekend
-An easy commute into the work

And those are the things that came to me right away.

Broke

I am so broke. Brokity broke broke. What are the chances that I'll get an unexpected check in the mail for a few thousand dollars when I get home? Worse yet, I'm taking home a $100 less per paycheck next year so I can pay for my ridiculously expensive dentail procedure--the money will go into my flexible health spending account at work.  It costs so much to live in NY.

Teacher's Pet

Not really, but my teacher did like my homework. No negative remarks! Now the piece I wrote about being Chuck's publicist is up in the "booth"--and all the students in my class can make comments. Historically, I have a pretty hard time taking criticism when it comes to my writing. I've tried for years to develop a thicker skin. Maybe the "booth" will be that final shot in the arm I need.

November 20, 2007

Heart. . . Bursting. . . With. . . Love

iChat is my favorite invention. It's an absolutely brilliant way for me to stay in touch with Donovan and Delaney. Brilliant. When we chat, it's like I'm there.

Tonight I chatted with Donovan. He showed me some secret presents he's made for his mom and dad for Christmas. Without iChat, I wouldn't have seen the look of absolute beaming pride on his face. Without iChat, I wouldn't have seen the presents--and they are pretty awesome. He's a clever kid, and quite the artist.

I told him I made Delaney a blanket--and that I was going to knit him something too. He told me the blanket I made him was falling apart. He'd like a new blanket--actually, he wants his old blanket, the blankie he lost at Disney. He wants me to use light-turquoise colored skinny string to make it.

He is seven. Sometimes when we talk I'm struck by how much he's grown, how smart he is, how fast the time is flying. But then tonight he was so small and sweet. He told me that his owl is hanging in the cafeteria because he was a good boy, and he told me that he wants a t-shirt with Tony Hawk's face on it.

On Friday Delaney and I iChatted. She read me a story about Mr. Porcupine, two bunnies, and a frog. Her little face was pretty and serious and full of concentration. At the close of every page, she looked down, took a breath, looked up, then smiled wide. She was so proud to "read." I loved every minute. I especially loved the way she said "porcupine."

Just one more month and I get to see them. Until then, it's iChat.

Wardrobe Macgyver

Grey skies. A little rainy.

It's a day for pants--but I only have one pair. And I wore them yesterday.

I'm out of leggings, and I don't feel like wearing tights.

Wait. I have a pair of capri leggings. Wait. I have black legwarmers.

Viola! Now my lame-o capri leggings will look like regular leggings. With that base, I can throw anything on top. I'm going with my newish grey jumper thing. Such comfort. Such style.

Done.

Boing Boing Boing

Boing Boing gave Do Not Open a shout out last night. The amazon numbers shut up dramatically--woohoo!

Here's the link. It's a long post about one of the controversies in the book.

If you'd like a copy of the book, let me know :)

November 19, 2007

Good

There's a lot of good floating around. I like it.

November 18, 2007

This Week's Homework

Here's a long post. This week's homework assignment? Write about an historical or literary figure in a humorous way. We were supposed to pick a person/character who normally wasn't considered humorous. Here's what I did.

Miss Havisham Enters the Modern Age

"Estella, I need a hand," cried Miss Havisham as she struggled to sit down in front of the computer.  It was tricky to manage even the most mundane activity in her full-skirted wedding gown--but she made do.

"Yes, Miss Havisham.  I'm . . . wait. What are you doing in front of my computer?"

"Your computer? How quaint, Estella. This is mine as much as its yours, and it's high time I give it a go. Not getting out much these days, and a hobby would help while away the hours."

Estella sighed and immediately gave in. No use arguing with someone as committed and crazy as her mother-bride.

"So what would you like to look up? Stock reports? Ebay? We could fetch a small fortune for some of the wedding silver--"

"Stop right there, Estella. I'm not interested in anything so crass as Ebay. I've been hearing a lot about TheKnot.com. Sounds like a fine website."

"The Knot, Miss Havisham?" said Estella, unable to hide the shock in her voice. "It's a website for brides-to-be, not brides-that-almost-were."

"Don't act so surprised, my girl. Open your eyes. I've got the gown, the cake, the silver, the linens--all the necessary wedding accoutremounts. I'm committed to the cause. Signing up for The Knot hardly seems a surprising next step."

"Okay, okay, I'm game. OK, here's the site. First, you need a log-in name."

"Bride4Life."

"That was fast. You've given this some thought?"

"No, no, silly girl. Not a speck of thought. These things just come to me."

Estella didn't believe her. Since when did Miss Havisham know what a user name was? She'd never even turned on the computer, much less the lamp or the toaster. Something was motivating her into the modern age--something more than idle curiousty. But Estella wasn't in a mood to investigate. Instead, she played along.

"OK, now they want some vital stats. Bride's name, groom's name, wedding date, engagement story--"

"Why all the details?" Miss Havisham nervously played with the moldering lace of her veil.
"What were you expecting?" asked Estella. "They want details for your online profile."

"Well, what if I'm not interested in having an online profile?" casually queried Miss Havisham.

"That's the whole point of the site! You build a page, you look at other brides' pages, you chat on the message boards, and then The Knot sends you a million emails trying to sell you bridal bubbles, bridal sneakers, bridal sweatpants--"

"Wait, back it up a bit. What did you say about looking at other brides' pages?"

Miss Havisham was up to no good. Estella's instincts were right. 

"You can look at other brides' pages for inspiration, advice--it's only available to members who sign up and fill out a full profile."

"Fine," sighed the mother-bride,"just fill out the profile. Make it all up, I don't care what you write."

Estella had to ask. "So you want me to fake a profile? So you can search around the site unnoticed? Why ever would you. . . wait. Did you read Page 6 this morning?"

"Page 6? I never touch that trash."

"So this online expedition has NOTHING to do with a story about a certain fellow who left you at the A-L-T-A-

"Enough! Enough! Yes, yes. It's him, Compeyson, and he's  getting remarried. The paper mentioned something about his bride-to-be having a profile up online. I just thought. . . "

"Curiosity killed the cat, Miss Havisham. Better not to know."

"Right, right. But I do really need to see the guest list. I need to know my betrayers by name."

"And in exchange you'll get 20 emails a day about bridal band-aids. It's not worth it."

"Oh child, but it is. It really truly is. Let me do this."

"Fine, Miss Havisham. Fine. I'll fill out the profile."

"Splendid! And then you'll show me this thing they call "Facebook?"

"Oh, Miss Havisham. This is going to be a long night."

On Being Less Cranky

Saturday was a cranky day. I rose at 8 and watched 90% of "Galaxy Quest" while knitting my grandma's Christmas present. I have such a long way to go, but I have a good feeling that I'll finish it. At 10 I started getting sleepy and cranky, so I went back to sleep until 11:30. I woke, again, and watched Tim Gunn. Waking up and going back to sleep--that's bad idea jeans. Oh I was irritable.

At 1 I motivated myself into the shower. Needed to meet Meg and Lance and PJ at 3 in front of the Museum of Natural History to see the Mythic Creatures exhibit. Turns out we couldn't get in, so instead we saw the planetarium show, the butterflies, and the Water exhibit. Planetarium was fun and terrifying. I learned that the moon was made when the earth collided with a meteor. Didn't know that. I also learned that we are in constant peril and could die a horrible fire and brimstone death. Interesting.

Next we saw the butterflies (they liked Lance's head) and from there we headed to the new Water exhibit. I didn't find it all that exciting. That said, it IS an exhibit about water. It's  My favorite part was a little platform that showed ice changing to water and water changing to vapor. I touched the ice. And yes, I can touch ice at home, but there was something special about the exhibit ice. It was made with special museum water.

Sometime between leaving for the exhibit and arriving home, I turned into a raving psycho. Chuck said "hi" and I snapped at him. I was positively twitching with anxiety and madness. So instead of staying home and making Chuck nuts, I went to see "Dan in Real Life." Good movie. Made me want to have a big extended family and a country home on Rhode Island. Chuck made chili while I watched the movie. I ate. We watched "The Soup" and "Best Week Ever," and then I went to bed inexplicably crabby.

Today is Sunday and it's not a day for crankiness. Not at all. Woke up early and watched "Project Runway." Went to the animal shelter and worked hard. Cleaned kitty cages. Played with kitties. Scrubbed three nasty dog kennels on my hands and knees. Dirty dirty work. But good work. I enjoyed it. I didn't gag, even when I crawled all the way into the kennel. Ew. Ew. Ew. While I was there, the kitty I like a lot last week--Sammy--got adopted! I know that's good for Sammy, but I was a little sad.  It didn't take long for me to find a whole new slew of candidates for adoption. A little orange kitty with a big mouth took a liking to me. She cried and cried until I picked here up. Then she purred and purred when I held her. She had a kind of crazy look in her eye, and I liked it.

I left the shelter FILTHY. Seriously. Covered in cat hair and gunk from neck to knees. People stared at me on the subway, but I just smiled. Came home and took a hot hot shower. Went to brunch with Chuck and Valverde was packed. Told Chuck that the only thing I want for Christmas is a new kitty. Johann and chef gave us brunch on the house. Oooh. Free brunch.

And then we went to play pool. We've been playing steadily for a few months, and I'm improving every week. I cleared the board twice today--but still lost. And now I'm in Panera getting ready to do my writing homework and catch up on some work. It's busy and cheerful in here, just like me.

November 17, 2007

Yeah Yeah Yeah

Jen Corace has a show opening at Giant Robot. Oh I can't wait to go. Her work? Gorgeous.

Tim Gunn, I Love You

Dear Tim Gunn,

You are the epitome of quality, taste and style. And I know if you came to my house and looked in my closet, you'd trash 99% of my wardrobe. The monkey socks. The leg warmers. The stumpy cowboy boots. The ill-fitting blazers.

I would take the criticism with grace. I would accept your gifts of stylish leather bags and platinum earrings and I would bravely face my new fashion future.

Until then, I'll stay goofy and fashion-backward. But I'll be thinking of you the whole time.

XO Rachel

November 16, 2007

Fluish

Every year we get free flu shots at work. I get one to protect my dad and the kids more than me--better safe than sorry when it comes to the health and well-being of dad and the munchkins.

The shot hurts. I hate shots. And today my arm is tender. Last night I got so sick to my stomach, I thought I wouldn't make it home. I did. Stopped at Panera for a bagel to ease my queasiness. I'm starting to understand why some people are anxious about getting a flu shot. It's effects are a little nerve-wracking.

New "Today Show" Date

Look for me on November 26th around 9am. My plan was to wear a red jacket. I've changed my mind--I'm wearing my new plaid raincoat. You have no idea how much thought I put into that decision. Too much thought. Anyway, here's the raincoat. Mostly it will be covered by the two ginormous books that I'll be holding in front of it.
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November 15, 2007

Mooo

My sample set of free Moo Cards arrived today. I used some pictures from my New Orleans trip. Damn--they came out great! The packaging rocks, the cards rock--I think I'll use Moo for my holiday cards.

November 14, 2007

Homework

Homework makes me angsty.

I've completed two assignments for my online writing class. I'm in the habit of writing at Panera with a big cup of refillable coffee on Saturday or Sunday. This weekend I had to use exaggeration in a humorous way. 500 word minimum, 750 word maximum.

It takes the instructor three days or so to make comments and corrections. I spend those days with a knot in my stomach. Yesterday I checked my online notebook every hour. No comments yet. This morning I checked and voila! Comments. He liked it, liked the details. He suggested I add more tension to the piece, and he's right. Tension is something I need to work on.

This week I need to write two pieces. One, a humorous take on a historical figure. Two, my "booth piece," a bit of writing(anything in the humor vein) that my classmates will comment on. I've had an idea for an article kicking around my brain, and I think I'll finally write it for the booth. I started last night and I think tonight I'll hunker down at Panera and finish a draft.

It's nice to have a non-work project to think about. It's good for my brain.

November 13, 2007

Enter Sandman

Another bad night's sleep. What's the deal? I still have a lingering cold, so I'll blame that because I'm a GOOD sleeper.

Argh. And it's so hot in our apartment that the kitty won't sleep on me while I'm busy being sleepless. Argh X2.

November 12, 2007

Awake at 3

I absolutely cannot get back to sleep.

At first I blamed a dry and scratchy throat. Got up and drank water. Took a slug of Target Tussin DM for my cough. Tried sleeping.

When that didn't work, I went online. Read tomorrow's PW and found a starred review for one of Meg's books. Felt happy. Emailed Meg. Tried sleeping.

Still, no dice. Went back online. Decided to order up some books from the library. Checked out my friends' book lists on GoodReads.com. Checked the latest NY Times bestseller lists. Not much of interest there that I haven't already read. Checked the reading resource list for my online humor writing class. Discovered that I've read everything on the Novels and Novellas, 17th-19th Century list with the exception of Three Men in a Boat and Pudd'nhead Wilson. Chose a book or two from the other categories. Maybe I'll finally read A Confederacy of Dunces.

I got a lot done this weekend, but I still relaxed. Is that why I can't sleep? Is my mind still on hyperdrive? I crossed off almost every item from my domestic to-do list. Cleaned out the fridge and freezer. Scrubbed the apartment to a shine. Bought a frame for my New Orleans kitty picture and a curtain rod for my closet (so the bird curtains can artfully hide my wonky closet door). Washed a load of clothes and bags still musty from New Orleans. Finished Delaney's blanket. Finished my second homework assignment. Started knitting my grandma's Christmas present. Watched "North by Northwest." Played pool with Chuck and showed signs of real improvement. Ordered some Christmas gifts from Pottery Barn with a gift card. Bought a new red jackety blazer thing to wear on "The Today Show." Convinced Donovan that he didn't really want roller skates for Christmas.

I have no reason to be awake. I should be blissfully asleep. I will try again.

November 11, 2007

Green Sweatpants

I've never been a fan of sweatpants, but this weekend I found a pair on sale that were the perfect shade of green. I bought them thinking I could wear them to the gym.

I love these sweatpants. They're the color of grass and cottony soft and they make me happy.

Kitties

It's been a pitifully long time since I volunteered with New York Cares. Meg inspired me to sign up and help kitties--she convinced me that I could handle it and wouldn't come home with a pocket full of stray cats.

She was right. For now.

My task was to help clean cages at a no-kill pet shelter in Rego Park. I was there in 25 minutes flat--not a bad commute for Queens on the weekend. At first I didn't know if I could do it. It's a little space, and my heart raced when the dogs barked and the cats meowed from their cages. It all made me lightheaded and sad.

But I was there to work. The project leader helped me get the hang of things, and by our second cage I was almost helpful.

It is definitely a two-man job. First you put the kitty in an empty cage. Then you take out the litter pans, food, and water. While the other volunteer cleaned out the cage (replacing the newspaper, spraying and wiping down the metal floor), I cleaned out the water bowl and the litter tray and freshened it all up. Under the cage floors are metal catch-basins. We'd lift those out, take out the paper, shake any debris into the trash, wipe it down, and replace the paper. Then the kitty could come back home. Finally, we checked the dry food and made sure it was fresh and plentiful.

We cleaned around 4 or 5 cages. Other volunteers took care of more cat cages. A new volunteer was on dog-cage cleaning duty. I could not have handled that--had to stop myself from retching at the site of it.  Another volunteer walked most of the dogs.

I fell in love with a cat name Sammy. He/she is 6 months old. Sammy flirted with me the whole time--meowing in my direction, purring, and sticking her/his sweet little paws through the cage. Sammy snuggled into my shoulder and purred and purred.

Another special cat was taking care of 3 different litters of kittens--and only of few of the kitties were hers. She fed them all and took care of them. I rubbed her ears a bit while they nursed from her, and scratched under her chin. She liked that a lot.

I came home dirty and happy. I gave Samantha a big hug and a treat--and in return, she didn't scratch me.

UPDATE! I'm signed up for the next two weekends.

November 09, 2007

Happy Friday

It was. And it is.

As I walked to work I got an email from one of the PR team. Our videos made it onto G@lleycat blog. That's a mighty fine start to the day.

At 11 am I got a case of the goofies despite (or because of?) the fact that our outgoing email server went kaput. Again. I blamed the goofiness on my cold. I was feeling pink-cheeked and feverish.

For lunch I calmed down enough to meet my mentor. It was our first meeting and he was fantastic. Just plain brilliant. Our conversation excited me and inspired me and I was so caught up in it all that I hardly remember what I ate. The time flew. My synapses fired wildly.

I came back from lunch elated and extra goofy. EXTRA goofy.

I plowed through my inbox. Prepped for sales conference. Answered more emails. Photocopied some recipes from an overdue library book.

Boom! It was 5. By 5:30 I shut down the computer and headed off the the library. Returned my overdue books and cleared my conscience. Picked up two new good books. Bought fancy food for kitty.

By 7 I was sitting in Valverde sipping wine and waiting for Chuck. Ate an amazing pork chop. Relaxed and felt the weekend settle over me.

Now it's 8:50 and I'm wearing my new Ravelry t-shirt (for beta users only!) and watching Law and Order. Soon I'll finish Delaney's Christmas present. And when I wake up it's Saturday.

November 08, 2007

My Department is Clever

Check out the videos they made to promote our big fall kids book.  My friend Chris did the directing, shooting and editing. I dropped out of the process early on because there are 9 million details involved in making these kinds of things. Maddening--but the end result is fantastic,and I'm glad that everyone else stuck with it.

List

Haven't been blogging much, have I? I spent the weekend fighting a cold. I lost the fight yesterday and stayed home from work. Slept a lot. Too much.

Anyway, here's what I've been up to.

1. Finished my first homework assignment for my humor-writing class. I had to write 500 words about something I find absurd. The teacher seemed to like it. I wanted him to love it. I'm such a perfectionist. This week I need to tell a story using comic exaggeration. Another 500 words.

2. Work is work. Sales conference is creeping up. We're busy little bees.

3. I'm almost finished with Delaney's knit Christmas present. ALMOST. I could have finished last night, but I fell asleep instead. Next project? A blanket for my grandma. I need to get cranking.

4. I'm finding it hard to concentrate again. Maybe it's the cold. I want to read books, not watch a zillion Law and Order reruns.

5. Donovan reads like a champ. When we last talked, he read through most of the recipes in the Shrek cookbook that I sent him. It was adorable. I promised him that we'd cook a few of the recipes when I come for Christmas.

6. Speaking of which--I bought my tickets to Tampa. I leave on December 21st, and I come back on January 2nd. We are going to have out-of-control fun.


November 05, 2007

I Heart Softies

Luvhug_teaser The Lovable Huggable show looks SO FREAKING GOOD! I'm all over it. It will be hard to stay on my money diet when I'm surrounded by cute stuffed creatures. It will be easy to stay on my food diet since all the cupcakes will be made of felt and stuffing.

Oh.

Today's my first day back to work after a week off. That hurts.

It's also the first day of my fake, self-imposed new year. I'm on a food diet and money diet. Just ate a tasty, fibertastic bowl of oatmeal for breakfast--frugal and healthy.

Now I guess I need to go. . .

November 04, 2007

Party On S.I.

Suprise! I made my first real trip to Staten Island last night (courtesy of Kim and her splendid driving skills) for Jaimie's 30th birthday. Her husband and parents put together a truly fantastic surprise party with a DJ, great food, and lots of Jaimie love. Jaimie's family knows how to party--we were greeted with jello shots and an open bar. I drank more than I did in New Orleans.

As you can tell from the pictures, a great time was had by all. And for some reason, Frankie had a more shocked expression than Jaimie when they arrived. . . How did she know!!!

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November 02, 2007

Prezzies

I came home with some pretty presents.
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The kitty print was from an artist I found in Jackson Square. He was super nice--and I just love the print. He's on Etsy, so you can buy one too!

The buttons and yarn are from The Quarter Stitch. Brilliant store, gorgeous yarn. That picture of the buttons is terrible--but they're glittery and gorgeous in real life. They wrapped everything up like a beautiful present and sprinkled little pink tissue-paper hearts in the bag. Yarn love.

My new tote bag--because I DEFINITELY needed another tote bag--came from the Jamie Hayes gallery. I bought a whole bag full of presents there. The artist and his wife were so lovely. I will definitely be back next time I'm in NOLA.

And the necklace. The necklace was a special special treat from my mom. She really didn't have to spoil me so much but she did. It's gorgeous. It sparkles. I ADORE IT. It's from a store called Ooh La La.  That makes it better. 

Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?

Momadnme_2 Petunias_2 Momandrobot Dinner

...................If it's not clear enough from the pictures, I had a lovely time in New Orleans. Bright blue skies and breezy winds. Perfect company. Lots to celebrate. Stunningly good food.

My mom had a great time--and she deserved it more than anyone. She bought herself some beautiful presents, tried new food, and traveled by foot, mule, and riverboat. Vince and Lisa celebrated their 10th anniversary in a brilliant balcony suite overlooking Bourbon St. and there was no better place to be in the French Quarter. We relaxed. We threw beads. We dressed up in glittery masks and boas for Halloween.

I love New Orleans. I love the waitress who called me and my mom "babies," and the bartender who made me a perfect Pimm's Cup, the shop owner with the french accent who helped my mom and I pick out some jewelry, the artist and his wife who opened up a brand new shipment of fabric dolls so that I'd have a better selection, the cab driver who took us to the airport, and the counter girls at the Cafe du Monde take-out window.

New Orleans energized me. I feel strong and hopeful and happy and a little invincible.

Now that I'm back, I've decided to start the New Year early. After a week of sweet decadence (beignets everyday! dessert after breakfast!) and spending (new yarn! presents!), a little temperance is in order. I'm craving restraint. But first, I'll nap and knit enjoy my last real day of true vacation at home.

November 01, 2007

Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop, 2007

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Img_0103_2 Self portraits taken in the courtyard at  Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop. Lisa, Vince, Mike, Gus, and me.

Back from the Big Easy

MomandmeI'm back in NYC.

The trip? Brilliant. Just brilliant.

Check out the pictures over on my Flickr account. (link)

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