IN THE THICK OF IT.

This weekend was filled with lots of good things and lots of good sleeps, but this week promises to be filled with very long days and not so much sleepage. I think I'm ready and I'm going to try and keep my head up even though it feels a little heavy and full right now...

I got my "spiritual kick in the ass" today as I attended a sort of church-for-artists service that is run by an amazing fellow who cracked me up and also made me teary. It felt good to be in the presence of others who are on a road similar to mine or who have already been down it and are there to show that it isn't as scary as it (sometimes) seems.

I think I find this time of year particularly challenging because I'm always somewhat exhausted by the winter and anxious about all of the things that are brewing underground, waiting to come out. Deep down I always feel like I am ready to bust out of the gates, but I also feel a bit nervous about starting things after being literally and figuratively cooped up for so long. It is almost like I've had a few cocktails and am trying to run the mile. Kind of exciting and hilarious, but also kind of impossible.

It's a trip to Wonky Town.

I am trying to remember the tulips from last year. I know they are going to be coming up soon.

THROUGH THE LENZ: MY THOUGHTS ON WINTER AKA I THOUGHT I DUMPED YOU.

HIPSTER PUPS.

This blog is rather hilarious.

I was partial to this post, obviously.

bernie moved to san francisco because it was more “laid back” and “anti-consumerist” than new york, but still manages to drink two cups of starbucks a day

SISTERBRO OH NO OH NO SKATE.

I'm sorry, but I just feel weird about this:

They're related.

Like, can you imagine someone saying to you, "Now I want you to crouch down and your bro is going to straddle you while dressed like a lumber jack and you're going to grab his waist and pull it towards you and then you're both going to lean back while sliding around and be all like relaxed sexy cowboys and girls with your hair blowing in the icey wind and say ahhhhhh and you're going to do it on camera in front of the world" and thinking it was a good idea?

No. I cannot. I can imagine a lot of whackadoo things but I cannot imagine that.

MIZ MILLAH AND MEMPHIS GENEROSITY.

I have started volunteering as a teaching artist with The 52nd Street Project and last week, thanks to the extreme generosity of my dear friend Miz Millah and all of the folks over at the Broadway musical Memphis, we got free tickets and were able to take the entire teen ensemble to see the show.

Please check out Miz Millah's post on the official Broadway website for Memphis! Her blog is killer and such a cool way to check out all of the inner workings of a Broadway show.

"At the Broadway Bowling League last Thursday night, my friendster Miz Molly said, “oh look, it’s Mr. Brown Water.” Naturally she was referring to bowling captain and Memphiscast member Kevin Covert, who is a staunch supporter of the brown water.

Molly was at bowling with me as Memphis had just hosted 15 kids from the 52nd Street Project of which Molly is a teaching artist.

From their website www.52streetproject.org:

“The 52nd Street Project is dedicated to the creation and production of new plays for, and often by, kids between the ages of nine and eighteen that reside in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood in New York City. The Project does this through a series of unique mentoring programs that match kids with professional theater artists.”

“The Project is about making children proud of themselves. The Project is not about teaching children to act, although they will learn to. It is not about teaching them to write plays, although they will learn that as well. What it is about is giving a kid an experience of success. It is about giving a kid an opportunity to prove that he or she has something of value to offer, something that comes from within that he or she alone possesses, something that cannot be taken away. ”

The kids got to meet Bryan, Dionne, James, Derrick and Daniel after the show; it was so much fun to have them at the show and hear their enthusiastic responses. We look forward to having more kids from all over the city as our Inspire Change program starts this week!

So then it was off to Bowling!"

Read the rest of the post and hear about our hilarious time out bowling with the cast here.

And, GO SEE MEMPHIS! It will knock your socks off!

I WISH I HAD A PAIR RIGHT NOW (NO, NOT BALLS).

POT OF PIE WITH STUFF INSIDE.

This week is truly off to a stellar start.

I am a single woman (now that I have broken up with Wintah), I feel free and easy, I thought I had lost my driver's license but found it where I had left it (in my running clothes from Sunday because you should always run with your ID in case you get hit by a something and they need to, well, ID you) and I also cranked out this hecka delish veggie pot pie!

HECKA DELISH.

DELICIOUS DISH.

I AM SO,

SO, INTO THIS.

WHEN I PUT IT IN MY MOUTH

IT IS LIKE SHEER BLISS.

IT TASTES WAY MO BETTAH

THAN DRINKING SWISS MISS.

I'M SORRY I CAN'T DO THIS IN PERSON, BUT YOU KNOW HOW I LIKE TO WRITE ABOUT MY FEELINGS.

Look, we need to talk. I know you've been trying really hard and things have been pretty good between us for awhile, but lately you've been a little too "full force." I mean, we had a pretty good run while it lasted, back when things were a bit more moderate. You made my world full of wonderment, at moments it glittered, I felt like a child again and that was so lovely. Really, it was. Thank you for that.

But, lately I have been having a lot of mixed feelings about our relationship and where things are headed. I've stuck with you through some really difficult times, through the highs and lows, and we've been together for almost 4 months now. The reality is, I just can't take it anymore. I really can't. I can't deal with the schlepping and how cold you've been towards me all the time; you just dump everything on me and now, because of you, I find it hard to get out of bed each morning and face the day. You've changed who I am. It's rough.

Also, I cannot lie. I've always been an honest woman and I need to come clean: this weekend I took a taste of the other side, of life without you. I dipped my toes in the waters of another stream and it felt really farking good. I was full of energy, I felt lighter, the weight was lifted off of my shoulders, I could see clearly all around me, I didn't feel lost, unsteady, or disoriented, my feet were firmly beneath me with each and every step and, in just two days, I felt alive again. ALIVE!!

So, it is with a somewhat heavy heart, but with a sense of certainty and resolve, that I let you go. I know I will see you again and that our relationship will continue for the rest of my life, but I am calling it quits.

Winter: I'm breaking up with you.

SONG OF THE DAY.

It is sunny outside, I've had a little staycation this weekend, am pretending that spring is here, I cleaned the buhjeebussss out of my apartment yesterday and I am off to brunch.

So listen to this and go prance around.

THE BUCK DON'T STOP THERE.

I really got on an Uncle Buck roll after that posting, so here are some more highlights.

HA!

Message to YouTube: There are not enough clips of Uncle Buck. Giant pancake scene?? Microwaving the clothes?? Bug?? Fix it.

I need to go watch this IMMEDIATELY.

SANCHEZ: WE'RE GONNA MAKE IT.

But, at least you are getting out of Manhattan. I'm stuck.

FOR MANY REASONS.

This is the song of the day.

I LOVE BUCK.

I have been having crazy dreams this entire week. So, in honor of my insane sleeping brain, let us revisit a scene from one of the greatest movies ever made: UNCLE BUCK.

WISHERS.

I need a lot of these right now.

Unfortunately, they are very hard to find in New York City.

THIS WAS ON GAWKER AND IT GAVE ME THE FUNNIES.

JFK's Cheating Love Letters: The Modern Translation

John F. Kennedy married Jacqueline in 1953, but he was also creeping with many international beauties—including Sweden's Gunilla von Post, who's now auctioning offher love letters from the horndog president-to-be. He's lucky there was no internet back then.

JFK: "It now appears as though I shall be coming to Europe at the end of August. Will you be busy – or might it be possible to meet. What are you doing now. Will you stay there for the summer – or will you return to Cagnes. I thought I might get a boat and sail around the Mediterranean for two weeks – with you as crew. What do you think?"

Modern translation: "Gurl U no we met on the internet but gurl U no I want U in real life. I'm coming to where U live soon, do U want to meet up? Let's get a hotel and get nasty. Email me."

JFK: "I was very glad to hear from you again. I still believe I shall come to Europe in the fall – and would like to be sure that you could leave Sweden and come to Paris – or perhaps go to the Cote d'Azur (sic) – Qu'est-ce que vous pense (sic)? Let me know – as I do not want to drift through Europe waiting for a message from the North that never comes. Best, Jack."

Modern translation: "I'm glad UR into it 2 gurl. It's like R. Kelly said, I wanna get nasty with U. But yo if I come U better not stand me up. For real."

JFK: "I am still in the hospital after two months. I was terribly disappointed that at the last moment I was not able to come to Europe – especially when you were going to be in Paris – and we could have had such a good time. I expect to be here another month – then go back to Washington in January – we will finish there in July – and then without fail – I shall come over – if you are not all settled down by then. Is there any chance you will be coming to the U.S.? Best, Jack."

Modern translation: "Gurl I am so mad I cud not come but I was broke. I still want 2 sex U up and down. Why don't U come see me? Would save me some cash. Otherwise I still come C.U. Ok."

JFK: ""I must say you are a good correspondent. Under that beautiful, controlled face that still haunts me – beats a warm heart. There is a nurse on this floor that comes from Sweden. But she is dark-black haired. I say to her how could you leave the Venice of the North. But she replies – New York is so much nicer. How can she think that. She must be French. Why do you not suggest to the Swedish Automobile Association that they send you to the U.S. to explain the beauties of driving through Sweden to American tourists – or why couldn't your cousin have been minister to Washington instead of Warsaw. I leave here Tuesday – and then go to Palm Beach for two months to stay with my family to recover and then go back to Washington. We stay in session in Washington until the end of July and then I return to the mountains of Cagnes. Your Jack. I shall be c/o J.P. Kennedy Palm Beach Florida until March – afterward back in Washington."

Modern translation: "Gurl I want U so bad. U even finer than beyonce. I'm going outta town, here's my email so write me. My wife will never find out."

JFK: "Many thanks for your letter. I was delighted to hear from you. Send me your picture standing in front of 45 Skyransgatan (sic). I expect to be finished here around the first of August – I thought I would come to Europe around the 12th. If you are in Sweden – I shall come there. There must be a beach in Sweden. If you go to Italy I shall come there. I should like to get a boat and sail around. Qu'est-ce que vous pensez? And then in September – I shall go to Vietnam and Japan sadly. Did you see in the paper that our friend – the cold, frozen Mr. Gavin Welby – got married to Mr. Churchill's secy. Something must have happened. I have not met your friend – Mona Boheman as yet – but I am looking forward to asking her if she knows a beautiful Swedish girl with a quiet smile who lived on top of a mountain in the Cote d'Azur (sic) in August 1953. Jack."

Modern translation: "Gurl U no U need to send me naked photo. Like they say in that song, U spin my head right round, right round."

JFK: ""I received your letter – and the picture of Visby and your photograph – which I liked best of all. I am now planning to come on the 29th of July on the Ile de France – which gets to Le Havre the 4th of August – or the 5th of August on the United States which gets in the 10th. Sweden must be more than 120 Swedish miles from Le Havre – or is a Swedish mile 5 times longer than anyone else's mile? I assume you got to Stockholm to to meet your sister in August. Would you send me your address in Bastaad (sic) – and I will let you know exactly where I am. It is hot here – 101° - and I am anxious to leave and to see my Swedish friend. Jack."

Modern translation: "Gurl U no your picture turns me on. I'm coming to your neighborhood to get nasty. Get ready gurl. I am so hot."

TOASTY SUPREME.

Today I was the Smartiest of all Smarty Pants and decided to go to Trader Joe's right on my way home from work at 3:00pm. This meant that there were only a hundred people in there instead of 50,000!

Glory be!

I did not get angry once, I did not have the urge to take my basket and spin around like a whirligig knocking everyone down around me, and I didn't want to poke the perky cashiers with their crazy a** lingo and their flowery shirts in the eyes. It was, to my great relief, a palatable experience. I didn't say fun or amazeballs, but palatable and that, my friends, is a huge improvement.

In my head I just said "improvement" like I was French, so it came out like

"Eeeemm-prooov-eeehhh-mahhhhnnn." That seems about right.

This is what came up when I googled, "French lady smoking."

I am now home listening to music, roasting a myriad of vegetables, making rice, and doing some lesson planning while it snows outside. Not too shabby.

This week is Double Free Broadway Week thanks to Miz Millah. Tonight she is taking me to see the new Martin McDonagh play, A Behanding In Spokane, which I have been calling A Beheading in Spokane since it opened. Christopher Walken and Sam Rockwell are in it and I am psyched! Thursday we're taking the kids I'm teaching to see Memphis with a backstage tour to follow, so things are quite swell at the moment.

Here is a snowy song for you:

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

I'm a little late in posting for today, but Happy Valentine's Day to all of my lovely readers out there.

I was treated to some beautiful Valentine's in the mail, but my little cousin Miss H has taken the cake once again. Her cards have always been my favorite and this year's Valentine was no exception.

The heart shaped Reese's were a bonus of the most excellent sort; she knows they are my favorite and told me she picked them out all by herself.

Happy V'day. I hope you all are feelin the love.

XOXO.

AN EMAIL FROM MY MOTHER.

In regards to a recent car ride with my 9 year old cousin:

"She mentioned, on the car ride down to our house, that she knows that showing someone your middle finger is pretty bad but she doesn't know what it means. She was clearly fishing for me to tell her so, I said, "You are right...it is not considered a nice gesture." I then asked her if she knew what the F word was. She told me she doesn't know that one but she does know the "sh" word and the "c" word. I left it there."

HAPPY FRIDAY I LOVES THIS TOTES MAGOTES.

I mean, REALLY. This is what it is all about, folks.

LIVE. IT. UP.

The one in the middle is fierce, but I love them all.

THE BEST PART ABOUT SNOW DAY.

Was finding this online:

SUPER DUPER SNOW DAY.

I woke up this morning, could barely see out my window, and the whitewash covering Manhattan hasn't let up for a second. I went into my office for 2 hours to find no one there and then got the email from HR saying to go home!

SNOW DAY! SCORE!

I took my computer home with me, did a few things from my couch, and now it is free time. There is nothing better than being snoogled on your couch with some NPR and coffee while the world explodes outside.

Let's have one big collective, "AWWWWW YEAAAAHHHH."

NO BREEZIES ALLOWED.

Back at the beginning of January, The Roomie and I threw a little party to celebrate the following things:

1) The Roomie's birth.

2) The new year.

3) The fact that it is, once again, freezing.

The theme was "Older and Colder" and, hot damn, we had a great time.

Even Clint showed up.

WILNY.

Another "Why I Love New York" moment happened yesterday afternoon when I received an email from a friend saying she had an extra orchestra ticket for the New York Ballet's production of The Sleeping Beauty. In a matter of hours I was transported out of my office and into the theatre for my very first trip to the ballet in New York.

And oooooooh it was good.

The music from The Sleeping Beauty is some of my most favorite ballet music. The first time I ever saw/heard it was at the Royal Ballet at Convent Garden in London and I was rather transfixed, and last night was no exception.

I also must confess that I am a total closeted ballet lover. I have spent many an hour dreaming about being a ballerina, knowing all the while that never in a bazillion years will it ever happen. But, there is something so freakishly lovely to me about the idea of being one, isn't there? They don't seem human, and I mean that in a good way (not like "you're not human so you're like the robots that were at the Grammy's").

Anyways, what I loved about this version (choreographed by the wonderful Peter Martins) was how much humor was incorporated into the staging and choreography.

And, similar to Marin Short's idea about putting in a Big Black Lady To Stop The Show:




If you throw some kids on stage and make them do choreographed things, the audience just goes bananas. I had a face cramp because I couldn't stop smiling.

I also am rather transfixed by, as Jessica Simpson once called them, the "Ballerinos." Watching male dancers blows my mind because they are just using the sheer force of their bodies and their feet to propel themselves all over the place, all the while looking like they are simply feathers trouncing around like it's no big thing. They don't even look out of breath. I. Don't. Get. It.

As I walked home, I couldn't help but sing this to myself...



Because, everything WAS beautiful at the ballet.

Oh, le sigh.

WAKING UP WITH JOAQUIN.

As I was going to sleep last night (at the decadent hour of 9:30pm, I might add) I peeked out my window and caught a glimpse of the snow that was just starting to fall. When I woke up this morning, I was treated to my completely silent neighborhood (which is a rarity) covered in a light dusting. Also known as my favorite winter moment.

There is nothing quite like waking up at the crack of dawn and seeing fresh snow everywhere. It is so incredibly refreshing to me and it also makes it really hard to get out of bed. Part of why I like waking up early is that it is pretty much the only time when my neighborhood is somewhat quiet, when I can walk down the street without a million other people and I can actually hear myself think.

Enough of my emotional snow rantings.

The latest news in my brain is that Joaquin Phoenix has apparently pulled himself out of the gutter and is looking normal again. And, by normal, I mean FOXY.

Gutter:

Hotter:

Ultimate Hotness:

I really hope he stays this way. Nothing makes me more depressed than a sad, scary Joaquin.

Also, I had a bad dream last night. Like, I woke up because I was kind of freaking out in my brain. Why did that happen? That hasn't happened in a looooong time. Perhaps it was because I had seen the gutter picture of Joaquin and thought he had crossed back over the line...GET IT? THE LINE? LIKE WALKING THE LINE? WALK THE LINE?

WHAT?

I don't know what just happened.

NOT HOW LONG IT IS, BUT HOW GOOD IT IS.

Unbelievably worth the watch. Thanks, Josebee.

J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement from Harvard Magazine on Vimeo.

WHEN DID THAT HAPPEN?

It's February?!??!?!? SINCE WHEN?

Today. I know, since today. But holy mother of mothers that really came out of nowhere.

Last night I caught some of the Grammy's and, I have to say, I totally loved Lady Gaga jamming with Elton John. It was basically the best part of the show, and I have never even really listened to Gaga's music. But the two of them were adorable.

Also, Britney wore her Britney to the ceremony:

I turned it off after about 5 minutes because I was bored out of my mind and everyone looked like robots and there were too many explosions and too many robots and lots of explosions and lots of robots. Did I mention there were robots? And, by robots, I mean the Black Eyed Peas, masked people with big muscles, Michael Jackson's cousins, and Celine Dion.

It has been a little bit FREYZING here and my bedroom, which is normally an explosive box of heat, has actually been the perfect temperature. Seeing as I have been up basically since 4:30am, I am very much looking forward to going home, eating, watching some FNL (which doesn't have any robots), and passing out.