Less is More

I'm not sure what made me think that I could go see a movie about male strippers without turning 50 shades of red.  But I was promised a shirtless Matt Bomer so by golly I was going.  As I noted last night, it was fairly disastrous.  The most immediate problem was too much stuff, not enough Bomer.  But of course there were other issues as well.  The bestie and I were surrounded by hooting and hollering college girls that were solely there to see Channing Tatum naked.  Their dreams came true about 2 minutes in which did nothing for the hooting and hollering, it just made them louder.  It wasn't just the stripping. The movie was billed as the stripper movie afterall.  It was the F-bombs that were dropped every 10 seconds.  I'm not a prude, but at some point you just sound un-intelligent if you can't think of anything to say other than that word.

Now, my philosophy may make me an old lady (which I totally cop to), but there's something to be said for the "less is more" approach.  Matt Bomer is infinitely sexier while sporting a slick suit and a fedora than when wearing a G-string. I would take intelligence, charm and a sense of humor  any day over dance moves, a ripped chest and the ability to drink many, many beers without getting drunk.  I was once told I'd be cool if I was born a few decades before I was, so I'm guessing this philosophy has something to do with that.  I'm looking for Cary Grant-esqe rather than male stripper-esqe.  Unfortunately I had to sit through 2 hours of awkward pauses, F-bombs and drug-highs to realize this. 

Author's Note: If any of you know of any Cary Grant-esqe types, please let me know.  It's hard being a single Doris Day in the age of single Snooki's : )

Friday Five

1. Getting an interview for a really cool job. Woohoo!  Monday here I come!

2. Yogi Castle in Columbia, MD: I really needed something sweet after a disastrous trip to the movies (more on that tomorrow) and since they were the only place open in the general vicinity and since the storm of the century was baring down on us, we decided to give it a shot.  I'm usually not much for the pay by weight yogurt places that are popping up everywhere in MD but this was pretty good.  Along with a bunch of other crazy flavors, they had plain old chocolate which I was craving, so it was a win-win!

3. I know I say this a lot but I LOVE Facebook. I really shouldn't since it's a HUGE time-waster but how cool is it that we can see pictures and hear news instantly?  Sure, the pictures may be jealousy inducing and the news may not always be true but it's still a pretty good way to spend minutes (sometimes, hours) each day.  Thank goodness for iPhones that make it accessible ALL the TIME!

4. And speaking of Facebook: the fact that this is possible.  You already know how I feel about Instagram so this is about the coolest thing since sliced bread for me.  Can't wait to try it out!

5. Hearing and feeling the "storm of the century" (not really, but it certainly sounds like it) coming your way as you drive home and getting in the door just in the knick of time.  

I must wrap up now before my power/cable blows again but I wanted to get this in before midnight so it still counted for today.  So Good Night from Stormy MD!!  Hope to see you tomorrow, as long as I'm "not in Kansas anymore."

Viva La Vie Boheme!

I have a friend who has seen RENT 11 times in the theatre. It's been a few years since I have gotten to experience it live, but it popped up on my iPod this week, and I got hooked again. I've been listening constantly for the last week and jamming along in traffic to the top of my lungs.  Before I saw it, I never understood why.  When there are so many musicals out there, why spend so much money on one show?  About 3 songs in I got it: the minute "One Song Glory" started, I was hooked.  Before seeing it, I read the plotline and came across the completely heartbreaking story of the show's writer and lyricist. 

Jonathan Larson spent years working on a modern day version of Puccini's opera, La Boheme.  It was the early 90s and his friends were dying of the AIDS virus so he chose to set his story in the housing projects of Alphabet City NYC, amidst the AIDS crisis.  RENT,the show that became his life's work was due to open in January 1996.  On the morning of the day the show was to open, Larson collapsed and died shortly thereafter of a brain aneurysm.  His vision went on to win Tony and Drama Desk Awards as well as the Pulitzer prize for drama.  But, he never got to experience what his vision became.  There are certain lines or notes in Larson's score and lyrics that just get to me. They (as cheesy as this sounds) hit me straight in the heart and I can't help but get goosebumps. When this happens I think of Jonathan Larson and how unfortunate it is that he never got to experience this for himself.

Now, you must know by now (if you've been paying attention), I cry at the drop of a hat.  So hearing that story, did nothing for my desire to see the show.  I tend to avoid movies/books/TV shows that I know will make me cry.  But, it was my friend's 21st birthday and we wanted to make it special for her so I sucked it up and bought the tickets.  Her go-to description was always "hearbreaking and uplifiting".  But I never understood how it could be both of those things, however, like I said earlier, until I saw it.  The moment I realized (spoiler alert!) Angel (the cross-dressing lover of Tom who was infected with HIV and the heart of the show) had died, I was an absolute mess. I cried like a baby. I tear up everytime it happens. I always know it's coming and I always cry.  But later, when Roger finally confesses his love to Mimi, I'm crying because I'm happy.  It's all very confusing. 

I've noticed that there are 2 types of peeps out there: those that have seen it and those that haven't.  If you haven't seen it, you're never going to understand why I would waste an entire post on my love for a musical that's almost 2 decades old. Until you see it, you're never going to get it. If I've piqued your interest even slightly and you have decided to see it, you can't cheat and see the terrible movie of the same name (with all the stars you'd think it would have been good: not so much!)  You need to see it live in a tiny dingy theatre surrounded by people who are mouthing the words with the actors.  Then you will truly become a RENT-head and you will be a better person for it (in my opinion anyway.)  After all, "there's no day but today", so "forget regret, or life is yours to miss!"

Viva La Vie Boheme!

It's my Party...

In 9 months, I will be turning 3-0 (shhh!).  Because of this I have a new favorite time-waster: party planning.  Of course, I'm not going to plan myself a party.  I'm not even sure I really want a party.  If it's between that and a trip: send me on my way!  But I have this new fascination with party planning websites.  Have you ever googled "party themes"?  You get about a bazillion super-cool, crazy-creative, totally awesome party themes and ideas.  Most of which are for kids, but that doesn't stop me from skewing the ideas in my head a little older.  Then, if you search Etsy, you'll find kits to create these amazing parties too. 

After some searching last night, I decided to have a sunflower, beachy-keen, ice-cream golfer, tea party.  I know exactly what you're thinking, that theme is so last year...

Right Now...

I've been racking my brain over the last few hours trying to figure out what to write about.  Sometimes, life just isn't all that exciting so I decided to tell you what (fairly unexciting things) are happening right now. (It's a slow news week here.  I'm hoping for your (and my) sake that it picks up soon)

Right Now~~I'm stuffed from a yummy pizza dinner at Coalfire with the parentals and more (she says somewhat guiltily) soft serve from the Daily Scoop.

Right Now~~I'm relaxed after spending a cool and breezy evening outside gossiping with the bestie and not being eaten by mosquitoes.

Right Now~~I'm thrilled that I spent my day designing and tinkering with a sharepoint site, as opposed to the usual (Boring with a capital B) editing.

Right Now~~I'm entirely too amused by this video that popped up on my screen this morning.

Right Now~~I'm dreading the alarm that wll be ringing sooner than usual due to the fact I'm much too lazy to wash and dry my hair tonight.

Right Now~~ I'm content...

Happy Birthday Tony!

Today is apparently (so says the radio) Anthony Bourdain's birthday.  If you've read any of my other posts, you'll have realized that Tony is one of my foodie heroes.  He's pretty much been everywhere and eaten everything.  He has a job that I can only fantasize about.  He's also an accomplished chef and author.  If his job and lifestyle, weren't reason enough to envy him, his writing will most definitely sell you.  He's fearless in a way I only wish I could be (without eating the entrails of any previously furry animals...) and will speak up about any subject that interests him or he feels strongly about.  He's also eloquent and and can weave stories better than anyone I've ever read.  He's written quite a few non-fiction books about his life as a chef and chef culture, but my favorite is of course "A Cook's Tour - In Search of the Perfect Meal".   What's not to love, food and travel, my 2 favorite things! I read it years ago and never truly appreciated it until I re-read it last month.  It's hillarious and heartbreaking at the same time.  He starts off recounting an all-night drinking binge, but by the end he's logically explaining his philosophy on food and life. 

"The whole concept of the 'perfect meal' is ludicrous.

'Perfect" like 'happy', tends to sneak up on you.  Once you find it - like Thomas Keller (another foodie hero of mine - One of these days I will see the Franch Laundry, by goodness!) says - it's gone.  It's a fleeting thing, 'perfect', and, if you're anything like me, it's often better in retrospect.  When you're shivering under four blankets in a Moroccan hotel room, the perfect meal can be something no more exotic than breakfast at Barney Greengrass back in New York - the one you had four months ago.  Your last Papaya King hot dog takes on golden, even mythic proportions when remembered from a distance."

-Anthony Bourdain "A Cook's Tour" (2001)

So, Happy Birthday Tony!  You wouldn't be looking for a sidekick, would you?

Yum!

Lazy Sunday capped off with ice cream + rainbow sprinkles with the bestie = a pretty great way to spend a Sunday.

Here's to a great week!

A Taste of Two Cities

Today the ultimate battle took place in Baltimore: DC Food Trucks vs. Baltimore Food Trucks! And might I say, it was awesome!  The event, which was sponsored by Charm City Events, took place at the Westport Waterfront in Baltimore. 20 food trucks from each city came to sell there wares and we lucky ones got to vote on whose food was better.  Ultimately, the Baltimore food trucks won, which I should be happy about as a Batlimorean but all of the food I had from DC was amazing!  Of course, I had a bit of the Baltimore food last year at the Baltimore foodtruck roundup and it was quite delicious too. But I didn't want to repeat myself so I made a list of the places I wanted to try.

First up was a pierogie from Busia's Kitchen.  I LOVE pierogies.  They are my 6th food group so I was excited to try a homemade version.  We were given the choice of one made with farm fresh cheese and one with potatoes and feta. Neither of which were authentic pierogies but we decided on one of each anyway.  When we got them, they were smothered in fried onions which is classic so I was excited.  Unfortunately, I shouldn't have been.  It's not that they were bad, they just weren't what I wanted.  They were flat, and tough and very hard to eat.  So I was a little depressed at this point...

Next up was, Jolly Pig.  They listed a selection of miniature tacos with an Asian flare.  So I sprung for 1 Pulled Pork and 1 Korean BBQ.  Now this was what I wanted!  The pulled pork taco had crispy onions and scallions and some kind of BBQ sauce and was absoultely delicious!  The Korean BBQ was good but not exactly what I expected.  It was supposed to have some kind of slaw on it but instead it had sticky rice and scallions but was still yummy!

Then we found some yummy lemonade at Karlita's.  By this time, we were ready for dessert.  Now usually, in food truck land, you only have access to cupcakes but this time around there was cheesecake!  Sweetz Cheesecakes makes individual sized cheesecakes instead of slices which is about the best idea ever!  We decided to each try something different so we could sample each others.  This resulted in a Blueberry-Lemon, Cookies and Cream and mine which was a frozen slice of banana cheesecake covered in chocolate.  It was so creamy, so cold and so banana-y that it tasted like a triangular banana. DELICIOUS!!  Ther perfect summer treat!  Of course, my niece thought so too and it was quickly commandeered by her.  Unfortunately, they were gobbled up so fast that I didn't get a picture of any of the goodies, not even the food truck itself.

The Baltimore cupcake contribution: Had some last time and they were delectable!  She also has about a million flavors to choose from.  They all sounded so good that it was almost impossible to decide.

Shave Ice Rickshaw: Adorable!

Tried this last summer: Aside from being WAY spicier than I assumed it would be, the injire was purple and squishy and very cool to eat with whatever I ate it with (I'm still not entirely sure what the meat was...)!

A vintage clothing truck...interesting...

There's a rumor that they are doing this soon in DC, so I will definitely be attending that one as well, if only to eat a heck of a lot more!  All I have to say is:

A Taste of Two Cities: Best. Idea. Ever.

Friday Five

1. www.halfadams.com: Fantastic site of the photographer/actor Patrick J. Adams.  His photographs are beautiful and kitschy, my favorite kind.  Aside from being a talented photographer, he's also a pretty great actor-which brings me to number 2 this week.

2. Suits: This show is on fire this season! I was in love with Patrick J Adams and Gabriel Macht as Mike and Harvey last summer in season one, but this season they seemed to have taken it up a few notches. 2 episodes in and I'm already declaring it better than season 1! How can you not love writing and acting like this?!

3. This article from CNN.com: I'm kind of in love with this article.  Quite honestly, I have NO idea how it made it to CNN.  I'm not even sure it has an actual purpose.  But he writes almost like I do and he cracks me up!

4. "A Tale of 2 Cities":  More on this tomorrow, but it's the coolest idea ever!

5. Summer Fruit: Peaches, Cantaloupe, Tomatoes, Strawberries, Watermelon, oh my! Yum Yum Yum!

Happy Midsummer!

"If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumber'd here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
if you pardon, we will mend:
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends."

-Puck's final monologue

"A Midsummer Night's Dream"

* William Shakespeare

Author's Note: "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is the only work by the Bard I've ever understood. (Although I wish it weren't the case, he's one of those brainy things that I really should understand...) I'm pretty sure my fascination with it may have something to do with the faeries...Love faeries! I'm a closet (and sometimes not so closet) sci-fi geek.  Can't get enough of Stargate, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, etc.  I tell you all of this, just so I can say:

Happy Midsummer Eve!

Lot-us Entertain You...

For the last few months, I've been seeing lotus jewelery everywhere (maybe not everywhere but definitely in all the stores I shop...) and have been coveting one like crazy.  Well, I finally got my wish and received this one last week. (Thanks Bud!)

Ain't it pretty? 

Since they seem to be everywhere, I assumed they must have some deeper meaning other than just being pretty.  So I decided to do some research.  Apparently in most Asian cultures, the lotus flower stands for elegance, beauty, perfection, and grace.  While that makes sense, I was hoping for something a little less singular.  I wanted it to mean something like "Believe in yourself" or "Soon you'll find a mysterious handsome stranger..." Alas, not so much.  But I still love it! Maybe, if anything, by wearing it, I may inherit some of its grace...coming from someone who makes faux-pas's (I have no idea how to make faux-pas plural...) on a daily basis, that would be helpful.

PS: I realize the title of this post is groan-worthy but it made me chuckle nonetheless.

So Long Tall Ships!

Today was the last day of the Start Spangled Sailabration here in Baltimore, which meant 2 things.  1. I got to sail from Annapolis, to the Inner Harbor and back on the Schooner Woodwind (Thanks Captain Ken!) and watch the majestic (and totally awesome!) tall ships sail out of Baltimore.  And 2. If you're not a boat fan, today is the last day you have to see pictures of boats on this blog... for at least a little while (This is summer and Annapolis is the sailing capital of the world, so never say never : ).

Between the Bay Bridges

 Notice all the sailors, on whatever those things are called.  Holy moly!

Artsy fartsy sail shot

Visually interesting Baltimore

Happy Birthday Sir Paul!

I love Paul McCartney. "Penny Lane" is my ringtone.  I'm a HUGE Beatles fan.  There.  I've admitted it but how can you not?  He's adorable.  He's a family man.  He can sing, play the guitar AND the piano.  And he's loved by pretty much the entire world. I had the pleasure of seeing Paul play at FedEx Field 2 summers' ago, and thoroughly enjoyed every last minute of it.  He's the ultimate entertainer and he's still got "it" even after doing this for more than 40 years. Even after an hour delay (FedEx field - not the greatest of venues: not a single working bathroom in the whole place that night and no running water, not to mention the traffic situation...) Paul had the sold out crowd of more than 80K eating out of his hand for more than 2 hours with not a single break in the middle of an August heatwave (it was about 85 degrees when the sun went down).  It was truly awesome to watch and needless to say I'm anxiously awaiting his return!  In honor of this momentous occasion, have a listen to my favorite Paul song: "Blackbird".  "Blackbird" isn't his flashiest or most upbeat, but the message gets me every time.  It's never not made me smile.

So, Happy 70th Birthday Sir Paul!  Hope your special day made you feel as fabulous and loved, as your songs have made all of your fans feel over the last 40 years!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful dads out there, especially my wonderfully fantastic dad and great uncle!  Love you bud!  I'm not sure what I would do without you!

*

"The greatest gift I ever had
Came from God; I call him Dad!"

*

~Author Unknown

Oh Say Can You See?

In a normal year, there's always a Flag Day celebration at Ft. McHenry that includes fireworks and all things flag related on June 14.  However, since this year is the Bicentennial, and by no means a "normal" year, the celebration was held today.  I've yet to really figure out why, but it was and I went.  The Fort was closed to traffic and only allowed shuttles in until noon so of course we were forced to enter at about 9:30 this morning.  Then came the waiting.  But once the C130, Navy ships, Coast Guard helicopters and BLUE ANGELS came out, we realized that the waiting was well worth it! The plan was to stay for the fireworks too, but since they weren't starting until 9:00 tonight and that included staying for a whole 12 hours in a hot and crowded fort, we decided against it.  My pics turned out icky but I'm hoping to have some more soon (bring on the photog father!)

 

Photog Father Pics: See the difference?

 

Friday Five

1. Boats, Boats, and more Boats!  Seriously...How cool are these?!

2. This idea.  How cute is this?!

3. "Blogging for Creatives" by Robin Houghton: So added to my Amazon wishlist!

4. Little Free Libraries: If I didn't live on the 3rd floor, and if I didn't have a weird attachment to my own books, this would be the coolest idea!

5. A Beach day: There's nothing better than sitting on the beach with your toes in the sand (even if you're getting sand blasted by said sand...)