Things NOT to do before a Cruise

Instead of booking a cruise to nowhere to test my sea sickness tolerance, I booked a cruise to New Brunswick, Canada (also known as nowhere *cymbal crash*).

However, here's a cautionary tale of what not to do before embarking:

1. Drink large, copious amounts of alcohol

2. Do shots

3. Stay out till 4am the night before leaving

4. Eat food once you get home and pass out at 5am

5. think that you might be able to go to brunch at noon

6. think that you might be able to walk upright before noon

7. believe that alcohol doesn't exacerbate sea sickness

8. attempt to drive a car after all of this

9. attempt to walk through a terminal carrying a large bag

10. tell your friend she's "running" even though she's walking normally through the terminal

LAME

So, I noticed I haven't blogged anything in April and it will be May 1st on Saturday, so I'm jumping to it. This month has been a complete blur filled with horribly last-minute projects and running around like a headless chicken.

However, now that my Annual Meeting is over I can sit back and....

1) fill out my time sheets

2) tweet for my own account

3) have after-work plans

4) eat fish tacos

5) wear fun dresses (this is more weather related)

6) work out

7) stop taking allergy medication

8) go shopping

9) return stuff

10) stop stress eating

Yay for May! Happy Bday end-of-Aprilers!

Lunch Topic of the Day!

So, my coworkers always randomly find some controversial topics to discuss at the lunch table and the discussion always leads to the one or all of the following:

a) a screaming match

b) saying something inappropriate

c) too much sharing

Today was: Would you want to know if your spouse/bf/gf cheated on you?

D's position was: Yes, honesty is always the best policy

E's position was: hell no, you lie. take that to the grave!

A's position was: Not if it was harmless 1-timer. Yes, otherwise.

J's position was: Yes, then cheat on him back! An eye for an eye.

Personally, i think you should date someone who's awful at lying - then you don't even have to worry about it. If you can't find this magical person, then I guess you take your chances. Though, I think some things should be agreed upon. Does your partner think strippers are dirty and probably carry STDs? Does your partner think communication is important and doesn't mind confronting problems when they arise? If yes, those are good signs. ;-)

However, I would say most women agree - if it was meaningless and didn't get past a certain point - keep it to yourself. If you feel guilty - GOOD. You SHOULD feel guilty. You should try to make it up to that woman every day of your goddamn life.

If it means more...you gotta fess up and do it QUICK. Anything less and you're just a coward.

Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games

This is just to let everyone know that I'll be completely useless and absent for the next couple of weeks. My <3 of the Olympics is only matched by my <3 of Vancouver! Let's hope for minimal Buble coverage...

Intellectual Conundrum

John Granger who is known as the "Hogwarts Professor" swung by NYC for a lecture-tour of his new book about the Twilight series. As a twilight fan and a former English major, of course I attended this - however, it was also well-attended by older readers who haven't read the books yet and just like to attend everything from the NYPL. So, it wasn't a giggle-fest over Edward's beauty and sparklyness or a fight between Team Jacob and His Sparklyness. This is from the NYPL website:

“It fails every test if you evaluate books the conventional, academic way,” he said. “So I realize we must be missing something. If all of our tools say no one in their right mind should read this, then there’s something wrong with our toolbox. We need better tools.” - John Granger

It was like an English class. What would binghamton name this class you ask? Probably "Religious Implications in the Modern Vampire," or "Supernatural Restructuring in Popular Literature." That game could last for days.

There were three points that fascinated me throughout this talk:

1) the Mormon connection 2) why the books work 3) how those two things are somehow connected.

Cutting straight to the point, Stephenie Meyer was born and educated into the Mormon religion and that's what she knows. When dissecting the novels for their literary worth (surprisingly there is some), Granger discovered numerous Mormon parables for a lot of the plot, characters and background stories throughout the novel. Edward is the Trinity, Bella is the seeker and Jacob is a Native American (no disguise there!). While this initially made me upset, because it's like I was being tricked into going to Mormon Church when I really just intended to read a teen vampire novel, I felt better about Stephenie Meyer's writing in the end. I couldn't understand why I liked the book so much, so now that there are deeper roots to this story, I'm glad I didn't get sucked into reading crap.

So, why do we like the book so much? Well, partly because of these Mormon stories. Turns out human nature always wants to seek out something greater (drug-induced or faith-induced). The one great literary thing Meyer does do is take "suspension of disbelief" to a whole new level - this teenage girl is different and self-sacrificing, vampires don't want to kill humans and sparkle in the sun, werewolves can control themselves and so on. You are willing to almost believe anything at this point, so you get pulled into Bella's nature. You want to know what Edward is and you admire the lifestyle that they lead just as much as she does. You're on the same journey to discover what's out there...to connect with Edward or at least find happiness on earth, with Jacob.

The one caveat Granger gave was: if you don't like Bella, if you cannot connect with her, you won't like Twilight. You won't suspend your disbelief and you won't get drawn into her obsessions. I'm not sure how much I connect with to Bella, but I surely understand a lot of her characteristics and choices.

Like a lot of people, I equated the story's impact to how people felt when they first fell in love (or became obsessed with someone) whether in their youth, or recently. That feeling stays with you and while you're not there anymore, it's lovely to reminisce about and you're OK with all the probable heartache and pain that's happened subsequently. Is that the same with religion? Do people have spiritual experiences throughout their lives and think back on them to regain their faith? Is believing in love similar to believing in God?

Grammys: GAGA

If you want to know what I thought of the Taylor Swift Show AKA The Grammy's - you can check out my twitter feed from last night. Otherwise, I only have one thing to say. That guy behind Lady Gaga must've been PISSED. Luckily, it looks like he might just be an ornately dressed bellboy holding the seat. wtf?

Guest Appearances on Glee I Dream About...

So, like millions of other Americans, I love Glee. The songs, the cute HS teacher (something i never had), the baby daddy drama....it's all there in a bright, innocent, almost technicolor package. It also makes perfect sense for it to be a musical since most adolescent shows on television are the opposite of realistic, so why shouldn't all the kids break into song and choreographed dance sequences?

On that note, here's a list of people I would fangirl over being on the show. They either have to sing or dance or both:

1. Ewan McGregor - that smile, that hair...

2. Rob Pattinson - there are no words.

3. NPH

4. Reese Witherspoon - a lil bit of country would rock

5. Channing Tatum - if he could redo that dirty dancing skit...

6. Taylor Swift - didn't she just finish HS?

7. Angela Lansbury - so she can go on Craig to promote it

8. Johnny Depp - I would cry

9. Bryan Adams - oh wait, this goes on the Degrassi list

10. Zac Efron - as long as he wears blue to bring out his eyes

A Single Man

I didn't know what to expect from this movie other than good acting, sadness and perhaps, some kind of commentary on the human condition or existential theory. Luckily, it included all those Oscar-worthy elements and a whole lot more. Like an episode of Mad Men, the clothing, sets and cars were perfect. Tom Ford's designer eye definitely paid off in the aesthetics and crucial details that puts the viewer right into that era where it was normal to have your shirts pressed, folded and wrapped in paper. Does anyone do that anymore?

Smoking has also become the crucial indicator of all things retro - smoking in a classroom?!? Did people really do that? My teachers didn't even want me chewing gum or eating in class, let alone lighting one up and looking at them like they were ruining my buzz. The one thing I will say is that although American habits were a lot less clean, our lives ran at a pace where you could focus on one thing at a time. Houses were kept. Hairstyles were maintained. Everything was serene...on the surface. An eerie calm washes over the entire fim: (Colin Firth's) George systematically plans his death; (Julianne Moore's) Charley spends what seems like 90 minutes applying makeup on one eye; Kenny (Nicholas Hoult) stalks George with such silent authority that if you put different music to the scenes, you might think you were watching an old-school horror flick.

As movies go - it was a pleasure to watch (massive male eye candy - hello!). Everyone was absolutely amazing in this film and although the direction/representation was sometimes a little obvious, it was still a worthwhile look into the frailty of man (by nature) to be alone; to have to hide our true selves and conform to society; to connect to something so deeply that we couldn't live without it.

I also respect a film that is sad in many ways, but doesn't specifically orchestrate gut-wrenching scenes with musical accompaniment that make you want to bawl out loud for 15 minutes. I'm looking at you Lovely Bones!

Haiti

In the words of one of my favorite writers, Edwidge Danticat:

In fact that is the struggle that most Americans [have] - as rich as this country is, most Americans are very limited in their interaction with the world, unless the world comes to us in a very shocking way.

While most of us are astounded by the destruction, we are probably even more astounded by the regular living conditions of Haitians everyday. What do you expect to happen to people who don't have sturdy homes and good infrastructure to begin with - let alone after a catastrophe? Why is it a surprise that the roads are destroyed and that hundreds of thousands of people are dead? I'm not a disaster specialist, but it seems like the rescue forces should have a contingency plan set up for large scale disasters in hard to reach areas where poverty is prevalent. They seem to be starting at 0 every time one of these natural disasters occur - it should be a given that there are no roads, people need water immediately, and want to locate their loved ones.

Haiti's history is a complicated one that has US fingerprints all over it (we occupied Haiti for almost 20 years). Apparently, we went into Haiti and helped certain aspects, but eventually left it unstable and unable to support itself economically. Does that sound familiar? Bill Clinton sent in troops after a major coup overthrew their president in the 90s...political unrest ensues.

My only hope is that we get the aid to the people quickly and we LEARN something from this for the next inevitable catastrophic event. Maybe we can even help people get out of poverty before the next tsunami/earthquake/flood/hurricane hits them.

Top 5 list of things I'd like to see happen (but probably won't):

1. Royal Carribean sends 5 ships to Port-au-Prince and tells everyone to get on board
2. They set up reasonable camps for everyone and evacuate the city to clean up
3. Disaster relief organizations think about the deeper implications of this disaster
4. Some leadership arises from the Haitian government
5. Unlike 9-11, maybe our humanitarian acts and efforts to help rebuild a struggling country will lead to better relations with other countries (or at least between US and Haiti)

Team Conan!

Ok seriously...who watches Jay Leno?

I would at times, tune in to see the guest he had on, but when it came to the monologue and opening, I'd have to go with letterman and his top ten. Maybe it's because I'm a New Yorker or because Leno is a caricature of a person, but I found his show kind of generic, corny and progressively staler as the nights went by.

Dave also has his issues - sometimes he gets very cantankerous or talks to Paul too much...when Conan moved to the Tonight Show, I was thrilled. I didn't have to choose between him or Craig Ferguson (i would mostly pick Craig).

I'll give it to Jay though, Jaywalking was always hysterical. It instilled a healthy fear of the stupidity that is apparently running rampant on the streets of LA. What could possibly be wrong with those people? Too much sun?

Conan wasn't great in the beginning. He was really awkward, immature and downright offensive at times, but after all those years, he was becoming a real late-night guy. Someone creative, self-deprecating and inquisitive - and we're just talking about his hair...

I also like the fact he graduated from Harvard and became a sketch comedian (my fave eps was when jenn gardner yelled at him for using a word incorrectly and he found a dictionary proving her wrong).

I don't think NBC is giving him a fair shake. 7-months in a time slot, 2-3 months of which was taken up with Jay right before him is not a fair shake. If your own network has no confidence in you, then how are other people who aren't familiar with your show supposed to give you a chance?

Changes...

I don't really want to have resolutions since they begin and end within one year, but here's some stuff i should be working on.

What I'm going to try to do more of:

1) be more accountable

2) follow up with people

3) blog

4) make more $$$

5) be more active

6) read

7) wedding planning

8) spend time w/ family

9) save $$$

10) help others

Do less of:

1) being negative

2) eating crap (less sugar - no fried foods!)

3) giving up

4) watching tv

5) playing mindless games

6) shopping

7) evacuating the dance floor

8) procrastinating

9) disappearing

10) sitting on my arse

Hollywood North

I realize i haven't written about Vancouver at all and there's no better time like when my email is down and I can't get anything done at work - here's a summary.

Day 1 - drove from Seattle to Canada.

Our rental car situation hits an all time high as we're told the only car left for us to rent is a brand new Subaru Forrester (this helps later on as we're in a blizzard in whistler).

Along the way, we stop for a bathroom break and meet two really cute dogs in a dog store in some suburban mall. Here's Kelly with Piper the westie!

As we approach Vancouver, our customs guard compliments us on Kelly's H&M sweater which I also have in gray.Then we head straight to Granville Island for a pleasant lunch of non-seafood (we were seafooded out). We walk around and check out the local stores, then head to our hotel. The hotel loses our reservation and we get upgraded to the executive suite. Kelly and I do a happy dance and agree that i should book all car rentals and she should book all hotel stays in the future.

Checking in takes too long so we run over to GM Place for our first Canadian hockey game! We are super impressed by the intensity of the arena and the awesome beer and food they have. This makes MSG and almost all older arenas in NY seem embarrassing. Canucks end up pulling a knicks and losing the lead and whatever dignity they have left to Detroit, but Kelly and I had a rocking good time. We go back and sleep cause tomorrow is Grouse!

Day 2 - Grouse Mountain and Whistler

We get to Grouse after a small breakfast and I actually manage to drive there without the help of GPS. Seriously, I guess if you spend a few weeks in a city, you start remembering things. Also, once you cross the bridge, it's pretty easy to follow the signs. We get there and I decide to go without hiking poles cause I like to climb mountains monkey-style. Kelly likes to not-die so she chose to go with the hiking poles.

1/4 mile mark - this took forever and was kind of demoralizing. It wasn't very steep, but it was still challenging and kelly gave me a look like she wanted to kill someone with her hiking pole. Luckily, this was her idea and there's no safe way down. Whew!

1/2 mark - Kelly said that she wanted to die and didn't have enough energy to kill anyone right now. That's safer for me! I took pictures.

3/4 mark - Kelly hugged the tree with this marker like it was sent from god straight to her. The path was much much steeper, but the distance was shorter since we were climbing the altitude faster. It was very foggy and we were seeing treetops and hearing waterfalls (too much shrubbery and fog to get a good look). We took a fruit break and I took some phone calls...i know.

At the finish - They decided to put a huge slab of slippery rock at the end that you had to cross to add insult to injury. Like most dangerous or painful things, i chose to run across it like an idiot. I survived. kelly slipped (the only time) being careful and broke a hiking pole. Dagnabit.

I was starving at this point and inhaled my food. Apparently, I get very grouchy after 3 and half hours of hiking with no food. (Salmon with Mango Chutney Sandwich and seafood chowder)

So, after we eat we hunt down the grizzly bear habitat, which is awesome and learn that the lumberjack show only happens in the summer. We are crestfallen but soldier on. We then take the tram down the mountain and amaze at our great accomplishment.

Kelly looks like she's thinking about never telling me that she wants to do anything adventurous again. But she's looking on the bright side and can't wait for the heated seats in our Forrester!We make it to Whistler and we go shopping in the village and grab a great dinner. Yay! We encounter a snow storm on the way back and then rain in the city - I don't care cause I have an AWD vehicle and am loving every part of it. We go back and collapse into exhaustion.

Day 3 - last full day in Vancouver, so we try and go around the city. It's pouring torrentially, so we have a long breakfast in the hotel and then decide to drive around the city and then go to the Aquarium. We drive through all of the neighborhoods...the olympic village (still being built), chinatown, east hastings street, yaletown till we get to the Aquarium. We see this guy who might be the laziest sea creature I've ever seen:

We drive around Stanley park but it's horrendous outside so we stay inside of our car. We go last ditch Olympic shopping and then meet up with Jeff for dinner. I think I got too excited about the food and totally forgot to take pics of the people AT dinner. We ate at Salt and they pair wine and food for you. This is the best place ever - I didn't have to make many decisions. I think i said - cheese and white wine - no meat. Also exciting cause this is in blood alley which is kind of famous or something.

Day 4 and last day in Vancouver -

We pretty much got breakfast, then walked down to the harbor and stopped by Jeff's office. It was noon by this point so we high tailed it out of there to make it to Richmond for a late lunch. Richmond is a HUUUUGE chinese community just south of Vancouver proper and they have the best chinese food in the area. Here's our rice cakes!

Afterwards, we stopped by Duty free, went to a Lululemon outlet, went to REI in Seattle and then rushed to the airport. I got gas on MLK blvd and some 18 yr old guys tried to pick me up from their Scoobee Doo van. It was adorable and I told them that I had to catch a flight and couldn't "holla at them."

Kelly and I somehow both neglected to make sure the car rental return was IN the airport, so after driving to the airport and then realizing this, we floored it to Dollar and yelled hysterically about missing our flight. The rental car van driver busted a move and I swear made turns on like two wheels to get us there in time. We made it exactly 50 minutes before our flight and gave him a $10 tip. The drama doesn't end there. My burrito that I got to eat for dinner set off every security alarm along the way and I had to explain it to like 15 people who were in line with me that it wasn't a weapon of mass destruction.

Needless to say, I fell asleep on the plane. That's how it all ended. Awesome trip =)

Really, Tiger?

I can't even begin writing about this.

Did he not think this would come out? If his wife doesn't leave his ass and take all of the money that the law allows, i won't have an ounce of respect for her.

I'm not a prude and I don't think guys need to be monogamous. I do think that if you don't intend on being faithful or you need to work out some deep-rooted issues from a loveless childhood and complete lack of a social life due to compulsive golf playing, then you need to be SINGLE.

Derek Jeter dates a million women and is a player. Guess what? No one gives a crap because he's not married with kids.

That's all I gotta say.

A completely unbiased biased review

Watching the movie twice on opening weekend did a couple of things:

a) made people think i was insane

b) helped the movie gross 3rd highest in opening weekends

c) gave me the opportunity as a twilight fan to see if the movie holds up

A - I am not insane, but I do get overly excited for things like this.

B - your welcome summit. how about you guys stop showing previews that are just mini summaries of the movie. some people like to be surprised.

C - the movie holds up.

The first movie, Twilight failed on a lot of different levels. Too rushed, butchered meadow scene, tree-climbing, spider monkeys and really weird expressions/reactions. Catherine Hardwicke is a crazy hippie woman who was in over her head with an abysmal budget. I know Stephenie Meyer is not the best writer in the world (or in her town frankly), but the main area where fans connect to her books is in the emotions and gradual build up to near-crazy teen obsession. There's a vulnerability and attachment to the characters that cannot be explained (not out of lack of trying that's for sure). The point being, none of this was in the first movie.

New Moon's budget and directing blew Twilight out of the water. Most of the movie is straight out of the book. R+J is in the classroom instead of her living room, but it shows how together they are at all times in school. All of the pivotal scenes are there and the window scene with bella depressed and Lykke Li was the exact mood needed. The wolves were awesome and sometimes, really cute (I'm talking bout you Jacob). I think Kristen looked pained, hopeful, defiant and happy at all the right times. I was better able to focus on something other than Taylor's body the second time around, but his performance was solid for me. Rob wasn't in the movie that much, but he looked horrible and tortured throughout so that was pretty much right. Also, who could resist the "marry me" at the end. Millions of girls (and some boys) totally fangirled at those two words.

highlights for me:

1. Jacob with short hair and no shirt

2. the music was amazing

3. alice's wardrobe - i want everything

4. eric crying, jessica ranting and mike throwing up

5. jacob vs. edward at the end

Best part of the movie going experience is the audience. Funniest things that happened to me or i heard come out of someone's mouth:

1. Stampede at 42nd street AMC on Friday night by females over the age of 25 (manager came out to reprimand entire theater and embarrass people)

2. "she's a whore" said by idiot behind me about kristen telling jake that she loved him

3. "you've all read the book, stop sounding so surprised" - me to the audience at least twice.

4. "HOOOOOOOWWWWLLLLLLLL" - some guy at the beginning of the movie

5. "Look it's a new moon" - guy behind me.

"that's a full moon you idiot, and now it's an eclipse" - me

6. "what the hell?" - rachel.

"word for word from the book" - me.

"of course it is" - rachel

I liked the movie and I know that not everyone will - I can't explain why and really, I don't feel like I need to defend it. The movie's a financial success and they already shot eclipse. Next stop - freaky vampire baby!!!

The Olympic Peninsula, Portland and Seattle

I really should've broken this blog entry into individual locations, days or places, but that wasn't going to happen when i'm unmotivated and taking an excessive amount of photos that still aren't completely edited.

Here are my first few legs of my Pacific Northwest adventure - flew into Seattle, headed Northwest to the Olympic Peninsula via ferry and the famed 101 highway through Port Angeles, into Forks, La Push, and then stopping the night at Lake Quinault (the southern part of the olympic mountain range). We eventually made it into Portland and then of course, back to Seattle for my conference (and others enjoyment).

Map of the first leg. Drive back was straight up I-5

Rachel, Lisa and I riding the Edmonds-Kingston Ferry

First meal in Washington State - salmon fish tacos fresh from the water, asian slaw and seasoned fries. This meal is forever engraved in my mind.

Crescent Lake - the drive from Port Angeles to Forks hugs the side of this lake. It was the most gorgeous drive and super windy. 20 minutes Bella? I think that's an exaggeration.

Bella's truck! Edward's in the passenger seat? I don't think so...

Foggy first beach in La Push! Werewolves? No just happy dogs.

Lake Quinault - reminded me of Scotland. that says a lot.

The best biscuit sandwich ever in Portland, OR- this one's rachel's, I had one sans meat and plus collard greens. Although Portland was the land of the hipster/hobo - they sure know how to eat.

The Japanese Garden at Washington Park, OR. Top of the hills and an amazing representation of the area's trees and plant life.

SEATTLE!

Awesome clam chowder at Pike Market

Crab Pot! The messiest, but most fun meal we had.

Last meal at Cafe Dahlia (everything was AMAZING) - freshly made doughnuts topped off the meal and made us mourn our departure the next day.

All in all, a great trip with some amazing food. It always makes me sad to leave the west coast. I don't know what that says, but probably something about the lifestyle in New York. Love the city i grew up in, but sometimes you crave the unfamiliar.

Who knows how i'd feel in a city as small as Portland and Seattle. Would it be the same people or types of people over and over again? Sometimes, I think NYC is so big that you never really experience anything completely, without distraction, because of it. Something to ponder further...someone needs to move to the Pacific NW and give me their opinion.

Stay tuned for Vancouver!

Things that have happened since my last entry

I wish i had some wonderfully prolific reason for not blogging - god knows i have plenty of opinions and love pondering back and forth about ways to procrastinate. So, i guess my only reason is that life caught up to the blog and made it impossible for me to put it on paper and save it for later (mike birbiglia what what). Either that, or the new fall season of television came out and has taken over my brain. You pick.

Here's my sad attempt to catch this sh*t up.

- some more high profile, but completely random celebrities died

- basic cable churned out 25 more unrealistic "reality" shows

- i picked my "most hated couple" on the biggest loser and amazing race

- david lettermen did something not at all shocking

- obama still hasn't fixed everything. what a liar.

- obama got a nobel peace prize. how about a nobel prize in economics slowpoke?

- i hiked up a freaking high mountain and used my scottish running skills to get down the mountain (and didn't bust my $#*& up).

- being on 3 conference calls a week turns out to suck big time.

- i mourned the loss of sex and violence in my summer shows.

- i saw awesome bands in concert - yeah yeah yeahs and Muse! (maybe U2 too, i guess)

- i got strep throat for the first time since 2007. my vitamins rock!

- Glee is an awesome show and everyone should watch it.

- Michigan is much nicer than Ohio. Seriously.

- I've been engaged for over a month!!! AHHH!!!!

Swayze flying high from above

I was watching the Barbara Walters special last night on ABC with Patrick Swayze and his wife, Lisa Niemi that happened earlier this year. This was a re-broadcast and it was full of hope and fight, which made it even sadder. Damn that Barbara! She showed the first interview with Swayze from many years ago right after his father died, in which he started crying about the pain, then she brought it up again by asking him if he "spoke to his father" and made him cry again. He called her some crazy southern term and pulled himself together. Then, she made Lisa cry by asking her if she was ready to live without Patrick? God, why not just stab them both in the leg while you're at it?

Anyhow, it was sad and emotional but I'm glad that he was able to live and even die, on his terms. He continued working, finished his memoirs and gave thousands of people fighting cancer hope. He even quoted Ghost - the line about taking the love with you. I was a bawling by this time.

I chose this picture for obvious reasons - keanu has lost quite a few friends, lovers and costars to tragedy...but also because i'd like to remember Patrick Swayze as the crazy surfer Bodhi, always pushing the limits and then disappearing over the surf...

2009 is a year marked with a lot of tragedy so far...personal and distant. Can we have a break please?

Lady Gaga wins at crazy!

The VMAS this year really outdid themselves with hennessey-soaked narcissist kanye west, weird live band music from wale (wah-lay), movie and music premieres, the michael jackson tribute, live musical performances and last but not least, lady gaga.

what a trip! her outfits are amazing and i have to say, were the highlight of my VMA-DVR experience (i had to take a one hour hiatus to watch trueblood of course).

as my brother says "she has crazy eyes"

her performance which was awesome

my fave outfit of the evening - exit the king meets burano lace. love it!

old man winter + cowardly lion

She's not very good at wearing pants...

After-Party!!!

So very entertaining!

Reason #437 not to move to Texas (or any red state for that matter)

Apparently, republicans around the country (especially Texas) are outraged that our president wants to welcome their kids back to school. So mad, that they're protesting it. Check out this quote from this article:

Florida GOP Chairman Jim Greer released a statement this week accusing Obama of using taxpayer money to "indoctrinate" children. "As the father of four children, I am absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama's socialist ideology," Greer said.

Really Florida?

Do we remember this?!?!

So, it's OK that dumbo over here sits in a classroom for like 15 minutes after the US gets attacked by terrorists and 2000 americans die, but it's not OK for Obama to tell the kids to stay in school and work hard so that they too can achieve their goals in life?

Looks like it's going to take even longer to get over the damage done from the past 8 years. Now, our kids are going to have to pay for it. (kids meant figuratively - i ain't no baby mama)

Happy Birthday Keanu!

45 never looked so good