Tuesday, February 26, 2008

what a weekend !

This past weekend was full of food, music and laughter....three of my favorite things ! Things got started on Friday morning with a lovely snow storm that did not keep me from slipping on the ice to get to see the National at BAM.



across the street from the Guggenheim

Friday, February 22, 2008

lazy day

I woke up this morning at 8 am to the pleasant sounds of my phone ringing...It was my mother. Before I could even look out the window on my own, she broke the news to me that outside there was a Winter Wonderland. I automatically dreaded leaving the house, and since I only had 2 appointments today....I cancelled them and stayed at home ! I've done nothing but watch Martha Stewart reruns, and food tv.....oh and I sewed a little bit. I've been so lazy that I didn't even get my camera out to take pictures of the snow OR document my progress sewing my breakfast kimono ! And now, I am about to take a nap.

I have to admit that despite the winter sadness syndrome I have....I kind of like these lazy days at home :)

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

power suite

Alot of people have what they call a power suit, an item of clothing that just makes you feel on top of the world. Usually it was something that you would wear on an interview or even on a first date. I remember when I was a sophomore in high school, my English teacher, Ms. Doyle, spoke of this and to this day, I have a few items in my cloest that fit this profile. The other day, as I was cruising down the street from one appointment to the next..I realized that I have a few songs that I would definitely classify as power music. Listening to these songs can automatically make me have a better day ! So I thought it would be fun to list a "Power Mix-Tape." Why keep these songs to myself ? They are listed below. Enjoy !

Christina's Power Suite:

1.) "Control" - Mute Math
2.) "Take Me to the Riot" - Stars
3.) "The Girl" - Sia
4.) "Damn Girl" - Justin Timberlake
5.) "No Cars Go" - Arcade Fire
6.) "I Was Made to Love Her" - Stevie Wonder
7.) "Tears Dry On Their Own" - Amy Winehouse
8.) "The Long Way Around" - Dixie Chicks
9.) "Grow Up And Blow Away" - Metric
10.) "New Shoes" - Paolo Nutini
11. ) "Sing Me Spanish Techno" - New Pornographers
12.) "I Feel It All" - Feist

Saturday, February 16, 2008

concert crazy

For the past three days, I've attended a trio of concerts that all vary in musical genre....I used to think that if I could do anything I wanted on any given night, I would want nothing more than to see a great concert. And three in a row! I should have been in heaven..But the truth is that I am getting old ! My feet hurt when I have to stand for long periods, and I am a magnet for these three things : 1) tall people, 2) afros, and 3) big heads. Don't worry though..this won't keep me from going to hear music...but three in a row ? Well, maybe I would give that a second thought :)



The first concert was on Valentine's Day. I went with a few friends to see Band of Horses at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple. What an awesome venue ! The venue can make or break the ambiance of a concert. The acoustics might not be up to par. The space might be too big or too hot. However, I found that BMT had none of these issues. I would definitely go to another show here. Even the people were nice ! Some guy actually offered to let me stand in front of him in order to see better !



For the next show, I went to Webster Hall to see Ingrid Michaelson. I don't really know her music that well, but my friend Kari was nice enough to offer me to ticket :) The only song I knew prior to going to the concert was the one from the Old Navy commercial called "The Way I Am." So, I bought her cd and found all of the songs really catchy and funny. This carried on to her performance as well.

The last night I went with a few friends to BAMcafe (http://www.bam.org/events/bamcafelive.aspx) to see a free show of White Rabbits. Alas, I forgot my camera this night so no pictures. Check out the band:

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Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Slam

New York is a wet, cold, slushy mess right now. This morning I found out that I have a huge gaping hole in my left rain boot as I splashed wholeheartedly into the largest puddle I could find ! It’s weather like this that I was referring to a few posts ago that can make me lose my mind. So, you can imagine what a breath of fresh air it was to go to the annual “Love Hurts” story slam hosted by the Moth at the Nuyorican Poet’s Café last night. I have to say that I am pretty impressed with myself for finding this event. Out of every social event planning email I have sent in the past few years, this one has probably received the most positive response as well as largest turnout. I’ve gone twice, and each time I always have a great group of people to accompany me. If there is anything worth braving the weather for, this was it….and we weren’t the only ones to brave the weather either ! The place was packed.



For those of you who aren’t in the know, the moth is a non-profit storytelling organization. I won’t recount the whole story here but check out their website for more information at www.themoth.org. They run about 6 programs a month, including the story slams, which are basically storytelling competitions. Each slam centers around a specific theme. In honor of Valentine’s Day, last night’s theme was “Love Hurts.” It’s amazing how people can interpret a theme. I think that’s one of the fascinating things about this even that keeps me coming back.



Afterwards, a few of us had an extra drink down the street. I think my favorite part of the whole story slam experience is the conversation that it inspires amongst people after. The commentary that passed between the four of us was a podcast on it’s own! I love that! Walking in the snow afterwards...well, by then it was raining, but either way, I couldn't have been happier because I realized how awesome it is to be with your friends and telling your own stories....ok, I know I'm a nerd but I don't care:)

Two handed hugs and fake kisses on both cheeks to all of you ! Happy Early Valentine's Day !

Monday, February 11, 2008

Busy week

Tonight is my one and only night to myself, which is a good thing because the rest of the week is more than full. This week's activities include the Moth StorySlam (www.themoth.org), knit night and two concerts (Band of Horses and Ingrid Michaelson)...so there should be a lot to talk about. In other words, stay tuned.

I've been thinking of doing a song of the week for a while now...I could probably do a song of the day but that would be overkill, I know :) As most of you know, I am something resembling a music fanatic and since I travel so much during the day, I am able to listen to my ipod a lot. Whether it's a podcast or music, I find that I tend to have these simple themes that pervade throughout the week. I'll be walking down the street, ipod earphones inserted, and all of sudden, I have this revelation, "This is my song! This is what I love right now!" I become overwhelmed and I just want to share that song/podcast with everyone I know. It's usually something I feel NEEDS to be shared, and since I love podcasts so much, the song of the week might be a podcast sometimes. Don't say you weren't warned !

So without further ado, in honor of the Valentine's Day holiday this week AND since I will actually be seeing the band on February 14th, the song of the week is.......

"No One's Gonna Love You" by Band of Horses

Listen here:

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Sunday, February 10, 2008

gung hay fat choy !





Happy Chinese New Year ! It's the year of the Rat....enjoy these pics...

Saturday, February 9, 2008

I'm Lost

It appears that winter brings out the socialite in me. Ok, I know I'm not fooling any of you.....but in the past 4 four winters I've spent in NYC, I don't think I've ever been as active as I am right now. I'm not complaining though. I think it's helping me get through the very sad winter moods I usually get in at this time of year. I'm actually really thankful that there is so much to do right now....great concerts, storyslams, and multiple other performances I want to see. This week was a quiet one but next week I think I am going to two concerts (Ingrid Michaelson, Band of Horses) so there should be plenty to talk about.

In other news.....

I just watched the first episode (this season) of Lost. This shows always reels me in for the best fantasy-mystery ride ever. It doesn't bother me that there are more and more questions at the end of every episode, and I am not kidding when I say that I cried at least two times while watching. I'm hooked, and I can't wait to watch the second episode...patiently waiting for me on my dvr :)

This weekend I have discovered my love for cats. For those who know me well, I am in no way an animal person, but every once in a while, some animal makes some sort of connection with my heart and I am hooked. The first time I connected with an animal was with my old roommates dog, Trixie. Even though we are miles apart from each other, that miniature schnauzer will always have a place in my heart. It's crazy ! I start talking in some baby voice reserved especially for her. Her owner thinks I am nuts ! But I am sure that's not the only reason why....lol...So I don't think I like all animals, but I can definitely understand someone else loving an animal. But I digress...what is the reason for this realization ? I'm cat sitting for my neighbor and I love this cat. All my life I've been surrounded by dogs and cats...but I never gave them a second thought ! Maybe I love Trixie and Gatsby so much because they aren't mine....well, that opens a whole other can of worms....