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 !

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:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=54935396

gung hay fat choy !

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

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....

puerto rico

Ok...so, it's been forever since I last posted...sorry for the delay but the holiday season has been more than busy. In the past few weeks, I have traveled to and from Puerto Rico and had a visit from the parents to my abode here in Brooklyn. I wanted to blog my entire Puerto Rico experience but since so much time has passed, I won't be able to devote as much time to it as I thought I would. Basically, I took a road trip with my friend, Carolee, who is also turning 30 this month. I can't speak for her, but this trip was just the beginning of a process of coping with my upcoming 1/3 life crisis. It was great to travel with Carolee because she is so carefree and always looking for ways to make a new situation fun. Whereas yours truly chooses to freak out at any opportunity...especially when the opportunity is a new country, situation, language...hell, even a new road...that goes up a hill. Without her, I'm not sure I would have left the hotel beach. Carolee also helped to organize the trip which included a great tour of the island. We went to Rincon (a surfer's paradise), San Juan (the flashy capital) and Ponce (the panoramic drive made this destination worth it). Overall, it was great to experience a new country, and with a great friend, no less :)

In other news (I've always wanted to say that), I saw Juno tonight.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/juno/

I've been anticipating this movie for a while and I couldn't miss the chance to see it. I don't want to give too much away. Firstly, I found it difficult to not identify with the main character. Basically, it centers around a 16 year old girl who gets pregnant. Not that I am pregnant or even that I am 16...I am definitely not 16. :( .......The movie is very dry and witty and at the same time, it is thoughtful and genuine. It's just completely different from the mainstream crap that is out there. All movies just feel the same sometimes...you've seen one romantic comedy you've seen them all. And I guess "Juno" is a romantic comedy, but it defies all the "rules" of what a romantic comedy should be. It redefines them and makes it something new. I like that. Go see "Juno."