This week as best I remember it: March 24- March 30

This week I began reading Mama Gena's School of the Womanly Arts. This week was awesome! I'm not saying it might not have been awesome otherwise, but I'm pretty sure joining the Pleasure Revolution didn't hurt. I love you Mama Gena!

Saturday, March 24
Today was all about naps for me and Lucy. It was also about staying hydrated.

 

Sunday, March 25
This morning I went to The Secret City's monthly service alone, which means I didn't have to arm wrestle anyone to get a seat. The Secret City is sort of a church for artists and art lovers, and judging from the crowds and their well-deserved Obie, the secret is out.

One of the presenters was artist Kai Margarida-Ramirez de Arellano. I want to be her best friend! Kai uses a Mexican traditional art form called papel picado, which is delicate and intricate cut out paper, but with a bad ass subversive twist. Some of her subjects include flaccid penises, her romantically entangled grandfather and his wife's brother, and her mom's extracted tooth.

Later in the day, I went to my La Dea Vita Goddess Gathering. We talked about how to stop and observe and listen to our feelings. Our emotions and are bodies are really trying to communicate with us and share information that can help us be happier and healthier. My throat has been bothering me for nearly two weeks. It feels like something small and lumpy is trapped in the right side. I was surprised to learn that the throat chakra is related to communication, courage and creative connection. That really put a fire under my ass to make sure I started blogging again!

Monday. March 26
I attended my friend Chiquita's Oshun Returns Session, a Goddess Circle that provides a safe space for Black women to share and support one another. I went because I love Chiquita and I didn't have anything else to do, but I was floored by how healing the experience was. I didn't realize how much cultural baggage I had until I was able to release it all. Thanks Goddess Chiquita!

Tuesday, March 27
I went to the 2nd to last session of my Brand New Beginners Yoga Workshop at OM. Thanks to Natalie, I am this close to perfecting downward dog! I know it's not a very yogi thing to say but I really wanna get it right.

After class, I bought myself these flowers because I am a goddess and what's a goddess without flowers!

Wednesday, March 28
Okay, it's official: I now hate cleaning apartments. The first three hours are fine, but once you've been at it for a while you are just hungry and tired and wanna start strangling dust bunnies. I had two appointments today. Oi! The good thing about cleaning is I get to listen to lots of good educational and empowering stuff. I am loving me some WISH Summit right now. You usually have to pay lots of money to hear these amazing women  speak, but it's free for everyone to download all of the summit interviews. Thank you Tera!

I also went to a really special secret dinner with lots of girlfriends. It was so awesome to have hugs and healthy food waiting for me at the end of a long workday.

Quinoa with corn, black beans, and cilantro. Brussels sprouts. Peas and pea shoots. Mmm...

I shared the photo of my flowers on Facebook and asked my girlfriends to comment on how they were going to celebrate their goddesshood. Inspired by their posts, I had planned to take a long bath and rub myself down with hot coconut oil, but I got home later than I expected. Rather than being discouraged, I took a short hot shower, shaved, and massaged myself with Aveda body oil.  Further inspired, I changed my sheets. I usually do this in the morning because at night I'm tired and I don't want to have to make my bed an "extra" time. Woo! Glad I invested the extra few minutes on myself. Getting into bed sweat-free and with freshly shaved legs and clean sheets is my favorite!!!! I fell asleep fast and slept like a happy log!

Thursday, March 29
Oh, the infinite awesomeness of chasing your pleasure. The fun continues!

This morning, I was tired so I slept in, then I stayed in bed even longer with my boyfriend. *Wink, wink* (O yeah, with an emphasis on the O!) I decided that instead of rushing to work and foregoing breakfast, I'd tell my fabulous client that I was running late, and actually tell the truth instead of lying and saying I wasn't feeling well (which always makes me feel terrible) . She totally understood. Once I got there, we agreed that it might be better to just reschedule for after the weekend. (Her apartment was pretty clean since most of the family had been out of town since our last appointment.) So I got to spend some more quality time with myself and with Richard, who is having a light work week. Yay!

In the evening, I trekked to Bed-Stuy for an Intro to Kundalini Yoga class led by my friend Melissa Danielle. I'm not going to lie, it was very weird: lots of abrupt breathing and holding my arms over my head. Still, I'm glad I went. It's always a treat to see Melissa and have her share her knowledge.

Melissa, in traditional Kundalini garb, and my adorable classmates.

This amazing historic building that the yoga class was held in is also used a location for Boardwalk Empire.

I got home hungry and found Richard at home hungry too. Richard suggested La Pequena on Vanderbilt. I hate La Pequena because they always screw up my order, no matter what I order!?!!!! I don't even understand how this is possible, but it's true. I was tempted to just agree to go but since my day was going so well already, I figured what harm could it do to just see if some more magic could happen. I said, "We could go there. Or we could go to Chuko, if you want." Somehow "Yes" popped out of his mouth. I was so happy. (I love love love Chuko but we've only gone twice together since Richard isn't a huge fan.) We both were happy. It was such a delicious, romantic, and fun dinner for both of us!

Friday, March 30
I slept in again then I woke up and went to Milk Bar Brooklyn with Richard for breakfast. Since the breakfast menu is pretty cheesy and eggs, and I'm not a cheese and eggs kinda girl, I usually just drink coffee and eat some toasted bread with avocado. *Whoopie. Not!*

Today, I just said "fuck it" and ordered the veggie chili even though it was 10:41am when my bowl arrived. OMG it was so good! It had eggplant in it?! I know!!!! Weird, but delicious!

We then went to Glass Shop and discovered there are still places in Prospect Heights that you can get and outlet and a seat. Wow! Also the most chipper and friendly barista was working there. I wish I had gotten a picture of her. She was glowing!

After a few hours there, we went next door to PeteZaaz. One the way there, we saw this guy:

Small world story: PeteZaaz is owned by one of my clients' roommate so I didn't feel weird asking him questions, not that he is shy at all. He told me the place is made with savaged stuff, like wood from his friend's deck, vintage pinball games, and old Brooklyn family photos. It's gorgeous, both cavern-like and clean feeling- which is a hard thing to pull off.

The backyard will become a beer garden with movie nights in the summer!

This week, as best I remember it: Feb 19-Feb 25

Monday, February 19
President's Day! No work! Whoo Hoo! Wait, I don't have job. Holidays like this are such a rip off. You'd think they'd at least give you double unemployment benefits for Holidays or something.

Holiday or not, this was not the most exciting day ever. Jessica and I took Lucy to the Humane Society of NYC vet for her final booster shot. We then spent the remainder of the day recovering from the horrendously cold weather--Jessica studied and I did stuff on the 'puter.

Tuesday, February 20
Susie and I met up for dinner at Curly's. (Note to reader: Do not ever eat their Corn Chowder.) We then proceeded to Drop Off Service for a release party for the Third issue of Syncopated, which features a great essay and drawing by Susie. Jason joined us at some point too. There was free beer from Brooklyn's Sixpoint Craft Ales--and everyone knows how I love free beer--so I ended up getting buzzed (okay, drunk) after only two pints. That kinda sucked. Somehow, I managed to follow Jason (who met us at DOS later) to Mercury Lounge, where one of his Swedish friends performed with two bands, back-to-back. I don't remember much, but I think I enjoyed myself. I mean, April was there, so how could I not have had a good time. I have to say, I'm a fan of Jason's exes. It almost makes being friend with Jason worth it. (Heh heh.) Susie and April are tops!

Wednesday, February 21
Wednesday morning it became apparent that very painful headache I'd been dealing with for the past five days was not the result of my brain tumor--I had a cold. I'm sort of relieved about this especially since it means that it won't feel like my left eyeball is trying to annex from my skull forever, but I'm bummed that it also means no one will believe me when I say I have a tumor. I still have my doubts that the lump my doctor described as a benign bony growth is not something way more dangerous. I guess you'll have to keep reading this blog to find out what happens. It may be just a matter of months before I end up here.

Despite being sick, I made it out to Vegetarian Dim Sum for Jason's birthday dinner. I ate my weight in Chinese Food and homemade cupcakes (thanks Susie). It was a blast!

Thursday, February 22 & Friday, February 23
Nothing so rife with excess is horrible except for a cold. I spent these days doing lots of the following: blowing my nose, sleeping, sucking Cold Ease, drinking water, and peeing. The only fun excessive thing I did was watch disk 3 of Arrested Development Season 1 and eat about a pound of the world's best kettle corn on Friday.

At 11:40pm Jessica and I got a call from Philip who had taken Sophie the House Guest from Hell (see Friday, February 2) in a few weeks ago. Apparently, her behavior hasn't improved over at his place and he's asked her to leave the next day. He wants us to come over to his place when she leaves the next morning. This is impossible so I compromise by letting him know I'll talk to her. I call Sophie and make sure that she knows he wants her out before noon. She claims he's a raging drunkard, but it seems like she's willing to go.

Saturday, February 24
Life is great! I began to feel much better and my headache finally dissipated. I spent the morning studying for my Women's Studies quiz and rocking out to Seven Year Bitch's Sick 'Em album.

Things hit a low point when I learn there was some drama around Sophie's exit from Philip's home. I don't wanna get into it, but key phrases are: police, jail, $200 owed, not my problem.

The rest of my day was a blast. I continued the tough girl music theme of the day by dancing along to L7's Hungry for Stink. "Andres" is the best song in the world to dance The Robot to! I did some organizing. I ate hot dogs and beans for lunch and then had junk food from Curly's for dinner. (God, I love making wise food choices.) I even re-watched some episodes of Arrested Development. What a great day!

Sunday, February 25
We Core Members group for the Bed-Stuy CSA had our first meeting ever at Bread Stuy. I'm so psyched for this year. It's only the second year, and the first year with a Core Members group, so we don't have the restrains of precedents what we can do. Anything is possible and that's really exciting. As an extra bonus, a nice couple (Canek and Ren) that I met at Time's Up is in the group and lives in the 'hood. Yay!

After the meeting I stopped by Sabrina and Patrina's place and watched Daughters of the Dust with their film group. 'Trina cooked up some delicious South Carolina style gumbo to go with the theme of the movie, which is set in the Gulla Islands.

When I left their place the was a snow storm in progress and I could barely see. As a result, I lost track of the blocks I was walking and missed my bus stop. I figured it was just as well, since I don't live too far from the twins' place and I could use the exercise. Fast forward thirty minutes and I'm still walking and unsure if I am anywhere near home since every block looks the same when all the homes and my glasses are covered in snow. (The faulty directions I finally brought myself to ask from a driver didn't help either!) Finally I recognised Lexington Street and realised I was not only really far from home but in the heart of the ghetto. Yikes! Somehow I made it home alive.

This week, as best I remember it: Feb 12-Feb 18

I would like to sum up the week that's passed as boring and full of moments that could be judged as morbidly insignificant (even when using the standards of this blog). I'll just post the highlights and spare you the super boring stuff.

Monday, February 12
I returned to the financy place to work as a receptionist. As a temp, it's always nice to be back where I know everyone but there weren't any eccentric visitors or callers so things were kind of lame.

For dinner, I cooked up Indian-Spiced Sweet Potato Potpie from my favorite cookbook, The Vegetarian Meat and Potatoes Cookbook. I also prepared ginger snaps for dessert. I can't get enough of those cookies!




Tuesday, February 13, Wednesday, February 14, & Thursday, February 15
Temping. Eating. Sleeping. Chores. Boring. Boring. Boring.

Well, one fun thing happened on Wednesday: I caught Somethin' (of Flavor of Love fame) on MTV's Date My Mom. Good to know she's not letting a little rouge turd stop her from finding true love via the teen television circuit.

Friday, February 16
Susie, Josh, and I tagged along with April to a V-day party in Williamsburg. They had some a tasty variety of snacks including pink heart shaped popcorn balls, but (to April's lament) the boy population, though large, was not as delicious. How is it possible that someone could have so many guy friends and not a single cute one? I smell conspiracy.

Still, the evening wasn't a complete loss. The party picked up about 10 minutes before we left. The hostesses finally got a clue and turned off the radio that was tuned to Power 105 and put on some albums. I had the time of my life dancing to songs from Thriller in my coat and thermals. It was hot!

Saturday, February 17
Jazz and I met up for lunch and a blogging tutorial at Soy Luck Club, then I went shopping and bought these great shoes at Strawberry. I know they're sort of tacky, but I love, love, love leopard print and am thrilled to have found heels I can walk in.



Sunday, February 18
Jessica and I don't really spend that much waking time together because she works full time, goes to school three evenings out of the week, and spends Friday nights and Saturdays with her little sister. As a result, Sundays are pretty special in general and this Sunday in particular was one of the nicest days we've had together in a while. We "slept in" and then went to Caravan of Dreams for brunch. Afterwards, we got our eyebrows threaded and then we hung out at Bluestockings (where I met a raw chef who shared a very complicated French Toast recipe with me). Later we walked over to Angelika where we saw The Lives of Others in a very packed house. The movie was soooo good! Our final stop was a late dinner at Red Bamboo.

This weekend, as best I remember it: Feb 9-Feb 11

Friday, February 9
My temp assignment at the bank copy shop of horrors continues. It's much better though, now that I know I won't be returning next week. I'll be going back to my sweet cushy receptionist spot at the financy place.

After work, I have dinner at Red Bamboo Brooklyn with Susie, Jason Das, Patrick, Benjamin, April, Debra, and Josh. Tons of fun! It was the best time that I've had in a long time. For some reason, Josh mistakenly thinks I'm drunk. That happens to me a lot. I know I'm not the driest person alive, but c'mon! I'm just naturally giggly and loud.

Saturday, February 10
Lucy is crazy about Chinese food leftovers!



Sabrina and I attend a double birthday party for a friend and her jokester husband. I have a great time until the husband makes a habit of kissing my head and announcing very loudly that he has a crush on me. I'm sure he thinks this is all very funny since he has enough alcohol in his system to fuel a Segue, but it's terribly embarrassing for me. I'm still recovering.

Sunday, February 11
Jessica and I have brunch at Caravan of Dreams and sit at the coveted lovers' bench. There are even more couples there than usual, and I find myself nauseated even though I am in a relationship. But it may have something to do with the Yuppie mother changing her baby's diaper on the bench just two seats away from me. I'm sure she thinks everything about her baby is wonderful, but I don't need to see the end result of soy formula and applesauce over brunch. Who let that baby in here anyway?!

The highlight of the day happens at 9:30 when Jessica unveils the Valentine's Day secret she's been keeping for 3 weeks--Kiki & Herb! That's right, we catch the dynamic duo at Joe's Pub! Best present ever!