Time for the annual pro bono pilgrimage, where I get to stay at the swanky hotel again — hooray! And oh yes, there will be karaoke. May also see a few familiar, non-pro bono faces while I’m down there, time permitting. I’ll be back Saturday!
Author: Laren
-
It’s That Time Again
-
Debut
It’s the debut of the new camera! I took it to Morandi the other night. Didn’t take very many pictures, as I only bought the 1G card last night. Unfortunately, this burrata was ice cold and we had to keep it at the table for a while before it got remotely oozy. See the rest on Flickr.
-
Weekend Wrapup
Started off the weekend with a farewell party for Teddi, who’s moving off to Seattle for 6 months. As much as we all want Teddi to be happy, we selfishly want her to hate Seattle so that she’ll come back to NYC. I’m going to put her in touch with Geek and his family, who are living out there and can keep her company and show her around. After that I went to see Neko Case with Doug. I hadn’t seen her before and neither of the people who had promised me a CD came through, but despite that, I enjoyed the show (and still would love a CD). Following the show, we went to Cafe Grey for a drink and a snack. We got extravagant and ordered a foie gras crostini, which literally took 45 minutes to come out after we had placed our order. The bartender comped it, which was generous, and really the best way to handle the ridiculous delay. After that, off to Otto for a nightcap with Roopa.
Saturday I spent some time purging papers and whatnot (the continuation of a process of purging paper, clothes, and other crap living in the back of my closets), had a great workout, and then headed to Rob’s for raclette (a.k.a. melted cheese-fest). After a major cheese overdose, I slept like a baby. Woke up Sunday to draft a post on Gothamist (only to be trashed by our lovely commenters, who seem to have nothing better to do), then read the paper, threw in a couple of loads of laundry and headed to the gym. Met up with Jenn D. to catch up a bit, then met up with Augie, Lauren, Rob, Sara, and the little one (wearing the hat I knit for him), for dinner at Morandi. Can’t say I loved it — the things I liked the most (fried artichokes, meatballs, gorgonzola crostini) I can get at Gusto (where Chef Jody Williams formerly worked), and it was more expensive than we expected for what we got. I took pictures with my fancy new camera, but haven’t loaded up the software on my computer yet, so haven’t managed to get them off the camera yet. Finished up the night watching the Oscars with Rob and Sara before heading off to bed.
-
Upgrade
My new digi-cam arrived last night! Pics to come as soon as I figure out how to use the thing . . .
I remember when Mom and Stephen offered to buy me a digital camera in 2003; at the time, I couldn’t imagine that I’d use it all that much. I used my regular camera often, and just got the photos put on CD’s when they were developed, which seemed fine. Now I rarely go anywhere without it (very bloggery/dorky of me, I know). Thanks again for getting me hooked!
-
Head vs. Heart
This is a classic example of why I love The Onion: Point/Counterpoint — This Man Obviously Has Substance Abuse Problems And No Capacity To Love vs. But You Love Him
-
I Fought the Couch
. . . and the couch won. I had all kinds of plans set for last night — Eliza’s post-Valentine’s party, then late drinks with some of the girls at the new wine bar above Punch. But I was exhausted, so wanted to go home first, both to change out of my work clothes and to relax on the couch, just for a bit. But the damn thing sucked me in and knocked me out. So, here I am, well-rested and ready to hit the gym. Sometimes I just need to slow down, and when I don’t remember to do that on my own, fortunately my body and my couch usually remember for me.
-
I Heart Swine
What says Valentine’s Day more than The Big PIg Gig at Daisy May’s BBQ? Not much, really. Have a happy V-Day y’all — don’t forget to spread the love.
"Sweet Heart" Necco Conversation Heart sculpture by Nathan Sawaya, who made me some of the best valentines (and flowers) I ever received, just for the record.
-
The Cameras Just Love Me!
Well lookee who we have here — The Lovely Miss Katie, on the left, chatting away with me, on the right, at Dennis Foy last Thursday night. Two photos in the Times within two weeks — woo hoo! Mr. Bruni gave it one star — seems right to me. Here’s my brief write-up on Gothamist. Gotta get that new camera.
Photo by Evan Sung for The New York Times
-
One for the Skeptic
As Valentine’s Day approaches, I’m often asked about my dating life. Do I have plans on V-Day this year? Yes. I always do, regardless of whether they’re with romantic interests or friends. This year is no exception — we’ve got a great plan in the works (more on that later). But back to dating. I’ve always been a skeptic about online dating, as it has never really amounted to much for me. I’ve seen it work for others around me, but for me, real life introductions seem to be better. And some may argue that I’m too picky when it comes to suitors. As you know, I disagree, but with online dating in particular, I’d argue that you should be picky — very picky. Especially when people like this guy are part of the dating pool in which I’m wading. Which brings us back to one of the main reasons why I prefer meeting people in person — fewer psychos.
-
Undercover(s)
I’m sure it’s just the arctic temperatures and the sound of the wind whipping around the weird wind tunnel that exists outside my window, but I am finding it really hard to get out of bed these days, no matter what time I go to bed. My bed is just so damn cozy, especially right now, when I’ve got my super high thread-count sheets on it (note to self: buy more of those). And even now that I’m out and showered, the thought of pulling my laptop back into bed and working from home is extraordinarily appealing. Sigh.