Today I was delayed for 2 ½ hrs in LaGuardia. More ON the plane there. Then there was the flight. And when we got to O’Hare? They kept us waiting an hour for a gate. When you pile on to that my neurotic dad’s need to bring me to the airport at 7 am for a 10 am flight? It was a long day of traveling. Here are just a couple of random observations:
· Bose headphones are the most amazing, wonderful, heavenly things ever. I was watching a kid scream his head off. But I didn’t hear it. Nope, just Modest Mouse. I may go deaf. But at least it won’t be from kids on planes. The only problem—balancing the world created by your headphones and the real world where announcements about your flight are being made. But it’s a balancing act I’m willing to do.
· Speaking of which, the American Airlines rep at the gate kept announcing names of passengers to come up to the gate for their boarding passes. But the way she said “passenger” it sounded like “pasha”. So “Pasha Smith, please come to the gate for your boarding pass”. I thought I was in the Ottoman Empire.
· There was a guy across the row from me who was there with his sister. Well, I couldn’t tell at first if they were brother-sister or boyfriend-girlfriend. They were both about the same age. Looked like college kids. They were affectionate but not PDA-affectionate. They looked similar, but not identical. I was bored and oddly fascinated with trying to figure it out. Then a guy tried to take the brother’s seat while he was getting food and the sister said, “my brother”. Mystery solved. I’m telling you—bored.Of course, this was the same guy that had about a 3’ tall muppet. Looked like a poor man’s Fozzie the Bear. I’m guessing he had seen “Avenue Q” while in NY.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Thanksgiving! -- Thurs., Nov 27 - Nov. 29
Thanksgiving! I went home for Thanksgiving and this year was one of the better ones. No fights w mom. Saw lots of groups of friends. Didn't get sick. Really, it was a banner year!
Thursday, Nov. 27- Thanksgiving
These days, it's just me and my folks. So for the past few years, we go out to Thanksgiving dinner. This year we went to a place in Westchester called Travelers Rest. It's actually a German restaurant. I had Jaeger Schnitzel for dinner. Actually, my Panamanian mom was the only one to get the turkey. Of course, she did get the chopped liver appetizer.
Mom & Dad
Me and my Dad
Me and Mom. I look like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man in black in this coat.
The gardens and waterfalls at the Travelers Rest.
My mom's bird-- Pinky. Even thought it's orange. Looks cute, right? When it chirps it sounds like a car alarm. And I got to share a room with it. Awesome.
Lara & I having a much deserved drink
Then off to dinner w the BU crew. I kinda can't believe that we've been doing this for 10 years. But we have. Kim did most of the organizing this time and she did an awesome job. Schaffer City Oyster Bar had a fun owner, decent food, great beer and good prices. All in all, a slam dunk. We went around the corner to the Flatiron Lounge for drinks. No Jaeger w/o Davis around. But shots were had. We were out late but not retarded late. We still got it.
A blurry shot of the crew
The boys
Kim & Theo in the wee hours
Julie rockin' out!
Saturday, Nov. 29-- Kickin' it old school
Melissa, RoseAnne, Evelyn, Melanie, Isa and Heather. RoseAnne was our lovely hostess.
RoseAnne's fiance has drums. Heather started drumming.
Sisters!
The St. Anthony Girls!
Thursday, Nov. 27- Thanksgiving
These days, it's just me and my folks. So for the past few years, we go out to Thanksgiving dinner. This year we went to a place in Westchester called Travelers Rest. It's actually a German restaurant. I had Jaeger Schnitzel for dinner. Actually, my Panamanian mom was the only one to get the turkey. Of course, she did get the chopped liver appetizer.
Mom & Dad
Me and my Dad
Me and Mom. I look like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man in black in this coat.
The gardens and waterfalls at the Travelers Rest.
My mom's bird-- Pinky. Even thought it's orange. Looks cute, right? When it chirps it sounds like a car alarm. And I got to share a room with it. Awesome.Friday, Nov. 28-- A Day in the City
Friday I got up bright and early and met Lara in the city for wedding dress shopping. We had an appointment at a small shop that TOOK MY CREDIT CARD to hold the appt. If we didn't show-- $50 charge. So I made sure we were on time. And it was worth it-- they were super nice. After about 1 1/2 hrs. there, we walked up to the garment district. It was a beautiful day and walking around NY is always nice. The garment district is famous for having bridal stores w racks and racks of dresses. And man, oh man, did they. Totally overwhelming. So we didn't do much there and instead headed to our next appt.-- Macy's Herald Sq. I'm not sure what crack I was smoking when I made that appt. It was Black Friday! It was INSANE with bodies. Chaos everywhere. Lara murmured, "This makes me not like people." I thought that at the bridal salon it would be better. Um, no. We had a ditzy old lady who had Lara pick 4 dresses. None of them worked. And that was it-- you can only try on 4 dresses. WTF? It was odd. So we took off, happy to leave the Macy's heaving throng. Much more pleasant was the bar down the street where we went for a much needed drink!
Lara trying on dresses. What a lovely bride!
Lara & I having a much deserved drink
Then off to dinner w the BU crew. I kinda can't believe that we've been doing this for 10 years. But we have. Kim did most of the organizing this time and she did an awesome job. Schaffer City Oyster Bar had a fun owner, decent food, great beer and good prices. All in all, a slam dunk. We went around the corner to the Flatiron Lounge for drinks. No Jaeger w/o Davis around. But shots were had. We were out late but not retarded late. We still got it.Amy & Theo
A blurry shot of the crew
The boys
Kim & Theo in the wee hours
Julie rockin' out!
Saturday, Nov. 29-- Kickin' it old schoolSat. was the wildcard. Because of Facebook, I've gotten back in touch with elementary school friends that I haven't seen or spoken to in 21 years. We decided to get together at the holiday. I had no idea how it was going to go. I mean-- 21 yrs! But it was good to see that even after all that time, we got along. We remembered old classmates, teachers, priests. Or rather, prodded each other to remember. I'm grateful that some of the crew have much better memories than I. And even though a lot of the conversation was about the past, a lot was about the present. Of the future. It was such a fun afternoon. The sense of rediscovery was pretty exciting. Can't wait to do it again.
The only picture of the whole crew. Blurry and crooked. But we're all there.
Melissa, RoseAnne, Evelyn, Melanie, Isa and Heather. RoseAnne was our lovely hostess.RoseAnne's fiance has drums. Heather started drumming.Sisters!
The St. Anthony Girls!
Avec w Nicole & Jim-- Mon., Nov. 24
The weekend before Thanksgiving, Nicole & Jim and Nicole's sister & brother-in-law all went to South Bend, IN for the Notre Dame game. It's Jim's alma mater so I won't comment. But they lost. Anyway, I was lucky enough to get to see Nicole & Jim on Mon. We went to Avec and had an AWESOME meal. It was snowing a bit and Nicole actually applauded and cheered at the sight. It was so nice catching up. A great Mon. night. And a great way to start off the beginning of the holiday season.
Awwww. Jim & Nicole at dinner.
Curry pork shoulder and chickpeas and other yummy stuff. I LOVE that Nicole is no longer a vegetarian.
Me engulfing Nicole in my coat
Friday, November 21, 2008
Westside Thanksgiving-- Wed., Nov 19
Every year my old office has its own Thanksgiving celebration. I went this year for the first time in a few years. And I'm glad I did.
My job at Legal Assistance Foundation wasn't fun. I was a generalist so I had to represent people in a variety of areas-- family law, evictions, bankruptcy, consumer law, unemployment. The list seems endless. I didn't know most of the areas of law and I had very little supervision. There were very few resources. We regularly took emergency cases. Which all made for a very stressful work life. But the people? The people rocked. I don't get to see them all that often and I miss them. So it was a nice evening. And it made me very thankful.
William and Emily. He loved the spoon. I didn't get a picture of John, Emily's husband. But you're basically looking at a mini-version of him.
And he smelled so good!
Miriam, Lisa & Emily.
Emiliano, Brett's little boy and William, Emily's oldest, playing in the waiting room. I always remember how old Emiliano is by remembering that Celia was very pregnant when the White Sox won the World Series. He's a lucky charm.
Brett and Emiliano having a very rational, reasonable conversation about sharing.
And then the upside down tummy torture technique.
Lisa and Miss Eva King. Both canvassed for Obama in swing states that went blue. That's right-- they're personally responsible for his win.
My job at Legal Assistance Foundation wasn't fun. I was a generalist so I had to represent people in a variety of areas-- family law, evictions, bankruptcy, consumer law, unemployment. The list seems endless. I didn't know most of the areas of law and I had very little supervision. There were very few resources. We regularly took emergency cases. Which all made for a very stressful work life. But the people? The people rocked. I don't get to see them all that often and I miss them. So it was a nice evening. And it made me very thankful.
Leo & Catherine. I remember when she was pregnant with him. She would stand sideways just showing her belly in my office doorway. It made me giggle every time. And now that belly is Leo!
William and Emily. He loved the spoon. I didn't get a picture of John, Emily's husband. But you're basically looking at a mini-version of him.
And he smelled so good!
Miriam, Lisa & Emily. 
Emiliano, Brett's little boy and William, Emily's oldest, playing in the waiting room. I always remember how old Emiliano is by remembering that Celia was very pregnant when the White Sox won the World Series. He's a lucky charm.
Brett and Emiliano having a very rational, reasonable conversation about sharing.
And then the upside down tummy torture technique.
Lisa and Miss Eva King. Both canvassed for Obama in swing states that went blue. That's right-- they're personally responsible for his win.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Awesome November Weekend-- Fri. Nov. 14 and Sat. Nov. 15
Friday night was a concert I've been looking forward to for months-- Drive-By Truckers and The Hold Steady. It was a concert I was SO excited about, I thought it couldn't possibly live up to expectations. But it did. I'm getting old, so when I go out on a Friday night, I have to go straight out. If I'm still on my couch by 7:30, I'm staying there all night. So Fri night, Matt picked me and Tim up at 5:45 and we headed over to Fat Cat. Jew Dan, Zach and his lady friend Kelly met us there. I downed a few Jack and diets and was ready for the show. The show was sold out so when we got there it was already fairly packed. But my NY upbringing has taught me to bob and weave. So I landed a pretty good spot. But Matt was the only one who made it up there with me. Tim got up there for The Hold Steady. And I'm glad I did-- the show was awesome, awesome, awesome. Loud guitars. Lots of energy. I was jumping up and down. And deaf by the end of the night.Matt ready for the Truckers
And here they are!
Matt & Tim and Tim's middle finger btwn bands
And again with the middle finger
The Hold Steady!
Rock and Roll Means Well 
Truckers, The Hold Steady in neoclassic rock love fest
By Joshua Klein Special to the Tribune
November 17, 2008
The Drive-By Truckers and The Hold Steady rank as two of the hardest-working bands on the planet, and their latest albums—"Brighter Than Creation's Dark" and "Stay Positive" respectively—are two of the year's best releases. Arguably, that's been true of every one of each band's records over the last decade. The difference is that in 2008 both bands decided to celebrate their collective track record (and mutual appreciation) by hitting the road together—a move that brought them to a sold-out Riviera Friday night.For all the two groups have in common, the Truckers and The Hold Steady embrace pretty different subject matter—the former specializes in tales of death, taxes and downtrodden Southern ne'er-do-wells, the latter hopeful hedonists stuck in the suburban Midwest. But Friday, the Drive-By Truckers and Hold Steady united in their conviction that heartfelt lyrics, big riffs and bigger smiles can bridge any real or perceived differences in background or belief.This night the Truckers went first—the bands have swapped the opening slot— with a reliably inspiring set of songs that included "The Righteous Path," "The Living Bubba" and "A Ghost to Most." Given the subsequent fervent reaction to The Hold Steady, the demographics on this night likely favored them slightly over their tour mates. By the end of the set, the whole audience was shouting along, fists pumping and hands clapping, as Hold Steady singer/cheerleader Craig Finn introduced one anthem after the other, from standards such as "Chips Ahoy!" to the newer "Constructive Summer" and "Slapped Actress." A few minutes later, both bands shared the stage as well as their love of classic rock. DBT singer Patterson Hood led the supergroup through Blue Oyster Cult's "Burnin' for You," Finn led AC/DC's "Ride On," and everyone came together for the dual catharsis of the Truckers' "Let There Be Rock" and The Hold Steady's "Killer Parties." By the end of the night, six guitars blared onstage, producing more grins than you could count, and requiring no further proof of the healing power of rock 'n' roll.
Burnin' for You
Tim practicing the Shaman's dance
Dinosaurs are cool
Tim pretending to read
Tim touching the big bone
Irish deer. I asked why it was Irish. Because it was found in Ireland. I'm an idiot.
Alex wanted me to take this pic. It's a Giant Beaver.
Sue went unaccosted that night.
What to do post-museum? Boots of beer at the Brauhaus. Class, class, class.
Mindy's first boot. Welcome...
Now Timmy's turn
Sausage, potatoes, mustard, pickle. Hell yeah.
One of the highlights of the night-- learning a new trick for getting rid of hiccups. The waitress told Alex to suck on 3 maraschino cherries. And it worked!
Mindy and Alex. So sweet.
And Tim & me. More insane than sweet.
Rock and Roll Means Well 
Truckers, The Hold Steady in neoclassic rock love festBy Joshua Klein Special to the Tribune
November 17, 2008
The Drive-By Truckers and The Hold Steady rank as two of the hardest-working bands on the planet, and their latest albums—"Brighter Than Creation's Dark" and "Stay Positive" respectively—are two of the year's best releases. Arguably, that's been true of every one of each band's records over the last decade. The difference is that in 2008 both bands decided to celebrate their collective track record (and mutual appreciation) by hitting the road together—a move that brought them to a sold-out Riviera Friday night.For all the two groups have in common, the Truckers and The Hold Steady embrace pretty different subject matter—the former specializes in tales of death, taxes and downtrodden Southern ne'er-do-wells, the latter hopeful hedonists stuck in the suburban Midwest. But Friday, the Drive-By Truckers and Hold Steady united in their conviction that heartfelt lyrics, big riffs and bigger smiles can bridge any real or perceived differences in background or belief.This night the Truckers went first—the bands have swapped the opening slot— with a reliably inspiring set of songs that included "The Righteous Path," "The Living Bubba" and "A Ghost to Most." Given the subsequent fervent reaction to The Hold Steady, the demographics on this night likely favored them slightly over their tour mates. By the end of the set, the whole audience was shouting along, fists pumping and hands clapping, as Hold Steady singer/cheerleader Craig Finn introduced one anthem after the other, from standards such as "Chips Ahoy!" to the newer "Constructive Summer" and "Slapped Actress." A few minutes later, both bands shared the stage as well as their love of classic rock. DBT singer Patterson Hood led the supergroup through Blue Oyster Cult's "Burnin' for You," Finn led AC/DC's "Ride On," and everyone came together for the dual catharsis of the Truckers' "Let There Be Rock" and The Hold Steady's "Killer Parties." By the end of the night, six guitars blared onstage, producing more grins than you could count, and requiring no further proof of the healing power of rock 'n' roll.
Your Little Hoodrat Friend
Burnin' for You
Saturday was Boeing night at the Field Museum. We went as Alex's guests. It was mainly parents with kids. But Tim and I usually act like children, so it worked out well. It was so fun. I kept saying I was going to bring a flask and we could throw things at Sue the way the charming Kellogg students did. But I realized too late that I had lost my flask top, so that was out. And yet we still had fun. Granted, we went straight out to a bar afterwards...
Tim practicing the Shaman's dance
Dinosaurs are cool
Tim pretending to read
Tim touching the big bone
Irish deer. I asked why it was Irish. Because it was found in Ireland. I'm an idiot.
Alex wanted me to take this pic. It's a Giant Beaver.
Sue went unaccosted that night.
What to do post-museum? Boots of beer at the Brauhaus. Class, class, class.
Mindy's first boot. Welcome...
Now Timmy's turn
Sausage, potatoes, mustard, pickle. Hell yeah.
One of the highlights of the night-- learning a new trick for getting rid of hiccups. The waitress told Alex to suck on 3 maraschino cherries. And it worked!
Mindy and Alex. So sweet.
And Tim & me. More insane than sweet.
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