-- Post From My iPhone
Showing posts with label For fun. Show all posts
Showing posts with label For fun. Show all posts
22.4.10
A friend once told me, "it's impossible to be shy while wearing a spandex bodysuit."
And he was right. There is something strangely liberating about concealing your 9-to-5 self beneath a layer of shiny silver spandex, dramatic stage make-up and a sting-ray cape with neon glowing eyes...
-- Post From My iPhone
-- Post From My iPhone
18.2.10
Help me decide on my next costume!
Thank you everyone who left a comment on my last post complimenting my Coraline-inspired costume.
There are few things in this world that offer me release like dancing to a funky beat. On the dance floor, the only thing that matters is moving my body to the rhythm. Thoughts of bills to be paid, work to be done and chores to be completed, melt away as my mind focuses only on stepping to the beat. The flashing and swirling lights, the awe-inspiring performances and the mass of people moving as one, transport me to care-free world, where anything is possible. Add a costume to the mix, and I become a new person--a better person who is not constrained by society's expectations nor my own inhibitions.
I think a friend of mine said it best when he told me, "it's hard to be shy while wearing a red velvet jump suit and feather boa."
The next costume party on my agenda, is an underwater-themed event in April. Though it's still a couple months off, I'm starting my costume planning now. That's where you come in. I need help deciding between two ideas.
There are few things in this world that offer me release like dancing to a funky beat. On the dance floor, the only thing that matters is moving my body to the rhythm. Thoughts of bills to be paid, work to be done and chores to be completed, melt away as my mind focuses only on stepping to the beat. The flashing and swirling lights, the awe-inspiring performances and the mass of people moving as one, transport me to care-free world, where anything is possible. Add a costume to the mix, and I become a new person--a better person who is not constrained by society's expectations nor my own inhibitions.
I think a friend of mine said it best when he told me, "it's hard to be shy while wearing a red velvet jump suit and feather boa."
The next costume party on my agenda, is an underwater-themed event in April. Though it's still a couple months off, I'm starting my costume planning now. That's where you come in. I need help deciding between two ideas.
- Stingray
This costume would involve a foil silver body suit, a hand-made stingray fin/tail shaped silver fabric cape that would attach at my back and by loops at my wrists, silver-painted sneakers, and wild silver eyeshadow and lipstick.
- Sea Nymph
The possibilities are endless--sea shells, scale mail, shiny and sheer fabrics, flowing wig, lots of teals or blues. My concern with this idea, is that there will probably be a bizillion store-bought sexy mermaid or sea nymph costumes at the party. Mine would be unique because I'd make it myself, but there would be girls wearing similar outfits, no doubt.
15.2.10
My costume for PEX's Valentine's Day Party "Heart Burn"
Dancing all night is great fun, but dancing all night in a Coraline-inspired costume with glow-in-the-dark stars is even better.....
Heart-Burn was an amazing party...the beats were rocking, the vibe was just right and the performers were amazing. I posted videos the party of a performer hula-hooping with fire and
a couple doing some amazing yoga-style floor acrobatics on my other blog go check it out!
Heart-Burn was an amazing party...the beats were rocking, the vibe was just right and the performers were amazing. I posted videos the party of a performer hula-hooping with fire and
a couple doing some amazing yoga-style floor acrobatics on my other blog go check it out!
3.11.09
New Look
Priorities. Traveling and entertainment are the top two on my list. I spend a good portion of my disposable income on boozing, eating out and trips abroad. It's great. Except, when all your money is tied up in fun, there's none left over for new clothes. Besides, who wants to spend money on something boring like clothes? Even if I do "shop," I'd rather buy art. Or shoes. I do love shoes.
Why am I telling you this? Well, this weekend I went clothes shopping for the first time since February. This was no ordinary shopping, but EXTREME shopping. I was at the mall (actually two malls) for a total of eight hours this weekend. The first day, it took me two-and-a-half hours to make my first puirchase--a pair of black suede, slouchy boots for $35. Two hours later, I had bought a dress and a skinny belt. Four-and-a-half hours, three purchases and $75 spent. I seriously suck at shopping.
Does anyone else see some major similarities between malls and casinos? No natural light, over-stimulation, people mulling about with glazed looks, people spending money they don't have....
So back to my new boots. If you know me in "real" life, you know that I spend most of my time in sneakers. Super-cute, bold, colorful sneakers, but sneakers nonetheless. This whole boots, dresses and tights thing is new for me. It's kind of like playing dress up. Today, as I walked with my new boots through the three metro stations that I traverse on my daily commute, I felt like strutting. New shoes seem to have a direct impact on a girl's self-esteem--someone should do a study. My feminist side just died a little with that last statement.
My cat Papi seemed less thrilled with my new look. When I put my boots on this morning and stood up from the chair, he hopped back, his tail puffed and his eyes widened. He kept wanting to come closer to scope out my new attire, but when he got too close for comfort he would leap away dramatically with the hair on his tail standing on edge, like he had stuck his little paw in a light socket.
Why did I tell you this pointless story? I don't know, these boots are making me fiesty. I completely understand if you never read my blog again.
Why am I telling you this? Well, this weekend I went clothes shopping for the first time since February. This was no ordinary shopping, but EXTREME shopping. I was at the mall (actually two malls) for a total of eight hours this weekend. The first day, it took me two-and-a-half hours to make my first puirchase--a pair of black suede, slouchy boots for $35. Two hours later, I had bought a dress and a skinny belt. Four-and-a-half hours, three purchases and $75 spent. I seriously suck at shopping.
Does anyone else see some major similarities between malls and casinos? No natural light, over-stimulation, people mulling about with glazed looks, people spending money they don't have....
So back to my new boots. If you know me in "real" life, you know that I spend most of my time in sneakers. Super-cute, bold, colorful sneakers, but sneakers nonetheless. This whole boots, dresses and tights thing is new for me. It's kind of like playing dress up. Today, as I walked with my new boots through the three metro stations that I traverse on my daily commute, I felt like strutting. New shoes seem to have a direct impact on a girl's self-esteem--someone should do a study. My feminist side just died a little with that last statement.
My cat Papi seemed less thrilled with my new look. When I put my boots on this morning and stood up from the chair, he hopped back, his tail puffed and his eyes widened. He kept wanting to come closer to scope out my new attire, but when he got too close for comfort he would leap away dramatically with the hair on his tail standing on edge, like he had stuck his little paw in a light socket.
Why did I tell you this pointless story? I don't know, these boots are making me fiesty. I completely understand if you never read my blog again.
28.10.09
Random Dozen
Random Dozen:
If you play along, let me know so I can come see how you answered.
1.Candy corn: Your thoughts?
The brown bottoms are superior to the white bottoms.
2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)
When Jack and I first met, I was 16 years old and at a party at my boyfriend-at-that-time's house. The "dreaded ex" as we'll call him, was proving to me that you could sit in your chair all night and never have to get up. We spent the night shouting orders for fresh beers and entertainment from our chair. When we tried it with Jack, he was totally on to our bullshit and giving orders right back. From then on, whenever Jack and I saw each other there was a lot of ball breaking going on.
We have been dating for going on six years now, and we still joke and break balls just like we did back then.
3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?
I grew up "pescatarian," meaning the only "meat" I ate was seafood. I didn't enjoy a steak until I was 16 years old. I still rarely eat red meat, but when I do, I like it bloody!
4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?
No. No. NO! Though, in the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that my cat Papi sports a rhinestone studded collar and my cat Pie (aka Puss Cat) rocks a red studded one.
5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Tea berry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).
What I miss most about my childhood is being able to spend my entire weekend playing--splashing in puddles, riding bikes and tromping through the woods has given way to running errands, cleaning the house and other boring adult things. Sigh.
6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?
Pimp of the Year bitches! I have the trophy to prove it.
7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?
After Thanksgiving--I find it really annoying that stores in my city already have Christmas displays up, and it's not even Halloween yet. I'm not just saying this because I'm Jewish...
8. What is your favorite board game?
Does Yahtzee count as a board game? Probably not since there's no board.
9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?
Being pleasantly surprised is nice, but I hate when someone says, "I have a surprise for you," and won't tell me what it is. Jack gets me like that all the time, because he knows it drives me nuts.
10. Is it easy for you to say "I'm sorry?"
Yes, but only if I'm actually sorry. No insincere apologies. When I'm right, I'm right. I won't apologize for that.
11. What is your favorite candle scent?
Lavender
12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?
I would serve Belgian beers, robust red wines and a sampling of my favorite fruits and cheeses. (I'm classy like that.) I would show the art I've collected during my travels--I only decorate my house in original art--and my rocks and gems collection. For music, I would play some deep, soulful house music--maybe my new(ish) Terry Thompson CD.
If you play along, let me know so I can come see how you answered.
1.Candy corn: Your thoughts?
The brown bottoms are superior to the white bottoms.
2. Briefly, what was the first conversation you ever had with your spouse? (or best friend, if you're not married.) (Or someone significant, like your librarian.)
When Jack and I first met, I was 16 years old and at a party at my boyfriend-at-that-time's house. The "dreaded ex" as we'll call him, was proving to me that you could sit in your chair all night and never have to get up. We spent the night shouting orders for fresh beers and entertainment from our chair. When we tried it with Jack, he was totally on to our bullshit and giving orders right back. From then on, whenever Jack and I saw each other there was a lot of ball breaking going on.
We have been dating for going on six years now, and we still joke and break balls just like we did back then.
3. Could you ever become a vegetarian?
I grew up "pescatarian," meaning the only "meat" I ate was seafood. I didn't enjoy a steak until I was 16 years old. I still rarely eat red meat, but when I do, I like it bloody!
4. Have you ever dressed up your pet in a costume?
No. No. NO! Though, in the interest of full disclosure, I have to admit that my cat Papi sports a rhinestone studded collar and my cat Pie (aka Puss Cat) rocks a red studded one.
5. Name something about childhood that you miss (like Clark Bars, Tea berry Gum, Malibu Barbie, cracking fake eggs on people's heads with your fist and "It's the Great Pumpkin" airing only once a year).
What I miss most about my childhood is being able to spend my entire weekend playing--splashing in puddles, riding bikes and tromping through the woods has given way to running errands, cleaning the house and other boring adult things. Sigh.
6. Have you ever won a trophy? If not, what do you deserve a trophy for?
Pimp of the Year bitches! I have the trophy to prove it.
7. When do you think is the appropriate time to begin playing Christmas music each year?
After Thanksgiving--I find it really annoying that stores in my city already have Christmas displays up, and it's not even Halloween yet. I'm not just saying this because I'm Jewish...
8. What is your favorite board game?
Does Yahtzee count as a board game? Probably not since there's no board.
9. How do you feel about surprises (receiving, not giving)?
Being pleasantly surprised is nice, but I hate when someone says, "I have a surprise for you," and won't tell me what it is. Jack gets me like that all the time, because he knows it drives me nuts.
10. Is it easy for you to say "I'm sorry?"
Yes, but only if I'm actually sorry. No insincere apologies. When I'm right, I'm right. I won't apologize for that.
11. What is your favorite candle scent?
Lavender
12. October is traditionally "open house" time in public schools. If you had a literal open house in your home (like a reception) what light snacks would you serve visitors and what would you show them (as in art projects, graded papers) that would uniquely represent you?
I would serve Belgian beers, robust red wines and a sampling of my favorite fruits and cheeses. (I'm classy like that.) I would show the art I've collected during my travels--I only decorate my house in original art--and my rocks and gems collection. For music, I would play some deep, soulful house music--maybe my new(ish) Terry Thompson CD.
26.10.09
26.7.09
House guest
from Advice and Humor from Mr. Condescending has invited himself to spend a night in my home. Presumptuous, I know.
And, he's not just asking to spend the night, but he expects me to wine, dine and entertain him as well. Well Mr. C, you're in for a treat at my house! Here's how our night would go....
The evening would be begin with appetizers and wine in my cozy living room. I would serve a bottle of Montecillo Gran Reserva, a lovey Spanish red, and one of my favorite appetizers, roasted beets with fresh goat cheese and mint from my garden.
Here's my favorite cookbook. I got my awesome Mole Poblano de Guajolote recipe from this Hot & Spicy cookbook. This dish takes two full days to prepare--the sauce is made of dried, roasted chiles, almonds, raisins, cocoa, and more.
For our main course on this night, we'd have grilled Tilapia
with a tomato and fresh herb salsa, garden-fresh green beans and rice pilaf.
Our meal would be accompanied my mojitos, made with the chocolate-mint from my garden. We'd enjoy our meal and drinks in my lovely backyard.
How does that sound, Mr. C?
22.6.09
I can, I will, I should...
I can't...stand having to wait...do a cartwheel...imagine life without cheese...believe it's only Thursday....sing worth a damn,
but I can...speak Spanish...keep dreaming...take time to stop and smell the roses...kick your ass in Rummy...drink most men under the table...see past superficial bullshit.
I won't...take "no" for an answer...budge on my beliefs...play the blame game...step on people to get ahead...watch reality TV shows,
but I will...tell Jack everyday that I love him...drop everything to help a friend in need...accept responsibility for my actions...never stop learning.
I shouldn't...think about work on the weekends...feel bad about things I can't control...take things so personally...worry so much,
and I should...write an "updates" post, it's long overdue...quit smoking...exercise regularly...learn to control my road rage.
but I can...speak Spanish...keep dreaming...take time to stop and smell the roses...kick your ass in Rummy...drink most men under the table...see past superficial bullshit.
I won't...take "no" for an answer...budge on my beliefs...play the blame game...step on people to get ahead...watch reality TV shows,
but I will...tell Jack everyday that I love him...drop everything to help a friend in need...accept responsibility for my actions...never stop learning.
I shouldn't...think about work on the weekends...feel bad about things I can't control...take things so personally...worry so much,
and I should...write an "updates" post, it's long overdue...quit smoking...exercise regularly...learn to control my road rage.
15.5.09
Hollywood in Poliwood
Friday was no normal day at work. The Smithsonian hosted a press junket for 20th Century Fox's new movie, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian.
Mega-stars, camera-flashing paparazzi and red carpets are not normally part of the poliwood scene, where we consider Senator Feinstein and Chief Justice John Roberts celebrities. So you can imagine that having Robin Williams, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Ricky Gervais, Hank Azaria and Amy Adams here in D.C. was a big deal.
On Friday, I stood by while Extra's anchor interviewed each of these celebs, two at a time. When Fox yelled, I jumped--grabbing phone numbers, hushing gathering crowds of excited tourists and keeping inept visitors out of the crew's shot.
I am not the type to get star-struck, but it was absolutely amazing to hear Robin Williams casually joking about the goofy looking tourists that had rolled up on segways. (Segway tours are all the rage in D.C.) I just kept thinking, "I am in the presence of one of the funniest people to be alive in my lifetime."
Also, Owen Wilson is way hotter in person. (On TV he comes across as a little to "pretty" for my taste.)
I didn't actually meet or shake hands with any of these celebs, but Ben Stiller gave me his signature, super-cool "hey" when I passed him in the hall on the way out of a press conference.
Anyway, the movie opens this Friday. It's super cute--go see it! (Besides, every dollar the movie makes, the Smithsonian gets a cut. How often do you get to support education, preservation, research and conservation [read: keep Mara in a job] by going to the movies?)
Photo by Ken Rahaim
Mega-stars, camera-flashing paparazzi and red carpets are not normally part of the poliwood scene, where we consider Senator Feinstein and Chief Justice John Roberts celebrities. So you can imagine that having Robin Williams, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Ricky Gervais, Hank Azaria and Amy Adams here in D.C. was a big deal.
On Friday, I stood by while Extra's anchor interviewed each of these celebs, two at a time. When Fox yelled, I jumped--grabbing phone numbers, hushing gathering crowds of excited tourists and keeping inept visitors out of the crew's shot.
I am not the type to get star-struck, but it was absolutely amazing to hear Robin Williams casually joking about the goofy looking tourists that had rolled up on segways. (Segway tours are all the rage in D.C.) I just kept thinking, "I am in the presence of one of the funniest people to be alive in my lifetime."
Also, Owen Wilson is way hotter in person. (On TV he comes across as a little to "pretty" for my taste.)
I didn't actually meet or shake hands with any of these celebs, but Ben Stiller gave me his signature, super-cool "hey" when I passed him in the hall on the way out of a press conference.
Anyway, the movie opens this Friday. It's super cute--go see it! (Besides, every dollar the movie makes, the Smithsonian gets a cut. How often do you get to support education, preservation, research and conservation [read: keep Mara in a job] by going to the movies?)
Photo by Ken Rahaim24.4.09
Happy Friday!
The Novelista Barista tagged me in a survey, so here goes:
Eight things I look forward to:
1) Becoming my own boss (one day!)
2) Kayaking season
3) Weekends!
4) Seeing my friends turn their creative talents into careers
5) The day my crazy-ass kitten finally settles down
6) Sipping gin fizzes while sitting on my patio on hot summer days
7) Getting together with friends I haven't seen in a while
8) Fresh, local grown tomatoes
Eight things I did yesterday:
1) Wore a suit with sneakers
2) Received a very nice compliment from a friend
3) Researched Web development training opportunities
4) Drank beer from a bottle wrapped in a brown paper bag
5) Snuggled with my kitten
6) Drove through the hood with my windows down and Reggeaton blaring
7) Begged my boyfriend to give up his secret plans for my birthday (He knows I hate surprises!)
8) Walked 1.5 miles
Eight things I wish I could do:
1) Do a headstand
2) Bring peace to the Middle East
3) Surf
4) Quit my job and move to the tropics
5) Speak Hebrew
6) Solve world hunger
7) Break-dance
8) Carry a tune
Eight shows I watch:
1) Bones
2) House
3) NCIS
4) George Lopez
5) Sponge Bob Square Pants
6) That 70s Show
7) Seinfeld
8) King of Queens
Instead of tagging specific people, I encourage all of you to complete this survey!
13.4.09
About me
1.) What is your first name? Mara..I am named for my grandmother Mary and my grandfather Max. 2.) What is your favorite food? Cheese with fruit and fresh baked bread...smoked gouda, feta, mozzerella, manchego, you name it! 3.) What high school did you go to? North East High School...4.) What is your favorite color? Red...lI;m wearing my red business suit as I type. 5.) Who is your celebrity crush? Adam Sandler...Yeah, I'm a dork. 6.) Favorite drink? Mojitos...I grow mint especially for making this cocktail. 7.) Dream vacation? New Zealand... 8.) Favorite dessert? Angel foodcake with fresh strawberries My mom makes me one every year for my B-day. 9.) What did you want to be when you grow up? Marine biologist... 10.) What do you love most in life? Freedom...to love, to chose, to live... 11.) One Word to describe you. Real...I don't BS, so don't come to me for advice unless you want to know w. 12.) Your Flickr name. Mara J....http://www.flickr.com/photos/35813724@N07/sets/
Do you want to do this?
2. Using only the first page, pick an image.
1.4.09
The much awaited photos from Israel!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35813724@N07/sets/
I promise to post some things I wrote during my trip soon!
I promise to post some things I wrote during my trip soon!
3.2.09
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