They Get Better and Better

Jill Sander

Marni

Fendi

Marc Jacobs

Why are shoes so amazing lately? FYI - I'm convinced I saw MJ walking down Fashion Ave. on my way to work today.

I Want, I Need

Amazing, I want all of them, especially the YSL, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren and Moschino ones. Find out more information on who designed what, did you guess right? (Thanks Fashionista and Vogue UK for this piece of awesomeness.)

Proud Adopted American

For the first time in a year since moving here, I can officially say that I am proud to be living in this country. Kind of makes you feel like the American Dream is actually attainable. I would like to congratulate the new President Elect, Barack Obama. Boy do you have one hell of a clean up.

Let's start with:

a - the economy
b - raise those taxes for those that make over $200,000 (and yes I know many that still voted Obama)
c - pull the fuck out of Iraq
d - make heathcare affordable (we did it in Canada)

It wasn't a race issue, it was the right man vs. wrong man issue. Eight years of Bush, with his Republican legacy was McCain's biggest downfall. If I believed in God, I would thank God and praise the Lord but I don't so I can just thank the people of the United States (for once) and Obama. Nevermind me, the rest of the world thanks you. You changed history, didn't think the U.S. was ready for an African-American President but I was fortunately proven wrong.

History in the Making

We are witnessing history in the making. Predicted to be the largest voter turnout ever, everyone in the world is ready for a change. With Bush leaving a bad taste in everyone's mouth, we are starving for something new.

The U.S. will either have:

a - The first African-American President in office or
b - The first woman Vice President

I would choose the former if I could. The U.S. needs more regulation, needs to move towards a more socialist view on life, the middle class needs a helping hand AND it desperately needs to pull out of Iraq, ASAP.

Here's some fun facts about what the Bush Administration has left us (I now include myself in the U.S. since I live here, sometimes unfortunately):

March 2003: Under the premise that Iraq has WMD's, America invades the country with a fierce "shock and awe" campaign, unloading tons of bombs upon the city in a late-night attack.

February 2004: Bush backs Constitutional amendment denying any state the right to recognize gay marriage.

September 2004: The federal deficit reaches a record high, approaching nearly $1 trillion. Former President Bill Clinton handed Bush more than $500 billion in surplus when he took office.

May 2007: Bush signs a directive that gives himself complete control of all three branches of government in cases where "extraordinary disaster" warrant it.

March 2008: It is revealed that Bush has used a third of his presidency - 879 days - for vacation. The death toll of U.S. troops in Iraq reaches 4,000; Iraqi civilian deaths are estimated at over half a million.

September 2008: Lehman Brothers goes bankrupt, sending the economy into the worst crisis since the Great Depression.

The U.S. cannot put another Republican into office. McCain's biggest downfall was running for Presidency right after Bush.

I can't vote but lets hope everyone does, and for the right candidate. Obama - The rest of the world is behind you if not your own country.

Halloween

Totally not in the mood this year which is surprising since I am always in the mood. So not into it. I was going to reuse my best costume idea ever, GoGo Yubari but am too lazy to even do that. So my co-worker Justin has thought of the funniest idea ever, I am going to go as a nail technician.

Give me a smoke, a name tag, a certificate, nail polish, nail polish remover, fake Asian accent and I'm sooo there.

Music & Fashion

Most played during Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2009 shows in London, Paris, Milan and New York was SantoGold. Also big this time around were: MGMT (surprise, surprise considering they've been heard in almost every teen tv show and movie), Lykke Li and N.E.R.D.

Select show breakdowns below. (courtesy of Starworks)

God I love fashion and music, put them together and it's almost better than roasted chestnuts, ALMOST.

Alexander Wang (RTW)
Bring Em Out - T.I.
Connected - Stereo MC’s
Handful - Kelis
Hot Spot - Foxy Brown
LapDance - N.E.R.D.
Peter Piper - Run DMC
Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See - Busta Rhymes
Wonderback - Jay-Z
Work It - Missy Elliott
You’ll Find a Way (Switch and Graeme Sinden Remix) - Santogold

BCBG Max Azria (RTW)
L.E.S. Artistes - Santogold
My Superman - Santogold
Say Aha - Santogold
You’ll Find a Way (Switch and Graeme Sinden Remix) – Santogold

Chanel (RTW)
Our House - Madness

Abaete (RTW)
Nobody Lost Nobody Found - Cut Copy
Ready for the Floor - Hot Chip
Shut Up and Let Me Go - The Ting Tings

Charlotte Ronson (RTW)
Heartbreaker – Metrononmy
Paris Is Burning - Ladyhawke
Peg - Steely Dan (Cover version)
Stop Shop - Lily Allen
Two Doors Down - Mystery Jets

Christian Lacroix (RTW)
[Music: Michel Gaubert]
Carmencita - Devendra Banhart
Jungle Drum - Emiliana Torrini
L.E.S Artistes (Hévé remix) - Santogold
Minimal - Matias Aguayo

Christian Dior (RTW)
Electric Feel – MGMT
Everybody – Martin Solveig
Missing – Bruce Springsteen
She Wants To Move – N.E.R.D.

Chloe (RTW)
Emotional Rescue – The Rolling Stones
Hey Mickey – Toni Basil
My Jamaican Guy – Grace Jones

David David (RTW)
I’m A Lady - Santogold

Dior (RTW)
Electric Feel – MGMT
Everybody – Martin Solveig
She Wants To Move – N.E.R.D
You’re Missing – Bruce Springsteen

Dolce & Gabbana (RTW)
La Vie En Rose (Tom Moulton Mix) – Grace Jones
Love Lockdown (Chew Fu Small Room Remix) – Kanye West

Dries Van Noten (RTW)
Samples of music and voice from Serge Gainsbourg

Fendi (RTW)
Tainted Love – Soft Cell

Gucci (Men)
Little Bit of Feel Good – Jamie Lidell
Time To Pretend - MGMT
Wanna Be Startin’ Something – Akon ft. Michael Jackson

House Of Holland (RTW)
[Music: The Misshapes]
Dream Girls - Neon Neon
Dusk Til’ Dawn - Ladyhawke
Hardcore Girls - Count and Sinden feat. Rye Rye
Minuit Jacuzzi - TEPR
Popular - Veronicas
Theme Song from 90210
Volcano Girls - Veruca Salt
When I grow Up - Pussy Cat Dolls

Louis Vuitton (RTW)
Boulevard Du Crime – Edith Piaf
C’est Un Homme Terrible - Edith Piaf
Je Ne Regrette Rien – Edith Piaf
J’Entends La Sirène - Edith Piaf
La Vie En Rose (English Version) – Edith Piaf
Les Feuilles Mortes – Edith Piaf
L’Homme à la Moto – Edith Piaf
Padam Padam – Edith Piaf
Une Dame – Edith Piaf

Luca Luca (RTW)
Big Ideas - LCD Soundsystem
C’mon Baby – Tricky

Lacoste (M/W)
Chemtrails - Beck
Jericho Jerk - Pierre Henry & Michael Colombier
Le Sud - Nino Ferrer
Psyche Rock - Pierre Henry & Michael Colombier

Luella (RTW)
Shrinking Moon For You - Wooden Shjips

Maison Martin Margiela (RTW)
[Music: Reno Isaac]
American Flag – Cat Power
Diddle My Skittle – Peaches
Do Ya – Peaches
Everybody’s Weird – Deus
Free Bird – Cat Power
Fuck The Pain Away - Peaches
No Wow – The Kills
She Was A Visitor (1967) – Robert Ashley
Superstition – The Kills
The Man In The Square – Slagery Van Kampen

Marc by Marc Jacobs (M/W)
Paper Planes – M.I.A.
Shove It – Santogold

Matthew Williamson (RTW)
I Know Your Girlfriend Hates Me - Annie
I’m A Lady - Santogold
Shadows - Midnight Juggernauts
Stuck on Repeat - Little Boots
Why Can’t I Touch It - The Buzzcocks

Missoni (RTW)
Devil’s Haircut – Beck

Miss Sixty (RTW)
Great DJ - The Ting Tings
Jager Yoga - CSS
You’ll Find a Way - Santogold

Nanette Lepore (RTW)
Dance Dance Dance - Lykke Li
Jump In - High Places
Wrap Your Legs (Around Your Head) - Allez Allez

Paul Smith (RTW)
[Music: Michel Gaubert / Noiseboys]
Billie Jean - Dolapdere Big Gang
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You - Dolapdere Big Gang
Dragon Balls - BettyBotox (a.k.a. JD Twitch from Optimo)
Jungle Drum - Emiliana Torrini
Lights Out (Diplo’s Panda Bear Mix) - Santogold
Mesopotamia - The B-52’s
Save Me - Aretha Franklin

Peter Som (RTW)
I Found You - Tilly and the Wall
Jager Yoga - CSS
L.E.S. Artistes - Santogold

3.1 Phillip Lim (RTW)
Electric Feel – MGMT

Prada (RTW)
Crawfish – Elvis

Preen (RTW)
Foxy Lady - Jimmy Hendrix

Proenza Schouler (RTW)
Blue Heat - Cabaret Voltaire
Let the Music Play - Shannon
Sensoria (12″ Vinyl Cut) - Cabaret Voltaire

Roberto Cavalli (Men)
Fancy Footwork – Chromeo

Roberto Cavalli (RTW)
Hey Boy Hey Girl – Chemical Brothers
Kids - MGMT

Rodarte (RTW)
Sweet Love For Planet Earth - Fuck Buttons

Stella McCartney (RTW)
Maybe I’m Amazed – Paul McCartney

Stella McCartney for Adidas (RTW)
Beeper - The Count & Sinden

Temperley London (RTW)
[Music: Theo Green & Lars von Bennigsen]
Death From Above - CSS
Dionysus - Jocelyn Pook
Hold On - Hot chip
I Feel Love - Donna Summer
Jet Set - Bumcello
Let The Sunshine in - Bumcello
Pa Baillar - Bajofondo Tango Club
Slaves Dream - Ofra Haza

Thom Browne (Men)
Thus Sprach Zarathustra - Richard Strauss (2001- A Space Odyssey)

Thuy (RTW)
Cansei De Ser Sexy - Jager Yoga
Great DJ – The Ting Tings
House Of Jealous Lovers – The Rapture
I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance - Black Kids

Versace (Men)
Cheap And Cheerful - The Kills
Great DJ - The Ting Tings
Shut Up And Let Me Go - The Ting Tings
Sour Cherry - The Kills
That’s Not My Name - The Ting Tings

Versace (RTW)
Believe Achieve – CSS
Jager Yoga – CSS
We Started Nothing – The Ting Tings

YSL (Men)
O Superman – Laurie Anderson

Zac Posen (RTW)
Dance Dance Dance - Lykke Li
I’m Good I’m Gone - Lykke Li
Jungle Drum - Emiliana Torrini

Still <3 So Much

I'm feeling rough, I'm feeling raw, I'm in the prime of my life.

Let's make some music, make some money, find some models for wives.
I'll move to Paris, shoot some heroin, and fuck with the stars.
You man the island and the cocaine and the elegant cars.

This is our decision, to live fast and die young.
We've got the vision, now let's have some fun.
Yeah, it's overwhelming, but what else can we do.
Get jobs in offices, and wake up for the morning commute.

I've been promised that I'll get to go in April 2009. Mon dieu, I can't wait!!!

A Ho Hum Day at an Atelier

Love Nicholas Kirkwood, where have I been?

When I Grow Up I Want to Be...

Sorry but Carine kicks Anna's ass any day, any night, all day, all night!!!! No competition, at all!!! French women have that certain, je ne sais quoi, no? Plus her and her partner have been together for over 30 years with two kids. I'll take a partner over a husband any day!

The World Loses a Legend

A legend passed away this weekend. First time I saw Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, I couldn't believe the beauty of this man. My only other comparisons are the great Marlon Brando and the constant player, Warren Beatty.

Paul Newman tried to be anything but the "Paul Newman" you see on screen or on stage. Always guarding his privacy from the public eye, this award winning actor, director and devoted philanthropist, donated over $120 million (unprecedented by any other actor or actress) to charities from his 100+ product line of salad dressings and pasta sauces. In 2006, he quietly turned over all proceeds and the entire value of his ownership in Newsman's Own to charity.

Dear Mr. Newman,

You will always be this blue-eyed, blond haired beautiful, beautiful man. The one who has stayed faithful and married to your beautiful wife, the one who continually challenges himself, the one with a dry humor, the one who despite all the evils in the world (especially in Hollywood) was able to stay private and true and inspiring. You will truly always be to me, Brick Pollit. Only you could have stolen the spotlight from the goddess that is Liz.

The world has lost another one of its greats. Thank you for gracing me with your beauty.

The Inconvenient Truth

Anyone that knows me knows my undying love of polar bears. They're my favorite animal, I adopted one for a past special person and if I had money, I would give much to save them from drowning. They are facing a cruel death and I just can't deal. I mean what, there's like a polar bear graveyard at the bottom of the Arctic? Uh!!! 

Being from Canada I've learned that Canadians are much more conscious of the environment and doing this to preserve it. Everyone, I mean EVERYONE recycles, we all compost, I personally never litter and last time I was in TO, I saw more bikes than ever!!! Since living in NYC I've realized that the majority of my fellow residents here care little or none about the environment. I mean my work doesn't really recycle, there are very little recycling bins around the city and people really just don't practice too much conservation. It's quite sad.

Oh well, one more thing to be proud of about being Canadian. 

Look at this poor little fella. Shoot me and put me out of my misery.

In Your Space

Found this new blog. The Selby is photographer Todd Selby's blog where he photographs his friends and subjects in their homes. Every shot is beautiful and he captures his subjects in a way that isn't as violating as you would think, since he is entering into their homes, a most private space. I love how he captures everyone in their most natural habitat without seeming intrusive - you don't feel like a peeping Tom.

Favorite so far:

• aya and kiyoshi kanai - just b/c it's a daughter and a dad & i love my dad
  
• matthew eikelberger - color, color, color
• paola kudacki and james penfold - boy meets girl - minimalism, cleanliness, art and SHOES!
• cheri messerli and david rager - perfection at its best - dark, classic, amalgamation of two lives - I LOVE THIS THE MOST

says cheri messerli and david ragerare moving - maybe i should look into this.

Drool, Sigh, Heart..

Fashion Week in New York City will only leave you weak, breathless, hungover, begging and pleading for more. But amazing things comes out of it. . A couple of my favorites that I have time to post are below. You can take a look at the complete collections at style.com, links provided!

Loved Rag & Bone for awhile but after seeing this complete collection, they have reached ultimate status for me. Blazers looked amazing and loved all the little stovepipe pants with throws of leather and floral. Have a looksy.



Golden boy of fashion, Alexander Wang proved once again why he is worth all the hype...silk, leather, cotton, color...drool!!! Cannot, CANNOT wait for the shoes. Old news I know but I was made aware a couple of weeks ago by my lovely fashion friend so I'm uber excited.


Sigh to it all.

I Weep for the Things That Make Me Smile

Topshop entering New York this October, drool since their Fall/Winter 2008 Look Book is to die for, DIE! Take a look here. Guaranteed this is where 99% of my money is going to. The rest of the photos are just things I have my little eyes on.

Also, now in love with Bijules. Everyone's probably heard of this but me but hey, sometimes late to the bandwagon is better than never. Have a looksy.

Really though, all I really need is a new pair of boots. Whether it be Fiorentini and Baker, N.D.C., Frye or the ones below, I don't care, I just need a damn pair. Oh and the MJ but that's a given now, along with many more due to my righteous connection.

What is it so wrong that material possessions make me happy and giddy and feel all warm all over? At least I admit it and don't deny it. Thank God my PO from Karen Walker for fall has come in, hopefully this will tie me over until my wallet gets replenished.

Happy shopping and loving.

Top Shop Fall/Winter '08

Top Shop Fall/Winter '08

Alexander Wang Diffusion Line

Devotte Black Lace Up Boots

Marc Jacobs Bag

E&J Plaid Cape

Labour of Summer

So it's here, the end of summer as we all know it. The last long weekend and I can't say that I'm too upset mainly because I'm totally over my allergies which have been the worst ever. My first summer in NY was amazing even though I didn't get to do even half the stuff on my list but I did enjoy every minute. I also got to go to Israel and see amazing sites, I met amazing new friends, had tons of inappropriate party/dancing nights and met a lovely new special person whom I adore.

I have lovely friends here from T.O. and my lovely Jessica will also be attending weekend festivities.

Have a safe and amazing holiday!

However, if I was in T.O. I'd be going here...Krista's cottage by the lake but instead I'll be in stinky, smelly NY, which I guess really isn't that bad.

We'll walk around, Pretending we're all grown up, Hey, Rich Girl!

My weekend in a few short notes:

• Boyfriend checks us into 60 Thompson Hotel
• 3 story private loft party in SOHO at bf's best friend's office space with only like 50 people
• Private party was for Ryan McGinley's welcome home from his 3rd annual road trip for some NY magazine that I can't remember
• Midnight acoustic set by the Virgins
• Meeting and handshaking of MK (yes, that MK) - intro courtesy of my lovely bf
• Rocking out on a rooftop with an open bar with 3 gfs, my bf, his friends and MK
• Sitting on a couch for 30 min. beside MK and dancing beside her
• Being too shy to say anything to MK but, "Hi, I'm Janet, nice to meet you."

This weekend was tres, tres, fun. I gave up the Hamptons for this and it was 100% worth it. The party was intimate, perfect and amazing. And yes, I'm embarrassingly that obsessed with MK - maybe it's b/c we're the same height/weight/size or b/c we're usually on the same style wavelength? No clue but I like her. I was more excited to see her than hear The Virgins or meet the photog, probably b/c I had no clue who he was but supposedly I should. He just sold one of his pics to Sigur Ros for the cover of their new album but to me, he's my bf's friend from when he was like 10, his old skater buddy who was his roommate in shitty NY apts throughout college - that's all.

Hope you guys had a blast this weekend too. 

And I'm Back

So sorry, too much has been going on in my life as of late but I'm back to happily blogging about it again. I moved into the new apartment and things fit amazingly well. I love the area, I can walk to all my favorite places and friends and having my own bathroom again pretty much kicks ass. A little loud since my window faces the street of Avenue C but it doesn't really bother me. Plus, I now officially have exposed brick walls which is the ONE MAJOR thing I've always wanted since moving to NY.

The city's still hot, humid, expensive, crazy and abusive. I've been spending literally ALL my time with a new, special person who is goofy, fun and adoring. Work is wonderful and a big pain at the same time and I still miss my friends and family dearly but it's getting easier with everyday that passes. I went to Rock the Bells, got to see Jay, Meth & Red, Talib Kweli, Nas and literally every other hip hop artist to ever grace the face of this earth. Was an experience. Didn't go to Yacht Rock b/c I was being lame and never found my love from the train but obviously got over it. BUT I have been shopping like a mad women at sample sales ... especially the E&J one so this must stop but can't b/c Barney's annual sale starts NOW!

Things are kicking going into August. Would still love some visitors and the Polaroid fridge has moved to a Polaroid magnet wall so please come one, come all!!! Hope all is well in everyone's land.

I leave you with this, just b/c I'm sad that there will be no more books.

Lazy Weekends in NYC

Friday started off lovely, spent the day with an amazing colleague/friend who was visiting from LA. He wanted to introduce me to some of his NY peeps. I got to learn more about my friend who I've learned is an amazing soul, more so than I already knew. One who has been through so much in his life but has overcome all to become this genuine, kind, light-hearted person who I feel fortunate enough to cross paths with. Reminds me so much of another special person in my life due to their optimistic views on spirituality and life and also the way they see beauty in art, music, fashion and design. Being such a cynical person in life, it is important for me to be around such people to keep me challenged and on my toes.

Anyways, we started out with my introduction to Pinkberry (yes, I hadn't had it before), then talking on a stoop, then to his friend's apt, then to a random friend pick up from the street, onto a bench in Tompkins, to another friend's apt, to pizza, then back to 2nd friend's apt., to balcony yelling and spying, to gelato, back to 2nd apt., then to see The Wackness (2 out of 5*s), then finally hometime. It was the most perfect NYC day. Days that are spent really doing everything but doing nothing, where friends meet up, leave to do other things, then meet back up again. That's how my life has become here, just going with the flow with no real plans and never really doing anything. It's amazing and I feel that you can really only do that here b/c there is constantly stuff to do and see and learn no matter how long you've been here. Plus, all of this was done sober, which is a BIG step for me.

Anways, all of these friends are 1-2 years older than me and doing all of these amazing things with their lives, more so than me. It's funny b/c my brother asked me last time I was home if I got intimidated. I said no, b/c almost everyone in NYC is doing something and is someone so you kind of get used to it. He said true since NYC is definitely not a place for the faint of heart, it breeds the best of the best and only the true will survive...ha!!

The ultimate ending to my weekend was going to see Dark Knight last night. After all the hype I'll tell you this, I was definitely NOT disappointed and actually feel like seeing it again which I may on Wednesday. Heath Ledger...INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!! I'm so happy that they were able to finish filming before his unkindly death b/c there is NO WAY someone could've filled those shoes.

So a great, sober, cheap weekend was had and was much enjoyed by myself. I met great new people, saw an amazing film, packed up most of my apartment and discovered some amazing new music thanks to my new friend. I'm a bit too lazy to discover music by myself these days and am usually told what I would like by JW and now by JB. So I am officially obsessed with: The Chromatics, Kyte, The Blow and Air France.

Hope it was as amazing and lazy for everyone else as it was for me.

xoxo

Brought a tear to my eye..

Update

I just checked missed connections on Craigslist to no avail, he has not posted yet. I may have lost the love of my life, sad isn't it?

Love at First Sight

I was doing my normal morning routine - walk up stairs at the stairs at 4th and 9th and jumped on the train. As I slowly looked to my right looking for the impossible seat I see a total me guy. We make eye contact and I quickly look away chuckling to myself. This goes on for a couple of stops until the guy beside me gets up so I go to sit but the guy beside the hot guy moves into that seat so the only seat left is directly beside him. At first I thought good move but no, since it's hard to make eye contact with someone directly beside you. So we go along our merry way, me reading Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray and he reading Michael Chabon's Wonder Boys. Me on my iPOD listening to Cat as always and him listening to the drone of the subway.

As we go along, I'm not really paying attention to my book and am randomly wondering:

A - what stop is his and
B - what to do...smile? give business card? say hi? ignore?

So he starts packing up, putting away his umbrella, book, etc. and gets up to leave and gives me a smirk. I get up to go to my next stop and realize it's 1 stop past at 47 Rockefeller Center rather than my stop at 42nd. So I more or less got too flustered that I missed my stop which was in turn his stop. My friend at work told me I should've given him my card b/c that's what people in NY do but I told her that I realized I was dressed like an idiot today.

So I will just continue to take the train at that exact time in that exact spot to get on the exact cart and hopefully will run into him again. Oh well, you snooze you lose.

Random Conversations with the Old Man

J: You working late tonight?

E: I threw out my back.

J: Why because you're old?

E: Painkillers are amazing.

J: Can you save me some? Our next night out, save them.

E: Ahhhhmazing. Muzle relaxers are amazing.

J: Wow, you really are fucked.

E: How old are you?

J: Old, 29, but you're older.  

E: Ok, ok, next year. (I went to sleep so didn't reply)

Next Day

J: Huh? Next Year? Wtf are you talking about? Did you sleep?

E: Yeah 5 hours, you need 8?

J: No 6, when are you back after your travels?

E: 3 weeks.

J: Where you going?

E: LA, London, Dublin

J: Wow you're sooo cool man. You should take me somewhere.

E: Wow, cool yeah, cool man.

???????????????????????????????????

I have no clue!!!! Every time is so damn funny I just have to share. Seriously, I never get anyof our conversations that happen over texting. I have no clue if it's b/c translation gets lost in texting or just b/c neither of us has any clue. I think it maybe the latter.

Awakening Senses

This is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. Sends chills down my spine and awakens every sense in my body. I haven't really ever been a fan of contemporary ballet since I come from a classical background with my opera singer mother, me having played the piano and my bro the violin but now I think I should delve further into this art. As a kid I was ONLY allowed to take classical ballet - no jazz, no tap, nothing contemporary, JUST BALLET and it was my favorite thing in the world.

ChChChChanges....

Went home from Thurs. - Tues. of last week. While being home I got to hang out with my bestest of friends over many, many and I mean MANY drinks. I got to see one of my oldest and bestest guy friend get married at a pure gong/shit show of a wedding and celebrated many birthdays. The weekend was tiring, exhausting actually, expensive and uber fun!!! It also involved many gut-wrenching, hyena-like, hysterical laughs!!!

Thanks to all who made it out to see many at least once!!! Thanks again Michelle for playing a lovely host!! Being home reaffirmed that no matter how much this city gets me down, no matter how broke, lonely and desolate I feel, that I made the right and best decision. I love TO, I will end up and live forever in TO but right now NY is my home.

On that note...

I am moving YET again. Roommate situation - he broke up with his girlfriend, wanted to move back in but didn't, realized the place was too small for 2 people, realized he may hate NY, etc., etc. has more or less caused me to start looking for a new apartment. I decided to grasp this opportunity and maybe live in a place I've always wanted to, the East Village - Alphabet City to be exact, which I like better than LES, better than Williamsburg, better SOHO, better than anywhere actually. After looking at some shitty apartments, a VERY SMALL 350 sq. ft. studio in the BK I've decided to accept an offer to live in a 3 bedroom with MY VERY OWN BATHROOM at Ave. C and E7th. I will have one male and one female roommate and an abundance of restaurants, bars, parks, etc. I also have 3 subways I can take - what sucks is that each one is about a 10 minute walk, I definitely will miss my 2 minutes in BK.

Even though I have 2 roommates now, I live further from the subway, I figured that I have to live in Manhattan for at least 1 year while I do live here and I live closer to the very few friends I do have!!! Everyone can still come visit, I'll have an air mattress waiting ;)

Hometime Tomorrow Time

In ONE MORE SLEEP I get to go back to the ones I love and adore. I haven't seen my mama and dada and bro in 6 WHOLE MONTHS!!! Yesterday was my 6 month anniversary of moving to the Big Apple so I feel it's a great way to celebrate this big accomplishment. Even though I've had many loved ones visit me here, many more haven't so I'm uber excited.

I have: birthdays to celebrate, memories to be rehashed, new gossip to be heard and told, a wedding to attend, drinks to be drunk, sun to soak in and just plain old catching up and glowing in the love that will surround me in the next couple of days.

This comes at a perfect time since I may have to move, again, due to my roommate breaking up with his GF and now wanting to possibly have the apartment to himself and I know it may not sound like a big deal but moving in this goddamn city is a BIATCH!!!! Ahhhh, to remember the remember the times when my life was so simple back in T.Dot.

FYI - I have a new crush developing and we chatted on the phone for about 30 minutes last night...something I haven't done since I was about 19 ... about 10 years ago. He is lovely and I just can't figure out yet if he's just genuinely nice or interested??? Guess we'll find out. I feel like a school girl rather than the jaded, cynical, commitment-phobic, whatever woman that I usually am.

Yeah to T.Dot...to all you lovelies that live there, see you soon!!! My fun-filled, drunken, tiring week/end will be starting at my fav bar/black hole .... Beaconsfield!!! Stop by!

P.S. - I am a karaoke machine!!! Have you ever seen so much passion???!!! This to one of the karaoke greats...Journey. I may just quit all extracurricular activities and do karaoke 24/7. I am Asian you know, it's in my blood, there's no stopping it!!

And We're Back

My office is prank capital, everybody's been hit but me so it was finally my turn. My coworkers were bitter that they were at work while I was lounging away on the beach so they decided to initiate the Canadian while commemorating Independence Day.

Around, Around the Circle We Go

So I'm back from my 10 day jaunt to the holy land, well not mine since I'm an atheist but you get what I mean. After surviving the craziest security ever on the airplane I finally made it there and back. I stayed at a beachy, resorty, retirementy city called Netanya about 30 minutes outside Tel Aviv. I only went to Tel Aviv two times which upsets me because I wanted to see the nightlife and shopping. I also took jaunts into Jerusalem and the Dead Sea area.

Being in Israel made me more adamant on my political views and even though I have many, many, many issues with the state itself, it's politics, it's actions, etc. I understand why they are so patriotic and you can see and feel the passion and love they have for their nation and religion. I learned a lot about the history around Israel and about all the pain and suffering that still continues to this day. The day after we were in Jerusalem, there was another terrorist attack. An Arab stole a tractor and tried to drive it into the open market but a bus got in the way, flipped the tractor and it rolled on top of numerous cars killing about 5 and injuring many, many more. I don't know how to solve it nor do I think I will see any peace during my lifetime but obviously, in my opinion, what they're doing is not working. Attacking, retaliating, persecuting, continuing hate is not solving any matters. Who knows, this war has been raging for thousands and thousands of years so maybe it's just the way of the land.

Anyways, enough about history, let's focus on fun stuff. Netanya was beautiful, chilled and relaxing. Went to the town square a lot, ate amazing Morrocan food and falafels, had more hummus than anyone should ever eat and beached and pooled it many a hours.

Jerusalem is so amazingly cosmopolitan it's nuts. The Old City is incredible and I went to the Western/Wailing Wall and saw the tunnels under it that are 6 stories high. I didn't touch the wall just because I thought it would be sacreligious but it was interesting to see all of the different religions so closely intertwined. Dead Sea was incredibly hot, like 40 degrees in the shade hot ... well it is the desert. I got to ride a camel and obviously floated which everyone really should do, it's so weird.

Anyways, there is much, much more to say about the trip so I will revisit with little snippets here and there. I promise to post pics later, I'm jetlagged, can't sleep in and force myself to go to bed at a normal time so I am extremely dazed.

Happy Canada Day and Happy 4th of July!!! Hope everyone had a great couple of weeks.

Peace in the Middle East - xo

When I Reopen My Eyes I'll be Gone

Leaving tonight at midnight for Tel Aviv, will be there until July 4th. Will then be in my lovely Toronto from July 10th-15th. Can't wait for it all!!!

Will be on/offline sporadically for the next couple of weeks. I think my trip to the Holy Land will help me reassess things in my life...people, life, career, etc. I always feel like I'm reassessing but sometimes, it's needed and what better place to do it than by floating in the Dead Sea. Who knows, I may even find my faith, highly unlikely but maybe, you never know!

While I'm gone go adopt a polar bear please, they're in great peril. These are great gifts, I bought one for a special person last Christmas and I loved giving it, hopefully he loved receiving it just as much. It'll make you feel all warm and cuddly inside. FYI - you won't actually get one in the mail, I was upset when I found that out. BUT you do get a certificate with your name on it and a cute little stuffed animal.

https://secure.worldwildlife.org/ogc/ogcAC_speciesDetail.cfm?gid=27&sc=AWY0800WC900



Wish you were all coming with me!!! Wish me safe and happy travels!!

New Finds/Loves

Shopping is always fun and I've discovered/bought a couple of new loves:

• Acne boyfriend jeans, so, so, so, baggy and odd to wear after skin tight skinny jeans but love the bagginess around the ass and how it gets all tapered and tight into cuffs at the bottom
• Kate Moss for Top Shop silk teal dress
• Rogan for Target white and black leopard print shorts

I've also decided to become a cheesy prepster this summer polo button down shirts and sperry topsiders and all. Boat shoes on hipsters...not so cool, boat shoes on real prepsters...awesome.

This woman below is amazing and I also love the photo with the bridge in the background and the jutted out patio roof that envelops her like an umbrella. She's not dressed outlandish or incredibly beautiful, it just suits her and I really love. This is a little piece of heaven for me from my fav. daily blog, The Sartorialist. He is God.

Random Convos with the Old Man

All done via text obviously!!

E: I'm in Mexico City, I get back tomorrow. 

J: What? Did I text you last night asking or something? I don't remember?

E: Wow.

J: You didn't answer my question. I don't remember did I?

E: Wow.

J: Whatever I'm old.

E: Yes.

J: But you're older.

E: Yes.

Um, wtf is that conversation? That is literally the gist of our texting conversations EVERY GODDAMN TIME. I ONLY text but this is why texting sucks balls! I have no clue what that means and usually about 99% of the time that the two of us text each other, we really have no clue what the other is talking about. I'm surprised the texting has even lasted this long and that neither of us hasn't blown the other's head off. I guess I really do have more patience than I thought.

Israel in less than a week, don't be jealous my darlings.

Love My Job

So I am going to Tel Aviv for work from June 24th - July 4th. I just got my papers from my Visa program so I officially have permission to leave the country!!! Woo hoo!! I am sooo excited. I am going to see a client there and some new business with the president of my company. Much of the time is spent touring, beaching and recreation...his words not mine!!!

This to me is amazing!! I would NEVER be able to afford a trip like this so this for me is a once in a lifetime opportunity!! I get to see Jerusalem, the wailing wall, Masada, old, old, old ancient ruins and the Dead Sea!! OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! Plus, everyone keeps telling me that the people in Israel are the most gorgeous people ever, men and women. All tall, thin and olive skinned, I may never come home!!! I am so excited I am bursting!!! I can't wait to eat real middle eastern food, lie on the beach and take hikes along the ruins. This is soo me, the last time I went to Greece the ruins made me choose Art History as my major in University...LOVE!! Oh yeah and also drink tons and tons of wine. I am one lucky biatch I must admit!

Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv 2
Dead Sea
Wailing Wall

223 13th St.., #15, Brooklyn, NY 11215

If you come visit me, I promise, promise, promise to take a polaroid of you and post it on my wall/refrigerator of fame along with my mom's note and any wedding invitations I may have at the time. I know tempting isn't it? You know you all want to.

On a side note - my mommy told me she misses my face. I last saw them on January 11th so it's been about 5 months. I bet all of that missing will vanish once she's stuck with me for about 10 minutes...ha!

P.S. - danka to the lovely yessica for her ingenious idea.

New Love

Landmark Bicycles in the East Village has a Schwinn Collegiate, 3 Speed, pedal and handle brakes with a teeny 16" frame with my name ALL OVER IT!!! It's apparently a pretty blue colour just like my old bike in T.O. I haven't seen it yet but I can feel the joy it'll bring already. I'm assuming it will look a lot like the one below. Now I just gotta find people to ride with, oh that's right, I didnt' have any to ride with in T.O. either so I guess no difference. Can't wait to have the nasty, smelly, smoggy NY, BK air in my face and hair.

OMG I am Melting

OMG I CANNOT believe how hot it is here. It reached like 95 degrees this weekend but 95 here is hotter than anywhere else b/c there is NO RELIEF!!! Yesterday woke up for brunch in Williamsburg and sat INSIDE b/c of the need for AC. Then walked around and died, melted, cried and complained. 

Eventually made it back home a sweaty, sticky mess and still decided to go out b/c, hey, why the hell not. Well The Rub party didn't plan out so we went to a random bar in Greenpoint b/c friends new other friends who were djing. Aiko randomly had to borrow my ID b/c she forgot hers, hilarious!! We were only like 2 people apart and they didn't notice. Goddamn stereotype that all asians look the same works out sometimes.

Now going to a move, the Strangers b/c it's nice and cold in a theatre. I have one AC unit in my bedroom and I've draped myself all over it all day. I've taken one step outside, well I did wake up at 4 and in that 5 minutes to the store I wanted to kill myself. 

Isn't it amazing how much a 4'11.5," 90 pounder hates the heat. I do not do well with heat unless there is a pool or a nice breeze. Uhhh, I may die this summer, DIE!!

Hope everyone had a blast in the heat wave. xoxo 

Spring Cleaning

I'm doing some spring cleaning of my personal life. This means unreliable, bad and just stupid people are no longer going to be apart of my life. Time to say bye, bye!!! I am only going to surround myself with good people. Ok, not saying I'm cutting them 100% out of my life but not caring as much, not depending, wondering, etc. 

This makes me feel great and awesome. Going home to TO in a month with the help of amazing friends and a fundraising group on Facebook, hopefully going to the LA office for a mini exchange, visiting family and HOPEFULLY going to London/Europe to visit a friends maybe in the fall. This is all under the term "hopeful" b/c I'm hoping that I will be able to save money for all.

On a side note, my visa ends in April so I've decided to apply for an H1-B visa in April b/c oddly enough, PR is a "desired" profession here in the US of A. This visa will be good for 6 years so maybe after the 6 or even before I'll finally be ready for hometime, as in TO hometime but you never know what can happen in 6 years. Plus, this visa has a quota, last year it opened on April 1st, the quota was set for 65,000 and this was hit at April 2nd when they had to close it so then it became a lottery so in reality, my chances aren't 100%. 

Weekend was fun, great, tiring and accompanied with great people. One of my oldest friends and his GF came to visit. We ate good food, walked a lot, shopped a lot, drank a lot and just had general GTs. This Monday is my first official American holiday, totally excited.

Happy belated Victoria Day to my Canadian peeps!!! 95% of my time is still lovely and beautiful here while the other 5% is wrought with anxiety, lonliness and a general state of "what the fuck did I just do?!" I got about 6 more months until I'm supposed to feel truly settled, can't wait.

Be well my friends! xo 

Feel the Love

So last night I went to the Cut Copy concert BY MYSELF. I'm pretty independent but this was a new venture for me. I almost bailed b/c I was so tired but I dragged myself there to the Bowery Ballroom which I love as a venue. For the opening band, Mobius Band I was downstairs and I actually fell in love with them. I wasn't going to see the opening band but a coworker recommended I check them out and I'm glad I did.

There was a LONG intermission before Cut Copy came on but finally they stepped onstage at 11:30. They played mostly songs from their new album but a couple of oldies really got the crowd jumping, literally. It was a packed house full of real Cut Copy fans (I'm a newbie, I know...LAME!) and everyone was in great spirits, dancing around and singing at the top of their lungs. The only lame part was that they were only on for about an hour. Oh and the fact that my train stopped running at midnight so I had to detour and it took me an extra 45 minutes to get home!!!

At first I felt a bit weird but once the bands came on, who really cares who you're with since in reality, you're there for the music. So it really makes no difference if you're dancing around by yourself in your apt or at a live show.

I've missed so many shows here since nobody I know here really likes to see them (which is SHOCKING to me) and don't really share my taste in music but I've popped my cherry and am now going full throttle!!!

The Met Costume Institute Gala

Every year I get super excited about the Met's Costume Institute Gala b/c this is wear all the really daring and eccentric stars shine with their fashion choices. So this morning, I eagerly went online to check out the photos and was SADLY DISAPPOINTED!! This year the theme was Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy but I definitely did not see any superheroes or anything that brought me into a fantasy.

Below are the only ones that I could BARELY stand. Love Posh's vintage Armani, Ashley's DVF is stunning, MK's I'm torn on, Kate - on the money, can never go wrong with vintage Chanel (ask Kirsten Dunst) and Christina Ricci was golden (haven't figured out yet who she wore).

J.Lo looked hideous as did Katie Holmes, Beyonce's a stupid dog as always in the same dresses she always wears, Fergie looked like a mack truck in that hideous gown, Eva Mendez doesn't need to exist anymore in my life and DON'T GET ME STARTED ON SCAR JO!! And what the hell were Hilary Duff and Blake Lively doing there??? I'm so confused and distraught. The supposed FASHION EVENT of the year did not live up to my expectations as in the past where it has met and even surpassed them.

Thoughts?