Happy Holidaze

So much for the more frequent blog posts... something to add to the list of resolutions I suppose! In the meantime I hope everyone has a great holiday. I know I will, thanks to these cookies: Do yourself (but not your waistline) a favor a whip some up... Ritz crackers, peanut butter, and melted baking chocolate... apply in that order and attempt to let the chocolate harden before gobbling them up. Easy peasy and oh so yummy! See you next year...heh heh.

Run Keith Run

True story: when I'm stumped for a blog post sometimes I just want to post this adorable picture of Keith Richards that has been sitting on my desktop for a year. Today it is finally getting some use because iTunes has released Keith's 1978 single of Run Rudolph Run. It has promptly been added to my holiday mix, and I highly recommend it gets added to yours as well. Not in the mood for festive tunes? Well, when you buy the "album" for a whopping $.99 you also get Pressure Drop, a little Toots & The Maytals ditty you may have heard before with Mr. Richards singing backup. Who says you can't get anything good for a dollar these days?!

Maroc n Roll

For those of you who want more, or have yet to see any... the complete picture archives from Morocco have been uploaded to flickr for your viewing enjoyment. Now that this daunting task has been taken care of the blogs will be more frequent. Hooray!

Puppies!

For those of you who aren't aware, get ready to meet your new web obsession. For those of you who are already checking the puppies webcam on a daily basis, I don't need to tell you how great it is! They are so cute it kills me! Quick - watch the drama unfold as one pup wants to play while the others want to sleep!

Boo!

Well, it's Halloween again. A holiday, in my opinion, worth celebrating by all. Here are my tips for having a great Halloween:

Nerds. Best candy ever. Kids, try to get em', adults give'em away and you will be the hit of the neighborhood. Yum.

Trick-or-Treaters, forgo that tiny orange plastic pumpkin and opt for the pillow case. I know it's not as stylish, but trust me, you will get WAY more candy. You can thank me later (by sharing your Nerds).

Want to celebrate with a quiet night in? Partake in a scary movie that leaves you sleepless and wanting to leave the lights on. My pick? Rosemary's Baby. Freaks me out, and Mia Farrow could not be cuter. Not really gory either, so those with weak stomachs can handle it. If Blockbuster is out, you can use The Silence of the Lambs or Misery as back-ups.

Last of all, scare someone. All day long. Pretend it's April Fool's day and you are the annoying person shouting "April Fools!!!!" except say "Boo!" My favorite method is the oldie but goodie of entering a room a few steps ahead of someone and hiding behind the door. Gets 'em everytime! Fake bugs are good as well.

Ok there you have it, my tried and true tips for a successful Halloween. If you can't find any Nerds, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups are pretty good too...
Happy haunting!

Erg Chebbi

Back to the seeming calmness of Chicago after the madness of Morocco...
It will be days before I can sort through my hundreds of photos and post a link, so until then enjoy my blissed out phone pic from the Sahara. Off to dream of mint tea and harira, and sleep off this jet lag.

Sensory Overload

I can sum up the past few days simply: Morocco is the most overwhelming place i have ever been.

this computer is french, so pleqse excuse the typos and lack of punctuation, as the keyboqrd is not what i am used to, yet another thing that is so vastly different about this place

My travels have been more insane and amazing than i could ever begin to type here in the short time that i have, so for now i will just say this country is something that words, pictures, and movies can barely scrqtch the surfqce of

The easiet thing for me to do is give a stream of consciousness from the past 5 days:
cars people bikes mopeds donkeys carts and CATS everywhere, its hqrd to walk without tripping over one of the above

within the first 30 minutes of arriving i sAw 4 people on a moped built for 1, and a cat in the airport

our riad is the most amazing place ever, a true oasis in the craziness of Marrakech, a place i hqve looked forward to returning to every day, and a place i am heart broken to leave tomorrow, there is an orange tree in the courtyard outside our room which gives us fresh juice every morning

the medina is a maze like nothing i have ever experinced, one thqt requires you to pay someone to help you find your way and requires directions like turn left a the first fountain, right at the second fountain, and when you see two trees take a left until you find a covered market then go through the two arches, but if you reach the spice market youve gone the wrong way

mint tea is the best invention ever, something i never tire of

tagines are a close second

berber soup is amazing

4am prayer calls are not the best thing to wake up to when your riad is directly next to a mosque, but the other 4 durring the day help you know what time it is

it takes a really long time to drive to the sahara

it takes an even longer time to drive back when you are tired, smelly, and sore from riding a camel

always pack a spare tire when driving to:from the desert, as you never know when it might come in handy

a sunrise over the dunes of erg chebbi seen from camel back is pretty much the best thing ever

moroccans are known for their hospitality, camels are not
they like to fart, pee, poop, burp, and grunt in your presence, and to say that they spit is an understatement____ more like vomit up white sticky phlemmy froth

thankfully my camel was very sweet

if youve seen one kasbah, youve seen em all

djemma el fna is best left for another blog, but suffice it to say it is every bit like what people say it is multiplied by 100000000000000000000

the souks are fun to get lost in, and even more fun to bargain in
i have found a place where my stubborness gets me what i want!

you can never but too many poufs, tagines, or scarves!

be weary of the spice man with wandering hands

be weary of the stewed prune tagine when you have a long bus ride ahead of you

tonight was spent relaxing at the riad after a crazy day at the souks, tomorrow we are off to essaouira on the western coast, so computer time will be limited as it has been for the majority of the trip

i cant wait to share more about this amazing place and post pictures!!

2009 is our year cubbies!!! until then....

Adios Madrid!

An update is due, as this is potentially the last time I will have access to a computadora.... y agua caliente... hot water. Hopefully Morocco will be on the interwebs, bu who knows until we get there. A few hours left in Madrid before leaving for Marrakech, and today´s to-do list consists of: pasteries, a trip to Reina Sofia, relaxing in the park with some ice cream, and a snack at the Museum of Ham. Yes you heard me correctly, we are going to eat dinner at el Museo de Jamon. Should be interesting...

Ill updtae again as soon as we return from the Sahara and I can find a computer! Go Cubs!!!

Comer Comer Comer

These Spainiards love to eat! Madrid has been loely so far with amazing weather and more tapas than we can handle! Cervezas y sangria last night will lead to more of the same today. Dinner starts around 10pm, perfect timing after a day of sightseeing and a siesta. Plaza del Sol & Plaza Mayor have been our stomping grounds so far, but today calls for further exploration... after I track down a coca-cola light. All is well here, despite JD´s bag still being en route from Toronto. Adios for now...

Tapas, Tagines, and Camels... Oh my!

For a large potion of my adult life I have been attracted to all things Moroccan, I just didn't know it. Some intricate tile work here, a detailed ceramic platter painted with a kaleidoscope of colors there, or miniature glasses with delicate etchings... I loved it all, but it wasn't until much later that I realized all of these mini-obsessions originated from the same part of the globe.I can't say for certain if it is the color, symmetry, or detail that pulls me in, but I could look at the aesthetically invigorating designs from this region for days at a time. There is a bug with the above picture, making the colors go awry when it uploads... but it almost makes it more exciting, no?

To say that I'm a tad bit excited for my journey to Morocco is an understatement. I have been planning for this trip for years, and to see it come to fruition is almost surreal. I have gone from excitement, to nervousness, and back as I think one does with any major trip. Culturally, this land will be different from anywhere I have ever been, and to say there will be a language barrier will be putting it mildly. I can't read a lick of Arabic, my French is not up to par, and my local vocabulary consists of a handful of words that I can hopefully get by with. Thank goodness for the universal language of the nod and smile! Should I don a head scarf? How will I be perceived by the men in a culture where women are somewhat oppressed? What if I have a bathroom emergency in the middle of the Sahara? Who cares. I am SO over all my freaking out, and have come to peace with the fact that this place is going to be so different from what I'm used to, and that is what is going to make it an AMAZING trip.

I am so excited for Morocco, that I keep forgetting I get to spend two lovely days in Madrid beforehand, not to mention airport time in Canada! Yet another place I have never visited! I am beyond sad that my year of crazy travels will be coming to an end, but my experiences have taught me so much about other people, as well as myself, and I can't wait to add memories of this trip to my collection. I never thought I would ever go to Africa twice in one year!

So loyal blog readers, this will be signing off for a bit, hopefully to update you from abroad with details of sangria, camel treks, and tasty tagines. Until then...

Paper Cuts

I'm mildly obsessed with the art of papercraft, and here is the latest installment in my collection:
Pee-Wee and Chairy!

If you Google papercraft you will come up with tons of little tiny models all made from paper. Some need glue, and others don't. I have made quite a few from my two favorite sites ReadyMech and CubeeCraft, each having their own pros and cons.


I was feeling quite confident in my fine motor skills so I thought I would make a mini-drum set for my friend. Several tedious hours later over the course of 3 days, I acquired an impressively tiny set of skins.

Sadly, after being covered in tiny snips of card stock and rolling up a seemingly endless stash of itty bitty cymbal stands with my Elmer's Glue callused fingers, I have decided to take a much needed papercraft hiatus.

UR2CUTE2B4GOTTEN!

LYLAS! BFF! Yearbooks are so fun! If you are bored at your computer and have access to a pic go yearbook yourself and you will be laughing faster than you can say "Have a great summer! CU next year!"

Here are my favorites for your viewing pleasure: 1960, 1970, and 1990!








I also just acquired an old yearbook from 1941 to do some collaging with, and in it I found what may be the cutest inscription ever:


Dear Bevie,
I've known you only a little while but I've found you to be the one. You're the sweetest & loveliest girl in school and the best dancer I've ever come to have met. Here's hoping to see a lot more of you in the future.
Love till infinity +
Bill

Can't you just imagine Bev and Bill at the sock hop being the most adorable couple you ever did see!? Too cute.

Lots-o-Words

Here is my blog wordle! I finally jumped on the bandwagon and you can get your own wordle here. They are pretty fun to play with...

The Conundrum... Resolved.

There is nothing quite like being called out on your whining by a fortune cookie...

The Conundrum

I love the comics of James Kochalka, truer words were never spoken...
I feel like I have artistic ADD these days! I just can't seem to complete anything, and things that should bee seemingly fun are feeling like one big ol' burden. Do I start with the easy stuff, or the difficult tasks? Finish the ones in progress, or start something new for fresh inspiration? Complete the tasks that will get me paid but are boring, or go in a different direction which will take some time to complete? Or should I just watch a few more episodes of The Wire so that I don't have to think about how much I'm freaking out?!

How does a person balance art as a hobby and art as a profession? And how does one tackle art as a profession when they also need to get $$PAID$$ in the meantime? Such is the conundrum I have been facing lately.

Correct Me If I'm Wrong...

...but for $30,000+ shouldn't this thing ACTUALLY HOVER???!!!???

According to the auction description
The illusion of Michael J. Fox as “Marty McFly” hovering through the air was achieved with practical effects, with actors in rigged harnesses being “flown” via cranes, with special effects taking care of the rest.
So why is this selling for so much!?!? Please tell me a harness and personal crane operator are included in the auction price since they seem integral to the correct use of the hoverboard.

Given the wood build and use of metal components, it looks and feels like a “real” prop.
Uh, maybe because it is a "real" prop as opposed to a "real" hoverboard??

This piece has the complete fully functional and rear ballbearing-mounted footpad that rotates 360 degrees, as well as the bottom “magnet plates”.
Well whoop-dee-frickin-do. Fully functional...except for that hovering part.

And while we are on the subject, isn't this the future? I'm tired of waiting for the flying cars already! Man, I'm so bummed I can't get a real hoverboard...

Chris & Co.

Con: I didn't get my ticket given to me by Chris Martin.
Pro: I did bring a camera this time.

Prior to the Coldplay concert ticket drama of 2006 I only carried my camera when I knew I needed it. After I sat through a Coldplay concert without my camera nine rows from the stage in seats that Chris Martin gave JLB and me tickets for I vowed never, ever, EVER to leave home without my camera in my bag.







Last night at the United Center the boys put on a great show and gave me some fun shots, though not the best in quality, far more exciting than the microscopic cell phone pics of yesteryear. They played a few songs on a small illuminated stage near my seat, and another few in the midst of the crowd toward the back of the arena. The rest of the time was spent on stage amongst the glowing orbs and loads of confetti, or running around recording a video for their new single "Lost." People can critique Coldplay all they want, but I think they are great despite being a bit radio friendly and having some lame-o fans. They put their heart into their shows, are all amazing musicians, and - I can only speak for Chris, but assume this is true of Will, Guy, and Johnny as well - they could not be nicer and more down to earth. I saw them almost ten years ago at the Aragon, and I will continue coming back for more! Thanks for a lovely evening boys...

Chickens Just Back From The Shore...

Feist is too cute, and this Sesame Street remix is so adorable!

Watching this video made me think of all my favorites from Sesame Street that I enjoyed while growing up. Hopefully these will bring back some memories for others as well!



This song is so catchy! It wasn't aired often, but it stuck in my head after all these years. Probably my most favorite song, next to this.....

...Me & My Llama, Goin' To The Dentist!

What's not to love? This girl is allowed to walk around NYC unsupervised AND she has a pet llama! Awesome!



I remember when I figured out that Bruce inspired Sesame Street...for years I thought it was the other way around!


Oscar was my favorite. Does this explain why I can be so grouchy?


I loved the animation in these! I was always mesmerized by the cup rising up from inside the counter top.


This one makes me laugh now, but when I was a kid I was always frustrated that the U wouldn't leave him alone!

Okay, I'll stop now! I could post these all day!

Nigeria Rocks!

This is hands down the best album I have ever purchased without first hearing a track or two. It's nice to have a record store that knows their music, so when the Reckless staff review said they wished Sound Way would stop releasing these comps because they keep blowing their paycheck on them I knew it was a must-have (though I'm sure my obsession with Africa coupled with my love of funk music aided in my purchase). This is the third release so I need to track down the previous two stat. Go pick up a copy, I promise it won't disappoint!

$.42 of Bliss

The Eames stamps are out!!! I realize this post epitomizes my design nerdiness, but I have been waiting for these stamps since I heard they were coming out last year, and I finally have several sheets in my hot little hands. The internet is great, but nothing beats a good ol' card in the mail. Get your own stamps at USPS or head down to ye olde neighborhood post office and pick some up.

On a related note, I just discovered Postcrossing where members get to send and receive postcards from around the world. Too fun. I'm totally signing up.

Urban Art

If I had a gazillion dollars I would blow a ton of money on art. For now maybe I will dip into my stimulus check...
Right now I'm loving the prints made by Hiroshi Ariyama. His works are really vibrant and combine several of my favorite things: photography, screenprinting, and Chicago, into a totally rad piece of art. You can check out more of his great stuff at ariyamastudio.

Is It Cold In Here...

...Or is it just me?

A mere 3963 miles away Coldplay is playing live at Brixton Academy and I am enjoying every second streaming live from BBC Radio 1! Technology rules (though I would rather be in London)! I took a break from the tunes to go check my mail and this was in my mailbox:
Aghhh! I have only been waiting all week, and it arrives in the middle of their concert! I haven't had such a wonderfully Coldplay-filled 48 hours since this picture was taken: Obviously that is Chris Martin on the left in the black, taken as JLB and I chased him down the street. If anyone doesn't know how that story ends, it is better told in person, but let's just say it involved a frog umbrella, a red light, my trusty sharpie, ticket stubs, and near heart-break followed buy utter euphoria. Oh, and an even more intense crush than we had before. Sigh...Chris. I can't wait to go buy Viva La Vida tomorrow! Hooray for new music! Wheeeee!

Daddy-O

Happy Father's Day to all the pops out there. I can't believe my dad was ever that tiny. Too cute.

Advice for Fonsie

Soriano, it's no secret that we both have an affinity for the Cubs, Left Field, and the number twelve, and as I add broken fingers to the list of commonality, allow me to give you some words of wisdom. Firstly, and most importantly, though this will do you little good now: keep your un-gloved hands away from the ball! Didn't you learn anything from last year's blog?
Now that you've gone and maimed yourself, just cry it out. No worries! So what if you are supposed to be a grown man? You just totally jacked up your hand, and that hurts like hell! People who think there is no crying in baseball probably have all of their finger bones intact and have yet to experience the joy that comes with being hit by a hard, round, rock hard object hurling toward them at 80+MPH. Tears are in order. Anything less, and people would think you just jammed your finger instead of really being hardcore and breaking it. Lastly, you're going to want to put some ice on that. That ring finger is looking a wee bit on the swollen side and it's only going to get worse. Keep it elevated and go get an x-ray. I know a great PT who can show you a thing or two. Maybe you will even be lucky enough to rehab it for 5 months only to find out that your claw finger isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Hope you aren't a lefty! And the next time you see me waving my crippled hand at you in the bleachers, do me a favor and toss me a ball...gently.

If Loving This Is Wrong...

...then I don't want to be right!
So delicious! Words can't even do it justice. Bacon really does make everything better. On a related note, has anyone else seen this sticker in the Gingerman bathroom? It cracks me up every time!

OMG PBJ!

Just the other night I was thinking what to eat for dinner, and I decided upon a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. "You are never too old for a PB&J and they never stop sounding delicious," I though to myself. Seriously. "I LOVE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY and I'm not afraid to shout it from the rooftops!" I exclaimed, as I laid out my bread and spread on some peanut buttery goodness, topping it off with a little spoon of strawberry preserves. I was really feeling the love for my meal, and when I put my slices together it went to a whole new level because there was a heart on my bread!!! No kidding! We are talking cuteness equated with babies and puppies here people. My PB&J loves me back! I feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Awwwwww...

Green Thumb

My plant is in bloom! Every year that this thing stays alive I feel such gratification.


It has lived in 3 different apartments (not counting the bookstore), 3 different planters, and had a near death experience which I like to refer to as The Great Aphid Epidemic of 2003. I think it is in the begonia family, but I'm not certain. Martha Stewart, if you're reading this tell me what kind of plant this is!

Music To My Ears

I just realized I've been slacking on my concert reviews. Here's a taste of who I've seen in the past month, all of which have been exceptional!
The Foals - Good album, good show, may be a bit over-hyped but still enjoyable.


Dolly Parton - I was reluctant to go, but she was amazing! Go see her if you ever get the chance, she is such a great entertainer and lives up to her iconic status.


The Kills - Love, love, love them! If you want to see a stripped down band who rocks and rocks hard, this is the duo to check out.


Los Campesinos - Seven people on a tiny stage? A xylophone? What's not to love?

Grassy

When I finally buy a place of my own this tile is going somewhere in my home. Right now it resides in the bathroom of one of my favorite watering holes, and it makes me smile every time I see it. Too fun! After doing some research I found it online at Imagine Tile where I also found a bunch of other cool tiles along with the option to have my own photos printed on tiles! Can you imagine the possibilities? Hmmmm, maybe that's where they came up with their name... Right now I'm envisioning an ivy tiled wall with a sand/grass tiled floor...voilá Wrigley Field bathroom! Just kidding. The urban asphalt and mixed stones are fun too, as is the idea of a custom tiled mural! Don't settle for boring ol' travertine and graphite people, get grassy!

Deliciousness

If anyone needs to find me this summer just look for me at YoBerri. Yum. This stuff is like yogurt crack, except better for you! You feel even healthier watching people go eat at the KFC across the street while you chow on your fat-free yogurt. Mmmmm I want some now. Pineapple/coconut is my favorite so far, but the raspberry topping is pretty good too. On a related note, I don't think I ever knew raspberry was spelled with a 'P' until now. To get some of this deliciousness for yourself stop by 2814 N. Halsted, and don't forget to pick some up for me while you're there!

Oh, and on another related note, I totally got a Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine for my birthday. Get ready for a sidewalk sno-cone stand! Thanks Steve. XX

The Brewster

Finding undiscovered areas of coolness in Chicago is always fun. This past weekend I finally got a peak inside the Brewster building, where my good friend has called home for a few years. Commissioned in 1893 by E.H. Turnock, it is an example of the steel frame construction that was popular during that time. Wandering by Diversey and Pine Grove you would never know from the outside that this building has such an amazing interior. A few movies were shot here back in the day, and Charlie Chaplin lived in the pent house suite at one time. They sure don't make 'em like they used to...