The BF's latest attempt at vector control:
Special thanks to "Production Assistant" Gabby for letting us borrow one of her toys.
Updates soon!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
A Happy Home
Why hello, there! We (me!) have been quite the busy little bees at Chez Booking it Bus Style. Wedding planning, domestic issues (new cat litter woes), loads of new books and on and on. Oh, and we may or may not have a mouse kicking it incognito in our kitchen. Darn Gabby's previous owners for declawing her.
She's so vicious, right? Anywho...
Finished up Reading Lolita in Tehran some time ago. I really need to be more selective in my bus literature. See, as I've mentioned before, I'm quite the cry baby. So, imagine the waterworks on overdrive while finishing up such emotional heaviness in public.
When the BF and I saw Where the Wild Things Are, I complained that I didn't like seeing emotional movies in the theater because I prefer to get my cry on in private. Brilliant gent he is, he countered, "Movies are designed that way. To create a shared experience. Doesn't it feel richer to go through that journey with a large group rather than by yourself?" Touche philosophy buff. Moving on...
I adore books that deal with themes of home; Reading Lolita in Tehran is all over this. Throughout the memoir, the Tehran of Nafisi's youth and the Tehran she lives in duke it out. It's so fascinating to see her generation struggle with the current regime; they're fighting for a society--and home--that no longer exists. At the same time, her students are battling for wholly different reasons.
Books like this really put things into perspective. My complaints and woes are downright silly compared to the hardships endured by the real people in Nafisi's work. Interestingly, as I was thinking this, I came across what would turn out to be one of my favorite passages.
"Why is it that stories like Lolita and Madame Bovary--stories that are so sad, so tragic--make us happy? Is it not sinful to feel pleasure when reading about something so terrible? Would we feel this way if we were to read about it in the newspapers or if happened to us? If we were to write about our lives here in the Islamic Republic of Iran, should we make our readers happy?"
So why is this book--not a novel, but a memoir, so enjoyable to read? Is it wrong to feel grateful and even happy while reading this? The writing is so beautiful and tear inducing. Painfully enjoyable, you might say.
She's so vicious, right? Anywho...Finished up Reading Lolita in Tehran some time ago. I really need to be more selective in my bus literature. See, as I've mentioned before, I'm quite the cry baby. So, imagine the waterworks on overdrive while finishing up such emotional heaviness in public.
When the BF and I saw Where the Wild Things Are, I complained that I didn't like seeing emotional movies in the theater because I prefer to get my cry on in private. Brilliant gent he is, he countered, "Movies are designed that way. To create a shared experience. Doesn't it feel richer to go through that journey with a large group rather than by yourself?" Touche philosophy buff. Moving on...
I adore books that deal with themes of home; Reading Lolita in Tehran is all over this. Throughout the memoir, the Tehran of Nafisi's youth and the Tehran she lives in duke it out. It's so fascinating to see her generation struggle with the current regime; they're fighting for a society--and home--that no longer exists. At the same time, her students are battling for wholly different reasons.
Books like this really put things into perspective. My complaints and woes are downright silly compared to the hardships endured by the real people in Nafisi's work. Interestingly, as I was thinking this, I came across what would turn out to be one of my favorite passages.
"Why is it that stories like Lolita and Madame Bovary--stories that are so sad, so tragic--make us happy? Is it not sinful to feel pleasure when reading about something so terrible? Would we feel this way if we were to read about it in the newspapers or if happened to us? If we were to write about our lives here in the Islamic Republic of Iran, should we make our readers happy?"
So why is this book--not a novel, but a memoir, so enjoyable to read? Is it wrong to feel grateful and even happy while reading this? The writing is so beautiful and tear inducing. Painfully enjoyable, you might say.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Back in Black
A Halloween I will not soon forget. I'm trying to convince the BF to write a guest post. We shall see.
In the meantime, on Saturday, my dear friend (and wedding photographer!) Meg hosted a super stylish Halloween bash. Costumes were a must and of course the BF and I racked our brains to come up with something fun. The inspiration:
The execution:
How'd we do? And how did you celebrate? Any good trick-or-treating loot?
Costume images by Meg Perotti.
In the meantime, on Saturday, my dear friend (and wedding photographer!) Meg hosted a super stylish Halloween bash. Costumes were a must and of course the BF and I racked our brains to come up with something fun. The inspiration:
The execution:
How'd we do? And how did you celebrate? Any good trick-or-treating loot?Costume images by Meg Perotti.
Monday, October 26, 2009
No Tricks, Just Treats
Still looking for Halloween costume ideas? Well, have I got some suggestions for you--and your man. Check 'em out here.
And lest you think I don't follow my own advice, peep this pic of me and the BF--er, I mean, Maverick from Halloween 2007.
And lest you think I don't follow my own advice, peep this pic of me and the BF--er, I mean, Maverick from Halloween 2007.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Los Feliz Saturday vol. 15
The BF and I are becoming quite the westsiders. Saturday marked the third weekend in a row we trekked across the 10 to partake in 310 festivities.
See, one of my favorite bloggers, Siel of Green LA Girl, teamed up with Sara Bayles of The Daily Ocean to organize a fantastic Blogger Beach Cleanup in Santa Monica.
We were a bit tardy for the party so we got to work right away. You would not believe how many cigarette butts and straws we picked up. Eeew.
As we walked up the beach to turn in our trash loot, we stumbled upon this curious sign. Hmm. Though I did spend an angsty teen summer as junior lifeguard, I was a rather stumped by this particular warning. Thoughts?
I set our bag down in the designated pile. This was not even a fourth of the haul gathered up by the clean team. It's amazing how much garbage was collected in such a short period of time.
After all trash bags had been turned in, Siel, Sara and a few other green minded peeps shared ideas about making a difference. One tip mentioned more than a few times was using public transportation. Woo-hoo for me! However, I did ride shot gun in the BF's car to the cleanup. At least we carpooled? In all honesty though, I was pretty distracted during the speeches because I was standing behind this individual.
I mean, c'mon. That girl's hair is unbelievable. I started brainstorming/pipe dreaming about how to sport locks like that during the wedding. It's somewhat possible, right? I mean, her hair is just a bit longer than mine. See, see?
Okay, okay, her Rapunzel tresses are a lot longer than mine. I've never been a fan of extensions but I guess if there's anytime to experiment...
While most of the blogging brigade headed to Pourtal in Santa Monica, the BF and I made our way to 3rd Street Promenade for a quiet romantic dinner. Except. Who should be sitting at the table next to us and therefore distracting me from my pasta because this theme song was on loop in my head? Tamera Mowry of Sister, Sister fame! Unfortunately, Tia was not with her. However, I did hear her drop her twin's name more than a few times. Where's that Roger when you need him?!
I was still star struck as we walked back to our parking structure. Until that is, we almost bumped into this guy on a quiet little side street.
Whoa.
And what about your weekends? Marathon book reading sessions? Any fun shopping finds? Did you do anything to celebrate International Day of Climate Change?
Don Cheadle image from Yahoo! Movies.
See, one of my favorite bloggers, Siel of Green LA Girl, teamed up with Sara Bayles of The Daily Ocean to organize a fantastic Blogger Beach Cleanup in Santa Monica.
We were a bit tardy for the party so we got to work right away. You would not believe how many cigarette butts and straws we picked up. Eeew.
As we walked up the beach to turn in our trash loot, we stumbled upon this curious sign. Hmm. Though I did spend an angsty teen summer as junior lifeguard, I was a rather stumped by this particular warning. Thoughts?
I set our bag down in the designated pile. This was not even a fourth of the haul gathered up by the clean team. It's amazing how much garbage was collected in such a short period of time.
After all trash bags had been turned in, Siel, Sara and a few other green minded peeps shared ideas about making a difference. One tip mentioned more than a few times was using public transportation. Woo-hoo for me! However, I did ride shot gun in the BF's car to the cleanup. At least we carpooled? In all honesty though, I was pretty distracted during the speeches because I was standing behind this individual.
I mean, c'mon. That girl's hair is unbelievable. I started brainstorming/pipe dreaming about how to sport locks like that during the wedding. It's somewhat possible, right? I mean, her hair is just a bit longer than mine. See, see?
Okay, okay, her Rapunzel tresses are a lot longer than mine. I've never been a fan of extensions but I guess if there's anytime to experiment...
While most of the blogging brigade headed to Pourtal in Santa Monica, the BF and I made our way to 3rd Street Promenade for a quiet romantic dinner. Except. Who should be sitting at the table next to us and therefore distracting me from my pasta because this theme song was on loop in my head? Tamera Mowry of Sister, Sister fame! Unfortunately, Tia was not with her. However, I did hear her drop her twin's name more than a few times. Where's that Roger when you need him?!
I was still star struck as we walked back to our parking structure. Until that is, we almost bumped into this guy on a quiet little side street.
Whoa.
And what about your weekends? Marathon book reading sessions? Any fun shopping finds? Did you do anything to celebrate International Day of Climate Change?
Don Cheadle image from Yahoo! Movies.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Los Feliz Saturdays vol. 14
On Saturday, the BF, Fashionable Ro and I headed to Santa Monica to check out Diane Meyer's photo exhibit.
The experience was beyond moving. I may have teared up a few times. Meyer's subjects ranged from students, professors, day laborers, environmentalists, writers, housekeepers and everything in between.
We three musketeers scoped out my portrait and accompanying quote right away. I'm thrilled with it! Honestly, I was a bit worried that Meyer might use one of the off handed comments I made during our interview. Happily though, she selected a quote about ideas of space on the bus, something along the lines of "There's something so satisfying about getting in your car after a hard day. Listening to the music you want. Not having to talk to anyone. Going where you want to go, on your own terms. The bus is different--you're by yourself, but you're not alone. You're surrounded." Abridged of course (check the length below!) because we all know how wordy I can be.
As I noticed others at my portrait, I couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. I mean, that's my living room pictured! It's such a personal and private space that few see--it's from the tan couch pictured at right that I do most of blogging; it's where I'm sitting as I type this.
What about you my artful dodgers? What did you do this past weekend?
The experience was beyond moving. I may have teared up a few times. Meyer's subjects ranged from students, professors, day laborers, environmentalists, writers, housekeepers and everything in between.
We three musketeers scoped out my portrait and accompanying quote right away. I'm thrilled with it! Honestly, I was a bit worried that Meyer might use one of the off handed comments I made during our interview. Happily though, she selected a quote about ideas of space on the bus, something along the lines of "There's something so satisfying about getting in your car after a hard day. Listening to the music you want. Not having to talk to anyone. Going where you want to go, on your own terms. The bus is different--you're by yourself, but you're not alone. You're surrounded." Abridged of course (check the length below!) because we all know how wordy I can be.
As I noticed others at my portrait, I couldn't help but feel a bit self-conscious. I mean, that's my living room pictured! It's such a personal and private space that few see--it's from the tan couch pictured at right that I do most of blogging; it's where I'm sitting as I type this.
What about you my artful dodgers? What did you do this past weekend?
Monday, October 19, 2009
Crash into Friday
Friday morning started like any other. I was riding the rapid to work. Holding my compact with one hand and applying bronzer with the other, I didn't notice anything odd on the road until...SCREECH and then, CRUNCH. My bus crashed into an m-f-ing car. Here's the really interesting bit, because buses are like tanks, we felt little impact. In fact, were it not for the loud noises, I would have thought that the driver simply hit the brakes rather quickly. We passengers sort of swayed forward, but it was not at all intense. The driver of the smashed car, a VW rabbit, was rubbing his neck. Ouch. He made a few obscene gestures at our driver and then peeled out.
The bus pulled to the side of the street and cut the engine. The driver of the VW was no where to be seen. Unfortunately, we had to get off the bus and wait for the next to roll by. We 30 or so rapid refugees grumbled when the next bus to pull up was a local, not a rapid. Meaning, of course, double the stops and a horribly increased commute time. However, being a bit late (I arrived at 9:10, rather than 8:30) is, of course, much more preferable than getting rear ended by a city bus. Though the disappearance of the VW driver is quite the mystery, right?
Reading Lolita in Tehran is making me all kinds of contemplative. The "memoir in books" is, at its core, a work of literary criticism. The class assembled by Professor Nafisi meets to discuss literature. And from these chats on bookish themes and such, broader discussion on social topics develop. How does Nabokov's characterization of Lolita relate to the government's ideas of womanhood in Iran? It's all quite deep and amazingly highlights the exact reason why literature is forever relevant must be studied by everyone. After I read through several pages of pure literary criticism, I closed the book beamed ear to ear. I've not read such illuminating literary analysis in ages. Pure, nerdy bliss.
Around 5 or so in the afternoon, the BF picked me up from work for our date night: dinner and a movie. We headed to The Hungry Cat in Hollywood for a fancy schmancy meal. I couldn't resist the cheese platter to start because, well...
The BF went with The Hungry Cat's famous Pug Burger, of course. And per the server's suggestion, I ordered the evening's special: Spiny Lobster tail with oxtail ragu. Before:
And after:
Hubba, hubba, right? Two of the three women at the table next to us followed suit and also went with the lobster madness.
Though our bellies were full of decadence, we had to haul tail across the street to make it to our movie on time. The ArcLight prohibits patrons from entering the theaters after the show starts. Thankfully, we made it with time to spare. Can you guess what we watched? Because (like most peeps our age) we looooved the book, we had to see the movie. My only complaint is all that darn Karen O. music. I get that she and Spike Jonze were/are an item, but sheesh! I was really hoping the Arcade Fire song from the preview would make an appearance. Sadly, not the case. Have you seen it yet? Thoughts?
The bus pulled to the side of the street and cut the engine. The driver of the VW was no where to be seen. Unfortunately, we had to get off the bus and wait for the next to roll by. We 30 or so rapid refugees grumbled when the next bus to pull up was a local, not a rapid. Meaning, of course, double the stops and a horribly increased commute time. However, being a bit late (I arrived at 9:10, rather than 8:30) is, of course, much more preferable than getting rear ended by a city bus. Though the disappearance of the VW driver is quite the mystery, right?
Reading Lolita in Tehran is making me all kinds of contemplative. The "memoir in books" is, at its core, a work of literary criticism. The class assembled by Professor Nafisi meets to discuss literature. And from these chats on bookish themes and such, broader discussion on social topics develop. How does Nabokov's characterization of Lolita relate to the government's ideas of womanhood in Iran? It's all quite deep and amazingly highlights the exact reason why literature is forever relevant must be studied by everyone. After I read through several pages of pure literary criticism, I closed the book beamed ear to ear. I've not read such illuminating literary analysis in ages. Pure, nerdy bliss.
Around 5 or so in the afternoon, the BF picked me up from work for our date night: dinner and a movie. We headed to The Hungry Cat in Hollywood for a fancy schmancy meal. I couldn't resist the cheese platter to start because, well...
The BF went with The Hungry Cat's famous Pug Burger, of course. And per the server's suggestion, I ordered the evening's special: Spiny Lobster tail with oxtail ragu. Before:
And after:
Hubba, hubba, right? Two of the three women at the table next to us followed suit and also went with the lobster madness.
Though our bellies were full of decadence, we had to haul tail across the street to make it to our movie on time. The ArcLight prohibits patrons from entering the theaters after the show starts. Thankfully, we made it with time to spare. Can you guess what we watched? Because (like most peeps our age) we looooved the book, we had to see the movie. My only complaint is all that darn Karen O. music. I get that she and Spike Jonze were/are an item, but sheesh! I was really hoping the Arcade Fire song from the preview would make an appearance. Sadly, not the case. Have you seen it yet? Thoughts?
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