Just because...
Tuesday you are one day closer to move day, unclear when that is still...feast your eyes on young Kate and Johnny. Is there anything more divine? Nope. Thanks for distracting me from the task at hand.
Cause that's what's up this would rather look at genetically superior superstars than contemplate cardboard boxes kind of Tuesday in the M to the I to the A. XO
Good morning, Monday. In what may be the longest goodbye in history, the movers are coming today to have a look see and give us a date so we can finally hightail it outta here. Trying to maintain the calm in prep for such endeavors, and go about my normal business without completely freaking the hell out. Keeping calm and moving on, if you will.
In other news, I read with great intrigue yesterday's New York Times, and in particular, a piece called "Generation Sell" in the Sunday Review section about today's youth culture and how strikingly different it is than those before it in mind and mood. I've written at length about my affinity for my own culture, Generation X, and our general apathetic and relentlessly nihilist and cynical approach to life. Though I think we turned out different than what marketers could have imagined- many of us have achieved great success, work extremely hard, own homes, and are going on child number three or four and pursuing a more "traditional" approach to life- even if that means dressing our kids in ironic rock tees and having them later than ever.
But this piece gave me pause because although well written and completely fascinating, I feel it missed the mark. The piece asks "what’s the affect of today’s youth culture? Not just the hipsters, but the Millennial Generation as a whole, people born between the late ’70s and the mid-’90s, more or less... The thing that strikes me most about them is how nice they are: polite, pleasant, moderate, earnest, friendly". And that notion has not been lost on me, because my twentysomething pals are sensible and lovely and earnest in their attempts to make their lives their own. The author takes the point that this generation although lovely, is very much a product of their own hype and a culture so obsessed with branding it hurts my generation to even watch (no such thing as a sell out anymore)- bands are no longer bands, but marketing constructs that have social media arms and legs to help them promote themselves. He makes the point that this optimism is largely a salesperson's construct- and that today's millenials know that negativity does not pay the bills. After all, and I agree with this, he says "The self today is an entrepreneurial self, a self that’s packaged to be sold." Brand me is part of every day jargon now, and used to sell everything from career skills to dating success.
The article then goes on to say that this youth culture may have some real staying power, because they're not caught up in "rebellion, rejection, or dissent". WAIT. Really?
Not sure if the author of the piece has been watching the news or the current occupation of America and beyond, or noted that student loan debt is surpassing credit card debt as this country's fiscal Achilles heel (and them some), or that colleges are being tainted by child molesters and rapists and the mere value of a four year education is being questioned more by the second. But I find it hard to believe that this article is completely accurate- the millenials, oft known as the glass is half full generation, is having a huge reality check- and I'm wondering how long the posi/groovy vibes will last amidst such a shit show. An article in New York mag a few weeks ago painted a bit of a different picture of "Generation Catalano" (coined by a Teen Vogue editor after the generation who grew up watching "My So-Called Life") as hoping to find jobs, worrying about their futures and their security during these troubled times. Will the happy hipsters prevail?
And though I take issue with the piece and find it a bit of a false prophecy, I do so hope that today's young people fight the good fight- not just against Wall Street or corruption or no job prospects, but a rebellion against unhappiness- without the youth of today, who can we turn to in terms of positive thoughts? Certainly not my generation, or the generation before that, or the boomers- whose post Woodstock wealth has created one of the largest financial divides in history between them and this rising generation ,and who do care about the world but seem to have done well for themselves in spite of it. If the millenials view negativity as not useful to them, they need to fight for their right to be happy- because there's way too much to be miserable about. Go on, youth culture. Prove to me that it's worth the fight...cause that's what's up this trying to be happy kind of Monday in the MIA. It's hard work, but our G-d given right (life, liberty, and such). XO
Here's a link to the article, a good read but missing the angst of occupation:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/13/opinion/sunday/the-entrepreneurial-generati...
It's Friday and I'm at Newark flying back to Miami to fly back to New York soon so I'll be brief and say Thanksgiving is coming early. Shoot me. I need to thank it up right about now:
Thank you Brooklyn for being so incredibly awesome and full of so much goodness and soul and diversity. I can't wait to hang in you, on you, and beside you.
Thank you self confidence for allowing me to take this leap and go out on my own, in the most expensive city in the country.
Thank you comfy Italian boots bought on Abbot Kinney that made walking around the city a pleasure yesterday.
Thank you New York water for your incredible carb laden baked goods and breads. I love you.
Thank you, chill in the air. I missed you.
Thank you fall colors, you go well with my DNA, not to mention my complexion.
Thank you Hot 97, for still being the best radio station ever.
Thank you friends and family, for being near me once again.
Thank you to everyone and everything for allowing me to move back to the only place that I have ever wanted to live in.
That's about what's up this grateful Friday in the Newark airport. I feel so thankful to be going home to pack and then COMING HOME FOR REAL. Have a great weekend. XO
Good morning, Wednesday- going to New York tomorrow to gaze upon my apartment for the first time...wish me luck. Needless to say, David is nervous about me liking it, though I can't imagine why...(ha).
So I've been thinking about the winter and although I sort of dread the gray, I'm looking forward to the cold, which I miss. True I will most likely eat those words in the thick of February, but living in Miami is not unlike living on the set of "Groundhog Day"- it's sort of the same all the time weather wise and my energy needs a shift, as does my psyche- something about the passage of time here is senseless- I have always found Miami a challenge because the seasons don't change, so marking big moments is difficult...
And with my new (old) city, I'm surely going to experience the seasons, even if the good ones only seem to last for two weeks these days. And because winter is upon us, I've obviously been thinking about a wardrobe suited to the elements. I've often found New York in the winter to be manageable- as long as you have the proper gear. There's no getting around a puffy down coat, a hat to cover one's ears, some warm gloves, and most importantly- boots that keep your feet warm and dry. An insulated legging doesn't hurt either...
And I found something at Lululemon that I am insisting all of you buy for your version of winter- this amazing Vinyasa scarf, a multipurpose miracle that you can rock as a bit of a shawl, as a cozy neck warmer, or just hanging down with a turtleneck- it's super comfy, folds up small, has snaps so you can customize how you wear it, and is a fabulous way to have one thing that you can rock different ways- absolutely adore it- I bought the gray and black striped one because it goes with all my New York black...there's nothing I like better than pieces that can be worn in different ways- and in these times, getting mileage out of accessories is simply the way to go, plus good scarves are worth their weight in coziness in the cold months ahead.
So even if you're not quite ready to face the winter, perhaps a good accessory will cushion the thought of dry skin, chapped lips, and carbo loading in front of the TV...get thee to Lulu- but be careful in there- it's hard not to want just about everything they have...even though I have always poo poohed it as way too Stepford yoga zombie...they do have some great pieces that will keep you warm and prepared this season...
Cause that's what's up this pre-winter Wednesday in the MIA. New York, I'm counting the days...XO
(PS I can't find the scarf on their website, but it's def in stores...)
Good morning, Tuesday. For the first time in about a month, I took a breath or ten this morning. It was nice...I highly recommend it.
I've been running like a LOCOmotive for a while now and needed a moment- went to the gym at the obscene hour of 9 am instead of 5 am, and thoroughly enjoyed having the morning to myself. I woke up in the middle of the night wondering why I was sleeping in the production trailer back in LA (I swear), and then realized I needed to get a little grounded and be here now- since I have been here, there, and everywhere for what seems like ages. You know it's time to chill when you don't know where you're waking up (It's no fun to wake up and think you're on a motorhome, in the middle of the night. No fun at all).
The cool thing about freelancing is that as hard as you work, and you do work hard, you do have the off day or two to just check in, or more aptly, check out.
So today is all about breathing, though I'm sure tomorrow will be business as usual, with very few breaths- be grateful for today- tomorrow is not yet here and I'm enjoying it. Cause that's what's up this movie in the afternoon kind of Tuesday in the MIA. XO
Good morning, my little happy Monday...I'm home, even though I'm not going to be in this version of home for much longer...needless to say to be greeted by my husband and pup at the airport is proof that home is really where they are, anyway. So happy to be back with them...
But on another note, I've been buying up boots for the winter as my new home will be a good bit colder than I am seven years used to. And since I was traumatized by my apartment shopping experience (or my feet were), I've been buying some boots that are a bit more practical- a sandwashed gray leather Italian pair that skews moon boot and feel like slippers, a pair of Kork Ease neutral leather campus type boots that feel cloudlike as well, and a pair of Nine West that are high and black and leather, but with a decidedly low heel. I'm just in the mood for comfort and I can't help myself.
But then I spot these little numbers by Bruno Frisoni for Roger Vivier for spring- I MEAN.
This little shoe is called "black swan" (naturally) and is one of the most delicately sexy yet tough sandal I have ever seen. I have always been feather obsessed, and I can see rocking these shoes with everything from skinny Alex Wang tube dresses to cropped cigarette pants to a trench coat with something skimpy underneath, and of course, bare legs. I'm in LOVE. And now I remember why practical is just so blah. I'd rather be a black swan than an ugly duckling any day, wouldn't you??? Of course you would not wear these every day, but then again, maybe you would...
C'est tout. I wanted to share these as they're gorgeous, and it appears you can buy them on that new trunk show site Moda Operandi if you sign up- I just can't seem to figure out how, which is probably for the best. Cause that's what's up this not practical but beautiful Monday back in the 'ole MIA. XO
That's me...more next week- I'm burnt and crisp and bland and need to be buttered up. Have a good weekend. When you have breakfast tomorrow think of me and my uncannily toast like consistency.XO
Hey, Thursday. My eye is twitching and my skin is dry from no humidity and I'm so homesick it hurts- not for Miami but for my hubs and my doggie and my regularly scheduled life. As much as I love spending time with people I enjoy working with, I want to go home, and since we are in limbo on that front in terms of securing a place to live and saying goodbye to our amazing apartment in MIami, I am a bit meh today. Staying in bed would not suck today, this much I know. I'm tired.I'm just off somehow.
David is in New York looking at apartments and I wish I was there with him...wondering if space is before beauty? Or space before amenities? It's become increasingly clear we can't have both- it's sort of between two places now- one massive one with a crap kitchen and one not so massive one with a doorman, fitness center, and lovely brand new stuff. Ugh. Decisions.
That's kind of all I've got today, folks...peace. That's just what's up this feeling a bit untethered Thursday in LA at 5:30 am. XO
Good morning, Tuesday...the gym in my hotel totes sucks so I'm feeling my lack of workout and it's no bueno. Since I'm cranky anyway, I'd like to discuss the object of most of my scorn- Kim Kardashian.
Yea, I know you find the nonsense of this family entertaining, but I find them, and espcially Kim, to be vulgar and beyond disgusting. I joke about it of course, but this tacky family actually makes me ill. They all seem so stupid, so vapid, and so useless- and I despise the way Kim looks, especially- how she became a fashion icon I will never know, but her upscale Bebe combinations are more in tune with South Beach/Vegas than the runways of New York and Paris. And it appears her makeup is put on with a spackle brush- oh and did I mention I think she's a rollicking whore? Ah. Forgot that part.
You've no doubt read about the news of her divorce (while the world weeps, uch) from her equally dumb husband, Kris Humphries. They had an over the top million dollar wedding, and in the process, pocketed 18 million from it. I remember seeing her engagement ring and thinking- wow. This seems so appropriate to wear a ring like that when so many people don't have jobs and are worried about feeding their families. Had she any sense, she would take a portion of that 65 million they pocketed last year (yup, that's what they're worth y'all) and help some people.
That's my biggest issue anyway- regardless of how tired I am of seeing her fat ass everywhere. If Wall Street is being occupied, I think Hollywood Boulevard should be positively shut down. It's a disgrace how much people in entertainment pocket- think ABOUT IT- the Kardashians have zero talent. ZERO. And somehow because they are reality TV icons they make more money than people who actually work for a living. The entertainment industry is completely out of control- though I love movies and TV, it's kind of insane that there is no cap on what they can make- they should really be required to give a portion of their money to help the world.
The fact that this worthless, new money family buys Bentleys and Rolls Royces like candy is a slap in the face to what's going on these days- and what makes me more sad is that young girls are watching their escapades and wondering how they can get in on this nonsense- if I had a daughter,I would pray to the sweet Lord that she doesn't turn into some bandage dress zombie. This is a family that makes no apologies for their disgusting behavior- and Kim apparently got angry at her dumb husband because he got a Hollywood agent- ain't that the pot calling the kettle, though? How else could one survive in that shameless family without an agent?
PS that whole bloody wedding was a scam to make money...more reason to hate on Kim. I've had enough of reality and simply want people to get REAL. Can the Kardashians secede from the union and have their own country? I don't want them here anymore. Then again, that may make great TV...I for one am tired of keeping up with the Kardashians and just want them to go away.
Sorry for my rant...I just hate Kim and them and this insanity we live with. That's what's up this famous for nothing but an ass and a sex tape kind of Tuesday. All the love. XO
Good morning, world. It's Monday in LA and I'm a bit homesick. Missing my boys at home, and looking forward to this shoot going well and heading home to them. I am excited about shooting this week though, will be fun...
But I'm bummed I'm not home today because today is the day that David and I brought home our sweet baby Khan man- it was on Halloween and we were nervous as hell- never had a dog growing up and neither did David. I begged him for years to get a dog, bombarding him with IMs of little guys I wantted. Finally, we decided to go to the Humane Society and check out the pups- and in one of the little rooms was a gaggle of small guys, but we spotted little Khan right away and asked to see him. The volunteer was about to scoop him up and bring him out, but he beat her to it and jumped in her arms, sort of knowing he was the chosen one. In reality, I wanted to take them all, but we both loved the look of Khan- he was scruffy and punky and had a little tooth snarl that we loved, with a big beard.
He came to us right away, with no hesitation or fear. A dear friend of mine told me that when looking to adopt a dog, make sure they let you rub their belly or roll over onto their back- it shows they are more submissive and not aggressive. Khan basically surrendered and had his rubbing his belly for a good half hour, and he took to both of us right away.
We decided he was the one- in no small part because of his amazing little sweetness, but also because the in house vet had written "SWEETHEART" all over his intake form and history. He had been rescued from animal services, which is still hard for me to talk about. We decided to go home and prepare the house, and agreed to pick him up in the morning, which we did. Oh and his name is a sort of "meant to be" as well- he was named by the gothy vet tech for the architect Louis Kahn, the Jewish architect from Philadelphia (random for sure, but how perfect is that since I am from Philly and also an MOT?) We changed his name to Khan though, switched around the letters to read more plunderer than intellectual. Which is funny because he is way more the latter.
And it was rough going at first, though we quickly knew he had been housebroken, which was beyond a gift since we lived on the 3rd floor of an apartment building. The poor thing got sick when we first got him, probably nervous as hell and his tummy got messed up- he was in the hospital for a few days and we were heartbroken, though now you would never know as he eats everything in sight and meal time is pretty much what he lives for. My aunt jokes that he has the demeanor of a Princeton professor, and should wear a tweed blazer with patches and carry an old valise. His daycare girls think he would be the type to watch Star Trek with his pals, his bestie being Howie the pug. Regardless, he is more intellect than athlete (thank the Lord for us). He also has a crush on a girl called Cocobella.
I just wanted to say that I can now see why people write books about dogs, spoil them rotten, and generally treat them like children. My dog has made our lives so much better- he is so loving and sweet and there is nothing I like more than waking up and seeing his sweet little face. I love the way he stares at me with more love than I could ever imagine. I love buying him treats, making him dance, and putting my nose against his. He is the coolest guy ever and the perfect little man for us- he's super chill in demeanor and beyond affectionate. He likes chicks better than dudes, but will warm up quickly to men once he knows them. He loves when we have people over, and enjoys family time. He's a sprinter and I love to let him off leash and run up and down our hallways at top speed- it's hilarious. He's just so precious and amazing and I miss him so much- happy anniversary/birthday/blessing to my sweet little man- what a difference a dog makes.
I am honestly tearful as I write this- when he went in the hospital when we first got him, I almost couldn't process the way that made me feel- it was not a familiar emotion as I have never had children, but guarantee it was pretty damn close. And it did take a minute to get used to a small lilttle wookie covered in fur was in our house, but we learned about being dog owners and the bottom line is this- the dog is nothing but love, and I am so thrilled that he is ours- happy day to my sweet Khanny- I can't imagine life without you...love you so. Cause that's what's up this Khanoween ever in the city of angels. I know an angel, ps. He's covered in fur and has lit up my life. I love you, little guy, and can't wait to see you. You really have changed our lives and we love you beyond belief. XO
