Paranormal Activity

I met up with Emily at Macy's donning my wig since it was the day before Halloween and I don't care if people look. Occasional attention from strangers is a good thing.

Jimmy joined us later and we three dined at Dojo. My chica Asia was working. Love her.

We three saw Paranormal Activity, which is now a huge success because it was so inexpensive to make. When we arrived to the theater in Times Square, I was shocked and surprised to notice a ticket to the 9:45 pm show just hanging out of the kiosk where you purchase tickets with a credit/debit card. Is this a joke or test? Is someone watching me? Fate or some sort of paranormal coincidence? Whatev, I snatched it up and thought to evaluate the morality of it later.

The 9:10 pm show we planned to see was sold out. Emily and Jimmy got tickets for the 9:45 show. Convenient no? They agreed it was odd for someone to just leave a ticket like that, but we were all glad I was able to benefit from it. Hey, let's not forget where we live. In NYC you have to do for you; sad but true. I mean, if I turned it in to the theater, what would happen? The staff can see movies for free anyway. Is there a "lost and found" ticket section? Um, no. The staff would likely just tell me to use it. I couldn't ask random people, "Did you buy a ticket to this show and forget to take it from the machine?" So, it was what it was and it worked out. Sort of.

OK, for those that haven't seen this, I don't know exactly what to say. It IS a creepy movie. There are chills and really weird stuff happens. The camerawork vis-à-vis The Blair Witch Project makes it more "believable" in a sense. The primary difference being that the kids in Witch are outdoors in nature and against the elements and a legendary supernatural force. Plus, those crazy kids are on a mission to discover something. And they do. They look for it and find it (or it finds them).

In Activity this all takes place in the protagonists' home. A really nice home too for such young people I might add. I know Micah is a day-trader, but come on. Either he really hit it big or San Diego (I think that's where they are) real estate is on the cheap. Anyway, this thing comes to them. You'll find out from Katie's revelations there's more to it than that. Oh, and the camera doesn't shake as much because it is a really good camera and Micah has a tripod. Do the Witch kids have one? I can't remember.

Micah and Katie, (poor fools) are both stooopid to disregard the warning signs the way they do. Who does that? Micah, typical male, makes light of things at first. It is his idea to use the camera and document the CRAZY INSANE stuff that would send you and me RUNNING for the hills.

Oh, let's not forget the psychic. I'M more of an intuitive than this guy. He offers some gems of wisdom but ultimately doesn't prove to be very helpful at all. His field of work is with ghosts (human spirits) not demons (obviously inhuman and far more powerful).

I was quite disappointed with him. Mostly because he agrees to meet them a second time in the house and not a neutral location. The first visit I understand because he needs to evaluate the situation and energy in the home. Upon his second visit, he really senses the dark power (and it does NOT like him there) and flees moments after arrival, leaving Katie and Micah back in square one fending for themselves. Um... hello, isn't there a nearby coffee house where you can talk AWAY from the house? This guy travels from we-don't-know-where to just up and leave without offering any further assistance.

Don't even get me started on the things Micah's camera records... Micah does some shady stuff that only antagonizes the entity. It just doesn't make sense how they handle things.

I know with movies there has to be some degree of suspension of disbelief. However, in this movie I can't help but wonder why they didn't explore more options like: GO TO CHURCH NOW! Have the house blessed? Consult with others? If they're not religious, get a good witch to cast healing and protection spells? Take some sort of stand or something.

All I can say is that I was somewhat disappointed and I'm glad I got to see it for free. Tickets in NYC are $12.50. If you live where movie tickets are cheap, have fun. If you wait for the DVD, go for it.

The good thing that came out of this is that I became a fan of Micah Sloat on Facebook.

Put Whaaaaaaat in the Dishwasher?

Wanna know some surprising uses for one of your most valued household appliances? Personally, I don't have a dishwasher (but I do at work...).

Sarah Stebbins shares 22 unexpected items you can put in the dishwasher and 13 things you shouldn't in You Can Put That in the Dishwasher?

If you have already tried any of these (or attempt to after reading the article), tell me about it!

Good Hair: Don't Touch My Weave!

Monday, a few peeps joined me to see Good Hair, Chris Rock's hilarious documentary. I laughed and chuckled, my knees almost buckled (not really, but it rhymes). You'll love the interviews, testimonials, colorful anecdotes and surprising facts to know and tell.

Good Hair is entertaining and educational as I learned some economical, cultural and social facts that had not occurred to me before, like where the hair comes from, who is really profiting from its production and how dangerous hair relaxers can be!

Nia Long (pictured) has funny things to say as do Salt-n-Peppa, and other notable sistahs like Maya Angelou, Eve and Raven-Symoné. The fellas have input too. Al Sharpton and Ice-T tell us things worth listening to. Al is more serious, but has a moment where everyone laughs.

The Bronner Bros. annual hair convention was eye-opening as were some of the hair show competitors (you have to see them to believe it). Delightful Doug laughed a lot and so did Megan. Some things were missed because audience laughter drowned out the dialogue. There were shocking moments too, where you ask yourself is this all really worth it? The billions (yes, billions) involved say it is.

I tried to organize more people to go with us, using Doodle, a scheduling web site that allows participants to poll what times are best for them, but it didn't work out as I'd hoped. Perhaps I'm better off making a Facebook invite or even E-vite in the future.

For those that missed it with me Monday, I would enjoy seeing it again! Go see it!

The preview is funny too.

Paris OR BUST!

I adore the French. I have some French friends (and friends that happen to speak French) and I know some people living in Paris. Now I know more! I met a lovely group Sunday night at Quantum Leap and I had the sincere pleasure of seeing them again Tuesday night. They gave me their e-mail addresses and offered to spend time with me and show me around Paris. I am going, oh oui, I will go. Thomas, Elise, Sebastian, Chrystelle, Philippe and Emilie were so sweet and I enjoyed every word that came out of their cute little mouths.Before seeing my new French pals from Sunday again, I met another French fellow that almost charmed the pants off me (even my amiga Rakel did a double-take). Also from Paris, so suave and friendly. Mon Dieu! How do they do it? I don't know how to say his name or even begin to spell it. Wait, I think it was Jean-something. Just as he was leaving, Thomas and the gang arrived. "He's from France too!" I exclaimed to them (because I was just telling Jean-something about the group). They exchanged a brief greeting (in French of course).

Anyway, Jean-something works for the Chocolate Show and it takes place in New York this weekend. I've heard of the event and seen clips of it on TV and I think I walked by it once, years ago, but I've never been before. "I hope to see you at the show," he said as he departed. Well, this chocolate bombshell has to make an appearance now. Who wants to go with me? You get some chocolate while I find my new French pal. I'll give 'im some Hershey's kisses... Oh, darn, that's not French. Well, I'm sure the message won't get lost in translation.

Rakel and I talked more with Sebastian and the others for a while. As they all were leaving, Philippe teased, I "have to speak French..." when I'm in Paris, since they spoke English in New York. I can manage that. Who wants to tutor me? Or maybe I'll take a class. I also have a book my diva-doll, Melissa gave me as a gift (thanks, babe). Pop in that practice CD, and get crackin', foo'!

How fitting, after arriving home and upon checking the mail, what did I see? The French Institute Alliance Française (fi:af), sent me something in the mail again. I was a member a couple years ago. With all this recent Sacré Français!, I know it's time to renew!! How do they always manage to know when I change my address without me sending them a change of address update? Destiny, maybe? I haven't opened it yet, but I know it is a positive sign. Did I say I adore the French? Oui!!

Where The Wild Things Are

Last Monday, I saw Where The Wild Things Are. Darling Dan organized the event as we were joined by Delightful Doug, Justin and Frankie. The film was preceded by a light dinner at Marseille, a lovely French restaurant with a chic, appealing decor.

Though I don't remember much of the children's book the film is based on, it is entertaining with humor kids and adults alike can appreciate.

Max, played by Max Records, the protagonist youth of the film is a talented performer. He captures the fantasy, sense of wonder and the emotional roller coaster unique to children so well, essentially (and obviously) because he is a child himself. I can identify with the angst and frustration he works through (I remember it oh so well). Max's relationship with his mom, portrayed by Catherine Keener is heartfelt and believable.

I like the landscape where most of the story between Max and the monsters takes place.

The voice talent is a quite good. I'm a longtime fan of Catherine O'Hara (Beetle Juice, anyone?). She voices the pushy "downer", Judith.

There's a darker side to the film (is that in the book?). James Gandolfini, the voice of Carol, who is the lead "wild thing", with an undercurrent of angst and an unexpected temper. At one point his outburst has a surprisingly negative impact on poor Douglas (Chris Cooper).

The character of Alexander, voiced by Paul Dano, is sweet and I feel bad for him at times. You kind of want to give him a hug and tell him it's OK. I also like Forest Whitaker's portrayal of Ira.

I'm a sensitive sap so yes, I'm affected by the farewell scene. Moments like that make me glad the theater is dark so no one can see my watery eyes.

I do wish more things were explained (the grown up part of me), but the simplicity of it is acceptable. It is after all, a story for kids and if I were a kid again, I'd be full of fresh wonder and amazement.

Short But Sweet: Together Again

The Saturday before last (the day after my run-in with NYC law enforcement), I had such a faboo time catching up with my high school gal pal, Marvelous Marvi, and meeting her sweet hubby Chris. I haven't seen Marvi since 1995! My lovely-Leo-lady was lookin' great—of course! We had such fun walking down memory lane and talking about the Broadway shows they saw (and the one they had tickets to see later).

I met up with Marvilous after a day of shopping with Jess and Presh. We three shopped all day and had a great time going from vintage store to store. Jess is my soul sistah and Presh always makes me smile. They gladly joined me to meet up with Marvi and Chris.

After all the hugs, laughter and smiles upon reuniting in Union Square, the five of us had a great dinner in Greenwich Village at Dojo Restaurant where my chica, Asia (pronounced ah-sha) works.

Time flew by, Marvi and Chris had to jet to see the Broadway musical, Hair. Jess and Presh are theater buffs too so we all had plenty to talk about before and after dinner. The four of them hit it off without a hitch just like I knew they would!

On the uptown "A" train, I happened to notice David standing a few feet away across and over to my left. He was waiting to see how long it would take for me to notice him standing there (Not long. Another Leo, David isn't one easily overlooked). I hadn't seen him in almost two years. Two reunions in one day! I introduced David to Marvi, Chris, Jess and Presh (Jess was intrigued; Hmmm mmmmm...). It was a mish-mash of my past and present all in one place!! I live for this stuff!

I don't know where my camera is. It's kinda busted from me dropping it at Jess' Ocsar Party earlier this year, so thanks to Presh for using his Blackberry to take the above photo (Yikes! I have red eye!!).

The three of them all got out at the same stop: Times Square, Crossroads of the World. David, Ice Sculptor extraordinaire was on his way to a work event as Marvilous and Chris were off to their show.

I rode back to Jess and Presh's place. Christina was home too—yay! They watched with us as I continued my QAF marathon. Jess has the whole series on DVD. We're almost finished with the first season. Over the years, everyone told me what a great show it is. So true!!!

It was a truly splendid day through and through.

Don't Know Who Said It, But I Like It

We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.

Two Things I Flip Over: Martha AND A New Michael's Store!

At 5PM today, the iconic Martha Stewart will be signing copies of her new Dinner at Home book and Craft Encyclopedia books at the new Michael's: The Arts & Crafts Store on 808 Columbus and W. 100th St NYC. I love Michael's and I'm so glad there's a location closer to me now!

I found out about this straight from my homegurl via her tweets. Martha also said, "When you meet me tonight, tell me if you found out about the book signing via my tweet!"

I already have plans after work, so I may not be able to make it. If other fans, friends or people I know end up going, get her to sign a copy for me and I'll reimburse you, guaranteed!

Great Interview!

Samantha Cohen interviews Mimi Kirk, PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Over 70.

She tells SuperVegan where to find the fountain of youth!

You Know There's Always More With Me...

I have more to tell; I didn't even get into the rest of this past weekend. But it's gonna have to wait. There's been so much drama lately! Well, not really, but it sounded good to say it just now.

Oh, in the meantime, if you're among my Facebook friends, take the quiz to see how well you know me. Some of the questions are tricky... *giggle*

OK, off to bed I go.

Catty!

In case you haven't seen this yet.

Missing Samples

I checked my voice mail Wednesday afternoon to find out my doctor phoned and left a message Tuesday. Why did he call? I'll tell you... He called to tell me the lab they sent my blood and urine samples to LOST them!

Last Wednesday, the technician took three vials of blood. One was lost by the lab designated to process it. I only gave one urine sample and that was missing too. My doctor apologized; it wasn't his fault but I'm still left wondering: How did this happen? Why did it happen? What's the name of this laboratory? Who needs me to go OOOOPS upside their head?!

I have to call the doctor's office back and schedule another time to go in and give samples again. Doc gave me the results of the blood work he did have and said everything is normal. The vial that went missing is needed for standard measuring of my levels of hemoglobin, red and white blood cell count.

When I talked to Matt about this, he said that he's heard of labs "losing" blood samples which "somehow" end up being used so other people can pass impromptu drug tests! Are you for real? Has anyone else heard of this? I thought about it and I can see it being possible, but it seems so bizarre to me. I'm naive when it comes to shady stuff like that.

Well, it is what it is. I just hope they don't lose my goodies again.

Tuesday Night's Hot Drama!

Let me tell you about last night. I was over on Thompson Street in Greenwich Village when all the sudden I saw a car on FIRE in the Enterprise parking garage across the street from Quantum Leap restaurant! Say whaaaat? Yes, that's right; burn, baby burn!

I'm talking open FLAMES! This was the first time I'd ever seen a real car really on fire right before my eyes. I'd only seen stuff like that in movies and television dramas. And because this was in a parking garage, the smoke was everywhere in a flash. Garage attendants were scrambling to and fro in an effort to quell the inferno, but it was too much for them. Oh, and the smell was awful! Well, nothing smells good when it burns up like that...

I don't know how it happened or who the car belonged to. The fire department took care of business but the smoke kept coming for some time before things finally cleared up. Eventually, the crowd dispersed and it was all in the past.

DONE!

Oh, good heavens did I see a mega-disgusto thing on the "D" train on the way home tonight... I'm talking ultra-gross!

This guy sitting across from me was digging for gold; he was all up in his nose and inspecting the small clumps on his fingertips! I watched as he flicked it away and said to myself he better not get anything on me because he will get his a$$ beat. I was so done with him. I sat there glaring and he didn't seem to even notice. I checked my bag to see if I had any napkins or anything to offer him. Unfortunately, I did not.

Finally, I couldn't take it any longer, I was close to retching with the poignant grotesqueness of it all. The whole thing was just so, so nasty! I got up and moved to another part of the train.

Matt was perplexed at my abrupt relocation and followed me. I explained what I saw since he was standing in front of me while the deed took place behind him. Naturally, he was grossed out too, especially with the description I gave.

I wish people had better manners in public.

UNBELIEVABLE!!!

It is now minutes before 2am on Saturday morning. I just got home and put my PJs on. Let me recap Friday night's events...

I went to Queens to spend time with my BFF, Emily. She got a Budget rent-a-car (awful customer service; they weren't helpful at all when she called to report the key fob didn't work).

We went to Home Depot where we bought clear plastic window insulation and I picked out a healthy houseplant for her.

After dinner, we went to Michael's, the arts and crafts store. I bought three sented candles for $10! Two pumpkin and one vanilla bean. Mmmm, don't those smell nice?

On the way back to Emily's house we noticed the gorgeous New York skyline all light up on the clear night. Emily wanted to use her new camera and since I was with her we agreed it would be fun to take some photos.

At the house, Emily got her camera and I took Buddy out to relieve himself and then we all headed over to Rainey Park, which overlooks the East River and the east side of Manhattan. We scanned the signs as there were no gates or barricades preventing entry, and thought we were good to go. Wrong.After taking photos and running around with Buddy, I went to put on my coat and saw a cop car approaching. That's when I knew we were in for it. Emily's back was to the road so she didn't see them coming.

"Emily, we're in trouble. The cops are here."
"What?" she said thinking I was joking.
I repeated myself.
"Quick! Put Buddy on the leash!" she exclaimed.

After she secured Buddy, Emily turned to see two officers approaching us. I was going to go into detail but essentially, we were slapped with a summons for being in the park after 9pm when the park closes. The reason? From what we were told, not too long ago some potential terrorists were arrested in the same park for taking photos of Manhattan and making detailed notes related to building structures, traffic flow etc. Because of this, even though we were obviously harmless and our records are clean, there's a "zero tolerance" for being in the park after hours.

Emily's polite request for an exception was denied.

Upon exiting, we looked again and the sign did say the park closes at 9pm. I should have known better.

Our court date is December 14, 2009. Emily is attempting to change her court appearance since she leaves for Germany on December 12!!

Later, I went back to Manhattan for another installment of Lush & Lively with DJ Dan Fortune.

Upon arrival I was informed Doug had recently departed. I enjoyed chatting with Josh, Justin and Frankie.

When the event was over, I went home, flustered over my run-in with New York's law enforcement...

Be Careful When Stomping Grapes!

Click here to see the video.

Good Overall (With A Small Concern)

My annual physical examination went well today. We talked and he asked general questions and some specific ones too, the same as last year. The examination went well; Doctor Landphair said I have a strong heartbeat.

However, he is concerned about my blood pressure as it is on the slightly higher side of the normal range. It's not flat out high, but it could be lower. Though not serious, 130/80 is a concern for me too. He thinks it could just be me reacting to having my blood pressure taken (I admit it does make me nervous with that thing squeezing my arm), but he wants to discuss it further in a few weeks.

When Dr. Landphair was finished, the same funny technician from my visit last year, took blood samples and then I went to the restroom to provide a urine sample. I'm to call next week to follow up for my results.

I'm cutting out salt and resolving to get active again since I haven't exercised regularly in quite a while. I'm feeling yoga-ish again...

What Goes Around Does Come Around

Got a taste of my own castor oil today. This afternoon, on the way to my doctor's appointment (I'm in overall good health, thanks) I had an unpleasant encounter with some of the kids of America.

As I exited the downtown "N" train in Union Square, this teenage boy was right in front of the doors, obstructing my easy exit. Everyone knows you're supposed to let people out before you get in. I wasn't in the mood, so glibly, I said, "Excuse you."

"Sorry," he said, readily aware of his error. In retrospect, I could have been less attitudinal, but I was already over it. "Did he say excuse you?" boy #2 asked. "That's fuckin' rude, man!" #2 called after me. I heard him, but I refused to turn around and respond to the rantings of someone half my age (if not younger). I was not about to give him the satisfaction of knowing I heard him either. I was listening to my iPod anyway, and proceeded unfazed.

Fast forward: I'm on my way home from dinner with Abdus this evening in Greenwich Village. Reading a fash mag and not really paying attention, I started to enter the downtown "D" train. Some woman and her musician man in tow got up to exit as I walked in; I dodged her. "Let people off first," she admonished. OK, she got me. "Sorry!" I retorted half-apologetically and half I'm-getting-the-last-word-this-time, Missy.

When I sat down, it hit me. I dished it out and took it back all in the same day; the scales are balanced as far as I'm concerned. Truth be told, her response to me was more polite than mine to that teenager. Minor as the incidents were, it reminded me to be aware of my surroundings and how my words and actions affect others. Now, if only others can do the same...

Live IT!

"We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from life."
― William Osler

J Walking: Kyan Douglas

Last night, at Quantum Leap restaurant in New York's Greenwich Village, I had the pleasure of talking to Kyan Douglas of Queer Eye For the Straight Guy fame.

I never watched the show much during its run, but I've seen some of Kyan's other castmates like Jai Rodriguez and Carson Kressley multiple times before at events, shopping in Barneys New York and in NYC's Chelsea neighborhood. They all come across as affable down-to-earth guys.

Kyan has a very pleasant, calm and gentle demeanor. He was quick to smile and very well-groomed while donning casual attire; I'd be impressed with him even if he weren't a TV star.

Accompanied by what appeared to be a cute little Boston Terrier waiting outside, minutes later he went on his way into the night. We exchanged smiles. "Nice to see you," I said as he exited.

J Walking: Alicia Silverstone

"AS IF" I wouldn't write about seeing Alicia Silverstone Saturday morning! I attended an event where the sweet and lovely actress, environmental advocate and author was giving culinary demonstrations with recipes from her new book, The Kind Diet: A Simple Guide to Feeling Great, Losing Weight, and Saving the Planet, available in stores tomorrow, October 13.As many know, I'm an occasional contributor to Supervegan.com and I believed Alicia's latest project made for excellent material of interest to our readers. See my post here.

Sunny Hunny!

Why am I in such a good mood today? I'm singing and dancing to the radio at my desk. I'm cracking up my coworkers and feeling fun, fresh and fabulous!

Is it because it's Friday? Is it because I went to bed earlier than usual last night? Is there something in the stars? There is a Sun Conjunction to Pluto in my chart right now. The Sun is life and vitality while Pluto has tremendous power for transformation. Hmmmmm....

Whatever it is, I'm running with it!

A Good Way To Live & Love

"Make the most of every minute that you have.
You tell people what's really in your heart.
Because I swear as you look back on your lives,
The biggest regrets you will ever have is your love that went unexpressed.
So, here's to open hearts..."
—Katherine Chancellor

Awww, Shucks...

Sometimes, I just don't know what to do with myself...

Two Healers On A Tuesday Night

Kay Dougherty, a Shamanic Energy Healer and her friend Katie McGinley, a Spiritual Clairvoyant Healer, Oracle Card Reader and Aromatherapist were a pleasure to meet on a Tuesday autumn evening.

We started chatting when Kay asked me, "Where are you from?" It turns out she's knows my birthplace, Victorville, CA.

I could sense these two women are in tune with their surroundings and highly intuitive. "You have an old soul. Beautiful," they told me as they could see the aura around me.

Interestingly, I've often felt like an old soul and others have said this before. Not "old" as in weary and ready to go lay down, but old as in experienced, sagacious and unfathomable. What makes one have an old soul? It is what it is, I suppose.

My spirit is indeed unquestionably profound and I believe the soul I've been blessed with is a good one. The pulse of life and my connection to the universe never goes unappreciated, even when my conscious mind is focused on other things. I so deeply value my connection to people and how we enrich each other and grow together. Life is love and love is living!