It's amazing what a professional make-up job and my favorite hat can do!
Getting used to Brooklyn. Money’s tight, but you’d never know it from my social schedule! One of the benefits of being a writer with lots of awesome people in your life is that there is always somewhere for you to eat, drink, and be merry gratis. Life as a fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants, 21st Century bohemian has its privileges. Now, all I need is dental insurance… 
FRIDAY NIGHT - Was invited to a party thrown by ChinaShop on Thompson Street, NYC. Knew I was invited because I’m a new recruit on their writing staff. What I didn’t know was that this party was part of the beginning of Fashion Week. So I go to this party not knowing anyone, get my hair and makeup done there at a special station they have set up for it by their cosmetics and hair product sponsors, and wander around with a drink in my hand watching the models and stylish people go by. Free vodka/Red Bulls all night! At first, I was a bit uncomfortable. I’m usually not one for Standing-Around-Holding-A-Drink parties. For me, it’s either stay home and drink with friends, or go out and dance. However, a couple of key things happened that made my evening hella enjoyable. (Did I just say “hella?” Really?) Met my editor at ChinaShop, who is freaking rad! She’s so full of fun, and tatted up to boot! This is a woman I can write for! She introduced me to her assistant and her photo editor, and I met another cool NYC-based contributor. Suddenly, I knew people at this party, and all was well. Then my friend Olga, whom I’d texted earlier, showed up looking fabulous, and I had a drinking partner! And just like that, there was a fabulous steak dinner, and a DJ that started later in the evening so we could shake our shit. Oh, and then there was the dude who started hitting on Olga incessantly, and when he couldn’t get anywhere with her because she’s happily married, asked me for MY number. That’s classy, guy. Thanks, but no thanks. I’m not interested in being anyone’s Sloppy Seconds. My ass is too fine. All in all, a great night out with some awesome people. Total amount of money spent all evening: train fare.
Me and Olga after a long evening of dancing, drinking, and deflecting unwanted advances!
SATURDAY NIGHT – Robyn’s birthday celebration! Jerry had reserved a booth at The Delancey on the LES of NYC, and I went ahead with decorations and a cute candy cake he’d made her to set up before the party. Sadly, I received a voice mail message from my brother as I was blowing up balloons saying that my father had been taken into the emergency room and admitted into the hospital with pneumonia and possibly a blood clot near his lung. There was nothing I could do, and my brother and sister were at the hospital as Dad got care, so I stayed at the party, but I couldn’t really get into a party mood despite the unsolicited drinks purchased for me by lovely gentlemen. I had a bit of fun hanging out with Robyn and my mutual friends, and the DJ was playing some great music, but I left before Robyn and Jerry to come back to the apartment and wallow in worry without spoiling anyone’s good time. Total amount of money spent all night: train fare.
SUNDAY NIGHT – the most ROCKIN’ party of the weekend! My niece, Hannah’s 3rd Birthday party! Not only did I get to hang out with my fabulous nieces and nephew, but I got to meet my sister-in-law’s nieces and nephew, and they were all so great! There was ice cream cake and cupcakes. There were gift bags. It was a kick-ass time, and it’s always great to get a good chunk of my family in one place. Also, I got to take home food. I will post a couple of pictures soon wherein you can see that HANNAH IS MY CLONE. Seriously, if I didn’t know that it’s physically impossible, I’d think she was me as a toddler.
And as of now, Dad is doing all right. Thanks to all of you who expressed concern!
Right, then. To bed. Busy week ahead!
