Sunday: Lookin' Good, Feelin' Good

On Sunday, Mordecai and I went to Michigan Avenue to run some errands. We've been down here every weekend for the past couple of weeks. I especially like the little area right around the John Hancock building, because there are lots of rich little old ladies with small dogs who wear these "I don't give a fuck" outfits--like in the winter, it'll be fur coats and sneakers. These ladies above on the left, however, most certainly gave a fuck when they got dressed in the morning. What was even more awesome was that the woman on the left representing the primary colors had a Forever 21 shopping bag.

I don't know what kind of outfit it is that I concocted when I got dressed yesterday, but I wanted to pair my Frye boots with shorts because all the Japanese girls in the girly magazines do it. I also busted out my Nodame shirt, which I got last summer at this York store that provided the wardrobe for the Nodame Cantabile live action drama series. It's funny, the minute it starts to warm up, I completely forgive and forget about Chicago's fierce winters. Bring on the heat!

Saturday: Won an Authentic Alfonso Soriano Jersey

At least I think it's the authentic one. On Saturday, Mordecai, Joe and I dropped by Elite Sports Card & Comics on Montrose by Damen to see if any of us won a raffle/sweepstakes contest we had automatically entered by buying boxes of Topps Series 2 cards a few weeks ago. For every X number of packs you purchase (I forget how many, we aren't at this Little League level), you get to enter Y number of raffle tickets, and for every hobby box or jumbo box you purchase, you get to enter Y + more raffle tickets. Since Mordecai and I got a hobby and jumbo (Big Leagues), we entered a lot of tickets. The owner, John had the tickets and corresponding prizes listed on a sheet of paper. A 5 year old won an autographed Kerry Wood photograph, and a 74 year old man won some stickers of something unknown. I WON FIRST PRIZE, AN AUTHENTIC ALFONSO SORIANO JERSEY (MEDIUM).

I waltzed into Elite with my new White Sox jacket, too. This just adds to the long history I have with the Cubs, where it seems like I should be a solid Cubs fan. I've written this elsewhere, but I'll say it again: I spent a large portion of my childhood/adolescence half a block from Wrigley Field at my grandma's; I went to a day care with Shawn Dunston's daughters; I went to many Cubs games with said day care; I have met Ernie Banks and have a personlized autograph from him; many of my friends and classmates are Cubs fans; I have met Koyie Hill and have a personlized autograph from him; and now, I win this jersey. The other jerseys that are going to be up for prizes in the next rounds are the Phillie's and Joe's favorite, Chase Utley and the Giant's and Joe's other favorite/Filipino brother, Tim Lincecum. I would've preferred Lincecum because he's on my fantasy team, but I guess it's fitting for me to win a Cubs jersey. At least I don't think lowly of Soriano. His face looks a little skull-ish to me, but I like him fine, and would prefer his jersey over that of other "Cubbies," save for maybe Ryan Dempster because he's also on my fantasy team. This jersey will probably not be worn, but I will hang it and take care of it with tons of pride and gratitude for Elite and John.

Upon careful inspection (Mordecai happened to capture the moment, even though the photo is a little out of focus), I noticed the giant Cubs logo on the front that is bigger than my face is made to look like it's sewn on. The little black zig-zags are merely printed instead of being actual thread. I'm not sure of the details of an authentic jersey, but I really hope the actual "Cubbies" aren't running around with the same patch, because that'd be sad and lame, much like reported crappy facilities in Wrigley Field.

In closing, I want to say that I thought maybe this was a sign that I should "transcend team loyalties" like one of UIC's finest, Prof. Jon Jarrett, who specializes in the foundations of quantum mechanics (or something like that). I only talk to him about baseball (never took physics in my life), and he once told me to email him a list of my favorite players because he collects cards. My email ended up being this long-winded explanation of liking Japanese players, the White Sox over the Cubs, and now a growing, fuzzy love for the Tigers, and how fantasy is just fueling me into overdrive. I ran into him the next day by the mailboxes, and I said hi, and he looked at me and started laughing. In the email, I had asked him about this mysterious "transcending team loyalties" thing. Since all I got in response so far is laughter, I'm still kind of lost in fantasy/personal biases, not knowing exactly how to feel about this Soriano jersey as a Soriano jersey, versus as a prize from Elite and John. If he ever writes back or clarifies the "ascent" or what the Land Beyond is like, I'll certainly update here or on the Marauders of Time blog or Third Base or Bust. Maybe I'll just have to straight up interview him.

Flannel + Docs

Thursday and Friday I wore similar outfits but varying in color. Both shirts are Mordecai's, and they happened to match my two pairs of Doc Martens, which pleased me a great deal. On Thursday it was warm-raining, which I don't particularly mind. At the Jackson train station, a young man approached me on the platform and remarked, "Damn, you lookin' kinda sexy in all that purple." I had to break it to him that I'm engaged to be married. I'm also pretty sure he was over five years younger than me. But anyway, what was so great about this moment in my life was that at the station platform nearby, a man was playing his bass with some background music and I realized that the song was "PURPLE RAIN." I think there were purple fireworks in my head!

Today I hung around the office, met with a couple of students, and later met up with Mordecai to go downtown. I noticed more logic notation on the office board than usual. Since it was so orderly and covered the whole thing, I decided to document it using PhotoBooth. It's Sean's work, presumably for his 210 students. I really ought to retake 210, and probably with Sean, but for now I will just pose with it.

In other news, I started up another blog exclusively for Fantasy purposes: MARAUDERS OF TIME. Here is Carlos Peña, the unofficial spokesperson for our new blog. He leads the MLB with 10 home runs thus far into the season. Somehow he currently surpasses all other proven sluggers. He's my utility player hero!

Weekend Wrap Up: Hammer Pants, Baseball Cards & Real Baseball

This weekend I dropped by H&M and picked up these pants with the remainder of my gift card. Initially, I didn't like these "harem," "drop crotch," or "MC Hammer" pants that everyone is wearing, at least in Internetland, but then I started to realize the roominess might be comfortable if the fabric is right. I was also inspired by CC Sabathia and Prince Fielder's enormous uniforms. If only they'd wear knee-high socks like Ichiro but over those billowing pants.

I was a little apprehensive about these pants so I kept the tag on but wore them out. But then I couldn't stop wearing them all weekend. They are so comfortable, you must take my word for it. You can't really tell in the photo above but the have a slight shimmer to them. But looking at these pictures, I'm starting to realize how ridiculous they really do look. Oh well!

On Saturday, Mordecai and I went baseball card-hunting in the afternoon and then we picked up Joe to eat some damn good orange beef at Shanghai Inn. We then went to Meijer and were initially disappointed by the regular card aisle, but then discovered a display of many blasters on sale. I cleaned out their 2008 Topps Series 1 blasters as they were $5 each. I also got a 2008 Topps Chrome blaster, not at all on sale, but worth every penny. Looks like I'll be collecting 2008 base set as well. And yes, that is a GOP John McCain card on the table.

On Sunday, Mordecai, Sean and I went to see the Red Sox sweep the Yankees at a Red Sox lovers' bar, Monsignor Murphy's in Lakeview. I went to the bathroom at one point and when I came back, all "tu tu ru"-ing to myself, I turned to my left and checked to see how the game was going, and that was when I witnessed Jacoby Ellsbury stealing home. Perfect timing! Joe had told me about Kenji Johjima stealing home once, but I had totally forgotten about it. Jose Reyes was recently talking about stealing home, but I'm starting to become wary of him, even with that million dollar smile.

On schedule this week: more baseball and baseball cards!

People-watching

Yesterday weatherpeople were threatening snow. It was cold and it drizzled, but no snow. People were prepared, however:

The man above looked so comfy when he sort of withdrew into his coat. I don't think either of these coats were real because the quality of their fur reminded me of my own fake fur vest.

I transferred to the red line and waited for the doors of the train to open. I saw a young woman waiting to get out, and then I saw her look to her right and she made a disgusted face. "Urine, maybe?" I thought. But it didn't smell particularly bad when the doors opened and I entered. I only noticed what the young woman had grimaced at when I was about to get off, only two stops later. CTA NEVER DISAPPOINTS.

After lunch with Mordecai, I went to the Harold Washington Library to get some work done. The 60-minute time limit on public computers forced me to get some real work done. Also, it helped that the earliest baseball game that day started at night. Anyway, I looked over to my left and saw a young woman on a computer. One of her books caught my attention. THE HWLC DOESN'T DISAPPOINT.

The Basics of Pistol Shooting. I suppose I don't have every right to be talking myself, with nonsensical Hegel at my computer.

I love Chicago.

Birthday Party Highlights

I am technically no longer on Spring Break, but my mind is still in break mode. Here are some highlights of two weekends ago, one of the best but least remembered weekends of all time. Thank goodness for cameras.

Thug mugs abound. Somehow mine got inflated a little.

Jeffrey Campbell MEL in action! Excuse the toes, they're kinda squished. But really, who has sexy toes?

Nar looks nonchalant about the wetness of parts of his pants and the state of his seat. I think the expression on Mordecai's face best captures his condition throughout the evening: despite being unable to see/recall anything, he's still extremely cheerful.

No one remembers this. Somehow, Joe ended up on passed out on the floor, I ended up sitting and sprawling on him while brushing my teeth, and at some point, I got my own camera to take photos of Nik climbing up our hallway walls. I like how Amit is framing the picture on the right, his hands exclaiming "WHY?" How does he have the capacity to attempt making sense of insanity as it's happeing? This must have been Amit, pre-UV Lemonade chugging.

There was only one other female present at this party, and she was designated driver. All others had to decline the offer to join us. Why do girls gotta be ambitious and hardworking? Or not in Chicago? What does that say about me? Thus, we end up with slapping matches and wrestling rumbles. Notice Joe injured on the sidelines.

I think Amit is yelling at Joe about "cheating" in Fantasy sports, though really, it's just meticulous stat tracking that no one else cares or knows enough about to do. As far as I understand the people in this picture, I think it depicts everyone and their personalities quite accurately. Shirtless but pleased; seemingly angry but really, just destroyed; disgruntled; chill. Mordecai is passed out at this point, and notice that Shaun is also MIA.

The night/early morning ended in vomit, lettuce, snow, and Meijer. The next day I was greeted at the door with a gas bill and the lease renewal.

Some other important cameos and events to note: Jamie sprinkled the kitchen counter with candy for me and I think there's a Blue Raspberry Mad Dog 20/20 for Joe in the fridge as well; his roommate Toru sat in the corner reading "Nana," absorbed as anyone ought to be if they got caught up in that story; and Sean graced us not only with his presence, but with an EXTREMELY CHOCOLATEY cake and goggles from the future. They deflect bullets futuristically, but not hangovers and post-Spring Break blues! Damn, summer where are you?

Jeffrey Campbell MEL

I pretty much calculated my day around the arrival of this package. It came from Oregon, stopped at Kentucky, and then arrived at my door this afternoon.

As I read more about clothes, shoes, and bags online by anyone and everyone, I am finding that a lot of what comes into style really does trickle down from the runways. I go into stores now and can roughly identify the origins or the inspirations behind clothes, shoes and bags at mass-friendly stores, from H&M to Bebe to Club Monaco.

So I had been reading about Aldo's SMEAL (MOLAVI is similar, possibly less insane heel/platform combo) here and there, and Mordecai being a supporter of all things Judas Priest-inspired offered to acquire a pair for me for my birthday. Apparently, these are more or less knock-offs of or heavily inspired by Balmain's studded crystal sandals. I visited a couple of Aldos dowtown and scoped them out in person. But then while flipping through the latest Teen Vogue (April 2009), I noticed a similar pair, the MEL, by Jeffrey Campbell for $50 more. Zara had a pair out as well apparently, but 1) I hate the Zara at Old Orchard and 2) they probably wouldn't have them due to either the store employees being blah or legal issues. I thought the Jeffrey Campbells looked more like the Balmains and generally looked more sparkly and fun, so I hunted these suckers down. Akira's and Lori's didn't carry them, and I diligently checked Solestruck.com everyday. They were finally up on the site yesterday! So I ordered them to be delivered overnight, and they were on my feet almost exactly 24 hours after I placed the order.

The shoes are surprisingly comfortable; I think it has to do with the platform up front so that the feet aren't angled so steeply. The rhinestone anklet is mad shiny and indeed sparkly fun! The heels feel stable and I think are thicker than the Aldo or Zara or Balmain versions, so I am very content with that. BTW, my birthday has passed and I am healthy and unbroken **KNOCK ON WOOD** Let's hope nothing happens this weekend with these shoes.

I thought I'd share some other birthday spoils.

My mom and I have been out and about since I'm on Spring Break (it's a proper noun folks, must pay homage to the blissful week of rest!) and we stopped by the Levi's store in Wicker Park. It was love at first sight with this jacket, even though I look like a child (I had a Land's End jacket in this color growing up) or like I'm going to visit the Niagara Falls. My mom bought it for me, saying "Why not? It's the day after your birthday." Here I am posing in the way a Japanese baseball player stretched when he was on deck, waiting for his turn to bring Japan victory. (Can't remember who it was.)

Today I went to H&M in the early evening and began doing damage to the H&M gift card generously given to me by Mordecai's parents. Again, under the influence of fashion show-and-tell blogging, I went straight for this jacket. It's weird how tastes suddenly change or evolve; I've never been a big fan of light-wash denim, but I'm all for it this spring. Maybe I am overly eager to celebrate spring's arrival.

Baseball card updates (they are related to the celebration of my birth) will go in another post--those are harder to write about because I'd like to scan them but that entails scanning them. I have a good cover for my Fantasy League baseball card collection too, so look out for that in the next episode.

Early acquisition

Just as last year, I received an early birthday present around this date from my parents today: this year, the much coveted iPhone. With the ability to constantly track my email, my music, the weather in Chicago and Yokohama, Facebook, Twitter, baseball, fashion, the world in GPS map form, Pacman energy pellets, and so much more, I thought my life was going to undergo a revolution or uprising today. But things have been pretty quiet, and I think this is for the better. I'm still very happy with my new acquisition.

My love for purple has not subsided; you know I had to get on the purple iPhone case. The other day, I noticed that the laundry hanging on the new clothing rack was largely purple, or variations of it. This weird website claims that "too much purple and you don't tend to live in this world." LIKE THIS IS A BAD THING! SO BE IT!

Sleeping Bag/Bodysuit

"Baby Penguin Sleeping bag/bodysuit


Black/White 100% Nylon outer shell, poly-fill quilted hooded sleeping bag/bodysuit for children with mini visor detail, front zippered belly closure, soft cotton multicolored inner lining and rear perforations for attaching to stroller safety harness. Measures approximately: 43"L x 38" at widest points."

I've never been so saddened to not be 43 inches long. Alternately, I suppose I could have something that is 43 inches in length to carry around in this awesome sleeping bag/bodysuit, like a child, but those things tend to grow. Emu might be a good size--his face certainly fits--but inserting the real Emu into a sleeping bag probably entails sustaining serious injuries, so I insert him via Photoshop, scratch-free.

Thursday Adventures Again

Today was gray and rainy, but not too cold. Mordecai and I went downtown this afternoon. We ate at Fontano's first; I had a turkey sub. Not as great as Mr. Sub's, but satisfying nonetheless. It turns out admission to the Art Institute was free throughout February, and the Munch show was half off (still $10!).

We went partially to see the Munch show, and partially so I could do some research for my own class. I was disappointed that "The Scream" was not in the exhibit. There's some lame sketch of it in its place. I understand everyone wants to steal "The Scream," but can't they get some Norwegian special security to accompany the painting when there's a Munch show at a big museum? Jeesh. Also disappointing: a lot of the modern and contemporary stuff is in storage, waiting for the new modern wing to open in May. For instance, my penguins are nowhere to be found. I was prepared for this, but again, can't there be special accomodations?

Photography (and lecturing!) was not permitted in the Munch exhibit, so instead I have these pictures of my other favorite works. I think my favorite works in the Art Institute tend to be ones that make me laugh--I laughed at the penguins, I laughed at the gold dragon-slaying, I laughed at this duo-person on the right from the Japanese modern print exhibit (it also reminded me of Aristophones' speech on the origins of love from Plato's "Symposium," which I just read again recently). The hush-hush and bow-down-with-respect-to-the-work atmosphere of art museum is too much for me, so I appreciate works that invite me to be silly.

Also noteworthy: blueberry tights! These tights are from Uniqlo, courtesy of Jenni. I want to live in all the Uniqlo things she brought from New York for me. I think if I do, I'll end up like Violet Beauregarde.

I love how unnecessary it was to roll her before sending her off to the juicing room (~1:08).

Thursday Adventures

Jenni has joined us this weekend for some Chicago fun. Last night we were hypnotized by commercials for Burger King's new Burger Shots (is that a picture of a fancy Whopper under the description of a Burger Shot?) and Joe's recent obsession, and set out on a quest to Burger King and acquire baseball cards at Meijer.

You can choose between a 2 Burger Shot Meal and a 6 Burger Shot Meal. We decided to have a big party of 18 Burger Shots total, which was a miscalculation on at least my and Jenni's part. Mordecai remembers Burger King's "Burger Buddies" from his childhood and was excited about trying these new ones out. Unfortunately he ended up disoriented because he forgot to ask for cheese. I have to say I am constantly amazed by the artificial "flame-broil" flavor that I can taste in Burger King meat. But I'm never impressed enough or care enough to return for more; I appreciate their advertisement campaigns, but I'm a Mickey D girl at heart. Plus, BK's Coke and fries are no good in comparison.

Then we went to Meijer out in Arlington Heights. Jenni found MLB Power Pros 2008 for the DS for $9.90! It took a while to find the trading card section, but Jenni found it and we went about deliberating. Mordecai got 2 packs of Topps 2009, Jenni got a value pack of Topps 2008, and I got a pack of Topps 2009 and a pack of Obama Inauguration Series cards. There was a round, large man sifting through football cards, feeling them to determine which to purchase. I should have interviewed him for insider tips.

We wandered around Meijer before checking out. I didn't even know they had a "hobbies" section, with knives, paintballs, and archery. Mordecai refused to tell me how to hold the bow and arrow, demonstrating only after taking the photos above. My shit is totally backwards!

If you'll notice, Jenni and I are wearing similar outfits, varying in colors and outerwear. We're like a walking work of art!

Gumisour

The last time I played Animal Crossing a couple of weeks ago, I got my hair did at Shampoodle. In the Wii version, if you don't play for a long time, apparently they take that 'do away from you and you're stuck with an "I just got out of bed" look.

This bedhead is an accurate depiction of how I feel sometimes when words do not suffice.

Like when your batteries in your Wiimote dies RIGHT AFTER you get the first coin from the magic rock that will give you lots more, money you can't get at the moment because Nook isn't open past 10PM.

Or when your fishing skills are so rusty you pull the line back too early not once, but TWICE, on rather large-looking fish silhouettes.

But then, something wonderful happens:

Aurora borelais in Animal Crossing!!! I've never seen one before. It just crept up on me at the edge of the TV screen. I love how Animal Crossing life is both frustrating and beautiful.

Later on, I realized that I had some new clothes from the last time I played. I changed into that, in honor of my bedhead and winter conditions.

Then I ran into Blanca or whatever this cat's name is, and gave her a new "grumpy" face, at her request.

One must continue to truck on:

It ended up being a red snapper. Not bad!

We will get through this winter!

The 90's, part 2

Or "Borrowing Things, part 2." My dad gave Mordecai this sweater for Christmas, which I appropriated today to channel Kurt Cobain. For some reason, when I see long-sleeved stripes, I think of him. I was never into Nirvana or alternative music in the 90's, but Rock Band and a general interest in reviving the 90's is changing that, bit by bit. Unfortunately, I found Gus Van Sant's "Last Days" disappointing, but my respect for Kurt Cobain increased. I did like that one scene where the dude sings a song and goes nuts on the drums.

So here I am in another reenactment, with Mordecai's (heavy metal) guitar (while actually listening to Biggie's "Big Poppa"). Initial attempts to appear mopey resulted in laughter (above left), but after being instructed to think about dead kittens, I could at least try (above right). Damn, I need a haircut.

The 90's

For Christmas, Mordecai gave me "My So-Called Life" on DVD. I watched all 19 episodes in about a week before school started. Plaid was so serious back then--Angela's closet overflows with oversized plaid shirts. Doc Martens were also prominently on display, and I saw Rayanne rock some cut-off jeans. Of course, not everything from the 90's and MSCL were fashionably glorious: the Chases' floral print wallpaper was...geriatric; Sharon's Cherski's hair and clothes were embarrassing; and Brian Krakow's grandfather cardigans were no good, no matter how you thought about it.

Today for some reason I was listening to 90's Amuro Namie--"Chase the Chance," "Don't Wanna Cry," "You're My Sunshine"--when genius-but-now-incarcerated Komuro Tetsuya was behind her music. I got all dance-y and channeled both Angela and Rayanne with Mordecai's Sears flannel shirt, my fake beaver vest, cut-offs from last summer, Hunter boots + red inserts, and my semi-destroyed Uniqlo "Warm-Up" tights. One must maintain warmth and optimism in the dark and cold winter somehow.

New York, continued

I forgot to finish posting about New York. I had another moment of success at Zara, this time in SoHo. At Old Orchard's Zara here a couple of months ago, I tried on this gray dress but they didn't have it in my size. It's kind of blobby, or maybe "bohemian" is the more flattering term. Though a bit battered from sale frenzies, it was in my size and marked down, so it is now in my possession. I don't really have anywhere to go with such a dress, but at least I have something on standby.

We met up with Nate and Corinne and went to Han Bat, a Korean restaurant. This is probably like the fifth time I've been there. As usual, I got the bibimba in the hot stone bowl (dol sot bibimba/ishiyaki bibimba/石焼ビビンバ).

I let the rice char a little too much before mixing it all up.

We went to the Natural History Museum afterwards, which is sort of like Chicago's Field Museum. As a child, I have to say that the Field Museum was one of my least favorite places to go to in Chicago "for fun." Thankfully, the Natural History Museum has more space and stuff. There is a strong element of creepiness to the museum and its collection (I'm convinced it's haunted), but if it's better than the Field Museum? Can't camplain (sic).

Clockwise from top: Capybara (Lucy!), big blue whale, baby dinosaurs, the elusive coelacanth (at least in Animal Crossing)

Near the museum on the Upper Something Side, I scoped out some real estate; an apartment in this building below will do for an extra home. Surely I have enough saved up for this wanty item.

Before heading back to New Jersey and Long Island, we stopped for three-star coffee.

This place had character. There was a French academic next to us flipping through some paper with lots of footnotes, talking in a heavy accent with a student or colleague. Our waiter looked eternally angry, but I'm sure that's just how his face is. They also slice muffins in half and toast them! When we left, I was taking pictures of the interior and caught the attention of a customer who asked us if we were students and were looking for a tutor.

The "tutor" and Nate's toasted blueberry muffin


The waiter warrants a closeup; this is why I persisted in taking photos inside, unaware of crazy customer potential.

Sadly this time around in NYC, there were no run-ins with nitrolicious, the Sartorialist, happy blog (!!!), Phoebe, or Jenni. Maybe next time! There is never enough time to play in the city.

Sebastien Tellier @ Schubas, 12/9/08

I don't know how people find out about weird musicians like Sebastien Tellier, but I discovered him through American Apparel. I guess one could have found out about him through Eurovision as the failed French entry last year, given the super catchy song, "Divine." Since American Apparel is openly obsessed with sex, I guess they allied with Sebastien Tellier to sell his latest CD, "Sexuality," in stores. The store and musician also came up with the "Sexuali-Tee," which is basically an oversized t-shirt made of slightly sheer viscose. The tag says machine washable, but there was a sticker on the shirt that said "Dry Clean Only." Not sure which to believe, I layer it with other shirts and go the dirty hipster route by not washing it at all.

Sebastien Tellier is a strange man. He was much older than I expected, had a saggy gut, and is losing the hair on his head. When he spoke in English, he had a strong French accent, so perfect I thought it was an act. Then I realized he's just being French. His in-between-song-talks were hilarious, though it wasn't clear if we were laughing because of his accent, his foreignness, his age, or because we found him to be inherently funny. But he talked about how fat his mom was; how Jesus was in him as he banged on the piano; how the holidays are about family family family; how he loves his water, by which he meant his wine; and he threw in a "thanks to Chicago for the bisexuals." He had some mid-song antics as well. Towards the end of "L'amour Et La Violence," he stopped playing the piano and continued to sing but while laying belly-down on the piano. He got intimate with the microphone for the encore, "Sexual Sportswear." It must be a lot easier to act this foolish at such an age when you can hide behind a full-blown beard + mustache, long wispy sweaty hair, and signature thick sunglasses.

Anyway, it was a fun, if bizarre, concert, and I'm very glad I went. The only photos I have are Nik's from his iPhone (above), since my camera is undergoing minor repair, and Mordecai classically forgot his at home after I told him to bring it and checked with him to make sure he had it and he said yes. The only proper photo I have is of myself in my Robin's Egg Blue Sexuali-Tee. I was mad no one else wore their Sexuali-Tees to the concert! I was expecting everyone to look like American Apparel models, but there were only tons of beards and normal people. And four French people in our corner taking pictures and recording the concert.

I've been wearing the Sexuali-Tee, which looks quite unremarkable in this photo, with a long-sleeved shirt underneath for warmth (and dirt protection). This post is also a means to show everyone my new fur vest. My inspiration comes from two sources--the most recent being the Beaver Man from the Turkey Testicle Festival, and the other being Rachel Zoe. I watched all her shows online, and started to realize that her excessive style is not necessarily a bad thing. However, I did not hunt down beavers or browse a vintage designer store, but I happened to come across this thing at Forever 21. It came with some stringy thing to tie around the waist, which I am not interested in using. It's very warm and the acrylic fur is surprisingly soft. It also protected me from looking like the ultimate nerd for wearing my Sebastien Tellier Sexuali-Tee shirt to the Sebastien Tellier concert. That's like wearing a Mariah Carey concert t-shirt to her concerts, something I have yet to cross off my "To Do List Before I Die."

Black Weekend

Our contributions to rebuilding the U.S. economy

Yesterday, Target offered Mordecai a 750GB Western Digital external hard drive for $88.88, and "Gremlins" and "Batman Begins" for $3.99. Best Buy tried to get rid of sold Guns-N-Roses' new album, "Chinese Democracy," for $11.99, and we also got the special edition (as opposed to the mere widescreen edition) of "The Departed" for $6.99.

Today, the quest for bargains continued. American Eagle had these scratch-n-discount cards, so I got 20% off of a long sleeved t-shirt I'd been needing since I can no longer wear short sleeved t-shirts indoors without something over it. We then moved on to NYC Bagel Deli and ordered 4 bagels, but they gave us a giant bag of 18 bagels. I believe this had nothing to do with Black Friday/Saturday but was more about getting rid of soon-to-be-stale bagels before closing. Later, at Jo-Ann's, I got a bunch of fabric for 50% off (I plan to DIY American Apparel's circle scarf). And Microcenter had USB wireless keyboards for some discounted rebate thing, which may or may not be kept depending on online options. This was bought basically for Animal Crossing, so I don't have to use the Wiimote to "type" (pain in the ass) or move the sensor bar so that I can continue to lie down and play. Which inevitably leads to falling asleep, but there is nothing better than an Animal Crossing-induced slumber.

Animal Crossing: City Folk

Following in the footsteps of Joe, I will post random pictures and comments about the new Animal Crossing.

Mordecai and I went out of our way to secure it last Saturday night at Meijer out in Rolling Meadows. Meijer is open 24 hours, and they released it at midnight. There were some other kids waiting for the game man to deliver the goods, but they didn't really look like Animal Crossing types. I thought this one young girl who ran up to the games was going to be aboard our ship, but she ran past the Wii games and pointed gleefully at Imagine: Fashion Designer. Our ship turned out to be kind of lonely. At least I got a few Lion bars out of the trip as an added bonus.

Starting (or re-starting) a game is always kind of difficult. I hate working part-time for Tom Nook again, and this house is just tragic. Not having millions of bells at my disposal is difficult. I originally had the nasty haircut (the tri-ponytail), and this mint gingham check shirt is boring. But I was able to acquire some items from the city to spice things up--check out that trench and the bunny balloon! Notice that I also learned to keep my Nook shirt.

The trench is for gloomy British-like days; I needed an everyday outfit. Gracie's Grace featured the tuxedo and this white R. Kelly-Zorro-like mask, so I fished enough crap to acquire the bells necessary. I also got my shoes "shined," which doesn't necessarily mean adding sparkle to the boring red shoes. You can get new shoes! Nevermind the house; must look good!

Initially I didn't understand the simplicity of the picture-taking feature, so I was sitting in front of the TV with my camera. But today I started snapping photos within the game. Is mushroom picking seasonal!? You can eat them!

I've been stingy with my fossils and fish. It's so sad to see Blathers sad, but I want money more than I want to help him with his museum. I bought a Basic Painting from Redd today but it turned out it was fake. Damn!

Who is that character immortalized in the fountain? Is there a sad story behind it?