Fast-Forward

I think, in my transitory state a'la Britney Spears "Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman," I've recognized the importance of friendship in a whole new way. Friendship is hard. And I don't mean the "social hello" kind or the "in-the-meantime" kind or the "talk-about-nothing" kind of friendships. I mean true, solid, important friendships. Those are seven-wonders-rare. So. along with my Top 5 solo-adventures, I thought I would dedicate a moment to some of my World-Series-level New York activities that can be done with humans! Specific and otherwise.

These will always make me smile!

1. First Broadway Opening! 
Seeing 'The Glass Menagerie' on OPENING NIGHT and meeting so many of my favorite celebrities at the AFTER PARTY was one of the coolest things I've ever done. Ever. Zachary Quinto kissed my cheek! Cherry Jones gave me a hug and Celia Keenan-Bolger (my personal hero) remembered me months later! ...I also gave Hunter Bell San Fran advice. Super thrilling!! 

...Helps that I had such a pretty date, too! 


2. Instating (and then RE-Instating) Museum Day (however short-lived)
While I try to be as culturally-knowledgable as possible in a city full of unexplored art, time tends to get away from me. So, for a few weeks in January, we went to museums every Thursday. It was such a brilliant decision: Art begets art and surrounding yourself with extreme culture and passion is a very distinct kind of power. I love being able to recall artistic things. 
Two Januarys ago, an old friend of mine and I took Queens by storm and became acquainted with a brilliant group of artists who formed NO LONGER EMPTY.  We walked all through the boroughs and witnessed Buddhist art in the back of a tattoo parlor downtown. The juxtaposition of loud rock music with the Buddhist art of a man who was unjustly imprisoned for three years and painted in jail was pretty magical. I love the society in this city and want to champion it, always. 

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3.  Apple Picking Upstate 
I've recently been made more aware of the world outside of New York City and I've been hungry for it. I teach a class upstate and, on a perfect Fall weekend, I picked and devoured more apples than a person probably should (hey, if an apple-a-day keep the doctor away, I should be good for a few years) and had weeks of apple pie and apple sauce and, really, all things apple! But that's a pretty good life, to me. 

4. Cupcakes!
I happily have no shame, when it comes to baked goods. I will eat cake alone, with friends, in my room, on the floor, from right out of the oven, two days later, with extra frosting, without frosting (sad)...(that sounds kinda like a Dr.Seuss book)!
'Basically, I'm a non-discriminatory cupcake enthusiast!
I love sharing my love of the baked confection with people I love! Perfect nights at Molly's Cupcake (sitting on the swing-set stools and playing Jenga) or face-cake parties at Billy's Bakery. While those are my staples, I'd also be down for some Chelsea Market cupcake hopping, any day of the week.

...I'll start my diet tomorrow...ish?
'

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5. Karaoke at The Way Station
Sunday nights are pretty special, in my book. But the best way to spend them is with karaoke at The Way Station! I'm a huge Doctor Who buff (don't judge!) and, while I never quite pictured myself peeing in a Tardis, it's fun to feel like a Timelord while belting some timeless tunes! Plus, Karaoke-Joe (affectionately) is the most fun of all the karaoke hosts. In a room full of genuine people, who appreciate a good Hilary Duff tune and a shot of whiskey in an espresso mug, you're guaranteed to have the time of your life.

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