Early Christmas ("Chrismeees") Gifts

From my gorgeously thoughtful husband. None of these (^) were even on my list.

Digital Entertainment for the AD

Working the few days before Christmas/NYE is just torture. Why? One, no one is around. Two, online shopping is just not an option this close to the holidays. Three, motivation -especially in 2009 - is at an all time low. Here are some things I did to occupy my time (hopefully all of my bosses are reading this):

• Facebook
• Gmail
• CNN
• Ad Age
• Adweek
• Accuweather
• Gilt
• One Kings Lane
• Haute Look
• Jcrew
• Loldogs
• Chase
• NY Times

Okay, so that took about 20 minutes. Here are some more sites that I like. I can spend at least 5 or so mins (me = ADD) on each of these:

• http://www.whateverradio.com/website/blogs.php (I actually love Alexis. So sue me.)
• http://www.desiretoinspire.net/
• http://chicago.grubstreet.com/
• http://www.urbanpug.com/
• http://decorno.blogspot.com/
• http://winniewong.typepad.com/
• http://www.dwr.com/
• http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com/
• http://www.dwell.com/

I top this off w/ some of my friend's blogs and then repeat. If you have any especially fun blogs/sites/digital stuff, e-mail me. Yo.

Studio Envy?

While I'm certainly happy to not live in a studio apartment, this one is pretty boss (though some further editing might help a bit on the sanity front).

Early Christmas Gift: BFI Modern Classics / Books

David had me open a few gifts early. All of the gifts were books on film (duh) and he managed to find these really cool BFI (British Film Institute) Modern Classics books. The books I received: The Silence of the Lambs, Don't Look Now, Eyes Wide Shut, Taxi Driver and Chinatown. Of course, I started w/ The Silence of the Lambs as it is arguably the bravest best picture (AA) winner of the last 30 years and one of my favorite movies ever (coincidentally (?), we re-(x300)-watched it on Friday night). The books start by framing up the film and then delving deeper into the subtext as well as the more technical aspects of movie making. Yum.

Anyway, highly recommend to any film lover who enjoys learning more:

http://bfifilmbookguide.blogspot.com/

"You know I could never resist the taste of salt around the brim of a glass"

I love, love, love Tea and David (Californication = Rad). And this makes Tea even that more endearing: http://www.examiner.com/x-22153-Cleveland-Pop-Culture-Examiner~y2009m12d19-Tea-Leonis-The-View-appearance-raises-questions

Hilarious.

Love LOVE this Room

Painted white wood floors - a dream. Photographed by Eric Roth.

2009 Christmas List

Favorite Movie of 2009 (so far): Brothers

Phave Photog

I think this is the best picture I've ever taken. Any idea what it is? Send me your guesses. Winner gets a prize.

LP Zoo, November 2009

(Swimming Hippo as a Blur)
(Maggie Shape-Shifting)

(Cuddle)

(Fish are hard w/ a flash; hate flash, kill the flash.)

(Headless Giraffe)

(Camouflage Giraffe)

(Birds on the Beach)

(Red)

(Green)

(Cuddle, Red)

Floating, Part 1

Floating, Part 2

I've recently realized that I love what Lomography does to animals. Perfect kind of photography for animals.

Thanksgiving 2009

We hosted another wonderful 'bird' day. Lovely company - Mom, Dad, Courtney & her boyfriend (for desert) - and wonderful food, followed by a rousing game of Yahtzee. I was responsible for cleaning and table setting, David did everything else. Love Thanksgiving.

Gotta Love: Green Mill, Chicago, IL

Most amazing jukebox (yes, those are records). Ever.