The original flat top

Last Thursday night, I went to see the legendary Big Daddy Kane at the Phoenix with J, Gro and Skip. What an awesome night - from the venue to seeing BDK live. The energy at the Phoenix was amazing from the 'circle' (you know, the one people jump into and take turns breakdancing in) to BDK's performance to Gro's dancing (wow, the girl can move!). It was so much fun!

Big Daddy Kane performed for about an hour and a half. He belted out his hits, paid tribute to the holy trinity of hip hop (Jam Master Jay, Biggie Smalls, Tupac), as well as Big L (but instead of a moment of silence, it was a moment of noise) and danced like he was on fire with his 'brother' Scoob Lover. What a show!

My only complaint is this - and it's really not a complaint per se but rather, an embarrassing observation - the realization that I desperately need to practice my 'bouncing' skills. You know the move...it's somewhere between dancing (but you don't really move around that much) and bobbing (but with rhythm). If I could just master that and throw some hips into it, I think I'll be laughing (or more accurately, someone will be laughing).

Initiation

This weekend marked the end of my Spring Break (aka Reading Week, though, there wasn't much of that going on!). Friday evening (after the interview), J & I went out for drinks and to listen to music at a lounge in our neighborhood. I was fascinated by the ridiculous vintage massage video that was being projected on a screen while the music played.

The following morning, we went for brunch at Sadie's Diner on Adelaide. If you get the chance, try the Huevos Rancheros (comes vegan, if you so desire) and chocolate cupcakes with vanilla frosting. Amazing! ♥

We spent the evening with one of our favorite couples - Gro & Red. It was a really special evening because it was G's initiation to the world of sushi. Of course, as sushi lovers, we were very excited to be part of the event! G had a special set of chopsticks (you know...the kind that are connected by a hinge of some sort) but what was most impressive were R's collapsible pair - stainless steel and in a case, no less. It was like watching a pool shark take his cue out. (Props to you, R.)

Aside from the sushi, there was also premature St. Patty's Day celebrating as our guests bestowed us with festive cups and over-sized shamrock glasses, along with gifts of elderflower water and chardonnay. I blame the shamrock-colored wine for all the madness that broke out during the Wii boxing matches but it may have also been the sugar high that we got from G's delicious, homemade, fruit and almond bark. Mmmm!

It was a fun evening (even after we attempted to play the trivia game from the 80's with the ridiculous instructions and no, not Trivial Pursuit). We look forward to the next event when G will sport her shiny red tights at Big Daddy Kane! Thanks for a great night, you two!

On Sunday, we had a really nice family day which started off with strawberry pancakes and 'fakon' (fake bacon) and included a trip to the movie theatre. In the evening, we snuggled up and revisited an old episode of LOST. There was even a game of Yahtzee somewhere in there and as always, lots of chatting and laughing. ♥

Giddy up

Hello friends. Still alive...just laying low and enjoying life.

On Friday, J, H + I met up with some awesome friends and little people for the opening day of Coraline. What an amazing movie and fun company! We always have such a wonderful time when we meet up with these friends. They're hilarious and fun so we're always guaranteed a great time when we hang out with them. Next month, we'll be seeing the legendary Big Daddy Kane with them which I'm sure will be a blast! (Now, I'd better start watching some of those videos to learn the lyrics and get my moves right. Teehee.)

On Saturday, some new friends came over and we had a crazy-good time chatting, having some drinks and enjoying each other's company. The highlight of the night, however, was when one of the guests admitted to watching country music videos in the mid-nineties (which was, coincidentally, when I went through my country music and country bar phase!) and then, proceeded to share some of the more memorable videos from that era. It makes me laugh just thinking about it and all of the madness that ensued! I can't wait to see them again and see what kind of insanity will come of it!

Then, Sunday, I took the medium-sized person to The Soft City which was being displayed at the Rotunda in City Hall. The Soft City is a plush replica of Toronto, complete with streets, buildings, the CN Tower and other notable structures. People can contribute to it by creating their own little structures. Miss H made a couple of pieces including a nice building to leave behind and I? Well, of course, in wanting to spread more mail love - I created a tiny post office, a mailbox stuffed with letters and a couple of little packages tied with string. We also watched some NFB animated shorts that were playing at the Rotunda. From there, we checked out WinterCity events happening at Nathan Philips Square such as live performances on the main stage and more crafting. We cozied up at one of the several outdoor heaters to enjoy some greasy chips from the fry truck, too, and to watch the rink full of skaters doing their thang.

Now, it's back to school and time to get serious. (Heh!) It's been anything but! I've been enjoying this new class - not for its subject matter (FAR from it!) but because of some of the wonderful people that are in my class. We've been having such a great time laughing and keeping each other amused.

So, those are some of the nice things that have been happening, as of late. Oh yeah, I had another birthday somewhere in there, too. (Bleh!) It was actually a really lovely day and when I came home, I was greeted by my two favorite people wearing funny hats who had set up a trail of candles leading me to my birthday presents - a postal scale and some other goodies! (Aren't they the sweetest?!) I also received some really warm wishes and thoughtful surprises from friends and family (thanks Mom & Dad, Madame C and J+A!). ♥