Birthday Week Treats

A week or two back I found myself suddenly and inexplicably turning 31 years old. Well, this actually didn't really come out of nowhere and wouldn't really count as a surprise at all; my birthday, like most, doesn't change. So really that first line was just a total fabrication. I wasn't caught off guard at all. My true birthday day fell on a Monday, and you'll soon see that I chose to better celebrate it with friends that following weekend. But I did feel that some little treat would be nice on the day-of. So I went to two different restaurants' happy hours to enjoy a few oysters (which were not good at all, thus my lack of photograph or expanded discussion of either venue) and other food deals during the 4-6 PM range. After a mixed experience as far as satisfaction was concerned, I went to good ol' McCrossens to meet up with LW for birthday darts and a few rounds of cocktails. This month I'm fat, but next month maybe will be better. We'll see.

I asked B. the bartender to make me something special. The result was some marvelous mix of gin and magic, which I enjoyed thoroughly. I thought better than to ask for another, as that magic was strong in booze as well as wonderment. T. came out from the kitchen and joined us for darts. We also tried a chicken liver small plate, which was delightful if undocumented. The night went a bit later than I might have initially intended, and it was definitely a bit boisterous, but in a good way. I was glad to have a relatively low key birthday day, but with the advantage of good company and dart practice.

I haven't gotten a haircut in months. Not since May, in fact. This was generally a purposeful decision. I wanted to grow my hair out so something fun and fancy could be done with it at LB's wedding. Mission accomplished on that front. So with the wedding behind me and my hair lacking in any real style or direction, I finally got myself together and made an evening appointment to see my stylist. I'm a terrible client, only getting my hair cut every six months, but I am loyal. I have followed this woman from one salon to another because I like her overall attitude and she always gives me a good cut that won't be too hard to maintain (I do not own a hair dryer or curling iron, so a cut that requires either in order to look consistently good is generally out of my reach). Unfortunately she was running a good 30 minutes late when I arrived, so the hostess suggested I go to a nearby watering hole for a bit and then return. I chose to try the former Fish spot, Rhino Bar. It was still not even 6 PM, so I was the first person in the establishment. Both men who served me were nice and informative. I ended up ordering a glass of wine and three of the happy hour $1 oysters of the day, which I could have sworn were called 'Top Chop' but when I search for that variety, they don't seem to exist.

The Monday oysters I tried were of two different varieties, and the thing that made me sad about them was that they weren't all that discernibly different. I love oysters. I may still qualify as a dilettante compared to some, but I truly can and do note differences between species, so saying that the two different varieties tasted the same means, for me, that their shared similarity was one of tasting just a wee bit fishy, literally and figuratively. In any case, these mystery oysters didn't have that veil of 'maybe this oyster is not quite as fresh or happy as it could have been' and better highlighted what a mild briney oyster can be. I was pleased.

Then I had my hair cut successfully (I now have bangs). I brought with me a Living Social coupon, which entitled me to a discount in cheese and small plates at Tria. I had planned on redeeming the deal with BC. Unfortunately she had to cancel at the last minute, but I decided to follow through with the rationalization that it was my birthday week. This didn't work out exactly as I planned because the coupon was only good at one of their locations, and it wasn't the one I entered. In the end that didn't stop me from trying a cheese, a small plate, and a glass of wine at the bar. I chose to try one of their "Stinky" cheeses, the Quadrello di Bufala from Lombardy, Italy, which is made up of Buffalo milk. I'd give it a 5 as far as actual stinkiness, and perhaps a 7 overall. The cheese was served with sliced bread and dried/preserved cherries. I hardly touched the bread, but the cherries were decimated. I also decided to try their beets with feta cheese, which were good but not terribly remarkable. I asked for a wine that the lady behind the counter thought would go well with the cheese, and she brought me an Australian Syrah made in an Italian style. The fact of the matter was that I didn't really love it, but didn't want to complain because what do I know really? Thankfully she asked if I liked it, and I was honest in my so-so appreciation. I felt that it wasn't doing much to open or play with the tastes of the cheese. It was dry and a bit herby, but not in a way I particularly enjoy. So she ended up bringing me a glass of an Argentinian Malbec, which I found to be a better pair with the cheese and an altogether more pleasant play on my lips and tongue. I was grateful for the switch and lack of attitude about my feeling about that Syrah.

Hair and Makeup for LB and C.'s Wedding

LB had a fortress of women (similar to a binder of women, really) as bridesmaids. There were 11 of us in total, so the hair/makeup side of the wedding day had to start early to make sure we were all taken care of. I arrived a bit early to the salon, which was across the street from DiBruno Brothers, so I went inside and ordered myself a latte and sat outside until others arrived. Then the fun really began.

LB's mother brought us all funny glasses, which we wore throughout the day. RPM went with the martini glasses.

This lady also did my hair. As a woman who doesn't own a blow dryer, I wasn't entirely sure how much information or direction I needed to give her. Or, rather, I wasn't capable of giving that much information or direction. But I had discussed my hair preliminarily with LW and MP in the office, so I did say that I was hoping for a low chignon and some sort of braid component. You'll see my hair soon enough. The four stylists did a really great job, I don't feel like they rushed any of our looks, and even though my hair was done by 11, it held up for the remainder of the day and all the way into the evening.

LB's hair took many more steps, which befits the role of bride. So there were a lot of moments when we just congregated around her as she was blown out, curled up, sprayed etc.

In addition to glasses, there were also snacks and mimosas for us, but somehow I took zero photographs of the spread.

I did, however, make sure my glasses were documented. I was the only one who didn't think to wear a button down shirt, which became a challenge when it was time to put on my dress without ruining my hair. I managed. I also managed to forget a very important undergarment at my apartment, which led to a anxious period of time when my hair was still getting done, but all I could think about was catching a cab, getting home, picking the item up and returning before everyone else's hair was done. It turned out just fine.

J. gave LB a massage, which LB loved...but she was quite shocked by just how strong J.'s hands were.

BC was also rather amazed.

My hair.

LB's hair in transition.

Cuties.

LB's hair in a light hairspray mist.

Once a good number of us had our hair complete, we started a migration back to the Union League for the next part of the journey: makeup. While this day was totally not about me, I gotta tell you, my makeup was really quite good. But somehow I didn't think to ask anyone to take any photographs of me when it was fresh, and even throughout the night I didn't really get as many photos as I should have. Actually, I was so concerned about what to do with my camera during the ceremony that I handed it over to LW hours earlier than I should have, thus missing out on many of the best stages of the prep process...I took photos with LB's camera, but that means I don't have them to share. In any case, here is LB getting her makeup did.

There were also snacks and champagne in the suite while we all got made up and ready. Here, RPM and AP both enjoy a hearty laugh about something while sitting near the unpictured food...man I really just wiffed the food aspect of this day.

The prep process went by in such a funny way. Time stopped, expanded and contracted. One moment it felt like there were so many hours to go before the bridesmaids needed to put their dresses on, next thing you know V. and I are in her room getting into go-mode. Funny aside, while I originally forgot the crazy brassiere that I purchased for the dress, I had brought two additional strapless bras just in case I had a wardrobe malfunction. Turns out that both of those bras were ultimately needed by two other bridesmaids. I'm quite pleased with my own weird craziness...I think most would agree that you don't need to bring three bras for one dress/night. And yet, actually, you do.

I hope that I turn up in a few of LB's pro photos so I can just give you a better sense of the overall look etc.

Beertails

As some may know, I get really weird about schedules from time to time. At some points in my life, I don't care. Show up whenever. Leave whenever. Loosey goosey. Other times, however, I am severely unable to relax and like things to happen at set times. I was overcome in this way when it came to our departure time for dinner. But that's not entirely necessary to know for these photographs, now that I think about it. Once we all returned to our respective campsites, I took a shower while others did other things. Then we all enjoyed - or maybe not all...most? - a beer and light conversation. C.S., K.H., and Mr. Ass all demonstrated the wonders of 'beach hair' admirably.

I insisted that everyone wave. And most everyone humored me.
My hair was not beachy because I had showered. Yep. Fresh as a daisy I was. And yet still acting like a jackal.

Morning Hair and Boat

A result of my mother's extended stay in the hospital was a pretty total loss of her hair. But it has been growing steadily back these last few months. It is very soft. I found myself petting my mother a lot during my visit. She also pointed out that if you pet her in the direction of her hair, she's soft like a bunny but if you go against the grain the sensation is similar to stroking velvet in the wrong direction. I wanted to take a picture of her swirl. So before I left, we got that accomplished.

Then Dad drove me to Monteagle so I could catch the shuttle to the airport. On the way there we ran into a boat with a big problem.

Hair on the Deck

On one day or another, S. came home with two of friends. One of whom was about to go through a transformation.
And that transformation was getting her head shaved by S.


Entertaining. She had a face that could pull it off, so there were no tears or words of anger exchanged.

I Got Me a Hair Cut

Two weeks back I got me a hair cut. It's not exactly what I asked for, but it may actually be better than what I wanted. I am pleased. And this is what it looks like today, with fake glasses.



I'm trying to gather up steam for an epic beer expo post...but there are so many pictures of beer it's hard to even fathom.

Hair Cut Cut

Last week I went to a new place to get my hair cut. It was successful. I like it. It is short but snazzy.
I still generally part my hair on the left, but I have experimented with the right as well (though I don't think any of these photographs, which really all show the same version of the cut, demonstrate that fact).
And here are shots I took on my computer's little built in camera thing.

Hair Cut and Funny Faces

So, J. Foodie recently suggested that if all the big excitement was in the back of my hair cut then I should probably post photographs of that aspect of my head. Unfortunately I do not have bendy arms, and I think even that element of the cut has grown out a little. And yet I will post additional photographs that do nothing to clarify the situation, mainly because I like the faces that I am making.
Maybe I don't like this face. I think I like the way my neck looks long. Except that may not even be true. I am a crazy person.

Pho c/o Pho HaP

On Sunday, I think it was Sunday. Some Sunday. I can't be sure which one. It doesn't really matter, the point is that L. and I went to Pho Ha and had ourselves bowls of pho. This was L.'s first pho experience, and I think it went well.
I customized my bowl by asking for less noodles, fatty flank and steak and fatty broth. Good as aalways, but I think it may be time for me to try another place. From time to time it occurs to me that I have become stuck in my restaurant habits, especially when it comes to pho and dim sum. Now is one of those times.
Here is my new hair cut again. Yeah, sometimes it looks like this.