NYC, MPLS & WTF

I was lucky enough to spend President’s Day weekend in New York City with my wife. Our trip was my Christmas gift from Pam. We had a phenomenal time – I truly love that city. We stayed at the Washington Square Hotel in the village near NYU. While I’ve been to NYC a handful of times, my wife earned her masters degree from NYU, so this made getting around quite easy. Outside of my bibbed overalls and flannel, I don't think I appeared to be a tourist. I enjoyed “The Gates” and was encouraged by all of the comments I overheard at different restaurants and cafes. I still think public art is a good thing…especially if it’s privately funded. Generally, the museums were cool, the shows were sold out and the crazies still ride the subway. A strange highlight was going to Gray’s Papaya for a hot dog. A sign on the outside of this hotdog joint read something like “Enjoy the thunderous pop as you bite into the skin. Savor the saline tang of the pink flesh.” Hard to pass up an establishment like that, no matter what they’re selling. I secretly wanted that to be the sign outside of Joe’s before we purchased Amy Sedaris’ cupcakes. Damn it, Amy Sedaris has cast a spell on me.

This past weekend was spent back in Minneapolis, another great city. On Friday I was able to enjoy my friend Kyle’s band Cathode Rae (great local pop band). On Sunday I worked the box office for a play produced by our theatre company’s lab, LiminaLab. Kudos to the director and actors on a great production of “The Art of Remembering.” The weekend concluded with an Oscar party at Chad and Elise’s place. It was a very fun time and Elise’s post on the Oscar’s is spot on. My WTF comment is for Sean Penn – ease up palley! If you’re that serious, just stay home or play jazz with Woody, you lowdown SOB. Maybe Jude Law can join you.

Have a great week and a wonderful March.