I’m so excited — tomorrow night Drew and I are going to see Lucinda Williams as part of the New Yorker Fest. The show’s going to be in a small, intimate venue with an interview beforehand and a Q & A session afterwards. Lucinda is one of my favorites — favorite anythings – and I’ve been a big fan for about 14 years or so. I’ve seen her maybe eight times, but it’s been a few years now, so I’m thrilled Drew got me tickets to this show for my birthday.
Tomorrow morning we have a 1-year-old birthday party — not for Jackson, but for his best buddy/ son of our friends’. Jackson turns one on Tuesday, but we aren’t having a real party for him (we had a dinner with family last weekend). Babies don’t know it’s their birthday so a 1-year-old party is really for the parents — and why not? Surviving the first year of parenthood is a big milestone. But Drew and I would rather spend our money on a sitter and go see Lucinda Williams, so that’s what we’re doing. (I am, however, going to bake a pumpkin spiced cake for the big day, and make all of Jackson’s favorites to eat, which essentially means banana and pumpkin-flavored everything. UPDATE: I wrote this this morning and since then, I went shopping at Trader Joe’s where I bought, among other things — like their amazing Kettle Corn, holy crap — a small pumpkin spiced cake. So I’m cheating. But I’m going to make frosting from scratch and decorate it myself, so that sorta counts, right? Also, I will probably always do store-bought Halloween costumes, FYI. Let the mom guilt begin!).
On Sunday night we’re going to go see the Harlem Globetrotters at the Barclay’s Center, Brooklyn’s brand-spankin’ new sports arena located just blocks from our apartment. Drew scored free tickets at work, so we’re gonna take the little guy. Hope he likes the show!
If I can, I hope to squeeze in a bike ride or two, a trip to the playground with Jack, some cooking, some reading, and “Homeland” (if I can stay awake). What are you up to on this lovely fall weekend?
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Trixy Minx October 5, 2012, 4:14 pm
You need to try trader joes inside out carrot cakes. To. Die. For.
MaterialsGirl October 5, 2012, 4:17 pm
Or Trader Joes Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes… with red wine.
Lili October 5, 2012, 4:48 pm
Had those last friday!! In that combo. YUM YUM.
ktfran October 5, 2012, 4:18 pm
Trader Joe’s is the best! I bought their pumpkin bread mix last weekend. Tomorrow morning, I will be using that to bake muffins for when my bff and her two-year old daughter arrive. My apartment will smell lovely for them!
Tonight, in preparation for their visit, I’ll finish cleaning my apartment while listening to music and drinking a bottle of wine. Could get interesting!
MaterialsGirl October 5, 2012, 4:22 pm
what does that make your week total look like for booze? Also, I was thinking that we haven’t defined what is exactly a glass of wine? 4 oz? or something like this:http://www.skyuser.co.uk/forum/attachments/general-chat/2280d1303504658-official-its-friday-thread-one-big-glass-day.jpg
ktfran October 5, 2012, 4:33 pm
Well, if the week starts on Monday, that will make one bottle of wine. If it started last Friday, it makes a lot of whiskey and absinthe and a bottle of wine.
Let’s say a glass of wine is 8 oz. Or the attached picture. Wendy, can you make and sell DW wine glasses out of those?
Also, we need another Chicago DW meetup.
Shell October 5, 2012, 4:37 pm
I just made that pumpkin bread mix last weekend! Delicious! I’d recommend sprinkling almonds or walnuts on top!
MaterialsGirl October 5, 2012, 4:40 pm
you are so smart. mmm toasted slivered almonds
ktfran October 5, 2012, 4:51 pm
Good call. I have walnuts at home. I’ll do that.
MaterialsGirl October 5, 2012, 4:41 pm
I feel like we should do a meet up somewhere warm and snuggly.. like fondue stube or melting pot or something. we could just go for the cheese and chocolate courses.
and the red wine.
duh
Shell October 5, 2012, 5:10 pm
Agreed – have you all been to Geja’s?
MaterialsGirl October 5, 2012, 5:16 pm
i have! or there!
MaterialsGirl October 5, 2012, 4:20 pm
It had gotten cold in Chicago! Going for another run tonight with friends, followed by Thai with a college buddy who is in town. Saturday morning is the usual early morning run with the ladies followed by the Green City Market. I have BIG plans to attack my closet a la “happiness project.” I’ve already worked on organizing the drawers in the bathroom, so it’s a start. Sunday is the Chicago Marathon, so I will be hanging out with friends, drinking hot yummy beverages and watching in Lincoln Park. I love marathon day (especially not running it!)
ktfran October 5, 2012, 4:35 pm
It is cold. And it makes me sad. I’m not ready. I’m just not. But it does make me want to drink stout. And bourbon. And red wine.
MaterialsGirl October 5, 2012, 4:40 pm
hot toddies, baby
ktfran October 5, 2012, 4:52 pm
Even better.
I haven’t had fondue in ages. That would be fun. Wine is a must!
Iwannatalktosampson October 5, 2012, 4:28 pm
Well after my vacation I’m going on a cleanse so my weekend should be pretty tame.
Just kidding I’m not. But I should. Instead I’m starting this Friday off with happy hour with a friend. Then tomorrow going to yoga sculpt in the morning and then watching football all day. I am planning on staining two wooden tables in front of the tv so that’s productive. I think my 15 year old sister in law is staying at our house Saturday because her mom is in the middle of an alcoholic breakdown so that’ll be nice to spend some quality time with her. Sunday we’re having my brother in law and sister in law over to watch the bronco’s game and continue the celebration of their engagement.
I have a lot of errands to run after being gone for a week – and I hope I do them. Most likely I won’t though and will get to have a really stressful Monday. C’est la vie.
aredheadsguide October 5, 2012, 4:37 pm
Speaking of the Harlem Globetrotters, when I was in kindergarten they came to my school, so this was like 1989-1990. I was sitting in the front row next to a kid with a really sweet flat-top hair cut (very fresh prince of bel air.) Anyway, the globetrotters looked in our direction and wanted one of us to get up and they would spin the basketball on our finger. I thought the guy said “hey, countertop!” and was trying to get the kid next to me to go up there. He was actually saying “hey, carrot top” trying to get me to go up to the gym floor. Lesson learned, carrot top means you, redheaded kid.
My mom still tells that story. Hope Jackson loves them, I remember them being awesome!
Matcha October 5, 2012, 4:39 pm
Going to yoga, dress shopping, going a Stewart v O Reilly debate watch party and making flan. A pretty nice weekend.
Shell October 5, 2012, 4:40 pm
Another chiming in from chilly Chicago – broke out the fall jacket and boots today and am thankful for doing so! Staying in tonight with my girlfriends, tomorrow celebrating a friend’s birthday at a BYOB sushi spot and Sunday checking out Cafe Selmarie brunch (for those on the Chicago thread that recommended!). Sunday night is going to be a baking night: pumpkin toffee chocolate chip & chopped rolo cookies, can’t wait : )
MaterialsGirl October 5, 2012, 4:43 pm
YOU WILL BE SO HAPPY YOU DID. if you eat the lemon tart, think of me.
Addie Pray October 5, 2012, 5:03 pm
your mom’s a lemon tart.
ktfran October 5, 2012, 4:54 pm
New idea. Meetup at Shell’s after while she bakes us delicious treats.
What BYOB sushi place?
ktfran October 5, 2012, 4:55 pm
* delete the word after.
Shell October 5, 2012, 5:11 pm
Haha, I would be happy to host a meetup featuring baked goods, shall we schedule a workout/run to combat it too? : )
The BYOB is Sea Dog in Bucktown – haven’t been before.
ktfran October 5, 2012, 5:24 pm
I haven’t either. My favorite sushi BYOB is Coast on Damen.
Shell October 5, 2012, 5:27 pm
LOVE Coast.
MaterialsGirl October 5, 2012, 5:38 pm
coast is good.. so is ORA in Andersonville and very reasonably priced. Have you ever eat at Tanoshi? the Sushi Mike Special?
Wendy October 5, 2012, 5:41 pm
You guys are making me homesick.
MaterialsGirl October 6, 2012, 12:14 am
We don’t mean to make you homesick, but Chicago is just the best!
ktfran October 8, 2012, 10:40 am
I’ve heard of the Andersonville places. I need to check them out. I like Andersonville.
MissDre October 5, 2012, 4:43 pm
It’s Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend so I’ll be enjoying a long weekend (yay! no work on Monday!) and hopefully eating turkey and pumpkin pie. Don’t know yet if I’ll get to see my brother and SIL… really hope so but not sure yet if they’re able to come for dinner. Lots of food, lots of relaxing!
Wendy October 5, 2012, 5:28 pm
Happy Thanksgiving!
MissDre October 5, 2012, 6:11 pm
Thank you 🙂
theattack October 5, 2012, 4:43 pm
So jealous that you’re seeing Lucinda Williams! I’m a big fan too. Please have twice as much fun for me!
My weekend plans include my future cousin-in-law’s wedding, and meeting my future brother-in-law, his wife, and my future NIECE!!!!!!!!!!! I’m really excited! I’m so glad that these people are reproducing because it’s my only real chance at being an aunt since my own brother doesn’t seem to be making any progress in that arena. So YAY BABIES!
Happy almost-birthday, Jackson!
Fabelle October 5, 2012, 4:51 pm
That sounds like a fun weekend, Wendy 🙂
It’s been unseasonably warm today, but I’m hoping this weekend will bring cooler, fall-y weather– I’m going to a picnic in the park tomorrow during the day with my boyfriend & his family, and there will be wine there. Yay!
P.S. @ktfran I second the DW wine glasses idea!
ktfran October 5, 2012, 4:56 pm
Your weekend sounds fantastic! I like unseasonably warm.
kerrycontrary October 5, 2012, 5:08 pm
I’m painting pottery with a friend tomorrow! I haven’t done it for years but if I find it completely therapeutic. And then I’m going to make chili in the crockpot on Sunday for me and the boyfriend. I’m so excited for it to get really chilly next week. Riding boots here I come!
Addie Pray October 5, 2012, 5:13 pm
I was going to do nothing tonight, but now I am going to a friend’s to watch baseball (boo!) with wine (yes!). It’s the playouts. Playoffs. Playins. Whatever. They like the Cardinals. I know who the Cardinals are so that’s impressive. On Saturday I am going to…. [wait for it]… go to yoga! Maybe. Maybe definitely. Then I am going to go to Evanston to take a walk around my alma mater and then go see a movie and go to dinner. On Sunday I’m planning on crashing Materials Girl’s Chi-marathon-festivities because I too love watching the runners go by. Sunday night I plan to be pissed off because the weekend is already over and I have to fucking go to work on Monday. And there you have it it’s already Monday – waaaaaaaaaa. I want to poop on the mother fucker who decided the workweek-to-weekend ratio would be 5-to-2. Did anyone even suggest 4-to-3?! Would our society be set back in any meaningful way if we had started with a 4-to-3 ratio? I would argue no – and I would argue we might even be MORE ADVANCED. Because we’d be happier and healthier, which means we’d live longer, which means we’d have more time to advance in science and the arts and whatnot. I am so sick of people making decisions that affect me but on which I was not consulted. All this to say: I’m really pissed the weekend is almost over. It’s torture to not have more time on the weekend.
Addie Pray October 5, 2012, 5:18 pm
p.s. I LOVE LUCINDA WILLIAMS, WENDY! I love Dar the most, then Lucinda.
Wendy October 5, 2012, 5:27 pm
I like Dar Williams, too. I saw her once in Chicago. And you had coffee with her!
JK October 5, 2012, 5:24 pm
It´s a long weekend here, again.
We keep getting more and more holidays, any year now we will end up having 3 day weekends every weekend. 🙂
Do you not celebrate Columbus day or whatever it´s called (October 12th, I mean) up there?
painted_lady October 5, 2012, 10:50 pm
That totally used to be a thing we got a three day weekend for. Now I’m not sure a lot of people even know when it is.
I expected Columbus Day off my first year teaching, so imagine my horror when I checked the school calendar for that after Labor Day, hoping I didn’t have more than a month before my next three day weekend, only to discover that the next long weekend is THANKSGIVING. AT THE END OF NOVEMBER.
rangerchic October 5, 2012, 5:15 pm
Well my grandfather passed away in the night last night so we will be doing lots of family get-togethers this weekend and preparing for the funeral next week. and the funeral happens to fall on my anniversary. So….the rainy weekend ahead will kind of match my mood 🙁
Aya October 5, 2012, 6:53 pm
Rangerchic, I’m sorry for your families loss.
SarahKat October 5, 2012, 7:12 pm
I’m so sorry rangerchic. I hope you’re doing ok.
Rachel October 5, 2012, 7:17 pm
Sorry for your loss 🙁
jlyfsh October 5, 2012, 10:26 pm
So sorry you for your loss!
Amanda October 6, 2012, 9:39 am
I’m so sorry for your loss.
the_optimist October 5, 2012, 4:21 pm
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter Is.What’s.Up.
Tomorrow’s my birthday! I cannot wait to do absolutely nothing. Seriously. I am going to have the most mellow day, dammit! Baking, laying around, enjoying a brand-new apartment with my man…. It will be great. 🙂
Trixy Minx October 5, 2012, 4:48 pm
Happy birthday!!!
SarahKat October 5, 2012, 7:07 pm
Happy Birthday!! Check those TJ butters though. I don’t think sudden salmonella is the best birthday gift.
Amanda October 6, 2012, 9:30 am
Happy Birthday! 🙂
Michelle.Lea October 5, 2012, 4:35 pm
starting to get chilly here! it’s a 3 day weekend in Canada, Monday is our thanksgiving 🙂 but, we don’t have any kids at the house, so it will be a somewhat veg weekend. I have crochet orders to fill, and an audit to work on! so i’ll veg if i can lol
Amanda October 6, 2012, 9:34 am
Happy Thanksgiving!
Cara October 5, 2012, 5:51 pm
I wanted to go to Oktoberfest, but now I can´t because my paycheck hasn´t come in yet, and Oktoberfest without boatloads (haha, as if) of money isn´t fun.
So, a low key weekend it is. Staying home tonight and going out tomorrow, but nothing special. I can´t wait to be in New york and go out for real, even though I´m intimidated because I have this idea in my head that everybody in New York is really attractive.
L October 5, 2012, 6:17 pm
It’s my boyfriend’s birthday on Sunday so I’m heading up to his place later this evening for a nice relaxing weekend. I’m bringing some school work with me, but I don’t have quite as much work to do this weekend which is nice. Of course he will be watching football on Sunday (not a fan myself), but I have a weekend full of watching movies, cuddling, and cake to look forward to. 🙂
SarahKat October 5, 2012, 6:26 pm
Tonight: Avoiding happy hour, trying to talk my boyfriend into pho, not succeeding at talking my boyfriend into pho, Looper.
Saturday: Cleaning uggg, laundry uggg uggg, homework, Disneyland.
Sunday: Watching some of that Once Upon A Time show because I promised my sis, (the deal is I start watching Once Upon A Time and she starts watching Doctor Who starting at the Eccleston years..year. I’ll make that bitch a Who fan if its the last thing I doooooo!) Running errands, Fin.
JK October 5, 2012, 6:33 pm
Good luck with Once Upon a Time. I liked it at first, but gave up on it about half way through.
Rachel October 5, 2012, 6:38 pm
I have a hard time imagining someone watching Doctor Who and not becoming a fan. But now I’m sad b/c tomorrow is Saturday and there’s no new Who until Christmas.
SarahKat October 5, 2012, 7:10 pm
I know right? But, I did remember in the first Eccleston episodes going “Ok, wtf? Farting aliens?” but by the third episode I was DEEP IN Who, so maybe she will do the same. I am so sad about not having Who until Christmas. I’m even sadder about the last episode. I cried, CRIED I TELL YOU!
Rachel October 5, 2012, 7:14 pm
I actually started with Matt Smith and then went back and watched Eccleston and Tennant, so I guess I have a different perspective. Plus, I like scifi anyway so it wasn’t too hard a sell, and my boyfriend was *so* excited about me watching it with him that I knew it had to be good.
Aya October 5, 2012, 7:02 pm
No major events planned for the weekend, just the usual farmers market run tomorrow morning.
I am going to call my mom to tell her that I’m pregnant. She knows that we are trying, so I’m guessing she won’t be too surprised.
Rachel October 5, 2012, 7:15 pm
Congrats!
Amanda October 6, 2012, 9:42 am
Congratulations!
GatorGirl October 5, 2012, 8:28 pm
Football! That is my plan for the weekend. Tailgating tomorrow and sports bar-ing on Sunday. Oh and I’m going home for two weeks to visit my family. And help paint the shutters.
Right now I’m supposed to be cooking food for the tailgate and putting away 4 loads of laundry but I’m laying on the couch. Oh well.
kizzy October 5, 2012, 9:12 pm
I have nothing to do here in Boston this weekend. But I think I’m going to go talk to an Air Force recruiter and that should be interesting. Maybe I’ll check out the foliage on a long drive too. Meh, boring long weekends…
jlyfsh October 5, 2012, 10:28 pm
Happy hour tonight with friends. Yay wine! Tomorrow is sleeping in late and beach with the dogs and friends. Sunday is football with the husband and relaxing.
And Monday if anyone has extra thoughts/prayers my Mom has surgery on her shoulder. She fell down a flight of stairs and crushed it when she landed. They’re installing a metal plate and doing some reconstruction. It’s going to be a long healing process!
Feline October 5, 2012, 10:29 pm
So sorry to hear this – will put her in my prayers tonight!
Feline October 5, 2012, 10:29 pm
My Texans aren’t playing until Monday night (Go Texans!), so hubby and I are going to go to the Texas Renaissance Festival this weekend. I’ve only been once, about 20 years ago when hubby and I were just dating. We are looking forward to getting away together (even though we have no kids, so we always have time together).
painted_lady October 5, 2012, 10:52 pm
I love RenFest! Have so much fun – eat as many foods on a stick as you can manage!
painted_lady October 5, 2012, 11:09 pm
I live downtown, and once a month or so, the art galleries within a few blocks of my house open their doors for an entire evening (usually just open till 5 or 6, if that), and they serve wine – some of it genuinely good wine – and light snacks. I haven’t been able to go once in the nine months we’ve been living here, but tomorrow night my mom and I are going. And sometime in all that, there’s a park within walking distance that’s playing Rear Window. Big Hitchcock fan – I love that creepy old Brit – and Rear Window is one of my favorites of his. So I’m definitely looking forward to the evening!
Poicelle October 6, 2012, 9:09 am
I am dreading this weekend – because I have to go dress shopping. Not for my own wedding dress, but my fiancé’s brother is getting married in less than a week (!). I already bought a dress, which was like justalittle too tight, but I broke my own rule and bought it anyway – I mean, I had had chinese food for dinner the night before and I was bloated, so I figured once the bloat disappeared and I got into some Spanx, it would be just right. I even got back on the Weight Watcher’s bandwagon this week. I did a ton of ab work (I know, I know…it won’t work that fast) and I’m down 2 lbs. Well…not so much. I tried to get in the dress last night and it looks EXACTLY the same, spanx or no spanx. I can get in it but it has this band around the middle that is highlighting my super attractive love handles.
So this weekend I’m going to be in full panic mode trying to figure out where the heck in GA I can find a cocktail dress (they’re like…endangered species down here or something) that 1. fits me 2. makes me feel good about myself and 3. is SUPER SUPER CHEAP (like…really cheap).
I’m so jealous of the pumpkin-flavored baking that you’ll be doing, Wendy. Maybe once the wedding is over, I’ll have to make some pumpkin bread (I think I also have Trader Joe’s mix somewhere in my pantry) and relax and enjoy the fall!
And happy early birthday to Jackson!!!
Amanda October 6, 2012, 9:49 am
Do you have Ross’ in Georgia? If so, I really recommend them for finding designer dresses (all styles, all sizes) for under $20. I’m going to Ross’ tomorrow morning to buy a dress for a wedding and I know from experience that I will find something fabulous for under $20.
kizzy October 6, 2012, 11:03 pm
Ahhh dress shopping on short notice is the worst! My brother was getting married a couple of years ago at the end of my college’s spring break. As luck would have it, I left everything for the wedding in my locked dorm with no way to get in.
Don’t worry! You’ll find something and I’m sure you’ll look amazing.
CatsMeow October 6, 2012, 12:06 pm
MY MUG IS HERE MY MUG IS HERE MY AWESOME DW MOA MUG IS HERE!
katie October 6, 2012, 4:58 pm
oh you lucky girl!!!
CatsMeow October 6, 2012, 7:47 pm
OK so I was drinking some pumpkin spice coffee out of it (god I’m on such a pumpkin kick), and I dropped the mug on the hardwood floor and spilled hot coffee everywhere, including on my lap/crotch (I’m okay, though) and the GOOD NEWS is that the mug did not break! THESE ARE QUALITY MUGS, people.
CatsMeow October 6, 2012, 7:48 pm
Also, if anyone cares, last night I met a hot guy from OKC. It could have potentially been a disaster because it was a spur-of-the-moment thing and I was drunk (surprise!) but he texted and said I’m cute. Teehee. So there’s that.
Wendy October 6, 2012, 10:25 pm
Thank God (that your crotch is OK. Also, that the mugs are quality. Thanks for buying one!).
katie October 6, 2012, 5:03 pm
aw love hearing about everyone’s plans.
this weekend is my start of wedding dessert bar madness, my last leg in this month of hell. so, big grocery shopping trip, and now there is pumpkin spice cake in the oven that will be cake pops tomorrow. wish me luck! i have a whole schedule all week.. lol
in one week it will be my birthday. not literally, but i will be treating the entire rest of this month as my birthday after this whole moving-business trips-wedding fiasco that has been my life. haha. any chi-towners want to come to my birthday dinner?? hit up AP. she has the official invite… haha
katie October 6, 2012, 5:39 pm
sidenote: im sort of watching the new indian jones with shia whatshisface. WOW. so bad.