NOV '11 TOP TEN

I really ought to post these lists @ the end of the month since 1. the month is not yet up and 2. because I have to write in past tense, no thanks to weirdos + stalkers.  BUT, I wanted to get this out there.


1.  November 1:  Day one of Dias de los Muertos. All Saints Day.  My birthday.  It also marks the one year anniversary of my Ba Ngoai's passing.  This was the second year in a row that I couldn't spend it with ATM due to real shit timing, but, thankfully, a few friends helped me celebrate properly.  My lovely friends & family give good gift.


That's a museum quality hangin'!



2.  Thxgiving in New Orleans.  Last year's trip was so great, we obviously have to do it again.  I've been doing a little recon at FOOD ORLEANS  for ideas, tips, and insider information.  All it does is make me want to be there nowish.  We've got great accommodations.  Travel makes me happy.  New Orleans makes me happy.


3.  Last week, I bought some mussels, Argentine red shrimp & oysters from Floyd's Meat and Seafood. Subsequently, I made mussels in tomato broth, grilled shrimp (that tasted like lobster), and Manhattan Clam Chowder, not at the same time, mind.  I am so not done with you, shellfish!












4.  Books, shelved.  I did that ol' design trick where you shelve by color.  Our house is becoming.






5.  Bought old and expired film for my Polaroid 500.  First box has been a dud so far, but maybe I'll get lucky with the rest.  I may just have to find a different camera, so I can get fresh film from The Impossible Project.

6.  Feminist root beer.  I bought the herbs, bark, and roots to make root beer from scratch.  Still trying to sort a few things:  an exact recipe, what to bottle it in, and what to call it if it's even worth bottling and naming.  This is something that I would like to succeed at in large measures.

7.  Kitchen demolition, COMING SOON.  Before we can remodel, we have to repair some jury-rigged fuckery that's going on behind the walls.  Because we can only go as far as we save funds, I won't start looking at design blogs on how I would like my future kitchen to look like, even though I have a good idea, but am glad we're heading in that direction.


8.  Reading up on traveling to Viet Nam.  Any advice?  The fact that we're going isn't even real to me yet.  Is this happening?  I'm really glad to have this opportunity to go to one of the homelands and spend time with my mum and sister.  Duh.


9.  Hot Springs, Arkansas.  What a weird & fascinating little city.  I love it there and I believe my future is in there somewhere.  KMHD & I played hooky there last week.  It was fun.  Massages, a little flea marketing, and eating.  I need to go back for these things...


The best trophy known:



Puttin' on the Ritz (Cracker sweater):



10.  Thrift stores, flea markets & antique stores.  Everyone loves to do this, I know, but we've discovered some new places that has amazing stuff.  Here's this:



In case you didn't catch the two on the side there.  WTF:



Original art:







Honorable mention:  OCCUPY Little Rock.  Have you met them yet?  Have you marched with them yet?