this holiday season

This holiday season seems more joyous than any I can remember. Maybe it’s because I’m engaged to a man I love, and settling into a happy domestic-ness. Who knows?

Below are my recommendations for your new favorite holiday things.

Enjoy.

Christopher Moore’s books bring me more joy than any other writer I can think of off the top of my head (though maybe Stephen King would rank high as well?) Moore’s crazy, anything-goes, writing style never fails to make me laugh, and The Stupidest Angel is one of the funniest books of his collection. It’s really a game of “the gang’s all here” from Moore’s other books, as the inhabitants of Pine Cove face a crazy Christmas season.  Theo Crowe, Molly Michon, Mavis the bartender, Tucker Case (and Roberto).. all are present as things get out of control. There’s murder, sex, angels, zombies, earthworm kings, mental breakdowns – all the things Moore holds near and dear. It’s a complete joy of a read, and I daresay it’ll be a holiday tradition of mine for years to come.

I don’t usually go for “holiday” music, as I sometimes find it a bit too… (forgive me) Jesus-y? So I was pleased as punch when I stumbled upon Tori Amos’ “holiday” album, Midwinter Graces. I use “holiday” loosely, as Tori is decidedly NOT going to deliver standard versions of religious holiday favorites. It’s lush and lovely, as she puts her own spin on familiar songs.  The highlights for me are “Star of Wonder,” “A Silent Night with you,” “Jeanette, Isabella,” and “Harps of Gold,” but I really don’t think there’s a disappointing track on the album.

Sam Adams Winter Lager is simply delicious. No joke. It tastes like Christmas, or Solstice, or whatever you celebrate. (I’ve no idea if it tastes like Hannukah, though I hope it does.;))

What are YOU enjoying this holiday season?

Thanks-to-the-Giving

 

This year, though I won’t make it to Michigan for Thanksgiving, I am delighted to say that I’ll be spending the holiday at Eric and my new apartment, eating our first holiday meal at our brand new table, accompanied by (I believe) 6 close friends.

We’re hosting an Orphan Thanksgiving event rather than dealing with the hassle of traveling during this busy season (especially since we’re already doing two trips in December.) There’s a turkey thawing in the fridge, and I’m excited as can be – especially for a four day weekend.

I’m thankful for all the good things, no matter how overwhelming or miniscule they seem.

Hope you all have a lovely hoilday, no matter where you’re going or what you’re doing.

Halloween (Cinderella’s Pumpkin Ball)

So, largely from laziness, I decided at the last minute NOT to kill Cinderella.

She attended the Halloween ball un-rotted, un-bloodied, and very much alive.

One last-minute Halloween costume coming up!

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Like you don’t already know where this is going.

Happy Halloween, kiddies!

Pumpkin Season!

Sometimes a girl just needs to carve pumpkins with friends.

Please note the unimpressed cat in the background. Magellan does not subscribe to holidays.

And, FYI, that’s a Buffalo Bill’s Pumpkin Ale I’m drinking.

birthdazed – 2009

I turn 27 tomorrow – and I’m really excited about that. I’m actually quite excited about the idea of aging, if you can believe it. I’ve come a huge way since I was 19, or even 23. 26 felt like a year of huge changes – a re-examination of what’s important to me, the advent of the happiest relationship I’ve ever experienced, a new living situation, a new outlook on health and fitness – hell, I ran an 8k!

SO -Let’s see what 27 brings.

Who knows? Maybe it’ll be a half-marathon (I said HALF!),  an out of country adventure, or just a whole new outlook on the world.

Regardless, I’m celebrating my birthday in sporatic tech all morning and afternoon, followed by dinner somewhere that’s a surprise.

I’m also going on a hunt now to buy myself something pretty. Bluefly, Amazon, here I come.

Halloween Shennanigans!

Oh how I adore Halloween. A night to celebrate the dark side by wandering around in silly costumes and for hilarious photos with friends. I got to spend Halloween night 2008 with – among a legion of fabulous people -four of my favorite boys on the planet: Bob, Eric, Toby, and Gator.

Photos below.

Come Rain or Come Pride

I’m a bad Chicago resident.

I’ve lived here for three go-rounds of Pride –

and until yesterday hadn’t managed to make it to the Parade yet.

This weekend, I changed all that.

A. I love the gays.

B. POC is doing a show with gay content – so we decided to promote.

C. I like glitter.

Here goes.

SATURDAY: Pride Fest on Halsted.

Twirling brigade!
Passanisi with a P!
Cirque du Soliel clown wars!
Frenchie Davis, from American Idol – who sounded great and LAID into some protesters.

SUNDAY – The Parade.

I met up with Mal and the POC street team,

then headed to join Bob and Gator and the gang for some parade madness.

“Gird your loins and grab your wine – Here comes the parade.”

And then some ominous clouds rolled in….

and it rained.

But the parade is like the postal service – Through rain, through hail…

Meanwhile, I bet YOUR friends don’t get to be the drag Frankie Vali on the Broadway in Chicago float? Oh, Annie Passanisi. Your life.

Mal and I briefly ducked away for some Thai, and wound up befriending a tinsel-haired stranger? Yeah, his name was Mark and he was drunk, but friendly.

Then it rained again – and we decided “screw it.”

All in a hard gays work.

Happy Belated Easter!

Have you ever SEEN such things?
My mind was blown.

I’m off from work until Wednesday – see you then!

Valentines Dazed

Oh, Valentine’s Day.

I celebrated this year at The Spot with Lavina, Kevin, some other friends, and the crew of Dramatists Personae – a new fledgling theatre company here in Chicago – for their first fundraiser, an evening of short plays.

Summing up the event -> Great scripts. Good actors. Great venue. Appreciative crowd. Apple Pie. Drinks I’m not sure of exactly (Red Bull and Orange Vodka? Whatever. It was great.) Conversation hearts. New friends. Good times.

See? It’s not a total waste of a day.