Survived another Monday.....barely.

Monday just happened to me again.  In fact, it happened to everyone again.  And as far as I can tell from social media posts, the existence of the hashtag #MondayMotivation, articles about Sunday and Monday blues, and my own informal surveys among friends, pretty much no one likes Mondays. 

So I'm not alone.  

But what I can't tell is if other people experience Monday in a way that rises to the level of clinical depression.  I'm talking about a near-crippling emotional and physical response.  Every.  (Working) Monday.  Come Tuesday - while not quite 100% - the emotional weight has lifted, and I've regained my will to live.  People who meet me or see me at the end of the week or on weekends would not recognize the person I am on Mondays - antisocial, short-tempered, profoundly sad, distracted, enervated, indifferent, hopeless.  

Unfortunately, there are no once-a-week pop-a-pill fixes to this sort of depression.  So I've tried other solutions: relaxing Sundays and ensuring a good night's sleep, rewarding myself with a special treat to look forward to on Mondays, working from home on Mondays, fixing myself up really nice when I go into the office on Mondays.  Nothing works - except holding out until Tuesday comes.

There has to be a better way than going through every seventh day like this.  Ideas welcome.  

Pride in the City

I'm finally getting around to posting my NYC Pride pics.  It was my very first Pride march, and thanks to the Supreme Court's gay marriage decision just two days earlier, we all had special cause to celebrate.  I marched with the Center for Constitutional Rights, a civil and human rights organization that I used to work for and now donate to.  They have been fighting the good fight for almost 50 years, and among other cases, have joined with Sexual Minorities Uganda to sue Scott Lively for persecuting LGBTI Ugandans.  Cases like this remind us that - for as much as the LGBT movement had to celebrate at Pride this year - there is still so much more work to be done.      

Sir Ian McKellen - Grand Marshal #1

Sir Derek Jacobi - Grand Marshal #2

Star of the parade!

In front of the historic Stonewall Inn - where it all began in 1969.

Summer in the City

Memorial Day weekend is New York City's unofficial kick off to the summer season.  Hello, Shakespeare in the Park, Jazz Age Lawn Party, Governors Ball and a litany of other cultural activities from river to river.  And, let's not forget: OUTDOOR DRINKING.  The fun starts even before the first summer Friday with, you guessed it: Fleet Week!  Men in uniforms!  

If you spent your weekend running around trying to snap a #SelfieWithASailor, you are probably ready to cool off and kick back with another summertime staple: ice cream.  Non-dairy ice cream.  

Meet your new obsession: the recently opened DF Mavens in the East Village.  It begins with a flavored cone.  I picked coconut (just because I can't physically get to a tropical island doesn't mean I can't transport my tastebuds there).  

Then, it's time to choose a scoop (or two).  I went with New Orleans Salted Praline and had my own personal Mardi Gras flavor celebration.  

For those interested in supplementing their ice cream experience, DF Mavens also sells vegan pastries, milkshakes, gourmet chocolates, and juices - in addition to pints-to-go of their ice cream.  

Bottom line: this is a must-stop-spot for your New York City summer.  

Bonus: you can mosey afterwards to The Grafton (the erstwhile Lunasa) to get your outdoor drinking on in their back area.  

Summertime, Summertime, Sum-sum-summertime

The great thing about having a blog entitled "My Virtual Vanity Project" is that I can't be accused of false advertising with my posts - I write about whatever strikes me at the moment.  Unfortunately, given the amount of time that's passed since my last post, it means that I haven't been struck by much...or, maybe, that I've been really busy living in the real world!

Which brings me to today's post: summertime!  Of course, with Labor Day weekend coming up, summertime is almost over - wah, wah.  But what a summer it's been!  Especially for those of us who love the World Cup.  Below is a photo summary of my tournament month.

Here I am supporting my favorite country team with two other Azzurri fans.  Sadly, the first game was the only good one for us - a 2 - 1 win against England - because after that, we fast-tracked it to an early tournament exit, thanks in part to that infamous bite [the chomp seen 'round the world].

But at least I had a trip to Brazil to look forward to and live action in the stadium!  

(Mexico v. Netherlands, round of 16)

(Colombia v. Brazil, quarterfinals)

At the end of my time in Brazil, there were four teams remaining in the World Cup: Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Netherlands.  And with Italy no longer in the tournament, I decided to throw my full enthusiasm behind Germany.

My enthusiasm was rewarded with a fourth star for Germany and a third place win in the Smithfield - Lunasa tournament pool for me!

What did you do with your summer?

Last Days of Smithfield

On January 1, 2014, Smithfield closed its doors.

A New York City soccer community lost its home because some greedy landlord sold the property to a greedy real estate developer - to build apartments that none of us can afford to live in on a block no one would visit were it not for a bar like Smithfield (FIT students don't count, as usual).  Welcome to the wealth gap NYC-style.

As many of you know from my Facebook check ins, Smithfield has been my second home for the past 3 years (my last 2 birthday parties were here!), so this was a tremendous emotional blow.  Worse than the hit the patrons took, the staff - every bit a part of the soccer community - found themselves unemployed...Merry Christmas, here's your lump of coal.

And that's what made Smithfield so special - more than the beautiful fixtures, the fantastic spaces, the impressive foodie menu (with first rate options even for a vegan like me) - it was the people.  The soccer crowd, sure, but the owners and the staff (from the door staff to the floor staff (yes, I made that rhyme on purpose)) made you feel welcome, attended to...at home.  To call Smithfield our "Cheers" bar doesn't even begin to describe the psychic space our bar occupied.

Smithfield will have another incarnation soon - another location, perhaps another name.  Until then, here are some good memories of the last days of (this) Smithfield.

(I have left out some names and many other photos on purpose because I didn't ask for permission to post them...if you see this and would like a photo/name removed (or added), please let me know.)

Here's Fitzy who greets me at the door when I arrive (someone else is there when I leave - yes, that's how long I stay).

This is Eddie - I regularly harrassed him to play 1) Sunday, Bloody Sunday and 2) Fields of Anthenry (I'm a one trick pony).

This was the last league match the Barcelona Penya watched at Smithfield.  Getafe lost.  Of course.  

Here's me and Kieron on Smithfield's last night - New Year's Eve.  

Me, Tom and Willy.  

Me and two other regulars (I didn't ask permission to use their names) from the Penya.  Notice the photobombers behind us.  

Me, the Mayor of Smithfield, my friend Inessa...and everyone's favorite Arsenal fan (not).  

Looking forward to being together again under one roof!

Italian Door Knocker

When I was in Italy a couple of years ago, I spotted this really neat door knocker in Verona.  I finally got around to doing something with the picture...turning it into a greeting card. 

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

And by posting this project on my blog, I get a $10 discount on my next Shutterfly order. :)

Doggies Make Everything Better

After surviving another Monday, this is what I'm about to go home to - doggies make everything better, and I am OBSESSED with mine.

Sometimes people really stink (like Alfie's previous person who threw him away at the age of 9 years and came THIS CLOSE to costing him his life).  And there are days when humanity makes you question why you even bother fighting to make things better. 

But I can always count on this little guy to put a smile on my face when I walk through my door.

So screw you homophobes, racists, misogynists, pedophiles, animal abusers - you who prey on the weakest among us.  After I get some doggie time, I'm coming back tomorrow to fight another day. 

The Foster Year in Review

This year, I began fostering with Social Tees Animal Rescue Foundation in the East Village (I had done on-site volunteering with them previously).  Below are the little ones who have come through my home on their way to their forever ones. 

Here's Reece.  She was so cuddly and cute and full of wonderful puppy energy.  She was with me for about a week, during which time I also had Rusty. 

Here's Rusty.  I LOVED this little guy.  He had so much personality and energy - after Reece went to another foster home, I had him for about another week.  I fell in love with him and wanted to keep him, but I knew a puppy would always find a good home...so I let him go...

Here is Reagan - who may or may not have been Reece's brother.  He was only with me for a couple of days (I got him at the same time I got Rusty) and then had to go to the vet to recover from some sort of bug.  He was a very good looking pup. 

This is Buddy.  He was...challenging.  I had him for about 10 days and worked really hard to do some basic training.  He was a bit stubborn, but I managed to make some progress with him, which I was very proud of - thank you, Cesar Millan!



This is Alfie - my foster failure...I ended up adopting him.  He was on the kill list at ACC with matted hair and bad teeth, but Social Tees pulled him and got him the care he needed...he got a second chance, and I got a great new friend.



This good looking shadow poodle is the biggest cuddle monster - so calm, so sweet.  I had him for THREE WEEKS...and then my sister adopted him.  Hurray!  Mickey got to stay in the family!

And this is Klaus!  My last foster for 2012.  He is going to his forever home tomorrow night!  The poor little guy was found emaciated, tied up outside with fur missing and stained paws.  Social Tees rescued him, and his super personality really came out with just a little love.  He's been with me for over 10 days, and I love the pup.  He is an awesome little guy who will be well taken care of for the rest of his life.



Happy holidays, everyone.  May we all know good health, warm homes and lots of love and kindness. 

ThanksLiving 2012 in Pictures

Last month, I attended ThanksLiving dinner at Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary for the fourth year in a row.  While it's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, eat amazing food and have a great time, it's also a reminder that the killing season is upon us.  For those of you who aren't vegan, take a moment during your holiday meals to think about the suffering that led to the "food" on your plate.  And then if you think you might like to choose compassion for your New Year's resolution, ask me how: going vegan is easy-peasy, and I can help you veganize your favorite recipes and provide you with some awesome new ones. I'm helpful like that!

Meanwhile, here's a recap in pictures of my Amazing Food Adventure.  Thank you, Kevin Archer, for the delicious meal!  

The bus trip to Woodstock.

Chilling out.

Growin' my feathers back! 

Live entertainment.

Pumpkin pie soup.

Jenny Brown - co-founder of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.

"Beyond Meat" with 40 cloves of garlic, cornbread stuffing w/ pecan & figs, cranberry compote, winter greens medley.

Desserts by Vegan Treats!  That chocolate mound is a peanut butter bomb, BTW.

Paella

It's been almost a year since I've posted - I've been remiss!  But then, I didn't feel I had much to blog about...until now!  I've just returned from my latest European vacation, and this trip included an overnight excursion to Valencia, Spain - home of Paella.  Now, I didn't think I'd be able to find a Paella I could eat, but...

When we first arrived in Valencia, we took an afternoon wine and snack break at Palo Alto in the historical center.  When the wife of the chef (and I assume restaurant co-owner?) found out we were vegetarian, she invited us to make a reservation that evening, and her husband would make a veg paella for us.  So we did!  And boy, was it worth it.  This was no ordinary vegetable paella - they went all out with amazing ingredients.  Two words: trumpet mushrooms.  Need I say more?

When the salad came out, we knew we were in for a treat.  If the salad was this good, the paella could not disappoint. 

Then, the paella arrived.

Not a green pea in sight!

The after paella picture, I think, tells the whole story.

Oh, and did I mention that we had the entire back terrace area exclusively to ourselves?  In 70 degree weather?

Don't hate. 

Breakfast!

So this morning I made breakfast: English muffin topped with homemade tempeh "bacon," avocado, tofu (pressed overnight) and vegan Hollandaise sauce.

Here's a pic of the tempeh "bacon" - marinated in a soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar concoction (plus other spices, including liquid smoke). Not much to look at but it packed a flavor punch!

Here is the finished product:

Don't you wish you were invited to breakfast at my place?

Tofu Scramble!!!

I made tofu scramble this past Memorial Day weekend - results below:




I started out the meal by sauteeing shallot, asparagus, red bell pepper, and sun-dried tomato, before crumbling the tofu into the mix (the tofu was pressed overnight in one of those Tofu Xpress contraptions). Then I seasoned the mixture with some cilantro-walnut "pesto" I had on hand. Voila! Very tasty homemade tofu scramble!

Wedding Bells Ring

April 16,2011
San Antonio, TX

People who know my sister know that she loves to cook, and that she's really great at it. When she cooks, it's a production - no 30 minute Rachel Ray meals here. Complicated spices and ingredients are involved, multiple courses, and food enough to feed a small army. If my sister's making dinner for you, you're in for a real treat.

When we lived together in New York City, we would host annual Chinese New Year gatherings, but really she did all the work because I couldn't wrap an eggroll to save my life - while Mindy would be making dumplings from scratch, including the wrappers.

I know Jeremy loves to cook, too, but I hear that these days he's in charge of making drinks because Mindy is just that great in the kitchen. Well, Jeremy, I hope that's not really the case and that you are still working some of your magic in the kitchen.

The first time I visited Mindy and Jeremy in San Francisco, they decided to make ravioli. Jeremy then proceeded to make the pasta from scratch, cranking out sheet after sheet and cutting the dough into little squares so that they could be filled. Mindy, though, just had to show off, and made stuffed zucchini flowers and strawberry balsamic vinaigrette for our salad.

Teamwork produced an amazing meal, and I'm glad I got to share it with the both of you.

Mindy and Jeremy, I think you make a fabulous team. I wish you countless more delicious meals made together - the best ones include lots of love, and I know you have that in abundance for each other.

Congratulations.

Road trip!

So this past Sunday, I rented a car and drove (by myself!) from New York City up to Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary to do some volunteer stuff. Getting out of the city was pretty terrifying without a navigator, and I kept a death grip on the steering wheel until I got on the highway. At that point, I could relax a bit. The drive up was not spectactular - spring hasn't quite arrived and so there wasn't much greenery for my scenery. :)

Things at the farm, however, were much spring-ier. The weather was in the 60s, and the animals were enjoying the sunshine. Here are some of the ducks at the duck pond:

I thought the sheep were looking hilarious - normally I visit in the fall when their winter coats haven't grown yet. At this time of year, they are in full fur. And they posed so nicely for me! This is Louise (you can read about her story here):

Baa-aaa...

I also visited with the goats (they were also chillin' in the sunshine), the cows, the chickens and one big pig on his own (Peter).

I hope to be visiting them all again soon. You should, too! Until then, why don't you make a donation? The sanctuary is smack in the middle of a matching fund drive - your donation gets doubled if you make it now! These ridiculously cute critters have survived horribly cruel starts to life - now they can live out the rest of their days as they should...with your help. Click donate to make your gift today!

Vegas, baby!

Earlier this month, I was in Las Vegas for my sister's bachelorette - six women, one weekend of non-stop fun. Which is why I needed to carve out some alone time in between roller coasters (New York, New York), afternoon cocktails (Mon Ami Gabi @ the Paris), fancy dinners (The Mix @ Mandalay, First @ the Venetian), poolside lounging, Thunder from Down Under (oh, yes, we did) and Tao nightclub.


So I decided to have a lovely meal by myself at Otto (yes, Batali also has one in NYC), "outside" on the "Piazza San Marco" at the Venetian, where we were staying. First, a glass of Lambrusco and some bread - a simple start (breadsticks from Italy - so kitschy!) - though the addition of balsamic was questionable, IMO.

And during my meal, I had live opera entertainment on the piazza. Note the lovely weather!

And best of all, a delicious pizza (Pizza Marinara) for one...with lots of garlic to ensure that number would STAY at one.

I closed the meal with a Venetian Spritzer to go (poolside). Ahhh.

And just for fun, here's a cool shot from our outdoor table at the Paris the day before:

See you in June, Vegas!