marti and erin.com

Sorry I’ve been out of contact with our beloved blog. The end-of-the-semester crazies have set in, but with my last big event behind me, I’m considering my semester over and my pre-break begun!

So, here’s a little project that has been taking up a good portion of my time lately….the Advent Mailbox. Because every toddler needs crazy fairy godmothers, my mom and I posted a small mailbox on the porch of our young friend, Colin Patrick, across the street. Every morning, we stash a little trinket in the mailbox for Himself to find when he gets up. Some of the most popular items so far include a wooden dog pull-toy, a moose that grunts “Oh Christmas Tree” when you squeeze his stomach, and (my personal favorite) baseball earmuffs.

Now, some have used the word “smothering” or “obsessed” to describe my relationship with Colin. However, as someone who was lucky enough to have a fairy godfather as a child, I consider this my pay-it-forward opportunity. One day, this kid may well think we’re nuts, but right now, his smiles and giggles and daily surprise are totally worth it….

Animals in costume are contentious at best. Small dogs are even worse. This, however, is not an entry bragging about my ability to get my dog to wear antlers (although he carries them well), but to provide a public service announcement for Second Chance for Animals, a local organization that supports the animal shelter and finds good homes for animals that need them. This holiday season they are taking pictures of your pets and Santa for a nominal fee to raise money for the organization. The people are lovely, the pictures are great, and its all for animals. How could you not love that. Plus, Moe looks pretty good if I do say so myself…

I’m a New Yorker at heart. I love the city. Its got something for everyone…food, culture, diversity, and endless amounts of excitement. And the holiday season holds special interest in New York. Home of the original Miracle on 34th Street, people from around the world wait all year to see New York at this time of year. I don’t blame them. If I didn’t live here, I’d want to see it too…the windows at Saks 5th Ave, the tree at Rockefeller Center, the Radio City Rockettes. So much to see and so little time. With that thought in mind, I must share that I am confused.

If I were in New York for a limited time, I’d want to see everything, go everywhere, talk to everyone. What I don’t understand is why tourists get to New York and positively stand still. And I mean that. Just stop and stare- up, down, sideways. What are they staring at?

I was in a hurry the other night and got stuck in a pedestrian traffic jam. If I was in the car, I’d call it “rubbernecking.” Since I was walking, I’ll call is “touristing.” I got frustrated, and must admit, I behaved like a stereotypical New Yorker. After standing still for a few minutes I yelled out into the crowd “DOESN’T THIS SIDEWALK HAVE AN EXPRESS LANE!!!!” That worked and the crowd started moving again.

I did feel bad after this incident. All those people in their overcoats and Santa hats enjoying the season were probably just enjoying their vacation. They were probably posing for a memorable photo or marveling over the wonders of my city. I rationalized, however, that no trip to New York isnt’ complete without an encounter with a nasty New Yorker, so I allowed them to go home with the requisite story. In the end, its like a New Yorker’s holiday wishes…

Twas the holiday season and the tourists were there,
To cause lots of traffic while they stop and stare.
“See the tree! See the buildings! Aren’t they tall!”
Guided by tourbooks they bought in the fall.

But a Native goes on with a regular day.
More work to do and more bills to pay.
They need to hurry to get across town,
But the sidewalks are packed both uptown and down.
New Yorkers get testy from the tourists in sight
And yell “Get out of the way and to all a good night!”

Ok, it really doesn’t, but I did want to get back to talking about Avenue Q at some point. I mentioned last week that I went to see the show but wanted to come back to shamelessly plug the show, which is AWESOME! This is the second time I’ve seen it and it made me laugh just as much as the first time. Also, I must brag about one of the performers- Jordan Gelber- who was a friend of mine from high school. Its amazing to see someone you used to socialize with dancing and singing on a Broadway stage! Here’s some info on Jordan and his career…

When I saw Jordan for coffee several years back, he told me was in an off-Broadway show that he described as something like the Muppets for adults. He said I would love it. Flash forward, and there was Jordan and cast, including the puppets, dancing on the Tony Awards. How amazing is that! And when I saw the show for the first time, he was right. It was great.

This post-college coming of age story is something that every liberal arts grad (like myself and Erin) can relate to. Starting with the musical number “What Can You Do with a BA in English?” and educating everyone on the fact that “The Internet is for Porn,” the show makes you laugh from start to finish in a creative, humorous manner so often missing from other Broadway shows.

I highly recommend that you check it out if you haven’t already and send my best to Jordan. He’s great!

Firstly, I am sorry to have neglected our blog for so long. Trust me, once I get through tomorrow night, I’ll have much to say.

And secondly, Marti Beth, I am sorry to inform you that the lax dress code you witnessed is not just limited to Broadway. Last month, I attended a black-tie-optional wedding at a temple outside of Washington, DC. I am further sorry to tell you that there was more than one man there in Dockers. Oh yes, Dockers.

I understand that black tie is a PITA. I get it. Never mind that guys have the option to rent this attire, while most of us women purchase the garb needed for these events….(it’s our own fault that we don’t turn to the few places that rent women’s formal wear). HOWEVER, for the love of Pete, wear a suit. Wear a sportcoat. Wear a TIE, at the very, very, very, very least. I don’t understand the reluctance of people to dress appropriately, especially when appropriate attire is outlined for you in the invitation.

Peripherally, while I’m not a religious woman, let me also say that if I go to any house of worship, I’m not going in shorts or jeans. I can’t tell you how many Masses I went to with Jackass where people (including Jackass) were sporting their best OP courduroy shorts.

And so, I am with you. Up with appropriate attire, my friend!