WO: Weekly Obsessions
I’m in New York for a few days, thanks to an incredible opportunity to represent my company at Advertising Week. It’s been a whirlwind visit, from attending nearly 20 sessions to seeing family and longtime friends during “downtime.” There also happens to be a very important game tonight for my beloved Yankees.
Among the many insights, pull quotes and takeaways from this week, one particular lesson keeps replaying in my head. It comes from none other than the Fresh Prince himself, Will Smith.
Smith has been a household name for decades but only recently has had the chance to create content purely for himself. The man is an icon for many reasons, but the essence of his spirit is captured for millions of viewers in a fun, thought-provoking YouTube channel.
From online dating to bungee jumping out of a helicopter over the Grand Canyon — yeah — it’s no wonder he’ll remain a joy to watch for years to come.
Now, please excuse me while I go pump some “Gettin’ Jiggy With It” 🎶 na na na na na na na 🎵
WO: Weekly Obsessions
It could be my packed personal and professional lives or the fact that I’m just coming out of a Benadryl fog, but hump day came way too quickly this week. Here’s hoping the next few hundred words are somewhat coherent 😉
- Dita Von Teese: The queen of burlesque brought her “Strip, Strip Hooray!” show to SF this week, and I had the pleasure of going last night. From jewel-encrusted lingerie to breathtaking choreography and a hilarious emcee, it did not disappoint. My only note would be to get balcony seats next time, for the best view of a spectacular show.
- Baseball’s Back: I’m a little late to the game (ha!) on this one, but I’m pumped for the return of America’s pastime. Bonus: We have a teambuilding outing at tomorrow’s game, and I can’t wait to be back in the bleachers of AT&T Park. Disclaimer: I’m still — first and foremost — a Yankees fan. But I have local pride and will support the Giants so long as they’re not in the World Series against the Yanks… because then it’s a win-win-win anyway.
- Calm: I have a confession, you guys: I have a hard time relaxing. I know, I know — you’re shocked. This meditation app has helped me over the past month or so to focus for 10–20 minutes a day on just being. Meditation wasn’t really my thing, but I’m sufficiently hooked and enjoying the practice of letting things go.
- “Let It Go” – James Bay: (Speaking of) Not to be confused with the impossible-to-escape Frozen soundtrack, this song simply touches my heart and is a clear, calming reminder of love lost. I’m a little biased since I’m seeing him in concert Friday night, but I think you’ll like this one… maybe even more than “Hold Back the River.”
Images courtesy of: Goldstar, SF Giants, Google Play, Wikipedia
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Pardon my delayed post, but as you read on you’ll see I have a very good excuse! Get it while the getting’s good.
- Brother’s Birthday: My big bro turns 32 today, and though we may not be celebrating together, he must be having a great one. Yankees are up (as of this writing), cold beers are abundant and he’s got an amazing little family who loves him so. 143, Moose!
- HAWAII: I’ve been up for 13 hours, but that’s not stopping the excitement. I set sail tomorrow for a 10-day cruise around the Hawaiian Islands and up to Vancouver. If this first picture is any indication, it’s gonna be a good one.
- Disney Cruise Lines: I know, I know. This is so off-brand for me. But, when your friend’s friend hooks you up with a dream vacation at a fraction of the price, you say, “Let it go” and jump aboard. I’m super stoked, to say the least.
- Fifth Harmony – “Worth It”: This song keeps popping up everywhere lately. A co-worker first introduced me to it, and then it’s been all over Spotify and, most recently, the Miss America pageant. I’m not ashamed to say I’m really feeling it.
Images courtesy of: Facebook, Mah iPhone, Font Meme, Music Notes Download
WO: Weekly Obsessions
The week ahead will be nothing short of exciting: I go back to Florida on Friday to celebrate my cousin’s engagement and, later, my 10-year high school reunion. Crazy to think how fast time flies — but I couldn’t be more excited to see family and longtime friends. Till then, here’s what’s really got me going 😉
- Plank: This Oakland hotspot is basically an adult version of Chuck E. Cheese, which was perfect for my company’s summer outing last week. We played arcade games and life-size Jenga, enjoyed tasty tacos and drinks, and even had a flipbook photo booth!
- “Minions”: Some friends who love these little yellow guys coordinated movie night for us, and I have to admit, it was an adorable affair. I still don’t quite believe Sandra Bullock as a villain, but stranger things have happened. I highly recommend going to a 21+ showing to avoid the kiddo crowd.
- Ladies & Gentlemen, the Bronx Is Burning: This detailed account of New York City life in 1977 was high on my to-read list, and I finally dedicated enough time to get through it. From the iconic Reggie Jackson to the historic Koch v. Cuomo campaign, the book is brimming with fascinating facts and figures.
- “You Really Got Me” – The Kinks: Since “Minions” was set in the ‘60s, it’s only fitting that the soundtrack be full of revived rock ‘n roll. One of my personal faves, forever and always, is this sticky-sweet jam. Rock on \m/
Images courtesy of: Twitter, Image Romeo, Amazon, Kinda Kinks
WO: Weekly Obsessions
It’s been a crazy, fun week having my college bestie in SF — we traipsed all over this town and managed to keep some wineries in business, too.
All that fun has amounted to sheer exhaustion so instead of four finds, I have just one this week: The Oakland A’s hosted my Yankees and introduced me to the Bernie Lean. Lazy or not, I think you’ll find it’s deserving of its very own WO.
Grown men dancing + “Weekend at Bernie’s II” + rap lyrics = pure gold.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Welp, I know how Jeter must feel … this farewell tour has been exhausting.
But I’m so thankful for my supportive family and friends who’ve put up with me these last few weeks — I promise, the dragon lady will be extinct once I’m settled in San Fran!
Till then, let’s celebrate these four final New York obsessions:
- MTA: Oh, how I love to hate you. But when it’s all said and done, I am honestly amazed that 9.5 million people are transported via the subway, buses, LIRR, and Metro-North. Keep on keepin on’, Old Faithful.
- Times Square: See above re: love to hate. My NY experience would be nothing without the absolutely insane environment I face every workday. It’s magical to tourists for a reason, and I hope to enjoy visiting it in the future.
- Allison Turns 1!: OK, so she doesn’t live in New York, but she was born a Yankees fan so that totally counts. My favorite niece has brought nothing but joy and wonder to our family, and I can’t wait to celebrate many more years of her being adorable.
- DE-REK JE-TER: I searched the archives and have not specifically called out The Captain as an obsession. So there. His final home game is tomorrow, and his last at-bat will be in Boston Sunday. Regardless of wins and losses, I have nothing but love for my first-ever celebrity crush. Enjoy retirement, Jetes. You know where to find me.
Images courtesy of: Twitter, The Jet Life, Facebook, Just Jared
WO: Weekly Obsessions
Today is the best day.
It doesn’t matter that my foot was smashed on the train. Or that a guy I was connecting with on Tinder turned out to be a creep (shocking!). Or that I had five hours of meetings.
Today is the best day, because I’m going to my first Yankees game of the season! They’ve played two without me, and I’m experiencing my first case of FOMO. Well, fear no more. Today is the best day.
- The Hudson Bond: Before the game, I’m hitting a quick work happy hour at this midtown spot. The weather is finally breaking, and we’ll be able to enjoy its patio even more in the coming months.
- Yankees Home Games: The smell, the sounds, the sights — I’m clearly more than excited for my first visit back to the Bronx since September.
- Brother Jimmy’s BBQ: Once inside, I have to hit up this chain’s amazing concession stand. I’ve been dreaming of the fried pickles for months, I tell you!
- “The Boys Are Back in Town” – Thin Lizzy: Well, duh. It’s no coincidence that this monster ballad has played on loop in my head all day. Let’s get ‘em, Yanks!
Images courtesy of: The Hudson Bond, Valley News, CBS New York, Amazon
WO: Weekly Obsessions
If you’re expecting some sort of social commentary on the Trayvon Martin case, you’re in the wrong place. All I will publicly say about it is that I’m not a lawyer and my home state of Florida sure knows how to make a scene. What I’m happy to share, instead, are these four feel-good finds:
- Baby Fever: Real tweet from yours truly — “Everyone’s off getting engaged, married or pregnant and I’m over here like: Which bars can we get kicked out of tonight?” In all seriousness, I get to celebrate the upcoming arrival of two babies this week*: My boss’s and my sister-in-law’s! Bring on the goofy games and endless desserts 🙂
- Ice Pops: I like to kick it old school from time to time, particularly when I’m waiting for A/C to be installed and dying a slow death. Enter your favorite childhood treat, and all is well … until you cut your mouth, of course. Sweet victory.
- MLB All-Star Week 2013: This year’s celebration is in good ol’ NYC, causing a flurry of tourists and events to my new home. The Home Run Derby offered plenty of entertainment, but I could have done without the parade. Morning reroutes and being trapped in the office for lunch were not so fun.
- “Enter Sandman” – Metallica: The best reliever in the history of baseball was part of his final All-Star team, helping to secure a win for the American League. This hardcore hit is the future first ballot Hall of Famer’s entrance song — a perfect fit for this badass and All-Star Game MVP.
Images courtesy of: Mah iPhone, tumblr, IBAF, Jane Heller
*I hear there’s a royal baby on the way, but I’m just not interested. Kid probably will have a normal name and definitely won’t be as sassy as Suri.
WO: Weekly Obsessions
It’s been one helluva week in news, what with Amanda Bynes’s continued meltdown and two other attention whores naming their kid North West. I’m sorry, you thought I meant real news? Psh posh. Today’s top stories:
- “Catfish: The TV Show”: I seriously hate myself for getting hooked, but there was a marathon leading to last night’s Season 2 premiere and I just couldn’t stop. Damn you, Internet, for making this show possible!
- Wil Myers: Although he plays for the Rays, this kid (yeah, 22!) has made quite the debut. His Grand Slam against my Yankees Saturday was his first major-league homer. He then went home to hit a HR against Toronto and help snap their 11-game streak. Not bad!
- Aubrey Plaza: Obviously, I love her on Parks & Rec, but today is also her birthday. So for that, I salute her. Even if she had a total WTF? moment on live TV.
- “Rouse Yourself” – JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound: The birthday girl stars with Human Grumpy Cat Jake Johnson in this funky fresh music video. The song is dark but dreamy; stick through the whole video — the surprise ending is worth it.
And for you dedicated readers, I apologize for the lack of posts lately. Some personal issues have diverted my attention, but I promise to get back on track soon. Thanks for sticking with me!
WO: Weekly Obsessions
It’s been a hellish few days of crap-tacular catastrophes, but I’m still standing. I know, I’m surprised too. What better way to celebrate than with a Yankee, milestone, bottle of vino and scorned-woman anthem? Let’s get to it:
- Raúl Ibañez: My hero, my muse. Though he struck out last night to end a nail-biter against Detroit, the Yankees wouldn’t even be in the ALDS without him. I still believe in you, champ.
- Blogiversary: I’ve been so wrapped up in the MLB playoffs and FFL and insertacronymhere, I totally missed the 2-year birthday of Wittyburg.com! I’m gonna make a great parent. Thank you, a million times over, for taking part — whether you’re just joining or have been here since day one.
- Mark West Pinot Noir: I couldn’t quite believe I’d never nodded to the best Red of all time,* but I double-checked through my billions of posts.* Smooth, rich and slightly sweet, Mark West has all you need for a perfect boyfriend.
- “You Don’t Own Me”: Thank God for countless replays of “The First Wives Club” on Oxygen, so I could be reminded of SJP’s second-greatest work. The closing scene with Midler, Keaton and Hawn belting this jam gets me every time.
Doesn’t it just make you want to buy a white suit? No? Weird.
*This may be a slight exaggeration.
Images courtesy of: Bronx Baseball Daily, Beantown Boogiedown, Chicago Foodies, L.A. Times Blog
Wittyburg.com 