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Or to put it in the past, we could call it an Xzibit pumpkin. “Yo Dawg, We heard you liked pumpkins so we straight up carved a pumpkin on your pumpkin” – I could just imagine the photo op.

Ape for Apples

Just a quick post to link to some photos showcasing the outdoorsy fun we’ve been enjoying during this lovely season: Fall!

An Apple Picking We Will Go

Over the weekend, Justin and I went apple picking, wine tasting, stopped by a dairy for some fresh bread and cheese, and even spotted a baby black bear!  It was awesome!  I also go to sleep in on Saturday, which was brilliant and much needed.

Setting Up Camp

Rugged Campers With Our Air Mattresses

The weekend before last, we went camping with some friends (Olivia, Alex, and Marisa) in Clarence Fahnestock State Park.  We also brought along Ruby and Eve.  Olivia was accompanied by her pup Winston.  Good times – even if our Hyundai was a little weighed down!

We sat around the campfire until the wee hours of the morning.  We hiked.  We roasted marshmallows.  Good times were had.  Marisa and I saved the day by jogging two miles down a windy road, mostly uphill, to locate our car.  Yah, we’re tough.

Enjoy the photos!

Five days until mine and Justin’s fifth anniversary!

Camping in Taconic State Park

The Sunday of Labor Day weekend, Justin and I loaded up our two pups and headed north with the intent to camp.  Naturally, we made no campsite reservations what with it being one of the busiest camping days of the year and all.  We hoped to grab a spot at Taconic State Park.  Oddly enough, luck was on our side!  Not only did we receive the last available dog-friendly spot, our neighbors never showed up!  We ended up having a fairly private campsite at the far end of the park near the singular puppy friendly hiking trail. Yay!

Check out our photos and videos >>

View Justin’s video – The Running of the Pups! YouTube | Vimeo

Should you go, this stuff is definitely worth checking out:

• The now abandoned Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center which has been purchased with the intent to transform the property into The Knolls of Dover (I found video and photos inside the Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center).
• Rosemary’s Texas Tacos – This woman has bright purple hair and zany makeup!  The tacos were okay, the sweet tea was delicious, and the interior decor was other worldly.  Check out Rosemary’s Myspace for fun images and general insanity.
• Bash Bish Falls State Park – super beautiful falls!  This park was a perfect stop for us because we were able to take the puppies on a little hike before driving all the way back to NYC.  Check out the park’s website or read an article about it if you’re up for it.
• Taconic State Park – of course! It was nice and peaceful, and I expect we’ll head back someday!  Check out the park’s Wikipedia entry. :)

Tetris Art

Congrats for turning 25 and still being just as awesome! Thanks for inspiring artists to make sculptures that I want to take photos of. And thanks for the hours of addicting entertainment you have provided to me and many friends. Listen to the theme music for old time’s sake. Other Tetris theme songs.

Google Homepage

From Russia with Fun Media Coverage:
25 Years of Tetris: From Russia With Fun! (TIME)
Have a Block Party: Tetris turns 25 (Chicago Tribune)
Tetris: Rock around the Blocks (Globe and Mail)
Computer game Tetris celebrates 25 years (Telegraph)

What is a hero if he is not rich?

Create your own work of art with internet magnetic poetry.

Cherry Vodka

Justin and I went to a small party at our friends’ house on Saturday night (I am not naming names as I don’t want to incriminate anyone).  Wine and cherry vodka flowed, good times were had, and the night rapidly turned into a blur. 9 hours later I crawled into bed.

One thing Justin loves to do the day after I get very drunk is remind me of the foolish things I did or said. He also likes to find out what parts of the night vanish into my mental abyss.  I often entrust Justin with my welfare when we go out and alcohol is involved.  I believe that, when inebriated, Justin will steer me away from potentially damaging situations.  Imagine my surprise when Sunday rolled around and Justin told me that I engaged in an event I don’t even remember!

Gracious Hosts - Mark and Olivia

We played Pictionary?  Seriously?  Ok… I know.  I have now revealed to you what my “drunk ass did” that I don’t remember.  Can you believe how INSANE my life is?  It’s true.  There was really nothing incriminating about a game of Pictionary.  There were no high stakes, no stripping off of clothes.  It was a wholesome board game night, people!  Alcohol is an evil mistress.  If I were someone else, that story would have been waaay juicier.  In all fairness, I do vaguely remember the components of Pictionary being laid out on the table.  That’s about it.   Obviously I was kidding about not naming names.  Thanks for having us over, Olivia and Mark!!!  Pictures of game night >>

Taboo!

The night began innocently enough with delicious snacks and a round of Last Word followed by Cranium.  By the end of the night we were rocking out to Guns N Roses and discussing the possibilities of ocean creatures fitting into an insect catagory.  Apparently they don’t, no matter how passionately you argue the case.  *cough cough*

As you might have guessed, I was pretty useless all day Sunday.  I ate half a pizza for breakfast and remained planted in front of the TV for the majority of the day until I finally dragged myself into the shower around 8 or 9 PM. Who knew board game nights could get so wild and have such dire hangovers as consequences?  All in all, I had a great night.  Next time I’ll just have to remember to practice moderation.

Tonight, Justin and I took a very short (20 question) personality test.  The results seemed pretty accurate.  I hope you take this test and share your results by leaving a comment.  Below are ours (I’ve taken the liberty to bold areas that seem particularly applicable).

Vanessa – Big Thinker

Outspoken, ingenious and bored by routine. Think of themselves as talkative, curious and self-sufficient. May neglect the routine work required to make their plans successful. Big Thinkers are always looking for the next big idea or opportunity. They’re adept at spotting trends and thinking on their feet. Big Thinkers like to jump in and find innovative solutions to complex problems and are good at developing strategies for the future.  Big Thinkers are usually curious, logical and energetic. This chatty group enjoys a good debate and asserting their opinions. Sometimes others may find the way they express their ideas too abrupt or challenging.  In situations where they can’t use their talents or are unappreciated, Big Thinkers may be rude, critical of others or rebellious. Under extreme stress, Big Thinkers can become preoccupied with unimportant details and lose sight of the ‘big picture’. Big Thinkers may ignore important details in their plans and overlook the impact their ideas have on the people around them.  The entrepreneurial spirit of the Big Thinkers often leads them to seek new challenges; this is often more important to them than working in a particular field or a specific career.

Justin – Resolver

Good at getting to the heart of a problem and quickly finding a solution. Make rational decisions using the facts available. Think of themselves as understanding, stable and easy-going. May focus on short-term results and lose sight of the big picture. Resolvers are independent people who quietly learn how things work by analyzing large amounts of information. Should a problem arise, they solve it with as little fuss as possible. Resolvers are only interested in abstract ideas, if they can be used to solve a problem quickly. Resolvers like to take risks: Many of them seek jobs and pastimes that put them in harms way and guarantee an adrenaline rush.  Resolvers are often tolerant of behavior different to their own as long as their values aren’t compromised. They sometimes give the impression that they agree with other peoples’ viewpoints because they don’t actively disagree. In situations where they can’t use their talents or are unappreciated, Resolvers may become cynical, negatively critical or put off decisions. Under extreme stress, Resolvers could be prone to inappropriate, tearful outbursts.  Resolvers are quiet and sometimes it is difficult to get to know them; however, they often talk freely about subjects they understand well. Resolvers are often drawn to hands-on jobs that require an analytical mind and careful organization of large amounts of data.

Take this test and find out your personality type now! >>

Today, a StumbleUpon friend of mine sent me a blog entry of his that is in the same vein.  He is an extraordinarily prolific writer and I enjoy reading his pieces when they’re brough to my attention.  Check out this short story of his that allows you a glimpse of Dublin’s less illustrious side.  His blog post today is about how he’ll write and mail you a piece of poetry (or a rant if you’d prefer)… I’d probably prefer a rant myself, but I’m open.  No one has ever written poetry for me.  It might be nice.  :)  At any rate, I really think you should take him up on his offer.  How often do you get meaningful snail mail, especially of the artistic variety?

This is Art - Thao and Vanessa at the Waldorf Astoria

Last Tuesday, Thao invited me to attend the Project ALS gala held at the Waldorf Astoria. Since she works for Viacom, sometimes these random opportunities appear out of the blue. Ben Stiller was hosting and it sounded like a good time plus we both got to get dressed up!

Though the subject matter was quite sad, Ben Stiller and Sarah Silverman were hilarious, the food was good, and the wine flowed unceasingly. After the event, Thao and I wandered the halls of the Waldorf Astoria, literally, and took a bunch of photos. I hope you enjoy the photos of our drunken wanderings as much as we enjoyed taking them!