Making Spirits Bright

I went Christmas shopping last night and I hated it just as much as I remember. Everything about it irritates me: the crowds, the lines, all the annoying Christmas music and the vapid look on my face as I try to figure out what to buy. At one point I may have even started crying. It was rough, especially for someone who abhores shopping in the first place. So how do I make it better? Good beer. Usually I drink domestic beer at home, but last night I stopped and bought a six-pack of Warsteiner beer to make it all better, and the next time I go shopping, I will probably do the same. I think this may be why Christmastime is so expensive.

Wedding Party Professional

Last week it became official: My sister asked me to serve as her "best man" for her ceremony in June when she marries her girlfriend of nine years. This is such an honor, and I am so proud to have been chosen. On top of that, I don't know of anyone else who has gotten to serve as both a maid of honor and best man in the span of eighteen months. If you want to go back ever further, I was a flower girl twenty-five years ago for my aunt's wedding. If you, or anyone you know have gaps in your wedding party, I can obviously fill almost any of them.

This Whole Non-Smoking Thing Is Killing Me...

...or at least it was. Apparently word has not reached many fine establishments that there is a smoking ban in order. Last week I suffered through the ban in the bitter cold, which is best exemplified with a quote from a friend: "I felt worse after smoking four cigarettes outside than had I smoked a whole pack inside." It was rough going until last night when I frequented more than one bar, including one which uses cups as ashtrays, where I was able to smoke inside. So if you want to find me, you will have to go a little farther west (See: Lakewood). I am like the Carmen San Diego of Smoking in Cleveland.

In other news, the fantasy football gods slapped us a hard dose of irony last night. Last year we won our championship when Thomas Jones came through with a big game against Green Bay and gave us enough points to win our game. This year we were knocked out of the playoffs because Thomas Jones had another big game. This season however he played for our opponent and was not on our team. Alas the season is over.

(Insert moment of silence for fantasy football season here)

Black (Lung) Thursday

Bright Side Of The Smoking Ban

There really is a bright side to the smoking ban. My co-worker just opened my eyes to one of the few perks. The first major perk, which I already knew about, will be the amount of money I am going to save by not going out as much. I know that seems crazy, but it's true. I am going to go out a lot less, because, well I don't like to drink and not smoke. Also it gets cold in Ohio and I don't see myself standing outside of bars all winter. This brings me to the point my co-worker brought up. As many of you know, I am not prone to turning up my heat. I have been keeping my apartment at a balmy 52 degrees, and I am ok with this, but it does get a little chilly at night (see picture). My smart co-worker told me to think about how much warmer your apartment is going to be at the same temperature if you are standing outside smoking at night. This is true. I may even be able to lose the stocking hat.

Holiday Greetings From The Annex

Posted on msnbc.com this week:
“Are you really spreading holiday cheer with the annual letters?”

Then it got me thinking…

Holiday (censored) Letter From The Annex

Holiday Greetings from the Annex! It has been quite a year for us! In January we will be celebrating one year of existence, so I guess you could say it has been our best year yet.

Mark moved in at the beginning of January and things have been entertaining ever since. From xxxxxxxxxxxx to xxxxxxxxxxx, things have been a little wild at times, but we have all grown from our experiences. There were the times this year when xxxxxxxx happened, but thankfully everyone is still in one piece. It wouldn’t be a holiday letter if I didn’t mention xxxxxxxxxxx, so for those of you that remember that evening, thanks for the memories. Nonetheless, we have had a great time and we have grown a lot in the past year. We just wanted to wish everyone a happy holiday season.

Happy Holidays,
The Annex

Smoking Tour '06...Where Were You?

What a week...what a weekend! This past week was fabulous, minus the fact that my fantasty football team took a turn for the worse, but you can't win 'em all.

Apparently I am on my very own Smoking Tour '06. With only four days left, I have tried to stop and have a cigarette in as many establishments in Cleveland as possible. Actually this wasn't done on purpose, but by Saturday I realized that I have made stops over the past couple days at: The Winking Lizard, The Old Angle, Bounce, McNamara's, Touch Supper Club and Melted and I still have four more days. Four more days. Ugh. Ok, enough about the smoking ban.

This weekend I got to go see the live version of Rocky Horror Picture Show at Cleveland Public Theatre compliments of Mindy. I am not the biggest fan of the movie, but the play was done really well as everyone in the show actually stole the show. Afterwards there were drinks and yummy food from Halite with the cast. Saturday was an adventure as I went to my favorite annual party in Cleveland. This year was crazier than ever with what seemed like hundreds of people showing up to get down. The host goes all out by hiring a DJ and poker dealers while inviting a very funny diverse crowd. I always feel like I am in a movie when I attend because of all the interersting characters I encounter. Sunday was peaceful. The annex cooked steak and eggs due to the fact that The Old Angle wasn't open yet and then I fell asleep after the Browns scored their first touchdown and woke up in time to catch them win in overtime. It was perfect. I should do that more often.

Catch me if you can at your favorite smoking establishment this week.