These are the kinds of photos that José emails me when he's out and about getting things done in the city. They're usually sent without any text, maybe just the subject line "DOGS."
30 September 2011
José Knows Me
These are the kinds of photos that José emails me when he's out and about getting things done in the city. They're usually sent without any text, maybe just the subject line "DOGS."
29 September 2011
Shopping is Never an Easy Venture
Today I went to pick up some wine and champagne for a Bachelorette Party that we're hosting at my apartment tonight. Katie is getting married on Saturday and we plan to celebrate her last days as a singleton with plenty of bubbly and guacamole (although I should probably stay away from the champagne as I overdid it at the weekend).
Shopping for certain things in Argentina is always an adventure. Underwear, for example. Sure it's a strange thing to discuss, but it's such a bizarre experience anytime I walk into a shop here. Everything is hidden away in boxes - it's not like Victoria's Secret (clearly not the most dignified of shops in the US, but something everyone can use as a reference point) where underpinnings are laid out on tables and hanging from little racks. In Buenos Aires, everything is folded into a small cardboard box so you have to ask for assistance any and every time you want to see something. They have catalogs that you can peruse to pick out things you like - mind you, the models are busty, curvaceous and almost always in ridiculous situations (like dressed as flight attendants, well, inside a plane, but dressed in a leather bra and garter set). When the sales assistant is an older man, things get interesting. Just try to imagine yourself in this situation and you'll see why I bring all of my lingerie and unmentionables in from the United States.
Across the street from underpantsland is the neighborhood grocery store. I go here several times a week and prefer to give them my patronage over the big chain (Disco) that always puts me in a bad mood. It's like their cashiers make an effort to be insanely slow when in the check out process. Eline (the small market) has friendly staff, a good fruit/veg selection and a semi-creepy butcher who knows how to wield a sharp knife. I went in today to get the wine and champagne but was bummed when I realized that their selection was pretty limited. I almost abandoned my semi-full cart in order to go to Disco with a heavy heart, but I bought 90% of what I needed there and then started Part 2 of my shopping saga. I got a few bottles of white wine at Disco and donezo.
It's impossible to estimate how long you'll be gone running errands - a simple trip to the market could take more than an hour if you go at a peak time or your cashier is totally useless. Picking up a few simple pairs of underwear leads to an opening of Pandora's box (semi-literally) as you rifle through tiny cardboard boxes of individually packed thongs/boyshorts/briefs/etc.
Oh, Argentina ...
Shopping for certain things in Argentina is always an adventure. Underwear, for example. Sure it's a strange thing to discuss, but it's such a bizarre experience anytime I walk into a shop here. Everything is hidden away in boxes - it's not like Victoria's Secret (clearly not the most dignified of shops in the US, but something everyone can use as a reference point) where underpinnings are laid out on tables and hanging from little racks. In Buenos Aires, everything is folded into a small cardboard box so you have to ask for assistance any and every time you want to see something. They have catalogs that you can peruse to pick out things you like - mind you, the models are busty, curvaceous and almost always in ridiculous situations (like dressed as flight attendants, well, inside a plane, but dressed in a leather bra and garter set). When the sales assistant is an older man, things get interesting. Just try to imagine yourself in this situation and you'll see why I bring all of my lingerie and unmentionables in from the United States.
Across the street from underpantsland is the neighborhood grocery store. I go here several times a week and prefer to give them my patronage over the big chain (Disco) that always puts me in a bad mood. It's like their cashiers make an effort to be insanely slow when in the check out process. Eline (the small market) has friendly staff, a good fruit/veg selection and a semi-creepy butcher who knows how to wield a sharp knife. I went in today to get the wine and champagne but was bummed when I realized that their selection was pretty limited. I almost abandoned my semi-full cart in order to go to Disco with a heavy heart, but I bought 90% of what I needed there and then started Part 2 of my shopping saga. I got a few bottles of white wine at Disco and donezo.
It's impossible to estimate how long you'll be gone running errands - a simple trip to the market could take more than an hour if you go at a peak time or your cashier is totally useless. Picking up a few simple pairs of underwear leads to an opening of Pandora's box (semi-literally) as you rifle through tiny cardboard boxes of individually packed thongs/boyshorts/briefs/etc.
Oh, Argentina ...
28 September 2011
Awkward School Portraits
September is an appropriate month to recall those days of elementary and middle school portraits that caused so many of us anguish. Documenting our most unflattering years in all their glory, these photos could then be ordered in any variety of formats: magnets, gigantic headshots, stickers!!! However bad my pictures seemed to be at the time, nothing can top these images ... Thanks to NBC for the slideshow
Welcome EPK!
My friend Eileen finally started a little bloglet of her own to document her musings on life, culture and politics in Buenos Aires. She's down here working with Unilever on some cool projects that I don't even understand, so I won't try to explain.
Eileen is the friend that everyone wants to have around: She's totally nuts (in a good way, of course), is always up for anything and is like a breath of fresh air. You can count on her when you want to go out dancing, when you're hunting for Super 8 film, or when you just want to have a great time. She also understands the value of documenting your youth and beauty before you blink and are 40. For that, I salute her.
Check out her blog: EPK in BA to see what she's up to.
Eileen is the friend that everyone wants to have around: She's totally nuts (in a good way, of course), is always up for anything and is like a breath of fresh air. You can count on her when you want to go out dancing, when you're hunting for Super 8 film, or when you just want to have a great time. She also understands the value of documenting your youth and beauty before you blink and are 40. For that, I salute her.
Check out her blog: EPK in BA to see what she's up to.
27 September 2011
A Few Snaps from the Birthday Fete
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| Las mujeres |
Saturday night we rang in my 25th year with friends, guacamole, and lots (& lots) of champagne. It had been ages since we'd had a Basavilbaso Fiesta and it was so much fun! Our closest American, Argie and even some Italians all came over for the night. You could say it was a success: I spent my entire Sunday whining and being semi-dead (when I wasn't eating a leftover bowl of guacamole. Nice move).
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| Lovely gentlemen |
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| Fighting off squint-eyes |
José's cousin Miguel took some pictures and it seems like only a few show us in our best light! So here they are.
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| lovefest |
22 September 2011
Heart of Hearts
I love this whimsical and happy jar that I found on Tipple and Snack (my favorite Etsy shop). It would make such a fun engagement gift or housewarming present. To be frank I'd much rather keep it for myself and use it for fresh minty lemonade (hooray Springtime!)
Dinner at Casa Mun
On Saturday night we dined at Casa Mun for the second time. Closed door restaurants are picking up a lot of steam here in Buenos Aires, and while Casa Mun has only been in business since March, they're booked way in advance and are already outgrowing their space. Not only does it make me so happy to see expats doing well (and doing what they love), but also to able to enjoy such incredible Asian food is a real treat!
It seems that every day another sushi place pops up, or perhaps some Asian/Latin fusion restaurant promising unique and distinct flavors. Most of the time, with very few exceptions, these places fall flat. They're missing something.
Casa Mun has all of that taken care of. You really do feel at home the minute you walk in the door, greeted by Agustina and Cary while Chef Mun is working his magic in the kitchen. The champagne starts to flow, you meet your dinnermates (no more than 16 people total), and the excitement surrounding the meal to come builds.
It seems that every day another sushi place pops up, or perhaps some Asian/Latin fusion restaurant promising unique and distinct flavors. Most of the time, with very few exceptions, these places fall flat. They're missing something.
Casa Mun has all of that taken care of. You really do feel at home the minute you walk in the door, greeted by Agustina and Cary while Chef Mun is working his magic in the kitchen. The champagne starts to flow, you meet your dinnermates (no more than 16 people total), and the excitement surrounding the meal to come builds.
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| Crispy Rice ... mmmmmm |
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| Albacore Sashimi - Crispy Onions were a real treat |
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| Sushi Course -No cream cheese here |
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| The Crown Jewel - Fiery Fish Tacos - Yes, please! |
This month Casa Mun offered a totally pescatarian menu - Japanese Soba Noodle Soup (with homemade shiitake broth), Albacore Sashimi topped with Crispy Onions, Sushi Course: Chilean Salmon & Ecuadorian Shrimp Maki Sushi and Spicy Tuna on Pan Fried Crispy Rice (Crispy Rice = Paradise). The final course were the Fiery Fish Tacos - topped with an insane wasabi-jalapeño guacamole. My mouth is watering as I write this. Dessert was a perfect porteño touch - brownie with merengue and fresh fruit. (All photos taken from the Casa Mun website)
Each course is paired with wines chosen by Cary - the wine guru - and are served generously while you dine away. More wine is for sale, "If you get thirsty," which is basically the story of my life.
Casa Mun has been written up all over the place now, and on Trip Advisor they're one of the highest ranking restaurants in the city! What I love the most is how welcome they make you feel: The first time we ate there, Cary and I got to talking about dogs and then suddenly Mimi the Goldendoodle (so beautiful - she reminded me of Bella!!!) came bounding down the stairs and we ended up rolling around together, fighting over her tennis ball. This was obviously repeated last Saturday night. I almost put Mimi in the car. No, really.
Chef Mun and Cary are really special people. They love what they do and that is reflected in every element of the Casa Mun experience. This past time, we were a large group celebrating our birthdays, so I didn't get a chance to meet lots of new people .... But next time I'd almost be tempted to go just with José and to sit at different tables. There's always an eclectic and interesting crowd gathered around the table at Casa Mun, and it's guaranteed to be an experience that you won't soon forget.
21 September 2011
Feliz Cumple, Flaquito
Happy Birthday to you, Josey! Flaco, Flaquito, Jirafa, Amor de mi vida.
No te puedo decir mucho, ya que te puse todo en la carta que te escribí esta mañana. Gracias por ser mi mejor amigo, que linda será compartir miles de proyectos, viajes, y experiencias de la vida juntos. Siempre juntitos. Quizás con algún puppy tirado por ahí también. Nunca se sabe.
Ahí van 2 canciones que me recuerdan de vos y de nuestra vida. Te quiero. Feliz Día !
No te puedo decir mucho, ya que te puse todo en la carta que te escribí esta mañana. Gracias por ser mi mejor amigo, que linda será compartir miles de proyectos, viajes, y experiencias de la vida juntos. Siempre juntitos. Quizás con algún puppy tirado por ahí también. Nunca se sabe.
Cat Yodeling
Cats scare me (because they always seem to want to attack me, sensing my fear), but I am not ashamed to proclaim my love for weird cat videos ... I mean, who doesn't enjoy watching these things? Regardless, Advanced Cat Yodeling cracks me up because my dear Godmumsy Carolee used to make her Lily squeal and yodel like a feline accordion. For some reason I find this utterly hilarious. So I decided to let you all in on the fun. Once you start, you just can't stop.
20 September 2011
The Rug(s) of my Dreams
Today I finally spent some time in Mihran, one of my favorite design stores in Buenos Aires. Strolling along Arenales street, you're often faced with the exact. same. stuff. in every single store. Modern, minimalist, eco-cuero, red/black/white combinations, white faux leather upholstered furniture ...
It makes my heart hurt. Where is the originality? Where is the innovation? I don't want to feel like I'm living in some cheap knock-off Miami bachelor pad.
Stepping into Mihran was a nice treat. Owned by a Turkish man, the shop imports incredible rugs, kilims (both antique and new), Middle Eastern textiles and some furniture. I was basically rolling around on the rugs by the time I left. Here is a photo of the rug I want for the living room. Actually, it's not the exact same rug but it's a very similar design with lots of indigo. I am nuts for indigo. I want to bathe in it.
I found another, smaller, rug that would be perfect for our TV room (aka the Brown Boudoir. Just thought of that but hey, pretty clever. Nahhht). It's really interesting visually and has some brighter colors in it but is rooted in brownish tones. If that were to be the only thing changed in the TV room, it would be enough!
Now hoping I can convince Josey of how lovely they are ... I think they speak for themselves.
It makes my heart hurt. Where is the originality? Where is the innovation? I don't want to feel like I'm living in some cheap knock-off Miami bachelor pad.
I found another, smaller, rug that would be perfect for our TV room (aka the Brown Boudoir. Just thought of that but hey, pretty clever. Nahhht). It's really interesting visually and has some brighter colors in it but is rooted in brownish tones. If that were to be the only thing changed in the TV room, it would be enough!
Now hoping I can convince Josey of how lovely they are ... I think they speak for themselves.
18 September 2011
Random Inspiration
Photos culled from Elle Decor's website ... Ideas that I wish could magically become reality in the blink of an eye! I love this gray/lavender mix, and the French settee upholstered in different textiles drives me wild! I'm green with envy.
So. Sad.
There's nothing I love more than getting lost in a bookshop, resisting temptation to buy more tomes than I know what to do with ... I cannot imagine relying on digital e-books! I value José's father's 2,000+ book library much more now. Perhaps one day books will be more valuable than gold, since they might be just as scarce.
The Bath of My Dreams
15 September 2011
Would you like some cheese with that whine?
Beware: I'm about to whine right now. So if you don't feel like putting up with my bratty complaints, come back later and I won't even be upset. Really.
Living abroad comes with a complex array of situations that I'd never really considered before moving to Buenos Aires. I suppose that if you are moving to a place like Port-au-Prince you aren't expecting people to ask when is the best time to visit, but when I decided to move to Argentina I heard lots of "omg how cool! I want to come! Malbec and leather! Steak and ice cream! I can't wait!"
Multiply that by about ... 50, and you're left with a lot of expectations and hopes that your friends will be popping down to visit you. Unfortunately, you've forgotten to factor in several things. First let's start with the obvious: means. Flights to South America are not cheap, and 20-somethings in New York (and elsewhere) aren't known for being in the highest income brackets. Second: Time. I take a little bit of issue with this one, because although a 10 hour flight seems like it will waste a day on either end of your trip, since it's overnight (and with no jet lag!) this isn't really an excuse. One could feasibly take a week's vacation to Buenos Aires and not feel as though it took them half of that time to get there.
Here is where my whine will tug on the heartstrings (honestly). Living far away is hard. You miss your family, your (old) best friends, your old life and all of the things you've known forever. It's hard not to succumb to the envy associated with missing out on big events - new jobs, new relationships, engagements, and all of the happy moments in between. Magnified by a distance difficult to fathom, you're forced to cling to the glimmers of hope brought by the potential of a visit.
It's about feeling connected. Relevant. Remembered.
Because here's the thing - Life goes on. People move on. Once you fall off the radar, life follow its natural course (naturally). It's part of what I love about living here - I've managed to meet an incredible amount of interesting and wonderful people, all thanks to the ebbs and flow of life that bring them to Buenos Aires. Sometimes I feel like I would give my right arm to be able to share my life with those who have known me since before 2008 (when I moved).
The hardest part is seeing friends - who I've met here - have their weekends taken up with visitor after visitor, always making plans and doing the obvious tourist traps to show them the city. These people have been in BA less time than I have ! How come their friends have been to visit them and mine haven't? I know why ... but at the same time, I don't. Really, not one friend has been here to see me.
There's almost never a completely perfect time to take a trip: there is always work to be done, other things to do and see, and money to be saved. But I feel like part of being in your 20s is throwing crap in a suitcase and making a wacky decision. Buenos Aires, why not? Sure! See you there. I mean, I did it after all ....
I warned you. This was a whiny post. I just had to get it off my chest - again - after trying to redirect my envy and frustration about this whole issue. Sure, I'm about to turn 25 but that doesn't mean I have to stop being immature!
Living abroad comes with a complex array of situations that I'd never really considered before moving to Buenos Aires. I suppose that if you are moving to a place like Port-au-Prince you aren't expecting people to ask when is the best time to visit, but when I decided to move to Argentina I heard lots of "omg how cool! I want to come! Malbec and leather! Steak and ice cream! I can't wait!"
Multiply that by about ... 50, and you're left with a lot of expectations and hopes that your friends will be popping down to visit you. Unfortunately, you've forgotten to factor in several things. First let's start with the obvious: means. Flights to South America are not cheap, and 20-somethings in New York (and elsewhere) aren't known for being in the highest income brackets. Second: Time. I take a little bit of issue with this one, because although a 10 hour flight seems like it will waste a day on either end of your trip, since it's overnight (and with no jet lag!) this isn't really an excuse. One could feasibly take a week's vacation to Buenos Aires and not feel as though it took them half of that time to get there.
Here is where my whine will tug on the heartstrings (honestly). Living far away is hard. You miss your family, your (old) best friends, your old life and all of the things you've known forever. It's hard not to succumb to the envy associated with missing out on big events - new jobs, new relationships, engagements, and all of the happy moments in between. Magnified by a distance difficult to fathom, you're forced to cling to the glimmers of hope brought by the potential of a visit.
It's about feeling connected. Relevant. Remembered.
Because here's the thing - Life goes on. People move on. Once you fall off the radar, life follow its natural course (naturally). It's part of what I love about living here - I've managed to meet an incredible amount of interesting and wonderful people, all thanks to the ebbs and flow of life that bring them to Buenos Aires. Sometimes I feel like I would give my right arm to be able to share my life with those who have known me since before 2008 (when I moved).
The hardest part is seeing friends - who I've met here - have their weekends taken up with visitor after visitor, always making plans and doing the obvious tourist traps to show them the city. These people have been in BA less time than I have ! How come their friends have been to visit them and mine haven't? I know why ... but at the same time, I don't. Really, not one friend has been here to see me.
There's almost never a completely perfect time to take a trip: there is always work to be done, other things to do and see, and money to be saved. But I feel like part of being in your 20s is throwing crap in a suitcase and making a wacky decision. Buenos Aires, why not? Sure! See you there. I mean, I did it after all ....
I warned you. This was a whiny post. I just had to get it off my chest - again - after trying to redirect my envy and frustration about this whole issue. Sure, I'm about to turn 25 but that doesn't mean I have to stop being immature!
Jonathan Adler I Love You
14 September 2011
The Furry Faces of Proyecto 4 Patas
Here are some contenders ... Please check out Proyecto 4 Patas - especially if you are in Argentina. Hopefully by next week we'll have our furry friend here keeping us company! I AM SO EXCITED.
Extreme Home Makeover
What an awful title for a blog post. Sorry. I actually banged my head really hard today on the floor at the gym and I am feeling a little woozy. Already took a little nap but am still a little "blah."
Anyway, it's not news that I've been itching to re-do the apartment. In a bad way. Enough with the small changes, like infiltrating bits from Anthropologie home to soften up the look of everything. Jose has lived here for almost 11 years and I've been in the apartment for 2. It's time for a change !!!
Unfortunately, Buenos Aires - while often regarded as a great "city of design" - doesn't have the most varied offerings when you set out to buy things for the home. Those who have the most original homes rely on people who custom-make pieces for them (which actually ends up being a cheaper option, which is nice). However, this demands a lot of creativity and sometimes I wish I could just stroll around town and be presented with tons of interesting, innovative and creative ideas!! The shops here tend to present one of two or three design aesthetics: ultra-modern and minimalist, with lots of eco-cuero and steel, "campo rústico" with lots of natural woods and Northern fabrics, or some kind of middle ground between the two that results in total ... blandness.
Now that I'm at the point where I am starting to hate every piece of furniture in the apartment (I'm sorry Josey) I've decided to just take action. Might as well - Not sure how much longer this glorious unemployment period is going to last !!! The real problem is this: because everything in the dining/living room kind of matches (they are pieces that all come from the same place) the possibility to swap in/out just a few items is rendered nearly impossible. If I want a new dining table, we'll need new chairs too. Same with the side board. Yesterday I made some serious progress in the living room - changed up the layout and made it much more functional and beautiful. We just need a new coffee table, a rug, some window treatments and that should be enough.
This is becoming a long post about nothing, without pictures! Sorry. If you want a mental image just envision this - BROWN. Brown Brown Brown. I live in the Brown House. Really. I mean, I love brown. Don't get me wrong. But not when the dining room is DARK brown, the coffee table is a BIG BROWN SQUARE, the rugs are BROWN, the tv room couch is BROWN, that rug and table are BROWN. EVEN THE WALL IS BROWN !!!!!!!!!
Spring is here, and the colors will be flooding in.
Anyway, it's not news that I've been itching to re-do the apartment. In a bad way. Enough with the small changes, like infiltrating bits from Anthropologie home to soften up the look of everything. Jose has lived here for almost 11 years and I've been in the apartment for 2. It's time for a change !!!
Unfortunately, Buenos Aires - while often regarded as a great "city of design" - doesn't have the most varied offerings when you set out to buy things for the home. Those who have the most original homes rely on people who custom-make pieces for them (which actually ends up being a cheaper option, which is nice). However, this demands a lot of creativity and sometimes I wish I could just stroll around town and be presented with tons of interesting, innovative and creative ideas!! The shops here tend to present one of two or three design aesthetics: ultra-modern and minimalist, with lots of eco-cuero and steel, "campo rústico" with lots of natural woods and Northern fabrics, or some kind of middle ground between the two that results in total ... blandness.
Now that I'm at the point where I am starting to hate every piece of furniture in the apartment (I'm sorry Josey) I've decided to just take action. Might as well - Not sure how much longer this glorious unemployment period is going to last !!! The real problem is this: because everything in the dining/living room kind of matches (they are pieces that all come from the same place) the possibility to swap in/out just a few items is rendered nearly impossible. If I want a new dining table, we'll need new chairs too. Same with the side board. Yesterday I made some serious progress in the living room - changed up the layout and made it much more functional and beautiful. We just need a new coffee table, a rug, some window treatments and that should be enough.
This is becoming a long post about nothing, without pictures! Sorry. If you want a mental image just envision this - BROWN. Brown Brown Brown. I live in the Brown House. Really. I mean, I love brown. Don't get me wrong. But not when the dining room is DARK brown, the coffee table is a BIG BROWN SQUARE, the rugs are BROWN, the tv room couch is BROWN, that rug and table are BROWN. EVEN THE WALL IS BROWN !!!!!!!!!
Spring is here, and the colors will be flooding in.
13 September 2011
Love. This.
The Lovers of Valdaro were moved from the grave they've shared for 6,000 years and are now on display at Mantua's Archaeological Museum. I love this photo. Maybe a bit morbid, but I think it's just so lovely and beautiful.
No Words
I woke up this morning and decided to start my day in the living room instead of the office where I usually check emails, read the news, and stare out the window. Lately we've had these lovely little birds come visit us on the balcony off of the living room. Maybe it's because I'm wont to crumble up half of a loaf of bread in the flower pots, in hopes that the sparrows will stop by for breakfast. My tactics worked, because now we have at least two come see us every day.
Anyway - So instead of turning on the tv to watch the news I was just checking Twitter and local newspapers online. There was a horrible accident this morning - a bus tried to cross the train tracks (despite the bar being down) and was sideswiped by an oncoming train. The bus was pushed/dragged by the train and crushed along the platform, while the train was hit head on by another train coming from the opposite direction. At least 7 people have died and more than 160 are injured (several critically).
It just makes me so sad, and so angry, because this could have been prevented. I've been known to run across the tracks when the bar is down, only because I've looked and seen that no trains are in sight. But would I ever do that in a car? No! Especially when I'm responsible for other people's lives.
Anyway - So instead of turning on the tv to watch the news I was just checking Twitter and local newspapers online. There was a horrible accident this morning - a bus tried to cross the train tracks (despite the bar being down) and was sideswiped by an oncoming train. The bus was pushed/dragged by the train and crushed along the platform, while the train was hit head on by another train coming from the opposite direction. At least 7 people have died and more than 160 are injured (several critically).
It just makes me so sad, and so angry, because this could have been prevented. I've been known to run across the tracks when the bar is down, only because I've looked and seen that no trains are in sight. But would I ever do that in a car? No! Especially when I'm responsible for other people's lives.
12 September 2011
Weekend Update
We had a really lovely, if not low key, weekend here at Basavilbaso. I've been on a design kick lately and have been itching to make some serious changes to our apartment. Jose's been living here for more than 10 years and I just feel like it needs a little update! At least to mix it up and keep things feeling fresh. Living on the 14th floor of an apartment building (with tiny Argentine elevators) makes it difficult to move in/out big pieces of furniture, but you just have to be a little more creative.
A friend of mine who just moved here about 6 months ago passed on an amazing contact that has me too excited for my own good. She and her fiance stumbled upon this carpenter's collective/workshop in the Chacarita neighborhood - It's this space full of rescued and found wood, with lots of men buzzing about and working like mad. They can make pretty much anything you want (anything!), totally custom, or you can pick about and find something they already have. You can also bring in an old piece of furniture and they will restore or update it for you. Pretty cool. We're about to order a huge table for our terrace - the one we've got is old, rickety and probably rotten - so we can start enjoying summer nights up there a little more easily. Next step will be seating, and I'm dreaming of an old park bench, so we'll have to see where things go from here ...
Yesterday we ventured over to the Rose Garden in Palermo after having lunch with Raquel and Lele. An NGO that I really feel close to - Proyecto 4 Patas - was having a dog adoption and awareness day. Of course we were going to check it out! I can't say no to things like that. It was so amazing to be surrounded by loving puppies and older dogs who are just looking for loving homes. The people who run it do it out of the goodness of their hearts, taking in dogs that are literally left for dead on the side of the highway, neglected by abusive owners, or just found roaming the streets. Many suffer from medical issues and require extreme intervention by a vet. Once they are healed and treated, they are put up for adoption. Dog rescue isn't as big of a "thing" in Argentina as it is in the States, at least from what my experience shows. Most people will just get a puppy because it's cute, often from a breeder who isn't reputable, and that's that. (Of course there are exceptions to this). What I love about Proyecto 4 Patas is that they promote awareness about not only adoption but also about spaying/neutering animals as the only humane way to control the population. No one neuters their dog here - something I have never managed to understand - and that leads to lots of unplanned street puppies.
José and I are most likely going be like "foster parents" for a dog that is recovering from medical treatment while waiting to be adopted. It's a perfect option for us because it's not a "forever" commitment, but it allows us to help out (aka have my heart explode with love) and also test-drive what it will be like for us to have a dog in the apartment. They are just so grateful that anyone will open their doors to the animals, so there is no minimum time commitment. Right now I'm waiting to hear about a job interview and (hopefully!) offer so it would not be reasonable to get a puppy! Taking in an older dog who just needs love and attention is a perfect way to make a difference and have some canine companionship!
I also spent a lot of the weekend watching September 11th coverage on tv. I have never felt so far away from home. Ten years. I was able to look at the events through different eyes now that I'm much older than I was that incredibly beautiful day in 2001. It was moving, heart-wrenching, and cathartic to watch it all again.
Ok, time for Pilates ... More life updates, with pictures! coming soon.
A friend of mine who just moved here about 6 months ago passed on an amazing contact that has me too excited for my own good. She and her fiance stumbled upon this carpenter's collective/workshop in the Chacarita neighborhood - It's this space full of rescued and found wood, with lots of men buzzing about and working like mad. They can make pretty much anything you want (anything!), totally custom, or you can pick about and find something they already have. You can also bring in an old piece of furniture and they will restore or update it for you. Pretty cool. We're about to order a huge table for our terrace - the one we've got is old, rickety and probably rotten - so we can start enjoying summer nights up there a little more easily. Next step will be seating, and I'm dreaming of an old park bench, so we'll have to see where things go from here ...
Yesterday we ventured over to the Rose Garden in Palermo after having lunch with Raquel and Lele. An NGO that I really feel close to - Proyecto 4 Patas - was having a dog adoption and awareness day. Of course we were going to check it out! I can't say no to things like that. It was so amazing to be surrounded by loving puppies and older dogs who are just looking for loving homes. The people who run it do it out of the goodness of their hearts, taking in dogs that are literally left for dead on the side of the highway, neglected by abusive owners, or just found roaming the streets. Many suffer from medical issues and require extreme intervention by a vet. Once they are healed and treated, they are put up for adoption. Dog rescue isn't as big of a "thing" in Argentina as it is in the States, at least from what my experience shows. Most people will just get a puppy because it's cute, often from a breeder who isn't reputable, and that's that. (Of course there are exceptions to this). What I love about Proyecto 4 Patas is that they promote awareness about not only adoption but also about spaying/neutering animals as the only humane way to control the population. No one neuters their dog here - something I have never managed to understand - and that leads to lots of unplanned street puppies.
José and I are most likely going be like "foster parents" for a dog that is recovering from medical treatment while waiting to be adopted. It's a perfect option for us because it's not a "forever" commitment, but it allows us to help out (aka have my heart explode with love) and also test-drive what it will be like for us to have a dog in the apartment. They are just so grateful that anyone will open their doors to the animals, so there is no minimum time commitment. Right now I'm waiting to hear about a job interview and (hopefully!) offer so it would not be reasonable to get a puppy! Taking in an older dog who just needs love and attention is a perfect way to make a difference and have some canine companionship!
I also spent a lot of the weekend watching September 11th coverage on tv. I have never felt so far away from home. Ten years. I was able to look at the events through different eyes now that I'm much older than I was that incredibly beautiful day in 2001. It was moving, heart-wrenching, and cathartic to watch it all again.
Ok, time for Pilates ... More life updates, with pictures! coming soon.
05 September 2011
My 25th Year
Alright so I'm jumping the gun a tad on this whole birthday thing. But hey, what can I say? It's in my nature. If I recall correctly I used to prepare my family for my birthday about a month out (as if my mom weren't aware of the day I was born...), so let's just say I'm following my own example.
This year my birthday feels more noteworthy since I'm turning 25. Yep, a quarter century. As Deb would remark "I feel like you've been 25 for 10 years" (Thanks), which does ring true. To be honest I was actually cooler, or at least acted more like a 25 year old, when I was younger. Weekends were spent at the Black Cat and the 9:30 Club, I worked for XM Radio (summer intern = full-time employee, sure, but, not), and I was definitely much more "up to date" on what was on the Shortlist of Cool.
So, despite the fact that I'm no longer a harbinger of hip, I can't help but feel that turning 25 is like crossing over some strange threshold that changes the rules of the game. I can definitely say for a fact that the Quarter Life Crisis really does exist. Suddenly you start to think: "What have I been doing since I graduated from college three years ago?" "Is this job I'm doing right now going to be an indicator of the rest of my life?" "I still don't really know how the 'real world' works; who on Earth will explain that to me?"
Needless to say, I've been getting existential lately (perhaps it's the remnants of my philosophy degree) thinking about all of these things and more. Ok, so I got married this year. That's a pretty big accomplishment, and one that makes me happy. But I still am living in a 3rd world country (Sorry, 'Tina) and am all over the map, career-wise. It's hard not to think that at very best, my experiences here will congeal into something worthwhile (and lucrative) in the years that come, but you can't be too sure. Hell, Argentina could plummet into crisis in the next year or so (I'm actually counting on it), so how can I even plan ahead when I can't be sure what will happen tomorrow?
I shouldn't be in a rush. I should enjoy my 20s as a time to explore, to discover my strengths and learn from my shortcomings. To try wacky things and to throw myself into a new project with reckless abandon. And I'm doing that, to a certain extent. But how to reconcile that when what seems like "the rest of your friends" (clearly, everyone EVER) are on a much more steady, stable path. With a paycheck. And benefits.
However, I've always been the kind of girl who follows her own drummer (Hello, magenta hair at an all-girls Catholic school) so God knows why I'm worrying about these things now. I am blaming it on turning 25, that gnawing sensation that you're supposed to be a "responsible adult," whatever that means. One day I'll wake up and be 30, living in the proverbial basement of my parents' house (although Deb would probably love if we lived in her basement, so perhaps not the best metaphor) and have nothing to show for myself. That's a pretty common fear these days.
Snap out of it, I know. No need to wallow in self-pity. I should celebrate these 25 years as some sort of victory, right? That my entire "adult" life (aka life post-college, because let's be honest, college life is not real in any way, shape or form) I've lived abroad, managed to find interesting work and also meet my husband (who's pretty darn cool, I have to say) .... When you think about it, it's not so bad.
Part of the fun is figuring things out along the way. At least that's what I've learned while living in Buenos Aires. Planning too much or too far in advance won't get you anywhere; things are bound to change anyway. Go with the flow. Wing it. Improvise. Live in the moment. Whatever you want to call it, let's agree that it's about enjoying the things that life throws our way.
Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me. If you'd like a copy of my Wish List I can send it to you. Just let me know.
PS: Thanks to Theresa for sending me this article from the NYT about our plight!!!
This year my birthday feels more noteworthy since I'm turning 25. Yep, a quarter century. As Deb would remark "I feel like you've been 25 for 10 years" (Thanks), which does ring true. To be honest I was actually cooler, or at least acted more like a 25 year old, when I was younger. Weekends were spent at the Black Cat and the 9:30 Club, I worked for XM Radio (summer intern = full-time employee, sure, but, not), and I was definitely much more "up to date" on what was on the Shortlist of Cool.
So, despite the fact that I'm no longer a harbinger of hip, I can't help but feel that turning 25 is like crossing over some strange threshold that changes the rules of the game. I can definitely say for a fact that the Quarter Life Crisis really does exist. Suddenly you start to think: "What have I been doing since I graduated from college three years ago?" "Is this job I'm doing right now going to be an indicator of the rest of my life?" "I still don't really know how the 'real world' works; who on Earth will explain that to me?"
Needless to say, I've been getting existential lately (perhaps it's the remnants of my philosophy degree) thinking about all of these things and more. Ok, so I got married this year. That's a pretty big accomplishment, and one that makes me happy. But I still am living in a 3rd world country (Sorry, 'Tina) and am all over the map, career-wise. It's hard not to think that at very best, my experiences here will congeal into something worthwhile (and lucrative) in the years that come, but you can't be too sure. Hell, Argentina could plummet into crisis in the next year or so (I'm actually counting on it), so how can I even plan ahead when I can't be sure what will happen tomorrow?
I shouldn't be in a rush. I should enjoy my 20s as a time to explore, to discover my strengths and learn from my shortcomings. To try wacky things and to throw myself into a new project with reckless abandon. And I'm doing that, to a certain extent. But how to reconcile that when what seems like "the rest of your friends" (clearly, everyone EVER) are on a much more steady, stable path. With a paycheck. And benefits.
However, I've always been the kind of girl who follows her own drummer (Hello, magenta hair at an all-girls Catholic school) so God knows why I'm worrying about these things now. I am blaming it on turning 25, that gnawing sensation that you're supposed to be a "responsible adult," whatever that means. One day I'll wake up and be 30, living in the proverbial basement of my parents' house (although Deb would probably love if we lived in her basement, so perhaps not the best metaphor) and have nothing to show for myself. That's a pretty common fear these days.
Snap out of it, I know. No need to wallow in self-pity. I should celebrate these 25 years as some sort of victory, right? That my entire "adult" life (aka life post-college, because let's be honest, college life is not real in any way, shape or form) I've lived abroad, managed to find interesting work and also meet my husband (who's pretty darn cool, I have to say) .... When you think about it, it's not so bad.
Part of the fun is figuring things out along the way. At least that's what I've learned while living in Buenos Aires. Planning too much or too far in advance won't get you anywhere; things are bound to change anyway. Go with the flow. Wing it. Improvise. Live in the moment. Whatever you want to call it, let's agree that it's about enjoying the things that life throws our way.
Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me. If you'd like a copy of my Wish List I can send it to you. Just let me know.
PS: Thanks to Theresa for sending me this article from the NYT about our plight!!!
04 September 2011
Welcome to the 90s, Mr. Banks
Or let's try welcome to 2011, Paige.
After 7 long years with my beloved PowerBook G4, she's been pushed into retirement. Let's just call it the Seven Year Itch. I actually didn't have much of a problem working with Microsoft Office 2004 and an OS that was at least 3 generations behind. I'm a loyal kind of girl and I couldn't find too many good reasons to break up with my perfectly functional - if not a little battered - PowerBook.
We went off to college together, typing up philosophy reports and sending emails while downloading music illegally (what was that program called that soon after inception became illegal/defunct?), clogging the hard drive with thousands of pictures from football tailgates and theme parties. She even came with me to Argentina, where I spent 6 months drinking Malbec and occasionally studying at UCA. Through thick and thin we were in it together.
Then I realized that when you want to update your Skype and a scary message that screams "New software not supported on system architecture" you're in trouble. What does that even mean? Architecture? But isn't this a computer? It happened again with Photoshop, and after some file conversion issues ... I reached a boiling point.
It's not you, really. It's me. We've grown apart. You don't satisfy my needs anymore. Sure, we've been though so much together, the good times and the bad, the late night thesis sessions and the compilation of photos for my "inspiration" folder. But I feel like we're just two ships passing in the night these days. I can't take you anywhere - literally, if I unplug you you throw a fit and turn off within 25 minutes - so I feel stifled. Time to move on.
Now I'm typing away on a MacBook Pro from last year that my Dad parted with in order to maintain my sanity. I feel like a modern woman of the 21st century now! Backlit keyboard! Glossy and sharp display! Skype for the new age.
I've hit a little bit of a roadblock, however. File and data transfer from seven years together. It's the equivalent of cleaning out "your stuff" from the house after a divorce. I definitely should have written my name in my books! (Annie Hall reference, anyone?) Despite what you might think, I'm not the most tech-savvy girl on the block. Today I've already had about three temper tantrums trying to get the damn Bluetooth to work!!!!
Maybe these are the consequences for breaking off a relationship so late into the game. My little PowerBook is going to make me work if I want to leave her. And that's ok with me. It's only fair to give her the respect she deserves. We catapulted ourselves into young adulthood together, after all.
It's been a good run.
RIP 2004 - 2011
After 7 long years with my beloved PowerBook G4, she's been pushed into retirement. Let's just call it the Seven Year Itch. I actually didn't have much of a problem working with Microsoft Office 2004 and an OS that was at least 3 generations behind. I'm a loyal kind of girl and I couldn't find too many good reasons to break up with my perfectly functional - if not a little battered - PowerBook.
We went off to college together, typing up philosophy reports and sending emails while downloading music illegally (what was that program called that soon after inception became illegal/defunct?), clogging the hard drive with thousands of pictures from football tailgates and theme parties. She even came with me to Argentina, where I spent 6 months drinking Malbec and occasionally studying at UCA. Through thick and thin we were in it together.
Then I realized that when you want to update your Skype and a scary message that screams "New software not supported on system architecture" you're in trouble. What does that even mean? Architecture? But isn't this a computer? It happened again with Photoshop, and after some file conversion issues ... I reached a boiling point.
It's not you, really. It's me. We've grown apart. You don't satisfy my needs anymore. Sure, we've been though so much together, the good times and the bad, the late night thesis sessions and the compilation of photos for my "inspiration" folder. But I feel like we're just two ships passing in the night these days. I can't take you anywhere - literally, if I unplug you you throw a fit and turn off within 25 minutes - so I feel stifled. Time to move on.
Now I'm typing away on a MacBook Pro from last year that my Dad parted with in order to maintain my sanity. I feel like a modern woman of the 21st century now! Backlit keyboard! Glossy and sharp display! Skype for the new age.
I've hit a little bit of a roadblock, however. File and data transfer from seven years together. It's the equivalent of cleaning out "your stuff" from the house after a divorce. I definitely should have written my name in my books! (Annie Hall reference, anyone?) Despite what you might think, I'm not the most tech-savvy girl on the block. Today I've already had about three temper tantrums trying to get the damn Bluetooth to work!!!!
Maybe these are the consequences for breaking off a relationship so late into the game. My little PowerBook is going to make me work if I want to leave her. And that's ok with me. It's only fair to give her the respect she deserves. We catapulted ourselves into young adulthood together, after all.
It's been a good run.
RIP 2004 - 2011
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