countdowns are so lame if no confetti is involved.

I had a birthday-type gathering at my house last night. It was kind of a bum-out at first since a couple of people cancelled, and Michelle and I ended up heading to California PIzza Kitchen for dinner ourselves. But in the end, it had turned into the fun, intimate night I had pictured. Chocolate strawberry shortcake and double birthday song since it was Clara's birthday at midnight, a game of Taboo that got drunkenly bombarded by my sister and her friend, videochat hijinx, gossip, lots of Guitar Hero, screwdriver, and a piggyback ride. Silly things happen in my basement, like Dan imitating MC Hammer after everyone left:



I think birthday shenanigans are definitely going to continue into the next week, into my actual birthday and probably beyond. Two week long celebrations could be my jam, alright?! I assume these events will also be littered with fun activities a la binge drinking, going out to eat, karaoke, etc. Not to mention two shows next weekend....going to see Au Revoir Simone on Friday night with Esther and Kevin Devine on Saturday with Lia and Jon, both at Bowery Ballroom. The first is a trio of girls from Brooklyn who make songs with three keyboards. It's fantastic. As for Kevin... well, if you don't already know who that leprechaun is, you've been missing out for far far too long.

As for presents, everyone keeps asking me what I want and I don't KNOW. The simple answer would be a designer pair of sunglasses, or a new fancy bag, but my heart really isn't set on that stupid materialistic crap right now. I need a new hobby, so I'm pining for a digital SLR camera to start working on fucking photography like I've wanted to forever. Or, (but possibly in addition), I'd like an acoustic guitar. I feel like I could get decent enough to write simple songs if I wanted to, and that would also quench my thirst to write through lyrics. Right now, though, I think the camera is a better investment...SO HEY PHOTOGRAPHERS, what should I be looking at? Can you give me any recommendations as to cameras/styles/brands? I'm thinking Canon or Nikon but I don't want to get ahead of myself.

Here, two Macbook pics from birthday thing since I didn't get many on my regular camera....


Ya that's my mom on the right, she wanted some iSight action.

Oh and I did make a birthday wish, but I can't tell you guys what it is cause then it may not come true and you can't see shooting stars in New York City.