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If I Stay Too Long– My Date with Jon

Meet Jon

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Origin: Flushing, Queens

Occupation: Movie Production (Dark Knight Rises)

Hobbies: Making stuff with his hands, installing chandeliers, and going on “Safari Adventures” in art museums.

How We Met: Jon and I were introduced at a mutual friend’s going away party.

Interesting Facts: Jon does EVERYTHING: photography, film production, music, plumbing, and electrical wiring. Jon also directs the Montreal-based sketch comedy troupe Uncalled For.

The Date

What’s immediately impressive about Jon is his attention to detail. Jon did his research and took the time to inquire about my interests before planning our date. After supplying Jon with a laundry list of my likes and dislikes, I was 100% sure I was in good hands. We met at Kellogg’s diner and took a leisurely stroll around Williamsburg while Jon gave me a mini tour of some really cool graffiti art, including an impressive mural by Shepard Fairy (“Street SmArt” bonus points). In a bold move, Jon suggested Karaoke at The Manhattan Inn, followed by Zebulon to see this singer named Shilpa Ray. Cool as a cucumber, but eager as hell to brag, I casually disclose that I had just gone on a date with Shilpa and am a big fan of her music (“Shilpa Ray” bonus points all around). I don’t know if Shilpa was included in my list of “likes,” but Jon was definitely hitting the nail on the head. We had some time to kill before Karaoke, so I suggested we have a whiskey at Bar Matchless, loosen up, and let the photos rip!

Shades after Dark

Bar Matchless Photo Opp!

Later That Night…

We headed over to The Manhattan Inn but unfortunately Karaoke was not happening (deduction points). However, being the great improvisors we are, Jon and I made the best of the situation. We ordered another drink, found a cozy nook in the corner, and expanded further on our likes and dislikes; all the while discovering how much we have in common. For instance, Jon appreciates pork, David Lynch, sketch comedy, and wearing shades after dark. When I found out that Jon also shares a similar aversion to dumbed-down Bromance flicks like The Hangover, I was absolutely over the edge. I could hardly believe my luck! We spent most of the night Laughing Out Loud because Jon is funny AND he gets my jokes. As we finished our drinks, Jon took notice of my nail polish color (“Attention to Detail” bonus points). Compliments are tricky because if not executed properly, they can have an adverse effect on your date but Jon was noticing all the right things. It was all too good to be true…could this be the end of my dating blog??

“Karaoke Bust” deduction points.

Classic Upside Down Book Gag

One Drink Becomes Two…

Fixing up and Enjoying A Smoke

Much Much Later…

It was time to make our next move. Jon suggested we stop by a taco truck on the way to Zebulon and grab a quick bite but when we arrived, there was no taco truck in sight (“Taco Tease” deduction points). We finally arrive at Zebulon only to discover that we also missed Shilpa’s set, which included a performance art piece in which Shilpa ripped up her student loans in protest. That was a major bummer. I was just about to start tallying up all of Jon’s “Missed the Boat” deduction points, when I realized how late it was— Jon and I had completely lost track of time. No wonder everything was closing up, it was way past our bedtime. We were having so much fun making up the date as we went along that we had no idea the night just slipped right past us. This is the sign of a good date.

Foraging!

Sidewalk Garden Fun

Cigarettes and Flowers:

A Modern Romance

The Conclusion

Pros: Jon is super fun, we share a lot in common, and he gets my jokes.

Cons: He’s always traveling and/or working, and is younger than me.

Jon is kool, plain and simple. The ability to improvise on the spot and to make the most of any situation is a valuable trait and Jon embraces spontaneity very well. He’s a stand-up guy who takes the time when you give him your time, which after all is the most sacred commodity we possess. I hope that his overbearing schedule eases up as it would be fun to lose more time on our next excursion— a safari trip to the Natural History Museum.

Just Look at This Guy!

G’Night!

Thee Oh Sees Remix by Al Lover


Eat Their Own

 

Caged Animals

Caged Animals

Caged Animals

Caged Animals

Kristina

Lauren

Magali

Kristina & Ratso

DIVE

DIVE

DIVE

DIVE

DIVE

Andrew

Lost Boy?

Lost Boy?

Caged Animals

Caged Animals

Keep Trying!

Crystal Truth

Blind Trust,

 Like A White Pony,

Well-Guarded and Spellbound,

Will Run Wild if Neglected.

Sometimes Sweet,

Sometimes Skeptic.

Players Play.

Ballers Ball.

And Pirates Will Steal Your Treasure.

Ladies-In-Waiting,

Wishing On A Star,

But Gentlemen Are A Myth.

Is This Happiness?

All The Single Ladies,

Laughing Out Loud,

Dancing with Joy,

 In Love with Life.

 The End of An Era,

Occupied by Defiance,

Fortified Through Friendship,

And Empowered with Love.

This Could be Your Moment to Shine.

Kindness is Greater than Politeness.

And In Just A Flash,

I Could Read Your Mind.

Probably Busy.

Drowning in Dapper Drinks…

…Going Up in Smoke.

Song by GUARDS





We Were Born Here

We Will Die Here

Song by Heartless Bastards



Kings Island

A Daughter’s Mother

Like an Identical Twin

Confuses Time with Distance


Driving in Circles

While Boarding & Exiting

 Dreams Clouding Memories

We Saw

Where You Are Now

Where I was Then

Time is Like A Race

With No Finish Line

Like an Everlasting Gobstopper

Song by Apollo Heights

I ♥ U Mom

Prohibition Era Cocktails.

1930s Jazz. Snake Charmers.

Absinthe. Belly Dancers. Hookahs.

Fedoras. Feathers. Beaded Dresses.

Shanghai Mermaid in Morocco

An underground soiree by Juliette Campbell









Two Nights

 One Last Chance

Newsonic Loft Party

This Is What You Missed…

Jenny is Electrik

Jenny Electrik, Dynasty Electric


I ♥ Jaime

J’aime Genest

Aj Cuzzacrea

L. Kaid Kaid

Camera Man with Mustache @ Newsonic

Micah Gaugh, Apollo Heights

Kimberly Robison

Fanning Fans

Jenny Electrik, Dynasty Electric

Deadpan Drummer

Nate Smith, Shy Child

Rasmus Kjærbo

Andrew Linde, Dynasty Electric

Kim Unicorn

Unknown Photographer with Apple

Pete Cafarella, Shy Child

Jenny Cooling Off a Hot Crowd

Jenny Electrik, Dynasty Electric

Blowing His Whistle

Dan Freeman, Comandante Zero & Aj Cuzzacrea

 Love Dust

Jenny Electrik, Dynasty Electric

Seth Misterka, Dynasty Electric

Apollo Heights

Daniel Chavis & Hayato Nakao

Unknown Girl with Apple

Unknown Girl in Tropical Plant

Jenny Electrik

Carly Sioux & Dan Freeman

Legs

Back-Seat-After-Party

Kim Unicorn


Baroque Bromance

James Webster & Kurt Moorman

Jesus by Numbers

Kimberly Von Schoyck

Midnight Organ Program

Josh Wickersham, James Webster & Kurt Moorman

Dylan Kruse @ Hanson Dry

Hyejun Park @ The Met

Denis Rocks @ Madiba

Salty Dog

Stevie Palmer @ Soft Spot

Cindy, Carly & Minae Salute Hanson Dry

Fabio @ Hanson Dry

Shahryar Motia in a Suit @ The Met

The Calling of St. Matthew

Kurt Moorman, LES

Stella

Blowing Smoke

Josh Wickersham @ The Judy Blooms Studio

Ramona Clifton @ Hanson Dry

Unknown Pianist, Fort Green

Andrew Lockheart @ Secret Session

Minae Ham @ Hanson Dry

Resting

James Webster @ Hanson Dry

Erin Welsh @  J&Z Factory

Little Trouble Girl

Sarah Silver @ J&Z Factory

Stevie Palmer & Miz Stefani @ Hanson Dry

Brothers

Shahryar & Shahin Motia

Heather  Degas @ Hanson Dry

Micah Gaugh @ Secret Sessions

Alexis Place @ Hanson Dry

Luis Andrade, Fort Green

James Webster @ Washington Ave

 Tony @ Hanson Dry


Katie Tzynik @ Hanson Dry

The End

 


My Date with Supermodel Luke Nel

Meet Luke

Location: London/New York/Zimbabwe

Origin: Zimbabwe, South Africa

Occupation: Supermodel

Hobbies: Going on missions, playing the hand drum, and meeting new people.

How We Met: Our paths crossed right in front of my apartment. Luke was playing a harmonica while riding his bike. I asked to take his photograph.

Fun Facts: Blonde| Blue| 6’1″| 38″| 32″| 15.5″| 9.5 UK| Also— Luke was twice on the cover of GQ Style and cannot say No to ANYTHING!

Fashionably Late

It was the first heatwave of the year and looking cool was not easy, especially as I waited almost an hour for my date to arrive. Luke got a last minute “modeling gig,” so I was sure he was just blowing me off, and I’m not the kinda girl that waits around, especially not in the sweltering heat. I was just about cut my losses and  write-off our date when Luke called insisting that he was en route and would only be a few more minutes (which ended up being thirty). Hot and bothered, I began tallying up his tardy points when, like some Avril Lavigne Sk8er Boi Dream come true, Luke came sailing in on a skateboard completely nullifying all penalty points. I have to admit that it was quite an entrance.

The Dinner

Luke thrives off of adventure and discovery so I decided to take the reigns on this date and show him a few hidden gems in this city that you won’t find in an issue of Timeout. I suggested Lupe’s East L.A. Kitchen for dinner because Luke and I instantly bonded over our love for coco water when we first meet. Not only is Lupe’s the cutest diner in all of  NYC, but they also serve fresh coco water right out of the coconut. We cooled off under the neon pink lights, sipped on pure bliss, and shared in a heap of laughs. Dinner highlights included our waiter Victor explaining to Luke what a taco is (“Precious” bonus points) and Luke licking salsa off his arm at the dinner table (“Double-Precious” bonus points). The table etiquette in Zimbabwe must be a bit different than in the States but I have to admit that I found it quite charming.

Cuckoo for Coco Water!

Victor Explaining The Concept of a Taco

The Date

Next on our agenda was Sheriff Uncle Bob’s Bluegrass Jam at the Grisly Pear. Luke is a big fan of Bluegrass music so it was an absolute must that he meet The Sheriff of Good Times. The bar was pretty crowded, mostly with musicians who were  jumping in and out of the jam circle. Sheriff Uncle Bob gave us both a warm welcome and cleared an entire bench of guitar cases and random instruments so that we could have the best seat in the house, thereby earning me some “I’m with the Band” bonus points. Shortly thereafter, Bob took a little break to hang out and catch up and even showered us with gifts! I got a copy of his new CD “Hold Whatcha Got,” and we both got one of his “Get out of Jail Free” cards, just in case we got into any trouble later in the night.

Luke & Sheriff Uncle Bob

Carly Sioux & The Sheriff of Good Times

Holy Hotness

Luke Wins Back Lost Points for Cruising in on a Skateboard

Paparazza Jack Pot

Luke Hits The Jack Pot for Talking-Up My Photo Blog

Got Holes in My New Skirt for You

His skateboard shredded my favorite skirt

The Conclusion

Pros: Is a Supermodel, things like Tacos are a new adventure, and he always says “Yes.”

Cons: Is a Supermodel, is prone to being fashionably late, and he always says “Yes.”

Luke Nel is adventurous, optimistic and did I forget to mention handsome?  He’s always in the moment, which explains his trouble with punctuality. Would I wait an hour again for him? I probably would— I’d try to do handstands for Luke! I’ve already booked my flight to South Africa, invested in a mosquito net body suit, and enough Raid to wipe out an entire species. Now I just have to get over my fear of I.O.U.S. (Insects of Unusual Size).

Goodnight Indeed


This Ain’t Hipstamatic.

It’s not 1992.

Wasn’t with an iphone.

This is film gone bad…on my Birthday!

[

Danny Chavis & Carly Sioux

Adriana Molello

Chris Lindstrand

Joylene Ceballos

Katie Tzynik

Aryn DeKaye & Carlos Detres

Mia Hebib

Sarah Silver

Miz Stefani

Mael Gross

Heather Skinner

Kimberly Von Schoyck

Medge Sanon

Kevin Grevemberg

Aryn DeKaye

Sarah, Stefani & Carly Sioux

Carly Sioux

A special thanks to David Seixas from Lupe’s for making a girl feel special on her Birthday!

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