Happy Birthday Fredo

I was fairly disappointed that I couldn't get my shift covered yesterday to attend Fredo's unusual "early" birthday party. But thank Britney, Ivy pushed it back to 6 PM. Hooray! As we normally anticipate, our arrival time was at 7 PM - so cal tardiness. She was originally planning to have it in the recreation room at the apartment complex but decided to keep it easy and have it at the apartment itself. Works for me.

Chillin' @ the apt, watching TV - a birthday boy request

It was also a potluck - something I'm all about! Food speaks to me. Everyone made an effort and brought a dish, except myself. My only excuse was having worked an 8 hour shift, and had little to no energy to get into the kitchen and whip something up. Thankfully, my boyfriend put his skills to the test and made a dish. The food was fantastic - unhealthy, but fantastic.

David's delicious corn, tomato, and marinated steak tortilla dip!

Ohmygod, so good. Tina's homemade eggrolls - they were an instant hit.
I kind of double dipped in that sauce on the right - twice. Oops.

Fredo's contribution. Ivy did not approve.

Salami and cheese. It doesn't taste as sad as it looks. Poor Misha!

CJ did a fantastic job with this spicy noodle stir fry. Everyone loved it!

Stuffed from this food, we kept wanting more but physically couldn't continue - well actually, I ate more. Instead, the quitters opted for the casual beer or wine. The night was simple, clean, and relaxing - perfect way to let loose before school this coming Monday. 

Tina and Julie smiling for my blog!

The trouble makers: David, Channy, Misha

Spades convention with Ivy, CJ, and Tina

Time to sing Happy Birthday to Fredo! Unfortunately, there wasn't a traditional birthday cake so we decided to use the readily available pies from the potluck. I mean, tradition is boring... why not blow out a banana cream pie from Marie Calenders? I say GO FOR IT.

Fredo cutting the cake... or cakes

Love birds Fredo and Ivy

'Twas a lovely time. And there wasn't a better way to end the night but to watch a mediocre to tragic scary movie. Yes, we watched Devil from M. Night Shamaylan. It definitely wasn't the Village good but it surpassed the Happening bad. Happy Birthday!

Oh, and of course I premiered yet another new hairstyle. I'm going to try it out for a bit. I've always wanted to experiment with curly hair. It took me months to get to a length that would allow my hair to shape, let alone curl.

Vanity in Ivy's bathroom mirror

January playlist - heavy rotation!

Britney Spears - Hold it Against Me

Britney goes dubstep! With a throbbing bassline and pulsating breakdown, Hold it Against Me is bangin' and is only a glimpse of what's to expect from her much anticipated album due mid March. Spears writes on her Twitter, "Don't hold it against me for coming out early." I, and millions of other fans, don't blame her. This is classic Britney but with age, and I've come to five plays of Hold it Against Me in the midst of writing this blog entry JUST to experience that very bit of nostalgia. She wins, again.

Adele - Rolling in the Deep

Revenge is delicious. Adele blows me away with Rolling in the Deep, as she takes us on this very roller-coaster, buckle-less and vulnerable. Her voice alone causes chills down the spine, let alone the thrill of the rhythmic piano and steady bass drum, as evident in her latest release. What sets Adele apart is that special human quality with her song that speaks to so many but remains restricted and confidential. Soul and sorrow? Please and thank you. I'll be pressing on this very bruise until the whole album can be heard.

Mike Posner - Please Don't Go

Who is Mike Posner? I'm still not sure, but I like this song - a lot. After releasing his first single Cooler Than Me and attaining global success, he proceeded by releasing Please Don't Go. Truth be told, I've avoided this guy since his first release but I was exposed to this song while listening to the radio. It's a pretty simple track but the electronic effects add such flare and spirit. His voice, intimate and slightly unusual for my taste, is tolerable upon repeat listens and at times, makes me gush like a thirteen year old schoolgirl. Sweet pop goodness - I'm sold.