Nobody Puts Banana In A Corner

New Blog

2008-08-27T08:15:00.000-07:00

August 26th

Since I wanted to keep this blog as a cohesive project, I started a new site called I Carried A Banana for further musings.

Come visit me over there.

Epilouge

2008-08-17T20:33:00.001-07:00

August 17

So kids, my little project has come to an end. Despite the best efforts of Flickr to thwart me, I have indeed completed a 365 photo blog. To be exact, I wrote 380 posts and according to my camera, took well over 10,000 photos during this endeavor. Ironically enough, there were still 31 days where I did not document my life!

When I initially started this project, I said it was " part photo diary, part attempt to learn how to take a decent photo, and part recording of the random shit I see living in New York City". In the end it was all that and more. I shared my trips around New England, from Russia to Spain, and a wedding in Bermuda. You got a sneak into my family's holidays, followed me through a wacky cold kickball season, and witnessed the 16th and 17th time a bird shit on me!

I enjoyed having a project to focus my mind and keep me from straying down melancholy lane. I liked promoting my books and bands, it was a great intro to other 365ers, and I had fun sharing the kooky shit that only happens in Banana-land.

Since High Fidelity is one of my recent reads and favorite John Cusack movie, I thought I would share a few final thoughts Top Five Records style.

Top Five Most Hilarious Posts
(I was very funny in December. Must have been all the sugar.)

Top Five Hilarious Moments In Blog Photos
(I captured some funny shit in the course of a year.)

Top Five Honorable Mention Posts
(Sometimes I was clever, entertaining, or took great photos. I love myself.)

Top Five Favorite Blog Photos
(You can see a full set of photo goodness here.)

Finally, I want wrap this all up with a huge thanks to my readers. It's hard to believe that this silly blog got almost 5,000 hits in just about six months and had visitors from around the world. I hope you enjoyed reading enough to come visit my new musings!

XOXOXOXOXO
Miss Banana

Thank You For Nothing

2008-08-15T08:47:00.000-07:00

August 15th

Hey y'all. I haven't forgotten my promise to return to the world of blogging. I've just been doing my summer thang and trying my best to fix this project so I can leave my year's work whole. Here's what Flickr wrote to me yesterday (over a month in returning my inquiry) in regards to ruining my whole project:

Hello,

Thanks for writing in and sorry for the late response.

When photo settings are changed, (ie. privacy settings,
rotation) the file name of the photo changes. Unfortunately
when that happens, links on other pages will not point to
the photo. I apologize for any inconvenience this may
cause.

Regards,
Do

Well Do, thanks for nothing.

Stay tuned, my friends.

Miss Banana

Flickr Can Bite Me

2008-07-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Hey Y'all,

So I started to draft a warm and fuzzy sentimental wrap up entry... but when cruising down blog memory lane, I realized Flickr was being a real beeotch. Long story short, I decided to create a poster of my favorite photos from this year (see link to the right) and somewhere in the process all of them got deleted from the blog.

So before I can summarize a year, I have to go back and add 365 photos throughout different entries on the blog.

To be continued....

Miss Banana

It's Ma Birfday

2008-07-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

July 6th

For my actual birthday, I wanted to cap off the blog with another sky dive, but timing with the job change and finances did not line up. As a substitute I thought it would be nice to spend my Sunday doing something New Yorky.

So I enjoyed a fancy pants brunch at The Central Park Boathouse with a few close friends.

BAM, all unconsciously knew it was a little black dress occasion. I joked that it was like attending the funeral of my 30th year.

A lot of times restaurants with kitsch value do not live up to their reputation. But the Boathouse certainly delivered on service, food, and scenery.

It was a nice relaxing birthday brunch. Later in the evening my friend Emina came by my apartment for a slumber party. We ordered Thai food and cracked open a bottle of champaign her brother gave me as a 30th birthday present and I saved to celebrate the end of this blog project.

So as this particular blog draws to a close (stay tuned for a wrap up entry coming soon) , rest assured that things are in the works for the future. I mean, I wouldn't want to deprive you all of photos and stories....

like how I had bird shit wiped off my fancy birthday dress!!!!
(And no, it's not good luck!)

Uh Oh

2008-07-06T23:05:00.000-07:00

July 5th

Tonight Lori threw a well timed BBQ that doubled as my birthday celebration. In a throwback to last year, DJ Rocco made an appearance and I had a few out of town visitors. (It also means that most of the photos are not for public consumption.) I thought it was a good time to bust out my beer helmet given to me (in conjunction with a Heineken mini-keg) by my co-workers last year on my 30th. It was a great 31st birthday celebration.

America, Fuck Yeah

2008-07-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

July 4th

Happy Birthday, America.

Today I went to the free Sonic Youth concert (part of the River to River festival) in Battery Park.

I discovered I'm not so much into that type of music. It was pretty amazing to see this indie icon rock that hard, but I just wasn't in the mood. I spent most of the show people watching and taking random photos.

Later in the day I attended a random party on 2nd Ave with an amazing view of the Empire State building.

Waiting for the fireworks involved a few umbrellas.

The clouds also made for some interesting photos, most of which look more like Baghdad than New York and some of which are downright abstractly beautiful . My firework mode didn't work as well as it did when I was in Moscow.

Celebrating this family holiday on a rooftop full of strangers was certainly a New York moment.

You can see the full set of images from my day here.

LOL Cat

2008-07-06T16:30:00.000-07:00

July 3rd

It's is hard to believe that this desk will soon belong to someone different. As trying as times were in the past few months, I was truly sad to leave the office that had become my literal second home. Thankfully everyone had gone home early for the holiday weekend and weren't around to see my tears.

Not in a mood to get on the subway, I strolled down Madison to the F train at 63rd. Thankfully I was rewarded with this great photo opportunity that chuckled me right out of my funk.

I wish I could come up with a good caption to post this audacious kitty sleeping in a children's store window display on I Can Haz Cheezeburger.

Adios UES

2008-07-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

July 2nd

Tomorrow is my last day at the museum and this evening I had a brief moment of sadness leaving the Upper East Side. Since I plan on permanently staying below 14th Street from this point forward, I thought I would take a final stroll around the hood.

I'm happy I decided to swing past the nutso store on Madison. Its bold summer display of zebra print chairs, storks, and horn chandeliers made me smile.

In addition to the return of the counter sunk alligators and hippos, they have this beautiful sculpture available for scaring the shit out of you.

My casual stroll lead all the way over to the East River for a peek at Randall's Island and Astoria.

Going somewhere new in just a few blocks of wandering a well known neighborhood reminded me to appreciate that there will always be something new and different just around the corner.

I was also reminded that funny photos can even happen somewhere as drab and boring as the 95th and 2nd Ave.

Milk And Cookies

2008-07-06T15:27:00.001-07:00

July 1st

My blogging has never centered around airing my personal problems or expounding on serious topics. But when un-fun things happen to me, my close friends and family know I eventually turn some portion of the experience into a horrifically funny story at my own expense.

So in the interest of sharing a true tid bit...

Today I underwent a very yucky painful medial procedure involving my nether region. It was just about the most embarrassing uncomfortable thing I can possibly imagine enduring. With my legs hoisted in stirrups, mid-procedure, with her hands poking at said nether region, the nurse assisting with the procedure turned to me and said, "Oh I forgot...Hi. My name is Andrea and I'll be holding your vagina today."

Needless to say, instead of taking a photo, I spent 30 minutes waiting for my prescription shopping in Whole Foods with with post traumatic stress. (I somehow purchased four different types of cheese!) So my friend Filner sent me this virtual plate of milk and cookies to make me feel better.

Goodwill Treasure

2008-07-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

June 30th

Who knew there was an entire line of Audrey Hepburn dolls? Not surprisingly there are some who love them with a little too much passion. One extra special person on the internet wrote, "She wears a long, sleeveless black gown offset by a dazzling white stole. The face sculpting and upswept brunette hairstyle (with gorgeous hair highlights!) truly capture the luminous beauty of Audrey Hepburn. Her accessories include long black opera gloves, triple-strand faux pearl necklace, rhinestone tiara, trademark black sunglasses, sheer hose, a white Schrafft's bakery bag and coffee cup, classic heels and a black handbag. *sigh*"

Unfortunately for this little lady, her owner gave her up to the Goodwill on 2nd Ave! One man's trash is another man's treasure.

Ladylike

2008-06-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

June 29th

Today was another installment of Feast with the theme of "Balls". We had meatballs, cheese balls, melon ball martinis, peanut butter balls, and birthday cake. You can check out those photos here because I really want to post photos (taken on the sly) of these two adorable old ladies eating brunch next to me yesterday instead.

There are so few ladies who still wear white gloves, pearls, and their Sunday best hats to their breakfast at the local bagel joint. I wonder what Heather and I will wear during our afghan knitting years.

Sugar And Spice

2008-06-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

June 28th

Today was about ladies of all ages. My cousin Liz had her bridal shower at a historic inn and I promised her a decent picture on the blog since the others haven't been at all flattering. I'm still not really happy with this one, but it is certainly an improvement over having seven sets of eyebrows. (Stupid camera.)

It was fun spending time with Gram and Aunt Evie who told me about their own bridal showers. They also shared the story of how my uncle Dan opened pots and pans and sexy lingerie as a stand in bride when my aunt was in the hospital for her own shower.

After lunch I stopped by to meet The Peanut, who finally got to go home.

Newborns are always amazing. I can't get over how everything on them is just miniature teeny tiny. Check out her adorable little Hobbit Foot.

(That's my thumb.)

But man, she is just total sweetness. What I wouldn't give to sleep as soundly and happy as this little one.

Popular Photos From The Miss Banana Archives

2008-06-30T10:35:00.000-07:00

June 27th

Tonight I went up to Albany and spent the evening with Heather, her new cute man, and my parents. I forgot to take a photo, so here's one of the units from Christmas.

Bye Bye Bye

2008-06-29T08:59:00.000-07:00

June 26th

Tonight a few coworkers and all our freelance art handlers came out to the Bohemian Beer Hall for a going away party. Since my office mate is also leaving, it really is the end of an era. We're not quite sure what will happen to our department but we're both relieved to be leaving the uncertain and troubling environment.

One of our favorite lady art handlers, Kate, brought us presents. I'm going to have to learn how to make drinks now!

When you hang around artists for a few hours, you start to notice the beauty in everything... like this green silly string graffiti on the subway platform. Or perhaps that was the beer talking...

I also noticed that this grown woman was passed out on the N train snuggling with a cookie monster chef with no child in site.

Sepia Is Still My Friend

2008-06-27T21:48:00.000-07:00

June 25th

After an unsuccessful attempt to capture a time lapse sunset from Chris's roof, I resorted to regular photography. While I like this photo just fine, the proliferation of water towers hearkened back to one of my original posts.

This version is so much more interesting.

Picturing Picasso

2008-06-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

June 24th

I've realized that my new job is going to be great for my exploration bug. Tonight I walked through the area on my way to some beverages with a new friend and stumbled across this Picasso sculpure near NYU.

According to Google the Bust of Sylvette sculpture "that adorns the courtyard of NYU's Silver Towers apartment buildings on Bleecker Street is an enlargement of a sculpture by Picasso. Norweigan sculptor Carl Nesjär executed the construction of the 60-ton concrete Bust of Sylvette in 1967." This thing has been there since before I was born and I'm just stumbling across it now? Awesome.

The New Digs

2008-06-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

June 23rd

Today I spent the afternoon at my new job getting a little training. Afterwards I took a long walk scouting for good morning coffee (I'm really going to miss my usual guys) and the fastest route to the subway. I'm SO pleased my commute will be cut in half and my lunch options expanded to limitless options. Goodbye Upper East Side snooty patisseries. Hello $5 Chinatown Asian noodle shops!

Drat!

2008-06-25T13:55:00.000-07:00

June 22nd

Tonight there was rain falling from a perfectly sunny sky as I walked to the F train. Of course there was a flipping amazing rainbow over all of Brooklyn visible only from the high Smith and 9th street platform. I ran to the window and whipped out my camera to capture what could have been my best photo all year only to encounter a dead battery. BLARG! Mermaid Parade!!!

Thankfully, some lovely person got their rainbow photo posted on Gothamist so you can sort of see why I'm mad!

Adopt A Neighborhood - Coney Island

2008-06-24T14:43:00.000-07:00

June 21st

This month's exploration was out in Coney Island. There is a big push for "redevelopment" in this area, but a large portion of people (me included) sort of appreciate it for the grit and grime as is. Keeping in mind that Mayor Bloomberg halted further construction for one final year, we went down to consume Nathan's hot dogs and gawk at naked people in the Mermaid Parade.

The first thing I saw upon exiting the subway station was this crazy bus that I remembered from SantaCon. This was a good omen for the ridiculousness to come.

One of the first floats to pass us belonged to the New York Aquarium. My friend Rick was one of the tentacles.

Almost directly behind Rick came the first of the naked "art" people. I hope this paint is waterproof.

This dude was beyond words. I feel so bad for his little tricolored pooch in the cart and the bird on his head. People in the crowd said he is some sort New York character that goes from public venue to parades and parties dressed in this exact get up.

There was a popular movement among parade participants to place a "beauty pageant" sash around themselves. I wonder if it lends more credibility to an otherwise crap costume that has nothing to do with being a Mermaid or sea creatures?

Hilarious.

There was also a large pasty contingent in the walkers. My friend noted that if you are going with this look, you had better have some huge knockers otherwise (as pictured below) your pasty covers your entire unimpressive bosom. You can click here to see my entire set of photos, including manyl NSFW images of some mostly naked exhibitionists.

After four hours in the hot sun (and ensuring burnt forehead) we got some strawberry daiquiri refreshment on the crowded boardwalk.

As we passed this ginourmous post parade garbage pile Ralph said prophetically,
"New York: Love It Or Leave It. "

Happy Birthday, Jess!

2008-06-24T11:42:00.000-07:00

June 20th

Tonight we celebrated Jess's birthday with our second annual outing to Central Park Summer Stage evening of comedy. (I love Beth's face in this photo.)

The comics Stephen Lynch, Mike Birbiglia, and Julian McCullough were hilarious. This evening reminded me yet again how close I am to the close of this blog. It's summer again and all the free events are happening.

TGIF

2008-06-20T13:32:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday....

This is something that my dad sent me saying "I would never give up drinking if I saw these ugly women I would probably drink more."

If you were around in 1919 (just before prohibition started) and came upon the following poster.........

I mean, seriously, would you quit drinking?

Hamster What?

2008-06-20T13:07:00.000-07:00

June 19th

The animal hospital in my neighborhood realized that playing up to the many young families in the area would be good marketing. Apparently they hosted some sort of drawing and story competition that was pet related. They are displaying some of the participants projects in the window. Yesterday I started laughing hysterically while waiting for the bus (at noon when I finally decided to show my face at work) and took some photos for your enjoyment.

Avoid That Pet
A handbook on how to sneeze on your mutant four legged pet.

Never Live
A sadistic guide to choking your grey cat to death.

Hamster What?
Teach your hamster to breakdance on the picnic table.

WHY!?

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.
This is the one that just made me pee my pants laughing. I have no idea what this could be about.

Carnage Of All Varieties

2008-06-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

June 18th

So much for staying current on the blog, eh? It seems that once you announce you are leaving, your employer finally realizes how much shit you really handle and suddenly wants you to teach them everything about your entire position. Ha!

In any case, I'm indifferent to their needs and instead of behaving, I stayed out until 2:30am drinking beers and hanging out with my friend Burke, who was in town from Chicago for one night only. This is a photo of him with his mouth full of Katz's Deli goodness. He'll probably kill me for making this public.

This is all that remains of my half pastrami and swiss on sourdough.

Lame Duck

2008-06-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

June 17th

Some of my regular readers might be wondering why I just posted ten days entries in a few hours. There are several reasons for this:

I'm about to finish the blog and I'm going to make an honest attempt to stay current for the remaining 19 days of the project. Tick tock goes my blog clock.

I accepted a new job today. I assume it has been apparent in my recent posts that I've slowly been going insane at my current museum. A new job literally fell in my lap and as I learned from Il Bastardo yesterday, I need to take refuge or get blown over the edge with the storm. So quite honestly, today at work I'm a lame duck. Who feels like devoting any time or energy to a place they are leaving? Instead, I shall post to my blog all day and not give a shit. Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Hmmm.....all that has nothing to do with today's cute photo of Deb and her rad new banana seat Barracuda bike...

other than the fact that on this historic day in Miss Banana land, we went for our first ride around the park. She was a real trooper on our two treks up the big hill and it was good to chat with a kindred spirit who has also somehow continually taken pay cuts during her tenure in the art world. Oh the things we do for jobs that aren't soul sucking....