She only took me for ten-thousand yen.

Hey oh! Check out my new blog layout!

Jiscilla came over this weekend and with her expert styling, make-up, and photography skills, came up with some great pictures of yours truly! I know I look a bit pensive above, but I really loved the photo. And the books! Obviously! What do you think?

There are many photos where that came from - I plan on changing up the header later in the year! Here's a couple of fun shots that aren't header material...outtakes, if you will:

I think you can tell that Jiscilla and I had a grand weekend, starting off with vegan burritos and Friday night photo shoots! We then stayed up and watched Zombieland, which was a laugh riot. On Saturday morning we decided to wake up in time for the special $6 Saturday morning deal at a movie theater showing A Single Man. Let me tell you: A Single Man was a beautiful film, a wonderful turn by one of my favourites Colin Firth, and all the men looked impeccable - both in their tailored suits and out of them!

We then spent the rest of the day preparing for my upcoming trip in March. I've failed to mention exactly where I'm going, but I've decided today is the day to break it to you:

I'M GOING TO JAPAN!!!!!!!!

Can you believe it? I can't believe it.

Jesse and I have been planning this for a few months, as Motion City is playing some shows there for a week in March, it's one of Jesse's favourite places in the world, and a destination I've always wanted to go to! Seriously, I believe one of our first conversations centered around our mutual love for Japan. And later we would speak of visiting the country together.

And now! On March 2nd, I head to Tokyo! We'll also be visiting Nagoya and Osaka! I can't help but type all these sentences with exclamation points! I studied Japanese culture in college, and have been dreaming about visiting ever since. It's been the number one place I'd like to visit in the world for a long time. And I get to go with Jesse!

I've been bummed since the last time I saw Jesse, knowing I wouldn't see him for a month. However, we've both been relishing in the fact that the next time we see each other we'll be in JAPAN! On the other side of the world! On Saturday, I bought a suitcase and some new headphones. I've been carrying around a Japanese phrasebook, and whispering to myself on the subways. You'll probably be hearing much more of my preparation for the trip in the coming weeks - stay tuned!

Oh, and lest I forget to mention my Valentine's Day: I received a lovely bouquet from Jesse, who was in LA, and we videochatted twice for maximum FACETIME. Otherwise, I watched figure skating with Pee Wee (he's a real fan, I'm not kidding), and did some cleaning around the house. Plus, I decided to buy myself a Crumbs cupcake and indulge in my quiet Sunday night!

Now to prepare for the week ahead...and Japan!

Just to be over then back to another one.

Look, it's been a pretty busy week all around so I haven't had time to post! It'll be much better after this weekend. Should I list it all out for you?

On Monday, I met up for post-work drinks with Zan - a monthly ritual. It includes amazing Pear Martinis. We sit at a table by the window of Whiskey Park, a bar on Central Park South. We talk about a myriad of things, but this past Monday we saw many a suit pass by and deduced that these were people having to do with the Fox up-fronts. They were going into Central Park following signs that said "FOX" and big balloons with "GLEE" written on them. It was pretty sad how much detective work we did when all we really had to do was ask one of the suits. Or, ya know, make our brains work faster. These monthly get-togethers are so much fun, though, and I'm looking forward to June's!

I'm still pining the Pine. In fact. Look at this picture of Chris Pine & Zoe Saldana in Japan -

Could a blond crack my Top Five?! On a related note, somebody coined the term "Pine Flu" on the internet this morning, and I'm taking it.

Also, Zan attempted to guess my Top Five just from reading this blog, and she was very close except she included Keanu Reeves! Keanu is totally a fascination, not a crush. He hasn't written me in a while... Anyway, can you guess my Top Five?

I'm currently reading the 900-page behemoth that is 2666 by Roberto Bolano. I love it so far. The version I have is split into three books/volumes, so I'm getting mighty ambitious with this cross-country trip - I'm bringing all three. I've got really long flights...

I got a good haircut in New York! Yes! And it wasn't too expensive, meaning, I shall be going back. They took off a few inches (my hair is getting long long long) and it's all healthy and fun now. I'm excited to know there's someone I can turn to in the city for my haircutting needs - and it won't cost me $100. Whatchoo think?

On Tuesday night, I accompanied Erica to Trainwreck, where Dave Holmes was guest-DJing, and the fellows from Passion Pit were there to celebrate their latest release, Manners! Check it out! It was a fun time, and Mr. Holmes (remember that guy who lost to Jesse Camp in that MTV VJ contest but then continued to have a better career with MTV than the winner? THAT'S Dave Homes) was a very nice dude.

Last night I had a lovely date with Kells and Erica at Sweet Emily's (addicted, fact.) and we've decided to continue this three-fifths of Curbside tradition for a weekly date. Next week? Possibly...perhaps...seeing Star Trek again. Kelly hasn't seen it!! And I think I've convinced her with my flurry of Pine pictures. I think I've infected her. PINE FLU!

Then Erica and I came home, watch Kris Allen win American Idol as the Entertainment Weekly with Adam Lambert sat on our coffee table, and then I packed and I'M LEAVING TODAY AT NOON FOR LOS ANGELES!

Jesse awaits me and I couldn't be more excited to see my dude and get some FACETIME in. Sporadic updates will ensue this weekend, but I should be back to full-fledged afterwards.

What are you doing for Memorial Day Weekend?