Back in June

So much has been happening, you guys... it's hard to blog it all sometimes! I will try to update you on what has happened this month. I'm 85% done with the first draft of the book. Exciting! Also: I'm blogging this while watching the Paris Hilton interview with Larry King, so if I accidentally type the word "cell" or "orange jumpsuit" in the middle of a sentence, that's why. Here we go:

06.01.07
Sometimes we hang out in my window. Actually, we do it a lot.


06.02.07
Jane came to visit for the weekend, so I took her to the bubble, because we needed some free entertainment.


06.03.07
Sunday brunch with Jane, Lauren, & Amanda at Sapa, then headed to Sheep Meadow in Central Park to hang out.


Bradford came too!


06.04.07
My friend Kamel works at Calvary St. George's Church. I snuck in and took some pics. This might be illegal.


A nightmare for those with ADD.


06.05.07
Decided to change up my writing locale, so I skipped Doma and headed to The Bean. It rained while I was walking, but fortunately I had this sweet new mushroom umbrella that I bought from a street vendor for $10 !!


06.06.07
I got this birthday present from Ester, and it is freaking awesome. It's called City Secrets. The inscription inside says, "To the best naturalized New Yorker around!" That's quite a present in itself, as if the book weren't enough.


06.07.07
I so adore summer rainstorms. I always hope I'll get drenched when I am not carrying my laptop or anything important. I really wanted to go over to Jack and dine with the people under the awnings.


06.08.07
I lost the back of my VX8300, so I had to get this ridiculous-looking holder so that the battery wouldn't fall out. If you have this phone and don't need your back for some reason (perhaps you happen to LOVE using the holder -- who knows?), I would love to have it. Until I get can an iPhone in about a million years, I will have to use this thing, which I have dubbed "The Dad Protector" because everyone I know who uses these holders is a dad.


06.09.07
Manhole fire on Fifth Avenue! Stinky. But I don't think anyone was hurt.


06.10.07
I saw this man while eating at French Roast on 6th Ave, and he won me over. His sandals were worn and he was carrying a book that looked like it was going to fall out of its binding. This man had some serious personality happening. I love seeing people like this on the street.


06.11.07
I taught songwriting at a summer arts camp once, and I met an amazing girl named Susanna Vagt. She traded me one of her paintings for two of my CDs. What a deal! I've had her art on display in my house ever since. I just tracked her down on Facebook and she's studying art in college now!


06.12.07
Forgot to take my camera out today, because the battery died. So now I'm home now and don't have any idea what to shoot. How 'bout this great new tea that I love? I drank it once in Dallas and was so happy with it that I asked the waitress to bring me the package. I carried it around for 2 months before I could find it anywhere. I finally located it online, thanks to my friend Emmalea. Woo!


06.13.07
Headed to TN for a few days, and my mom mentioned that she likes "those Wallflowers from Bath & Body Works." Since there isn't a B&B anywhere near my parents' house, I stopped to pick up a few scents for her. I got one for me too. It's Magnolia and I can't stop loving it!


06.14.07
I am about 7 years behind, but I just started watching Felicity via Netflix. The Dean & Deluca where she worked is right around the corner from my apartment, so I went there to work. They have tons of tables and outlets, and they do not hassle you to leave. It's great if you aren't looking for something cozy.


06.15.07
Amanda and I went to Nashville to sell all my stuff there, and I finally saw one of the R2D2 mailboxes that the USPS put out. We had these in NYC, but I think they all got defaced.


06.16.07
Even though I sold almost everything (and left the rest sitting on the curb), I did save a few things that I found in my pile of belongings. This sweet Bodum French Press made the cut.


06.17.07
Somehow, I didn't get any pics of the gigantic yard sale or even of Amanda. We did see this billboard that Bradford put up, though. If you think he's cute, give him a call.


06.18.07
Back to NYC, $900 richer. Let's celebrate by going to a free comedy show, mmkay? Gee, I hope Fabrice Fabrice is there...


And Seth Meyers from Saturday Night Live...


And Leo Allen, but with only one leg. I know it seems like a lot to ask, but I just think it would be awesome...


06.19.07
Ladies and gentlemen, Rob Riggle. I have never laughed so hard.


06.20.07
I picked up these new running shoes at Off Broadway in Nashville... on sale for $44 from $115!!! They are my first pair of Asics, and after running in them for the first time today, I've gotta say... I love 'em! I'm training for a race, and they are so less-back-hurty than my old New Balances. Despite all logic, I have the arches of a ballerina and these fit like a dream! If you have super-high arches, these shoes are for you, my friends.


06.21.07
If you're going to run a race, you have to also drink this yummy stuff, right? Actually I drink this all the time anyway, because I seriously love it. Let's be honest, though... it looks like motor oil.


06.22.07
Bradford's birthday at The Bohemian!


If you don't come to his party, Amanda will beat you up!


Thank goodness all these people showed up...


Zach looks like he's about to take out a few people, too. Left hook!


06.23.07
Lauren finally finished the teaching job she abhorred, so I went with her, Erica, Bob, and Mark (those may or may not be their real names) to celebrate on a yacht.


"Whatever... I do this yacht thing all the time... it's no big deal..."


Here are a few fun views from the yacht's departure.




06.24.07
They were giving these away on my corner, so, you know, whatever. It served me well since I forgot to take a picture today.


06.25.07
MTV was filming something outside my window.


06.26.07
Went to Benny's with the gang. There was a lot of playing with toothpicks going on.


Here, Amanda points out that Sam has a gold star. He got it for brushing his teeth every day this week!


Sibling love.


And now for a story line. I call this one "Stephanie Zungre Sells Her Soul," starring Stephanie Zungre as herself and Amanda Janes/Fairchild/Jones (whatever her SAG name is?) as Satan. (Sidenote: All but one of these pictures was actually candid... I have unbelievably animated friends.)

Scene I, Act 1: Satan lures Stephanie to try clove cigarettes.


Scene I, Act 2: Satan taunts Stephanie for giving in.


Scene II, Act 1: Stephanie is forced to sign over her soul.


Scene II, Act 2: The downward spiral begins.


Scene III: Total regret.


And... scene!

Wow, what a terrible way to end a blog. Perhaps I'll end with this video instead... it's Fabrice Fabrice talking with Seth Meyers and Leo Allen. Yes, it's comedy, but guess what... no curse words! Stephanie Zungre would be proud. Here's the setup: Fabrice Fabrice, a character played by Nick Kroll, is the craft services director (they provide the "food and tiny waters" to the stars) on many television shows. Enjoy!


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Dysnarcolexia

It's not a real disorder... I just invented it. But I have it.

It's sleep dyslexia. I sleep when I need to be awake, and I'm awake when I need to sleep. Like now, for instance. Clearly I'm awake because I'm writing this (unless I have one of those disorders where you can function normally while sleeping -- which I'm pretty sure I don't have), but I really need to be asleep right now.

What to do...

Melatonin? Yes.
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Rodent Blue Steel

I found this via Shua, who dubbed it "Rodent Blue Steel." I've spent the past three minutes watching it on repeat, and since it's only five seconds long, that means I've seen it about thirty-six times. It never grows old--I promise.

Stupid Decisions

I chose to join my particular gym because of the late night hours. Bad Decison #1.

I often choose to workout at 10pm. Bad Decisions #2-5b.

Because of the combined effects of Bad Decisions #1-5b, I often find myself awake at hours such as this (4:23am).

Tonight, I also made Bad Decision #6: Set alarm for 9:30am.

A long time ago, I made Bad Decision #0: Never ever re-set the alarm.

So as I sit here wide awake, dreading the time five hours from now when my alarm will blare on the other side of the room, my only comfort is The Cosby Show. Here are the other things I've done to pass the time:

- read everything on my RSS feed
- read 3 chapters from the book I'm currently reading
- edited 2 chapters from the book I'm currently writing
- looked up old friends, classmates, and boyfriends on MySpace and Facebook
- been frustrated by the apparent technological inferiority of said people
- moisturized and trimmed my cuticles
- flipped through Harper's Bazaar
- organized receipts
- washed dishes
- ate some microwave popcorn and a strawberry
- replied to emails
- deleted SPAM from my trash bin

Gee, productive huh? I wish I were sleeping, though. Tomorrow I need to do some more editing on the book. I'm 70% done with the first draft now, which makes me really excited. That prompts a few questions that I've been wanting to ask you guys!

What did you like best about the last book? What stories/themes were your favorite? In the new book, would you like for it to be the same style? If not, in what ways would you like to see things change? What would you like to see more/less of? Any other thoughts you'd like to share?

I know it seems like it's a bit late in the game to be asking those questions, but this is just the first draft, so there's always room for editing (thank God!). I'm really interested in your feedback. You can leave your comments in response to the blog, or... if you feel like it's too personal, you can always email me: tlc at taraleighcobble with the dot followed by the com.

I really appreciate all your help and comments!

Hmm... now how should I pass the time? Thankfully, I've got Rudy, Vanessa, and Theo to keep me company. And right now, there's a guest on the show who I think is the guy who makes all the noises in the Police Academy movies. I have no recollection whatsoever of this episode. Sold!
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Fine Living

I was recently asked to participate in guest-hosting a show for the Fine Living Network. The show is called "We Live Here." The camera followed me around to my favorite spots in the Village, and in the promo you'll see me grabbing a cup of coffee at the MudTruck and browsing the vintage finds at Housing Works. Here is a 30-second promo for the show. I'm not sure when it will air, but I'll try to keep you posted!

~TLC

Oh, Nashville...

Jeremy Cowart posted a lot of old videos recently, many of which are from my years in Nashville. Christine put this one on her page, and I thought I was going to combust from nostalgia. Oh, Nashville, sometimes I miss you.



P.S. This was long before Cason Cooley really even became part of the "family" but now he is! Check that out!

P.P.S. I'm there at the end of the video, with those mad streaks that I used to have in my hair. Viva la skunkiness!

Q & A - Part 3

Here are a few more reader-submitted questions:

Q: Can you tell me more of the story behind the song "Regarding Miranda?"

A: I really prefer for the song to tell the story, especially in this case. However, I'll be happy to detail the theme a bit for you. Basically, it's a song about my reluctance to love people the way that Jesus has loved me, about my fear and selfishness and the consequences of my actions.

Q: When will your new book be out?

A: I don't know. I'm halfway through the first draft, but I don't have a publisher yet. RELEVANT isn't publishing books anymore, so I'm on the lookout for other possible relationships.

Q: Why isn't RELEVANT publishing books anymore?

A: Because they were spending about 70% of their time working on their book division, and they felt it was distracting them from focusing on their primary goal, the magazines. Or maybe because I made them so much money that they wanted to retire. I think that might be it.

Q: I want to write for RELEVANT! Can you tell me how?

A: This can.

Q: I am coming to New York! Can I stay with you?

A: That depends. Are you on my speed dial? If so, then yes. If not, then no. My roommate and I have a "Speed Dial Only" policy for people who can stay with us. The apartment is wee, so it's a bit of a squeeze.

Q: I am coming to New York! Can I hang out with you?

A: Possibly. If I'm in town and I'm not crazy busy.

Last week, I had 8 visitors in town, and only 2 of them were together. So I had 7 times that I was entertaining different people in one week. That gets pretty expensive. If you're coming to town and you want to hang out, it would be super awesome if you either A) did not want to go some place expensive or B) paid for me to go. I LOVE hanging out with people when they come to town and helping them fall in love with NYC, but if summer continues to bring me this many visitors, I am going to have to sell my kidneys.

Q: "I wrote you an email on MySpace / Facebook / Virb and you didn't reply!

A: I know that's not really a question. Sorry for prefacing it with a "Q." I'm bad at replying to messages and comments because they're hard to keep up with. If you want to contact me, the best way is via my email: tlc at tara leigh cobble. With the dot followed by the com.

That's all for now! Send me questions if you have them!

Much love,
TLC:)
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May Days

Dad update: He wasn't able to be released from the hospital today, but they're hopeful for tomorrow. He had a bit of a fever tonight, but is making good progress. Mom is still gradually improving, as well. Thanks for your prayers and kind words!

And now for the blog you've all been waiting for! Hah! I've been intending to post for quite some time. There are lots of pics from so many different events and days. You guys are going to feel like you're here! Let's get these parties started:

05.15.07
Zach Galifianakis at UCB. So much funny.



05.16.07
Tasti D Lite with Erin on a rainy Wednesday.



05.17.07
Jeremy Cowart came for a visit.





Jeremy and I went to Josh's birthday party. At Outback Steakhouse. Yeah, Jeremy... um, welcome to NYC. I'll show you how we roll. Check out this nice, big chain restaurant! Aww yeah... nevermind.



05.18.07
Kimberly, Jessye, and Adi threw me a birthday party on the Upper East Side. Wheee! Check out the Chrysler Building cake they made for me!



Modeling pays Andy's bills. What? For real.



He does have a few "normal" moments.



It was also a bit of a "goodbye party" for Jessye, who is going to Ghana for the summer.



Happy Ness! But where are the boys? In Europe. Sad.



Adrienne and Kimberly got me this necklace from my favorite jewelry designer. I have already worn it at least five times.



And Jane got me this, which I love, obvs.



ARE YOU STILL WITH ME? Because we are about to move the party to MTV. Buckle up!







Walking to 1515 Broadway with Bradford was exciting. He got stopped by three people for pictures.





We were there to be part of the audience at my neighbor's show's 24-Hour Marathon. Here's to you, Huebs! You really enjoy lounging around with your arms up, huh?





We got there around 11:00 p.m. Here is some fun goodness from the night. You will have to click through for the videos, because MTV won't let me steal them.

Rob Riggle!



Me & Erin!



This video is maybe the funniest thing that has ever happened on televsion. Ever.

And this is quite possibly the only sketch from their show that I can recommend. Here is the follow-up video, which is the only other one I can recommend. So there's two. Enjoy.

When we left at 6:00 a.m., we headed over to Rockefeller to stand in the line for SNL. Because, why not?







They were taping the Today Show while we stood in line. Three TV shows in one day. I've met my quota.



05.19.07
While waiting in line, Erin got the Grand Salute from a local bird.



Sleep is silly. How 'bout we go shopping with Jessye? Mmkay! We stopped at my favorite boutique in SoHo. They have 23 birds. It's a good thing Erin stayed at home.



Hi, boyfriend.



05.20.07
Sunday picnic in the park with Kimberly, Adrienne, and Kristen!







05.21.07
Monday concert with The Rocket Summer. My friend Brent is their road manager / sound man. Rock.





05.22.07
The remnants of writing at Doma for four hours.



05.23.07
My small group threw me a birthday party! Kym brought cupcakes! From Magnolia!





Thursday, Erin and I walked to the Hudson River Park, about a mile from my apartment, to see the Band in a Bubble setup. We don't really like Cartel. Or MTV. Or KFC. And I personally do not drink Dr. Pepper although I understand that it is made of miracles or something. But we had fun anyway.





We also saw a blimp!





I like how this photo is washed out.



Hi, runners.



Hi, sky.



Hi, grass (long time, no see).



Hi, Joey Slotnick.



Dinner at Benny's. Then back to the Bubble! We are fascinated by igloos!



Here is some MTV host guy interviewing Cartel, the guys who will live in the bubble for 20 days as a part of The Most Obvious Publicity Stunt of All Time.



05.25.07
On Friday, I met up with Lindsay and Stephen, who were in town for the weekend! I love them!



Zac came back to town for a few days, too! We hung out at Doma with Erin and Amanda.



He showed us why man-pris are awesome.



Saturday, we went back to Hudson River Park. I think this might become a regular thing.



Zac hated it though. 'Twas too hot.



So we went for Mango Gelati from Rita's, the happiest place on earth! By the way, Mango Gelati is one of my Favorite Things In The World. Thanks, Kristen! You're the best!





05.26.07
Saturday night was Girls' Night. We went to the Boat Basin. I can also see this becoming a trend. Cheap veggie burgers! And Rhiannon looks so pretty!





Sometimes we hang out at The Dakota, while Amanda walks famous dogs. It's her job. Here we are by the fountain. In the dark. Without a flash.



This is a better picture of The Dakota, which I did not take.



05.27.07
My friend Micha brought me up to Young Life's Lake Champion to play for the Leadership Weekend. It was a blast! And Jane was there! Surprise!



STILL WITH ME? It's time for a new week's adventures! Hang in there... we're almost done!

05.28.07
Memorial Day picnic in Central Park at Sheep's Meadow. Good times!







Then off to dinner at Blockhead's! But first, a wild turtle was roaming the streets of New York City! Huh?







Working off dinner via a Pull-up Contest. I left them hanging there for a while, acting like my flash wouldn't work. Tee hee! So sneaky.



Then off to Ren's birthday party on the roof of The Delancey. It's a retractable roof!



Oh, models.



More cupcakes! They are the birthday dessert du jour!





05.29.07
I walked through a taping of Law & Order SVU.



05.30.07
Ashley got me a gift certificate for a European facial at Mario Badescu! Mikki was my aesthetician, then Carmen gave me all these free samples! Whee!



05.31.07
Today was the bi-annual Manhattanhenge, but as you can see by this photo, the overcast day did not provide a good view for the sun setting at the end of each street. This was taken from 18th & 5th.



Whew! FINALLY! I bet you are so sick of reading this blog by now. I would like to assure you that it took me far longer to compile it than it did for you to read it, unless you're a super slow reader. It took me 2 hours and 36 minutes to write it. Aaagh. Thanks for hanging in there with me... you guys are the best!

Off to sleep now!
~TLC