TEMPTATION: "If it were just til St. Patrick's Day...."

I don't remember last year's holiday. I vaguely remember making soda bread. Oh right, I threw a dinner party and saved myself from drinking green beer for 3 Buck Chuck.

St. Patrick's Day does not appeal to me as much as Thanksgiving for example. I do love a good soda bread and opt to eat cabbage without any holiday prompt.

I would like to take a moment to be jaded as bridge and tunnellers invade the subway systems and vent...Do they even know what they're celebrating about? Irish heritage? Besides the obvious patron St. Patrick, what was he the patron saint of?

But this would be an appropriate anniversary for my DRY challenge. If a reveler were to say that they would be celebrating a holiday solely heralding the arrival of another day of binge drinking, I would accept that answer as they are completely correct in 2010.

I walked through Chelsea to see a twinky Filipino boy sporting a green t-shirt that sported the logo, "Everyone loves an Irish Girl". He'll get laid no doubt, but not before I pass judgement!

Here's stage one! I'm angry I can't join in the evening's shenanigans. I am very tempted. The weekend hasn't even arrived!!!

It was beautiful day so JP and I made our way to the Highline Park for some vitamin D!

I did make it to the bar though with Jaime! She sneered at my diet coke ironically served in a Bass glass.

- Posted from my iPhone

DAY 11: FIND THE ISLAND OF CONEY [It's like Disney but much more ghetto]

I remember last summer, I spent the day at the Brooklyn Cyclones game and enjoyed a staple of Americana, baseball. It was what I considered to be an amazing day at Coney Island. But I missed Nathan's, the boardwalk, the Cyclone, the Wonderwheel, so this time I decided to claim a memory of Coney Island that was truly inspired!

Here's what I learned.....

1. The cyclone WILL give you whiplash
2. Pee and pay the $.25 before you get on the Wonderwheel
3. 1400+ Calories for Chili Cheese Fries, and worth every calorie.
4. The beach is gross.... As are 100% of all NY Beaches.
5. Go with friends and try not to get mugged....that's the real Coney Island experience.
6. I still recommend the Cyclones game.... best $12 ever.... watch out for coupons and free give-a-way days!!!
7. Skip BEER Island!

Natalie is terrified by the Wonderwheel.... Shoulda wore depends...

1400+ Calories, and I didn't share!!!!
And I know this photo is upside down, but its still 1400 calories anyway you flip it.

Post-Cyclone- Natalie: Call Dr. Janet, my chiropractor!

After the day was done, and the sun has set, I did what any self-respecting gay man should do..... I brought my laundry home for my mother to wash... After a whole day of pounding away Nathan's and upon entering the door I get this....

Liza: "My son, you look fat. Are you HUNGRY?! Make you sometin' to eat?!?!"

.....just wash & fold woman.... Thanks, Mom.

DAY 4: FRISBEE/SUNBATHE [On a Clear Day....]

Do yourself a favor and get a friend who doesn't have a day job. Actually, get a couple of 'em. Cause when others are working 9 to 5 (not the musical), you can have places like Central Park all to yourself. I gave my guitarist [check Day 5 for details] and best friend, Patrick, a text and off we were to Sheep's Meadow. Threw around a frisbee, caught some rays, sweet action jackson.

You will only have to share the park with:
1. Other actors and musicians. Unemployed of course.
2. The bag-of-ice-with-water/beer-selling guys. (DON'T BUY FROM THEM, you'll get a ticket, and they litter!!!!)
3. People who live in rent controlled apartments...ie Cat Ladies w/millions of $$$, Kids of NYC Prep, Grandpa Crazy.
4. Models, who live similar lives to actors and musicians, but much MUCH hotter.
5. Hippies, straight up hippies.

I watched these boys for an hour while they practiced capoeira.... Need a I say more?

Patrick offers today's STRAIGHT ALTERNATIVE:

"Get yourself a large pair of aviators
and pretend to journal. Park yourself in front of
your nearest lady interest"

Duh....thanks Pat.

DAY 1: TAKE A DANCE CLASS [Let the Sunshine In!!!]

I had been planning to go back to dance class since I graduated from college....that was 3 years ago! Broadway Dance Center had been my go to but I heard about this fabulous theater dance class being offered at Alvin Ailey Dance Studio, taught by Vic DiMonda.

Vic was out and I was upset but class was taught by Jennifer DiDonato and boy was I impressed! I have no flexibility left but I tried to give my best acting beats ever. We did a combination to the title song from Hair which is currently playing a Tony-Award winning revival on Broadway. I saw the show at Shakespeare in the Park last year (this year's trip, courtesy of MIM) and it was amazing. Grab a ticket ASAP!

So grab your dance shoes and make your way over to the studio! The facilities are also super bright, super spacious, and super clean! Alvin Ailey is also offering an introductory rate of 2-classes for $25 for new members! Great fun and a great workout..... WORK IT OUT!