Sassafrass

A date. With a man

We were riding in the car, singing Michael Jackson loudly, and Lil E was doing this head-shake move that reveals a compelling flexibility that I think is reserved only for preschoolers. There was a pause in between songs just as I pulled up to a red light. It was suddenly, momentarily quiet in the car. I seized it.

"Yesterday," I said, peering into the rear view mirror at him, "you asked me if I went to the awards show on a date with a man."

"Yes," he said, nodding. I could see his eyes widen, even behind his Darth Vader sunglasses.

"I didn't really answer that then." This was hard to get out. "I'm sorry for that."

He nodded again.

"Do you want to talk about that?"

Another nod.

Behind my own scene: Getting ready for the Gabbys

Yes, this is out of order. And yes, I know I am backtracking a bit, and I am sure you will forgive me since I've been all kinds of codeined and ZPac-ed in bronchitis hell. Before I headed off for a fun night of honoring Greek Americans, shaking it a little bit to the "voice of Greece" Glykeria (whatever this woman is doing in the motherland is working...she's 54, looks amazing and clearly has fireball energy), and wishing I could have squeezed my camera into my overstuffed clutch so I could bring you all pics of the phenomenal shoes I observed on lovely Greek lady feet, I turned my bathroom into a salon while Lil E documented Mommy "getting so so fancy."

Here's the scene, from his vantage point. [After the jump as not to overload the old blog with bathroom pics.]

Liveblogging the Gabby Awards: Moving on to the after-party

I'll be honest, no swag bag in the world is going to convince me to see My Life In Ruins. But Nia Vardalos, in her swingy mint dress ans with her quippy presenter comments, was engaging and funny and reminded me of many of my own grrrls. But there' s no time to ponder cinema. We're already on to the after-party with dinner (at last) and drinks (ahhh) and lots of people-watching. Bloghers, you will be ecstatic to know the after-events are at the same hotel we will be oggling each other geekside in just over a month. This event, though, has been styled like an HGTV wedding that makes you want to go through your own ceremony all over again. The chandeliers have been draped in transluscent gold hoops and there are flute vases of palms framing each table. Insignia-ed lamps outline a VIP area where white couches and fuschia centerpieces create a sexy lounge on the dance floor. Considering most everyone is a Greek American, it is an incredibly diverse crowd. Don't you love that? So Chicago... I'm having a blast and have (almost) forgotten not to breathe on everyone around me. P.S. One more lovely note...my gentleman friend's video caused both tears and cheers and so, in the loveliest thank you, they played it again at the end of the awards show.

Liveblogging the Gabby Awards: Inside the Merle Reskin Theater (so far)

We've been encouraged to Twitter, so I won't feel a bit of guilt for doing a little liveblogging along the way. I won't partly in awe and protest of "tweet" being word number five at an awards show. So far, Melina Kanakaredes, a co-chair of the event was just as sparkly and articulate as you'd imagine. Lifetime honoree Olympia Dukakis --does it matter how old she is? My God, she's just glowingly gorgeous -- seemed truly honored, which was a sweet surprise. The theater is packed full of more recognizable names and much more pride. (And yes, lots of fabulous footwear I am hoping to capture once the house lights go back up).

Mustering all my immunity and bling for the Gabby Awards

It has been a week of misery, Lysol, honey lemon tea and antibiotics that could take out a plague (at least that is the hope now that it is coursing through my veins). And tonight I am pulling myself up off the couch and into some merciful Spanx to head to the Gabby Awards. Huh?! I know! Who goes from bronchitis hell to a formal affair in a matter of hours? Apparently, a grrrl who has purchased some killer Cha Cha de Gregorio satin heels...and who also is very happy to support a certain someone she's smitten with who produced videos for the big event. So deep breath, lozenges, and red lipstick, darlings. Farewell to germs and hello to an evening to honor Greek Americans (and that talented gentleman I will be sitting next to).