Sunday, May 31, 2009

Robyn vs. Moth

I'd like to think that after this past year, there's not much that scares me. I'm a little gal, but I can pretty much hold my own. That said, there's a very, very short list of things that will make me lose it for no good reason in particular. One of those things is a moth.

I wish there was some dramatic backstory here as to why moths (and butterflies for that matter) give me the heebeejeebees, but there's really not. I just hate them. I hate their erratic flight patterns. I hate their big dusty wings that leave a mess when you kill them. I hate their hairy bodies. I hate their horrible tongues. I hate that they can smell fear and head right the eff towards you no matter what.

So when one materialized in my apartment the other night, I did the only logical thing: hid in my bedroom until action was absolutely necessary. Then I did the next logical thing: I videotaped it. I'm all about making an ass out of myself before someone does it for me these days. As noted in the video, this is not me being cute for dramatic effect. I'm terrified of this mofo.

Rated PG-13 for language.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Carolyn and Robyn Ride NJ Transit

My dear friend Carolyn Burkhimer passed away six years ago today at the age of 22. Carolyn did not have what you'd call a good death. Really, it was the one and only time she ever let me down, but it's not really the kind of thing you can blame her for too much. However, if there's such a thing as an afterlife, and you get to see your loved ones, the first thing I'm gonna do is smack her. Then I'm gonna hug her. Then we'll go out for lobster ravioli and talk about times like this. She and I would regularly take day trips to NYC from Trenton, where we usually cracked each other up so hard, we'd get a lot of dirty looks. Some folks appreciated it, though.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Single Girl's Freezer

Once upon a time, my freezer was stocked for the apocalypse. I always had enough meat, veggies, and nutritious treats on hand to feed a small army. This was probably a result of my domestic savvy, and being brought up by parents who were entrenched in the supply corps division of the Navy. Sheps can stock a larder like nobody's business.

Alas, 2009 has seen my homemaking skills slide a bit. Okay, a lot. And while it's all for a greater good, my stockpiles are looking pretty, well...



Martha Stewart doesn't live here anymore. Clearly.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Live in Columbus: The Karaoke Comeback No One Asked For

This weekend, I traveled to a city where I'd never been, to a wedding where I knew no one except my dear, darling high school friend Abbie, and her fiance PJ. The potential for misadventure was high. All the more so when poor PJ was sticken with a rather serious illness, and had to bail with Abbie in the middle of the reception to be tended by EMTs. Take THAT, Platinum Weddings!

But there's an upshot to being a single gal in a room full of strangers. You have absolutely nothing to lose. And there was karaoke there...

This would be my first time at the mic in three years. And bless their hearts, Abbie's friends and family were amazingly sweet. I think I've unofficially become a member of the Sockloff clan. I'm both a Shep and a Sock. Awesome.

That said, for those of you who may have wondered why I hang around with music kids, but never go on stage myself, this should explain a lot.

First, we warm up with Elvis:



And after a bit more bourbon, team up with a stranger for some Starship:




It's pretty much everything you could hope for and more, yes?

Friday, May 22, 2009

Lockout at OneTwoThreeFour Mass Ave

When taking out the kitty litter, always check to make sure you have your keys...or at least your pants.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Jill Sobule with Justin Trawick: "I Kissed a Girl"

Once upon a time, 1996 to be precise, you could be a mild-mannered folk-rocker and shock the crap out of people with a silly little song about being a lady who kissed another lady. Nowadays, Katy Perry sings about getting all Girls Gone Wild on Nickelodeon. Simpler times, friends, simpler times.

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Friday, May 15, 2009

Robyn Works!

I usually like to maintain a barrier between my wonky professional online life and my ridiculous personal online life, but it's a porous barrier. I originally wrote this piece intending it to be published as an op-ed, but settled for it going out to about 10,000 people in our online newsletter. Wonk and roll!

The World Bank — Failing on Health

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Rap Snacks!

Everything about this is fantastic, but the "Stay in School" line is the coup de grace.

The chips are pretty tasty, too. Very salty, but tasty.

Available at fine DC hot dog stands.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Illinois: Live at DC9

It's Bucks County, Pennsylvania's own Illinois, rocking in DC! I'm so confused!

Ka. Boom.

Once upon a time, 21-year-old Robyn and bf lived in Forestville, MD. In PG County. It was a fascinating time. And they were both really poor. ANYWAY, Forestville is often in the news for many unsavory reasons, but this one's kinda spectacular. This was a frequent destination for us, because it's near IHOP. Eight firefighters were injured, including two with second-degree burns. They've all been released from the hospital.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Study: New U2 Videos Do Much to Improve Robyn's Workday

Oh, Bono, you cheesy old bastard. I still love you. Despite your over-eager endorsement of Obama's disappointing global health budget for FY10. That's how deep my love runs. But seriously, babies, button your shirts. You're, like, 50 now. It's unsavory. XO, R.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Emotional Knee-Capping Via Comic Strip

Like a lot of places, the Washington Animal Rescue League, where I volunteer, is facing tough times. They had to postpone their annual walk at AU due to lack of resources, and cut hours. I don't take to the soapbox these days much (you're welcome), but if you can spare some change, or some time, for a cause you love, please do so. And so help me, if I have to resort to emotional knee-capping via comic strip, I will.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Signs of Summer

The elusive Jew-fro makes its first appearance.