Retro Shindig for The Advocate

All the cats and chicks got their kicks this weekend with The Advocate -- we travelled back through the 20th-century and crashed into the 50s to celebrate her birthday in style. Costumes were donned, drinks were free flowing, and the juke box kept close company with us for the night.

As a fan of Doctor Who and the potential for time travel, I would argue the experience was an express success.

So yes, The Advocate turned 24 on April 1st and we took to Toronto to celebrate on April 3rd. 50s dress code was in effect and I was impressed to see how folks interpreted their signature style. The Advocate and The Bruce bested all of us, natch -- the kids mastered a cool bit of spunk with matching rockabilly outfits. I admit, I felt underdressed in their presence. I opted for the backyard casual/tomboy look with a sporty pair of shoes, jeans, a white t-shirt, and a blue/white checked button-up. We took in a stellar dinner at the posh, yet quirk-filled, joint, 7 West Cafe. Gorgeous interior and delicious fare was welcomed by all. I mean, honey-glazed vegetables in sandwich form? Yes, please. E & I met up with us there for drinks and E was dazzling in a Mad Men inspired look. See? Diverse fashion for such a theme party.

We headed over to The Boat (158 Augusta Ave.) for 10 PM to meet up with the rest of the gang. Now, as The Advocate explained, The Boat has no website of its own. Its existence is almost secretive in a sense as it's located on a pocket of a street, hidden from the main roads of Toronto. And why "The Boat," you ask? Oh, maybe because the interior resembles the inner workings of a boat, portholes and all. It was kitch and classic all at once.

One night a month, the venue hosts a 50s-themed dance night and Saturday just happened to coincide with The Advocate's birthday. It was a small spot with an excellent, friendly staff and -- did I mention the kickin' soundtrack? The night started with big band standards and steadily progressed through juke box collections, disco hits, and even on to 80s tracks. There were other diehards out in full force with their slick costumes, too. The crowd was a fun one, full of nerds and liberal kids and artistic types -- definitely my kind of folk.

Hats off to The Advocate for such a fantastic idea for a night out. Ship Sharp arrived later (on account of work) and the two of us stunned the dance floor with our inventive new moves. I still think the machine-gun-pelvic-thrust is the single greatest creation I've been involved with. It was one of those nights where a gal could only take two pulls on a beer before she was called out to the floor for someone's favourite song. Ah, pure bliss in retro form.

I have another insight to share from the evening, but that's best saved for another post. It's more a call for advice from you, dear readers. As for this post, I'll leave you with a sock hop favourite. Pull on that poodle skirt or rock out in a James Dean jacket and have a pleasant Monday afternoon, all.

(I had to include this second clip once I found it. Such a character change from the way she speaks to the way she sings. Too awesome for words.)

Christmas Season Kickoff: The Office Shindig

So, yeah -- it is still November and I have attended the first Christmas/holiday party of the 2009 season. What can I say, we tackle projects early at our office. Overall, I would define it as a successful show. There was booze, LOTS of booze, and there was an excellent meal and quite the raucous gathering of office drones suddenly brought back to life.

I tell you, there's nothing better than watching the "professional" guise slip away and seeing people as themselves. Well, as alcohol-augmented versions of themselves. Perhaps that is a little more accurate.

I had quite the bit of drink, considering it was a Tuesday night. I started with a beer and I think I might have had about three full glasses of red wine throughout dinner...? Maybe more. We were at one of those restaurants with the magical wine glasses. You know the ones I'm talking about -- right as you're about to take that final sip, you discover that the wine has doubled in volume out of thin air.

In all seriousness, the waiters were attentive when it came to alcohol consumption. And, since I am not allowed to drink at home, I indulged a bit more than I should have. Did I mention this was a Tuesday night? And that I still had to wake up at 6:30 AM this morning? Yeah? Yeah.

I tried to orchestrate the seating arrangement a little to my favour -- yes, I tried to score a seat next to the Office Crush herself. I came close, though. I had one co-worker between us which is still too much distance, if you ask me. Though, I can always get giggly and starry-eyed over the idea that the second I walked into the restaurant, she bee-lined over to me and said, "Oh, please take my drink tickets, [Miz Moffatt] -- I know I'm not going to have anything and I want to make sure you have an awesome night!"

I'm sorry, an attractive woman who's trying to liquor me up? ... Like, serious, did I do something to please a higher power?... because I'm pretty convinced that someone/something out there is rewarding me.

And I will gladly accept.

Had a decent conversation with this one guy who's known as The Asshole in our office. Apparently a copious amount of alcohol transforms him into an inspiring person...? We talked about travels and post-graduate school and he basically said to me, "Do it. Go to London. It's an amazing city and so full of exciting, new ideas. You're not going to find that creativity here in Canada, I can tell you that now. Even if you're doubting yourself or unsure what path to take, go to London. You'll more than likely figure it out there."

I still can't believe it was HIM who said that. This is the same man whose has been a complete and horrid bastard to my Mom on more than one occasion and he's encouraging ME to pursue my dreams? ...... It was a bit of a mind-job, let me tell you.

Got home at around 10 PM or so and promptly called O'Neill. Am more than certain he was thrown off-guard to hear a drunk Moffatt on the line. I miss getting drunk with him, so.... I was acting as a... reminder? No, we actually had an amazing conversation last night. What can I say, we are astounding kids. *VANITY*

But yeah, I went to bed with a dream-like sense of serenity. Now, I didn't quite wake up in that same state, but the remnants were there and that's more than enough for me on a Wednesday morning.

It's official -- the Christmas season has begun. From here on in, I am in full celebration mode. Coincidentally, that also means I am in intense workout mode to counteract the caloric spike I will experiencing in the next few weeks.

BRING IT.