20 Days: Kabbalah

I can't remember who said this to me recently, but some friend mentioned I should study Kabbalah as one of my firsts before turning 40 because "they" say you shouldn't study it until you are 40. I did some research and found that is a common perspective. Meanwhile, I just read an interview today in Relevant Magazine with reggae/rapper and Hasidic Jew, Matisyahu whose recent album, Light, has a song called The 7 Beggars based on a "Kabbalistic" story of the same name. I just read the 8-page translated story online and found it intriguing at points, confusing at others and overall certainly very mystic if not mystifying. Perhaps I should've waited 20 more days.

I've got about 7 of the remaining 19 days planned--so if you've got an idea for one of the other 12--let me know ASAP!

21 Days: O Christmas Tree

After watching the Eagles beat the Redskins in a close one--my buddy Jed said his wife Kate needed the Christmas tree they just put up righted. Well, I've never put up a Christmas tree nor righted one--so realizing the hours were ticking down for my "first" for the day--I stole the opportunity to right the tree for Kate. Mission accomplished!

22 Days: 7 Card Stud

In the past couple of years I've begun playing Texas Hold 'Em on a fairly regular basis. I've hit the casinos once in awhile, but have pretty much stuck to this one game that I know fairly well now. My poker buddy Chris suggested I try something new. So, we went to Atlantic City and played a couple of hours of limit 7 Card Stud at the Taj. The first half went well--winning about $50. It's a very slow game and not a lot at risk since betting is between $1-5. The second half--not so hot--I lost the $50 I won and then another $80 or so. D'oh! Fortunately, I decided to head back to the game I know much better. The second hand at Texas Hold 'Em I had pocket Kings and won all my money back lost at Stud. In the end, Mr. Trump is $75 poorer ;-)

I've got 21 days til December 20th...the day of reckoning--and I've only got a few things planned for my 40 days to 40 countdown. So, if you've got some ideas for me...especially something you'd like to join me in completing--please let me know and we'll plot and plan!

23 Days: Pottery Works

My dad sent me a list of potential ideas to do together for my 40 days to 40...things like:

- install light fixture
- glue pieces in basement
- apply veneer to bookcase
- remake an animated gif

As you can see, he seemed to think that celebrating my 40th b-day should somehow include doing some chores. Also on the list was taking the grandkids to Pottery Works. This place is owned by the daughter of an old family friend of my folks. Clearly I chose the the least chore-like option. And bonus--three of my nieces, my sister Mona and my sister-in-law Jennifer joined us. Some of the girls made jewelry and a couple of us painted some pottery. I'll get my finished mug after its been fired.

24 Days: Karaoke

I really didn't think this was going to work out. In fact, I was plotting what else I could do last minute to replace this "first" attempt. The idea of my family singing karaoke during Thanksgiving was beyond my imagination. I was wrong. It's amazing what can happen when you just say, "Screw it" and put yourself out there. Although it was awkward and completely out of all of our comfort zones (except my dad apparently)--we sang. I expected at best, I'd just do one song with my sister, Kate, snap a pic and get on with my life. Well, we wound up singing for like 30 minutes and had all sorts of group participation. I'm impressed with my fam.

25 Days: Art Purchase

I've never bought a work of art from someone I know. I can't say that anymore. I'm now the proud owner of a signed print by Michael Owen (the guy who let me help him paint a mural in Baltimore--see day 35). It's a very cool image of jazz great, John Coltrane. Checking out the studio in one of the many old school Baltimore warehouses was a great treat as well.

26 Days: Lamb Stew

Katie is a foodie. So, when she volunteered to help me cook lamb for the first time I knew I was in for a treat. She bought everything we needed to complete a recipe I found online except fresh thyme and rosemary. I swung by the fancy grocery story on my way over to her place to pick up the 2 missing spices. Sadly, I must admit I didn't really know what either looked like--I've only used them dried in a jar. The thyme was easy since it was labeled in a clear plastic container. However, the rosemary was labeled on the shelf in front of several green plant looking things. I will say I felt better when I asked a woman shopping next to me which one was rosemary and she wasn't sure either. She suggested I ask the guy who worked at Eddie's of Roland Park. He grabbed a pack of stalks for me and assured me this was the stuff. He was right.

We (I mean Katie) skinned the potatoes and carrots while we (I mean me) cut the lamb and chopped the shaved carrots. I browned the meat while Katie boiled the potatoes. She seasoned the meat while I mashed the potatoes that she seasoned as well. We both put together the salad with sliced apples and goat cheese. She made the dressing. A few friends joined us and we ate an incredibly tasty meal followed by frozen yoghurt with blueberries. Mmmm, mmmm, mmm.

I learned what thyme and rosemary look like...and also that you can add a ton more of the fresh spices compared to the potency of the dry stuff. I learned that making dressing is better with rice vinegar. I learned how easy it is to make mashed potatoes. I learned that you don't need to let lamb stew 50 minutes before adding carrots and cooking it all for another 20 minutes--you can just throw it all in and serve it up in about 30 minutes. And lastly, I learned that cooking and eating food with friends is really one of my favorite things to do. I suppose I already knew that--but it was a great reminder.

27 Days: Like a Good Neighbor...

Believe it or not, I was in a bit of a panic all day today. I had no new experience planned for this lovely experiment. I started going through emails folks sent me about their ideas for the project. I chatted with a friend on line to help me think up something. He actually found a great event--but it involved driving somewhere--and I was really hoping to chill tonight. It's raining. I'm worn out from a long weekend without much sleep. And I'm still limping around with a sprained ankle.

And then at 5:30pm there was a knock at the door. With the outside light busted, I couldn't see who was at the door and was a little nervous about who could be knocking. I opened it to find the "punk neighbor kid" (that's his description of himself) Kyle. He's in his early 20s and I've seen him over the past year since he and his brother and mother moved in a couple of doors down. I nod to him from time to time in the parking lot and wondered if he was in college or had a job or what.

Anyway--he asked to use the phone--due to the cable being out at their place. I said sure, thinking I'd let him use my cell, but then remembered we actually do have a home phone. He made his call, but the person on the other line seemed to be avoiding him and hung up. He called back and got voicemail. I overheard him mentioned something about needing to get to work and looking for a ride from the person he called. I smiled wide and offered to drive him. He wanted to give me some money, but I told him about my 40-day plan and how it was clear to me that this was what I was supposed to do. Fortunately, he only works about a mile away (at my most hated restaurant--Egyptian Pizza).

This may wind up being my most spontaneous and least adventurous new experience in the 40 days. However, it really was a cool thing that just sort of happened. I dig it. Sorry--no photos--hopefully you can picture the "punk neighbor" and my big smile ;-)

28 Days: Ann's Famous Foot-Long Hot Dogs

My old roommate, Ben and his wife Torrie suggested we visit this 59-year old hot-dog establishment in Glen Burnie. This fun little shack of grease and grill has a very simple menu of dogs, burgers and cheesesteaks served on these great big buns. The fresh french fries and old-school Baltimore servers top off this unique experience. The place is pretty small with about 8 bar stools set up at the counter and a solid flow of customers ordering their favorite high nitrate items. The staff remembers your topping choices with no notes and quickly feeds you a bag of grub. It's not the most conducive environment for eating and catching up with old friends--but it's definitely got a cool vibe and has a distinctly Baltimore edge.

29 Days: Caving

Tim is one of the best ultimate frisbee players I know. And within the crew of folks I've played with over the last several years he is one of the oldest guys out there--yet is in the best shape. He's one of those guys who likes adventure and pushing his body and mind to its limits. I admire Tim. When he asked me if I'd like to try caving as one of my 40 days to 40 new experiences I thought, this should be a fun adventure I won't quickly forget.

Actually, I kind of thought "spelunking" was kind of a chill, low-key stroll underground. I should've realized that Tim's passion for this hobby could only mean it would be a stretching experience. After a 2-hour drive to West Virginia, we walked into the woods in the middle of nowhere and stepped inside the Whiting's Neck Cave. We crawled on our bellies, slid through tight gaps, climbed up and down slopes, stepped through mud, slipped on wet rocks, belayed down a 45-foot drop into a pit, rope climbed back up out of the pit and with the exit only a few minutes away after several hours underground, I sprained my ankle in a crevice on the rock floor. A great experience minus the last few steps.

Fortunately, my Thanksgiving week plans for new adventures involve a lot less physical activity. Hopefully I'll be walking tall again by the time I head to Austin, Texas where the plan is to skydive. We'll see how that all works out.

30 Days: Shabbat with Shmuel

Twenty-four years ago I went to Live Aid with Sam Shoham--my high school friend from Israel. He went on to graduate the following year after his junior year. I haven't seen him since. Thanks to Facebook we reconnected a couple of weeks ago via the internet. And finally, on Friday night we got together in person. We shared Shabbat dinner with his wife, in-laws and two sons. It was a first in many ways, one of which was eating a birthday cake prepared for me a month before my actual b-day and baked by someone I never met (Shmuel's wife, Ruth). It was a great reunion and a pleasure to meet this wonderful family.

31 Days: Tattoo

Well, this was a big one. A 40th birthday reminder that will last quite awhile. I've often said I didn't have anything I'd want to put on my body for the rest of my life. However, for the last year I've been chewing on an idea for a tattoo that would mean something to me. And I suppose this 40 day countdown gave me a good excuse to move forward with the plan.

My man, Jesse, really helped me a ton with his amazing artistic talents. His wife Rebecca taught me how to make a ring a few days ago. This is one creative couple! I shared my ideas with clips of art stolen off the internet and Jesse produced a sweet design that incorporated all of the elements I wanted. I think it's pretty sweet. Thanks also to the folks at Have Fun Be Lucky Tattoo Parlor in Hampden. Awesome work.

I'm not going to lie, it hurt! But two hours later it was all over and I am now an inked man. And since you asked...the meaning behind the tattoo is this:

1. The circular design is modeled off of an Iona cross which to me symbolizes community.
2. The Aramaic words going around the outside say, "Father to the fatherless" which is a reminder to me of a promise God gave me several years ago for me to live out.
3. The Aramaic word in the center is "Dreamer" which is a reminder of the story of Joseph in the old testament and the passion God has put in me to live out His dreams for me despite the obstacles along the way.

32 Days: Glass Mosaic

A hundred pieces of broken glass--different shapes, sizes and colors all conformed into the image of the beholder. All thanks go to Briah for her creative and relaxing studio. She let me kinda do whatever I wanted and coached me through the process. The end result was a whole lot better than I could have imagined in a short 3-hour session. However, if you want to see some real works of art, check out her creations.

33 Days: Yoga

"Observe without judgement. It's your practice. OK, Downward-Facing Dog position."

Ninety minutes of hot yoga was not as bad as I thought it would be. I only refrained from a couple of poses...one because of my thrice dislocated knee and the other from my previous C6 broken neck. All-in-all, it didn't suck. I did sweat a ton. But it felt kinda good to stretch out my body and feel my lack of flexibility pushed to the max. The music was also very good. However, I did not participate in the "Ommms" at the beginning and end of the session. And yes, I sat in the back and had some pleasant views ;-)

Thanks Mary and Katrina for your insistence.

34 Days: Ring Making

Rebecca taught me how to make a ring in 3 hours. After our first test ring in copper--we went straight for the silver and I'd say we were pretty darn successful. I'm wearing it now and it looks pretty good. I'm amazed at the talents of my friends and even more amazed at how easily they share those talents with a wannabe artist like myself. I loved the whole process...from measurement to cutting to filing to sanding to soldering to sanding some more to blackening to polishing. What a great experience and something I can carry with me into my old age!!

35 Days: Mural Painting

Wow. This was by far the coolest thing I've gotten to do so far on my 40-day count down. Michael Owen who is a mural artist is in the last stages of a huge mural that stretches from Highlandtown to Greektown through and underpass. He is a friend of a friend and let me help him for a couple of hours today. I painted some background spots that needed some touch up a slightly different color. I climbed a ladder and used a pole and small roller to fill in a few spots. He is a very talented artist and beyond that a very cool guy. I had a great time getting to know him and learning more about his work, his family and his life. Every time I drive by this mural I’m sure to remember my tiny role in helping with this public act of beauty!

36 Days: Coffee House Music Festival

In an attempt to raise funds and awareness about Acts4Youth, a non-profit that I sit on the board of, I helped put on a coffee house with four bands performing live music--blues, gospel, jazz and pop rock. It was a great time, good crowd and we raised some dough. The highlight for me personally was seeing the response to the 10-minute video I made for the event. In particular, several folks clapped during the video in response to one of the boy’s stories about how he is improving in school due to the motivation Acts4Youth is providing. Musically the highlight was the jazz band--AWESOME!!

37 Days: Formal at at Friend's

Katgirl invited a slew of folks over for a formal at her new house. It's not much of a "new" event for my 40-day countdown. However, there was one crazy moment to recount. I was chatting with a buddy who I hadn't seen in a year or so and the girl next to him says, "Are you Michael Schwartz? I'm Laura Fritz." Holy crap!! I used to babysit this 24 year old girl when she was 8 along with her 3 younger siblings. She was my boss' daughter when I worked in Colorado right after college. It was quite the surreal moment. Damn, I'm old.

Tonight I'm hosting my first Coffee House Music Festival!!

38 Days: The Most Interesting Show in the World

My good buddy Chris Baron knowing about my 40-day goal suggested we go to this very unique event hosted at The Recher. It was a show sponsored by Dos Equis. Free entry. Free beer. And a show to remember. The MC for the event was Angelo Moore of Fishbone and included live music, crossbows, knives, beatbox, burlesque and something called the human slinky! The most interesting part of The Most Interesting Show in the World was when "Mark the Knife" tossed a 13 lb. bowling ball from his foot to his head and softly balanced it there while the ball was on fire and had 2 knives protruding from the holes--and of course to top it off (or should I say bottom it off) he placed a scorpion in his underwear. Alrighty then. Chris felt the most interesting part was Mei Ling who performed extraordinary feats of strength which would make any Festivus celebration proud!

Coming soon is a newly added new thing to do...I'm going to help paint a mural that is going up in Highlandtown! This will be my first legal community painting project ;-)

39 Days: Singing Lessons

When she asked me to pant like a dog, I was a bit skeptical. But truly, Alana Kolb, who is an opera singer grad student at Peabody, is a phenomenal teacher. She guaranteed me she could teach me how to sing in an hour--and she did. She also said singing beautifully might take a little longer. After my lesson, I think she might have to reevaluate how long that would take in my circumstance. My favorite part of the lesson was the breathing--apparently I'm a quick learn on low breathing. Good for me. The toughest part was when Alana tried to shove me from behind with all of her weight on my lower back while I faced a mirror trying to sing Amazing Grace. There was nothing amazing or graceful about the performance. And I'm sorry to say, I forgot to take a picture--the snapshot in my head is pretty hilarious. Another highlight was sitting in on her singing lesson with her teacher. Listening to her Mezzo Soprano voice only a few feet away was truly amazing. Best of luck to Alana in her coming auditions. I look forward to hearing her on stage as a professional opera singer and nudging the person next to me and saying--I took singing lessons from her!

By the way, the Tiramisu didn't suck. The bottom layer of finger ladies were a bit too soaked for my tastes--but the rest of it was actually pretty good. On another note, it's looking like a strong possibility I'll be skydiving on December 16th in Austin, Texas with my buddy Bryan Matthews. Anyone want to join us?

40 Days to B-day: Tiramisu

OK--so, I finished making my first Tiramisu. I found this interesting note somewhere on the web, so you know it's true, "Did you know that the literal meaning of Tiramisu is ‘pick-me-up’ and that Venetian courtesans used to eat it before their gentlemen arrived for the evening because they believed it would give them the energy to make love all night?”

Well--no love making tonight. However, I will share this dessert with my reading group tomorrow night. I'll let ya know how painfully bad it is. I messed up in three spots with the recipe. I should've video taped the experience--it was pretty ridiculous. It all started with going to Starbucks and trying to order a "tall espresso" -- apparently that makes no sense. I'm not a coffee drinker so I'm pretty ignorant to the scene. The recipe called for 12 oz. of espresso--a "tall" is 12 oz. However, espresso is not the same as coffee. What do I know?

My mistakes:

1. The book said to very quickly dip the lady fingers into the coffee-Kahlua mixture so they don't get soaked...oops. I ruined half a row. I put them on one side and then flipped them--the next thing I knew I had a ball of sopping wet sponged nastiness and it was falling apart in my fingers. I chucked them out.

2. I put down the second layer of ladyfingers before putting the chocolate shavings on top...so I just put the chocolate on top of the ladyfingers and then again on top of the whole dessert.

3. I clearly don't know how to divide in half...there's a lot more of the mascarpone mix on the bottom half--not so much on the top portion. Oh well.

My reason for making Tiramisu is it's my favorite dessert--so I figured it was time to try my hand at making it from scratch. Between the costs of the ingredients and the crappy creation I made--I might just stick to pre-packaged Tiramisu. We'll see how the taste test goes.

COMING UP THIS WEEK:
Singing Lessons
The World's Most Interesting Show
A Formal at Katrina's
Hosting the Coffee House Music Festival
Preparing a Gourmet Meal
Welding a Ring
Yoga

I've still got plenty of days to fill in. If you've got an idea for me...especially one you'd like to share with me, let me know!

Tuesday starts the 40 day countdown

OK--so, I've got a bunch of planned firsts for my 40 days to 40 celebration. Some of those include:

Getting a tattoo in the next week (thanks to Jesse for the design)
Going to a pocket book/bag sale with products created by women in shelters
Going to a formal hosted at a friend's house
Hosting a coffee house music festival fundraiser
Preparing a gourmet meal next weekend
Welding a ring with Rebecca next week
Caving with Tim in 2 weeks

I'm still plotting several ideas including:
Skydiving
Creating pottery
Brewing beer
Eating kangaroo
Hiking in Maryland

I need some more ideas...and I'd love for others to join me in what I'm doing. So, if you've got something you'd like to join me in or a new idea--please let me know ASAP! I really need to get a couple of things planned for the first 2 days (Tuesday and Wednesday)--I've got Thursday through Monday scheduled with activities.

Look for daily blog posts beginning on Tuesday where I'll tell stories of my experiences and hopefully some photos as well!

8 Days til 40 Days

For the past 10 months or so I've been contemplating my 40 year oldness. As people have asked my age, instead of saying 39, I've said--I'm turning 40 this year. I suppose it was mostly to get used to the idea of hearing the word forty coming out of my mouth. Well, now the time is approaching very quickly and I've decided instead of avoiding or down-playing the inevitable--I'm embracing it.

With that in mind, I've decided to count down the 40 days until I turn 40 with a sort of bucket list. My goal is to do something I've never done before on each of the 40 days. Ideally, I'd like to share these unique experiences with my friends and family. If there's one thing I've learned in my 39+ years it's that who you are with is much more important that what you are doing.

Here's where you come in...my friends and family. I'd love your input on ideas that I should consider doing in my 40 day fest. Things like:

Skydive
Prepare a gourmet meal
Hike in Maryland
Get a Tattoo
Sing Karaoke
Hot Air Balloon
Rock Climbing/Rappelling outdoors
Throw on a potter's wheel
Travel to ...

And as you share ideas...if you'd like to join me in one or more of them--let me know. I aim to make these 40 days as communal as possible. Come help me celebrate making it to 40 (almost). And sign up to follow me on this blog as I update each day with a little story about what I experienced and sharing a photo or two of the experience.

Thanks for being a part of my life.

Oh--and one last thing...my birthday is December 20th...so this all begins on November 10th. I'd like to finish up on Sunday, December 20th with some sort of big shin dig...but I'm not sure what or where. So, if you have any ideas on what to do for the final day--throw your thoughts my way!!

Post your thoughts and ideas!

-michael ivan