New York City Coffee & Bagel House FEBRUARY 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 7 Scott Card's "Ender's Game" long before it was ever a movie with Harrison Ford. Don't know the book? Check it out. It's a sci-fi classic. If I'm indulging my inner nerd, then why not also release my inner child? Bowling takes me back to my childhood, when my parents used to throw me birthday parties at the local bowling alley. Astoria Bowl (19-45 49th Street, www.astoriabowl.com) has 28 lanes split on two sides, a bar, concession stand, a movie screen, and banquet facilities upstairs. Bowling is a yin/yang experience for me, balancing the spiritual with the physical. As I throw the ball down the lane, I can ponder the meaning of my life while simultaneously knocking things down! Unfortunately for me, I don't always knock things down and usually have more gutter balls than I do strikes. Manager Jorge Lopez claims that even with a $300 bowling ball, I only have a 64% chance of getting a strike. Apparently there are algorithms for how you stand and throw to make a strike more likely. I’m unsure about all that. What I do know is that when I stroll through the doors on Valentine's Day, I want Jorge to flip on those disco lights so I can get the party started. Speaking of partying, is it happy hour yet? After hitting one too many gutter balls, I'll probably need a drink, and by that I mean beer. Newcomer Judy & Punch (34-08 30th Avenue, www.judyandpunch.com) is a welcome addition to the 30th Avenue neighborhood with its warm and friendly vibe. The bar boasts an eclectic list of craft beers that change on a regular basis. A backyard will be opening this spring. Live music from Without George happens every Sunday, and trivia night is on Tuesdays. I want to finish my day on a high note, and laughter and dancing are two things I absolutely love to do. The Creek and the Cave (10-93 Jackson Avenue, www.creeklic.com) in Long Island City will have both, with a special comedy show that ends in a dance party. The Creek and the Cave is like an entertainment center for grownups. This multi-room venue features a bar, lounge, a ‘Cal-Mex’ restaurant, and an area with pinball machines—The Wizard of Oz is one of my faves. But the main attraction for me will be the theater where Peggy O'Leary's "Hard Lonely & Vicious" comedy show is set for 8:00 p.m., followed by a dance party in the lounge at 10:00 p.m. Valentine's Day marks the two year anniversary of "Hard Lonely & Vicious," with all proceeds benefiting Lady Parts Justice, an organization dedicated to using humor to promote women's reproductive rights, as well as combating the policies and politicians trying to prevent them. The show will begin with Peggy and co-host Molly Austin playing a drinking game show with the comedians who will be performing that night. Ticket prices are $20 for the show, or $35 with a three hour open bar from 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. included—one guess which option I'll be taking. After the show, I'll burn off all my drinks by shaking my groove thing on the dance floor. Sound like an exhausting day? Sometimes those are the best ones to have, where you get into bed at the end of it knowing you were actively a part of the world and the people in it. Don't get me wrong—as an independent person, I am just as happy to spend the day on my couch, reading a great book or watching back to back episodes of "Breaking Bad" or "House of Cards" on Netflix. However, if I’m truly going to celebrate myself on Valentine's Day, then I need to do it out loud and in public, where I can look around and say to myself, "I belong... I rock!" So whatever you're doing this Valentine's Day, be it solo or with a significant other or a good pal, don't forget to take a moment to recognize your own awesomeness and the unique qualities that make you, well, YOU. As for me, you know what I'll be doing—so if you see me around, make sure you say hi. Astoria Bookshop The Creek and the Cave
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