As i was walking down 14th St. this evening after work, dodging left and right the traffic of people, something occurred to me:
I was trained for these sidewalks.
That's right, i was trained, and trained well to dodge oncoming traffic and swerve past the slow pokes on the mean sidewalks of NYC. It all began in 6th grade in the hallways of my middle school. I dodged like none other! In fact, i have recollections of using my elbows to aid in weaving through the crowds. Perhaps my petite size had an impact on this. I was more easily able to maneuver my way, slipping past groups of students at a time. See, we didnt have much time to make it to our next class, and sometimes that meant heading to the other end of the school. Tough times called for tough action. And as petite was i was, i still packed a punch (or an elbow swat).
Now, let me convey that i have ceased using the elbow swat. It was useful at the time but now i fear that it would lead to much more trouble than simply a confused glance.
So nowadays, on the sidewalks of New York, i use my walking skills. I dodge, i swerve, i hustle, i even occasionally awkwardly run-walk. And these learned skills have been with me since age 12. They are put to good use on a daily basis. The feet of New Yorkers are like cars for suburban folks. They are our primary mode of transportation. So i suppose that these walking skills are like the steering wheel, the windshield wipers, and even the fuel gauge - necessities to survive. All need to be in excellent working condition.
So halls of middle schools, i do hope you are continuing to serve as the training ground for our future New Yorkers. You have certainly served me well.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
early to rise
Ben and I have been in awe of his brother Joel for awhile. He wakes up so dang early, from what we can tell, every single morning! Not only that, but he is chipper at that time of day! This is something i cannot understand, having never been one to awake with a smile already on my face. Growing up, I remember snapping at my mom on several occasions because she simply would ask me a question or try to engage in a brief conversation. But it was while i was getting ready for school and thus i was not in the mood to be chatty patty. (sorry mom!)
But times they are a changin' and now i desire to make the most out of every day. Therefore, I wanted to find out from my bro-in-law what his secret was to rising AND shining at that time of day.
Joel told me that he used to have a tough time waking up early, and that he had to train his body to make the transition. He still goes to sleep at a normal to late time so he has trained himself to not need as much sleep as he was used to getting.
He likes waking up early because, as he said, this is when the people who change the world are up and out the door. I found that to be very interesting. He and Ben agreed that there was something very nice about walking around the city in the crispness of the morning. It's more quiet, more peaceful, and there's a full day to look forward to.
I asked Joel how long it took him to make the transition to morning man. One, two days?? Weeks perhaps? His response: about 6 months or so. Yikes! That's a long time! I'm not the most high functioning person when i dont get my desired amount of sleep and so the thought of being at that level for 6 months is terrifying! But would it be worth it in the long run???
This weekend, i was awake early each morning and it made for a fun, fun time. I got tired here and there but the joy of living life made it worth it. So as i ponder the words of my bro-in-law, i feel inspired to attempt the transition to this new lifestyle. I always find myself saying, "if only there was more time in the day!" Well self, there is! I just have to be awake for it.
But times they are a changin' and now i desire to make the most out of every day. Therefore, I wanted to find out from my bro-in-law what his secret was to rising AND shining at that time of day.
Joel told me that he used to have a tough time waking up early, and that he had to train his body to make the transition. He still goes to sleep at a normal to late time so he has trained himself to not need as much sleep as he was used to getting.
He likes waking up early because, as he said, this is when the people who change the world are up and out the door. I found that to be very interesting. He and Ben agreed that there was something very nice about walking around the city in the crispness of the morning. It's more quiet, more peaceful, and there's a full day to look forward to.
I asked Joel how long it took him to make the transition to morning man. One, two days?? Weeks perhaps? His response: about 6 months or so. Yikes! That's a long time! I'm not the most high functioning person when i dont get my desired amount of sleep and so the thought of being at that level for 6 months is terrifying! But would it be worth it in the long run???
This weekend, i was awake early each morning and it made for a fun, fun time. I got tired here and there but the joy of living life made it worth it. So as i ponder the words of my bro-in-law, i feel inspired to attempt the transition to this new lifestyle. I always find myself saying, "if only there was more time in the day!" Well self, there is! I just have to be awake for it.
Friday, April 2, 2010
games and drawings and colors
I love games.
Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE GAMES! I find them to be so much fun and, with my husband (who's equally fond of games) at my side, we have a blast playing games together. In fact, we will find ourselves on a Saturday afternoon or after work on a weeknight playing games for hours on end. It's a stress reliever like none other and its also just such a great way to spend time together. Since we're both strong in our "quality time" love language, it works out perfectly.
We also love hosting game nights. And our motto is always, "everybody wins!" (which, if you've been to one of our game nights in the past year, you definitely know this!)
Another thing we have found ourselves doing since we got married is drawing and coloring. Yes, sounds like these activities are "for the kids" and that adults have better, perhaps "more sophisticated" things to do with their time, but frankly, it's just good, creative FUN! I am far from a "good" visual artist but even so, i rather enjoy the art of creating something (even if its simply one of my very strange looking animals that normally do not resemble at all the animal i intended to draw.) It still brings LOTS of laughter and i can still say at the end of the day that i created something! Ben feels the same way, although his animals more often than mine actually DO turn out to be what he intended them to be!
And last but not least, coloring books. Let's just say that i still get excited to help Alice and the Mad Hatter come alive in shades of blue and green and pink.
Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE GAMES! I find them to be so much fun and, with my husband (who's equally fond of games) at my side, we have a blast playing games together. In fact, we will find ourselves on a Saturday afternoon or after work on a weeknight playing games for hours on end. It's a stress reliever like none other and its also just such a great way to spend time together. Since we're both strong in our "quality time" love language, it works out perfectly.
We also love hosting game nights. And our motto is always, "everybody wins!" (which, if you've been to one of our game nights in the past year, you definitely know this!)
Another thing we have found ourselves doing since we got married is drawing and coloring. Yes, sounds like these activities are "for the kids" and that adults have better, perhaps "more sophisticated" things to do with their time, but frankly, it's just good, creative FUN! I am far from a "good" visual artist but even so, i rather enjoy the art of creating something (even if its simply one of my very strange looking animals that normally do not resemble at all the animal i intended to draw.) It still brings LOTS of laughter and i can still say at the end of the day that i created something! Ben feels the same way, although his animals more often than mine actually DO turn out to be what he intended them to be!
And last but not least, coloring books. Let's just say that i still get excited to help Alice and the Mad Hatter come alive in shades of blue and green and pink.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
the little colorful buds
It has been such a long time since i last wrote a post. This lack of communication is for good reason - my life took an incredible turn which left me without much time to do much of anything but enjoy, plan, and live. The "budding" relationship i mentioned in one of my last posts turned into an engagement which turned into marriage! Ben asked for my hand in marriage on March 27, 2009 to which i of course reponded "yes! yes! yes!!" The next six months was devoted to wedding planning. We pulled off a glorious celebration of our love and future together with much help from our friends and family. In fact, we couldnt have done it without this help! We were incredibly humbled by the willingness of so many people to contribute their talents and time to our big day. The big day was on October 17, 2009. We felt the presence of God in such powerful ways all day long. And oh the joy!!! We were praising Him for all of his many blessings that brought us to this special day. We've now been married for over five months! Time has flown by as we have set up our life together. We have an adorable apartment and have been learning what it's like to combine our lives with someone else's. And it's been a fantastic journey!
My friend Katie pointed out in her blog that the buds on the New York City trees magically appeared yesterday. I too noticed this, along with, i am sure, most other New Yorkers. And i love it! Every year at this time, my friend Cady notices the "new green" as she calls it, that shows up on the trees. It's a bit brighter, more fresh and alive looking. It's just so refreshing to see all of these new colors appear all around me! For me, it's a sign of new possibilities on the horizon, new opportunities just around the corner, new relationships to develop... New, new, new!! Not only that, but taking the old and cultivating it to become something even better. And this makes me excited to see what new colors are going to show up in my own life and in the lives of the family and friends who i love so dearly.
It also makes me in awe of God. That He would create plants to be cyclical like this, so that we can be reminded each and every year of the hope we have and of the freshness of new seasons.
So thank you, little colorful buds! You havent even been around for a week and yet have already brought so many smiles to my face!!
My friend Katie pointed out in her blog that the buds on the New York City trees magically appeared yesterday. I too noticed this, along with, i am sure, most other New Yorkers. And i love it! Every year at this time, my friend Cady notices the "new green" as she calls it, that shows up on the trees. It's a bit brighter, more fresh and alive looking. It's just so refreshing to see all of these new colors appear all around me! For me, it's a sign of new possibilities on the horizon, new opportunities just around the corner, new relationships to develop... New, new, new!! Not only that, but taking the old and cultivating it to become something even better. And this makes me excited to see what new colors are going to show up in my own life and in the lives of the family and friends who i love so dearly.
It also makes me in awe of God. That He would create plants to be cyclical like this, so that we can be reminded each and every year of the hope we have and of the freshness of new seasons.
So thank you, little colorful buds! You havent even been around for a week and yet have already brought so many smiles to my face!!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
just in case
I did a major cleaning/organizational sweep in my room before the new year. My room had become an organizational disaster and yet i didn't feel like i had that much stuff. What the heck was causing this overcrowding? How come i had no space to put my text books? I became confused. I became distressed. I mean, i take pride in my organizational abilities and yet here i was, failing miserably in my own apartment! For shame, for shame!
Thus, my decision to take on this end of the year project. And in tackling the problem, i began to notice a common theme among the stuff i was getting rid of.
"I've been holding on to these super old credit card statements just in case i need to refer back to them one day"
"I've been holding on to these books i got for free just in case i have time to read them one day"
"I've been holding on to this mini sewing kit (for 10 years!) just in case i 1. want to learn to sew and 2. actually need to sew"
And the list went on and on. I realized that my room had become a storage unit for "just in case" items! And they seemed small enough, but add together many "just in case" items and suddenly you have no room left for the things you actually use! This is the trap i fell into. There was no room for the stuff i really used and so those things were getting piled on my floor, and frankly it didnt look good!
I realized that the chance of me actually needing these "just in case" items was slim. And keeping them was causing the earlier-referenced confusion and distress (and oh the shame!). My mentality had to change. And i hope to impart the wisdom i gained from this experience onto you in hopes of providing relief from the organizational mess you may have found yourself in too.
Here's the logic:
Old perspective - "I'd much rather hold on to something just in case i need it, because it will save the hassle and stress of either having to purchase it again or not being able to access it at all."
New perspective - "I want to come home to an organized room! Holding on to these "little" things is causing a big mess. Living in a disorganized place has become a daily stress, more so than it would be to need one of these "just in case" items down the road. And chances are, i wont need any of those "just in case" items anyways!"
My encouragement to you is to consider what you may be holding on to "just in case." And free yourself from these chains that bind! I cant express just how much i love having SPACE for my text books and bank statements!
Thus, my decision to take on this end of the year project. And in tackling the problem, i began to notice a common theme among the stuff i was getting rid of.
"I've been holding on to these super old credit card statements just in case i need to refer back to them one day"
"I've been holding on to these books i got for free just in case i have time to read them one day"
"I've been holding on to this mini sewing kit (for 10 years!) just in case i 1. want to learn to sew and 2. actually need to sew"
And the list went on and on. I realized that my room had become a storage unit for "just in case" items! And they seemed small enough, but add together many "just in case" items and suddenly you have no room left for the things you actually use! This is the trap i fell into. There was no room for the stuff i really used and so those things were getting piled on my floor, and frankly it didnt look good!
I realized that the chance of me actually needing these "just in case" items was slim. And keeping them was causing the earlier-referenced confusion and distress (and oh the shame!). My mentality had to change. And i hope to impart the wisdom i gained from this experience onto you in hopes of providing relief from the organizational mess you may have found yourself in too.
Here's the logic:
Old perspective - "I'd much rather hold on to something just in case i need it, because it will save the hassle and stress of either having to purchase it again or not being able to access it at all."
New perspective - "I want to come home to an organized room! Holding on to these "little" things is causing a big mess. Living in a disorganized place has become a daily stress, more so than it would be to need one of these "just in case" items down the road. And chances are, i wont need any of those "just in case" items anyways!"
My encouragement to you is to consider what you may be holding on to "just in case." And free yourself from these chains that bind! I cant express just how much i love having SPACE for my text books and bank statements!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
big umbrellas
It was a glorious day, waking up to find the ground covered in glistening white snow. A friend of mine commented about how he loves the silent sound of a snowfall. I completely agree. I love that fun surprise of finding everything looking completely different from how I saw it the night before.
Snow boots on, there was an extra spring in my step today, walking through (or should i say "crunching through") the gorgeous snow flakes.
By mid afternoon, the snow was losing its place in the city, getting replaced by rain, rain, and more rain. Snow turned to brown snow, which turned into brown slush (which caused me to lose that extra spring in my step and take a more cautious approach to walking).
And the umbrellas came out.
And i realized a major pet peeve of mine - big umbrellas. Particularly big umbrellas being carried by small to average sized people! There i was, on the sidewalk, trying to return to work after a deposit run, and found myself in a traffic jam - because of one of these big umbrellas. One umbrella took up the ENTIRE width of the sidewalk! Underneath it was a man who could not have been any bigger than 150 pounds and 5 ft 9. No need for such a large umbrella! And because of it, those of us behind him were forced to walk at his pace.
I was tempted to purchase an umbrella of a NORMAL size and give it to him. "Think of the others! You dont rule the sidewalk umbrella guy!"
Snow boots on, there was an extra spring in my step today, walking through (or should i say "crunching through") the gorgeous snow flakes.
By mid afternoon, the snow was losing its place in the city, getting replaced by rain, rain, and more rain. Snow turned to brown snow, which turned into brown slush (which caused me to lose that extra spring in my step and take a more cautious approach to walking).
And the umbrellas came out.
And i realized a major pet peeve of mine - big umbrellas. Particularly big umbrellas being carried by small to average sized people! There i was, on the sidewalk, trying to return to work after a deposit run, and found myself in a traffic jam - because of one of these big umbrellas. One umbrella took up the ENTIRE width of the sidewalk! Underneath it was a man who could not have been any bigger than 150 pounds and 5 ft 9. No need for such a large umbrella! And because of it, those of us behind him were forced to walk at his pace.
I was tempted to purchase an umbrella of a NORMAL size and give it to him. "Think of the others! You dont rule the sidewalk umbrella guy!"
Friday, September 12, 2008
oh the places we'll go (or not go to again)
Part of my morning routine includes stopping at the local deli by my office to pick up a caffeinated bottle of soda. I have joined the ranks of folks who are dependent on this lil caffeine kick in order to function as a human being in the wee hours of the morning (1oam). It's amazing how much more "alive" i feel after taking a few sips! Well yesterday, while riding the subway to work, i counted my $1.50 in change which would be used in a few minutes to purchase this delightful beverage. I went to my deli, got my soda of choice (normally it's cherry coke zero but this time it was a diet orange sunkist - also quite refreshing!), and headed to the counter, where my deli man stands every morning with a smile on his face, to complete the transaction. I handed him my change at the same time as he said, "that'll be $1.75." !!!!! What?? How can that be? i thought in great distress. So i responded with, "$1.75, really?" He said the price for bottled soda was raised the day before. ALL bottled sodas would now be $1.75. Since i had already handed him the money, and since i have proven to be a loyal customer for well over a year, he allowed me to make one last purchase for the reasonable price of $1.50. I savored that moment, took it all in - my deli man, the soda, the purchase price of $1.50. This occurrance had been a staple in my day. And upon hearing, "that'll be $1.75," i knew things would never be the same.
The question i am faced with now is: do i resist price increases that americans everywhere are having to accept and find a new place to get my soda fix, or do i stay loyal to my deli man, accept prices for what they are and keep my morning routine in tact?
Oh how i am torn! I think some good meditation and prayer is in order...
The question i am faced with now is: do i resist price increases that americans everywhere are having to accept and find a new place to get my soda fix, or do i stay loyal to my deli man, accept prices for what they are and keep my morning routine in tact?
Oh how i am torn! I think some good meditation and prayer is in order...
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
bueller? bueller?? ...laurie? laurie??
I know, it's been a loooooong time since my last posting. It has been something i've thought about and wanted to sit down and compose such a post as this for, well, months. But alas, in the words of ferris himself,
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
That pretty much sums up what i've been doing these few months - stopping to look around at life and to experience it to the fullest. It started with a concussion (no fun, no fun), moved on to a business trip to LA where i was reunited with a couple of special college friends, and then to a blossoming relationship with a great guy. This August has been weddings galore in DC, Orlando, and this weekend Seattle. My masters program for school counseling starts on Tues which will keep me occupied for the next couple years.
I am most definitely alive and kickin! Life is good. Looking forward to continuing to "live in the now"! (to quote another classic movie character) :)
"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
That pretty much sums up what i've been doing these few months - stopping to look around at life and to experience it to the fullest. It started with a concussion (no fun, no fun), moved on to a business trip to LA where i was reunited with a couple of special college friends, and then to a blossoming relationship with a great guy. This August has been weddings galore in DC, Orlando, and this weekend Seattle. My masters program for school counseling starts on Tues which will keep me occupied for the next couple years.
I am most definitely alive and kickin! Life is good. Looking forward to continuing to "live in the now"! (to quote another classic movie character) :)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
shocking news - a forrest gump contradiction??
I have seen Forrest Gump many times. My friend cady and i quote it often. Perhaps one day, i'll do a post on "favorite movie blips" and share a few of the favs with you.
One reference, though, always leads me to pause and think "wait a minute..." Maybe someone can clear up confusion if it's on my end. If i raise a good point, then this blog will have served a purpose of cracking the code on one of hollywood's most beloved films. (brilliant!)
Forrest lets jenny know that he is headed to war. "They're sending me...to viet-naaam."
Jenny, worried, responds with: "Promise me somethin'. Whatever happens, dont try to be brave. Just run. Just run away."
Cut to the war scene. Forrest is brave! Forrest doesn't just run away! In fact, he runs back into battle many times to save his fellow soldiers, including bubba, which leads to one of the sweetest moments in the film. "If i had known that this would be the last time i spoke to him, i probably woulda thought of somethin' better to say... hey bubba." (awww, best-good friends are great!)
The next time forrest runs into jenny, he is in washington dc receiving the metal of honor. Upon their departure, forrest gives the metal to jenny.
"Jenny, I want you...to have this."
"I cant take your metal, forrest"
"But i got it just by doing what you told me to do."
(now this is the point when i pause and say "wait a minute..." Is it just me or did he actually do the exact opposite of what she told him?)
I'm left baffled everytime.
One reference, though, always leads me to pause and think "wait a minute..." Maybe someone can clear up confusion if it's on my end. If i raise a good point, then this blog will have served a purpose of cracking the code on one of hollywood's most beloved films. (brilliant!)
Forrest lets jenny know that he is headed to war. "They're sending me...to viet-naaam."
Jenny, worried, responds with: "Promise me somethin'. Whatever happens, dont try to be brave. Just run. Just run away."
Cut to the war scene. Forrest is brave! Forrest doesn't just run away! In fact, he runs back into battle many times to save his fellow soldiers, including bubba, which leads to one of the sweetest moments in the film. "If i had known that this would be the last time i spoke to him, i probably woulda thought of somethin' better to say... hey bubba." (awww, best-good friends are great!)
The next time forrest runs into jenny, he is in washington dc receiving the metal of honor. Upon their departure, forrest gives the metal to jenny.
"Jenny, I want you...to have this."
"I cant take your metal, forrest"
"But i got it just by doing what you told me to do."
(now this is the point when i pause and say "wait a minute..." Is it just me or did he actually do the exact opposite of what she told him?)
I'm left baffled everytime.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
a definite "elaine" experience
At least once a week, my boss refers to me as the seinfeld character elaine. I think i must have some elaine tendencies. I cant exactly articulate what those are (other than my, if i must say so, exceptionally awkward, and therefore completely dead-on, version of the "elaine dance"). I recently had an experience, though, that i would characterize as "totally elaine".
Coming home from the city to my quiet apartment, i decided to stop by a restaurant to get some take-out. I chose a quaint french place nearby, decided on a salad (a big salad??) and placed my order. The hostess keyed in the order, gave me the total, and i handed her my credit card. "Oh, we actually arent taking credit cards right now." (sigh) I had cash at home, but nothing with me. Rather than heading to an ATM and throwing my money away on those dang ATM fees, i decided to change the order to delivery.
My apartment is about a 7 minute walk from this restaurant. I did my usual power walking and presumed that i would be quite a few minutes ahead of the delivery guy. So i called a friend, chatted outside and then headed into my building's lobby. I quickly noticed a delivery guy speaking to the doorman (never thought i would say i had a doorman!!), but i thought to myself "there is no way that my delivery guy would be here now!" After another couple of minutes, i figured i should check. It was indeed him! He had just left the building, and I caught him just before he was about to jump on his bike and ride away with my dinner. I apologized, which he got the gist of but didnt totally understand because of, what i would soon discover, our language barrier. He spoke NO english.
My cash was in my apt, so i gestured for him to follow me. Once in the apartment, i grabbed my money and handed him the $20. He indicated that he didnt have any change. A delivery guy with no change?!? How can that be? We tried talking to convey our points of view, but since he spoke no english, this conversation was hopeless. I stood there hoping he might give in and say (well, or gesture), "just take the food. It's my mistake that i dont have change, so go ahead and enjoy. You shouldnt be punished for my unpreparedness." No. Didn't happen. So we headed back down to see if the doorman had any change. No luck. But fortunately the guy speaking to the doorman did! He handed me 4 five's, 3 of which i gave to the delivery guy.
My salad cost around $11.50. So in my attempt to avoid the scam of an ATM fee, i spent about $3 more than i would have spent had i given in and paid the fee! (double sigh!) But that's not the end...
As i said "au revoir" to my (actually spanish) delivery guy, i received a call from the french restaurant. "We have a delivery guy there trying to get your food to you. He's been waiting for a long time. What's going on??" I finally got a word in and explained that the food/money exchange had just taken place. The woman sounded very annoyed about the whole situation. I have a strong feeling that my face and apt number will not be leaving their memories anytime soon, which means that my days of enjoying delicious french cuisine are probably over. It was a good run. I did enjoy the "big salad," with the exception of the anchovies.
But like elaine, i may try to beat the system by creating a new apartment number using the trash room across the hall.
Coming home from the city to my quiet apartment, i decided to stop by a restaurant to get some take-out. I chose a quaint french place nearby, decided on a salad (a big salad??) and placed my order. The hostess keyed in the order, gave me the total, and i handed her my credit card. "Oh, we actually arent taking credit cards right now." (sigh) I had cash at home, but nothing with me. Rather than heading to an ATM and throwing my money away on those dang ATM fees, i decided to change the order to delivery.
My apartment is about a 7 minute walk from this restaurant. I did my usual power walking and presumed that i would be quite a few minutes ahead of the delivery guy. So i called a friend, chatted outside and then headed into my building's lobby. I quickly noticed a delivery guy speaking to the doorman (never thought i would say i had a doorman!!), but i thought to myself "there is no way that my delivery guy would be here now!" After another couple of minutes, i figured i should check. It was indeed him! He had just left the building, and I caught him just before he was about to jump on his bike and ride away with my dinner. I apologized, which he got the gist of but didnt totally understand because of, what i would soon discover, our language barrier. He spoke NO english.
My cash was in my apt, so i gestured for him to follow me. Once in the apartment, i grabbed my money and handed him the $20. He indicated that he didnt have any change. A delivery guy with no change?!? How can that be? We tried talking to convey our points of view, but since he spoke no english, this conversation was hopeless. I stood there hoping he might give in and say (well, or gesture), "just take the food. It's my mistake that i dont have change, so go ahead and enjoy. You shouldnt be punished for my unpreparedness." No. Didn't happen. So we headed back down to see if the doorman had any change. No luck. But fortunately the guy speaking to the doorman did! He handed me 4 five's, 3 of which i gave to the delivery guy.
My salad cost around $11.50. So in my attempt to avoid the scam of an ATM fee, i spent about $3 more than i would have spent had i given in and paid the fee! (double sigh!) But that's not the end...
As i said "au revoir" to my (actually spanish) delivery guy, i received a call from the french restaurant. "We have a delivery guy there trying to get your food to you. He's been waiting for a long time. What's going on??" I finally got a word in and explained that the food/money exchange had just taken place. The woman sounded very annoyed about the whole situation. I have a strong feeling that my face and apt number will not be leaving their memories anytime soon, which means that my days of enjoying delicious french cuisine are probably over. It was a good run. I did enjoy the "big salad," with the exception of the anchovies.
But like elaine, i may try to beat the system by creating a new apartment number using the trash room across the hall.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
thank you dream!
It has been brought to my attention that i have been majorly slacking on my blog the past few weeks. And with the lingering of my last post, i wanted to make it clear that i am alive and doing quite well, having survived the tick-tock of the clock as it moved me into this "dreaded year"... and to be honest, so far so good! It's not so bad afterall. I am embracing this age, taking ahold of it and trying to own it as much as mrs. bedazzled "owned" her tacky sweater (but rest assured, i have no desire to actually own one of those sweaters). In fact, to my surprise, i recently had a moment of complete thankfulness about being this age.
It was brought on by a dream. A dream that was brought on by a conversation i had with my coworker and boss which involved me swimming across the hudson from ny to jersey, which i have never done. Yes, this conversation sounds rather odd and it lasted a good 3-5 minutes! (note references in prior posts to my "crazy" office.) So that night, i dreamt that i was about to embark on a journey similar to this "hudson-cross," except i am not completely sure that it was in fact the hudson i was crossing. The water in my dream did have quite a murky look to it, and made me question what i was jumping into and why the heck i was jumping into it. I'll say this - it certainly wasn't the mediterranean! So for posting purposes, we'll call it the hudson. I had a backpack which must have been filled with the necessary "river swim" equipment, and i was saying good-bye to my good friends megan and joel, who were bidding me adieu from the dock. (M&J, please never allow me to swim in any kind of hudson-like river in real life, let alone travel to jersey! -just a little joke, jersey folks.) As i was about to make the jump into the water and begin my swim, M&J wished me a happy birthday. This birthday they were referring to was the one i will have a year from now. I was turning yet another year older! With backpack in hand, i jumped... and sunk, rather far down that i found myself panicked that i wouldn't make it to the surface in time to take my next much-needed breath of air. Feeling more nervous, i picked up the pace to swim to the surface. This was no easy task since i was being weighed down by my backpack... but i made it to the surface in time! And then i heard scott & todd in the morning blasting from my radio and realized that it had all been a dream. And for that moment, after having felt like i was even a year older than i am, i was incredibly thankful, and proud, to be my actual, so-called "dreaded" age.
Monday, April 21, 2008
another year is almost here...oh dear!
In honor of my (gulp) birthday being just around the corner, i thought it fitting to pause for a moment and reflect on life and the past year. "It has gone by so fast," as they say. Or in saved by the bell terms, "it seems like only yesterday we started..." Yes, i do get sentimental on these annual momentous occasions. (although, my cat mia isnt letting me get too sentimental, as she is meowing to get my attention so i'll play with her... "in a second, little one") Back to reflecting... What new insights did i have? How did i grow and change? Any "firsts"?? (food poisioning comes to mind! oh, and of course, joining my bloggy bloggy friends in the blogging community)
Truth be told, this is my "dreaded" birthday year. In talking with friends, it seems that many of us have an age which we have defined in our minds as "that age" which will separate us from "the old days" and bring us into "an older stage of life." The actual age is different for everyone and well, most of us are not ready for it when it comes knocking on our door. That's me this year. And tonight, as i try desperately to hold on to my current year, which has suited me well, i know that my only option is to surrender to destiny's knock, open the door graciously, and well, be a good host to this new phase. (glad i tidied up!)
I know that "i'm young," that "i have my whole life ahead of me," that i'll look back at this post in one year, five years, fifty years and smile at how melodramatic i was (and all of those other sayings we hear "the older generation" pass down to us - which we will inevitably pass down to the next generation). But darnet, it's my birthday, and not just any birthday but my "dreaded" birthday, and i'll be how i want to be and say what i want to say! (now how's that for dramatic??)
They say a watched pot never boils... perhaps if i get one of those going, i will be able to beat time at its own game! (or i'll just end up staring at a pot of water for a really, really long time. Not really my idea of birthday fun.)
Fine. I surrender! Bring on the birthday!! :)
Truth be told, this is my "dreaded" birthday year. In talking with friends, it seems that many of us have an age which we have defined in our minds as "that age" which will separate us from "the old days" and bring us into "an older stage of life." The actual age is different for everyone and well, most of us are not ready for it when it comes knocking on our door. That's me this year. And tonight, as i try desperately to hold on to my current year, which has suited me well, i know that my only option is to surrender to destiny's knock, open the door graciously, and well, be a good host to this new phase. (glad i tidied up!)
I know that "i'm young," that "i have my whole life ahead of me," that i'll look back at this post in one year, five years, fifty years and smile at how melodramatic i was (and all of those other sayings we hear "the older generation" pass down to us - which we will inevitably pass down to the next generation). But darnet, it's my birthday, and not just any birthday but my "dreaded" birthday, and i'll be how i want to be and say what i want to say! (now how's that for dramatic??)
They say a watched pot never boils... perhaps if i get one of those going, i will be able to beat time at its own game! (or i'll just end up staring at a pot of water for a really, really long time. Not really my idea of birthday fun.)
Fine. I surrender! Bring on the birthday!! :)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
walmart update
My college's fight song was introduced during my first week as an incoming freshman. There i stood, along with the other newbies, in elkins auditorium, singing this tune over and over and over again. We sang it at least five times. For most of us, who were all about our new school, ready to create lasting friendships and great memories on this campus, this was a little cheesy, but fun nonetheless. For my much more cynical college friend, who didn't exactly "take to the campus culture," i imagine that this was probably the first moment he questioned his college choice ("group sing-alongs?? what the...??"). :)
The final word in the song is "victory," sung "vic-tor-eeeee!," and the "eeeee!" practically jumps up an entire octave from the preceding note. As we all struggled to hold on to the words and figure out the notes (sheet music would have been helpful), it was virtually impossible to stay on key thus causing the song to end, well, on a bad note. And even to this day, i still haven't figured that note out.
As i have transitioned away from college life, this fight song has stayed with me and on rare occasions, the "vic-tor-eeeee!" sound pops into consciousness. This happened a couple of weeks ago when i heard the news - that walmart had dropped the case against the woman i blogged about on march 29th. Thank goodness! Now, I would be naive if i thought that walmart's change of heart had to do with a recent visit to see the wizard. There were indications that thousands had blogged about and petitioned to boycott walmart as a result of this case. Were those at walmart who changed their minds then most likely looking out for their own interests? Um...yes. But sometimes i believe we have to take what we can get, focus on this woman and her family who have finally been given the justice they deserve, and be excited about that. SO...
My congratulations, well-wishes, and prayers of thankfulness go out to this family!
And here's a real loud "vic-tor-eeeee!" to you!
The final word in the song is "victory," sung "vic-tor-eeeee!," and the "eeeee!" practically jumps up an entire octave from the preceding note. As we all struggled to hold on to the words and figure out the notes (sheet music would have been helpful), it was virtually impossible to stay on key thus causing the song to end, well, on a bad note. And even to this day, i still haven't figured that note out.
As i have transitioned away from college life, this fight song has stayed with me and on rare occasions, the "vic-tor-eeeee!" sound pops into consciousness. This happened a couple of weeks ago when i heard the news - that walmart had dropped the case against the woman i blogged about on march 29th. Thank goodness! Now, I would be naive if i thought that walmart's change of heart had to do with a recent visit to see the wizard. There were indications that thousands had blogged about and petitioned to boycott walmart as a result of this case. Were those at walmart who changed their minds then most likely looking out for their own interests? Um...yes. But sometimes i believe we have to take what we can get, focus on this woman and her family who have finally been given the justice they deserve, and be excited about that. SO...
My congratulations, well-wishes, and prayers of thankfulness go out to this family!
And here's a real loud "vic-tor-eeeee!" to you!
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
we didn't start the fire!
Tonight, while watching one of my singer/songwriter friends rock the house (acoustic guitar style), i was nudged by a friend at the table to take a look at the sweater of this sweet senior citizen who arrived midway through the set. (Note: my friend's music is relevant to this generation! The senior crowd was there to see the following performer rock the house - cello style.) This sweater was one that immediately triggered the word "b-dazzled" in my mind. You know, the rhinestones, multiple colors, excessive shine. Her shine was arranged in the shape of three crowns. I looked over and couldn't help but smile. You know when a really posh person can "pull off" something quite atrocious? Well i realized that this senior (and well, most seniors) can pull off this kind of sweater! She rocked it - sweet old lady style! Not many in my circle could pull this off, but she did. I also realized that there will come a day when i too sport the b-dazzle sweater. And i hope to "own it" in the same way this lady did.
Several minutes later, the same friend who pointed out mrs. b-dazzle's sweatshirt indicated to them that a napkin was illuminating from their senior table - fire style! The senior gentleman (mr. fire) looked down at these starting flames quite taken aback. My friend grabbed a glass of water and poured it on the table. The fire was out. (whew!) The three seniors (mrs. b-dazzle, mr. fire, and mrs. oblivious) turned around to our table, thanked my friend, and expressed to us their surprise at this event. "We had no idea!" "We were so focused on the performer, we didn't see the flames!" "We did not see that at all!"
So yes, the greatest generation certainly has wisdom to offer. They have earned their right to wear tacky sweaters and speak out at inappropriate times during church. And i'll be darned if i try to take these rights away from them! (shoot, i'll do all i can to be assured that these rights will still be in place when it's time for me to cash in my birthday candles.) But we, my generation not only didn't start the fire; we helped put the fire out!
the singer/songwriter mentioned in this post is katie arnold. She rocks! (katie arnold style) Check her out at www.myspace.com/katiearnoldmusic.
Several minutes later, the same friend who pointed out mrs. b-dazzle's sweatshirt indicated to them that a napkin was illuminating from their senior table - fire style! The senior gentleman (mr. fire) looked down at these starting flames quite taken aback. My friend grabbed a glass of water and poured it on the table. The fire was out. (whew!) The three seniors (mrs. b-dazzle, mr. fire, and mrs. oblivious) turned around to our table, thanked my friend, and expressed to us their surprise at this event. "We had no idea!" "We were so focused on the performer, we didn't see the flames!" "We did not see that at all!"
So yes, the greatest generation certainly has wisdom to offer. They have earned their right to wear tacky sweaters and speak out at inappropriate times during church. And i'll be darned if i try to take these rights away from them! (shoot, i'll do all i can to be assured that these rights will still be in place when it's time for me to cash in my birthday candles.) But we, my generation not only didn't start the fire; we helped put the fire out!
the singer/songwriter mentioned in this post is katie arnold. She rocks! (katie arnold style) Check her out at www.myspace.com/katiearnoldmusic.
mamma mia!
Today marks the unofficial fourth birthday of my darling cat, mia! Happy Birthday Sweet One! Why "unofficial?" you may ask. Well, allow me to provide you with the answer...
her story:
Mia spent the first two years (roughly) of her life in the bronx (what, what!!). She was a bronx baby. Grew up on the mean streets. Apparently developed such prodigious street smarts that she was even too much for her adopted sibling to handle! Since she and "mr. how could you not love your adorable sister?!? cat" apparently battled it out more times than their owner would have preferred, the owner made the choice (and clearly adorable, sweet, charming, hilarious had no impact on the decision) to seek out a new home for mia. Said owner was my old roommate's co-worker at the time. So my roommate anna received the mass email looking for those interested in adopting mia. Anna, also a fan of cats, and i considered the possibility of bringing mia into the big city to live with us. After giving it some thought we decided that we would proceed with the adoption! This was about two years ago. When the owner brought mia to us, we asked about mia's birthday. Her response "um, it was sometime around now, two years ago." (mostly helpful information, mostly...but that would have to do.) Thus, mia's unofficial birthday is today!
After the drop-off, mia was frightened and hid under my bed for two days. Attempting to gently coax her out did nothing, so, at the suggestion of my mom, i used the ole' tough love tactic and pulled her out against her will, assuring her that i was nice and that all was well. She quickly made the adjustment after that. (thanks mom!) When anna and i were no longer roommates, it was evident then that i would take mia with me. Mia has been such a joy to have in my life. She's adorable! (to back up this statement, see pics below)
her story:
Mia spent the first two years (roughly) of her life in the bronx (what, what!!). She was a bronx baby. Grew up on the mean streets. Apparently developed such prodigious street smarts that she was even too much for her adopted sibling to handle! Since she and "mr. how could you not love your adorable sister?!? cat" apparently battled it out more times than their owner would have preferred, the owner made the choice (and clearly adorable, sweet, charming, hilarious had no impact on the decision) to seek out a new home for mia. Said owner was my old roommate's co-worker at the time. So my roommate anna received the mass email looking for those interested in adopting mia. Anna, also a fan of cats, and i considered the possibility of bringing mia into the big city to live with us. After giving it some thought we decided that we would proceed with the adoption! This was about two years ago. When the owner brought mia to us, we asked about mia's birthday. Her response "um, it was sometime around now, two years ago." (mostly helpful information, mostly...but that would have to do.) Thus, mia's unofficial birthday is today!
After the drop-off, mia was frightened and hid under my bed for two days. Attempting to gently coax her out did nothing, so, at the suggestion of my mom, i used the ole' tough love tactic and pulled her out against her will, assuring her that i was nice and that all was well. She quickly made the adjustment after that. (thanks mom!) When anna and i were no longer roommates, it was evident then that i would take mia with me. Mia has been such a joy to have in my life. She's adorable! (to back up this statement, see pics below)
precious!
like any girl, she's very protective of shoes
making my bed is cause for celebration
putting my clothes away is cause for a good afternoon nap
Happy Birthday Mia!!
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