Pain in the Arse
I got my little card back from the NU health center saying that my physical requirements were complete except that I still need blood test results showing that I got my Hep B shots. The last Hep B shot I got was in 1989 back in Pakistan, so I need to get a booster shot, I guess. Anyway, once I get the booster (which will take a week to come in and cost $80 CASH ONLY -- my doctor's office is kind of sketchy), I have to wait at least four weeks to take the blood test. I'm assuming that the blood tests will take at least a week to come back, and I hope that's all it takes since I am taking off for Chicago like 1.5 weeks later. And then I have to have all of the stuff into NU by September 15 in order to register. One more thing to fret about. Anyone know how long blood tests usually take to come back? I'm not sure I trust my doctor's office to fed ex or fax me anything.
Monday, July 19, 2004
Educate the Children
Yahoo News reports that Guangzhou is going to provide sex ed classes to kids, starting with kindergarteners! That is some crazily progressive stuff. I wonder how it's going to do down.
Yahoo News reports that Guangzhou is going to provide sex ed classes to kids, starting with kindergarteners! That is some crazily progressive stuff. I wonder how it's going to do down.
Sunday, July 18, 2004
June 29, 2004 (LA)
This day involved sleeping, reading, and going to Costco for SBD snacks to bring along with me to China. Note that we purchased a large amount of snacks that included about three pounds of almonds (no kidding), FOUR bags of jerky (two beef, two turkey), one large bag of mixed dried fruit, one large bag of dried mangoes. Over the trip, the jerky was taken care of, about three almonds and about three pieces of dried mangoes were consumed, and everything else was taken backto the States with me to put in my pantry. That is some well-traveled dried stuffs. My aunt and uncle have a lovely house in the LA suburbs up on a hill, so when you sit on the back patio, you look over a wide spread view of the town and the hills in the background. I sat there for about an hour as I polished off The Corrections (which was great, yet the aging dad depressed me so much I had to skip entire parts of the novel). It was rather pleasant.
This day involved sleeping, reading, and going to Costco for SBD snacks to bring along with me to China. Note that we purchased a large amount of snacks that included about three pounds of almonds (no kidding), FOUR bags of jerky (two beef, two turkey), one large bag of mixed dried fruit, one large bag of dried mangoes. Over the trip, the jerky was taken care of, about three almonds and about three pieces of dried mangoes were consumed, and everything else was taken backto the States with me to put in my pantry. That is some well-traveled dried stuffs. My aunt and uncle have a lovely house in the LA suburbs up on a hill, so when you sit on the back patio, you look over a wide spread view of the town and the hills in the background. I sat there for about an hour as I polished off The Corrections (which was great, yet the aging dad depressed me so much I had to skip entire parts of the novel). It was rather pleasant.
Trip Recounted Part 1 of 789
These are notes from my journal...
June 28, 2004 (DC to LA)
Leaving from Dulles is a nightmare. The security line snaked around the entire front of the airport. On the tram from one terminal to the other (and what is Dulles except terminals, terminals, terminals?) there was an anxious woman next to me who started crying because she thought she boarded the wrong tram. It was a full plane and I got seated in the very back, in the middle of three seats. Love it. I couldn't get over how crazy busy LAX was either. It was really slammed with people. At the baggage carousel, I waited there for about 25 minutes before our flight's bags were circulated since there was three of four flights in front of us using the same carousel. Is LAX always like that?
These are notes from my journal...
June 28, 2004 (DC to LA)
Leaving from Dulles is a nightmare. The security line snaked around the entire front of the airport. On the tram from one terminal to the other (and what is Dulles except terminals, terminals, terminals?) there was an anxious woman next to me who started crying because she thought she boarded the wrong tram. It was a full plane and I got seated in the very back, in the middle of three seats. Love it. I couldn't get over how crazy busy LAX was either. It was really slammed with people. At the baggage carousel, I waited there for about 25 minutes before our flight's bags were circulated since there was three of four flights in front of us using the same carousel. Is LAX always like that?
China Photos
Okay, it took me all morning, but I finally managed to get my China photos onto Ofoto. I haven't gone through and made comments yet, but hopefully this will be something that I will manage to do at some point. There are two albums. One is the Yangtze Cruising scenery (many, many gorge photos...be warned) and the other is everything else, including more river/gorge pictures. I've been trying to figure out how to post to the blog directly, but I don't know if that's happening.
Friday, July 16, 2004
The charms of Fifteen Year Olds
Happy Birthday to Erik today, who turns 15. I had a lovely conversation this morning when I called to wish him happy birthday.
Erik (sullenly): Hello.
K: Happy Birthday!
Erik: Oh no.
K: What are you doing to celebrate?
Erik: I forget.
K: Are you going out to dinner with mom and dad?
Erik: I forget.
K: What have you been doing since you got back home?
Erik: Sleeping. Because I can.
K: Well, it's been a pleasure.
Erik: Bye. (click).
Yeah, I was going to give him some cash, but now I'm rethinking it. Jeez. Honestly, when I have teenagers I'm going to have to send them away to the countryside for re-education because they'll drive me so crazy.
Happy Birthday to Erik today, who turns 15. I had a lovely conversation this morning when I called to wish him happy birthday.
Erik (sullenly): Hello.
K: Happy Birthday!
Erik: Oh no.
K: What are you doing to celebrate?
Erik: I forget.
K: Are you going out to dinner with mom and dad?
Erik: I forget.
K: What have you been doing since you got back home?
Erik: Sleeping. Because I can.
K: Well, it's been a pleasure.
Erik: Bye. (click).
Yeah, I was going to give him some cash, but now I'm rethinking it. Jeez. Honestly, when I have teenagers I'm going to have to send them away to the countryside for re-education because they'll drive me so crazy.
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Hot Items
Before I launch into travelogues in earnest, I had to include this. While in Shanghai all we did was shop. Really. At one point they dropped us off at a place where there was a huge collection on stalls, a hodge-podge of North Face knock offs, faux designer sunglasses, and imitations of every other possible brand you can think of piled on top of eachother (I even spotted some fake Von Dutch baseball caps...random). Not unlike the Silk Alley, for you Beijing people. Places like these often attract the foreigners like my group and the vendors tend to be on the shrill, obnoxious side. While it can be fun to browse and shop around, you go in knowing that people are going to be putting every ounce of effort into ripping you off beyond belief. I love the fake sales tags attached to stuff like these "designer" bags that read $8,000.00. That's one expensive imitation Prada purse, yo. In places like this in China, if the saleperson is speaker English to you, then you can pretty much count on being fleeced.
In Beijing, I had bought a winter hat that had a Timberland logo that read "Timrenlaad" -- they had some of the basic letters, and they almost got there. When you're buying stuff like that, though, the vendors are like: "it's the REAL thing." I love it. Sometimes you can find the real thing in these stalls (I got some Tevas and an Abercrombie skirt that I still wear that have lasted through the ages), but you pay for them.
Anyway, another attraction for foreigners in China are the pirated DVDs that are being so cracked down upon. Places like that market are usually where you can find them. People will mill around murmering "Hello, dvds? Hello, dvds?" under their breaths to you, and you nod and then follow them down some dark alley where they will pull out a shoe box filled to the brim with pirated movies, stuff that only just hit the theater in the States. Real kosher stuff. You pay anywhere from 60 cents to $2.00 for each movie, and it's a gamble as to whether they work or not. Often they're filmed in the theaters, so you're treated to people's coughs, laughs, and trips to go to the bathroom.
Erik got "Van Helsing." Like any other DVD cover, they include reviews of the movie. On closer examination, he discovered that the reviews were these:
On the front: ONE CATCH. IT'S NOT GOOD. - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
On the back: UNDERWHELMING AND OVERBLOWN. - Ty Burr, The Boston Globe.
That is so awesome. In other cases the information on the DVDs was just pulled some random sources (for instance, on my cousin, Alex's "Harry Potter" the movie description was of "Die Hard 2") but here, instead of slapping together any old crap, they were looking at actual reviews (of this movie or another) and just happened to choose the worst ones to display.
Before I launch into travelogues in earnest, I had to include this. While in Shanghai all we did was shop. Really. At one point they dropped us off at a place where there was a huge collection on stalls, a hodge-podge of North Face knock offs, faux designer sunglasses, and imitations of every other possible brand you can think of piled on top of eachother (I even spotted some fake Von Dutch baseball caps...random). Not unlike the Silk Alley, for you Beijing people. Places like these often attract the foreigners like my group and the vendors tend to be on the shrill, obnoxious side. While it can be fun to browse and shop around, you go in knowing that people are going to be putting every ounce of effort into ripping you off beyond belief. I love the fake sales tags attached to stuff like these "designer" bags that read $8,000.00. That's one expensive imitation Prada purse, yo. In places like this in China, if the saleperson is speaker English to you, then you can pretty much count on being fleeced.
In Beijing, I had bought a winter hat that had a Timberland logo that read "Timrenlaad" -- they had some of the basic letters, and they almost got there. When you're buying stuff like that, though, the vendors are like: "it's the REAL thing." I love it. Sometimes you can find the real thing in these stalls (I got some Tevas and an Abercrombie skirt that I still wear that have lasted through the ages), but you pay for them.
Anyway, another attraction for foreigners in China are the pirated DVDs that are being so cracked down upon. Places like that market are usually where you can find them. People will mill around murmering "Hello, dvds? Hello, dvds?" under their breaths to you, and you nod and then follow them down some dark alley where they will pull out a shoe box filled to the brim with pirated movies, stuff that only just hit the theater in the States. Real kosher stuff. You pay anywhere from 60 cents to $2.00 for each movie, and it's a gamble as to whether they work or not. Often they're filmed in the theaters, so you're treated to people's coughs, laughs, and trips to go to the bathroom.
Erik got "Van Helsing." Like any other DVD cover, they include reviews of the movie. On closer examination, he discovered that the reviews were these:
On the front: ONE CATCH. IT'S NOT GOOD. - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
On the back: UNDERWHELMING AND OVERBLOWN. - Ty Burr, The Boston Globe.
That is so awesome. In other cases the information on the DVDs was just pulled some random sources (for instance, on my cousin, Alex's "Harry Potter" the movie description was of "Die Hard 2") but here, instead of slapping together any old crap, they were looking at actual reviews (of this movie or another) and just happened to choose the worst ones to display.
America's Funniest Animals
Go to James' blog and request the freak animal of your choice and he will find it for you and post a picture! That's what I call service. I asked for a fat cat, and got one (although nothing can top Mikesch). My morning is complete.
Go to James' blog and request the freak animal of your choice and he will find it for you and post a picture! That's what I call service. I asked for a fat cat, and got one (although nothing can top Mikesch). My morning is complete.
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Back!
I'm back Stateside, and arrived back in DC at 5:15 this morning. It was a long haul from Shanghai, where we left the hotel at noon on July 13th (which was midnight back here in DC, since it is 12 hours behind China). Our flight on China Eastern was a pretty uneventful 11 hours until the end, when instead of flying to LA, we had to make an emergency landing in San Francisco so a sick passenger could get off the plane. This delayed us for four hours, leaving everyone on the plane for 15 hours. Awesome. We flew back from LA on the red-eye on Jet Blue, which is a pretty great airline. I love their Direct TV!
I'm fading right now, but can make it through till tonight. I'll update the blog later this week with journal entries from the trip.
I'm back Stateside, and arrived back in DC at 5:15 this morning. It was a long haul from Shanghai, where we left the hotel at noon on July 13th (which was midnight back here in DC, since it is 12 hours behind China). Our flight on China Eastern was a pretty uneventful 11 hours until the end, when instead of flying to LA, we had to make an emergency landing in San Francisco so a sick passenger could get off the plane. This delayed us for four hours, leaving everyone on the plane for 15 hours. Awesome. We flew back from LA on the red-eye on Jet Blue, which is a pretty great airline. I love their Direct TV!
I'm fading right now, but can make it through till tonight. I'll update the blog later this week with journal entries from the trip.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Busyness
It's busy at work, but of course I have to find some time to post. It was a fun weekend of visits, reunions, excess, and gorgeous weather. It was great to see both Bill and Tom, and it was fun to sit outside and have s'mores with them.
In the meantime, I'm off for vacation today. It will most likely be quiet from this front, so have a good couple of weeks, everyone!
It's busy at work, but of course I have to find some time to post. It was a fun weekend of visits, reunions, excess, and gorgeous weather. It was great to see both Bill and Tom, and it was fun to sit outside and have s'mores with them.
In the meantime, I'm off for vacation today. It will most likely be quiet from this front, so have a good couple of weeks, everyone!
Friday, June 25, 2004
Cheney and the F-Bomb
I started laughing this morning when I read this Washington Post article about how Dick Cheney responded to Senator Leahy's comments on his connections to Halliburton. I love the Post writers who described it as Cheney uttering a "big-time obscenity." Ha! Also, Go the Post for reporting:
"Fuck yourself," said the man who is a heartbeat from the presidency.
And also:
As it happens, this exchange occurred on the same day the Senate passed legislation described as the "Defense of Decency Act" 99 to 1.
I started laughing this morning when I read this Washington Post article about how Dick Cheney responded to Senator Leahy's comments on his connections to Halliburton. I love the Post writers who described it as Cheney uttering a "big-time obscenity." Ha! Also, Go the Post for reporting:
"Fuck yourself," said the man who is a heartbeat from the presidency.
And also:
As it happens, this exchange occurred on the same day the Senate passed legislation described as the "Defense of Decency Act" 99 to 1.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Sweet Valley Sweetness
This is an excellent article about Sweet Valley High and all of its lessons. I assume that there were other ladies (and gents?) in the house who cut their reading teeth on this "literature"? I love how they were "created" by Francine Pascal, but it never seemed like anyone got credit for writing the damn things. I used to buy these by the dozens at one of the markets in Pakistan back in 1986 (isn't it crazy they these were sold there? The other things I bought in bulk were Archie comics. Pakistan rocks!). All I know is that Jessica was a major bitch, and I could never understand how Elizabeth kept on cutting her slack. Plus, I remember that while the twins looked the same on all of the covers, Elizabeth's boyfriend, Todd, looked different on various covers, which bothered me a lot. Yeah, I didn't have a whole lot to fret about. (via pcjm)
This is an excellent article about Sweet Valley High and all of its lessons. I assume that there were other ladies (and gents?) in the house who cut their reading teeth on this "literature"? I love how they were "created" by Francine Pascal, but it never seemed like anyone got credit for writing the damn things. I used to buy these by the dozens at one of the markets in Pakistan back in 1986 (isn't it crazy they these were sold there? The other things I bought in bulk were Archie comics. Pakistan rocks!). All I know is that Jessica was a major bitch, and I could never understand how Elizabeth kept on cutting her slack. Plus, I remember that while the twins looked the same on all of the covers, Elizabeth's boyfriend, Todd, looked different on various covers, which bothered me a lot. Yeah, I didn't have a whole lot to fret about. (via pcjm)
Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Pumpkin
This article is about overweight pets in Florida. Featured is Pumpkin the Chihuahua, who had 3/4 lb of fat removed from her hips. Awesome.
Here's the story of Maggie, the lab:
The treats had to go when Maggie, Cathy Matthews' yellow Lab, began packing on weight after surgery last year. Maggie had stepped on broken glass, so after surgery she couldn't walk. She mainly sat on a pillow and got pampered. And fat. Once she healed, she couldn't run around, because she got tired, Matthews said.
The article concludes:
"A lot of times you don't realize the pounds are creeping on," Prendergast said. "And we tend to think animals look cute when they're a little chubby. But it can affect their health and their life span, so we have to be in control of their weight."
If that means Pumpkin doesn't get her cookies, then that's how it has to be.
I am totally guilty of thinking that overweight animals are scrumptious. I remember watching some 20/20 type show that featured the obesity problem in pets, and I nearly lost it.
This article is about overweight pets in Florida. Featured is Pumpkin the Chihuahua, who had 3/4 lb of fat removed from her hips. Awesome.
Here's the story of Maggie, the lab:
The treats had to go when Maggie, Cathy Matthews' yellow Lab, began packing on weight after surgery last year. Maggie had stepped on broken glass, so after surgery she couldn't walk. She mainly sat on a pillow and got pampered. And fat. Once she healed, she couldn't run around, because she got tired, Matthews said.
The article concludes:
"A lot of times you don't realize the pounds are creeping on," Prendergast said. "And we tend to think animals look cute when they're a little chubby. But it can affect their health and their life span, so we have to be in control of their weight."
If that means Pumpkin doesn't get her cookies, then that's how it has to be.
I am totally guilty of thinking that overweight animals are scrumptious. I remember watching some 20/20 type show that featured the obesity problem in pets, and I nearly lost it.
Annoying
There was apparently a big hoo-hah in Florida because a teacher showed portions of the movie, "Amelie," to his film class. Some mom was freaking out about it. Read about it here.
There was apparently a big hoo-hah in Florida because a teacher showed portions of the movie, "Amelie," to his film class. Some mom was freaking out about it. Read about it here.
Hilarious
So through some confusion, it turns out that our return trip from China is going to be two days later than we had originally planned for. We had thought that we were going to be flying into LA on the 11th, hang around LA for a couple of days, and then return to DC on the 13th. I took the 13th off and was slated to head back into the office on the 14th. NOW, it looks like we're getting to LA on the 13th, and then we're going to stay the night and then come back to DC on the red-eye on the 14th. We arrive in the airport at 5:30 in the morning. I'm still going to head into work (I can't take another day off for a variety of reasons, one of which is that I am flat-out of vacation by the end of the trip). That day at work is going to be PURE comedy.
So through some confusion, it turns out that our return trip from China is going to be two days later than we had originally planned for. We had thought that we were going to be flying into LA on the 11th, hang around LA for a couple of days, and then return to DC on the 13th. I took the 13th off and was slated to head back into the office on the 14th. NOW, it looks like we're getting to LA on the 13th, and then we're going to stay the night and then come back to DC on the red-eye on the 14th. We arrive in the airport at 5:30 in the morning. I'm still going to head into work (I can't take another day off for a variety of reasons, one of which is that I am flat-out of vacation by the end of the trip). That day at work is going to be PURE comedy.
Prizes and stuff
I went again with Annie and her friends, Leslie and Paul, to Drag Queen Bingo again last night. It was even better this time since Annie got reservations and we were seated right in front and had prime viewing spots; last time we had the nosebleeds and had to crane around a column to check out the action. Last time, Annie won Drag Queen Jeopardy, with such hard cracking questions like: "What's the name of Jessica Simpson's husband?"
This time, she won proper bingo and picked out a big package wrapped in green paper as her prize. It turned out to be a bar set, complete with martini glasses with zig-zaggy stems--very fancy. Annie was very generous and turned around and gave the set to me, since she assures me that she has more bar glasses than she can handle and I'll need a starter set. I told her that I would put her initials on each glass in paint pen (a la sorority stylings) and toast her every time a glass is used. I'm so tacky, that I'll probably be using those glasses to drink my Diet Coke. I was very touched by the gift, though.
I went again with Annie and her friends, Leslie and Paul, to Drag Queen Bingo again last night. It was even better this time since Annie got reservations and we were seated right in front and had prime viewing spots; last time we had the nosebleeds and had to crane around a column to check out the action. Last time, Annie won Drag Queen Jeopardy, with such hard cracking questions like: "What's the name of Jessica Simpson's husband?"
This time, she won proper bingo and picked out a big package wrapped in green paper as her prize. It turned out to be a bar set, complete with martini glasses with zig-zaggy stems--very fancy. Annie was very generous and turned around and gave the set to me, since she assures me that she has more bar glasses than she can handle and I'll need a starter set. I told her that I would put her initials on each glass in paint pen (a la sorority stylings) and toast her every time a glass is used. I'm so tacky, that I'll probably be using those glasses to drink my Diet Coke. I was very touched by the gift, though.
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Hot Pleather
This whole article is about how noone bought stuff put up for auction by Bon Jovi's old bassist (Suchs, for those in the know...if it's pronounced with a hard "c," that is one funny name). Apparently, his 1960 MGA Roadster convertible went for $7500.
Hilarious:
There were a few fans of the New Jersey-based band on hand -- notably, Pam and Chauncey Cozine from Middletown, who went home Saturday with $1,525 worth of Such's keepsakes, including a Fender bass guitar played and signed by Such, and the 1992 "Keep the Faith" album's double platinum records.
"We've been fans of Bon Jovi's since his big-hair days in the 1980s," said Pam Cozine. "I thought they were going to sell everything here for a lot more. I didn't think we'd get anything."
When Chauncey handed her seven pairs of fake-leather "pleather" pants worn by Such on tour and in videos, she groaned.
"I hope this isn't my birthday present."
And:
At age 52, Such is divorced and childless, and admits he doesn't need a lot of property at this point in his life. Although Teen Beat once called him the "wild one" in the band, he has considered settling down with his girlfriend, Karin Konrad, 35.
This whole article is about how noone bought stuff put up for auction by Bon Jovi's old bassist (Suchs, for those in the know...if it's pronounced with a hard "c," that is one funny name). Apparently, his 1960 MGA Roadster convertible went for $7500.
Hilarious:
There were a few fans of the New Jersey-based band on hand -- notably, Pam and Chauncey Cozine from Middletown, who went home Saturday with $1,525 worth of Such's keepsakes, including a Fender bass guitar played and signed by Such, and the 1992 "Keep the Faith" album's double platinum records.
"We've been fans of Bon Jovi's since his big-hair days in the 1980s," said Pam Cozine. "I thought they were going to sell everything here for a lot more. I didn't think we'd get anything."
When Chauncey handed her seven pairs of fake-leather "pleather" pants worn by Such on tour and in videos, she groaned.
"I hope this isn't my birthday present."
And:
At age 52, Such is divorced and childless, and admits he doesn't need a lot of property at this point in his life. Although Teen Beat once called him the "wild one" in the band, he has considered settling down with his girlfriend, Karin Konrad, 35.
Contented Cows
This article talks about how creepy happy people are: deluded Stepford Wives type automons waddling around. I love this part:
There is one bit of the world that happy people do see in an irrationally rosy light: themselves. As the British psychologist Richard P. Bentall has observed, ''There is consistent evidence that happy people overestimate their control over environmental events (often to the point of perceiving completely random events as subject to their will), give unrealistically positive evaluations of their own achievements, believe that others share their unrealistic opinions about themselves and show a general lack of evenhandedness when comparing themselves to others.'' Indeed, Bentall has proposed that happiness be classified as a psychiatric disorder.
(via tmn)
This article talks about how creepy happy people are: deluded Stepford Wives type automons waddling around. I love this part:
There is one bit of the world that happy people do see in an irrationally rosy light: themselves. As the British psychologist Richard P. Bentall has observed, ''There is consistent evidence that happy people overestimate their control over environmental events (often to the point of perceiving completely random events as subject to their will), give unrealistically positive evaluations of their own achievements, believe that others share their unrealistic opinions about themselves and show a general lack of evenhandedness when comparing themselves to others.'' Indeed, Bentall has proposed that happiness be classified as a psychiatric disorder.
(via tmn)
Monday, June 21, 2004
Some Kind of Monster
We saw a preview for the new documentary on Metallica over the weekend. I also think it's playing in DC at the AFI's documentary festival, but I'm not sure. This article makes me totally want to watch it, even though I've never been a fan of the band.
We saw a preview for the new documentary on Metallica over the weekend. I also think it's playing in DC at the AFI's documentary festival, but I'm not sure. This article makes me totally want to watch it, even though I've never been a fan of the band.
Weekend Jaunt
Ah, it was a lovely weekend in the Big Apple. Anne and I went to go and see Grace, and we spent two full days walking around the city, lazing in Central Park, stepping in and out of various eateries and bars, and soaking up the absolutely criminaly beautiful weather. It was sunshiney and warm, but not hot, and the sky was blue, blue, blue. Unbelievable. It was my first time ever visiting Central Park as well. Grace took us to Sheeps Meadow (is that right?) and we lay halfway under the shade of a big tree, the New York skyline looming before us. It was the stuff of movie backgrounds, y'all. It was a good time, but we returned late last night, and I basically hit the ground running this morning. Since it's now SEVEN DAYS until I leave for vacation, I want to make sure all of my office work is taken care of so I can enjoy China with a clear conscience.
Success, as well: I came away from my doctor's visit today clutching my medical forms that are all filled out and ready to be mailed to school. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get them filled out in time. I was also lucky enough to get a booster shot for diptheria (whatever that is), which is always a goddamn fine time. I'm happy to report that my cholesterol reading was good as well--I was wondering if eating all of these eggs that I do on SBD would have a negative effect, but the doctor told me that I could go on eating my weight in eggs. Cool, because then I would be absolutely flummoxed over breakfast options in the mornings.
Ah, it was a lovely weekend in the Big Apple. Anne and I went to go and see Grace, and we spent two full days walking around the city, lazing in Central Park, stepping in and out of various eateries and bars, and soaking up the absolutely criminaly beautiful weather. It was sunshiney and warm, but not hot, and the sky was blue, blue, blue. Unbelievable. It was my first time ever visiting Central Park as well. Grace took us to Sheeps Meadow (is that right?) and we lay halfway under the shade of a big tree, the New York skyline looming before us. It was the stuff of movie backgrounds, y'all. It was a good time, but we returned late last night, and I basically hit the ground running this morning. Since it's now SEVEN DAYS until I leave for vacation, I want to make sure all of my office work is taken care of so I can enjoy China with a clear conscience.
Success, as well: I came away from my doctor's visit today clutching my medical forms that are all filled out and ready to be mailed to school. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get them filled out in time. I was also lucky enough to get a booster shot for diptheria (whatever that is), which is always a goddamn fine time. I'm happy to report that my cholesterol reading was good as well--I was wondering if eating all of these eggs that I do on SBD would have a negative effect, but the doctor told me that I could go on eating my weight in eggs. Cool, because then I would be absolutely flummoxed over breakfast options in the mornings.
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Wednesday, June 16, 2004
From this week's The Onion
Mugger Can't Believe Crap Victim Has On MP3 Player
BOSTON—Following the successful mugging of a jogger in Franklin Park, petty criminal Derek Mesker announced Monday that he cannot believe the shit he's found on his victim's Philips 20GB MP3 player. "3 Doors Down? Maroon 5!" Mesker said, scrolling through the songs. "The new Counting Crows?! Man, I'm glad I pistol-whipped that motherfuck." Mesker added that the first thing he did was toss the device's "gay-ass" teal neoprene case.
Mugger Can't Believe Crap Victim Has On MP3 Player
BOSTON—Following the successful mugging of a jogger in Franklin Park, petty criminal Derek Mesker announced Monday that he cannot believe the shit he's found on his victim's Philips 20GB MP3 player. "3 Doors Down? Maroon 5!" Mesker said, scrolling through the songs. "The new Counting Crows?! Man, I'm glad I pistol-whipped that motherfuck." Mesker added that the first thing he did was toss the device's "gay-ass" teal neoprene case.
Celebrity Sighting!
Grace, the birthday girl, sent us another celebrity run-in report. If you'll remember, Grace kindly offered to feed me stories of her encounters as they occur, so I can live vicariously through her and experience that voyeuristic thrill. I'm all US Magazine.
Kristin, a long overdue celebrity siting for you. Meg Ryan Siting Part
Deux: I passed by Meg Ryan today as I was walking around NoLita. She was all by herself walking in a flurried zig-zag manner. What caught my eye was actually the crazy multicolored shirt she was wearing with high-waisted soccer mom jeans. Very off. Maybe she's rehearsing for a role, who knows. Her lips didn't look as puffed up as in the gossip rags. Time for another botox injection? This is actually my second time running into Meg. The first time was much more interesting. It was about two years ago, in a neighborhood cafe. She sat down at a table right next to me with none other than Jane Campion and Jennifer Jason-Leigh. They were rehearsing lines for the movie "In the Cut" which premiered later that year. Anyone seen this movie? I haven't but Mark Ruffalo wouldn't be a bad reason to see it.
Grace, the birthday girl, sent us another celebrity run-in report. If you'll remember, Grace kindly offered to feed me stories of her encounters as they occur, so I can live vicariously through her and experience that voyeuristic thrill. I'm all US Magazine.
Kristin, a long overdue celebrity siting for you. Meg Ryan Siting Part
Deux: I passed by Meg Ryan today as I was walking around NoLita. She was all by herself walking in a flurried zig-zag manner. What caught my eye was actually the crazy multicolored shirt she was wearing with high-waisted soccer mom jeans. Very off. Maybe she's rehearsing for a role, who knows. Her lips didn't look as puffed up as in the gossip rags. Time for another botox injection? This is actually my second time running into Meg. The first time was much more interesting. It was about two years ago, in a neighborhood cafe. She sat down at a table right next to me with none other than Jane Campion and Jennifer Jason-Leigh. They were rehearsing lines for the movie "In the Cut" which premiered later that year. Anyone seen this movie? I haven't but Mark Ruffalo wouldn't be a bad reason to see it.
Difficulty Concentrating
...so I had to check out more Slate. Here is an article about the AICP award show (Association of Independent Commercials Producers). Apparently, this awards show is a little hipper than the better known Clios. Many of the commericals mentioned, I haven't seen, but they did namedrop one of my favorite commericals of last year: that HP commercial that played The Cure's "Pictures of You." Here's what the article said about it:
And HP won honors in visual style, for a digital photography ad set to the song "Pictures of You" by the Cure. (One woman at the show, who works as a film editor on ads, told me this was her favorite spot of the year because the imagery and music are "incredibly romantic.")
Amen, sister. Anyway, I'm glad that HP got their due.
...so I had to check out more Slate. Here is an article about the AICP award show (Association of Independent Commercials Producers). Apparently, this awards show is a little hipper than the better known Clios. Many of the commericals mentioned, I haven't seen, but they did namedrop one of my favorite commericals of last year: that HP commercial that played The Cure's "Pictures of You." Here's what the article said about it:
And HP won honors in visual style, for a digital photography ad set to the song "Pictures of You" by the Cure. (One woman at the show, who works as a film editor on ads, told me this was her favorite spot of the year because the imagery and music are "incredibly romantic.")
Amen, sister. Anyway, I'm glad that HP got their due.
Mugshot Mania
Thanks to Steve who sent me the link to The Smoking Gun's favorite mugshots of Regular Joes. Quite priceless (and a bit sad).
That reminds me of when we were in Omaha. Steve and I treked out of the hotel to find a convenience store to buy some beer (klassy). Beside the register, there was a big bulletin board filled with Polaroids tacked up. They were pictures of various people looking caught unawares. The photos were taken from various distances, of a whole array of people and ages: it was almost avant-garde. On closer examination, we saw that the clerks were taking shots of people who were caught shop-lifting, and the perpetrators were then displayed for all to see.
Thanks to Steve who sent me the link to The Smoking Gun's favorite mugshots of Regular Joes. Quite priceless (and a bit sad).
That reminds me of when we were in Omaha. Steve and I treked out of the hotel to find a convenience store to buy some beer (klassy). Beside the register, there was a big bulletin board filled with Polaroids tacked up. They were pictures of various people looking caught unawares. The photos were taken from various distances, of a whole array of people and ages: it was almost avant-garde. On closer examination, we saw that the clerks were taking shots of people who were caught shop-lifting, and the perpetrators were then displayed for all to see.
Ten Questions for David Sedaris on Time.com
YOU WRITE ABOUT YOUR ADOLESCENCE IN VIVID DETAIL. DID YOU KEEP A DIARY?
I've been keeping diaries for 27 years. For the most part, it's just garbage, so I go through them, take whatever's good and make a master list. In the summer of 1984, I've got on June 23 that I saw a drunk woman drop her baby. And then an episode of Oprah that was particularly good on July 3. I used to type my diary and then have it bound. Now I print it out. I do one every season, and it has to have a seasonal cover. It's a lot of work for something no one's ever going to see.
HAS ANYONE EVER READ IT?
My former boyfriend read it once, and he was mainly mad because he wasn't in it. I said, "Yes, you are." Then I looked, and he wasn't mentioned. It was as if he didn't exist. If you read somebody's diary, you get what you deserve.
YOU WRITE ABOUT YOUR ADOLESCENCE IN VIVID DETAIL. DID YOU KEEP A DIARY?
I've been keeping diaries for 27 years. For the most part, it's just garbage, so I go through them, take whatever's good and make a master list. In the summer of 1984, I've got on June 23 that I saw a drunk woman drop her baby. And then an episode of Oprah that was particularly good on July 3. I used to type my diary and then have it bound. Now I print it out. I do one every season, and it has to have a seasonal cover. It's a lot of work for something no one's ever going to see.
HAS ANYONE EVER READ IT?
My former boyfriend read it once, and he was mainly mad because he wasn't in it. I said, "Yes, you are." Then I looked, and he wasn't mentioned. It was as if he didn't exist. If you read somebody's diary, you get what you deserve.
Clazy
Things are strangely busy right now. It's come on in this sudden onslaught and I'm all, "wha' happened?" It's mostly because I trying to squash four-five weeks of stuff into two weeks, since I'm attempting to get everything wrapped up while I'm on vacation. But the countdown is on: twelve days till vacation.
Things are strangely busy right now. It's come on in this sudden onslaught and I'm all, "wha' happened?" It's mostly because I trying to squash four-five weeks of stuff into two weeks, since I'm attempting to get everything wrapped up while I'm on vacation. But the countdown is on: twelve days till vacation.
Another Good One
I watched "The Station Agent" last night, which I recommend. Peter Dinklage, who is the main character, is pretty G.D. great. I love his dry, stoic deliveries. He was also in "Living in Oblivion," apparently, which is another movie I like. Anyway, Netflix "The Station Agent" when you get a chance.
I watched "The Station Agent" last night, which I recommend. Peter Dinklage, who is the main character, is pretty G.D. great. I love his dry, stoic deliveries. He was also in "Living in Oblivion," apparently, which is another movie I like. Anyway, Netflix "The Station Agent" when you get a chance.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Post-Reagan Week
The building's ice cream social is today, now that we're done with national grieving. WOOOO!
I actually have a lot of work right now. In the next two weeks, I'm trying to wrap up all of this stuff before I leave for an nice, long, communication-free vacation. I want to be able to enjoy myself with a clean conscience so I'm trying to cover all of my bases.
I also just spent a good solid hour filling out more financial aid forms. I think I might be making some progress, however I still need to find out how to check my school email address that I hadn't known existed. I feel like I've missed some memos along the way. Baby steps, y'all, baby steps.
The building's ice cream social is today, now that we're done with national grieving. WOOOO!
I actually have a lot of work right now. In the next two weeks, I'm trying to wrap up all of this stuff before I leave for an nice, long, communication-free vacation. I want to be able to enjoy myself with a clean conscience so I'm trying to cover all of my bases.
I also just spent a good solid hour filling out more financial aid forms. I think I might be making some progress, however I still need to find out how to check my school email address that I hadn't known existed. I feel like I've missed some memos along the way. Baby steps, y'all, baby steps.
Monday, June 14, 2004
Snacks
This is great. Unexplained Snacks of America. For example:
Grits
This one… I have no idea. They eat it in The Shawshank Redemption so I can guess it’s from the southern U.S. and it’s probably some kind of food for the poor and downtrodden. So is it just what it sounds like? Are you just sitting in front of a bowl full of grit – basically just bits of rock – and spooning gravel into your mouths? Do you put sugar on it? I don’t even know if it’s a savory or sweet meal of pebbles. Unless you’re that guy from The Neverending Story, it’s simple – don’t eat rocks.
Educated guess: Maybe a cereal byproduct – like porridge, but with texture.
Instant assumption: A mouthful of sand.
On Saturday, Matt and Lindsay told us over the brunch table about a snack experience while in New Orleans for Jazz Fest last month. Lindsay, who usually eats vegetarian, decided to sample a little meat that weekend in the spirit of things. One of the first things that they purchased was a bag of "Cracklin'," something that they thought to be deep-fried pork. After trying a couple of them, they decided to chuck the sack in favor of finding something else to eat. Recently, while Matt was waiting in line at a gas station here, he saw a bag of "Cracklin'" for sale. They were advertised as "DEEP FRIED PORK FAT."
This is great. Unexplained Snacks of America. For example:
Grits
This one… I have no idea. They eat it in The Shawshank Redemption so I can guess it’s from the southern U.S. and it’s probably some kind of food for the poor and downtrodden. So is it just what it sounds like? Are you just sitting in front of a bowl full of grit – basically just bits of rock – and spooning gravel into your mouths? Do you put sugar on it? I don’t even know if it’s a savory or sweet meal of pebbles. Unless you’re that guy from The Neverending Story, it’s simple – don’t eat rocks.
Educated guess: Maybe a cereal byproduct – like porridge, but with texture.
Instant assumption: A mouthful of sand.
On Saturday, Matt and Lindsay told us over the brunch table about a snack experience while in New Orleans for Jazz Fest last month. Lindsay, who usually eats vegetarian, decided to sample a little meat that weekend in the spirit of things. One of the first things that they purchased was a bag of "Cracklin'," something that they thought to be deep-fried pork. After trying a couple of them, they decided to chuck the sack in favor of finding something else to eat. Recently, while Matt was waiting in line at a gas station here, he saw a bag of "Cracklin'" for sale. They were advertised as "DEEP FRIED PORK FAT."
Sunday, June 13, 2004
Ten Years Later
In the trend of touching base with old friends, I spoke on Saturday with an old friend from high school, Tom. I knew Tom since he was the boyfriend of one of my best friends back then, Lauren. Lauren went off to Vassar and is now happily married in Portland, but I lost track of Tom right after graduation. I do have his old dictionary, though, so every time I open it, I see his name written on the front page in blue ball point cursive script. Anyway, through the magic on Friendster, I got in touch with Tom again and happily will be able to grab a drink with him in a couple of weeks when he comes through DC for business. It was great catching up with him on the phone, since Tom was always an easy talker, and we had ten years to catch up on as well as a report on the ten year reunion that I missed last month.
Tom told me that the reunion was a good, redemptive experience for him. He reported that things kicked off on Friday night when the class of 1994 gathered for drinks at the house of one of the day students back then, whose family lived virtually on campus. He said that you could separate people between East Coast vs. West Coast (the bulk of people being the former). The West Coast tended to be jean-clad and more casual, whereas the East Coast were much more well-dressed. Tom said that there was a lot of khakis worn as well, in true prep school tradition.
Here are three things that we decided that Tom should have done at the party:
1. Worn sweat pants.
2. Asked one of the khaki-clad people if they were working at Kinko's now.
3. Asked someone, sans irony, if they thought if he and Lauren still had a chance.
If only...
In the trend of touching base with old friends, I spoke on Saturday with an old friend from high school, Tom. I knew Tom since he was the boyfriend of one of my best friends back then, Lauren. Lauren went off to Vassar and is now happily married in Portland, but I lost track of Tom right after graduation. I do have his old dictionary, though, so every time I open it, I see his name written on the front page in blue ball point cursive script. Anyway, through the magic on Friendster, I got in touch with Tom again and happily will be able to grab a drink with him in a couple of weeks when he comes through DC for business. It was great catching up with him on the phone, since Tom was always an easy talker, and we had ten years to catch up on as well as a report on the ten year reunion that I missed last month.
Tom told me that the reunion was a good, redemptive experience for him. He reported that things kicked off on Friday night when the class of 1994 gathered for drinks at the house of one of the day students back then, whose family lived virtually on campus. He said that you could separate people between East Coast vs. West Coast (the bulk of people being the former). The West Coast tended to be jean-clad and more casual, whereas the East Coast were much more well-dressed. Tom said that there was a lot of khakis worn as well, in true prep school tradition.
Here are three things that we decided that Tom should have done at the party:
1. Worn sweat pants.
2. Asked one of the khaki-clad people if they were working at Kinko's now.
3. Asked someone, sans irony, if they thought if he and Lauren still had a chance.
If only...
Kill me now
I've spent the last three hours going through the many, many forms and instructions and web pages on applying for financial aid. The good news is that I think I've managed to fill out the first of the correct forms to send in on Monday. The bad news is that there appears to be no less than ten other forms to look at and fill out, after figuring out whether I need them or not. I am particularly flummoxed over the discovery that once I apply all updates will be sent to my school email address. I found my school email address online (who knew it existed!), but I have no clue how to access it. Awesome.
No kidding, the following is from one forms regarding financial aid from the Graduate School. The boldface is their own:
The Paper Chase:
There is bound to be some confusion in this process. The first rule is do no panic!
I've spent the last three hours going through the many, many forms and instructions and web pages on applying for financial aid. The good news is that I think I've managed to fill out the first of the correct forms to send in on Monday. The bad news is that there appears to be no less than ten other forms to look at and fill out, after figuring out whether I need them or not. I am particularly flummoxed over the discovery that once I apply all updates will be sent to my school email address. I found my school email address online (who knew it existed!), but I have no clue how to access it. Awesome.
No kidding, the following is from one forms regarding financial aid from the Graduate School. The boldface is their own:
The Paper Chase:
There is bound to be some confusion in this process. The first rule is do no panic!
Friday, June 11, 2004
Update
My poor boss, they found her car sitting on Georgia Avenue. Or rather, they found her shell of her car. it was completely excavated of its seats, paneling, wiring, radio knobs, etc. What they left: a box of kleenex, an Atlas, ONE of her two pairs of sunglasses, and (hilariously) her car club.
The most amusing thing that they took: her VISUALIZE WORLD PEACE sticker that was propped up in the back window.
My poor boss, they found her car sitting on Georgia Avenue. Or rather, they found her shell of her car. it was completely excavated of its seats, paneling, wiring, radio knobs, etc. What they left: a box of kleenex, an Atlas, ONE of her two pairs of sunglasses, and (hilariously) her car club.
The most amusing thing that they took: her VISUALIZE WORLD PEACE sticker that was propped up in the back window.
Ray
As Anne alluded to in her blog, the Ray Charles passing is being a bit overshadowed by Reagan Week. Both times I caught news pieces about his death, they featured the time that Ray Charles sang at Reagan inauguration....because it is all about Reagan, you silly goose.
As Anne alluded to in her blog, the Ray Charles passing is being a bit overshadowed by Reagan Week. Both times I caught news pieces about his death, they featured the time that Ray Charles sang at Reagan inauguration....because it is all about Reagan, you silly goose.
Smartypants
The Washington Post this morning cut through their Reagan coverage to do a story on a German border collie named Rico who knows 200 words. He's so clever!
In the first experiment, the researchers put 10 of Rico's toys in one room and Rico and his owner in another. The investigators then instructed the owner to order Rico to fetch two randomly selected items. As Rico ran into the other room and began searching for the items, he could not have picked up any hints from his owner because the owner was out of sight.
In 40 tests, Rico got it right 37 times, demonstrating he had a vocabulary comparable to dolphins, apes, sea lions and parrots that have undergone extensive training.
I love the photo of Rico hanging out with big yellow Pikachu in his mouth.
The Washington Post this morning cut through their Reagan coverage to do a story on a German border collie named Rico who knows 200 words. He's so clever!
In the first experiment, the researchers put 10 of Rico's toys in one room and Rico and his owner in another. The investigators then instructed the owner to order Rico to fetch two randomly selected items. As Rico ran into the other room and began searching for the items, he could not have picked up any hints from his owner because the owner was out of sight.
In 40 tests, Rico got it right 37 times, demonstrating he had a vocabulary comparable to dolphins, apes, sea lions and parrots that have undergone extensive training.
I love the photo of Rico hanging out with big yellow Pikachu in his mouth.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Jim Anchower's All About Living Life to the Fullest.
I LOVE this series. Here's the latest. A portion:
It just goes to show you that you never know when it'll be your time to go. One second you're on the phone trying to win $500, the next you have an axle through your lungs. Well, after hearing about Dan, I decided that Jim Anchower is gonna live every day like it's his last. No more wishing I'd drank that MGD, smoked that bowl, or punched that guy. It's all gonna be balls-out from now on.
I LOVE this series. Here's the latest. A portion:
It just goes to show you that you never know when it'll be your time to go. One second you're on the phone trying to win $500, the next you have an axle through your lungs. Well, after hearing about Dan, I decided that Jim Anchower is gonna live every day like it's his last. No more wishing I'd drank that MGD, smoked that bowl, or punched that guy. It's all gonna be balls-out from now on.
Finally, finally, finally
Last night I received "City of God" from Netflix. I have been waiting for this movie to come out on dvd ever since it left the theaters a year ago (it had a brief come-back around Oscar time, but I missed it then as well). I promptly popped it into the dvd player and settled in for the ride. It's wild and wooly (about as violent as your average "Sopranos" episode), and great. I highly recommend it, if you like a good stylized crime saga. At the end there was some brief information about it being based on real people, but unfortunately, there wasn't more info about it in the special features. There WAS a documentary about the state of the drug wars in the favelas in Brazil, which was pretty intriguing. If you dig this kind of movie, you also might want to check out "Pixote" about street kids in Brazil from 1981. The amazing thing about that movie is that the kid who played Pixote was an actual street kid, and did an impressive job. That is a particularly brutal movie, though, so be warned.
Last night I received "City of God" from Netflix. I have been waiting for this movie to come out on dvd ever since it left the theaters a year ago (it had a brief come-back around Oscar time, but I missed it then as well). I promptly popped it into the dvd player and settled in for the ride. It's wild and wooly (about as violent as your average "Sopranos" episode), and great. I highly recommend it, if you like a good stylized crime saga. At the end there was some brief information about it being based on real people, but unfortunately, there wasn't more info about it in the special features. There WAS a documentary about the state of the drug wars in the favelas in Brazil, which was pretty intriguing. If you dig this kind of movie, you also might want to check out "Pixote" about street kids in Brazil from 1981. The amazing thing about that movie is that the kid who played Pixote was an actual street kid, and did an impressive job. That is a particularly brutal movie, though, so be warned.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Liberal Leave
The DC and federal government is pulling out all of the stops for Reagan Week. The governments are allowing liberal leave starting at 2 pm today so people can get the hell out of Dodge, and then everyone else and their mother seems to be closed on Friday. Easter Seals? No. Actually, it sounds like Des is the only one of my friends who's free that day that I know of, lucky girl. Anyway, I'm kind of amazed over the huge to-do on the funeral procession and stuff. They're expecting people to turn up in hordes, all to glimpse a casket. Maybe I'm too lazy or irreverent or both to be willing to wait in line for hours to do so.
The DC and federal government is pulling out all of the stops for Reagan Week. The governments are allowing liberal leave starting at 2 pm today so people can get the hell out of Dodge, and then everyone else and their mother seems to be closed on Friday. Easter Seals? No. Actually, it sounds like Des is the only one of my friends who's free that day that I know of, lucky girl. Anyway, I'm kind of amazed over the huge to-do on the funeral procession and stuff. They're expecting people to turn up in hordes, all to glimpse a casket. Maybe I'm too lazy or irreverent or both to be willing to wait in line for hours to do so.
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Ha
I just read my dad's comment on the piece about the bathroom painting. For those who haven't checked it out, it's as follows. Awesome.
I, with appropriate parental concern, urge you to devote some time to thinking about how to do all this. The idea of "not enough time" is simply not acceptable. This is not just a story for the amusement of your friends -- this is a test of your character, to say nothing of a contribution to your role in the annals of this family. I've bought two books on painting. Let's talk.
Pater, Father of Monkeys
Dad, what's the "Pater" come from?
I just read my dad's comment on the piece about the bathroom painting. For those who haven't checked it out, it's as follows. Awesome.
I, with appropriate parental concern, urge you to devote some time to thinking about how to do all this. The idea of "not enough time" is simply not acceptable. This is not just a story for the amusement of your friends -- this is a test of your character, to say nothing of a contribution to your role in the annals of this family. I've bought two books on painting. Let's talk.
Pater, Father of Monkeys
Dad, what's the "Pater" come from?
I am a winner
I was watching the Lakers game with my roommate, Matt, tonight (more specifically, I was distracting him from the Lakers game), when the camera flashed on John Cusack in the crowd. Matt commented that John was looking a bit swollen, but I protested, as John is always foxy, swollen or not. We started debating over John's age: I thought he was in his late 30s and Matt thought he had to be over 40. A bet was made, and a dinner at La Piazza was the prize. I just IMDBed him, and Mr. Cusack was born in 1966, meaning that he is a cool 38. It's hard always being right.
I was watching the Lakers game with my roommate, Matt, tonight (more specifically, I was distracting him from the Lakers game), when the camera flashed on John Cusack in the crowd. Matt commented that John was looking a bit swollen, but I protested, as John is always foxy, swollen or not. We started debating over John's age: I thought he was in his late 30s and Matt thought he had to be over 40. A bet was made, and a dinner at La Piazza was the prize. I just IMDBed him, and Mr. Cusack was born in 1966, meaning that he is a cool 38. It's hard always being right.
Bathroom Project
Okay, so my parents are redoing the bathroom on the first floor of their house. Originally, their bedroom had a small bathroom off of it, and then next door was this oversized bathroom containing a toilet, sink, and a huge mirror with this extra-loud red plaid wallpaper. The effect of the wallpaper and the mirror gave the room a very "Clockwork Orange" feel, which isn't the most pleasant thing when one is trying to relieve oneself.
Anyway, when everything is said and done with the remodeling, my parents will have a much larger bathroom off of the master bedroom and the guest bathroom (formerly overly-sized Clockwork Orange experience) will now be smaller and more cozy, befitting a toilet/sink only deal.
My dad has asked me to lend a hand and paint a mural of sorts in this new guest bathroom. We brainstormed over ideas, and his first round were extremely ambitious, to say the least (try The Sistine Chapel), but now we've settled into more "doable" options (the quotations connote my mild dubiousness over the ability to pull this off). Last night over dinner we honed it down to three, likely settling on one. These are the options that I find the most interesting:
1.) Alice in Wonderland - finding the original artwork and redoing various images of it on various parts of the walls. I dig the idea of the Cheshire cat hanging out in the upper corner.
2.) A reproduction of a Diego Rivera painting/mural
3.) (Probable Winner) A reproduction of a Magritte. I was thinking in particular of "le Fils de l'homme" (Son of Man), maybe his most famous image of the bowler-hatted guy with the apple.
So, anyway, this is the new Mahan project, but I'm a little worried that I won't be able to devote enough time to it, and then it'll come out all shite. If that's the case, then it'll just have to be painted over.
Erik, over dinner, suggested that we paint a huge photo of him grinning widely and flashing two thumbs-up. That would be sooooo sweet, and so apropos since in that household, it is indeed all about him.
Okay, so my parents are redoing the bathroom on the first floor of their house. Originally, their bedroom had a small bathroom off of it, and then next door was this oversized bathroom containing a toilet, sink, and a huge mirror with this extra-loud red plaid wallpaper. The effect of the wallpaper and the mirror gave the room a very "Clockwork Orange" feel, which isn't the most pleasant thing when one is trying to relieve oneself.
Anyway, when everything is said and done with the remodeling, my parents will have a much larger bathroom off of the master bedroom and the guest bathroom (formerly overly-sized Clockwork Orange experience) will now be smaller and more cozy, befitting a toilet/sink only deal.
My dad has asked me to lend a hand and paint a mural of sorts in this new guest bathroom. We brainstormed over ideas, and his first round were extremely ambitious, to say the least (try The Sistine Chapel), but now we've settled into more "doable" options (the quotations connote my mild dubiousness over the ability to pull this off). Last night over dinner we honed it down to three, likely settling on one. These are the options that I find the most interesting:
1.) Alice in Wonderland - finding the original artwork and redoing various images of it on various parts of the walls. I dig the idea of the Cheshire cat hanging out in the upper corner.
2.) A reproduction of a Diego Rivera painting/mural
3.) (Probable Winner) A reproduction of a Magritte. I was thinking in particular of "le Fils de l'homme" (Son of Man), maybe his most famous image of the bowler-hatted guy with the apple.
So, anyway, this is the new Mahan project, but I'm a little worried that I won't be able to devote enough time to it, and then it'll come out all shite. If that's the case, then it'll just have to be painted over.
Erik, over dinner, suggested that we paint a huge photo of him grinning widely and flashing two thumbs-up. That would be sooooo sweet, and so apropos since in that household, it is indeed all about him.
Doctors
Yeah, so after like five years, I finally went and got a physical today. I need one for school, so submitted and made an appointment. It was as fun as one would expect, and I've got another appointment in two weeks time to get some necessary shots and my bloodwork results. I'm glad that Part One is over, though.
Yeah, so after like five years, I finally went and got a physical today. I need one for school, so submitted and made an appointment. It was as fun as one would expect, and I've got another appointment in two weeks time to get some necessary shots and my bloodwork results. I'm glad that Part One is over, though.
Monday, June 07, 2004
Da Burg
I went back to Williamsburg this morning to join a surprise wedding shower for our lovely Desiree. There were few wedding shower trappings, but there were several women, several pitchers of beer (I still can't get over how cheap they are still), Paul's food, and a walk around campus. The night was complete, as we encountered the campus police AND a prom at the UC. A photo was taken beside one of those monstrous Hummer limos (we chatted with a couple of prom goers to informed us that they paid $1300 for that thing, and there were only four of them! Give me that money if you're going to waste it!). The night was a ball, although we all paid for our excesses the next day (poor Des most of all).
I went back to Williamsburg this morning to join a surprise wedding shower for our lovely Desiree. There were few wedding shower trappings, but there were several women, several pitchers of beer (I still can't get over how cheap they are still), Paul's food, and a walk around campus. The night was complete, as we encountered the campus police AND a prom at the UC. A photo was taken beside one of those monstrous Hummer limos (we chatted with a couple of prom goers to informed us that they paid $1300 for that thing, and there were only four of them! Give me that money if you're going to waste it!). The night was a ball, although we all paid for our excesses the next day (poor Des most of all).
Dave in BBC News
Okay, did you read my recent post about how my middle school friend, Dave, was cited on a Chinese blog? It turns out that on BBC news today, there's an article about his thesis on bloggers. I'm impressed.
Okay, did you read my recent post about how my middle school friend, Dave, was cited on a Chinese blog? It turns out that on BBC news today, there's an article about his thesis on bloggers. I'm impressed.
Saturday, June 05, 2004
Friday, June 04, 2004
Here's that New Yorker piece about the guy who was exonerated by "Curb Your Enthusiasm" footage. Talk about lucky.
Okay, this is a crazy small world
I was reading Salon's article about Chinese bloggers today, and was planning on posting about it. In the article, they cite a Chinese blogger named Mao Xinghua, or Isaac Mao, who apparently has become one of the premiere bloggers in China, influential and relatively well-known. Before I finished the article, I clicked over to Isaac Mao's blog to peruse and see what it was all about.
As I scrolled down Mao's blog, I saw a link to a David Huffaker, M.A. thesis about teenage blogging. Dave is the guy who was in my middle school class in Islamabad who I just recently got back in touch with after 14 years! Apparently, his Georgetown thesis is posted online. I have no idea how the this Mao guy found the link or if he knows Dave, or what, but how crazy is that?
I was reading Salon's article about Chinese bloggers today, and was planning on posting about it. In the article, they cite a Chinese blogger named Mao Xinghua, or Isaac Mao, who apparently has become one of the premiere bloggers in China, influential and relatively well-known. Before I finished the article, I clicked over to Isaac Mao's blog to peruse and see what it was all about.
As I scrolled down Mao's blog, I saw a link to a David Huffaker, M.A. thesis about teenage blogging. Dave is the guy who was in my middle school class in Islamabad who I just recently got back in touch with after 14 years! Apparently, his Georgetown thesis is posted online. I have no idea how the this Mao guy found the link or if he knows Dave, or what, but how crazy is that?
Liquor + Paxil = Wow!
Seth Stevenson, one of my favorite contributors in Slate, did an article way back in 2001 recounting his two month experience with Paxil. From what it sounds like, he's just as shy as anyone else (doesn't like speaking in front of large groups, shy on first dates?), so it's especially interesting to hear what it's like for a normal person to use the drug. Drugs like Paxil have no appeal to me, mostly because I don't really feel like being shy in a big, new group is a hurtle I desperately need to get over, but also because I have my own drug of choice called caffeine. Ah, sweet caffeine. You make me feel so productive and energized.
Seth Stevenson, one of my favorite contributors in Slate, did an article way back in 2001 recounting his two month experience with Paxil. From what it sounds like, he's just as shy as anyone else (doesn't like speaking in front of large groups, shy on first dates?), so it's especially interesting to hear what it's like for a normal person to use the drug. Drugs like Paxil have no appeal to me, mostly because I don't really feel like being shy in a big, new group is a hurtle I desperately need to get over, but also because I have my own drug of choice called caffeine. Ah, sweet caffeine. You make me feel so productive and energized.
The latest on "Spellbound"'s Ashley White
Were you also rooting for DC's Ashley White in the fabulous movie, "Spellbound"? The Washington Post today ran an article as to what is going on with her now. Apparently, things are a bit tough, but there is some hopeful stuff. I was trying to convince my roommate, Matt, that he needs to watch the movie, but he was fighting me on it, saying that he would feel bad for laughing. I'm netflixing it and forcing him to watch.
Were you also rooting for DC's Ashley White in the fabulous movie, "Spellbound"? The Washington Post today ran an article as to what is going on with her now. Apparently, things are a bit tough, but there is some hopeful stuff. I was trying to convince my roommate, Matt, that he needs to watch the movie, but he was fighting me on it, saying that he would feel bad for laughing. I'm netflixing it and forcing him to watch.
Thursday, June 03, 2004
Lisa has a blog! Check it out, yo. She's crazy funny. Back in high school, Lisa and I got into the habit of calling one another "Hambone." I think we had watched some sort of talk show that featured a morbidly obese man named as such. This launched us into a very detailed discussion of mumuus and fried chicken, and then the name "Hambone" kinda stuck.
Bee Happy
Zack noted in an email today at the National Spelling Bee is taking place (possibly as I type?) here in Washington, DC. It's being broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2...awesome. Wonkette has a piece written by an anonymous correspondent who was banished into covering it that cracks me up.
Zack noted in an email today at the National Spelling Bee is taking place (possibly as I type?) here in Washington, DC. It's being broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2...awesome. Wonkette has a piece written by an anonymous correspondent who was banished into covering it that cracks me up.
From the depths of the cupboard
Candyboots features a collection of Weight Watchers cards from 1974. Creepy stuff, but like an accident in that you can't turn away. She took a page from the most excellent Gallery of Regrettable Food.
Candyboots features a collection of Weight Watchers cards from 1974. Creepy stuff, but like an accident in that you can't turn away. She took a page from the most excellent Gallery of Regrettable Food.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Another thing that I'll miss
Last night Annie and I strolled down King Street to sit by the water. It was an absolutely flawless evening: warm but not too warm, breezy, and still sunny at 7 o' clock. We settled on a bench as a cello player busked beside us (people were requesting "Love Story"--very melancholy) and watched the sailboats on the Potomac. It was so picturesque, it was almost criminal. It was a stroll-along-with-an-ice-cream-cone kind of evening. I would have picked mint chip.
Last night Annie and I strolled down King Street to sit by the water. It was an absolutely flawless evening: warm but not too warm, breezy, and still sunny at 7 o' clock. We settled on a bench as a cello player busked beside us (people were requesting "Love Story"--very melancholy) and watched the sailboats on the Potomac. It was so picturesque, it was almost criminal. It was a stroll-along-with-an-ice-cream-cone kind of evening. I would have picked mint chip.
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
Sedaris Interview
Here it is. My favorite part is:
I'm doing Letterman in July. He's always very nice to me. But it will be torture. The last time I was on, my dad called me right after and said, "You looked terrible!" And on my way to the taping, some guy on the street said, "You look like s-t!" I mean, you have to look like you belong on TV - and just the effort is embarrassing. The idea that people think, "Oh my God, he consciously wore that thinking he would look good! He chose that tie! He thinks he looks good like that!"
Here it is. My favorite part is:
I'm doing Letterman in July. He's always very nice to me. But it will be torture. The last time I was on, my dad called me right after and said, "You looked terrible!" And on my way to the taping, some guy on the street said, "You look like s-t!" I mean, you have to look like you belong on TV - and just the effort is embarrassing. The idea that people think, "Oh my God, he consciously wore that thinking he would look good! He chose that tie! He thinks he looks good like that!"
In the mind of a third grader
Check out this site to see segments of Amy's Third Grade Diary--it's priceless.
A few years ago I stumbled across my own second and third grade diary. I painstakingly recorded daily occurrences into the little My Melody book. It had come with a lock, but I had lost it along the way, thank God. It's alarmingly like Amy's in that BOYS were a major life priority. However, my all important priority was food. Most days, I recorded what we had for dinner. If we had occasion to go out to eat, I wrote down both what I had and what my older brother ordered. It was actually kind of alarming just how much detail I devoted to the topic. Anyway, I guess that I'm maintained the same trajectory ever since, in that food and boys are close to my mind at all times, but very little is said about my life direction and goals. I should have written my grad school applications on this--what school wouldn't have wanted me?
On a happy note, though, I confirmed with Northwestern that they do indeed have me as registered for the program this fall. I had this deep-seeded fear that I would move myself halfway across the country, show up on campus on registration day, and have them go: "huh?"
Can you even imagine?
Check out this site to see segments of Amy's Third Grade Diary--it's priceless.
A few years ago I stumbled across my own second and third grade diary. I painstakingly recorded daily occurrences into the little My Melody book. It had come with a lock, but I had lost it along the way, thank God. It's alarmingly like Amy's in that BOYS were a major life priority. However, my all important priority was food. Most days, I recorded what we had for dinner. If we had occasion to go out to eat, I wrote down both what I had and what my older brother ordered. It was actually kind of alarming just how much detail I devoted to the topic. Anyway, I guess that I'm maintained the same trajectory ever since, in that food and boys are close to my mind at all times, but very little is said about my life direction and goals. I should have written my grad school applications on this--what school wouldn't have wanted me?
On a happy note, though, I confirmed with Northwestern that they do indeed have me as registered for the program this fall. I had this deep-seeded fear that I would move myself halfway across the country, show up on campus on registration day, and have them go: "huh?"
Can you even imagine?
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Sunday
My dad's photography website is back up. Check it out! He also informed me that my little brother's boat at his final crew tournament in Orlando was disqualified because of too much cursing. HI-larious. Nice job, boys. Way to make the most of that trip.
Last night was Des and Bryan's most excellent BBQ. They had tiki torches, burgers and brats, and arranged for the fantastic, cool, bug-battling weather. I enjoyed myself immensely and now and spending the morning in a quiet state of recovery.
Speaking of bugs, it seems that while neighborhoods in Arlington are swarming with cicadas, there are barely any here in Alexandria. Someone surmised last night that must be because of the new construction. Perhaps, but I feel like I'm deprived of the crazy cicada experience!
My dad's photography website is back up. Check it out! He also informed me that my little brother's boat at his final crew tournament in Orlando was disqualified because of too much cursing. HI-larious. Nice job, boys. Way to make the most of that trip.
Last night was Des and Bryan's most excellent BBQ. They had tiki torches, burgers and brats, and arranged for the fantastic, cool, bug-battling weather. I enjoyed myself immensely and now and spending the morning in a quiet state of recovery.
Speaking of bugs, it seems that while neighborhoods in Arlington are swarming with cicadas, there are barely any here in Alexandria. Someone surmised last night that must be because of the new construction. Perhaps, but I feel like I'm deprived of the crazy cicada experience!
Friday, May 28, 2004
Possibly the only thing of note that I've learned today is that Jake Gyllenhaal is four years younger than me. That's not so bad. Fametracker just did his Fame Audit, btw.
Long Weekend
Woot: Memorial Day weekend cometh soon! Our office is releasing us today at three, which is lovely. I'm sticking around DC to clean and hopefully organize my foul cesspool of a bedroom. I long to be a tidy, organized person, but I think that persona will forever elude me. Matt is gone to Chicago for the weekend, so it will be Spike and myself, kicking it in realtime.
The metros and the streets are a lot emptier than usual since I think many people made a four-day weekend out of it (and two lucky women I know got the day off from their jobs for various reasons).
Woot: Memorial Day weekend cometh soon! Our office is releasing us today at three, which is lovely. I'm sticking around DC to clean and hopefully organize my foul cesspool of a bedroom. I long to be a tidy, organized person, but I think that persona will forever elude me. Matt is gone to Chicago for the weekend, so it will be Spike and myself, kicking it in realtime.
The metros and the streets are a lot emptier than usual since I think many people made a four-day weekend out of it (and two lucky women I know got the day off from their jobs for various reasons).
Woefully overdue
hey, check out Bill's blog! He's a well-written music afficianado still hanging out in hipster heaven, aka Richmond. He was also my across the street neighbor while I lived there. Whatever happened to your wee dog, Bill? Anyway, Bill really loves the harsh, cheap Chinese liquor, so I'll be bringing him back a case soon.
hey, check out Bill's blog! He's a well-written music afficianado still hanging out in hipster heaven, aka Richmond. He was also my across the street neighbor while I lived there. Whatever happened to your wee dog, Bill? Anyway, Bill really loves the harsh, cheap Chinese liquor, so I'll be bringing him back a case soon.
More Armchair Traveling
Check out this Piperboy's Scrapbook. It's a fabulously designed site, and the photos are great. (via tmn)
Check out this Piperboy's Scrapbook. It's a fabulously designed site, and the photos are great. (via tmn)
Thursday, May 27, 2004
Cracking up
I was reading a Slate article that cited Toby Keith and included some snippets of his song. I'm sure that you've heard his most famous hit of a couple of years ago, "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue"? The Slate song snippet was only of one line, which is THE most hilarious one:
..Cause we'll put a boot in your ass, it's the American way.
That is so fricking hilarious. I totally want that to become part of my lexicon, and find a way to work it into every day conversations.
I was reading a Slate article that cited Toby Keith and included some snippets of his song. I'm sure that you've heard his most famous hit of a couple of years ago, "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue"? The Slate song snippet was only of one line, which is THE most hilarious one:
..Cause we'll put a boot in your ass, it's the American way.
That is so fricking hilarious. I totally want that to become part of my lexicon, and find a way to work it into every day conversations.
More from the UN
Carrie so kindly allowed me to post more of her stories from working in Jakarta. I was tickled by this. Apparently, things are quite happening over there. Enjoy!
In other news, remember how there was that ridiculous small arms questionnaire that went around the office here? And I thought it was asking about how many flame throwers I own and how often I lob grenades?? Anyway, in keeping with the saga of the UN questionnaire tradition, a new one went around today on. . . . condom availability? Apparently the UN Development Programme office (where I work, dig the British spelling!) was supposed to receive a shipment of condoms from UNIFEM (the ladies UN or something) and we have not, and the resident rep of the whole UN system in Indonesia has gone online asking about this, where the condoms are and what kind of questionnaires are accompanying these critical little devices to facilitate the proverbial "knocking of boots". And so now this morning a questionnaire, entitled "Condom Supply and Availability" has been sent around. Here's my favorite question:
-- Because female condom is not available in Indonesia, UNFPA at the time being could only provide male condoms. Does your organization / staff has any specific request regarding the male condoms? (size, brands, flavor, etc. ?)
FLAVOR!! Yeesssss.... Durian please. Double durian. Or maybe nasi goreng, some tasty left over fried rice funk flavor?! Yeeesssss..
The most mild mannered cat in the office has had to belly up to this one, writing onto the form (which has been circulated) "The office does not make condoms available to staff as condoms are easily bought in the local marker at a relatively cheap price. Culturally, it is not common to talk about condoms in among Indonesians." Oh! he's cringing!
Working here is a riot. I know I am a little juvenile to be laughing at this form, but there's nothing like a big cheesy big-wig chasing around the little people, making them respond to these hilarious forms. Apparently we are all getting it on in Indonesia and there is no shortage of prophylactics!! Sweet.
Carrie so kindly allowed me to post more of her stories from working in Jakarta. I was tickled by this. Apparently, things are quite happening over there. Enjoy!
In other news, remember how there was that ridiculous small arms questionnaire that went around the office here? And I thought it was asking about how many flame throwers I own and how often I lob grenades?? Anyway, in keeping with the saga of the UN questionnaire tradition, a new one went around today on. . . . condom availability? Apparently the UN Development Programme office (where I work, dig the British spelling!) was supposed to receive a shipment of condoms from UNIFEM (the ladies UN or something) and we have not, and the resident rep of the whole UN system in Indonesia has gone online asking about this, where the condoms are and what kind of questionnaires are accompanying these critical little devices to facilitate the proverbial "knocking of boots". And so now this morning a questionnaire, entitled "Condom Supply and Availability" has been sent around. Here's my favorite question:
-- Because female condom is not available in Indonesia, UNFPA at the time being could only provide male condoms. Does your organization / staff has any specific request regarding the male condoms? (size, brands, flavor, etc. ?)
FLAVOR!! Yeesssss.... Durian please. Double durian. Or maybe nasi goreng, some tasty left over fried rice funk flavor?! Yeeesssss..
The most mild mannered cat in the office has had to belly up to this one, writing onto the form (which has been circulated) "The office does not make condoms available to staff as condoms are easily bought in the local marker at a relatively cheap price. Culturally, it is not common to talk about condoms in among Indonesians." Oh! he's cringing!
Working here is a riot. I know I am a little juvenile to be laughing at this form, but there's nothing like a big cheesy big-wig chasing around the little people, making them respond to these hilarious forms. Apparently we are all getting it on in Indonesia and there is no shortage of prophylactics!! Sweet.
Wish that I had something interesting to post today, but I don't. It's a quiet day around here, but I'm about to pop out in ten minutes to have a Last Hurrah coffee with Don before he heads off to Armenia next week. I've been listening to American Analog Set all morning and it's put me in a light, dreamy mood.
Oh, I will comment that I had exceptionally great sleep last night. I think part of it was the cooler temperature outside that lended (lent?) itself to deeper slumber.
Lame post, I know. I don't have the energy to do much about it right now, though.
Oh, I will comment that I had exceptionally great sleep last night. I think part of it was the cooler temperature outside that lended (lent?) itself to deeper slumber.
Lame post, I know. I don't have the energy to do much about it right now, though.
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Back
Ah, Austin was lovely. It was a great long weekend, and while I felt sorry for my brother who took on the job of being the gracious host/babysitter, I am grateful as well and glad that it happened that way. Truly, though, the weather was warm and dry and enveloping, and the land was alarmingly like Zambia, complete with little bungalows by the side of the road. My entire family commented that it was like being in Africa again, which might sound precious, but was amazingly true. It was quite challenging to stay on SBD, since pretty much every meal was served with fresh chips and salsa (Lord, give me strength), but my mom served as SBD police so we were all set. Anyway, major congrats to Robin who is now a MBA. My parents were talking about how the would add "...the MBA" to Robin's name, every time they mention it now. Awesome.
Also, everything is so cheap in Austin, comparatively. Robin (the MBA) and his roommates pay under $400 for their rooms (which are like twice the size of mine with WALK-IN CLOSETS and their OWN bathrooms). Granted, there were four of them. One night, they took me out on the town and I bought a round where the mixed drinks were $3 each. Robin and his roommate, Chris, were grousing over how they raised the price so high for graduation weekend, but I was busy picking my jaw off the floor in my shock over how cheap they were. Apparently, at that bar, the drinks are usually 50 cents. Jeebus.
James mentions in his blog recently about how he gets carded regularly. To add to that thread, two different times this weekend people asked me if I was finishing high school when I told them I was "going to school" next year. Hilarious, but there's no way I'm passing for 17...or perhaps they think that I'm extremely delayed. I think I need to specify that it's GRAD school I'm going to next year.
And in Chicago news, I have an apartment now! I'll be moving in with Jenny, of the famed Second City. Commuting will be the one challenge, besides the cold, but I'm thrilled over the ease of it all, and I also think that it will be a blast. Plus, now I don't have to take time off to go and troll for apartments. I'll forward the mailing address later on. One to-do item down, thousands more to go. Anyway, Jenny and I met by being in the same sorority in college--which you wouldn't probably guess--but Jenny told me yesterday that she was going to drape the apartment in green and white with plenty of pearl strands in honor of our sisterhood.
And finally, Licorice, my precious car, had her first accident. My dad backed into her by accident, so we rushed her to get her front panel replaced yesterday. It's not a huge deal, but the first ding is always kind of unsettling. Honestly, if it had happened before I had taken vacation, I might have started crying or something, but I am so relaxed after this weekend, nothing is permeating this shell of mellowness. Remember that part in "Office Space," when Ron Livingston is under hypnosis and wanders around in a sleepy, pleased daze? That's kind of where I am right now.
Actually, on the REAL final note, I have to share this. My poor boss had her car stolen this morning from her neighborhood, Cleveland Park. It's a safe, well-to-do neighborhood, and she parked her Accord in front of her apartment, under a streetlight. It was gone this morning. But the kicker, is that this is the SECOND time this has happened to her. She had another car stolen from her in Capitol Hill ten years ago.
Ah, Austin was lovely. It was a great long weekend, and while I felt sorry for my brother who took on the job of being the gracious host/babysitter, I am grateful as well and glad that it happened that way. Truly, though, the weather was warm and dry and enveloping, and the land was alarmingly like Zambia, complete with little bungalows by the side of the road. My entire family commented that it was like being in Africa again, which might sound precious, but was amazingly true. It was quite challenging to stay on SBD, since pretty much every meal was served with fresh chips and salsa (Lord, give me strength), but my mom served as SBD police so we were all set. Anyway, major congrats to Robin who is now a MBA. My parents were talking about how the would add "...the MBA" to Robin's name, every time they mention it now. Awesome.
Also, everything is so cheap in Austin, comparatively. Robin (the MBA) and his roommates pay under $400 for their rooms (which are like twice the size of mine with WALK-IN CLOSETS and their OWN bathrooms). Granted, there were four of them. One night, they took me out on the town and I bought a round where the mixed drinks were $3 each. Robin and his roommate, Chris, were grousing over how they raised the price so high for graduation weekend, but I was busy picking my jaw off the floor in my shock over how cheap they were. Apparently, at that bar, the drinks are usually 50 cents. Jeebus.
James mentions in his blog recently about how he gets carded regularly. To add to that thread, two different times this weekend people asked me if I was finishing high school when I told them I was "going to school" next year. Hilarious, but there's no way I'm passing for 17...or perhaps they think that I'm extremely delayed. I think I need to specify that it's GRAD school I'm going to next year.
And in Chicago news, I have an apartment now! I'll be moving in with Jenny, of the famed Second City. Commuting will be the one challenge, besides the cold, but I'm thrilled over the ease of it all, and I also think that it will be a blast. Plus, now I don't have to take time off to go and troll for apartments. I'll forward the mailing address later on. One to-do item down, thousands more to go. Anyway, Jenny and I met by being in the same sorority in college--which you wouldn't probably guess--but Jenny told me yesterday that she was going to drape the apartment in green and white with plenty of pearl strands in honor of our sisterhood.
And finally, Licorice, my precious car, had her first accident. My dad backed into her by accident, so we rushed her to get her front panel replaced yesterday. It's not a huge deal, but the first ding is always kind of unsettling. Honestly, if it had happened before I had taken vacation, I might have started crying or something, but I am so relaxed after this weekend, nothing is permeating this shell of mellowness. Remember that part in "Office Space," when Ron Livingston is under hypnosis and wanders around in a sleepy, pleased daze? That's kind of where I am right now.
Actually, on the REAL final note, I have to share this. My poor boss had her car stolen this morning from her neighborhood, Cleveland Park. It's a safe, well-to-do neighborhood, and she parked her Accord in front of her apartment, under a streetlight. It was gone this morning. But the kicker, is that this is the SECOND time this has happened to her. She had another car stolen from her in Capitol Hill ten years ago.
Thursday, May 20, 2004
Wednesday, May 19, 2004
Kurt Vonnegut's piece "Cold Turkey" about America and oil and its role in the world right now. I can't believe that he's 81.
This dude wanted to escape a public urination charge, so he did the only conceivable thing to escape: he attempted to ship himself in a box to his friend. The thing is, the box wasn't scheduled to be sent till the end of the month, so when finally caught on and found him (two weeks later or something) he was still inside, all disoriented and dehydrated.(via os)
Crazy Flashes from the Past
This has been quite an eventful week, in terms of people popping up from the past. On Friday night, I got a call from Bronwyn close to midnight, which was out of the ordinary. When I checked messages, the message was from a high school friend who I hadn't spoken to since graduation. He, another high school friend, and Bronwyn were out drinking margaritas one night during our Ten Year Reunion weekend (which I opted out of), and he had nabbed Bronwyn's phone to call. I called back and spoke to both Abdi and Tom, which was kind of wild. TEN years. Jesus.
And then, last night, I got an email that I was set to delete, suspecting that it was spam, until I noticed the subject heading: "Hello from ISI." ISI was our beloved school in Islamabad that I left in eighth grade, yet the bonds from alumni are still pretty tight. Anyhow, the message was from this fellow, Dave, who was in eighth grade with me--he had gotten my address from Robert (names given in case you might know who they are) who I had been in touch with about three years ago. Dave was the gangly funny man when we were in middle school with a massive crush on my friend, Christie. He coaxed his family to name their dog after her, which still kind of cracks me up to this day. Regardless, Dave was out of my sphere of thought for about 14 years now, so it was wild to see his name again. Apparently, he's in DC now finishing up grad school and is headed to Chicago next year as well.
This has been quite an eventful week, in terms of people popping up from the past. On Friday night, I got a call from Bronwyn close to midnight, which was out of the ordinary. When I checked messages, the message was from a high school friend who I hadn't spoken to since graduation. He, another high school friend, and Bronwyn were out drinking margaritas one night during our Ten Year Reunion weekend (which I opted out of), and he had nabbed Bronwyn's phone to call. I called back and spoke to both Abdi and Tom, which was kind of wild. TEN years. Jesus.
And then, last night, I got an email that I was set to delete, suspecting that it was spam, until I noticed the subject heading: "Hello from ISI." ISI was our beloved school in Islamabad that I left in eighth grade, yet the bonds from alumni are still pretty tight. Anyhow, the message was from this fellow, Dave, who was in eighth grade with me--he had gotten my address from Robert (names given in case you might know who they are) who I had been in touch with about three years ago. Dave was the gangly funny man when we were in middle school with a massive crush on my friend, Christie. He coaxed his family to name their dog after her, which still kind of cracks me up to this day. Regardless, Dave was out of my sphere of thought for about 14 years now, so it was wild to see his name again. Apparently, he's in DC now finishing up grad school and is headed to Chicago next year as well.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
Sorry, I don't see "Crazy MF" listed
In our office, we keep one tray of the printer loaded with scrap paper, so we can utilize the dead trees as much as possible. I just printed something out and noticed that the paper on which the first page was printed was originally a Fax. It's a fax from the Paraolympic Games 2004 in Athens, and one of the women on my floor was filling out the registration to attend. Of course, there's a space for the name, there's a spot where you mark your sex, and then, there's the part for "title." The following are the boxes that you can check:
"His/Her Royal Highness"
"His/Her Majesty"
"His/Her Serene Highness"
"His/Her Excellency"
"Professor"
and, finally
"Doctor."
I never knew that Her Serene Highness is actually a recognized title. I'm all over it!
In our office, we keep one tray of the printer loaded with scrap paper, so we can utilize the dead trees as much as possible. I just printed something out and noticed that the paper on which the first page was printed was originally a Fax. It's a fax from the Paraolympic Games 2004 in Athens, and one of the women on my floor was filling out the registration to attend. Of course, there's a space for the name, there's a spot where you mark your sex, and then, there's the part for "title." The following are the boxes that you can check:
"His/Her Royal Highness"
"His/Her Majesty"
"His/Her Serene Highness"
"His/Her Excellency"
"Professor"
and, finally
"Doctor."
I never knew that Her Serene Highness is actually a recognized title. I'm all over it!
Jon Stewart was William & Mary's commencement speaker this year (lucky Clarence got to see him). We got the Thomas Jefferson specialist who ended up lying about his past. Anyway, here's the link to the speech, and it's hilarious and great, as would be expected.
China, in response to the State Department's Country Reports on Human Rights:
"Shut up. You suck!"
This is so awesome. This is China's report called The Human Rights Record of the United States in 2003, which was their jab back at the US for the probably not-too-pretty report on them.
It starts out:
On February 25, 2004, the State Department of the United States released its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2003 (called the "reports" thereafter). As in previous years, the United States once again acted as "the world human rights police" by distorting and censuring in the "reports" the human rights situations in more than 190 countries and regions across the world, including China. And just as usual, the United States once again "omitted" its own long-standing malpractice and problems of human rights in the "reports". Therefore, we have to, as before, help the United States keep its human rights record.
Some of the infringements:
Unrestrained evil social forces and widespread drug abuse endangered the people's life and safety. According to a report released by US National Youth Gang Center, there were altogether 21,500 sinister gangs in the United States in 2002 with a combined membership of 731,000. In April 2003, an innocent woman was killed in a gang shootout in New York. Police had to impose a state of citywide emergency in the summer of 2003 due to frequent gang-related violence (see the edition of USA Today on Dec. 16, 2003).
and
According to an AP report, a woman in the city of Detroit had one of her fingers cut off and another finger injured by the police simply for a dispute with them in a parking lot. The report said the police also boxed her ears and tore her hair.
If you look at the "report," (it likes to use quotation marks, so I will join the spirit of things), it's long and cites papers like the NY Times, and the Post, and USA Today (?). I definitely will not argue that the list contains horrible things, but I find that China had to put together a retaliatory report pretty interesting and not unfunny, either. I also love that they use the word "sinister" and the term "boxed her ears." Again, awesome.
"Shut up. You suck!"
This is so awesome. This is China's report called The Human Rights Record of the United States in 2003, which was their jab back at the US for the probably not-too-pretty report on them.
It starts out:
On February 25, 2004, the State Department of the United States released its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2003 (called the "reports" thereafter). As in previous years, the United States once again acted as "the world human rights police" by distorting and censuring in the "reports" the human rights situations in more than 190 countries and regions across the world, including China. And just as usual, the United States once again "omitted" its own long-standing malpractice and problems of human rights in the "reports". Therefore, we have to, as before, help the United States keep its human rights record.
Some of the infringements:
Unrestrained evil social forces and widespread drug abuse endangered the people's life and safety. According to a report released by US National Youth Gang Center, there were altogether 21,500 sinister gangs in the United States in 2002 with a combined membership of 731,000. In April 2003, an innocent woman was killed in a gang shootout in New York. Police had to impose a state of citywide emergency in the summer of 2003 due to frequent gang-related violence (see the edition of USA Today on Dec. 16, 2003).
and
According to an AP report, a woman in the city of Detroit had one of her fingers cut off and another finger injured by the police simply for a dispute with them in a parking lot. The report said the police also boxed her ears and tore her hair.
If you look at the "report," (it likes to use quotation marks, so I will join the spirit of things), it's long and cites papers like the NY Times, and the Post, and USA Today (?). I definitely will not argue that the list contains horrible things, but I find that China had to put together a retaliatory report pretty interesting and not unfunny, either. I also love that they use the word "sinister" and the term "boxed her ears." Again, awesome.
Monday, May 17, 2004
Last night...
...As I lay in bed, I re-devoured both Definition and Potential, the graphic novels that are basically the high school diaries of Ariel Schrag of Berkeley High School. Schrag is hilarious, intelligent, and amazingly candid--not afraid to show low moments as well as high ones. I'm actually amazed that she could be so self-aware and articulate when she was 16 and 17, and frankly, I'm kind of jealous. She's in the middle of working on her series, Likewise, about her senior year in high school, so there's more to come.
...As I lay in bed, I re-devoured both Definition and Potential, the graphic novels that are basically the high school diaries of Ariel Schrag of Berkeley High School. Schrag is hilarious, intelligent, and amazingly candid--not afraid to show low moments as well as high ones. I'm actually amazed that she could be so self-aware and articulate when she was 16 and 17, and frankly, I'm kind of jealous. She's in the middle of working on her series, Likewise, about her senior year in high school, so there's more to come.
I interrupt this bad mood to bring some good news
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the ADA in the Tennessee vs. Lane case, to everyone's surprise. Did you read about this? The guy, George Lane, has to crawl up the steps of a Tennessee courthouse because they didn't comply with ADA. Easter Seals was very involved in this case, and Beverly Jones was our Adult Spokesperson for awhile there. People weren't extremely hopeful over the outcome during the hearing, but it paid off.
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the ADA in the Tennessee vs. Lane case, to everyone's surprise. Did you read about this? The guy, George Lane, has to crawl up the steps of a Tennessee courthouse because they didn't comply with ADA. Easter Seals was very involved in this case, and Beverly Jones was our Adult Spokesperson for awhile there. People weren't extremely hopeful over the outcome during the hearing, but it paid off.
Cranky? I am!
I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I felt lazy and prickly and didn't want to come to work, but wouldn't have wanted to stay home, and wouldn't have wanted to do anything else either...except maybe sit around with my arms crossed, shooting people dirty looks. Now THAT I can do anywhere. I know, I know: you'll have to get in line to hang out with me tonight. I have to confess, sometimes it's fun to be this grumpy as we're all entitled to a black cloud over us every once in awhile.
My mom and I are heading to Austin this Friday for Robin's graduation, and are making a long weekend of it. I am quite thrilled at the prospect of a little vacation. Honestly, the last time I had a real day off was when we went to New Haven in January to visit Christie. That's been over three months, which is pretty brutal for me. Because I am a princess.
And as if the day couldn't get any sexier, all I have to snack on are prunes, and I am going to town on them, which I'm sure will be regrettable in the near future. That is wise planning, my friends.
I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I felt lazy and prickly and didn't want to come to work, but wouldn't have wanted to stay home, and wouldn't have wanted to do anything else either...except maybe sit around with my arms crossed, shooting people dirty looks. Now THAT I can do anywhere. I know, I know: you'll have to get in line to hang out with me tonight. I have to confess, sometimes it's fun to be this grumpy as we're all entitled to a black cloud over us every once in awhile.
My mom and I are heading to Austin this Friday for Robin's graduation, and are making a long weekend of it. I am quite thrilled at the prospect of a little vacation. Honestly, the last time I had a real day off was when we went to New Haven in January to visit Christie. That's been over three months, which is pretty brutal for me. Because I am a princess.
And as if the day couldn't get any sexier, all I have to snack on are prunes, and I am going to town on them, which I'm sure will be regrettable in the near future. That is wise planning, my friends.
Friday, May 14, 2004
Bastard
Anne and I watched Survivor, AMERICA'S TRIBAL COUNCIL last night, and it was totally lame (well, lamer than you would even expect). I was sad to see Rupert, the self-important lug, win the million. Anne described him as a "crazy bear baby" (is that right?) when he bared his teeth into a self-satisfied grin, which cracked me up, though.
Anne and I watched Survivor, AMERICA'S TRIBAL COUNCIL last night, and it was totally lame (well, lamer than you would even expect). I was sad to see Rupert, the self-important lug, win the million. Anne described him as a "crazy bear baby" (is that right?) when he bared his teeth into a self-satisfied grin, which cracked me up, though.
Oh, If that's the case, okay then.
All right, so I was reading the Washington Post this morning on my way to work, and was flipping through the Metro section. Deep in its bowels (like that imagery? Yummy, right?) there was a story following the case of this Maryland teenager who murdered his friend by putting cyanide in his vanilla Coke. I couldn't even find the link to the article, but then again, I only skimmed.
Anyway, the story is pretty tragic--this lonesome, screwed up kid murdered his childhood friend because he was jealous, and felt neglected, and apparently also had quite a thing for his friend's girl. The article details the screwed up kid's rationale for the murder, though, which is morbidly entertaining:
Rarely during the interrogation did Furlough [screwed up kid] mention Caroline Smith, Vassiliev's girlfriend. Furlough declared his love for her the year before the poisoning, and prosecutors have offered that as a motive for the slaying. Furlough instead focused on Vassiliev's failure to give him gifts. Furlough said he took his friends' birthdays seriously, spending never less than $15 and usually about $20 on their gifts. But Vassiliev did not reciprocate.
....One one occasion, Vassiliev gave him a Japanese cookbook. Furlough, however, recognized it as having come from a bookshelf in Vassiliev's home. "It wasn't even wrapped," he said. "He just didn't care."
Well, if you put it that way, then I can see your point!
All right, so I was reading the Washington Post this morning on my way to work, and was flipping through the Metro section. Deep in its bowels (like that imagery? Yummy, right?) there was a story following the case of this Maryland teenager who murdered his friend by putting cyanide in his vanilla Coke. I couldn't even find the link to the article, but then again, I only skimmed.
Anyway, the story is pretty tragic--this lonesome, screwed up kid murdered his childhood friend because he was jealous, and felt neglected, and apparently also had quite a thing for his friend's girl. The article details the screwed up kid's rationale for the murder, though, which is morbidly entertaining:
Rarely during the interrogation did Furlough [screwed up kid] mention Caroline Smith, Vassiliev's girlfriend. Furlough declared his love for her the year before the poisoning, and prosecutors have offered that as a motive for the slaying. Furlough instead focused on Vassiliev's failure to give him gifts. Furlough said he took his friends' birthdays seriously, spending never less than $15 and usually about $20 on their gifts. But Vassiliev did not reciprocate.
....One one occasion, Vassiliev gave him a Japanese cookbook. Furlough, however, recognized it as having come from a bookshelf in Vassiliev's home. "It wasn't even wrapped," he said. "He just didn't care."
Well, if you put it that way, then I can see your point!
Thursday, May 13, 2004
It's a sad week
Bandit, the world's heaviest raccoon, died on Saturday. Bandit's weight topped 75 pounds at one point. The Baltimore Sun has a story about his passing (that includes photos!)
My favorite part of this article:
Tim Pitts, owner of Ice Cream World, recalls watching Bandit sit in Klitsch's sport utility vehicle, holding a cup of blue raspberry Slush with his paws and drinking it through a straw.
''He was a good customer,'' said Pitts.
Pitts said he was surprised to learn Monday of Bandit's death, having sold a birthday cake for the raccoon just days earlier.
The most poignant part of the article:
Klitsch said Bandit was put down by a vet who came to her house Saturday, the day after Bandit's birthday party. She laid Bandit to rest beneath a maple tree in her yard. He was buried wearing her favorite T-shirt, the one featuring the monster truck Grave Digger.
Bandit, the world's heaviest raccoon, died on Saturday. Bandit's weight topped 75 pounds at one point. The Baltimore Sun has a story about his passing (that includes photos!)
My favorite part of this article:
Tim Pitts, owner of Ice Cream World, recalls watching Bandit sit in Klitsch's sport utility vehicle, holding a cup of blue raspberry Slush with his paws and drinking it through a straw.
''He was a good customer,'' said Pitts.
Pitts said he was surprised to learn Monday of Bandit's death, having sold a birthday cake for the raccoon just days earlier.
The most poignant part of the article:
Klitsch said Bandit was put down by a vet who came to her house Saturday, the day after Bandit's birthday party. She laid Bandit to rest beneath a maple tree in her yard. He was buried wearing her favorite T-shirt, the one featuring the monster truck Grave Digger.
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
Best News that I've Heard All Day
UPN is going to air the first season of America's Next Top Model this June! Hooray!
UPN is going to air the first season of America's Next Top Model this June! Hooray!
Smearing Tactics
Here's is a lengthy, interesting article in the Atlantic Monthly all about how the parties work to smear one another during campaigns. They also mention a BBC documentary about this topic and the 2000 election that never aired here but I would love to watch.
Here's is a lengthy, interesting article in the Atlantic Monthly all about how the parties work to smear one another during campaigns. They also mention a BBC documentary about this topic and the 2000 election that never aired here but I would love to watch.
You don't say?
Yesterday, I went to lunch with some people in my office, including the two highest-up individuals, both men in their late 50s or 60s. Conversation was the kind you'd expect at a work meal when the only thing many of the people have in common is that they get paychecks from the same organization. I'm not sure how it came up, but at one point, one of the VP-types asked the table if people still used the term "going steady" [as an aside, I totally think that term is underused]. I opined that people my age used the terms "dating" or "seeing someone" now to connote a relationship.
Then two of the women at the table (one of them an avid church-goer) looked at eachother and both threw out "Knocking boots! That's what people say now." I looked at them immediately to see if they were joking, but I couldn't tell if they were or not. The best part is that both of these older, grandfatherly men repeated "knocking boots, knocking boots..." to themselves, mulling it over and trying out the phrase. They never were informed that the term refered specifically to the act of intercourse. God forbid that they use that term sometime in a public setting.
Yesterday, I went to lunch with some people in my office, including the two highest-up individuals, both men in their late 50s or 60s. Conversation was the kind you'd expect at a work meal when the only thing many of the people have in common is that they get paychecks from the same organization. I'm not sure how it came up, but at one point, one of the VP-types asked the table if people still used the term "going steady" [as an aside, I totally think that term is underused]. I opined that people my age used the terms "dating" or "seeing someone" now to connote a relationship.
Then two of the women at the table (one of them an avid church-goer) looked at eachother and both threw out "Knocking boots! That's what people say now." I looked at them immediately to see if they were joking, but I couldn't tell if they were or not. The best part is that both of these older, grandfatherly men repeated "knocking boots, knocking boots..." to themselves, mulling it over and trying out the phrase. They never were informed that the term refered specifically to the act of intercourse. God forbid that they use that term sometime in a public setting.
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
Kristin is a very rare male name.
Did you know that:
Kristin is the #214 female name?
Or that
0.099% of females in the US are named Kristin?
Find out your own name statistics here.
Did you know that:
Kristin is the #214 female name?
Or that
0.099% of females in the US are named Kristin?
Find out your own name statistics here.
Monday, May 10, 2004
OOOh
Blogger's updated it so that their web site is pretty fancy right now. I like.
It was indeed a lovely weekend, what with the sunshine, the picnics, and the flawless weather. Mother's day was nice as well, despite the tough leather meat that I made. It was so tough that my parents had to masticate their meals and Erik wisely stayed away. Now I'm back at work again...how did that happen so quickly?
Blogger's updated it so that their web site is pretty fancy right now. I like.
It was indeed a lovely weekend, what with the sunshine, the picnics, and the flawless weather. Mother's day was nice as well, despite the tough leather meat that I made. It was so tough that my parents had to masticate their meals and Erik wisely stayed away. Now I'm back at work again...how did that happen so quickly?
FOUND Magazine
Annie and I went to see the FOUND Magazine tour at Politics & Prose this past Saturday. We were expecting it to be swamped with people, but overestimated the popularity of the magazine since we got there at 5:30 and the reading area was empty for their show at 6. We installed ourselves in the front row, bought the new book, and waited breathlessly. The show was great. Davy Rothbart, who created the magazine, was this outrageously personable young fellow who was dressed in mad hip hop gear, sporting some crazy fake bling (my favorite was the big, metal peace sign that was *taped up*). He read aloud and told the stories of some of the Found items from the book, and then his brother came up and sang a couple of numbers based on some of the items (the best was a sweet folk number called "The Booty Don't Stop").
Annie and I stayed around after to talk to Davy and have him sign our books, and I totally degenerated into a silent, wide-eyed puddle of nerves when he started talking to us...you know, really emanating with coolness. I'm proud to say that Davy signed my book with the message: Kristin, It's grass roots leaders like you that make a difference! Love, Davy. Matt was all, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" when I showed it to him, but I'm telling you, it's very meaningful. Believe. Anyway, this is all to say that FOUND is doing a 50 state tour over the next year or so, and I highly recommend trying to catch up with them if you can. Plus, the book is awesome.
Annie and I went to see the FOUND Magazine tour at Politics & Prose this past Saturday. We were expecting it to be swamped with people, but overestimated the popularity of the magazine since we got there at 5:30 and the reading area was empty for their show at 6. We installed ourselves in the front row, bought the new book, and waited breathlessly. The show was great. Davy Rothbart, who created the magazine, was this outrageously personable young fellow who was dressed in mad hip hop gear, sporting some crazy fake bling (my favorite was the big, metal peace sign that was *taped up*). He read aloud and told the stories of some of the Found items from the book, and then his brother came up and sang a couple of numbers based on some of the items (the best was a sweet folk number called "The Booty Don't Stop").
Annie and I stayed around after to talk to Davy and have him sign our books, and I totally degenerated into a silent, wide-eyed puddle of nerves when he started talking to us...you know, really emanating with coolness. I'm proud to say that Davy signed my book with the message: Kristin, It's grass roots leaders like you that make a difference! Love, Davy. Matt was all, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" when I showed it to him, but I'm telling you, it's very meaningful. Believe. Anyway, this is all to say that FOUND is doing a 50 state tour over the next year or so, and I highly recommend trying to catch up with them if you can. Plus, the book is awesome.
Friday, May 07, 2004
Apparently I'm a gay man, according to Amazon.com. Over the years, I've purchased from them a few books from well-known gay men (David Sedaris, Stephen Macauley, and I'm blanking on others), and Amazon thinks that must mean that I am indeed a gay man who may or may not be thoughtful about his sexual life. What is amazing to me, is that these were all fairly main-stream authors, so it's not as if I was buying books on the very cutting edge of gay sub-culture. I mean, they made a movie with Jennifer Aniston out of one of Macauley's books for God's sakes. Regardless, every few months or so, Amazon sends me recommendations, or my "personal picks" ("Based on your past purchases, we think that you would enjoy...").
Today, it was Ultimate Gay Sex, by Michael Ford Thomas. "More to Explore" is SEXBOMB! by Lalli X and Bruno Gmunder Verlag.
Today, it was Ultimate Gay Sex, by Michael Ford Thomas. "More to Explore" is SEXBOMB! by Lalli X and Bruno Gmunder Verlag.
Thursday, May 06, 2004
Sad Stuff
Today is my work friend, Don's, last day here in the office. He's joining the Peace Corps and going to Armenia in a month! This creates major waves in our office since he's the jack-of-all-trades here, everyone's sounding board, and has been here for eleven years so knows the ropes. Don showed me his language book that they sent him with key Armenian phrases such as, "I would like to drink some beer." Awesome. In an hour we're going to celebrate with some cake (yay) and I know several people are going to have to work hard to fight back their tears.
A couple of months ago, I suggested to Don that he find a Russian bride. I had watched a Discovery Channel "documentary" on the topic the night before and after that, considered myself an expert. Apparently, there are many hot Russian brides to be found. Once Don told me that he was setting off for Armenia, we looked at eachother and both burst out with: "Russian bride!" He'll be all the closer to Russia so he can check out his options. I told Don that if he gets married over there, I want to be invited and stand as his Best (wo)Man, since I was the one who planted the original seed for this possibility. Remember that, Don!
Today is my work friend, Don's, last day here in the office. He's joining the Peace Corps and going to Armenia in a month! This creates major waves in our office since he's the jack-of-all-trades here, everyone's sounding board, and has been here for eleven years so knows the ropes. Don showed me his language book that they sent him with key Armenian phrases such as, "I would like to drink some beer." Awesome. In an hour we're going to celebrate with some cake (yay) and I know several people are going to have to work hard to fight back their tears.
A couple of months ago, I suggested to Don that he find a Russian bride. I had watched a Discovery Channel "documentary" on the topic the night before and after that, considered myself an expert. Apparently, there are many hot Russian brides to be found. Once Don told me that he was setting off for Armenia, we looked at eachother and both burst out with: "Russian bride!" He'll be all the closer to Russia so he can check out his options. I told Don that if he gets married over there, I want to be invited and stand as his Best (wo)Man, since I was the one who planted the original seed for this possibility. Remember that, Don!
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
Want to be a successful politician?
Then you've got to be able to bring the funny, according to The Atlantic Monthly. Hey, I want my own personal comedy writer as well.
Then you've got to be able to bring the funny, according to The Atlantic Monthly. Hey, I want my own personal comedy writer as well.
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
To Noone's Surprise...
...I spent my morning at the dentist's office. I know: shocker. I actually went to get molded for a mouth (mouf) guard and then I have another appointment to pick up my new guard in a couple of weeks. I imagine it to be like one of those sports mouth guards. Sexy! I also gave the dentist another $200, you know, because I just felt like he should have it.
Don at work (who only has three days left here!) wrote this:
They need to add your name to their sign. "Patient of the year" or something. If you go back next year and the dentist is driving a new BMW with license plates "THX KRSTN" you'll know why.
I love that.
...I spent my morning at the dentist's office. I know: shocker. I actually went to get molded for a mouth (mouf) guard and then I have another appointment to pick up my new guard in a couple of weeks. I imagine it to be like one of those sports mouth guards. Sexy! I also gave the dentist another $200, you know, because I just felt like he should have it.
Don at work (who only has three days left here!) wrote this:
They need to add your name to their sign. "Patient of the year" or something. If you go back next year and the dentist is driving a new BMW with license plates "THX KRSTN" you'll know why.
I love that.
Monday, May 03, 2004
I love Derek Kirk
I linked to one of his online graphic tales, Small Stories, before, but I was perusing his site and found the great little stories, "My Sistine Chapel" or the fabulous "The Sound."
I linked to one of his online graphic tales, Small Stories, before, but I was perusing his site and found the great little stories, "My Sistine Chapel" or the fabulous "The Sound."
Freaking and Geeking
This weekend was spent putting in a lot QT with my new Freaks and Geeks dvd set. The show...is amazing. I can't say much more. Plus, the dvd set is truly a valentine to the fans, as it's chock full of commentaries and deleted scenes. If you like the show, run out and purchase it. If you're short of funds, you can borrow mine, but just make sure that you return it.
This weekend was spent putting in a lot QT with my new Freaks and Geeks dvd set. The show...is amazing. I can't say much more. Plus, the dvd set is truly a valentine to the fans, as it's chock full of commentaries and deleted scenes. If you like the show, run out and purchase it. If you're short of funds, you can borrow mine, but just make sure that you return it.
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