Don't Panic!

It's not half bad. And if you haven't done so, for the love of G-d go read the darn books.

Sometimes, I Think This Girl Lives In My Head

Rethinking Lunch

Maybe I really should pay more attention to the Food Network. I'm about to go to lunch and I already ate a stick of string cheese and the very juicy apple that I brought along. All I'm left with is a Yoplait yogurt and a cucumber. Me thinks I’ll be purchasing part of my lunch today. Seriously, couldn't the Jews rethink that whole leaving-Egypt-in-a-rush thing. Egypt wasn't so bad, freedom isn't so important. I want bread, dammit.

It's All The Meme To Me

When i first received the assignment from Candy, i was a bit stuck to come up with "five things that people with whom I generally associate think are really cool, but that leave me cold." But then i realized i'm full of rage and indignation. You know why? I have one word answer for you: hormones. So in no particular order here are things that annoy me and others seem to like.(preliminary list - blogger ate my first draft)

American Idol - a lot of people i know watch these shows religiously and then pour over every detail or bemoan when their favorite person hasn't won. I really don't see the fascination of watching mediocre singers belt out annoying songs that i tried to forget in the first place. Seriously what redemptive qualities does a show have that has given us Kelly Clarkston, From Justin to Kelly, Clay Aiken, and Ruben? Besides introducing Paula Abdul back in the lime light and enriching the Simon "i am an ass hole" Callwell?
See Also: The Apprentice falls under this category as well. I really don't need to waste an hour of my life just to see Trump utter a generic phrase at the end of each episode.

Truth As An Excuse - A lot of my friends (myself included) will use the fact that someone told the truth in a bad situation as a justification for the person's actions. Like somehow the fact that you admit that you did a terrible thing negates the action. Well at least she told him she had a boyfriend, he knew what he was getting into. Doesn't make cheating even a little bit ok.
More on this later.

Ipod Culture - i love my Nomad MP3 player - but it annoys me that everyone refers to it as an ipod. Also it also annoys me when people write about the song statistics that the ipod seems to be so good at spitting out. I don't mind reading about others' music taste but why do it in the stupid exclusionary ipod way? Yes you look great with the white wires sticking out of your ears.

Being a Good Person - let me explain, a lot of my friends are graduating from college this year. They are deciding what to do "next" and a lot of them are choosing to travel to some poor country or do a program like Teach for America. Don't get me wrong all these programs are great and help many people and what they are doing is admirable. But somehow it leaves a wrong taste in my mind. I feel it's almost part of their checklist on how to be a good person. A secular version of getting into Heaven, if you will. Some of us don't have the luxury of backpacking through India. We have to get a boring 9-5 job or go to grad school and this doesn't make us shallow or greedy or any worse of a person.

The Cooking Channel - i actually like the cooking channel. I just never seem to have the time to watch it or get into the shows like most of my friends.

Easy - Quick Review

I've been meaning to watch Easy for a while now. I found something so attractive and inviting about the lead actress Marguerite Moreau. The film deals with twenty-five year of Jamie forever dating and attracting jerks. The film's focus is on a sort of love triangle that occurs when Jamie (finally) meets two non-asshole suitors. The movie does a good job of steering clear of the usual - whom will Jamie choose plot line. Instead, it's happy to explore Jamie herself in all her befuddlement. There is a lot of quirkiness about Jamie - her headset phone, her job as product namer, the erotic dream she has about Homer Simpson –and the film is happily bounces on them capturing the confusion of a twenty-something (love) life. I especially impressed with the sex scenes, which oddly felt authentic. They were less about turning the viewer on and more about striking a chord of familiarity. The sex scenes actually deepened the understanding of the characters instead of being the usual tantalizing plot point. However, the movie was far from perfect being a bit out focus and frazzled around the edges. Nevertheless, definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for something better than the usual romantic comedy fare.

Happy Pesach!

Happy Pesach from our table to yours!

Forecast For Spring

This morning i woke up to a gray sky. Turning on the radio, the piercing voice of the dj confirmed my suspicions of rainy day to come. The dj proceeded to lament the wasted weekend - rain, thunder storms, overcast clouds, cool wind - a loss of a good weekend she concluded. I couldn't disagree with her more. Not bad i thought, just what the doctor ordered. Day spent indoors with no feelings of pressure or guilt to go frolic outside. Maybe the laundry will get done, maybe i'll find the concentration to write a worthwhile post, or finally watch Easy. It like they say: One man's dream, is another man's nightmare.
And then i laid down on the floor and listened to the pouring rain hitting the house and sidewalk, washing away winter. Wishing it could wash away me as well.

Before I Forget...

Candy was "sweet" enough to give me a birthday present in form of a interesting questionnaire. I'm really flattered but i'm also sleep deprived and sick this week. I was hoping to do it last night, but i actually fell asleep at 8 pm (i can't believe i'm admitting this!) Next thing you'll know i'll be in line for the early bird special along with all the other senior citizens. However, i wanted to pass the questionnaire along before some people assume some strange things - like the fact that you don't need an invitation to do this damn thing. Remember popularity contests are fun!
First I want to pass it on to Steve who's writing i agree with almost ninety percent of the time and who makes me laugh just as much (but who confuses me with all that sports talk). Then there's Gib who can blog about intricate political situations and give advice about bags (without fearing for his masculinity), which takes talent, besides i know he will be damn witty as well. Also Writersbloc because a) she had the decency (unlike all of you ) to tell me how cute my baby pictures were b) she's good at being snarky and maybe her list will be a bit more daring than mine. And in the tradition of Candy i'll pass it along to Dead Serious since he's sick and needs a "present."

Get Fuzzy On Fire Monkeyed Out

Monkey, Rodents, Ferrets, and Marsupials.

Why do i find animal humor so funny? Mention a monkey and a ferret and i'm already grinning.
Yes my sense of humor is juvenile - but so's your MOM. (Can you tell i'm running on three hours of sleep?)
Soon my blog will just turn into links to Get Fuzzy. Sorry.

Update: Kosher for Passover Monkey
via Israellycool

and check out SWAT Monkeys at Ace of Spades

I'm monkeyed out, people. I think now i'm just waiting for Whaeaton to post something Monkey related.

Awesome

Gay! I mean Yay for Connecticut. (Although it's frustrating that other 49 states do not recognize the Union - (even Vermont?) ) I'm actually of the belief that the state should be sanctioning civil unions for everyone and leaving the marriage part for private ceremonies.
Which leads me to the question - could i theoretically get a civil union with a man? You know, say i had a long term boyfriend i really liked and was itching for a bigger commitment . But he was all like - commitment phobic. Instead of whining how i think we should get married - i would be the "hip" girlfriend and bug him about a civil union. Or something.

Getting Through Wednesday...

Rob and I speak the same language. Happy Hump Day People.

Shameless (late) Plug

If you're going to be in the Boston area tonight you might want to check this out:

TRIBE Presents:
"Studio 57: A Middle East Night: Celebrating 57 Years of Israel's Independence"

@ Rumor

100 Warrenton Street

Boston, MA

Wednesday, April 20th, 2005

10pm-2am

Includes Debka and Belly Dancing.

Featuring D.J. Star

All the proceeds for the night go to Beit Hagefen, a great charity in Haifa, Israel, that helps promote dialogue and peaceful co-existence between Jews and Arabs in Israel.

The event was organized by college students in the Boston area (including myself) who are committed to promoting and advocating for Israel. This is the fourth year the event is taking place - hopefully people will come.

Update: Turn out was good, could have been bigger. Made some money for a good cause. People were pretty impressed. My feet hurt and i made friend name Roller (i think) - a lovely gay man who helped with the coat check and assured to mention his name next time i want to get in for free - sweet.

Sex, Love, and the Weather

On a day like today - with aromatic blooming trees, the infrequent gusts of wind, and the blinding sunlight kissing my face – all you want to do is have sex with the weather.
That’s the term Rachel and I coined back in our last year of high school. There was a need for us to express our joy and partake in wondrous beauty all around us - only we couldn’t. The closest we could compare the feeling of totality was sex. We wanted to suck, eat, pull, drink the nature all around us (and lets face it actual sex wasn’t far from our thoughts either). The beauty was going surrounding us everywhere and we were hitting that stride – studies we winding down, college acceptance letters had arrived, we had far too many free periods to go down to the local pizza joint or the nearest Starbucks (and get the obligatory free frapucino – since half of the staff were your closest friends), cars were driven with tops down (or at least windows), summer adventures were talked over and over. And there we were owning the town, ready to burst with the anticipation of the new, yet reassured by the old and familiar steps down memory filled streets. For a second it was easy - we were letting our love for one another course through our veins.

It's Kind Of Like The Hours, Only Real Life

It's amazing, sometimes a person can live a whole life time in a (long)weekend. Maybe i should of just titled this post enigma?

Photos From Birthday Weekend

These parts get creative with their street names. No Dork St. in sight.





Country Living.

The Girl Can't Help It

I can't help myself. Even in my crappy mood. Happy damn Spring, people.

With birthdays come birthday presents. My ever so fashionable aunt got me this bag. I actually needed a purse - but i'm usually more of the black, black, sometime brown, with a splash of red variety of a girl. So i'm just curious about your thoughts on the matter. Cause, purple/pink is not my usual fare.

What Is He Talking About?

It is strange, asymmetric, and kind of awkward.

Check out Del's lovely post about the best kind of flowers.
You know, the kind that make you think dirty thoughts.
And guys wonder why girls like flowers so much!

Happy Tax Day!

I didn't file my taxes today. You know why? Because, officially i made zilch this year. Except if you count the $150 dollars the Israeli government still owes me or the crack cocaine i was paid in all those times in the alley... Anyway, i hope the filing goes smoothly for all you people "earning money" or as i like to call you "sell outs". And hopefully next year i'll get to do a re-enactment Gib's tax conversation with his wife.

Wow, nothing says true love like a bumper sticker.

Driving on the NY Thruway i noticed a pickup truck with a bumper sticker that read:

I Heart My Wife

Very Subtle

New billboard on Mass Ave. showing two half naked men wrapped in the American flag. With words "Come Together" above. And the address, gay.com to left of the couple. I'm totally cool with the photo - but the caption - "Come Together" well it leaves little to the imagination.

Neat Artsy Photo

I like to take photos similiar to this. Mine just aren't as good. Enjoy.

Note To Self

When having a late night conversation don't bring up topics you don't want to dream about. For example, don't talk about your friend's love life in detail. Because sure enough you will find yourself in a loud bar surrounded by the friend and his lovely, um, "friends." And then you will somehow find yourself mistakenly in the men's bathroom, profusely apologizing for not recognizing the establishment as allocated to one sex only and you find that some sketchy dude suggesting some unappetizing course of action in the said bathroom. Then only to go back upstairs and witness a lot of pouty faces and your friend making out with two girls. Really did i need to see that? No.
On a bright note i finally dreamt, i guess going to bed early works. I also got to have a [what seemed like] hilarious conversation with a hot gay guy. Who needs to actually go out when you get to have a disturbing dream like this?

Strange

I finallly came home at a decent hour full of good intentions. I was going to organize my papers, write a semi-coherent post, and send a few way overdue e-mails to people who have waited far too long for them. Instead all i want to do is climb under the covers and listen to tranquilizing music. Making me forget who i am. Where's the vodka when you need it? I am wasted but i'm ready.

I Hate...

That loud fake office laugh people so often employ at work. It's not funny. Stop being fake and irritating. I hope i never become that person, but sadly i know i will.

Update: I also hate having existential crisis at work. The fluorescent lighting and the lack of phone access doesn't help.

The Storm Before The Calm

I don't know where it comes from. By body needs to be in motion, to forge ahead, to scoff at stillness.
The hours before any trip i am a wreck. If i'm leaving in the morning, the night before my stomach always rebels against my inaction, it falls and rises moves from side to side – I’m ready to go. Aren’t you? it demands. Yes I’m ready, but I can’t, not just yet.
In the hours before my exit my heart races, a slight hint of nausea is at the entrance of my throat, always followed by booming pulsating headache. I have no patience for anything. My mind and body is trained on one thing only - walking out my front door.
Oh, and there is always an argument(if there is anyone there to argue with). I found myself on many occasions blowing up over, well over nothing. Releasing that pent up energy and then the silence and hurt afterwards. Only to later, in the car wonder, “What were we fighting about?” then crack a joke and look as the person next to you slowly forgives your pre-trip jittery nerves freak-out.
So here I am at work, a few hours before I leave, on my birthday waiting for the clock to strike a magical number. I can’t think or do anything remotely useful. I’m looking forward to buckling my seatbelt plugging in my Nomad and experiencing the pull of the road under me.
So, like the family tradition dictates, I’ll sit for a few minutes in stillness before i head off to meet a new friend who inexplicably feels like a very old and dear friend.

Just So You Don't Think..

I have gone soft in my old age. Here's Jay from Chasing Amy to remind me what life is really about:

You gotta boil it down to the essentials. It's like Cube says, "Life ain't nothin' but bitches and money."

The Perfect Blog Name

While in Scotland i had the good fortune to meet one of the kindest, considerate, smart, and thoughtful (oh and a kick ass drummer to boot...and you know what that means right?!) guys. (All thanks to Karol). Well he started a blog (http://www.utterpish.blogspot.com/) (with a few mates) - well because he has things to say and his pretty good at saying them. And although i know my measly traffic won't bring them too much help i still want to give a big blog shout out to them.

Leprechauns Are Magically Delicious

Small Release

Sometimes sharpening ten pencils in a row with a high powered pencil sharpner can be quite satisfying. Seriously, this is some office style fun.

I Guess Things Haven't Changed That Much

I have to say (and i think my sister will attest to this - until she has her own kids) that i was a damn cute baby/toddler. I don't like to toot my own horn but i was a cool and very cute kid. Enjoy the walk down memory lane.

Update: Dead Serious' decided he wanted to be all cute and funny. A girl just can't compete. Thanks for stealing my thunder, DS.


Yummy apple. Still like apples and making mischievous smirks.


I liked looking pensive even at a young age.



I like playing ball.


Fun in the tub. I wish i had more time for baths. My parents used to call me a fish because i loved swimming in the tub. (Damn i'm cute).



I guess the interest in shoes isn't so recent....

Please Stop - A Futile Plea

For the past few weeks it seems like everyone has been dying. Not a day goes by without someone well known or admirable (or sometimes both) being announced to be dead. Tonight it was the writer, Saul Bellow. Steve Silver mentioned in a post that his blog is resembling an obituary page. Well between the famous and familial its been rough.
I know that death is part of life. But sometimes death needs a vacation. I suggest a good time would be now. (I'm so in the mood to watch The Seventh Seal and drink cheap red wine while comteplating my next chess move.)

Yet Another Birthday Observation

April come she will
When streams are ripe and swelled with rain
- Simon and Garfunkel

I used to think i was special. Turns out - wrong. I remember a project we did in elementary school, when i was in fourth grade. Everyone got asked when they were born. Each month got a rectangle and the height of the rectangle correspondent with the number of students born in each month. Guess which one was the highest?

Over the years i have learned to live with the disappointment that almost everyone i meet has a birthday from mid-March all the way through all of April. My two closest friends alone have birthdays within a week and days from me. I have stumbled onto multiple blogs who proclaim with out shame (like moi) about their upcoming anniversaries of the-day-G-d-was-cruel and thrust-me-into-this-unloving-world. Hey, at least my birthday isn't on December 25th, i wouldn't want to share a birthday with Jesus. It seems a lot of people like him.

Which leads me to another conclusion: an awful lot of people are having unprotected sex in the months of June and July. Maybe it's the heat or starring too long into the sun which leads people to believe it's a good idea to procreate. Let me set you straight, it's not. Babies are cute and sweet for about two hours then they get annoying. Really fast. I guess if you must have a baby it's good to have in the spring - not too cold and not to hot.

I also think it's hilarious when people discuss couples who are "trying to have a baby." I love it, because essentially "trying to have a baby" is another way of saying "they're having lots of crazy sex,like every night but without any contraception." A weird social norm - for example it's awkward to talk to one's Aunt about the sex life of their child. But it's not awkward to say "Gee, Aunt Rose i hear Lena and Sam are trying to have a baby" it is suddenly ok and even allows one to elaborate further on the sexual practices of one's friends and relatives.

And So May It secretly Begin

There's only three days till my birthday. Did i mention that my birthday is coming up? Because it is. My birthday is this Friday.* I don't think i have been this excited about a birthday since i was four. I think that's the age i peaked.

I kind of think everyone is a certain age - meaning, people tend to get stuck in different stages of development that tend to be identified with a specific age. For example i truly believe that my ideal age is around forty, but since forty is the new thirty, maybe i'm fifty? However, ask me what age i want to be and i'll happily tell you: four. Seriously the best year of my life.

Today i think the festivities officially began for my birthday. (Although last weekend i celebrated with my two closest friends who also happen to be Aries, one is only ONE day older than me. And he holds it over my head like it means something. Which for the record it doesn't.) My mom gave a present i get every year a manicure and pedicure. It's a cute traditions, i hear lots of women are into these things on a weekly basis. So for the hard work not to be wasted i present to you my beautiful nails and toes.


My Toes: Pretty in Pink.


Pretty hands to type with. I so turning into such a girl.

*I know how obnoxious it is to blog about one's birthday. But seriously i've looked at the posts i was going to write and well to put it bluntly it's shite. So bare with me this week, while i blog endlessly about how everyone should love me because it's MY BIRTHDAY. Is it self-indulgent? Yes. Am a blogger? Yes. Specifically am i a Personal Blogger? Yes. Enough said.

Brink

I'm loving that Bright Eyes' Fevers and Mirrors is sad enough to match my mood. But just perfect not to push over the edge of tears. Because public tears at work, well Martha Stewart would not approve.

Does he know that place below your neck that is your favorite to be touched and does he crythrough broken sentences like I love you far too much?
Does he lay awake listening to yourbreath?
Worried that you smoke too many cigarettes.

Take Two: Ipod Shuffle Set To: A Dirty Mind

W: I'm looking into buying a MP3 player. So do you like your Nomad?

P: Yup, it gives me hours of continuous play....

The Perils Of Wearing Socks (On Hardwood Floors)

Ouch my bum.
In other news Sin City got sweeeet reviews. So excited to go see it. Maybe that will make my butt hurt less?

Happy April!

With a new month comes a clearer and refreshing perspectives. Oh fuck it, i was going to do an April Fool's day post about getting married - but i guess, well that's lame (since i might actually getting hitched….i kid, i’m only getting engaged). See i'm not at all amusing today.
So here’s to not being too gullible today. I’ll be enjoying my last week at my current age.

Showercap

One of the best things about living in Israel this summer was meeting Showercap. This girl has personality up the wazoo, she's hilarious, kind, intelligent and thought provoking (besides she gave me rides and re-assured me when i needed reassuring). So i was so happy to know she started a blog a while ago because then i could keep up with a lot of the stories i would otherwise miss. So i knew, when passing on the blasted book questionnaire, she wouldn't disappoint with her answers. Thanks, smartass.

The Second X Kicked In

I guess it's time to admit it - i'm a girl after all. I went to the store with a specific purpose of finding a classy cocktail dress for my birthday. After being in the mall for over an hour my eyes became unfocused and my skin began to crawl - couldn't find one thing. (Question - what's up with all neon colors back in fashion? - bright neon orange and green - and that's just the underwear - really disturbing). Instead heading out the store like any normal person i headed to the shoe department and bought high heeled brown pumps for "work" It was shopping therapy for shopping. What does this mean? For all i know, next i'll be into talking about different make-up brands, oh dear G-d. Writersbloc warned me about this.


A new work shoe. Simple and gets the job done. I like the angle of the photo.



Closer look. I like the heel.