tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-192621852024-03-19T01:38:17.406-07:00how good it can beCatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-58625220120469281072013-08-18T18:02:00.000-07:002013-08-18T18:02:34.444-07:00little me, big meSlightly shifting gears here on the ol' blog. Thought it might be fun to start a little writing project. I recently unearthed my childhood diary. I tore through the pastel-colored pages in one night. And I noticed one thing: I was as clueless about boys then, as I am now. So here's the plan. I share an entry from my kid musings and try to parallel it with current reflections. Fun, right? Maybe. Could be deeply embarrassing. We'll see. Starting with with first mention of being interested in boys.<br />
<br />
<b>January 21, 1992</b><br />
<br />
I haven't written for <u>a long</u> time. Here's an update. R is 2 1/2 a getting really big and always getting into trouble. L (13) is always on the phone and going through boy crisis. P (9) has a lot of friends but always seems to get her way. I'm going to Cutten School now and am becoming friends with E, S, C, B, & A. Today I had a regular day in 6th grade. We change classes with the three sixth grade teachers: Ms. B, Mr. N, and my teacher Mr. O. But today I had Gate whitch is a gifted education program. I'm going to Disneyworld and I'm <u>SO</u> x-cited. We (my friends listed above) plus B (who's kinda cute) are doing a Dare skit (a Drug Abuse Program) about what can happen if you take Drugs. I want to tell my dad about my skit but he's on the phone. Full House is going to be on in 45 minutes. I LOVE Full House (ok, <u>like</u> it) (<u>a lot</u>). Tomorrow we're going to get a new boy in my class. Hope he's cute! (keep my fingers crossed.) I'm going to try to right in this every day. I know I've said this a lot but I'm going to try to write a lot more and sorry I haven't written in such a long time.<br />
<br />
<b>Recently</b><br />
<br />
The beauty of the mountains<br />
the song of a bird<br />
a strong cup of coffee<br />
the warmth of the sun<br />
the comfort of a lounge chair.<br />
A morning to rise,<br />
and relax,<br />
and smile.<br />
To be grateful<br />
for all life offers.<br />
I hold out my hands,<br />
allow the bounty to fall,<br />
to embrace it.<br />
My choice is happiness.<br />
No one promised perfection,<br />
no one ensured a charmed life.<br />
So I guess I will take<br />
the good with the bad.<br />
I will rejoice and I will cry,<br />
I will laugh and I will mourn.<br />
And most of the time<br />
I will have a partner,<br />
a companion through the<br />
joy and the sadness.<br />
But sometimes, occasionally,<br />
I will face this life<br />
alone.<br />
My smile will go unseen,<br />
my tear will fall with<br />
no one to wipe it away.<br />
So, whether solitary,<br />
or together,<br />
I will accept this.<br />
I will wrap my arms<br />
tightly around this life.<br />
<br />Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-91572672811594765222010-07-12T22:58:00.001-07:002010-07-12T22:59:31.530-07:00Like a dreamIt's an ad for glasses, but really I'm coveting the gorgeous dresses Shirley Manson gets to wear. And I'm pretty sure I want this song to be my own personal soundtrack. Love!<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: monospace, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; white-space: pre-wrap; "><object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EDA4vbPG0bo&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EDA4vbPG0bo&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></span></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-53502719193957819192010-05-24T17:49:00.000-07:002010-05-24T17:50:31.269-07:00Can someone teach me to do this?I just adore little videos that make me smile and feel all girly inside. This is one of those.<div><object width="400" height="225"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=11875933&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=11875933&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="225"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/11875933">Frankie & Johnny</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user2418171">Isobel Knowles</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-76756304078650169232010-05-09T22:28:00.000-07:002010-05-09T23:04:50.442-07:00TodayToday I woke up and decided I was going to be productive. By the end of the day, I learned I am not very good at being productive. First, I slept in late. I justified my 11 hour slumber by thinking, "Wow, I must've been really tired. I obviously needed some sleep." Genius. Next, I decided I ought to celebrate Mother's Day (because it has sooo much to do with me) by having breakfast in bed. A breakfast that consisted of a mug of Trader Joes new Joe Joes Ice Cream. Mid-way through "breakfast," I got a text from Jessica asking if I wanted to grab brunch. To avoid confusion, brunch is a term used by my friends and I for a mid-day meal, often consisting of coffee and breakfast items. Sometimes bloody marys or mimosas as well. It is NOT an expensive all-you-can-eat buffet. Of course I agreed, so Jessica and I headed to Heirloom. Luckily, the mother's day crowd had either risen much earlier than us, or were chased away by the clouds. Either way, we breezed in for coffee, a sandwich (as we had missed breakfast by an hour), and conversation. Notice at this point in the day, nothing of any substance had been accomplished. It was 2:00. <div><br /></div><div>After returning home, Jessica asked me to upload some songs onto her ipod, of which I readily agreed. Finally, at this point, I can say I achieved something. And by I, I mean Jessica did my dishes in exchange for an ipod mix. With the dishes sparkling, Jessica left. At this point my dreams of cleaning my entire house seemed impossible. The fact that I am easily distracted does not help my lofty "clean my whole house" goals. So, while my house is not white glove clean, I did make <i>some </i>steps in the right direction: washed and folded laundry (including sheets and towels), made bed, washed couch and chair slip covers, vacuumed living room and hall (including use of attachment for corners and cobwebs), painted toenails (counts right?), conversation with friend regarding baby shower we're planning, put give-away clothes in car, watered plants, tidied living room, made dinner. Oh, and I watched 3 episodes of Project Runway. Really, looking at the list, I did okay. Maybe I didn't purge my apartment of unnecessary items, as was my original goal, but maybe chipping away at things little by little is more my style. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and yes, I <i>did </i>call my mom and wish her a happy Mother's Day. But that could never be considered a chore. On that note, I did make a rather delicious, easy, inexpensive meal from items in my pantry. Here's the recipe just in case you like things like that. </div><div><br /></div><div>Lentil Stew with Sausage</div><div><br /></div><div>1 T Olive oil</div><div>2 onions, chopped (about 2 cups)</div><div>3 cloves garlic, minced</div><div>4 carrots, coarsely chopped or sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)</div><div>1 lb Smoked Sausage, sliced</div><div>1 lb lentils, rinsed and drained</div><div>4 cups chicken or vegetable broth</div><div>1 tsp dried sage</div><div>1 tsp dried thyme</div><div>1/4 tsp ground black pepper</div><div>1 tsp salt or to taste</div><div>1 lb fresh kale or spinach, stems trimmed, leaves chopped (about 8 cups)</div><div><br /></div><div>In a 6-8 quart pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over med-high heat. Saute onions, garlic and carrots until soft, about 10 minutes. Add sausage lentils, broth, sage, thyme, pepper and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until lentils are barely tender, about 20 minutes. Stir in kale or spinach. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes or until lentils are tender. Ladle into soup bowls. </div><div><br /></div><div>Makes 8 servings</div><div><br /></div><div>My notes: I halved the recipe. I didn't have carrots or kale/spinach, so I added some frozen peas at the same time as the sausage. I also added extra broth, but I think this might have been necessary because of the peas. I used fresh thyme instead of dry since I had some. The sausage I used was Trader Joes Smoked Andouille Chicken Sausage, which was perfect. It's a thick, chili-like consistency when it's all cooked up. I think it would be yummy with some bacon in it. And celery. I also for a moment thought to Greek-ify it by adding kalamata olives and feta. I'll let you know if I try any of these variations. </div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-15573946251384771632010-02-13T20:54:00.000-08:002010-02-13T20:57:53.065-08:00Quite possibly my new favorite thing everI ran across this on someone else's blog and had to share it on mine. It's like five minutes of pure bliss for me: beautiful clothes, cotton candy indie pop, red lipstick, Frenchy hair, color, Jason Schwartzman and Kirsten Dunst, fun. I'm pretty sure you'll agree.<div><object id="flashObj" width="404" height="436" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,47,0"><param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9/8558003001?isVid=1&publisherID=1568114478"><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF"><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=66158797001&playerID=8558003001&domain=embed&"><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com"><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9/8558003001?isVid=1&publisherID=1568114478" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashvars="videoId=66158797001&playerID=8558003001&domain=embed&" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="404" height="436" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" swliveconnect="true" allowscriptaccess="always" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash"></embed></object></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-70216346135237908162009-12-08T09:17:00.000-08:002009-12-08T09:23:26.552-08:00I am okDisappointment stifles all.<div>I try to push it away,</div><div>But all my strength is not enough. </div><div>Friends lend a hand,</div><div>But it stands firm,</div><div>Steadfastly cemented in place,</div><div>And the resistance </div><div>Seems to make it stronger.</div><div>There was so much hope:</div><div>Mounds and mounds</div><div>Piled high.</div><div>I let it cover me</div><div>'Til I could see nothing else.</div><div>But all has been devoured</div><div>By the greedy monster of absence.</div><div>How can nothing take so much?</div><div>It gets fat off sleep, joy, motivation</div><div>And I am left with an emptiness</div><div>I want desperately to fill.</div><div>Why do I always run with arms</div><div>wide open,</div><div>When I should tip toe cautiously--</div><div>wary of the land mines hidden</div><div>below the surface,</div><div>Ready to destroy me. </div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-85251690805121116312009-12-03T21:53:00.000-08:002009-12-03T22:45:25.178-08:00Holiday Gift GuideA little something I put together for fun. Most are under $30!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Pencil Factory Newsprint, $10</span><br />Promotional newsprint poster zine by the illustrators and designers in The Pencil Factory<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://thepencilfactory.bigcartel.com/product/15-uses-for-newsprint</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1VcfID9K40UxrzbDebk026CyDJou1t2ATh4h8VTzXxWfTgJgoENzdjyDz3f8LFweDMI2jB8ESeHB9KiqPmZwYaUJsvSMGbvPya7loy_0_b7um-yfa1DtpbjPYwNe6JFY5hDF/s1600-h/zine.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1VcfID9K40UxrzbDebk026CyDJou1t2ATh4h8VTzXxWfTgJgoENzdjyDz3f8LFweDMI2jB8ESeHB9KiqPmZwYaUJsvSMGbvPya7loy_0_b7um-yfa1DtpbjPYwNe6JFY5hDF/s320/zine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411256719901091282" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bananagrams game, $15.50</span><br />Sorta Scrabble crossed with Boggle. Shout out to Jessie Rupert.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://www.blueribbongeneralstore.net/2008-p-Games.html</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaa2aJZmMuyUW2YvpgBD1pNzBm0nOMn7ynsqn8kUhzZtK82GRiSrGlWE24A3QDiCiNhPgjqtjrvpEZz00nWMjVrKsTRTXfT9Xa255oG2k1ndVA_mz-ifrUbaTOqGKBJT3itZSx/s1600-h/banana.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaa2aJZmMuyUW2YvpgBD1pNzBm0nOMn7ynsqn8kUhzZtK82GRiSrGlWE24A3QDiCiNhPgjqtjrvpEZz00nWMjVrKsTRTXfT9Xa255oG2k1ndVA_mz-ifrUbaTOqGKBJT3itZSx/s320/banana.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411260290359641650" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pride and Prejudice with Ruben Toledo, $16</span><br />Jane Austen plus couture fashion illustrator equals girly perfection.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://fredflare.com/customer/product.php?productid=5268&style=N/A</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge86FMTXS3lTucWIcwj4Xviu9HIHLEL9vsA9bgqI4xj8sE80RI9sFMMHVktKT86ewWhjosKcKlFl225t0tTJtxs9NFoh6tPlDfPaK_gOGliArizzyQXHMTMlqkTK_QJz1jhorb/s1600-h/jane+austen.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 156px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge86FMTXS3lTucWIcwj4Xviu9HIHLEL9vsA9bgqI4xj8sE80RI9sFMMHVktKT86ewWhjosKcKlFl225t0tTJtxs9NFoh6tPlDfPaK_gOGliArizzyQXHMTMlqkTK_QJz1jhorb/s320/jane+austen.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411265492863447394" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Foodie Fight game, $19.95</span><br />All the fun, none of the mess.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://fredflare.com/customer/product.php?productid=3232&style=N/A</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf4ahH_hdigS_8u8VsiCdBi4U3S3Fm868ovPgBL03269Qr5WY0ED2UeqLiE78bLJSVJRjCSHMFUPyzh720yCWbZ75kee29MaTnVTRpYY4xz_pJMkewlOrrnmo6icMTdVlGRtG/s1600-h/foodie.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 205px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNf4ahH_hdigS_8u8VsiCdBi4U3S3Fm868ovPgBL03269Qr5WY0ED2UeqLiE78bLJSVJRjCSHMFUPyzh720yCWbZ75kee29MaTnVTRpYY4xz_pJMkewlOrrnmo6icMTdVlGRtG/s320/foodie.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411261552299309954" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Studded Blackhearts Belt, $14</span><br />Add a little edge to an outfit.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://fredflare.com/customer/product.php?productid=5348&style=MD/LG</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpVTTcuZI3l0ym6vT2mosQ0w_L4nGyMGjf7cqRoQsJTOz86ed4AMT62LZJJ0IJjCyG6mvQBYQeQY0cY0JeD4eegzjFnh8tAQlcUF_GPM-fwEgeVnnhX7Z45eLmcefiHhminP2/s1600-h/belt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpVTTcuZI3l0ym6vT2mosQ0w_L4nGyMGjf7cqRoQsJTOz86ed4AMT62LZJJ0IJjCyG6mvQBYQeQY0cY0JeD4eegzjFnh8tAQlcUF_GPM-fwEgeVnnhX7Z45eLmcefiHhminP2/s320/belt.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411266849178188418" /></a><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Fuji Instax Instant Camera, $130</span><div>The Polariod of 2010.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://www.urbanoutfitters.com:80/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?itemdescription=true&itemCount=10&startValue=11&selectedProductColor</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">=&sortby=&id=17140518&parentid=A_COLL_TOPRATED&sortProperties=</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">+subCategoryPosition,&navCount=60&navAction=poppushpush&color=&pushId=</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">A_COLL_TOPRATED&popId=APARTMENT_WHATSNEW&prepushId=</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweYPfijX-ZG09VQyby0ahwgWvl0rpSn0k1dbe0PbaPt3KJrp8rTO4UqL3y6CbD0Qc07MDZ1P8jYM4JDKat42nPeBDJzyBt9i8coH1jMCBVbBi4k013vZ6Gi4pijXbaTDo7Nlg/s1600-h/fuji-instax-camera.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 230px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhweYPfijX-ZG09VQyby0ahwgWvl0rpSn0k1dbe0PbaPt3KJrp8rTO4UqL3y6CbD0Qc07MDZ1P8jYM4JDKat42nPeBDJzyBt9i8coH1jMCBVbBi4k013vZ6Gi4pijXbaTDo7Nlg/s320/fuji-instax-camera.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411265863140663234" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Jamie’s Food Revolution Cookbook, $26.2</span>5<br />I fell in love with this cookbook while in England this summer. Love Jamie for his delicious, simple, straight-forward approach to cooking.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://www.amazon.com/Jamies-Food-Revolution-Rediscover-Affordable/dp/1401323596/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I21TUHSEU4LTRJ&colid=2AXJR49FOSHS3</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXs9LaBd6mwXeNPO7atHPHUEqDpw6Lk4_DRgrvs8cujoUnsRCl_H29l-Z-UJ9nyH-P-PznOhUVs_p3VtukQYQj5mCmh_CYlaqohyphenhypheng9zNGcgqsyci8AUvz3YG9z5jD9pmaaW4H/s1600-h/jamie.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXs9LaBd6mwXeNPO7atHPHUEqDpw6Lk4_DRgrvs8cujoUnsRCl_H29l-Z-UJ9nyH-P-PznOhUVs_p3VtukQYQj5mCmh_CYlaqohyphenhypheng9zNGcgqsyci8AUvz3YG9z5jD9pmaaW4H/s320/jamie.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411262384911231682" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack, $9.99</span><br />Whether you’re obsessed (Team Edward! Team Jacob!) or just wish it would come to an end already, you will be impressed by this collection of music. Bon Iver, Anya Marina, Death Cab for Cutie. Like a really good mix CD. Every song’s a winner.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://www.amazon.com/Twilight-Saga-New-Moon-Soundtrack/dp/B0029O08WA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1259789406&sr=8-1</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBcC9mPKKtjQi4Dv_x5he7OlXCRtyKc5ipwmScPvIyjBTp90AqWLB68zG6dcfRT_MlQh5lgYOUgTkrUwFKyebafRUfUlkbvC0In4n4Iwk9jVcdw6m6wcYIko1Xn9Yq6Z1w7rU/s1600-h/new+moon.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBcC9mPKKtjQi4Dv_x5he7OlXCRtyKc5ipwmScPvIyjBTp90AqWLB68zG6dcfRT_MlQh5lgYOUgTkrUwFKyebafRUfUlkbvC0In4n4Iwk9jVcdw6m6wcYIko1Xn9Yq6Z1w7rU/s320/new+moon.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411262594995573538" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Personal Pocket Calendar, $25</span><br />Staying organized and beautiful.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://www.jcrew.com/AST/DynamicAsst/GiftGuide2009/forher/25under/PRDOVR~20918/20918.jsp</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_VOTcrLkdgjlIWnxgxGIowHM5yxNYWqTXSzImAcp2dxy00zsJnmq87atiy-5bZ8svyqhdEQy19TVMChdLDzEBK3w_P2N-tNtOEs7y28EegMACqHu3jCqbd-4cBp954EXtuQb/s1600-h/calendar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_VOTcrLkdgjlIWnxgxGIowHM5yxNYWqTXSzImAcp2dxy00zsJnmq87atiy-5bZ8svyqhdEQy19TVMChdLDzEBK3w_P2N-tNtOEs7y28EegMACqHu3jCqbd-4cBp954EXtuQb/s320/calendar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411262826967326242" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Crushed Glitter Magic Wallet, $16.50</span><br />Because sometimes you need a little glamour in your pocket.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://www.jcrew.com/AST/DynamicAsst/GiftGuide2009/forher/25under/PRDOVR~20986/20986.jsp</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcH0Vz8DhgEwBaNrXQwm_RfZLLoGy72ZJZSzoFZjPArO-WhEFF2-FVl9gkaRKU1km3Vidln9yqODS8YkRt80xYp3EY8lndo8PVyDbyTo3-foGmfFOFHabXZi36cZWTVHiD-FZg/s1600-h/glitter+wallet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcH0Vz8DhgEwBaNrXQwm_RfZLLoGy72ZJZSzoFZjPArO-WhEFF2-FVl9gkaRKU1km3Vidln9yqODS8YkRt80xYp3EY8lndo8PVyDbyTo3-foGmfFOFHabXZi36cZWTVHiD-FZg/s320/glitter+wallet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411263407271284258" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sprigs Banjees Wrist Wallet, $14.95-$17.95</span><br />Solves my “what to do with my keys during my run” problem. Am also considering wearing it as a cuff next time I go out dancing.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://www.sprigsville.com/banjees/index.html</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLiEpm-ZkJXhi1yw1Q12z1AsoIEKJRaiHt2ZW9wgfdcEglRK2tvHIkK-fc9FhyphenhyphenJLMjWq4aVZ0_lxsYNx7KZntLCrXFIBXYVJNZy7ADZX9lnIjzNFwhxSzbkeSEtyCAFZEEsGM/s1600-h/wrist+wallet.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLiEpm-ZkJXhi1yw1Q12z1AsoIEKJRaiHt2ZW9wgfdcEglRK2tvHIkK-fc9FhyphenhyphenJLMjWq4aVZ0_lxsYNx7KZntLCrXFIBXYVJNZy7ADZX9lnIjzNFwhxSzbkeSEtyCAFZEEsGM/s320/wrist+wallet.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411263586784085314" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Bean’s Moonbeam Clock, $39.50</span><br />The sound of a buzzing alarm makes me cringe. Being awoken by a light sounds wonderful. And the cute retro design is fantastic as well.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalog_id=PN&storeId=1&langId=-1&catalogId=1&categoryId=33149&ddkey=http:LLBSearchDispatch</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhLrSd1ZfPD1EAduWc68Yjpxg1CM-9h4QXKVO7qVbc6FhB60XeqYimwfeYTpwrr2Qz9oE9NiB9TONPyw0bxpjCIFkiV1tCE0oNVkZCIgee5ovoJllKCFiKOogn0bAzxXjL1aC/s1600-h/alarm.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhLrSd1ZfPD1EAduWc68Yjpxg1CM-9h4QXKVO7qVbc6FhB60XeqYimwfeYTpwrr2Qz9oE9NiB9TONPyw0bxpjCIFkiV1tCE0oNVkZCIgee5ovoJllKCFiKOogn0bAzxXjL1aC/s320/alarm.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411263767472703026" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Mr. Beer Deluxe Edition Home Brew Kit, $29.95</span><br />What guy (or girl!) wouldn’t love to a) make his own beer, and b) drink it!<br />h<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">ttp://www.mrbeer.com/category-exec/category_id/2</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IWSyaXksXCwZwixC1T4tMuVHohkUlDdrd0ycIvvwMHlbKtjZxc1cBGLRHRnxNN8m4iNw7BRtlZnP4LVZUNoQzd4F9r0mUqC_Om76cIF32lo75PnoZaxtKLsanDO2EdeUZd45/s1600-h/beer.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_IWSyaXksXCwZwixC1T4tMuVHohkUlDdrd0ycIvvwMHlbKtjZxc1cBGLRHRnxNN8m4iNw7BRtlZnP4LVZUNoQzd4F9r0mUqC_Om76cIF32lo75PnoZaxtKLsanDO2EdeUZd45/s320/beer.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411263991713174082" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sephora by OPI Nail Colour Gift Set, $18</span><br />Tight budget means no extra cash for manicures and pedicures. Not a problem with these three perfect colors in a formula that really stands up.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P249357&categoryId=C19281</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNkIpb_oG1xTdFKhSyFIcAXPKu6xLcCQaRd2tHLvsSYdyyQiccI0Y3oR8cvB-Y8d7LitdvnuuLLI8UX3MDl8QV23MaE6u4yrEmaNzXPTc8rXARh3iwPC55eBnF1ITDpnXlJV1/s1600-h/polish.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNkIpb_oG1xTdFKhSyFIcAXPKu6xLcCQaRd2tHLvsSYdyyQiccI0Y3oR8cvB-Y8d7LitdvnuuLLI8UX3MDl8QV23MaE6u4yrEmaNzXPTc8rXARh3iwPC55eBnF1ITDpnXlJV1/s320/polish.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411264217175199362" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Main Street Market Tote Bag in Cream Stripe, $35</span><br />Yes, it’s a man-purse, but why should girls have all the fun?! Plus, if he doesn’t like it, you can steal it. It’s a win-win, really.<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#999900;">http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32886190</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08qNe9ZKnlI7F3F5Ae-uAAZUZ6CA_QxIVukY8GBeeaeF3b2nUkeBawdrM9qeYW9FutTlDGbqNBueuZJFIgQiRJtZcMP0gL3BT9Ys5_aMktkvmunNeCzVmTUOvKlxqkbUrFJXm/s1600-h/tote.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj08qNe9ZKnlI7F3F5Ae-uAAZUZ6CA_QxIVukY8GBeeaeF3b2nUkeBawdrM9qeYW9FutTlDGbqNBueuZJFIgQiRJtZcMP0gL3BT9Ys5_aMktkvmunNeCzVmTUOvKlxqkbUrFJXm/s320/tote.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411264401593126898" /></a><br /><br />Happy shopping!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-22486448491458548422009-11-23T22:41:00.000-08:002009-11-23T22:46:20.627-08:00Hold on tight cause you might fallShe felt so hopeful.<br />This one was different.<br />This one was easy from hello.<br />But as each minute passed, <br />the optimism dissipates<br />like steam on a mirror <br />once the door opens.<br />And try as she might<br />she couldn't quite shake him.<br />The thin thread of hope<br />she clings to with both hands,<br />fists clenched as though ready for battle.<br />But she didn't want a fight<br />or a struggle.<br />She wanted the ease and simplicity<br />of the click, the knowing.<br />To compare the then with the now<br />would be quite a distance to cover:<br />From a no-escape, beaming smile<br />To a pit of despair.<br />Once again realizing,<br />she falls too fast.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-23557492447225506902009-11-09T21:37:00.000-08:002009-11-09T21:43:13.907-08:00What's On Your Sleeve?Nonchalance is not in my repertoire.<br />I wish it were.<br />Oh! To be flippant and free<br />from the weight of opinions <br />and desires,<br />To not be bogged down<br />By the whys and what ifs<br />and maybes.<br />But me,<br />I wear not just my heart<br />on my sleeve,<br />but my head, my mouth, my skin,<br />as well.<br />And it's impossible not to care<br />When left exposed like that.<br />I want to cut myself open,<br />Tuck them back inside<br />And sew it all back up.<br />But the crooked stitches would show:<br />The flaws left out <br />for visual fodder.<br />How do you do it?<br />Or am I just blind <br />To the seams and organs?Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-5092045130523811492009-09-23T09:31:00.001-07:002009-09-23T18:16:07.932-07:00okaysometimes okay should be enough<br />happiness should be found in the simple<br />the melody of a song<br />a beautiful family<br />a conversation with an old friend.<br />but at times <br />life is too much<br />and knowing it's good<br />doesn't make it so.<br />thankfulness is overshadowed<br />by disappointment<br />the uphill never peaks.<br />a longing for <br />the joy of the downhill run,<br />carefree and easy.<br />but feet drag and breath is heavy<br />and past and future joy<br />cannot sustain the present.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-17354865910291871342009-07-17T17:06:00.000-07:002009-07-17T17:18:21.713-07:00three1<br />He has seen more than I<br />His height betrays his age<br />He has watched from his steady home<br />The ever changing parade of fashions<br />On this outdoor runway.<br />He has seen the timid, soft-feathered duckling<br />become the sleek, assertive duck.<br />He watched as lovers kissed<br />and others fought, spouting words of hate.<br />He has taken part in picnics<br />and observed teenagers tasting their first drink,<br />puffing their first cigarette.<br />Oh, the stories he could tell.<br />But no one will ever hear.<br />His is a life of silence,<br />A life of beauty and strength,<br />But quiet.<br />The only sound, <br />The sigh of a breeze<br />passing through his leaves.<br /><br />2<br />Perfection exists:<br />in a cold glass of Pimms,<br />a view of the river,<br />the dome of St. Pauls.<br />Making you feel<br />a little closer to heaven;<br />the eternal joy of a life enjoyed.<br />Can I sit here forever<br />in this moment of bliss, <br />where I taste the divine?<br />It blows over me<br />like a welcome breeze<br />on a scorching day.<br /><br />3<br />Just because I should know better<br />doesn't mean I do.<br />I grow tired of the constant battle<br />between my head and my heart.<br />I want to dream big<br />but an exposed heart<br />is often left raw.<br />But one sheletered,<br />is that better?<br />The possibility of pain is small,<br />but the chance of joy even smaller.<br />Shall I take the gamble,<br />toss the dice,<br />lay my cards on the table,<br />or maintain my poker face?<br />Cause this is an all or nothing situation.<br />Not sure if I can give it all,<br />not willing to end up with nothing.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-33234004627246253982009-07-04T15:40:00.000-07:002009-07-04T15:58:03.819-07:00A Park in London on the 4th of JulyAh, the irony. I am in England on the day we Americans celebrate our independence from England. But it was a beautiful day and I spent it in a park with friends. Started at the best farmer's market ever, Broadway Market in East London. Mushroom and cheese sandwich, Vietnamese coffee, and salted caramel Violet cupcake (apparently Stella McCartney, Keira Knightley, and Jamie Oliver are fans). Seriously delicious. Then Mark brought Cara and I red wine. The Europeans get it right here. Good food, wine, and friends, outside on a gorgeous day. There was one 4th of July party going on: American flag hanging, BBQ, "American" attire (consisting of cowboy hats and boots and Red Sox and Mets Tshirts). And they were British. Funny. And some of my musings from the day:<br /><br />Burst of green overhead<br />A mosaic of blankets laid every which way<br />Clouds of gray smoke pouring from BBQs<br />Tall cans of cold beer<br />A melting pot of people<br />Celebrating independence?<br />Probably not<br />Far too many British accents for that.<br />But perhaps freedom.<br />Freedom from clouds and rain<br />From work and everyday mundane<br />A celebration of sun and Saturday and summer<br />So happy fourth of July<br />from this American girl<br />sitting on a London plot of land.<br /><br />***<br /><br />Are people more in love in the summer<br />or does the warmth and sun <br />force couples out of hiding?<br />Winter is all wine and fireplaces and <br />cuddling under old quilts.<br />In the winter, love is private.<br />But once the golden rays of sun<br />streak the brilliant blue skies<br />People are awakened <br />from their lovers' hibernation.<br />Summer, that time of little clothing,<br />melting ice creams,<br />the carefree "school's out" feeling,<br />sweat dripping down the body's covered valleys,<br />the seductive pull of the ocean, the pool.<br />And instead of a cuddle under a quilt,<br />a cuddle on a quilt<br />surrounded by trees<br />beckoning lovers to come<br />lay among them.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-72177073521146432562009-06-30T15:58:00.000-07:002009-06-30T16:01:22.614-07:00I Am SadWhy, you may ask? How is this possible? I am in the middle of a lovely holiday, seeing breath-taking sights, drinking pints, not a care in the world. But unfortunately, tragedy struck on my last night in Liverpool. I was sitting at the Cavern Club, former musical venue of the Beatles. I went to take a picture of something I found fascinating. And it just didn’t work. The instructions on screen said “Turn camera off then on again.” I followed them, and it still didn’t work. Since that night, I’ve tried everything. Fully charged battery. Check. Change the memory card. Check. Download pictures. Check. Give it a bit of a rest and try again. Check. All efforts were unsuccessful. And now, my one-year old camera is dead, and I have five weeks ahead of me, and one behind, photographically undocumented. It really is a tragedy. <br /><br />So, since I have no photos to share, I will give “word images” of some highlights.<br /><br />2:30 am. Hostel hallway in Liverpool. Tousled hair, squinty eyes, pajamas, wallet in hand, asking hostel worker if we have to evacuate due to the fire alarm.<br /><br />Teeny, tiny, narrow country English, lake-side road. Anna squeezing our car between a stone wall and a tractor. Me gnawing my nails and praying we fit through. <br /><br />Me seated on a grassy hillside staring out at a postcard-perfect lake surrounded by lush green hills, sheep chewing their green grassy dinner nearby. <br /><br />A sunny day in Glasgow. Corner coffee shop. Me standing, cell phone in hand, arms straight and stiff at side, uncomfortable look on my face. Strange Scottish man, curly longish hair, hugging me. (Side note: not hot, not rich, not my age, not a missed opportunity. My quote as he hugged me “Oh, ok then.” His reply: “If the sun doesn’t come out today, my day will still be bright because of your smile.” Seriously? Seriously.)<br /><br />Seated in a booth at Kama Sutra Indian restauarant (Truly. The menu cover had a romantic black and white photo of a couple in an intimate embrace) in Glasgow with Anna and Gerry. Three starters on our table; me taking my first bite of haggis, Indian style. (Scary, but surprisingly tasty. If you don’t know what it is, don’t google it cause you’ll think I’m gross. Although, as Anna said, anything fried and dipped in sauce would taste good.)<br /><br />Outdoor seating on pedestrian only Rose Street in Edinburgh. A small salad, a glass of white wine, crusty white bread, and a heaping bowl of brothy mussels. Squinting in the bright sun. Tide pen in hand trying to “erase” the soupy mussel mess I got on my white T-shirt. <br /><br />Seated in an old Edinburgh square surrounded by stone buildings and cobblestone streets. Half pint in hand. Dusk. Male and female actors telling the stories of Scottish literary figures. <br /><br />Really really hope I can get my camera fixed. <br /><br />Tomorrow, big tour around day in Edinburgh. xxCatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-29206790985536631682009-06-24T14:49:00.000-07:002009-06-24T15:20:31.737-07:00Road BumpsSo far, so good. It's been a busy, fun, tiring, exhilirating, relaxing, tasty, frustrating few days. Started off with a delayed plane and a center seat. I was able to change to an aisle (!) and when I boarded the plane, no one was seated next to me on the window(!!). I had two seats, an aisle, and a window all to myself. Awesome. And a word of advice: if you are on a Virgin flight and they ask you your meal choice, don't waiver between chicken or pasta; instead, ask which includes the rich, chocolatey, fudgy brownie. Trust me, you will thank me later. <br /><br />After a well-slept flight (thanks to Ambien and Lisa), I rushed off the plane. I got a bit of the 9th degree at customs (How are you paying for your trip? Umm...my salary?, Schools in the US are on summer holidays? What...yes. Why does customs always make me nervous?). Eventually, I made it through, got my luggage, and met Anna. Because of my delayed plane, we rushed to the bus station and stepped on the bus literally a minute before he closed the door and drove off! Phew!<br /><br />Made it to Bath. Had a lovely meal at a lovely restaurant. Except I got fish. It was a very bony fish. Needless to say, eating it was a bit of a task. Next day, Anna and I went on a FREE 2 hour tour. Informative, fun, great overview of Bath. Ate at Jamie's Italian. Anyone who knows me knows who Jamie is. They had carbonara on the menu. Pff...I make that! Did eat the best antipasto plate ever-mozzarella, mortadella, salami, olives. And truffle pasta. I swear, Jamie can do no wrong. The early evening was spent soaking in the rooftop baths, and the underground baths, and sweating in the steam rooms. However, there were these 18 year olds making out the whole time. I saw the boys tongue twice. And I was trying hard to avoid seeing them. Gross. Ended the day with pints and crisps at The Pig and Fiddle, outdoor at picnic tables. If I lived in Bath, this would be my spot. Truly ended the day with chips with cheese from a "taco truck" style auto (except they don't serve tacos, mainly just burgers). Anna and I like to call out "-Insert current city of residence- Kogi" every time we see one. <br /><br />Ran around Bath the next morning. Most of today was spent in the car. Anna drove, and she has been a quick learner. I clap every time we make it through a round about. However, our two hour trip took about five. Two of those extra hours were spent driving around Oxford. Oxford loves bikes. Oxford likes pedestrians. Oxford hates cars. HATES. Streets are not labeled. And even if they were, they change names after one or two blocks. If you are lucky, they continue beyond one block. Because streets in Oxford like to dead end or close to only pedestrians or bikes. I thought finding a hotel in the city centre was a good idea. It is now we're here. Not so much getting here. Oxford will punish you for having a car. Not only in the form of confusing streets, but financially as well. It cost 22 pounds to park our car somewhat near our hotel. Thank you Oxford. I must say, though, Anna is a star. She has the best attitude ever. I get stressed and try to stay calm, but usually fail miserably. Anna is a rock. A positive rock.<br /><br />Our hotel is adorable, our room like a little cottage. We saw the "quarter boys" that ding the bell every fifteen minutes on a clock tower. We saw the place where Bloody Mary burned martyrs at the stake. We drank and ate at The Eagle and Child where C.S. Lewis and Tolkien used to hang. We walked and then negated any good that did by eating tasty, creamy homemade ice cream (I told Anna, only eat ice cream from places with a line...this line went out the door). And the sunset was beautiful. <br /><br />Sorry this reads a bit like a list. I promise once I get to London my prose will be more polished. Or maybe as my trip goes on I'll be more concise. Loads of love to all.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-82362741235207727062009-04-01T09:17:00.000-07:002009-04-01T09:20:08.882-07:00only time will tell<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7E6scSWN0JBc7WE8Y7Pe01fh6QMmuk_oBbSkncjo3TEe5bgj6svw76hFIRYA08pTT0Fcol0ucH7KiswDzLxEMJlFKeyOzcX15H0Rt6BaB5kNd1vWLXmHPsi1dWizINpdwdR-l/s1600-h/what_if.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7E6scSWN0JBc7WE8Y7Pe01fh6QMmuk_oBbSkncjo3TEe5bgj6svw76hFIRYA08pTT0Fcol0ucH7KiswDzLxEMJlFKeyOzcX15H0Rt6BaB5kNd1vWLXmHPsi1dWizINpdwdR-l/s320/what_if.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319758063817830194" /></a><br />So I stumbled across this comic online at xkcd.com. There's some great stuff on the site if you have a few minutes to kill, but this one stuck out to me as super appropriate to the crazy world of dating and relationships.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-71541553887060998452009-02-27T09:42:00.001-08:002009-03-02T09:24:21.247-08:00the bar seriesI<br />He could fly away from here:<br />Away from the endless drinks,<br />The pumping bass,<br />The incessant small talk.<br />He could be happy somewhere else.<br />Peaceful.<br />But night after night <br />He returns.<br />And hopes what?<br />That here,<br />Amidst the noise and hectic chaos,<br />He'll find his peace?<br />Oh no.<br />Not here.<br />This is a false promise<br />Full of empty desire<br />And hollow hope.<br />No.<br />He will construct his wings and take flight.<br />He will find his inspiration<br />Among the clouds and stars,<br />Where dreams are sent.<br /><br />II<br />She could listen to the words sung<br />Of love and heartbreak<br />And she'd try and remove herself,<br />Detach herself from reality.<br />But the resonation was too true.<br />And in the middle of the room,<br />Packed with strangers, and a few she knew,<br />She wondered if she would stand<br />Alone forever,<br />Her only support<br />The sticky banister,<br />Her only fill,<br />The remnants of an Indian dinner.<br />She wondered if she could be <br />Happy in this. <br />If this could be enough.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-26729431727482687442009-02-18T09:20:00.000-08:002009-02-18T09:24:39.780-08:00The Study of DatingWho's your Daddy?<br />http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/personal/02/11/lw.programmed.to.marry.parents/index.html?eref=rss_topstories<br /><br />and<br /><br />Money vs. Man?<br />http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/fashion/12dating.html?_r=1<br /><br />Happy Reading!Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-47134519033591056412009-02-12T11:32:00.000-08:002009-02-12T12:04:17.714-08:00A Good Holiday For MusicAh, St. Valentine's Day. What I like about it: chocolate, flowers, love, valentines, cinnamon candy hearts, champagne. What I don't like about it: crowds, expensive prix fixe dinners, feeling more single than usual. Either way, here is my homage to the day of love. My Valentine's playlist: Love, Loss, and Longing. (A little something for everyone.)<br /><br />LOVE LOSS LONGING<br /><br />She’s Mine – Brett Dennen<br />Brand New Start – Little Joy<br />My Love (Siik Let Go Remix) – Justin Timberlake<br />Crack the Shutters - Snow Patrol<br />Everyday – Vetiver<br />Sleepy Tigers – Her Space Holiday<br />Feel.Love.Thinking.Of – Faunts<br /><br />Let’s Get Lost ~ Elliott Smith<br />I Tried ~ Matt Costa<br />White Horse ~ Taylor Swift<br />Try Again ~ Keane<br />Tiny Vessels ~ Death Cab for Cutie<br />A Falling Through - Ray La Montagne<br />You’re A Cad - The Bird and the Bee<br /><br />Littlest Things ~ Lily Allen<br />My Stupid Mouth ~ John Mayer<br />Dropped – Phantom Planet<br />Extra Special Guy - Gomez<br />Tired of Being Alone – Al Green<br />I Don’t Know – Lisa Hannigan<br /><br /><br />You can listen to most of the songs at this link http://www.playlist.com/playlist/15078667787<br /><br />There are 3 songs missing (not available on playlist.com): from the LOVE section Feel.Love.Thinking.Of by Faunts, from the LOSS section You're A Cad by The Bird and the Bee, and from the LONGING section Extra Special Guy by Gomez. <br /><br />Love to all! xxxCatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-34757025238212474912009-02-03T13:43:00.000-08:002009-02-03T14:00:11.571-08:00I am not invinsibleFunny how some things sort of catch you off guard. You're going along, living your life, and--kerplunk--down drops some obstacle you never expected to appear. Usually, for me, it seems to be some weird health problem that usually only happens to old people: pleurisy, fractured ribs, bronchial infections. The latest one, though, caught me a bit off guard. In late December, this weird rash appeared on my chest, face, and back. It wasn't going away, so I decided to take a trip to my dermatologist. She diagnosed me with pityriasis rosea. It is rare to appear on your face, but this is me, so...While there, I asked her to check out a mole on my right calf. She said it looked fine, but would remove it as a precaution. In. Out. Done. Five days later I got a phone call from my dermatologist telling me the mole was melanoma. I had a little bit of cancer. <br /><br />Yesterday I went back to remove some of the additional area around where the mole had been. I got a little nervous lying on the paper covered table. A few shots, cuts, stitches, and bandages later, I walked out of the office. I was feeling fine last night. It was uncomfortable, but not too painful. I could walk pretty normally. This morning I woke up and climbed out of bed. My leg hurt pretty bad. So now I am stuck hobbling around. It's kind of tough to teach. My students are calling me Miss Wobbly and like to imitate my limp. They all wanted to hear the story, see the wound. I go back in two weeks to get the stitches removed. <br /><br />I am not really scared. The survival rate is over 95%. My dermatologist said I caught it really early. But it's weird how something like this can make your realize that you are indeed human. A little part of me always thinks, I take care of myself, eat well, exercise, wear sunscreen, don't smoke, I should be fine. But even trying my best, there are some things that just happen. You just gotta climb over that little bump in the road, and keep moving forward.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-72353680648503740252009-01-29T15:01:00.000-08:002009-01-29T15:37:53.366-08:00In My HeadSometimes I like to consider different fantasy scenarios in my head. For example, I used to read through my InStyle Magazine and imagine what I would say if they interviewed me to find out what was in my makeup bag. Why InStyle hasn't called me up to ask is beyond me (what? they only want to interview celebrities for that feature?). A couple months ago, while driving with my sisters a music topic came up: if you could be any musical performer alive today, who would you be? Now, this was a bit of a struggle for me. My musical taste is eclectic: from indie rock, to electronica, and hip hop to the poppiest of pop (see post on Taylor Swift). I'm also very much a girly girl. I have no desire to prance around in jeweled lingerie like Britney (everyone heaves a sigh of relief), but I don't want to be a complete hipster, thrift-store wearing rocker chick either. So I threw out Kylie Minogue as my choice: a little older, a little classier, but still very much a popstar. My younger sister, Patty, wasn't convinced. And to be honest neither was I. This morning, while driving to work, I discovered the answer to this question. And it is the right one, I just didn't know it at the time. My choice: Inara George from The Bird and the Bee. Rolling Stone describes the music as, "Greg Kurstin (`bee') and Inara George (`bird') mak[ing] syncopated danceable pop that sounds like audible sunshine." Seriously. You can read this description and know this is the music I would be making if I could. That said, go buy this album now. Or let me know and I'll burn you a copy. It sounds as if I took all my favorite albums and stirred them together into a magical musical soup. It is music to dance to, clean to, drive to, bathe to, cook to. I honestly cannot think of anything I would not want to do without these wonderful little songs drifting through the air.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-77062719515105320362009-01-09T14:43:00.000-08:002009-01-09T15:11:09.215-08:00I'm A Night OwlMornings aren't really my thing. Most days, my reluctance to pull myself from my cozy bed means I'm left dashing out the door for work, wearing an ugly outfit, my hair in a ponytail, and a packet of instant oatmeal in my purse (to be consumed during first period) . This morning I was able to get my act together a bit more. I had to, really. It was my friend-coworker's birthday and it was my job to bring "birthday Starbucks" for everyone. After ordering my coffees, I stood chatting with the barista as he made my four drinks. Another customer came up and stood near me. "Whatcha got there?" he asks, eyeing my crate of beverages. "Oh. I bunch of stuff. It's my coworkers birthday, so I'm bringing coffee," I babble on. He proceeds to inquire about what I do and where I work. Eventually he gets to the key question: "So where you going for happy hour tonight?" At this point I realize, oh(!), he's not just being friendly, he's hitting on me. At a Starbucks. At 7:00 in the morning. I tell him we are going to Irvine to Dave and Busters (phew...all the way in Orange County!) But he wasn't done. "So if I come to Irvine tonight can I buy you a drink?" After my uncomfortable laugh, I answer something like, "Uh, sure. Can't turn down a free drink." Luckily, my order was complete at this point. I grabbed my drinks and headed out. "I'm Carlos," he said, as I smiled goodbye and walked away. <br /><br />Which leads me to ask, is there such a thing as being hit on too early in the morning? I think yes. Especially before I've had my coffee.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-76110529689725825472009-01-06T09:08:00.001-08:002009-01-06T09:45:35.432-08:00Stuck in the MiddleI had a realization last night that my job as a middle school teacher may be rubbing off on me. Here's why. A list of a few of my current favorite things.<br /><br />1) I am currently reading through the Twilight series. I am about to begin the final book, Breaking Dawn. I saw the movie. I <3 Edward Cullen.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUm1LcpUjsdKmQyOUbHCDSag62JQUBCrLgG8GPlEsl0CeqrjqqWcz1Q2oV4i0gy30k5L31OXWyBH56HBYQ3MbPKtyG6T1rbrCs-Td3Gtu9gX5cgFtxFY7io6P5r3UP43cPoQM7/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 143px; height: 103px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUm1LcpUjsdKmQyOUbHCDSag62JQUBCrLgG8GPlEsl0CeqrjqqWcz1Q2oV4i0gy30k5L31OXWyBH56HBYQ3MbPKtyG6T1rbrCs-Td3Gtu9gX5cgFtxFY7io6P5r3UP43cPoQM7/s320/images.jpeg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288230516132729810" /></a><br /><br />2) I am slightly obsessed with Taylor Swift's album. I did not buy it. It was given to me. But I cannot stop listening to it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPiezkUnyozf3x5FhiIln-9XE8UfcQ_6VwCIqUY2GqIgSl9TcP-6ayYdmpXHPraMctwJl_NW4b-EmtDv4nwEIcvJdj9NddyEbp8gmkIySgnflJslCfjxhTxON4jwDvY83UIiz/s1600-h/taylor_swift1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 245px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvPiezkUnyozf3x5FhiIln-9XE8UfcQ_6VwCIqUY2GqIgSl9TcP-6ayYdmpXHPraMctwJl_NW4b-EmtDv4nwEIcvJdj9NddyEbp8gmkIySgnflJslCfjxhTxON4jwDvY83UIiz/s320/taylor_swift1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288231873248902402" /></a><br /><br />3) My favorite TV shows include Gossip Girl and The Hills. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVF4Tdq5SaIzpAa2ojThs_U9hBqYfWbu-5MpRf1UjYPCVfSlo2CoAc8IDKn9e6Cw3XrHBtjk88xZHWDNr-12_jhYfTsOvRZV-kQH93wkquKpYBN-9TNvD96hkDKXji62Hizoe/s1600-h/gossip_girl400.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVF4Tdq5SaIzpAa2ojThs_U9hBqYfWbu-5MpRf1UjYPCVfSlo2CoAc8IDKn9e6Cw3XrHBtjk88xZHWDNr-12_jhYfTsOvRZV-kQH93wkquKpYBN-9TNvD96hkDKXji62Hizoe/s320/gossip_girl400.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288231465396963298" /></a><br /><br />I am embarrassed and ashamed. I guess it's a good thing I'm not an elementary school teacher. Then I'd be crazy for the Jonas Brothers.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-72105009355950044572008-12-03T10:29:00.000-08:002008-12-03T11:08:14.694-08:00love itIf there's one thing I love, love, love, it's music. I could spend hours wandering the aisles of CDs at Borders. I write down names of songs and bands I hear and like in my little notebook. Attending concerts is high on my list of favorite things to do. It is for this reason that I love the Special MP3 Deals on Amazon.com. Right now they have 50 albums for $5 each, including new Coldplay, Death Cab, Beck, and many, many more. The Deal of the Day is even better. Currently it's T.I.'s new album (ehh), but I got new Keane for $1.99 and the new Snow Patrol for $2.99. That means for less than my Gingerbread (sorry...Gingersnap) latte at Starbucks, I can have hours of listening enjoyment. For once, Apple has been trumped.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-67576218935558737522008-11-05T09:24:00.000-08:002008-11-06T11:13:52.822-08:00Change is Coming?Tuesday night was a memorable one, one of those "this is what life's all about" evenings. I am so thrilled that Obama is going to be our new President. I am hopeful that he can bring change and re-energize our country. It so needs a boost. Between war, environment, and economic crisis, we need a leader who has a fresh vision, charisma, and intelligence. I think Obama is that individual. Add to this the monumental, history-making fact that Obama will be our first African-American President! Indeed, change isn't coming...it's already here!<br /><br />So Tuesday night, after devouring fish tacos with my girls, we headed to Vinoteca for a drink. Absent was the usual chatter of people talking as they sipped their Cabs and Pinots. Instead, we all sat staring at the television, listening intently to our future President. I got chills. I was filled with hope. I made a new friend who is going to mail me an audio copy of Dreams of My Father. She was one of those women with an amazing life story who are so engrossing and interesting to talk to. I talked politics with my girls. I look forward to one day telling my children (if I have them, otherwise my nieces and nephews...if I have them) about where I was and what my night was like the night Obama was elected.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19262185.post-1159837393376432932006-10-02T17:58:00.000-07:002006-10-02T18:03:13.396-07:00missed opportunitySometimes life is full of opportunity. While Jessie and Jo headed out of town to test their endurance and strength in a triathlon, Cara and I packed our overnight bags and took the opportunity to partake in a couple days of fun and relaxation in Santa Monica. To say the weekend was perfect would be an understatement. One thing that Cara and I share is an appreciation for good food. Burgers, beer, and sweet potato fries at Father’s Office, Italian coffee and pastries at Caffe Luxxe, wine and dessert at Bodega, paninis on Main. We also spent the weekend coveting items in various retail locations: dresses in Anthropolgie, shoes in Steve Madden, coats in Club Monaco, everything in Zara. And what perfect weekend would be complete without the perfect movie? The Science of Sleep was everything it should be: creative, beautiful, well-acted, funny, sad, introspective. And the company found in our favorite Santa Monica resident, Lisa K, was superb.<br /><br />The story of the weekend, however, occured during our final minutes in Santa Monica. Cara and I had spent a few minutes sitting on the beach, enjoying the people, the sun, the waves, the little shells scattered in the sand. We wanted a picture. Usually asking someone to take a photo is not that big of a deal. However, the camera in our possession happened to be Cara’s vintage polaroid. A black, mammoth of a camera...a far cry from the tiny, compact, silver digital variety people are accustomed to today. We asked a lady on the beach, who snapped it before either of us was really ready. Soon it was time to return to the car. Our meter was going to expire. <br /><br />As we headed up the beach toward the parking, Cara and I chatted about future weddings. Who knows how it came up, but Cara was sharing her idea of an old photo booth at the reception, and old polaroid cameras on the tables. As we approached the bike path we decided to take one final picture and looked around for someone to take it. I saw a man with a shaved head and aviator sunglasses walking towards us. I reached for the camera, and turned to wait for him to approach, but he had already arrived in our path. Cara grabbed the camera, held it out, and asked the man if he could take our picture. As soon as the tall, board short clad man opened his mouth Cara and I could not stop smiling. He had a British accent! Now anyone who knows me, knows I am a fan of the British. But Cara for one, puts me to shame in that category. Now, as if the accent weren’t enough, the good-looking guy starts exclaiming how great the camera is. He was thrilled and excited. As Cara and I stepped back, smiling from ear to ear, he snapped the picture. He handed the camera back to Cara and walked away. <br /><br />As soon as he was a few steps away, I turned to Cara and said, “You need to give him your number. Get a pen, write your number on this polaroid, and give it to him.” Cara refused. I insisted. She was too embarrassed. I asked her what she had to lose. He was cute, British, loved her camera. And weren’t we just talking about polaroid cameras at her wedding? It felt like a sign. I had almost convinced Cara to go after him. Unfortunately, mystery-Brit happened to be the fastest walker in the history of the world. He was already a speck in the horizon. But I knew this was fate. I was determined for this man to have Cara’s number. So we got in my car and drove down every side street along the beach trying to find him. After we ended up on PCH, headed toward Malibu, I decided it was a lost cause. This fairy tale, unfortunately, does not have a happy ending.<br /><br />One last part of our weekend. Driving home, Cara and I were giddy from too much fun. We went back in time to the days of childhood when tunnels meant wishes if you held your finger on a screw and held your breath. As we drove through the tunnels on the 110, holding our breaths, fingers pressed to the shiny metal (driving slowly in traffic no less), and wishing, I realized I had ruined my wish. Somehow, with the breath holding, the driving, the traffic, the tunnel, I’d forgotton the essential ingredient: the wish. I guess that makes a missed opportunity for me and Cara.Catehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06963694220341275461noreply@blogger.com0