I was listening to James Lipton on Diane Rehm this morning, where he answered the same set of questions he asks his guests on Inside the Actor's Studio. Seemed like a good idea for a blog, so here goes:
1. What is your favorite word? Couture...it brings to mind glamour from a world very different than mine. And Peaches...it just sounds juicy and yummy.
2. What is your least favorite word? C*nt. I know the Vagina Monologues has taught us to embrace the word, but it still sounds negative and harsh to me. Even though, in general, I swear like a sailor, I almost never ever call someone that. I didn't even want to type it.
3. What turns you on (creatively, spiritually, or emotionally)? Stimulating conversation about books, writing, or big ideas with someone who pushes me intellectually.
4. What turns you off? Attitudes of entitlement. I don't care who you are, the world doesn't owe you anything. You aren't too good for anything. You aren't better than anyone else. Also, passive-aggressiveness
5. What is your favorite curse word? I love, love, love the F word. Any word that can be used as almost any part of speech deserves to be used regularly.
6. What sound or noise do you love? My cat's purr when we are curled up napping together. Rain drumming on the roof, especially at night.
7. What sound or noise do you hate? Other people eating crunchy foods. My neighbors loud house music when it keeps me awake, or in the middle of the day for that matter.
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? As different as they are, if I weren't in the English field, I'd be a fashion designer or a doctor.
9. What profession would you not like to do? I'd be the world's worst psychiatrist.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
"Come on in...it's nothing like they told you it would be, I promise."
What would you answer? I'd love to hear what everyone else would have to say. Comment!!!
Showing posts with label lists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lists. Show all posts
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Holiday How-To Plan
I can handle my immediate family just fine. In fact, most of the time, I even look forward to seeing them (especially my favorite sister *wink*). Most of my cousins are pretty okay too. It's the nosy older members of my extended family that make me want a handful of Valium with my turkey dinner.
Ever wish you could send ahead a list of topics you prefer not to discuss at your family holiday gatherings, the way celebrities do before they go on a talk show? I think it would make the whole episode a lot more tolerable. That, and including wine with dinner like every other freakin' family on the planet (I mean, seriously, we might like each other a lot more after a glass or two).
Here's my list:
1. Don't ask me about my job. I've repeatedly explained to everyone what it is I do as an editor, and assuming they can even remember that I'm no longer a teacher, they seem to think I spend 8 hours a day proof-reading. No amount of explaining can make it clear, so let's just say I'm gainfully employed and leave it at that.
2. Do NOT ask me about my relationship. I used to be annoyed when they would ask if I was "seeing anyone special," but that was easy enough to nix with a sarcastic, "I'm seeing all kinds of unspecial guys. Tons actually." Now that they have an actual person about whom to interrogate me, I feel it could be worse. So, don't ask how it's going. Don't ask if we are getting married. And, definitely don't ask when I'm planning to finally be barefoot and pregnant like a good little woman. Wait for a Save-the-Date like everyone else.
3. Zero, and I mean ZERO questions or sarcastic comments about my decision to stop being a strict vegetarian. I don't analyze what's on your plate; don't bug me about what's on mine.
4. Let's agree ahead of time that we will definitely disagree and avoid all topics having to do with religion or politics. And while we are at it, let's avoid any issues of social justice, racism, feminism, or just about any -ism. The fine weather and perhaps the score of the football game will suffice. In fact, I'll probably just make sure my mouth is full the entire time precluding the need for conversation.
5. Let's be honest, I'm in this for the pie and, in this case, birthday cards filled with money. Give me those things, and I'll be on my way.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Ever wish you could send ahead a list of topics you prefer not to discuss at your family holiday gatherings, the way celebrities do before they go on a talk show? I think it would make the whole episode a lot more tolerable. That, and including wine with dinner like every other freakin' family on the planet (I mean, seriously, we might like each other a lot more after a glass or two).
Here's my list:
1. Don't ask me about my job. I've repeatedly explained to everyone what it is I do as an editor, and assuming they can even remember that I'm no longer a teacher, they seem to think I spend 8 hours a day proof-reading. No amount of explaining can make it clear, so let's just say I'm gainfully employed and leave it at that.
2. Do NOT ask me about my relationship. I used to be annoyed when they would ask if I was "seeing anyone special," but that was easy enough to nix with a sarcastic, "I'm seeing all kinds of unspecial guys. Tons actually." Now that they have an actual person about whom to interrogate me, I feel it could be worse. So, don't ask how it's going. Don't ask if we are getting married. And, definitely don't ask when I'm planning to finally be barefoot and pregnant like a good little woman. Wait for a Save-the-Date like everyone else.
3. Zero, and I mean ZERO questions or sarcastic comments about my decision to stop being a strict vegetarian. I don't analyze what's on your plate; don't bug me about what's on mine.
4. Let's agree ahead of time that we will definitely disagree and avoid all topics having to do with religion or politics. And while we are at it, let's avoid any issues of social justice, racism, feminism, or just about any -ism. The fine weather and perhaps the score of the football game will suffice. In fact, I'll probably just make sure my mouth is full the entire time precluding the need for conversation.
5. Let's be honest, I'm in this for the pie and, in this case, birthday cards filled with money. Give me those things, and I'll be on my way.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
10 timely facts about me
In no particular order:
1. I've been on my own for a long time, but there's still something fulfilling about paying my last bill of the month and knowing I don't have to do it again for, oh say, ten days.
2. I still get super excited about my birthday, even though it does mean I'm another year closer to OLD.
3. I used to get into arguments with my cousin whose birthday was the day before mine. He was born two years after me but used to insist that because his birthday came first, he was actually older. Funny how being the younger one doesn't sound so bad anymore.
4. My jeans feel looser today, and that makes me indescribably happy.
5. I haven't had a Dr. Pepper (or any other kind of soft drink) in over a month. I haven't been to Starbucks in more than 2 weeks. Maybe I've kicked my worst habits!
6. I frequently have practice conversations in my head before the real-life ones, especially if they could be intense.
7. I've always been an INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) on the Meyers Briggs Personality Inventory, but when I took the online version recently, I got an INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving. I keep wonder if my personality has really suddenly changed...hard to tell.
8. I have seen 2 car accidents take place next to me in 2 days. I'm a little nervous to drive home today.
9. After watching Ratatouille, I've decided to actually make some ratatouille tomorrow night. Hope it tastes as good as the picture in the recipe looks.
10. I woke up this morning wondering if Heidi and Spencer really broke up on the Hills last night or if it was just creative editing on the preview. I'm going to watch the episode online on my lunch break.
1. I've been on my own for a long time, but there's still something fulfilling about paying my last bill of the month and knowing I don't have to do it again for, oh say, ten days.
2. I still get super excited about my birthday, even though it does mean I'm another year closer to OLD.
3. I used to get into arguments with my cousin whose birthday was the day before mine. He was born two years after me but used to insist that because his birthday came first, he was actually older. Funny how being the younger one doesn't sound so bad anymore.
4. My jeans feel looser today, and that makes me indescribably happy.
5. I haven't had a Dr. Pepper (or any other kind of soft drink) in over a month. I haven't been to Starbucks in more than 2 weeks. Maybe I've kicked my worst habits!
6. I frequently have practice conversations in my head before the real-life ones, especially if they could be intense.
7. I've always been an INTJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging) on the Meyers Briggs Personality Inventory, but when I took the online version recently, I got an INFP (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving. I keep wonder if my personality has really suddenly changed...hard to tell.
8. I have seen 2 car accidents take place next to me in 2 days. I'm a little nervous to drive home today.
9. After watching Ratatouille, I've decided to actually make some ratatouille tomorrow night. Hope it tastes as good as the picture in the recipe looks.
10. I woke up this morning wondering if Heidi and Spencer really broke up on the Hills last night or if it was just creative editing on the preview. I'm going to watch the episode online on my lunch break.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
It Built Character...or something
"You've had an incredible number of jobs in your life," B said to me the other day. This, after the revelation that I had once worked a holiday season at Victoria's Secret. I started trying to mentally catalogue them. I really have had an absurd number of odd jobs from the 13 year old me trying to save money for Calvin Klein jeans to currently supplementing sorrowful adult income. Here are a few I can remember:
1. Babysitting.
It started with my own siblings. I joke that I raised my youngest sister and that's why I don't need to have my own children. It branched out to my cousins and eventually a friend of the family. Defining moment: "Josiah, you cannot start a campfire on the deck." "My mom would let me..."
2. Server at Fillmore Cafe.
My childhood bff's parents bought the little cafe and turned it into a 1950s style diner. For a couple of years, I poured endless cups of coffee for the farmers who spent the better part of their day there, gossiping like old women. Highlight: a jukebox that automatically played both Blueberry Hill and Aerosmith's Crazy about 15 times a shift.
3. Cashier at the Fillmore grocery store.
When the Cafe was sold, the new owners hired me to work in their grocery store. There were three aisles. And one shelf for VHS movies for rent. I learned to slice roastbeef on the meat shaver. I learned to count backwards to give back change. Favorite part: Selling sandwiches to the same farmers I used to pour coffee for.
4. "Sandwich Artist" at Subway.
The summer between my senior year of high school and my freshman year of college, I made sandwiches. It sucked. I did enjoy the people who ordered fries with their subs. Do you see a frier?? Best exchange: "We also own the Subway in your college town. We could arrange a transfer if you'd like." "Uhm...no."
5. Psychology Department Secretary.
I had my own office. I made a few copies, graded a few tests, and helped recruit soccer players (as one of the profs was also the coach). Most of the time I played solitaire. I felt like the two hours a day I had to spend there really cut into my social life. High point: Sneaking a boy I liked into the office one night when we were looking for a place to make out and sitting in the dark holding our breath when security came along to check the doors.
6. Office staff/Volleyball instructor at Kanakuk Kamps.
It kept me from having to live at home in the summertime. I lived in a cabin with a bunch of other girls my age, had very little to do with the campers, and spent most afternoons lying by the olympic-size pool. Frequently took days off to go outlet shopping in town. Biggest coup: Sneaking out of the locked gates for midnight runs to Sonic on a regular basis.
7. TGIFridays.
It supplemented my pathetic graduate assistantship stipend. It kept me in groceries and booze. I had lots of flair, but I don't want to talk about my flair. I've said it before and I'll say it again...Mel, April, Shelley, and Jeremiah are the only good things that ever came out of that job. Low point: Bursting into tears when the kitchen manager berated me at the end of a double shift for not adequately scraping out the empty salad dressing containers in the salad bar. May Lemay rot.
8. The GAP.
I worked the summer and back-to-school season. It was like the mothership calling me home. I spent WAY more money than I made. When I started teaching part time I had to quit to save money. Skill learned: I'm not a sales person at heart, but I can sell almost anything to a man. "Wow, those jeans look great on you! You should try them in this color too."
9. Victoria's Secret.
The holiday shopping season brought me to VS from Black Friday to New Years. I worked in beauty. No boob measuring for me. My boss had a lazy eye. I could never tell if she was looking at me or my co-worker. But, at least I got a 50% discount. Worst part: Asking to put lotion on other people's hands. That really fucked with my personal space issues.
10. Game Stop.
Also a holiday season job. This was probably my favorite part time job ever. I got to alphabetize the video games and use the plastic machine and hair dryer to seal the used games. Greatest compliment: "You work here?" "Yeah." "You don't look like a girl who works at a video game store. He (pointing to the dorky manager) looks like he belongs here, but not you."
11. Outback Steakhouse.
Yes, me. I worked in a steakhouse. I wore the stupid jean shorts and even stupider "bushman's" buttondown shirt and those ridiculous pins. I stayed for less than 6 months. Humiliating moment: Losing my grip on the enormous, full tray I was holding on my shoulder and sending ranch salads and new york strip steaks sailing across the dining room.
12. Catering St. Louis.
For exactly two months I served hors d’œuvre and wine spritzers to rich schmucks at wedding recptions and events. I did learn how to knot a tie for my uniform, a skill that continues to serve me well. Funniest moment: When a very spoiled Busch (August?) asked me to bring him a Heinekein from the bar. I laughed at the irony (Alanis Morissette-type) and told him I was busy.
13. Spyglass on the Park.
I spent about a month in the most unprofessional restaurant in the world. The manager got blasted at the bar over the course of every shift and harassed the female servers. The clientele was mostly skeevy, newly-single 40-something men who lived in the apartment building next door. Best decision: After one particularly bad shift, I just never came back. No 2 week's notice or anything. I'd always wanted to do that.
There you have it. I still have two jobs, but both are related to my fields of interest. It's unfortunate that there's no place on the resume for all of this work experience.
1. Babysitting.
It started with my own siblings. I joke that I raised my youngest sister and that's why I don't need to have my own children. It branched out to my cousins and eventually a friend of the family. Defining moment: "Josiah, you cannot start a campfire on the deck." "My mom would let me..."
2. Server at Fillmore Cafe.
My childhood bff's parents bought the little cafe and turned it into a 1950s style diner. For a couple of years, I poured endless cups of coffee for the farmers who spent the better part of their day there, gossiping like old women. Highlight: a jukebox that automatically played both Blueberry Hill and Aerosmith's Crazy about 15 times a shift.
3. Cashier at the Fillmore grocery store.
When the Cafe was sold, the new owners hired me to work in their grocery store. There were three aisles. And one shelf for VHS movies for rent. I learned to slice roastbeef on the meat shaver. I learned to count backwards to give back change. Favorite part: Selling sandwiches to the same farmers I used to pour coffee for.
4. "Sandwich Artist" at Subway.
The summer between my senior year of high school and my freshman year of college, I made sandwiches. It sucked. I did enjoy the people who ordered fries with their subs. Do you see a frier?? Best exchange: "We also own the Subway in your college town. We could arrange a transfer if you'd like." "Uhm...no."
5. Psychology Department Secretary.
I had my own office. I made a few copies, graded a few tests, and helped recruit soccer players (as one of the profs was also the coach). Most of the time I played solitaire. I felt like the two hours a day I had to spend there really cut into my social life. High point: Sneaking a boy I liked into the office one night when we were looking for a place to make out and sitting in the dark holding our breath when security came along to check the doors.
6. Office staff/Volleyball instructor at Kanakuk Kamps.
It kept me from having to live at home in the summertime. I lived in a cabin with a bunch of other girls my age, had very little to do with the campers, and spent most afternoons lying by the olympic-size pool. Frequently took days off to go outlet shopping in town. Biggest coup: Sneaking out of the locked gates for midnight runs to Sonic on a regular basis.
7. TGIFridays.
It supplemented my pathetic graduate assistantship stipend. It kept me in groceries and booze. I had lots of flair, but I don't want to talk about my flair. I've said it before and I'll say it again...Mel, April, Shelley, and Jeremiah are the only good things that ever came out of that job. Low point: Bursting into tears when the kitchen manager berated me at the end of a double shift for not adequately scraping out the empty salad dressing containers in the salad bar. May Lemay rot.
8. The GAP.
I worked the summer and back-to-school season. It was like the mothership calling me home. I spent WAY more money than I made. When I started teaching part time I had to quit to save money. Skill learned: I'm not a sales person at heart, but I can sell almost anything to a man. "Wow, those jeans look great on you! You should try them in this color too."
9. Victoria's Secret.
The holiday shopping season brought me to VS from Black Friday to New Years. I worked in beauty. No boob measuring for me. My boss had a lazy eye. I could never tell if she was looking at me or my co-worker. But, at least I got a 50% discount. Worst part: Asking to put lotion on other people's hands. That really fucked with my personal space issues.
10. Game Stop.
Also a holiday season job. This was probably my favorite part time job ever. I got to alphabetize the video games and use the plastic machine and hair dryer to seal the used games. Greatest compliment: "You work here?" "Yeah." "You don't look like a girl who works at a video game store. He (pointing to the dorky manager) looks like he belongs here, but not you."
11. Outback Steakhouse.
Yes, me. I worked in a steakhouse. I wore the stupid jean shorts and even stupider "bushman's" buttondown shirt and those ridiculous pins. I stayed for less than 6 months. Humiliating moment: Losing my grip on the enormous, full tray I was holding on my shoulder and sending ranch salads and new york strip steaks sailing across the dining room.
12. Catering St. Louis.
For exactly two months I served hors d’œuvre and wine spritzers to rich schmucks at wedding recptions and events. I did learn how to knot a tie for my uniform, a skill that continues to serve me well. Funniest moment: When a very spoiled Busch (August?) asked me to bring him a Heinekein from the bar. I laughed at the irony (Alanis Morissette-type) and told him I was busy.
13. Spyglass on the Park.
I spent about a month in the most unprofessional restaurant in the world. The manager got blasted at the bar over the course of every shift and harassed the female servers. The clientele was mostly skeevy, newly-single 40-something men who lived in the apartment building next door. Best decision: After one particularly bad shift, I just never came back. No 2 week's notice or anything. I'd always wanted to do that.
There you have it. I still have two jobs, but both are related to my fields of interest. It's unfortunate that there's no place on the resume for all of this work experience.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
I Love...
I miss writing in a journal. I stopped b/c I felt like all I did was whine and wallow. And I did…but I miss being able to look back at a year of my life and remember all the things that had happened to me, revel in the good and feel stronger b/c I made it through the bad. At the end of the year, I always seem to find myself looking back. Not in the cheesy, Hallmark way, not even always in a useful reflective way. 2006 went so fast. But overall it was a good year. Here are a few things I loved and hated about 2006.
Loved—going to April's New Years party w/ Mel (in her 5 minute "wild girl" phase).
Loved—the days of a job where I got a three week break in the winter (and summer too for that matter)…so what if it was technically unpaid?
Loved—Coffee Wednesdays w/ Shelley and Jamie when we were all on campus together.
Loved—movie nights w/ Neil.
Hated—going to the NADE conference w/ all those dowdy educators.
However, Loved—presenting w/ Jamie and "Chaz" and subsequently getting published.
Loved—our trip to NYC and our weekend of food (Kishore's homemade yogurt!), museums, walking in the freezing cold, Erin's 1 ½ hour getting ready routine, and dancing until the wee hours of the morning. Okay, some of those things sucked, but as a whole, it was a fab trip.
Loved (and feared)—introducing Chief and Karma…oh why can't they love each other???
Loved—Friday Girls' Nights w/ great food, too much wine, and even more digital pictures for the 'space.
A related love: stripper shoes and cowboy boots that caused such a sensation.
Loved—going w/ Shelley to SIUE's presentation of the Vagina Monologues, and I hope she reads one this year!
Hated—my students in the spring…seriously, the kids in the fall were so cool…I don't know what happened.
Loved—Saint Patrick's Day at the Scottish Arms w/ new friends and old.
Hated—that I had to work at 9 am the next morning.
Loved—my introduction to the Reeses Big Bite. Not all peanut butter is disgusting.
Loved—saying goodbye to a dead-end job at SIUE (and some of my more annoying coworkers) and moving on to a career w/ a future (ie, that pays me all year long).
Loved—depressing films at Frontenac...and the quote, "Seriously, can we see something where no one gets hung?"
Hated—not having an office next to Jamie anymore or seeing Shelley in the hallway at random.
Loved—belly dancing on Sundays.
Loved—visiting DC to hang out w/ Jeff and Butterstick.
Loved—evenings of drinks on the patio…any patio where we could people watch.
Hated—my brother moving away and having to move out of my fabulous old apartment.
Loved—that I had such good friends and family members (especially Rebekah) to help me move and let me stay w/ them when the air conditioner in my new apartment wasn't working!
Loved—summer pedicures.
Loved—getting a boss that took us on a shoe shopping trip during work hours!
Loved—yoga in the park, rock climbing, bike rides, and all those other summer sports.
Loved—margaritas by the pool, laying in the sun w/ spf 45 on, talking and laughing until we were almost melted.
Loved—going to Les Miserables w/ Elliott. Those were the best seats I've ever had…So good I was willing to drive through a tornado and sacrifice a strappy shoe to get there.
Loved—evening walks around the park, through the Loop, always farther than we'd meant to go.
Loved—how everyone had their birthday party at the Delmar Lounge.
Loved—Soulard Market in the summer time. Queen Anne cherries, fresh flowers, fruit tarts. A great place.
Loved—the Sunday night ritual…creative baking, movie watching, the Flava of Love, making fun of the poker boys, haha.
Loved—that some people found my blogs so incendiary that they dropped me from their subscription list.
Loved—fiction readings at Left Bank.
Loved—trying on giant diamonds in a jewelry store in Kirkwood.
Loved—waking up every morning to a big wet kiss from Karma. Seriously, I love that little animal.
Loved—learning to cook for real…finally. I've made things that turned out tasty!
Hated—the children in the daycare facility in the first floor of the building I live in (luckily, it closed down…and I didn't even have anything to do w/ it!)
Loved--waking up to fresh coffee...coffee makers w/ a timer are the best invention since electricity.
Loved—Laredo's night w/ lots of margaritas and tequila.
Loved—Chihuly in the Garden….why do I forget my camera when it counts?
Loved—Amy's weekend trip to St. Louis.
Loved—my trip to Chicago (Gin Blossoms!)
Loved—my 2 am drive home listening to Dane Cook and Mitch Hedberg to keep myself awake.
Loved—that Barak Obama wrote me back (not a form letter either) when I wrote him an e-mail about closing slaughter houses.
Loved—my birthday party. Seriously, I have the best, most fun friends in the world. Totally outdid 2005.
Loved—my Christmas tree. I haven't put it up in 3 years, and I'd forgotten how beautiful it is.
Loved—my new furniture arrangement…finally, I like my apartment.
Loved—the new tattoo born out of Shelley's b-day present to me!
Loved—those gorgeous earrings (which have been complimented every time I've had them on) from Jamie.
Loved—that Mel (safely) had her kid last night…If her little boy is anything like her, he should be the world's coolest child. I'm so proud of her, and she's going to be a GREAT mom.
There are plenty more, but this will do for now! If you didn't specifically make the list, I love you too and you know it!
A.
11/29/06
Loved—going to April's New Years party w/ Mel (in her 5 minute "wild girl" phase).
Loved—the days of a job where I got a three week break in the winter (and summer too for that matter)…so what if it was technically unpaid?
Loved—Coffee Wednesdays w/ Shelley and Jamie when we were all on campus together.
Loved—movie nights w/ Neil.
Hated—going to the NADE conference w/ all those dowdy educators.
However, Loved—presenting w/ Jamie and "Chaz" and subsequently getting published.
Loved—our trip to NYC and our weekend of food (Kishore's homemade yogurt!), museums, walking in the freezing cold, Erin's 1 ½ hour getting ready routine, and dancing until the wee hours of the morning. Okay, some of those things sucked, but as a whole, it was a fab trip.
Loved (and feared)—introducing Chief and Karma…oh why can't they love each other???
Loved—Friday Girls' Nights w/ great food, too much wine, and even more digital pictures for the 'space.
A related love: stripper shoes and cowboy boots that caused such a sensation.
Loved—going w/ Shelley to SIUE's presentation of the Vagina Monologues, and I hope she reads one this year!
Hated—my students in the spring…seriously, the kids in the fall were so cool…I don't know what happened.
Loved—Saint Patrick's Day at the Scottish Arms w/ new friends and old.
Hated—that I had to work at 9 am the next morning.
Loved—my introduction to the Reeses Big Bite. Not all peanut butter is disgusting.
Loved—saying goodbye to a dead-end job at SIUE (and some of my more annoying coworkers) and moving on to a career w/ a future (ie, that pays me all year long).
Loved—depressing films at Frontenac...and the quote, "Seriously, can we see something where no one gets hung?"
Hated—not having an office next to Jamie anymore or seeing Shelley in the hallway at random.
Loved—belly dancing on Sundays.
Loved—visiting DC to hang out w/ Jeff and Butterstick.
Loved—evenings of drinks on the patio…any patio where we could people watch.
Hated—my brother moving away and having to move out of my fabulous old apartment.
Loved—that I had such good friends and family members (especially Rebekah) to help me move and let me stay w/ them when the air conditioner in my new apartment wasn't working!
Loved—summer pedicures.
Loved—getting a boss that took us on a shoe shopping trip during work hours!
Loved—yoga in the park, rock climbing, bike rides, and all those other summer sports.
Loved—margaritas by the pool, laying in the sun w/ spf 45 on, talking and laughing until we were almost melted.
Loved—going to Les Miserables w/ Elliott. Those were the best seats I've ever had…So good I was willing to drive through a tornado and sacrifice a strappy shoe to get there.
Loved—evening walks around the park, through the Loop, always farther than we'd meant to go.
Loved—how everyone had their birthday party at the Delmar Lounge.
Loved—Soulard Market in the summer time. Queen Anne cherries, fresh flowers, fruit tarts. A great place.
Loved—the Sunday night ritual…creative baking, movie watching, the Flava of Love, making fun of the poker boys, haha.
Loved—that some people found my blogs so incendiary that they dropped me from their subscription list.
Loved—fiction readings at Left Bank.
Loved—trying on giant diamonds in a jewelry store in Kirkwood.
Loved—waking up every morning to a big wet kiss from Karma. Seriously, I love that little animal.
Loved—learning to cook for real…finally. I've made things that turned out tasty!
Hated—the children in the daycare facility in the first floor of the building I live in (luckily, it closed down…and I didn't even have anything to do w/ it!)
Loved--waking up to fresh coffee...coffee makers w/ a timer are the best invention since electricity.
Loved—Laredo's night w/ lots of margaritas and tequila.
Loved—Chihuly in the Garden….why do I forget my camera when it counts?
Loved—Amy's weekend trip to St. Louis.
Loved—my trip to Chicago (Gin Blossoms!)
Loved—my 2 am drive home listening to Dane Cook and Mitch Hedberg to keep myself awake.
Loved—that Barak Obama wrote me back (not a form letter either) when I wrote him an e-mail about closing slaughter houses.
Loved—my birthday party. Seriously, I have the best, most fun friends in the world. Totally outdid 2005.
Loved—my Christmas tree. I haven't put it up in 3 years, and I'd forgotten how beautiful it is.
Loved—my new furniture arrangement…finally, I like my apartment.
Loved—the new tattoo born out of Shelley's b-day present to me!
Loved—those gorgeous earrings (which have been complimented every time I've had them on) from Jamie.
Loved—that Mel (safely) had her kid last night…If her little boy is anything like her, he should be the world's coolest child. I'm so proud of her, and she's going to be a GREAT mom.
There are plenty more, but this will do for now! If you didn't specifically make the list, I love you too and you know it!
A.
11/29/06
Things To Do
Awhile back in Glamour some other equally credible and literary magazine, I read about an article about a woman who died in the World Trade Center. Although, I get sick of the mileage the press gets out of that tragedy, the content of the article about how after her death her family found a her list of 100 Goals to Accomplish in My Lifetime inspired me to make my own list. Some of them are silly, some are serious, some I might accomplish tomorrow and some not for years, but here they are...I look forward to crossing them off one by one.
100 Things to Do (in no particular order)
1. (Attempt to) Repay my parents for all the things they've given me and done for me.
2. Actively be more outgoing and expand my circle of friends.
3. Become a yoga instructor.
4. And then open a yoga studio/vegan cafe on the beach somewhere.
5. Visit India.
6. Research my family's history.
7. Buy my own house/condo.
8. Finish reading Ulysses.
9. Go to the ballet.
10. Learn to speak Spanish.
11. Be a better friend.
12. Donate more $ to charities I believe in.
13. Write/publish a novel.
14. Learn more about art so I can speak intelligently about it.
15. Take more dance classes (belly, ballroom, latin, all of them)!
16. Seek to define my spiritual beliefs and practice them more regularly.
17. See (if not necessarily climb) Mt. Everest.
18. Teach English abroad for a year.
19. Get a PhD in contemporary literature by women.
20. Take a meditation course.
21. (re-)Join a competitive volleyball league.
22. Learn more about Jazz music.
23. Audition for a local theater production (I should be Roxie Heart, or Beatrice, or...you get the point).
24. Read more non-fiction.
25. Mentor underpriveleged girls.
26. Work to be a truly healthy/fit person.
27. Become a talented, creative cook.
28. Advocate/volunteer for an organization that defends women's rights around the world.
29. Adopt another pet.
30. Go white water rafting.
31. Pose for professional, artsy photos.
32. Go on an exotic beach vacation w/ my best friends.
33. Get Lasik.
34. Stand up for who I am and what I believe even when others oppose.
35. Drink more water...thought I was going to say alcohol didn't you.
36. Tour Europe with a significant other.
37. Go to more music shows.
38. Spend more quality time with my siblings.
39. Have better posture.
40. Learn to play guitar.
41. Become a senior managing editor or new manuscript recruiter for a major publishing house.
42. Vote for a qualified female candidate for President of the United States.
43. Make my living space (no matter how small), cozy and "my own."
44. Take a return trip to Ireland.
45. Live in NYC.
46. Learn to respect the views of others even when I don't agree (at all).
47. Fall in love for more than a minute...
48. Buy myself a right-hand diamond ring.
49. Visit Japan.
50. Meet Sarah Jessica Parker.
51. Volunteer for a political campaign.
52. Learn to sew so I can deconstruct/reconstruct things I buy in stores and make them personal.
53. Be more forgiving.
54. Be an extra on a movie/tv show (I would be great as Jack's new love interest on Lost!).
55. Give a fiction reading.
56. Give up my caffiene addiction.
57. Stop caring if I'm tan (Say NO to skin cancer...).
58. Participate in a demonstration/protest.
59. Work at NPR.
60. Undermine racism, sexism, and all those other -isms whenever I can.
61. Adopt a child (some day).
62. Stop gossiping.
63. Take a pottery-making class.
64. Own (or even try on) a pair of Manolos!
65. Organize my closet (and keep it that way).
66. Throw a top-notch dinner party.
67. Compete in a ballroom dance competition.
68. Be less neurotic...relax!
69. Live in Chicago.
70. Go vegan.
71. Continue "decorating" my body with art.
72. Donate my organs and then my body to science after death.
73. Go to therapy (if for no other reason than the experience).
74. Write/make a documentary.
75. Eat dark chocolate in Switzerland.
76. Learn more about wine.
77. Meet Hilary Clinton.
78. Be more adventurous, be it in my entree selection or my life choices.
79. Visit Dracula's castle in Austria (or is it Hungary?).
80. Learn to drive a stick shift.
81. Meet my relative who lives in Scotland.
82. Buy a real bedroom set and other adult furniture.
83. Win a hand (or 20) of blackjack in Vegas.
84. Indulge without constantly feeling guilty.
85. Communicate telepathically.
86. Be less pointlessly vain.
87. Appreciate the beauty of wherever I'm living (ie, Forest Park).
88. Learn to speak Japanese.
89. Elope.
90. Go skiing.
91. Be less cynical.
92. Watch all those classic films I've never seen.
93. Appreciate my body for what it is and stop torturing it to be something it won't.
94. See a kangaroo in the wild.
95. Go to the opera.
96. Be more flexible, physically and in the abstract sense.
97. Go sky diving.
98. Retire in close proximity to the beach--Bonus points if it's abroad.
99. Spend less time on MySpace.
100. Live honestly.
09/07/06
100 Things to Do (in no particular order)
1. (Attempt to) Repay my parents for all the things they've given me and done for me.
2. Actively be more outgoing and expand my circle of friends.
3. Become a yoga instructor.
4. And then open a yoga studio/vegan cafe on the beach somewhere.
5. Visit India.
6. Research my family's history.
7. Buy my own house/condo.
8. Finish reading Ulysses.
9. Go to the ballet.
10. Learn to speak Spanish.
11. Be a better friend.
12. Donate more $ to charities I believe in.
13. Write/publish a novel.
14. Learn more about art so I can speak intelligently about it.
15. Take more dance classes (belly, ballroom, latin, all of them)!
16. Seek to define my spiritual beliefs and practice them more regularly.
17. See (if not necessarily climb) Mt. Everest.
18. Teach English abroad for a year.
19. Get a PhD in contemporary literature by women.
20. Take a meditation course.
21. (re-)Join a competitive volleyball league.
22. Learn more about Jazz music.
23. Audition for a local theater production (I should be Roxie Heart, or Beatrice, or...you get the point).
24. Read more non-fiction.
25. Mentor underpriveleged girls.
26. Work to be a truly healthy/fit person.
27. Become a talented, creative cook.
28. Advocate/volunteer for an organization that defends women's rights around the world.
29. Adopt another pet.
30. Go white water rafting.
31. Pose for professional, artsy photos.
32. Go on an exotic beach vacation w/ my best friends.
33. Get Lasik.
34. Stand up for who I am and what I believe even when others oppose.
35. Drink more water...thought I was going to say alcohol didn't you.
36. Tour Europe with a significant other.
37. Go to more music shows.
38. Spend more quality time with my siblings.
39. Have better posture.
40. Learn to play guitar.
41. Become a senior managing editor or new manuscript recruiter for a major publishing house.
42. Vote for a qualified female candidate for President of the United States.
43. Make my living space (no matter how small), cozy and "my own."
44. Take a return trip to Ireland.
45. Live in NYC.
46. Learn to respect the views of others even when I don't agree (at all).
47. Fall in love for more than a minute...
48. Buy myself a right-hand diamond ring.
49. Visit Japan.
50. Meet Sarah Jessica Parker.
51. Volunteer for a political campaign.
52. Learn to sew so I can deconstruct/reconstruct things I buy in stores and make them personal.
53. Be more forgiving.
54. Be an extra on a movie/tv show (I would be great as Jack's new love interest on Lost!).
55. Give a fiction reading.
56. Give up my caffiene addiction.
57. Stop caring if I'm tan (Say NO to skin cancer...).
58. Participate in a demonstration/protest.
59. Work at NPR.
60. Undermine racism, sexism, and all those other -isms whenever I can.
61. Adopt a child (some day).
62. Stop gossiping.
63. Take a pottery-making class.
64. Own (or even try on) a pair of Manolos!
65. Organize my closet (and keep it that way).
66. Throw a top-notch dinner party.
67. Compete in a ballroom dance competition.
68. Be less neurotic...relax!
69. Live in Chicago.
70. Go vegan.
71. Continue "decorating" my body with art.
72. Donate my organs and then my body to science after death.
73. Go to therapy (if for no other reason than the experience).
74. Write/make a documentary.
75. Eat dark chocolate in Switzerland.
76. Learn more about wine.
77. Meet Hilary Clinton.
78. Be more adventurous, be it in my entree selection or my life choices.
79. Visit Dracula's castle in Austria (or is it Hungary?).
80. Learn to drive a stick shift.
81. Meet my relative who lives in Scotland.
82. Buy a real bedroom set and other adult furniture.
83. Win a hand (or 20) of blackjack in Vegas.
84. Indulge without constantly feeling guilty.
85. Communicate telepathically.
86. Be less pointlessly vain.
87. Appreciate the beauty of wherever I'm living (ie, Forest Park).
88. Learn to speak Japanese.
89. Elope.
90. Go skiing.
91. Be less cynical.
92. Watch all those classic films I've never seen.
93. Appreciate my body for what it is and stop torturing it to be something it won't.
94. See a kangaroo in the wild.
95. Go to the opera.
96. Be more flexible, physically and in the abstract sense.
97. Go sky diving.
98. Retire in close proximity to the beach--Bonus points if it's abroad.
99. Spend less time on MySpace.
100. Live honestly.
09/07/06
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