Last Saturday a bunch of the girls got together for the second annual Christmas Cookie bake-off. I love that this is becoming an annual event.
The day started around noonish and we pulled the last cookie out of the oven just before 8pm. Woo. At the end of the day we had 6 types of cookies and each person walked away with about 8 dozen cookies. Suffice it to say that I've been giving away cookies left and right to everyone who can tolerate sugar, butter, and flour!
Here are the cookies we made:
- Chocolate Marble Gems (chocolate & peanut butter marbeled cookies topped with a Hershey's Kiss)
- M&M Oat Bars
- Cinnamon Roll Cookies
- Molasses Cookies
- Oatmeal Lace Cookies
- Rugelach (made by yours truly)
Yummy Yummy
Even with all my gifting I'm still trying to work my way through about two dozen cookies. The Chocolate Marble Gems are my favorite.
I forgot to take pictures but AI smartly brought her camera and took some very tasty photos. I'll post a few as soon as she sends them my way.
See, just cause I'm quite doesn't mean that I don't have a life. :-P
Friday, December 22, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Multicultural vs. Monocultural
"I'm predicting that America will no longer be one nation but more like the Roman Empire--a conglomerate of races and cultures held together by a regime. The country I grew up in was culturally united, even if it was racially divided. We spoke the same language, had the same faith, laughed at the same comedians. We were one nationality. We're ceasing to be that when you have hundreds of thousands of people who want to retain their own culture, their own language, their own loyalty. What do we have in common that makes us fellow Americans? Is it simply citizenship? Or is it blood, soil, history and heroes?"
- Pat Buchanan, commenting on the increasing multicultural nature of American society
"Privilege is invisible to those who have it."
- Anonymous
Ponder these two quotes if you will. They are more related then you think.
Pat Buchanan's comment is built on the assumption that there was a point in time in American history where only one culture existed. That's the fatal flaw in his ruminations. In the golden olden days of his youth, there may have been a white majority culture that was more prominent and far reaching than other cultures, but make no mistake that an equally well-defined underground culture brewed in hidden corners out of the sight of men like Mr. Buchanan and his peers. The Harlem Renassanice, Jazz, Rock and Roll...all these things are examples of cultural movements that began outside the boundaries of mainstream culture and were only adopted by "the white folk" after much denouncement and condemnation.
In my mind, Pat Buchanan's problem with multi-culturalism isn't the loss of a singular cultural context, he's just ticked off that he and his cohort (old, rich, white men) no longer hold the power to dictate the elements that define American culture.
- Pat Buchanan, commenting on the increasing multicultural nature of American society
"Privilege is invisible to those who have it."
- Anonymous
Ponder these two quotes if you will. They are more related then you think.
Pat Buchanan's comment is built on the assumption that there was a point in time in American history where only one culture existed. That's the fatal flaw in his ruminations. In the golden olden days of his youth, there may have been a white majority culture that was more prominent and far reaching than other cultures, but make no mistake that an equally well-defined underground culture brewed in hidden corners out of the sight of men like Mr. Buchanan and his peers. The Harlem Renassanice, Jazz, Rock and Roll...all these things are examples of cultural movements that began outside the boundaries of mainstream culture and were only adopted by "the white folk" after much denouncement and condemnation.
In my mind, Pat Buchanan's problem with multi-culturalism isn't the loss of a singular cultural context, he's just ticked off that he and his cohort (old, rich, white men) no longer hold the power to dictate the elements that define American culture.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
It's Oh So Quiet
Whilst activity on this blog has been quiet as of late, rest assured that life in the Bo world is ticking along at a most rapid pace. There have been potates mashed, pumkins pied, babies played with, friends kissed, and merriment all around.
Quiet for me usually equates to "Bo is trying to get her life into a bit of order". The new job has been wonderful but also filled with quiet a bit of travel, stress, and lots of learning. I've been trying to streamline my life. Gave up teaching my regular Saturday morning yoga classes for a spell. Also cutting away some of my less value-adding extracurriculars. It's all about making space in my mind and my body to explore that which is most important to me.
Even before I ever discovered yoga, it was always important for me to have a lot of "nothing time" - time when I can go into my head and my body and play in that space. I grew up with a very large family in a very small apartment. Between the 7 of us (my parents, my grandmother, my three sisters, and myself) we shared an 800 square foot one bedroom apartment in Flushing, Queens until I was 11 years old. We had one large walk-in coat closet in the very front of the apartment. I would climb into the closet almost daily, dig my way through all the layers of coats one would expect from a family of 7 and sit in the furthest corner behind my mother's very old and antique fur coat from Korea - one of the few luxury items she didn't sell off when we moved to America. I would sit there, one cheek pressed against the cold plaster wall of the back closet, the other brushing against the fur coat and breathe in the comforting smell of old clothing, mold, and moth balls. Even in the summer the temperature in the closet never rose much above a slight chill. It was as though the closet was impervious to the external world. In this space, I'd sit for hours, doing nothing more than breathe. No thoughts ever really raced through my head. I just found immense comfort in sitting and breathing. Sometimes I'd close my eyes, other times I'd stare out, focusing on nothing in particular. I would sit in the closet for hours on the weekends. Sometimes I would sing songs to myself. Nonsense songs for the most part with words that didn't make sense and melodies that changed with every verse.
It's no wonder that I naturally gravitated towards long distance running and yoga as an adult. It's not really socially exceptable for a fairly well adjusted woman in her early 30s to sit in the back of a closet for long stretches of time. It's during my long runs and yoga practices that I most readily find the lovely rich emptiness and solitude that I indulged in as a child.
Quiet for me usually equates to "Bo is trying to get her life into a bit of order". The new job has been wonderful but also filled with quiet a bit of travel, stress, and lots of learning. I've been trying to streamline my life. Gave up teaching my regular Saturday morning yoga classes for a spell. Also cutting away some of my less value-adding extracurriculars. It's all about making space in my mind and my body to explore that which is most important to me.
Even before I ever discovered yoga, it was always important for me to have a lot of "nothing time" - time when I can go into my head and my body and play in that space. I grew up with a very large family in a very small apartment. Between the 7 of us (my parents, my grandmother, my three sisters, and myself) we shared an 800 square foot one bedroom apartment in Flushing, Queens until I was 11 years old. We had one large walk-in coat closet in the very front of the apartment. I would climb into the closet almost daily, dig my way through all the layers of coats one would expect from a family of 7 and sit in the furthest corner behind my mother's very old and antique fur coat from Korea - one of the few luxury items she didn't sell off when we moved to America. I would sit there, one cheek pressed against the cold plaster wall of the back closet, the other brushing against the fur coat and breathe in the comforting smell of old clothing, mold, and moth balls. Even in the summer the temperature in the closet never rose much above a slight chill. It was as though the closet was impervious to the external world. In this space, I'd sit for hours, doing nothing more than breathe. No thoughts ever really raced through my head. I just found immense comfort in sitting and breathing. Sometimes I'd close my eyes, other times I'd stare out, focusing on nothing in particular. I would sit in the closet for hours on the weekends. Sometimes I would sing songs to myself. Nonsense songs for the most part with words that didn't make sense and melodies that changed with every verse.
It's no wonder that I naturally gravitated towards long distance running and yoga as an adult. It's not really socially exceptable for a fairly well adjusted woman in her early 30s to sit in the back of a closet for long stretches of time. It's during my long runs and yoga practices that I most readily find the lovely rich emptiness and solitude that I indulged in as a child.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Milton Friedman 1912-2006
The legendary economist Milton Friedman passed away yesterday. He was 93. With all due respect for the dead, I hadn't realized he was still alive. Friedman was one of those guys who I thought of within the context of Adam Smith (laissez faire) and John Maynard Keyes.
Friedman is legend in the world of academic economics and due to all my businessy education I've studied his theories pretty steadily throughout my academic career. Friedman is the man who came up with the theory of stagflation (rising unemployment rates coupled with rising inflation), one of the most important economics theories to arise after WWII.
It's always weird to have something that you imagine is dusty and old to pop up in your current events.
Friedman is legend in the world of academic economics and due to all my businessy education I've studied his theories pretty steadily throughout my academic career. Friedman is the man who came up with the theory of stagflation (rising unemployment rates coupled with rising inflation), one of the most important economics theories to arise after WWII.
It's always weird to have something that you imagine is dusty and old to pop up in your current events.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Sad story
The murder of actress Adrienne Shelley is just a sad story about how quickly life can change. Of course people get murdered in much more horrific ways (ex: Iraq) but sometimes stories come along that really punctuate how simple events can lead to extrodinary tragedy.
For those unaware of who Adrienne Shelley is, go rent yourself some of Hal Hartley's early films (Trust and Unbelievable Truth are highly recommended). She was a pixey of a woman who's acting chops contradicted her physical prescence.
She was murdered by a 19 year old construction worker last week because she had complained about the noise he was making in an apartment being renovated in her building. Apparently they had gotten into a fight, she slapped him, and he hit her and rendered her unconscious...it's not clear if he actually killed her at this point. To cover up what he had done, he dragged her back to her apartment, and strung her up on her bathroom shower rod with an old bed sheet to make it look like suicide. Sad Sad Sad.
Life changes quickly. One minute you're a successful independent film actress with a film about to come out, the next you're murdered by someone who isn't even half your age.
I can't help but think back to Malaysia. Had one thing gone differently in Malaysia I could have also been murdered. What if I had a panic attack and started freaking out? What if my bank account didn't have any money in it and they weren't satisfied with the loot they'd scored? So many what ifs? All of which mean nothing at this point. I'm alive. I'm back in NY. I've since hugged my mom and dad and had dinner with them on multiple occassions.
I saw Martin Scorses' film 'The Departed' a few weeks back. It was amusing. There is a scene very early in the film where two people are murdered by some thugs along a desolate lake. That shot, for whatever reason, just wigged me out. Possibly because in my minds eye that's pretty much how I imagined I was going to be murdered back in Malaysia. It was almost the exact set up that I imagined in my head. On my knees, hands tied behind my back, shot in the head, at point blank. Wiggy. Wiggy. Sometimes I still think about this image. Sometimes it still wigs me out. I should see a therapist.
What made me so lucky and Adrienne Shelley so unlucky?
Life can change quickly. Embrace what you have. Enjoy what you have. Tell people you love them. Life can change quickly.
Live with passion. Don't be afriad of failure. Nothing is failure except the missed opportunity to live. All those cheesy inspirational statements on greetings cards are true. Who would have thunk it? If you wanna run a marathon go and sign up for one and start training. Grad school...start studying, take your GREs and apply. Wanna take up photography...sign up for a class, buy yourself a camera, go and shoot lots of film. Wanna have a baby...well, that's more complicated depending if you're single or married...but consider your options and do what you have to do (freeze those eggs, visit a sperm bank, make lots of whoopy with your hubby or wifey). Be like Nike...Just do it.
Don't hold grudges. Arguments mean nothing. Tell someone you are sorry. It's okay to say sorry and that you've made a mistake.
When you think you're going to die, you don't think about the times you fought with someone, you'll only think about how much you wish you could hug them and kiss them and tell them you love them one more time. I can actually guarantee this first hand. All you want is one last moment.
Hugs, kisses, caresses...things we give so freely and casually. They mean the world.
Life is beautiful...it's all beautiful. Let's not forget that and let's not forget to share that.
Really.
Okay, soapboxing over...I'll step down now.
For those unaware of who Adrienne Shelley is, go rent yourself some of Hal Hartley's early films (Trust and Unbelievable Truth are highly recommended). She was a pixey of a woman who's acting chops contradicted her physical prescence.
She was murdered by a 19 year old construction worker last week because she had complained about the noise he was making in an apartment being renovated in her building. Apparently they had gotten into a fight, she slapped him, and he hit her and rendered her unconscious...it's not clear if he actually killed her at this point. To cover up what he had done, he dragged her back to her apartment, and strung her up on her bathroom shower rod with an old bed sheet to make it look like suicide. Sad Sad Sad.
Life changes quickly. One minute you're a successful independent film actress with a film about to come out, the next you're murdered by someone who isn't even half your age.
I can't help but think back to Malaysia. Had one thing gone differently in Malaysia I could have also been murdered. What if I had a panic attack and started freaking out? What if my bank account didn't have any money in it and they weren't satisfied with the loot they'd scored? So many what ifs? All of which mean nothing at this point. I'm alive. I'm back in NY. I've since hugged my mom and dad and had dinner with them on multiple occassions.
I saw Martin Scorses' film 'The Departed' a few weeks back. It was amusing. There is a scene very early in the film where two people are murdered by some thugs along a desolate lake. That shot, for whatever reason, just wigged me out. Possibly because in my minds eye that's pretty much how I imagined I was going to be murdered back in Malaysia. It was almost the exact set up that I imagined in my head. On my knees, hands tied behind my back, shot in the head, at point blank. Wiggy. Wiggy. Sometimes I still think about this image. Sometimes it still wigs me out. I should see a therapist.
What made me so lucky and Adrienne Shelley so unlucky?
Life can change quickly. Embrace what you have. Enjoy what you have. Tell people you love them. Life can change quickly.
Live with passion. Don't be afriad of failure. Nothing is failure except the missed opportunity to live. All those cheesy inspirational statements on greetings cards are true. Who would have thunk it? If you wanna run a marathon go and sign up for one and start training. Grad school...start studying, take your GREs and apply. Wanna take up photography...sign up for a class, buy yourself a camera, go and shoot lots of film. Wanna have a baby...well, that's more complicated depending if you're single or married...but consider your options and do what you have to do (freeze those eggs, visit a sperm bank, make lots of whoopy with your hubby or wifey). Be like Nike...Just do it.
Don't hold grudges. Arguments mean nothing. Tell someone you are sorry. It's okay to say sorry and that you've made a mistake.
When you think you're going to die, you don't think about the times you fought with someone, you'll only think about how much you wish you could hug them and kiss them and tell them you love them one more time. I can actually guarantee this first hand. All you want is one last moment.
Hugs, kisses, caresses...things we give so freely and casually. They mean the world.
Life is beautiful...it's all beautiful. Let's not forget that and let's not forget to share that.
Really.
Okay, soapboxing over...I'll step down now.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Something to do when you have two hours to kill or insomnia
My friend sent me this game. It's crazy addictive and fun. Getting to 16 was easy. Then I spent the next 1.5 trying to get from 16 to the end.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Congratulations Michelle and Edwin!
It was a glorious weekend in San Francisco...the perfect environment for a wedding! Congratulations to Michelle and Edwin! I can't believe they pulled it all together in such short notice (they got engaged in April) and without any external help (excluding friends).
In typical Michelle and Edwin fashion the wedding weekend was filled with lots of laughs, lots of good cheer, and lots of friends. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.
Being back in the bay area was also stunning. People are what make a place special and all the bay area friends definately make SF a magical place!
In typical Michelle and Edwin fashion the wedding weekend was filled with lots of laughs, lots of good cheer, and lots of friends. I'll post some pics when I get a chance.
Being back in the bay area was also stunning. People are what make a place special and all the bay area friends definately make SF a magical place!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Dawn in SF
I'm in SF with a view of the bay and Coit Tower from my Hotel Room. It's 7:20am and I've been up since 6am on a conference call with the east coast. The sun is just coming up and the new rays of light are casting burnished shades of rust and orange on Coit. Along the bay the horizon has just lost its purple hue. The sky is spectacularly empty and blue. I'm always amazed at how beautiful San Francisco is. My heart is in New York but SF is special too.
It's also my 31st birthday! Yip di Doo...and Scooby Too!
LOL.
It's also my 31st birthday! Yip di Doo...and Scooby Too!
LOL.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Finnish Meatballs
This recipe from today's NY Times Dining & Wine section sounds amazing! I might have to have a dinner party just so I can try these. And to think, I was once a vegan.
October 18, 2006
Recipe: Finnish Meatballs
Time: 1 hour
¾ cup whole milk3 slices white bread, crusts removed
6 ounces Valley Shepherd Califon Tomme, Cato Corner Dutch Farmstead or other mildand buttery Gouda-style cheese
1½ cups loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, finely minced
¾ cup finely minced onion
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ground allspice
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork
½ cup flour
¾ cup chicken or beef broth
¼ cup vegetable oil, or as needed
½ cup heavy cream
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk just until steaming. Remove from heat and press bread into the milk; set aside.
2. Grate cheese on large holes of a box grater and place in large bowl. Add parsley, onion, eggs, salt, white pepper, black pepper and allspice. Stir well to combine. Add ground beef, ground pork and milk-soaked bread. Knead by hand or mix with a large wooden spoon until well-blended.
3. Spread flour on a plate. Roll meat mixture into 1½-inch balls, and roll in flour to coat. Place a Dutch oven over very low heat, and add broth. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Working in batches, add enough meatballs to loosely fill pan. Sear for about 1 minute, then shake pan to turn meatballs. Continue until well browned on all sides, adding more oil to the pan as needed. Transfer meatballs to Dutch oven and allow them to gently simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring carefully from time to time. Add cream and heat just until warmed. If desired, serve with small potatoes or egg noodles that have been tossed with butter and parsley.
Yield: 8 servings.
October 18, 2006
Recipe: Finnish Meatballs
Time: 1 hour
¾ cup whole milk3 slices white bread, crusts removed
6 ounces Valley Shepherd Califon Tomme, Cato Corner Dutch Farmstead or other mildand buttery Gouda-style cheese
1½ cups loosely packed fresh parsley leaves, finely minced
¾ cup finely minced onion
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons salt
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon ground allspice
1 pound lean ground beef
1 pound ground pork
½ cup flour
¾ cup chicken or beef broth
¼ cup vegetable oil, or as needed
½ cup heavy cream
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk just until steaming. Remove from heat and press bread into the milk; set aside.
2. Grate cheese on large holes of a box grater and place in large bowl. Add parsley, onion, eggs, salt, white pepper, black pepper and allspice. Stir well to combine. Add ground beef, ground pork and milk-soaked bread. Knead by hand or mix with a large wooden spoon until well-blended.
3. Spread flour on a plate. Roll meat mixture into 1½-inch balls, and roll in flour to coat. Place a Dutch oven over very low heat, and add broth. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Working in batches, add enough meatballs to loosely fill pan. Sear for about 1 minute, then shake pan to turn meatballs. Continue until well browned on all sides, adding more oil to the pan as needed. Transfer meatballs to Dutch oven and allow them to gently simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring carefully from time to time. Add cream and heat just until warmed. If desired, serve with small potatoes or egg noodles that have been tossed with butter and parsley.
Yield: 8 servings.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
300,000,000
And the quote of the day is:
"Census Bureau employees planned to mark the moment Tuesday afternoon with cake and punch."
At 7:46 am EST today, the US population officially passed the 300,000,000 mark. The NY Times marked the occassion in this article.
I think it's interesting to note that the Bush Administration isn't really planning on doing much to celebrate. This is in contrast to the celebration Pres. Johnson pulled together after the 200,000,000 baby was born in 1967. I particularly enjoyed reading some of the reasons for why the current administration is so nonchalant about the whole thing, the primary one being that the US population probably exceeded 300 million several months ago (what with all the illegal immigrants living in the country) and it probably won't help the Republicans in the upcoming elections to make note of something that just highlights the US' inability to create any significant immigration policy to manage illegals. (I'm not going to go into my political stance on illegal immigrants today - although it's probably not too terribly difficult to figure it out with a little bit of thought.)
Here are a couple of other things to ponder:
- If the 300,000,000 person was indeed a new born baby, the baby would have probably been a boy (because slightly more boys are conceived and born than girls. Girls only start to outnumber boys around the teenage years) and most likely hispanic (because they are the fastest growing segment of the population.)
- The US population is growing at a rate of just less than 1%. Immigration accounts for about 40% of that growth. The remainder is from births outnumbering deaths. I wonder what will happen when the baby boomers start to pass away. This is in contrast to most European countries and Japan, all of which have negative population growth.
- While the current administration tucked away $20 million in the Iraq war budget for a victory celebration, they can't tuck away $50 for a 300 millionth population celebration?
Let's all make up for Bush's oversight and be like the census bureau employees. Bring on the punch and cake!
"Census Bureau employees planned to mark the moment Tuesday afternoon with cake and punch."
At 7:46 am EST today, the US population officially passed the 300,000,000 mark. The NY Times marked the occassion in this article.
I think it's interesting to note that the Bush Administration isn't really planning on doing much to celebrate. This is in contrast to the celebration Pres. Johnson pulled together after the 200,000,000 baby was born in 1967. I particularly enjoyed reading some of the reasons for why the current administration is so nonchalant about the whole thing, the primary one being that the US population probably exceeded 300 million several months ago (what with all the illegal immigrants living in the country) and it probably won't help the Republicans in the upcoming elections to make note of something that just highlights the US' inability to create any significant immigration policy to manage illegals. (I'm not going to go into my political stance on illegal immigrants today - although it's probably not too terribly difficult to figure it out with a little bit of thought.)
Here are a couple of other things to ponder:
- If the 300,000,000 person was indeed a new born baby, the baby would have probably been a boy (because slightly more boys are conceived and born than girls. Girls only start to outnumber boys around the teenage years) and most likely hispanic (because they are the fastest growing segment of the population.)
- The US population is growing at a rate of just less than 1%. Immigration accounts for about 40% of that growth. The remainder is from births outnumbering deaths. I wonder what will happen when the baby boomers start to pass away. This is in contrast to most European countries and Japan, all of which have negative population growth.
- While the current administration tucked away $20 million in the Iraq war budget for a victory celebration, they can't tuck away $50 for a 300 millionth population celebration?
Let's all make up for Bush's oversight and be like the census bureau employees. Bring on the punch and cake!
Monday, October 16, 2006
Cross-contamination indeed
So my girl over at Please Don't Pass the Nuts writes very frequently about the problem of food cross-contamination and the havoc a stray nut could cause. I'm lucky in that my only known food allergy is Mangos - something that is still foreign enough to the American dietary palette that a mango-infestation is highly unlikely. (Now my allergy to latex, certain red food dyes, and carpet glue is a TOTALLY different subject all together. Luckily my sense of smell is keen and I can usually smell latex - and get the hell out of dodge - before it ever touches my skin and causes a full on case of anaphlaxtic shock. I do however travel at all times with an Epi-Pen just in case. And you don't even want to know what happened to me when my office decided to put down new carpeting over the weekend and didn't tell anyone until we came in on Monday and I broke out in hives after 2 minutes.)
Anyhoo, back to the topic of food cross-contamination. So I was eating an all organic Chocolate Chip cookie today from Mad Moose Organics when I chomp down on something kinda squishy that was neither chocolate or chip or cookie in texture and flavor. It ended being nothing but a harmless stray dried cranberry. However, this kinda wigged me out. What if it was a dried mango or something. Or even worse, what if I had nut allergies and it was a stray nut. Blah! Get the epi-pen, STAT!
So I write this blog entry today in homage to my girl, Allergic Girl.
Anyhoo, back to the topic of food cross-contamination. So I was eating an all organic Chocolate Chip cookie today from Mad Moose Organics when I chomp down on something kinda squishy that was neither chocolate or chip or cookie in texture and flavor. It ended being nothing but a harmless stray dried cranberry. However, this kinda wigged me out. What if it was a dried mango or something. Or even worse, what if I had nut allergies and it was a stray nut. Blah! Get the epi-pen, STAT!
So I write this blog entry today in homage to my girl, Allergic Girl.
Awwwwwww....
My parents are cute.
I had dinner with my parents last night and it was the first time I saw my dad after his return from Korea last Tuesday. It was his first trip back to Korea since he left 28 years ago in April 1978. My dad has two younger brothers in Korea, one of whom he hasn't seen in 28 years! My mom had to work so my dad decided to travel alone. I asked him what he thought about the country and how it had changed. This was his response.
Dad[in Korean]: "It was okay but your mom wasn't there. Nothing's really fun when your mom's not there. There's no one to share things with."
He was originally supposed to be in Korea for three weeks but decided to cut the trip short and came back after only two weeks. Now I know why.
SOOOOOOO CUTE. But I guess that's what happens when you've been happily married for 36 years.
And when asked about his desire to ever move back to Korea:
"No, I have no desire to live in Korea. I like America. Korea's too noisy and crowded and polluted. People are rude and everything is soooooooo expensive. I gave up coffee because it was $5 for one cup."
Clearly my dad has never been to a Starbucks. And this from a man who lives in New York City.
I had dinner with my parents last night and it was the first time I saw my dad after his return from Korea last Tuesday. It was his first trip back to Korea since he left 28 years ago in April 1978. My dad has two younger brothers in Korea, one of whom he hasn't seen in 28 years! My mom had to work so my dad decided to travel alone. I asked him what he thought about the country and how it had changed. This was his response.
Dad[in Korean]: "It was okay but your mom wasn't there. Nothing's really fun when your mom's not there. There's no one to share things with."
He was originally supposed to be in Korea for three weeks but decided to cut the trip short and came back after only two weeks. Now I know why.
SOOOOOOO CUTE. But I guess that's what happens when you've been happily married for 36 years.
And when asked about his desire to ever move back to Korea:
"No, I have no desire to live in Korea. I like America. Korea's too noisy and crowded and polluted. People are rude and everything is soooooooo expensive. I gave up coffee because it was $5 for one cup."
Clearly my dad has never been to a Starbucks. And this from a man who lives in New York City.
Escaping Japan
I found this article in the NY Times fascinating.
The article puts a spotlight on the young Japanese (largely female) who travel to New York City for anywhere between 3 months to a couple of years on a quest to "find themselves". You can experience these excessively coordinated little things for yourself by visiting the East Village, particularly around St. Marks Place and Stuyvesant St.
What I find most fascinating about these women are the activities they participate in to "find themselves". As one woman in the article declares, her favorite pastimes in NY are "shopping, clubbing with hipsters on the Lower East Side and partying." I'm sorry but that doesn't really constitute "finding oneself" in my book. That just sounds like someone who's escaping the realities of life by flirting with hedonism.
Don't get me wrong here, I fully endorse the occasional appointment with hedonism (the $80 black suede Kenneth Cole boots I purchased this weekend are a very good illustration of this) but a lifetime of excess rarely serves anyone well - except for maybe Hugh Hefner and the guy who started the "Girls Gone Wild" phenom.
The article also spends a lot of time noting that these women are often in the pursuit of an "American Boyfriend". That thought makes me a bit queesy.
The article puts a spotlight on the young Japanese (largely female) who travel to New York City for anywhere between 3 months to a couple of years on a quest to "find themselves". You can experience these excessively coordinated little things for yourself by visiting the East Village, particularly around St. Marks Place and Stuyvesant St.
What I find most fascinating about these women are the activities they participate in to "find themselves". As one woman in the article declares, her favorite pastimes in NY are "shopping, clubbing with hipsters on the Lower East Side and partying." I'm sorry but that doesn't really constitute "finding oneself" in my book. That just sounds like someone who's escaping the realities of life by flirting with hedonism.
Don't get me wrong here, I fully endorse the occasional appointment with hedonism (the $80 black suede Kenneth Cole boots I purchased this weekend are a very good illustration of this) but a lifetime of excess rarely serves anyone well - except for maybe Hugh Hefner and the guy who started the "Girls Gone Wild" phenom.
The article also spends a lot of time noting that these women are often in the pursuit of an "American Boyfriend". That thought makes me a bit queesy.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Business School Memories
So I was doing a random search for stuff on the NYU Stern website (actually, trying to figure out how to get an unofficial copy of my transcript - I've forgotten) when I somehow randomly stumbled onto this old article from the school newspaper "The Opportunity" about a Spring Break Grand Canyon trip I took with three of my classmates in 2002. I didn't even know that the 4th member of the trip had written something up. It was fun to think back to the trip and realize I had forgotten quite a number of details. Here's the article she wrote:
Spring Break Backpacking Down the Grand Canyon
by Amelia Sadowsky
Spring Break backpacking down the Grand Canyon with 10-50 lbs strapped to my back? I must be nuts.
Through the OAC (Outdoors Adventure Club), Sergio Fonseca sent out an email asking if anyone was interested in hiking the South Rim of the Grand Canyon over Spring Break. He recruited Alon Landa, Bo Young Lee and myself. Little did I know that all three were expert hikers and completely physically fit. Sergio competes in rock climbing contests as well as being an avid backpacker in Brazil. Alon is also an avid backpacker having done Yosemite and the mountains in the Carolinas. Bo is a yoga instructor and was probably in the best physical condition of all of us. However, I was probably in the worst shape of my life having trained hard at Stern by sitting for hours in the computer lab and through class lectures as well as building my arm strength filling my cup at beer blasts.
But I was pysched for this trip and maybe a bit terrified. I felt that this was the best way to see the GC. I also figured if I could accomplish backpacking down the GC, I could do anything. So I outfitted myself at EMS (where the mountain salesmen who wouldn't be caught dead shopping in a mall proceeded to gleefully hop around picking out equipment and clothing for me as if they were Long Island JAPs out with daddy's credit card). My family purchased a few supplies for my trip including a whistle with a compass and thermometer built in (clearly they were afraid I wasn't coming back).
Saturday, March 9th
4am car service to JFK airport Between the four of us, we totalled less than one night's sleep. I managed a whopping two hours and slept more than anyone else.
7am flightWhose bright idea was it to get such an early flight, Alon?We check our packs and each weighs in at anywhere from 30lbs to 45lbs (not including our carry on items, the 7lb camera Bo has brought or any water needed for the trail)
Arrival in Phoenix, AZ
Luck must be on our side. We caught our shuttle from Phoenix to Flagstaff and then our final shuttle from Flagstaff to the GC with almost no hitches. And we made it just in time to put our names on the waiting list for a permit to camp below the rim.
Night one at Mathers campground on the South RimCamping is good so far but a bit chilly. My thermometer reads 40°F but that can't be right. Boys are mumbling something about freezing their nuts off and Alon seems to have lost all feeling in his toes. We are able to have a nice warm campfire and a great hot meal.
Sunday (Day 1 on the Trail): "I think I'm going to die"
What luck! We are granted a permit for 5 nights (originally we thought we were only going to get 3 nights). We will be hiking a trail down Dripping Springs to Boucher Trail, across Tonto to Hermit Creek and further on to Granite Rapids and then back up Hermit Trail. We start out on the trail at 1pm. We are to complete Boucher Trail today to make our first campsite. Boucher is described as "…rugged and steep route challenges hiker with sections of exposure to height… if you can't walk on the edge of your roof, don't hike Boucher." I cannot count the number of times I think I'm going to die. We make it to the flat ground despite my slowing the group down, Alon and Sergio having to take out at least 20lbs to carry themselves and even carrying my entire pack and it being dark (we did not make our first campsite). My legs feel like they are going to fall off. I cannot bend them at all. Dig hole in ground to poop? Pebbles permanently stuck to ass. This must be a bad joke. How the hell am I getting out of here?
Monday (Day 2 on the Trail): "I know I'm going to die"
From Boucher Trail to Tonto landing at our second campsite, Hermit campgroundI am on a death march. Tears of pain are trickling down my face by afternoon. I cannot bend my legs at all. We make it to Hermit just before dark. There are these cute fat little mice swarming our food so we lock it up in food boxes provided at the campsite. Alon's hair has managed a nice bouffant? And we have nicknamed him "pretty".
Tuesday (Day 3 on the Trail): "Wow!"
Back on Tonto trail on to the Granite RapidsBy lunchtime, I will pay anything to get helicoptered out. I tell the group to injure me so I can have rangers come rescue me. I know I'm going to die here in the GC. We make it down to the campsite in the afternoon and it's on a beach right by the Colorado River. Wow, the river is powerful and beautiful. Once evening sets in, we lie outside staring at the stars and listening to the rush of the river. It is so beautiful and peaceful here. There is no other place on earth I want to be.
Sergio is racing along the trails as if he were born in these rocks. Plus he decided to make about 12 helpings of mash potatoes for dinner which he managed to eat almost all of. So we have nicknamed him "goat" because of his ability to navigate quickly on the rocks and because he must have four stomachs like a goat to eat all that food. Bo practices her yoga stretching every day so we have nicknamed her "pretzel" because she is a human pretzel. I have affectionately been nicknamed the big "O" because of all the grunting and heavy breathing I am making the trail. Perhaps they could have just nicknamed me turtle or something…
Wednesday (Day 4 on the Trail): "This was soooo worth it!"
Up the trail and we return to Hermit campgroundMy legs have loosened up and I am picking up speed on the trail. I am still carrying a pack less than half the weight of the others but that is on average 15lbs (with water; gosh, water weighs a lot). It's very windy today. I'm walking on a trail (if you can call it that) the width of my hips and the winds are now trying to blow me of the side of this canyon.Hang up food? The squirrels will just think we are hanging the food as a game. It will not stop them from eating our food.The views are incredible. Pictures just don't do it justice. I wouldn't trade this for the world!
Thursday (Day 5 on the Trail): "Can we stay here forever?"
Back on Tonto to Hermit trail (stopping overnight at Santa Maria Springs)Isn't this amazing? I can't believe we have hiked in and almost out of the Canyon. It just doesn't seem real. I don't even miss civilization and I'm ready to hike the whole trail again.
Friday (Day 6 on the Trail): "I can't believe it's already over."
Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs out to the South RimI can't believe how quickly this time has gone, although the arriving at the South Rim almost a week ago feels like a very distant memory. I'm really gonna miss the GC.Wow, we stink. Bo pulls out a sock that is so stiff that it looks like there is still a foot in it. We all crack up with laughter. We finally get a shower in Flagstaff and it has got to be the best shower I've ever had.
Saturday
We're heading home! Civilization here we come. I miss the GC already…
I want to thank Sergio, Alon and Bo. Without them helping me down, shoving me up and holding my hand, I doubt I would have made it. Their unwavering support and cheering me on was a blessing. I still cannot believe they did not smother me in my sleep and I thank all three of you for sharing one of the biggest challenges and best times of my life.
Spring Break Backpacking Down the Grand Canyon
by Amelia Sadowsky
Spring Break backpacking down the Grand Canyon with 10-50 lbs strapped to my back? I must be nuts.
Through the OAC (Outdoors Adventure Club), Sergio Fonseca sent out an email asking if anyone was interested in hiking the South Rim of the Grand Canyon over Spring Break. He recruited Alon Landa, Bo Young Lee and myself. Little did I know that all three were expert hikers and completely physically fit. Sergio competes in rock climbing contests as well as being an avid backpacker in Brazil. Alon is also an avid backpacker having done Yosemite and the mountains in the Carolinas. Bo is a yoga instructor and was probably in the best physical condition of all of us. However, I was probably in the worst shape of my life having trained hard at Stern by sitting for hours in the computer lab and through class lectures as well as building my arm strength filling my cup at beer blasts.
But I was pysched for this trip and maybe a bit terrified. I felt that this was the best way to see the GC. I also figured if I could accomplish backpacking down the GC, I could do anything. So I outfitted myself at EMS (where the mountain salesmen who wouldn't be caught dead shopping in a mall proceeded to gleefully hop around picking out equipment and clothing for me as if they were Long Island JAPs out with daddy's credit card). My family purchased a few supplies for my trip including a whistle with a compass and thermometer built in (clearly they were afraid I wasn't coming back).
Saturday, March 9th
4am car service to JFK airport Between the four of us, we totalled less than one night's sleep. I managed a whopping two hours and slept more than anyone else.
7am flightWhose bright idea was it to get such an early flight, Alon?We check our packs and each weighs in at anywhere from 30lbs to 45lbs (not including our carry on items, the 7lb camera Bo has brought or any water needed for the trail)
Arrival in Phoenix, AZ
Luck must be on our side. We caught our shuttle from Phoenix to Flagstaff and then our final shuttle from Flagstaff to the GC with almost no hitches. And we made it just in time to put our names on the waiting list for a permit to camp below the rim.
Night one at Mathers campground on the South RimCamping is good so far but a bit chilly. My thermometer reads 40°F but that can't be right. Boys are mumbling something about freezing their nuts off and Alon seems to have lost all feeling in his toes. We are able to have a nice warm campfire and a great hot meal.
Sunday (Day 1 on the Trail): "I think I'm going to die"
What luck! We are granted a permit for 5 nights (originally we thought we were only going to get 3 nights). We will be hiking a trail down Dripping Springs to Boucher Trail, across Tonto to Hermit Creek and further on to Granite Rapids and then back up Hermit Trail. We start out on the trail at 1pm. We are to complete Boucher Trail today to make our first campsite. Boucher is described as "…rugged and steep route challenges hiker with sections of exposure to height… if you can't walk on the edge of your roof, don't hike Boucher." I cannot count the number of times I think I'm going to die. We make it to the flat ground despite my slowing the group down, Alon and Sergio having to take out at least 20lbs to carry themselves and even carrying my entire pack and it being dark (we did not make our first campsite). My legs feel like they are going to fall off. I cannot bend them at all. Dig hole in ground to poop? Pebbles permanently stuck to ass. This must be a bad joke. How the hell am I getting out of here?
Monday (Day 2 on the Trail): "I know I'm going to die"
From Boucher Trail to Tonto landing at our second campsite, Hermit campgroundI am on a death march. Tears of pain are trickling down my face by afternoon. I cannot bend my legs at all. We make it to Hermit just before dark. There are these cute fat little mice swarming our food so we lock it up in food boxes provided at the campsite. Alon's hair has managed a nice bouffant? And we have nicknamed him "pretty".
Tuesday (Day 3 on the Trail): "Wow!"
Back on Tonto trail on to the Granite RapidsBy lunchtime, I will pay anything to get helicoptered out. I tell the group to injure me so I can have rangers come rescue me. I know I'm going to die here in the GC. We make it down to the campsite in the afternoon and it's on a beach right by the Colorado River. Wow, the river is powerful and beautiful. Once evening sets in, we lie outside staring at the stars and listening to the rush of the river. It is so beautiful and peaceful here. There is no other place on earth I want to be.
Sergio is racing along the trails as if he were born in these rocks. Plus he decided to make about 12 helpings of mash potatoes for dinner which he managed to eat almost all of. So we have nicknamed him "goat" because of his ability to navigate quickly on the rocks and because he must have four stomachs like a goat to eat all that food. Bo practices her yoga stretching every day so we have nicknamed her "pretzel" because she is a human pretzel. I have affectionately been nicknamed the big "O" because of all the grunting and heavy breathing I am making the trail. Perhaps they could have just nicknamed me turtle or something…
Wednesday (Day 4 on the Trail): "This was soooo worth it!"
Up the trail and we return to Hermit campgroundMy legs have loosened up and I am picking up speed on the trail. I am still carrying a pack less than half the weight of the others but that is on average 15lbs (with water; gosh, water weighs a lot). It's very windy today. I'm walking on a trail (if you can call it that) the width of my hips and the winds are now trying to blow me of the side of this canyon.Hang up food? The squirrels will just think we are hanging the food as a game. It will not stop them from eating our food.The views are incredible. Pictures just don't do it justice. I wouldn't trade this for the world!
Thursday (Day 5 on the Trail): "Can we stay here forever?"
Back on Tonto to Hermit trail (stopping overnight at Santa Maria Springs)Isn't this amazing? I can't believe we have hiked in and almost out of the Canyon. It just doesn't seem real. I don't even miss civilization and I'm ready to hike the whole trail again.
Friday (Day 6 on the Trail): "I can't believe it's already over."
Hermit Trail to Dripping Springs out to the South RimI can't believe how quickly this time has gone, although the arriving at the South Rim almost a week ago feels like a very distant memory. I'm really gonna miss the GC.Wow, we stink. Bo pulls out a sock that is so stiff that it looks like there is still a foot in it. We all crack up with laughter. We finally get a shower in Flagstaff and it has got to be the best shower I've ever had.
Saturday
We're heading home! Civilization here we come. I miss the GC already…
I want to thank Sergio, Alon and Bo. Without them helping me down, shoving me up and holding my hand, I doubt I would have made it. Their unwavering support and cheering me on was a blessing. I still cannot believe they did not smother me in my sleep and I thank all three of you for sharing one of the biggest challenges and best times of my life.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Furry Love
I want a puppy! But I can't have a puppy. I'm too busy. But I want one.
Having grown up with a constantly evolving array of pets - two dogs (Pollywog - a german shepard-bull dog mix, and Daisy - a jack russell terrier), two turtles (Rocky - named after Rock Hudson, and Lizzy - named after Elizabeth Taylor), countless parrots and fishes - I still desire the furry, fuzzy love of an animal companion. There is nothing...NOTHING...more heart warming than having a puppy waggle over, plop themselves right next to you on the couch, prop their head on your lap, release a long sigh, give you one of those "I love you mama" looks, and then proceed to fall asleep on your lap. Or to be woken up by a fuzzy dog tongue lapping at your face, trying to convince you that you really do want to get out of bed at 6 in the morning on a Sunday to go out and play with them. And when you don't they relent for about 10 minutes and then try again. Puppies! (and by puppies I mean dogs of any age)
A kitty would seem like such a perfect compromise. You still get all the furry love but without the whole walking, constantly being home thing.
Alas, I'm deathly allergic to kitties. Epi-pens and anaphylactic shock are not fun.
But it seems that a company out west may have found a solution...and it only costs $4000.
I first read about Allerca and their hypo-allergenic kittens about two years ago. At that time they were targeting a per cat cost of $10,000. Glad to see things have come down a bit.
The NY Times is running an interesting article about the soon to be launched kitties. I can definately sympathize with some of the people quoted in the article.
It's a good thing I don't love cats as much as I love dogs. I might be $4000 poorly if that were the case.
Having grown up with a constantly evolving array of pets - two dogs (Pollywog - a german shepard-bull dog mix, and Daisy - a jack russell terrier), two turtles (Rocky - named after Rock Hudson, and Lizzy - named after Elizabeth Taylor), countless parrots and fishes - I still desire the furry, fuzzy love of an animal companion. There is nothing...NOTHING...more heart warming than having a puppy waggle over, plop themselves right next to you on the couch, prop their head on your lap, release a long sigh, give you one of those "I love you mama" looks, and then proceed to fall asleep on your lap. Or to be woken up by a fuzzy dog tongue lapping at your face, trying to convince you that you really do want to get out of bed at 6 in the morning on a Sunday to go out and play with them. And when you don't they relent for about 10 minutes and then try again. Puppies! (and by puppies I mean dogs of any age)
A kitty would seem like such a perfect compromise. You still get all the furry love but without the whole walking, constantly being home thing.
Alas, I'm deathly allergic to kitties. Epi-pens and anaphylactic shock are not fun.
But it seems that a company out west may have found a solution...and it only costs $4000.
I first read about Allerca and their hypo-allergenic kittens about two years ago. At that time they were targeting a per cat cost of $10,000. Glad to see things have come down a bit.
The NY Times is running an interesting article about the soon to be launched kitties. I can definately sympathize with some of the people quoted in the article.
It's a good thing I don't love cats as much as I love dogs. I might be $4000 poorly if that were the case.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Surfing when I'm 80
I've always said that I'll take up surfing when I'm 80. Why 80? It just seems like as good a time as any to take up something new. Plus, if I plan to take up surfing at that age, I better keep myself in a condition where it will be possible.
I mention this because the NY Times has a really good article today about being old but not frail.
Old but Not Frail: A Matter of Heart and Head
In the article, doctors mention that frailty (an actual medical condition now) is likely due to
1) Undetected cardiovascular disease (not the kind that will only give you a heart attack but the more subtle kind that will block blood vessels to various parts of the body)
and more interestingly
2) Falling victim to negative stereotypes about aging and being old.
Here's a really interesting excerpt:
"A second finding is just as surprising to skeptical scientists because it seemed to many like a wrongheaded cliché — you’re only as old as you think you are. Rigorous studies are now showing that seeing, or hearing, gloomy nostrums about what it is like to be old can make people walk more slowly, hear and remember less well, and even affect their cardiovascular systems. Positive images of aging have the opposite effects. The constant message that old people are expected to be slow and weak and forgetful is not a reason for the full-blown frailty syndrome. But it may help push people along that path."
If you've ever been to one of my yoga classes, you've probably heard me say at one point "Don't let your preconceived notions of what you think your body and you are capable of prevent you from discovering what your body and you are really capable of."
Or as the girls in En Vogue once sang..."Free your mind and the rest will follow." (I realize I'm dating myself here)
I can attest to the fact that getting older for me has meant, from a physical standpoint, getting stronger, leaner, more nimble, agile, faster, more flexible, and generally more physical. Eighteen was not my glory year...to be completely honest, I don't think I have yet to discover that year yet. Every year seems to bring more discovery in my body, more ability, more understanding of how to expand the boundaries of this shell of mine. I would have laughed at anyone who had told me, at the age of 18, that someday I will have run a marathon or finished a triathlon or finished a Century. But here I am, nearly 13 years later, having completed all three. And I've officially sent in my bid for a spot in the 2007 London Marathon (whether or not I get a place is an entirely different issue.) And I'm only 3 races shy of securing my place in next years NYC Marathon.
If the next 13 years are anything like the last, I expect that by the time I'm 44 I'll be levitating or possibly flying short distances (say from Wall St. to Dumbo).
Of course all of this has not come without injury (torn hamstrings, squished vertibral joints, an ankle that will need to be reconstructed at some point) but all in all a small price to pay for the joy I experience in my body.
So, yes, I plan on taking up surfing when I'm 80 or maybe sooner. Surf Diva's summer surf camps for adults look mighty enticing...
On a slight diversion...
If negative messages about getting old can speed the journey to frailty what can negative messages about being a young black man, or a nerdy asian teenager, or a girl who wants a career in science/math do to those individuals.
Things that make you go hmmmm... (Oh god, I'm dating myself with all these 80s/90s song quotes)
I mention this because the NY Times has a really good article today about being old but not frail.
Old but Not Frail: A Matter of Heart and Head
In the article, doctors mention that frailty (an actual medical condition now) is likely due to
1) Undetected cardiovascular disease (not the kind that will only give you a heart attack but the more subtle kind that will block blood vessels to various parts of the body)
and more interestingly
2) Falling victim to negative stereotypes about aging and being old.
Here's a really interesting excerpt:
"A second finding is just as surprising to skeptical scientists because it seemed to many like a wrongheaded cliché — you’re only as old as you think you are. Rigorous studies are now showing that seeing, or hearing, gloomy nostrums about what it is like to be old can make people walk more slowly, hear and remember less well, and even affect their cardiovascular systems. Positive images of aging have the opposite effects. The constant message that old people are expected to be slow and weak and forgetful is not a reason for the full-blown frailty syndrome. But it may help push people along that path."
If you've ever been to one of my yoga classes, you've probably heard me say at one point "Don't let your preconceived notions of what you think your body and you are capable of prevent you from discovering what your body and you are really capable of."
Or as the girls in En Vogue once sang..."Free your mind and the rest will follow." (I realize I'm dating myself here)
I can attest to the fact that getting older for me has meant, from a physical standpoint, getting stronger, leaner, more nimble, agile, faster, more flexible, and generally more physical. Eighteen was not my glory year...to be completely honest, I don't think I have yet to discover that year yet. Every year seems to bring more discovery in my body, more ability, more understanding of how to expand the boundaries of this shell of mine. I would have laughed at anyone who had told me, at the age of 18, that someday I will have run a marathon or finished a triathlon or finished a Century. But here I am, nearly 13 years later, having completed all three. And I've officially sent in my bid for a spot in the 2007 London Marathon (whether or not I get a place is an entirely different issue.) And I'm only 3 races shy of securing my place in next years NYC Marathon.
If the next 13 years are anything like the last, I expect that by the time I'm 44 I'll be levitating or possibly flying short distances (say from Wall St. to Dumbo).
Of course all of this has not come without injury (torn hamstrings, squished vertibral joints, an ankle that will need to be reconstructed at some point) but all in all a small price to pay for the joy I experience in my body.
So, yes, I plan on taking up surfing when I'm 80 or maybe sooner. Surf Diva's summer surf camps for adults look mighty enticing...
On a slight diversion...
If negative messages about getting old can speed the journey to frailty what can negative messages about being a young black man, or a nerdy asian teenager, or a girl who wants a career in science/math do to those individuals.
Things that make you go hmmmm... (Oh god, I'm dating myself with all these 80s/90s song quotes)
Friday, September 29, 2006
Dear John Part II (apologies for the profanity but sometimes it's appropriate)
Dear September 2006,
I've never had to dump a whole month before so this is new for me. Please bear with me.
Okay, here we go...
We are F*****G through. That's right...you can take your m*****f*****g 30 days, and autumnal equinox, and changing leaves, and stick em where the sun don't shine.
You'd think that being kidnapped and robbed would be plenty for one month...but no...you had to go and throw in being very unceremoniously dumped by your boyfriend to make it all the more fun. And over email no less. What the heck was up with that?! At least you could of had him pick up the phone or something. And what's the deal with the non-response to my calls and emails. That's like rubbing hydrochloric acid into my wounds. Skip the salt.
And while starting a new job is a very good thing, I'm still blaming you for the stress brought on by the newness of it all. If I get a new gray hear because of you, I'm gonna bop you.
Yeah, yeah...there was the whole triathlon, not drowning thing. But that's chump change pal. You're just lucky I've got a good sense of humor or I'd of ditched you somewhere around the 16th of the month.
So grab your bags and don't let the door hit your arse on the way out. I'm shacking up with Oct.
Cordially yours,
Bo
I've never had to dump a whole month before so this is new for me. Please bear with me.
Okay, here we go...
We are F*****G through. That's right...you can take your m*****f*****g 30 days, and autumnal equinox, and changing leaves, and stick em where the sun don't shine.
You'd think that being kidnapped and robbed would be plenty for one month...but no...you had to go and throw in being very unceremoniously dumped by your boyfriend to make it all the more fun. And over email no less. What the heck was up with that?! At least you could of had him pick up the phone or something. And what's the deal with the non-response to my calls and emails. That's like rubbing hydrochloric acid into my wounds. Skip the salt.
And while starting a new job is a very good thing, I'm still blaming you for the stress brought on by the newness of it all. If I get a new gray hear because of you, I'm gonna bop you.
Yeah, yeah...there was the whole triathlon, not drowning thing. But that's chump change pal. You're just lucky I've got a good sense of humor or I'd of ditched you somewhere around the 16th of the month.
So grab your bags and don't let the door hit your arse on the way out. I'm shacking up with Oct.
Cordially yours,
Bo
Monday, September 25, 2006
Friday, September 22, 2006
I'm Two Years Old
Well, not me exactly. But "Your Daddy Named You Bo" is. Since this blog was born out of my need to document and make sense of one crazy year back in 2003/2004, it has become a tradition for me to look back and summarize some of the changes, accomplishments, disappointments, and all around freaky, wonderful, delicious, heartbreaking, and sparky things that have happened to me in the past year. (That was one grammatically incorrect sentance but I'm not in the mood to correct it. So was that one.)
So, since Sept. 22 of 2005, I:
- Travelled to Thailand and learned to cook Pad Thai, a Chicken Green Curry, Fish Cakes and a few other dishes.
- Got kidnapped in Malaysia.
- Sued a corporation for the first time (well, technically we're-the lawyer and I- still investigating but I'll likely really get the ball rolling very soon)
- Re-entered the for-profit world! SELL OUT! :-P
- Dated someone for more than 3 months (That should probably be number 1 on this list)
- Revisited Paris for the first time in 9 years
- Figured out that I really DO prefer good old film photography to digital (but maybe this has more to do with the fact that I don't have one of those nifty digital SLRs)
- Made a nifty new chum in arms
- Learned that sometimes you really do have to follow the directions that come with the box of pectin (but the pseudo-jam still tastes pretty darn nifty on freshly made Oatmeal Pancakes.)
- Accepted the fact that I really do need to hire a weekly house clearner. I'm just not domestically gifted like that.
- Turned 30!
- Hosted a Thanksgiving dinner in my apartment. Who knew you could actually cook a 10 lb turkey in my itty bitty oven. Not to mention all the fixins.
- Realized that at some point in the future I'm gonna have to get reconstructive ankle surgery (but I'm trying to postpone this until...well until I'm ready to not walk for about three months)
- Competed in my first triathlon (and didn't drown)
- Ran my first marathon (and didn't die)
- Biked all the way from Beacon, NY to New York City (that's about 75 miles!)
- Visited Dia:Beacon (can you tell that my memory works via association?)
- Fell in love with Anna, my Cannondale R800 road bike.
That's about it for now :-P
So, since Sept. 22 of 2005, I:
- Travelled to Thailand and learned to cook Pad Thai, a Chicken Green Curry, Fish Cakes and a few other dishes.
- Got kidnapped in Malaysia.
- Sued a corporation for the first time (well, technically we're-the lawyer and I- still investigating but I'll likely really get the ball rolling very soon)
- Re-entered the for-profit world! SELL OUT! :-P
- Dated someone for more than 3 months (That should probably be number 1 on this list)
- Revisited Paris for the first time in 9 years
- Figured out that I really DO prefer good old film photography to digital (but maybe this has more to do with the fact that I don't have one of those nifty digital SLRs)
- Made a nifty new chum in arms
- Learned that sometimes you really do have to follow the directions that come with the box of pectin (but the pseudo-jam still tastes pretty darn nifty on freshly made Oatmeal Pancakes.)
- Accepted the fact that I really do need to hire a weekly house clearner. I'm just not domestically gifted like that.
- Turned 30!
- Hosted a Thanksgiving dinner in my apartment. Who knew you could actually cook a 10 lb turkey in my itty bitty oven. Not to mention all the fixins.
- Realized that at some point in the future I'm gonna have to get reconstructive ankle surgery (but I'm trying to postpone this until...well until I'm ready to not walk for about three months)
- Competed in my first triathlon (and didn't drown)
- Ran my first marathon (and didn't die)
- Biked all the way from Beacon, NY to New York City (that's about 75 miles!)
- Visited Dia:Beacon (can you tell that my memory works via association?)
- Fell in love with Anna, my Cannondale R800 road bike.
That's about it for now :-P
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Todays blog is brought to you by the letter Rrrrrrrrr
Today I jogged around the Capital Building (I'm in DC) and even passed a barrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr (International Talk Like a Pirate Day)
Sunday, September 17, 2006
And it only took one Tri
That's not a mistake. I completed my first triathlon today. And I didn't drown!
Whooo Hoooo!
Go me! :-P
Whooo Hoooo!
Go me! :-P
Friday, September 15, 2006
Sign that the world is still a really great place
So I saw this in the NY Times and thought it was just the coolest piece of news.
Three Rabbis were ordained in Germany today. Check out the article. It's the first time since the holocaust. And there was even a Muslim community leader in attendance at the ordination. The article also reports that the population of Jews in Germany is growing. Only 30,000 existed when Germany first reunified. Now there are approximately 100,000. That's pretty cool.
Now everyone can enjoy the pleasures of matzo ball soup, a good brisket, and kvetching in Yiddish.
Three Rabbis were ordained in Germany today. Check out the article. It's the first time since the holocaust. And there was even a Muslim community leader in attendance at the ordination. The article also reports that the population of Jews in Germany is growing. Only 30,000 existed when Germany first reunified. Now there are approximately 100,000. That's pretty cool.
Now everyone can enjoy the pleasures of matzo ball soup, a good brisket, and kvetching in Yiddish.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Please Don't Pass The Nuts
A quick shout to my girl Sloane and her newish blog Please Don't Pass The Nuts. Check her out. Her blog is especially interesting for those foodies out there.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
WTC
Today I went for a bike ride and ended up riding right past the site of the WTC. This time five years ago I was having a restless night of sleep and woke up around 2am and couldn't fall back asleep. That night, five years ago, I decided that rather then toss and turn I would go for a very late night run. Those that know me well know that I love late night runs. The more empty, quiet, and mist filled the night, the more I crave a good run. I call my late night runs 'Running in Solace'. They keep me sane.
That night, five years ago, I ran down a very familiar path. I ran along west Houston until I hit the yet unfinished West Side Esplanade (it's still not but it's come a long way.) From there I turned south and ran along the Hudson heading towards the WTC and Battery Park. In total the run is approximately 5 miles and it usually takes me about 45 minutes to complete. That night I stopped at that point in the route when I reached Stuyvesant High School, my alma mater. I walked for about 15 minutes. I wasn't tired or out of breathe. I just wanted to enjoy the complete solitude. I was alone and the night was completely mine to live in. A rare gift in New York. It was probably 2:45am by this point. I walked from Stuyvesant to the towers of the WTC. I remember savoring the sheer minimilistic beauty of the buildings. The WTC towers were never traditionally beautiful. Upclose they appeared quite anemic. It was the sheer grandeur and unabashed presence of those structures that made a person realize that beauty is not defined by the eyes or brain but by the heart and spirit. I continued my run soon after passing the WTC towers and was home, showered and in bed by 3:30am.
That night, five years ago, I ran down a very familiar path. I ran along west Houston until I hit the yet unfinished West Side Esplanade (it's still not but it's come a long way.) From there I turned south and ran along the Hudson heading towards the WTC and Battery Park. In total the run is approximately 5 miles and it usually takes me about 45 minutes to complete. That night I stopped at that point in the route when I reached Stuyvesant High School, my alma mater. I walked for about 15 minutes. I wasn't tired or out of breathe. I just wanted to enjoy the complete solitude. I was alone and the night was completely mine to live in. A rare gift in New York. It was probably 2:45am by this point. I walked from Stuyvesant to the towers of the WTC. I remember savoring the sheer minimilistic beauty of the buildings. The WTC towers were never traditionally beautiful. Upclose they appeared quite anemic. It was the sheer grandeur and unabashed presence of those structures that made a person realize that beauty is not defined by the eyes or brain but by the heart and spirit. I continued my run soon after passing the WTC towers and was home, showered and in bed by 3:30am.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
And the Voice Said...
I realize that since I started this blog some two years ago the readership has expanded beyond the 4 or 5 people I had initially meant to stay in virtual contact with. Those 4 or 5 know who they are.
One thing that I've always been hyperconscious of is the fact that my "voice" is not exactly typical and/or appropriate for any of the personas that I have adopted. I'm not your typical New Yorker (although I come close from time to time), nor do I possess the soulful equinimity of a yoga teacher, the easy cynisism of a corporate MBA twat, the Long Island inflected drawl of a designer shoe obsessed sample sale junky, the pseudo-academic nebishness of a community college lecturer etc... etc...
I always wonder if this lack of consistency ever surprises those individuals who have only known one of my personas.
One thing that I've always been hyperconscious of is the fact that my "voice" is not exactly typical and/or appropriate for any of the personas that I have adopted. I'm not your typical New Yorker (although I come close from time to time), nor do I possess the soulful equinimity of a yoga teacher, the easy cynisism of a corporate MBA twat, the Long Island inflected drawl of a designer shoe obsessed sample sale junky, the pseudo-academic nebishness of a community college lecturer etc... etc...
I always wonder if this lack of consistency ever surprises those individuals who have only known one of my personas.
This entry is titled either "Possibly the worst 48 hours of my life" or "Why I'm thankful for Yoga and God"
I'm back in the US - New York City and I don't think I've ever been more happy to return to it's familiar chaos and cool autumnal weather. Don't get me wrong now, Thailand was a complete and utter blast. Bangkok lived up to every rumor, song, and hushed tale told of it. New York may be the epicenter of all things cool and forward but Bangkok is the epicenter for all things nonsensical and gloriously chaotic. It's a city that was designed by taking a box of pixie sticks and dumping the contents on the floor. The red pixie sticks represent all the major highways and roads. All the other colors represent the various one way streets, dead ends, and streets that seemingly run in circles that comprise all of downtown Bangkok.
*Non-sequitor*
Whilst wandering through one of the many new mega-malls that seemingly dominante the psychology of every teenage Bangkokian I made a profound discovery - shows are cut wider in Asia! This is a huge discovery. I got into A LOT of trouble!
*End of non-sequitor*
Now, back to the reason why I gave this entry two titles. Bangkok was a blast. I ate too much, practiced some good yoga, bought many pairs of cute comfy shoes, was invited to watch a female eject ping pong balls and open bottles with her most private of parts, and drank far too many fresh, young coconuts. All the problems began when I left Bangkok. Whilst enroute to NY via Kuala Lumpur I somehow got kidnapped for 4 hours and robbed. Sounds rather dramatic - it was. It's funny the thoughts that run through ones head when they think there gonna die in a foreign country. Since I'm writing this entry, hopefully it's obvious that I'm completely fine, both physically and psychologically. But let me tell you, thank goodness for God and Yoga...and I'm not talking figuratively. I'm sure both played a fairly large role in making sure that all things turned out well. God for that extra protective hand, Yoga for the calmness of mind to help me stay rationale and entirely far to boring to make for a good afterschool special protagonist.
After some review of the events and discussion with the US Embassy in Malaysia (and a criminal attorney) I'm starting to realize my kidnapping and subsequent robbery was an inside job - some combination of Malaysia Airlines employees, KL International Airport employees, and hotel employees. In anycase, I'm pursuing legal actions against all three parties. According to the detective who took my report, kidnapping of tourists, particularly Americans and Europeans, is a highly common crime in Malaysia.
So kids, what have we learned from today's lesson?
DON'T GO TO MALAYSIA!
Now, don't all jump to leave me sympathetic comments about blah, blah, blah. I'm fine...really. I'm just kinda pissed that they took my favorite sports watch.
*Non-sequitor*
Whilst wandering through one of the many new mega-malls that seemingly dominante the psychology of every teenage Bangkokian I made a profound discovery - shows are cut wider in Asia! This is a huge discovery. I got into A LOT of trouble!
*End of non-sequitor*
Now, back to the reason why I gave this entry two titles. Bangkok was a blast. I ate too much, practiced some good yoga, bought many pairs of cute comfy shoes, was invited to watch a female eject ping pong balls and open bottles with her most private of parts, and drank far too many fresh, young coconuts. All the problems began when I left Bangkok. Whilst enroute to NY via Kuala Lumpur I somehow got kidnapped for 4 hours and robbed. Sounds rather dramatic - it was. It's funny the thoughts that run through ones head when they think there gonna die in a foreign country. Since I'm writing this entry, hopefully it's obvious that I'm completely fine, both physically and psychologically. But let me tell you, thank goodness for God and Yoga...and I'm not talking figuratively. I'm sure both played a fairly large role in making sure that all things turned out well. God for that extra protective hand, Yoga for the calmness of mind to help me stay rationale and entirely far to boring to make for a good afterschool special protagonist.
After some review of the events and discussion with the US Embassy in Malaysia (and a criminal attorney) I'm starting to realize my kidnapping and subsequent robbery was an inside job - some combination of Malaysia Airlines employees, KL International Airport employees, and hotel employees. In anycase, I'm pursuing legal actions against all three parties. According to the detective who took my report, kidnapping of tourists, particularly Americans and Europeans, is a highly common crime in Malaysia.
So kids, what have we learned from today's lesson?
DON'T GO TO MALAYSIA!
Now, don't all jump to leave me sympathetic comments about blah, blah, blah. I'm fine...really. I'm just kinda pissed that they took my favorite sports watch.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Did you know that Errol Flynn was Australian?
Yes, Robin Hood himself was an Antipodean. I was as suprised as you probably are right now upon learning this fact.
Why exactly am I writing about Mr. Flynn whilst in the middle of the Thai tropics, you ask? Well, one of the greatest joys of holiday is the ability to do absolutely nothing and not feel an ounce of guilt. And while I have been filling my holiday with quite a number of interesting things (kayaking, SCUBA, mountain biking, cooking classes etc...) I've also spent countless hours pool side or in a coffee shop simply enjoying a good book. It was in Bill Bryson's book 'Down Under' that I picked up the little tidbit about the dashing man in green tights.
Now, back to Thailand and things a bit less colonial. After 8 days on the tropical island of Koh Samui, I am now in the northern city of Chiang Mai. In the last two days alone I think I've visited at least a dozen Buddhist Wats (Temples). A buddhist temple is a bit like an old church or museum in western Europe. Once you've seen one, you've kinda seen them all. I'm not trying to be sarcastic in any sort of way. Nor do I want to dimish the spiritual significance of the temples or to the churches of Europe but really I've never much found "houses of worship" to be all that interesting. This may sound a bit weird coming from a person who considers herself to be deeply spiritual and faith driven. Maybe it's all the yogic philosophy I've ingested over the years but for whatever reason I don't really attach spirituality to any space or figure or representation. Spirituality can be found anywhere...in a forest glade, floating in the ocean, praying in a church. For me, the most interesting sacred space lives inside the person, not a space, no matter how much gold is used to spruce up the place.
I've decided that Chiang Mai have 6 types of retail spaces - tourist offices offering every sort of trek, elephant ride, mountain biking excursion, and whitewater rafting experience an adventure oriented person could want, resturants catering to both Thai and Continental taste buds, craft shops selling authentic tchochkies crafted by "REAL HILL TOP TRIBES!", tailors who will make you two whole suits for only $200, massage parlors, and auto mechanic shops. Now, don't get me wrong, I fully appreciate why the economy is tilted in this manner. In a country that is rapidly trying to join the economic ranks of China, Japan, Korea, and Singapore, one must jump upon an opportunity when they see one. And what better opportunity than the swarms of white tourists milling about with their big bottles of distilled water and wearing flip flops that they probably paid $30 dollars (or more) for in their home country. Thailand is a land of immense opportunity and thus a lot of opportunitic behaviour. Someone is quickly becoming a billionare in this country and if it ain't you then it's probably the person down the street. That's what happens in a country with few set rules for success.
On a more sociological perspective, I think I'm confusing everyone in Thailand. The Thai's don't know what to make of me. The question I get most frequently is "What are you?" or "Where are you from?" Many have commented on the fact that I look kinda Asian but I clearly don't act Asian. I don't think they're quite used to seeing westernized Asians. Many have commented on the fact that I look bi-racial. I don't think I do at all - I only ever get this comment when I travel to Asia. I really may be the whitest asian girl in the world. On the flip side, I'm quite tan right now (spf 50 has nothing on the Thai sun) and many of the European tourists (men) think I'm a local female (albeit rather tall and big for a thai woman). I've had the rudest, most crass comments directed towards me. I'm assuming these European men are under the notion that I won't entirely understand them but that I'll be aglow with excitement from getting any sort of attention from the rich white men. I wish I could take a picture of them as I open my mouth to respond in my VERY American accent. Oh how silly and stupid they must feel. Well, I'm assuming they feel silly and stupid. One hopes that they realize their behavior really isn't acceptable in any culture.
Over and out for now. I'll be in Bangkok in a few short days. Lets see if that song from the early 80s is true...
Why exactly am I writing about Mr. Flynn whilst in the middle of the Thai tropics, you ask? Well, one of the greatest joys of holiday is the ability to do absolutely nothing and not feel an ounce of guilt. And while I have been filling my holiday with quite a number of interesting things (kayaking, SCUBA, mountain biking, cooking classes etc...) I've also spent countless hours pool side or in a coffee shop simply enjoying a good book. It was in Bill Bryson's book 'Down Under' that I picked up the little tidbit about the dashing man in green tights.
Now, back to Thailand and things a bit less colonial. After 8 days on the tropical island of Koh Samui, I am now in the northern city of Chiang Mai. In the last two days alone I think I've visited at least a dozen Buddhist Wats (Temples). A buddhist temple is a bit like an old church or museum in western Europe. Once you've seen one, you've kinda seen them all. I'm not trying to be sarcastic in any sort of way. Nor do I want to dimish the spiritual significance of the temples or to the churches of Europe but really I've never much found "houses of worship" to be all that interesting. This may sound a bit weird coming from a person who considers herself to be deeply spiritual and faith driven. Maybe it's all the yogic philosophy I've ingested over the years but for whatever reason I don't really attach spirituality to any space or figure or representation. Spirituality can be found anywhere...in a forest glade, floating in the ocean, praying in a church. For me, the most interesting sacred space lives inside the person, not a space, no matter how much gold is used to spruce up the place.
I've decided that Chiang Mai have 6 types of retail spaces - tourist offices offering every sort of trek, elephant ride, mountain biking excursion, and whitewater rafting experience an adventure oriented person could want, resturants catering to both Thai and Continental taste buds, craft shops selling authentic tchochkies crafted by "REAL HILL TOP TRIBES!", tailors who will make you two whole suits for only $200, massage parlors, and auto mechanic shops. Now, don't get me wrong, I fully appreciate why the economy is tilted in this manner. In a country that is rapidly trying to join the economic ranks of China, Japan, Korea, and Singapore, one must jump upon an opportunity when they see one. And what better opportunity than the swarms of white tourists milling about with their big bottles of distilled water and wearing flip flops that they probably paid $30 dollars (or more) for in their home country. Thailand is a land of immense opportunity and thus a lot of opportunitic behaviour. Someone is quickly becoming a billionare in this country and if it ain't you then it's probably the person down the street. That's what happens in a country with few set rules for success.
On a more sociological perspective, I think I'm confusing everyone in Thailand. The Thai's don't know what to make of me. The question I get most frequently is "What are you?" or "Where are you from?" Many have commented on the fact that I look kinda Asian but I clearly don't act Asian. I don't think they're quite used to seeing westernized Asians. Many have commented on the fact that I look bi-racial. I don't think I do at all - I only ever get this comment when I travel to Asia. I really may be the whitest asian girl in the world. On the flip side, I'm quite tan right now (spf 50 has nothing on the Thai sun) and many of the European tourists (men) think I'm a local female (albeit rather tall and big for a thai woman). I've had the rudest, most crass comments directed towards me. I'm assuming these European men are under the notion that I won't entirely understand them but that I'll be aglow with excitement from getting any sort of attention from the rich white men. I wish I could take a picture of them as I open my mouth to respond in my VERY American accent. Oh how silly and stupid they must feel. Well, I'm assuming they feel silly and stupid. One hopes that they realize their behavior really isn't acceptable in any culture.
Over and out for now. I'll be in Bangkok in a few short days. Lets see if that song from the early 80s is true...
Saturday, August 19, 2006
S.C.U.B.A.
I spent the day today in a pool learning how to avoid death when you are 10 meters below water. I hope I'm a fast learner. Tomorrow will be the real deal when I get to swim amongst coral reef and fishies.
My instrustor is a total Austraialian cutie. Why does it seem that all scuba, ski, and other adventure sport instructors are cute? Is that a prerequistie? Is appearance a qualifier for certification? In any case, Sean the instructor is the classic case of a very bad boy who is trying to turn his life around. He is quite the chatty fellow and in the few hours I've known him I've picked up several things about him. 1) He comes from a very wealthy family, 2) He used to be a former architect and interior designer (he swears up and down that he is not gay), 3) He had gotten into a bit of trouble in his previous life - mostly alcohol and drug influenced I gather, 4) Scuba instruction is a means for him to clear his head and his lifestyle - he's given up drinking for the time being and is currently a veggie.
Isn't it funny how people who have lived toxic lives adopt extrodinarily asectic habits when they try to turn themselves around? Sean is not the first person to utilize this strategy and I'm sure he's not the last. LOL. I'm also guessing that Sean is not the only Ex-pat here in thailand that is trying to run away from something.
Thailand is an interesting country. It's a country caught somewhere between 21st century modernity and third world poverty. Everyone seemingly has a mobile phone and one can find any number of Unilever consumer pacakged goods at the local tin hut. However, drive a bit and you will eventually drive by little shanty towns. I was reading an Economist article on the flight over and it was discussing the economical transformation that has taken place in Vietnam. In the article I learned that about a third of Thailand's population still lives on less than a dollar a day. This is of course a huge improvement from over 50% just a decade ago. Makes me wonder when I marvel at the delicious Pad Thai that I've consuming on a near daily basis that only costs about $2.25.
My instrustor is a total Austraialian cutie. Why does it seem that all scuba, ski, and other adventure sport instructors are cute? Is that a prerequistie? Is appearance a qualifier for certification? In any case, Sean the instructor is the classic case of a very bad boy who is trying to turn his life around. He is quite the chatty fellow and in the few hours I've known him I've picked up several things about him. 1) He comes from a very wealthy family, 2) He used to be a former architect and interior designer (he swears up and down that he is not gay), 3) He had gotten into a bit of trouble in his previous life - mostly alcohol and drug influenced I gather, 4) Scuba instruction is a means for him to clear his head and his lifestyle - he's given up drinking for the time being and is currently a veggie.
Isn't it funny how people who have lived toxic lives adopt extrodinarily asectic habits when they try to turn themselves around? Sean is not the first person to utilize this strategy and I'm sure he's not the last. LOL. I'm also guessing that Sean is not the only Ex-pat here in thailand that is trying to run away from something.
Thailand is an interesting country. It's a country caught somewhere between 21st century modernity and third world poverty. Everyone seemingly has a mobile phone and one can find any number of Unilever consumer pacakged goods at the local tin hut. However, drive a bit and you will eventually drive by little shanty towns. I was reading an Economist article on the flight over and it was discussing the economical transformation that has taken place in Vietnam. In the article I learned that about a third of Thailand's population still lives on less than a dollar a day. This is of course a huge improvement from over 50% just a decade ago. Makes me wonder when I marvel at the delicious Pad Thai that I've consuming on a near daily basis that only costs about $2.25.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
30 hours later I'm in Koh Samui
What an adventure getting here...but here I am indeed.
Koh Samui.
Basically things break down like this. All times are in EST.
Monday 10pm - Take off from Newark
11pm - Actually take off from Newark after some weird delay
Tuesday 6:30am - Land in Stockholm, Sweden
6:30am - 8:15am - Sit in Arlanda airport waiting for plan to be refueled etc...
8:15am - 7:00pm - Leave Stockholm, fly over the entire world and finally land in Malaysia
7:00pm - 10:00pm - Walk around KL Airport waiting for connecting flight to Bangkok
10pm - Take off from KL
10pm - 12:05 am - Fly to and land in Bangkok
Wednesday 12:05 - 1:20am - Wander around Bangkok airport, get lost, eat ice cream, get oriented
1:20am - 2:30am - Fly to Koh Samui
2:30am - 3:30am - Drive to bungalow where I will be staying
3:31am - Collapse
3:35am - Go to pool
That's a lot of travelling I tell ya!
Many observations thus far but the biggest one is this, finding the "spiritual" side of Thailand will be a challenge. It's here, you can feel it, but it's hidden behind the HUGE wall of tourism that permeates seemingly everything. I think I'm saved in that I'm Asian and people can't automatically assume I'm a tourist. I could easily be a Malaysian business women. But then I open my mouth and out spouts the good old American English.
I'm going to try and avoid most of the more touristy trappings...by that I mean the cheap "handmade" village jewelry that gets hawked at every road side petrol station and food stand. My goals are as follows: back, swim in the ocean, practice some yoga, get lots of Thai massages, maybe take a class on Thai massage, take a cooking class, get SCUBA certified, and maybe get a tailor to replicate my favorite summer dress a couple of times.
I'm gonna have dinner soon and then probably collapse for awhile.
Cheers for now.
Koh Samui.
Basically things break down like this. All times are in EST.
Monday 10pm - Take off from Newark
11pm - Actually take off from Newark after some weird delay
Tuesday 6:30am - Land in Stockholm, Sweden
6:30am - 8:15am - Sit in Arlanda airport waiting for plan to be refueled etc...
8:15am - 7:00pm - Leave Stockholm, fly over the entire world and finally land in Malaysia
7:00pm - 10:00pm - Walk around KL Airport waiting for connecting flight to Bangkok
10pm - Take off from KL
10pm - 12:05 am - Fly to and land in Bangkok
Wednesday 12:05 - 1:20am - Wander around Bangkok airport, get lost, eat ice cream, get oriented
1:20am - 2:30am - Fly to Koh Samui
2:30am - 3:30am - Drive to bungalow where I will be staying
3:31am - Collapse
3:35am - Go to pool
That's a lot of travelling I tell ya!
Many observations thus far but the biggest one is this, finding the "spiritual" side of Thailand will be a challenge. It's here, you can feel it, but it's hidden behind the HUGE wall of tourism that permeates seemingly everything. I think I'm saved in that I'm Asian and people can't automatically assume I'm a tourist. I could easily be a Malaysian business women. But then I open my mouth and out spouts the good old American English.
I'm going to try and avoid most of the more touristy trappings...by that I mean the cheap "handmade" village jewelry that gets hawked at every road side petrol station and food stand. My goals are as follows: back, swim in the ocean, practice some yoga, get lots of Thai massages, maybe take a class on Thai massage, take a cooking class, get SCUBA certified, and maybe get a tailor to replicate my favorite summer dress a couple of times.
I'm gonna have dinner soon and then probably collapse for awhile.
Cheers for now.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Greetings from Malaysia
I'm here for a connecting flight to Bangkok. I've been flying now for about 19 hours and am currently on a public computer.
The KL airport is impressive, if not a bit amusing. Kinda looks like a pseudo-high end European wanna-be mall. The people here are also interesting. Will write more once I'm settled on Koh Samui.
The KL airport is impressive, if not a bit amusing. Kinda looks like a pseudo-high end European wanna-be mall. The people here are also interesting. Will write more once I'm settled on Koh Samui.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Dick Cheney Disappearance = Shit Going Down
For about the past month or two Dick Cheney has been conspicuously missing from the public eye. Even Leno and Letterman made note of his disappearing act in their opening act. Then, like the hungry neighborhood cat, he reappears on Wednesday with an interview. Next thing we know, all poo hits the roof in Heathrow and Gatwick. I may sound like some sort of conspiracy theorist but doesn't it seem that the VP tends to disappear right before some really wicked shit goes down? I mean, where exactly was he right after 9/11?
Going forward, whenever scary Dicky disappears, I'm hoarding bottled water, duct tape, and granola.
Going forward, whenever scary Dicky disappears, I'm hoarding bottled water, duct tape, and granola.
Canon in D
I don't know about you, but I think this pretty much rocks! And the kids looks to be about 12.
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
OUCH!!!!
Getting old sucks big time.
I woke up on Monday morning with the most horrible pain in my right hip...turns out I have bursitis. And for those who haven't had bursitis...IT SUCKS! Tha pain in my right hip is currently hovering somewhere between a dull ache to the occassional stabbing bolt of pain that make me want to crumble to the floor.
I'm going to see my Orthopedic Surgeon this Thursday (again!) and have him check it out. I'm going to try and convince him to give me a cortisone shot into my right hip to make the inflammation go away before I leave for Thailand. Doesn't that sound scary? Getting a shot directly into a joint! Bleech.
I tell you...this summer has not been a good health summer for me. Dislocating ankles, mysterious breathing problems, and now bursitis! Ack!
And to top it all off, I found two new grey hairs. They are multiplying I tell ya!
The boy isn't making matters any easier, either. At 45, he keeps reminding me that things are only going to get creakier and creakier. Damnit, I refuse to accept that. Other than the bursitis, I don't think any of my other ailments are due to old age...everyone is susceptible to mystery viruses that decide to take refuge in the back of ones throat. Right?
I woke up on Monday morning with the most horrible pain in my right hip...turns out I have bursitis. And for those who haven't had bursitis...IT SUCKS! Tha pain in my right hip is currently hovering somewhere between a dull ache to the occassional stabbing bolt of pain that make me want to crumble to the floor.
I'm going to see my Orthopedic Surgeon this Thursday (again!) and have him check it out. I'm going to try and convince him to give me a cortisone shot into my right hip to make the inflammation go away before I leave for Thailand. Doesn't that sound scary? Getting a shot directly into a joint! Bleech.
I tell you...this summer has not been a good health summer for me. Dislocating ankles, mysterious breathing problems, and now bursitis! Ack!
And to top it all off, I found two new grey hairs. They are multiplying I tell ya!
The boy isn't making matters any easier, either. At 45, he keeps reminding me that things are only going to get creakier and creakier. Damnit, I refuse to accept that. Other than the bursitis, I don't think any of my other ailments are due to old age...everyone is susceptible to mystery viruses that decide to take refuge in the back of ones throat. Right?
Monday, August 07, 2006
Men's Stock Crashing Everywhere
The boy sent me this email today...
It kinda sucks to be a guy these days, if we can judge by the New York Times.
1. Articles about men who are unemployed, unattached or marginally employed and unmarriable.
2. Articles about how Wall Street is trying to retain more women.
3. Florida passes "Stand Your Ground" law which allows more use of deadly force in "self defense."
4. War in the middle east.
It kinda sucks to be a guy these days, if we can judge by the New York Times.
1. Articles about men who are unemployed, unattached or marginally employed and unmarriable.
2. Articles about how Wall Street is trying to retain more women.
3. Florida passes "Stand Your Ground" law which allows more use of deadly force in "self defense."
4. War in the middle east.
I give up. Guys should just give up, let women do all the work and concentrate on playing cards and getting laid. It seems men are just not fit to run societies.
Yours in Sympathy,
A***
Eeeh...I'm not so sure a woman dominated world would be much better. Have you seen the movie 'Mean Girls'? Yeah, we should probably avoid that scenario as well.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
I wonder if I'll run into Yul Brynner
It's official folks...I got a new job. If you wanna know more details you've got to email me. It's a great opportunity for me. A wonderful career move and something that will take me one step closer to my ultimate career goal...to become World Diversity Champion of the Universe.
Anyhoo, in honor of this change I'm taking some time off and travelling to Thailand in August. My last day is August 11th and then it's off to the country formerly known as Siam for three weeks! Any good advice or travel insight would be appreciated.
Anyhoo, in honor of this change I'm taking some time off and travelling to Thailand in August. My last day is August 11th and then it's off to the country formerly known as Siam for three weeks! Any good advice or travel insight would be appreciated.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Very Very Pink
I was invited by a friend to her family summer home in Bradely Beach on the Jersey Shore this past weekend. Now I am various shades of brown, more brown, pink, and very red. So much for waterproof SPF 50.
I'll post a picture of the post beach bbq soon.
I'll post a picture of the post beach bbq soon.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Another reason for Corporate Diversity
Sony launched the advertising campaign for its new, all white PlayStation Portable with this billboard in Amsterdam. The only thing I can say is 'What were they thinking?' The billboard reads "PlayStation Portable: White is coming" and depicts a whiter-than-white woman aggressively dominating a blacker-than-black woman. The obvious play on racial domination and social oppression is ridiculous and unbelievable. The fact that a roomful of executives could sit around and let this sort of imagery fly is almost unthinkable.
One has to wonder if someone in the room didn't go "Hey guys, I migh be a little sensitive here but doesn't this campaign strike you as just a little bit...oh I don't know...Klu Klux Klanish."
Here are a few alternate tagline suggestions for Sony:
PlayStation Portable: Making Racism a Little Sexier
PlayStation Portable: Hate crimes are only illegal in the real world
PlayStation Portable: Because we think slavery is due for a comeback
Granted, this billboard is not in the US (where the history of racial oppression is probably better documented) but it's not like the folks in Western Europe aren't dealing with their own share of racial tension.
Geez Louise
One has to wonder if someone in the room didn't go "Hey guys, I migh be a little sensitive here but doesn't this campaign strike you as just a little bit...oh I don't know...Klu Klux Klanish."
Here are a few alternate tagline suggestions for Sony:
PlayStation Portable: Making Racism a Little Sexier
PlayStation Portable: Hate crimes are only illegal in the real world
PlayStation Portable: Because we think slavery is due for a comeback
Granted, this billboard is not in the US (where the history of racial oppression is probably better documented) but it's not like the folks in Western Europe aren't dealing with their own share of racial tension.
Geez Louise
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Triple Berry Jam
Don't these berries look luscious? I spent a portion of this weekend making Triple Berry Jam (Strawberry, Blueberry, Raspberry). I've documented the whole process in flickr...check out the set.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
NYC Half Marathon
I signed up for the inaugural run of the NYC Half Marathon today. It's going to take place on Aug. 27th. It looks to be an interesting course and who wouldn't want to run all over the street of Manhattan at 7 in the morning on a Sunday in the middle of August when the weather could easily be 97 degrees and 95% humidity! Blah.
The field is being capped at 10,000 runners and it looks like it will fill out very quickly indeed.
The field is being capped at 10,000 runners and it looks like it will fill out very quickly indeed.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Poetry in Motion
I read this poem on the subway this morning. It thought it was lovely and also rather appropriate given the upcoming celebration of Father's Day this weekend.
Those Winter Sundays
Sundays too my father got up early
and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold,
then with cracked hands that ached
from labor in the weekday weather made
banked fires blaze. No one ever thanked him.
I'd wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking.
When the rooms were warm, he'd call,
and slowly I would rise and dress,
fearing the chronic angers of that house,
Speaking indifferently to him,
who had driven out the cold
and polished my good shoes as well.
What did I know, what did I know
of love's austere and lonely offices?
Robert Hayden (1913-1980)
Those Winter Sundays
Sundays too my father got up early
and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold,
then with cracked hands that ached
from labor in the weekday weather made
banked fires blaze. No one ever thanked him.
I'd wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking.
When the rooms were warm, he'd call,
and slowly I would rise and dress,
fearing the chronic angers of that house,
Speaking indifferently to him,
who had driven out the cold
and polished my good shoes as well.
What did I know, what did I know
of love's austere and lonely offices?
Robert Hayden (1913-1980)
Friday, June 09, 2006
Jam Season
Ah...I was walking through the Union Square Farmer's Market recently when I noticed all the lovely stalks of new spring Rhubarb...what a lovely sight. This reminded me that jam season is upon us once again!
This year I am going to kick things off with a lovely Rhubarb-Orange Jam/Marmalade. This will be my first marmalade like treat so it should be fun/educational. Pics to come shortly.
This year I am going to kick things off with a lovely Rhubarb-Orange Jam/Marmalade. This will be my first marmalade like treat so it should be fun/educational. Pics to come shortly.
No NYC Marathon this year
So...I didn't get a slot for the NYC Marathon this year...AGAIN! Well, there is always 2007 I guess. But I'm already more than semi-conditioned to run a marathon damnit! So, I'm thinking of signing up for the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington, DC on Oct. 29th. I'm actually really tempted to sign up for the Berlin Marathon as I've heard many good things about it but it happens to fall on the same Oct. weekend as my birthday (which really isn't a problem) and my friends Michelle and Edwin's wedding in SF (more of a problem).
Anyway, if I'm going to run another international marathon I want to make it a big one...like Sydney or Auckland or Beirut (which by the way I hear has plenty of opening as only 50 people ran it last year...I wonder if any were women?)
In other news, I dislocated my left ankle (again!) last week. My doctor is trying to convince me to get surgery on the sucker but that would pretty much leave me immobile for about 6 to 8 months. Boooooooh....no. Maybe when I'm older and less active. Now is not a good time.
And other news...
- Why does it seem that ex-boyfriends seem to crawl out of the woodwork at percisely the moment when it is least convienient?
- Yes, I am still dating the 44 year old, twice married, once widowed, three kids man.
- I think all the swimming I've been doing whilst training for my upcoming triathlon is giving me that truly un-sexy broad shoulder look. I look like a linebacker in anything with slightly structured shoulders.
- I remeasured myself at the doctors office and I'm still 5 feet 6 inches. People never believe me but it's the truth! All y'all who think your 5 feet 9 inches but stand the same height as I do are deluding yourselves.
- Yet another friend is preggers.
Anyway, if I'm going to run another international marathon I want to make it a big one...like Sydney or Auckland or Beirut (which by the way I hear has plenty of opening as only 50 people ran it last year...I wonder if any were women?)
In other news, I dislocated my left ankle (again!) last week. My doctor is trying to convince me to get surgery on the sucker but that would pretty much leave me immobile for about 6 to 8 months. Boooooooh....no. Maybe when I'm older and less active. Now is not a good time.
And other news...
- Why does it seem that ex-boyfriends seem to crawl out of the woodwork at percisely the moment when it is least convienient?
- Yes, I am still dating the 44 year old, twice married, once widowed, three kids man.
- I think all the swimming I've been doing whilst training for my upcoming triathlon is giving me that truly un-sexy broad shoulder look. I look like a linebacker in anything with slightly structured shoulders.
- I remeasured myself at the doctors office and I'm still 5 feet 6 inches. People never believe me but it's the truth! All y'all who think your 5 feet 9 inches but stand the same height as I do are deluding yourselves.
- Yet another friend is preggers.
Monday, May 22, 2006
I heart the Internet
Why do I heart the internet?
Other then keeping in close cahoots with all of you lovely beings, where else can you find a list of all the triathalons being raced in the US and a list of all the century bike rides to boot in under 5 secs?
BTW, I'm going to compete in my first tri this July in Norwalk, CT. I have another scheduled in September in Sandy Hook, NJ and I think I'll be doing a century ride sometime in the next few months or so as well.
In other news, I ran my first two races post-marathon last week. The first, on Mother's Day, was a slow one for me. I missed the start by about 5 minutes, but no worries, I just ended up behind a bunch of walkers which probably added a couple of minutes to my time. The second 5K was much faster. Ran it at just under a 9 minute pace. It's amazing how long it takes the body to recoup from a marathon.
Ah...I love being kick-ass fit. LOL.
One last thing...the NYC Marathon lottery will be held in just a few short weeks. Keep those fingers and toes crossed for me. I'm really hoping to get a slot this year.
Other then keeping in close cahoots with all of you lovely beings, where else can you find a list of all the triathalons being raced in the US and a list of all the century bike rides to boot in under 5 secs?
BTW, I'm going to compete in my first tri this July in Norwalk, CT. I have another scheduled in September in Sandy Hook, NJ and I think I'll be doing a century ride sometime in the next few months or so as well.
In other news, I ran my first two races post-marathon last week. The first, on Mother's Day, was a slow one for me. I missed the start by about 5 minutes, but no worries, I just ended up behind a bunch of walkers which probably added a couple of minutes to my time. The second 5K was much faster. Ran it at just under a 9 minute pace. It's amazing how long it takes the body to recoup from a marathon.
Ah...I love being kick-ass fit. LOL.
One last thing...the NYC Marathon lottery will be held in just a few short weeks. Keep those fingers and toes crossed for me. I'm really hoping to get a slot this year.
Friday, May 12, 2006
The Evolution of Dance
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg&eurl
Check this out...it is too funny...but be warned, it's 6 minutes long.
Check this out...it is too funny...but be warned, it's 6 minutes long.
Monday, May 08, 2006
Adile and Daniel Horsing around
Just another fun picture from the weekend. It was a decidely fun day. Afterwards, we drove to Astoria and had the most delightful meal at Mundo's (Mr. B's suggestion) and quite the crazy tummy tightening laughing marathon.
Thanks for a fun day you guys!
Thanks for a fun day you guys!
Hunting for our supper
What better way to spend a Saturday than forging for wild edibles in Bear Mountain with the delightful Ms. AI and Mr. DB (lead by the ever so quirky Steve "the Wildman" Brill. Here's a fun picture of our post salad greens scavanger hunt yoga schenanegans in the meadow.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Conclusion: Too Pink
The experiment has ended and the conclusion is that the pink template was just too pink. It was hurting my eyes. I have to learn some template design. I want some pink but not too much pink. Get my drift?
Monday, April 24, 2006
It just gets stranger and stranger
So...
What would you say if I told you that I was dating someone who is 14 years my senior, twice married (once divorced, once widowed) and the father of 3 kids (15 & 13 - from the first marriage, 5 - from the second marriage)...
Yeah, that's what I thought you'd say.
What would you say if I told you that I was dating someone who is 14 years my senior, twice married (once divorced, once widowed) and the father of 3 kids (15 & 13 - from the first marriage, 5 - from the second marriage)...
Yeah, that's what I thought you'd say.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Too Pink?
What do you think of the new layout? Too Pink?
I was feeling kinda devilish this morning. I might change it back.
I was feeling kinda devilish this morning. I might change it back.
Interesting
I received this from a friend and thought it was very interesting fodder for contemplation.
To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.
To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.
To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.
To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to
A premature baby.
To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.
To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.
Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.
To realize the value of a friend or family member:
LOSE ONE.
The origin of this letter is unknown
To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.
To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.
To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.
To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to
A premature baby.
To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.
To realize
The value of one-second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.
Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.
To realize the value of a friend or family member:
LOSE ONE.
The origin of this letter is unknown
Monday, April 17, 2006
Bicoastal
Sometimes I'll see a picture of San Francisco or get an email from a friend out west and I'll remember how much I really do like SF...not enough to settle there for the rest of my life mind you, but enough that I wish there was a way for me to be completely bicoastal. Isn't there some sort of job or life out there where I can basically live part of the year in NY (spring and autumn) and part of the year in SF (winter and summer)?
Friday, April 14, 2006
After the marathon
After running for 5 Hrs, 6 minutes.
Don't worry, I'd already walked about a mile prior to this picture being taken.
Don't worry, I'd already walked about a mile prior to this picture being taken.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Fini
Things have been crazy...but just wanted to post a quick note that I did finish the marathon!
Time: 5:06
I was hoping for a sub-5 marathon but I hit a major wall at mile 22!
Well, I now have a goal for my next marathon...and yes, there will be a next!
It was so much fun!
More to come in another post...complete with embarassing picture.
Time: 5:06
I was hoping for a sub-5 marathon but I hit a major wall at mile 22!
Well, I now have a goal for my next marathon...and yes, there will be a next!
It was so much fun!
More to come in another post...complete with embarassing picture.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Bonjour
Apologies for my typing mishapes. These French keyboards are a bit different than what I am used to.
So I'm in Paris...just days away from the marathon. It was cold this morning when I arrived. 2 degrees C or about 36 degrees F. Brrrr....
More later.
So I'm in Paris...just days away from the marathon. It was cold this morning when I arrived. 2 degrees C or about 36 degrees F. Brrrr....
More later.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
Joining the Army
Just a quick shout out to my girl MF for joining the blogging ranks. Give her some love and read up on what my lifestyle could have been if I had stayed put in SF.
Monday, March 20, 2006
Damn Bible Beaters
This is from the NY Times "Dear Diary" column which runs every Monday morning.
Dear Diary:
The other day on the A train, a large man dressed in a camouflage sweatsuit was being grilled by a woman about not going to church enough.
He defended himself, saying he showed his devotion to God through his actions, but the woman wasn't satisfied.
She said he had to go to church to win his place in heaven.
Just then, a young woman about 30 feet away doubled over and collapsed.
The man in camouflage was the first on his feet to help her. He propped her head with his backpack and sat on the floor to hold her hand while he directed others to alert the conductor.
When the train stopped at 14th Street, the conductor announced that there would be a delay for a sick passenger, and the man's church friend rushed across the platform to catch a local train.
Meanwhile, he continued to sit with the young woman, holding her hand.
After the police helped her off (she was a cancer patient), the man put on his earphones and returned to his pew in the greater church of New York.
Aaron Garretson
Dear Diary:
The other day on the A train, a large man dressed in a camouflage sweatsuit was being grilled by a woman about not going to church enough.
He defended himself, saying he showed his devotion to God through his actions, but the woman wasn't satisfied.
She said he had to go to church to win his place in heaven.
Just then, a young woman about 30 feet away doubled over and collapsed.
The man in camouflage was the first on his feet to help her. He propped her head with his backpack and sat on the floor to hold her hand while he directed others to alert the conductor.
When the train stopped at 14th Street, the conductor announced that there would be a delay for a sick passenger, and the man's church friend rushed across the platform to catch a local train.
Meanwhile, he continued to sit with the young woman, holding her hand.
After the police helped her off (she was a cancer patient), the man put on his earphones and returned to his pew in the greater church of New York.
Aaron Garretson
Friday, March 10, 2006
Green scents
I was down in Philly on Wednesday and Thursday and decided to go for a nice 6 mile run along the Schukyll River. It was lovely...in the mid 50s or so. And during my run I caught a whiff of the undeniable scent of Spring Green. You know that smell...fresh, pungent, and exact.
Yummy...I'm ready for hiking weather!
I LOVE seasons!
Yummy...I'm ready for hiking weather!
I LOVE seasons!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Which is harder?
This weekend I have to:
Do my 20 miles training run.
And
File my taxes.
I can't decide which will be more difficult.
Do my 20 miles training run.
And
File my taxes.
I can't decide which will be more difficult.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Another reason to smile this St. Patrick's Day.
Trader Joe's to open in NYC on St. Patrick's Day
Hee hee...
And in other related news...what do you presume a person is thinking when they send along the following email to a woman they are trying to woo via Internet Dating? Mind you this is a first contact email...
"Good morning! I like your profile and would love to meet you!I am off today and was thinking of going to a spa to relax.Maybe you would like to join me? Michael"
LOL...and the hilarity continues.
Hee hee...
And in other related news...what do you presume a person is thinking when they send along the following email to a woman they are trying to woo via Internet Dating? Mind you this is a first contact email...
"Good morning! I like your profile and would love to meet you!I am off today and was thinking of going to a spa to relax.Maybe you would like to join me? Michael"
LOL...and the hilarity continues.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
18 Miles
This is not a pretty picture but I was having fun with my camera. This is what my feet looked like after running 18 miles today. Not to shabby.
I think I may actually finish this marathon after all. Of course, this is what I say now.
I think I may actually finish this marathon after all. Of course, this is what I say now.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Jammy Jam
So, here are the pictures of the much discussed jam.
I tried really hard to make these more vibrant but alas interior lighting won't allow it. Everything kinda looks alike. But rest assured that in this picture I have one each of the following:
Strawberry Rhubarb Key Lime
Blueberry Lemon Plum
Blackberry Raspberry
Mission Fig Rhubarb
Cranberry Plum
Shiro Plum Peach Nectarine
They may not look very pretty but they taste damn fine!
I tried really hard to make these more vibrant but alas interior lighting won't allow it. Everything kinda looks alike. But rest assured that in this picture I have one each of the following:
Strawberry Rhubarb Key Lime
Blueberry Lemon Plum
Blackberry Raspberry
Mission Fig Rhubarb
Cranberry Plum
Shiro Plum Peach Nectarine
They may not look very pretty but they taste damn fine!
Drum roll please: Home Sweet Home
Here is a pic of my somewhat unkempt apartment. A few interesting things to note:
1. Yes, that really is a huge 5 gallon empty metal Hello Kitty tin on my dining room table. Long story...may post about it at some point.
2. You can see the blue screen of my laptop on the couch.
3. Yes, that is MTV on the TV.
4. If you look really closely to the coffee table you may see a few containers consisting of still warm, freshly made apple butter & walnut granola with currents, dried cherries, dried strawberries, dried blueberries, dried figs, and coconuts. Yummy! It was one of those lazy weekend nights.
5. That weird white and orange arc next to the piano is my mom's christmas present to me - a accupressure health hula hop...and yes, it hurts.
6. In the distance you can see the one plant that I've been able to keep alive for 6 months now!
1. Yes, that really is a huge 5 gallon empty metal Hello Kitty tin on my dining room table. Long story...may post about it at some point.
2. You can see the blue screen of my laptop on the couch.
3. Yes, that is MTV on the TV.
4. If you look really closely to the coffee table you may see a few containers consisting of still warm, freshly made apple butter & walnut granola with currents, dried cherries, dried strawberries, dried blueberries, dried figs, and coconuts. Yummy! It was one of those lazy weekend nights.
5. That weird white and orange arc next to the piano is my mom's christmas present to me - a accupressure health hula hop...and yes, it hurts.
6. In the distance you can see the one plant that I've been able to keep alive for 6 months now!
Painting: She and He
This was one of the first pics I took with my new digital camera. This is a picture of a painting I have hanging in my apartment. It is titled She and He and was painted about two years ago. It was probably the second "real" painting I completed. Objectively speaking it's not that good but I like it and I guess that's all that really matters.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Good health
's uAll this hubbub about the new study that suggests that a low fat diet does not help to prevent certain types of cancer and heart disease is so very frustrating. Beyond the fact that the study has so many limitations ( 1. They were studying women in their 50s. Who knows what sort of mess these women made of their bodies prior to joining the study. 2. They made no distinction between good fats and bad fats. 3. They only tracked these women for 8 years. 8 years in nothing in the lifespan of a person.) the study reinforces the notion that what you put in your mouth is the only influencer on your overall health. That's just a whole lot of bunk if you ask me. What about the amount of stress you deal with on a day to day basis, or how about the quality of your relationships with loved ones?
My personal philosophy on good health and preventing illness is thus:
1) Move, work out, and get yourself sweaty. You don't have to run marathons but a good romp around a dance floor can do wonders. Some nice, moist, bed creaking sex would also do the trick.
2) Love freely and take time to cultivate your relationships. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs! Never underestimate the power of human contact.
3) Learn to put things into perspective. I'm not gonna tell people to minimize stress...in this day and age, stress is kinda a given. However, with the right perspective things don't seem nearly as bad or insurmountable as first thought.
4) Find something that helps you quiet the mind. This can be prayer, meditation, playing a musical instrument, painting, hiking, counting pennies...whatever.
5) Don't stress too much about the food you eat. Yeah, it's better to eat food that is whole and not processed...but you know what, I'm not gonna stress if I eat a slice of pizza either. Everything in moderation...with the occassional piece of Junior's cheesecake. Oh, and if a food is a color that does not occur naturally in nature it may be best to avoid it. One other thing...learn to cook. You'll thank me later.
6) Drink lots of water.
7) Continually teach yourself new things...helps prevents the crazies as you get older.
8) Sleep lots.
9) Keep telling yourself that you're beautiful...even if you don't always believe it. And if that doesn't work, repeat to yourself "Bo thinks I'm a hottie and pretty damn amazing!" And you know what, I do!
10) Learn to disagree, speak up, and don't bottle everything inside. No matter how hard you try, not everyone is gonna like you at all times. You gotta get used to this and get over it.
11) Make up your own damn rules about life. Who the heck am I to tell you how you should live your life. However, don't adopt society's rules (like thinking feeding your kids chicken nuggets everyday is ok) and pretend that they are your own.
And there you go, Life 101 by Bo.
My personal philosophy on good health and preventing illness is thus:
1) Move, work out, and get yourself sweaty. You don't have to run marathons but a good romp around a dance floor can do wonders. Some nice, moist, bed creaking sex would also do the trick.
2) Love freely and take time to cultivate your relationships. Hugs, hugs, and more hugs! Never underestimate the power of human contact.
3) Learn to put things into perspective. I'm not gonna tell people to minimize stress...in this day and age, stress is kinda a given. However, with the right perspective things don't seem nearly as bad or insurmountable as first thought.
4) Find something that helps you quiet the mind. This can be prayer, meditation, playing a musical instrument, painting, hiking, counting pennies...whatever.
5) Don't stress too much about the food you eat. Yeah, it's better to eat food that is whole and not processed...but you know what, I'm not gonna stress if I eat a slice of pizza either. Everything in moderation...with the occassional piece of Junior's cheesecake. Oh, and if a food is a color that does not occur naturally in nature it may be best to avoid it. One other thing...learn to cook. You'll thank me later.
6) Drink lots of water.
7) Continually teach yourself new things...helps prevents the crazies as you get older.
8) Sleep lots.
9) Keep telling yourself that you're beautiful...even if you don't always believe it. And if that doesn't work, repeat to yourself "Bo thinks I'm a hottie and pretty damn amazing!" And you know what, I do!
10) Learn to disagree, speak up, and don't bottle everything inside. No matter how hard you try, not everyone is gonna like you at all times. You gotta get used to this and get over it.
11) Make up your own damn rules about life. Who the heck am I to tell you how you should live your life. However, don't adopt society's rules (like thinking feeding your kids chicken nuggets everyday is ok) and pretend that they are your own.
And there you go, Life 101 by Bo.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Money...Money...Money...(insert Abba song here)
Oh...I've been soooooo good. So good about not buying myself new toys and new shiny things that make me go weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
But I finally cracked and went on a mini shopping spree this weekend. I ended buying myself a Garmin Forerunner 201 and I got it at quite the steep discount because they have come out with a newer model (the 205). My sister has this one and highly recommends it. With all the extra running I've been putting in for the Paris Marathon, I thought I would treat myself.
On the marathon front, after losing 3 weeks in early January due to the germies, I'm back in full Paris Marathon training mode. I did 7 miles on Saturday and another 12 on Sunday. I did the 12 miles in about 1:45. So just under a 9 minute mile. 15 miles is on my slate for the weekend. I'm hoping that the weather holds. I HATE running on treadmills. My goal is to get a complete a 4 hr marathon. Knock on much wood.
But this wasn't the end of my shopping fiasco...I purchased this baby yesterday....a Canon Powershot S80!!! Hee Hee Hee....
So this may very well become a photo blog very, very soon....
I also ended up taking advantage of the NY tax free week and purchased a load of snazzy running gear. My old running gear was very very old and needed replacing. I'm really loving Nike's line of Compression Pro Dri-Fit stuff. So light, so wicky, so layery...nice.
But I finally cracked and went on a mini shopping spree this weekend. I ended buying myself a Garmin Forerunner 201 and I got it at quite the steep discount because they have come out with a newer model (the 205). My sister has this one and highly recommends it. With all the extra running I've been putting in for the Paris Marathon, I thought I would treat myself.
On the marathon front, after losing 3 weeks in early January due to the germies, I'm back in full Paris Marathon training mode. I did 7 miles on Saturday and another 12 on Sunday. I did the 12 miles in about 1:45. So just under a 9 minute mile. 15 miles is on my slate for the weekend. I'm hoping that the weather holds. I HATE running on treadmills. My goal is to get a complete a 4 hr marathon. Knock on much wood.
But this wasn't the end of my shopping fiasco...I purchased this baby yesterday....a Canon Powershot S80!!! Hee Hee Hee....
So this may very well become a photo blog very, very soon....
I also ended up taking advantage of the NY tax free week and purchased a load of snazzy running gear. My old running gear was very very old and needed replacing. I'm really loving Nike's line of Compression Pro Dri-Fit stuff. So light, so wicky, so layery...nice.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Oscar Season
I think this is the first time in the history of the Oscar's that yours truly has seen 3 out of 5 Best Picture nominations. And...and...I was already planning to see the other two anyway...Munich and Good Evening and Good Night. I suppose one could chalk this up to an increase in my movie watching...but I don't think that's it. I think it's because for the first time in quite sometime the Oscars actually nominated some fine, fine cinema.
Crash...good
Capote...good Philip Seymour Hoffman...very good
Brokeback Mountain...very good
Crash...good
Capote...good Philip Seymour Hoffman...very good
Brokeback Mountain...very good
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
The family
Ain't my family the cutest!!! This picture was taken on Christmas. And this picture wasn't even planned. It was one of those, run get in the picture sort of deals.
I've got problems
Seriously folks, can anyone please explain why I would spend $36 purchasing a pretty vintage camera when I refuse to pay for a cab at 3am on a Saturday night in the pouring rain?
Sometimes I just don't make any sense.
Sometimes I just don't make any sense.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Not done changing
Bruce Barton once wrote "When you're through changing, you're through!"
I've resisted the swell of digital photography for too long. I realized last night after spending hours upon hours drooling over the vintage cameras on ebay that I was traveling in the WRONG direction. So I think I'm going to do it...I think I'm gonna get me a cute little Canon Powershoot SD500. I really want one of those snazzy Digital SLRs but that is just way out of my pricerange...for now.
However, I will still fondly collect my much loved vintage cameras...
How can you turn your back on a sexy sexy camera like this.
I've resisted the swell of digital photography for too long. I realized last night after spending hours upon hours drooling over the vintage cameras on ebay that I was traveling in the WRONG direction. So I think I'm going to do it...I think I'm gonna get me a cute little Canon Powershoot SD500. I really want one of those snazzy Digital SLRs but that is just way out of my pricerange...for now.
However, I will still fondly collect my much loved vintage cameras...
How can you turn your back on a sexy sexy camera like this.
Friday, January 20, 2006
Living in close quarters
One thing that people never mention about living in New York is the strange phenomena of mass sickieness. It seems that any virulent strain of cold or other illness tends to strike the entire city around the same general 2-3 week period. I suppose that's what you get when you take 8 million people and shove them together on a little island and force them to ride in tiny little poorly ventilated pods underground where millions of hands grab and strain at the two anemic silver poles that are supposed to prevent you from spilling onto the floor in a heap of down clothing. What ever I had during the first two weeks of this month seems to be striking everywhere. I bet sales of Kleenex are through the roof!
Don't forget to take your Vitamin C.
Don't forget to take your Vitamin C.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Happy Happy Joy Joy!!!!!
There is a God!
And if she happens to live in Manhattan, she can now do her grocery shopping at Trader Joe's!!!
It's official - TRADER JOE'S IS OPENING A STORE IN THE CITY!!!!!
I'm floating on cloud 9.
I can now get an endless supply of my much loved rice crackers, natural peanut butter, and tamari almonds without schlepping to Long Island.
I may throw an all Trader Joe's cocktail party after its grand openning to celebrate this foodie heaven!
And if she happens to live in Manhattan, she can now do her grocery shopping at Trader Joe's!!!
It's official - TRADER JOE'S IS OPENING A STORE IN THE CITY!!!!!
I'm floating on cloud 9.
I can now get an endless supply of my much loved rice crackers, natural peanut butter, and tamari almonds without schlepping to Long Island.
I may throw an all Trader Joe's cocktail party after its grand openning to celebrate this foodie heaven!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Tasting the salty wind
I need an adventure. It's been too long since I last wandered and explored with impunity. I need to get lost for awhile. I need to listen to my own instincts.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
The deafening march of progress
Yet another sign that the world is trying to tell me something.
Nikon Plans to Stop Making Most Cameras That Use Film
I'm pretty sure that 70 or 80* years from now they'll find my cold, dead body clutching my old film SLRs to my chest.
(*And yes, I do plan to live until I'm 100 or 110...at the least!)
Nikon Plans to Stop Making Most Cameras That Use Film
I'm pretty sure that 70 or 80* years from now they'll find my cold, dead body clutching my old film SLRs to my chest.
(*And yes, I do plan to live until I'm 100 or 110...at the least!)
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Sickie, Sick, Sick
It's amazing how much mucus a human body can make. I think I've gone through two boxes of Kleenex since last Friday. I'm done with this cold. Done I say!!!!
And it's also amazing how pudgy one can get just sitting around for 8 days.
Geez louise.
And it's also amazing how pudgy one can get just sitting around for 8 days.
Geez louise.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Restless
Episode 63: Wherein our heroine gets sick and can't practice yoga or go to the gym.
Voice in head: You know you're being kinda a beotch.
Me: Shut-up
Voice in head: Are you sure it's not all psychosomatic?
Me: I really am sick.
Voice in head: Couldn't it just be the whole N*** situation?
Me: It's definately not related to the whole N*** situation.
Voice in head: How can you be so sure?
Me: Cause...
Voice in head: ...
Me: ...
Voice in head: You know, sometimes I just don't get you.
Me: Don't worry, sometimes I don't get myself either.
I definately need to heal up and get my arse back on the yoga mat.
Voice in head: You know you're being kinda a beotch.
Me: Shut-up
Voice in head: Are you sure it's not all psychosomatic?
Me: I really am sick.
Voice in head: Couldn't it just be the whole N*** situation?
Me: It's definately not related to the whole N*** situation.
Voice in head: How can you be so sure?
Me: Cause...
Voice in head: ...
Me: ...
Voice in head: You know, sometimes I just don't get you.
Me: Don't worry, sometimes I don't get myself either.
I definately need to heal up and get my arse back on the yoga mat.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Happy New Year!
"I know we are
We are the lucky ones
Dear"
- Bif Naked
I hope all of you are safe, warm, happy, and loved...I know I am!
Happy New Year!
Love You
Special kisses go out to AI, LB, and EC for all their love this weekend and for their sympathetic ears and plentiful hugs. Extra special kisses to AI and LB for sharing their special, precious wee ones with me.
We are the lucky ones
Dear"
- Bif Naked
I hope all of you are safe, warm, happy, and loved...I know I am!
Happy New Year!
Love You
Special kisses go out to AI, LB, and EC for all their love this weekend and for their sympathetic ears and plentiful hugs. Extra special kisses to AI and LB for sharing their special, precious wee ones with me.
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