I know it has been forever since I've posted. But I've been busy. It's been an interesting last few months. Here's the update:
First, sad news. My puppy Balto (who wasn't really a "puppy" at all, as he was 14) had to be put down last month. It was really sad because a) it was kinda unexpected as I was told it would not happen when it did and b) Balto is the ONLY dog I have really ever liked. It's really strange when something you are so close to for long just...disappears. But everything is okay now. Life goes on...
Second, I started a new job after my old one stopped paying me. It's a long story...but suffice it to say I'm really glad it's over. My new job is at a tutoring center two blocks from my house. Right now I'm tutoring a 2nd grader in reading and math and a high school student in geometry. Both are quite an adventure. The 2nd grader is named Berdy and he is soooo A.D.D. He does not merely walk, he bounces. And he is ALWAYS needing to do something that is NOT the work at hand. Our usual conversations go like this:
Me: Berdy please stop jumping and let's do your addition.
Berdy: But Ms. Heather my belt is too tight. *then he makes an irritating guttural sound*
Me: Um...okay...so loosen it. Then we have to work.
(5 minutes later)
Me: Berdy please stop throwing thing and do your work!
Berdy: *more irritating guttural sounds* But...there are ants in my shoes! I have to take them off!
Me: (pretty sure there are no ants in his shoes) Berdy! Seriously...sit down and do this!
(5 minutes later)
Berdy: My neck hurts!
(5 minutes later)
Berdy: My stomach hurts!
(5 minutes later)
Berdy: My tooth hurts!
(This goes on for ONE HOUR and then I happily hand him to his father and go home and take an aspirin)
My geometry student is much more fun. She actually WANTS to be there...so that's a relief. And she is really smart too, so that makes things easier. The only thing that is hard? I'm not the best at geometry. But I somehow make it through our lessons and she doesn't seem to know I haven't a clue...so I won't be the one to tell her!
In other news-I am baking a vegan/gluten free cake tomorrow. I'm excited about it. I'll post pictures.
Other than that...my life is kinda boring these days. But in a good, relaxing way. The only thing on the horizon is my Peace Corps interview on Dec 10 at 2pm. I guess we'll see how things go!
XOXO.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Lunch...yum
Quick post on my lunch today...because it was deliciously postable.
Pesto pizza with mozzarella and tomato slices on a honey wheat crust (homemade!). It was amazing.
Hope you all are having a great week so far! I am! :)
Pesto pizza with mozzarella and tomato slices on a honey wheat crust (homemade!). It was amazing.
Hope you all are having a great week so far! I am! :)
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Mystery of the Missing Minds
So, things are exciting around the Orlando house these days. We’ve got all the building blocks for a good mystery novel: suspense, embezzlement, surprises…with a little bit of insanity mixed in for good measure.
Let’s start with the suspense. Apparently my Dad’s job search is going well. He even had an offer from a company in Nashville, TN. That’s where the suspense comes in: we might have to move. Yes. You heard correctly. The Orlandos might be moving away from Orlando. But we don’t know quite yet, Dad is still looking and it is definitely premature of me to get sad or nostalgic. But even the mention of the word “move” makes me a little upset. But we shall see. Until then, suspense!
Now for the embezzlement. And “embezzlement” sounds way more exciting than this really is…just to warn you. Today I got a check from my employer for almost $600.00. This wouldn’t be a huge problem, except for the fact that my checks have been averaging $150.00 a week. Which I didn’t really think about until I got this huge check and thought it was a mistake. I was going to call payroll and alert them to the problem when my dad suggested we go over all my hours and try and figure out if it really was a mistake. So that’s what we did, and guess what? They haven’t been paying me all my money…they still owe me around $470.00. So this should be interesting.
Next, the surprises: Last week I went to get my metabolism tested. I was fully expecting for science to confirm what I have long believed about my body: it really hates me. I was ready to hear that my metabolism was crap and even if I starved myself I would never reach my ideal weight. Well, I was surprised. Pleasantly surprised, actually. Apparently, I have a crazy fast metabolism. Yes, you heard that right. So why are you a chunky monkey, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you. Apparently, I’m burning around 2,000 calories JUST BY WAKING UP AND BREATHING and I have always believed the less I eat the skinnier I should be. Which is the case for most people—but not me. When I eat less I actually gain weight because my body goes into starvation mode really quickly. So, the lady told me TO EAT MORE TO LOSE WEIGHT. Which was fantastic to hear. In fact, she told me I had to eat 1600 calories A DAY. Which is a ton of food. I’m having to actually work up to it. It’s hard work. Let me tell you what.
Time for the insanity! I am running a half marathon in November! Yes, I’m THAT insane.
Let’s start with the suspense. Apparently my Dad’s job search is going well. He even had an offer from a company in Nashville, TN. That’s where the suspense comes in: we might have to move. Yes. You heard correctly. The Orlandos might be moving away from Orlando. But we don’t know quite yet, Dad is still looking and it is definitely premature of me to get sad or nostalgic. But even the mention of the word “move” makes me a little upset. But we shall see. Until then, suspense!
Now for the embezzlement. And “embezzlement” sounds way more exciting than this really is…just to warn you. Today I got a check from my employer for almost $600.00. This wouldn’t be a huge problem, except for the fact that my checks have been averaging $150.00 a week. Which I didn’t really think about until I got this huge check and thought it was a mistake. I was going to call payroll and alert them to the problem when my dad suggested we go over all my hours and try and figure out if it really was a mistake. So that’s what we did, and guess what? They haven’t been paying me all my money…they still owe me around $470.00. So this should be interesting.
Next, the surprises: Last week I went to get my metabolism tested. I was fully expecting for science to confirm what I have long believed about my body: it really hates me. I was ready to hear that my metabolism was crap and even if I starved myself I would never reach my ideal weight. Well, I was surprised. Pleasantly surprised, actually. Apparently, I have a crazy fast metabolism. Yes, you heard that right. So why are you a chunky monkey, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you. Apparently, I’m burning around 2,000 calories JUST BY WAKING UP AND BREATHING and I have always believed the less I eat the skinnier I should be. Which is the case for most people—but not me. When I eat less I actually gain weight because my body goes into starvation mode really quickly. So, the lady told me TO EAT MORE TO LOSE WEIGHT. Which was fantastic to hear. In fact, she told me I had to eat 1600 calories A DAY. Which is a ton of food. I’m having to actually work up to it. It’s hard work. Let me tell you what.
Time for the insanity! I am running a half marathon in November! Yes, I’m THAT insane.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Don't Give Up (You are Loved) or not...
I’ve been on a Josh Groban kick lately. I absolutely adored him freshman year of college (as Tiffany and Jessica can attest), but the fascination had fizzled a bit in subsequent years (further demonstrating my obsessive and then entirely dismissive personality). But now I’m listening to his Awake album, Don’t Give Up (You are Loved) and my cynical side is almost letting me enjoy it (with inevitable sarcastic quips of course). It is fantastic writing music.
Which leads me to my next topic: I’ve started writing again. Which feels great. There is a total release when I write, not unlike an addiction; but I flatter myself that it is a healthy addiction and therefore I’ll indulge. I’m working on a novel and a short story at the same time. The short story should be interesting, mostly because it says a lot about my views of marriage these days (And that’s a whole other story). When I’m done I’m going to start another blog for my fiction and I’ll give you the link if I’m not too embarrassed. But I should warn you--at the rate I’m going--it could be a while. I find that I write about two pages, stop, and then spend two hours polishing. It might be better if I could just push through and keep writing, but my random perfectionism (random because it only pops out occasionally for random activities) does not permit it unfortunately.
Speaking of random activities, my dad’s boss laid him off yesterday. Which is EXTREMELY random because he is one damn good sales guy. And I’ve never even been to business school but even I know Business 101: Don’t lay off the guys bringing in the money. I think we’re all pretty confused about it. However, I think in the end it will be a good thing. He hated that job and after this move, I’m glad he doesn’t have to work for arrogant, business school dropouts who obviously have NO idea how to run a business. So long unidentified audio and visual supply company. Go f*** yourselves.
And that is my update. Sorry it ended on a sad note, but this week has been kind of s*** and I’m feeling a little melancholy myself.
Which leads me to my next topic: I’ve started writing again. Which feels great. There is a total release when I write, not unlike an addiction; but I flatter myself that it is a healthy addiction and therefore I’ll indulge. I’m working on a novel and a short story at the same time. The short story should be interesting, mostly because it says a lot about my views of marriage these days (And that’s a whole other story). When I’m done I’m going to start another blog for my fiction and I’ll give you the link if I’m not too embarrassed. But I should warn you--at the rate I’m going--it could be a while. I find that I write about two pages, stop, and then spend two hours polishing. It might be better if I could just push through and keep writing, but my random perfectionism (random because it only pops out occasionally for random activities) does not permit it unfortunately.
Speaking of random activities, my dad’s boss laid him off yesterday. Which is EXTREMELY random because he is one damn good sales guy. And I’ve never even been to business school but even I know Business 101: Don’t lay off the guys bringing in the money. I think we’re all pretty confused about it. However, I think in the end it will be a good thing. He hated that job and after this move, I’m glad he doesn’t have to work for arrogant, business school dropouts who obviously have NO idea how to run a business. So long unidentified audio and visual supply company. Go f*** yourselves.
And that is my update. Sorry it ended on a sad note, but this week has been kind of s*** and I’m feeling a little melancholy myself.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Radioactive Squash and Other News
There is so much to update you all on! I’m not sure where to start. So I guess I’ll start with the abnormally large squash that is sitting in my kitchen right now.
Last week my uncle gave us a squash. It is large. Extremely large. We’re talking this things weighs 40 pounds. And last night as I was going into the kitchen with the lights off I swear it kind of glowed a little. So I’m not ruling out nuclear radiation. Here is a picture of it:
Nuts, right? So today I am working on getting this thing down to size. I’m making squash soup, squash casserole, squash salad, roasted squash and sautéed squash; then I will freeze most of it for later.
On another note, Monday was my first day of work and it really is perfect so far. I love to set my own hours and do things at my own pace. I also like what I do; right now I’m in the middle of making appointments to check out some venues for a business meeting in September. The client is from Arkansas and they want something “unique.” So I’m giving them a few options: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Hard Rock Hotel, Leu Gardens (so pretty!) and The White Wolf Café, among others. Tomorrow someone from our Atlanta branch in flying down to check them out with me, so that should be interesting.
I’ve also started collecting herb plants and naming them after famous biblical villains. Right now I have Judas (an oregano plant) and I plan on buying Barabas (a basil plant) at the farmer’s market next weekend. Judas is doing really well; I took him to the beach with us when we went for vacation earlier this month and he really liked it there. I think he grew, like, three inches. I’m starting to like herbs more than flowers, and that is HUGE because I really like flowers.
This is Judas. Isn’t he cute?
Also, I can run 6 miles now! Mom says that’s not a big deal and we should start running 8 soon. AHHH! But I’m proud of it. When I started I couldn’t even run 3, so its progress.
And now I’m going to leave you with one of my drawings:
And my cat Isaac Hampton:
Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!
Last week my uncle gave us a squash. It is large. Extremely large. We’re talking this things weighs 40 pounds. And last night as I was going into the kitchen with the lights off I swear it kind of glowed a little. So I’m not ruling out nuclear radiation. Here is a picture of it:
Nuts, right? So today I am working on getting this thing down to size. I’m making squash soup, squash casserole, squash salad, roasted squash and sautéed squash; then I will freeze most of it for later. On another note, Monday was my first day of work and it really is perfect so far. I love to set my own hours and do things at my own pace. I also like what I do; right now I’m in the middle of making appointments to check out some venues for a business meeting in September. The client is from Arkansas and they want something “unique.” So I’m giving them a few options: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Hard Rock Hotel, Leu Gardens (so pretty!) and The White Wolf Café, among others. Tomorrow someone from our Atlanta branch in flying down to check them out with me, so that should be interesting.
I’ve also started collecting herb plants and naming them after famous biblical villains. Right now I have Judas (an oregano plant) and I plan on buying Barabas (a basil plant) at the farmer’s market next weekend. Judas is doing really well; I took him to the beach with us when we went for vacation earlier this month and he really liked it there. I think he grew, like, three inches. I’m starting to like herbs more than flowers, and that is HUGE because I really like flowers.
This is Judas. Isn’t he cute?Also, I can run 6 miles now! Mom says that’s not a big deal and we should start running 8 soon. AHHH! But I’m proud of it. When I started I couldn’t even run 3, so its progress.
And now I’m going to leave you with one of my drawings:
And my cat Isaac Hampton:
Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
YAY LIFE!
I’m employed! And this job is perfection, sweet, marvelous perfection. (Awww! It just thundered! I love afternoon thunderstorms!) My position title is Marketing Coordinator, which is the natural next step after Marketing Assistant (My title at TV Guide). It’s “part-time,” which is great because it’s really flexible. I can also work from home, but even if I wanted to work from the office it’s 10 minutes away from where I live. My boss’ name is Jennifer and she seems really laid back. Everyone wears shorts and flip-flops unless clients are involved and the inside of the “office” is painted a very Floridian and cheery yellow. I’m also getting paid pretty much to same per hour as I was in NY and I’d be doing exactly what I want to do! My primary responsibility would be writing content for several web sites they are promoting as well as planning events. Jennifer also just asked me if I could also work with the Atlanta office on sales, so that should be fun and travel could be involved possibly. And who doesn’t love Atlanta? Peachtree Street!! So that’s my praise report for the day (or week)! Thanks so much for your prayers!
I also wanted to end this post with a photo of some insanely delicious vegan banana/blueberry bread I made last night but sadly my camera is being a butt head. So I'm just going to tell you how awesome it was: It was WAY awesome. I have to boast about this...I'm usually the world's worst cook. I'm going to eat it with my tea for a rainy afternoon snack! I wish I could share...
Love you guys!
*EDIT* My camera is back to normal now! So here is the photo:
I also wanted to end this post with a photo of some insanely delicious vegan banana/blueberry bread I made last night but sadly my camera is being a butt head. So I'm just going to tell you how awesome it was: It was WAY awesome. I have to boast about this...I'm usually the world's worst cook. I'm going to eat it with my tea for a rainy afternoon snack! I wish I could share...
Love you guys!
*EDIT* My camera is back to normal now! So here is the photo:
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
I'm Alive!!
After investigating a few different options, I've decided the easiest way to continue blogging is to keep this blog and just change the name. So life should be easy for you guys. Now I just have to come up with something that isn't cheesy or too long...
I've also decided to make this blog public again since the whole reason I made it private is over now. So hello world. I've missed you.
There really isn't much to update you all on honestly. It's been so relaxing and wonderful being home. Florida is fantastic; I love the storms every night (lighting!!), I love the heat and I LOVE being with my family. So in a nut shell: I am happy.
In other news, I am redecorating my room. As soon as it's done I'm going to post before and after photos. My oldest friend Ann (I've known her since pre-school and both her grandmother and mother taught me in elementary school) came over and helped me re-paint the walls a greyish white. That's all I'm saying right now. The suspense!! I know!!
I also am VERY sun burnt from going to the beach yesterday. Ouch. Next time I'll be better about sun screen, it's really crazy how fast you get burnt here.
On another (and less interesting) front, I'm working out EVERY day (but Sunday...I do Wii fit that day). It's amazing how much better you feel after an hour or so of moving. God really created us to be active! So my schedule goes like this: Monday--Run four miles with mom and Auntie Berts (who is an AWESOME person. She's not really my aunt but a really close friend of moms. She's the one who is into macrobiotics...but more on that later.) Or Spin class. Tuesday: Yoga class and 45 minutes on the elliptical. Wednesday: Spin class. The instructor at 5AM is INSANE. I seriously haven't sweat that much EVER. But if I go to the 8:45AM class instead it's a little more low key. Thursdays: Yoga and elliptical again. Friday: Spin class. Saturday: Long distance run!! The first week I did it I was SO sore, but now I really just feel great. I'm working toward running a half-marathon in October.
I'm also getting into macrobiotics and I think that's helping me with energy too. Pretty much right now I'm only eating whole grains (Barley, quinoa, oats, etc.), lean proteins (tofu, fish, chicken) and tons of fruits and veggies. I've already almost lost 10 pounds! Auntie Berts is showing me the macrobiotic ropes (it's a little complicated sometimes, you have to use things like shoyu and umeboshi, which I had NO clue about).
So that is my update! I know it's not that exciting but I decided when I came home I was in body boot camp, and my parents are being awesome and letting me not have a job while I fix myself. It's going to take a while, but I'm on my way!!
Love you all!
***EDIT***
I've decided on a name! Angelina on Stage was my FAVORITE book growing up (I hope you all got to read it) and Angelina is also my great-grandmother's name and my middle name. So there you go! Sorry about the offensive bright pink in the background. I had to do it.
I've also decided to make this blog public again since the whole reason I made it private is over now. So hello world. I've missed you.
There really isn't much to update you all on honestly. It's been so relaxing and wonderful being home. Florida is fantastic; I love the storms every night (lighting!!), I love the heat and I LOVE being with my family. So in a nut shell: I am happy.
In other news, I am redecorating my room. As soon as it's done I'm going to post before and after photos. My oldest friend Ann (I've known her since pre-school and both her grandmother and mother taught me in elementary school) came over and helped me re-paint the walls a greyish white. That's all I'm saying right now. The suspense!! I know!!
I also am VERY sun burnt from going to the beach yesterday. Ouch. Next time I'll be better about sun screen, it's really crazy how fast you get burnt here.
On another (and less interesting) front, I'm working out EVERY day (but Sunday...I do Wii fit that day). It's amazing how much better you feel after an hour or so of moving. God really created us to be active! So my schedule goes like this: Monday--Run four miles with mom and Auntie Berts (who is an AWESOME person. She's not really my aunt but a really close friend of moms. She's the one who is into macrobiotics...but more on that later.) Or Spin class. Tuesday: Yoga class and 45 minutes on the elliptical. Wednesday: Spin class. The instructor at 5AM is INSANE. I seriously haven't sweat that much EVER. But if I go to the 8:45AM class instead it's a little more low key. Thursdays: Yoga and elliptical again. Friday: Spin class. Saturday: Long distance run!! The first week I did it I was SO sore, but now I really just feel great. I'm working toward running a half-marathon in October.
I'm also getting into macrobiotics and I think that's helping me with energy too. Pretty much right now I'm only eating whole grains (Barley, quinoa, oats, etc.), lean proteins (tofu, fish, chicken) and tons of fruits and veggies. I've already almost lost 10 pounds! Auntie Berts is showing me the macrobiotic ropes (it's a little complicated sometimes, you have to use things like shoyu and umeboshi, which I had NO clue about).
So that is my update! I know it's not that exciting but I decided when I came home I was in body boot camp, and my parents are being awesome and letting me not have a job while I fix myself. It's going to take a while, but I'm on my way!!
Love you all!
***EDIT***
I've decided on a name! Angelina on Stage was my FAVORITE book growing up (I hope you all got to read it) and Angelina is also my great-grandmother's name and my middle name. So there you go! Sorry about the offensive bright pink in the background. I had to do it.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Out of the Big Apple
So...I guess this is the end of this blog since I am no longer taking any bites out of the big apple. It's a bitter sweet feeling...but, to be honest, mostly sweet.
I'll be sure to let you all know where my new blog will be.
Until then here is an update on my new life:
1) I have a second interview for my editing position at Three Stars Media tomorrow. The first one was an online assessment test which was both really easy and very time consuming.
2) I am re-doing my room. I'll be sure to post photos.
3) It's SO nice to be home. SO NICE.
Love!!
I'll be sure to let you all know where my new blog will be.
Until then here is an update on my new life:
1) I have a second interview for my editing position at Three Stars Media tomorrow. The first one was an online assessment test which was both really easy and very time consuming.
2) I am re-doing my room. I'll be sure to post photos.
3) It's SO nice to be home. SO NICE.
Love!!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Hi, my name is Heather. And I'm a cumpulsive repeater. All Together Now: Hello, Heather.
Countdown Until Jess Comes to Visit: 4 Days
Countdown Until I Leave NYC: 13 Days
Countdown Until Erin Comes to Visit: 13 Days
Countdown Until My Interview That Could Potentially Be Awesome: 18 Days
It’s amazing how tired I am.
And there really is no reason for it. I slept a normal amount this weekend, didn’t overly exert myself: no crazy orgies or drunken stupors. To be honest, I’m a little pissed off at my body…suck it up. Seriously.
On another note—thanks to Megs “I-have-secret-blogs-and-don’t-tell-anyone“ Martin—I am now obsessed with The Weepies. I keep listening to “Gotta Have You” on repeat. Sigh. I’m sure Juanita (the awesome black lady that sits next to me) will be SO happy when I leave. I’m a compulsive repeater. Last week it was Peter Bjorn And John’s “Young Folks.” The week before that was The Orion Experience’s “I’m Obsessed With You” (again).
This weekend I packed three boxes and pretty much all my stuff fit in them. It’s very sobering when all your possessions can fit into three cardboard boxes. It’s also very sobering to actually SEE all your possessions in three cardboard boxes. I was talking with my dad and apparently they're starting to clear out the “guest room” for me and making my dad’s old office the new guest room. This is going to be an adventure.
One other piece of news—I got an interview. It’s with a marketing firm, Three Stars Media, and they want to see me for a Copy Writer/Editor position. So that is June 3rd, and I would appreciate prayers! It would be great to get a job right away, especially a job I won’t want to kill myself doing.
Countdown Until I Leave NYC: 13 Days
Countdown Until Erin Comes to Visit: 13 Days
Countdown Until My Interview That Could Potentially Be Awesome: 18 Days
It’s amazing how tired I am.
And there really is no reason for it. I slept a normal amount this weekend, didn’t overly exert myself: no crazy orgies or drunken stupors. To be honest, I’m a little pissed off at my body…suck it up. Seriously.
On another note—thanks to Megs “I-have-secret-blogs-and-don’t-tell-anyone“ Martin—I am now obsessed with The Weepies. I keep listening to “Gotta Have You” on repeat. Sigh. I’m sure Juanita (the awesome black lady that sits next to me) will be SO happy when I leave. I’m a compulsive repeater. Last week it was Peter Bjorn And John’s “Young Folks.” The week before that was The Orion Experience’s “I’m Obsessed With You” (again).
This weekend I packed three boxes and pretty much all my stuff fit in them. It’s very sobering when all your possessions can fit into three cardboard boxes. It’s also very sobering to actually SEE all your possessions in three cardboard boxes. I was talking with my dad and apparently they're starting to clear out the “guest room” for me and making my dad’s old office the new guest room. This is going to be an adventure.
One other piece of news—I got an interview. It’s with a marketing firm, Three Stars Media, and they want to see me for a Copy Writer/Editor position. So that is June 3rd, and I would appreciate prayers! It would be great to get a job right away, especially a job I won’t want to kill myself doing.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Freedom!! Sort of...
I just let my boss know that I’m leaving New York at the end of the month. And it was significantly less stressful than I thought it would be! She said “bummer” a lot, but she was largely understanding--which was such a relief! She was seriously an amazing boss and I’ll really miss her (but not her expense reports so much).
So now that my boss knows, everyone is informed. My roommate was going to kick me out this month anyway, so that worked out. So I guess this makes my exodus a reality! It’s actually going to happen and I’m actually going to be home at the end of the month. Hallelujah.
In other, more unfortunate news--I’m not sure if I can go to Mexico. I (and my parents…mostly my parents) feel like it’s too dangerous. And as much as I want adventure, I don’t know if this is the right time with all the flu stuff and the drug cartel stuff going on. And honestly, I need some “me” time. I just need to find some mindless job that doesn’t involve a computer and hang on the beach and focus on my spiritual and physical health. And I’m really excited about being around my parents. My mom and dad are two of my best friends and I really miss them. I also miss Sarah and her antics…
So…that’s the Heather update for now. I’ll keep you posted on how things turn out!
Love!
So now that my boss knows, everyone is informed. My roommate was going to kick me out this month anyway, so that worked out. So I guess this makes my exodus a reality! It’s actually going to happen and I’m actually going to be home at the end of the month. Hallelujah.
In other, more unfortunate news--I’m not sure if I can go to Mexico. I (and my parents…mostly my parents) feel like it’s too dangerous. And as much as I want adventure, I don’t know if this is the right time with all the flu stuff and the drug cartel stuff going on. And honestly, I need some “me” time. I just need to find some mindless job that doesn’t involve a computer and hang on the beach and focus on my spiritual and physical health. And I’m really excited about being around my parents. My mom and dad are two of my best friends and I really miss them. I also miss Sarah and her antics…
So…that’s the Heather update for now. I’ll keep you posted on how things turn out!
Love!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Still in the Wild West
I'm sitting in a Greek Orthodox coffee shop with Megan trying to write a letter to my boss telling her I'm leaving New York. I'm also sipping on a chai tea latte that is divine. And I can see a mountain out of the window.
It's a happy day.
Earlier we went to Megan's cake decorating class and while they learned about the "shell" technique and made scary looking clowns, I stole some of the icing and made a bird's nest. The instructor laughed and said it was "good" in a very condenscending voice. After that we had AMAZING Indian food and went on a beautiful drive through the mountains. We made a pitstop in Manitou Springs and drank from some of the natural springs and one of them was naturally carbonated and I thought that was pretty amazing. And that leaves us where we sit now...laptops out in a manor oddly reminiscent of our time at The Gathering in Hillsdale.
Tonight we're getting sushi and going to a "club." This should be interesting.
Love to all!
It's a happy day.
Earlier we went to Megan's cake decorating class and while they learned about the "shell" technique and made scary looking clowns, I stole some of the icing and made a bird's nest. The instructor laughed and said it was "good" in a very condenscending voice. After that we had AMAZING Indian food and went on a beautiful drive through the mountains. We made a pitstop in Manitou Springs and drank from some of the natural springs and one of them was naturally carbonated and I thought that was pretty amazing. And that leaves us where we sit now...laptops out in a manor oddly reminiscent of our time at The Gathering in Hillsdale.
Tonight we're getting sushi and going to a "club." This should be interesting.
Love to all!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
In the Wild West
I am sitting in Arianna's living room and taking a moment from our busy day of sun-bathing (it's AMAZING outside today!) and taking the kids to the park to post! It's so beautiful here and the exact opposite of New York. It took me a while to adjust to the altitude, but I'm starting the feel great and the time away from my desk is just what I needed. It's great to remember there is life outside the office. And Brooklyn. And Zach and Gabey are adorable. I'll post pictures soon. We're going to go and get some ice cream and watch a chick flick now...so adios!!
Love to all!
Love to all!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
A Post in Pictures
First, here is my nephew. Is he not the CUTEST? I'm really excited to be spending time with him this summer. (And notice the Yankees bib I gave him...)
Second, I saw this on post secret and thought it was amazing:
I agree 100%.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
My Bucket List
After a conversation with Tiffany this morning about how utterly ancient we're all getting and how the years seem to be whizzing by, we decided that we should write a bucket list. For those of you who are unfamiliar with that term (and who failed to see that terrible movie made a few years back) a "bucket list" is simply a list of things you want to accomplish before you kick the bucket. What do you want to experience? What do you want to listen to, take in, fight for and just enjoy before the end? After a few minutes consideration, here are a few of mine:
1) I want to visit Sicily and swim in the Mediterranean.
2) I want to run a 10k
3) I absolutely must fall in love.
4) I want to plant an herb garden.
5) I want to write a novel.
6) I want to volunteer with the UNHCR.
7) I want to really learn to surf.
8) I want to study holistic nutrition and vegan cooking from a real person who knows what she/he is doing. My cookbooks can only go so far.
9) I want to get my masters. Probably in Anthropology or International Studies.
10) I want to be joyful in all things.
What would be on your list?
1) I want to visit Sicily and swim in the Mediterranean.
2) I want to run a 10k
3) I absolutely must fall in love.
4) I want to plant an herb garden.
5) I want to write a novel.
6) I want to volunteer with the UNHCR.
7) I want to really learn to surf.
8) I want to study holistic nutrition and vegan cooking from a real person who knows what she/he is doing. My cookbooks can only go so far.
9) I want to get my masters. Probably in Anthropology or International Studies.
10) I want to be joyful in all things.
What would be on your list?
Monday, April 6, 2009
The Embarrassment of Laziness
Countdown until I leave New York: 55 days
I think something might be wrong with me.
This weekend I did absolutely NOTHING. Well…besides make vegan pumpkin spice/banana pancakes and then clean up after them…and it took real hunger to get me out of bed. I had no motivation to do anything at all: I finished a book in bed, watched a Netflix movie in bed (Vicky Christina Barcelona…which is AMAZING) and slept…in bed. All weekend. I wish I could say I was feeling sick…but I was feeling fine. I had all these plans! I was going to do all my laundry, go running, start packing and above all get some sun! But I couldn’t wake up until 1pm each day and by Sunday I was just like, screw it! I’m going to wallow in this. And I did. It was a perfectly delicious lazy weekend. But I still feel guilty for the lack of productivity.
So that was my weekend. Extremely boring. And extremely good.
I think something might be wrong with me.
This weekend I did absolutely NOTHING. Well…besides make vegan pumpkin spice/banana pancakes and then clean up after them…and it took real hunger to get me out of bed. I had no motivation to do anything at all: I finished a book in bed, watched a Netflix movie in bed (Vicky Christina Barcelona…which is AMAZING) and slept…in bed. All weekend. I wish I could say I was feeling sick…but I was feeling fine. I had all these plans! I was going to do all my laundry, go running, start packing and above all get some sun! But I couldn’t wake up until 1pm each day and by Sunday I was just like, screw it! I’m going to wallow in this. And I did. It was a perfectly delicious lazy weekend. But I still feel guilty for the lack of productivity.
So that was my weekend. Extremely boring. And extremely good.
Monday, March 30, 2009
A Post About Nothing
Countdown until I leave New York: 62 days
I have absolutely nothing exciting to reveal in this post. This weekend was delightfully lazy; I made black-bean soup and finished Jane Eyre. I also watched infomercials and paid my bills. I also found out that I have a library fine from Hillsdale that I haven’t paid yet and I can’t get my transcripts to Mexico until that is taken care of. I also slept. A lot. Oh! And I also discovered carrot juice and it’s AMAZING. Katie, I don’t know how you dislike it…it’s my new favorite thing.
Today I am going to the gym. I feel much too fat. This weekend I made a little workout schedule and a grocery list that should help get me to my pre-winter hibernation weight. I also have to start training because my mom and I are running a 10K either this summer or in December. Either way I need to get my butt in gear.
And that really is it. It’s pretty boring around here actually. It will really get interesting at the end of April when I have to tell my roommate and my boss that I’m leaving in May. Pray for me, kiddos.
I have absolutely nothing exciting to reveal in this post. This weekend was delightfully lazy; I made black-bean soup and finished Jane Eyre. I also watched infomercials and paid my bills. I also found out that I have a library fine from Hillsdale that I haven’t paid yet and I can’t get my transcripts to Mexico until that is taken care of. I also slept. A lot. Oh! And I also discovered carrot juice and it’s AMAZING. Katie, I don’t know how you dislike it…it’s my new favorite thing.
Today I am going to the gym. I feel much too fat. This weekend I made a little workout schedule and a grocery list that should help get me to my pre-winter hibernation weight. I also have to start training because my mom and I are running a 10K either this summer or in December. Either way I need to get my butt in gear.
And that really is it. It’s pretty boring around here actually. It will really get interesting at the end of April when I have to tell my roommate and my boss that I’m leaving in May. Pray for me, kiddos.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Another one of these...
1) What author do you own the most books by?
In my apartment right now, I'm very ashamed to say this...but Stephanie Meyer! AHHH! What have I become! But if you count my books in Florida--either C.S. Lewis or Shakespeare.
2) What book do you own the most copies of?
The MPA's Magazine Marketing book...I own three copies. It's a long story.
3) Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?
Very much.
4) What fictional character are you secretly in love with?
This is VERY difficult. I guess if I had to pick ONE: Mr. Darcey from Pride and Prejudice.
5) What book have you read the most times in your life (excluding picture books read to children; i.e., Goodnight Moon does not count)?
Anna Karenina. I LOVED that book when I was 16ish and I kept reading it over and over.
6) What was your favorite book when you were ten years old?
Hmmm...probably something by George McDonald. I loved The Princess and the Goblin.
7) What is the worst book you've read in the past year?
Badly written: Twilight (all of them)
Worst Plot: Chasing Harry Winston by: Lauren Weisberger
8) What is the best book you've read in the past year?
What Happened to Anna K? by: Irina Reyn
9) If you could force everyone you tagged to read one book, what would it be?
Hehehe...Sex in the City
by Candace Bushnell, just because I know most of you wouldn't read it otherwise!
10) Who deserves to win the next Nobel Prize for Literature?
Probably Phillip Roth.
11) What book would you most like to see made into a movie?
I think Lolita of Tehran.
12) What book would you least like to see made into a movie?
Anything science fiction...
13) Describe your weirdest dream involving a writer, book, or literary character.
I had the brain fever. Anyone who was in Dr. Smith's English 102 class knows what I mean. It was a little crazy...
14) What is the most lowbrow book you've read as an adult?
Twilight. So bad...but somehow so addicting?
15) What is the most difficult book you've ever read?
War and Peace. because it was so long and the battle scenes were FOREVER. Or Moby Dick because I HATED it.
16) What is the most obscure Shakespeare play you've seen?
Titus Andronicus.
17) Do you prefer the French or the Russians?
The Russians most definitely.
18) Roth or Updike?
Roth.
19) David Sedaris or Dave Eggers?
Sedaris.
20) Shakespeare, Milton, or Chaucer?
Shakespeare for shizzle.
21) Austen or Eliot?
That's tough. I really like them both. I think Austen wins out though.
22) What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading?
I don't read American literature...I'm not very embarrassed because it sort of sucks in general.
23) What is your favorite novel?
I think it's still Anna K.
24) Play?
Hamlet.
25) Poem?
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, T.S. Eliot
26) Essay?
I'm not a big essayist...
27) Short story?
A Haunted House, by: Virginia Woolf
28) Work of nonfiction?
God Grew Tired of Us, by: John Bul Dau
29) Who is your favorite writer?
Either Tennyson or C.S. Lewis
30) Who is the most overrated writer alive today?
Stephanie Meyer...most definitely
31) What is your desert island book?
Something long...
32) And... what are you reading right now?
Jane Eyre, by: Charlotte Bronte
In my apartment right now, I'm very ashamed to say this...but Stephanie Meyer! AHHH! What have I become! But if you count my books in Florida--either C.S. Lewis or Shakespeare.
2) What book do you own the most copies of?
The MPA's Magazine Marketing book...I own three copies. It's a long story.
3) Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?
Very much.
4) What fictional character are you secretly in love with?
This is VERY difficult. I guess if I had to pick ONE: Mr. Darcey from Pride and Prejudice.
5) What book have you read the most times in your life (excluding picture books read to children; i.e., Goodnight Moon does not count)?
Anna Karenina. I LOVED that book when I was 16ish and I kept reading it over and over.
6) What was your favorite book when you were ten years old?
Hmmm...probably something by George McDonald. I loved The Princess and the Goblin.
7) What is the worst book you've read in the past year?
Badly written: Twilight (all of them)
Worst Plot: Chasing Harry Winston by: Lauren Weisberger
8) What is the best book you've read in the past year?
What Happened to Anna K? by: Irina Reyn
9) If you could force everyone you tagged to read one book, what would it be?
Hehehe...Sex in the City
by Candace Bushnell, just because I know most of you wouldn't read it otherwise!
10) Who deserves to win the next Nobel Prize for Literature?
Probably Phillip Roth.
11) What book would you most like to see made into a movie?
I think Lolita of Tehran.
12) What book would you least like to see made into a movie?
Anything science fiction...
13) Describe your weirdest dream involving a writer, book, or literary character.
I had the brain fever. Anyone who was in Dr. Smith's English 102 class knows what I mean. It was a little crazy...
14) What is the most lowbrow book you've read as an adult?
Twilight. So bad...but somehow so addicting?
15) What is the most difficult book you've ever read?
War and Peace. because it was so long and the battle scenes were FOREVER. Or Moby Dick because I HATED it.
16) What is the most obscure Shakespeare play you've seen?
Titus Andronicus.
17) Do you prefer the French or the Russians?
The Russians most definitely.
18) Roth or Updike?
Roth.
19) David Sedaris or Dave Eggers?
Sedaris.
20) Shakespeare, Milton, or Chaucer?
Shakespeare for shizzle.
21) Austen or Eliot?
That's tough. I really like them both. I think Austen wins out though.
22) What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading?
I don't read American literature...I'm not very embarrassed because it sort of sucks in general.
23) What is your favorite novel?
I think it's still Anna K.
24) Play?
Hamlet.
25) Poem?
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, T.S. Eliot
26) Essay?
I'm not a big essayist...
27) Short story?
A Haunted House, by: Virginia Woolf
28) Work of nonfiction?
God Grew Tired of Us, by: John Bul Dau
29) Who is your favorite writer?
Either Tennyson or C.S. Lewis
30) Who is the most overrated writer alive today?
Stephanie Meyer...most definitely
31) What is your desert island book?
Something long...
32) And... what are you reading right now?
Jane Eyre, by: Charlotte Bronte
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Assorted Vignettes: Muffins, Mexico and the Met
It’s been a while since I’ve updated. I wish I were better at posting every day, but things have been so busy! It’s been a VERY busy few weeks…busy, but good. My stomach has been hurting randomly though and I can’t figure it out. Maybe it’s stress? I feel like I blame everything on that. What will I do when I don’t have it anymore? I’m not going to know what to do with myself.
Today I came into work early because we were having a department meeting and it’s my job to pick up something for breakfast. I chose muffins. But I didn’t eat one because of the aforementioned stomach ailment. They looked yummy too. Boo on my digestive system.
Also, today I was reminded how much I love newspapers. Especially the Journal and their amazing off-the-wall feature they always do on the front page below the fold. The headlines were especially good today like: “In France, Oui to Bailout, Non to Layoffs” and my personal favorite, “On Fly Casting’s Urban Frontier, The Fish Are Big, the Water’s Dirty.” Doesn’t that just confuse you enough to want to read more? So good.
Jess and I also got our first Lincoln School newsletter! The principle attached a small map of the town we’ll be living in and it looks absolutely darling (see the map to the right). After New York, it will be so refreshing to live in a place with cobblestone streets. And they even have sushi and a modern art museum! I’m very excited about the possibilities. On another—but related—note I got a reply back from the US consulate in Guadalajara and they said that the area was fine and no violence was going on apart from the normal amounts of violence that happen in a big city (it’s the second biggest in Mexico). I think after New York (and Brooklyn!), I can handle it.
In other news, last weekend Katie and Laura came up to visit and their company was so fantastic! We packed a lot into the weekend too: the Met, a FANTASTIC vegan restaurant, a performance by the Paul Taylor dance company, church in the Village, sushi, Magnolias cupcakes and a visit to see Dr. Cuneo and his family in Yonkers. I believe a fun time was had by all and I would welcome another visit from those two ANY time!
Well, kiddos, I’m going to finish up reading my paper now. And then I should probably get to work. Blah. Competitves. Yuck.
Today I came into work early because we were having a department meeting and it’s my job to pick up something for breakfast. I chose muffins. But I didn’t eat one because of the aforementioned stomach ailment. They looked yummy too. Boo on my digestive system.
Also, today I was reminded how much I love newspapers. Especially the Journal and their amazing off-the-wall feature they always do on the front page below the fold. The headlines were especially good today like: “In France, Oui to Bailout, Non to Layoffs” and my personal favorite, “On Fly Casting’s Urban Frontier, The Fish Are Big, the Water’s Dirty.” Doesn’t that just confuse you enough to want to read more? So good.
Jess and I also got our first Lincoln School newsletter! The principle attached a small map of the town we’ll be living in and it looks absolutely darling (see the map to the right). After New York, it will be so refreshing to live in a place with cobblestone streets. And they even have sushi and a modern art museum! I’m very excited about the possibilities. On another—but related—note I got a reply back from the US consulate in Guadalajara and they said that the area was fine and no violence was going on apart from the normal amounts of violence that happen in a big city (it’s the second biggest in Mexico). I think after New York (and Brooklyn!), I can handle it.
In other news, last weekend Katie and Laura came up to visit and their company was so fantastic! We packed a lot into the weekend too: the Met, a FANTASTIC vegan restaurant, a performance by the Paul Taylor dance company, church in the Village, sushi, Magnolias cupcakes and a visit to see Dr. Cuneo and his family in Yonkers. I believe a fun time was had by all and I would welcome another visit from those two ANY time!
Well, kiddos, I’m going to finish up reading my paper now. And then I should probably get to work. Blah. Competitves. Yuck.
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Heather Update
My weekend. It was fantastic! I was pleasantly surprised on Friday afternoon when I got a call from Tiffany’s sister Brie asking if I wanted to get coffee. Coffee turned into dinner, which turned into hanging out on Saturday night, which turned into seeing Mary Poppins and getting dinner on Sunday. The bitter cold has finally left for the year (fingers crossed) so the weather was really fantastic as well. Actually I was wearing sandals…so that made it a good weekend all by itself.
My decision. I also just realized I haven’t come out and told you all my decision (although I’m assuming most of you know.) I’m going to Mexico in August! The plan as it stands right now is I’m working in NY until May and then I’m spending June and July in FL. I might fly out to Colorado in July (to see Megan, Erin and Company) and Tiffany might come visit me in FL. I really want to see you all before I leave (I’ll be there a year except for a few weeks in December) so everyone is invited to the beach this summer if you can get down to Orlando!
On another note:
Last weekend I went to see Madama Butterfly at the Met. It was phenomenal. That is one thing I will definitely miss when I don’t live in New York. The performances here (broadway, the new york ballet, the opera, etc) are exquisite. I guess I’ll have to visit!
My decision. I also just realized I haven’t come out and told you all my decision (although I’m assuming most of you know.) I’m going to Mexico in August! The plan as it stands right now is I’m working in NY until May and then I’m spending June and July in FL. I might fly out to Colorado in July (to see Megan, Erin and Company) and Tiffany might come visit me in FL. I really want to see you all before I leave (I’ll be there a year except for a few weeks in December) so everyone is invited to the beach this summer if you can get down to Orlando!
On another note:
Last weekend I went to see Madama Butterfly at the Met. It was phenomenal. That is one thing I will definitely miss when I don’t live in New York. The performances here (broadway, the new york ballet, the opera, etc) are exquisite. I guess I’ll have to visit!
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Secret's Out
I’m back in New York. With the amount I complain about this city you would think I absolutely hate it.
That could not be further from the truth.
I actually really like the city. It’s energetic. It’s different every day. It keeps me on my toes. I love that I can get a vegan red velvet cupcake at 3:30AM from two different places. I love that I can see Anne Hathaway randomly walking in the Village. I love the noise. I love knowing what the rest of the country will be wearing before they do.
It really is an amazing city. And I’m really glad I got to live here. I’m glad I was on the cutting edge, at least for a while. I’m glad I lived in the fast lane and survived.
I won’t be sorry to leave. But I will be sorry if I don't find my way back once in a while.
That could not be further from the truth.
I actually really like the city. It’s energetic. It’s different every day. It keeps me on my toes. I love that I can get a vegan red velvet cupcake at 3:30AM from two different places. I love that I can see Anne Hathaway randomly walking in the Village. I love the noise. I love knowing what the rest of the country will be wearing before they do.
It really is an amazing city. And I’m really glad I got to live here. I’m glad I was on the cutting edge, at least for a while. I’m glad I lived in the fast lane and survived.
I won’t be sorry to leave. But I will be sorry if I don't find my way back once in a while.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Still Sunny
So, I'm still in Florida. "Well, aren't you supposed to be in New York?" you ask.
Well, yes. Yes, I am.
I don't know whether the events of yesterday morning were a miracle or a nightmare. So I'm deciding they are neither and concisely deciding to NOT overreact to the fact that I am talking ALL of my sick days for the whole year in one week...in February. And my personal ones as well, now that I think about it.
Life is so exciting in the Sunshine State.
The moment I landed in Florida my throat started hurting. By day three I was suffering from a full-blown, kill-me-now...no-really-can't-you-see-I-want-to-die, cold. Fever, headache, all over body aches--you name it--I had it. I've been through almost an entire pallet of tissue (the industrial size from Costco). And cartons of OJ. And my mom has been stuffing so many pills down my throat I have NO idea how many of those I have taken. If I had been in New York I would have been miserable. But the weather here is so nice and being with my family has been so fantastic, I really haven't the inclination to feel like crap. For the most part. I had a few martinis (for $4!!) with a friend I've known for 16 years, I went to see "Confessions of a Shopoholic" with my cousin, we threw a huge birthday party for my sister and I got to see my nephew (from a distance because of my "sickness"), and I've been napping in our hammock. All in all, it's been fantastic. With a little miserable thrown in there for good measure.
Everything was all set for my fun Florida vacation to end on Monday, when, late on Sunday night, I felt a little tingle in my ear. I went to sleep anyway, and woke up the next morning with a full-blown inner-ear infection. Now, I was just going to get on the plane, but my mother suggested we go down to the walk in clinic down the road and get a prescription before I got on the plane so I could get it filled in NY. So we waited...and we waited to see a doctor. Two hours later, he finally takes a look at my ears and two seconds later he is telling me I shouldn't get on the plane because my ear drum could burst. "Do you want a note?" he asks.
"Why, yes," I reply. "Yes, I do."
So now my flight has been rescheduled for Friday and I have another week in Florida. Like I said before, I'm not sure if this is a dream come true or a huge problem. I think I'm going with a dream come true and I'll deal with the other stuff as I go. I gotta run, my nose is running. Time for another tissue.
Well, yes. Yes, I am.
I don't know whether the events of yesterday morning were a miracle or a nightmare. So I'm deciding they are neither and concisely deciding to NOT overreact to the fact that I am talking ALL of my sick days for the whole year in one week...in February. And my personal ones as well, now that I think about it.
Life is so exciting in the Sunshine State.
The moment I landed in Florida my throat started hurting. By day three I was suffering from a full-blown, kill-me-now...no-really-can't-you-see-I-want-to-die, cold. Fever, headache, all over body aches--you name it--I had it. I've been through almost an entire pallet of tissue (the industrial size from Costco). And cartons of OJ. And my mom has been stuffing so many pills down my throat I have NO idea how many of those I have taken. If I had been in New York I would have been miserable. But the weather here is so nice and being with my family has been so fantastic, I really haven't the inclination to feel like crap. For the most part. I had a few martinis (for $4!!) with a friend I've known for 16 years, I went to see "Confessions of a Shopoholic" with my cousin, we threw a huge birthday party for my sister and I got to see my nephew (from a distance because of my "sickness"), and I've been napping in our hammock. All in all, it's been fantastic. With a little miserable thrown in there for good measure.
Everything was all set for my fun Florida vacation to end on Monday, when, late on Sunday night, I felt a little tingle in my ear. I went to sleep anyway, and woke up the next morning with a full-blown inner-ear infection. Now, I was just going to get on the plane, but my mother suggested we go down to the walk in clinic down the road and get a prescription before I got on the plane so I could get it filled in NY. So we waited...and we waited to see a doctor. Two hours later, he finally takes a look at my ears and two seconds later he is telling me I shouldn't get on the plane because my ear drum could burst. "Do you want a note?" he asks.
"Why, yes," I reply. "Yes, I do."
So now my flight has been rescheduled for Friday and I have another week in Florida. Like I said before, I'm not sure if this is a dream come true or a huge problem. I think I'm going with a dream come true and I'll deal with the other stuff as I go. I gotta run, my nose is running. Time for another tissue.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Hammer Time! Seriously?
This is a HUGE problem. And also a reason I think most celebrities are idiots...
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Carrie Bradshaw to Beach Bum?
When I woke up this morning I could hardly get out of bed it was so cold. I didn’t have to look out the window to know the heinous thing that was happening outside. Grrrrrr. I hate snow. All you Maryland people can have mine…
I guess I haven’t really updated you all on my life in a while. I guess I’ve been avoiding it because I’m not exactly sure what to write. I’m feeling a lot better lately, but I’m still super confused about a lot of things and I’m hoping writing this post will help me through it. I hope so anyway. God knows I’ve already tried everything else.
So, I guess I’ll start at the beginning. Like I’ve said in previous posts, I am planning on leaving New York. I love the city, but visiting for a few days and living here are two different stories. Anyway, I was looking for jobs in Denver and Florida, trying to figure out the best time to make the move when I started talking to Jessica over Skype about her plans to go to Mexico and teach. The idea of living in another country for a year has always appealed to me, and the school sounded fantastic, so I applied. The timing of it was really amazing actually, Jess started talking about it right after I had the huge epiphany that I never really asked God what He wanted me to do with my life. I just plunged into the New York publishing world, assuming it was OBVIOUSLY what I should be doing (New York is so ME, right?). But ever since I moved here I’ve been kinda miserable…lonely, isolated, stressed. And I have that I’m-buried-in-a-hole-and-I-can’t-get-out feeling. It’s not super fun. So I was all set to accept a teaching position and get out of here when all of a sudden, last week, there was a tiny complication.
I was working on this comp (a mock up of what we’re going to pitch to an advertiser), having a lot of fun and getting pretty creative. My manager was so impressed she asked me if I wanted to get more involved with the creative process of marketing…which is EXACTLY what I wanted to do from the start. The creative director also raved about my ideas, and so yesterday I sat in on my first brainstorming session. I didn’t have any super great ideas, but it was really fun to toss around concepts. We’re getting back to together to discuss it further and this time I’m going to be more prepared (they called me 15 minutes before the last meeting, and it was on a show I’d never heard of…the BBC’s Torchwood. It’s a very odd show, one part Star Trek, one part Battlestar Galactica, one part The Twilight Zone). The meeting was engaging and it was the first time I’ve felt like I was contributing something valuable to the company. It was a really great feeling.
So what do I do? I’m leaving money out of this since I’m hoping that isn’t a motivating factor (although it is in the back of my head). Ever since I was little I’ve love magazines and always vowed to work at one. And here I am. I’m in the middle of the greatest city on earth, have a millions of opportunities at my fingertips, and a job some people would kill for. (Which makes me think of The Devil Loves Prada. I love that movie.) Maybe if I tried harder to make friends I wouldn’t be so lonely. It’s just hard to meet people who you don’t work or live with. It’s hard to put yourself out there and be vulnerable. Especially in this city. But I really like this job. Actually, I really like the job I could have in a few years if I stuck this out. It’s hard to risk losing it.
On the other hand, teaching in Mexico would be an amazing experience. And it would be AWESOME to spend more time with Jess. I wouldn’t be half as stressed, I would be much healthier (sitting at a desk all day is so terrible for you) and life would just be so…simple. Part of me thinks that I’m just taking the easy way out if I do this…I’m just running away from my problems instead of facing them. Maybe I just need to man up. But the other part of me thinks that I’ve manned up enough. For the past 15 years I’ve done things I don’t want to in order to “get into college” or “get a job/get into grad school.” Maybe I deserve a little ease? Not that teaching in Mexico wouldn’t be challenging, because I’m sure it will. But, it would be a wonderful break from all of this. And the thought of doing “all of this” for the rest of my life makes me want to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge.
I was listening to Oprah yesterday (yes, I LOVE Oprah) and they were talking about being overweight and what that means, emotionally, for women. Her guest was this doctor/therapist who prescribed doing this exercise called the “Circle of Life” (yes, it sounds ridiculous, but hang in there with me) to find out what is missing in your life that makes you turn to food to fill in the gap. I don’t really have an overeating problem, but I thought the exercise would be a good one, so I tried it. All you do is envision your life as a pie, and slice it up according to your priorities. My pie had six slices: 1)Intimacy/Relationships, 2) Health, 3) Spirituality, 4) Family, 5) Friendships, 6) Career. He then asked us to put a plus in slices we thought we had under control, and a minus in the slices we felt needed work. So right now my only pluses are my family and my career (in Hillsdale friendship would have been a plus too, so don’t think you guys aren’t awesome…because you are. But I’m only counting my life in the present) So I guess at the root of this decision: what is more important to me? My career? Or my emotional, spiritual and physical well-being? Not to say that if I stayed in New York that the rest of the pie would always be minuses. But right now, they are. And I’m tired. SO tired.
So that is my predicament. I realize what I decide will impact the rest of my life. I could stay in New York and live on Park Ave. someday. Or I could go to Mexico and travel the world and settle down after my travel bug in Florida with my family. As much as Park Ave. seems like a blast, I really miss palm trees. I miss the ocean. I miss being laid back. Because as much as I want to be a Carrie Bradshaw (in some ways) I think I might be more of a beach girl. I want to have a car and put the top down. I want thunderstorms. I guess I really just want Florida. And after 5 years in the nasty north (no offense to your northerners) I think I’m done. But then again…will I have this opportunity again? This is so hard! Grrrrrr…
I guess I haven’t really updated you all on my life in a while. I guess I’ve been avoiding it because I’m not exactly sure what to write. I’m feeling a lot better lately, but I’m still super confused about a lot of things and I’m hoping writing this post will help me through it. I hope so anyway. God knows I’ve already tried everything else.
So, I guess I’ll start at the beginning. Like I’ve said in previous posts, I am planning on leaving New York. I love the city, but visiting for a few days and living here are two different stories. Anyway, I was looking for jobs in Denver and Florida, trying to figure out the best time to make the move when I started talking to Jessica over Skype about her plans to go to Mexico and teach. The idea of living in another country for a year has always appealed to me, and the school sounded fantastic, so I applied. The timing of it was really amazing actually, Jess started talking about it right after I had the huge epiphany that I never really asked God what He wanted me to do with my life. I just plunged into the New York publishing world, assuming it was OBVIOUSLY what I should be doing (New York is so ME, right?). But ever since I moved here I’ve been kinda miserable…lonely, isolated, stressed. And I have that I’m-buried-in-a-hole-and-I-can’t-get-out feeling. It’s not super fun. So I was all set to accept a teaching position and get out of here when all of a sudden, last week, there was a tiny complication.
I was working on this comp (a mock up of what we’re going to pitch to an advertiser), having a lot of fun and getting pretty creative. My manager was so impressed she asked me if I wanted to get more involved with the creative process of marketing…which is EXACTLY what I wanted to do from the start. The creative director also raved about my ideas, and so yesterday I sat in on my first brainstorming session. I didn’t have any super great ideas, but it was really fun to toss around concepts. We’re getting back to together to discuss it further and this time I’m going to be more prepared (they called me 15 minutes before the last meeting, and it was on a show I’d never heard of…the BBC’s Torchwood. It’s a very odd show, one part Star Trek, one part Battlestar Galactica, one part The Twilight Zone). The meeting was engaging and it was the first time I’ve felt like I was contributing something valuable to the company. It was a really great feeling.
So what do I do? I’m leaving money out of this since I’m hoping that isn’t a motivating factor (although it is in the back of my head). Ever since I was little I’ve love magazines and always vowed to work at one. And here I am. I’m in the middle of the greatest city on earth, have a millions of opportunities at my fingertips, and a job some people would kill for. (Which makes me think of The Devil Loves Prada. I love that movie.) Maybe if I tried harder to make friends I wouldn’t be so lonely. It’s just hard to meet people who you don’t work or live with. It’s hard to put yourself out there and be vulnerable. Especially in this city. But I really like this job. Actually, I really like the job I could have in a few years if I stuck this out. It’s hard to risk losing it.
On the other hand, teaching in Mexico would be an amazing experience. And it would be AWESOME to spend more time with Jess. I wouldn’t be half as stressed, I would be much healthier (sitting at a desk all day is so terrible for you) and life would just be so…simple. Part of me thinks that I’m just taking the easy way out if I do this…I’m just running away from my problems instead of facing them. Maybe I just need to man up. But the other part of me thinks that I’ve manned up enough. For the past 15 years I’ve done things I don’t want to in order to “get into college” or “get a job/get into grad school.” Maybe I deserve a little ease? Not that teaching in Mexico wouldn’t be challenging, because I’m sure it will. But, it would be a wonderful break from all of this. And the thought of doing “all of this” for the rest of my life makes me want to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge.
I was listening to Oprah yesterday (yes, I LOVE Oprah) and they were talking about being overweight and what that means, emotionally, for women. Her guest was this doctor/therapist who prescribed doing this exercise called the “Circle of Life” (yes, it sounds ridiculous, but hang in there with me) to find out what is missing in your life that makes you turn to food to fill in the gap. I don’t really have an overeating problem, but I thought the exercise would be a good one, so I tried it. All you do is envision your life as a pie, and slice it up according to your priorities. My pie had six slices: 1)Intimacy/Relationships, 2) Health, 3) Spirituality, 4) Family, 5) Friendships, 6) Career. He then asked us to put a plus in slices we thought we had under control, and a minus in the slices we felt needed work. So right now my only pluses are my family and my career (in Hillsdale friendship would have been a plus too, so don’t think you guys aren’t awesome…because you are. But I’m only counting my life in the present) So I guess at the root of this decision: what is more important to me? My career? Or my emotional, spiritual and physical well-being? Not to say that if I stayed in New York that the rest of the pie would always be minuses. But right now, they are. And I’m tired. SO tired.
So that is my predicament. I realize what I decide will impact the rest of my life. I could stay in New York and live on Park Ave. someday. Or I could go to Mexico and travel the world and settle down after my travel bug in Florida with my family. As much as Park Ave. seems like a blast, I really miss palm trees. I miss the ocean. I miss being laid back. Because as much as I want to be a Carrie Bradshaw (in some ways) I think I might be more of a beach girl. I want to have a car and put the top down. I want thunderstorms. I guess I really just want Florida. And after 5 years in the nasty north (no offense to your northerners) I think I’m done. But then again…will I have this opportunity again? This is so hard! Grrrrrr…
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Saturday Recipe Post: Oregano Smash with Green Beans and Pasta
Hey everyone!
Here is my latest Saturday culinary adventure and it's AMAZING! It's an oregano smash pesto and spelt pasta...yum. Here's everything you need to know.
Ingredients:
-1 and 3/4 cups (400g) french beans (stalk ends trimmed and washed)
-3/4 to 1 cup (200g) spelt pasta (short style)
-2 bunches oregano
-Good pinch of salt
-1-2 Garlic cloves
-3 1/2 tablespoons (50g) pine nuts (optional)
-1-2 lemons juiced
-Roughly half a cup (or a little less) (100ml) Olive oil
-Pepper to taste
-Roughly half a cup (or a little less) (100g) Goat’s feta (I omitted this and it turned out great!)
1. Wash oregano and pat dry. Then pick leaves and add to food processor with garlic and salt. Add in nuts as well.
Mix in all the oil and some of lemon juice, adding more to taste. Taste for pepper and add as desired.
Cook pasta in plenty of boiling, salted water.
Meanwhile steam or gently boil beans.
Tip drained pasta onto serving platter, add beans, drizzle with pesto and crumble feta over. Serve immediately.
And voila! Dinner!
Here is my latest Saturday culinary adventure and it's AMAZING! It's an oregano smash pesto and spelt pasta...yum. Here's everything you need to know.
Ingredients:
-1 and 3/4 cups (400g) french beans (stalk ends trimmed and washed)
-3/4 to 1 cup (200g) spelt pasta (short style)
-2 bunches oregano
-Good pinch of salt
-1-2 Garlic cloves
-3 1/2 tablespoons (50g) pine nuts (optional)
-1-2 lemons juiced
-Roughly half a cup (or a little less) (100ml) Olive oil
-Pepper to taste
-Roughly half a cup (or a little less) (100g) Goat’s feta (I omitted this and it turned out great!)
1. Wash oregano and pat dry. Then pick leaves and add to food processor with garlic and salt. Add in nuts as well.
Mix in all the oil and some of lemon juice, adding more to taste. Taste for pepper and add as desired.
Cook pasta in plenty of boiling, salted water.
Meanwhile steam or gently boil beans.
Tip drained pasta onto serving platter, add beans, drizzle with pesto and crumble feta over. Serve immediately.
And voila! Dinner!
Monday, January 19, 2009
New Years Resolutions...a little late
This New Years was kind of strange. Maybe it was Times Square that threw my off, but New Years Day came and went and I didn’t make ONE New Years resolution. It didn’t even enter my mind this year to do it. And I usually love to sit down with a glass of wine on New Years day and scribble all the ways that I’m going to be a better person in the new year. Sometimes I stick with them, and sometimes I don’t, but it’s always nice to set a few goals that stretch myself as a person. It’s so easy to drift around life and do the minimum. In fact, my personality lends itself to this laissez-faire approach. I have to engage myself, or I will remain detached. I’m not one of those work-oriented people who just wants to produce, produce, produce. I like relaxing and I like fun. Thus, my love-affair with the New Years resolution. Writing down some goals help steer me in the right direction, even if I abandon a few of them in the first month.
Well today, I’m going to continue the tradition and share with you guys 6 things I want to accomplish in 2009. I think the trick to the good resolution is to be realistic and remember who you are. You are not going to magically change personalities, so be aware of your gifts and limitations.
Anywho, here's the list:
1) Get healthy.
This goal has many little sub goals that I won’t bore you with here. Suffice it to say, I’m changing my attitude towards certain things and re-thinking others. My trip to the doctor was the first step. I now know I have a cholesterol problem which has led me to re-visit complete veganism until my next test (in four months). I joined a gym and am taking yoga, pilates and salsa. I’m also consistently taking calcium/vitamin D and a muli-vitamin.
GOAL: Be consistent with exercise (5 days a week), eat whole grains, lean protein and tons of produce, and take my vitamins every day.
2) Finish the rough draft of my novel.
I’ve known for years I love to write. College sort of sucked that out of me as I was forced to write boring paper after boring paper. Now that I’m out of that environment I’m starting to realize that I’m ready to revisit that part of my life.
GOAL: A chapter (or so) a week. And when I have the money, take some online advanced creative writing classes and a class on how to get published. (http://www.learningexchange.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=1011&CategoryID=5&SubCategoryID=45)
3) Run a 10K.
I hate exercise in general. Unless it’s entertaining, like a dance class or a yoga class, I’m not a huge fan. So why do I want to run a 10K, you ask? Well, because I don’t want to run it. It’s something I will have to push myself to do and that will be good for me.
GOAL: Register and train for a 10K this summer.
4) Be more honest with myself, and others.
Anyone who really knows me knows that sometimes I can be a bull-shitter. If something is bothering me, I don’t generally say anything. I pretend to agree with opinions that I don’t agree with. I agree to do things I don’t have time for and don’t want to do, because I want to be liked to the detriment of things I really care about. This applies to casual friendships more than really deep ones, but it happens quite a bit. Also, I lie to myself ALL the time to rationalize bad decisions. Not a good idea.
GOAL: Stop myself when I feel like I’m saying something or doing something just to get approval.
5) Take more risks.
I freely admit, I like to play it safe. When presented with two options, I will invariably go for the less risky option (although I did invest my 401K in the S&P, so maybe not…) I feel like sometimes you have to gamble big, to win big. OR lose big…but at least you’re doing something BIG. At least you’re doing something worthwhile.
GOAL: Instead of second guessing myself, I’m going to plunge into something I’ve always wanted to do. More on this later.
6) Save.
I’m setting a goal to have $5,000 in the bank at all times. You never know when something unexpected will happen.
GOAL: Save $100 a month for four years. And keep it in the bank! This time next year I should have $1200.
So that’s it! Keep it real, homies…
Well today, I’m going to continue the tradition and share with you guys 6 things I want to accomplish in 2009. I think the trick to the good resolution is to be realistic and remember who you are. You are not going to magically change personalities, so be aware of your gifts and limitations.
Anywho, here's the list:
1) Get healthy.
This goal has many little sub goals that I won’t bore you with here. Suffice it to say, I’m changing my attitude towards certain things and re-thinking others. My trip to the doctor was the first step. I now know I have a cholesterol problem which has led me to re-visit complete veganism until my next test (in four months). I joined a gym and am taking yoga, pilates and salsa. I’m also consistently taking calcium/vitamin D and a muli-vitamin.
GOAL: Be consistent with exercise (5 days a week), eat whole grains, lean protein and tons of produce, and take my vitamins every day.
2) Finish the rough draft of my novel.
I’ve known for years I love to write. College sort of sucked that out of me as I was forced to write boring paper after boring paper. Now that I’m out of that environment I’m starting to realize that I’m ready to revisit that part of my life.
GOAL: A chapter (or so) a week. And when I have the money, take some online advanced creative writing classes and a class on how to get published. (http://www.learningexchange.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=1011&CategoryID=5&SubCategoryID=45)
3) Run a 10K.
I hate exercise in general. Unless it’s entertaining, like a dance class or a yoga class, I’m not a huge fan. So why do I want to run a 10K, you ask? Well, because I don’t want to run it. It’s something I will have to push myself to do and that will be good for me.
GOAL: Register and train for a 10K this summer.
4) Be more honest with myself, and others.
Anyone who really knows me knows that sometimes I can be a bull-shitter. If something is bothering me, I don’t generally say anything. I pretend to agree with opinions that I don’t agree with. I agree to do things I don’t have time for and don’t want to do, because I want to be liked to the detriment of things I really care about. This applies to casual friendships more than really deep ones, but it happens quite a bit. Also, I lie to myself ALL the time to rationalize bad decisions. Not a good idea.
GOAL: Stop myself when I feel like I’m saying something or doing something just to get approval.
5) Take more risks.
I freely admit, I like to play it safe. When presented with two options, I will invariably go for the less risky option (although I did invest my 401K in the S&P, so maybe not…) I feel like sometimes you have to gamble big, to win big. OR lose big…but at least you’re doing something BIG. At least you’re doing something worthwhile.
GOAL: Instead of second guessing myself, I’m going to plunge into something I’ve always wanted to do. More on this later.
6) Save.
I’m setting a goal to have $5,000 in the bank at all times. You never know when something unexpected will happen.
GOAL: Save $100 a month for four years. And keep it in the bank! This time next year I should have $1200.
So that’s it! Keep it real, homies…
Saturday, January 17, 2009
My First Saturday Recipe Post: Tofu Scrambled Wrap
Hey All!
Welcome to my first ever Saturday recipe post. I hope to make this a weekly update. So, the recipe I made today is a Tofu Scrambled Wrap. And it is delicious! So the ingredients you need are as follows:
Firm tofu: 2 cups
Salsa: 1/2 cup
Kalamata olives: 1/3 cup
Nutritional yeast: 1/3 cup
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
Sea Salt: 1/2 tsp
Garlic powder: 1 tsp
Onion powder: 1 tsp
Tumeric: 1 tsp
Whole Wheat Tortillas
So first you heat the oil in a pan and add the tofu, cooking it for about 2 minutes. Then add the olives and salsa and mix well.
It should look something like this photo. Yummy. It smells really great!
Next, add the nutritional yeast (a great vegetarian supplement and thickener) and the rest of the seasonings.
Remove from heat. Then get your tortilla and a leaf of lettuce and enjoy!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Welcome to my first ever Saturday recipe post. I hope to make this a weekly update. So, the recipe I made today is a Tofu Scrambled Wrap. And it is delicious! So the ingredients you need are as follows:
Firm tofu: 2 cups
Salsa: 1/2 cup
Kalamata olives: 1/3 cup
Nutritional yeast: 1/3 cup
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
Sea Salt: 1/2 tsp
Garlic powder: 1 tsp
Onion powder: 1 tsp
Tumeric: 1 tsp
Whole Wheat Tortillas
So first you heat the oil in a pan and add the tofu, cooking it for about 2 minutes. Then add the olives and salsa and mix well.
It should look something like this photo. Yummy. It smells really great!
Next, add the nutritional yeast (a great vegetarian supplement and thickener) and the rest of the seasonings.
Remove from heat. Then get your tortilla and a leaf of lettuce and enjoy!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Complete and Utter Excitment
I heard back from the doctor yesterday. Apparently I have high cholesterol and there isn’t anything wrong with my thyroid. The first makes no sense, since I hardly ever eat saturated fat (although I do eat eggs every now and then) and I eat flax seed on a regular basis (which has been proven to lower cholesterol) and the second makes me angry. So why do I have all the symptoms of a thyroid issue, then? Hmmm, Mr. Hot Shot Doctor? So I talked to my mom and as usual this shed light on a perplexing issue. First, high cholesterol (the bad LDL kind) runs in both sides of my family. So it’s a--no matter what I do--I’m screwed situation. Pretty exciting. Next, she said that it’s really easy to miss a thyroid condition in tests. She said I should call him and ask him if there is another way to test for it. Blah. I hate doctors. Even hot ones.
So I know EVERYONE wants to know my weekend plans! Well, here they are:
Tonight, I’m getting sushi and watching a movie then watching something at 10 about how much people get paid in the US (I think that’s the gist of it, I just remember the preview made me curious) and then I’m finishing my book (The Kite Runner, again) and going to bed. I’m so tired.
Tomorrow I’m planning on staying in all day because the high is 9 degrees. Not going out in that. So I bought stuff to make curried tofu wraps for breakfast and I have a tuna steak marinating for dinner. I think I’ll put it over a salad. Yum. Can you tell I’m hungry right now? LOL. Besides cooking and eating, I will start my new book, 1,000 Splendid Suns, write very late thank you notes from Christmas, and catch up on phone calls.
Sunday I have a Pilates class at 11:30. And then I was thinking about getting a coffee in Union Square and catching up on writing my novel. It should be fun times.
Well friends, I hope you have a fantastic weekend! I’ll see you on the other side!
So I know EVERYONE wants to know my weekend plans! Well, here they are:
Tonight, I’m getting sushi and watching a movie then watching something at 10 about how much people get paid in the US (I think that’s the gist of it, I just remember the preview made me curious) and then I’m finishing my book (The Kite Runner, again) and going to bed. I’m so tired.
Tomorrow I’m planning on staying in all day because the high is 9 degrees. Not going out in that. So I bought stuff to make curried tofu wraps for breakfast and I have a tuna steak marinating for dinner. I think I’ll put it over a salad. Yum. Can you tell I’m hungry right now? LOL. Besides cooking and eating, I will start my new book, 1,000 Splendid Suns, write very late thank you notes from Christmas, and catch up on phone calls.
Sunday I have a Pilates class at 11:30. And then I was thinking about getting a coffee in Union Square and catching up on writing my novel. It should be fun times.
Well friends, I hope you have a fantastic weekend! I’ll see you on the other side!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Doctors and Tofu
Yesterday I went to the doctor. Now, my doctor in Florida was a wonderful old man, graying, sweet and just…a peach. It was easy to tell him about embarrassing things that you don’t want the general population to know about your body. When I hopped on the scale, I wasn’t happy about it, but it wasn’t too awkward. He was old. And gray. He probably had dentures.
So fast-forward to the events of January 13, 2009. I left work early to get to my appointment on time (with my boss’ okay, obviously) and trudged over to the doctor’s office. It was in the Village so the train ride was about 15 minutes but I had allotted myself 30 in anticipation of some directional malady that never manifested (despite the fact that I have been to the Village a million times). I had been nervous about the appointment all day (the anticipation of blood being drawn, which I knew would happen on site) and my nervousness made me overcompensate. Which was fine, I filled out my forms, and read my book until my name was called. By this point I was sweating, not from the heat (in fact it was freezing) but from my nerves. Damn, sweat glands. I hate the doctor.
Some assistant showed me to the examination room. I waited there, trying to calm myself by organizing my symptoms in my planner and trying to look professional. I was constantly tired, excessively thirsty all the time, my hair was falling out, my skin was much drier than normal, I had low focus and I had inexplicably gained almost 15 pounds in three months.
Then I waited. And waited. I crossed my legs one way…then crossed them the other when I noticed my legs looked thinner from the other angle. I wrote down my recent expenses in my expense tracker. I read the “Eyes, Throat and Ears” poster across the room. And then, just when I was thinking about getting my book out, the door opened and in walked…an attractive man in his early thirties. I kid you not. Instinctively I looked for a wedding ring…no such luck.
The first thing out of his mouth after I told him about my symptoms was, “So, have you gotten a pap smear?” Then, “Are you sexually active?” To which I replied, “Um…no…I’m waiting until…later.” And he was like, “Later?” To which I said, “Hmmm…yes…later.” He gave me a strange look and said, “Could you hop on the scale?” At this point the voice inside my head was screaming, “WHERE HAVE THE ELDERLY DOCTORS GONE? RUN!!!!” But I forced myself to get on the scale. It was mortifying. After that it got a little better when I somehow managed to bring my dead grandmother into the conversation and then I got so worked that when he asked if I lived in the city I said, “Yes…of course.” Even though I live in Brooklyn. And he could clearly see that I lived in Brooklyn because I wrote my address on my paperwork. After a few more minutes he said we would do a full work up and that he was concerned about my thyroid or depression. So we’ll see how that goes. I’ll have the results next week. But I can guarantee you, he’s not going to be asking for my number.
In other news, I made an amazing stir fry last night with tofu, mushrooms, red cabbage, snow peas, garlic and brown rice. It was fantastic. I just ate the leftovers for lunch.
Ciao for now, chicas!
So fast-forward to the events of January 13, 2009. I left work early to get to my appointment on time (with my boss’ okay, obviously) and trudged over to the doctor’s office. It was in the Village so the train ride was about 15 minutes but I had allotted myself 30 in anticipation of some directional malady that never manifested (despite the fact that I have been to the Village a million times). I had been nervous about the appointment all day (the anticipation of blood being drawn, which I knew would happen on site) and my nervousness made me overcompensate. Which was fine, I filled out my forms, and read my book until my name was called. By this point I was sweating, not from the heat (in fact it was freezing) but from my nerves. Damn, sweat glands. I hate the doctor.
Some assistant showed me to the examination room. I waited there, trying to calm myself by organizing my symptoms in my planner and trying to look professional. I was constantly tired, excessively thirsty all the time, my hair was falling out, my skin was much drier than normal, I had low focus and I had inexplicably gained almost 15 pounds in three months.
Then I waited. And waited. I crossed my legs one way…then crossed them the other when I noticed my legs looked thinner from the other angle. I wrote down my recent expenses in my expense tracker. I read the “Eyes, Throat and Ears” poster across the room. And then, just when I was thinking about getting my book out, the door opened and in walked…an attractive man in his early thirties. I kid you not. Instinctively I looked for a wedding ring…no such luck.
The first thing out of his mouth after I told him about my symptoms was, “So, have you gotten a pap smear?” Then, “Are you sexually active?” To which I replied, “Um…no…I’m waiting until…later.” And he was like, “Later?” To which I said, “Hmmm…yes…later.” He gave me a strange look and said, “Could you hop on the scale?” At this point the voice inside my head was screaming, “WHERE HAVE THE ELDERLY DOCTORS GONE? RUN!!!!” But I forced myself to get on the scale. It was mortifying. After that it got a little better when I somehow managed to bring my dead grandmother into the conversation and then I got so worked that when he asked if I lived in the city I said, “Yes…of course.” Even though I live in Brooklyn. And he could clearly see that I lived in Brooklyn because I wrote my address on my paperwork. After a few more minutes he said we would do a full work up and that he was concerned about my thyroid or depression. So we’ll see how that goes. I’ll have the results next week. But I can guarantee you, he’s not going to be asking for my number.
In other news, I made an amazing stir fry last night with tofu, mushrooms, red cabbage, snow peas, garlic and brown rice. It was fantastic. I just ate the leftovers for lunch.
Ciao for now, chicas!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
My Rant Magnum Opus
I WANT TO GO HOME!
I'm cold, depressed, tired and angry at the world.
Can this be over now?
And to top it all off I got food poisoning yesterday. From Thai food consumed in dimmed lighting. Let this be a warning to you all: NEVER eat Asian food when you can't tell how well it's cooked. Bad, bad times.
All I want is a beach and my friends and family. Is that too much to ask? I don't think so. I've suffered through enough winters. Why the hell am I here? What is my problem? Why can't I just let myself do the easy thing for ONCE!
Sorry about all the complaining. I actually didn't mean to do this but since it's out there now...might as well send it out into the void. So good night, dear void.
I'm cold, depressed, tired and angry at the world.
Can this be over now?
And to top it all off I got food poisoning yesterday. From Thai food consumed in dimmed lighting. Let this be a warning to you all: NEVER eat Asian food when you can't tell how well it's cooked. Bad, bad times.
All I want is a beach and my friends and family. Is that too much to ask? I don't think so. I've suffered through enough winters. Why the hell am I here? What is my problem? Why can't I just let myself do the easy thing for ONCE!
Sorry about all the complaining. I actually didn't mean to do this but since it's out there now...might as well send it out into the void. So good night, dear void.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Alone Again
My sister left today and I saw this on Post Secret and it is EXACTLY how I feel:
And I have a cold. Blah.
And I have a cold. Blah.
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