Wrong Reasons For Sex

I just came across this article from thefrisky.com about eight bad reasons to have sex (what?! It was on CNN.com, I swear!) Either way, read the piece. It might keep some of you out there from making these mistakes.

And while you're at it, feel free to look around the site. There's some interesting stuff on there... ;)

McCain's Pick

And now John McCain has picked his vice presidential candidate: Alaska Governor Sarah Palin! Can't say I've ever heard of her... wonder how my grad school roomie feels about her. Either way, there they are. Read this CNN article to learn more about her.

poll by twiigs.com

The Things My Parents Taught Me List

"My mother always said..."
"My father would tell me..."

How many times haven't we heard that from our own parents? How many words of wisdom have been passed along in this way from one generation to the next? And though you might have rolled your eyes when that quote was coming, you couldn't help but retain some for your own use.

And then there were those lessons that were never spoken; those you learned just by watching them. Seeing how they live(d) their lives, how they interact(ed) with the people around them and what their hopes were.

These are things you'll carry with you, like a torch, to light the way of those who'll come after you.

The Things My Parents Taught Me List

• "You can be a millionaire, but if you have no friends you're still poor."
• "You're #1 so take care of yourself first. If you don't, then how can you care for somebody else?"
• "Your body is like a car. You have to fill up the tank, take it in for a tune-up and check the oils."
• Always give back when you have the chance.
• Never stop learning.
• In order to get respect, you must give respect.
• Smile, laugh, eat, play, enjoy life

The Best Years

Earlier today, my friend sent an e-mail to me and another friend asking "Do you think you’ve already lived the best years of your life, are living them now or do you think they are still to come?"

She herself felt she had already lived them during her college days while our other friend said she had started living them already and was still in the midst of her good years. As for me, I feel like I'm on the cusp of the best years of my life; that I'm just starting to live them now. I know I've been fortunate and have had great moments over the last few, but I'm waiting for more. I'm still trying to feel comfortable in my own skin and be confident in where I'm heading. I think the phase I'm in now is still filled with tons of confusion and even more questions. As fun as it is to be young, free and allowed to make all these mistakes along the way, I can't wait until my life is little more stable. When I can say, "Ok, I know who I am, I'm happy with what I'm becoming and I'll embrace whatever happens tomorrow."

But then again, who knows if that will be enough for me when it comes. And maybe that's a good thing. Knowing me, I'll keep hoping my best days are just around the corner; knowing today's pretty great, but thinking tomorrow could be much better.

The Last Lecture: Advice on Men

A female colleague once shared something she learned about relationships with Randy Pausch: "When it comes to men who are romantically interested in you, it's really simple. Just ignore everything they say and only pay attention to what they do." Do you agree or disagree?

The Gratitudes List

So how any of you read The Secret? Well good for you - I didn't. But apparently giving thanks each day is one of the activities Rhonda Byrne discusses in the book. It's something that shouldn't just be reserved for the fourth Thursday in November over turkey legs (mmm...turkey legs...). So set time aside to acknowledge your blessings and appreciate the fact that hard as your days may be, there are always things in your life for which to be happy.

My Gratitudes List

• My family (even though I haven't been talking too much to them lately)
• A job that allows me to do what I love
• My health (though I put it through the ringer sometimes)
• My education
• Close friends
• The chance to live in a great city
• Being able to fend for myself in said great city
• The chance to dream big, have goals and see them come true
  

It's Been a Year...

Midway through my day at work today I realized that it was my 1-year anniversary at the magazine. After work I celebrated by buying myself a small bouquet of multi-colored carnations, strolling to my heart's content through the paths of Central Park and feeling like the luckiest girl in the world.

Answer

The Last Lecture: Childhood Dreams

The act of dreaming big dreams and achieving those dreamt up as a child was important to Randy. And not just fulfilling your dreams, but also helping others realize theirs as well. How many dreams have you been able to achieve? Have you helped others fulfill theirs? And why are dreams so important to have?

The "Perfect" Significant Other List

Ah. The list which describes your perfect significant other. How many people don't have a list (some may be longer than others) detailing every quality a person needs to possess before you consider dating him/her? Some call it "having standards" while others say it's being "too picky." All I know is that as time has passed by, things have fallen off my list. My "perfect" guy no longer needs to have dimples or have a foreign accent. In fact, he doesn't have to be perfect at all.

I guess the more experience you obtain, the tighter that list gets; filled only with qualities you truly can't live without.

The Qualities of my "Perfect" Significant Other List

• Kind eyes
• Goofball personality
• Ambitious
• Intelligent
• Curious
• Charitable
• Has a huge heart
• Must love dogs
  

The Last Lecture: Brick Walls

"The brick walls are there to stop people who don't want it badly enough. They're there to stop the other people."

Randy Pausch didn't see walls as an obstacle, he saw it as a challenge. A way to prove how much he wanted what was on the other side. Do agree with him? What "walls" have you come across in your life? Were you able to break through them? If so, how?

The Places to See Before I Die List

The world is immense and filled with things I'm tired of hearing and reading about: volcanoes, vineyards, cobblestone streets and forests. I want to see the architecture I read about in college and be surrounded by ancient ruins and futuristic structures. I want to be in the middle of the ocean and at once feel so insignificantly small and proud to be a part of something so much bigger than me.

My [Partial] Places to See Before I Die List

• Greece
• Italy
• Mexico
• Australia
• Spain
• Japan
• Brazil
• Africa
• The Moon

Biz Quiz

Loved and Lost

I recently dug this out from my high school papers. The topic: Agree or disagree with the following statement. 'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. My response at 17 years of age:

"'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. I agree with this statement because when you are in love with someone it is an irreplaceable feeling and there is nothing like it in the world.

To have loved and lost does not necessarily weaken you. You could be sad at first, but in the end it'll only make you stronger than you were before. It serves as an experience and you learn from it. In the future you'll be able to face whatever comes your way.

To have never loved at all is to be robbed of something wonderful. It's to miss out on beautiful experiences which can only be felt if you try them for yourself. You can't know how it feels by reading or hearing about it. To have never loved at all is to be lost and confused because love guides us. You would never know how it feels to love someone and have someone love you.

It is better to have loved and lost because you feel all the wonderfulness of being in love which is priceless. To have had the chance to love, even for an instant, is to be blessed. To have never loved at all is to be lost all your life because love shows us the way to happiness."

Wow. I most clearly was just rambling off idealisms. How hopeful I was then! How rosy the world seemed! Now I'm not bitter or anything, but those college years did make me a bit jaded. At a time when everyone else seemed to have no problem pairing off at the snap of a finger, I was too busy telling myself I didn't need love. I'd manage just fine without it, I told myself. And when my parents divorced during my first year in college, it only cemented that idea even more. What was the point of seeking love if it didn't even last?

Today, I still go by idealisms and base my thoughts on things I've read or heard or wish, but they're now weighed down a tiny bit by experience. To 17-year-old me happy endings existed and love held so much power, but it was only because of what I imagined it to be. I had no clue on the subject and seven more years would pass by until I got my first inkling. Now at 26, do I agree with what I wrote back then?

Yes. It is better to have loved and lost. Knowing how hard it's been the last few months, I still wouldn't trade what I experienced for anything in the world and await the chance to get that back someday. I just hope fate is a little kinder with me the next time around.

poll by twiigs.com

*In my search for an image for this post, I came across this article titled How to Move On After a Break-Up. I found the steps kind of funny. And need a "roadmap through heartbreak and recovery?" Then here's your book!

The Before I'm [insert age] List

We all have goals and if not goals then vague ideas of things we'd like to accomplish by a certain point in our life. Have a successful career, maybe marry, or break a personal record. And some might seem like a stretch, but these lists were not meant to be created with limits in mind. Besides, if you write it, perhaps it will come.

My Before I'm 30 List

• Write a children's book
• Run a greeting card business
• Be a regular feature writer for several magazines
• Own property (or be heading in that direction)
• Reach a general state of tranquility
• Be comfortable in my own skin
• Finally believe and practice the Serenity Prayer

Sunday Round-Up

Comics.com

Overheard in New York

That's How I Get My Kix
(six-year-old boy tries to cross street against traffic)

Father, grabbing boy's hand: Whoa, little man! That's dangerous!

Six-year-old boy: Daddy, I eat danger for breakfast.--Ocean & Newkirk, Brooklyn

It Also Says You Owe Me Five Dollars
Young child: Can I have some candy?

Older brother: No, I'm not supposed to share. See (points to writing on label) it says do not share.--Pathmark, Queens

The Daily Puppy Pick of the Week

Bella the Boxer

Flashback!

Over the past week I've been doing some blog browsing and have come across a bunch of creative people who are sharing their talent. So I thought, "Hey! I got talent! And sharing is caring!" So that led me to create this Flashback section. Every so often I'll share my creative works of art from back in the day (namely high school because face it, I wasn't exactly the coolest kid then, which shall be evident soon enough). The first several installments will be from my so-called fashion line for little people. Let the critiquing begin!

First off, can someone please tell me why I thought outfit #1 was acceptable? Chick has pink hair, some sort of yarmulke veil contraption on her head and arm bands. And why is she stepping on her own foot? She looks like she's about to topple over and I only hope she can break the fall with her four-fingered hands (though the one on the right has a a little extra stump for good measure).

Girl #2 is looking a lot classier than her friend there. I think I'd buy that dress. In fact, I now own an American Apparel jersey dress in a similar shade (right) and it looks awesome. But dear Lord, that hair! It's attacking her face!

The Book Club

So I finally borrowed The Last Lecture from the library today and have already started reading it. I invite those who've read it or would like to read it with me to share any thoughts on the book. As part of The Book Club I'll be posting thoughts and questions until I finish it. For those who aren't interested in reading, no worries. You can still share your thoughts on the selected topic and answer any questions I pose.

poll by twiigs.com

Song of the Moment

So now I have a new song that I can relate to: Leona Lewis' "Better in Time"

Song lyrics | Better In Time lyrics

Finally!!

Barack Obama has chosen his running mate and it's...[drum roll please] Joe Biden - Delaware's longest-serving senator!! Both will appear for the first time this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois where Obama's campaign first kicked off 19 months ago. Senator Biden will make his first speech on the third night of the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

poll by twiigs.com

Oh Snap!

This one is all me:

Seriously folks. I'm bringing gloves tomorrow.

Love At First Gripe

The Internet is a wonderful place. Without it, I never would have discovered Shane Johnson and his artwork! He draws these funny yet oh-so-true cartoons about slaving away in a cubicle and the fact that he draws them on office supplies, post-its, envelopes and napkins just adds to the charm. Check out his daily posts on My Life in a Cube. I think you'll find that you agree with many of them.

Here's a sampling (with his captions):

Darn you Gmail Chat.

Some days seem to inch on forever.

I need a better way to kill time.

Sweet dreams everyone~

Letting Go While Holding On

I dreamt of him last night again. Since I told him we're not speaking for a while I've been dreaming more frequently about him. It's as if no matter how hard I try to push thoughts of him aside throughout the day, my mind brings them back at night when I can't fight them off. Or it might even be me subconsciously flipping through those old memory files to keep reminding myself of what we shared when "you" and "me" was replaced by "us."

I wonder if our pictures are still in his wallet. The ones I gave to him on our first anniversary and which were still there as of last Sunday.

"But why?" I asked him.
"Because I like them there," he said.
"Well I want you to take them out."
"Ok, if that's what you want."

Only it's not. I want our pictures there. Right after the break-up, the fact that he still carried them around gave me hope and reassured me that he still cared; that what we had mattered to him. But now that I'm trying to distance myself from him I'm scared he'll completely forget.

To this day I still carry around our pictures in my purse. I might not look at them, but for some reason knowing they're with me makes me feel better. Maybe one day I'll be able to put them away.

Obama Can Boogie

The sis sent this video clip over (along with the Ellen pics) earlier and just had to share with you all! If you can't hear the video (because, ahem, you're at work!) be sure to come back to it later or plug in your headphones to hear the man sing :)

How Cute Are They? *Sigh*

Ellen posted a couple wedding pics on her website and this is my favorite one:

Dreams Are Just Dreams...

Last night totally wore me out - and all I was doing was sleeping! Have you ever had dreams so intense you wake up feeling more tired than when you went to bed? Well that's me right now (and my head hasn't fully recuperated yet). Here's a recap of one of last night's wonderful episodes:

Running from the Cannibal

So I meet this good-looking and seemingly nice guy who wastes no time putting the moves on me. After the friend I was with leaves the room, he and I get to know each other a little better.

[End scene because I don't remember much about this part thank God]

Next thing I know I'm in someone's house as part of a tour group. In one of the rooms I discover that the whole place is rigged with explosives and ready to go off at any second. I remember being torn between warning the others or running for my life, but I don't remember what I chose. All I know is that I ran and ran and hid and ran. I stuck with a group of people who seemed to know what to do.

Too bad I was wrong. Before long, the Crazy Lady who devised the whole plan caught us. Somehow I managed to escape twice, getting caught each time. That's when Crazy Lady said she was going to eat me alive. I begged and pleaded that she shoot me first, but she wouldn't even consider the idea. So of course, I had to escape again. This time she sent one of her henchmen after me to seduce me and bring me back. And who was it? None other than the guy I had met before!

I tried throwing myself into oncoming traffic to avoid being raped and then eaten (the hell did I do in a previous life??) but that didn't work. Luckily, Playa Playa ran into another girl he had a serious crush on and started chatting her up while I made my final escape (you can't trust those fools to do anything right). I ran and ran some more until I reach a train station, missed the first one that passed by and ran into the second one just in the nick of time. And then I woke up.

What on Earth was all that about?? I actually do believe dreams have some significance and have a couple dream dictionaries at home to help me figure out what they mean. Sometimes it's a manifestation of what you're dealing with during your waking hours. Other times it helps bring unconscious feelings into the light; things you didn't even realize were affecting you so much. So I just went online and here's what dreammoods.com had to say:

Running

To dream that you are running away from someone, indicates an issue that you are trying to avoid. You are not taking or accepting responsibility for your actions. In particular, if you are running from an attacker or any danger, then it suggests that you are not facing and confronting your fears.

To dream that you are trying to run but cannot make your feet move as fast as you want them to, signifies lack of self-esteem and self-confidence. It may also reflect your actual state of REM paralysis while in the dream state.

Cannibalism

To see cannibalism in your dream, symbolizes a destructive and forbidden desire or obsession. In a literal sense, cannibals consume people's lives, along with their energy. This dream may then denote an aspect of your life (career, relationship, children...) which is consistently draining your enthusiasm and vitality.

Rape

To dream that you have been raped, suggests a sadistic expression of sexual desire. You may be expressing an unconscious desire to be violated, conquered, or forced into forbidden territory. Some women have a desire to be sexually overpowered, but not hurt. It also indicates vengeful feelings toward the opposite sex. Alternatively, it suggests that you are feeling violated in some way. Something or someone is jeopardizing your self-esteem and emotional well-being. You feel that someone or something is being forced upon you.

Train

To dream that you are on a train, is symbolic of your life's journey and suggests that you are on the right track in life and headed for the right direction. Alternatively, you have a tendency to worry needlessly over a situation that will prove to work out in the end.

To dream that you miss a train, denotes missed opportunities or nearly escaping your death.

So obviously I still have some fears to confront, but my lack of self confidence keeps me from moving forward. Several aspects of my personal life have been draining me so I've been an emotional wreck, but maybe I'll find the light at the end of the tunnel if I keep chugging along.

poll by twiigs.com

The Longest Week

To say the past week has been a tough one for me would be a gross understatement. I've gone through every possible emotion - anxiety, excitement, joy, despair, confusion, hope, and fear - and now I'm just at "hazy."

Days 9-12: I was still flipping back and forth over whether I should drive out to see Mr. First for his annual BBQ. On one hand I wanted to see his family and friends (and him) because I wasn't sure when I'd get the chance to see them again. And people actually wanted to see me there (it's always nice when people want you around). But then there was the awkwardness to worry about (among other things). What if I broke down in the middle of the party and had to hide out in the bathroom for the rest of the day? Those thoughts wreaked havoc on my stomach and so I barely ate for days so as not to upset it even more. Needless to say, I was a wreck.

Days 13-15: But still I decided I'd go. And for the rest of the week I was actually a lot calmer. I was going to make the best of it and just have fun. I was there to catch up with old friends and find out how everyone else was doing (and not focus on how I was feeling the whole time). After Wednesday night's session with T, I was determined that I'd pull through this and reach the other end unscathed. "I can't let this break me down," I said to myself. "I'll be just fine." And for a while I believed it.

Day 16: The day arrived and I was actually so excited about the trip - jittery even! I danced around the apartment singing along to the radio as I got dressed and did my hair. The closer I got to his house the more nervous I became. And when I walked through the front door, wine and break-and-bake cookies in hand, he was the first person I saw. After the initial awkward hello and hug, I went to say hi to the family and then his friends in the backyard. I chatted some of them up throughout the afternoon and it was so nice catching up with the ones I was closest to, but for the last half I stayed inside. Mostly because I felt out of place. There were no tears, but I still felt loser-ish. And when I finally did feel like I was going to break down I went out for a walk. I hadn't seen stars in six months and the moon was full, but of course it all reminded me of our late night strolls when I'd hold on to his arm for dear life every time a toad jumped in our path. This time there was no one to grab when something jumped out from the shadows.

At the end of the night I had the option of driving back home, sleeping at his sister's house or sleeping on the couch in his basement. If you know me, you know what I chose.

Day 17: And I spent the whole night crying. I cried as I put on my pj's. I cried as I sat on the bathroom floor. I cried as I curled up into a ball on the couch. And I cried as I shut my eyes and prayed so hard that this never-ending sadness would someday disappear. The one person I used to turn to to make things better was now sleeping one floor above me and I couldn't dare reach out to him. I looked around the lamp-lit basement and wondered "Why am I here? Why did I come?" And even though I kept sobbing through the night I knew that this was just where I was meant to be. As torturous as I imagined it would be, I would've gone anyway. It's like I needed to put myself in that position once again and feel how much it breaks me apart.

Even though I told him I was finally throwing in the towel as we sat on his deck that following morning, I still wasn't ready to let it all go. I still wanted to reach out and hold his hand. I wanted him to hug me, to run his fingers through my hair. I still missed what we had and wanted us to go back to the days when we'd watch TV wrapped under the same blanket with my head on his shoulder. But now it was as if there was this glass wall between us and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't shatter it.

We left things as we usually did - completely up in the air with no resolution in sight. Interesting how on the drive home every song I had cheerfully sang along to the day before now kept making me cry.

Determined to make a decision on what to do (keep talking as friends or break away) or at least find the courage to do what I felt I should (get some distance), I talked with him on the phone that night. The conclusion? No decision was reached. I still couldn't pull away.

Day 18: And then I received my wake-up call. That morning I got up, dressed and ready for another day. I was still gloomy/exhausted from the weekend, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. I made my way over to the bus stop (instead of walking to the train station like I usually do) and proceeded to wait. Two minutes go by and my head starts hurting so I hike up my sleeves, sip some water and head towards the shade. Only that doesn't help. I start getting dizzier and so I sit on the bench and drink some more water. When I noticed that my arms were covered in sweat, I started panicking.

In a split second decision, I stood up and headed back home. As I made my way up my block I felt even worse. My eyesight became grainy (like the fuzzy channels on TV), everything sounded muffled and I was struggling to breathe. Everything seemed to be passing me by in slow motion and I was ready to drop at any second.

Somehow I made it back to my building, sat on the steps and called Dad for help (in the midst of all that I had almost lost my voice as well). I could barely move and couldn't even think about climbing four flights of stairs. Alone, confused and scared, my eyes started to water over.

Once I made it to the apartment, I had no energy. Changing into lighter clothes took so much out of me that afterwards I could only lay on my bed panting and hoping I wouldn't black out before someone came for me.

Luckily, I made it through. Dad brought some toast and juice and then left to get my mother. And during that time I made my decision. It was time I became selfish, too. Time to think more about myself and focused on becoming healthy again. If I didn't, things could get worse. I texted him my decision and it was agreed, but I didn't tell him what had pushed me over the edge.

Although I was feeling a bit better after a couple hours, I still went to the hospital to see what was going on. I ended up waiting 3.5 hours to get checked in and then laid in bed with an IV in my arm for another five. The diagnosis: my blood pressure dropped due to hunger, dehydration and exhaustion and so no blood was flowing to my brain.

I was alone most of the day and tears kept streaming down my cheeks. I was finally where I had been warned I'd end up if I didn't take care of myself. I felt so low. All I wanted to do was go home.

Day 19: And so now I'm left with the task of letting go, moving on and getting better. And if that's not the biggest out of the box move for me, then I don't know what is. It's strange; it took a serious moment of weakness for me to gain the strength to do what I'd been scared to do for so long.

Answer

Broadway in Bryant Park: Wk 6 Part 2

And Broadway in Bryant Park 2008 ends out with The Lion King, Hairspray, Forbidden Broadway and A Catered Affair (I think). Oh wells. Here are two clips from Hairspray (I sorta kinda missed part of The Lion King, boooo!)

You Don't Hear That Everyday...

So apparently there's a tornado warning for Manhattan, the Bronx and Bergen County in New Jersey. I don't even know the first thing about staying safe during these kinds of situations.

Stay in a basement? Knowing what lives in mine, there's no way I'd stay in there.

Get under a stable workbench or piece of furniture? All my stuff's from IKEA so there goes that.

Stay away from windows? Way too curious for that.

Is it bad that I think it'd be kind of awesome if a tornado hit the city? Obviously I don't want anyone to get hurt, but that's something that doesn't happen here. Plus, there's that secret dream of mine to be a storm chaser someday...

Happy Friday!

Here's an impromptu round-up to get you through the day:

*Ellen and Portia are finally tying the knot this weekend!

*Argh! My student loan bill shot up unexpectedly so I think it's time Sallie and I had a little chat.

*But! This month's Con Ed bill is 20 bucks cheaper than last month's. I guess it pays to have three heat strokes per night. Hooray!

*Newsflash!! Crocs still suck. Who knew?? (Me, that's who.)



*Who's checking out the Olympics? I haven't seen a single game, but I keep reading about the scandals (underage players, racist Spanish teams...you know, the usual.)

*The Onion still makes me laugh:


'Cosmopolitan' Institute Completes Decades-Long Study On How To Please Your Man

Where In The World...

Broadway in Bryant Park: Wk 6 Part 1

Today's selection: 13, Young Frankenstein, Grease, Legally Blonde, aaaand Rent! Below, "We Go Together" from Grease, and "Out Tonight," "Take Me or Leave Me," and "Seasons of Love" from Rent.

Answer

Former Flames 101

So while I've been waiting for The Last Lecture to get to me, I started reading another book titled Things I've Learned From Women Who've Dumped Me. In it a number of comedic writers (including dear ol' Stephen Colbert) explain what it is they learned from their failed relationships. Although some are hilarious, others fall flat, and a couple are striking a chord with me, it got me thinking nonetheless: what have I learned from my past relationships? Mind you there's only been one and a half (one barely counted), but if everything is a learning experience, then did I grasp the lesson? Let's see:

I learned that no man should make you feel dumb. Even if he is in law school and you're barely making it through media law (though in my defense that class was hellishly boring).

I learned that it's ok to let my guard down even if there's the risk of getting hurt in the end. What truly hurts afterwards is the regret of not having given it your all when you had the chance.

And I learned that worrying whether a perfectly good relationship will last or not will turn it into a self-fulfilling prophecy. Just because my parents had a botched up one doesn't mean I will.

I'm still in the process of learning from the last one since it's the first meaningful one I've had and in turn the hardest one to let go. I'll see if I discover anything else about myself when I go visit him and see his family and friends this weekend. Is it a good or a bad thing? I have no idea. But I'm going nonetheless because I'm that hard-headed. What happens next is simply up in the air and when it comes all I can do is learn from that too.

So what have you guys learned from your past significant others?

M.I.A.

So I know I haven't been posting the last couple of days, which can only mean some of you are having panic attacks wondering where on Earth I've been. Well relax, I'm back, but I totally fell off the wagon with that Out the Box business. It's hard doing something everyday! I'll see if I can jump start it today - no promises though. I'm tired.

I've also been dealing with some personal stuff that had me all wound up (FYI, life is hard). But I'm dealing and trying to look on the bright side (cue The Brady Bunch's "It's a Sunshine Day"). For example, NYC is having a lovely day outside (watch the T-storms come out of nowhere again today). The sun is shining, the sky is blue and today's high will be a nice 80 degrees (which only means the sub-zero temperature at work will make me wish I were outside instead). Work-wise, I've turned in all major articles and I'm on track with future deadlines (so obviously its only a matter of time until someone throws a monkey wrench in that one).

So see? It's all about positivity.

How about you guys? What have you all been up to these days?

Biz Quiz

Answer

Bethesda Terrace, Central Park, NYC

Day 8: Movie Night

Tonight I'm finally finishing off a movie my friend lent to me back in May. I have a problem committing to a full movie at home (which is why I'll just go to the theater where I have no choice but to watch the whole thing) so I'm sitting my butt down and giving The Kite Runner the time it deserves!

Errrr??

Am I missing something here?

Shoot the Freak

So remember that lovely little attraction I came across in Coney Island last month? Well read this funny little NY Times article to learn more about the story behind the "freaks."

My favorite lines:

“You run around and act freaky so people will want to shoot you more."

“Some days he moves around and acts like a freak, which is good. Unless you get shooters who want him to stand still. A freak can stand still, too. Either way, people love shooting the freak, and they always will.”

Where In The World...

Broadway in Bryant Park: Wk 5

Today's show included performances by the casts of Spring Awakening, Xanadu, Gypsy, Wicked and Mary Poppins. Below are two video clips from Wicked (the singing was fantastic, especially in the second clip!) and two from Mary Poppins. Next week will be the last with performances on both Thursday and Friday - holler!

Day 7: Pocketful of Sunshine

Today I finally (finally!) bought myself flowers. I used to buy myself daisies to keep at my office cubicle during hectic/stressful weeks, but stopped doing so several months ago. So tonight, I treated myself to a beautiful bouquet of daisies and sunflowers (my fave) because frankly, it was long overdue.

The Madness Returns

Because time is flying by at the speed of light, it's time for NYC's Dominican Day Parade yet again. For those interested, the parade will be taking place this Sunday, August 10th along Sixth Avenue between 36th and 57th Streets. God speed.

Day 6: I Went Temporarily Insane

So today at work I get an e-mail from a friend with the subject heading "Man Raffle." Intrigued, and slightly scared (you'd be too if you knew my friend), I opened it up to see what she had to say this time.

Turns out the child had talked to a friend of a friend who offered himself up to her friends. She included the 411 on this 27-year-old from la capital (Santo Domingo) who left his number and asked her to give it to one of her "nice, educated" friends. After I laughed for a bit, I thought, "Man, that might be a good one for Day 6." Obviously this blog is going to get me in trouble someday.

After a little back and forth, some "that's TOTALLY out of the box" and "that might be TOO out of the box for me," I decided to let her fwd my number. I figure eh, maybe he won't call if it's him who has to reach out.

Dude called in two hours.

And here's the thing: not only is giving out my number to a total stranger totally out the box for me (I've only done it once, to someone I met at a club, two years ago), but this guy is pretty much my anti-type! I do double takes for the skinny white geeks who wear glasses rather than Latin men. That's not to say I haven't noticed them in the past, but the others catch my attention more. Which only means my friends and I will NEVER fight over men since our tastes are so different and that is just fine by me.

Well, I was busy when Don Juan called so he offered to call back after 9 PM, which he did. Only we just talked for four minutes, got practically no sense over what kind of person he is (I don't even know if he works and apparently at our age I have to start asking if the guy has kids! Lord...). Eh, all in all I had a rough session with T tonight so I wasn't up for much talking, but I tried (Spanish is so limiting!). He did say he'd call me back tonight y mira la hora que es y nada.

Dominican strike one...

Crazy Man Update: So apparently Don Juan did not say that he'd call me later BUT that he'd pass by my place later! Imagine my surprise - and horror - when the guy calls twice to let me know that he's downstairs and that he wants me to go see him.

Dominican strike two...

Broadway in Bryant Update

So remember when I was boo-hooing over the fact that I forgot about Broadway in Bryant Park two weeks ago and in turned missed my chance to howl along to "The Circle of Life?" Well let me tell you! It was canceled that day (maybe it rained, who knows) and has been rescheduled for Friday the 15th! Hooray!

The Book Club Update

Just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about The Book Club or The Last Lecture. Instead of buying it at the store I decided to request it from the library. Once the book is held at my local branch for me to pick up (in the next week or so), I'll let you know. In the meantime, here's the video of Randy Pausch's lecture at Carnegie Mellon. Hopefully, this will incite some of you to pick up his book.

Answer

Words of Wisdom

My friend and I have decided that the following phrase should be a bumper sticker:

"Men of action get action."

It's pretty self-explanatory. Any thoughts?

I Like Sleep :)

So last night I got approximately 10+ hours of shut-eye. I was in bed by 8:45 or so and it took me about an hour to finally doze off because my body may have been exhausted but my mind was still zooming around at 90 mph. Therefore, every little sound was freaking me out and I kept having to turn my lamp on to inspect the premises. But of course as soon as the lights came on, the place would be dead quiet. I even considered leaving the lamp on until I remembered how much the electricity bill was last month. I'm such a cheap wuss.

Then there was the crazy downpour in the middle of the night and with it came the raindrops banging on the AC, me getting up to check if water was coming in through the living room windows and the sink drain gurgling (now that was freaky; I thought my toilet was overflowing!). By the time 5 AM came around my back was in so much pain I had to change positions every couple of mins, rolling all over my queen-sized bed. I guess my body's not used to being immobile for so long. I even cursed the idea of going to bed so early because I hurt so much.

Luckily, when my alarm went off at 8 AM I was feeling a lot better and didn't even think about dozing off for 10 more mins; I was ready to get up and go. I didn't drag my sleepy behind around the apartment and even though I'll probably crash later, for now I'm feeling pretty well rested.

Maybe this calls for an encore tonight?

Day 5: I Want My Nights Back

Day after day, I drag my tired behind home from work. Exhausted from a day of fact-checking articles, hunting down people, and stressing over deadlines, I'll still plop down in front of my computer (after eight hours of doing the same thing) and kill another four hours. I'll check e-mail every five mins, read a bunch of randomness I'll soon forget.

And I'll blog. Blog bloggitty blog. About what? Turns out it doesn't matter! Something always pops up if I stare at the screen long enough.

So tonight I'm saying, "Screw you, blog. You don't own me!" Instead, I'm going to sleep at 8:30 PM and I'll think about coming back to you tomorrow.

Biz Quiz

Day 4: I Painted My Toes

Yup, believe it folks. I actually spent/wasted (same diff) time this morning painting my toes just so I could wear my little black flip flops with my little black skirt. Dear Lord, if I keep wearing all this girly apparel I might lose all my tomboy cred. BUT I did make sure I used some barely there pink color (ewww, pink!), painted them in a flash with the flops on AND I only applied one coat. So there! I can't be jumping off the ledge completely.

Then (I think as punishment) the powers that be made me forget the peanut butter I was supposed to have with my English muffins back at home. Wonderful.

Day 3: I Touched A Man

At the movies, I needed to get through the aisle and almost tripped on a guy's foot (he was there alone). Without thinking, I leaned over and placed my hand on his knee saying, "Oh, I'm so sorry." My friend made it seem like I caressed the man's leg. Eh, it's something.

I wore a skirt again today. Does that make up for it?

Hot Suited Men on Bikes

Just got back from watching The Dark Knight with my buddy and we spent a good portion of the movie swooning over how good Christian Bale looked in a suit. And don't get us started on him on that bike. Mmm!

So what is it about powerful men that gets us so riled up? And not only powerful men, but men who break the rules, know what they want and go after it. Despite our "independence" maybe some of us like being told what to do sometimes - or not have to tell a man what to do, how to do it, where to do it...

Anyway, so she and I started wondering: Where the hell are all the men? The good, quality, working single men without multiple baby mamas? At the sport bars? Pool halls? Writing about the lack of good, quality working single women on their blogs? If only there was some map that pointed them out to us, then it'd be way easier. So instead we're just going to get out there and make ourselves available. Apparently the chances of meeting The One when he delivers your take-out are slim to none. So happy hours here we come!

Btw, as much as I like a man on a motorcycle, the idea of me actually driving one excites me even more. Oh someday...

P.S. The movie was really good (although I could barely keep up with all the action) and Heath Ledger's performance was amazing. He pretty much made that movie.

Sunday Round-Up

Comics.com

Moderately Confused

Overheard

The College Reunion Was a Mistake, Huh?

Student: How was your break?

Math teacher: Screw you!

--Hunter College High School

Boys Take Non-Poking Very Literally

Teen girl: I was so mad at him that I unfriended him on Facebook.

Friend: What does that mean?

Teen girl: I was mad, but not mad enough to break up. This way we can still message each other, but he can't poke me anymore.

Friend: So, technically, would this be symbolic or metaphorical action?

Teen girl: What?

Friend: Nevermind.

Screw This-- Let's Just Go to the Twin Towers

Curly-haired boy: This is not the Empire State Building!

Girl in yellow pants: It clearly says it is on the building. They're just remodeling the top.

Curly-haired boy: No, they're just advertising for the Empire State Building. This is not it.

Girl in yellow pants: I'll go ask the security guard.(girl leaves with another boy, comes back)

Girl in yellow pants: There, even he said it is the Empire State.

Curly-haired boy: You saw how he laughed at you when you asked. He was tricking you.

--In front of Empire State Building

Says the Woman Wearing a Skort?

Little boy in ladies' room stall : You know mom, in Europe all the bathrooms are unisex.

Mom: Probably why it's such a godless country.

--JCPenneyGreensboro, North Carolina

But Odds Are You Still Aren't Paying Attention

Flight attendant, concluding pre-flight safety spiel: For those of you who paid attention: Thank you. And for those of you who did not: Good luck.

--International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii

Video

Study: Most Children Strongly Opposed To Children�s Healthcare


Domino's Scientists Test Limits Of What Humans Will Eat

Daily Puppy Pick of the Week

Macksie the Irish Terrier

You Tell Me...

What are your fave quotes? I have tons, but some of mine are:

"Action may not always be happiness, but there is no happiness without action." ~Benjamin Disraeli

"Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow." ~Alice Mackenzie Swaim