By The River Piedra: Final Thoughts

Well no one seemed to be participating in The Book Club again so I went right ahead and finished the book this past week. Once again I found myself reading what I needed to hear: a story about forgiveness, letting go of past hate and appreciating and taking hold of present opportunities so that you may learn to grow and love. I'm not exactly there yet, but it's a nice goal to aim for.

Although I enjoyed The Alchemist much more than By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept, there was still much to take out of the quick read. Paulo Coelho has such a gift for presenting profound messages using simple - yet beautiful - language. It's another one of those stories you could read over and over and discover something new each time. Below, another favorite passage that stayed with me long after the last page was read.

"I began to imagine how I would like to be living right at that moment. I wanted to be happy, curious, joyful - living every moment intensely, drinking the water of life thirstily. Believing again in my dreams. Able to fight for what I wanted.

Loving a man who loved me.

Yes, that was the woman I wanted to be - the woman who was suddenly presenting herself and becoming me.

I felt that my soul was bathed in the light of a god - or of a goddess - in whom I had lost faith. And I felt that at that moment, the Other left my body and was standing in the corner of that small room.

I observed the woman I had been up until then: weak but trying to give the impression of strength. Fearful of everything but telling herself it wasn't fear - it was the wisdom of someone who knew what reality was. Putting up shutters in front of windows to keep the joy of the sun from entering - just so the sun's rays wouldn't fade my old furniture.

I looked at the Other, there in the corner of the room - fragile, exhausted, disillusioned. Controlling and enslaving what should really be free: her emotions. Trying to judge her future loves by the rules of her past suffering.

But love is always new. Regardless of whether we love once, twice, or a dozen times in our life, we always face a brand-new situation. Love can consign us to hell or to paradise, but it always takes us somewhere. We simply have to accept it, because it is what nourishes our existence. If we reject it, we die of hunger, because we lack the courage to stretch out a hand and pluck the fruit from the branches of the tree of life. We have to take love where we find it, even if that means hours, days, weeks of disappointment and sadness.

The moment we begin to seek love, love begins to seek us.

And to save us."

In all the books I've read, I don't remember relating to a character as much as I did with Pilar. Does such a character exist for you?

Image: homepage.mac.com

Feeling Kinda Poll-ish

poll by twiigs.com

poll by twiigs.com

poll by twiigs.com

poll by twiigs.com

poll by twiigs.com

poll by twiigs.com

Note From Future Self

Dear Dorkys,

Woman you need to seriously cheer up. You look like such a sad sack. Toughen up! Keep following this route and you won't get to do the things you're meant to do. And trust me, there are some good times coming up ahead. Unfortunately, you keep pushing aside all the things that will lead you there. If only you could see now, the things I've already seen, heard, felt. This right now? It's nothing.

Are you having fun right now? No, of course you're not. How could you be? You're too busy crying all the damn time. I know it feels like it will be like this forever, but I'm proof that it won't. I laugh more and appreciate more. And I remember what you're going through. No offense, but I kinda laugh at you now. How I used to think the world was surely coming to an end because of small obstacles that will not matter years from now. Yes, you heard right. It will not matter! Yeah, you will remember, but it won't hurt as much as it does now.

Truth is, you're already stronger than you know so don't let anyone tell you any differently - even those evil inner demons. Just because you let yourself feel everything tenfold, doesn't make you weak. It only makes you more human. Now when you let it keep you from moving forward that's when it becomes a negative quality.

Yes, life can have it's sucky moments. You will suffer losses and disappointments. You will love and hurt and face failures on your way to success. But you will get there. Eventually you will learn to love the stormy weather as well as the sunshine not only because the dark days will make you appreciate the nicer ones more. But also because those cloudy moments carry a purpose of their own. So find peace in these days. Yes there's a light at the end of this tunnel, but you're walking through it for a reason. It's in these times that you will find out what you're made of. And I may be a bit biased here, but I think you are made of brilliance with a dash of awesomeness. It's about time you start believing it!

It will take time. Be patient. Allow the mistakes to happen, they're yours to make, but don't punish yourself for them. In the meantime, I'll be waiting until you slowly and gradually turn into fabulous me. (Start counting your blessings!)

The light at the end of your tunnel,
Your future self

P.S. And don't you dare ask me what the winning numbers are. You know full well I still don't play the lotto.

Image: flickr.com

I Need a Break From This

I need to pick up these broken pieces and make something new out of them because right now I’m not painting a pretty picture.

I cut the chord again last night and maybe I’ll tie it up again eventually like I’ve done countless times before – or maybe I won’t. I think we keep experiencing the same situation over and over until the lesson is finally learned. It’s like trying to find your way with your eyes wrapped; each time you bump into the same obstacle a layer is removed until you eventually go, “Oh, now I see. I’ve been a total moron.”

Well I see, I think. I see that I want to be done. I see that I’m tired and I’m tiring to others. I see that he has no interest in trying to resuscitate this “friendship.” Maybe he'll get my message when I stop replying to his.

Of course, the powers that be keep trying to mess with my head. It happens each time: after days of turning my stomach into knots thinking about our fading relationship, how we never talk and how I’m forced to bear the weight and hold back in order to spare his feelings, he sends a message. This time the levees just broke, as I could no longer hold in all this anger that has been building up inside me. So I texted him a piece of my mind. He responds with a joke. Done.

Then after a not-so-great night, I received this message from “the Universe” this morning:

It sure is hard to get really angry at someone, Dorkys, when you can think of all the reasons you love them.

And you can -
The Universe

P.S. Oh, go on, Dorkys. You're in their life because they love you.

And so this post has been brought to you by the letters W, T, F and B, R, B because the Internet doesn’t need me spewing any more sadness and anger into it. So I’ll remove myself for a bit and come back when I’m ready.

Image: dhrramalayasia.org

Memorial Weekend Recap

Hope everyone had a lovely holiday weekend! I spent the last four days:

Going to the movies. My sis invited me, our cousin and a friend to watch Sugar on Friday night. The movie's about what Dominican kids go through to fulfill their dreams of making it into major league baseball. They attend a baseball academy, learn English phrases pertaining to baseball and, if recruited, get sent to the U.S. to play in the minors. There, they not only have to make do with the culture and language barriers, being away from family and wanting to succeed to help those back home, but also with the ever-present competition and pressure to get noticed and picked for the majors. The film focuses on one hopeful nicknamed "Sugar." (By the way, Tooj, his minor league team? The Kansas City Swing.)



It was a touching film with many funny moments (though some of the dialogue could have been better). And, of course, the four of us sat right in the front row laughing and dancing in our seats.

Sugar: 3.5/5 Toasties




Afterwards, we wandered around aimlessly eating fancy cupcakes and enjoying the warm night.

Watching snippets of baseball. The Phillies were in town this weekend to play three Interleague games with the Yankees. (Total news to me that this was happening, by the way.) Anywho, the "mighty" Yanks came into it with a nine-win streak and the Phillies put them right in their place Friday by winning 7-3. The Yankees won Saturday's game 5-4 and Sunday's win went to the Phillies (4-3) after 11 innings. The Phillies are currently in the lead in the NL East and the Yankees are behind Boston in the AL East. Good stuff.

Also, this weekend was this season's first of two segments of Interleague Play. The next segment will be June 12-28th. The American League is currently in the lead with 22 wins while the National League has 20.

Playing with watercolors. I finally took out my paint and started messing around with colors. It took a couple tries until I finally painted something I liked. And so that will be part of five handmade giveaways I'm planning on doing some time very soon. Number 18 was oddly relaxing and after a blah couple of days, painting really calmed me down. Almost therapeutic (and weirdly enough, washing dishes and other mindless/repetitive house chores has the same effect on me). Either way must do so more often because painting is way more fun than scrubbing the tub.

Bar hopping. This weekend I wanted to go to NOHO/East Village to check out the scene there and find some new hang out spots. Though I'd invited several people, it turned out to be just my sis and me, but we had a fun time and gathered a couple more inside jokes (Token)! And it was nice to spend time with her since we rarely get to hang out together. After a couple beers, bar hopping soon turned into bathroom hopping.

Spotting sailors. Those guys were everywhere Saturday night and I did not mind one bit. When it comes to whether uniforms do it for me or not, I recently told someone that clothes do not make the man. I still stand by that, somewhat. The uniform might catch my eye, but that's usually as far as it goes. That said, there's just something about a group of men all dressed in sharp uniforms doing things at the same time. I don't care if it's synchronized walking, it just looks so good!











Following sailors. After spending most of the week turning my head whenever I saw white uniforms, I let the sailors come to me. Whoever decided to have an annual Memorial Day parade start around the corner from mom's house is an absolute genius. So of course I popped on over, camera in tow to applaud and follow those cutie pies from 200th street all the way up to 218th and then back until we reached the park. It was like a group of Pied Pipers beckoning me to follow and I think it's against the law to say no to our armed forces. Take a look:



Touring a navy ship. To end out the weekend, Dad and I went down to the piers for a free tour of the USS Iwo Jima. We were only allowed on two levels or so, but that was more than enough. That thing was massive! Tanks, artillery and equipment were there for show. There were so many nooks and crannies in that ship, I wondered if they've ever pulled away from NYC with a couple stowaways.



















By the way, I'm not really into boats (unlike Intense Guy, who fittingly spent his weekend fixing one up) so I admit I know diddly squat about this ship and didn't read any of the info inside the place. I was satisfied with just looking at the big tanks and watching the little kids climb all over them. And, of course, dad wanted to join in. (He didn't though.)

So that was my weekend. What did you do?

Image: gawker.com

By The River Piedra (Through page 51)

So I've read through the first quarter of the book (I didn't have as much time this week as I'd hoped). Below are my thoughts and some prompts about what I've read so far. Feel free to comment on these or add your own about this section.

- The first chapter was captivating. You want to know why this girl is writing and crying by the river, telling her story and hoping the current takes her pain away to the sea. For some reason the man she loved (and was with just a week ago) was no longer with her. And so the story begins from there.

"Perhaps love makes us old before our time - or young, if youth has passed. But how can I not recall those moments? That is why I write - to try to turn sadness into longing, solitude into remembrance. So that when I finish telling myself the story, I can toss into the Piedra. That's what the woman who has given me shelter told me what to do. Only then - in the words of one of the saints - will the water extinguish what the flames have written.

All love stories are the same."

I wonder what happened…

- How happy was I when Pilar pulled an out-of-character move and decided to run off with this boy for the weekend? I could relate. I remember driving four hours to visit Mr. First for a weekend and to have our first dates. I'd said no several times before I finally gave in and had a great time. (In turn he spontaneously decided to drive us for six hours total so I could finally see Niagara Falls that weekend.) Have you ever done anything out-of-character for someone you liked?

- Pilar has been fighting with her heart during this whole trip. Her problem? She thinks too much! She wants to believe that her childhood friend really loves her, but she’s afraid to trust and just go with it. So she questions his motives. Some say to love is to have faith and, of course, we learn that Pilar has lost her faith in her religion. Do you think faith and love go hand in hand?

- My favorite passage so far is on page 42:

He laughed. “I admire you. And I admire the battle you’re waging with your heart.
“What battle?”
“Never mind,” he said.
But I knew what he was talking about.
“Don’t kid yourself,” I said. “We can talk about it if you like. You’re mistaken about my feelings.”
He stopped fooling with his glass and looked at me. “No, I’m not mistaken. I know you don’t love me.”
This confused me even more.
“But I’m going to fight for your love,” he continued. “There are some things in life worth fighting for to the end.”
I was speechless.
“You are worth it,” he said.

*Swoon* I want to be worth it for someone someday. What’s your fave passage?

- So this worldly guy has some sort of secret activity going on tied in with his religious teachings. What do you think he's doing on the side? Miracles? Did he ultimately choose his work over love?

Sidenote: I really liked what he had to say in his lecture: You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.

Note to self: take more risks. Thus far, I've regretted the times I never took the chance much more than when I simply asked, "Why not?" and just went for it.

Image: monasteriopiedra.com

Saw My Old Crush on the Train Last Night

He came in with the crowd and I recognized him instantly. He hadn’t changed much. I quickly turned around afraid he’d see me and remember the girl who had written him that love note all those years ago. And just like that I was 14 again.

We were close friends in eighth grade, sitting next to each other in class, teasing and arguing over important matters like the correct pronunciation of Hobbes’ name. Not the philosopher. The comic strip tiger. I didn’t realize how I felt until after we’d already graduated. “At least we’re going to the same high school,” I thought. Only he never showed.

I held onto the pole with my back towards him hoping he’d stay by the door. But before long, his arm reached around me from behind, grasping the pole inches away from my hand. If I turned around my face would be right in his chest. On and on the train rocked from one station to the next as I replayed those memories in my head.

“Hi, this is Dorkys. I’m a friend of your son’s,” I said through the phone. “Is he around to talk?”
“Hi!” his mom replied. “Actually, he was accepted into a boarding school in Massachusetts so he's not here.”
“Oh…Then could I please have his address? I’d like to write him a letter.”

And so I wrote to him. I wrote about high school and about silly teenage worries and dreams. I asked about his life away from home. Weeks and weeks went by before he finally replied and, oh, how I read that letter over and over.

As luck would have it, a year later during a trip to visit family in Massachusetts, I learned that my cousin was in his class. I decided to send him a quick note with her telling him just how I felt. All day I anxiously waited for his reply. Until it came.

“Bull$#!t.”

Hurt and confused, I wrote him one last time once I got home. “He probably didn’t believe her,” I rationalized. “Or maybe he was embarrassed and caught by surprise.” I explained that what I had written was real. But I never heard back.

Standing there last night, I felt the embarrassment start to creep up again. As soon as a path cleared in the train car I moved away toward another pole. He followed. It’s funny how a city of 8.2 million can suddenly feel so small. As we stood there back-to-back, I wondered where he worked, what he’d done all these years, if he was standing there wondering the same things as me, also unable to call out my name.

But he probably just didn’t really see me.

Twenty minutes later, we reached his stop and he made his way to the door. And just like that I let him quietly step back out of my life.

Image: taru-int.com

Stars Spotted Over the Bronx

*smiles*

Wedding Bells Are Making Me Deaf

Apparently marriage is the new black.

I know eight people who are currently engaged - eight! One is in the Caribbean to tie the knot this weekend and another just got her rock three days ago. I'll actually be attending two weddings in the fall and the "save the date" magnets have been staring at me from my fridge since the winter.

Now here’s the thing: I’m happy for these people, I really am – hooray for love and all – but when they tell me about the proposal and nearly blind me with their diamonds I can’t help but feel a wee bit…jealous. And then I feel guilty about that. But I know it’s just my bitter, selfish side wondering, “Why not me?” (I know, I know. “Because it’s not your time yet.” Blah.)

I’ve actually never been to a wedding for any of my friends. Those who’ve tied the knot had a quickie, went away or married while I was off at school. The only wedding I’ve attended was for an aunt who asked me to be a part of the bridal party just days before the ceremony. So there I was in hot DR barely wanting to dress up and go. Now I had to dress up, put on clown makeup and walk down the aisle. (Btw, I’m not kidding about the makeup. Our faces matched her dress.)

Oh here’s the kicker: I was la dama solitaria. The solitary bridesmaid, also known as the loneliest position in the entire party, which goes to a lucky single lady I’m guessing is supposed to follow in the bride’s footsteps. When the DJ introduced me at the reception, I’m pretty sure his words were something like, “And even though she is completely and utterly single with absolutely no prospects in sight, at least she still has the love of her family. May God have mercy on her soul so doesn’t die old and alone surrounded by cats.” Well at least that’s how I remember it anyway.

Anywho, I’m just venting here about the fact that I clearly missed the memo that 2009 was the year of the engagements. Can’t there be some sort of cap on the amount of proposals allowed in one year? And I know these feelings will come up again when the invitations start to roll in and I have to RSVP +0. Flashbacks of high school prom will surely follow.

“You need a gay boyfriend,” my friend said yesterday. Yeah, that would be a nice. A straight one would be even better.

Image: hotref.com

Doodle 4 Google Winner

Congrats to Christin Engelberth for winning this year's Doodle 4 Google contest! The sixth grader from San Antonio, TX titled her drawing "A New Beginning" and said this about her artwork: "My doodle expresses my wish that in the current crisis discoveries will be made. That in these discoveries solutions will be found to help the Earth prosper once more. That those solutions will help the world get back on its feet, and create a better place for everyone."

I hope the adults with the power to make a difference actually hear her. Check out her doodle on display on google.com today.

P.S. I like how all four national winners were the doodles I voted for. Score!

Image: google.com

Hellooo Sailors!

Fleet Week is upon us in NYC and after passing by some sailors this afternoon, I just might have to participate in some of the festivities. I'm pretty sure it's part of my civic duty.

Image: nycpocket.com

Bikinis and Body Issues Don't Mix

Before I went on vacation, I knew I'd have to bare skin on the beach and I wanted to feel confident when I did so. Well after years of hiding behind layers of clothing, I started putting some of my worries behind me and felt great! It's so liberating when you finally stop worrying about what others think and start accepting what you were given, don't you think?

The Meaning of Lila

I received a nice little surprise this morning when I realized that the creator of the comic strip The Meaning of Lila linked to Sunday's post! How cool is that?

John Forgetta's blog offers a funny glimpse into the characters' lives and the man behind them. I'd never been there until today, but I'm enjoying reading his thoughts on the strip and on other people's take on the comic - both good and bad! Have any questions about Lila and her crew? Then pop in :)

Image: themeaningoflila.com

A Wish from the Universe

My wish for you, Dorkys, is that you succeed beyond your wildest imagination. That you find love in places that astound you. And that you have friends who call you "just because." I dream that you go barefoot more than you wear shoes. That you play as hard as you work. And that you laugh more than you cry. I want you to set the bar high, but not too high. To reach for the stars, but with your toes on the ground. And to never, ever stop dreaming. But most of all, Dorkys, I wish for your happiness. And these dreams of mine are what started it all.

Besos,
The Universe

P.S. You're right on track, Dorkys.

I think I need to print this and keep a copy with me at all times. I wish these things for me too only sometimes I forget I do. The Universe has surely sent this message to countless others, but I’m pretending this one was written especially for me. I mean he even signed off in Spanish! (Apparently I think The Universe is male.)

I also loved that I received this today.

*After a week of beating myself up over my lack of motivation and progress.

*After scrolling through my contact list in my head and realizing that right now there’s no one I’d feel comfortable talking about my feelings over the Mr. First situation. Not to belittle the enormous support I received the first year, but now I feel the subject will only be met with mental eye rolls and “Still??” I miss talking to T. Even if I had to pay her to listen.

*Days after wondering how I’ll ever meet The One or even Mr. Next when I work all day, sleep all night and rarely meet new people. I miss school.

*Moments after wishing I could run barefoot in the grass like Tooj’s boys, but knowing I’d probably lose my feet due to an infection.

*After a weekend of wanting to play with watercolors and creativity, but choosing to do work instead.

I tear up and I’m sad more than I laugh and I smile. I fear I won’t accomplish all that I want to do. And I spend my days and nights dreaming but usually of what was and rarely of what could someday be.

I rarely see the stars shine over this city, but still I look up as I walk and hope that one will peek through.

Random.

The Meaning of Lila



- I wonder if and by how much the fast food industry has grown (both employee and customer-wise) since the economic downturn.

- Big accomplishment of the day: I mopped. Maybe someday I can go out and buy some sugar because I don't know my neighbors well enough/ at all to go knocking on their doors. Maybe then I could bake them a cake to introduce myself. But seeing as how I've lived here for almost a year it might be kind of weird at this point. Are you guys chummy with yours?

- On my walk with Toby around the hood, I got uber excited about discovering a public library...a block away from my house!! I don't go exploring much and stick to the same route, but I took a different turn today and saw that wonderful blue and red flag waving in the air. Is it sad that 1) I don't know my neighborhood even though I've been here for a while and 2) that I got excited over a library? In my defense, the one I thought was closest is more than 15 blocks away. Walkable, yes, but still a trek. It's the little things, I guess.

- Lately I've been wondering if I'm wrong. Nostalgia has a funny way of keeping you from moving on.

- If I ever have twins, they're so wearing this! In fact, I might just name them that.

- My cousin just suggested I sign up for match.com. I said I will...if I'm 35 and still single. I don't know why I have this aversion to those sites. Maybe it's because I feel all electronics have made relationships so impersonal nowadays. So until all hope is lost, I'd rather meet someone "naturally," whatever that means. (Meet someone naturally: verb, to come into contact with someone for relationship purposes by way of fate, evolving friendship, outings or a friend of a friend where the only profile you'll be looking at is his/her face. Examples: at the park while walking your adorable dog; at a bar before becoming a drunken hot mess; while rushing around for a work assignment, turning a corner too fast and bumping into the future love of your life as your papers swirl all around you.) I think I'm going to run around corners more often now.

- Finished out Six-Word Memoirs last week. Favorite quote in the whole book: Revenge is living well, without you. -Joyce Carol Oates

- Question: how do you get psyched for Mondays? Or do you just grin and bear it like me? I usually have great hopes for the work week...which are then dashed as soon as the alarm rings Monday morning.

- Tomorrow (unless it gets canceled once again) is our last private lesson with our Italian teacher. My coworker and I finished level 1 at the beginning of April and over the last month, we've been meeting with our teacher in different cafes to get us ready for level 3, which starts next month. We're really booking it here and my brain has short circuited more than once. I've mixed up Spanish, French and Italian in the same sentence before. Très frustante!

- And out of curiosity, what topics do you wish I covered here? Any questions (silly, serious or otherwise) that you wish I'd answer? Not saying I'll cater to all, but my inquiring mind just wants to know. Too embarrassed to suggest or ask here? Then e-mail me :)

Images: comics.com, lainlanasheeba.wordpress.com

The Book Club is Back!

So I'm finally restarting The Book Club in ten days! I've got my hand on a book I'd love to read along with you and then share our thoughts with each other.

I've chosen By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by the wonderful Paulo Coelho. Actually it came to me. My coworker had been telling me to read it for a while and her copy was finally waiting for me on my desk Tuesday morning. I fell in love with The Alchemist a while ago and am eager to dive into this story:


"Rarely does adolescent love reach its full potential, but what happens when two young lovers reunite after eleven years? Time has transformed Pilar into a strong and independent woman, while her devoted childhood friend has grown into a handsome and charismatic spiritual leader. She has learned well how to bury her feelings . . . and he has turned to religion as a refuge from his raging inner conflicts.

Now they are together once again, embarking on a journey fraught with difficulties, as long-buried demons of blame and resentment resurface after more than a decade. But in a small village in the French Pyrenees, by the waters of the River Piedra, a most special relationship will be reexamined in the dazzling light of some of life's biggest questions."


It seems like a quick read (that hopefully will not disappoint), but I'll break it up into several posts. We can sound off once a week on lazy Sunday evenings. Care to join me? If so, I'll see you on the 24th :)

Image: harpercollins.com

Good Vibrations

So you like playing with toys (or are thinking of going there), but the thought of buying a vibrator makes you blush. Join the club. Not everyone is comfortable with having a Rabbit in the house when kids (or parents) are snooping around!

Well the Tinge Razor was made to avoid embarrassing moments. This pretty pink cordless toy doubles as a razor and it's cute and discreet! Trust me, I tested it out to make sure.

Image: mytinge.com

Lost Season Finale

Are you guys watching this thing?! It's insane (in a good way)! I didn't even know tonight was the season finale because I haven't watched the show since before my vacation. That means I had two week's worth of episodes to see in less than two hours!

But of course my Internet has been acting up for the past hour (ugh!) and I've had to watch both the two-hour finale and last week's episode at the same time. That's how committed I am to watching this show.

Well I'm glad we're finally getting some (confusing) answers. I won't say more here so as to not spoil it for some of you, but if you watched and want to spoil away in the comments, I'll be there!

So tell me, what did you think of tonight's finale?

P.S. Next season is the final season! Boo :(

Staff Health Challenge Update

So in the past three weeks I’ve seen improvements thanks to several changes I’ve made and tai chi has been an interesting experience I’m still trying to get a handle on. Have you taken on any healthier habits recently?

Image: latina.com

The Joys of Alumni Panel Discussions

So tonight I’m participating in another alumni panel discussion. My former professor got in touch with me shortly after this profile ran to ask if I would join other Newhouse alumni and speak with 14 of this year’s graduates. Now we all know how I feel about public speaking: not exactly my cup of tea. But I said yes anyway (it’s practice, I guess). I just have to remember that I'm doing this for our children (our 20-something-year-old children).

Plus, I’m still amused by the fact that people think I have some wisdom to share. I’m still learning, but I doubt that will ever stop. I wonder when I’ll finally see myself as a “knowledgeable career woman”and less like a “wide-eyed newbie.”

P.S. This also means I had to number 27 and my feet have been killing me all day!

UPDATE: The discussion went really well and I probably learned as much from the other alumni as the students did. I'm almost certain my thought-out responses came out sounding like "RAWR RAWR!" but that's neither here nor there. Best of luck to those grads and I'm sure their names will pop up in mastheads eventually!

P.P.S. Those shoes are so going in the trash. Psycho women, how do you put up with the pain?

The Script on The Hills

Adele's opening act for her Roseland Ballroom performance was The Script, a band from Dublin (hellooo, sexy accents) I'd never heard before. Imagine my surprise when as I'm watching The Hills just now, I found myself absentmindedly singing along to one of their songs. I look up from my laptop and there they are performing on the show as Justin Bobby calls Audrina :)

Image: thescriptmusic.com

Doodle 4 Google

Once again, Google has asked K-12 students to design a doodle around their logo based on the theme "What I Wish for the World." I'm always amused by what the Google team comes up with, but these kids have serious talent as well! Check them out and vote for your fave in each age group. Voting for national finalists ends on the 18th and the winner's doodle will be on Google.com on the 21st.

Image: google.com

Six-Word Memoirs

A couple weeks ago, I finally started reading the addictive Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure. Several years ago, Smith Magazine asked its online readers to describe their lives in six words. Mine would say: Grounded girl still learning to fly.

Here a few of my fave:

I still make coffee for two. -Zak Nelson

Living for Jesus because Earth sucks. -Johnny Johnson

Found true love, married someone else. -Bjorn Stromberg

Found true love after nine months. -Jody Smith

Girlfriend is pregnant, my husband said. -Shonna MacDonald

My life is a beautiful accident. -J.D. Tenuta

Without me, it is just aweso. -Chris Madigan

Tried everything once, few things twice. -Ed Zevetski

Five feet, but in your face. -Toby Berry

What would yours say?

P.S. I'm tempted to grab their Love and Heartbreak edition, too!

Image: search.barnesandnoble.com

Did You Hear?

The Statue of Liberty's crown will re-open on July 4th
and remain accessible to the public for two years before
closing again. (It was closed after the September 11 attacks.)
I think now is my chance to finally go up there and enjoy
the beautiful view! Have you ever climbed to the top?

Image: maximizingprogress.org

A Pain in the Butt

That's what the aggressive little fur monster has become because
he just wished me a Happy Mother's Day by biting my rear end.

Happy Mom's Day

Wishing a wonderful day to mothers who still walk amongst us and those who've gone on to watch over us from above. I'll be visiting mine soon to be her little servant for the day. What about you?

Image: mrx.no

Number 16

Needs a do-over. :(

Adele's Lovely Concert

Last Tuesday (Cinco de Mayo) was Adele's lovely concert at the Roseland Ballroom. Truth be told, Heidi and I were beside ourselves when I bought tickets to the show way back in March, but then were "eh" when the day finally arrived. Well let me tell you we went right back to giddy as could be when she walked out on stage and started singing.

The Roseland was standing room only (which doesn't always provide the greatest views if you're short like me), but it was a great time nonetheless. She was the cutest with her giggles and bundle of nerves over playing in NYC. Granted, I could barely understand her British accent, but when she sang she was amazing and effortless. The audience sang along as she went through her entire album adding covers and snippets of new songs along the way. The place was packed and still people danced on top of each other.

We even got to sing Happy Birthday to her (she turned 21 that day)! Her mom and crew surprised her with a huge cake and a balloon drop. Adele even brought us a bag of candy to pass around. Speaking of which, I should really eat that at some point...

Anywho, I loved the concert and can't wait for her new songs. Below is "Make You Feel My Love," a beautiful song that tears up my insides each and every time...

Day 6: Hasta Luego, DR

Boo, our last day! Anonymous wanted to go out bright and early to soak in as much sun as possible before heading back to gloomy NYC. I don't blame her one bit. By the way, there was little to no body hang-ups on my end. Mission accomplished! I guess the fact that there were some older, bigger, saggier ladies turning the place into a topless getaway helped a bit. My esteem, not my eyesight. (Dios mio, why??)














We made our rounds and said goodbye to the animators we'd come to know, love and tease. From left to right (and notice how I know most of the guys' names, but not the girls'): forgot this one (but he was in charge of the music), Mikael (another French guy), girl #1, new girl who was still learning the dance moves, Mickey Mouse, Chocolate, Chiki Monkey, Romeo, Baby Face. Donald Duck wasn't around that day.

At the airport, Anonymous and I made a silly little farewell video! It cuts off (because that's what happens when you have a tiny 512 MB memory card and then proceed to take 211 pictures) so I continued her sentence after the video.



...which one did you like most?"

Well that's an obvious one.

In case you're wondering what on Earth we're singing, check out the following videos I found of the lovely RIU Merengue animation staff. Each morning and during every show at night, they'd sing and dance to this, that and the third. Anonymous and I jumped on stage with everyone else on multiple occassions and so we learned the moves. Oddly enough, alcohol was not involved. Besides, I'd have to drink 20 of theirs to feel any effect.

And that's our trip in six nutshells!! So...when's the next vacation?

Day 5: (Sea) Lions & Tigers & Birds, Oh My!

Ocean World day! We'd signed up to go bright and early to this adventure park/marina located 10 minutes away from the resort. We were on a budget so we opted for the general admission pass without all the extra bells and whistles (like swimming with the animals). We were still able to see all the shows and other people interact with the dolphins and sharks. The dolphins were so unbelievably cute that - obviously - I've decided I want one someday. I mean think about it: a dolphin is a pet, a jet ski, surfboard, a clown and life saver all rolled up into one adorable creature.

By the way, I'd like to mention that while I was taking pictures of the animals, Anonymous was focused on more important things: their trainers. In fact, I'm pretty sure she fell in love 50 times over there.

We also saw the bird and sea lion shows and all I have to say is that I'm a bit freaked out by what these animals can be trained to do.














The tiger grotto was pretty cool. There was a big pool area where you could swim right up to them and have nothing but a piece of glass between you and the two tigers. I did not jump in.














Over the course of the day, the three of us were trying to figure out where to go for our final night. A part of us wanted to get out of the resort to go hang out with the locals (aka people who can dance), but we would also be three single girls out on the sketchy town by ourselves. So no lie, we told about eight different guys we were going to three different places. Numbers were exchanged, meet-up spots were set and at the end of the day, we decided to stay at the resort and go to Pacha for some second-hand smoking fun.











At least Pacha was seriously bumpin that night. Why? Because there was an infiltration of 10,000 Dominicans at the resort. Apparently, it was a holiday weekend (Labor Day) and because we travel in packs of 10-15 everyone and their mother, grandmother, aunt, la prima, el vecino y la que vive al lado del colmado showed up. So what used to be a nice day by the pool turned into a noisy, hot mess with kids cannonballing into the water and running all over the place. Thank goodness it happened at the end of the trip.

Day 4: Horseback Riding & Butterflies

We rode horses for the first time this afternoon! Anonymous's friend returned from la capital (she'll be staying with us for the rest of the trip) so she joined in, too. We rode by the beach for an hour and I have to say it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I almost wish we rode faster, ducking underneath trees, jumping over the debris in the sand.










At one point, my horse stopped midway across a stream and refused to go any farther. So there we were - my 13-year-old guide and I - stuck in the water until the poor boy had to dismount and pull the horse to shore.

But other than that I was a pro. So obviously I've decided that one day I'll buy a horse. NYC would be so better if we went back to those days anyway. Plus, they're way greener than any car could be! P.S. Don't we look like we jumped straight out of a telenovela?

Chilling poolside was "eh" compared to the first two days, but it was sweet nonetheless. The French Cutie wasn't around anymore to tie my stomach up in knots so I enjoyed the day minus the eye candy. I was still kicking myself for not making a single move on the guy. No picture, no contact info, no nothing. What a fool.

Note: This is my first crush since the break up. In the past year I haven't let myself like anyone else even from afar. This came as a total unexpected "whoosh!!" and you know what? It was nice to know that the butterflies in my stomach can still flutter up a storm.














Tonight we're supposed to go to Cocobongo with some of the animators and other guests after their karaoke show. Should be interesting.

He showed up!! I was standing alone at the bar (looking pretty damn good, I think) across from where Anonymous and her friend were standing. Next thing I know he's walking up to me and we're giving each other two-cheek kisses. Aaah, the French. My face lit up when I saw him. I asked how his going-away party went last night (he had a great time), if he got drunk (he did) and what he did today. Now I wish I was a psychotic person and recorded his voice because his accent was so cute. Then again, I've always had a thing for sexy European accents. He understands English and Spanish, but when he doesn't he gets this look on his face and leans in so he can catch it the next time around. He'll use hand gestures and signs to bring his broken-English point across. So "sleep" was accompanied by two hands underneath his cheek.

At some point, I glanced over at Anonymous to catch her attention. First thing she says is "Picture!" So she came over and we took a couple shots with the guy. And according to her, I had the cheesiest smile on my face. Can you blame me?

I should've risked humiliation and asked for his contact info, but I was too nervous and too shy. He goes back to France tomorrow and that will be that.