Life is a pain in the ass. But life also has pizza, wine, friends, craft beer, people who cheer you and love you, ice cream, sunny days, coffee, music, laughter, and joy. To name a few. So I guess the pain is worth it in the end.
I'm throwing it out there, Universe. Throw something back - preferably not a curve ball. A home run would be nice.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Mem'ries, CNG Style
I've been thinking a lot about my college years recently, and don't know why. Maybe it's because things seemed so much simpler then and the hardest decision I had to make on a daily basis was "Which of the three bars in my college town am I drinking at tonight?" Maybe it's because I have been going through old junk, trying to clean out and find a home for cards, mementos, jokes, etc. that I want to keep, but maybe don't have a daily place in my life anymore, simply because I don't have the room for it.
When I moved into my off-campus house my junior year, we had a town person as an across-the-street neighbor. He was a special case to put it delicately, and really grooved to his own drummer. I had a nice big porch at my house, so on our first night in the house, a group of friends gathered on the porch for some drinking and socializing. We soon realized that the man who lived across the street was flashing us through his window. It never happened again, and in retrospect, maybe he wasn't really naked, but it became lore, and for the next two years of college, my friends and I referred to him as "Crazy Naked Guy" (aka CNG).
For the last two years of college, my friend Jason and I had a radio show on WUSO 89.1 FM (thank you Springfield!). We held the 10PM-12AM slot once a week. We brought our humor into the show, and instituted a "Top 11 at 11" List, similar to Letterman's Top 10. Because CNG was a fixture around our part of campus, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when we partied, we tried to work CNG into our Top 11 list weekly. In fact, many of our lists centered around him.
I bring this up because I found three lists the other day. They weren't as funny as I remember, but it was fun to share them with my co-host and wax nostalgia. We also generally winged these lists on the show and put about five minutes thought into them. It's funny the things we focus on when we don't have much to worry about, and I need to remember that now - a little laughter and joy goes a long way, no matter how stupid it is. And long live CNG....his window-driving, Esiason-jersey-wearing, football-throwing self.
When I moved into my off-campus house my junior year, we had a town person as an across-the-street neighbor. He was a special case to put it delicately, and really grooved to his own drummer. I had a nice big porch at my house, so on our first night in the house, a group of friends gathered on the porch for some drinking and socializing. We soon realized that the man who lived across the street was flashing us through his window. It never happened again, and in retrospect, maybe he wasn't really naked, but it became lore, and for the next two years of college, my friends and I referred to him as "Crazy Naked Guy" (aka CNG).
For the last two years of college, my friend Jason and I had a radio show on WUSO 89.1 FM (thank you Springfield!). We held the 10PM-12AM slot once a week. We brought our humor into the show, and instituted a "Top 11 at 11" List, similar to Letterman's Top 10. Because CNG was a fixture around our part of campus, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when we partied, we tried to work CNG into our Top 11 list weekly. In fact, many of our lists centered around him.
I bring this up because I found three lists the other day. They weren't as funny as I remember, but it was fun to share them with my co-host and wax nostalgia. We also generally winged these lists on the show and put about five minutes thought into them. It's funny the things we focus on when we don't have much to worry about, and I need to remember that now - a little laughter and joy goes a long way, no matter how stupid it is. And long live CNG....his window-driving, Esiason-jersey-wearing, football-throwing self.
Monday, January 19, 2009
My Country Tis of Thee
We're on the cusp of history. And we, as a country can do better. We can be better. We will be better.
I think my favorite part of Obama's vision for a better America is his call to service. In the last year or so, I've realized my life is not as fulfilling as it could be, and I think it's because I had not taken the time to volunteer. I finally started doing it (granted, only about 6 hours a month because of my busy work schedule), but it felt good to give back. I think this is important part of the reason we've lost our way. We've become materialistic and anti-social, living in McMansions and gated neighborhoods and sprawling suburbs with little interaction with our neighbors and community. I think the internet has helped bring together, as is obvious from this past Presidential election, and I think it will continue to move us all closer together.
Only time will tell what this Admininstration will bring, but it has already brought us one thing - a common excitement and devotion to our country that this nation hasn't seen in decades. Let's make it work for the greater good.
I think my favorite part of Obama's vision for a better America is his call to service. In the last year or so, I've realized my life is not as fulfilling as it could be, and I think it's because I had not taken the time to volunteer. I finally started doing it (granted, only about 6 hours a month because of my busy work schedule), but it felt good to give back. I think this is important part of the reason we've lost our way. We've become materialistic and anti-social, living in McMansions and gated neighborhoods and sprawling suburbs with little interaction with our neighbors and community. I think the internet has helped bring together, as is obvious from this past Presidential election, and I think it will continue to move us all closer together.
Only time will tell what this Admininstration will bring, but it has already brought us one thing - a common excitement and devotion to our country that this nation hasn't seen in decades. Let's make it work for the greater good.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Save America
Since my uncle put it so eloquently, I'm cribbing it from him and pasting verbatim. He's a lifer at Ford, 33+ years and born and raised in Dearborn, MI...the family grew up in the house where Henry Ford's chauffer used to live. For all my own qualms and misgivings about the American auto industry (I, too, have said "they've done it to themselves"), I think it is ABSURD to let a homegrown, American-as-America-is industry die like this, especially when we bailed out Wall St and insurers who knowingly made bad decisions and kept doing it until the bottom fell out.
America is Cars, America built this industry, and I think America is willing to (finally, hopefully) bring it into the modern era. Please don't let the auto industry die. Otherwise, I really don't know what we'll do. It will touch every single sector even more than the financial industry did - the ramifications could be worse on a real level than the banking crisis.
But perhaps the more pressing question, is, how did we come to be in such dire straits in the first place? Don't have an answer for that, and will save my opinions for later.
Friends and family,
America is Cars, America built this industry, and I think America is willing to (finally, hopefully) bring it into the modern era. Please don't let the auto industry die. Otherwise, I really don't know what we'll do. It will touch every single sector even more than the financial industry did - the ramifications could be worse on a real level than the banking crisis.
But perhaps the more pressing question, is, how did we come to be in such dire straits in the first place? Don't have an answer for that, and will save my opinions for later.
Friends and family,
I'm not much of a political activist, but I am writing today to ask for your help. This week, Congress will be asked to vote on a financial assistance package for American automotive manufacturers that will allow GM, in particular, to continue to operate. I've been frustrated by the lack of, or misinformation being spewed by politicians and talk show hosts over the past several days. I am writing to give you the facts, and ask for your help. If you agree, please forward this e-mail to your friends, and please write your congressman or senator expressing your support. (E-mail addresses can be found at www.congress.org.) I am particularly disturbed by how many Republicans have made this a partisan issues. Most have not bothered to learn the facts, and are strictly voting along party lines. Even those from Ohio, which is surprising given the manufacturing base there. So, here are some things to consider:
- Some say we should let GM and other manufacturers go into bankruptcy so they can fix their problems. That simply won't happen. Recent customer research indicates consumers will not buy cars from a bankrupt manufacturer, so sales will dry up. If sales dry up, GM goes bankrupt, then their suppliers go bankrupt. If their suppliers go bankrupt, Ford (and Chrysler) can no longer build cars, and it goes bankrupt as well. The manufacturers will not come out the other side -- they will eventually be dissolved. Independent studies estimate that if GM goes bankrupt, the ripple through the industry will result in no cars being built (by domestics or Japanese transplants) for at least a year. Imagine what that will do for the economy.
- The impact to the economy will be felt broadly. 1 in 10 Americans are employed in jobs dependent on the auto industry. This includes suppliers, dealers, nearby restaurant owners, etc. Local and national government stand to lose billions in tax revenue, which will affect all Americans. In addition, the government will have to take on unemployment, pension guarantees, and health care for all those former automotive retirees and employees. Bloomberg News estimates the cost to the American economy will be $200 Billion in the first three years. This will be funded by all taxpayers, or America goes deeper in debt. $25 Billion in loans seems a small price to pay to avoid a $200 Billion near term cost.
- Critics say the American Auto industry "deserves to die", and a loan is "throwing good money after bad". Really?
- They say we haven't invested in new technology. Really? Next month, Ford launches its 3rd Hybrid, which gets 6 mpg better than the comparably-sized Toyota Camry. In one year, GM will launch the Chevy Volt, the first plug-in hybrid available to mainstream consumers.
- They say "they make cars Americans don't want". Really? GM and Ford combined sales continue to significantly exceed Toyota and Honda combined.
- They make big gas guzzlers. Really? Yes, we make big vehicles customers need! The contractor who built your house needed a truck. So did the farmer who harvested your food, or raised livestock. So did the plumber, the landscaper, the carpet layer. Ambulances? Built from Ford chassis. Delivery vans? Not from the Japanese. And in segments where the Japanese do make big trucks and SUVs, the domestics get better fuel economy.
- American manufacturers have poor quality. Really? Consumer Reports and JD Power both have confirmed Ford's quality is now on par with Honda and Toyota.
- American cars get poor fuel economy. Really? GM and Ford are best in class or tied with best in many vehicles categories. Further evidence: Ford will introduce the 2010 Fusion this week that get 2-3 mpg better than Camry and Accord.
- American manufacturers have not done enough to restructure. Don't know. What I do know is that we have let go approximately 40%of our work force in the last couple years, have reduced costs by $5 Billion a year, and have given up pay raises and matching 401K donations for the future. Of course more can always be done.
- Auto Workers receive unfairly high benefits and health care. This has changed a lot over the years, with dramatic reductions in benefits. Since the last contract, it is estimated UAW worker benefits are now in-line with transplant workers. And while we may have paid more than typical benefits in the past, it kept the cost of healthcare, retirement, unemployment, etc for these employees off the government's (taxpayer's) bill. The Americans don't have a plan to improve. I can't speak for any others, but at Ford, we will be leveraging our global vehicles to bring our best product line-up to the US that I've seen, and our plan allows us to make money, even on small cars.
- What will the elimination of American automotive manufacturer's mean to national defense? We can't be a superpower without a manufacturing base. The automotive industry and its suppliers are the backbone of manufacturing in this country. If they are eliminated, along with the tool and die makers, engineers, laborers, etc. that go with them, who will build our tanks/humvees/guns/planes/missiles if we need them in a war? Will we ask China? Korea? Eastern Europe? What if they are who we are fighting?
- And last, beware of personal agendas -- Some of the congressmen who are the most strongly opposed to providing aid stand to benefit personally. Clearly the State of Michigan representatives are voicing support, and all recognize Detroit stands to benefit. However, a Republican Senator from Alabama, who has been one of the most vocal against the package, has Mercedes, Hyundai, and Honda plants in his state. If the domestics go under, the foreign companies in his state stand to benefit. This is something he failed to mention on Meet the Press as he trashed the American manufacturers.
- Have we made mistakes in the past? Absolutely. Should we have been quicker to adapt? Yes. And, one could argue we (GM/Ford) are still not doing everything we can to improve our competitiveness. If so, provisions could be placed in the funding to drive further improvements. Suggesting that funding not be given to "teach us a lesson" is a disgrace. Even if that were true, given the state of the nation's economy, now is not the time to let the industry fail.
- The American automotive industry needs your help to secure a $25 Billion loan, not a handout. AIG, just one insurance company, has already been given $150 Billion and counting. The U.S. spends $25 Billion in a few months in Iraq. Is $25 Billion really too much to ask to save the future of an entire industry?
- Given the complexity of issues faced by congress, they cannot be expected to be knowledgeable on every issue. They should, however, be expected to be open minded and willing to learn the facts. Please encourage your congressman/senator to do so, and voice support for the package if you agree.
Thank you for taking the time to read my point of view
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Michael Pollan is the Smartest Man Alive
And this, my friends, is why I made the decision to eat as little meat as possible. Michael Pollan opened my eyes. He is my guru. Try to read The Omnivore's Dilemma and NOT change. I dare you.
No matter how green you are, if you eat meat like the average American (190 lbs a year, according to the above article, ick!), you're contributing to global warming. I'll go hug a tree while you try and shop at your local farmer's market.
I made veggie chili 2 weeks ago consisting of come canned tomatoes and sauce, and 10 other veggies fresh from the farmer's market. I have to say, it's probably the tastiest chili I've ever had. I'm not a strict vegatarian. But I do limit myself...and would rather eat a slice of bacon or piece of chicken when it comes from a locally-raised source.
No matter how green you are, if you eat meat like the average American (190 lbs a year, according to the above article, ick!), you're contributing to global warming. I'll go hug a tree while you try and shop at your local farmer's market.
I made veggie chili 2 weeks ago consisting of come canned tomatoes and sauce, and 10 other veggies fresh from the farmer's market. I have to say, it's probably the tastiest chili I've ever had. I'm not a strict vegatarian. But I do limit myself...and would rather eat a slice of bacon or piece of chicken when it comes from a locally-raised source.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Peer pressure made me post
I got a few jabs this weekend from the Kopelmans at my lack of posting, so I've been kicking a few things around in the ol' noodle for a bit. In no particular order:
1) I saw a dude riding a bike and smoking a cigarette. The ash was about 4 inches long. That can't be an enjoyable way to smoke, but I guess that guy was desperate for some nicotine. I don't know if this is worse or better than those bikers on cell phones. Bikers plural. I want to toss a stick into their spokes. Do they realize how douchey they look?
2) Today waiting for the bus, I saw a rather elderly lady who was dressed to the nines in her wool hat with brim, sharp tweed jacket and....leather pants. Yes, folks, an easily 70+ year-old-lady in leather pants. On Michigan Ave. Also waiting for the bus.
3) I think ugly freaky people are the new black. They're everywhere. I'm sick of them.
4) I'm turning into an old person sooner than I thought. I prefer low-sodium foods now, especially Trader Joe's Roasted Red Pepper soup. mmmmm.
5) What is with that crazy-ass wiry black hair that grows out of the middle of my neck? It usually comes out of hiding once every 2 months, but one day it's not there, and the next day it's about 6 inches long. Where does it come from? Does it grow internally and break through the skin? Is my esophagus hairy?
6) Entourage has jumped the shark. However, thank god for Mad Men and Little Britain USA. It's brought Sunday night back to a happy time.
7) I love yoga. It's amazing. And I have arm definition again because of it. Woo!
Discuss.
1) I saw a dude riding a bike and smoking a cigarette. The ash was about 4 inches long. That can't be an enjoyable way to smoke, but I guess that guy was desperate for some nicotine. I don't know if this is worse or better than those bikers on cell phones. Bikers plural. I want to toss a stick into their spokes. Do they realize how douchey they look?
2) Today waiting for the bus, I saw a rather elderly lady who was dressed to the nines in her wool hat with brim, sharp tweed jacket and....leather pants. Yes, folks, an easily 70+ year-old-lady in leather pants. On Michigan Ave. Also waiting for the bus.
3) I think ugly freaky people are the new black. They're everywhere. I'm sick of them.
4) I'm turning into an old person sooner than I thought. I prefer low-sodium foods now, especially Trader Joe's Roasted Red Pepper soup. mmmmm.
5) What is with that crazy-ass wiry black hair that grows out of the middle of my neck? It usually comes out of hiding once every 2 months, but one day it's not there, and the next day it's about 6 inches long. Where does it come from? Does it grow internally and break through the skin? Is my esophagus hairy?
6) Entourage has jumped the shark. However, thank god for Mad Men and Little Britain USA. It's brought Sunday night back to a happy time.
7) I love yoga. It's amazing. And I have arm definition again because of it. Woo!
Discuss.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Blargh
Officially braindead. Luckily, officially on vacation. Wonder if one has something to do with the other.
I do have to give some love to Chicago, now that I'm a 90-day resident. It's such a great town. My commute takes me down Lakeshore Drive every morning. And the ability to watch the sun rise over Lake Michigan on my way to work every morning definitely does something for my soul.
Tomorrow, I head to the other side of the Lake, in Michigan, north of Traverse City on Grand Traverse Bay (for those of you familiar with the hand map of MI, it's about 3/4 of the way up Mr. Pointer). It's my favorite place in the wide world. A week on the beach is just what the doctor ordered.
Also, Sephora is my new favorite online shipper. Somehow, UPS left a package from Sephora in my unlocked lobby and it's MIA (aka stolen). I called, UPS said I would need to call the shipper (Sephora) to "start an investigation" and that did not sound positive. I called Sephora, they talked to UPS, and offered to send me a new package. Um, ok. Awesome. I LOVE YOU SEPHORA!
I do have to give some love to Chicago, now that I'm a 90-day resident. It's such a great town. My commute takes me down Lakeshore Drive every morning. And the ability to watch the sun rise over Lake Michigan on my way to work every morning definitely does something for my soul.
Tomorrow, I head to the other side of the Lake, in Michigan, north of Traverse City on Grand Traverse Bay (for those of you familiar with the hand map of MI, it's about 3/4 of the way up Mr. Pointer). It's my favorite place in the wide world. A week on the beach is just what the doctor ordered.
Also, Sephora is my new favorite online shipper. Somehow, UPS left a package from Sephora in my unlocked lobby and it's MIA (aka stolen). I called, UPS said I would need to call the shipper (Sephora) to "start an investigation" and that did not sound positive. I called Sephora, they talked to UPS, and offered to send me a new package. Um, ok. Awesome. I LOVE YOU SEPHORA!
Friday, June 06, 2008
Me=officially old
Flipping through the channels this evening, I started watching "Clueless" and got all happy because it's one of my favorite movies. Then I thought about it, and I realize it was made 13 years ago, in 1995. When it was my favorite movie when I was in high school.
Yep, the 30 club is kind of a bitch.
Yep, the 30 club is kind of a bitch.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Can I get a...for universal healthcare
Long story short, I have to get some personal health care. This after I just denied coverage from my new job for 2008. Thank you, Steve Truman at Anthem, for screwing me over.
I think I have found a decent alternative here in Illinois. It will cost a bit more for less coverage, but I'm a healthy person. This is where all the what-ifs come in. And then I start thinking, what if something happens...then do I want to pay a $2500 deductible, or $5000. It's like trying to decide between the lesser of two evils. Never fun, never rewarding, and stuck rolling around in the back of my head like a broken record. I can't focus on making the decision, but it doesn't quite leave the old noodle, either. I sit there, unfocused.
I think I'll go read some of the new James Frey book right now. The people in there (not to mention Mr Frey, whom I love anyway) have some way more effed up issues than the difference between $2500 in health care deductibles.
Also, like anything that you need "approval" for, I freak out that it won't happen. Then what? Due to a previous medial condition that happened 15 years ago, I can never be without coverage. Barack/Hillary, please save us.
And my million-dollar question - why can't health insurance start focusing on preventative care? I'm sick to death of paying out the schnoz when I work out 4-5 days a week and have been doing it for more than a decade, walk 2 miles on my commute to work each day, and lead a relatively healthy lifestyle, yet I am supporting the fatwads who troll around Wal-Mart on their obesity chariots buying loads of processed foods and eat every third meal off the Dollar Menu at McDonalds. Oh, and not to mention the fact that health care companies are like Big Oil and Big Pharma - making records profits, while not actually really helping anyone, or coming up with a plan for the future.
Last random thought...my refrigerator moans. It sounds like someone is having sex in there. Pickles and apples, away from each other!
I think I have found a decent alternative here in Illinois. It will cost a bit more for less coverage, but I'm a healthy person. This is where all the what-ifs come in. And then I start thinking, what if something happens...then do I want to pay a $2500 deductible, or $5000. It's like trying to decide between the lesser of two evils. Never fun, never rewarding, and stuck rolling around in the back of my head like a broken record. I can't focus on making the decision, but it doesn't quite leave the old noodle, either. I sit there, unfocused.
I think I'll go read some of the new James Frey book right now. The people in there (not to mention Mr Frey, whom I love anyway) have some way more effed up issues than the difference between $2500 in health care deductibles.
Also, like anything that you need "approval" for, I freak out that it won't happen. Then what? Due to a previous medial condition that happened 15 years ago, I can never be without coverage. Barack/Hillary, please save us.
And my million-dollar question - why can't health insurance start focusing on preventative care? I'm sick to death of paying out the schnoz when I work out 4-5 days a week and have been doing it for more than a decade, walk 2 miles on my commute to work each day, and lead a relatively healthy lifestyle, yet I am supporting the fatwads who troll around Wal-Mart on their obesity chariots buying loads of processed foods and eat every third meal off the Dollar Menu at McDonalds. Oh, and not to mention the fact that health care companies are like Big Oil and Big Pharma - making records profits, while not actually really helping anyone, or coming up with a plan for the future.
Last random thought...my refrigerator moans. It sounds like someone is having sex in there. Pickles and apples, away from each other!
Friday, May 16, 2008
Ladies, puh-LEASE
Come on, ladies. What are you thinking? How does Drew Peterson keep hooking up with the 20-something ladies? It must be the mo-stache (short for molester mustache, dead giveway in thie linked pic). Or maybe it's his van with the round window on the side, with coyotes painted on the back. I mean, he must have one of those, right? Very kidnapper-esque. Also, the man TANS at a tanning salon. He's admitted this is where he met his latest "friend." I mean, it's not LA, dude. You're in a southern suburb of Illinois, a solid hour outside Chicago. Practically farmland.
The dude creeps me out on every level. He's just this side of a pedophile. So what gives?
The dude creeps me out on every level. He's just this side of a pedophile. So what gives?
Monday, May 12, 2008
Something wicked this way comes
This poor globe is disturbed right now, and it's starting to freak me out a bit. Let's recap some of the major news in the past week:
On a positive note, the Red Wings are kicking some serious ass in the Playoffs this year. LET'S GO WINGS!
- Cyclone in Myanmar - possibly 100,000 people dead. And they're just now, a week later, accepting aid. Never has American freedom seemed so sweet.
- Tornadoes in the Midwest - we're on par for the 5th deadliest tornado season since they started keeping track.
- Massive 7.9 earthquake in China - 10,000 feared dead.
- Food shortages.
- Record oil prices.
- New fighting in Gaza.
- Rain, rain, rain. Do the locusts come next?
On a positive note, the Red Wings are kicking some serious ass in the Playoffs this year. LET'S GO WINGS!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
OMFG I'm a sucker
OK, I first saw the new "Gossip Girl" ads last week, just about the time I was realizing I thought I had actually missed the "new" episode (not to mention the fact that I missed the previous 2 in January, so I'll come in Monday absolutely clueless).
I'll just come clean - this is one of my few trashy pleasures. I loathe reality TV, as well as tabloids, and refuse to watch or pay for that drivel. Maybe I'm a snobbish moralist. However, "Gossip Girl" is my one completely trashy allowance. I love the show. It whimsically reminds me of growing up watching "90210" (don't get me started about the comeback because I don't know if I'm for or against).
But back to the point of my post...I have to say, I adore musical marketing these days. Apple really brought it back for commercials, and I have Google'd and then downloaded my fair share of commerials tuneage. So the new OMFG (which was recently PG'd up to OMG) "Gossip Girl" commercial just made me download the new Kills song "Sour Cherry." It's good - or maybe just sexy because it's attached, in my mind, to the commercial. Regardless, it will help power me through a run.
I'll just come clean - this is one of my few trashy pleasures. I loathe reality TV, as well as tabloids, and refuse to watch or pay for that drivel. Maybe I'm a snobbish moralist. However, "Gossip Girl" is my one completely trashy allowance. I love the show. It whimsically reminds me of growing up watching "90210" (don't get me started about the comeback because I don't know if I'm for or against).
But back to the point of my post...I have to say, I adore musical marketing these days. Apple really brought it back for commercials, and I have Google'd and then downloaded my fair share of commerials tuneage. So the new OMFG (which was recently PG'd up to OMG) "Gossip Girl" commercial just made me download the new Kills song "Sour Cherry." It's good - or maybe just sexy because it's attached, in my mind, to the commercial. Regardless, it will help power me through a run.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Ch-ch-changes
Rarely do I post anything highly personal on here, so here's a share for ya'll. Seems I know a lot of people going through some major life shit right now. Must be that 7-year itch or the approach of the big 3-0, but shit is going down (all in a good way)! RFW just switched jobs and is going to art school, hurrah! The Kopelmans are moving to the Midwest (now I get to see them more!). Unsouthern Belle had Lasik! My friend Jason started a new gig, his own business taking a sidecar to the new full-time rotation.
And then there's me. In about 14 hours, I will be a Chicago resident. This past week I've kind of had to pinch myself, and thank my lucky stars about a million times. I know that I made this giant leap on some unknown faith and major self-esteem high back in November that leaving Manhattan would be easy and getting a job in Chicago would be a piece of cake. While February basically licked my ass as far as just being a downright shitty month (housebound for 3 days, snow or rain all 29 days, damn you leap year!, temps in the teens for most of the month), I made it through, and in retrospect, getting a job all worked out much easier than I should have ever expected or hoped for. There's a big person out in the universe looking out for me. I thank you.
So, riding a wave of nostalgia/excitement/nervousness/etc., I ride off into the wild Midwest yonder tomorrow morning. I swear that moving to NYC at age 22, knowing 2 people, and earning a pittance (literally, I worked in publishing, my starting salary was laughable), was a million times easier on a whole different level. I had this insane overconfidence, or delusions or grandeur, or both that made me Teflon to worry - I saw it as a giant adventure. I have no doubt this next phase of my life will be wonderful...but this feels more for keeps. I guess because I moved to NYC knowing I was never going to stay forever made it all the easier to just take things as they came and have the best time possible, knowing it would end at some point.
So to NYC, while I don't necessarily miss your noise, dirt, grime, annoyances, I miss what you gave me. A group of amazing people who have truly shaped who I am today and a life that I lived to the fullest. I was one of the lucky ones who got to build a life there when I was young enough to have no worries and I will always have it. It's a city that will chew you up and spit you out if you're not cut from the right cloth. I'm glad the coat fit me for 7 years.
Here's to a new one....
And then there's me. In about 14 hours, I will be a Chicago resident. This past week I've kind of had to pinch myself, and thank my lucky stars about a million times. I know that I made this giant leap on some unknown faith and major self-esteem high back in November that leaving Manhattan would be easy and getting a job in Chicago would be a piece of cake. While February basically licked my ass as far as just being a downright shitty month (housebound for 3 days, snow or rain all 29 days, damn you leap year!, temps in the teens for most of the month), I made it through, and in retrospect, getting a job all worked out much easier than I should have ever expected or hoped for. There's a big person out in the universe looking out for me. I thank you.
So, riding a wave of nostalgia/excitement/nervousness/etc., I ride off into the wild Midwest yonder tomorrow morning. I swear that moving to NYC at age 22, knowing 2 people, and earning a pittance (literally, I worked in publishing, my starting salary was laughable), was a million times easier on a whole different level. I had this insane overconfidence, or delusions or grandeur, or both that made me Teflon to worry - I saw it as a giant adventure. I have no doubt this next phase of my life will be wonderful...but this feels more for keeps. I guess because I moved to NYC knowing I was never going to stay forever made it all the easier to just take things as they came and have the best time possible, knowing it would end at some point.
So to NYC, while I don't necessarily miss your noise, dirt, grime, annoyances, I miss what you gave me. A group of amazing people who have truly shaped who I am today and a life that I lived to the fullest. I was one of the lucky ones who got to build a life there when I was young enough to have no worries and I will always have it. It's a city that will chew you up and spit you out if you're not cut from the right cloth. I'm glad the coat fit me for 7 years.
Here's to a new one....
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Attention, Drivers
Just a refresher, drivers, for those of you who are too preoccupied to pay attention anymore. Left lane is for passing. Right lane is for driving.
Again, LEFT LANE, PASSING. Meaning, you should NOT (and especially if you are driving less than 10 mph over the speed limit) drive along in it like it's your own personal lane. You should refrain to use it solely so you can chatter away on your cell phone without having to think about passing on the left. I remember taking drivers ed and sitting in a classroom for several hours, 3 times a week, including Saturdays, for 2 weeks or a month. Granted, maybe I was one of the few who actually paid attention. But that's a credit, since I am an excellent driver, an aware driver, a driver you need on the road to watch out for all the idiots who have no idea what they're doing. NOTE: I scored a 99% on my written test, only missed one. Holla.
Having driven more than 1600 miles in the past 3 weeks (to and fro Chicago and Detroit for job interviews and apartment searching), I have witnessed the horrible driving skills of Americans. Yet another thing to be disgraced with about my country. Add it to the list.
Again, LEFT LANE, PASSING. Meaning, you should NOT (and especially if you are driving less than 10 mph over the speed limit) drive along in it like it's your own personal lane. You should refrain to use it solely so you can chatter away on your cell phone without having to think about passing on the left. I remember taking drivers ed and sitting in a classroom for several hours, 3 times a week, including Saturdays, for 2 weeks or a month. Granted, maybe I was one of the few who actually paid attention. But that's a credit, since I am an excellent driver, an aware driver, a driver you need on the road to watch out for all the idiots who have no idea what they're doing. NOTE: I scored a 99% on my written test, only missed one. Holla.
Having driven more than 1600 miles in the past 3 weeks (to and fro Chicago and Detroit for job interviews and apartment searching), I have witnessed the horrible driving skills of Americans. Yet another thing to be disgraced with about my country. Add it to the list.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Ho fo' sho'
Well, here's a good message for young girls. If you want to be rich beyond your wildest dreams, just go ahead and be a whore. That's what is happening to Eliot Spitzer's ho...she got a $1 million offer from Hustler, and there's bound to be more where that came from. And don't forget her foray into the "Girls Gone Wild" empire when she turned 18. Lovely lady, I'm sure.
Such great role models...thank you, tabloid culture, for destroying decorum in this world.
Such great role models...thank you, tabloid culture, for destroying decorum in this world.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
A 90+ badass
Jack LaLane is a major badass, and basically my hero. Here is a man, who, at 93 (93!!!) looks like he's about 60. As this picture from the New York Times shows, the man has more strength and stamina than most people, and can probably hold his own among Olympic caliber-athletes.
If there was ever a reason to get fit, Jack is the poster child. I want to age gracefully. Here's my role model.
If there was ever a reason to get fit, Jack is the poster child. I want to age gracefully. Here's my role model.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Suck it, snow
I cannot continue to wake up every morning and see snow on the ground. Even if it's just an inch, like today.
Come on, March, you know you wanna be spring-like. Let the flowers grow and the sun shine. I know Smarch is Smarch, and wind and rain, fine. But the white shit needs to go.
Come on, March, you know you wanna be spring-like. Let the flowers grow and the sun shine. I know Smarch is Smarch, and wind and rain, fine. But the white shit needs to go.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Quarterlife
Granted, I am beyond my quarterlife at this point, but am still in the throes of the crisis (probably more so than ever right now). So flipping through the channels last night I came across the new NBC show "quarterlife." It was written by the guy who did "My So-Called Life" and since I was a giant fan of that show, I thought I'd tune in for a few to see if he nailed it.
Oh. My. GOD. The show was horribly, unbelievably awful. It was just so phony and angst-y, I couldn't even bear it. And it reminded me nothing of my life at 25. "How I Met Your Mother" does a better job of that (with some laughs to boot. NOTE: If you have not watched HIMYM yet, do not pass go, do not collect $200, TUNE IN - Mondays, CBS, 8 PM).
But I couldn't even like the characters. I turned it off after about 10 minutes, hoping the whole time that it would get better, but it just got worse. It's set in LA, so has the typical players - magazine editor, actor, film students turned video producers, all over-talented, under-employed people. The only thing I could relate to was that they lived in a smallish apartment (thank you, at least, for being realistic about that). But the under-decor was almost too much, especially since it was an apartment shared by females. It looked more like a bachelor pad. And of course, everyone is in love with someone they shouldn't be. And the main character is a "writer" and video blogs about her life and her friends on some Beta site she invented called "quarterlife." Way to lamely bring technology into the mix.
So why did I just spend an entire post ranting about a show I never want to watch again? Because I hope to god that this does not become the "generational" show that MS-CL did - that show was realistic and dealt with some real issues. This show is not (can anything set in LA really be, come on?!), and just seems whiny. And if his show is going to make the rest of the population think that this is how people near my age act, I'm appalled.
Oh. My. GOD. The show was horribly, unbelievably awful. It was just so phony and angst-y, I couldn't even bear it. And it reminded me nothing of my life at 25. "How I Met Your Mother" does a better job of that (with some laughs to boot. NOTE: If you have not watched HIMYM yet, do not pass go, do not collect $200, TUNE IN - Mondays, CBS, 8 PM).
But I couldn't even like the characters. I turned it off after about 10 minutes, hoping the whole time that it would get better, but it just got worse. It's set in LA, so has the typical players - magazine editor, actor, film students turned video producers, all over-talented, under-employed people. The only thing I could relate to was that they lived in a smallish apartment (thank you, at least, for being realistic about that). But the under-decor was almost too much, especially since it was an apartment shared by females. It looked more like a bachelor pad. And of course, everyone is in love with someone they shouldn't be. And the main character is a "writer" and video blogs about her life and her friends on some Beta site she invented called "quarterlife." Way to lamely bring technology into the mix.
So why did I just spend an entire post ranting about a show I never want to watch again? Because I hope to god that this does not become the "generational" show that MS-CL did - that show was realistic and dealt with some real issues. This show is not (can anything set in LA really be, come on?!), and just seems whiny. And if his show is going to make the rest of the population think that this is how people near my age act, I'm appalled.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Ralph Nader is...
a giant steaming pile of shit. Thanks, Ralph. With your help, we might luck out with a repeat of the 2000 election, when you stole the race from the Democrats.
All your consumer goodnik-ness has been lost, especially if you force another GOP in the big house. Quit while you're ahead.
All your consumer goodnik-ness has been lost, especially if you force another GOP in the big house. Quit while you're ahead.
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