My Mother Taught Me:
Labels: Friends/Family, Listing, Open Letters, P.S./Photography Sunday
You all are awesome and have some really great questions that have been fun and sometimes very hard to answer. I enjoyed getting some of those ideas and thoughts out there and writing totally off the cuff. No seriously this had not been edited. Thanks and enjoy my responses - I tried my bestest to be honest.
Have you and Magoo talked about marriage? Yes, we do talk about it and it is something we are both interested in doing - just not quite right now. And not to each other. Ha just kidding!
How long have you been together? Just about a year and a half. We met in December 2005 and consider our first real official date to have been in January 2006.
What do you think is your best quality? Oh crap this is one that I had to come back to. I want to be honest and exact. I want to say it is my kindness and caring. Though I am certain others will disagree....
Your worst? My propensity to gossip and in turn think evil ugly thoughts. It is horrific sometimes. I am going to give you two - I am also VERY stubborn.
If you had to commit to eating the same exact meal, every day, for the rest of your life, what would you choose? This too is super tough because you think of foods you like and wonder if you would want them morning, noon, and night and how I get sick of things really easily. And how something to that extent would make anyone sick. But I have to suspend reality and though surprisingly (if in this world weight did not matter because reality has been suspended) I probably could eat some form of a pizza. I always like pizza and have never had a bad experience and I do really crave it more days than I care to admit to.
Who are you more like, your mother or father? I look identical to my mother, totally a spitting image, but I am personality wise like my father.
What is your favorite outfit that you own? Oh god I swear I have not totally thought about this in years because in my much younger days I had my favorites. But I have favorite items that make me HAPPY to wear. A pair of pink and green Manolos that I always get compliments on, my Citizen jeans that I wear all the time, a handful of pants from Express because they get me out of having to think about work clothes, three or four pairs of super comfy linen-ish pants from JCrew, a ridiculous cleavage dress from Diane Von Furstenberg.
How many kids do you want? Some days none - Ginger and Magoo seem like a handful. And growing up, even through college, I was always the girl who said she never wanted kids. But that changed and on most days I can't wait, simply want to jump out of my skin with anticipation of having babies, can't wait. But even then it is likely only one or two.
Boys/girls? I don't know what I would do with a boy. I have always seen myself with girls - little beautiful girls with ribbons, dresses, ballet shoes and painted nails.
And what do you want to name them? I got nothing here. Not-a-thing. Sorry that is the honest answer and not a cop out.
What kind of law do you practice? At my new job I do insurance defense - construction, asbestos, professional liability, real estate and whatever else the insurance company sends over. We also do insurance coverage issues. Someone asked me this in another post - but it is all litigation which means a lot of time in the car driving to depositions and hearings.
How tall are you? 5'6"
Have you lived in any states other than FL and LA? You know what, I have not. I spent many a summer in Vermont and my parents still summer up there, but I have never resided there or elsewhere.
What would you want to be if you weren't a lawyer? Holy good god in heaven that is awesome and I don't know where to start. I did a post like this not too long ago. But I would love to be able to be on my own - no boss, working from home. It is not the work that I mind just the restrictions. But honestly, a news reporter really really strikes me. Don't ask - I answered these from the gut.
What made you start blogging? Reading others blogs was inspiring and helpful to see what other (mostly women) go through. I thought that I could do this and it could help me out during a time when I needed an extra shoulder to lean on. I always had a journal but neglected it in recent months - this seemed to be a good fit for that problem.
Which fictional character do you most identify with? This was the hardest of the questions to answer. I drew a blank on fiction there for a good three hours and had to come back. Do not laugh but there are many a day that go by where I feel like Ally McBeal. No I don't wear those skirts, but her life and law firm practice were not that far off from the crazy that goes on here.
Why did you want to be a lawyer? I was that girl who always knew she wanted to be a lawyer - though the reasons for that do not actually directly effect what I do on a day to day basis. Because sometimes I feel like I shovel shit and I don't think anyone went to school for that. But seriously, I was involved in high school debate and enjoyed politics and hey, arguing. So it seemed natural - as in seriously it was never a question as that this is what I was going to do. At least for awhile.
Is Magoo a lawyer and if not what does he do? Yes Magoo is a lawyer - he went to law school, passed the Bar, and is a member of the Florida Bar. But he does not technically practice law as he is not allowed. Ha, that sounds funny. He is also a CPA and works at a super duper large accounting firm - which prevents him from legally practicing, though he uses his legal smarts all day long and is doing a "lawyer's" job that is heavy on the accounting.
Do you think women in the workplace will ever have an even playing field? In some ways no, I just don't think there will ever be equal treatment and there are a ton of factors that contribute to that - stereotypes, biases, pregnancy, etc. But in other ways, yes I do, as we move on as a society and it becomes more and more the norm for women to have leadership and executive roles they will be able to rid the workplace of the inequities and the younger generations will not even be given the chance to think of it any other way.
What do you feel is the most important thing women can do or say to get their voice heard at work? This is a really really tough one for me because I am super soft spoken at work and I have a hard time making my needs known as a person and not as a woman. And we all know it is a hard line to cross because no one wants to be that obnoxious bitch ass. But I think you have to tow that line - be graceful and charming when appropriate to earn respect and power but speak up only when necessary so they know that you have something to say and are choosing this opportunity to say it and not just running your mouth to be heard. Keep your opinions and attitudes to yourself and share only what is necessary. I also like to think that the proper place and time are key - larger groups and heated discussions are often not the place to actually make your point. Wait and approach someone individually, it could have more impact. Also accept that you may not get credit for your actions but know that you are behind them which is what is important.
Do you read many books? Yes in general I am reader, my mom is a librarian so it is a must. Though it goes in fits and starts. I find the lounging in sun by the pool time helps me knock out quite a few. Something about the winter months finds me less inclined.
What was the last good one you read? Last truly good book that every one should read and that I now buy as presents was Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett. Read it now.
Do you think we ever "make peace" with our bodies? Not in my life time I won't. I wish the best for some people. I just know I can't get there - I put on weight thinking about putting on weight so I will ALWAYS HAVE TO BE CAREFUL.
Do you ever freak out at the idea of marriage? Actually, no never.
Would you rather snort a pint of ice cream in one sitting or never be allowed to wear jewelry again? The horrific case of lactose intolerance that will ruin my stomach and the plumbing at my house from consuming a pint of ice cream (even via my nasal passages), is every bit worth the life time of glittery shiny baubles, pearls, and diamonds.
How many times have you made out with someone and realized afterwards that, not only do you not know, but you don't even care what his name is? Bonus points for chicks. (psych! - fake bisexuality gets you beat up.) Zero chicks. Do ex boyfriends count?
Red or Meth? Reds. Meth is for losers.
What's your best dance move? Ask Magoo and he will agree and I even did a rendition for him on Saturday night - the Running Man.
How fast can you push it over the Howard Franklin? Last week I had an experience on that bridge that made me want to eat deep friend dog shit instead of having to drive on it again. I vow to avoid it for a long while and I am a Tampa slut and try not to go over that a way anyway.
Why is a mouse when it spins? The higher the fewer. Though I prefer, "No Soap Radio"
If you had to drown in a liquid other than water what would it be? Vodka
What do you wish you would have invented? Air conditioning. This the first thing that popped into my head. It is genius and I don't know how people, especially in Florida, lived without it.
$1 million dollars to start a charity of your choice. What's your cause? I am not sure a mil is enough these days to really start a program and put it in place. I could dump the money into an existing one. But I like the idea of a community based grass roots program that would have a Federal Grant from Head Start or a Welfare to Work Program.
Labels: Listing
I commented to her that I didn't think I could do it and I definitely did not think I could do it as eloquently as she did, especially since I have always had a hard time spelling the word believe. But as I drove around running lunch time errands "I believes" kept popping into my head. So here it goes. Thank god for spell check.
I believe that a hair cut and a good set of tweezers can make a world of difference and make you feel stunning, thin, and beautiful.
I believe there is a tremendous amount of evil and ugly in this world, but that looking to the positive, warmth and good in people will help you keep the faith ,otherwise you too will be swallowed by the black hole of depression.
I believe that I look better in white than black even with the slimming qualities.
I believe that the gay/lesbian/bi-sexual population is without a doubt equal and should be treated as such in every aspect of the law and allowed to live their lives accordingly.
I believe in global warming.
I believe that a good song, good weather, good friends, good wine, good food and a good night's sleep can cure almost everything that ails me.
I believe that coffee should be strong, hot, and dark and a martini should be stiff, dirty and cold.
I believe in karma, past lives, old souls, destiny and fate as ideas that explain the phenomenons in the world, relationships, friendships, deja vu, and good and evil. It explains where we came from, where we are going and why we are here. No interaction is random and no person is without importance they all create a role and impact on who you are and what your life is.
I believe you can never have too many pairs of shoes, ass hugging jeans, slimming black slacks, white tees, or handbags.
I believe that money spent on expensive jeans, shoes and purses is well spent and well worth it. Though sales are where to look and no bargain is too good.
I believe that every person has a strength and quality that allows them to shine with inner beauty and talents, which is what makes us unique and special individuals and valued to our friends and family.
I believe what my mother taught me that nails, especially toes, should never be naked.
I believe that everyone should have a lot of perspective, the walking in another shoes kind, a good amount of humility and some fat, some chocolate and some wrinkles as they all keep you healthy, alive, and aware of what else could be.
I believe that my love for her is unending and pure and that she really is my pride and joy.
I believe in the curative properties of eight glasses of water, Advil and tums they heal almost everything.
I believe that airline seats are too small and cramped, the food is non-existent, the lines at the airport are horrific, but that everyone should travel to experience new landscapes, cultures and people and to really appreciate your home and life.
I believe that we have spent too long, too many resources, and too many lives in Iraq and that this is being ignored and completely mishandled which will mean we live with these scars as a nation for generations to come, some of which we cannot even fathom and the media refuses to ignore. In the same way they have handled the tragedies in the Sudan.
I believe in the strength and fundamentals of the US democratic process and systems including checks and balances. There is foundation, history and thought in the notions laid down in the Constitution and Bill of Rights. It is a whole other question as to what has happened to that.
I believe that fresh flowers, spa time, quality stationary and soft sheets are luxuries we can all treat ourselves to and the perfect gifts to give as a way of saying thank you to ourselves and others.
I believe that I have been extremely fortunate and quite lucky and for that I am beyond grateful.
I believe I am a good attorney, friend, sister, daughter, girlfriend and that I will make an excellent wife and mother.
Labels: Listing
Enough with the whining and the drama and the ranting, onto bigger and better things. As my birthday approaches I do what we all do at that time of year - ponder what I would like to receive from my super generous friends and family. My mind wanders to all the glorious objects out there and to items I have ruminated on over the past year and pointed out as things I will ask for that for my birthday. Then I really think about the things that I really want but most likely will never in a million years actually get. And that is how we got here. The following list is a wish list a la if I had a million dollars. Because I sure 'aint paying off my loans - that is not any fun. But these are, for the most part, practical requests. Yes I swear they are. While they may seem extravagant and frivolous all lined up together, they are not ridiculous. Well not super ridiculous. At least not to me. And it's my birthday so I don't want to hear it.
I am stopping now because my online jewelry searches are getting out of hand and I have not even begun to look at watches, but if you are asking, Cartier is just fine. Clearly I am not really asking for these things, though I would by no means turn them down. And what girl wouldn't be able to find just one thing on this list she would say yes to? They are just on that wish list for that one in a million chance I win the lotto or have been secretly mis-informed that I am not a trust fund baby or something like that.....ah sigh. Got anything to add that I may have "missed"? Happy Shopping!
*Housekeeping note - some with Reader or Bloglines may have seen this initially. Blogger effed with me and I had to take it down and redo it.
Labels: Listing
Things I want to do:
1. Plant a garden/buy plants.
2. Enroll in the 90 day writers workshop
class.
3. Make a lasagna.
4. Spend a weekend at the beach. Even just one
night.
5. Print out and frame my photographs.
Labels: Listing
I made both of us do this because I thought it was cute and a way to introduce him a bit. And because I think he is adorable and his answers are too.
Magoo:
A - Available/Single? No
B - Best Friend? Chris or Michael
C- Cake or Pie? Pumpkin pie
D - Drink Of Choice? Mountain Dew
E - Essential Item You Use Everyday? Toothbrush
F - Favorite Color? Yellow
G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? Bears
H - Hometown? Davie, FL
I - Indulgence? Multiple showers and clean clothes
J - January Or February? January
K - Kids & Their Names? None
L - Life Is Incomplete Without? Without my boo boo
M - Marriage Date? I don't understand
N- Number Of Siblings? 2
O - Oranges Or Apples? Apples
P - Phobias/Fears? Plane crash, snakes, not being able to support myself (family)
Q - Favorite Quote?
R - Reason to Smile - love of my boo boo
S - Season? Summer
T - Tag Four People? What?
U - Unknown Fact About Me? I sometimes don't like being funny
V - Vegetable you don't like? radish
W - Worst Habit? Interrupting people
X - X-rays You've Had Recently.. teeth
Y - Your Favorite Food? Turkey sandwich
Z - Zodiac Sign? cancer
e.b.:
A - Available/Single? Nope
B - Best Friend? Magoo
C- Cake or Pie? Apple Pie
D - Drink Of Choice? Tropicana OJ
E - Essential Item You Use Everyday? Deodorant
F - Favorite Color? Pink
G - Gummy Bears Or Worms? Bears - Haribo
H - Hometown? Miami, Fla
I - Indulgence? Candy, candy, candy
J - January Or February? February - I love that it has fewer days and the whole leap year thing
K - Kids & Their Names? Not yet baby, not yet
L - Life Is Incomplete Without? MTV
M - Marriage Date? Not yet baby, not yet
N- Number Of Siblings? 1 - mi hermana
O - Oranges Or Apples? Apples - Green and unreasonably hard
P - Phobias/Fears? Loss and rejection
Q - Favorite Quote? "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming woo hoo what a ride!"
R - Reason to Smile - Magoo's devotion and Ginger's belly
S - Season? Fall
T - Tag Four People? Not gonna do it - feel free to do your own though
U - Unknown Fact About Me? I am afraid of escalators. I hesitate before I get on and cannot stand on the same step as someone else.
V - Vegetable you don't like? tomato - does it count? It's just really gross.
W - Worst Habit? picking my nails
X - X-rays You've Had Recently:Teeth
Y - Your Favorite Food? Mac and cheese, at this moment.
Z - Zodiac Sign? Aries - stubborn and more stubborn
I got this quiz from my Daily Candy e-mail. I love their weekend planner on Thursday, it always puts me in a good mood for the weekend. I have had the quiz open all day and have been able to answer a few at a time. I will brag and say I am at 18 at this point. Which has taken me 9 hours to get to. I think I am close on a few, but they claim it is the wrong answer. But what do they know? Plus there is no answer key and I was so the girl who looked in the back of the book for the right answers to the math problems and a believer that Google has the answer to anything. So I am frustrated - if y'all get them, send your answers back to me.This was the second tag, this one from from PJ, someone whose posts I consistently enjoy as well written, interesting and often thought provoking. While reading her entry I thought to myself (see, though provoking) that this would be a fun exercise to undertake. And there at the end, she encouraged me to do so. It is something we all probably entertain from time to time, the what if. But to really sit down and think about it, as I have over the past few days, has proven harder than expected. I always come up with something negative or horrific about a certain profession and if I am going to dream I want my dreams to be candy coated perfection. So here goes, "What I would do if I was not a lawyer."
1. A TV news reporter. I could handle sitting at desk in jeans and a blazer and having my makeup done everyday to simply read off a cue card. I can read. I am not talking high profile, Today show type reporting either. Those folks get up at 3 a.m.; this is the reporter that does your six o'clock news. They are pseudo-local celebrities, and seemingly do not work all too hard. Please let me know if I am incorrect. I understand that in certain markets, Tampa included as it is apparently the fifth largest in the nation, it takes time and devotion to your career to land a gig like that. Understood. But this is my dream and I am a reporter.
2. A chef. Again, not a big fancy schmancy, multiple star, white glove type establishment. Too much pressure to perform on a nightly basis. Way, way too much stress. I read Kitchen Confidential and that is some crazy shit. It takes a special individual and leadership skills to run a kitchen like that. They are not joking around on Top Chef when they say you need balls and power. So I am thinking a smaller size venue, that is already established. No need to worry about drawing a clientele, but still have a fan base and a following and you are allowed creativity. Or as a caterer. Same story. The point is, it would be fun to cook all day and be good at it. Because, yeah, in this fantasy I have improved (dramatically) my cooking skills.
3. An event planner. Organizing, planning and making people smile. The idea of simply being organized and having a plan is so enticing. There are set dates and deadlines. There is room for creativity. You are planning (hopefully) something that someone else is excited about and is a celebration. There are flowers, photographs, and food. Picking those out, sampling, trying them on and making those decisions could make me very happy. Notice a theme here?
4. Owner of a flower shop. Same idea as the event planner. Making people smile. Plus being surrounded by fresh flowers all day, heavenly.
5. Photographer. Something I have developed an interest but only recently. Though to be paid to spend the day behind a lens and looking at ideas and angles to capture their beauty sounds pretty delicious to me. I have a friend who is a professional photographer and she spent the past few days erasing cellulite from a client's photos. See what I mean, every job has the potential to blow. But she did this from the cozy of her home. How bad can that really be?
I think I can go on. Honestly, if I had a 6th it would be an owner of a small boutique. This is a real dream though. One I have often thought about, given their relative absence in Tampa. They have fantastic ones in New Orleans that I would use a guide. Seriously, if in a few years this lawyer-ing thing does not work out, come check out the clothing selection I have on store, in my store. Because that is a true to life dream.
I have a few more ideas floating around in here and the obligatory no-no's to go with them. A bakery owner because that would just be awesome, but there is a fear of getting too fat. A professional ballet dancer because the pointy pink shoes are beautiful, but, and for the understatement of the year, I am not quite lithe enough. And a truck driver, because I would love to see the country, but I have a fear of that Oxycontin problem and of driving really big trucks.
You get the drift, if we could dream, our childhood fantasies would take over. How innocent and glamorous it all seemed. We think back to those days when wanted to be a fireman or an astronaut. Or in my case a cheerleader for the Miami Dolphins. What were my parents feeding me? To their credit, I think it was a crush on Dan Marino and an era when the Dolphins were good. It was something that seemed so fantastical and magic. Everything you hope your life turns out to be. At least in your dream. Now we can dream out loud and think realistically. So, your turn - what would you be when you grow up?
Labels: Listing
I was tagged twice yesterday, and I sorta feel like the cool kid on the block. And I am pretty okay with feeling that way. I decided to tackle this one first, thinking it would be easier. But really it has proven to be a challenge; to think about what people don't know about me, to make it original, and, I guess the theme is also to make it unusual.
1. Magoo heard a tirade about this one this morning; but I cannot stand Angelina Jolie. I find her unattractive; her arms are long and sinewy. Her tattoos splayed across her back and arms are unsightly and odd. A bar code? C'mon nothing feminine about that. Her lips are too big (and I have big lips and was once made fun of on the playground for it). When I saw the wax figure of her, I thought that did her the most justice, as she looks waxy everyday. I also am perplexed as to why she is considered saintly. Is it her new role as humanitarian? Because to me it is just a role. Remember just a minute ago when she was goth chick who wore Billy Bob's blood in a vile around her neck and made out with her brother at the award ceremony? Why is she suddenly reputable and genuine. Or her lesbian role years before that. Who is she really and why is this position revered? She broke up a marriage. Anyone remember that? Yes, she adopted two children and does world wide humanitarian work, but again is that because she is a celebrity and using her power to flaunt it? Is this part of her new role? And while we are at it, what makes Jennifer Aniston so horrible? To me she is the victim.
2. I cannot stand to be touched by bare feet. The touch of anothers toes is creepy. Like Jello, which I despise, it feels squishy and gross. Even clean feet. They are a no-no.
3. I strongly dislike 80's music. It's not a hate and there are moments and songs that can be tolerated. Those all 80's stations are awful. It is not that I have discerning music taste, there is Ashlee Simpson on my i-pod and I am a self professed country music fan. It is something about the pop-y, bubble gum-y, over played hype that I dislike.
4. I have to shop alone. That is when I intend to spend money it needs to be alone. I can browse with others. But the true, I am here to spend money, do not stop me now, kind of shopping is always done solo. If I see something I desire and I am with another I will wait and return another day to purchase it. I get a high from doing it alone. Breezing in and out of stores, maybe spending 30 minutes in a fitting room or not even and just purchasing. I am not harried or rushed by another. No one can pass judgment. It is just me.
5. I have an order to my shower routine. Everything must be done a certain way. It is not just an order it is meticulous, intricate and well thought out. Example, while conditioning, I wash my face to allow the conditioner to set. It is no longer just about order and efficiency, it is a necessity. I am generally half asleep in the shower and it is an easy way to keep things in check. Otherwise, I forget to do things. Don't think I have not gotten out of the shower without washing, or worse, forgetting to rinse the conditioner out. So annoying. That is what happens when my system was out of order and I do not remember what step I am on.
Five totally random facts about my existence. Feel free to comment, critique or even contribute.
Labels: Listing
1. Posted every day - thank you NaBloPoMo. It forced me to do so and most times I put in good effort. There were times it was too much and you got this. But writing everyday is not a bad thing, like my morning stretches or dental floss. Good for your body.
2. Billed 237.7 hours. Good god I don't know how I did both. But I had to. It does explain the bags and zits.
3. Ate like poop. Pizza four times, two thanksgiving dinners, steak, key lime pie, pumpkin tart, chocolate peanut butter tartletts and nachos. All thrown in there.
4. Went to three yoga classes.
5. Lost 1 pound. Again, no clue, especially after #3.
6. Added red dye to my hair.
7. Went to the dentist (blech) and dermatologist (love, love, love her).
8. Gained a roommate. While December 1 is technically the last day of his lease. He has been here consistently, clothes, books and all since November 11.
9. Spent four days with my sister. Thank you Turkey Day.
10. Voted. Including one Republican. Yep, the dark side won out.
11. Received a rejection for a submission to a magazine.
12. Handed in three submissions for my writing class.
13. Drove to New Port Richey twice and Sarasota twice. I hate driving.
14. Watched my mom in action at the Jewish Book Fair.
15. Ate Thai with a new friend.
What I did not do:
1. Find myself on the randomizer. Never once, goddammit.
Labels: Listing
The Smell of: the next day remnants of Angel perfume, morning air before sunrise – pre-humidity, grapefruit Khiels lotion, a leather jacket, freshly baked bread, Evergreen pine trees, Design, my dad leaving his car fresh with air and leather, Bumble and Bumble shampoo, brewing coffee, crisp ocean air, Jo Malone candles, Tide, bouquet of flowers, whiskey, Yogani Studio’s bamboo floors, chocolate, Old Spice deodorant, our bodies next to each other.
The Taste of: pomegranate black tea, thin slice NY style hot pizza, toasted bagel with gobs of cream cheese, Asian pan fried duck, vinegar, uber-hard Granny Smith apples, delicately soft chocolate chip cookies, crushed ice over fountain served diet coke, pad Thai noodles, undercooked brown rice, margaritas, warm goat cheese, sweet tart candies, freshly brushed teeth, Mexican rolls, crisp bacon, a tall glass of water, steak with gorgonzola cheese sauce, cleanly shaved legs, Ciccios and Tony;s Asian guacamole, ice cold dirty vodka martinis, your sweet kisses.
The Sound of: mom’s answer of, “hi sweetie”, Ray Lamontagne’s sultry tunes, the Monday Night Football theme song, silence, church bells, the bing of a text message, Indigo Girls, a train horn in the distant, Ginger’s belly grunts, a live samba band, Magoo’s “I love you’s”, a car returning home, confidence, our voices shared together.
The Touch of: Magoo’s arms wrapped around my neck, a cool pillow, a soft light cotton tee to sleep in, forehead kisses, my hair being washed, a cool soft breeze to relieve the heat, sand between my toes and fingers, a well told story, hot showers, my baby sister’s thick brown locks, a blanket while being curled up on the couch, Curel lotion after a shower, the esthetician cleaning my the pores, back scratches, warm feet placed in wool socks, a quick dip in a refreshing pool, my heart next to yours.
The Sight of: patent leather, green mountains of Vermont, Christmas trees, wreaths and lights, perfectly painted jewel like toe nails, complimentary job praises, fireworks on July 4th, new catalogs in the mailbox, a new bride, stationary, long eye lashes, patriotism, bold bright sunsets, daddies and their little girls, Ginger’s scrunched up head and perky ears, fresh flowers in a vase, monogramming, Sunday Times wedding section, a pregnant mommies belly, Publix Holiday commercials, my hand in yours.
I sit here listening to WWOZ in a sweater, slacks and boots. Maybe it is the coolness in the air or the fast approaching holiday - but I am thinking incessantly about our trip to New Orleans. We are there for New Years. Four days back since the Hurricane. Magoo has never been, so I get to take him on a tour of my favorites. I am jumping out of my skin excited to show him everything and let him see it all for the first time. It will be that much more fun to see his reaction. He also finally gets to place a picture to all my rambling stories. So it needs to be four days of jam-packed activity. He needs to see it all and so do I. Post-hurricane and all.
Here are my thoughts and a beginning itinerary:
1. We are going to see Dr. John at the House of Blues on Friday night, December 29. Live NOLA music on Decatour. Perfection.
2. We want to do a prix-fixe dinner on Sunday night for New Years. I need help finding menus so I can make a reservation. We want a late seating, we want to gorge ourselves, and we want to roll out of there around midnight. Depending - maybe watch the Gumbo Pot drop in Jackson Square or call it a night. I am even thinking about Harrah's.....let's see how much dinner is though.
3. Um hello, shopping on Magazine Street. I need more New Orleans memorabilia. That is a given - I want to go to these places, for good shopping; here to poke around; here for cool stationary and tees for gifts; and here because I love the smell in there. Of course CC's for a coffee. Mmmmmm I can feel the warmth. That place has the best vibe for a coffee shop.
4. An uptown tour - Tulane, Audubon Park (god I hope they have those adorable elephant lights), the Fly, my old apartments, Maple Street, my most fav Whole Foods. Some can be done via car with me oooh and ahhing, pointing out objects and rattling off stories.
5. Later, I want to do an uptown drinks tour too - The Columns (how darling will it look all Christmas-tized), the uptown houses with lights, including St. Charles at night, Dos Jefes and St. Joes.
6. We need to split a burger at Port 'O Call and a fruity big ass drink.
7. Hit Frenchman street - definitely D/B/A's, but also the Apple Barrel and the other smaller bars, Snug Harbor depending on the musician and time.
8. Spend an hour at Pat O's, both outside by the fountains and inside at the Piano Bar
9. If there is time - walking tour, during the day, of the Royal Street art galleries, the French Market and a brake for beignets at Cafe du Monde.
10. Somewhere, somehow I will squeeze in a po boy and a Dixie beer. Magoo is not a fan of mayo and a proper Po Boy has to have tons of it gobed together with hot sauce and fried something.
Can we do it all? Damn skippy! I am so flipping excited - that I have a 10 pronged to-do list set up five weeks before we go.
Anyone know whether some of these sites no longer exist or if there are better improved places to go post-Hurricane?
Labels: Everyday Life, Listing
I am: a woman, a lawyer, an Aries, a daughter, a sister, an overly analytical person, a poor tennis player, a 36C, a girlfriend, good with directions, tired, always five minutes late, a good friend, stubborn, a big fan of coffee, a Jew, able to understand some Spanish, a beagle owner, obsessed with food, a dirty martini drinker, terrified of the dentist, a Tulane alum, a Bucs fan, a blogger.
I want: a digital camera, health for my family, to lose 10 lbs, to travel to Greece, to be a mother, to have a full sized kitchen, a cup of hot cider, to be a better chef, to save money, a trip to the beach, good girlfriends, a beautiful day off, a warm comforter, a tan, the Hurricanes to start winning again.
I hate: standing in line, incompetence, traffic jams, my upstairs neighbors, feeling incompetent, paying my bills, eating seafood, horror movies, gin, jello, my irritable stomach, the sound of a drill.
I love: my baby sister, my beagle, my man, my parents, my friend, my good health, my safety, my status as a US citizen, my education, my heritage, my wealth.
I miss: being 17, living near Audubon Park, being a student, my sister, old episodes of 90210, Allison, Pam, Beth and all my friends who are not here, my apartment at 435 State Street, fitting into my Seven Jeans, skipping class at the Fly, going to the dog park, being a carefree Palmetto High student, summer vacation, three-for-one happy hours at the Boot, drive thru daiquiris, our backyard.
I fear: poor health, getting in a car accident, Magoo leaving me, root canals, losing my family, losing my job, having to call a plumber, ac repairman or Triple A, getting fat, I may not make my quarterly bonus, I will be alone, I will be found out.
I hear: the Dallas Cowboys game in the background, the sound of the washing machine, the pots and pans of dinner preparations, Ginger snoring.
I sing: poorly, in my car, to myself, out loud.
I dance: like a crazy person, with my hips, at weddings, in the nude, in a former life with tap shoes.
I cry: at commercials, when I am upset, when I am scared, upon seeing pictures of New Orleans, when my feelings are hurt, when I feel insulted, what I am frustrated, at a touching scene, all the time, during some movies.
I am not always: truthful, on time, awake, alert, kind, easy to get along with, understanding.
I start: with the letter A, with Tropicana OJ every morning, my car with the foot on the brake, my shower before I get in.
I finish: this meme.
Labels: Listing
I am crapping out....not enough hours of sleep combined with not enough billable hours of work this week - which means I need to kick it into gear in the next few hours. So I am taking the easy way out with these five q's.
1) Name one of your bad habits: I chew my cuticles. I have since I was six or seven. I was promised a charm ring at age 11 if I stopped. I stopped just long enough to get that ring. This summer I tried fake nails to prevent the cuticles from splitting and giving me easy access to the picking. It worked. Until I removed them.
2) What do you expect from friends? This is why I picked this meme. It is not the easiest one like "what is your favorite candy". I expect a lot from them. Definitely in the past I have expected them to be my best friends, filled the roles of boyfriends and family. Everything. And they had been, I have been blessed to find people who have been my everything. No problem with a 3 am phone call, e-mail's during work over bad days, spending vacations together, coffee breaks, drunk nights, tears over boys, bad TV time, dinners, manicures, study time. You name it, I want it all from my friends.
3) What is the last thing you wrote down? Aside from this, a to-do list/timeline of how I am going to spend the weekend. So many errands I want to run, hair appointment, dinner plans this evening, exercise, spring (well make that fall) cleaning. Of course a few hours of football on TV.
4) What is the last favor you did for someone else? I made a new friend last night at a book talk I went to. Turns out she lives on my block. Turns out someone set her alarm off last night when we were at the book talk. So I kept her company while we waited for the police.
5) What is your favorite TV show? Leaning towards Top Chef right now. Lost lost me. I hate torture. Though How I Met Your Mother is consistently underrated, at least that is me.
There you have it. My best over tired, over worked effort for a Friday afternoon. Your turn. Give 'em a try......
Labels: Everyday Life, Listing
1. Pack Ginger's food, cookies and bed to take to Fuzzie Buddies.
2. Pack remaining clothes and toiletries. Remove my running shoes.
3. Pack my healthy and lackluster lunch for today.
4. Grab last minute crap - my book, cell phone charger and the wedding present - with the card.
5. Make 3 trips to the car with items 1-4. Finally bring dry cleaning in from the car.
6. Use the treadmill for 25 minutes
7. Bring my running shoes back to the car.
Note - it is not yet 8 am
8. Get to work, sans Starbucks, to finish medical records and mediation status report.
9. Lose my head uncontrollably at Magoo for making an irrational comment about leaving town during rush hour traffic when are ETD is 2 pm. His brain may be mush right now. Unsure, will check that out on our seven hour drive.
10. Eat my unsatisfying lunch and have deep remorseful thoughts about inhaling a pizza.
11. Meet with senior partner to discuss my work progress and the status of people who are not working, ie) the plaintiffs.
Second Note - it is just now a quarter after 11
12. Try to breathe freely without my head exploding.
13. Finish reviewing the prior attorney records.
14. Try to eat some oatmeal in hopes it will satisfy my urge for pizza. Clearly not the case.
15. Drop Ginger off. Mope a little, it is kind of sad to leave her.
16. Add my name to the insurance records.
17. Get the hell out of dodge. We don't want to get stuck in that 2 pm traffic, do we?
I will get through this. Magoo and I will both arrive safely. I will not slaughter him with my plastic fork or drop him on the side of I-10 while going 75 mph. That is not on my to-do today list......yet.
Labels: Everyday Life, Listing
I just adore this. I want to eat it with a big spoon in a heaping gobble. I want to scream it from the roof top. I could spend all day knee deep sinking in it. I want to write down every feeling, idea, emotion. Good, moody, and wonderful.
I love it like the blankness of a fresh legal pad. It is a joy to write that first sentence. Crisp, clean.
Like the taste of vinegar in balsmaic dressing on a crunchy salad. Coated over the carrots, mushrooms and onions. Thrown together with blue cheese, walnuts and pears.
Like the smell of fresh flowers at a bar mitzvah or wedding. The boldness and volume are so pungent it is amazing.
Like the moans that emit from Ginger's belly when I arrive home from work everyday. As if her longing was uncontrollable and she has so much to share.
Like extra globs of cream cheese smothering a perfectly toasted warm bagel. Gloriousness in my mouth.
Like the feeling of being naked on newly washed sheets cooled from the blasts of 68 degree air conditioning. Comfort and bliss know no mercy.
Like diving head first into a swimming pool. The rush of the water on your head is so calming and complete.
Like seeing *that* name appear on your caller id, in your in-box and in a text message. Hearts stop beating and a smile is all you can do.
Like putting on those ass slimming, hip hugging perfect pair of over the top expensive jeans and feeling damn awesome. Heels, a top, dangling earrings are no match for the jeans.
Like that perfect combination of a back scratch, a back rub and a back massage. It hits all the key points, is relaxing and brings you to the comfort point.
Like gettting dressed for an evening out. The excitment, anticipation and prep time are all enough. Showering, clothing, make up and accessories. Perfume, pre-drinks and loud ass booty shaking music.
Like Thai food. I will lick the bowl. In public.
Like cracking open the newest Elle magazine to drop into your mail box. Fashion ads, beautiful people and window shopping all between the glossy covers.
Like plucking that perfect piece of eyebrow hair. Getting it is just as rewarding it as exterminating it. Success all around.
Like running my hands through my baby sister's chocolate brown un-dyed hair. It is so thick, loucious and soft, God knew what he was doing.
Like a cool glass of Pinot Grigio. So tasty and tangy. Benefit - a good buzz.
Like looking in the mirror and feeling beatutiful. Flaws, imperfections and all. Knowing that all of this is out there to love. For the loving. To adore.
Labels: Listing
She prefers being alone. A good bone, some heavy petting and the Food Network. Wait was that supposed to go in my likes?
She goes by The Ging, Ginger Beans, Ju-Ju Beans, Ge-Ga, Ru-Ru and Lady Bug.
Her sophisticated palate likes to enjoy such delicacies as chicken bones, dog poo, her ho-ha, grass, bread, cheese, turkey, sausage, pretzels, cereal, ice cream... Just don't give her apples, she spits them out.
The axiom that a dog will not soil where they sleep is not true. It means cleaning towels or bedding and a dog. It does not mean they will not do it.
Her alter-ego is Dirty Paw Magee. He turns her porcelain white boots into a muddy mess. He is not allowed in the house.
She can stand and walk on her hind legs for several minutes. She looks like a circus ballerina, but it is done to give her optimal height for food stealing.
She will urinate on all surfaces of the house, at all times. This includes the bed, during intercourse. Mid-coital she has jumped on the bed and urinated. Not kinky. A mood killer and dirty. Magoo stayed with me and I sprung for new sheets. With think she may be religious.
Her nose is adorable, soft and stubby. It makes the most horrible ruckus. Her snoring will rock your world.
Squirrels are her enemy. Lucky for them she has never caught one.
She loves her daddy, Magoo. She can hear him coming for miles and whines when he leaves her. He loves her right back, kisses and Ginger hugs.
We think she is the evil leader of the dog underworld. Dogs either bark at her or introduce themselves via ass-sniffs. She ignores all. As leader she is not to address them in public.
She had a growth removed and a teeth cleaning in one shot. She came home drugged with a satellite dish necklace. Within hours she broke the satellite in half. Human hands could not have achieved that task.
Her ears are what is good with this earth. They are soft, smooth and long. They stand on attention when she is alert, excited or there are cookies present.
The couch, futon and dirty laundry piles are hers for the taking. Sleeping, peeing or resting, any and all of it.
Every morning she scooches her little belly across the floor. It is her morning routine. She needs it like I need coffee.
Touch her paws and death to you and your loved ones. Consider yourself warned.
Night time involves a Ginger-fying ritual. Blankets, towels and clothes are moved to the just right position. If they are not just so, the process continues. Time is not of the essence, Ginger-fying must go on.
A good scratch above the head is her go-to spot. Do it and become her friend for life.
----
As an aside - I was just sent this link via e-mail from E. Looks sufficiently random but on point to a certain four legged friend. http://www.petapotty.com/home.html
Labels: Listing
I always had a journal, yet it ended when I became an "adult". And by adult I mean when I graduted with the JD and was forced into the real world. I stopped journaling then. I think a number of factors are to blame for the demise of the journal. One of the bigger ones was that I did not necessarily have the life I previously had, the one that warranted reflection. I was just a drone in a job. I was also trying to make a life for myself in a new city. I needed new friends, new relationships and a new perspective. While all of this seems to warrant reflection, I think I was too caught up in it to honestly feel anything. I remember not even feeling sad or concerned. I was just feeling and trying to breathe. I was certainly not writing.
Now maybe with time and being more settled I realized I needed more. I also have been a lawyer for two years and the drone has set in. I found a nice relationship that has given me the comfort and time to really reflect.
All of this is how I got here. To be honest, I did not even know this world existed until a few short weeks ago. A testament to my existence being consumed with legal theories, New Orleans and the above situation. I was not using the internet like I am today. This world came to light at a time when I needed it the most. Again, this is how I got here. This is my journal. I can breathe during the day, when the drone is at its worst. I can use it to reflect, as I had done in the past. I can capture all those stories, that I have always loved to tell, and truly share them.
Labels: Listing
1. I listen to country music.
2. I hate tomatoes, except in salsa and ketchup. Otherwise I could vomit from them. I once told a friend the same. His family made their fortune in tomato farming.
3. I have to put on chapstick after I brush my teeth, before I go to bed and before I go to work. I prefer cherry Chapstick brand and Bag Balm.
4. I have an excellent sense of direction. This holds true a majority of the time, and is especially true in a new city.
5. I believe there is a perfect chocolate chip cookie, it is not too hard or soft and does not include double chocolate. I also believe there is a perfect apple that is nothing if it is not extremely hard.
6. I have bad stomach issues that means I can pass gas at any time of day.
7. I use to floss, but have not in about two years.
8. I have not had sex in three days.
9. I dislike milk. I actually crave orange juice when eating chocolate especially brownies and cookies.
10. I will make a deuce at work, see #6.
11. I only wear underwear when exercising, even then it is not a guarantee.
12. I always spell believe incorrectly (thank god for spell check).
13. I do not like cake, especially birthday cake. No, I am not a communist. Yes, I obviously still eat desserts, see #5 and #9.
14. It takes me a good few seconds to figure out left from right.
Labels: Listing
