I can't believe I missed yesterday's hugely important soccerball match!

I’m also ridiculously happy Team U.S.A. pulled off the win; especially considering FIFA refs seem to dislike the team. (Maybe they just haven’t caught onto the fact that the U.S. is growing up as a soccer nation. It only took, oh, I dunno… eighty years!)

And now I have a dilemma. I am insanely superstitious. So much so, I would have made a superb professional athlete. If I was not also outrageously uncoordinated. After a team I’m supporting does well, it’s imperative I be at the exact same place doing the exact same thing the next time they play. (I’ve already told you: my brain is a scary place sometimes.)

However, there are only so bikini waxes one can get in three days. Also, if I have to spend one more minute in that hellhole of a computer lab, I will rampage. Even with Starbucks and Swedish Fish as my buffers against the crazy annoying student-students. (What can I say? I get a lot done in 110 or so minutes.)

It will also be a Saturday with tempting beach weather.

What to do? What to do? Maybe the lab won’t be too bad on a Saturday. But the beach would definitely be way better. Except if Team U.S.A. loses against Ghana, I will blame myself. Hardcore. Even though I know it really has nothing to do with me at all. I just like to think it does.

Oh, you should also know soccer didn't even exist in my world until that game against England. Twelve days ago. Pretty much why I should just limit myself to baseball and the Olympics; I get hyper-invested. Even the vuvuzelas are growing on me.

I went. I saw. I conquered.

Instead of blogging, I've been travelling.  

• 16 -21 March: Honolulu, Hawaii
• 29 April - 4 May: Washington, D.C.
• 8 - 12 May: Egypt (Cairo and St. Catherine)
• 12-17 May: Jordan (Aqaba, Petra and the Dead Sea)

I will (eventually) post pics and sum up my trips. Hopefully sooner rather than later but no promises since this weekend is Memorial Day weekend (and I'm expecting my brand new dishwasher--mostly courtesy of the Mass. appliance rebate--on Sunday [fingers crossed] and possibly picking up an iMac) and, next weekend, I will be heading to Saratoga Springs, N.Y., for two Dave Matthews Band shows.

How is already practically June?! Seriously. It's as if I just blinked and, all of a sudden, I was taken from February and plopped into the end of May. 2010 stop moving so quickly!

I really need to get back on the blogging train. It's been too long. I hope you're all well!

What's the point?

"I will only say this once, so listen carefully," my instructor announced. "I want you to take a piece of paper and make a point. When you are done, hang it up on the wall."

My mind instantly jumped into overdrive, asking questions it knew pointless to actually physically voice. What kind of point is she looking for? An arrow? A statement? What should I use? A pencil? A pen? Some of this nifty paint that was on the supply list I received at the orientation for this continuing professional development course in graphic design? Then, a moment of enlightened clarity reminded me of my high school math classes; where a point was just a dot, a simple dot. Of course! This was clearly the easiest solution to the problem posited by the instructor. Also the most logical. First class, first assignment, a place to start. Where does anything begin? At a single point.

I drew a small dot in the middle of the page and pinned my paper to the cork board wall. I was the first to make my point.

Each of my classmates glanced up from their blank papers to see what I hung up; pencils frozen in their hands, confusion written on their faces. It was your typical first-day-of-class jitters: no one wanted to be singled out as being wrong. I was not surprised to see four other dots next to mine when all the papers were hung. But I also wondered whether there was any creativity in this design class.

I am .101 Plutonian years old.

 

How old are you? Find out here.

The gentleman doth presume too much.

Just because we’re in the same graphics class that meets for three hours once a week does not mean I’m interested. Just because I slowed down while walking to the T so you could catch up does not mean I’m interested. Just because I’m friendly and chatty does not mean I’m interested.

Your completely presumptuous, overtly awkward mention of your girlfriend driving you to class in the rain was exactly that: presumptuous and awkward. (And it made you sound like a pansy.)

I don’t exactly have a specific type of guy but you definitely do not interest me in any regard outside the fact we have to see each other for three hours once a week until this class ends.

Where do you get your groceries?

Wegmans is absolutely the best supermarket I have ever been to. I love Wegmans. It is the only place I would shop if there was one within a 40-mile radius. But, alas, the closest is in New York.

Thank goodness Ahold USA (owner of Stop&Shop [where I get groceries], Giant and Martin's Food Market) is a close second.

I've begun paying more attention to what I put into my body and where food comes from. Mostly for selfish reasons--I'm trying to lead a healthier lifestyle--but also because my awareness of the world has increased. Little steps and everyday decisions can affect the direction we've been heading in; in regards to the foods we will ingest, how that food is raised, harvest and prepared and the effects on the world around us. And we, the consumers, are the only ones who can and must insist on these changes.

Rest of the list can be found here.

Snapshot of Twitter during Obama's State of the Union address

This caused quite the controversy when I posted it elsewhere. Someone actually responded with: "Stop judging Americans by trending fucking topics on fucking Twitter."

I agree it's unfair to judge Americans by the use of social media. But it is impossible to deny the contrast between what Americans are tweeting about and what everyone else around the world is tweeting about. Why is there such a difference? Who is tweeting about these things? What are people in different regions using social media for?

And if people choose to judge Americans based on these lists, why can't they? It's their opinion. Getting mad and cussing isn't exactly the greatest defense against that judgment.

Furthermore, would they really be so off?

Go get a baby or some body butter instead. Please.

“Nice to meet you,” I said to a friend of a friend as we were introduced.

“You too,” she responded, shaking my hand. “Wow! You have really soft skin,” she observed and her hand snaked its way up my arm all the way to my elbow.

I am addicted to body scrubs, body butters and moisturizers. I happily spend a small fortune on this guilty pleasure each year because I love it and it has returned the favor in the form of silky smooth skin. And this new acquaintance was not the first to publicly stroke me and tell me so.

“Erm, thanks?” my right eyebrow leaped into my hairline as my brain silently screamed, “Stranger danger! Stranger danger! Run! Run! Run!”

Petting someone’s arm as if you were his/her lover has not become a normal part of the introduction process while I was in a lotion trance, has it? If it has, I am no longer accepting them.

Vote #615 in my precinct

Pulling into my local polling place, I saw a Scott Brown supporter clutching her Scott Brown lawn sign and talking to a policeman. Most of the political supporters/volunteers I have ever seen generally wear their candidate’s face on their t-shirt (over their sweatshirt if it’s cold) and a cap overloaded with political buttons on their head.

This woman, however, was a different breed of political supporter. She had on a fur coat and a pair of shiny leather gloves. It must have been her spare fur because she lacked an umbrella despite the rain/snow mix we’ve gotten all day.

It must be good to be rich enough to afford a spare fur and supporting a candidate like Scott Brown.

I guess it’s pretty clear what my politics are in this specific election. I generally try to keep politics out of my writing. Oh well. Maybe next election.

Time flies, doesn't it?

Wow. I can't believe eight days have passed since my last post. Things have been both conventionally busy and remarkably slow. At least that's how it's been in my life.

The world, however, has been a different story.

I don't feel it necessary to go into what's happened in the last eight days. Smarter minds and more involved people have explained and shown plenty. If what you've already read and/or seen hasn't broken your heart, you might want to double-check to see if you still have one. Something so trivial, like a simple text message, can do so much for people struggling with so little. If you haven't already donated, please consider doing so.

Things I Have Lived Through

I stumbled upon this post and thought it was pretty interesting. What I have lived through is in bold and strikethrough. Comments are italicized (and bolded if not experienced).

What have you lived through?

I have read a lot of books. |”a lot” is kind of relative, no?|

I have been on some sort of varsity team. |wait, does math team count?|
I have run more than 2 miles without stopping. |forever ago. i need to get back into shape. i’m too old not to|
I have been to Canada.
I have been to Europe.
I have watched cartoons for hours.
I have tripped up the stairs.
I have fallen down an entire flight of stairs. |half a flight, yes. an entire flight, I haven’t been that klutzy just yet |
I have been snowboarding/skiing. |my ass might still be black and blue from my attempts|
I have played ping pong.
I swam in the ocean.

I have been on a whale watch. |not for lack of trying though|

I have seen fireworks.
I have seen a shooting star.
I have seen a meteor shower.

I have almost drowned.

I have been so embarrassed I wanted to disappear.
I have listened to one CD over & over & over again.

I have had stitches.

I have had frostbite.

I have licked a frozen pole and got stuck there.

I have stayed up till 2 doing homework/projects. |and much later|

I currently have a job.

I have been ice skating.
I have been rollerblading.
I have fallen flat on my face.
I have tripped over my own two feet.
I have been in a fist fight.
I have played videogames for more than 3 hours straight.
I have watched The Power Rangers. |i can’t believe how racist that show was!|

I attend Church regularly.

I have played Truth or Dare.
I have already had my 16th birthday.
I have already had my 17th birthday.
I’ve called someone stupid.
I’ve been in a verbal argument.
I’ve cried in school.

I’ve played basketball on a team. |does gym class count?|

I’ve played baseball on a team.

I’ve played football on a team. |flag football counts, right?|

I’ve played soccer on a team.

I’ve done cheerleading on a team.

I’ve played softball on a team. |does gym class count?|

I’ve played volleyball on a team. |does gym class count?|

I’ve played tennis on a team.

I’ve been on a track or cross country team.
I’ve been swimming more than 20 times in my life.

I’ve bungee jumped. |i would really like to though|

I’ve climbed a rock wall.

I’ve lost more than $20.
I’ve called myself an idiot.
I’ve called someone else an idiot.
I’ve cried myself to sleep.
I’ve had (or have) pets.
I’ve owned a Spice Girls CD.
I’ve owned a Britney Spears CD.
I’ve owned an N*Sync CD.
I’ve owned a Backstreet Boys CD.
I’ve mooned someone.
I have sworn at someone of authority before.

I‘ve been in the newspaper.
I’ve been on TV.
I’ve been to Hawaii.
I’ve eaten sushi.
I’ve been on the other side of a waterfall.

I’ve watched all of the Lord of the Rings movies.
I’ve watched all the Harry Potter movies.

I’ve watched all of the Rocky movies.

I’ve watched the 3 Stooges.
I’ve watched “Newlyweds” Nick & Jessica.
I’ve watched Looney Tunes.
I’ve been stuffed into a locker/I have stuffed others into lockers.

I’ve been called a geek.

I’ve studied hard for a test and got a bad grade.

I’ve not studied at all for a test and aced it.
I’ve hugged my mom within the past 24 hours.

I’ve hugged my dad within the past 24 hours.

I’ve met a celebrity/music artist.
I’ve written poetry.
I’ve been arrested.

I’ve been attracted to someone much older than me. |wait. what constitutes “much older”?|
I’ve been tickled till I’ve cried.
I’ve tickled someone else until they cried.
I’ve had/have siblings.

I’ve been to a rock concert.
I’ve listened to classical music and enjoyed it.
I’ve been in a play.

I’ve been picked last in gym class.

I’ve been picked first in gym class.
I’ve been picked in that middle-range in gym class.
I’ve cried in front of my friends.
I’ve read a book longer than 1,000 pages.

I’ve played Halo 2.

I’ve freaked out over a sports game.

I’ve been to Alaska.

I’ve been to China.
I’ve been to Spain.

I’ve been to Japan.

I’ve had a fight with someone on AIM.
I’ve had a fight with someone face-to-face.
I’ve had serious conversations using IM.
I’ve forgiven someone who has done something wrong to me.
I’ve been forgiven.
I’ve screamed at a scary movie.
I’ve cried at a chick flick.
I’ve watched a lot of action movies.
I’ve screamed at the top of my lungs.
I’ve been to a rap concert.
I’ve been to a hip hop concert.
I’ve lived in more than 2 houses.
I’ve driven on the highway/been on the highway.
I’ve driven more than 400 miles in a day/been in a car that went more than 400 miles in a day.

I’ve been in a car accident.
I’ve done drugs.
I’ve been homesick.
I’ve thrown up.
I’ve puked on someone.
I’ve been horseback riding.
I’ve filled out more than 10 Myspace surveys.

I’ve spoken my mind in public.
I’ve proved someone wrong.
I’ve been proven wrong by someone.
I’ve broken a leg.

I’ve broken an arm.

I’ve fallen off a swing.

I’ve swung on a swing for more than 30 minutes straight.
I’ve watched Winnie the Pooh movies.
I’ve forgotten my backpack when I’ve gone to school.

I’ve lost my backpack.

I’ve come close to dying.
I’ve seen someone die.
I’ve known someone who has died.
I’ve wanted to be an actor/actress at some point.

I’ve done modelling. |how do you do modeling? don’t you just model?|

I’ve forgotten to brush my teeth some mornings.

I’ve taken something/someone for granted.
I’ve realized how good my life is.
I’ve counted my blessings.
I’ve made fun of a classmate. |not one of my prouder moments.|
I’ve been asked out by someone and I said no. |it’s never anyone i’m attracted to. ever.|
I’ve slapped someone in the face.  |verbally and physically|
I’ve been skateboarding.

I’ve been backstabbed by someone I thought was a friend. |people who have done so are  not my friends anymore|
I’ve lied to someone to their face. |sometimes a lie is easier than the truth|
I’ve told a little white lie. |way more than just one|
I’ve taken a day off from school just so I don’t go insane. |and from work as well|
I’ve fainted.

I’ve had an argument with someone about whether cheerleading is a sport or not.

I’ve pushed someone into a pool.
I’ve been pushed into a pool.
I’ve been/are in love.

Marriage? Bah, humbug

I am not the marrying type.  And I hold no secret hopes of a man coming along and making a liar of me.

Thanks to an unhealthy addiction to Disney and classic movies and their happily-ever-after’s, I have fantasized of a Prince Charming (right now, I would settle for a Carey Grant or an Alexander Skarsgard type) but never have I ever dreamed of walking down an aisle in a white dress towards that Prince Charming, of the contractual agreement that generally follows such a wedding, of the white-picket-fence-and-2.5-children lifestyle.

It’s not that I dislike the institution of marriage or disbelieve in the possibility of love. I think marriage and love are beautiful for and with the right people. Whether I am one of those is what I doubt.

People who have known me since my more miniature phases believe I will eventually marry; they think I’m too much of a romantic to not fall wildly in love and marry.

I say that’s exactly why I can’t marry: I’m too much of a romantic. Whether or not it was my intent, my head and my heart have idealized love. I want nothing short of the passion of Rhett and Scarlett (“Gone with the Wind”), the meeting-of-minds of Darcy and Elizabeth (“Pride and Prejudice”), and the playfulness of Aladdin and Jasmine (“Aladdin”). In addition to all this, I crave adventure, freedom and total adoration.

How could something like that exist in real life?

But I refuse to settle for anything less and I’m not certain if even a love like my wildest dreams could entice me into marriage. My independence is too dear and vital to my being. How could I give up even a sliver of it for something, someone, a mere chance?

Happy (belated) New Year!

Thanks to a persistent bout of the flu that lasted from the day after Christmas until now, my New Year's Eve was less than thrilling. I rang in 2010 with NyQuil, my dog, a box of tissues and my television. (Granted, it's a BIG television and I sprang for HD so it could have been a lot worse.)

I hope yours was better and that 2010 proves to be fabulous for you!