Another catchall, this time with good deeds!

Another bullet point post.

- One of my best friends EVA is Barb. We both worked at Starbucks in Boston and both left the city for grad school, though sadly to opposite sides of the country. She's funny and beautiful and smart and quick and super. She also has MS and each year, she walks in her area's MS walk. Because she is the amazing woman that she is, she always gets a ton of donations. You should do the same. Read her story and be moved here.

- Lauren, one of my roommates, was out of town for the past week. As much as Sam and I missed her, we took advantage of her absence to have an OBSCENE amount of cilantro. Seriously, four days in a row. Monday was curry and tilapia with... cilantro. Tuesday was edmame and rice paper wraps with orange cayenne chicken, carrots, radishes, and... cilantro. Wednesday, tofu and broccoli with soba noodles... with cilantro pesto. And Thursday, butternut squash coconut milk curried soup... with cilantro. YUM. SO. GOOD. I'm happy to have Lauren home but honestly, I love cilantro and would continue to eat it if we had any more in the house.

- If you are friends with me on the 'book, then you know that the past few days have been all about Mika. I know I'm late to the Mika loving, but man oh man, how I love that little suspender wearing Lebanenese American expat curly headed singer! AH! Here you go.

Odds and Ends

Each of these deserves its own post, but I went to Haverford happy hour tonight and have a slight headache (but I won a Class of 2012 water bottle!), so you'll forgive me if the post is a bit lack luster.

- OMG Old Navy is having a crazy online sale! I usually delete all the emails they send me automatically, but boy howdy, am I glad I saved this one. Through 2 February (that's only until MONDAY!), you get half off all clearance items. Promo code: HALFOFF

Soon to be mine: ALL OF IT.

- I got the most adorable business cards from Moo and I'm kinda in love. They also love me and passed along this code to me to share with my friends (read: you!). If you've never ordered from them before, use the code HHM65P and get 20% off one product. Oh and I get entered to win a FREE Flickr Pro account. No big.

- I'm graduating in May- I may have talked about this once or fifty million times- so the job search is hanging over my head. But my question to you: should I also apply to paid summer internships? Pros: paid, in my field, some include housing. Cons: only for the summer, some are full time and I would have to give up my sweet gig at Oceana. Discuss.

EW

Starbursts, why you gotta mess me up with nasty tropical flavors? What was wrong with your beloved old standards? I don't know if you've met me, but for me to spit out not one, not two, but THREE of your tropical flavors (couldn't bring myself to try the fourth) means that they are VILE.

Best Craigslist Missed Connection Conversation EVER

to the girl who pepper-sprayed me - m4w - 26 (Metro)

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Reply to: pers-1008899338@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-01-26, 5:59PM EST


You: Bookish, long jacket, fluffy scarf, small bag, and pony-tailed hair (cute!!)
Me: Long black trench coat, jeans, tall, ski mask

I had just come into the Chinatown metro, from the blistering cold, headed for the green line towards Petworth, when I saw you. You were standing very close to the 'down' escalator, and peering intently at your blackberry. It didn't take long for me to see that you were my type. Not to say that I am loose in requirements, but you immediately fit my physical ideals, and there was something about your pose that spoke of your attitude and style. I had just come from a soul-searching meeting with a close friend, and I had decided that there was no more pussy-footing on my part; I should take hold of life, and stop 'missing' potential 'connections.'

As I rapidly attempted to figure out a way to approach you, the lights at my feet started flashing, indicating a very real limit to the time I had. I quickly settled on simply introducing myself and began to run in your direction. In hindsight, i think I should have removed my ski-mask first.

You probably took my swift approach as something menacing, since it was late, and the lighting is not too good down there. This was not my intention, believe me! This all dawned on me suddenly, as well, as the events begin to play out. Within seconds I saw your hand dive in your bag. At first I thought you were just putting away your blackberry, a polite gesture! The next second, a small red and black canister emerged. Uh oh. In my rapid attempt to slow down, I saw you uncap it, make eye-contact, and spray. By the time I could see again, you were gone.

This might sound crazy, but right before that toxic liquid came gushing at me, I think we might have had a moment. I got to stare into your stunning green eyes, and I think I might have seen a flash of desire, as you caught glimpse of my baby blues (that is, before they turned a vicious red, with my eyelids clamping shut and tears pouring out).

I understand now that my actions were far too forward, and you might have been hurt by guys like me in the past. If you're interested, though, I'd like to get together sometime, and try to make a real connection. You don't have to worry, I'm not mad! I won't be pressing charges (and hopefully neither will you).

To the guy I pepper-sprayed - w4m - 26 (Metro)

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Reply to: pers-1010382566@craigslist.org ^[?]
Date: 2009-01-27, 7:06PM EST


Me: Bookish, long jacket, fluffy scarf, small bag, and pony-tailed hair (cute!!)
You: Long black trench coat, jeans, tall, ski mask

I had just come into the Chinatown metro from the blistering cold, trying to find the address of the bar where I needed to meet my friends. as I checked my Blackberry, I saw you from the corner of my eye. The black of your ski mask brought out the blue of your eyes, and I knew there was something there. But I was just another girl at the metro, another lonely heart in a sea. As the lights began flashing at your feet, I saw the approaching Green line train as a sign that you would be another missed connection.

But then you were coming towards me, with the speed of a track star and the determination of a fat cheerleader. I could see that you were the type of guy who could approach any girl, and every failed relationship and broken promise flashed before my eyes. How could I stand out? Before I knew it, my hand gripped the black and red canister of pepperspray, a birthday gift from my mother.

You took it like a man, but you need to work on your drop step. I think we had a moment as you stifled your cries and tears streamed down your face. My heart pounded as I ran away. I would love to see you again.

Anti-climatic

So, I got an email about two weeks back, alerting me to the fact that I could take the Jeopardy! online test tonight at 8pm. To say that I was excited would be putting it lightly. In the past, the way it worked was you sent in a postcard and you would be randomly picked to come in and take the test. But now, you get to take the online test... and then you are randomly picked to come in for an interview.

The 50 questions were over in less than 10 minutes and I was left kinda like "That was it?!" I wanted more! I changed into my "Suck it, Trebek!" shirt and everything. And while it was fun to sit there and frantically remember who composed "Four Seasons" (answer: Vivaldi), overall, it was a lot of build up for not that much.

Perhaps a bit like this post.

I get it, I really do

Obama is a historic leader. Believe you me, I'm TOTALLY JAZZED that he's our president. I voted. I cried. I went to the concert. I cried again today.

As a historic president, I understand the desire to compare him to other great leaders. Lincoln. King. Kennedy.

But can we stop bringing up strong men who got shot in the head? It makes me very very nervous.

A newish me

So I got my haircut again today. Something I probably shouldn't have done, given my desire to save money. But it has been about 3.5 months since I got it cut and I was in need of a change.
Perhaps the change was bigger than I imagined. Because everyone is saying that it doesn't look like me. And the following that up with "It looks so good!!". And I'm all like "But you just said it doesn't look like me!"
And then there is an awkward silence.
I do feel that I look much hipper than I am in actuality. Hence the photos of me posing like... well, like a poser.
We'll see how it looks when it is curly- the bangs will still be straight- but for now, I'm delighting in the novelty.
And looking like an asshole while doing it.

The things I want

As it is the beginning of the year, resolutions are aboundin'. I'm not doing anything too formal but am trying to consciously eat out less, be more active, and do less shopping.

Which means that I won't be getting this. But it doesn't stop me from wanting it.

In other news, I emailed a number of past and present museum contacts in an effort to network myself into a job. And while I still haven't heard back from most, I did have one person get back to me to say that she has contacts in AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND. I mean, I am wanting to stay in DC and a scattering of other cities, but if I find a great place to work in an other English speaking country, then take this as your invitation to come visit me!

Year in Review, FINALLY

If you care, you can compare here.

What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before?
I don't know if there was anything. Oh, I know! Read a self help book.

Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
A little bit. Overall, I was healthier for most of 2008 than I was in Boston in general and 2007. No real resolutions this year, just GET A JOB.

Did anyone close to you give birth?
No, but EVERYONE is preggers. And by everyone, I mean my roommate's sister and my cousin.

Did anyone close to you die?
Nope, thank goodness.

What countries did you visit?
Peru! Twas fantastic and am jonesing for another trip.

What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008?
Self confidence. Just ONE SALARIED job. A breakup free year.

What date(s) from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
March 1- moving back out on my own. June 5- my birthday AND I started a new job.

What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Letting go of my ridiculous life plan that conceived of when I was 12. Always good to examine those every once in awhile.

What was your biggest failure?
Repeating old, unhealthy patterns. Not saving more money. Ignoring the economic crisis.

Did you suffer illness or injury?
Ended the year with a fall down some stairs but otherwise, healthy and whole.

What was the best thing you bought?
Grad school still ranks high. Groceries instead of going out. My $3 seagull broach that I wear almost every other day.

Whose behavior merited celebration?
All my friends for putting up with my CRAZY.

Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Pete and Ashley Wentz. Seriously, Bronx Mowgli?

Where did most of your money go?
Grad school. And eating out. So much eating out.

What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Meeting Christian Siriano. Fakesgiving party. Haircuts.

What songs will always remind you of 2008?
Lady Gaga- Just Dance, Rhianna- Please Don't Stop the Music, Mariah Carey- Touch My Body, Scissor Sisters- Don't Feel Like Dancing, Michael Buble- Feeling Good, Any George Michael

Compared to this time last year, are you...
I. Happier or sadder? much, much happier.
II. Thinner or fatter? about the same, I think? My weight did fluctuate this year so if anything, a bit larger right now.
III. Richer or poorer? Richer, but not by tons. But hey, two jobs versus none helps in that respect.

What do you wish you'd done more of?
Free outings. Cooking at home. Worked out.

What do you wish you'd done less of?
Job searching. Settling for less than I deserve.

How will you be spending Christmas?
Ah a bit late. Christmas Eve, dinner at Tia Mona's. Christmas day, presents at home, Chinese food and Seven Pounds.

What was your favorite TV program?
Sweet Jesus. Do you think that we can say at this point that I watch entirely way too much TV? Let's not glorify it, shall we?

Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Naw, don't think.

What was the best book you read?
Romance novels still rank pretty high because they are pretty much the only pleasure books I read this year. What can I say, when you are in school, you don't really want to do any heavy reading.

What was your greatest musical discovery?
Not so much my discovery. but still love Born Ruffians. And have fully embraced my love of disco.

What did you want and get?
My own apt again.

What did you want and not get?
A stable relationship.

What was your favorite film of this year?

See comment re: TV. Same for movies. But if I had pick some: Young @ Heart, House Bunny, Tropic Thunder, Hamlet 2

What did you do on your birthday, and how old?
Turned 25. Started my new job (fun, huh?) and had a happy hour, but then later that weekend, HOT DOG PARTY!

What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Getting my license- on my way with the permit!

How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008?
Hi, have you meet my waist? It be tiny. And boots. Lots of boots. And statement necklaces.

What kept you sane?
Professional help. Friends.

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Lee Pace. Ah, lovely pie maker.

What political issue stirred you the most?
Obama in general. The man still makes me cry.

Who did you miss?
Karel and Alice on the west coast. Barb out in CO. Elle in Baltimore.

Was 2008 a good year for you?
More happy time than not. And I think I've learned a lot.

What was your favorite moment of the year?
Parties at my house. Practicing karaoke in my room.

Where were you when 2008 began?
In Baltimore, at a house party.

Who were you with?
Elle. And randomly, a friend from middle school who I hadn't seen since the middle of high school.

Where will you be when 2008 ends?
I was at a dinner party in DC.

Who will you be with when 2008 ends?
Jonny, Katie, and assorted friends through them.

What was your favorite month of 2008?
Um, well certainly not the stressful ones at the beginning or end of the year! May seems good- finishing up the semester, starting to date someone new, and knowing that I was leaving Starbucks soon. June was also pretty good though too. Really, I enjoyed my summer.

How many different states did you travel to in 2008?
MD, VA, DC, FL. And Peru, but you did't ask. I just like to remember.

How many concerts did you see in 2008?
Two. Some random guy who is a rockabilly comedy person and Born Ruffians.

Did you have a favorite concert in 2008?
Def Born Ruffians.

Did you do anything you are ashamed of this year?
Things I'm embarrassed about, sure. But shame? Nope.

What was the worst lie someone told you in 2008?
Could be really dramatic and say "I love you" but that just seems super ridiculous, haha.

Did you treat somebody badly in 2008?
I like to think I'm nice. Sometimes too nice.

Did somebody treat you badly in 2008?
Nothing that was outrageous.

If you could go back in time to any moment of 2008 and change something, what would it be?
It is hard for me to do this because I did something in the last 24 hours that was monumentally stupid, so trying to get past that to think to the whole year is kinda hard. And what did I just do- accidentally put my name on an anonymous email. Yeah, I'm smart.

What are your plans for 2009?
Remarkably similar to 2008. Find a full time job. Start saving for the future. Be healthier with my food choices. Be more active. Focus my energy on me.

Epiphany

Today, we de-decorated the office and it made me a little sad- why couldn't we hold out for one more day? Do these people know nothing about the Magi?

Le sigh.

Still have one of those memes to handle, perhaps tomorrow. Though probably not, since I will be on the phone with half of my family. They all chose Wednesday to go to the other side of the world.

I'm only EVERY BIT JEALOUS!

Review

So, I've been meaning to do a year in review post but I'm old and it takes me so much LONGER to recover from fun times. And we all know New Year's Eve is all about the fun times.

So instead of an enlightening meme, covering the year, I figured I would share some of the things that come up when you google my name.

For starters, this blog. Which, um, I don't really like. Not that I'm ashamed with anything here but still, I don't know if future employers need to know about my shoe purchases. And how I take my own picture in the mirror.

What seems like a fantastic movie and something I should heed in my real life: Take Care of Your Scarf, Tatiana

My thesis. Which is slightly NSFW, if your work isn't hip to sex education. If you really want to read it, you can just google my name and thesis. And um, click on Boners and Twats. Because even though you can get to my blog through my full name, I'm not really in the mood to start using my full name here.

That being said, my full name- you would love it. It is awesome.