so, i saw russell simons today in soho. he was talking on the phone, standing on a stoop...random and very new york. and why is this of interest? well, oddly, he's crossed my thoughts a couple of times in the last few weeks. why? i thought i saw him once a while back, i saw his wife somewhere, and, apparently, i manifested him.
crazy, eh? my list of celeb sightings continues to grow...
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Sunday, January 14, 2007
i'm going straight to (sneaker) hell...
i'm a hypocrite. totally, utterly, completely a hypocrite. see, i used to work in the 'training' bidness - training folks to walk long distances. said training would inlcude helping them prepare gear-wise...starting from the ground up. literally.
we'd start with the sneakers: properly fitted ones recommended for each individual and their walking style by a knowledgeable third party. we'd recommend buying at least a couple pairs as even a 'good' pair of sneakers will only last for about 300-500 miles - the equivalent of 3-6 months worth of training.
so...get this, i have a fave pair of sneakers - go new balance! and i won't even begin to HINT how old they are. seriously. but i looked at them today, really looked at them and realized that, um, well, they're WELL PAST their worn by date. and i'm a hypocrite. why? because i should have thrown them out ages ago - there's NO support in them any more. and i can't. i. just. can't. i love them.
...but i'm going to go buy sneakers this week. i HAVE to! betcha they'll be new balance.
we'd start with the sneakers: properly fitted ones recommended for each individual and their walking style by a knowledgeable third party. we'd recommend buying at least a couple pairs as even a 'good' pair of sneakers will only last for about 300-500 miles - the equivalent of 3-6 months worth of training.
so...get this, i have a fave pair of sneakers - go new balance! and i won't even begin to HINT how old they are. seriously. but i looked at them today, really looked at them and realized that, um, well, they're WELL PAST their worn by date. and i'm a hypocrite. why? because i should have thrown them out ages ago - there's NO support in them any more. and i can't. i. just. can't. i love them.
...but i'm going to go buy sneakers this week. i HAVE to! betcha they'll be new balance.
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
43 Things...
So, by now you've probably realized I'm a list-maker...I love them. One that I made for 2007 was based on something I read in my most recent Outside magazine (I know, I know...I'll shut up about it someday).
In a section called 'Help Yourself,' there's a blurb from the founder of 43 Things. I really, really like the idea of creating a list of the 43 things in life you are COMPELLED to do to fulfill your sense of self. No, not just things you'd like to get around to, or feel you 'need' to - but things that resonate at a guttural, instinctive level.
What does that include for me? Well, there's the simple ("simple" - ha!) things like finding a life partner and having babies. There's also going to an elephant orphanage in Africa for a substantial period of time. Hell, just going to Africa in GENERAL! It's a continent that's resonated with me since I was a wee lass...
So, go make your list of 43 things. Tailor it as necessary - life goals, 2007 goals, whatever...go forth and live your dreams!
In a section called 'Help Yourself,' there's a blurb from the founder of 43 Things. I really, really like the idea of creating a list of the 43 things in life you are COMPELLED to do to fulfill your sense of self. No, not just things you'd like to get around to, or feel you 'need' to - but things that resonate at a guttural, instinctive level.
What does that include for me? Well, there's the simple ("simple" - ha!) things like finding a life partner and having babies. There's also going to an elephant orphanage in Africa for a substantial period of time. Hell, just going to Africa in GENERAL! It's a continent that's resonated with me since I was a wee lass...
So, go make your list of 43 things. Tailor it as necessary - life goals, 2007 goals, whatever...go forth and live your dreams!
Monday, January 08, 2007
I love this song!
My new crush - John Legend. AND he can croon! This song struck me as particularly poignant and, yes, it does remind me of someone:
Ordinary People
Girl I'm in love with you
This ain't the honeymoon
Past the infatuation phase
Right in the thick of love
At times we get sick of love
It seems like we argue everyday
I know i misbehaved
And you made your mistakes
And we both still got room left to grow
And though love sometimes hurts
I still put you first
And we'll make this thing work
But I think we should take it slow
We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cuz we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
This time we'll take it slow
This ain't a movie no
No fairy tale conclusion ya'll
It gets more confusing everyday
Sometimes it's heaven sent
Then we head back to hell again
We kiss then we make up on the way
I hang up you call
We rise and we fall
And we feel like just walking away
As our love advances
We take second chances
Though it's not a fantasy
I Still want you to stay
We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cuz we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
This time we'll take it slow
Take it slow
Maybe we'll live and learn
Maybe we'll crash and burn
Maybe you'll stay, maybe you'll leave,
maybe you'll return
Maybe another fight
Maybe we won't survive
But maybe we'll grow
We never know baby youuuu and I
We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cuz we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow (Heyyy)
We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cuz we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
This time we'll take it slow
Ordinary People
Girl I'm in love with you
This ain't the honeymoon
Past the infatuation phase
Right in the thick of love
At times we get sick of love
It seems like we argue everyday
I know i misbehaved
And you made your mistakes
And we both still got room left to grow
And though love sometimes hurts
I still put you first
And we'll make this thing work
But I think we should take it slow
We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cuz we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
This time we'll take it slow
This ain't a movie no
No fairy tale conclusion ya'll
It gets more confusing everyday
Sometimes it's heaven sent
Then we head back to hell again
We kiss then we make up on the way
I hang up you call
We rise and we fall
And we feel like just walking away
As our love advances
We take second chances
Though it's not a fantasy
I Still want you to stay
We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cuz we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
This time we'll take it slow
Take it slow
Maybe we'll live and learn
Maybe we'll crash and burn
Maybe you'll stay, maybe you'll leave,
maybe you'll return
Maybe another fight
Maybe we won't survive
But maybe we'll grow
We never know baby youuuu and I
We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cuz we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow (Heyyy)
We're just ordinary people
We don't know which way to go
Cuz we're ordinary people
Maybe we should take it slow
This time we'll take it slow
Sunday, January 07, 2007
The power of friends...
I have some truly wonderful friends. I hope they know how appreciated their presences are in my life! Some of my wonderpals and I got together for dinner on Friday night and I was reminded why it's fun to go out with folks you have much in common with, whose senses of goofball humor are in line with yours, and, well, sex talk.
I miss being able to dish the dirt and all the details and this was my hardiest group o'gals! 'Twas a fun night indeed and so terribly necessary - for ALL of us. Maybe one of these days I'll even be able to contribute to the dishing of the dirt again...but, then, I have to get back in the dating game, eh? Ick. Rethinking that one...
And stay tuned for another soiree extraordinaire for a Gaffinator Gal's birthday. We're talkin' hotels and sassy bar crawls...and that's just for starters!!
I miss being able to dish the dirt and all the details and this was my hardiest group o'gals! 'Twas a fun night indeed and so terribly necessary - for ALL of us. Maybe one of these days I'll even be able to contribute to the dishing of the dirt again...but, then, I have to get back in the dating game, eh? Ick. Rethinking that one...
And stay tuned for another soiree extraordinaire for a Gaffinator Gal's birthday. We're talkin' hotels and sassy bar crawls...and that's just for starters!!
hot water bottles...
I was chatting with my mother this evening about all kinds of random things - my hectic schedule, my putting more thought into what i really 'want to do with my life,' and the like. The conversation turned to hot water bottles and how it's nearly imPOSSible to find one on this side of the pond that's covered and not just the solid rubber bottle. Sometimes we're just too British for our own good, right?!
My comment to my mom was that I didn't have just one hot water bottle, but two. She paused for a second, before asking where I managed to find them. I told her that I invested in them years ago - my four-legged hot water bottles. I made her laugh with my story snippets of how Maverick's head keeps my toes warm with his huge head thrown across my feet or breathing his warm, pumpkin-laced breath (they had some for dinner) on them. And how Kali waits 'til I'm all comfy and settled in, staring at me intent(se)ly, just waiting for the second I'll lift the corner and let her nose-dive in...and we'll sleep all curled up together, me on my side, her in the hollow between legs and belly.
Yes, as much as they've made me crazy at times and how I've had moments of wanting to be dog-free, my 'kids' do indeed mean the world to me. They're over-indulged and terrifcally spoiled, but then so was I by my wonder-parents. So, no, well-intentioned, indulgent 'parenting' is not something I see as a bad thing...I'm also good at boundary-setting. Well, mostly. ;)
SIDENOTES: I'll have to post about 'boundaries', aka rules, sometime. I was told this past weekend by a wonderful galpal that I like rules - a lot. Which is funny, because I never thought of myself as a rule-wanter/needer. I sure do appreciate boundaries; just never thought of them as "rules." Weird, right?
.
My comment to my mom was that I didn't have just one hot water bottle, but two. She paused for a second, before asking where I managed to find them. I told her that I invested in them years ago - my four-legged hot water bottles. I made her laugh with my story snippets of how Maverick's head keeps my toes warm with his huge head thrown across my feet or breathing his warm, pumpkin-laced breath (they had some for dinner) on them. And how Kali waits 'til I'm all comfy and settled in, staring at me intent(se)ly, just waiting for the second I'll lift the corner and let her nose-dive in...and we'll sleep all curled up together, me on my side, her in the hollow between legs and belly.
Yes, as much as they've made me crazy at times and how I've had moments of wanting to be dog-free, my 'kids' do indeed mean the world to me. They're over-indulged and terrifcally spoiled, but then so was I by my wonder-parents. So, no, well-intentioned, indulgent 'parenting' is not something I see as a bad thing...I'm also good at boundary-setting. Well, mostly. ;)
SIDENOTES: I'll have to post about 'boundaries', aka rules, sometime. I was told this past weekend by a wonderful galpal that I like rules - a lot. Which is funny, because I never thought of myself as a rule-wanter/needer. I sure do appreciate boundaries; just never thought of them as "rules." Weird, right?
.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Top 5 - dog breeds...
I'm sure it'll surprise some of y'all, but Lydia and I were talking about dogs when we had brunch today. Yes, yes, it's true. Sometimes, I talk a lot about canines. Ha! Understatement, eh? Well, today we were talking about breeds, the potential breed ban a Queens Councilman is proposing, and breeds we love, like, dislike, etc.
Ok, ok, so it was really just ME saying that there were some breeds I just don't 'do.' Lydia's "that" girl that really does love all dogs, just finds some more difficult to work with than others and has preferences. Me? I just flat out don't like some breeds; I can be black and very white like that. True, I'm coming around to the smaller dogs, but, but, but...well, crap. I'm a liar. There are some dogs - small and breeds that I don't typically 'do' - that have snuck into my heart...oooo - I have my own type of heartworms.
On that note, here are my top 5 lists for this week - breeds I looooove and breeds I'm workin' on lovin':
LOOOOOOOVE:
1. Coonhounds
2. German Pointers - Short- and Wire-haired
3. Irish Wolfhounds
4. Dobermans
5. Great Danes
Working on lovin':
1. Beagles
2. Chihuahuas
3. Jack Russells
4. Italian Greyhounds - I'd break 'em
5. Anything that weighs in the single digits (seriously - is that really a dog?)
Gawd help whomever I grow up to marry and have kids with - 2- and 4-legged...he's gonna have to be a patient, patient man with a LOTTA room for dawgs in his heart!
Ok, ok, so it was really just ME saying that there were some breeds I just don't 'do.' Lydia's "that" girl that really does love all dogs, just finds some more difficult to work with than others and has preferences. Me? I just flat out don't like some breeds; I can be black and very white like that. True, I'm coming around to the smaller dogs, but, but, but...well, crap. I'm a liar. There are some dogs - small and breeds that I don't typically 'do' - that have snuck into my heart...oooo - I have my own type of heartworms.
On that note, here are my top 5 lists for this week - breeds I looooove and breeds I'm workin' on lovin':
LOOOOOOOVE:
1. Coonhounds
2. German Pointers - Short- and Wire-haired
3. Irish Wolfhounds
4. Dobermans
5. Great Danes
Working on lovin':
1. Beagles
2. Chihuahuas
3. Jack Russells
4. Italian Greyhounds - I'd break 'em
5. Anything that weighs in the single digits (seriously - is that really a dog?)
Gawd help whomever I grow up to marry and have kids with - 2- and 4-legged...he's gonna have to be a patient, patient man with a LOTTA room for dawgs in his heart!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Minor confession...
So, I haven't told anyone this out loud or in-person...but, um, I'm not so J-free as I was a couple weeks ago. In fact, as soon as I posted that, there was some communication the very next day. Yes, I jinxed it.
Color me guilty.
* And I'll know who's reading this if it comes up in conversation. ;)
Color me guilty.
* And I'll know who's reading this if it comes up in conversation. ;)
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
randomly cool...
so, i noticed a snippet in my most recent copy of Outside magazine - and it was a blurb about G.O.A.T. Food. No, seriously! Apparently, it's a Muhammad Ali-inspired brand of snack foods - 'vitamin-packed' bars, gels & trail mixes - created to "take on the epidemic of over-weight Americans." The demographic is "increasingly pudgy young adults" and with names like Rumble and Jabs, I'm hoping that they taste as cool as they sound and look.
'cuz if there's anything that a whole heckuva lotta folks need, it's help eating in a healthy way...
'cuz if there's anything that a whole heckuva lotta folks need, it's help eating in a healthy way...
my new boyfriend...
Ok, he isn't *exactly* my new boyfriend, but I sure wouldn't mind. Check him out! Who is he? Well, he's an outdoorsy, extreme adventure hottie mchottiepants with his own show on the History Channel all about archaeology. Yes, indeedy, he's the 'perfect' mix of dark'n'handsome (to make nice with mom), outdoorsy (for me!!!), and history buff (dear gawd, my father would LOVE that!).
Here's his show...go watch it! Here's his profile on the B.O.S.S. website - doncha just LOVE him?!?!
Here's his show...go watch it! Here's his profile on the B.O.S.S. website - doncha just LOVE him?!?!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Christmas traditions - old and new!
New - So, I did something unexpected last night. Something that most of the folks that 'know me' will find out of character. Yes, I did. I went to church.
You read that correctly - I, Hannah R.A.A., of sound body, mind, heart & soul went to church. Totally, utterly of my own choosing. No wedding. No funeral. No family outing. Solamente me.
And *why* did I go? Well, I've decided that Christmas Eve will be my new New Year's Eve and I'm going to start a new tradition. Rather than use January 1st as the ONLY day to get crackin' on all those resolutions - wise and otherwise! - I'm going to start on the Eve of Christmas and keep on through New Year's.
To celebrate the kick off of my own personal life feng shui-ing, I'm going to church-hop throughout Manhattan...each year, I want to choose a new church, new type of service, new purtiness to try out. No, I'm not really looking for the 'religion' part...but there definitely is something to be said for tradition and I'm looking to start some of my own.
And get this - I dove right in...this year, I chose St. Bart's (gorgeous church!) without even realizing that it's Catholic. (No, I didn't take communion!!!) Go me, eh?
So, just when I thought I knew all aspects of myself, I actually surprised myself...and went to church! Whod'a thunk?!?!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
'Old' - Well, it's not really "old", but it's older than me choosing to head to church...
Today, Peggy & I reprised our Christmas Day tradition of movie, a coupla drinks, then Papaya Hot Dogs. And YUM! It's actually one that I truly enjoy. Last year, we ended up eating hot dogs only 'cuz we had the Christmas/Channukah and Sunday double whammy and NOTHING was open. This year, it was by choice.
Good times, good flick, good peeps, great stories...and awesome tradition!
You read that correctly - I, Hannah R.A.A., of sound body, mind, heart & soul went to church. Totally, utterly of my own choosing. No wedding. No funeral. No family outing. Solamente me.
And *why* did I go? Well, I've decided that Christmas Eve will be my new New Year's Eve and I'm going to start a new tradition. Rather than use January 1st as the ONLY day to get crackin' on all those resolutions - wise and otherwise! - I'm going to start on the Eve of Christmas and keep on through New Year's.
To celebrate the kick off of my own personal life feng shui-ing, I'm going to church-hop throughout Manhattan...each year, I want to choose a new church, new type of service, new purtiness to try out. No, I'm not really looking for the 'religion' part...but there definitely is something to be said for tradition and I'm looking to start some of my own.
And get this - I dove right in...this year, I chose St. Bart's (gorgeous church!) without even realizing that it's Catholic. (No, I didn't take communion!!!) Go me, eh?
So, just when I thought I knew all aspects of myself, I actually surprised myself...and went to church! Whod'a thunk?!?!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
'Old' - Well, it's not really "old", but it's older than me choosing to head to church...
Today, Peggy & I reprised our Christmas Day tradition of movie, a coupla drinks, then Papaya Hot Dogs. And YUM! It's actually one that I truly enjoy. Last year, we ended up eating hot dogs only 'cuz we had the Christmas/Channukah and Sunday double whammy and NOTHING was open. This year, it was by choice.
Good times, good flick, good peeps, great stories...and awesome tradition!
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Another Top 5 list....
of fave mind-changing books. ok, so in some worlds they're called 'inspirational' and in others, they might be 'self-help'-ISH. in mine? well, they were thought-provoking and mind-opening.
1. Broken Open - Elizabeth Lesser
2. Journey of the Heart - John Welwood
3. Artist's Way - Julia Cameron
4. Just 'cuz I LOVE it!!
5. Hope for the Flowers - Trina Paulus
and yours?
1. Broken Open - Elizabeth Lesser
2. Journey of the Heart - John Welwood
3. Artist's Way - Julia Cameron
4. Just 'cuz I LOVE it!!
5. Hope for the Flowers - Trina Paulus
and yours?
Thursday, December 21, 2006
ain't this the damned truth...
“Learn to create silence in your mind and peace will flourish in your heart. Don't overthink and the answer will present itself to you.”
this only reinforces several conversations i had with my wonderous friend, kinkly la rouge (aka R), this summer - voice to the universe that there's something you want to talk about...and, lo & behold, the universe provides the space. or the answer.
being willing to LISTEN is the key. or. maybe. it's just creating silence. THAT i have a hard time creating...quiet in my life is amazing. it's in the MIND that it's difficult.
thoughts? (get it? get the pun??? i'm punny...)
this only reinforces several conversations i had with my wonderous friend, kinkly la rouge (aka R), this summer - voice to the universe that there's something you want to talk about...and, lo & behold, the universe provides the space. or the answer.
being willing to LISTEN is the key. or. maybe. it's just creating silence. THAT i have a hard time creating...quiet in my life is amazing. it's in the MIND that it's difficult.
thoughts? (get it? get the pun??? i'm punny...)
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
it's gonna be epic!
so, i've got this friend. her name's alice. and she's a sassy, livin' life large redhead. and she tells me that the next 14 months are gonna be EPIC. E-P-I-C!
why 14 months? because who wants to limit themselves to just a year?
and why epic? why the fuck not?!?!??!
HOW epic? well...you'll just have to watch, wait & see.
yes, we will have stipulations for epic-ism. they'll include:
- living life LARGE, all the time. (it is about appreciating every moment, no?)
- going somewhere, destination as yet undetermined, that includes a MINIMUM of 5 hours of travel time (cars allowed, plane preferred according to ms. sassypants)
- a fireman. per girl, not shared. rather, AT LEAST one fireman...
- swing dancing
- ...not sure what else. this is part of 'epic' - letting it all unfold, but knowing it's gonna be huge. Huuuuuuuuuge! HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE!!!!
arncha 'cited? i am...because i feel it, too. i just need to get outta december to really be 'ready'!
here's to '07...
why 14 months? because who wants to limit themselves to just a year?
and why epic? why the fuck not?!?!??!
HOW epic? well...you'll just have to watch, wait & see.
yes, we will have stipulations for epic-ism. they'll include:
- living life LARGE, all the time. (it is about appreciating every moment, no?)
- going somewhere, destination as yet undetermined, that includes a MINIMUM of 5 hours of travel time (cars allowed, plane preferred according to ms. sassypants)
- a fireman. per girl, not shared. rather, AT LEAST one fireman...
- swing dancing
- ...not sure what else. this is part of 'epic' - letting it all unfold, but knowing it's gonna be huge. Huuuuuuuuuge! HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE!!!!
arncha 'cited? i am...because i feel it, too. i just need to get outta december to really be 'ready'!
here's to '07...
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
smooth'n'groovy....
my top 5 smooth, singin' men...they could croon to me ANY time!
1. John Legend
2. Maxwell
3. Lenny Kravitz
4. Jonny Lang
5. Michael Buble
alternates - jesse l. martin (he's not really a 'singer' but the man can siiiiiiiiing) and chris isaak (i've always had a thing for him!)
there's something about a man singin' to you as you're falling asleep...or cooking breakfast...or in the shower, together.
1. John Legend
2. Maxwell
3. Lenny Kravitz
4. Jonny Lang
5. Michael Buble
alternates - jesse l. martin (he's not really a 'singer' but the man can siiiiiiiiing) and chris isaak (i've always had a thing for him!)
there's something about a man singin' to you as you're falling asleep...or cooking breakfast...or in the shower, together.
Monday, December 18, 2006
the weather gods are crazy...
seriously! what's going on with this weather?? it's also wreaking havoc on our environment. i was walking with one of my clients, snowy (yes, she's a white dog - shepherd mix), and while she was stalking squirrels, i happened to look up at a nearby tree. and get this - there were BUDS on the tree!!! the weather has been so warm, the tree thought it was spring...
that's just WRONG! is this global warming? poor tree.
that's just WRONG! is this global warming? poor tree.
Sunday, December 17, 2006
emotionally overwhelmed...
i'm suffering from emotional upheaval. i can honestly say that i've revolved through more emotions in the last couple of weeks than i think i EVER have in such a short period of time...i've also shed many more tears than 'normal.'
this shite sucks.
there are VERY valid reasons my family nickname is 'stoic hannah' and i'm the one who gets to drive family and friends to the airport. i'm a whirlwind of piss and vinegar when i'm angry: i burn as brilliantly as magnesium, but the spark is quickly lost...and i get the hell over 'it.' i have been known to pride myself on being more on the 'up' side o'life than the dramatic and/or wallowing in darker emotions. so, it's not too suprising that i haven't dealt well with my little internal rollercoaster. yes, yes, i do realize that's a gross understatement...and i will be eternally grateful for the patience, love, and kindness those i can truly label 'friend' have shown. [working on some thoughts about peeling back the layers of friendship and being able to believe in those that ARE true friends, so more on this train of thought forthcoming...]
the last couple of weeks have truly blown...HOWEVER (comma) the biggest reason i've been on such an overload of emotions has proven itself false and i don't have to worry about my girl going anywhere that involves rainbows and bridges, at least in the short-term.
[sidenote: who the EFF decided that animal 'heaven' would be called the "rainbow bridge"??? what a stoopid term...]
so, i've taken a deep breath. i gave her tons of hugs and kisses and treats. i stopped wallowing in thoughts that included dealing with the [potential] loss of the longest relationship i've ever had, the dog that brought me to where i am in regards to dog training and guardianship, and how on earth that void could ever become smaller, much less be filled. i DIDN'T even bother to think about the other couple of life hiccups i had - they're just dumb boys and irresponsible women who played themselves off as 'friend.'
and i even smiled a couple of times. 'til i remembered that december always seems to suck for me post-birthday...especially last year.
eff. back to emotionally overwhelmed and having to work THROUGH it this year, notsomuch play the role of ostrich with head in sand.
denial works wonderfully. until it doesn't.
this shite sucks.
there are VERY valid reasons my family nickname is 'stoic hannah' and i'm the one who gets to drive family and friends to the airport. i'm a whirlwind of piss and vinegar when i'm angry: i burn as brilliantly as magnesium, but the spark is quickly lost...and i get the hell over 'it.' i have been known to pride myself on being more on the 'up' side o'life than the dramatic and/or wallowing in darker emotions. so, it's not too suprising that i haven't dealt well with my little internal rollercoaster. yes, yes, i do realize that's a gross understatement...and i will be eternally grateful for the patience, love, and kindness those i can truly label 'friend' have shown. [working on some thoughts about peeling back the layers of friendship and being able to believe in those that ARE true friends, so more on this train of thought forthcoming...]
the last couple of weeks have truly blown...HOWEVER (comma) the biggest reason i've been on such an overload of emotions has proven itself false and i don't have to worry about my girl going anywhere that involves rainbows and bridges, at least in the short-term.
[sidenote: who the EFF decided that animal 'heaven' would be called the "rainbow bridge"??? what a stoopid term...]
so, i've taken a deep breath. i gave her tons of hugs and kisses and treats. i stopped wallowing in thoughts that included dealing with the [potential] loss of the longest relationship i've ever had, the dog that brought me to where i am in regards to dog training and guardianship, and how on earth that void could ever become smaller, much less be filled. i DIDN'T even bother to think about the other couple of life hiccups i had - they're just dumb boys and irresponsible women who played themselves off as 'friend.'
and i even smiled a couple of times. 'til i remembered that december always seems to suck for me post-birthday...especially last year.
eff. back to emotionally overwhelmed and having to work THROUGH it this year, notsomuch play the role of ostrich with head in sand.
denial works wonderfully. until it doesn't.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
skinny pants...
waaaahoooooooo-ey! i just wanted to letchy'all know that i was in a decidedly 'red' mood today and wanted to wear a hoppin' scarlet pair of pants that i still have in my closet (even though i haven't actually *worn* them in a couple (few) years. so, i thought i'd at least T-R-Y them on...
AND THEY FIT! more than that, they were biiiiiiiiig...
yes, i've been on a gettin'-in-shape kick since i broke down and joined a gym for the first time in a 1/2 decade, but i've been an eensy bit slack of late - and eatin' like it's the holidays! however, the skinny red pants fit me, so i'm notsomuch worried.
AND THEY FIT! more than that, they were biiiiiiiiig...
yes, i've been on a gettin'-in-shape kick since i broke down and joined a gym for the first time in a 1/2 decade, but i've been an eensy bit slack of late - and eatin' like it's the holidays! however, the skinny red pants fit me, so i'm notsomuch worried.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Jim Webb (D-Va.) vs. Dubbya
one of my favorite magazines to peruse every week is, ironically, The Week. it's a wonderful synopsis, with various points of view woven into each article and/or snippet, of what's gone on world-wide in the last week. everything. it's great. truly and you should check it out!
it's always thought-provoking and i oftentimes hear myself saying something out loud (albeit under my breath-ish). this week's most "huh!" moment was a snippet about Jim Webb, the newly elected Democratic Senator, from Virginia - remember that part of the election?
well, apparently at the white House 'open house' last week, Webb not only ditched the reception line (brilliant!) so he wouldn't have to attempt ridiculous pleasantries with GWB, but he publically snubbed him, too. Webb's son is a Marine, serving in the 'War on Terror.' When Dubbya approached Webb - who's a decorated Vet himself - and asked, "How's your boy?" Webb shot back, "I'd like to get them out of Iraq, Mr. President."
whoo hooo. but it continues...
The Prez responded eloquently with, "That's not what I asked." and THIS TIME, Webb zinged back with, "That's between me and my boy."
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT. apparently, there were several articles about it - that's what i get for not reading newspapers or even watching the news this last week, and much debate about whether politesse is the 'correct' response because we should always defer to the higher ranking individual.
i call bullshit to that, though. why be polite if it's not really what you want to do? he avoided the original direct confrontation by jumping out of the reception line (i do that at weddings, too; i HATE reception lines), but Dubbya sought him out and assumed (ass + u + me) that Webb would defer to the Presidency. other articles call Webb a "boor" and "grossly offensive" - again, i call bullshit. doesn't anyone remember the adage 'if you don't have anything nice to say....'? Webb showed up at the reception out of duty, but avoided any type of interaction 'til cornerd by the bully.
the two other notable points that were made in the blurb were:
- "How refreshing, said [Eleanor] Clift [of Newsweek], to see 'a president who has so abused the symbols of war get his comeuppance from a battlefiel hero who personifies real toughness."
{amen sistahfriend!}
- "Bush and Webb may both be parents, but Webb's son is risking his life in Iraq while Bush's daughters were last seen drinking and partying in Argentina. Surely, we can forgive Webb for not making polite chitchat about his son's predicament with the one man who can do something about it. 'How's Jim Webb's boy? In danger."
{seriously. i LOVE this magazine.}
so...hie thee quickly to your local newsstand or to the website and subscribe!!!! and, no, it's not just the liberal, democratic point of view that i prefer; there's actually a wide range of opinions and vantage points. lovely...
it's always thought-provoking and i oftentimes hear myself saying something out loud (albeit under my breath-ish). this week's most "huh!" moment was a snippet about Jim Webb, the newly elected Democratic Senator, from Virginia - remember that part of the election?
well, apparently at the white House 'open house' last week, Webb not only ditched the reception line (brilliant!) so he wouldn't have to attempt ridiculous pleasantries with GWB, but he publically snubbed him, too. Webb's son is a Marine, serving in the 'War on Terror.' When Dubbya approached Webb - who's a decorated Vet himself - and asked, "How's your boy?" Webb shot back, "I'd like to get them out of Iraq, Mr. President."
whoo hooo. but it continues...
The Prez responded eloquently with, "That's not what I asked." and THIS TIME, Webb zinged back with, "That's between me and my boy."
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT. apparently, there were several articles about it - that's what i get for not reading newspapers or even watching the news this last week, and much debate about whether politesse is the 'correct' response because we should always defer to the higher ranking individual.
i call bullshit to that, though. why be polite if it's not really what you want to do? he avoided the original direct confrontation by jumping out of the reception line (i do that at weddings, too; i HATE reception lines), but Dubbya sought him out and assumed (ass + u + me) that Webb would defer to the Presidency. other articles call Webb a "boor" and "grossly offensive" - again, i call bullshit. doesn't anyone remember the adage 'if you don't have anything nice to say....'? Webb showed up at the reception out of duty, but avoided any type of interaction 'til cornerd by the bully.
the two other notable points that were made in the blurb were:
- "How refreshing, said [Eleanor] Clift [of Newsweek], to see 'a president who has so abused the symbols of war get his comeuppance from a battlefiel hero who personifies real toughness."
{amen sistahfriend!}
- "Bush and Webb may both be parents, but Webb's son is risking his life in Iraq while Bush's daughters were last seen drinking and partying in Argentina. Surely, we can forgive Webb for not making polite chitchat about his son's predicament with the one man who can do something about it. 'How's Jim Webb's boy? In danger."
{seriously. i LOVE this magazine.}
so...hie thee quickly to your local newsstand or to the website and subscribe!!!! and, no, it's not just the liberal, democratic point of view that i prefer; there's actually a wide range of opinions and vantage points. lovely...
to add on to the sit stay happenings...
so, this post is a cross-pollinator from my myspace page:
for the last few months, i've been working with and for my friend lydia and her dog training company, sit stay dog training. we were recently talking about adding new gear to the lineup...and had these created.
how cute?!?!?! yes, indeedy, that is my maverick. now i just need to get some made for kali-dawg...
the new part is this:
lydia and i are talking about having a SSDT blog, too, with all kinds of fun doggie-related stuff...from toys, to treats, to beds, to trainers, to 'relevant' issues, to ways that you, too, can help the animal world.
stay tuned!
for the last few months, i've been working with and for my friend lydia and her dog training company, sit stay dog training. we were recently talking about adding new gear to the lineup...and had these created.
how cute?!?!?! yes, indeedy, that is my maverick. now i just need to get some made for kali-dawg...
the new part is this:
lydia and i are talking about having a SSDT blog, too, with all kinds of fun doggie-related stuff...from toys, to treats, to beds, to trainers, to 'relevant' issues, to ways that you, too, can help the animal world.
stay tuned!
like the lotus from the lotus seeds...
so, i haven't been posting here for eons. mostly because i've been playing over on my myspace profile...and out there living life. however, when life throws you lemons, i decide that writing is a viable outlet for my angst. (love that word 'angst')
most of y'all that know me well, or even peripherally, know that i've had a couple of crappy weeks. while life, in general, is getting 'better' and, yes, i'll *always* be ok, i'll be the first to admit that life just sucked for a while. i haven't cried that much in such a short time in AGES, if ever.
i even, for more than simply several moments, questioned whether taking the high road and making life decisions with my effin' "highest person" was where i should place my energy. you, oh lovely reader(s), will be ecstatic to know that my decision wasn't made in the heat of the proverbial moment and i came back into myself. i did relish the idea of just being a mean, angry, awful, bitchy, vengeful woman for a while; i even thought about that book 'why men love bitches' and toyed with the idea of truly living a life i've, until that point, seen as thoroughly unrewarding in this life and any that may follow.
and then i wore my lotus seeds. when i went to the good ol' M-of-I a few weeks ago, i went to one of my favoritest bookstores ever and bought a mala. i've wanted one for a while, so i went through all the ones available, but realized i was most drawn to the lotus seed. and why? no clue. however, because i don't believe in coincidence, i'm sure that the lovely universe was giving me a gift in advance.
see, the lotus is one of the most revered, powerful flowers in all of floral symbology. but, really, it's a glorified lillypad. seriously. out of the mire and muck of the depths of whatever type of freshwater lotus grow out of, grows this gorgeous specimen of flora. so, the lotus seed mala i 'happened upon' has served as a reminder that out of the shit comes beauty...and i remembered that this isn't the first - nor will it be the last - time that i'll have to encounter the shit that life tosses our respective directions.
the key is stopping the shit that's thrown your way before it hits the fan.
luckily, you're never given more shit to catch than the universe thinks you can handle. now, if only big picture perspective could be maintained while you're knee-deep in the stinky mire.
most of y'all that know me well, or even peripherally, know that i've had a couple of crappy weeks. while life, in general, is getting 'better' and, yes, i'll *always* be ok, i'll be the first to admit that life just sucked for a while. i haven't cried that much in such a short time in AGES, if ever.
i even, for more than simply several moments, questioned whether taking the high road and making life decisions with my effin' "highest person" was where i should place my energy. you, oh lovely reader(s), will be ecstatic to know that my decision wasn't made in the heat of the proverbial moment and i came back into myself. i did relish the idea of just being a mean, angry, awful, bitchy, vengeful woman for a while; i even thought about that book 'why men love bitches' and toyed with the idea of truly living a life i've, until that point, seen as thoroughly unrewarding in this life and any that may follow.
and then i wore my lotus seeds. when i went to the good ol' M-of-I a few weeks ago, i went to one of my favoritest bookstores ever and bought a mala. i've wanted one for a while, so i went through all the ones available, but realized i was most drawn to the lotus seed. and why? no clue. however, because i don't believe in coincidence, i'm sure that the lovely universe was giving me a gift in advance.
see, the lotus is one of the most revered, powerful flowers in all of floral symbology. but, really, it's a glorified lillypad. seriously. out of the mire and muck of the depths of whatever type of freshwater lotus grow out of, grows this gorgeous specimen of flora. so, the lotus seed mala i 'happened upon' has served as a reminder that out of the shit comes beauty...and i remembered that this isn't the first - nor will it be the last - time that i'll have to encounter the shit that life tosses our respective directions.
the key is stopping the shit that's thrown your way before it hits the fan.
luckily, you're never given more shit to catch than the universe thinks you can handle. now, if only big picture perspective could be maintained while you're knee-deep in the stinky mire.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
so, i have this theory...
there are several of y'all out there that i've discussed this theory with and, yes, it does deal with man hands - one of my faaaaaaavorite parts of a man's body!
i've had the pleasure - yes, literally - of dating several men with wonderful man hands. they're all encompassing, so that your hand almost feels teeny wrapped in his. granted, i have small, long-fingered, thin-boned hands, so there's not much that doesn't make them feel small...but i relish the feeling of a large, yet gentle hand holding mine.
man hands are also manly. i know that sounds redundant, but it really isn't - 'manly' means not manicured or bejeweled ('regular' rings are fine, but diamonds, and rubies, and sapphires?!? oh my!). 'manly' means tough and maybe a little bit rough - color me sucker for callouses, whether gym-induced or DIY-er. eons ago, i knew a wonderful man who was 'man' in so many ways...'cept his super soft, softer than my grandma's (and that's SOFT) hands. needless to say, i was icked out.
in the not-too-distant past, i looked down and realized that my little-ish hand was holding on to just one big, ol' finger of the meaty, man paw i was walking with down the street (no, it wasn't just a hand, sheesh). just a finger. and it fit. THAT is the kind of man hand i luuuuuuuuurve.
so, where is this going? my theory. the theory is that it's not JUST the fingers that say a lot about man meat (yes, you DO know what that means) size. rather, it's the man MITT - the palm - that says the most. if the [hopefully] 'perfectly-sized' (whatever that means to you) fingers are attached to a catcher's paw of a palm, chances are you're in for a man meat treat. if not, well, good luck.
next time you're out and about and see a meaty man hand, just think of me and my theory...seriously. i promise you won't be able to stop sneaking naughty glances and you'll probably have a coupla naughty thoughts, too. nudge, nudge, wink, wink.
and, yes, this is just a theory that i've strung together from my various real-life experiences... :-p
i've had the pleasure - yes, literally - of dating several men with wonderful man hands. they're all encompassing, so that your hand almost feels teeny wrapped in his. granted, i have small, long-fingered, thin-boned hands, so there's not much that doesn't make them feel small...but i relish the feeling of a large, yet gentle hand holding mine.
man hands are also manly. i know that sounds redundant, but it really isn't - 'manly' means not manicured or bejeweled ('regular' rings are fine, but diamonds, and rubies, and sapphires?!? oh my!). 'manly' means tough and maybe a little bit rough - color me sucker for callouses, whether gym-induced or DIY-er. eons ago, i knew a wonderful man who was 'man' in so many ways...'cept his super soft, softer than my grandma's (and that's SOFT) hands. needless to say, i was icked out.
in the not-too-distant past, i looked down and realized that my little-ish hand was holding on to just one big, ol' finger of the meaty, man paw i was walking with down the street (no, it wasn't just a hand, sheesh). just a finger. and it fit. THAT is the kind of man hand i luuuuuuuuurve.
so, where is this going? my theory. the theory is that it's not JUST the fingers that say a lot about man meat (yes, you DO know what that means) size. rather, it's the man MITT - the palm - that says the most. if the [hopefully] 'perfectly-sized' (whatever that means to you) fingers are attached to a catcher's paw of a palm, chances are you're in for a man meat treat. if not, well, good luck.
next time you're out and about and see a meaty man hand, just think of me and my theory...seriously. i promise you won't be able to stop sneaking naughty glances and you'll probably have a coupla naughty thoughts, too. nudge, nudge, wink, wink.
and, yes, this is just a theory that i've strung together from my various real-life experiences... :-p
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
and so it goes...
and so it goes...
Current mood: disappointed
Category: Life
1. i found a new 'fave space' in nyc today...alice and i went exploring and it's a lovely quiet space amid the hubbub that is lower manhattan. i have a feeling i'll be frequenting it often - it suits the quiet space i'm in in life.
2. two weeks of no drinking. i know!! who AM i? no, there's no reason, no 'true' ulterior motive...i just don't want to right now.
3. i love the temperature of fall. typically, i don't like the idea of this particular season, but this year, i do. i'm in a very fall place - quiet, in flux, hugely introspective, little pieces of me are dying (and not in bad ways).
4. i couldn't tell you the last time i had a nightmare...it's been years. until last wednesday night, though. it was horrible. truly horrible. i still haven't made sense of it just yet. and i'm not sure that i'll like the answers i'll stumble into.
5. in addition to not drinking, i might join my galpal sasha and go on a 3 month 'men hiatus'...through thanksgiving. seriously. no, i haven't been dating. or even making out. but i have been allowing myself to not be 100% true to myself - my intuition, my wants, and the like. so, i think i need to sign some sort of 'nunnery' contract....anyone have one lying around???
6. BELIEVE YOU ME, when you give yourself space and permission to receive the answers, the Universe will indeed deliver. it might shock the shit outta you, cause your body to go into shock, but you certainly will draw the hardest line in the sand that you ever have. i gave myself space to sit on 'the razor's edge' with some really hard questions lately. gave myself permission to not have to hunt down the answer immediately....and guess what was given to me on a silver platter? you're right. the Universe came through. unfortunately, this wasn't the best news i've ever received...but the Universe reminded me that i haven't been listening.
well, i am now.
7. i hate it when i can't sleep and i really, really, really need to be work-productive tomorrow. i was house-productive today, so i won't have that excuse tomorrow. but i will be tired and groggy if i can't pass out soon. argh!
8. i'm done reading 'real' books for the rest of the week. bring on the chicklit - the candace bushnell or bergdorf blondes or sandra effin' brown!!!
9. i want more tattoos. not for the garden, but random, little(r) ones...meaningful in different ways.
ps i'm not gonna talk about it, but those of you 'in the know'...the j-free clock starts again today. what am i not gonna talk about? why it stopped counting *and* why it has to be restarted. please don't ask, just know that i KNOW i know better....
Current mood: disappointed
Category: Life
1. i found a new 'fave space' in nyc today...alice and i went exploring and it's a lovely quiet space amid the hubbub that is lower manhattan. i have a feeling i'll be frequenting it often - it suits the quiet space i'm in in life.
2. two weeks of no drinking. i know!! who AM i? no, there's no reason, no 'true' ulterior motive...i just don't want to right now.
3. i love the temperature of fall. typically, i don't like the idea of this particular season, but this year, i do. i'm in a very fall place - quiet, in flux, hugely introspective, little pieces of me are dying (and not in bad ways).
4. i couldn't tell you the last time i had a nightmare...it's been years. until last wednesday night, though. it was horrible. truly horrible. i still haven't made sense of it just yet. and i'm not sure that i'll like the answers i'll stumble into.
5. in addition to not drinking, i might join my galpal sasha and go on a 3 month 'men hiatus'...through thanksgiving. seriously. no, i haven't been dating. or even making out. but i have been allowing myself to not be 100% true to myself - my intuition, my wants, and the like. so, i think i need to sign some sort of 'nunnery' contract....anyone have one lying around???
6. BELIEVE YOU ME, when you give yourself space and permission to receive the answers, the Universe will indeed deliver. it might shock the shit outta you, cause your body to go into shock, but you certainly will draw the hardest line in the sand that you ever have. i gave myself space to sit on 'the razor's edge' with some really hard questions lately. gave myself permission to not have to hunt down the answer immediately....and guess what was given to me on a silver platter? you're right. the Universe came through. unfortunately, this wasn't the best news i've ever received...but the Universe reminded me that i haven't been listening.
well, i am now.
7. i hate it when i can't sleep and i really, really, really need to be work-productive tomorrow. i was house-productive today, so i won't have that excuse tomorrow. but i will be tired and groggy if i can't pass out soon. argh!
8. i'm done reading 'real' books for the rest of the week. bring on the chicklit - the candace bushnell or bergdorf blondes or sandra effin' brown!!!
9. i want more tattoos. not for the garden, but random, little(r) ones...meaningful in different ways.
ps i'm not gonna talk about it, but those of you 'in the know'...the j-free clock starts again today. what am i not gonna talk about? why it stopped counting *and* why it has to be restarted. please don't ask, just know that i KNOW i know better....
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
why are the ugliest things the most comfy?
must be in some random contemplative mood today, because all i keep thinking about is comfort. ;) and i find myself pondering why it's the fugly things in life that are simply the most comfortable.
like Birkenstocks. don't get me wrong, i've got several of my own pairs - that have lasted me looooong time!, but they're certainly not the most beautiful (or flattering) shoes.
or granny panties. there is NOTHING attractive about a good ol' pair o'grannies. slip 'em on, though, and automatically, a girl finds herself cradled and cocooned....ahhhhh. bliss! no, i'm not typically a granny panty wearer. in fact i loathe the word 'panty.' but sometimes, even i find myself in the need of cradling... go figure.
or that bra. you know the one. the one that you'll be wearing the first time you're about to hook up with That Guy Who Might Be The One and it's guaranteed that he'll think you're a prude (ok, well, maybe I am) because you're refusing to let him get anything close to 2nd base...yeah, that one. the one that is so effin' comfy, but you promised yourself another living soul would never, repeat NEVER see on or off of you, much less his living room floor.
and there's the requisite baggy sweats that you wear to get the paper, coffee, and an egg'n'cheese bagel on Sundays.
or the ex-boyfriend's deliciously broken-in denim shirt that you snuck out of his place when you went over for break-up 'ya know.'
or those thick wool socks that you just can't seem to toss...even though mom's darned them. twice.
have to admit, that's where my a-ponderin' got stuck. so, bloggers and readers, help me out. what else should go on the "dear gawd it's ugly, but laws i feel comfy" list?
and...go!
like Birkenstocks. don't get me wrong, i've got several of my own pairs - that have lasted me looooong time!, but they're certainly not the most beautiful (or flattering) shoes.
or granny panties. there is NOTHING attractive about a good ol' pair o'grannies. slip 'em on, though, and automatically, a girl finds herself cradled and cocooned....ahhhhh. bliss! no, i'm not typically a granny panty wearer. in fact i loathe the word 'panty.' but sometimes, even i find myself in the need of cradling... go figure.
or that bra. you know the one. the one that you'll be wearing the first time you're about to hook up with That Guy Who Might Be The One and it's guaranteed that he'll think you're a prude (ok, well, maybe I am) because you're refusing to let him get anything close to 2nd base...yeah, that one. the one that is so effin' comfy, but you promised yourself another living soul would never, repeat NEVER see on or off of you, much less his living room floor.
and there's the requisite baggy sweats that you wear to get the paper, coffee, and an egg'n'cheese bagel on Sundays.
or the ex-boyfriend's deliciously broken-in denim shirt that you snuck out of his place when you went over for break-up 'ya know.'
or those thick wool socks that you just can't seem to toss...even though mom's darned them. twice.
have to admit, that's where my a-ponderin' got stuck. so, bloggers and readers, help me out. what else should go on the "dear gawd it's ugly, but laws i feel comfy" list?
and...go!
Saturday, September 03, 2005
waddaya do?
...when you almost really Like someone? and all they do is throw roadblocks? do stay with your persistent self and hang in? do you decide to 'hear' what they're saying and run like hell?
should a gal even *want* the bone that could be thrown knowing it's not really there? probably not...but, wow, it'd be nice to know that you're hearing what's said. give. me. something. to. work. with. and a gal might-could (to use a southern-ism) hang in there...that's how much the Like is there.
but nothing is given...and that's even worse than silence. so much worse. 'cuz then, i just walk away...
anyone been in a situation like that before? or is that just dating on the east coast?
should a gal even *want* the bone that could be thrown knowing it's not really there? probably not...but, wow, it'd be nice to know that you're hearing what's said. give. me. something. to. work. with. and a gal might-could (to use a southern-ism) hang in there...that's how much the Like is there.
but nothing is given...and that's even worse than silence. so much worse. 'cuz then, i just walk away...
anyone been in a situation like that before? or is that just dating on the east coast?
Monday, August 22, 2005
= funambulism...
word o'the day:
funambulism \fyoo-NAM-byuh-liz-um\ noun
1 : tightrope walking
*2 : a show especially of mental agility
love it!
funambulism \fyoo-NAM-byuh-liz-um\ noun
1 : tightrope walking
*2 : a show especially of mental agility
love it!
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
is 'zaftig' ever a compliment?
Main Entry: zaf·tig
Pronunciation: 'zäf-tig, 'zof-Function: adjective
Etymology: Yiddish zaftik juicy, succulent, from zaft juice, sap, from Middle High German saf, saft, from Old High German saf -- more at SAPof a woman : having a full rounded figure : pleasingly plump
So, I was recently called 'zaftig' and, I must admit, I'm having issues...several of them, in fact. According to my friend Webster.com, the true definition is having a full figure. According to social lore, zaftig is the polite form of calling someone chubby.
Now, I know that I no longer have the low 19% body fat that I had at 16 or 17, but I really don't think of myself as chubby. I've got bosoms (again, we're being polite here, right?), a juicy hind end, and a buddah belly that's been around since forever - always had a slight belly even with hardly any fat. But does that make me chubby? 'Zaftig' rather... Are men I date "chubby chasers"???
I'm a lifelong athlete, dancer, and yoga-head. I'm truly struggling with seeing my body image as fat. grrrr. hisssss.
Thoughts? Those of you who know me...please be honest. I'm struggling here...
Pronunciation: 'zäf-tig, 'zof-Function: adjective
Etymology: Yiddish zaftik juicy, succulent, from zaft juice, sap, from Middle High German saf, saft, from Old High German saf -- more at SAPof a woman : having a full rounded figure : pleasingly plump
So, I was recently called 'zaftig' and, I must admit, I'm having issues...several of them, in fact. According to my friend Webster.com, the true definition is having a full figure. According to social lore, zaftig is the polite form of calling someone chubby.
Now, I know that I no longer have the low 19% body fat that I had at 16 or 17, but I really don't think of myself as chubby. I've got bosoms (again, we're being polite here, right?), a juicy hind end, and a buddah belly that's been around since forever - always had a slight belly even with hardly any fat. But does that make me chubby? 'Zaftig' rather... Are men I date "chubby chasers"???
I'm a lifelong athlete, dancer, and yoga-head. I'm truly struggling with seeing my body image as fat. grrrr. hisssss.
Thoughts? Those of you who know me...please be honest. I'm struggling here...
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
5 tips for women...
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.
I know we've seen this circle us many a time...but when I got the email - again - this morning, it struck me as appropriate. How many men do *YOU* have? ;-)
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.
I know we've seen this circle us many a time...but when I got the email - again - this morning, it struck me as appropriate. How many men do *YOU* have? ;-)
Monday, February 14, 2005
Taking presents in a totally different direction...
I would also love, love, LOVE one of these as a present, too. Valentine's, birthday, Christmas stocking, 'just because'...whatever works. They're SO useful. And we use 'em all the time on-event (work).
I just want to be cool like the other Lot Kids.
I just want to be cool like the other Lot Kids.
Remember my ORIGINAL birthday party idea?
Lookit what someone sent me...how fun, fun, fun is this???? Anyone love me this much for Valentine's Day?
And, no, I'm not sorry I went with Burlesque instead. Each has their own time and place.
And, no, I'm not sorry I went with Burlesque instead. Each has their own time and place.
Thursday, February 10, 2005
Growing old...watching silver turn to gold...
The days of listening to Sean Kelly and the Samples are long gone and so are silver rings. Right now, I'm wearing a gold ring. Not a typical 'Hannah' ring as gold isn't one of my "things." But it's a Grandma ring.
As my Grandma was in the final stages of her life, she spent some time deciding which rings of hers us gal cousins would be honored with. The one that was bequested to lil' ol' me was the sapphire...and, I have to admit, I really AM honored to wear it.
As estranged from parts of my family as I am/was, I also have an odd passion for my super immediate family...and value it incredibly highly. Family *IS* important. And, as silly as it sounds for ME to be saying it, I really love wearing this ring. It's not a rock; it's not something Melanya would be seen wearing, but there's sentiment. Knowing that she bequeathed it to me - all the rings to all 3 girls - as she was wheelchair-ridden in the final days of dealing with a hideous brain tumor and all her energy should have been spent living certainly softens the hardest of hearts...mine, too.
Wearing it, I remember the way she would toy with her rings. The seemingly absent-minded way she played with them...was she remembering the moment Grandpa gave them to her? Was it simply habit? Regardless, it reminds me of the love they shared - 54 years worth...til the very, very end.
Family's difficult, but so very, very worth it.
As my Grandma was in the final stages of her life, she spent some time deciding which rings of hers us gal cousins would be honored with. The one that was bequested to lil' ol' me was the sapphire...and, I have to admit, I really AM honored to wear it.
As estranged from parts of my family as I am/was, I also have an odd passion for my super immediate family...and value it incredibly highly. Family *IS* important. And, as silly as it sounds for ME to be saying it, I really love wearing this ring. It's not a rock; it's not something Melanya would be seen wearing, but there's sentiment. Knowing that she bequeathed it to me - all the rings to all 3 girls - as she was wheelchair-ridden in the final days of dealing with a hideous brain tumor and all her energy should have been spent living certainly softens the hardest of hearts...mine, too.
Wearing it, I remember the way she would toy with her rings. The seemingly absent-minded way she played with them...was she remembering the moment Grandpa gave them to her? Was it simply habit? Regardless, it reminds me of the love they shared - 54 years worth...til the very, very end.
Family's difficult, but so very, very worth it.
Re- or dis-?
A profundity occurred to me recently. Maybe I'm just slow...maybe it's occurred to many a folk and just not me. There are occasions in many a life, I would assume, that cause folks to stop and assess. Whether it's life in general or perhaps a single moment, there are moments that make one 'pause'...as an Ally McBeal follower might say.
In moments like this, do you, dear friend, re- or dis-? That would be reconnect vs. disconnect. In times that make you think on deeper levels, do you choose to further disconnect from life? Disconnect from life for the first time perhaps? Do you choose to feed into being a 'victim' or blam others for whatever your current state of discontent may be?
Or...do you choose to reconnect? Does a period of contemplation make you realize that you do have so much MORE life to live? Do you remember that regardless of how full and well-rounded your life may be that there really is more?
I'm in that moment. I made a choice at 15 that I was never going to be a victim; that I was never going to let 'him' win. Why would I begin now, 15 years later? I choose to reconnect. To remember to not get caught up in the minutia of bullshit that can present itself in the process of daily living. To stay out of my head and to reconnect to my heart. Why stray from instinct?
My promise to myself - there's more...why wait for someone to present it to me. I'm gonna go find it myself.
I know there's life out there to be lived and *I* want to live it. Don't you?
In moments like this, do you, dear friend, re- or dis-? That would be reconnect vs. disconnect. In times that make you think on deeper levels, do you choose to further disconnect from life? Disconnect from life for the first time perhaps? Do you choose to feed into being a 'victim' or blam others for whatever your current state of discontent may be?
Or...do you choose to reconnect? Does a period of contemplation make you realize that you do have so much MORE life to live? Do you remember that regardless of how full and well-rounded your life may be that there really is more?
I'm in that moment. I made a choice at 15 that I was never going to be a victim; that I was never going to let 'him' win. Why would I begin now, 15 years later? I choose to reconnect. To remember to not get caught up in the minutia of bullshit that can present itself in the process of daily living. To stay out of my head and to reconnect to my heart. Why stray from instinct?
My promise to myself - there's more...why wait for someone to present it to me. I'm gonna go find it myself.
I know there's life out there to be lived and *I* want to live it. Don't you?
Sunday, January 30, 2005
'Typical guy'...
I was asked the other day by a very interesting friend what my 'type' of man is...good gravy. Most folks that know me well know that there isn't really one type that I'm attracted to - they've run the gamut. Yet, I'm not one of those women that can list 37 things they hate before focusing on what they WANT.
So, what was my answer? Of course, I mentioned that I'm a height-ist; being a tall girl, I do prefer a man who's at least my height with, hopefully, a larger waist-size...I do love 'boyfriend jeans.' I think, unfortunately, that I might have gotten distracted by shiny objects and not continued the conversation...and, therefore, making myself sound much more shallow that I typically am. Hey, I had Saturday Brain...
Here's more:
I want intrigue, mental stimulation.
A multi-dimensional man.
Creativity, however it manifests in your life.
Truth. Spoken and emotional honesty.
Indpendence.
Parallel lives.
Interest in the world - traveling, cultures, books, food, art.
Open-minded and -hearted.
A man that wants to dig deep inside o'me - goals, passions, fears, what makes me tick AND tock.
Someone who'll say 'NO' to me if it's necessary...no pushovers, please.
Inner strength.
A hand-holding, Saturday afternoon couch-snuggling, kisses in the morning, noon, and night kinda fiend.
A man that will let me in and not only feed himself to me piecemeal.
Someone who wants it all, too, and isn't willing to settle for less.
No members of the 'plaid shirt & khaki brigade.'
The kind of guy that'll chase me down the street to toss snowballs because I nailed him with one REALLY well...and laughs the entire time.
A Saturday-night-Scrabble-player who moonlights as a NYC pubcrawler, too.
Did I mention multi-faceted?
Essentially, a man that loves coffee & all types of food; that is convinced 'sexy' is an attitude, not a body part; that prefers no make-up and lip balm to fake nails & spiked heels; and that always considers dog hair an essential part of my wardrobe.
Everything's negotiable 'cept ethics, morals, and values. Ok...maybe not. ;-) I also require the amazing rolls in the hay that all Harlequin novels proclaim to be 'normal.'
So, what was my answer? Of course, I mentioned that I'm a height-ist; being a tall girl, I do prefer a man who's at least my height with, hopefully, a larger waist-size...I do love 'boyfriend jeans.' I think, unfortunately, that I might have gotten distracted by shiny objects and not continued the conversation...and, therefore, making myself sound much more shallow that I typically am. Hey, I had Saturday Brain...
Here's more:
I want intrigue, mental stimulation.
A multi-dimensional man.
Creativity, however it manifests in your life.
Truth. Spoken and emotional honesty.
Indpendence.
Parallel lives.
Interest in the world - traveling, cultures, books, food, art.
Open-minded and -hearted.
A man that wants to dig deep inside o'me - goals, passions, fears, what makes me tick AND tock.
Someone who'll say 'NO' to me if it's necessary...no pushovers, please.
Inner strength.
A hand-holding, Saturday afternoon couch-snuggling, kisses in the morning, noon, and night kinda fiend.
A man that will let me in and not only feed himself to me piecemeal.
Someone who wants it all, too, and isn't willing to settle for less.
No members of the 'plaid shirt & khaki brigade.'
The kind of guy that'll chase me down the street to toss snowballs because I nailed him with one REALLY well...and laughs the entire time.
A Saturday-night-Scrabble-player who moonlights as a NYC pubcrawler, too.
Did I mention multi-faceted?
Essentially, a man that loves coffee & all types of food; that is convinced 'sexy' is an attitude, not a body part; that prefers no make-up and lip balm to fake nails & spiked heels; and that always considers dog hair an essential part of my wardrobe.
Everything's negotiable 'cept ethics, morals, and values. Ok...maybe not. ;-) I also require the amazing rolls in the hay that all Harlequin novels proclaim to be 'normal.'
Taking time to smell the roses...
We're in the middle of another topsy-turvy family time - truthfully, I guess I'm upside down in all facets of my life - and it's yet another reminder to stop and smell the roses. Tell people what they mean to you. Be honest with yourself. Follow your heart...personally and professionally. Don't waste time on bullshit. Stand up for yourself.
You don't know how long you have...don't hold back on being the best you that you can be.
Cliche, cheesy, but always true.
You don't know how long you have...don't hold back on being the best you that you can be.
Cliche, cheesy, but always true.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
sticks and stones...
CBLong74 (3:48:12 PM): then i'd be blong
nannerli74 (3:48:31 PM): not as funny
CBLong74 (3:48:54 PM): no.
CBLong74 (3:48:58 PM): blong water
nannerli74 (3:49:29 PM): dumb
nannerli74 (3:49:31 PM): not funny
nannerli74 (3:49:35 PM): not makin' me giggle
CBLong74 (3:49:43 PM): that's because you like dick
nannerli74 (3:50:16 PM): how on earth do the two compare?
CBLong74 (3:50:23 PM): heh
CBLong74 (3:50:32 PM): "clong duck dong"
nannerli74 (3:50:37 PM): there's no parallel ANYthing there
nannerli74 (3:50:41 PM): that's giggle-licious
nannerli74 (3:50:50 PM): blong water? notsomuch
nannerli74 (3:48:31 PM): not as funny
CBLong74 (3:48:54 PM): no.
CBLong74 (3:48:58 PM): blong water
nannerli74 (3:49:29 PM): dumb
nannerli74 (3:49:31 PM): not funny
nannerli74 (3:49:35 PM): not makin' me giggle
CBLong74 (3:49:43 PM): that's because you like dick
nannerli74 (3:50:16 PM): how on earth do the two compare?
CBLong74 (3:50:23 PM): heh
CBLong74 (3:50:32 PM): "clong duck dong"
nannerli74 (3:50:37 PM): there's no parallel ANYthing there
nannerli74 (3:50:41 PM): that's giggle-licious
nannerli74 (3:50:50 PM): blong water? notsomuch
Friday, December 24, 2004
Fave silly sign - Bahraini style
I've heard of curbing your dog, but rarely, oh so rarely, is it actually depicted...
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Happy birthday to me...
I'm having a fabulous birthday weekend! Mercury might be in retrograde, damn planetary misalignments, but it's still gonna be G-R-E-A-T!!! Mon's flying in, Cass is driving up. There'll be all my NYC favorite-est folks - Alice, Jenny, Audrey, et al - coming out to play.
'The Girls' are gonna have a class - this kind of class...check us out. Then, we get to meet up with the rest of the gang(s) and go travelling through the LES and East Village. I can't wait!!!
Jackrabbit Slims really does have a pole, right? Geez, I can't wait to be 30!!!!
'The Girls' are gonna have a class - this kind of class...check us out. Then, we get to meet up with the rest of the gang(s) and go travelling through the LES and East Village. I can't wait!!!
Jackrabbit Slims really does have a pole, right? Geez, I can't wait to be 30!!!!
Sometimes it's best to not remember what you said...
Every once in a while, I'll Google myself just to see what come up. Tonight, some REALLY new stuff appeared. Argh. How is it possible for everything to not come up every time!?! Oy vey.
Tonight, I found this...and, no, it's not the best "from the horse's mouth" I've ever emitted. Ick, ack...blech!
Tonight, I found this...and, no, it's not the best "from the horse's mouth" I've ever emitted. Ick, ack...blech!
Thursday, October 14, 2004
My favorite New York moment
There's this fabulous man that hangs out on 24th Street in the mornings. He stands there, quietly, as he's munching his breakfast (there's nothing like egg'n'cheese on a NY bagel) with his stereo blasting jazz. He's got a wonderfully kind face. He's there for his and OUR pleasure - to maybe give us a little lift before heading in to work for the rest of the day.
I always smile and say hello, but today, I finally stopped to let him know that he's my favorite New York moment.
I always smile and say hello, but today, I finally stopped to let him know that he's my favorite New York moment.
Monday, August 30, 2004
Anchors away...
Musical anchor of the day:
Kelly Willis will always remind me of learning how to drive stick shift. Driving around in a - thank GOD! - easy-to-drive little Toyota Celica 2-door, listening to good tunes. Thanks to Cat & Russ, the owners of that fabulous car and their generosity. That was about the only good thing in my life - post-accident, post-Todd, post-123raleigh.com. We had such a great time - 2 apartments, lots of barbeques and beers, lots of friends in and out, lots of plants.
Good times. Thanks memory road...
Kelly Willis will always remind me of learning how to drive stick shift. Driving around in a - thank GOD! - easy-to-drive little Toyota Celica 2-door, listening to good tunes. Thanks to Cat & Russ, the owners of that fabulous car and their generosity. That was about the only good thing in my life - post-accident, post-Todd, post-123raleigh.com. We had such a great time - 2 apartments, lots of barbeques and beers, lots of friends in and out, lots of plants.
Good times. Thanks memory road...
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Crawford, dear Crawford...
nannerli74 (2:43:17 PM): that's weird
CBLong74 (2:44:27 PM): uh huh
CBLong74 (2:44:52 PM): i'm going to preemptively hush you
CBLong74 (2:44:52 PM): but
CBLong74 (2:45:01 PM): a one-handed typing device would be very nice to have.
nannerli74 (2:45:17 PM): careful
nannerli74 (2:45:19 PM): that's bloggable
This is what we were talking about. Weird, right?
CBLong74 (2:44:27 PM): uh huh
CBLong74 (2:44:52 PM): i'm going to preemptively hush you
CBLong74 (2:44:52 PM): but
CBLong74 (2:45:01 PM): a one-handed typing device would be very nice to have.
nannerli74 (2:45:17 PM): careful
nannerli74 (2:45:19 PM): that's bloggable
This is what we were talking about. Weird, right?
I (heart) NYC
Oh lordy, lordy, lordy....(to be spoken aloud with a thick, Southern drawl)
I knew NYC was open to just about any and everything, but this just takes the cake. What will "They" think of next??
Check this out...
I knew NYC was open to just about any and everything, but this just takes the cake. What will "They" think of next??
Check this out...
I'm in love with an outlaw...
Ok, so maybe, just maybe 'love' is a strong word...but WOAH. (I'm showing my age - total TV product of the 80s and 90s, Joey Lawrence!) I finally got sucked in by the show 'Monster Garage' last night - I told you cable would be the death of me! The Firetruck Brewery was pure genius!!!
Jesse James is HOT!!! Not just cuz he's a big, strapping man - just my type. Not just cuz he's ruggedly handsome and tattooed - one of my types. Not just cuz he's got charisma and people jump just as high as he asks (mmm...power) - just my type. But the guy can weild a blow torch like nobody's bidness. Hot diggity damn! I love, love, love men that can build things. I love them even more if they can make something outta nothing. Builders with brains, not just brawn. (I should make a t-shirt out of that!) Brings out the blue collar in me...
Mom, would you mind if I learned how to weld?
Blue collar men que j'adore (like my franglais??):
1. Jesse James
2. Eric Stromer
3. All the TLC carpenters - scrumptious! Faber-licious.
4. Chris Heinz...oh wait, he belongs on a different list.
5.
...alright, so my Top 5 Blue Collar Men has some room to grow. But I had to start it; we all know just how much I like my Top 5 lists.
Jesse James is HOT!!! Not just cuz he's a big, strapping man - just my type. Not just cuz he's ruggedly handsome and tattooed - one of my types. Not just cuz he's got charisma and people jump just as high as he asks (mmm...power) - just my type. But the guy can weild a blow torch like nobody's bidness. Hot diggity damn! I love, love, love men that can build things. I love them even more if they can make something outta nothing. Builders with brains, not just brawn. (I should make a t-shirt out of that!) Brings out the blue collar in me...
Mom, would you mind if I learned how to weld?
Blue collar men que j'adore (like my franglais??):
1. Jesse James
2. Eric Stromer
3. All the TLC carpenters - scrumptious! Faber-licious.
4. Chris Heinz...oh wait, he belongs on a different list.
5.
...alright, so my Top 5 Blue Collar Men has some room to grow. But I had to start it; we all know just how much I like my Top 5 lists.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Sparkles should happen to everyone!
I'm in the most fantastic mood today. If I was anyone but me, I'd be annoyed by me. But, seeing as I am me, wow...if I'd known sparkles and sequins could make me this happy, I'd have started wearing them years ago! No wonder pageant princesses are so smiley - they've got ULTRA sparkles.
Ok, so maybe having a day of nothingness helped. As did the pluot and then the baklava. But the sparkles are the main reason I'm so sunshiney!! My co-workers hate me (Liz), but even that won't stop me. I like not being Crackhead Crankpot. So there all you crabapples!!!
Just to explain: I felt like being "ethnic" this morning. And just how could a 5'10" incredibly blonde, blue-eyed Anglo like me EVER be considered ethnic, I hear you asking. Well, I decided to wear an impulse buy from India that I got last Christmas (try not to sing the Wham! song, please). It's a beautiful blue shirt, cheap (it was India!), that's embroidered and has SPARKLES, commonly known as sequins, sewn in. I have to admit, I was almost intimidated by the sequins and nearly didn't buy it.
But now I LOVE them!!! I'm going to wear sequins every day!
Ok, maybe I won't. It takes a lot of energy....
Ok, so maybe having a day of nothingness helped. As did the pluot and then the baklava. But the sparkles are the main reason I'm so sunshiney!! My co-workers hate me (Liz), but even that won't stop me. I like not being Crackhead Crankpot. So there all you crabapples!!!
Just to explain: I felt like being "ethnic" this morning. And just how could a 5'10" incredibly blonde, blue-eyed Anglo like me EVER be considered ethnic, I hear you asking. Well, I decided to wear an impulse buy from India that I got last Christmas (try not to sing the Wham! song, please). It's a beautiful blue shirt, cheap (it was India!), that's embroidered and has SPARKLES, commonly known as sequins, sewn in. I have to admit, I was almost intimidated by the sequins and nearly didn't buy it.
But now I LOVE them!!! I'm going to wear sequins every day!
Ok, maybe I won't. It takes a lot of energy....
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Stupid space invaders
I hate people who take up too much space on the bus. The kind of man who spreads his legs wide - I know he doesn't really need to - so that he's taking up half my seat, too. Why do you sit on the inside seat, Mr. Huge Cajones, if you need more room? Dumbass.
Or the chick who's boyfriend is taking up so much room that she's, literally, taking up half my seat. And then proceeded to roll with every movement of the bus INTO me. On a "don't touch me" day. On a bus with no air conditioning.
Or then there's the aging, NOT cute guy that paid half price to stand on the bus because there were no more seats. He's the one that decided to stand next to the pre-pubescent, scantily-clad females about half-way back...the ones sitting in front of me. Mr. Old Man decided that he'd be best positioned if he was hovering over them - like they would really be interested - and leant on the back of their seats. Which meant his ass hovered in front of my face for nearly 20 minutes. And he stepped on my toes. Twice. Ass.
I'm not typically a bitter person. But, damn, does the bus make me irrationally angry at stupid, space-invading, don't realize they're "close talker"-type people. Grrr.
I knew I was never a bus person.
Or the chick who's boyfriend is taking up so much room that she's, literally, taking up half my seat. And then proceeded to roll with every movement of the bus INTO me. On a "don't touch me" day. On a bus with no air conditioning.
Or then there's the aging, NOT cute guy that paid half price to stand on the bus because there were no more seats. He's the one that decided to stand next to the pre-pubescent, scantily-clad females about half-way back...the ones sitting in front of me. Mr. Old Man decided that he'd be best positioned if he was hovering over them - like they would really be interested - and leant on the back of their seats. Which meant his ass hovered in front of my face for nearly 20 minutes. And he stepped on my toes. Twice. Ass.
I'm not typically a bitter person. But, damn, does the bus make me irrationally angry at stupid, space-invading, don't realize they're "close talker"-type people. Grrr.
I knew I was never a bus person.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
Yoga galore
Fabulous, fabulous evening. I really didn't want to go, but I'd already shelled out $20 for a yoga workshop. A sunset yoga class on a rooftop down in Greenwich Village - sounds dreamy, doesn't it? Of course. Just not on an 85-degree day with 10,000% humidity (ok, ok, that's an exaggeration, but it was *really* hot!). But I went...
And I'm sooooo thankful I did. It was phenomenal! The breeze, the cloudless evening sky, no traffic noise...being able to lie on my back and look up into the sky. I can't even remember the last time I did that.
Ok, so it was hot and I got sweaty. But I left with a superb sense of calm. Wanted to play on the jungle gym and pick out shapes in the clouds (if there'd been some); a complete retroversion to the kid in me.
Y'all should try it...
And I'm sooooo thankful I did. It was phenomenal! The breeze, the cloudless evening sky, no traffic noise...being able to lie on my back and look up into the sky. I can't even remember the last time I did that.
Ok, so it was hot and I got sweaty. But I left with a superb sense of calm. Wanted to play on the jungle gym and pick out shapes in the clouds (if there'd been some); a complete retroversion to the kid in me.
Y'all should try it...
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Boo hoo
My second roomie is gone. We've had such a fabulous time. Drinking too much, eating too much, catching up on all kinds of stories.
Sitting on the front stoop talking and reading the newspaper - in our jammies, no less. (Sorry Hudson Place!!)
Keeping my 'real' roommate up while we wined ourselves in the backyard with the dogs.
Flirting with the jitney dispatcher after too many martinis.
Brooklyn til the wee hours of the morning...and the Gate's bouncer's card.
IMing at work even though we're in the same cube.
Smoothies in the morning.
Monsters in the closet? Gotta shut the door.
Did Kali steal your watch again??? Damn doggie thieves.
Our 250% diplomatic, rational approach to choosing what - and how many! - movies to watch on a Saturday afternoon.
Keeping the wine merchant in business.
Drunk dialing. Cute boys in Oregon tonight? Or firemen?
NY office wins. Hands down.
I'm sure there's more that I'm missing....so I'll have to update sometime soon.
But we'll always have 'dance like no one's watching.'
Sitting on the front stoop talking and reading the newspaper - in our jammies, no less. (Sorry Hudson Place!!)
Keeping my 'real' roommate up while we wined ourselves in the backyard with the dogs.
Flirting with the jitney dispatcher after too many martinis.
Brooklyn til the wee hours of the morning...and the Gate's bouncer's card.
IMing at work even though we're in the same cube.
Smoothies in the morning.
Monsters in the closet? Gotta shut the door.
Did Kali steal your watch again??? Damn doggie thieves.
Our 250% diplomatic, rational approach to choosing what - and how many! - movies to watch on a Saturday afternoon.
Keeping the wine merchant in business.
Drunk dialing. Cute boys in Oregon tonight? Or firemen?
NY office wins. Hands down.
I'm sure there's more that I'm missing....so I'll have to update sometime soon.
But we'll always have 'dance like no one's watching.'
Wednesday, July 07, 2004
Who said I'm not normal?
crawfordblong (5:01:01 PM): you
crawfordblong (5:01:02 PM): are not
crawfordblong (5:01:05 PM): even remotely
crawfordblong (5:01:06 PM): normal
crawfordblong (5:01:27 PM): except that you have breasts and consider yourself a hetero female
I love Crawford. He makes me giggle.
My feeling is hurt. ;-)
crawfordblong (5:01:02 PM): are not
crawfordblong (5:01:05 PM): even remotely
crawfordblong (5:01:06 PM): normal
crawfordblong (5:01:27 PM): except that you have breasts and consider yourself a hetero female
I love Crawford. He makes me giggle.
My feeling is hurt. ;-)
Sunday, July 04, 2004
Oh how I'd love to escape!
Why is it that so many experiences that I'd cherish now, but never appreciated when they happened have occured in my lifetime? Why was it that I was a bratty 12 year old who only wanted to go to the beach and look at cute boys when we summered in Portugal?
How I'd kill to be there now.
It's certainly an experience I would cherish now in my ripened "old age." How I'd love to sit in the bay window of the living room and read, looking out over the river valley and all the port grapes thriving. How I'd love to go for a late-night swim in the pool before going to bed. How I'd love to take a luxurious bath in the colorfully-tiled bathroom and its fabulous porcelain tub. How I'd love to walk into town for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. How I'd love to take a boat ride down the choppy Douro river.
Yes, it's certainly a vacation I'd love to 'do over.' Now. As the woman I am today.
How I'd kill to be there now.
It's certainly an experience I would cherish now in my ripened "old age." How I'd love to sit in the bay window of the living room and read, looking out over the river valley and all the port grapes thriving. How I'd love to go for a late-night swim in the pool before going to bed. How I'd love to take a luxurious bath in the colorfully-tiled bathroom and its fabulous porcelain tub. How I'd love to walk into town for a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. How I'd love to take a boat ride down the choppy Douro river.
Yes, it's certainly a vacation I'd love to 'do over.' Now. As the woman I am today.
Friday, July 02, 2004
Mr. Angry Man on the Bus
Argh! What gives you the right to be such a jerk? Just because you're angry-by-nature and a pompous ass, why do you have to be so rude? You CHOSE to sit on the inner seat; I didn't ask you to sit there. So, why do you have to take up half my seat as well? And while the dispatch guy was counting seats, did you really have to stand up and help him count? Did you have to question his ability? Did you realize what a jerk it made you appear to be? Oh. Wait. We already know you're a jerk...
I'll never understand people like you. Is it really *that* important for you to complain vehemently under your breath about waiting an extra minute for someone to get themselve arranged? Is getting you home by 12:47 versus 12:43 going to make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things? No, I didn't think so either.
I was always taught the only person anger hurts is you...so no wonder you're what we could call a 'b*&%$face'! If only you'd realize we just don't care.
I'll never understand people like you. Is it really *that* important for you to complain vehemently under your breath about waiting an extra minute for someone to get themselve arranged? Is getting you home by 12:47 versus 12:43 going to make a huge difference in the grand scheme of things? No, I didn't think so either.
I was always taught the only person anger hurts is you...so no wonder you're what we could call a 'b*&%$face'! If only you'd realize we just don't care.
Monday, June 21, 2004
Books...
If you know me even just a little bit, you're probably aware that I'm a total fiend when it comes to books. Love them. LOVE them. Voractious reader. Could spend hours in the Strand (cheaper than Barnes or Borders) and walk out with several bag-fuls. (not sure if that's a word or a Hannah-made-up-hyphenated something)
Well, one of my newest, latest faves is Laurie Notaro - so, so funny. The tear-streamed face, ohmigod I'm going to pee my pants I'm laughing so hard - on the bus, no less! - kind of funny.
You should totally check her out...she's got the kind of 'club' I think my friends would like: an Idiot Girls Action-Adventure Club. With membership certificates and magnets and everything. We're cool.
PS Whatever you, don't ask my family about how I was a bookworm. My sister might wax poetic on an embarrassingly large number of Hannah-is-a-dork stories...but that's just more proof that, uh..um, I'm really cool. That's my story!
Well, one of my newest, latest faves is Laurie Notaro - so, so funny. The tear-streamed face, ohmigod I'm going to pee my pants I'm laughing so hard - on the bus, no less! - kind of funny.
You should totally check her out...she's got the kind of 'club' I think my friends would like: an Idiot Girls Action-Adventure Club. With membership certificates and magnets and everything. We're cool.
PS Whatever you, don't ask my family about how I was a bookworm. My sister might wax poetic on an embarrassingly large number of Hannah-is-a-dork stories...but that's just more proof that, uh..um, I'm really cool. That's my story!
I'm having a moment like this:
"Wanna go with me to the Sadie Hawkins dance on Friday?"
"No," he said simply, but I didn't believe him. I knew better. Boys will be shy. They are afraid of love, I told myself, you must coax them, show them the love light. I followed him all the way to his PE class at the gym with the Elizabeth smile frozen on my face as I asked, "Why? Why won't you go with me? Why?" until we hit the baseball field and he just took off running.
Autobiography of a Fat Bride, Laurie Notaro (p8)
...and there you have it. Boys say girls are complicated and will never be figured out. Lemme tell ya, folks, boys aren't so simple or 'easy' either. Just when you think you've got at least a little bit of a clue - dammit if it's not yanked from your grasp.
Just ask me about waterfights - I dare you. And I'll give ya a dooooooozy of a story. I just don't get it. And I thought he liked me?!?!
Ay.
"No," he said simply, but I didn't believe him. I knew better. Boys will be shy. They are afraid of love, I told myself, you must coax them, show them the love light. I followed him all the way to his PE class at the gym with the Elizabeth smile frozen on my face as I asked, "Why? Why won't you go with me? Why?" until we hit the baseball field and he just took off running.
Autobiography of a Fat Bride, Laurie Notaro (p8)
...and there you have it. Boys say girls are complicated and will never be figured out. Lemme tell ya, folks, boys aren't so simple or 'easy' either. Just when you think you've got at least a little bit of a clue - dammit if it's not yanked from your grasp.
Just ask me about waterfights - I dare you. And I'll give ya a dooooooozy of a story. I just don't get it. And I thought he liked me?!?!
Ay.
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Chicago...oh how I love the Midwest.
Ok, so I don't. But walking 26+ miles there in two days with thousands of other people was pretty fan-damn-tab-u-lous. It's always nice to truly walk in someone else's shoes, so to be on the receiving end of all the 'stuff' that I dish out - fundraising, blah blah, training, blah blah blah - is always interesting, and sometimes downright humbling. As always, I'm reminded why I'm committed...why I chose to walk this path.
One of the most touching moments, though, was after Closing Ceremonies, I was walking next to a "mom-type" woman. Conversation was somehow initiated by one of us; typical post-walk chatter about feet and blisters. I asked who she was walking for and how she got involved (yes, yes, typical Walker Buddy, staff blather). She kinda smiled, her arm around my waist, my arm around her shoulders, and said she was walking for her daughter, Dawn. Dawn was a 21-month survivor. Dawn had just turned 32.
And it hit me...again. It very well could be me. It hasn't been so far. There's no one in my family - that we know of - that's been diagnosed; we've got every other kind of cancer, though. The statistics say that 85% of women diagnosed this year will have no family history. It could be me. Unfortunately, it's not as rare as it once was to be under 50 and be diagnosed with breast cancer. It could be me. I'm about to turn 30 and I do self-exams and I go to the gyno (ack!) regularly. I'd hate for my mom to walk in my honor.
So there it is guys and dolls. Time to keep going...on with the fundraising...on with awareness. On with trying my damndest to make a difference. Somedays the difference is just in my own head and heart, but that, too, can be just enough.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Ghandi
Thanks for be along for the ride with me...you have no idea how much your love and support means.
Smiles,
Hannah
One of the most touching moments, though, was after Closing Ceremonies, I was walking next to a "mom-type" woman. Conversation was somehow initiated by one of us; typical post-walk chatter about feet and blisters. I asked who she was walking for and how she got involved (yes, yes, typical Walker Buddy, staff blather). She kinda smiled, her arm around my waist, my arm around her shoulders, and said she was walking for her daughter, Dawn. Dawn was a 21-month survivor. Dawn had just turned 32.
And it hit me...again. It very well could be me. It hasn't been so far. There's no one in my family - that we know of - that's been diagnosed; we've got every other kind of cancer, though. The statistics say that 85% of women diagnosed this year will have no family history. It could be me. Unfortunately, it's not as rare as it once was to be under 50 and be diagnosed with breast cancer. It could be me. I'm about to turn 30 and I do self-exams and I go to the gyno (ack!) regularly. I'd hate for my mom to walk in my honor.
So there it is guys and dolls. Time to keep going...on with the fundraising...on with awareness. On with trying my damndest to make a difference. Somedays the difference is just in my own head and heart, but that, too, can be just enough.
"Be the change you wish to see in the world." - Ghandi
Thanks for be along for the ride with me...you have no idea how much your love and support means.
Smiles,
Hannah
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
Unconditional love...
I know I talk about my dogs a lot. I know that some people think I'm nuts because I talk about my dogs a lot. I know people think I'm a little off-kilter calling them my "kids." One excuse could certainly be that they're as much my family as I could have seeing as my blood, 2-legged family is many, many miles away.
I just got back from working our DC event this afternoon, so I'm sitting here catching up on emails...after an afternoon of sleeping because I was THAT tired. Of course, naptime included snuggle time with a sleek Kali and my bo-hunk Mav, but - apparently - Mav still misses me. I just got a big ol' head plopped in my lap with those brown hound eyes staring up at me. A "get off the computer look and pet me" look if ever there was one.
Now, that's love. ;-)
I just got back from working our DC event this afternoon, so I'm sitting here catching up on emails...after an afternoon of sleeping because I was THAT tired. Of course, naptime included snuggle time with a sleek Kali and my bo-hunk Mav, but - apparently - Mav still misses me. I just got a big ol' head plopped in my lap with those brown hound eyes staring up at me. A "get off the computer look and pet me" look if ever there was one.
Now, that's love. ;-)
Friday, April 23, 2004
G.N.O.B.S.
So, I've got this friend. Her name's Greer. We've known each other since we were seniors in high school. She went to Rome during her college years and wrote me handwritten letters. Who does that?!?! For some reason, I always wrote back to G.N.O.B.S., not Greer. The acronym is just her initials, but it's always made my inner voice chuckle. Yes, once again, more proof that Hannah's a dork.
She's a copycat blogger...;-) Check it out! She's got quite possibly the most rid-ICK-ulous job I've ever encountered. And has the "fortune" of working with a nutso boss-woman who loves to flash her [fake] perky boobs and the moodiest [PMS-y?] straight man ever.
She's a hoot and I love having her as my friend. Even more so since she got the autograph of Jesse Martin who happens to be my #1 out of my Top Five (gawd, I love High Fidelity) "Freebies" list. (As in, if I'm in a relationship, the Top Five people who I just couldn't say no to should they happen to be standing nekkid before me and worshiping the ground I work on...) I love Greer. Is it ok to love Jesse more?
Ah. Friday.
She's a copycat blogger...;-) Check it out! She's got quite possibly the most rid-ICK-ulous job I've ever encountered. And has the "fortune" of working with a nutso boss-woman who loves to flash her [fake] perky boobs and the moodiest [PMS-y?] straight man ever.
She's a hoot and I love having her as my friend. Even more so since she got the autograph of Jesse Martin who happens to be my #1 out of my Top Five (gawd, I love High Fidelity) "Freebies" list. (As in, if I'm in a relationship, the Top Five people who I just couldn't say no to should they happen to be standing nekkid before me and worshiping the ground I work on...) I love Greer. Is it ok to love Jesse more?
Ah. Friday.
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
Yet another reason to LOVE Craigslist...
You can register to vote! I just re-registered for the millionth time in the last couple years (ANOTHER address/state change) through a very cool site, Working Assets . Several clicks, fill out some information, change your address...print the PDF - and voila! You fold the piece of paper and send it in.
Very cool. Very easy. And we all need to do our civic duty and vote...it's *OUR* welfare at stake!
Very cool. Very easy. And we all need to do our civic duty and vote...it's *OUR* welfare at stake!
Monday, March 29, 2004
Spring has sprung...Hannah's goin' outside!
Alright. It’s official.
I’m an addict. Getting cable for the first time since Amy Becker and I lived together in Raleigh, NC – yes, it’s been THAT LONG! – was perhaps a not-so-good idea. Ok, so I LOVE it. I can sit and watch Animal Planet or TLC (gawd I love me some hot carpenters!!) for hours at a time. Our free month of HBO-on-demand is great for catching up on all the series’ I’ve missed. But the TV is at the end of my bed. So I’m feeling like lump…a rather large lump. I have got to commit to getting out and weaning myself of my crack-like addiction. Which leads me to…
“A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.” - Roald Dahl
Spring has finally gotten around to being sprung! So, even though my allergies are killing me, I can finally take the kids for walks without their poor lil’ feet being burned by the rock salt. I can take a walk ‘round my new ‘hood, go down the Cliffside park in Weehawken, down to the water, down to Hoboken, walk to TARGET (yay!) if I wanted to. Get rid of the winter weight the “kids” and I have put on. Get ready for bikini season – I’m getting a tan this year come hell or high water!
Speaking of new neighborhoods, wanted to let y’all know – or remind you, whichever the case – that once again, my address has changed. I know, I know, I’m the moving-est chick you’ve ever come across…sorry! I only wish I’d gotten over my issues with having a Joisey address a year ago, because Weehawken is GREAT. Small town-y feeling, with phenomenal views of the city from the end of the street, and a hop, skip, and a quick bus ride into the city. Did I mention that it’s much less expensive than Brooklyn was? Oh…AND we have a backyard. The kids are in LOVE. Every time I walk in the kitchen, maverick thinks he’s being let out. Luckily, that spring has sprung thing means that I can just leave the backdoor open when I’m home and let them come and go as they wish. Nifty, eh? So, in case you wanted to send a housewarming present or card or handwritten letter, here’s the new address:
(email if you want it nannerli74@hotmail.com)
What else is new? Well, work is ROCKING. We’re so far ahead of the game right now, it feels like I’m continually playing catch-up. Yes, that is technically a good thing. I’ll be heading to our DC and Boston events to help produce them…and I’ll make an appearance in Chicago as a participant (more on that later). So, May and June will be busy-as-a-bee months for me. If any of y’all in the aforementioned cities want to say hello while I’m there, would love to see you!
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Seuss
On the work-note, I was asked to attend a Barnard Women in Business event recently by one of my top fundraisers who was speaking. The topic of the evening was volunteerism and how to give back to the community you live in. It was rather eye-opening for me, I have to admit. I’ve been such a community activist and “uber” volunteer – the gal with no time because I’ve overbooked myself with all my various passions – that I’d forgotten along the way that there are people out there that truly don’t know that the addictive part of giving to the world at-large are the rewards you reap. There are people out there that don’t know how to volunteer because they’re so out of touch with themselves and their own interests. Wow.
"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." - Carlos Castaneda
I SO encourage you guys to see just how wonderful giving of yourself or your time can be. No, you don’t need to take a rescue dog through obedience class or try to convey your passion for reading to an 8 year old girl in third grade – those are MY passions. “Volunteering” can come in so many different packages. It could be as simple as donating a bag of dog food to your local grassroots animal rescue. It could be volunteering your fashion or make-up skills at an event that helps teach under-privileged women how to best present themselves in a potentially life-changing interview. Why not baby-sit for your best friend so she and her husband can go on a date together? “Volunteer” for your country – and register to vote. It could even be as simply as feeding someone’s meter before the traffic cops come. It’s whatever you have time to give. It’s whatever interests you. Just try it on for size and see if you like it…it will deepen your connection to your community or to yourself. It might just change your life. Or at least the outlook you have.
"Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers." - Veronica A. Shoffstall
On a sobering note, I’m being constantly reminded of how precious life is…and how this is the only one we have, so make the most of today. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Tell those folks in your life how much you love them. Waiting for the “perfect” time or figuring out the “perfect” way to say it means you’re losing out on sharing the feeling. I don’t know about you, but I’m NOT perfect and don’t want to be wined and dined and handed bushels of roses. I’d much rather get a quick email from a friend thanking me for my friendship. Or a goofy voicemail from someone that calls me her favorite ladybug friend! Or a phone call from my sister about a movie we used to watch ALL THE TIME growing up. Something to make me smile, feel loved and highly valued. Just DO it. Oh, by the way, thanks for being in my life!
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.” - Eckhart Tolle
As most of you know, I’ve decided to “do” yet again…this time in the form of walking in the Chicago version of the Walk I work for. Have to admit, I’m getting pretty excited about returning to the ranks of walker-dom. it brings back all the memories of people I’ve met along the way – from the first time I participated, to people I met all over the country during our 2003 season, to the people I’m already meeting who will make 2004 just as invaluable. Even better, I’m sharing it with my sister. She’s starting to understand how amazing this experience will be, but won’t really understand how life-changing it can be until probably a week or so after the event itself.
How IS it life-changing? Other than being physically challenging and walking a marathon over a weekend? Other than raising a minimum of $1800? People are kind. It doesn’t matter where you live or who you work for or what kind of car you drive. People are smiling, laughing, crying, hugging…even complete strangers. One of my DC-office counterparts said it best, “thousands of strangers becoming family; united by a single cause.” Brought together because they’d love to see breast cancer NOT affect another family. To celebrate lives; to honor lives lost. To bring awareness to communities and the people in them that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate…and that 85% of people diagnosed have no family history.
“Do or do not. There is no try.” - Yoda, 'The Empire Strikes Back'
So, while I’m not REALLY walking for myself, I am. I don’t know that I won’t hear those words – “you have breast cancer.” I don’t know that someone I love deeply won’t hear them either. So I’m willing to take the steps to become a change-maker. Wanna join me? Come cheer us on? Perhaps live vicariously through me and donate? (see link below to donate) My training has started, so now that I’m back in “Hannah’s newsletter” mode, expect to hear about it…and the people I’m meeting. Yay for spring!
“Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious.” - Brendan Gill
Sorry to be so long-winded…it hasn’t felt like a lot has been going on of late, but I guess I’ve been much more pensive than I thought!
Love ya, mean it!!!
Hannah & the kids
PS My mom’s doing REALLY well…no cancer, tumors are gone, she wasn’t part of the 2% that lose their voices, and she’s up and moving around! Yay!!
I’m an addict. Getting cable for the first time since Amy Becker and I lived together in Raleigh, NC – yes, it’s been THAT LONG! – was perhaps a not-so-good idea. Ok, so I LOVE it. I can sit and watch Animal Planet or TLC (gawd I love me some hot carpenters!!) for hours at a time. Our free month of HBO-on-demand is great for catching up on all the series’ I’ve missed. But the TV is at the end of my bed. So I’m feeling like lump…a rather large lump. I have got to commit to getting out and weaning myself of my crack-like addiction. Which leads me to…
“A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.” - Roald Dahl
Spring has finally gotten around to being sprung! So, even though my allergies are killing me, I can finally take the kids for walks without their poor lil’ feet being burned by the rock salt. I can take a walk ‘round my new ‘hood, go down the Cliffside park in Weehawken, down to the water, down to Hoboken, walk to TARGET (yay!) if I wanted to. Get rid of the winter weight the “kids” and I have put on. Get ready for bikini season – I’m getting a tan this year come hell or high water!
Speaking of new neighborhoods, wanted to let y’all know – or remind you, whichever the case – that once again, my address has changed. I know, I know, I’m the moving-est chick you’ve ever come across…sorry! I only wish I’d gotten over my issues with having a Joisey address a year ago, because Weehawken is GREAT. Small town-y feeling, with phenomenal views of the city from the end of the street, and a hop, skip, and a quick bus ride into the city. Did I mention that it’s much less expensive than Brooklyn was? Oh…AND we have a backyard. The kids are in LOVE. Every time I walk in the kitchen, maverick thinks he’s being let out. Luckily, that spring has sprung thing means that I can just leave the backdoor open when I’m home and let them come and go as they wish. Nifty, eh? So, in case you wanted to send a housewarming present or card or handwritten letter, here’s the new address:
(email if you want it nannerli74@hotmail.com)
What else is new? Well, work is ROCKING. We’re so far ahead of the game right now, it feels like I’m continually playing catch-up. Yes, that is technically a good thing. I’ll be heading to our DC and Boston events to help produce them…and I’ll make an appearance in Chicago as a participant (more on that later). So, May and June will be busy-as-a-bee months for me. If any of y’all in the aforementioned cities want to say hello while I’m there, would love to see you!
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” - Dr. Seuss
On the work-note, I was asked to attend a Barnard Women in Business event recently by one of my top fundraisers who was speaking. The topic of the evening was volunteerism and how to give back to the community you live in. It was rather eye-opening for me, I have to admit. I’ve been such a community activist and “uber” volunteer – the gal with no time because I’ve overbooked myself with all my various passions – that I’d forgotten along the way that there are people out there that truly don’t know that the addictive part of giving to the world at-large are the rewards you reap. There are people out there that don’t know how to volunteer because they’re so out of touch with themselves and their own interests. Wow.
"We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same." - Carlos Castaneda
I SO encourage you guys to see just how wonderful giving of yourself or your time can be. No, you don’t need to take a rescue dog through obedience class or try to convey your passion for reading to an 8 year old girl in third grade – those are MY passions. “Volunteering” can come in so many different packages. It could be as simple as donating a bag of dog food to your local grassroots animal rescue. It could be volunteering your fashion or make-up skills at an event that helps teach under-privileged women how to best present themselves in a potentially life-changing interview. Why not baby-sit for your best friend so she and her husband can go on a date together? “Volunteer” for your country – and register to vote. It could even be as simply as feeding someone’s meter before the traffic cops come. It’s whatever you have time to give. It’s whatever interests you. Just try it on for size and see if you like it…it will deepen your connection to your community or to yourself. It might just change your life. Or at least the outlook you have.
"Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers." - Veronica A. Shoffstall
On a sobering note, I’m being constantly reminded of how precious life is…and how this is the only one we have, so make the most of today. Don’t wait until tomorrow. Tell those folks in your life how much you love them. Waiting for the “perfect” time or figuring out the “perfect” way to say it means you’re losing out on sharing the feeling. I don’t know about you, but I’m NOT perfect and don’t want to be wined and dined and handed bushels of roses. I’d much rather get a quick email from a friend thanking me for my friendship. Or a goofy voicemail from someone that calls me her favorite ladybug friend! Or a phone call from my sister about a movie we used to watch ALL THE TIME growing up. Something to make me smile, feel loved and highly valued. Just DO it. Oh, by the way, thanks for being in my life!
“Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.” - Eckhart Tolle
As most of you know, I’ve decided to “do” yet again…this time in the form of walking in the Chicago version of the Walk I work for. Have to admit, I’m getting pretty excited about returning to the ranks of walker-dom. it brings back all the memories of people I’ve met along the way – from the first time I participated, to people I met all over the country during our 2003 season, to the people I’m already meeting who will make 2004 just as invaluable. Even better, I’m sharing it with my sister. She’s starting to understand how amazing this experience will be, but won’t really understand how life-changing it can be until probably a week or so after the event itself.
How IS it life-changing? Other than being physically challenging and walking a marathon over a weekend? Other than raising a minimum of $1800? People are kind. It doesn’t matter where you live or who you work for or what kind of car you drive. People are smiling, laughing, crying, hugging…even complete strangers. One of my DC-office counterparts said it best, “thousands of strangers becoming family; united by a single cause.” Brought together because they’d love to see breast cancer NOT affect another family. To celebrate lives; to honor lives lost. To bring awareness to communities and the people in them that breast cancer doesn’t discriminate…and that 85% of people diagnosed have no family history.
“Do or do not. There is no try.” - Yoda, 'The Empire Strikes Back'
So, while I’m not REALLY walking for myself, I am. I don’t know that I won’t hear those words – “you have breast cancer.” I don’t know that someone I love deeply won’t hear them either. So I’m willing to take the steps to become a change-maker. Wanna join me? Come cheer us on? Perhaps live vicariously through me and donate? (see link below to donate) My training has started, so now that I’m back in “Hannah’s newsletter” mode, expect to hear about it…and the people I’m meeting. Yay for spring!
“Not a shred of evidence exists in favor of the idea that life is serious.” - Brendan Gill
Sorry to be so long-winded…it hasn’t felt like a lot has been going on of late, but I guess I’ve been much more pensive than I thought!
Love ya, mean it!!!
Hannah & the kids
PS My mom’s doing REALLY well…no cancer, tumors are gone, she wasn’t part of the 2% that lose their voices, and she’s up and moving around! Yay!!
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Mack's a SUPA-staaaaaaaaaaaaaar!
For those of y'all who don't know, I've been volunteering with a group called A Cause for Paws and running one of their rescue dogs through Basic Obedience. Mack is just a peach, but needed some manner-teaching. Here's the email I sent out after our "graduation" last night:
Whoo hooo! I just wanted to let y’all know that Mack-a-doodle – and I! – graduated from basic obedience. How very cool is that? I was absolutely, 9000% certain that we’d fail the down/stay and not graduate (what a failure I am :-p)…but he totally surprised me. Every time we’ve worked on down or down/stay in the last coupla weeks, he’s been hideous. His sit/stay was beautiful. His heeling is really good. He’s gotten sooooooo in tune to stopping/auto-sitting when I stop (especially at the curb, waiting for a light – what a dollbaby!). But the down and down/stay was foul. And with moving and the rest of my crazy life, I haven’t had the time to spend tons of time working on it.
HOWEVER. He’s a prince. I put him in a down – and threw a treat down his throat. Told him to stay…and took off. I didn’t turn back to look, but also didn’t hear Marie say anything. Such a good sign, right? So, I touched the thing (can’t remember what it was) and turned around to come back – yes I was walking very, very fast. AND HE WAS STILL IN POSITION. Ok, so it wasn’t perfect. He definitely looked like he wanted to break the down…but he was in it!!! He did pop up right before I got back in position…but who the hell cares, right? He did it, he did it, he DID it!!! I was sooooo proud. (and yes, he got another whole treat thrown down his throat :-p)
The only other comment (other than working on his breaking the down) was that the leash was too tight on the heel/sit…which was totally handler error. I’m so used to holding a really tight leash with my two that poor Mack “suffered.”
So, we did it. And Mack’s a STAR!!! Alice said that since we’ve been going to class, he’s been more laid back – not totally chill, but working on it. He’s also been playing much more nicely with all the folks over there. Personally, I think he’s just as damned tired as I am hoofing back and forth from the LES to Union Square. What a walk! Alright, so I’m multi-tasking and using the walk to class as a training walk, too. My Chicago walk is FAST approaching – less than 90 days. Ick. Now I just need to do more training work with MY kids.
Anyways….sorry for being so long-winded. I’m just so proud. And I’ve had WAY TOO MUCH COFFEE. ;-)
Whoo hooo! I just wanted to let y’all know that Mack-a-doodle – and I! – graduated from basic obedience. How very cool is that? I was absolutely, 9000% certain that we’d fail the down/stay and not graduate (what a failure I am :-p)…but he totally surprised me. Every time we’ve worked on down or down/stay in the last coupla weeks, he’s been hideous. His sit/stay was beautiful. His heeling is really good. He’s gotten sooooooo in tune to stopping/auto-sitting when I stop (especially at the curb, waiting for a light – what a dollbaby!). But the down and down/stay was foul. And with moving and the rest of my crazy life, I haven’t had the time to spend tons of time working on it.
HOWEVER. He’s a prince. I put him in a down – and threw a treat down his throat. Told him to stay…and took off. I didn’t turn back to look, but also didn’t hear Marie say anything. Such a good sign, right? So, I touched the thing (can’t remember what it was) and turned around to come back – yes I was walking very, very fast. AND HE WAS STILL IN POSITION. Ok, so it wasn’t perfect. He definitely looked like he wanted to break the down…but he was in it!!! He did pop up right before I got back in position…but who the hell cares, right? He did it, he did it, he DID it!!! I was sooooo proud. (and yes, he got another whole treat thrown down his throat :-p)
The only other comment (other than working on his breaking the down) was that the leash was too tight on the heel/sit…which was totally handler error. I’m so used to holding a really tight leash with my two that poor Mack “suffered.”
So, we did it. And Mack’s a STAR!!! Alice said that since we’ve been going to class, he’s been more laid back – not totally chill, but working on it. He’s also been playing much more nicely with all the folks over there. Personally, I think he’s just as damned tired as I am hoofing back and forth from the LES to Union Square. What a walk! Alright, so I’m multi-tasking and using the walk to class as a training walk, too. My Chicago walk is FAST approaching – less than 90 days. Ick. Now I just need to do more training work with MY kids.
Anyways….sorry for being so long-winded. I’m just so proud. And I’ve had WAY TOO MUCH COFFEE. ;-)
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
What a neat time to be a part of our [liberal] generation...
A couple of my friends are toying with the idea of heading West to get hitched this weekend. I think it would be awesome! Ground-breaking! Phenomenal!!
Neat-o article about San Fran and the throngs of people lining up to get married.
Ah...what a time to be alive! History in the making...
Neat-o article about San Fran and the throngs of people lining up to get married.
Ah...what a time to be alive! History in the making...
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Yes, this *is* what passes for intelligent conversation with some folks...
CBLong74 (12:35:00 PM): a freakishly small head and large breasts, or a freakishly large head and little breasts?
nannerli74 (12:35:16 PM): hmmm
nannerli74 (12:35:18 PM): tough one
CBLong74 (12:35:33 PM): believe it or not, that's not a comment completely out of the blue
um?! Nuff said. We're just odd ducks that happen to think alike. And he makes me giggle.
nannerli74 (12:35:16 PM): hmmm
nannerli74 (12:35:18 PM): tough one
CBLong74 (12:35:33 PM): believe it or not, that's not a comment completely out of the blue
um?! Nuff said. We're just odd ducks that happen to think alike. And he makes me giggle.
Crawford just makes me laugh...
Part of a recent conversation with Crawford (who, for a birthday present once bought me a domain name - www.bornabitch.com. What ever happened to that, anywhoooo?):
nannerli74: semantics. get on with it.
nannerli74: (i love being witchy :-P)
CBLong74: but, see, you're not gratuitously witchy... you understand the proper use of domineering ... ness.. anyway... you're not some teeny-bopper throwing a temper tantrum
Heh.
nannerli74: semantics. get on with it.
nannerli74: (i love being witchy :-P)
CBLong74: but, see, you're not gratuitously witchy... you understand the proper use of domineering ... ness.. anyway... you're not some teeny-bopper throwing a temper tantrum
Heh.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Thursday, January 08, 2004
Update on my mom's India experience...
Oy vey. It is indeed a crazy, lawless, yet gorgeous country. Get this:
"Here's an enduring image of India: driving into town yesterday, we passed a local bus with the usual 100 men on top & hanging on. This one also had a missing windscreen, but the driver compensated by wearing a crash helmet. I just love it."
Direct quote from the madre. Nuts!
"Here's an enduring image of India: driving into town yesterday, we passed a local bus with the usual 100 men on top & hanging on. This one also had a missing windscreen, but the driver compensated by wearing a crash helmet. I just love it."
Direct quote from the madre. Nuts!
Sunday, December 28, 2003
Happiest of happy damned holidays...
So. It happened. I finally got attacked by the Christmas spirit. And I even bought a coupla presents. I checked the date - and lo-and-behold, I was right on schedule; December 15th as predicted. Have to admit, though, I'm still not so keen on the Christmas carols. I know, I know. I'm a scrooge. But at least I admit I'm a scrooge. I love giving gifts - just not big on holiday-themed muzak that starts creating ear-worms over Halloween weekend. Because, yes folks, that's when the assault started this year.
My excuse can be that I'm heading to the exotic world of India for the holidays. So, while worrying about how the dreaded Dysentery Diet is going to affect me...only to find out that Hannah's Hieney needs to bring its own toilet paper - ! - because it's just not available in India.getting various vaccinations, and collecting various packages and items 'round town for my mother (just ASK me about the "bag of babies" and the uterus - I dare you!), I haven't had much time to be feel-good and get in the mood. The Christmas mood, that is.
I did have time for reflection, though, commuting to work on my glorious L Train the other day. I've had a really good year. One that I can look back on and be really proud of. Proud for making the more difficult personal and professional decisions and following my heart. Proud of the woman I am and am constantly becoming. So incredibly proud of our little 6-pack of Worker Bees in the NY office...what a feat we pulled off, y'all. Certainly makes me excited to see what a more-settled 2004 will bring! Ah...the anticipation of my 30th year!
And of course, then there's you...the "general public," otherwise known as my nearest and dearest. Thank you. Not just for your support and friendship, but for your honesty and the swift kicks to the backside when I needed them. The hugs, the tears, the words, the love...it's all been welcome whether or not I've conveyed that to you. Yes, a lot of personal growth comes from within, but the unconditional support of a network - friends, family, et al - is invaluable. So, I feel a heartfelt thank you and reminder that you're the best is in order.
Thank you!
I was rereading an all-time favorite book of mine recently. The idea was to read it and mark all the passages that resonated with me in order to pass it on...a little insight into the heart and mind of me, if you will. (Yes, only mildly terrifying, I know!) I came across a passage that I wanted to share.
"Sometimes you meet yourself on the road before you have a chance to learn the appropriate greeting. Faced with your own possibilities, the hard part is knowing a speech is not required. All you have to say is yes."
Pearl Cleage, What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day (p149)
It always reminds me of how scary it can be to see the "real" you - the you that you want to be, but you're not quite sure if you have the courage, the money, the qualifications, the _____ (insert insecurity here). It's frightening! But, you know what, it's also incredibly rewarding. And freeing. If there's one decision that I'm terribly proud of making in the
last year, it's that I took the leap.and found my net in New York. I followed my heart. And it petrified me - truthfully! But I listened the "voice" that said it was my path. I hope you listen to your own voices. They can be right!
So, I'm out. So is 2003. And, 2004, here we come! I'm excited on many levels. Stay tuned for pix from the Ashmore Excursion in India. Stay tuned for my marathon progress (oy vey!). Stay tuned for updates on the Romancing of Hannah. (slipping that one in there to make sure you're paying attention!)
Oh - in case I hadn't passed the word along, I've got a weblog - aka blog - goin' if you're interested in keeping up with my goings-on. Check it out: http://hashmore.blogspot.com/. Bookmark it and come back often!
Other than that, have a safe and incredibly happy holiday season.may all your dreams come true!
Much love and I'll see you in the new year,
Hannah
Kali & Maverick send canine snuggles!
My excuse can be that I'm heading to the exotic world of India for the holidays. So, while worrying about how the dreaded Dysentery Diet is going to affect me...only to find out that Hannah's Hieney needs to bring its own toilet paper - ! - because it's just not available in India.getting various vaccinations, and collecting various packages and items 'round town for my mother (just ASK me about the "bag of babies" and the uterus - I dare you!), I haven't had much time to be feel-good and get in the mood. The Christmas mood, that is.
I did have time for reflection, though, commuting to work on my glorious L Train the other day. I've had a really good year. One that I can look back on and be really proud of. Proud for making the more difficult personal and professional decisions and following my heart. Proud of the woman I am and am constantly becoming. So incredibly proud of our little 6-pack of Worker Bees in the NY office...what a feat we pulled off, y'all. Certainly makes me excited to see what a more-settled 2004 will bring! Ah...the anticipation of my 30th year!
And of course, then there's you...the "general public," otherwise known as my nearest and dearest. Thank you. Not just for your support and friendship, but for your honesty and the swift kicks to the backside when I needed them. The hugs, the tears, the words, the love...it's all been welcome whether or not I've conveyed that to you. Yes, a lot of personal growth comes from within, but the unconditional support of a network - friends, family, et al - is invaluable. So, I feel a heartfelt thank you and reminder that you're the best is in order.
Thank you!
I was rereading an all-time favorite book of mine recently. The idea was to read it and mark all the passages that resonated with me in order to pass it on...a little insight into the heart and mind of me, if you will. (Yes, only mildly terrifying, I know!) I came across a passage that I wanted to share.
"Sometimes you meet yourself on the road before you have a chance to learn the appropriate greeting. Faced with your own possibilities, the hard part is knowing a speech is not required. All you have to say is yes."
Pearl Cleage, What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day (p149)
It always reminds me of how scary it can be to see the "real" you - the you that you want to be, but you're not quite sure if you have the courage, the money, the qualifications, the _____ (insert insecurity here). It's frightening! But, you know what, it's also incredibly rewarding. And freeing. If there's one decision that I'm terribly proud of making in the
last year, it's that I took the leap.and found my net in New York. I followed my heart. And it petrified me - truthfully! But I listened the "voice" that said it was my path. I hope you listen to your own voices. They can be right!
So, I'm out. So is 2003. And, 2004, here we come! I'm excited on many levels. Stay tuned for pix from the Ashmore Excursion in India. Stay tuned for my marathon progress (oy vey!). Stay tuned for updates on the Romancing of Hannah. (slipping that one in there to make sure you're paying attention!)
Oh - in case I hadn't passed the word along, I've got a weblog - aka blog - goin' if you're interested in keeping up with my goings-on. Check it out: http://hashmore.blogspot.com/. Bookmark it and come back often!
Other than that, have a safe and incredibly happy holiday season.may all your dreams come true!
Much love and I'll see you in the new year,
Hannah
Kali & Maverick send canine snuggles!
Tuesday, December 09, 2003
Just remembered a compliment I got of late...
A good pal o'mine was telling me of his admiration for Pink - the rock star of all rock stars. He happened to mention that whenever she crosses his mind, her songs come on the radio, or she comes up in converation, he thinks of me. The actual thought that he gave me was "Huh. That's who Hannah would be if she was a rock star."
Nifty, eh? Well, *I* happen to think so...Pink's pretty damn cool - and a cutie patootie, too!
Just my thought of the moment. Thanks for compliment, Craw-dad!
Nifty, eh? Well, *I* happen to think so...Pink's pretty damn cool - and a cutie patootie, too!
Just my thought of the moment. Thanks for compliment, Craw-dad!
Monday, December 08, 2003
Snowy birthday to me! Snowy birthday to meeeeeeeeeeee...
Just as I suspected it might, 29 is – so far – turning out to be grand. Ok, ok, ok. So it’s only been 3 days, but still. My birthday week was great. It might have been slightly skewed in my favor because I was rather obnoxious about counting down to the actual day. For weeks. Hey, I love birthdays in general, but particularly my own. Even more so when it’s a “cool” number like 29; my last twenty. Representative of the last vestiges of youth – ha! I’m now the last age I’ll ever admit to…just like my grandma. Eternally 29. Wait. That won’t work…I want to be 30!
It started with presents mid-week (that arrived way too quickly for my mother’s liking) from the parental units in In-jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. Yes, the package requested that I wait until the actual day, but it also had a “yeah right!” underneath…proving once and for all that mothers really DO know all. Or maybe it’s that I’m more predictable than I’d like to believe. Hmmm. Don’t know that I like that. Regardless…I behaved myself and only opened one of the three packages inside. And the birthday cards. (A decision couldn’t be made as to which one, so I got THREE! I love being spoiled!!) And the other presents sat on my desk. And sat. And sat. And tempted. And seduced. And taunted. And begged to be opened. No, really. They did! So I HAD to give in…I just had to. It wouldn’t have been nice. Heh.
That was Wednesday. Three days before the “actual day.”
Friday, I came into the office to find an Elvis in gold laḿe sitting on my keyboard…I do love me some Elvis! Hunka hunka burnin’ love just for lil’ ol’ me. The flip side was that I also had a Storypeople card – and a lot of y’all know how I just LOVE Storypeople. (If you don’t know about them, hurry yourself to www.storypeople.com and devour! They’re awesome!) My mom called and sang her goofy version of “Happy Birthday” – on speakerphone. But that part was unbeknownst to her…I told her later. I HAD to share. Priceless! So the day-before-the-actual-day got off to a fabulous start, too.
Until the snow. We ALL know how much I adore cold, wet, white, wintery weather. It’s my favorite. Bah humbug. At least this time, it wasn’t ME doing the moving…just Olive and her couch. (If you haven’t heard the stories of Hannah moving in every type of inclement weather, just ask.) The snow that had been predicted to hold off until the afternoon began earlier than expected…and kept coming and coming and coming. Luckily, we didn’t have to leave the office for food supplies as we’ve begun a fantastic Lunch Co-op where we take turns cooking for each other. So, we had yummy sammiches for lunch. Well, everyone else had one…but y’all know me. I had to have two. Stuffed. Beyond stuffed. Believe it or not, I didn’t catch on when Olive let us know that after a brief respite, there would be “dessert.” Really, I was blonde – for just a few minutes. ;-)
To preface, I’d been bummed earlier in the week because I’d been outvoted in my pecan pie option for our holiday dinner. So, I’m on the phone. Giggling, laughing, minding my own bidness. And then I hear singing. My co-workers are amazing! Simply the best, to borrow Ms. Turner’s words. They got me a pecan birthday pie…candles and all. How totally cute is that? Oh. But we didn’t have just the pecan pie. We also had the sweet potato and apple crumb options. Thank gawd for women that can eat! I had 2 pieces – shocker. We rock! And rolled ourselves out of the “cafeteria,” back to our desks…only to close the office at 4:00pm because the weather was just that hideous.
One would think that the good birthday WEEK would end there, especially with a dire weather outlook, right? Well, wrong. The rest of my birthday weekend was definitely all warm and snuggly and I was spoiled and cherished…and I loved every minute of it! Some of y’all know that there’s a new boy “sniffing around” (to borrow my mother’s phraseology). Well, he came into town to help me transition from 28 to 29. We ate and drank and played Scrabble (really!) and I dodged snowballs…and had a wonderful time “basking in the luxury of each other’s company” (HIS phraseology!). How mushy did that make my insides go? Alright, dammit. I admit it! It exists. The softer-side-of-Hannah is coming out; full-force.
And that’s that. Or at least all the details I’ll divulge about the rest of the weekend. Heh. The birthday week continues with cards and presents still trickling in…but there’s a whole year that I’m looking forward to. If the last few days are representative of the year to come, then I’m even more excited than I’d have anticipated. I work with some of the kindest, most thoughtful, considerate people I’ve ever encountered - worldwide. I’m in serious Like with a fabulous man who likes me just the way I am (which one never fully appreciates how rare and wonderful that is until you’re given the gift). I have a job that I know I’m lucky to have – not just from a professional perspective, but from a human growth one as well. And I have lots and lots and lots of people who I’m blessed to call “friends.”
Yes, I have to admit, I’m damned lucky to be me. Blessed 165% to have the people and life I have. Thank you for being a part of it, y’all! As always, thank you for helping me become the woman I’m supposed to do. I certainly couldn’t do it without you!!
Happy, happy holidays!
Hugs and kisses,
hannah
“Dreams that do come true can be as unsettling as those that don't.” - Brett Butler
“If you don't risk anything you risk even more.” - Erica Jong
“What I am actually saying is that we need to be willing to let our intuition guide us, and then be willing to follow that guidance directly and fearlessly.” - Shakti Gawain
It started with presents mid-week (that arrived way too quickly for my mother’s liking) from the parental units in In-jaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah. Yes, the package requested that I wait until the actual day, but it also had a “yeah right!” underneath…proving once and for all that mothers really DO know all. Or maybe it’s that I’m more predictable than I’d like to believe. Hmmm. Don’t know that I like that. Regardless…I behaved myself and only opened one of the three packages inside. And the birthday cards. (A decision couldn’t be made as to which one, so I got THREE! I love being spoiled!!) And the other presents sat on my desk. And sat. And sat. And tempted. And seduced. And taunted. And begged to be opened. No, really. They did! So I HAD to give in…I just had to. It wouldn’t have been nice. Heh.
That was Wednesday. Three days before the “actual day.”
Friday, I came into the office to find an Elvis in gold laḿe sitting on my keyboard…I do love me some Elvis! Hunka hunka burnin’ love just for lil’ ol’ me. The flip side was that I also had a Storypeople card – and a lot of y’all know how I just LOVE Storypeople. (If you don’t know about them, hurry yourself to www.storypeople.com and devour! They’re awesome!) My mom called and sang her goofy version of “Happy Birthday” – on speakerphone. But that part was unbeknownst to her…I told her later. I HAD to share. Priceless! So the day-before-the-actual-day got off to a fabulous start, too.
Until the snow. We ALL know how much I adore cold, wet, white, wintery weather. It’s my favorite. Bah humbug. At least this time, it wasn’t ME doing the moving…just Olive and her couch. (If you haven’t heard the stories of Hannah moving in every type of inclement weather, just ask.) The snow that had been predicted to hold off until the afternoon began earlier than expected…and kept coming and coming and coming. Luckily, we didn’t have to leave the office for food supplies as we’ve begun a fantastic Lunch Co-op where we take turns cooking for each other. So, we had yummy sammiches for lunch. Well, everyone else had one…but y’all know me. I had to have two. Stuffed. Beyond stuffed. Believe it or not, I didn’t catch on when Olive let us know that after a brief respite, there would be “dessert.” Really, I was blonde – for just a few minutes. ;-)
To preface, I’d been bummed earlier in the week because I’d been outvoted in my pecan pie option for our holiday dinner. So, I’m on the phone. Giggling, laughing, minding my own bidness. And then I hear singing. My co-workers are amazing! Simply the best, to borrow Ms. Turner’s words. They got me a pecan birthday pie…candles and all. How totally cute is that? Oh. But we didn’t have just the pecan pie. We also had the sweet potato and apple crumb options. Thank gawd for women that can eat! I had 2 pieces – shocker. We rock! And rolled ourselves out of the “cafeteria,” back to our desks…only to close the office at 4:00pm because the weather was just that hideous.
One would think that the good birthday WEEK would end there, especially with a dire weather outlook, right? Well, wrong. The rest of my birthday weekend was definitely all warm and snuggly and I was spoiled and cherished…and I loved every minute of it! Some of y’all know that there’s a new boy “sniffing around” (to borrow my mother’s phraseology). Well, he came into town to help me transition from 28 to 29. We ate and drank and played Scrabble (really!) and I dodged snowballs…and had a wonderful time “basking in the luxury of each other’s company” (HIS phraseology!). How mushy did that make my insides go? Alright, dammit. I admit it! It exists. The softer-side-of-Hannah is coming out; full-force.
And that’s that. Or at least all the details I’ll divulge about the rest of the weekend. Heh. The birthday week continues with cards and presents still trickling in…but there’s a whole year that I’m looking forward to. If the last few days are representative of the year to come, then I’m even more excited than I’d have anticipated. I work with some of the kindest, most thoughtful, considerate people I’ve ever encountered - worldwide. I’m in serious Like with a fabulous man who likes me just the way I am (which one never fully appreciates how rare and wonderful that is until you’re given the gift). I have a job that I know I’m lucky to have – not just from a professional perspective, but from a human growth one as well. And I have lots and lots and lots of people who I’m blessed to call “friends.”
Yes, I have to admit, I’m damned lucky to be me. Blessed 165% to have the people and life I have. Thank you for being a part of it, y’all! As always, thank you for helping me become the woman I’m supposed to do. I certainly couldn’t do it without you!!
Happy, happy holidays!
Hugs and kisses,
hannah
“Dreams that do come true can be as unsettling as those that don't.” - Brett Butler
“If you don't risk anything you risk even more.” - Erica Jong
“What I am actually saying is that we need to be willing to let our intuition guide us, and then be willing to follow that guidance directly and fearlessly.” - Shakti Gawain
Tuesday, December 02, 2003
Everybody Wins!
So, I'm volunteering. Not a shocker, I know. But I did want to let y'all in on a secret....it's really rewarding! Shhh!! Don't tell anyone. I certainly wouldn't want the world to find out that giving can sometimes be as good - or better - than getting.
Seriously, though, folks...I've "got" a little girl. Her name's Sarah and she's 8. She's in the second grade and she loves to read. I'm spending an hour a week with her...and we do "just" read. Pretty cool, huh? Those that know me well enough know that I'm a devout bookworm and that passing on my book addiction to kids is something I feel strongly about. Well, the passion for reading, but also literacy in general. So, for an hour a week, we do nothing but read. Ok, so we chat about families and life, but it's a reading-centered program. And I love it.
The program is called Everybody Wins and I'm sure it's in an elementary or middle school near you.
You should try it sometime.
Seriously, though, folks...I've "got" a little girl. Her name's Sarah and she's 8. She's in the second grade and she loves to read. I'm spending an hour a week with her...and we do "just" read. Pretty cool, huh? Those that know me well enough know that I'm a devout bookworm and that passing on my book addiction to kids is something I feel strongly about. Well, the passion for reading, but also literacy in general. So, for an hour a week, we do nothing but read. Ok, so we chat about families and life, but it's a reading-centered program. And I love it.
The program is called Everybody Wins and I'm sure it's in an elementary or middle school near you.
You should try it sometime.
Monday, November 24, 2003
I want to go away...
Who'd have thought that my itchy feet would be back so damned quickly? I've been in NYC for less than a year! Actually, it's not the "I need a new place to live" itchies, but more the "too many of my friends are out there having fun!" itchies. One's going to Rome. One gallivants all over for business. My mom's on the fast-track to becoming a famous movie extra in the Indian outback.
Oh wait. That's right. I'll have a HUGE itch relief in just a few weeks...the one that I got all those beastly jabs for. Yes, I did indeed hit the deck as I had what they called "moderate to severe" reaction to one of the shots. Grrr hisss.
So, where am I going? Well, my sis and I are heading out to good ol' India to visit the parental units. I've travelled the world, but I think this is the most exotic spot I'll have been to. (If "exotic" includes areas of the world that include the fabled Dysentery Diet, that is.) Stay tuned for Hannah in the East Stories. Whenever the Ashmores get together *something* random, silly, and/or story-worthy usually occurs. Oy vey!!!
Oh wait. That's right. I'll have a HUGE itch relief in just a few weeks...the one that I got all those beastly jabs for. Yes, I did indeed hit the deck as I had what they called "moderate to severe" reaction to one of the shots. Grrr hisss.
So, where am I going? Well, my sis and I are heading out to good ol' India to visit the parental units. I've travelled the world, but I think this is the most exotic spot I'll have been to. (If "exotic" includes areas of the world that include the fabled Dysentery Diet, that is.) Stay tuned for Hannah in the East Stories. Whenever the Ashmores get together *something* random, silly, and/or story-worthy usually occurs. Oy vey!!!
Work? What's work?
Here's "work" for me...it's not typical work. It's what I'd label "fun work"...we have fun. We like and even respect each other. We laugh and sing a lot. Ok, *I* sing a lot, the rest of the office just glares at me. We plan cool things - for our participants AND us. (I dare you to ask what we're planning for our holiday party...)
Check it out...come join us. Questions? Just ask!
www.avonwalk.org
Check it out...come join us. Questions? Just ask!
www.avonwalk.org
Wednesday, November 12, 2003
Catching up...before we get swamped in the holidays!
Howdy y’all!
So, the other day, I had a fabulous New York moment that – me being me, of course – I had to share. Riding the subway for my usual morning commute can sometimes be a bear. Lots of grumpy, uncaffeinated (me!), not morning (again…me!) people stuffed into a way-too-hot subway car, all getting more intimate with each other’s personal space than you would typically be on a third or fourth date with someone you *liked.* Add to the train delays because people are holding the doors open for just waaaaaaaaaay too long the fact that the conductors are typically bigger grouches than our favorite green Sesame Street character, good ol’ Oscar. Well, today was different. The other day, I had the BEST conductor ever.
We were stopped at 1st Avenue, the doors opened, and as he made the “stand clear of the closing doors” announcement, he added, “I’ll be here the same time tomorrow; hope to see you then!” And THEN, he started to sing some song that included the line, “Let’s do it again…” I’ve never heard the song, but it was great. Such a NY moment. Spontaneous laughter from a bunch of crabby NY-ers on their morning commute. Classic.
What else is new with me?? Well, winter is just ‘round the corner and I’m not so keen on the idea. Anyone have any ideas as to how I could prevent it? Ones that would keep my job for me? ;-) As in, no, I’m NOT moving for the 5th time this year just because it’s winter. I’m a weather-wuss, but dammit I hate moving!
I had a slightly scary statistical realization the other day. This year alone, I’ve had 7 friends give birth, 3 get married, 4 get engaged…and I found out about another pregnancy just the other day. Add that to the 50 other weddings I’ve been to in the last 5 or 6 years, the handful of babies in previous years, the weddings already on the calendar for next year, and the numbers can become terrifying! Thank goodness I love the person I am or I might feel like a total underachiever or that I was being left miles behind the pack…or something. ;-) Instead, I have lots of friends who like hearing my young, single Hannah-in-the-City stories. But I’m not a mischievous sort, so there aren’t any. Right?
I’m off to India in just over a month to visit the parental units. We’re doing all kinds of fun things, so stay tuned for stories and pictures! I can’t promise that my stories will be nearly as entertaining as my mother the Udaipurian movie star or her riding on elephants, but I’m sure something will happen. Get the Ashmores together and we typically come up for air with humorous stories to share.
My 29th birthday is fast approaching…and I’m really excited about it. Truly! I’ve decided to become an overachiever for my last 20. (Yes, please giggle…that’s the point.) In some format, I’m going to be doing 3 marathons. Don’t freak out totally; I’m only going to run ONE! And that won’t be until right around my next birthday…the big 3-0. I’m also going to be working/maybe bike riding/maybe something else our New York event again – marathon and a half. The first marathon (and a half, actually) I’m doing is the Avon Walk in Chicago. Working on this side has been so thoroughly rewarding that I decided I needed to get back on the walking side. Remind myself what it’s all about. So, if any of y’all want to meet me in Chicago next June, I’d love to see you. If you can’t make it, I’m always accepting financial support – heh. (Just click on the link at the bottom of the email to read more). Or maybe you want to join me on an island next December to support me as I RUN 26.2 miles. I’m toying with the idea of a tropical destination so that post-marathon I can collapse, be dragged down to the beach to re-hydrate and catch some sun; once re-hydrated, I’ll just drown myself in booze because I’d have turned 30 and I’d HAVE to celebrate. Yay!
So, that’s me. How are YOU?? Drop me a note and fill me in if I haven’t had the pleasure of chatting with you recently. Otherwise, stay tuned for more Hannah-in-the-City stories. And if you’re ever in this neck o’the woods, just holler…I’d love to meet up!
Hugs, kisses, and lotsa love,
Hannah
http://www.avonwalk.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1041&px=1003435
“I am not an adventurer by choice but by fate.” - Vincent van Gogh
So, the other day, I had a fabulous New York moment that – me being me, of course – I had to share. Riding the subway for my usual morning commute can sometimes be a bear. Lots of grumpy, uncaffeinated (me!), not morning (again…me!) people stuffed into a way-too-hot subway car, all getting more intimate with each other’s personal space than you would typically be on a third or fourth date with someone you *liked.* Add to the train delays because people are holding the doors open for just waaaaaaaaaay too long the fact that the conductors are typically bigger grouches than our favorite green Sesame Street character, good ol’ Oscar. Well, today was different. The other day, I had the BEST conductor ever.
We were stopped at 1st Avenue, the doors opened, and as he made the “stand clear of the closing doors” announcement, he added, “I’ll be here the same time tomorrow; hope to see you then!” And THEN, he started to sing some song that included the line, “Let’s do it again…” I’ve never heard the song, but it was great. Such a NY moment. Spontaneous laughter from a bunch of crabby NY-ers on their morning commute. Classic.
What else is new with me?? Well, winter is just ‘round the corner and I’m not so keen on the idea. Anyone have any ideas as to how I could prevent it? Ones that would keep my job for me? ;-) As in, no, I’m NOT moving for the 5th time this year just because it’s winter. I’m a weather-wuss, but dammit I hate moving!
I had a slightly scary statistical realization the other day. This year alone, I’ve had 7 friends give birth, 3 get married, 4 get engaged…and I found out about another pregnancy just the other day. Add that to the 50 other weddings I’ve been to in the last 5 or 6 years, the handful of babies in previous years, the weddings already on the calendar for next year, and the numbers can become terrifying! Thank goodness I love the person I am or I might feel like a total underachiever or that I was being left miles behind the pack…or something. ;-) Instead, I have lots of friends who like hearing my young, single Hannah-in-the-City stories. But I’m not a mischievous sort, so there aren’t any. Right?
I’m off to India in just over a month to visit the parental units. We’re doing all kinds of fun things, so stay tuned for stories and pictures! I can’t promise that my stories will be nearly as entertaining as my mother the Udaipurian movie star or her riding on elephants, but I’m sure something will happen. Get the Ashmores together and we typically come up for air with humorous stories to share.
My 29th birthday is fast approaching…and I’m really excited about it. Truly! I’ve decided to become an overachiever for my last 20. (Yes, please giggle…that’s the point.) In some format, I’m going to be doing 3 marathons. Don’t freak out totally; I’m only going to run ONE! And that won’t be until right around my next birthday…the big 3-0. I’m also going to be working/maybe bike riding/maybe something else our New York event again – marathon and a half. The first marathon (and a half, actually) I’m doing is the Avon Walk in Chicago. Working on this side has been so thoroughly rewarding that I decided I needed to get back on the walking side. Remind myself what it’s all about. So, if any of y’all want to meet me in Chicago next June, I’d love to see you. If you can’t make it, I’m always accepting financial support – heh. (Just click on the link at the bottom of the email to read more). Or maybe you want to join me on an island next December to support me as I RUN 26.2 miles. I’m toying with the idea of a tropical destination so that post-marathon I can collapse, be dragged down to the beach to re-hydrate and catch some sun; once re-hydrated, I’ll just drown myself in booze because I’d have turned 30 and I’d HAVE to celebrate. Yay!
So, that’s me. How are YOU?? Drop me a note and fill me in if I haven’t had the pleasure of chatting with you recently. Otherwise, stay tuned for more Hannah-in-the-City stories. And if you’re ever in this neck o’the woods, just holler…I’d love to meet up!
Hugs, kisses, and lotsa love,
Hannah
http://www.avonwalk.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=1041&px=1003435
“I am not an adventurer by choice but by fate.” - Vincent van Gogh
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
I'm back...miss me?
Hello all!
Yes, I am crawling back OUT from under my rock. Our event is over and I’m now nearly back to normal. Well, as normal as this chica can possibly be. Heh. (Keep the asides to yourselves, puh-leeze!)
It’s been a crazy year so far. My experiences have ranged from sleeping on an island in the middle of the East River that’s infested with rats – it’s a myth, folks! – one of whom we named, affectionately, Randall, to becoming more intimately connected to the Tri-State area, its towns, roads, and railroads than I ever imagined humanly possible. Just ASK me about the time we went to Springfield, NJ for a meeting at a car dealership. Yes, a car dealership. Not just ANY car dealership, but one of the largest – if not THE largest – in the area. AND…they put our name up in lights. We have pictures. We’re STARS! ;-) I’m proficient in “walkie-talkie” speak. I can add a slew of highly irrelevant, random skills to my Potpourri section on my resume.
I’ve met a slew of people, mostly women, across the country who not only work in offices with the “normal” folk, but apparently we’re all highly-skilled laborers…we can sling barricades like nobody’s business; pack semi-trucks so there’s not a square inch of spare space; we can drive forklifts, lulls, and 24-foot trucks around every major city in the US; we can even fend of hurricanes and blackouts with a single hand! Ok, kidding; the Weather Gods assisted us with that one. Seriously, though, I’m simply amazed at the professional company I keep. We’ve seen the best and the worst in each other in various week-long segments all summer. And I’ve never admired a group of people more…or felt closer to them. We have a weird world to those on the outside peering in, but it works. It works really well.
And, no, that’s not the end. I’m also amazed by the commitment and everyday heroism of some of the folks I’ve encountered through our walk. Wow. It’s truly humbling. I know a lot of you see me as an over-zealous, do-gooding, cause-addicted loudmouth who’s always asking you to donate money to something or other. And I am. However, I’m such a small pea on the pod, you’d be amazed. *I’ve* been amazed. Not just the people who raise five, ten, or twenty THOUSAND dollars a year in the name of breast cancer…but the ones who struggle to raise even $500. Those men and women who have never been touched by breast cancer, to those who finished their radiation treatments the day before walking 39 miles in less than 48 hours. I’ve met people who reduce me to tears every time they express their gratefulness at simply breathing, seeing a sunset, holding a loved one’s hand.
Most importantly, I’ve broken life down to the smallest pieces and found blessings in all of them. It’s so easy to be carried away in our rut-filled lives and be grumpy, negative, and pessimistic. But stop. You’ve forgotten joy. You’ve forgotten your passions. You’ve forgotten yourself. Even I (she says condescendingly - :-P) get grouchy and snappish. But that’s invariably when I’ll get a call or an email from someone – whether it’s through work or my personal life – that reconnects me with humility. Something that puts life in perspective all over again. And I’m so, so grateful. I also thank the stars that I have people like y’all in my lives. People that understand my crazy life…and do a really good job of being patient with me – at least that’s how it appears to me. . You’ve all inspired and supported me in ways you might not be aware. As always, you’re continuing to help me become the best woman I can be in this lifetime. Thank you. I couldn’t say it enough
In case you have the time to peruse, I do have some pictures y’all can check out of some of Hannah’s Happenings over the last few months. This city-wannabe chick. :-p
General stuff – http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/nannerli74.
Event-related stuff - http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/hannahashmore.
So. Anyone know someone who can teach me how to use a jack-hammer? That’s the next skill I want to learn.
Much love,
Your fave blue-collar wannabe chick
Hannah
"My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just to enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate." - Thornton Wilder
Yes, I am crawling back OUT from under my rock. Our event is over and I’m now nearly back to normal. Well, as normal as this chica can possibly be. Heh. (Keep the asides to yourselves, puh-leeze!)
It’s been a crazy year so far. My experiences have ranged from sleeping on an island in the middle of the East River that’s infested with rats – it’s a myth, folks! – one of whom we named, affectionately, Randall, to becoming more intimately connected to the Tri-State area, its towns, roads, and railroads than I ever imagined humanly possible. Just ASK me about the time we went to Springfield, NJ for a meeting at a car dealership. Yes, a car dealership. Not just ANY car dealership, but one of the largest – if not THE largest – in the area. AND…they put our name up in lights. We have pictures. We’re STARS! ;-) I’m proficient in “walkie-talkie” speak. I can add a slew of highly irrelevant, random skills to my Potpourri section on my resume.
I’ve met a slew of people, mostly women, across the country who not only work in offices with the “normal” folk, but apparently we’re all highly-skilled laborers…we can sling barricades like nobody’s business; pack semi-trucks so there’s not a square inch of spare space; we can drive forklifts, lulls, and 24-foot trucks around every major city in the US; we can even fend of hurricanes and blackouts with a single hand! Ok, kidding; the Weather Gods assisted us with that one. Seriously, though, I’m simply amazed at the professional company I keep. We’ve seen the best and the worst in each other in various week-long segments all summer. And I’ve never admired a group of people more…or felt closer to them. We have a weird world to those on the outside peering in, but it works. It works really well.
And, no, that’s not the end. I’m also amazed by the commitment and everyday heroism of some of the folks I’ve encountered through our walk. Wow. It’s truly humbling. I know a lot of you see me as an over-zealous, do-gooding, cause-addicted loudmouth who’s always asking you to donate money to something or other. And I am. However, I’m such a small pea on the pod, you’d be amazed. *I’ve* been amazed. Not just the people who raise five, ten, or twenty THOUSAND dollars a year in the name of breast cancer…but the ones who struggle to raise even $500. Those men and women who have never been touched by breast cancer, to those who finished their radiation treatments the day before walking 39 miles in less than 48 hours. I’ve met people who reduce me to tears every time they express their gratefulness at simply breathing, seeing a sunset, holding a loved one’s hand.
Most importantly, I’ve broken life down to the smallest pieces and found blessings in all of them. It’s so easy to be carried away in our rut-filled lives and be grumpy, negative, and pessimistic. But stop. You’ve forgotten joy. You’ve forgotten your passions. You’ve forgotten yourself. Even I (she says condescendingly - :-P) get grouchy and snappish. But that’s invariably when I’ll get a call or an email from someone – whether it’s through work or my personal life – that reconnects me with humility. Something that puts life in perspective all over again. And I’m so, so grateful. I also thank the stars that I have people like y’all in my lives. People that understand my crazy life…and do a really good job of being patient with me – at least that’s how it appears to me. . You’ve all inspired and supported me in ways you might not be aware. As always, you’re continuing to help me become the best woman I can be in this lifetime. Thank you. I couldn’t say it enough
In case you have the time to peruse, I do have some pictures y’all can check out of some of Hannah’s Happenings over the last few months. This city-wannabe chick. :-p
General stuff – http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/nannerli74.
Event-related stuff - http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/hannahashmore.
So. Anyone know someone who can teach me how to use a jack-hammer? That’s the next skill I want to learn.
Much love,
Your fave blue-collar wannabe chick
Hannah
"My advice to you is not to inquire why or whither, but just to enjoy your ice cream while it's on your plate." - Thornton Wilder
Thursday, August 28, 2003
'Twas the night the stars came out in Brooklyn....
Hello all!
Yes, there was a night that we could clearly see the stars in good ol’ Brooklyn….it just happened to coincide with a blackout across several states. It was actually pretty wild – everyone in my building grabbed whatever was in the fridge that happened to have an alcoholic content and brought it up to our roof to drink en masse before everything got warm. Well, we were already pretty toasty. I had to walk back from Chelsea – not TOO bad – but there were people who’d walked much farther…however, NO ONE had gotten stuck in the subway. Thank GAWD! I can’t imagine much worse than being stuck in an airless tunnel with 1,000,000 rats and thousands of pounds of garbage. Ack. Anywhooooo…we had fun. We star-gazed. We grilled. We chatted, bonded, and got to know each other. We watched the sun set over a mostly-dark Manhattan. Interestingly enough, the brightest “light” shining was the Verizon sign at the top of one of their buildings. Coincidence? Conspiracy? Hmmm….
We were up late…or is that early? Unfortunately, I had to miss my uncle’s funeral the next day as no flights were flying out. Cancelled, cancelled, cancelled.
So, we’re three weeks out from our event. Every time I think about it, my stomach starts to churn as I run down my mental check-list of all that needs to be accomplished in the next handful of days. I’m excited, I must say. We’ve worked so hard for so long that it’s nice to know that it’ll all come to fruition soon. And the thought of meeting some of the people who have had such an impact on my life and outlook in-person is truly exciting…thrilling! The momentum builds…
That said, I wanted to get out this email to say hi, I’m ok, all is well, but I might be diving into a den of obscurity. I will poke my head out occasionally and remind myself that a world does exist outside of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer…but, sheesh, it’s why I’m here. ;-) So, please don’t take it personally if I’m slow to respond to emails or calls. Or if I don’t respond at all. My mind is more scattered than ever – and, yes, I do know that’s saying a lot, so HUSH. I’ll surface soon!!!
All y’all in the NYC area…if you’re around town the weekend of September 20-21, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND coming down to the South Street Seaport around 4:00pm on Sunday the 21st. That’s when our Closing Ceremonies will be taking place. I know you think it’s a biased opinion, and perhaps it is, but they’re so moving. Truly life-changing for some, too. I’ve seen them – what feels like – a bajillion times, yet every time, I choke up and cry. Beyond inspirational. I love seeing what all our efforts – staff, crew, walkers, volunteers, and community altogether – accomplish in the “real” world. Reminds me that the world is so much bigger than me…and my piddly worries, like I feel like I’ve gained 500 lbs, or why hasn’t that dumb boy that I like called, or that the laundry shrunk my fave white tee. So much more than me. And I want to be a part of it. I AM a part of it.
As the saying goes, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” (Thanks Ghandi!) I certainly hope that y’all are out there following your hearts, personally and professionally. It’s never too late to be happy and we really don’t know how long we’ll be here after all. So enjoy it NOW. Tell someone you love them even if you think they’re not “ready” to hear it. Read that book you’ve been meaning to. Eat that canoli even if it does exceed your “calorie allotment.” Miss me tons! Oh, oops. You do that already. :-p
Ok. Enough preaching. I love y’all! Be good. Oh, and check out this site - http://photos.yahoo.com/nannerli74 - and come back often. I got a new toy (digital camera!) and I’m playing with it often. The dogs are the most frequent subjects at the moment even though Kali’s terrified of the flash and hides under the bed. Our event will certainly be posted as soon as I get a chance at the end of September.
Someone shut me up…
Hugs,
Hannah
Yes, there was a night that we could clearly see the stars in good ol’ Brooklyn….it just happened to coincide with a blackout across several states. It was actually pretty wild – everyone in my building grabbed whatever was in the fridge that happened to have an alcoholic content and brought it up to our roof to drink en masse before everything got warm. Well, we were already pretty toasty. I had to walk back from Chelsea – not TOO bad – but there were people who’d walked much farther…however, NO ONE had gotten stuck in the subway. Thank GAWD! I can’t imagine much worse than being stuck in an airless tunnel with 1,000,000 rats and thousands of pounds of garbage. Ack. Anywhooooo…we had fun. We star-gazed. We grilled. We chatted, bonded, and got to know each other. We watched the sun set over a mostly-dark Manhattan. Interestingly enough, the brightest “light” shining was the Verizon sign at the top of one of their buildings. Coincidence? Conspiracy? Hmmm….
We were up late…or is that early? Unfortunately, I had to miss my uncle’s funeral the next day as no flights were flying out. Cancelled, cancelled, cancelled.
So, we’re three weeks out from our event. Every time I think about it, my stomach starts to churn as I run down my mental check-list of all that needs to be accomplished in the next handful of days. I’m excited, I must say. We’ve worked so hard for so long that it’s nice to know that it’ll all come to fruition soon. And the thought of meeting some of the people who have had such an impact on my life and outlook in-person is truly exciting…thrilling! The momentum builds…
That said, I wanted to get out this email to say hi, I’m ok, all is well, but I might be diving into a den of obscurity. I will poke my head out occasionally and remind myself that a world does exist outside of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer…but, sheesh, it’s why I’m here. ;-) So, please don’t take it personally if I’m slow to respond to emails or calls. Or if I don’t respond at all. My mind is more scattered than ever – and, yes, I do know that’s saying a lot, so HUSH. I’ll surface soon!!!
All y’all in the NYC area…if you’re around town the weekend of September 20-21, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND coming down to the South Street Seaport around 4:00pm on Sunday the 21st. That’s when our Closing Ceremonies will be taking place. I know you think it’s a biased opinion, and perhaps it is, but they’re so moving. Truly life-changing for some, too. I’ve seen them – what feels like – a bajillion times, yet every time, I choke up and cry. Beyond inspirational. I love seeing what all our efforts – staff, crew, walkers, volunteers, and community altogether – accomplish in the “real” world. Reminds me that the world is so much bigger than me…and my piddly worries, like I feel like I’ve gained 500 lbs, or why hasn’t that dumb boy that I like called, or that the laundry shrunk my fave white tee. So much more than me. And I want to be a part of it. I AM a part of it.
As the saying goes, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” (Thanks Ghandi!) I certainly hope that y’all are out there following your hearts, personally and professionally. It’s never too late to be happy and we really don’t know how long we’ll be here after all. So enjoy it NOW. Tell someone you love them even if you think they’re not “ready” to hear it. Read that book you’ve been meaning to. Eat that canoli even if it does exceed your “calorie allotment.” Miss me tons! Oh, oops. You do that already. :-p
Ok. Enough preaching. I love y’all! Be good. Oh, and check out this site - http://photos.yahoo.com/nannerli74 - and come back often. I got a new toy (digital camera!) and I’m playing with it often. The dogs are the most frequent subjects at the moment even though Kali’s terrified of the flash and hides under the bed. Our event will certainly be posted as soon as I get a chance at the end of September.
Someone shut me up…
Hugs,
Hannah
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