Coming up the escalator this morning, I saw a woman wearing a 2 foot wide puff on her head. I know it's cold, lady, but that hat is OUTRAGEOUS. I'm surprised everyone wasn't staring at her and it's not like she could tell if they were since she was under that puff. It was like she stuck a Coton de Tulear on her head and I'm NOT exaggerating. *sigh* You gotta love the things I see on my way to work.
Could I carry my camera around with me? Would people think I was rude? Ugh... the ethics.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
why straight men should only have one pair of shoes in each color
On my way to work this morning, I noticed a man with two similar shoes on his feet. Though they were both black and loafer-style, they were not a match. One had a really high base with an arch and the other was more flat. I thought that my eyes were deceiving me, but when we came to his metro stop, I observed him walking a bit lopsided.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
the disadvantage of youth
Typically, I don't mind being thought of as young. Call me cute, give me advice, that's all fine, however, being the rebel that I am, I HATE being told what to do, especially when I feel like the person doesn't have any place to do so.
So, there I am, sitting on the metro. As we pull into my stop, I say to the woman who is reading next to me, "This is my stop." I thought that was perfectly acceptable. I have never found it rude when people have said it to me. I think on the metro, "This is my stop" is understood to mean, "Could you please move aside, so that I may exit?"
Anyway, the woman slowly gathers up her things and says, "Ok. Say 'excuse me.'" I was stunned. I am not a child who needs to be taught her manners. Personally, I reserve "excuse me" for when I don't understand or approve of something (which may be accompanied by a bit of an attitude... which I might have used in response to the lady if I wasn't such a nice little, Asian girl) or when I want to ask a question to a stranger. The mere fact that I didn't say, "Move, B#$%@!" should have been enough.
Ok... I've vented. I'm going to let it go now. Release...
So, there I am, sitting on the metro. As we pull into my stop, I say to the woman who is reading next to me, "This is my stop." I thought that was perfectly acceptable. I have never found it rude when people have said it to me. I think on the metro, "This is my stop" is understood to mean, "Could you please move aside, so that I may exit?"
Anyway, the woman slowly gathers up her things and says, "Ok. Say 'excuse me.'" I was stunned. I am not a child who needs to be taught her manners. Personally, I reserve "excuse me" for when I don't understand or approve of something (which may be accompanied by a bit of an attitude... which I might have used in response to the lady if I wasn't such a nice little, Asian girl) or when I want to ask a question to a stranger. The mere fact that I didn't say, "Move, B#$%@!" should have been enough.
Ok... I've vented. I'm going to let it go now. Release...
Thursday, February 21, 2008
c'mon get happy
Do some people enjoy living in a perpetual state of disturbance? I feel like there are some people out there who create problems for themselves or refuse to take action to resolve their own problems. Perhaps on a subconscious level, they don't really want any obstacles removed from their path because their problems define their identities. If they aren't complaining then they don't know what else they would say. So, guess what I heard on the Secret yesterday? Some people are more comfortable with the certainty in suffering than in things getting better. I think I might have stopped listening after they said this because it was such an affirmation to my idea, so I don't know how these people can be helped. I'm guessing they should listen to the Secret. :)
Friday, February 15, 2008
highlights from the 25th year
I've been meaning to write a birthday blog because 25 was a really good year. Here is a list of the highlights in chronological order...
1. 25th Birthday w/ my BFFs
2. Bliss Spa in NYC
3. Clipse Concert
4. Up all Night in NYC
5. Broken English
6. Judy Blume @ ALA Conference
7. Trip to San Diego/LA
8. Getting fired from the ballet academy - Getting a job at the LOC
9. JWR
10. R. Kelly
11. Chris Brown - it was totally worth it the second time around :)
12. Lion King
1. 25th Birthday w/ my BFFs
2. Bliss Spa in NYC
3. Clipse Concert
4. Up all Night in NYC
5. Broken English
6. Judy Blume @ ALA Conference
7. Trip to San Diego/LA
8. Getting fired from the ballet academy - Getting a job at the LOC
9. JWR
10. R. Kelly
11. Chris Brown - it was totally worth it the second time around :)
12. Lion King
my ears deceive me
So, I work with this Austrian woman. She has an accent. Here is the conversation that took place when I got to my desk.
AW: I saw a death this morning.
ME: Oh really!? Where?
AW: Downstairs
ME: Outside?
AW: No, just downstairs
ME: Are you sure? How do you know?
AW: I know. I've seen her before. She had reddish-brown hair and was short with glasses.
At this point I realized that she didn't see a "death" this morning but she saw "Deb," a woman who is quite notorious for her irrational behavior.
Basically, what started out as a very interesting conversation ended in a fizzle. I am glad that no one died in the library though.
AW: I saw a death this morning.
ME: Oh really!? Where?
AW: Downstairs
ME: Outside?
AW: No, just downstairs
ME: Are you sure? How do you know?
AW: I know. I've seen her before. She had reddish-brown hair and was short with glasses.
At this point I realized that she didn't see a "death" this morning but she saw "Deb," a woman who is quite notorious for her irrational behavior.
Basically, what started out as a very interesting conversation ended in a fizzle. I am glad that no one died in the library though.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day - my gift to the menfolk
PMS. You know your monthly visitor is on the way because your skin is not cooperating and you have mood swings like a manic-depressive. At least this is how it goes for me. The emotions are so frustrating because it really does have you thinking and acting like a crazy person. One minute I want to cry and then the next I'll be fine. I feel wholly apathetic about things that would typically be important (my relationship, for example) and then I become obsessed with my weight and appearance.
I never know what will irritate me. All of a sudden I am rude and will disengage. And you'll be wondering, is this really the same person who has a "no 'shut-up'" policy in her relationship and gets hugs from the mean lady at work? I feel like PMS apology letters have become a regular thing for me to write to my boyfriend (well, only once or twice). It's like apologizing for someone else. It wasn't me that called you annoying or refused to laugh at your jokes. It was a less-rational, less-sane person who resembles me on a bad-skin and bad-hair day.
Anyway, I'm writing this blog as a man's manual (Hi J!)on how to deal with me (and maybe some other women) when I'm (they're) PMS-ing.
1. Get me moving, physical activity is great to combat the thoughts of "I'm so fat." It might also help me take out some of my aggression... maybe you'd like to be my personal punching bag, because let's face it, my words hurt you more than any blow with my fists.
2. Turn on some of my favorite dance music. Don't force me to dance, especially if your moves aren't quite winning me over. I'll dance on my own when I'm ready.
3. Do something to help me relax - bath, massage, watching Hell Date, etc.
4. Tell me to call F or D. They are usually good at diffusing such situations. F will talk to me about bad television programs or her antics and D can tell me cute stories about her too-cute niece or the latest weirdo in her life.
5. Run an errand or do something nice and unexpected for me to show you care and that you don't just want to suck the life out of me (because the thought does cross my mind while I am in this state).
6. Have a delicious dessert (who am I kidding, just stock the entire kitchen with EVERYTHING) on hand in case all else fails because nothing is going to make any sense for about a week.
Now... the things NOT to do
1. Do NOT make any jokes that are rude in the slightest, even if I would normally laugh at them. I will not be amused and be forced to take it in the worst way possible.
2. Do NOT expect me to be my cute, happy, effervesent self, no matter what. You're only setting yourself up for disappointment and making me feel bad for being this way.
3. Do NOT mention any other female, unless she is dead or in your family.
4. Do NOT let me get away with being a bitch. Recognize the PMS. If you've followed all the rules and my behavior becomes unreasonable, then you need to let me know (nicely).
5. Do NOT take it personally... Monica was so right with that song. That is the PMS anthem.
So, there it is. You know how to deal with PMS now. Happy Valentine's Day to you!
I never know what will irritate me. All of a sudden I am rude and will disengage. And you'll be wondering, is this really the same person who has a "no 'shut-up'" policy in her relationship and gets hugs from the mean lady at work? I feel like PMS apology letters have become a regular thing for me to write to my boyfriend (well, only once or twice). It's like apologizing for someone else. It wasn't me that called you annoying or refused to laugh at your jokes. It was a less-rational, less-sane person who resembles me on a bad-skin and bad-hair day.
Anyway, I'm writing this blog as a man's manual (Hi J!)on how to deal with me (and maybe some other women) when I'm (they're) PMS-ing.
1. Get me moving, physical activity is great to combat the thoughts of "I'm so fat." It might also help me take out some of my aggression... maybe you'd like to be my personal punching bag, because let's face it, my words hurt you more than any blow with my fists.
2. Turn on some of my favorite dance music. Don't force me to dance, especially if your moves aren't quite winning me over. I'll dance on my own when I'm ready.
3. Do something to help me relax - bath, massage, watching Hell Date, etc.
4. Tell me to call F or D. They are usually good at diffusing such situations. F will talk to me about bad television programs or her antics and D can tell me cute stories about her too-cute niece or the latest weirdo in her life.
5. Run an errand or do something nice and unexpected for me to show you care and that you don't just want to suck the life out of me (because the thought does cross my mind while I am in this state).
6. Have a delicious dessert (who am I kidding, just stock the entire kitchen with EVERYTHING) on hand in case all else fails because nothing is going to make any sense for about a week.
Now... the things NOT to do
1. Do NOT make any jokes that are rude in the slightest, even if I would normally laugh at them. I will not be amused and be forced to take it in the worst way possible.
2. Do NOT expect me to be my cute, happy, effervesent self, no matter what. You're only setting yourself up for disappointment and making me feel bad for being this way.
3. Do NOT mention any other female, unless she is dead or in your family.
4. Do NOT let me get away with being a bitch. Recognize the PMS. If you've followed all the rules and my behavior becomes unreasonable, then you need to let me know (nicely).
5. Do NOT take it personally... Monica was so right with that song. That is the PMS anthem.
So, there it is. You know how to deal with PMS now. Happy Valentine's Day to you!
Monday, February 11, 2008
power struggles
We always talk about who wears the pants in the relationship. The ideal situation is for there to be a balance or even distribution of power. Unfortunately, this is not the case in all relationships. Roomie and I sought to determine the factors of power in romantic relationships. We came up with four factors that are all equally-weighted. A point is given to whichever individual holds the power in each given factor, and the one who gets the most points, holds the most power (we did give half points in situations which the factor in question was inconclusive). We even plugged in different couples that we know in order to test whether our theory held any weight. Now, this isn't exactly scientific method since we are only observers of relationships and do not know all the nitty-gritty details and power can and often does shift in the course of a relationship, but I think we did a pretty good job - see if you agree.
Factor 1: The Pursuer
The one doing the chasing has less power because they are first to open themselves up to be vulnerable. In their pursuit, they are giving the pursuited the option of whether or not to accept their affections.
Factor 2: Attractiveness
The one who is more attractive has more power because they are more appealing to the opposite sex and have greater potential to get another mate.
Factor 3: The Decisionmaker
The person who determines the course of a relationship has more power. The main decisionmaker can convince their mate that what they want is ultimately what is best for the relationship, even if the other person is unhappy with the decision. The unhappy party will succumb to the other party in order to keep the peace and their mate.
Factor 4: Need
In a healthy relationship, this factor eventually becomes very balanced as each person becomes more dependent on the other for sexual, emotional, financial fulfillment, so this is the factor that is least cut and dry. I think the question that has to be asked is, "who would be worse off if the relationship ended?"
Factor 1: The Pursuer
The one doing the chasing has less power because they are first to open themselves up to be vulnerable. In their pursuit, they are giving the pursuited the option of whether or not to accept their affections.
Factor 2: Attractiveness
The one who is more attractive has more power because they are more appealing to the opposite sex and have greater potential to get another mate.
Factor 3: The Decisionmaker
The person who determines the course of a relationship has more power. The main decisionmaker can convince their mate that what they want is ultimately what is best for the relationship, even if the other person is unhappy with the decision. The unhappy party will succumb to the other party in order to keep the peace and their mate.
Factor 4: Need
In a healthy relationship, this factor eventually becomes very balanced as each person becomes more dependent on the other for sexual, emotional, financial fulfillment, so this is the factor that is least cut and dry. I think the question that has to be asked is, "who would be worse off if the relationship ended?"
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
curiosity killed whatever animal that man's wig is made out of!
Why is it taboo to ask people certain questions? Why is there a bridge you must cross in order to reach the level of intimacy where it isn't rude to ask people "personal" questions? I think we would have everything figured out much quicker if we could just cut to the chase. And we wouldn't have all that small-talk BS that makes me cringe. There are questions that people are dying to ask but don't for fear of being rude or inconsiderate. So, essentially we don't want anyone to judge us for being so upfront.
Today, this guy at worked introduced himself to me. We were going to lunch at the same time so he cornered me on the elevator. He had sweat dripping all over his face, which he was wiping with his hand, therefore I did not want to shake his hand, but I did anyway. This guy has a serious limp. I think one leg must be a lot shorter than the other.
I was in and out of the cafeteria for fear that he would try to eat lunch with me. All his sweating made me uncomfortable and I wanted to wash my hands. While I was bolting to and from the cafeteria thoughts of the potential lunch conversation plagued me. I would want to ask him why he had a limp, but that wouldn't be right. I mean, am I not supposed to notice that he has a limp? Why can't I just ask him? Would he tell me about it if we had an in-depth conversation?
There's another guy at work who I only see in the mornings. He has no arms. If I were to have lunch with him, I'd want to ask him about that. Lunch with him would be really awkward too because when you eat, you have to use your hands. Does he eat with people? Do they help him? Was he born without arms?
Recently I've been encountering this man in the cafeteria that has the worst wig EVER. I would describe the color and texture as a mix between cotton candy and a meerkat. I can see his white sideburns, so how come he has a pinkish-tan wig? What's under there? Why doesn't he comb this wig? It's unreal. Nobody is fooled. Does he think it looks good on him? It's many steps below Barbie hair. I hope to get a picture one day.
I wonder if there are questions that people want to ask me but don't. The questionee has the right to reserve his/her privacy so if someone did ask me a question that was too "personal" I would just avoid it. I wouldn't judge them for their curiosity since I wouldn't want anyone to judge me for mine. So, ask away. I'd be happy to oblige (maybe).
Today, this guy at worked introduced himself to me. We were going to lunch at the same time so he cornered me on the elevator. He had sweat dripping all over his face, which he was wiping with his hand, therefore I did not want to shake his hand, but I did anyway. This guy has a serious limp. I think one leg must be a lot shorter than the other.
I was in and out of the cafeteria for fear that he would try to eat lunch with me. All his sweating made me uncomfortable and I wanted to wash my hands. While I was bolting to and from the cafeteria thoughts of the potential lunch conversation plagued me. I would want to ask him why he had a limp, but that wouldn't be right. I mean, am I not supposed to notice that he has a limp? Why can't I just ask him? Would he tell me about it if we had an in-depth conversation?
There's another guy at work who I only see in the mornings. He has no arms. If I were to have lunch with him, I'd want to ask him about that. Lunch with him would be really awkward too because when you eat, you have to use your hands. Does he eat with people? Do they help him? Was he born without arms?
Recently I've been encountering this man in the cafeteria that has the worst wig EVER. I would describe the color and texture as a mix between cotton candy and a meerkat. I can see his white sideburns, so how come he has a pinkish-tan wig? What's under there? Why doesn't he comb this wig? It's unreal. Nobody is fooled. Does he think it looks good on him? It's many steps below Barbie hair. I hope to get a picture one day.
I wonder if there are questions that people want to ask me but don't. The questionee has the right to reserve his/her privacy so if someone did ask me a question that was too "personal" I would just avoid it. I wouldn't judge them for their curiosity since I wouldn't want anyone to judge me for mine. So, ask away. I'd be happy to oblige (maybe).
Monday, February 04, 2008
bloggity blog blog
The blogs I most enjoy reading have not been updated so I thought I should update to perhaps inspire them (or give them a bit of a guilt trip for leaving me bored at work). I just created a new blog for book club. I think it will be fun to update about the new book we're reading, Snowflower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See and for people to post about the book we just finished reading, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.
So, I had lunch with my brother this weekend and he was talking to me about blogging. He has started blogging, but not out of vanity (catharsis, self-reflection) or to keep people updated on his life, but out of greed! He's blogging for the money! He was telling me all about ads, and how if people click links on your blog, you make money. There was a word for that, started with a "b" - can't remember it now. He's made 35 cents so far. Apparently, people can make a living doing this stuff. He asked whether I was interested in doing this. "Do you have a niche?" he asked, "What do you blog about?"
Uh... stuff? Unfortunately, as amused as I am with myself, I need a niche in order to target an audience for ads and to generate traffic to my blog (and make the money). So, maybe my niche will be reading, since I just started that book blog - eh... reading isn't quite the hotness and what do you sell to readers besides books? I don't know. My brother said he'd get back to me in a month. Maybe by then he'll have made a whole dollar and maybe I'll have uncovered a different niche. Dating and relationships is supposedly huge... where can we go with that?
So, I had lunch with my brother this weekend and he was talking to me about blogging. He has started blogging, but not out of vanity (catharsis, self-reflection) or to keep people updated on his life, but out of greed! He's blogging for the money! He was telling me all about ads, and how if people click links on your blog, you make money. There was a word for that, started with a "b" - can't remember it now. He's made 35 cents so far. Apparently, people can make a living doing this stuff. He asked whether I was interested in doing this. "Do you have a niche?" he asked, "What do you blog about?"
Uh... stuff? Unfortunately, as amused as I am with myself, I need a niche in order to target an audience for ads and to generate traffic to my blog (and make the money). So, maybe my niche will be reading, since I just started that book blog - eh... reading isn't quite the hotness and what do you sell to readers besides books? I don't know. My brother said he'd get back to me in a month. Maybe by then he'll have made a whole dollar and maybe I'll have uncovered a different niche. Dating and relationships is supposedly huge... where can we go with that?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)