Thursday, January 31, 2008

Helllo hello new job new work

taOne would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

So I started the new job, and as you can tell from my lack of posting things have been fairly busy. I'm starting to wrap my mind around what my job is, what the elements of the park are, and how I can best do my job and make things work.

I'm trying to make sure that I get here BEFORE my boss, and leave after him. I'm working more hours, but I'm happy. I get to go to dinner after work, go to lunch during work, all those regular things.

My job is a little more about preparing documents, and taking notes than I'd like, but overall a good transition. I feel like I can do this job, but that it will be a continuous challenge for me.

Sorry there aren't many details. Some of it's because things are proprietary, and some of them are because I just don't have the time.

All my love-


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Friday, January 25, 2008

It's finally over

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

My last day at USC. I can't believe that I quit my first job. I can't believe that this is really happening. When did I become this working woman who is onto her second job...

I am so excited, but I'm scared. I'm nervous, but enthusiastic.

Did I make the right decision? Can I even ask that question at this point?

Did I change careers?


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Thursday, January 24, 2008

Fresh, wholesome and made from scratch

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

Yesterday I made my first Rachel Ray recipe. It turned out quite nicely. I took LOTS of pictures, as you'll see below (later tonight, when I remember my camera).

Broccoli Soup:

I get fresh organic vegetables delivered to my doorstep. This week I got two heads of broccoli. I love it, but I wanted something more than steamed. Enter the new Rachel Ray magazine (which I thought could replace my Blueprint (HAHAHA)) that happens to have a recipe for broccoli soup.

I changed it a little bit. I didn't have any heavy cream, so I used low fat milk instead. I didn't have Swiss cheese, so I used low fat cheddar instead. Woot! It turned out spectacular. I added some Napa Style grey salt (oh so good) and some cauliflower too.

Look how delicious it was:




THEN, because that wasn't enough, I decided to make glazed carrots. This recipe out of Real Simple (again, trying to replace my beloved Blueprint) was supposed to be to breathe life into bad carrots. Mine were good carrots, but the recipe still worked out great.

I added sugar and salt and let them cook

Then I took out the cooked carrots and left the sauce to reduce.


At the end of the night this was my meal:

Course 1: Homemade Broccoli Soup

Course 2: Homemade Carrot and Couscous

Course 3: Homemade (from scratch) cookies.

Yup, wine throughout, I deserved it. No Microwave, nothing frozen and NO MEAT! Wow....

Then I cleaned the house, lit some candles and put on some music. What a wonderful meal. It almost felt like a meal for a lover- well, I love myself. I wrote in my journal, read the bible (YEAH I'VE READ ALL OF GENESIS!) and took a shower. Cuddling up into bed.

I like this wholesome food, no TV, gym and yoga filled world. Let's see how long it lasts....

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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Tu B'Shevat

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

I forgot. I didn't really celebrate this holiday. I ruined my own goal to celebrate all of the holidays. Then I remembered that I didn't promise to celebrate them the right way. I promised myself to celebrate or acknowledge all of the holidays within the Jewish Calendar.

So here I am, acknowledging the holidays of trees and fruit. I ate a banana and a pear and an orange yesterday. That's something....

Basically it's like a harvest holiday. But on another level, aren't we all like trees in some way? They need air, water and sunshine. We need all three of those things. They grow tall when they can put their roots down deep. So do we. I don't necessarily mean foundation as in parents, or roots, as in a home you own. I think roots refers to a good feeling of knowing yourself. Of knowing who you are, and what makes you tick. The roots of your soul.

So, today, be like the tree. Smile happily at the sunshine...


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Long time no talk

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

This week is a hectic one. Not because of any one thing in particular, but mostly because it's the end of something, and I just can't WAIT for it to be over.

It's totally amazing to me how once I said I was leaving people become so mean. And so picky about stupid bureaucratic ideas. Like sick leave. If I call in sick, I'm not sure how I can qualify that as anything less but being sick... I have tried very hard to adjust to how they want things done. I just can't get over all the petty secrecy and the lack of open and honest communication. Is all business like this? It's far worse than the idea of 'need to know' it's just ANNOYING!

I went to yoga yesterday. And I hurt a lot today. I think that I might start going once a week. I've decided that my gym membership isn't very helpful. If I don't sacrifice anything (read cash) then I don't have any motivation to go to the gym... Also the hours of the classes don't line up anymore. Being at work by 9 isn't an option with an 8:30am class. So I found this all-ladies gym. I'll have to see how that works out...and how expensive it is.

I'm trying to simplify my life. I've been debating VERY HEAVILY about cancelling my cable. Do I really need my TV? Then I think back to the weekly viewing festivals I've had with friends. Top Chef and Eureka with Matt, Project Runway nights. I like those events.

The whole of my being is very aggravated right now. I'm even sick....


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Friday, January 18, 2008

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

Yesterday was not a great day. About 12 microphones (AKA every microphone the production department owns) were stolen from the Audio closet. I happened to walk into the closet with my boss to discover the theft.

It pisses me off. I've been here for a year and a half and never even spoken to the police department, except that one time when I lost some jewelry (which they never found). Now there is an entire theft under my name. Damn it! These are the moments then you need kickboxing. I wanted something to kick and punch at that moment.

Then I found out that my boss rejected my, somewhat sneaky, plan to get health insurance in February. Had I known, I would have called in sick and taken my cat to the vet. GRRR!!! So not only does my cat not get to meet with the vet, but I also need to start paying Cobra insurance at a whopping $300 a month until the new insurance kicks in. GRRR!!!

So I decided to try something new. I tried to bake bread from scratch. I don't really understand yeast. It didn't really work all that well. The bread is extremely dense, and doesn't look that Challah like. It's golden brown, but it didn't rise at all....why...? WHY????

There should be happiness here. Let's try to find some:

Friday Love:

I woke up singing this song. It's great to wake up with.
I get to take this weekend and next weekend off. I don't have to work for 13 days in a row!
I had someone to call and complain to. It's a new friendship, but I'm excited.
The sun shines
I got all of my medications
I still ate some challah and honey
My new lip gloss- bright red
Shabbat Shalom...that's great!
Rustin is coming home.

Ah. So, it's not all that bad...

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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Odd thoughts for Hump day

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

Where did the word/ideas for Hump day come from? I have a theory, that it's from a camel's hump, which is the middle of his body hence the middle of the week...

Why do we fear dirtiness? I guarantee you that the pot I cleaned with my handmade organic soap is clean enough for you to burn your beans in. It doesn't all have to go in the dishwasher...

Do people really have to yell? what do you think you're achieving by yelling at someone? I realize that I am just as guilty of this one, but still.... grrr...

Vietnam has 6 UNESCO world heritage sites. Cambodia has one. So I've designed my trip to Cambodia and Vietnam to see them all. Is this a stupid way to plan a trip? I thought I would have 3 weeks... but with only 5 days of vacation from the new company...I don't know if I can afford that much unpaid time off.

I made the greatest dinner last night. Potatoes, chicken and Marsala sauce. I used the crimini mushrooms I got from the Organic food delivery people. So good... I just wish I was better at making things up on the fly... are you good at that?

Okay- I think that's enough rambling now...


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Tuesday, January 15, 2008

you know what really Grinds my Gears

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

People who go around college campuses to register students to vote. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for voting. However these people are always encouraging you to register in the state you go to school in.

They seem to not understand that changing where you vote is CHANGING YOUR RESIDENCY! Yes, as a student you probably qualify to have your residency be where you go to school...however, if you do this you are saying LEGALLY that you no longer reside where your parents live.

This may not seem like a big deal. In fact, it may seem like a great thing. Out of your parents house once and for all... HOWEVER, it may change the fact that you are a dependent.

Here's what dependent status means:

Qualifying Children:
To be claimed as a qualifying child, the person must meet four criteria:

Relationship — the person must be your child, step child, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild or nephew).

Residence — for more than half the year, the person must have the same residence as you do
.
Age — the person must be
under age 19 at the end of the year, or
under age 24 and a be a full-time student for at least five months out of the year, or
any age and totally and permanently disabled.

Support — the person did not provide more than half of his or her own support during the year.

Let's compare that to the requirements to be a legal resident of California:


349. (a) "Residence" for voting purposes means a person's domicile. (b) The domicile of a person is that place in which his or herhabitation is fixed, wherein the person has the intention ofremaining, and to which, whenever he or she is absent, the person hasthe intention of returning. At a given time, a person may have onlyone domicile. (c) The residence of a person is that place in which the person'shabitation is fixed for some period of time, but wherein he or shedoes not have the intention of remaining. At a given time, a personmay have more than one residence..


So, let's review:

The IRS says you have to live with your parents for at least 6 months of the year. Voter registration says that you have to have the intention of remaining, have your status be fixed and that you can only have ONE domicile.

While techincally you COULD swing that you intend to remain where your college is- it would be quite easy to look at your college records and determine that your 'permanent address' is not where you are currently.

This whole argument may seem a little outlandish to some of you...and maybe it is...but I swear- it happened to a friend of mine. She had her financial aid taken away....

It's just a warning. Be careful....

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Whirlwind

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

Today I found out that I got accepted into the Masters of Post-Secondary and Student Affairs program here at USC. Just what I needed.

There are so many choices in my life right now. Would I still be transfering to Thinkwell had I known I would have been accepted into the PASA program. One day earlier and I would have had that on my plate too.

Am I making the right decision? Should I stay the course here at USC? Is it to late to matter?

My whole life feels like a leaf blowing in the wind. And it's so funny because everywhere I look there are opportunities I would have jumped at had I known they existed.

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Monday, January 14, 2008

World Press Photo Contest exhibit

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

The USC Annenberg School is hosting the World Press Photography Contest exhibit this week. It is quite an occasion, with there being only about two stops in the US. If you have the chance to see it, I recommend it.

I'm thrilled with the Photo of the Year. It's here, if you haven't seen it. It's such a dynamic photo. The richness and horror in that convertible in contrast to the destruction and horror all around. I love the girl taking photos with her camera. It puts the whole country of Lebanon in a new perspective for so many people. Technologically advanced, western, and not an image of ridiculous extreme ideas. Of course those who are looking at the World Press photos probably saw Anthony Bourdain's excursions there during the war... but hey..

I keep getting a little annoyed by going through this exhibit. There are so many awesome photos, and not all the categories require a war scene. There are sports categories, entertainment, nature, portraits, etc. One of my favorites from the exhibit was this series, which is so great. I love the gumption of these women. Hell yeah! I get annoyed, however, because there are so many pictures depicting war scenes.

yes, I realize there are a lot of wars going on. But I think it's the presses job, at least in some ways, to balance their reporting. To accurately tell a story. The World Press winners certainly don't balance anything. If I have to look at more photos depicting Israel as the 'bitch' of the world, I'm going to get very frustrated.

I get it, I really do. From a world-view perspective, and also from a photographer making money perspective. In Israel there is a bomb on the roads and a day later (or an hour in a lot of cases) it's cleaned up and the world is moving on. Compare that to the West Bank, Gaza, or Lebanon and there is just a higher percentage of getting a great shot in these areas. So I get it, it makes sense for them to take their photos there. But really, it's not so black and white- good and evil as these photos sometimes show.

The other set of photos that really struck me was this series about soccer players. I can't believe that I live in a world where there are enough one-legged amputees playing soccer that there can even be a tournament. Let alone an All-African tournament. They believe that they can make a career out of this- That there are enough people to play and watch. What does that say about our current world climate...

One last photo to mention. I have never seen a woman more stoic on her wedding day... this woman has so much strength, I can't even imagine it. The love she must feel, and the existence of her life. Instantly I have so much to think/say about her. At the same time I'm wondering why it is that we can't have done a better job for this soldier. We can increase and decrease a woman's breast, but we can't do more to give this man a nose, an ear or a glass eye? I get the bald thing... still... where are the American people for this one...

On a personal note: I resigned my first job today. It went better than I thought it would. I negotiated a great situation, and I'm psyched to start my new gig.

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Sunday, January 13, 2008

Sunday Sunday-

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

It's been a good weekend. Even though Molly's breath still smells, she looks shiny and pretty, and I think I love her. She's still a bit sick, but what can I do? The vet is only free M-F 1-2:30pm. Great for a working woman.

I think I'm sold on the new job. I'll give the current one an opportunity to make a counter offer, but I'm not sure if I care about that. I'm excited about something new. And a totally different career path.

They've cancelled the two magazines that made me happy. Jane Magazine was my happy magazine. The sane one that didn't make me feel fat, or that my whole life was only about clothes, makeup or mommy things. It made me feel good, and it wrote quite relevant articles. It was the inspiration for my Magazine bible. Then they cancelled Blueprint. My newest love- from (of all people) Martha Stewart. It's only been around for 2 years. It was my muse. The DIY I loved, the fashion that wasn't to disgusting (or expensive). It gave me party planning, and practical notions as well. Oh what I would do to have you back in my corner...

I went to a few parties, I cleaned my work computer. I cleaned my house and added some bedside lamps (I'm not quite sold on them). Overall, it's been a good weekend.

I just want to know whether I will really enjoy the new job. But, I guess that's the challenge. Doing something you don't know the outcome of... I can be strong.


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Thursday, January 10, 2008

Things I've always wanted to try.

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

1. A tasting menu experience. Watching Top Chef obsessively has definitely created more of a desire to have and eat good food. I'm so jealous of David, and the experience he had.

2. Cooking classes. Again, food is one of those brilliant things that really affects your life. I would love to take one of these classes. They aren't to expensive, and they are just the right amount of time. Anyone up for a class?

3. Sky diving. I think that jumping out of a plane and feeling the wind gush and rush around your body- enveloping you in what you've always thought was nothing.... amazing.

4. Naked photographs. Hopefully this will become a reality in February. I just think that boudoir photos are so fantastic. I love my body, and I think taken from an artistic perspective, it will be spectacular to hang them in my apartment.

5. Weekend getaways. You know those moments that all those people have- where there friends call up and they decide on an impromptu trip to Vegas or Sonoma or where ever. I need more of that happiness in my life.

6. Meet the President. I don't really have a desire to 'meet Bush.' I just want to meet the President of the United States of America. More than just a handshake, I want an introduction.

7. Climb a mountain. I want to have that satisfaction that comes with standing at the top of a mountain and looking down. The sleep that comes with hitting the sack the night after you summit...yumm...

8. A lunch-time tryst. In my office. I think that this is so glamorous. Just having 'afternoon delight' in a semi-public place. In that space where no one should be naked -let alone having sex.

9. A fight. I've never been in one, and though I have seen several I really want to get into one. No, I'm not talking about a girl fight. I want an honest to goodness kicking, punching biting type of fight. Maybe in a bar- with beer bottles.

10. Start a movement of some kind. I think there are a lot of movements. The Post-Secret community is a type of movement. So are those guys who wrote those weird- do this odd thing today books. I want to impact a large group of people.

What are some things that you've always wanted to try?


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Wednesday, January 9, 2008

A whirlwind of feelings

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

A few days ago I had wanted to write about how much feelings have changed. About how interesting it is when you can change/remove feelings of love that you had for a person.

I've tried to do this in the past, but I really think that it's working this time- perhaps to my actual detriment. It's an odd feeling. Just to feel so far removed from someone you used to feel so close to. To know the fact that they are so far away isn't going to really affect your life as much as you thought it might, or think that it should.

Then I found out my Uncle died. I still can't seem to get over this one. It's an odd story, followed up by odd feelings of sadness. Unexpected and weird feelings. Part of it is really that I feel like I don't have any right to feel as sad as I do. That I don't deserve to mourn him because I wasn't as large a part of his life as I should have been.

Then I got offered a great job. I should clarify that I did, formally and actually, get offered a job. I didn't, however, have any offer financially attached to it. The creative guy said that they had a desk, and that if I wanted the job that they wanted me. He proceeded to tell me to talk to the HR people, work out the money stuff and that he was looking forward to working with me.

They really do have a desk for me. In a company growing at a pace leaps and bounds ahead of desk space there is an empty desk, sitting there empty. It has a yellow post-it with my name. Yup- I have a desk for a job I haven't accepted.

It's funny to have gone to this office for the 5th time. To know so many people that those who don't know you are wondering what they are missing.

It's a great job. When all is said and done it is a huge management position, a year or two in the UAE, and a wonderful accomplishment for my resume. Damn proprietary information and the fact that I can't share more than to say it's the 777 project.

I have plans every night this week. I have a party this Saturday, and two scheduled for next weekend.

Time flies when you're having fun.


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Tuesday, January 8, 2008

My uncle died- and no one told me

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

I got an e-mail in my inbox today. I thought it was something morbid from my dad about some burial plots he bought because it was from a mortuary. It turned out to be the burial announcement of my uncle.

He died almost 3 weeks ago. The funeral already happened, as good Jewish funerals tend to happen. No one told me. I didn't get to go.

I feel like there is some explanation owed here. My Aunt is still legally married to my Uncle, but they have been separated for about 8 years or so- a very long time. Something ridiculous happened, but they remained married because my Uncle didn't care and my Aunt needed health insurance.

I loved my Uncle Jack. I really did. I can remember his smell, and the feeling of his hands. Spending time on the beach with him picking up cans. He's the closest thing to a grandfather I ever had.

When they separated initially I was so upset with my Aunt. I thought it was her fault, that she changed her mind. I was angry that I didn't get to see my Uncle anymore. It turns out it was completely his fault.

My Uncle cheated on my Aunt. My wonderful, beautiful, funny Aunt.

I was so excited, because I knew that my sister was going to invite him to her wedding, so I was going to see him next year. I guess not.

He died on my couch once. No, really. He had just had a quadruple bypass surgery and they put a pacemaker in him. His heart stopped, and the pacemaker brought him back to life.

I haven't thought about him in a while- I'm upset at myself for not caring as much as I think I should...and now he's gone and I didn't call him, and I didn't make the connection again.

You've never stopped being my Uncle. I love you, and I've missed you. I'm sorry I didn't call, but I love you very much.

Uncle Jack Levy
April 28, 1927 - December 21, 2007
All my love

Monday, January 7, 2008

My meeting went well. let's hope its the start of something beautiful

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

I had a meeting at work today. It went BRILLIANTLY. They liked my ideas, I didn't cry, and I got across all of the things that I needed to say. Wow- amazing.

Additionally I stroked some ego and hopefully laid a path for happiness in the future. Happiness and the theory in the hearts and minds of everyone that I intend to keep my job here forever (HAHAHA).

I had an actual conversation with that long lost friend. I have to say that it was better than I thought it would be. Not less awkward, but better than I anticipated. I say this like I anticipated it being poor, which I didn't. I just didn't expect it to be good. I guess we'll just have to see if the rest of the promised information turns up.

I am excited about my fun planned for tonight.

I'm anxious to see how Molly held up being alone all day. I hope she didn't die or destroy anything. She is getting to be a much better girl- I can only hope that once I move her litter box and she can sleep anywhere she wants that my sleeping will get better.

I went to the gym this morning. A really great time. I did a class, which I was a little late to, and then I got dressed. I'm honestly impressed by my own ability to need so much CRAP to get dressed at the gym. Woohoo!

I am happiness. Really- I am.


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Saturday, January 5, 2008

The cutest cat at the Baldwin Park Shelter is named Molly...

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

I brought home a cat. She's a greyish calico cat, the cutest one I've ever seen.

I named her Molly.

She came home and started doing exactly what it was that she was supposed to- keep me company. Help to keep me sane, and look cute.

She's making sleeping a little hard, but I'll get over it.

Pictures on the way.

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Thursday, January 3, 2008

Calorie Counting

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

I'm so tired of it. I feel stupid while I stand there and try to work it out, and even STUPIDER as I compare three types of milk, when we all know EXACTLY which one I want (the calorific carton of chocolate).

How much does calorie counting actually help? I realize that in order to loose weight you have to work off more calories than you intake, but does it MATTER?

What about fat? Saturated, trans, and regular? Should I be trying to determine those things to? Which one is more important?

I've never really worried about it. I prefer 1% milk to 2% and to chocolate 90% of the time.

I can keep a bag of chocolate covered raisins or pretzels around my house for months on end, eating not more than a handful every week or so...

These seem like good habits to me. I guess the question is- will they continue?


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Wednesday, January 2, 2008

New Year at work...hmm....

One would hope that I add something to the world- be it good, bad, or indifferent- Me

It's back to the grindstone here at USC. I'm honestly shocked by how little desire I had to get out of bed this morning. I shouldn't be that surprised, isn't it every one's dream to wake up to go and sit in an empty basement office alone?

Everyone keeps asking about my New Year's resolutions, but honestly, I don't have any. Is this an odd, or bad thing?

I'm changing things, but these were things that were in the works regardless. The whole exercise thing- it's something that was happening anyways. The decorating and cleaning- that's a process that happens about every three months anyways. hmm...

Well-I should get back to work. I'm wondering a few things though:

1. Do you do New Year's Resolutions?
2. Are any of them health related?
3. Did you make them last year?
4. Are you at work today?
5. Milk and cookies or pretzels and beer?

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