Rub salt in wound

Thinking about Virginia Thomas asking Anita Hill to apologize for her accusation of sexual harassment against the former's husband, Clarence Thomas, has inspired me to write again. There are no winners in that situation, regardless of what happened. Also, how old am I that this happened nearly 20 years ago and I remember it?!

Today's theme: Getting older. My birthday is almost here and I can't believe I've made it this far in life.

Half-empty: This is pretty obvious, but I will indulge myself, as this is my blog and I can do whatever I want. Basically, you can't eat as many desserts without putting on weight, you start worrying about wrinkles, your body gets sore when it doesn't like what you did the day before and you forget things if you don't write them down. Mostly, I am sad about the dessert situation, even attempts to exercise off the dessert are not as effective. Oh cruel world . . .

Half-full: I like to think that in my years I have acquired some knowledge. Although I still am admittedly rather young, I only hope to grow wiser as the years go by. I have gotten better at a lot of things, particularly making desserts and other cooking related feats, and I have made lovely friends that remind me how lucky I am to live and get old.

Full: Autumn! I absolutely adore the fall. It is a time for apple pies, pumpkins, colorful leaves, children in amusing costumes and Halloween candy. The weather is brisk, yet refreshing and reminds you to enjoy the outdoors before the chill of winter makes hibernation necessary.

Also, here is how kittens enjoy the season:

A little girl with a curl

I don't know if anyone is familiar with the nursery rhyme about the little girl with the curl, but you should be. I was reminded of it several times as a child when I misbehaved, despite the fact that my hair was wavy to straight, and I had not a curl in sight.

Today's theme: Children (yours, mine, ours)

Half-full: Adorable progeny! A little person that you can dote upon, care for and generally give a life you wanted when you were younger. When I see the cute little blonde girl who lives in my neighborhood skipping down the sidewalk with her smiling dad in tow, I think "how delightful, I would like me one of those one day." Also, children are not only cute, but they are funny, full of humorous explanations for/understandings of simple phenomena.

Half-empty: Babies are crying, pooping, sleeping machines. They grow into little people who destroy your home and the freedom of being an adult. Also, they whine and threaten you, they embarrass you in public and cost a lot of money to raise. When I see parents who have checked out, I judge, but perhaps they just have had enough of the sassy-pants-ness of kids today. Plus, pregnancy does not appear to be any sort of picnic, for mom or dad, and adoption is expensive.

And now a nice alternative to children.

Full: Pets! Cute creatures with little personalities who you can boss around. They may sass, but you are in charge, and they love you, always. They do not complain that you ruined their lives, they cuddle up next to you on the couch or in your lap and make you feel warm and fuzzy in your heart. They also are often cuter than children, do not require diapers or college educations and generally improve your life. Have a pet before you have a baby, the world doesn't need more people anyway, and there already are countless pets that need loving homes.

"It ain't easy being green"

In the inspiring(?) words of Scarlett O'Hara "After all, tomorrow is another day." Even if today isn't the best day, tomorrow might be better. And if today is the best day of your life, get ready for a dose of reality, which might involve locking yourself out of your car or dropping a fork on your foot.

Today's theme: Green (in the earth-loving sense)

Half-empty: Sometimes being green can cost you a lot of "green," and when you are poor this means you have to chose between your love for the earth and your love for yourself. For example, environmentally-unfriendly detergent is half as much as the eco-friendly biodegradable one, and that money could be used to buy shoes, or a banh mi sandwich. Sadly, you must decide . . . will it be the earth or a tasty sandwich, and no one (or I guess I should say most people in case there is someone out there) likes being between a rock and a hard place. Obviously this applies on a much grander scale as well, such as no-VOC paint, green construction materials for homes, and reclaimed wood furniture.

Half-full: There is a feeling of deep satisfaction that comes from knowing that the quotidian decisions you make are somehow helping, even a small degree, to preserve lovely Mother Earth. I certainly do love green forests, clear streams, unpolluted lakes and bountiful animal habitats. Doesn't it feel good knowing that the reusable bag you bring to the farmers' market helps reduce plastic bag waste? And you're supporting local farmers instead of agra-business. Life as a greenie is good!

Full: Flowers, nature's gift of beauty. They come in a multitude of colors and varieties and their existence helps reverse global warming. Also, a simple bouquet is one of the best ways to say whatever needs saying, be it "I love you," "I'm sorry for being an idiot," or "You're the best a-round!" Get a bouquet at the farmers' market this weekend for yourself or someone else who just might need it.

On a related note, here is an article about eating animals that has conclusions decidedly fitting for this blog.

Everywhere I look around

Prop 8 has been deemed unconstitutional, for the time being. I, for one, believe this to be a good omen, and it has prompted my musings for the day.

Today's theme: Weddings (of all sorts)

Half-full: A celebration of love and life. I certainly enjoy weddings, or perhaps absolutely adore would be more accurate, they seem so full of hope and beauty. Two people coming together and professing their love and commitment; the fact that despite the odds they will promise each other to work through life's ups and downs. Also, who doesn't love an afternoon or evening spent with friends and family, looking spiffed and eating tasty food, particularly cake. Mmm, cake.

Half-empty: Some people take these celebrations a wee-bit too seriously. While I am on board with planning a lovely event, there is no need to spend tens of thousands of dollars and throw fits in the pursuit of perfection. As we all learn, usually at a young age, perfection cannot be achieved and no marriage will be perfect anyway. So, all you brides and grooms can relax, and breathe a sigh of relief, your wedding will be memorable and wonderful because of the person you are marrying, not because of your centerpieces.

Now that we have that out of the way, back to food, which is one of the best parts of weddings and life in general. One of my favorite discoveries this year, which you probably wouldn't serve at a wedding, but could definitely eat tonight . . .

Full: Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwiches. You may or may not have heard of these, but they are decidedly delicious. I am not sure I can describe how tasty cilantro, cucumbers, shredded carrots, green peppers and onion on crispy, fresh French bread with tofu and mock dock that has been covered in some luscious form of spicy mayonnaise truly is, it might be my favorite sandwich, which is saying a lot for someone who ate peanut butter and jelly everyday for almost an entire year. Find the nearest Vietnamese deli and go get yourself one of these, they are ridiculously cheap and scrumptious.

Hot time, summer in the city

After watching Julie and Julia, which is adorable and made me cry, I realize that if I want to be even a remotely successful blog-writing-person, I need to not be distracted so easily, by life and especially kittens. Even if their cute-fluffiness is overwhelming. Also, when writing a dissertation one needs time-wasting activities, so hopefully that should help too. At any rate, dear readers, I am sorry for the hiatus, it was good, I wrote, I vacationed, I had a summer cold for three weeks, and now I have returned, perhaps not a better woman, but not a worse one either (I hope).

Today's theme: Buying a condo (with a redone kitchen and bath *sigh*)

Half-empty: Although it seems as though it is the time to buy property, it is not the time to buy a condo. Getting a loan on a condo is difficult because they are viewed as risky ventures, especially since we are having a recession and property values have plummeted. If you buy a single family home, the bank will give you twice the amount of money that you would need to purchase a condo. Now fretting can ensue. I do not want a house, I want the condo across the hall! Oh cruel Fannie Mae and Freddi Mac, I will make you pay someday (hah, it's funny because they likely will back any mortgage I do get in the future).

Half-full: I now know so much about mortgages that I actually might be prepared for the future when I do decide to buy a house. For now, those of you who do want a home should seize your opportunity, interest rates are delightfully low and homes for sale are like kittens in the spring time, abundant.

If you, like me, cannot afford a home, or just want to spice up your current abode, then I suggest the following:

Full: Terrariums, my new obsession and I am not alone. They are mini-ecosystems, how can you dislike that? You cannot, my friend. Here are instructions on how to make your own. They also make lovely gifts.

How does your garden grow?

Well, that was a bit of a hiatus I took there. Many things happened, most of them were good. Overall, I, surprisingly, or not, was busy and apparently that meant no posting, but I have returned victoriously(?). Anyway, enough of that, time to launch into a topical subject.

Today's theme: Families

Half-full: Families are awesome. They give you love, support and help you negotiate life when times are tough.

Half-empty: Oh, how they do put the fun in dysfunctional. Let's face it though, if someone seems as though his/her family is perfect, it is a facade. Every family (however defined) has problems that arise because in close relationships people are most likely to vent their emotions, which is good, but also leads to conflict, and sometimes yelling, and mean things get said, and people cry and disagree. It can be unpleasant. Of course, lots of more terrible things can happen that I am not mentioning here, things that you can learn about by watching L&O:SVU, which I should stop doing, but cannot. I curse you, Netflix instant queue!

So what we have here is something to think about as the parental holidays approach, think Mothers' Day, which is this Sunday (you're welcome for the reminder).

With this in mind,

Full: Sweetland. A most excellent movie that is about family and probably will make you cry if you have a heart. Watch it with your mom, she will like it.

Also, on an unrelated tangent, but related to my NYTimes obsession, these vertical gardens are pretty sweet.

"To sleep: perchance to dream"

I have been having a difficult time coming up with potentially interesting topics to discuss. I think being busy attempting to accomplish work has taken up all my brain power. However, I have hit upon something for today.

Today's theme: Sleeping

Half-empty: Nightmares. Waking up in the middle of the night scared, only to be filled with relief by waking is not fun.

Half-full: Sweet dreams. Visions of cupcakes danced in my head.

While I agree that sleep is awesome and precious, lately my time in bed has been disturbed. At first I though it was just my L&O SVU obsession, but after the bizarreness of last night, I am thinking something else is going on in my head. I have my fingers crossed that dreams of desserts, vacations and kittens will soon be returning.

Full: Tempur-Pedic mattresses. A level of comfort while sleeping that is beyond description. Come over for a lie down.

In other news, Goldman Sachs, I am disappointed in you.

Spring is here! Spring is here?

Mmmm. Saturday is a good day, which begins with waking up too early because of hungry kittens and then going back to a warm, cozy bed.

Today's theme: Drinking.

Half-full: Endless amusement is to be had from going out and about with friends. Talking, laughing, poking fun at things other people do that are ridiculous. Staying home with a bottle of wine also is worth a recommendation here.

Half-empty: Too many tasty beverages result in poor decision making skills, bad behavior, and hangovers. Oh moderation, sometimes you are so elusive.

Thus I am reminded of a quote, "Everything in moderation, especially moderation," and "The only thing I can't resist is temptation." Excellent things to keep in mind before a night out.

Full: Celebrating friends' birthdays.

I clearly have stated the obvious here, but really spending time with friends, toasting and roasting, is pleasurable and memorable.

Woman's sweet tooth is same size as head

So Passover and Easter have come and gone, both offering tasty food items. Since I have been thinking about food a lot lately (read: always) it has come to my attention that I am frustrated and confused by how disconcerted and delighted food makes me, at times both within a 2 minute period of time.

Full: Cupcakes, always.

Today's theme: Organic v. everything else

Half-empty: Organic foods are expensive and it is not always clear what the designation "organic" means exactly. Further adding to my exasperation is the fact that pesticides are all over, destroying the environment and my body in a simultaneous hate-fest. Also, should I privilege local over organic or vice versa?!

Half-full: The farmer's market will soon be in full swing and I then can purchase affordable, local and organic foods grown on small farms. If I really want to obsess over this more, there are multiple books and websites to make me even more informed.

Dear enormous food corporations,
Please stop cutting corners. Also, be more European when it comes to food.
Thank you,
E

Now, what sort of cupcakes should I make next? :)

Could be worse

The New York Times has been providing me with distractions since 2005.

Full: Eyeglasses for kids who need them (as seen in the New York Times Magazine)

Today's theme: Online clothes shopping

Half-full: You can peruse and purchase items without leaving the comforts of home and said items are then delivered to your door like a gift you sent yourself.

Half-empty: Evil online discount sites, such as ideeli.com, send daily emails to tantalize you when you have no money and sometimes when you most want something it sells out before you even get a chance to buy it. Boo.

Seriously friends, I hardly ever buy anything and then the one adorable sweater I am lusting after sells out to those who have a paid membership. The reason I am shopping a sample sale website is because I am trying to save money! Apparently, I don't need that sweater, and apparently this is a trivial issue at best.

Partly sunny and partly cloudy.

This blog is teaching me a lot about my inability to stay on task. Also, lately I have been enjoying the show Mad Men, which I am sure many people have enjoyed already, but I am slow to get on certain wagons, and this is one of them. However, the show fits in nicely with the blog, which is why I'm mentioning it, and if you've watched it I hope that makes sense.

With this in mind.

Full: 1960s fashions

Today's theme: running a marathon

Half-empty: I will be spending hours of my life sweating profusely this summer and currently I am running as slow as molasses, which is probably related to the previous post's half-empty . . .

Half-full: I will be fit as a fiddle by the end of summer and will be able to eat a lot of food without worrying about the consequences!

Having run one marathon and now convincing some people to do the same I think I generally have to stick to the half-full side in order to provide proper encouragement to myself and everyone else I know doing this crazy race.

Another day

I have been remiss in my posting duties as I had promised myself to try and post every other day. Oops. I guess this means my blog is much like me, slightly flawed but always trying.

For today, some things to consider.

Full: Spring!

Soon it will be bathing suit season

Half-full: The potential for warm days in the sun laying on the sandy beach.

Half-empty: Swimsuits that don't quite fit after a Minnesota winter and sand on your beach towel.

While Spring is welcome in a way that cannot be explained properly after a cold, snowy, windy winter, nevertheless there are certain "problems" that arise with its arrival. Perhaps they mostly arise when I realize that I shouldn't have eaten so many tasty desserts in order to boost my mood during the general winter dreariness. However, nothing gets rid of that extra winter "warmth" like sunny days.

One

Hello there friends. Today is the opening day of this little blog, but I am going to start with a post about yesterday.

March 22nd

Half-empty: Pope Benedict XVI covering up embarrassing scandals

Half-full: Nuns standing up for women

Full: Kittens! observe Natalie Portman and Rashida Jones