Monday, March 30, 2009

I am grateful for ...

Going to Gay Bingo with the girls from Jazzercise. It was lots of fun

Having a good Sunday night with my girls filled with group dinner and then movie

Hanging out with Isa on Sunday. Nothing like a being with a 5 year old to make you laugh and smile.

For my fruit tart coming out successfully.

Having a job. I have a job and no matter how frustrating and difficult it may be at times, I have a job. I need to remind myself of this one a lot.

I have health insurance. No matter how money -sucking I think they are, in reality it is better than no insurance.

My friends who get pizza and drinks with me after having a particularly soul-sucking day at work.

My friends for putting up with me when I am being overly dramatic or when I am taking more than giving to the friendship.

That Riz got a job (!!!)

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

50 Things I want in a relationship/boyfriend

A challenge had been presented to myself from the roommates to list 50 things we want in a relationship/boyfriend. It seemed like something fun to do and helped me prioritize what is an important characteristic of a person in general and not just how that would relate to me. It was also nice to look at it and see that I haven't met someone yet who meets all the criteria, which hopefully means there is still time.

*Also the list is in no particular order, just how they came to me as I started to write

1) College educated
2) Not a serial killer/rapist/bank robber, etc, etc
3) Has a good relationship with his family
4) Financially stable/responsible
5) We have physical chemistry
6) Enjoys reading
7) Likes to watch movies
8) Not pushy religious
9) Has a good sense of humor (ie enjoys a good Judd Apatow production or a Frat Pack movie)
10) Can handle and understand sarcasm
11) Steps up to the plate when it matters the most
12) Athletic to an extent - not a lazy ass
13) Has his own group of friends
14) Has is own interests that don't have to be the same as mine
15) Enjoys going to shows/ seeing live music
16) Is nice
17) Is patient
18) Is aware of pop culture and not totally oblivious when I make such references
19) Reads newspaper and other news sources
20) Not a picky eater
21) Can cook
22) Passionate about the music that he likes
23) Enjoys his job - to an extent
24) Has goals/dreams for the future and has plans set in motion to achieve them
25) Is a social person
26) Not argumentative, but can have discussions/debates when we disagree on things
27) Not passive and/or passive aggressive
28) HONEST
29) Can get along with my friends
30) Knows how to use a napkin
31) Chews with his mouth closed
32) Can set a table properly
33) Has an fairly good grasp of grammar
34) Understands that he is not #1 in my life, that spot is reserved for Riz
34.1) Most of my friends will pull rank over him and that needs to be understood and I
would expect the same from him
35) Not an over the top do-gooder
36) Not a Debbie Downer most of the time
37) He is comfortable with himself
38) Not a slob i.e. will do dishes, pick up after himself
39) Not uptight
40) Likes playing board games, cards
41) Does NOT play stupid mind games
42) Likes going to the beach/lake/swimming; generally enjoys being near water
43) Not racist, a bigot, homophobic ...
44) Has an open mind and is accepting of people
45) Does not have serious issues with drugs of all kinds and/or is currently an alcoholic
46) Knows more about cars than I do (which isn't a lot)
47) Not critical, leave the judging to me, thank you very much
48) Likes traveling
49) Understands my need for Independence and is not overbearing and suffocating
50) "I like you very much. Just as you are"

Thursday, March 19, 2009

To brighten the gloomy afternoon

There are some songs that always make me stop and reflect and remind me of how I need to be living my life. This is one of them and I just wanted to share it.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

I'm Done!

A handful of years back, I made this same statement on an online journal and it really helped me 1) become accountable for the statement and 2) keep things in perspective.

I am done talking about the size of my body, weight and everyone else's body size and weight. No good ever comes from this and often quickly turns judgemental and negative. While I have been thinking about this for some time, the drama surrounding Meghan McCain is what has motivated me to finally say something.

It is especially disheartening when a woman's weight is used as an insult by another woman in a forum that has nothing to do with looks. Laura Ingram resort to school yard antics because she wanted to make herself look superior and all she really did was look like a bitch. I have the utmost admiration for Meghan for standing up for herself and reminding us that as women we do need to stick together and not use something as petty as weight as an argument for why someone should not be involved in politics.

As a woman living in our society I feel constant scrutiny about my appearance. I feel that I am being judged by everyone around me (strangers and friends alike) for the outfit I wear, if my make up is nice or how much I weigh. Though some of this is a self-involved statement, there is a lot of truth to the amount of pressure that all women feel to look a certain way. And I am done with it.

I am talking talking about it with friends about what we wish our bodies looked like or the size we really want to be. In the end no one feels good about the conversation and it only just makes us look at our faults as opposed to the great parts about it. It leads to a feeling of competitiveness and jealousy towards the people we are supposed to be loving the most - next to ourselves of course.

While, sure I am going to continue to eat healthy and watch what goes into my body I am doing it for how it all makes me feel. I still love drinking cocktails and beer and my love for all things sugary and salty hasn't subsided, I just need to make sure I make the right choices so that in the end everything balances out.

My body has been the same size for almost two years now, and its not going to change, so I just need to start loving it more because it is the only one I get.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Victory (said in the "Viking Quest" voice)

Well there was not really a victory last night, but at least it wasn't a slaughter.

Last night was the "Renew the Rivalry" game of SU v UW in men's basketball. Now, I have lamented before about SU and sports and going D1, yada yade. But when it comes down to it, I have school spirit and pride in my alma mater. I will cheer with best of them (and loudly). And that is what I did last night.

Though we lost 67-80, we did score more than I think anyone thought, played a good defense and, hey, we at least scored more than Upstate did in their game. All in all, it wasn't terrible.

It was however very surreal to be watching my school play on TV. This is the same team that just last year I saw play in gym smaller than the one in my high school. There are still guys on the team that I recognize from working at Connolly. Let's face it, it is kind of cool.

Hopefully they read this before the game, to help keep things in perspective.