Here's to napping naysayers

"Napping should have the status of daily exercise."

-James Maas, Cornell University sleep expert

Read full article here.


Here's to a restful, content weekend.

It was storming today, so I'm hoping to get some quality hammock time in tomorrow (and maybe a run too).

Pictures forthcoming from my daytrip to Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, Maine.

XO

To write, or not to write?

All this contentment has given me a lot of time to think about writing a book about my sojourn to New Zealand next year, where I will explore not only the majestic countryside but also the various themes of my life.

So naturally, I've had to calm myself down and make points of reference to some of the travel books I've read, so I can gauge how much of myself I would decide to weave into my potential travel piece and create something unique.

In a Sunburned Country- A travel book in its purest form, written by NY-Times acclaimed author Bryson who goes to Australia for the sake of travel writing. Although I appreciated his extensive research on the country and sense of humor, I found my urgency to experience Australia decrease (he spent too much time in the Outback), realizing Australia's real draw is the ocean (Great Barrier Reef and surfing 'mecca' Brisbane).

A Year in Provence- ethnographic account of an older, semi-retired couple who pack up their life in England and experience every European’s dream of living full-time in the countryside of Provence, France. However, they majority of the way they spend their days is not traveling to nearby chateaus or taking walks along the beach in Marseille, but reconstructing an old farmhouse they have purchased and interacting with their neighbors—pandering to universal themes of home ownership and community, not necessarily travel.
A TV Mini-series was produced, 1993.

Japanland: In Search of Wa- An American documentary filmmaker with day-job burnout and judo hobby, who spends a year in Japan scrappily forging her way around the terrain finding experience, joy and ultimately, peace with herself. I think this was my favorite of the four I mention here, because the author was an extremely compelling writer, personable and funny, who more often than not, left the reader to draw the more emotional conclusions. The adventures Karin Muller finds herself on are unforgettable: filming the Tamagawa cult in desolate mountains of which even the Japan Tourist Information Center has no knowledge, following a homeless man in Osaka, and also studying what fuels the traditions of sumo wrestling, geisha-dom, and the national pachinko addiction.

Eat, Pray, Love- A soul-searching adventure by Elizabeth Gilbert through Italy, India, and Bali that touched mostly on retreat, renewal, and re-learning how to give and receive love. I read this almost two years ago, and the most poignant thoughts that come to mind were a) her eating not one, but two crusty-soft pizzas in Naples (Eat), b) meditating in an Indian ashram and reaching a level of serenity never experienced before (Pray), and c) indulging in an outdoor shower in Bali (as well as the boyfriend she picks up there). And of the four, interesting to note this the only one with a highly anticipated movie deal starring Julia Roberts.

Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) spoke on creativity in a recent TED conference. And I just love how raw, candid, funny and happily at ease she is about her creative process, that it gives me hope that I'm still in the right (write?) place. It is quite inspiring...

"[The belief that] creativity and suffering are somehow inherently interlinked...[that] artistry, in the end, will ultimately lead to anguish...is odious."

Don't miss her closing segment (starting at 15:38) how the creativity of expression is a glimpse of God.




Maybe I'm just grandiose and doe-eyed with all my thought processes of "The world is my oyster! I can be anything I want to be! I'm going to go soak up life for all it's infinite worth!" so I welcome your suggestions. Would you read a book about New Zealand, authored by yours truly?
(Doubtful sentiments also welcomed.)

Thank you in advance.

Contentment

Sun-kissed.
Family- blissed.
Nothing-missed.

Forest-soothed.
Lake-seduced.
Stress-reduced.

Makeup-free.
Care-free.
Pain-free.

Laughing.
Learning.
Cooking.
Cruising.
Discussing.
Dancing.
Reading.
Writing.

Swim suit-wearing.
Hairbrush-neglecting.
Sunset-watching.

Lobster-eating.

Content.

The Winker, edited

The August '09 Vanity Fair does not disappoint, with yet another giggle-inducing article about Mrs. Wasilla.

(Don't chalk this face up to Tina Fey's acting chops)

BUT the best part is that VF edited her gubernatorial resignation speech. Can you say hilarious.

(To me, correct grammar will always be sexier than politics.)

On a different note, the issue has some pretty rad pictures of Tim Burton's Alice and Wonderland.


I saw the following on Brunette Bombshell and decided it is my new life mantra:

Alice laughed: "There's no use trying," she said; "one can't believe impossible things."

"I daresay you haven't had much practice," said the queen.

"When I was younger, I always did it for half an hour a day.
Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

Ewe should come!

I am so un-containably excited for Neverland...

that I make up Never-words like uncontainably!


look at the full Flickr photostream HERE.

via Cup of Jo

I also hate Christmas, too!

(Kidding).

Okay, so the dislike of murderers, the inexcusably tight-wadded or, say...Massachusetts drivers ("MASSHOLES") is universal.

However, for me, I'm realizing, I dislike some things that most people like, if not, LOVE.

Consider the following grounds to call me a Debbie Downer:


Candy
Except for Trolli Peachie-Os about twice a year (I'm weird), high fructose corn syrup alone is not my kind of sweet fun. I prefer the old school sugar and butter derivatives.


Swings
Yeah, that old childhood park pastime. Well, they make me dizzy and nauseous.

I distinctly remember a kindergarten "Glad/Sad" workbook exercise and marking an image of an elephant swinging as "Sad." I was a sharp little tot, probably bored with such petty exercises and wanting to answer 'truthfully' to stir up some non-conformity.


Soda/Pop
When I tell people I don't drink soda, they usually respond with some kind of form of "Good for you/Oh man, you're so healthy/Wow, I wish I could give it up too."
No, people. Seriously, it's not even for health reasons.
It's simply because I think it tastes like candy (see above) in liquid form, and to top it off, IT BURNS.

Liquid candy + burn factor equals NOT my idea of fun. It continues to shock me how much of an anomaly I am this way. Don't other people see this???!!! Something that tastes rotten and HURTS YOU AS YOU DRINK IT (and I'm not even addressing the osteoporosis).

Might as well have NyQuil or Robitussin- stuff is all the same. The only soda you'll ever see me gag down is half a glass of Ginger Ale on airplane flights (to keep my stomach at ease).


Milk Chocolate
It has to be dark (without lecithin wax filler) or it's not of any interest. You can now see that without candy or any chocolate Hershey or Nestle products, how Halloween ties with Flag Day on my 'fun holidays' list.


Roadtrips
I must preface this by saying that wide open spaces intensely scare me because I conjure some strange grandiose subconscious notion that all civilization will vanish before I've had a chance to return.

So...long periods of time spent staring out at them? My idea of hell!

Oh did I mention I have legs (inseam: 35") and would rather be in bed to do most everything.


Dogs
How could I be so heartless? Well...my first experience with my little neighbor buddy's dog was really traumatizing.
It's name was Mistral. It was seriously hyperactive, bipolar, and also had some kind of vicious ailment like leukemia or something.
Dog was evil.

It was not disciplined properly I guess (but my memories of Mistral also involve my friend's mom yelling at it to stop and chaining it up), so it always jumped up and barked in excess quantity and decibel level. Nasty creature.

(Later, I would find out that 'Mistral' is the name for seasonal winds in Provence, France (like the Santa Anas of Southern California, I think). Well, as you can see, Mistral was the dog equivalent of an unwelcome Santa Ana.)

PLUS: my little sister Katherine was once bit by a dog (Siberian husky). Foul and wrong!

I'm sure if I had a dog like Old Yeller or Lassie, I would feel differently, but honestly, when I see a dog I see 'unnecessary mess' written all over it: unnecessary food going towards an un-eatable specimen who will crap unnecessary feces over MY terrain.

('MY terrain' being the world).

And why in the world would I want to go up and let something that doesn't talk 'sniff my hand'...for all I know, it's going to bite it off!

Help wanted for phobia instigation

I do not understand claustrophobia.
Truly.
I get a rush from huge crowds, I wear full-body blue suits with pep, and think that being sardine packed in a subway is, while not the most hygienic place, at least somewhat cozy.

In fact, I find wide open spaces ominous and scary (I'll explain more tomorrow).

Am I totally weird? Because I feel like everyone I know has some shade of claustrophobia and I'm missing out on some great club in which we can commiserate universally. I feel as though I'm sitting at home, while day after day, my friends attend a party I am not invited to. Please tell a story ("footnote it") below, and perhaps your stories will freak me out enough to develop it.

Yes, I'm asking you to take it upon yourself to help me become claustrophobic.

Thank you!

Kerouac-ian

1) Google Reader: I was stubborn enough to think that another Google creation would not be user friendly enough for me, and was comfortable with mastering the system of clicking on blogs as they updated on my home screen.
Old. School. I know.

But now, as you will see, I have de-cluttered my layout, condensed my link lists and started "following" more than linking. And it's awesome. You can leave Reader open in a tab and it updates like Gmail. Plus, you can "follow" other blogs besides those in the Blogger format and avert all the arthritic-inducing clicking. Win-win. Go Google.

My next project will be AdSense...still a little apathetic-slash-lazy to figure it out.

2) Finished Me Talk Pretty One Day.

From a writer's standpoint, it's a must-read for all the sharp interwoven details. But don't be expecting to be keeling over in "sidesplitting" laughter as all the reviews would have you think. I think my favorite part was Sedaris's commentary on the games he made up to learn French masculine/feminine words (Hey guys [talking to spoons in the drawer]! Well the lady of the night has arrived [about jam in the refrigerator]!).

2a) You know who IS funny? Dooce. But we already knew that (been reading her for, like, 5 years).

3) I said the phrase "stream of consciousness" in a sentence to some cousins who dropped by for a night and one laughed loudly and said, "Did you know Jack Kerouac's "On The Road" was originally published without punctuation because it was precisely that, a 'stream of consciousness.'"

Well, folks...cheah! precisely. Hence the new post label of 'Kerouac.' Hope you like it.

Blue Suit Riot: Episode I

Oh heeyyyy, what did you do today?
I went waterskiing in my new blue suit. yeah....

Strapping in.

The fluorescent orange dorkvest completes the ensemble nicely, don't you think?

Let's rock n roll!

Giddy up!

Literally COULD NOT SEE for the first 30 seconds up.
One of the scarier half minutes of my life.

(Everytime thenceforth when water sprayed my face, I couldn't see until the wind cleared the face enough to see again. Oh, the (totally-worth-it) travails of blue suit waterskiing...)

Spectators who came for me! (hah- completely by chance!)
Too bad I couldn't see their reactions...

Helen Keller School of Waterskiing

"Unzip me, I can't breathe!!!"

to be continued...

Goodbye Crocs??!!

One upside of the recession is that these Barney purple and Baby Bop Coral (I am the oldest of my sisters so I was watching that show well into my pre-teen years, thank you) uglies are dying!!!

In even better news, I got my blue suit.
And worn it.
I plan to go waterski in it right now. :)

On going cold turkey

Quitting Facebook gives you more time to devote to more relevant issues, like a fetish for good-looking Jewish boys.

Case in point: the engagement of Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump.


Scandal and shady business dealings aside, don't they make such a pretty pair?

Since Mormonism is basically Judaism + Christ (you know, to encapsulate how world wars, financial crises, and moral downfall over the last few millenia can be explained)...I want to see if I can somehow rig this for myself.

It's really all about relevancy these days...xo

Remember when...

My sister accidentally ran a red light in Boston yesterday and a pasty white, four-eyed, wannabe machismo with a gut and receding hairline got out of his car and legitimately chewed her out at the next light. You know, because his elongated horn sounding was not enough. The shock factor of it all was surprisingly ephemeral...we laughed for the next hour.


I thought I got prank called the other night about my blue suit but it was really a Chinese lady from the website where I ordered it checking on the shipment. It became quite obvious that it was legit when, after gleefully screaming back at her ("Who is this?! Haha!!"), she repeated her shtick without a slip of any telling sign of English tonality or giggles in the background. I profusely thanked her, then laughed at my suspicious self (Friends...please prank call me? Just like I seriously, truly adore waking up at home to a toilet papered yard, I love it when I can call you out on my fake pizza order. Thanks!!!)


Rachel and I drove through the woods listening to K-Ci and JoJo blaring. And I did the same with one of my sisters today and, while she did get into it...she just. did not. understand.


I deactivated my Facebook. I simply question its relevancy. Most of this, I'm realizing, will be a great litmus test for the people who are truly most currently important in my life: it's too weird having a girl I used to babysit (and her mom), my past crushes, and my best of friends on the same playing field. My nearest and dearest will know how to get a hold of me, or be more resourceful (is that selfish? I suppose I run that risk.).
The kicker?
A friend request from my dear dear uncle (more like 2nd cousin once removed)'s awful ex-wife, as well as the feeling of knowing I don't want to be defined by a "like" of a status update, a comment on a photo, or an invitation to join the now-annoyingly-ubiquitous groups for wedding announcement address sending. I certainly don't look down on those who still have accounts: I simply claim ownership of what works for me, and now, I'm moving on.
If I need to get in contact with someone desperately, perhaps I'll reactivate for a second to message them with my information. Compromise? Yes.
Capiche.


I pushed the 70s in number of "Me Talk Pretty One Day" pages and still waiting for the "Memoirs of a Gay Childhood-meets-Lewis Carroll Psychedelia" novelty to wear off.
Just so harrrd because I was laughing out loud at Sloane from page 1!


Mark Ronson remixed Amy Winehouse...the twist-n-shout greatness commences at 0:52...

I need a hug

from this.

La città d'acqua

Right now, it's too windy to go boating, so I sit inside looking at fashion, travel and photography blogs.

Venice is one of my favorite places in the world. It's utterly intriguing...the water, the antiquity, the food, the itty little streets and alleyways that limit transport to walking and scooters.

I backpacked there a while back with a friend, and while I was there I swore I could never go back until I was with my husband...it's just too romantic! hehe.

And so naturally I loved what the Sartorialist said about this dashing bel uomo:

(via Sartorialist)

'It seems every time I return from Italy I want to watch "The Talented Mr. Ripley" to see if my Italy was as beautiful as the Italy in that movie. In one of the final scenes of the movie Marge has coffee with Dickie's Dad at Caffe Florian on San Marco Square in Venice. That spot is still so beautiful (if you can block out the tourists).
This young waiter was standing at the cafe and instantly I thought of the movie and how this "type" of young man has probably been working the Cafe Florian for the last 100 years.'

Now please read further about what his girlfriend Garance Dore said about Venice, cozying up at the Piazza San Marco (link here).

Come romantica, no?!

Oh, and on a funnier note...since 'getting photographed by the Sartorialist' is quite literally on my own '30 before 30' list...I realize this could very well be a reality.

Just read HERE on what The Pipeline by Refinery 29 puzzled together...

hilarious!
xoxo

Where every day's the 4th of July

Below is a sampler of what we listen and groove to up here at Lake Winni.


'Eleanor Rigby' reminds me of all the beautiful cemeteries sprinkled throughout New England, eerily shadowed by the otherwise majestic forests.

The others are self-explanatory, because up here, it really does feel like

"every day's the 4th of July... a real celebration, waiting for a song."
-Chicago, Saturday in the Park

"Just a dream and the wind to carry me"

Just like Bob....

we did some sailing today...

(I'd take the wind over no wind; rough waters over stagnant too)

Read RayRay's post for our wind-blown epiphanies.

I leave you with the brilliant words of Chris Cross's song "Sailing"...
I actually prefer NSYNC's rendition.

(I deem this my 'quest for Neverland' theme song.)

"It's not far down to paradise

At least it's not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away
And find tranquility
The canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me

It's not far to never never land
No reason to pretend
And if the wind is right you can find the joy
Of innocence again
The canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me

Sailing
Takes me away
To where I've always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free

Fantasy
It gets the best of me
When I'm sailing
All caught up in the reverie
Every word is a symphony
Won't you believe me

It's not far back to sanity
At least it's not for me
And when the wind is right you can sail away
And find serenity
The canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me"

If only he would ask me out on a floating noodle!

MADLIBS

(there are SO many now!)

Probably my favorite game in the entire world.


I remember an epic Madlib I did with my sisters once and we read it so many times we memorized it. Here's what I remember after all these years:


"George Washington, the Father of our lamp, was a very warm man. When George was a silly boy, he took his bikini and chopped down his father's favorite cherry Disneyland."


Well Raquel y yo decided to get a book of "Adult" Mad Libs...They're not rauchy (I mean, puh-lease, we're talking about Madlibs.) Ours is about being single.




Okay well here's a sampling of what's been going on here (Mad Lib words bolded):


"Whenever you see him, the back of your knee starts to tingle. Sylvester Stallone, eat your heart out, you think fiercely. If only he would ask me out on a floating noodle!

But why wait, take the mole rat by the horns and ask him instead!
Just plant right up to him and say:

'Ahoy! My name's Katherine. I couldn't help but notice how incredibly bald you are.
Do you work out? I've been admiring your ankle. It looks so protruding.

Listen, I don't usually do this kind of thing, but can I buy you a tree stump? Or maybe we could go somewhere a little quieter and take a dive?

The truth is--and I hope this doesn't come across as too crazy--I think there is a definite rock between us. Anyway, I've got to listen early tomorrow, so here's my phone heartbeat. Lounge me sometime."

You'll be amazed what a spiky dash of confidence can do!"

And that, my friends, is the definition of my kind of fun.

Crazy CRAZY Crazy Crazy

Please tell me the following song does not make your life.

K.C. & JoJo- Crazy

You know, it's that song that you would cry in the corner at your 8th grade dance when no one would ask you to awkwardly slow sway with them.

It's one of the sappy love songs Brook and I would belt out during finals week, to help us commiserate with our stress.

(It's also in a gem of a movie, Save the Last Dance, as seen in the music video)

Just please, click on the above link and tell me it doesn't just
a) tug at your heart strings - slash -
b) make you laugh really hard - slash -
c) complete your life.

PS: More KC & JoJo gems:

ALL MY LIFE

TELL ME IT'S REAL


PSS: Where did KC & JoJo even go?
Gems like these do not deserve to be hid under the bushel of the 'late 90s hits' genre.

One thing more...

Sometimes I miss crazy Spaniards and their bulls.

Running of the Bulls is underway in Pamplona...click HERE for a great NPR story.

Besitos!
Alejandra

Gems from Regina

What are your thoughts regarding Regina Spektor's song Wallet from her new album 'Far'?



Because Ray and I have been in stitches.

I found a wallet,
I found a wallet
Inside were pictures of your small family
You were so young, your hair dark brown
You had been born in 1953
Your winter birthday was stamped on the plastic
Of a license so recently expired
I was so tired as I walked through my door
I let all the contents of your wallet on the floor

And like a holy relic
Or a mystery novel
I thumbed them in the dim light
Searching for a clue-
A Blockbuster card,
An old stick of Juicy Fruit
A crumpled receipt for a pair of leather boots

I have no wallet,
I have no wallet
I keep my cards together with a blue rubber band
And with a free hand I search in my pocket
For pieces of, pieces of paper and change

I'll take your wallet
To my local Blockbuster
They'll find your number
in their computer
You'll never know me
I'll never know you
But you will be so happy
When they call you up.

'Music box' is also a gem, from her older album:

Twelve twenty-three P.M.

is when I woke up, summoned to breakfast and boating...

Yes, I am enjoying vacation.

(And no, I still haven't adjusted to Eastern Standard Time.)

Guess who else yankee doodled with us?!

Spotted: stars flocking to small New England towns thinking they would escape the paparazzi.

Jimmy Fallon

Yeah...it looked like it had been a Late Night for him...

Justin Long and Drew Barrymore...

(They're totally ON.)

Riding home, the sisters could not stop singing "Way back into love" from the movie Music & Lyrics.

Yankee doodling is oh-so dandy!

Last 4th of July, I boarded the Q train to Brooklyn (with bing cherries bagged fresh from Whole Foods), and spent the day hanging out with a couple cousins in Park Slope. It was raining that night, so instead of watching the NYC firework spectacular, we watched it on TV with the residual firework sound coming from outside the window.

This year, my dad did not have quadruple coronary bypass again, so we're all up here at the lake seeing this darling Yankee town's parade down Main Street, going boating, and eating fresh watermelon with the East Coast cousins. Besides honoring veterans like my grandpa, this is what my 4th of Julys have looked like throughout the years.


And don't forget the nice, thick New England accent! ....love this part of the USA.

Because my eyelashes catch my sweat

Darling Meg over at 'The Wild and Wily Ways of a Brunette Bombshell' has this great thing going on where people write in why they have a perfect body.

She's calling it "The Perfect Body Initiative" after Regina Spektor's song Folding Chair.

("I've got a perfect body, but sometimes I forget
I've got a perfect body, because my eyelashes catch my sweat...yes they do-oooh-ooh-ooh")

(Image via Bella Vita)

I admire Meg's boldness to share her "NED" (nasty eating disorder) experiences, because I sure do have my own, but I'm not quite ready to share them with the blogosphere.


So here are what a few of my own friends wrote in on her blog...I've copied them below:


RayRay: "My heart... Because I can still love even after being hurt so badly. It is more resilient than I ever knew.

Amy: "My body is perfect because it can create another human being. Childbirth is a miracle, and someday I get to be a part of it. I can't think of anything more beautiful."

Siovhan: "My body is perfect because it is me. It is mine. No one else can ever replicate exactly what I am. No amount of surgery or hair product could make them me. Each freckle, each scar, each crooked dimple, each pound on my body--it's me. And no one else gets to experience the joy that is being me."


Mine: "My hands, because they are the versatile vehicles from which I use to greet a person into my life, wipe away my tears of joy and pain, and express my thoughts through writing."

How is your body perfect??

"Poor Little J"

Spotted: Upper East Siders losing their NY 'cool' factor, getting starstruck.

Gossip Girl (my guilty pleasure) regularly films outside my 13-year-old UES Cousin J's school...nbd.

Chace Crawford...named by People magazine as this year's hottest bachelor.

"Yes, he is quite attractive" -J

"I was too embarrassed to have him sign my water bottle!" -J, as she showed me this pic on her Blackberry (yes, she has one).

Will Ferrell in red (always representing the Trojans!). Yankees Game.

Remember his Rose Bowl Skit with McConaughey?? FIGHT ON.







AND...I'm a fan of the writing on SATC (and the glamour), so naturally I find the rumor of SJP moving to Park Slope unbelievable.
Carrie Bradshaw is supposed to be an eternal Manhattan-ite!
(The townhouse looked familiar because I remember coming across it as I was poring through this luxury blog last summer at my internship.)

The Bible of Fierce?

Okay, I was at first embarrassed that I was reading this book...but now I can honestly say it could be a bible of how to be a fierce, confident woman in relationships.



Maybe you could learn more reading Twelfth Night...or Song of Solomon...or some Dr. Phil material du jour...

But author Argov will spit it to you blunt, straight, just the way I most appreciate (at least, most of the time).

I recommend it to all my gal friends out there, because it's not feminist nor old-fashioned: in short, it simply shows you how to let men be men and yourself be fabulous. And in turn, weed out anything short of an upright man worthy of your trust and respect.


Por ejemplo: No need to nag because men respond to contact.
If you are too accessible, it will drive them crazy...
One of my favorite quotes from a man was
"If you rescue a damsel in distress, you'll only be left with a distressed damsel."

After a particularly hard stumble recently, Chantelle- who had recommended I read it and, upon returning it to her- said, "I am going to fall asleep to its wisdom and wake up even more of a tigress."

Now, go out there and be the fierce, fabulous beeeeeeyotttchhhh you are!

(yes, especially you Raquel)