Improvement

Just to prove how good I've been...

I saw this in the J.Crew catalog and really really really wanted it. Really, I did. But I didn't buy it.

I also refrained from buying this, this, this, and this.

See? I'm learning.

BMIT #8: I am Grateful for My Family

Those who know me well know that 2006 was a really tough year for me. After struggling through some things for months, I headed to Utah for my brother's wedding. My problems didn't just go away while I was there. And I am sure I wasn't that fun to be around. But just being with them helped when nothing else did.

Saturday Morning, The Sound Of A Washer Touches My Heart**

I saw this in a friend's apartment last Saturday night.

I have to admit I was a bit jealous. Because last Saturday, I invested 5 hours and $30+ in a laundromat. Granted, I did have a lot of extra towels and sheets to clean due to having so many visitors recently. Still, it's not that unusual. I often waste entire Saturday mornings doing laundry - beautiful, sunny Saturday mornings. And sometimes it's worse...remember the fiasco when I thought my laundromat had closed?

Some NYers may think I'm crazy to do my own laundry when there are places to drop off your laundry on almost every corner. But big surprise...I'm particular about how my clothes are washed and dried. And I am partial to the smell of a particular laundry detergent. Plus, there are some things I can't let someone else wash. And to be honest, I think I'm still too middle-America to let someone else do my laundry.

**I'm betting no one outside my family has any idea what movie I'm mis-quoting in the title.

Lessons Learned

Yesterday, I had a very productive day.

• I had my second personal trainer session. I'm surprised at how much I have enjoyed these sessions. I'm also surprised that I am amazing at pull-ups. OK. So they are assisted ones. But he had to increase the weight twice because I was able to handle more than he thought. Not so much for the ab exercises though. Those kill me. I'm also loving that he has twice called me out for labelling myself as "older". He kind of looked at me like I'm crazy because in the non-Mormon world (and probably the non-single Mormon world), 32 is far from old. Sometimes it's nice to get a more wordly perspective.

• I fixed the fluorescent lights in my kitchen. They have been going out for at least a year. I thought they would be difficult to change so I just ignored them. But I was in a handy mood so I figured out how take the light apart all by myself. Yes, others might think this is pretty basic stuff. But I tried fixing my halogen light a year ago and that didn't go well. (I still haven't figured out how to do it). And I tried changing the light bulb in my bedroom fan and that didn't go well. (I can't even figure out how to get the plastic cover off so I can get at the light bulb). So I'm feeling pretty proud of myself for finally figuring out one of my light fixtures.

• I learned how to throw a spiral. Well, at least I'm on my way. I went to Paragon Sports to buy some receiver gloves. (Warriors, I know this is pretty lame but I figure I can use all the help I can get at this point. Plus it will be nice to have that extra layer during January and February). A nice old man helped me find them. Then he started talking and talking and talking. He told me that he had had a career in M&A and international tax law. He told me that he used to be able to walk into any investment bank and major law firm in the city and they would know who he was. He told me that he created some of the complex financial products that are wreaking havoc on the market. He told me that he had predicted this would happen...although he admitted he was about 5 years off. He told me he introduced the current President of the ABT to ballet. Yet, for some reason, he actually seemed legit. And then he proceeded to show me how to throw a spiral. Well, actually he mocked me for not rolling my fingers off the ball and then told me to try again. And it worked. It was a big moment for me. Kind of like when Sam taught me a couple years ago to jump up when I shoot a basket not forward. My only excuse is that I spent most of my childhood with a book in my hands. Better late than never I guess.
  

I Am Grateful for New Days

Yesterday, I was asked to speak at a church service to be held in two weeks. It is a special meeting focused on Thanksgiving and gratitude. It will also be an open house, and we are encouraged to invite friends and co-workers (and co-worker friends) to join us. So before I forget, I would like to invite you all to come to church with me on Sunday, November 22 at 10 am at 144 W 15th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues). I hope you can make it. And not just because I'm speaking.

To be honest, I'm a little nervous. And I'm not usually nervous to speak in public (which is a good thing since they pay me the big bucks to do just that). And I really shouldn't be nervous considering this will the fourth (or fifth?) time that I will be talking in church around Thanksgiving about gratitude. So really, I should have the topic down. But I guess Heavenly Father believes I haven't quite mastered the subject or the practice of it in my life. So to help me better prepare for my talk and in honor of Thanksgiving Day, I plan to write about things I am grateful over the next few weeks.

I want to start with something simple because it is those little things that remind me to look past the apparently big things so I can appreciate the truly big things. Like the smell of rain hitting dry cement. Like hearing (or playing) Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2. Like the look on your little brother's face after he gets 100% on the spelling test after you spent hours quizzing him.

Today, I am grateful for mornings. Each day starts with a sunrise, one of the most spectacular images on earth. I love that God made even something so routine so beautiful. And even though I miss seeing almost every single one of them (I'm so not a morning person), I love that I can count on the sunrise happening. It establishes order and provides structure.

I am grateful to wake up. Often right before I go to sleep, I wonder at how readily I close my eyes, welcoming the chance to lose consciousness for several hours. In fact, I find the older I get, the more I look forward to it. But I should never take for granted the miracle of a heart that continues to beat even while I dream -- of a mind that is quietly preparing for the next day.**

I am grateful that I have the opportunity to start over, to do better, to try not to make the same mistakes. As Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote, "isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?" I need this daily fresh start in life. I am human. And I am flawed. But I hold on to the hope that I can change and become a better person. The challenge of one day becoming the best version of me keeps me fighting through the disappointment, the pain, and the monotony of life.

I am grateful for new days.

** Check out this episode of Radio Lab for some interesting info about sleep.

Going Green

I have a new couch! And it's green. And I love it.

So actually, it's not really a new couch. It's the same one I had before -- with a new slip cover. And no, I didn't go back on my promise not to splurge. I ordered it three months ago. It just took forever to arrive.

In other new-in-my-life news, my new gym finally opened. And I love that too. There is hardly anyone there. The equipment is brand new. They have iPod hook-ups at all equipment. And it's cheaper than my old gym. Plus, it has a pool.

Food, Glorious Food

I think by now everyone knows my favorite restaurant in the city is Momofuku Ssam. But although I've eaten there at least a couple dozen times, I have still not made it to Momofuku Ko. And until Wednesday night, I had never been to the Noodle Bar either. Like all things David Chang, it was amazing. Especially the triple fried Korean chicken wrapped in butter lettuce leafs.
Pretty sure everyone else agreed...



And pretty sure this is my new favorite quote...


Thanks again, Brigham, for introducing me to yet another Momofuku masterpiece.

A Life In Music

Speaking of mix tapes, while Kathryn was here, we created a random soundtrack for my life...

Here's how it works:
1. Open your music library
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie

Opening Credits: I Found Love, The Free Design
First Day Of School: Gonna Breakthrough, Mary J. Blige & Brook
Falling In Love: Elenor, Me First And The Gimme Gimmies
Fight Song: Darts of Pleasure, Franz Ferdinand
Breaking Up: Angels, David Archuleta
Prom: Live High, Jason Mraz
Life's Ok: My Sentimental Melody, Magnetic Fields
Mental Breakdown: El Tiempo, Kinky
Driving: Two Birds, Regina Spektor
Flashback: You & I, Jeff Buckley
Getting Back Together: Sway, Michael Buble
Birth Of A Child: Run On, Moby
Wedding: Scent, Pinback
Final Battle: Never Bloom Again, The Perishers
Death Scene: She’s So, Royksopp
Funeral Song: Elsewhere, Sarah McLachlan
End Credits: Disco Infiltrator, LCD Soundsystem

OK...I can explain about the David Archuleta song. Actually, I probably have a lot more embarrassing stuff than that in my music library. And for the most part, while it's not what I would have picked, the songs are not too bad for a completely random pull. In fact, the She's So is actually a pretty decent Death Scene song. And I quite like the El Tiempo for the mental breakdown. But the wedding scene song has got to go. Not that I don't like it. Just not for the most important day of my life.

Lovesong

Like I said, a few days ago, I was inspired by a book to create a "mix tape". But then I realized...I don't really have an "ex" and I definitely never made a mix tape (or a playlist) for a guy. In fact, now that I think about it, I can't really see myself ever making a mix tape for a guy. Especially since I think you can only get away with that sort of thing in your teens. But I can (and did) create a list of the my favorite "love" songs. In no particular order...

- It Must Be Love by Madness
- I Was Made For You by She & Him
- I Was Made For You by Rivers Cuomo (same name, different song)
- This Twilight Garden by The Cure
- The Killing Moon by Echo in the Bunnymen
- Save Room by John Legend
- Patience by GNR
- There's Nothing Better Than by Joss Stone
- Sweetest Goodbye by Maroon 5
- Quando, Quando, Quando by Michael Buble & Nelly Furtado
- La Cienega Just Smiled by Ryan Adams
- Face to Face by Siouxhie and the Banshees
- All I Want Is You by U2
- Have I Told You Lately by Van Morrisson
- I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab For Cutie
- Let's Stay Together by Al Green
- Wicked Game by Chris Isaak
- Just A Little Lovin' by Dusty Springfield
- Lovely Day by Bill Withers
- Never My Love (either the one by The Association or the newer Har Mar Superstar version featuring Adam Green on the Whip It soundtrack)
- Nine in the Afternoon by Panic At the Disco
- Take on Me by AC Newman
- Just Like Heaven by Katie Melua
- Viva la Vida by Coldplay
- This Never Happened Before by Paul McCartney
- Foreigner Suite by Cat Stevens
- Your Song by Elton John
- Collide by Howie Day
- The Way You Make Me Feel by Micheal Jackson
- Something by The Beatles

Only In New York

Yes. It is a real upright piano in the Union Square subway station. Wouldn't be surprised if this an Improv Everywhere thing. Also, wouldn't be surprised if it's not.

Flapper Weekend

My sisters came to visit this past weekend but all I have to show for it are these few photos. I guess we were too busy running around. It really was a non-stop weekend. Plus, Sarah hates having her photo taken. Kathryn doesn't though.

(Rachel, we missed you!)

The Good, The Bad, And The Hideous

In case anyone's curious, the stand-off is still going on. And my sister (who arrived in town this morning) thought I was being cruel, thought that it was kind of pretty for a cockroach since it was all red and swirly, and thought that I should have picked it up by the leg and thrown it outside. But then, she didn't offer to do it herself.

For other insect-related news, check this out.

And for parents with "problem" children, here are some ideas for halloween costumes.

Calling All Knights

I am currently engaged in an epic battle of life and death. With the largest cockroach I have ever seen. I came home and found it relaxing complacently on my rug, smugly confident that I could not defeat it. I admit that at first, I was daunted. Because this thing is positively Kafkaesque. (The photo doesn't do it justice). And grotesque beyond all imagining. (I mean, I understand the purpose behind having garbage-feeders but why did God make them so hideous?). But then my higher IQ kicked in and I surrounded it with sticky traps. It has once or twice attempted to walk over them but stopped when it realized it would become stuck. So now it is simply camping out, prolonging the inevitable. If it keeps this up, I'm not sure I'll be able to sleep tonight. Not sure I'll be able to sleep either way knowing that such monsters really do exit. And how am I possibly going to stand to stay in the same room long enough to watch Project Runway? If anyone braver than I reads this tonight and wants to rescue me, please feel free to drop by.

Shop Around

I'm currently in between books. Which means I am reading Chapter 1 of roughly 7 books. I'm at that point in each of them where I am not entirely sure I want to invest my time and heart into the work. And I'm definitely not ready to be exclusive yet. Which is why there is no harm in checking out other options. Like this book. I have a feeling it might be the one. Especially since it inspires me to create a wistful mix tape, to write a nostaligic short story, and to write a wistful, nostalgic short story about a mix tape. Perhaps I will share each of these here soon...

Until then, here is another's nod to sentiment...

Nostalgia By Billy Collins

Remember the 1340's? We were doing a dance called the Catapult.
You always wore brown, the color craze of the decade,
and I was draped in one of those capes that were popular,
the ones with unicorns and pomegranates in needlework.
Everyone would pause for beer and onions in the afternoon,
and at night we would play a game called "Find the Cow."
Everything was hand-lettered then, not like today.

Where has the summer of 1572 gone? Brocade and sonnet
marathons were the rage. We used to dress up in the flags
of rival baronies and conquer one another in cold rooms of stone.
Out on the dance floor we were all doing the Struggle
while your sister practiced the Daphne all alone in her room.
We borrowed the jargon of farriers for our slang.
These days language seems transparent a badly broken code.

The 1790's will never come again. Childhood was big.
People would take walks to the very tops of hills
and write down what they saw in their journals without speaking.
Our collars were high and our hats were extremely soft.
We would surprise each other with alphabets made of twigs.
It was a wonderful time to be alive, or even dead.

I am very fond of the period between 1815 and 1821.
Europe trembled while we sat still for our portraits.
And I would love to return to 1901 if only for a moment,
time enough to wind up a music box and do a few dance steps,
or shoot me back to 1922 or 1941, or at least let me
recapture the serenity of last month when we picked
berries and glided through afternoons in a canoe.

Even this morning would be an improvement over the present.
I was in the garden then, surrounded by the hum of bees
and the Latin names of flowers, watching the early light
flash off the slanted windows of the greenhouse
and silver the limbs on the rows of dark hemlocks.

As usual, I was thinking about the moments of the past,
letting my memory rush over them like water
rushing over the stones on the bottom of a stream.
I was even thinking a little about the future, that place
where people are doing a dance we cannot imagine,
a dance whose name we can only guess.

If Wishes Were Chivalry

Here's to wishing guys like this were not so rare. And I guess since this is a vodka commercial, to also wishing that flirting to convert actually worked.

Overseas Booty

QUESTION: Which British treat do I eat WAY too much of whenever I'm across the pond?

ANSWER: chocolate-covered digestives

I really can't explain why I love them so much. I have been known to survive off of a pack per day for a whole week...without eating anything else. And now I have found an on-line source for them here in the United States. As an added bonus, they also sell the best chocolate bar ever... Cadbury's Dairy Milk Cranberry & Granola bar. OK...maybe second best...after Lake Champlain's 5-Star Bars.

Btw, according to Marketplace, Cadbury turned down a bid from Kraft because it's "too cool" for them. And this is based in large part on two ads which have made Cadbury. You can check out the ads, here. The airport truck drag race is amusing but it's no Apple advert.

The Shot Heard Round The World

I think I unwittingly started an epidemic. Forget hearts, Acquire, Settlers, Killer Bunnies, Ticket to Ride or even bridge. (At least for a little while). In case you haven't heard, the game of choice is now Bang.