Blog bytes

It's been over a week since I've posted anything to this blog (or any blog for that matter), but it's not because I don't care. One witty and moving Valentine's Day entry (and the first version of this one) got mysteriously deleted before I could post it and the rest of my good blogs from last week never made it past good intentions. Plus, my life is kind of monotonous and trivial so it's hard to come up with good material on a daily basis. Nevertheless, I thought I'd let you in on some of the things I considered writing about for my adoring fans. (Yes, that means you, Mom.)


The weather -- I think the weather in this town should see a psychiatrist because I'm pretty sure it's bipolar. No offense to those suffering from mental illness, but the sky is exhibiting classic symptoms of that dichotomous disorder. On Tuesday, for example, the weather was unseasonably warm (55), sunny and the air smelled like spring. It was intoxicating! I lucked out and had the day off because I've accrued some extra hours so I got to spend some time outdoors and truly enjoyed myself (while stopping by Target, Trader Joe's, Costco and Dominick's). The next day, however, it was overcast, gloomy and cold. Then yesterday, it rained (not snowed) buckets all day, turning the streets and my hair into watercolored versions of themselves. Today? It's brilliantly sunny outside, but frigidly cold (-5) and tomorrow is supposed to be worse (-25). The only good thing is I know that in a day or two, it will feel like summer. My sandals are standing by.

So why didn't I write about the weather? It's just weather. As a child I assumed that adults talked about weather for lack of anything better to say or because it was a nonthreatening subject matter. Now, I realize that adults are naturally wired to be obsessed with jet streams and record temperatures and bench marks. Maybe it's because it takes about 25 years to understand a meteorologist (or to realize you can't believe a word they say).

My new favorite brand -- I hesitate to even mention my new obsession because I fear there will be a rush on this brand, creating price gouging and back orders. But ... I can't resist. The brand is Kenzie and their products are genius. I'm particularly obsessed with a tan shoe called the Jordan Flat (available at Nordstrom's -- on SALE!!). It has all my favorite elements -- collaged fabric, mismatched colors and bold stitching. But I can't seem to justify the price ($68). I have discovered, however, that Kenzie's clothing line is sold at Marshall's at a deep discount. I'm currently sporting a chocolate see-through cardigan with pearl detailing and distressed fabric flowers that I bought for $12.99. It feels good to fall in love again.

So why didn't I write about it? I didn't want to seem like I'm fishing for an early birthday present, which I basically am. I mean, is that so wrong?


Good times, good tunes -- I've been in a downloading frenzy since receiving an iTunes gift card for Christmas. Here are some of the songs I picked up recently:

CocoRosie - La Maison de Mon Rêve
"By Your Side"
"Terrible Angels"

Michael Stipe [Featuring Chris Martin] - In the Sun (Gulf Coast Relief)
"In the Sun"

Ornella Vanoni - Ocean's 12 soundtrack
"L'appuntamento"

Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake It's Morning
"First Day of My Life"

Sia - Colour the Small One
"Breathe Me"
"Broken Biscuit"
"Natale's Song"

Pixies - Surfer Rosa
"Where is my Mind?"

Kate Earl - Fate Is the Hunter
"Someone to Love"

Pete Yorn - Musicforthemorningafter
"Strange Condition"
"Life on a Chain"

Tegan and Sara - So Jealous
"Where Does the Good Go?"
"Walking with a Ghost"
"I Know I Know I Know"

Carla Bruni - Quelqu'un m'a dit
"Quelqu'un m'a dit "

So why didn't I write about what's playing in my iPod right now? I didn't want to be a music snob. These are just suggestions, people. If you prefer to listen to Kelly Clarkson, well, that's your perogative.



* "The Office" -- If you're not watching this show Thursday nights on NBC, you are a fool. Thems fighting words, I know, but this show is worth fighting for. It's even managed to (somewhat) fill the void left by the recent, devastating demise of "Arrested Development" (may it rest in peace and return on cable soon). This show has slowly warmed up to its current comedic pace so those of you who only caught its first episodes should give it a second try. Now, it's the best ensemble comedy on TV (AD not included, of course) and its continues to get better. It's managed to create characters that you love to hate, hate to love and can't get enough of. This is what TiVo is made for. (And for Office fans, check out its NBC Web site for Dwight's and Jenna Fischer's blogs.)

So why didn't I write about Michael Scott and company? I was too busy watching the first season on DVD. Plus, I know there are "Office" purists out there who have to go on and on about the original BBC version of this show and how it's far superior and funnier ... to which I say, "What are you -- a communist?"