Arianna's Adage

I spoke with Arianna Huffington today. Very smart and incredibly dedicated to her work. I wasn't able to pick up everything; I had to listen carefully to hear everything through her Greek accent.
Through my research I came across this quote of hers...


"... it is easier to overcome people’s judgments than to overcome our own self-judgment, the fear we internalize."
-Arianna Huffington

My Journal

My best friend from high school, Laura, gave me a leather-bound journal years ago. She had purchased it for me in Italy.
I've been writing in it for a few years.

Anyway, today I read the quote she wrote on its dedication page. It brought more meaning to me today than it has in the many years I have looked at it. I'm grateful for her and for the wisdom she has taught me over our lifetime of friendship.


"The happiness of your life is in direct proportion to the character of your thoughts."

A fave

"Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart.

He who looks outside, dreams.
He who looks inside, awakens."

-Carl Jung

As Promised

I chatted with one of my sweet girlfriends today. She's been having a wee tad of a rough time in Man Land. I can attest, that many times, I have become lost there. I'm not quite sure if I even have a current map anymore. Someday I hope to have GPS... or know my way around so well that I don't need help. I suppose that will happen when I have a partner to help guide me.

Recently I have found myself bringing up a certain "list" I made a few years ago. It's a list I made with the help of Life and Relationship Coach Val Baldwin, better known to me as my friend "Val the Relationship Gal." We'd met in Portland years back. She actually appeared on my old tv station from time to time giving life and love advice on our magazine show. She also was gracious enough to give some of her input at some church events.

The list she urged me to make includes 10 requirements for the man I want to marry. This is different than a list of "deal breakers." Her philosophy was that if you meet all the requirements, deal breakers tend to fall to the wayside. I wonder if that's true. Maybe the rest of you can weigh in on it. Thus far, I tend to agree with it. Surprisingly, I've made exceptions to all of mine -- even those that I thought were the ultimate deal breakers, like owning a gun (yes, even I can make compromises on such things).
From time to time I'd wondered if I needed to add more. But Val was pretty insistent on thinking and praying very carefully about my list of 10. It gave me some boundaries of what I would tolerate and it also gave me some guidelines on the type of eternal qualities I was looking for in a man. And I believe, to this day, I should make no exceptions.
The list was one I grew to enjoy. At one point I'd seriously considered writing it up on little business cards and give them to my friends so they could keep me in mind when meeting fantastic single men. I wanted to have a team of properly informed peers support me in my search. I suppose if at some point I need the list for searching again, you can always refer back to it here.

Today I promised my sweet friend that I would post my list to give her an idea of how to make her own. Granted, these are elements that are important to me. They are characteristics I expect of myself and characteristics I intend my husband to have the day I marry him. I want him to meet all 10. I don't think that 8 or 9 is sufficient. There are indeed bonus prizes I have wished for over the years (everyone has those). In addition to the requirements, I'd secretly hoped to find a man who was tall, played the guitar, and had blue eyes I could swim in. Those extras are just that, extras. Not requirements.

So as promised, in no particular order...

The List
1. Temple worthy (a man who loves the Lord and lives to do His will)

2. Shared sense of humor (is it possible someone could be as funny as I????)

3. Mutual emotional support

4. Driven

5. Physical compatibility (meaning we both find each other attractive)

6. Family-oriented

7. Effective communication

8. Intellectual equal (is it possible someone could be as GENIUS?) :)

9. Independence

10. Common vision of life

I look forward to these blessings unfold in my life.

Goin Underground

Hey friends! I think I'm gonna make this blog private for a while.
(I know, I know)
That would mean you'd need to log into it. It also means you wouldn't be able to view it from Google Reader (and who doesn't love the Google Reader?)

My other option is to start another blog that only a few of you know about.
Anyway, if you're interested in keeping updated with me regularly through blogs, please send me an email. I'll need it to invite you to a private blog (if that's what I end up deciding to do).

So let me know... which do you think is better? I put up a lil poll to the right. Feel free to vote or feel free to comment with another bloody fantastic idea.

My week thus far...

Just to give you an idea of how things go these days, I thought I'd give you a tiny glimpse into a few things that I did this week -- or at least the moments I took pictures.



So let's see... before Boyfriend's fam went back home, we headed up to The Cloisters. (Sorry Mom, don't be jealous!!!)

It's right by my church in Fort Tryon Park which looks over the Hudson.


This was only my second time to The Cloisters. Of all the beautiful elements there, this was the most amusing to me... a little door from the French. (Boyfriend is 6'3")


I had to work pretty late some nights, so the evenings were spent walking the streets and enjoying the nice weather. Here's Boyfriend on the phone in Columbus Circle. I used this time to take some pics, text, and call my brother. (Congrats on the new Ubuntu Darren! ha!)

Last night we did some celebrating, so we went to the Boat House in Central Park. I had been wanting to go there for a long time. Some reviews said that the food wasn't that great (and my meal lived up to its potential), but I loved watching the sun set above the water and past the city. Truly a lovely evening.

Everyone seemed to be enjoying the park. It was so much fun and the perfect night for it.

On our way home we scored some gelato.
Hazelnut always seems to be the winner for me.
Can't wait to see what the weekend holds!

TV Confessions

I like the fact that I get to have some company throughout my work day, even if it is through the comfortable creation of Philo T. Farnsworth. I'm grateful for shows like, "My Wife and Kids", "Friends", "Seinfeld", "Oprah", and... well... "Days of Our Lives."

It's true.

I started watching the hourglass during the summers in elementary school. When I was really little, I remember Mrs. Peele (our housekeeper and my babysitter) watching The Young and the Restless and The Bold and The Beautiful. Ick. I never got into those. I was way more into cartoons.

As I got older I would head over to my friend Jenny's after school. Her mom was way into General Hospital. When I look back and think of Mrs. Lewis, I always picture her in the kitchen watching tv, making us food, or cleaning the dishes (they opted for no dishwasher). I got into the storyline. I picked up on the weird storylines. But I never got into it.

But "Days of Our Lives", for some reason, always intrigued me. Mostly it was Patch and Kayla. Over the years they both left and have now returned. But my new favorite is Sami, played by Allison Sweeney.

Honestly. I have no idea what it is that makes me like this girl. She's bubbly and cute, but not in that stick-figure, binge-purge cute kinda way. And Allison (like how I act as if we're on a first name basis?) also hosts the Biggest Loser. She's also appeared on Fear Factor and other game shows.

She seems like she's just a good girl having fun doing her job.

As for the show itself, I tend to have it on most days I'm at work. But I have to admit, I get way, way, way grossed out by even heavy kissing scenes. And no thanks for all those scenes of people in skimpy clothes or guys without their shirts on. I know some people think that's hot, but it just grosses me out. I'd rather watch CSPAN than watch them get all naked with their boyfriends... or someone else's.

And actually... I must admit, I actually like CSPAN at times.

I'm also a closet admirer of the infomercial. But not just any infomercial. I'm talking ones that are actually well-produced. Ones that make me wonder, "Does that cleaner really do that to carpets that quickly???"

I bought the Tae-bo tapes based on Billy Blanks' crafty 30 minute sales pitch. And I gladly punched my way to his workouts while begging his videotaped guidance to take it a little easier on me.

I also like teeny-bopper shows. If "Saved By the Bell" were still on, I'm sure I would dial it in. Instead I settle for "That's So Raven" and "The Suite Life of Zack and Codie".

At night, I don't really watch much. The big screen typically awaits my setting it to the dvd status. But last night I was spoiled when one of my most favorite shows, "Medium" came on. Some episodes are actually available online.

I have also really liked "Heroes" -- another show I found through Netflix's "Watch it Now" option.

From the looks of it, you'd think I spend lots and lots of time with the tube. But the reality is, I really don't. Watching tv is part of my job. So I mostly have my television sitting on CNN at work.

That is... unless "Days of Our Lives" is on...

My Week Touring the City

can't see the slideshow? click here!

This has been such a great week! I've had visitors in town and have been able to do some touring (again). Woo hoo! And thankfully the weather has been beautiful! I already have a bit of a sunburn. Ouch!

I love it here. And the rest of my stuff arrives in just two weeks!

Arvis and the Magical Toilet

Scene 1

Times Square

It's a sunny Saturday morning in April. Arvis stands outside a Starbucks holding a tall coffee, nearly finished. He has arrived 15 minutes early. Tamara arrives 15 minutes late. She arrives rushed and breathless, apologizing as she crosses the street toward him. Arvis offers a forgiving smile. He's extremely laid-back and has no problem with his old friend being a bit late. They walk south along Broadway.

Arvis: I really want to see one of those toilets near here.

Tamara: The what?

Arvis: The toilets! I read about them. They're apparently self-cleaning. You pay money to go in them for a certain amount of time and then when you're done you close the door and then it somehow disinfects itself. And supposedly they're here in Times Square.

Tamara: I've never heard about this! Wow! That sounds pretty weird. You come all this way from DC and you want to see the inside of a bathroom? Okay.

Scene 2

Broadway

The two continue walking and reminisce about college days, old friends, and new joys. Arvis talks about his upcoming year-long adventure to Egypt to study Arabic and Islam. They arrive at Herald Square. They sit at a table surrounded by flowers and other locals and visitors.

Arvis shares his excitement for next week's trip to Roanoke for their college reunion and tries to convince Tamara it's worthwhile. She spends too long discussing her many reasons why she doesn't want to go.

Tamara: Are my reasons reasonable or silly?

Arvis: They sound pretty reasonable. But they're silly too. You should go. All your friends will be there.

Tamara: Yeah, but I graduated a year early. Do you really think they'd even remember me?

Arvis: Of course.

Tamara: Plus, I don't drink. How boring would that be?

Arvis: Tamara, you forget that most of our friends are parents now. They're all gonna be going to bed by 10 or 11 anyway.

Tamara: Oh yeah!

Scene 3

Herald Square

Arvis notices something at the north end of Herald Square

Arvis: Hey! Look!

Tamara: What?

Arvis: It's the public toilet I was telling you about!

Scene 4

The toilet

Tamara: Hey! You weren't kidding!

Arvis: Let's check it out before I head back to Jersey.

The two approach the building and notice the button highlighted "occupied." The door opens, sliding to the left with the grace of the doors on Star Trek's USS Enterprise.

Man: Watch out. It's gross in there.

The pair notice the dirty toilet sitting inside. Tamara's face squinches as if she just tasted a brownie accidentally made with salt instead of sugar.

Arvis: It's okay. I lived in Honduras for the Peace Corps, remember? I've dealt with worse.

Arvis deposits his coins into the slot outside and walks in to investigate. The doors close behind him. Tamara takes a close-up shot of the toilet's instructions and takes some time to think about whether she'll ever head down for the annual reunion.

Arvis exits a happy man.

Tamara: Are you pleased?

Arvis: Well, it wasn't that great. Just like any other bathroom.

Tamara: But you got you wanted to seeing the toilet -- and your wish was granted!

Arvis: True.

Tamara: Arvis, I decided that next year I'll go to the reunion. Besides, I had another life there too. I can visit with my old work buddies or church friends at night while everyone from school is partying. And there's plenty more to do down there. I can hike the Appalachians! Or go eat at the Homeplace! And you'll just be getting back from Egypt.

Arvis: Exactly!

The two walk toward the Subway and part ways, grateful for their time with each other and the magical toilet.

Some Fun!

Last night Boyfriend and I hopped onto a Harbor Cruise. It was fun! And as an added bonus, I ran into one of my buddies from work there.

Sidenote: Yes. I happen to be one of those annoying people who tends to run into people I know where ever I go. It has happened in common places and weird places, small cities and large, national and international. Kinda a fun little treat!

The boat went by the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, and we had a great view of all the city highlights. Plus, the weather was PERFECT. It was the first really warm day we've had here since last Fall, so we really lucked out!


Afterward, we walked around Times Square a little before heading home.

I felt like taking a pic of our studios.

Today I got my haircut and then headed to meet two of the sweet girls, Anita and Beth. I worked with both of them back in Portland. (Yeah! Portland!)


Anita was just accepted to my Master's program at Columbia!!! (Yeah! Columbia!) So Anita's out here for orientation. I'm so excited for her. She's gonna do great!
On my way to meet the girls, I ran into the Dean from J-School on the subway (remember what I said about running into people?) and I put in a good word for smartie Anita. (Yeah! Good word!)
Beth is a photographer and just moved here for a pretty sweet gig. She's so cute and funny! I'm so glad to have her close to me!!!

Now I'm at work making news happen for you people. Tomorrow I get to spend some more time with friends. And then more news.

I'm really grateful for my friends, my blessings, and just for the happiness in my heart.
(Yeah! Happiness!)

Random Thoughts

Sorry I haven't posted a lot lately... or in a really long time. I've been pretty M.I.A., mostly due to the fact that I've been spending time: working, working out, at church, with family and friends, and with my boyfriend. I haven't even talked on the phone a bit lately! Ack!

So anyway, here are a bunch of randoms to keep you in the loop...

*These are the flowers I received from Boyfriend last night. Sorry I haven't been giving you all the flower updates. You know I'm a sucker for flowers and well... so does he. So thank you Boyfriend! :)

*I went to Ikea in Jersey the other day. Ummmm.... what? You don't even give store credit without a receipt? Ugh. Anyway, I was so bummed about making the unsuccessful trip out there that I didn't even stop by for the yummy breakfast deal. WOW.

*On my way out, I was comforted by these guys. Check it out... that's five lil babies with mama and papa!

*A few weeks ago I snagged an office. It was empty for a while (abandoned by the guy who opened up a fulltime gig for me). Anyway, it was WAY GROSS. So I spent a few hours cleaning it up and then casually announced that I now had a new spot. So yes. Thank you for small victories.




*I wonder if I'm a tad claustrophobic. We went to this concert with Rachel a few weeks back. And what in the world? I got all hot and lightheaded. Felt panicky, overheated, and nauseated. This has happened to me a few times before. Has it happened to any of you?


* I saw the movie "Enchanted" last night. Oh my! I laughed like a little school girl the whole time! I haven't been that giddy for a movie in YEARS!!! Chalk it up to one of my favorites!




*I hosted the final NCAA game at my place on Monday. The big screen seems to be luring in the crowds quite nicely.


*I put up some cool stuff on the walls. I'm embracing my minimalist lifestyle with just a few cute things to make home feel more like home. Pictures will come later I guess.


*I can't get onto my computer anymore. This bugs. My Windows needs to be reloaded and I can't find my disc. Do you have a disc for Windows XP Home Edition I could borrow? (No, I'm not ready to just "buy a new computer." I'm saving for other things right now, so that will have to wait!)

The Girls Invade the City

Mom was in town this weekend for her birthday. And Aunt Jane made her way out here from Oregon -- her first time ever to the city! My mom's best friend headed up from DC for the big birthday too. They had quite the trip!

We saw the show Curtains, starring David Hyde Pierce, went to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island (one of my faves), Grimaldi's, the Empire State Building, and of course, we had to hit up Chinatown so Jane could get her fantastic fauxs. What a great time with the girls!

p.s. these are some lame pics from my phone. Jane was the photog this go-around. As for me, anything electronic beginning with a "c" is in jeopardy as of late: camera, car, computer.

sad.