Soon I'll be spending a couple of days at the beach. (Jealous?) A trip to the beach is always precipitated by a trip to the bookstore to stock up on beach reads.
I have very strict rules about what makes a book a good beach read. Here they are:
1. The book can't be sad. Tears, sunscreen and sand do not mix. Who wants to be crying into her frozen cocktail when a hot, shirtless guy struts by?
2. The book must be fiction. The beach is not a place to read biographies because people die and death is sad. (See rule number one).
3. The book could never be considered suitable for a school reading list. There are too many junior high memories that will haunt me if I pop open "The Great Gatsby."I'm no longer the girl with the frizzy permed hair and untrendy clothes. On the beach I'm the glamorous sunbather with the modern bikini and cute cover-up.
4. The book must be humorous. Laughter is fun. The beach is fun. Enough said.
5. The book must be engaging enough to hold my interest but not so fascinating that I can't put it down and head to the beach-side bar for another round of margaritas.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Go green, it's fashionable
I've been trying to leave a smaller carbon footprint by taking my own canvas sacks to the grocery store. That way I don't use any of those disposable plastic bags that are ending up in landfills and ruining our beautiful planet.
My plan is to keep the canvas totes in my car and then take them into the store when I arrive. The reality is I get into the grocery story, fill my basket with goods and then realize I've left the totes in my car. After muttering to myself about my unfortunate forgetfulness, I run out and grab the bags. Only a couple of times have I been in too big a hurry (translation: too lazy) to dash back to the car.
Anyway, I know it's the right thing to do and I am happy to comply, most of the time. But I'm not ready for plastic sacks to be banned from grocery stores. I can't imagine how unpleasant this would be for the poor check-out folks. And, selfishly speaking, how much longer I might have to wait in line while grouchy customers argue with minimum-wage earning clerks about how liberal tree-huggers are infringing on freedom.
My friend Michelle gave a link on a recent tweet about a town in Washington banning plastic bags.
In case this is something that your community is considering, I offer you this awesome tote from Crate & Barrel. Maybe being more environmentally thoughtful will also help us become more fashionable. That's really a cause I can support!
My plan is to keep the canvas totes in my car and then take them into the store when I arrive. The reality is I get into the grocery story, fill my basket with goods and then realize I've left the totes in my car. After muttering to myself about my unfortunate forgetfulness, I run out and grab the bags. Only a couple of times have I been in too big a hurry (translation: too lazy) to dash back to the car.
Anyway, I know it's the right thing to do and I am happy to comply, most of the time. But I'm not ready for plastic sacks to be banned from grocery stores. I can't imagine how unpleasant this would be for the poor check-out folks. And, selfishly speaking, how much longer I might have to wait in line while grouchy customers argue with minimum-wage earning clerks about how liberal tree-huggers are infringing on freedom.
My friend Michelle gave a link on a recent tweet about a town in Washington banning plastic bags.
In case this is something that your community is considering, I offer you this awesome tote from Crate & Barrel. Maybe being more environmentally thoughtful will also help us become more fashionable. That's really a cause I can support!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Dating in the Dark
Ever wonder how much appearance factors into a relationship? Stop pondering. ABC's "Dating in the Dark" seeks to answer this question.
Three men and three women meet in a completely dark room to "make a connection." They talk and touch, but they can't see. After an initial meeting each women chooses which of the three guys she wants to date. Luckily, in the first two episodes each gal had been paired off with a different guy. Hello producers' influence.
After a couple of one-on-one dates, the lights come on. Next, each person must decide whether to continue the "relationship." Those who decide to go for love, stand on a balcony. If someone decides to run from love, he or she leaves while the dumped date stands on the balcony and watches. In episode one, a girl ran for the door after the light revealed her date was slightly overweight. In episode two, a guy bailed on a girl because she was "too into her religion." Um, he didn't notice that in the dark?
Anyway, people are shallow. That's no surprise. To me, what's shocking is that anyone would rather be known as an a-hole than a person who dates someone who's not perfect. Why not just suck it up and walk out on the balcony? It's not like there's a priest and marriage license waiting. Haven't these people ever been on a blind date before?
If you're in the dark about this show, I suggest you stay there.
Three men and three women meet in a completely dark room to "make a connection." They talk and touch, but they can't see. After an initial meeting each women chooses which of the three guys she wants to date. Luckily, in the first two episodes each gal had been paired off with a different guy. Hello producers' influence.
After a couple of one-on-one dates, the lights come on. Next, each person must decide whether to continue the "relationship." Those who decide to go for love, stand on a balcony. If someone decides to run from love, he or she leaves while the dumped date stands on the balcony and watches. In episode one, a girl ran for the door after the light revealed her date was slightly overweight. In episode two, a guy bailed on a girl because she was "too into her religion." Um, he didn't notice that in the dark?
Anyway, people are shallow. That's no surprise. To me, what's shocking is that anyone would rather be known as an a-hole than a person who dates someone who's not perfect. Why not just suck it up and walk out on the balcony? It's not like there's a priest and marriage license waiting. Haven't these people ever been on a blind date before?
If you're in the dark about this show, I suggest you stay there.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Squabbling about Emmy nominations
Emmy Award nominations were announced today. I'm happy that Tina Fey's sitcom, "30 Rock," got 22 nominations. Her show is hilarious. I think I can safely call it "her" show since she stars in it and writes most of it herself.
I can't believe I've never seen "Mad Men," which had 16 bids. I keep meaning to watch it, but then I get sucked into another bad rerun of "Jon & Kate Plus 8." By the way, the Gosselin's show was ignored in the reality category. That's probably a good thing since the show seems more unrealistic than most scripted comedies.
I'm sad that "Boston Legal" was left out. Why does no one but me seem to appreciate that show? I'm not surprise that "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy" missed out on best drama nods, those shows peaked year's ago and I haven't seen them since. Some TV critics are also alarmed that "ER" didn't get a best drama bid. I can't say I care. I loved that show once, but last year (its final) I just wondered "why is this still on TV?" I guess a lot of folks were wondering the same thing.
I'm most excited that HBO's "Big Love" was nominated for best drama and Jeff is likely most excited that HBO's "Entourage" was nominated for best comedy. The shows' plots have nothing in common, but both shows are well written and have compelling characters.
For more information on the Emmy noms click here
I can't believe I've never seen "Mad Men," which had 16 bids. I keep meaning to watch it, but then I get sucked into another bad rerun of "Jon & Kate Plus 8." By the way, the Gosselin's show was ignored in the reality category. That's probably a good thing since the show seems more unrealistic than most scripted comedies.
I'm sad that "Boston Legal" was left out. Why does no one but me seem to appreciate that show? I'm not surprise that "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy" missed out on best drama nods, those shows peaked year's ago and I haven't seen them since. Some TV critics are also alarmed that "ER" didn't get a best drama bid. I can't say I care. I loved that show once, but last year (its final) I just wondered "why is this still on TV?" I guess a lot of folks were wondering the same thing.
I'm most excited that HBO's "Big Love" was nominated for best drama and Jeff is likely most excited that HBO's "Entourage" was nominated for best comedy. The shows' plots have nothing in common, but both shows are well written and have compelling characters.
For more information on the Emmy noms click here
Monday, July 13, 2009
Staying comfortable is work
A bead of sweat rolls down your chin. Your shirt sticks to your back. Your mouth is dry. Your breathing is heavy and labored and you've only walked from your car to the door of your office. You step inside and you're immediately greeted by a welcome blast of cold air. You breathe a sigh of relief as you collapse into your office chair.
Thirty seconds later you're freezing. You reach behind your chair and grab your trusty summer accessory: The office sweater.
Why when it's 1000 degrees outside does the office thermostat seem stuck at 62 degrees? Why do men seem comfortable while women are bundling up in winter cardigans? Is it the fault of the fashion world? Men are encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts, suit jackets, socks and hearty leather shoes while women's attire consists of sleeveless tops, skirts and open-toe shoes. Yes, let's blame fashion.
Women are forced to hide their cute summer shirts under bulky sweaters. Sweaters that rarely match the clothes they're covering. Sweaters that don't enjoy a cozy spot in the master closet. Sweaters that aren't lovingly folded in dresser drawers. No, these are sweaters that are haphazardly tossed over the arms of office chairs.
The humble office sweater. Usually an item purchased with enthusiasm. Perhaps as part of a sweater set. Maybe as the perfect thing to wear on a chilly fall evening. Then the sweater fails the owner somehow. Perhaps the other part of the set goes missing. Maybe the sweater's sleeves shrink in the dryer. Whatever the reason, the once-proud owner takes this cast-off to work.
The sweater is mistreated. It is quickly and harshly pulled on and off. It falls on the floor regularly. It's stepped on and sat on. Sleeves are used to wipe noses and dust desks.
The misunderstood office sweater. Misshapen. Faded. Sad. Warm. Comfortable. Purposeful.
Thirty seconds later you're freezing. You reach behind your chair and grab your trusty summer accessory: The office sweater.
Why when it's 1000 degrees outside does the office thermostat seem stuck at 62 degrees? Why do men seem comfortable while women are bundling up in winter cardigans? Is it the fault of the fashion world? Men are encouraged to wear long-sleeved shirts, suit jackets, socks and hearty leather shoes while women's attire consists of sleeveless tops, skirts and open-toe shoes. Yes, let's blame fashion.
Women are forced to hide their cute summer shirts under bulky sweaters. Sweaters that rarely match the clothes they're covering. Sweaters that don't enjoy a cozy spot in the master closet. Sweaters that aren't lovingly folded in dresser drawers. No, these are sweaters that are haphazardly tossed over the arms of office chairs.
The humble office sweater. Usually an item purchased with enthusiasm. Perhaps as part of a sweater set. Maybe as the perfect thing to wear on a chilly fall evening. Then the sweater fails the owner somehow. Perhaps the other part of the set goes missing. Maybe the sweater's sleeves shrink in the dryer. Whatever the reason, the once-proud owner takes this cast-off to work.
The sweater is mistreated. It is quickly and harshly pulled on and off. It falls on the floor regularly. It's stepped on and sat on. Sleeves are used to wipe noses and dust desks.
The misunderstood office sweater. Misshapen. Faded. Sad. Warm. Comfortable. Purposeful.
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