Republicans say the darndest things

"I supported the president in the war before you did," -Huckabee to Romney (Yeah, that's something to brag about.)

"Don’t make the pharmaceutical companies into the big bad guys." -Romney (Ask your doctor today if BeingAnAsshole XR is right for you.)

"If [Americans] want a president who doesn't believe in god there's probably plenty of choices" -Huckabee (All of the candidates, republican and democratic, believe in god you asshole, not that it should matter anyway).

So here I am in NH, two days away from the primary, drowning in blue political signs, and I haven't made up my mind yet. At least I know it won't be a republican.

Later.

A Gut Yohr

I am back from L.A. with beautifully pedicured feet, the box sets of My So-Called Life AND Freaks and Geeks, an electric toothbrush, and the new Junot Diaz novel, "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao". I am in love with this writer. I first read a short story of his in the New Yorker and then read his first novel "Drown", a collection of short stories. It's vulgar and delicious. I highly recommend it.

I am also back with a well-healed fiance. M was rear ended on the 405 Freeway by a woman who was then rear ended herself by a truck before hitting M again, who then hit the car in front of him. His mom's car was totaled, but he escaped with a mild concussion, a neck sprain, and some serious soreness. And no one was killed, so that's good news. I feel somewhat responsible since he was on his way to the airport to pick me up. It's not a good feeling to turn your phone on after a 5 hour flight to have 7 new voice mails. I knew something was up, cause I'm just not that popular.

So once he was feeling better, we got to enjoy the vacation, which mostly consisted of thrift shopping, eating, and seeing Sweeney Todd. I really did love the movie (despite the somewhat gratuitous goriness) perhaps a little more than the average person since I have a special connection to the play. My bro played the gay sailor Anthony in his high school production (OK, he wasn't gay in the movie, but you should see the actor in the 1982 play with Angela Lansbury).

So back to my shopping expedition. Every year I drag M to West Hollywood for their lovely thrift and vintage shops.
This year I got a Petro Zillia skirt for $6. I'm not really into fashion, as you can probably tell, but it was an awesome find. I did some research (I've had some time on my hands) and it turns out it originally sold for about $200. I also got a cute black dress ($18) and some cowboy boots, which sounds silly, but I've ALWAYS wanted a pair. I wanted red ones, but I settled for brown. I'm not sure if I can pull them off, but I've been wearing them everyday anyway, with knee high striped socks and my new green skirt.

So now I'm back and I have to get over this consumerism high that washes over me every Xmas. I think the snow will cure me. And the incessant parade of politicians. And the lack of funds. Happy New Year.

Ess gezunterhait

Happy Hanukkah, Hannukkah, and Chanukah!

I asked M to light the candles last night during dinner and when I didn't say the prayer he started in with "Our Father Who Art in Heaven". There's something funny about two atheists lighting the menorah while eating pork sausage jambalaya. At least we weren't drinking milk though, right?

So I've been thinking a lot about two things lately, food and politics. I guess these aren't so surprising, considering my job and the fact that I live in NH.

I taught a couple of middle school classes this week and couldn't help but notice how an overwhelming number of these children are overweight. I know it's been all over the news in the past few years, but it's really startling to see it up close. So I taught the kids about healthier fast food options, serving sizes, and the food pyramid. The one thing that really got their attention was the bit about French fries. First, I asked them if they know what the #1 favorite vegetable in America is. They say potato. Then I ask them what are Americans favorite way to eat potatoes. They say fried. And then I ask what are they fried in. They usually say butter or oil. Then I open up a tub of Crisco shortening and stick my hand in it and show the class. They always scream "GROSS", and "ARE YOU GOING TO EAT THAT?". In the other hand I hold up a 5 lb. fat model, and then a model of a clogged artery and talk about trans fats, among other topics. At the end of the class, there is always someone who says "I'm never eating French fries again". I don't really believe them, but hopefully I'm helping them make somewhat healthier choices.

And on to politics. I'm going to vote for the (democratic) candidate with the best health care and education plans. That's it.

Happy holidays, happy voting, and Eat in good health.
J

Dear "Oy I Could Kvell" (repost)

Dear "Oy, I Could Kvell":

I ____ you. You have a nice______. You make me _______. You

should _______. Someday I will ______. You + me =________.

If I saw you now I'd __________. I want to ________ you. I

would build a _______ just for you. If I could sing you any song it

would be _________. We could __________ under the stars.

Love,
_______________

(P.S. ______________.)

oy'll be back

in honor of my one faithful reader (Jaime), and in light of the fact that i will finally have some free time, i'm gonna start writing on this here lovely blog again soon. but not now. i'm too tired and my arm is achy from the flu shot i just got and all i want to do is whine, watch bad tv on nbc.com, and drink tea.
oh well, at least it's not shpilkus.

job hunting is giving me shpilkus

I'm on the hunt. I send out resumes everyday. I went on some interviews. I found a perfect position at a hospital 15 minutes away, and so I applied. I just got a letter thanking me for my application, but letting me know the job is no longer open. But then I went to their website and the job is still posted as open. WTF!
Another month working as a coffee shop whore won't kill me, but another 6 will!

no diamonds, no bands, no parent's friends

m and i decided to get married in a couple of years. we were thinking about having a small party with my family and our friends in nyc, and doing the marriage thing in a courthouse, or however that works. we want to pay for everything ourselves. we want it small and casual. we don't want to register. we don't want to invite my parent's friends. everyone is giving me shit about it. what do you think?