countdown to 2012: continues

These are some reminders of how to live in the new year:

"Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. 

Know how to give without hesitation, 

how to lose without regret, 

how to acquire without meanness."

-George Sand

Why Adele, why?

I'll admit, I spent a lot of time this summer listening to Adele's song: someone like you. It's good. She's good. Millions of people agree with me. I also listened to interviews where she discussed the song. She loved this guy. He broke her heart. This begs the question:
Why Adele, and the millions listening, why (??) do you want to find someone like him? It's all good-  i mean, it's nice and mature to "wish nothing but the best" for him. You might miss him but you want someone who you not only have the "time of your life" with but with whom the love "lasts". And doesn't hurt. You know. Not him. Or don't lie, you want him. But you don't want to find someone like him.

So, I propose these corrections to the song lyrics:
I want to find someone not like you. Different, in fact.

Just a thought, Adele, just a thought.

countdown to the new year begins: now

For last year's words belong to last year's language 

and next year's words await another voice.

And to make an end is to make a beginning.

-T.S. Eliot "Little Gidding"

Always keep your eyes open in NY

I came across this statue in midtown and think it is lovely. It turns out I was in front of the polish consulate and he represents Jan Karaki, a man famous for his involvement in the polish underground during WWII.

a very special evening: with TAL

Confession:
Today, while at work, I was perusing facebook. I mean it was the kind of day where I kept hitting refresh.
Those days happen.
I came across a listing from This American Life...send an email to us and if we write you back, you'll be included in a special event. 

So, I did. 

And somehow, I, who am never chosen for anything, got picked. 

Even better...though none of my friends were chosen, I immediately asked TAL if I could bring my friend BF, who gets as excited as I do about these NPR gatherings, and they said yes. 

Holy shit. 

It was an incredibly special evening.

 That I cannot tell you about because we signed a confidentiality agreement. 

me and BF in a secret location (in Brooklyn).

What I will tell you (having nothing to do with the purpose of the gathering) is that we spoke to and congratulated Ira Glass on his amazing investigation and report of Judge Amanda Williams of Georgia, who just submitted her resignation.  

Check out the story and see how AP credits TAL with bringing the issue to the attention of the government.
Of course when Ira Glass turned around, BF and I giggled a little.
It IS Ira Glass.
We also were hoping that he would pull us into his next conversation.
It didn't happen.

For someone who dreams of working for TAL, specifically on those kinds of stories + who trolls the NPR job listings regularly the investigation and results were inspiring.

shake it out

And given half the chance,

Would I take any of it back...

I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't.
-Florence + The Machine "shake it out"

hiking + exploring: Monserrat: Spain

We went to Monserrat with two of Daniel's friends from his university. When we first got there we wandered around the church and then set off to find our hike. It wasn't so easy. In fact, we gave up and just headed towards the cross on a paved trail because it looked like there was a beautiful view. After we got to the cross we stumbled on a real hike. It wasn't an easy one but it was a lot of fun. It was beautiful and we had lunch (bread, cheese and fruit that we brought with us). The sun started going down as we headed back. It was a perfect day with great company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Montjuic, Barcelona: Spain

It was an ordeal getting me up here. I was scared.