Postsecret

One last postsecret for 2006 - check it out!

I dedicate this post to my wonderful, supportive, loving friends. I am a truly blessed to be surrounded by so much love and people that care about me. Please know I feel the same about you!

Happy New Year to all!!!!! I hope you celebrate the coming of 2007 with people you love and with those who love you back.

Quote

"Even on the highest throne in the world, we are still sitting on our ass."
- Michel de Montaigne

Everyday/Celebrity

Noah K's Flickr Set - everday/celebrity

Noah Kalina was able to have his photo taken with several celebrities at the Big in '06 VH1 Awards Show. Background on the project: "The only celebs that were actually familiar with the phenomenon that is Noah K were Weird Al Yankovic and Paris Hilton. How perfect is that?"

(via Digg)

(see below for more on Noah K)



I found this article which interviews Noah about this project. Gives more details on how the project happened and how he was able to take the pictures.

This is the same guy who took a picture of himself every single day for the past 6 years....Noah K Everyday.

And here is the video that brought Noah his fame:

Quote

"If there's one thing I know it's God does love a good joke."
- Hugh Elliott

Looking Back on 2006....Looking Ahead to 2007

As I looked back on my New Years Resolution from 2006, I see that I achieved some goals and failed at others. It seems I wanted this year to focus on work and becoming better at my job. I feel like although I am not 100% satisfied I have improved dramatically. (Hey, I did get a bigger office, so that has to say something, even if it was pure luck.) So I should be proud. Oh, and I try to wear make-up on more occasions - so yay for that!

As for working out, well just put that on the list for 2007 because that ended a long time ago.

Over 2006, we saw the end of Nick and Jessica, Arrested Development, Britney and Kevin, Reese and Ryan, Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock and the WB and UPN Networks. And to fill the void in our hearts that was left after Arrested Development was off the air - we watched Lost, the Office, 30 Rock, Grey's Anatomy, Big Love, Heroes and Current TV.

Little Miss Sunshine came to the theaters and gave us all a new hope for the movie industry.

We also saw the birth of many little babies - Suri, Shiloh, Small Fry and Moses. And questioned the sanity of all of their parents.

Elad and I vacationed in Disney and Alaska!!! Both amazing fun filled adventures (which we can relive over and over thanks to Elad's multi-part recap of the Alaska trip)! We also got to celebrate our two year anniversary at Barton G - I still dream about that make your own cupcake dessert - and have cereal for my Birthday dinner!!! Oh, and I can't forget RIBFEST and Art Basel! We also moved to a new apartment and I started my love/hate relationship with Miami Midtown Target (by the way, right now I LOVE IT).

We were lucky enough to see TWO seasons of Project Runway and see the hits on this blog skyrocket thanks to it!! (Thanks BPR!!!) Do you remember when I faked all you out with the Secret Episode?

There was also a beautiful winter Olympics in Turin (Torino), Italy, which had Elad glued to the TV for days on end. There was also something called the World Cup....but I don't think I was ever able to wrap my head around it.

We tried Quotes of the Day, Blog of the Day, Wiki of the Day...Postsecret of the Week - and well, you guys know that some of that didn't stick around too long.

Pinc, Elad and I turned into dirty hippies on two occasions - thanks to Langerado and Lollapalooza. Oh that kicked so much ass!!!! Can we see Clap your Hands Say Yeah and Broken Social Scene again?!?!?!?!

Oh, and Pinc and I tried one more music festival that I am still not sure if it was a good idea to go to.....Ultra. I'll blame that one on Miami being annoying.

We heard Elad whine about how crappy the music scene in Miami is and then we suddenly were overwhelmed with concerts.

We saw Kyle MacDonald turn his one red paper clip into a house!!! I am still amazed at the power of trading up.

Lori introduced us to The Secret and made us see life in a new positive light!

So much more happened over this past year - it is almost impossible to list it all here. It will be amazing to see what we have in store for 2007.

And so, here I go and attempt to set some goals for the coming year. (Dare I say, my New Year's Resolutions?)

1. Gym. Work out. Stop being lazy. Yea, you know the deal.

2. Be more patient. I can't fly off the handle each time something goes off plan. If I get charged $1 to park somewhere then I will pay the dollar and not curse the guy out. If I have to wait in annoying lines, at a bridge, in traffic - I just need to keep my cool. If anything, let this one apply to my job and dealing with attorney's who piss me off. If I can keep my cool with them, then I have achieved this goal.

3. Start saving money. I work and work and work and guess who has zero in her savings account? Yea, it sucks. But I am working on one of those online savings accounts which can hopefully turn all this around!

4. Start wishing for things. I am happy with the life I am living but I don't really daydream and wish for more. Thinking bigger will make more things happen.

5. Get my dog's tooth pulled. It smells nasty and I am worried how getting his tooth pulled will affect him(because of his age - he is 14) - but really, it needs to go. He had teeth pulled before and he was perfect and happy afterwards. The same will happen, I just need to get it done.

6. Plan mini-trips. Last year we took mini trips to Disney and Lollapalooza (Chicago). I also got to visit my friend Diana in Los Angeles. The trips were short yet very satisfying. I need to do more of those.

7. Stay focused on work, increase my billing and keep on improving. Guess that means less blogging? Hmmm...I'll have to put more thought into that one.

8. Continue showing love to my friends and family and reminding them how important they are to me. Especially to Elad. I would be a mess without his support and even though I am hard on him he really is Superman.

So, to all the readers - I want to thank you for reading this blog over the past year. I hope you have enjoyed what all the contributors had to say. And I hope you continue to read and maybe share us with your friends?

Either way, we appreciate you and hope you have a wonderful New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quote

"Where lipstick is concerned, the important thing is not color, but to accept God's final word on where your lips end."
- Jerry Seinfeld

Wow I Can't Believe it is Monday Tuesday

What a fantastic weekend!!! I desperately needed an extra day off after pulling long hours these past few weeks at work. I spent the weekend eating yummy food, watching funny movies and moving around as little as possible. Thank you Baby Jesus!!!

And as I walked into my office this morning it felt unreal that I was already back at my desk, staring out at the grey sky. It felt like Friday was just here. At least we have another day off next week!!!!!

Quote

"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."
- George Bernard Shaw

Postsecret

Merry Christmas, from Postsecret.

Quote

"Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy."
- H. L. Mencken

2007 Albums I'm Looking Forward To

2007 version:

Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City. new full-length for this busy band. lots of bonus material since we all first partyed to Silent Alarm, so i expect this one to be viewed pretty critically in the world at large. first single is good but not great. definitely no "banquet." i'm hopeful it'll surpass expections.

Earlimart - new one. (not sure what it's called) Love love love this little band out of Southern Cali. saw them a whole bunch in san fran. Three songs from the new album linked via Pitchfork. all reeking of greatness. "Everybody Knows Everybody," "Don't Think About Me," "Nevermind the Phonecalls." this one's gonna be the breakthrough.


Broken Social Scene - Live in Ft. Lauderdale. (I wish!!)


Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - Some Loud Thunder. sounds fucking awesome! totally weird, totally cooky. produced by Dave Fridmann of Flaming Lips and Mogwai fame, you knew it had to kill. so far, with three tracks leaked (the best on myspace), it sounds as weird as you'd expect. i recently called Arcade Fire "music from mars," this is music from Jupiter. can't wait for the full release.

Air - Pocket Symphony. Always a time of celebration when a new Air record comes out. Will they continue to be beyond-words-awesome? I'm sure they will.

The Postal Service - ? (it could happen. there's been murmurings.)



The Clientele - God Save the Clientele such a weird, moody band. seems like they're going to be in a good mood for this one. can't wait to hear the results.

Mess for Sucess

I agree.

It’s a movement that confirms what you have known, deep down, all along: really neat people are not avatars of the good life; they are humorless and inflexible prigs, and have way too much time on their hands.

Quote

"The greatest mistake you can make in life is to be continually fearing you will make one."
- Elbert Hubbard

Someone Please Tell Me

What is up with every freaking financial website asking me the name of my first pet, where I had my first kiss, where I eat dinner on Thursdays, what my favorite cheese is and how many times I go to the bathroom in the middle of the night?

I am seriously sick of stupid security questions!!!!!

All That Talk About Iraq...

And Bush quietly announces:

Maybe we aren't winning in Iraq?

The outcome? More troops. More time. More Money. More Problems.

An Idea All of Hollywood Would Be Behind

Why not put cocaine in salad?

President Alan Garcia, of Peru suggested an unorthodox use for the coca leaf, the raw material for cocaine: Why not toss it in a salad?

Quote

"For four-fifths of our history, our planet was populated by pond scum."
- J. W. Schopf

How To Get Back To The Gym

Here is some advice I really need to take into consideration:

No More Exercise Excuses (from a Socialite's Life)

We all have excuses why we didn't make it to the gym or our water aerobics classes. We have a million things to do, we're tired or we just want to go home and sit to catch Oprah. Working out is just as much a mental game as it is physical. The trick is to learn how to counter the excuses that keep you from exercising. Michael Sachs, Ph.D., a professor of exercise and sport psychology at Temple University says, "By adjusting your thinking, you can overcome any hurdle." Taking control of your workouts you can not only help you attain the body you want, but will also make you feel more in control of your life.

Excuse Number One - I'm too tired! Unless you are sleep-deprived or you have jet lag this is no excuse. Believe it or not, working out actually gives you more energy. How to Beat it - Try taking a brisk 10-minute walk, or drinking a cup of coffee before your workout. The caffeine will give you a jolt and by going on a walk it can give you up to two hours of
increased energy.

Excuse Number Two - I'm too busy! Many people don't exercise because they feel weighed down with work, but a good workout will make you more productive on the job. You will have less stress, a clearer head and a better perspective. Now, who doesn't want less stress? How to Beat it - Figure out how to incorporate physical activity into your workday. Try exercising at lunchtime, when many of us can steal away without missing too many calls or meetings.

Excuse Number Three - I'm too stressed! Exercising can actually reduce the tension in your life. Studies show that when faced with stressful situations, people who exercise regularly are less likely to experience chest or joint pain, anxiety or depression. How to beat it - By diverting your attention away from your worries, exercise is the most effective at lowering tension levels. The calming effects of working out can actually last up to five hours. So, if you work out in the evening you will have a better night's sleep, free of worry and stress!

Excuse Number Four - I'm not in the mood! Bad mood? The cure might just be a good healthy workout! A rigorous cardio workout can improve your mood almost instantly. How to beat it - Researchers at the University of Georgia in Athens have found that women who have experienced high levels of anxiety, found relief in those levels after riding a stationary bike for 40 minutes. Many researchers attribute the exercise-induced mood-lift to numerous biochemical changes in the body, including a rush of endorphins to areas of the brain that control emotion and behavior (a phenomenon called runner's high).

Quote

"We do not know what we want and yet we are responsible for what we are - that is the fact."
- Jean-Paul Sartre

Quote

"For today and its blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude."
- Clarence E. Hodges

Congratulations to my sister Jennifer and my soon to be brother-in-law Sharon on their engagement over this past weekend!! I am so happy for these two and wish them all the love in the world!

PostSecret Pick of the Week

Postsecret.

The Office - Season 3, Episode 10 - A Benihana Christmas

Last night's episode was a full hour packed with laughs and drunken Christmas fun!!

The episode started with Dwight coming into work with a Goose that he ran over. He tells everyone it's a "Christmas Miracle" and most people are grossed out. Toby tries many times to tell Dwight he has to get the dead goose out of the office, but after much pleaing Toby agrees to let Dwight prepare the goose for an office lunch.

Dwight: He was already dead, and we Schrutes use every part of the goose. The meat has a delicious smoky rich flavor. Plus, you can use the molten goose grease and save it in the refrigerator, thus saving you a trip to the store for a can of expensive goose grease.
Jim: Wow. Win-win.
Dwight: Exactly, thank you, Jim.
Phyllis: I like goose. If it'’s already dead, is it so crazy if we eat it?
Creed: That'’s crazy. It'’s crazy.

Then Michael comes into work and donates his used bike to the Christmas toy drive. He goes into his office and Carol (his girlfriend) storms in and wants to talk to him. Michael photoshopped his head on the head of Carol's ex-husband in a photo of Carol and her family on a ski trip a few years ago. He used that photo as a Christmas card. Carol is pissed and breaks up with him.

Jim: It'’s a bold move to Photoshop yourself into a picture with your girlfriend and her kids on a ski trip with their real father. But then again, Michael'’s a bold guy. Is bold the right word?

We end up with a very upset Michael. Meanwhile, Pam tells Jim for some time she has been sending Dwight secret letters from the CIA tell Dwight he can apply for a position. In one form he was asked to disclose secrets he would never tell anyone else. Pam offers Jim as his Christmas present the opportunity to give Dwight his secret mission. Jim turns down the offer because he is changing his ways.

Jim (reading Dwight'’s file): “"Last year, my boss, Michael Scott, took a day off, '‘cuz he said he had pneumonia, but really, he was leaving early to go to magic camp."”

That was kind of a sad moment because suddenly Jim doesn't want to take part in the Jim/Pam pranks anymore. What has Karen done to him?

Jim: I feel like there'’s a chance for me to start over. And if I fall back into the same kind of things I used to do, then… what am I doing?

Because it is Christmas the office has been planning a Christmas party - with Angela at the head of the planning committee. During the meeting to plan the party Karen offers some ideas that they used to do at Scranton (Karaoke, a raffle). Angela very rudely turns down all of Karen's ideas and kicks her out of the meeting. None of the other girls stick up for Karen (probably because they are scared of Angela?)

Angela: Phyllis, I need you to pick up green streamers at lunch.
Phyllis: I thought you said green was whorish.
Angela: No, orange is whorish.
Karen: Uh, so I had a couple of ideas to make the Stamford people feel more at home. Each year we have a Christmas raffle…
Angela: It would never work here.
Karen: Ok… um, another idea was karaoke…
Angela: No.
Karen: A Christmas drinking game…
Meredith: Yes.
Angela: God help you.
Karen: What?
Angela: These are all terrible ideas and none of them are on the theme of "“A Nutcracker Christmas."” I think you should leave.
Karen (laughing tentatively): You'’re kidding.
Angela: You tried this out, and it'’s clearly not for you. It'’s time to go.

Michael is drowning his sadness in an online sample of James Blunt's song "Goodbye My Lover" - and he gets to hear about a 30 second part of the song that he plays over and over again. Dwight tries to get Michael to forget about Carol by taking everything out of his office that has anything to do with her.
Pam has realized that she has been very cold to Karen and she is not really sure why. In an attempt to be friendly she talks to Karen and tells her that she likes the party ideas she suggested. They decide to make their own party planning committee and are going to throw a Margarita/Karaoke party. The party is announced and Angela is very upset.

Andy goes to talk to Michael knowing that Michael needs to be cheered up. "I can'’t concentrate when I know you'’re in pain, man." Andy suggests a trip to Benihana's because it is like hooters (hmm I am not sure where that joke went). They invite Ryan but he names every excuse in the book not to go.

Jim: Wow, thanks for taking all the excuses, dude.
Ryan: Doctor appointment, car trouble, plantar warts, granddad fought in World War II. Use your head, man. I keep mine in here (points to blackberry type device). Look alive, Halpert. Welcome back.

The "bros" head over to Benihanas (Michael, Andy, Jim and Dwight) and Michael gets very drunk and Andy convinces him to go out with their waitress Cindy (is that her name?). Michael and Andy both pick up a waitress and bring them back to the Office's christmas party.

Meanwhile at the office, the two parties are underway and there is a lot of tension because most people have chosen Pam and Karen's party. Angela tries to intimidate people into coming to her party but the margaritas and song singing have won almost everyone over.

After the boys return from Benihana's with their dates Dwight finds out that he won the office raffle (he won walkie talkies) and Pam suddenly feels really bad for Angela. She offers to combine the 2 parties and Angela quietly agrees.

The two parties come together and we are lucky enough to see everyone singing karaoke. Dwight sings karaoke to "Lady" by Styx, Kevin sings along with the synthesizer (before the parties merged) to "You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette, Angela sings karaoke to "Little Drummer Boy" and Kelly sings (to Ryan) "We Belong"by Pat Benatar.

Michael can't tell which one of the two Asian girls they picked up at Benihana's is his new "girlfriend" so when he finally gets a hint as to who she is he marks her with a line on her arm to tell the difference. The two girls finally get bored of the party and take off (with Michael's bike that he gave to Cindy - or not Cindy - I am not sure?? It didn't look like Cindy from Benihanas). Michael again is depressed thinking he could have actually had a relationship with Cindy (or whoever it was he brought back to the office). Jim talks some sense into him and starts talking about how that girl was only a rebound. Then Jim starts talking about how you love one girl and when it comes down to it you are always gonna want that girl and not the rebound (is he saying Karen is only a rebound???)

The show ends with Oscar coming back into the office, seeing the office party and karaoke and turning around and leaving without anyone seeing him. He says it is "too soon."

Quotes from The Office Tally and pictures from Sparklies Gallery, Life in the Office, and wikipedia.

Quote

"Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don't do that by sitting around wondering about yourself."
- Katharine Hepburn

Now That Is REALLY Drunk!!!!

Do We Really Need To Spell It Out For Her?

Britney, darling, there are many types of undergarments out there to cover up body parts that are considered "private" - I know this past month you went through a hard time and finally discovered underwear. Now there is just one more item you need to look into - it is called a bra. I know you had some leather jewel encrusted ones when you were a hot pop star - so please invest in some new bras and cover up!

Quote

"Americans will put up with anything provided it doesn't block traffic."
- Dan Rather

Interesting Holiday Gifts

Looking to buy something different this holiday season for your loved ones? Tired of the same old MP3 players, clothes or kitchen stuff options? I have found some interesting holiday gifts that will be sure to please and provoke...

Of course you know I already love the Bacon of the Month Club....but did you know there are also Beer, Necktie, Lobster, Hot Sauce and even Pickle of the month clubs? Yes they are all out there - just google "___ of the month club" and you will never guess what you will find.

How about that Star Wars loving Hipster friend - what do you get them (besides a light saber)??

How about Che-Bacca? Yes Chewbacca and Che Guevara, the Argentinean Revolutionary, have come together to make you look like a hairy yet hilarious hipster!

Do you have a friend that is constantly being ticketed because of those pesky open container laws?

Check out these beer can wraps - transform any beer can into a fake soda bottle. Just remind your friend that the label won't mask the fact that he fell over drunk on the curb.

Did you run out on the day after Thanksgiving to buy your little cousin or brother a Tickle-Me-Elmo doll and came out empty handed?

Lucky for you there are plenty of Tickle-Me-Freud dolls out there to get the kid to where he really needs to be - in front of a therapist! Squeeze his foot to watch him shake and laugh - and remind you how everything is your mother's fault!

What do you get for the computer nerd with the slightly sick sense of humor?



How about the humping dog usb memory stick? Sure to be a hit around the office cooler - just be careful that your friend doesn't get any weird ideas.

Bacon of the Month Club

I might have just found the most perfect gift for Pinc in the world.

Bacon of the Month Club. Need I say more?

You get:
• A different artisan bacon delivered to your door each month for 12 months
• Informative notes on all bacon selections
• Discounts on The Grateful Palate bacon products and bacons
• Bacon of the Month Club Membership Card


• The bacon strip–Our members only monthly bacon comic strip
• The Bacon of the Month Club Pig Ballpoint Pen
• A little Rubber Toy Pig
• One free Bacon Tee-Shirt
• A recipe each month using the bacon selected
• Discounts on suggested wines and products in recipes
• And­–new for 2007–a pig nose!

It is $140 plus shipping (which makes it more than $200) - it is a little out of my price range...maybe next year Pinc!