Fiery Nuggets

Some Truths

2010-02-01T02:43:00.005Z

I am a 33 year old woman who sleeps with a teddy bear and I have since age 8. I am ok with this. I don't silence my opinions. And I do not begrudge others theirs. But don't expect me to agree with you. And don't see it as a character flaw if I don't.I believe that I am not responsible for the actions of others, only my own. Therefore, I will try not to judge you or change you. But I will walk

If Only You Would SHUT UP!

2009-09-10T02:20:00.005+01:00

Then maybe I could cultivate a productive casual sexual encounter with you.Confused?Well, I guess I should back up a few steps.Remember that not so nice guy who I wrote about a few months back?He seems to have resurfaced and presented a pleasing option to me.You see, I am in the process of extricating from the excrutiating yet tantalizing tentacles of my other FWB situation. Which, as rightly

Love Letter

2009-08-30T19:24:00.004+01:00

It's been a bit maudlin and shoe-gazing around here lately, so I thought I'd put a new spin on things and send a shout out to my peeps.I've been reflecting a lot lately (see above sentence and my last three posts.)The reflection is happening both on and off-blog. It's related to a lot of things -- work, family, friends, life in general, who I am, what I want, and what I want from the people in my

Perspective

2009-08-10T21:05:00.005+01:00

Here I sit, on a Monday, not feeling like my job is going to kill me (a change of pace for sure) and thinking about all that has happened in the past week to give me perspective.I've been going through what is, for me, some pretty painful family turmoil about addressing deep emotional abuse, anger, remorse, fear, and everything (for my family, anyway) that comes about when a person in your family

Fiery H. Nuggets (The "H" is for Ha! You're not really that clever.)

2009-07-16T16:28:00.004+01:00

It's time for my monthly blog post! (Since my writing is fueled by inspiration, and inspiration strikes me rarely, it seems as if I will be posting monthly for a while.)Lately I've been thinking a lot about social media -- twitter, facebook, gchat, blogs, etc."Hello?," you say, "Fiery you are so 5 years ago."I know, I know, this social media conversation has been happening for many years. But I

How Do You Play A Game With No Rules?

2009-06-18T21:33:00.001+01:00

I have made some very veiled allusions to a friendship that I have that includes benefits. (No, rumor mill, it is not someone you know.)This relationship is somewhat longstanding and very comfortable, but it is not one that I would call defined.The lack of definition is intentional. It’s a tacit agreement between the two of us that we are each others’ escape. We both know that it wouldn’t work

A Lesson In Yiddish

2009-06-16T02:55:00.006+01:00

There's a word that encompasses everything I look for in a friend, lover, or other (oooh rhyme -- I'm the Dr. Seuss of blogging.)It's a Yiddish word.You've probably heard it -- Mensch.According to wikipedia and The Joys of Yiddish A mensch is "someone to admire and emulate, someone of noble character. The key to being “a real mensch” is nothing less than character, rectitude, dignity, a sense of

A Quiet Hero

2009-05-31T22:40:00.003+01:00

Ok, so this is going to get a little heavy and political, which is not my normal approach to blogging, but I have to speak out.Today Dr. George Tiller was murdered while on his way in to church to serve as an usher.Dr. Tiller was one of the few providers of late term abortions in the United States. He risked his life (wore a bulletproof vest to work) every day so that women who needed his help

The 10

2009-05-29T12:39:00.004+01:00

I had occasion yesterday to realize that the universe of people who know me is much larger than I thought.When I say know me, I don't mean as an acquaintance. Rather I mean people who think about me and spend enough time with me to be able to predict and categorize my actions. People who can hear a song and think of me.I can think of 10 people, not including family members, that I think fit into

Vacation Epiphanies

2009-05-27T21:22:00.002+01:00

1. Not working is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyy better than working.2. Going to see movies in the middle of the day is the best thing ever.3. The suburbs are a nice place to visit, especially when they are not your suburbs, rather the suburbs of another city.4. Your oldest friends are still your best friends.5. Two year olds are really funny and cute.6. Shopping at Ikea can be efficient and fun, even

What is it about robots . . .

2009-05-21T12:43:00.003+01:00

that makes men who build them want to date me?Yesterday I received the SECOND online dating email from a guy who is interested in artificial intelligence. No, I did not receive two emails from the same guy. I received two emails from different men, both of whom want to make robots that are like people.I'm like the Sarah Connor of online dating.(Ok, I really know nothing about Terminator except

The first step is admitting you have a problem

2009-05-15T17:54:00.002+01:00

I have a problem.It is a problem with alcohol.It's not that I don't LIKE alcohol. Sadly, I like it too much. And it's starting to interfere with my life.Well, maybe not interfere, but at least make my life harder.Case in point: There was a day last month when I had to take the day off from work because I was so hungover that I "couldn't be horizontal." THAT was fun.Were that an isolated incident,

6.5 Month Check Up

2009-05-01T19:40:00.004+01:00

Recently I had occasion to answer the question "What was the happiest time in your life?" and my response was surprising. It's right now.Really.I thought about it for a while and it's true.If you had asked me that 6.5 months ago, I would have most definitely not answered the same way.Most likely, my answer would have been the opposite.It's amazing to me now when I look back to October how much

Online dating is dead.

2009-04-14T19:50:00.003+01:00

Hey Pretty and I are on the same page.Nothing has changed with my online dating experiment. I tried to take things up a notch with a slightly provocative headline, but match.com nixed it.Essentially I've learned that match.com is a cesspool of unoriginal ideas and thoughtless automatons.Case in point, the profile text from the most recent contact:I am very nice man I am Costa Rica I like dance

Single means one, not ALone

2009-04-14T19:39:00.004+01:00

There's been lots of talk lately about the state of singlehood in this city and in general.I have commented on these various opines. And, of course, everyone knows that I am single.And lately I've been thinking about the phenomenon of the "urban family" and what it means to be with the people you choose versus the people you inherit.And it all seems interconnected to me.I am at my happiest when I

Four Cylinders and 400 Pounds of Steel Between My Thighs

2009-04-06T04:04:00.007+01:00

High-tensile steel, to be exact. I was nervous. Not sure what to expect. Would it hurt? Would I regret it later? Would I fall off? Would I turn into a "bad" girl?The answers: No, No, No, Maybe.This weekend I had the pleasure of my first motorcycle ride.(I have no idea what high-tensile steel is.)But I like it!Although it was slightly chilly and very windy on Saturday afternoon, I donned my cowboy

The one where Tuscadero helps me get a date . . .

2009-03-27T20:33:00.002Z

My new match.com headline:Have you heard of Tuscadero? Yes? 1 point for you. Can you name 3 of their songs? 10 points. Name their second band? 45,000 points.

What Part of 20009 Don't You Understand?

2009-03-26T17:44:00.006Z

I'm back and I'm cranky, so watch out!So, as I have now gone on a datecation, I am having some more fun with my match.com profile.I have no interest in meeting anyone and I have no one to impress, so I'm being brutally honest. . . . Well, ok, not brutally, but I am saying what I think and doing a type of market research on the Men of Match. (I was going to call them MOMs for short, but that seems

A Moratorium on Compromise

2009-03-19T18:16:00.007Z

I've been thinking about this post for a few days now. Letting it stew in my brain juices (ok, ew. sorry!) I'm still not sure if I've figured out what I'm trying to say, but here goes nothing . . .When confronted on Monday morning with the two most current "men in my life" -- Ex and Not-So-Nice guy I had a bit of an epiphany. Or, better yet, a confirmation of my suspicions.There is no such thing

Monday Morning Emotional Rollercoaster or Why I'm glad I wore makeup today

2009-03-16T17:04:00.003Z

When it rains it pours peeps!So, this morning I decided to sleep in then take my time with self grooming, since I was feeling crappy and this is a sure fire cure.By the time I left the house it was after 9:00, thus not my normal time to be walking to the bus. Despite the weather I was strolling happily with my bright colored rain coat and a very nice blue dress on. Feeling good.In an atypical

Accidental Dating with Match.com

2009-03-11T21:41:00.005Z

I went on a date. I didn't really mean to. It's just that sometimes browsing Match.com is soothing -- just knowing that there are tons of men out there that are appealing is so nice.But, you see, Match is soooo tricky. They make you activate your profile in order to browse. So, I activated my profile. Then, while I was browsing, someone emailed me. Of course, I wanted to read the email, so I had

Feelin' the love

2009-03-04T14:26:00.004Z

The storm clouds have passed! Thanks to all the kind blog comments and to other interventions, I am definitely out of the blackness that was last week.However, I am still committed to the Bourbon fest, as there is never and excuse required for consumption of the fine spicy, oaky, tasty, insert your preferred adjective here, brown liquid.As for the location, I'm going to throw out a few

What's your poison?

2009-02-27T21:04:00.003Z

My recent self pity post had engendered some nice feelings from the blogosphere.Thanks people!!Zipcode suggested a vodka-induced pity party. I prefer Bourbon, but whatever.And I have been following Hey Pretty's thread about the mix tape, which made me like her even more than I already had, and gave me one more reason to feel like we have a cosmic connection.And I had just been asking the one

Stop Here for a Hot Mess!

2009-02-26T01:06:00.006Z

This is a self pity post. It's kind of ugly. Beware!So over the past 30 years, I mean . . . 3 weeks (I wish I knew how to do make strike throughs on blogger, but I don't. I'm a bad, bad blogger) I have had a little bit of a breakdown.It's your typical "my life has no direction; I'm going to die alone without even the benefit of cats to alert my neighbors to my demise; I quit smoking because I

That FLIPPING Cat

2009-02-02T23:33:00.004Z

I've already made reference to Ex's cat on this blog. It is needy and mean and stupid.AND, I believe it peed underneath my bed.See, here's the deal. Once, when Ex was having repairs done at home, he brought the cat over because the workers freaked her out and she kept running away.Being the scaredy cat that she is, she hid under my bed the whole time.Saturday, desirous of a place to do art in my

Ummmm . . . I'm famous

2009-01-22T02:00:00.002Z

So, Express paraphrased a quote from my blog post about the inauguration. They made it seem like a direct quote, which it wasn't. And, in fact, they took out the best part.This is what I wrote:Dick Cheney is in a wheel chair and is holding a cane, purportedly because he hurt his back moving boxes. In actuality, I believe it is because his deal with the devil is coming due and he is slowly

Inauguration: Blogging what you can't see

2009-01-20T15:48:00.005Z

Because you are on the mall and I am at home watching on TV.1) All of the Senators appear to have the same stylist, who has dressed them all in dark wool coats and colorful scarves. Best scarves = Ted Kennedy in bright blue and Joe Lieberman in orange.2) Dick Cheney is in a wheel chair and is holding a cane, purportedly because he hurt his back moving boxes. In actuality, I believe it is because

Worlds Collide: Meetings Outside the Blogosphere

2009-01-12T21:43:00.003Z

I haven't had any lurkers de-lurk yet . . . I know you are out there. Show yourselves!I know where you live:Portland, ORWashington, DC (x2 or 3)Gaithersburg, MDSpringfield, VASilver Spring, MDKansas . . . Hello??Like I said though, some of you should remain anonymous because I know why you lurk and don't comment. We're good with that.On a related note, I've had some interesting meetings lately.

Delurk and Destroy

2009-01-12T16:01:00.004Z

Ok, I have sooooooooooooo much to say.DelurkFirst, it's apparently delurking week. This is a blogging tradition where people who read your blog but never comment (aka lurkers) are encouraged to "out" themselves. I think I have a few lurkers -- some of them are lurkers for a reason, and they should remain "in the closet" -- but for those of you that I don't know who are lurking -- let your voice

Around the corner

2009-01-04T02:57:00.002Z

Recently someone told me that you never know what is around the corner, but turning the corner can take a long time.I have turned some corners in the past few months. And I believe that it's true what that someone said. Certainly my life experience proves it.The thing is . . . sometimes it is really difficult to trust that the thing around the corner is good. Particularly when you were happily

I can make love to a crocodile

2008-12-31T02:52:00.001Z

"I'm A Woman" Koko Taylor. 'Nuff said.

Trite But True: Goodbye 2008

2008-12-29T17:59:00.006Z

It's not a "looking back and assessing" post. It's a "get the fuck out of this shitty year" post.Right now I'm happy because:I'm sharing my bed with three books and a crossword puzzle.I'm confident in the friends that have stuck with me.I've reclaimed music in my life.I've got some new adventures coming up.I've learned that:Self criticism is not helpful and caring for yourself is more than just

God only knows

2008-12-21T07:01:00.002Z

There's a song with the line "God only knows what I'd be without you."Here's my answer:I would be . . .HappyFriends with the best of your friends.fulfilled.calm.happy.healthy.powerful.beautiful.happy.a person who enjoys dancing.satisfied.warm.a person who listens to music.free to date John Cusack.less tired.someone who smiles.a woman with love in her heart.creative.spiritual.mysterious.full of

Things I Learned at 80s Night

2008-12-19T16:18:00.002Z

1) I love to dance to 80 music when friends and alcohol are in the mix.2) My friend S is a ball of FIRE!3) Tequila gives me a headache.4) Chemistry is undeniable and, apparently, has no expiration date.For the record, 80s night at Heaven and Hell has not been abolished. Apparently there was some sort of falling out between the DJ and the club owner, but all is right with the world.I wish my

Things I Have Been Wondering

2008-12-14T15:38:00.003Z

Do people actually buy those commemorative coins that they sell on TV?Why do so many of the people I am matched with online have SCUBA as an interest?Why can't I motivate to go to the gym?I am really scared about the inauguration -- 4 million people?? Where are they going to go?Where is my dream job?Should I move?Do soulmates exist?How does my apartment generate so much dust?Should I shut down my

Oh, You Have No Idea!

2008-12-12T00:52:00.002Z

Here I am, readers (all 5 of you. I think there are 5 at this point.). Fresh from another date and ready to entertain.So, clearly my judgement for men is completely OFF. First there was the married one, then the emotionally crippled one, then the nice one that I couldn't get into, and now . . . NOW! The one who was so indescribably awkward and introverted that I had to make up the excuse that I

Wig Walk!

2008-12-10T16:15:00.004Z

I probably should have posted this earlier, since it's already been covered by the GOGs, but please come to my friend Leslie's Wig Walk event this Friday in Adams Morgan.This is your opportunity to get crazy and go undercover with an awesome wig. For $20, you get a wrist band that gives you $1 drafts at three bars:6-8pm Toledo Lounge8-10pm Madams Organ10pm-12am Adams MillAll of your $20 wrist

Furious

2008-12-10T01:23:00.005Z

I'm trying to remember a time that I have been truly angry. Like hopping mad. Seeing red. Seething.I can't.Which is shocking to me because I've always thought that I had the full spectrum of emotion at my disposal.I was wrong.Being angry is essential to the healing process. I'm trying to get angry.So I'm going to use some choice words.Worthless bastardClueless jackassInfantile, lying sack of

Lights Out!

2008-12-05T00:44:00.004Z

First a few comments since I've been away for a while:1) What is up with Joe Biden being so mean to Sarah Palin? He called her out (I think at the NGA Conference) that no one pays attention to her anymore since the election is over. He offered to let her walk out with him so she could get some press. . . Oh right, she's an idiot. HA HA!2) Yesterday I came home to a new door and no new keys. It

Self Help

2008-11-25T18:55:00.002Z

I am that girl in the self help aisle of Border's Books reading "It's Called a Break-Up Because It's Broken." I read the book last night. I found it helpful but also kind of condescending. At any rate, it gave me some ideas.Since I don't have to travel for T-giving, I'm going to take advantage of the fact that everyone else has left the city. Here's what I'm thinking:Thursday morning -- go to

Charred

2008-11-24T02:06:00.002Z

I burned the birthday card. It took much longer than I expected. But I managed to do it without burning down my apartment. Burning things is fun. It renews my desire to burn his house down. But I imagine the arson charges would take all the fun out of it.

Facebook is my nemesis

2008-11-21T20:16:00.004Z

First, a few thoughts on the "news":1) Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpson named their kid Bronx Mowgli Wentz because the wanted him to "be able to be a rock star or a senator." Only in the post-Obama world would a person with that name ever be taken seriously as a Senator.2) Oprah is looking sorry lately. Have you seen the picture of her that is on US Weekly's web site today. She looks like a sorry

Test

2008-11-20T20:57:00.000Z

Ok, so I went to the Blogger Meet Up

2008-11-20T15:32:00.003Z

But before I tell you about that, I just read that the first physician to do a heart transplant died . . . of heart failure. He was 90 and I'm sure it was his time to go, but isn't that kind of ironic?So, the DC Blogger Meet Up. It was an experience. I met some very nice people:Jaded in DCLeon from Yeah, I Said ItJoe from Dumb Things I Have Done LatelyJohn from Global Investment WatchHillary from

Blogger Meet Up Tomorrow

2008-11-18T23:49:00.002Z

So, clearly my pain has clouded my judgement, because I RSVPed yes to attend the monthly DC Blogger Meet Up tomorrow night. I've always been hesitant to attend these events because I wanted to remain anonymous and because I was nervous about joining a group where I don't know anyone. But what do I have to lose? Absolutely nothing!Please, someone come with me.

The Birthday Card

2008-11-17T18:23:00.002Z

Ex sent me a birthday card. It has to be the worst birthday card ever sent or received in the history if the tradition.This was all he could muster just weeks after breaking up with me and still purporting to love me but being unable to committ:Hey Fiery,I hope all is well with you. I'm really sorry things didn't work out. Have a good birthday. Take care and drop me a line sometime.ExDrop me a

A Beautiful Day Goes Wasted

2008-11-15T17:28:00.002Z

When I was a kid, my father would always bug me to go outside and play. He would say "It's a beautiful day. Go outside!" As an adult, I now feel guilty every time the weather is nice and I don't go out.We're enjoying a delightful time weather wise right now. So I've felt guilty a lot lately. It's hard to leave the house when everything you see in the city reminds you of a lost relationship.I'm

In search of . . .

2008-11-13T14:19:00.001Z

a f*** buddy. Rebound man. Person to get drunk and have sex with. Opposite of Ex. Fun. Distraction. Know anyone?

November 11 is . . . my birthday

2008-11-11T13:57:00.002Z

And although I've always shared it with the Veterans, I've never had the day off. Today is, of course, no exception. And it's a crappy birthday at that. There will be very little celebrating and I'm inclined to go home and crawl into bed given the opportunity.

Ummmm . . . Dating Seems Like I Bad Idea

2008-11-10T20:40:00.002Z

But I went on one the other night anyway. If this were 18 months ago, it would have been a perfect date. Given that it was now, it was an ok date. Pros:1. The guy was great -- nice, smart, funny, good talker2. He was respectful3. He laughed at my jokes4. I didn't think about the ex once while we were out5. He is a good kisser.Cons:1. I was nauseous the whole time because I was so nervous2. I am

Reclamation!

2008-11-07T18:23:00.003Z

I am reclaiming this blog from the teeth of my indifference. I got comfortable and complacent and lost sight of my creative desires. And yes, I did it because of a man. A man that I thought was forever, but whom surprised me not long ago with a cowardly proclamation. "I can't give you what you want."Rather than being the man he purports to be, he chose to be a pathetic, immature

Aaaand We're Back!

2008-01-23T14:30:00.000Z

Ok, so I know it's been 3 months. To the day, in fact. And for that I am sorry. A few of you have complained. Thanks for making me feel like I have loyal readers. Before we recap the hiatus, let me just point out some crazy shit that's gone down while I've been off the grid:BarsTemperance Hall changed ownership -- and just when I was beginning to frequent that area. I am very sad about the

My Stuff

2007-10-23T02:50:00.000+01:00

Vanity Fair (a guilty pleasure. at least I don't subscribe anymore) has this feature where they ask a celebrity (usually fading or up and coming, never A-list) to list their favorite brands of everything. Usually they have really obscure shampoos and very fancy purses.Here's my list:HomeFavorite Art: my photographsSheets: Izaac Mizrahi for TargetCoffee-Maker: Don't know the brand, but it's small.

Adventures in Illegal Dumping

2007-10-08T20:34:00.000+01:00

I had the good fortune to spend some time at the DC Dump in Fort Totten this weekend. Most of you are probably thinking, "Ew. Dumps are smelly disgusting places." You would be right, but I love going to the dump. You're wondering why . . . that's reasonable. Here's why -- when I was a kid, my dad refused to pay for trash collection services. (I don't know if it was because he was cheap or if

Ouch

2007-09-28T15:40:00.000+01:00

Dear A,I'm writing to you to request that you stop taking me to bars against my will. I know that we have fun when we go out, but I am concerned about our health. More specifically, my head hurts so much right now that I would prefer to poke a needle in my eye than go on as I am. Alright, I might have some culpability. I know you didn't technically drag me to Townhouse Tavern last night. You also

Goo-Headed

2007-09-24T18:05:00.000+01:00

So, I coined a new word? phrase? I'm not sure which one it is. But it perfectly describes my state of being over the past two weeks. I will now attempt a definition.Goo-Headed (adj.). 1. Describing a state of post-coital bliss that results in the subject being incapable of formulating proper sentences. 2. Illustrating the inability of the subject to work or think due to brain being

I've got Oprah covered

2007-09-21T18:02:00.000+01:00

Since I know someone who is going to Chicago next week I've put in a request for an Oprah beat down:When do you crazy {name of workplace redacted} gals get back from Chi-town? Oh, and will you punch Oprah for me while you're there? Tell her she passed annoyingly preachy last year and now she's downright self-righteous.

Time Suckage

2007-09-18T19:56:00.000+01:00

In college, I wrote a human interest column for the school paper. It was called Unsolved Mysteries and it discussed the various phenomenon that occurred on my small college campus that were unexplained but curious. For example, in the cafeteria they had this frozen soft serve ice cream-like product that was called 10% vanilla. No one ever knew what the 10% stood for. That shit was tasty though --

Metrobus puts spice in my life

2007-08-28T02:34:00.000+01:00

I am one of those Dupont Circlers that defines my "comfort zone" very narrowly. Not quite so narrow as my friend T, who won't go North of Florida, West of Wisconsin, East of 14th Street, or South of L Street (except for work). But . . . I very rarely go to the Hill or, God forbid, Virginia.I've had an epiphany.Metrobus goes everywhere! Most of my hesitance is about the time and/or inconvenience

Ghost of Boyfriend Past

2007-07-31T02:26:00.000+01:00

I believe I have alluded to my high school boyfriend in other posts. If not here, I know elsewhere that I have said he was the best relationship I've ever had. It's sad, but true. He was the last time I had a huge crush that came true. I think it happened kind of by default, in that I was in his path so often that he finally just realized it would be easier to date me than to avoid me, but we had

WonderChuck

2007-07-12T02:51:00.000+01:00

So, I'm not a frequenter of book readings. I am, however, a frequenter of bars. So, when I heard that Chuck Klosterman (if you don't know who that is search his name on myspace or Google Cocoa Puffs -- don't worry. it will make sense later) was reading from his new book at Wonderland I had to attend. I dragged my friend J along with me for companionship. We both purchased the book, which was in

(Sort Of) Back to Normal

2007-06-30T19:38:00.000+01:00

Well, I've transitioned from shitty horrible job where I knew way too much about people's personal lives (aka "crazy town" -- nod to my friend J) to fabulous wonderful job where I anticipate hearing a lot about people's personal lives. I've just finished the most intense work week ever. Large annual convention after 7 days on the job -- you betcha. I'm so glad it's over. Plus I get two comp days,

I Kinda Quit My Job

2007-05-29T03:02:00.000+01:00

Ok, first I have an homage to the venerable Jim Anchower: It's been a while since I rapped at ya, kids. I've had some crazy shit going on. BUT, I've had a request that I return to blogging, so I'm getting to itSo, there have been some developments in the past few weeks that have somewhat inhibited my blogging activity. Namely, I've been job hunting while working full time -- quite a challenge.

Fiery Nuggets to SCOTUS: Suck It!

2007-04-22T14:57:00.000+01:00

Ok, I know I'm coming to this whole thing a little late, but I have to put in my two cents. Now, I'm not a political woman. In fact, I do everything I can to avoid politics. Except choosing to live in the Nation's Capital. Anyway, I have to say that I am saddened and scared by the Supreme Court's decision in Gonzales v. Carhart. Although, I can't say I'm surprised. I understand the opinions of

A case study in dating

2007-04-02T21:55:00.000+01:00

The scene: Thursday night, an Adams Morgan bar, a charitable eventThe situation: Girl goes to happy hour. Girl's female friend brings a male friend to happy hour. At first girl thinks male friend is gay. Then girl talks to male friend and realizes that he is super cool and a dork about music like she is and not gay. Girl assumes male friend is not interested, much to the disagreement of female

DC Police -- Encounters of the Pleasant Kind

2007-03-08T18:38:00.000Z

I must start by saying, "Hi!" I've been gone for a while. Short version -- circumstances have consipired to make it so that I don't have internet at home anymore. If anyone out there knows what a DNS server is and why my pirated wireless connection can't find it, please let me know.I think I need a new computer, but until I save $1,200 I'm just going to continue using the one at work. Sadly,

A brief, yet somewhat disturbing, observation

2007-02-08T02:26:00.000Z

In honor of Valentine's Day, the Food Network is having an all-chocolate week. I was watching Paula's Home Cooking tonight. For those of you who aren't familiar with the down-home, artery-clogging, fatback making, jar-of-grease-in-the-fridgeness of Paula Deen, you should become enlightened. At any rate, she was making this sinful chocolate dessert. The funny part is this -- when she finished

Putting {part of} myself out there

2007-02-02T15:13:00.000Z

Ok, so, first of all thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. I appreciate the uplifting sentiment a lot. It was written at a low point. It is a snapshot, but I've left it out there long enough and now I'm going to make a happier post to balance out the unhappy post. And, just for your trouble, I'm going to share a photo that a coworker took of me last night. Well, part of me :)For my

No More Miss Nice Gal

2007-01-21T16:24:00.000Z

I lived my first 30 years with a strong belief in the basic goodness of people. I was always willing to look for the best. The past twelve months have proven to me that "the best" is not always there. I have been touched by cruelty, violence, manipulation, emotional blackmail and tragedy in the past year. Not to mention all of the crazy fucked up shit that is happening in the world, which is much

On things round and golden

2007-01-16T15:12:00.000Z

Ok, so I watched part of the Golden Globes last night and I have a few comments:1. I LOVE Meryl Streep. She manages to be meaningful and self deprecating all at once. And she had on a great dress last night (sometimes she's challenged in that area).2. How cute are Kyra Sedgewick and Kevin Bacon? At one point the camera panned to them and they were all intertwined. It was nice to see.3. Why is

Welcome A!

2007-01-08T00:38:00.000Z

My friend A, featured here both in posts and as a commenter, has started her own blog. Visit Thirteen Squared for new insights on DC, life and everything in between.Also, thank you to The View from Dupont for linking here.Finally,some news from my new camera:The Connecticut Avenue BridgeWinston the Labradoodle. How cute is he?

WHY, why, why do I go to bars?

2006-12-31T16:40:00.000Z

When I'm at them I spend a lot of money to essentially drug myself, thus altering my perception of reality and end up doing things and saying things that I wouldn't normally do or say. Ok, I would probably still say most of the things that I say, but I definitely wouldn't do most of the things that I do.The people that I meet in bars, with a very few exceptions, are not nice. I don't just mean

The Cherry Stem Conundrum

2006-12-12T01:18:00.000Z

Here's the conundrum of the day:If you tell someone, in the course of getting to know them at a networking event, that you are able to tie a cherry stem in a knot in your mouth, does that imply that you want to sleep with them?My answer: No.Guy I was supposed to go out on a date with tonight but stood up: Yes.So, we met at a networking event and exchanged cards (mostly on professional pretense).

How to get screwed without really trying

2006-12-08T16:39:00.000Z

First of all, last night as I was watching Dharma and Greg on WE (ok, I know, I'm a cliche, we've talked about this) and talking back to the television I wondered, does everyone talk to the television when no one is there?But the reason why I am here is to tell you this: never have your car repaired at Fitzgerald Subaru. Those bastards totally tried to gouge me for car service this week.Ok,

Drunk is the new funny

2006-12-05T14:04:00.000Z

There seems to be some momentum growing behind the A & FN drunken quote captures. Every time we go out, particularly at the end of a long week, we tend to get a little crazy. well, at least, in this instance, I got crazy. A was being much more responsible and sober than me. But I think we were both pretty funny anyway.On our first sojourn back to Wonderland after "the incident" we gathered the

Four days off can be dangerous

2006-11-26T23:43:00.000Z

I might think that I actually lead a life of leisure. I did not miss work at all. In fact, I was hoping that I had a fever so I would have a legitimate reason to call in sick tomorrow. But, I will deal with that later. Now, I have some important happenings to report. Fun and exciting happenings over the weekend.Wednesday nightOut with A. We went to an old friend -- Toledo Lounge. Perhaps my

I'm really an adult now!

2006-11-22T15:09:00.000Z

Last night, driven by traffic congestion, a depressed need for comfort food and a lack of anything appealing in my apartment to eat for dinner, I found myself at Balducci's. It's an upscale grocery store in Bethesda, for those of you that don't know.Anyway, I decided to purchase a cupcake. Now, I am a big fan of cake and a bigger fan of frosting. I tend to think the sweeter the better. I've

Just when I thought I'd seen it all . . .

2006-11-20T01:10:00.000Z

In my relatively short life I've had many experiences. They run the gamut from thrilling to romantic to disappointing to painful to frustrating. They involve friends, family, travel, schooling, work and men. Somehow, the men tend to offer the most diverse experiences. In that way, I guess you can say that I am the prototypical 30-year old professional woman of the new millenium. But, after my

Lost Dry Cleaning Update

2006-10-31T16:30:00.000Z

So, my dry cleaning has been found. Not so with my metaphorical "dry cleaning," which is still making me feel like I'm barreling towards middle age with absolutely no prospects for a real future.So, inspired by DC Dating for Dummies and the WaPo Date Lab, I signed up to be a guinea pig. I may or may not have a date featured in the Washington Post Sunday Magazine. The photo shoot for the Date Lab

The big 3-0

2006-10-30T18:55:00.000Z

I started my birthday celebration early this year. It's a big one. Perhaps the biggest birthday I've ever had. Yes, I'm turning 30. I gathered with a few friends in Philly this weekend for a joint celebration. It was fun, but I'm starting to worry. Until last week I was very, very excited about turning 3-0. I thought I had things reasonably under control and that I had a sense of where I was

Woo Hoo!!

2006-10-26T20:26:00.000+01:00

I finally! after months of blogging, got featured on dcblogs. Hooray. It's nice to know that being totally clueless about your neighborhood and the huge annual events that happen there can pay off. I feel like a total DORK for not realizing it was the Drag Race. I've always wanted to go, but never motivated. Although it was freakin' COLD on Tuesday night, as many have pointed out, and I am glad

Strange happenings on 17th Street

2006-10-25T16:55:00.000+01:00

Something weird happened in my neihborhood last night. Let's start by exaplaining where my 'hood is. I live in what I like to call Dupont Circle East. In my estimation, it is the area bordered by Dupont circle on the southwest corner, Mass Ave due south, 16th Street on the east side, U Street on the North and Connecticut Avenue on the West. Can you picture it?I live on the 17th Street corridor

The Sigh of Indifference

2006-10-23T02:56:00.000+01:00

Recently I've had the opportunity to reflect a lot on marriage. For a little less than a year now I've been contemplating the institution with greater interest than ever before in my life. I think this is partly because more of my friends and other people I know are married and I hear about the trials and tribulations of marriage more now than I used to. I've also confronted -- in my personal and

I Heart My New Gym

2006-10-13T15:47:00.000+01:00

Ok, so I've officially joined the establishment. (I haven't really been fighting this off, as I think I was born into it and never really looked back, but you know what I mean). I am now a true consumer. I have purchased something because I identify with it and it relates to the kind of life I want to lead. (Again, I've probably done this before, but was less cognizant of it.)You must be

Aaron Sorkin is a genius

2006-09-19T03:28:00.000+01:00

Within the first 5 minutes. . .no the first minute, he was making a meaningful comment on the intersection of art and commerce in American culture. Ok, this is not uncharted territory, but how often does it happen on National television -- the very intersection of art and commerce in America. Not only that! He has chosen the perfect mirror for the demise of television as a medium for political

"Poor George . . ."

2006-09-14T12:31:00.000+01:00

". . . he can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth." This is a quote from Ann Richards' speech at the 1988 Democratic National Convention. I remember watching this speech on TV and feeling, at the ripe age of 12, awe and profound respect. She made me feel proud to be a woman. Even thinking of it now brings tears to my eyes.Ann Richards died yesterday. If you don't know by now,

Dr.Phil is a scourge on the American psyche

2006-09-12T01:56:00.000+01:00

This is what I was thinking when I saw a commercial for Dr. Phil's new content featured on the Match.com Website. He was talking to some waitress who was daydreaming about finding the perfect man. He was telling her that she would never find the guy by daydreaming and that she should go to Match.com and take control of her destiny (or some shit like that).Now, I have nothing against Match.com or

DAMN!

2006-08-30T15:35:00.000+01:00

OK, so a friend of mine sent me this photo of a billboard that is currently being displayed at 54th Street and 7th Avenue in Manhattan.Now, I have no idea if this is real or not. It could be a very elaborate (and clever, I might add) ad campaign for which this billboard is just a "teaser."However, if it is real, I am pretty impressed with this woman Emily's gumption (not to mention her disposable

Baltimore: A love affair with reality

2006-08-23T09:50:00.000+01:00

In the past 5 years I have moved from DC to Baltimore and back again. First, an analogy: Baltimore is to DC what DC is to Northern Virginia -- A more visceral and genuine experience. Essentially, the further south you go in this scenario, the more plastic life becomes. So, right now, living in DC, I am in between really real and completely fake. For precision I have to clarify that by fake I mean

Jay Z is going to the slim fit

2006-08-17T17:16:00.000+01:00

So, I'm always fascinated by the snippets of information I hear on NPR . . .Today, in among the interesting stories and features, NPR's Morning Edition I heard a brief but interesting bit about Jay-Z's new line of jeans for Rocawear, his clothing company. According to the report, Jay-Z is making his new line of jeans in a slimmer fit, defying the long-running hip-hop trend of excessively baggy

Alton Brown is my new boyfriend

2006-08-16T21:40:00.000+01:00

At first, his overt weirdness and crazy antics annoyed me. His show, Good Eats on the Food Network is like 3-2-1 Contact for cooking. At first, this seemed childish and absurd. But now, now that I have seem him with windswept hair and a tight motorcycle jacket, for some reason, I have the serious hots for Alton Brown. See, he has this new show called Feasting On Asphalt that is a cross country

2006-08-12T01:22:00.000+01:00

As I sit here watching E! True Hollywood Story: Kelly Ripa, and contemplating her head-circumfrence-to-body-weight ratio, I'm enjoying certain lines a lot:1) Kelly Ripa on acting,"I had to do it. I had no other talents."and2) the All My Children casting agent on why Kelly Ripa got cast as bad girl Hayley Dylan, "She had long blond hair and was very unsophisticated."and3) Kelly on her experience

Motivation void

2006-08-09T16:17:00.000+01:00

I've been out of comission for a while because of work-related exhaustion. Work is still busy, but less so, and now I'm totally unmotivated. . . Need motivation, now!

Back In the City

2006-08-01T00:32:00.000+01:00

This is NOT me, although it could be ;)I survived! And I'm so thrilled to be back in the city. I've been thinking about all that I escaped when I was gone. The biggest thing was that not having any cell reception made my concern that the latest male interest hadn't call me just disappear!The phone didn't ring because it couldn't ring, not because there was someone not calling me. Lovely!This all

Exiled in the Exurbs

2006-07-28T03:43:00.000+01:00

I am a good daughter. An only child. Duty-bound to fulfill my parents' hopes. So, I am dog/house sitting for the weekend in what can only be called . . . the country. I hear crickets and my cell phone has no service. Technically, it's an exurb.In some ways it's nice -- secluded, quiet, serene. In some ways it's just plain boring. The cuddly chocolate lab is wonderful, and she loves me the most

There's no yelling in yoga

2006-07-27T02:36:00.000+01:00

Yoga is a serene, comforting and inward practice, right?No, not at my gym. My yoga teacher is m-e-a-n. She yells. Who ever heard of a yelling yoga teacher? Yoga is the great equalizer. Everyone is at the height of their practice in every class. There is . . . no yelling!Ok, so I've missed a few classes, and I don't know all the "rules," but there's no need to single me out with words like "This

Helpful and Possible

2006-07-23T17:08:00.000+01:00

I went to Quaker meeting today. First time in a long time. Trying to be more introspective and constructive in life. This is helpful. The topic of the meeting was about "Your Spiritual Journey." Someone said that their spiritual journey was about "finding a place to stand that is helpful and possible."I liked that. I think that's what I'm trying to do. It's a good way to consider every decision

The Demo

2006-07-14T04:16:00.000+01:00

So, you know when the construction workers gut a house before they re-vamp it. (This happens particularly often in "transitional" neighborhoods.) They call it being demoed (as in demolished). Such houses are generally referred to as demos. I am being demoed right now. I'm gutting my insides and making way for a nicer refrigerator and marble countertops. I'm going to have an icemaker

Long time coming

2006-07-07T02:51:00.000+01:00

So, I'm about to turn 30. I've never been afraid of this. Actually, I'm really excited to get out of my twenties. Too tumultuous. But I'm starting to realize that turning 30 is not actually going to make everything better. I have to do that myself. So, I'm going to try. It may require some heavy lifting and serious closet cleaning, but the next 5 months (between now and my birthday) have got to

Unsettling black and white divisions of emotion

2004-07-18T20:35:00.000+01:00

How can anyone judge another person's choices without knowing the whole story. Why is it that I have known so many people (mostly men) that can place certain actions in distinct categories regardless of context. Why does it bother me when my opinion is different than someone else's. Correction, why does it bother me when my opinion is different than someone's that I respect. Perhaps because I