songs about bridges

gone digital

2011-08-14T19:26:00.000-07:00

Between a job interview via Skype, attending a satellite site of the WCA Global Leadership Conference, seeing Steven Furtick at Wave Church and watching GLEE! Live in 3D, I've switched from natural reality to total "live and in person" via giant screen. There's less pressure to participate.

How awesome is this baby boy, BTW? No shame in being totally obsessed when you're that cute!

Sooo... How's your digi life going? Seems like I've fallen off the ol' blogroll but I'm checking in to say, "HEY GIRL, HEYY!"

my girl!

2011-05-09T06:20:00.000-07:00

Reading Bossypants in one night proved to be a great comfort in a time when I was needing some professional empowerment and female guidance. Tina Fey describes in detail how she navigated a woman's career in a field where men continually pee in cups and place them on bookshelves throughout the office, the awkward half-date experience of climbing Old Rag Mountain with a half-boyfriend from UVA, and the gut-shaking anxiety of questioning if you can have a baby and still juggle your career among the cup-pee-ers.

Have you seen this video from her opening monologue from this Saturday's SNL? Hilarious.

Bolefloor

2011-04-25T20:12:00.000-07:00

I first fell in love with original wood floors when my dad showed me how some of the boards in our family's "new" house were filled with Indian Head pennies instead of normal pine pegs. I was 5 years old at the time. While I have been a big fan of good flooring ever since, Bolefloors are the dreamiest ones I've seen. The house I'm building in my head totally starts with these floors boards, which follow the tree's natural growth pattern. How rad is that?

Ageism: Part Due

2011-03-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

The feedback I have gotten over and over again from mentors and colleagues is that confidence trumps youthful acne. Good thing I know how to perform.

I have been studying this Milano woman's look all week. I think it has echoes of Meryl's outfit below. My hair isn't as wiry, but it sure has the volume for this 'do. Psssh.

photo via The Sartorialist

Ageism

2011-03-23T06:21:00.000-07:00

One theme of my clinical internship has been trying desperately to look older. A girl can only take the comment that she looks 19 as a compliment so many times before she gets insecure/pissed off.

I've weighed all my options to age myself (start smoking, tanning bed, act ignorant about technology-- "What are all these kids twittering each other about?") but none have done any good. I'm just going to keep channeling the movie therapists that I look up to, such as Meryl Streep in Prime.

Pashmina, chunky jewelry, glasses, awkward short hairstyle, horrified look. I can do all of these things! :/

in my next life

2011-03-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

In my next life I would like to have a career as a NPR journalist and girl band member, like Carrie Brownstein in Wild Flag. Check out Wild Flag below and tUnE-yArDs in the next video. Both bands played at NPR's show at SXSW this past week.

tUnE-yArDs (how can you not love this??)

chicks man...

Lady Sybil's new pants

2011-03-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

Princess Jasmine-- an icon for women's lib. "I'm sorry Rajah, but I have to go!"

Downton Abbey is filling the Mad Men shaped whole in my heart for period pieces.

moving on/in

2011-01-26T20:23:00.000-08:00

I'm digging these photo installations by Erin O'Keefe. The bubble gum colors paired with empty rooms seem hopeful and nostalgic at the same time. She sums it up nicely on her website, so check it out.

found via the jealous curator

s u b l i m e

2011-01-26T20:08:00.000-08:00

Have you seen The King's Speech? I loved it. "I have a voice and it bloodyshitballs needs to be heard!"

(Wow, this office has got my imagination spinning. Jackson Pollockish wallpaper? Yes, please.)

bibliotherapy

2011-01-13T20:46:00.000-08:00

Definition: (noun) Assigning books to help facilitate the therapeutic process.

I have started curating the books I've read this year on Pinterest. Check out my digi library!

smart:

2011-01-13T19:55:00.000-08:00

I love time-saving solutions.

via chicagoist

You probably don't remember me, I'm probably ancient history...

2011-01-12T19:56:00.000-08:00

This reminds me that I need to go ahead and reserve my future children's Gmail accounts. I wonder if davenport.weiglein@gmail.com and lemon.weiglein@gmail.com are already taken?

"Oh! I thought it was a bomb!" Classic.

via flavorwire

underground

2011-01-03T21:05:00.000-08:00

I read this book a few months ago when Cole lent it to me. I read it not only because I believe that sharing books equals real friendship, but also because I trust Cole's taste. The last book he lent me was The Hunger Games.

Sadly, this book was no Hunger Games. I actually didn't like anything about it. It's ok, Cole kinda felt the same way.

The weird thing is that no matter how much I wanted to delete this book from my mind, it was all I could think about a few weeks ago when I visited NYC. There's a storyline that takes the mutant tween characters down into the subway and around a corner to discover a whole village of tunnel people living underground. Since we stayed in Brooklyn but hung out in Manhattan, we subsequently spent a lot of time underground. I nervously thought about eyeballs blinking at me from the dark tunnels while I waited for trains, but forgot about the possibility after getting back on the street.

Until I saw this:

"Armed with gloves, a backpack, and a healthy appreciation for the deadliness of the third rail, urban historian Steven Duncan and videographer Andrew Wonder explore the Undercity. This is the hidden New York. And it's beautiful." (Gizmodo)

UNDERCITY from Andrew Wonder on Vimeo.

Watch this entire video when you have the chance, it's incredible (otherwise check out minute 17 and 26). Read more about it at Gizmodo and Undercity.

Merry Christmas through the Ages

2010-12-16T06:13:00.001-08:00

I'm happy to share that I got a new computer just in time to write my last few papers of 2010. I am officially 5 semesters down and 1 semester left to go on my Masters Degree! I haven't been this pleased with myself in some time.

Along with a fully functioning computer, I was also given the gift a restored iPhoto library. I have been flooded with memories and gratitude! How did people remember their lives before pictures and external hard drives?

Here's a walk through Christmas Pasts:

Merry Christmas 2006

Merry Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas 2009

I hope you found this one bit as amusing as I did!

from my family to yours

2010-11-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! (Could I dare try to get a better portrait than this? It still cracks me up every time I see it.)

WHIP MY HAIR (Part II)

2010-11-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

I love Jimmy Fallon because he can't ever seem to keep from laughing at his own jokes. He sure keeps a straight face in this video. I grew up listening to Neil Young in the car with my dad, and Jimmy really sounds like him. Love (he he he) it!

Bruce Springsteen and "Neil Young" via Pretty Much Amazing

He's alive!

2010-11-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

My dad recently told me that Jerry Stiller died a few years ago. I was upset for a few reasons: 1) Jerry Stiller was dead and 2) I thought I was more up on these things than Santiago!

But then I went on Hulu to watch Glee and check out what I found!

Also, Hulu Plus is now available on my Roku. Sadly I am too lazy to turn on my tv so I am still going to watch Glee on my laptop in bed for now. Someone check out the free trial and let me know how it is, or I'll just wait til Bone gets back in the country and he'll be all over it.

Frank O'Hara

2010-11-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

It seems they were all cheated of some marvelous experience which is not going to go wasted on me, which is why I'm telling you about it:

Ann found this poem in one of our anthologies in college. Hearing her read it outloud made me love it. Frank O'Hara does a good job too.

If this doesn't do much for you than try listening to Don Draper reading another O'Hara poem. So, so fine. The worlds are perfect for this gloomy day.

It's Kind of a Funny Story

2010-11-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

For two weeks in a row Bone told me he wanted to go see this movie. I never heard anything about it and didn't have a clue what it was about. Turns out it was seriously up my alley. Plus it got me pumped for working with teens and Dr. Simone at the psych hospital next semester.

It's a sweet and funny movie about the angst of being alive. It's also totally hopeful. Have you seen it?

Our Colonial Capitol

2010-11-04T06:49:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Tina Fey went to UVA? I love seeing the impression Mister Jefferson made on her come out in 30 Rock, like when Tracey Jordan made a movie of Thomas Jefferson's life where he played every role himself. Brilliant. My favorite thing though is when she throws some dap towards old Colonial Williamsburg. I mean, let's get real-- I love our Colonial Capitol.

While I had one of the most fun days in a while two weeks ago at W&M Homecoming, Tommy and I decided to go back to Williamsburg the following weekend to enjoy fall in the colony a bit more. (Does it sound like we are old people? I don't care what you think!)

I wish I could make these pictures bigger. I am really enjoying the Pudding Camera app, which I used to take these pictures in panoramic view. Check out the app but beware, although it's called "Pudding" that doesn't mean it's not completely in Korean...

Shout out to the colonial ghosts and the cobbler too! Do you love Colonial Williamsburg too??

I'm a new soul, I came to this strange world...

2010-11-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

How sexy is the new MacBook Air? I really want it. Actually, I need it. Here's why:

1. My current MacBook has no battery. I mean, it won't work unless plugged in. If unplugged it dies within 2 seconds.
2. Due to a major meltdown caused by the cursed Flip Videocam (which was required for school), I had to move all my files (pictures, music) onto an External Hard Drive over a year ago. I have yet to figure out how to access them.
3. Since moving my music onto my External HD, iTunes has vanished from my computer. This means 2 terrible things: 1) I can't listen to my music. 2) I can't download the updates for my iPhone.
4. My compture can't handle downloading the new iTunes. I think I need Snow Leopard or whatev it's called.
5. Due to not being able to update my iPhone I can't receive picture text messages. Or send them.
6. A friend told me that I can fix these problems buy purchasing more RAM, Gigs, a new battery and a bigger Hard Drive. My eyeballs turn to swirls when he said this and I put my fingers in my ears and said "LA LA LA LA". Meaning, I need a new computer.

Anyway, this is not an elaborate excuse for why I can't hold up my end of the Katie and Ruthie CD Exchange via Snail Mail project, although I realize it might sound that way.

My laptop is 4.5 years old. How long should I expect it to last? Should I put money into fixing it or buy a new one? (Hint, there's only one right answer.)

my first crush:

2010-10-28T19:17:00.000-07:00

I have vivid memories of discussing my love for Uncle Jessie with other little leotard-clad girls while waiting in the vault line at gymnastics. I was six years old. John Stamos, you have aged so well.

Thank you, People of Glee, for making this happen. Have Mercy!

(Quick-- watch this video before it gets yanked off the internet like all the other clips I share.)

hooliganism

2010-10-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Afternoons are fading fast and spookfest is coming this weekend. I so wish I was a 15 year old boy this Halloween. Instead I'm a 26 year old grad student who has this first painting by Christopher St. Leger as her desktop background. No biggie until I pass my laptop off to the Head of Mental Health Services in VB to use for her power point presentation at a seminar I'm helping host. Maybe it doesn't matter, she probably didn't notice. But then another woman I met from Social Services told one of my classmates that she met Ruthie Weiglein on Friday and "she's such a precious little girl."

Crap, I seriously need a professional makeover. And some sweet custom business cards. But really, what angry teenager wouldn't dig a therapist with these paintings in her office? Or at least looked like a teenager herself? Aye Dios...

Room

2010-10-04T20:59:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Tommy and I drove from VB to Ikea in Potomac Mills and then on to Charlottesville. Despite the fact that I have never been able to choose a song on an iPod without immediately getting carsick, I shouldered through and read this book on the entire car ride. I couldn't stop.

I really don't know how to describe it without giving away many of the details that I wished I didn't know when I picked up the book. Instead, I'll give you one of the quotes on the back cover:

"Emma Donoghue's writing is superb alchemy, changing innocence into horror and horror into tenderness. Room is a book to read in one sitting. When it's over you look up: the world looks the same but you are somehow different and that feeling lingers for days."

-Audrey Niffenegger, author of The Time Traveler's Wife and Her Fearful Symmetry

I cannot stop thinking about this book, it's characters and their story. If you've read it and want to discuss it, let's do so please.

I WHIP MY HAIR

2010-09-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

As soon as I heard this song I knew that I liked it. After investigating, I discovered that it is by Willow Smith, Will and Jada's 9 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER. What?! I mean, I'm probably not beyond exploiting my kid if they were cute, funny, smart or made me look like a clever parent. But Will, aren't you still riding that high from your hit movie "Hitch"? Bone sure loves that scene when Hitch teaches the chubby white guy from "King of Queens" how to dance.

But really, I like this song. You go, Willow. I saw you on Oprah when you had shaved your head to make a statement. You were like 7 then. So, in light of that, I guess this makes sense.

Listen to the song and read more about it on Pretty Much Amazing

Willow - Whip My Hair by maddwestent

Once I had a glamorous summer where I traveled a whole bunch. I swear I watched this movie on 4 different planes. And you know what? I still love this scene:

#keepup

2010-09-14T21:58:00.000-07:00

My Hunger Games party is gonna look a lot like this. Except with Mockingjays. #newtweataleat

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I admit, it took watching this video a couple of times for me to actually pay attention to the story. It's worth the watch because it's adorable. Although I get the illustration of the "Twitterverse", I'm left wondering: is the young man's Big Night lost in the never-ending scroll or is it a part of a much bigger and connected world? Either way, I think I found the student who bought his girl the black and white diamond ring.

Lemon Badanes

2010-09-14T21:06:00.000-07:00

My doggie Bobito Badanes is my mascot and my sidekick. Through guilt and persistence I convinced Tommy to get me a puppy to cure me of the separation anxiety I felt when he traveled so much for work. The only problem is now Juan Bobo has separation anxiety from us. The minute I turn toward my full length mirror to put on earrings, Bobito starts shaking violently. Ahh, the transference of guilt is a powerful thing!

I have decided we must get Bobito a new playmate, a second puppy: Lemon Badanes. The best part about this idea is that Tommy agrees! Aye Dios, we are in for it. (I mean, when we move to a house with a yard in 5 years.) I love a simple solution.

Anyway, how adorable are these personalized portraits of girls and their dogs? Paule Trudel Bellemare truly knocks it out of the park with these prints. They are by far the cutest and most unique custom pet portraits I've ever seen.

found via decor8

Oh, Mariachi Me

2010-09-13T07:20:00.000-07:00

If you have ever planned a dinner party with the intention of dessert dissolving into dancing, you know it can be a tricky transition to pull off. I've never seen it happen with such ease as at parties in Nicaragua, when you look up mid-bite to see a tiny car open and an 8 (over-sized) piece mariachi band emerge.

This picture reminds me not only of those fun parties, but also of this poem by Ted Kooser:

Oh, Mariachi Me

All my life I have wanted nothing so much
as the love of women. For them I have fashioned
the myth of myself, the singing troubadour
with the flashing eyes. Always for them
my black sombrero with its swinging tassels,
this vest embroidered with hearts, these trousers
with silver studs down the seams. Oh, I am
Mariachi me, as I had intended. I am success
and the price of success, now old and dusty
at the edge of the dance floor, still smiling,
heavy with hope, clutching my dead guitar.

Oh how sweet and sad! I too have fashioned the myth of myself, still smiling and heavy with hope. Now let's party!

photo by Tec Petaja

thanks to Tommy for this update:

B+W Ring

2010-09-12T20:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight I stumbled upon this ring by Priyanka Sodhi and fell in love. I've been pretending that I am a poor student plotting to propose to my sweetheart. As soon as I found this ring I knew it was perfect for her-- dainty, unique and understated. She wouldn't be able to deny me.

Runaway love.

2010-08-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Kanye West + Raekwon + Justin Bieber

It's no secret that I'm a Justin Bieber fan. And why should it be a secret? You gotta be a Scrooge McDuck to hate that burst of pop sunshine. It seems to me that Kanye's a bit late to the game to be teaching JB the ways of the biz... Please don't tell him I said that.

I'm just tryin to be coo'...

via hypetrack and hip hop connection (forgive those sound bites in the clip)

If you say you don't like TV you are a liar.

2010-08-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

The opening of last night's Emmy Awards.

Tina Fey+ Jon Hamm + Joel McHale + cast of Glee + Tim Gunn = so so fun

Chincoteague polaroids

2010-08-29T14:54:00.000-07:00

Island Manor House

Despite being sick and the monster mosquitoes, we hiked to the lighthouse. Here's a view of Assateague Island from the top.

The famous ponies live wild and free on Assateague Island in a protected wildlife refuge. You can drive or ride bikes around the refuge on a big nature loop. If you look really closely you can see a big group of horses grazing behind the trees in the center of the photo.

It was a gorgeous day to drive on the Bay Bridge Tunnel. Always such a treat. It was a brief but fun trip! I was bummed to be sick but we still managed to enjoy ourselves.

Chincoteague is quaint and charming and I hope to one day bring our middle school children there, give them bikes, and let them loose on the fishing village. The island is safe and only a few blocks wide. It's full of replicas of the lighthouse and old fashion ice cream parlors. You know, it would be like a trip to Busch Gardens for them, only we'd spend the night.

Nicholas Bohac

2010-08-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

The only way I could love these paintings by Nicholas Bohac more is if they were already hanging on my wall. I love artwork that has a lot jammed into it-- lots of color, activity and potential interpretations. These pieces are perfect.

Bohac has a lot more of paintings to look at on his website. Be sure to check out his Iceburger series.

A Young Adult Bed & Breakfast

2010-08-25T07:16:00.000-07:00

Tommy took the week off so the two of us could hang out between his hectic summer schedule and my fall semester. We leave for Chincoteague today! Now, I had every intention of getting this book from the library and re-reading it before our trip B U T guess what came in the mail today:

My pre-ordered copy of the 3rd book in The Hunger Games trilogy! You know, having a well-read husband is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because he will never turn down any book I suggest. A curse because he feels entitled to read the book I pre-ordered for myself first. I decided he should have first dibs because he reads so much faster than me and because I'm already eyebrow-deep in another novel. And I want to savor the last installment of this series for as long as I can.

I'm excited about our trip away. The B&B we are staying at offers bikes and gourmet picnic lunches. Gee wiz, staying at Bed and Breakfastes makes me feel a billion years old.

BUT! In other news, I am planning a Hunger Games Book Club Party. Unlike my other parties, this is an exclusive event, open only to those who have read all 3 books in the series. My brother Peeta (haha, HG joke...) and I have talked in length about the food that will be served: berries, chicken in orange sauce, tiny loaves of bread suspended on parachutes... I can't wait to see what Book 3 will add to the menu!

Anyway, let me know if you meet the criteria for an invite. The date has yet to be set... there's still time to read these page-turners...

In the words of Liz Lemon, "Peace out, Nerds!"

all delighted people raise your hands

2010-08-23T23:23:00.000-07:00

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://sufjanstevens.bandcamp.com/album/all-delighted-people-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;All Delighted People (Original Version) by Sufjan Stevens&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

Check out Sufjan's new 8 track, 60 minute EP. I was thrilled to discover Sufjan had new music and even more thrilled to listen to the entire album online for free. Let me know what you think about his rendition of "The Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel. How delightful indeed!

From his website:

"All Delighted People is built around two different versions of Sufjan’s long-form epic ballad "All Delighted People," a dramatic homage to the Apocalypse, existential ennui, and Paul Simon’s "Sounds of Silence."

Ah, a dramatic homage to the Apocalypse. Perfecto. Enjoy!

so literal

2010-08-23T18:33:00.000-07:00

I'm realizing that this website is my internet collage of all the images and videos that I want to look at over and over again. If that's the case then this video better be on here. I watched it multiple times a day during the winter of 2008. I'm still not tired of it.

God bless you, John Darnielle. You know he use to work in a psych hospital? How typical.

songs about body art

2010-08-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

If this blog were to get a tattoo, this would totally be it:

When I first met my mother-in-law she asked me point blank if I had any tattoos or piercings. Despite the fact that I don't, I told her that I had a few hidden ones. I couldn't help myself.

I'm too wishy-washy to commit to a tattoo, but I sure love this one.

found via size too small

Team Man Skirt

2010-08-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

South African from the waist down by Coza Productions

When Erin throws a surprise Wiffle Ball Tourney for John's birthday and asks everyone to form teams and wear costumes, we assume she is serious. For some reason Team Man Skirt was the only one in uniform!

I heard this song called "South African from the Waist Down" and immediately thought of our team manager, Andrew. Even though he's the only one wearing a man skirt in South Africa, I thought the title couldn't be more perfect. Click through to watch the video and read the story behind the song-- it's so sweet!

I really need a new pair of sunglasses. Waka waka!

you cut me off mid-funk!

2010-08-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

Why this show got canceled after one season is beyond me. It just got better and better with each episode. Ahhhh.... the dancing kills me!

Hipster Christianity

2010-08-17T07:03:00.001-07:00

I took a class this summer on Social Construction which, in short, is the process of creating one's own meaning. We examined this theory in light of adult development and more specifically, the rejection and ownership of one's own culture and religion of origin. Gee wiz, and I thought I was the only one who laid awake at night worrying if the Christianity of My Youth could survive my late adolescence. I hate feeling cliche.

When I feel like a cliche I pout and then write an academic paper about it. This guy Brett McCracken laughed and then wrote a book about it!

Are you a Christian Hipster? Take the quiz to find out!

Summer swallowed us whole.

2010-08-16T21:18:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year when people start dreaming of fall and sweaters and some seasonal drink at Starbucks. Not me, my summer just started. I have a two week break between semesters and I am wringing it out for all it's worth.

I'm not wishing for snow but I think these techno ice-capped mountains are beautiful.

artwork by Kim Asendorf/ found via butdoestitfloat

2010-08-11T08:28:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Carrie for this guest post! I have been addicted to GREEK since I was waiting tables right out of school. I would come home after work and watch the episodes in my room on my laptop. Helped me hang on to college. Bone always laughs at how Rusty's eyeballs are perma wide.

Since this seems to be more relevant now, can someone tell me if this is Rusty??

Tender is the Night.

2010-08-11T06:04:00.000-07:00

I've noticed book sellers coming up with a lot of creative incentives for choosing their book. Why buy the ebook when you can have a designed book jacket by Coralie Brickford-Smith? These are definitely worth getting and storing on your bookshelf until you can move it to your dream library with a ladder. (Am I the only one with that Beauty and the Beast dream?)

In other news, "Tender is the Night" is my most favorite book title/string of words. I have always loved it. My copy was tattered and very 1970s looking, nothing like the above beauties. And you know what, I don't think it survived enough moves to make it on my current bookcase. There you go, case in point. Spend a bit more money for the copy you want to keep forever.

found via design*sponge

a dream inside a dream

2010-08-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

I have the most vivid and bizarre dreams. No matter how many hours of sleep I get I still wake up scared, confused or exhausted because my mind was churning all night. I have considered getting hypnotized to rid myself of these dreams. But then I think twice when I imagine the damage that might have on my creative process.

These chilling photographs look like they came straight out of a haunted dreamscape. I can just imagine an angsty Leo DiCap' perched on top of that sand.

Desert Indoors by Alvaro Sanchez-Montañes.

via burstoid

I'd like to see this Gap commercial

2010-08-09T17:09:00.001-07:00

Never would've pegged Roger Sterling as the hottie out of this crowd. See what I mean about eye candy?

photo credit/tomandlorenzo

whoababy.com

2010-08-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

I follow a lot of baby blogs but I have never seen anything like this. Parents, you want to pump up your web traffic? Teach your baby to do this. So incredible.

Mad about Everything Mad Men

2010-08-04T20:00:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of Mad Men. Thankfully neither can anyone else. NPR has been interviewing everyone from Matt Weiner to the guy who plays Lane Price to a real Ad Guy from the 1960s who wrote a book that Mad Men is supposedly based on. The book was out of print for years but came back recently due to its new relevance.

One truly awesome element of new media is the fact that all the Mad Men characters are tweeting through out the week. They are keeping the storyline alive during the work week between Sunday night episodes. It is brilliant. I mean, Don Draper's sad tweets about how lonely he was in his new apartment in the city kept me chomping at the bit for more all summer.

Check out the run down on all the Mad Twitter-ers in this great piece by The Baltimore Sun.

Check out the great fashion analysis and episode-by-episode commentary by TLo.

As if the characters and clothes weren't enough, I can't get enough of the mod furniture and art:

Everything is eye candy!

Winston Chmielinski

2010-08-04T16:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, if I could paint this is exactly what I would want to make. Colorful, half surreal, half real, totally creepy.

Check out Winston Chmielinski's website for more of his work. And if you aren't already, follow Booooom! in your GoogleReader. Love it.

someone has rad parents:

2010-08-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

It was too drizzly to stay at the beach this afternoon so Bone and I drove around a bit and looked at houses. I was thrilled silly to find this tree house trampoline somewhere around 88th street and landside. My parents forbid me from going on my neighbor's rusty old trampoline after I almost knocked my head off my neck when I was about 8. I never forgave them for it.

This is a fantasy and a concussion all rolled into one. I love it so much.

Two exciting things from Amazon:

2010-07-29T06:06:00.000-07:00

First thing:

Do you know that Amazon offers students a free Amazon Prime account? This means free 2 day shipping with every order! This makes Amazon my 2nd choice for getting text books (1st choice remains the school library and Half.com now slides down to 3rd). Since getting my free account I have been more likely to buy tween novels...

Second thing:

Amazon just announced new, smaller and lighter versions of the Kindle at cheaper prices. I think I want one. I know a conversation about the Kindle can't happen without a comparison to the iPad, but I think the iPad would just be a vortex of distraction for me. And I have enough of that already. I have a Kindle app on my phone and have enjoyed using it.

I need to think about this some more. Maybe my new Amazon Prime account makes buying eBooks a dumb idea? I can buy a used version for $3.00 + free shipping. Then I can give it away.

eBooks appeal to me because I've seen Wall-E but I also am a big fan of physical books and the library. But then again, buying used books also appeals to me (because I've seen Wall-E). But I don't think buying used books support the author at all? Gee wiz. Do you have a Kindle or iPad or an opinion on the topic?

TRUE LIFE: I wanna be a celebrity therapist!

2010-07-29T04:53:00.000-07:00

I've spent this summer working at a local Community Mental Health Clinic for my Practicum in Mental Health Counseling. If you've heard any of my stories about it you know it's been quite an experience. This past week two people have reminded me of something I think I must have tucked away in the folds of my unconscious: The Mayonnaise. (!)

Anyway, I've met a lot of characters. This includes a clinician I work closely with named James Taylor who has a long gray ponytail and moonlights as a Colonial Williamsburg reenactor. And this isn't even a client. The bulk of my experience has come from co-facilitating a "Women's Depression CBT Group". In this group we discuss everything from suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, job loss, jail time, PTSD, drug use and medication compliance. Sometimes it's a little overwhelming for old Rutha.

That's why I was glad when I sat down to discuss the group afterwards with Ami, a clinician and my co-facilitator, the discussion evolved from "How do you keep yourself from losing it with these people?" to Dr. Drew's work with the ladies on Teen Mom.

If clinical situations can be compared to an MTV reality show I might have a future in this field.

I was nearly giddy analyzing the life choices and relationships on Teen Mom with a real therapist. Her experience and clinical background brought a richness and complexity to the study of American teen culture...I love this show. Maybe I can count watching it with Perrin as Direct Hours...

Listen, this is a safe sex campaign, OK?

Cloudbrain is hiring in Norfolk!

2010-07-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

My brother's software and social media company, Cloudbrain, is expanding to MacArthur Mall in Norfolk. Cloudbrain's mission is to create revolution through networked social interaction. Cloudbrain builds “social media applications” – websites and programs that get better as more people use them.

Cloudbrain is lauching TidySongs into the retail world and is looking to hire some outstanding employees to help them do so. Here's a quick overview of the product:

If you are into the internet, music and all things viral you should check out the job posting on Cloudbrain.com.

Fashion + Family Planning

2010-07-26T17:11:00.001-07:00

If I had $100 for every time I was asked when I am having children, I'd already be living in the North End (or Pungo, depending on my mood). So when Alice surprised me with this little incentive, I couldn't help but tell her I'd think about it.

Aww! How can I not love this?

The funny thing is, this is not the first time a Curtin family member has used fashion to push their agenda on me. Dave once tried to convince me that the fastest way to go from slothfest to obsessive runner was buying myself a nice jogging outfit from a running magazine. I told him that 1) I don't want to run and 2) I am not motivated by fashion. But a year later I ran 2 miles with him. He told me my face was so red that I should probably walk for a while.

So, ladies with babies, what little trinket motivated you to plunge into maternity?

A Mayer Hawthorne Pool Party

2010-07-23T07:12:00.000-07:00

Sybil use to try to get me to listen to Mayer Hawthorne, but I think I just forgot. Too bad because looks like I've been missing out:

Why do I feel like I've been to this pool party? I think it stirs up memories of Neptune's Daughter, the Esther Williams movie my cousins and I watched on repeat with Baba. We could reenact if for you if you wanted, or wait... we have that on family video already.

I hope you watch that trailer in the link because it doesn't get much better than that. So, which video do you like more? Can you even choose??

so happy!

2010-07-21T07:28:00.001-07:00

I've been out of windshield wiper fluid all summer. I hope that when I drive off on 264 after tomorrow's oil change I get this sweet surprise.

by Helmut Smits via booooooom!

Hipstamatic

2010-07-19T19:12:00.000-07:00

We get cool, expensive phones so we can make-believe that they are cheap plastic cameras. I hope I remember to get my film developed!

Check out my new favorite app, Hipstamatic.

How stinking cute are my nieces Foo and Alyesia?

Renesmee is coming!!!

2010-07-18T21:20:00.001-07:00

Wow, what a freakshow! This book drove me bonkers but I can't wait to see it...

Sorry for all the vampire biznazz... I've gotten sucked into Youtube tonight...

SOOKIE'S MINE

2010-07-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

Another day, another vampire series. I was swamped with school work this past week which of course meant one thing: all I wanted to do was read the first Sookie Stackhouse novel, "Dead Until Dark". I have seen some of True Blood and was coaxed by Ann to check out the books. Well, I don't remember True Blood being as funny as the book.

And a shout out to my boy Seth Rogen:

(I love you Jason Segel, even though it took me 2 years and an interview with Terri Gross on Fresh Air to figure out who you are...)

So, are you reading any good vampire books that you want to recommend? I'm always looking for a new bandwagon to jump on.

Will the real Seth Rogen please stand up?

2010-07-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

You know those guys that make those movies? You know like Knocked Up and Pineapple Express and Forgetting Sarah Marshall and I love you man? Those guys. Well, I call them all Seth Rogen. Always have. Tommy has tried setting me straight, but our convos always go like this:

R: Oh man, Seth Rogen was hilarious in that movie we just saw.
T: That wasn't Seth Rogen.
R: WHAT? The guy with the curly hair?
T: Yeah, that wasn't him.
R: What? Than who was he?
T: I don't know but it wasn't Seth Rogen.
R: Ok... so what does Seth Rogen look like.
T: I don't know, he has curly hair... he was in Knocked Up.

And so it has gone on for two years. I could never figure out who Seth Rogen was, so he was everyone to me. I loved him so much, I always laughed at him. It wasn't until this past week when Tommy and I started watching Freaks and Geek that things became much clearer.

Ok, one of these guys is Jason Segel, one is James Franco and then there is the elusive and ever present Seth Rogen. Now can you tell me who's who?

WHO CARES!!! James Franco is such a babe! RIP Freaks and Geeks, you sure ruled.

guest post!

2010-07-06T11:17:00.001-07:00

I have been encouraged to update this website a lot, like daily. I have played that encouragement forward and asked for some guest commentary. Say "Hello" to my first guest! I hope to make her a regular spotlight on here. -Rutha

Vacation at the beach means a lot of good things. Lounging and laughing with toes in the sand. Quality time spent with old friends, telling and retelling funny stories. Getting tossed around by the rolling waves. Demonstrating that our cooking skills have, in fact, improved in the past few years. Finding the local hotspots (if you’re ever in Kitty Hawk, check out Jerome’s for a casual pub feel, Crow Bar for late night action).

All in all, a great weekend. But it wouldn’t be a vacation on the Atlantic Seaboard (and certainly not a road trip) if we didn’t stop at everyone’s favorite quick-service chicken restaurant: Chick-Fil-A.

Now, my mouth has been watering for the new Spicy chicken since I received an “exclusive invitation” to reserve one during the sandwich’s soft launch. Unfortunately, DC is a certifiable Chick-Fil-A desert. And, the Sabbath doesn’t help.

That said, I made one request of my road trip co-pilot: The Spicy. Long ago at the William and Mary MP, a good friend taught me to combine Ranch and Buffalo sauce to make the perfect sandwich. The Spicy sounded like it would perfectly meet my Chick-Fil-A expectations!

At 1:35 on Monday afternoon (several days later than I would have liked) we pulled in to a friendly Fredericksburg Chick-Fil-A. This place had TWO drive-throughs! TWO drive-throughs!

I had one minute of reservation at the counter. Like I said, I don’t get to Chick-Fil-A often, and what if the Spicy was a let-down. But, before I knew what was happening, my co-pilot took the reins ordered our sandwiches, fries and milkshakes (hey, we were still on vacation). When I asked for Ranch for the Spicy, I got a look from the cashier that made me think I was supposed to eat it plain. Uh-oh. The sauce is what sets Chick-Fil-A apart.*

All-in-all, my last-minute instinct had been right. It was good, but the original – with the limitless sauce combinations is great. Maybe perfect.

So here’s to next year’s vacation. One year older, and certainly one year wiser.

* After much thought, I think the Spicy might be a ploy to limit sauce distribution.

-corinne

2010-07-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

You would think I'd be setting myself up for disappointment by calling my best day of the year before it happens, but Fourth of July never fails. Check out the cake Corinne and I made to celebrate! The day including a beach party, a dinner party and an after party at the rooftop Crowbar complete with fireworks and dancing. Tommy surprised many with his singing and dancing, but not me.

Are you impressed by our cake?? We were practically peeing on ourselves with excitement when we dramatically sliced into it for the big reveal. I'm sure you can imagine.

introducing carter mccall strickland!

2010-07-01T18:29:00.000-07:00

Meet my new niece! Check out photographer Sarah Cramer's pictures of Daniel and Lindsey's newest addition, baby Carter.

dark clouds/rays of sun/more please

2010-07-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

I'm packing, cleaning, baking and waiting for Tommy to get back from the office so we can leave for our vaycay. I thought I could take a few minutes to continue imagining certain paintings as a necessary part of the therapeutic process.

Black clouds, rays of sunlight? Let's slip some hope into the darkness.

Again, thanks to boooom! for exposing me to Sebastian Vallejo.

hellz yeah

2010-06-30T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm leaving for the Outer Banks tomorrow and I'm soooooo happy about it. I hope everyone enjoys their ID4 as much as I will!

from Veeb to shining Veeb

2010-06-30T20:09:00.000-07:00

VB is a pretty diverse place, when examined from the right point of view.

For example, last night friends gathered from all corners of 264: Hilltop, Newtown Rd, Birdneck Acres, Alanton, the North End and Granby St at a lone shopping center off Holland Rd.

All Around Pizza is full of Kempsville Charm, creamy cinder block walls, white linoleum floor and two coolers full of an impressively cheap and broad beer list. I don't see why Bone and I are getting crap for dreaming of raising our family in the Wide Open Spaces of Suburban Pungo when these people will travel all the way to Holland Rd to get some spicy pizza and a $1.50 BBL?

true love with find you in the end

2010-06-28T20:49:00.000-07:00

I love what they do with the mini projected movie in this video.

The more times I watch this video the more I love it. It reminds me of a movie I saw a few weeks ago called "Timer". Has anyone else seen it?

I really liked it, but Tommy didn't... and he loves all movies so that says something. It's cute and a tiny bit dopey just like any respectable rom-com should be.

Click through to watch the trailer.

the therapeutic setting

2010-06-25T06:19:00.000-07:00

I spend more time looking for artwork to hang in my future office than beefing up my resume to get that imagined office.

There's a lot of literature to be read on different ideas of what makes the most therapeutic setting. For example, creating a safe and comfortable place for people who are dealing with trauma. There are opinions about having paintings of nature that don't show people and maybe a little plug-in waterfall. I like these face paintings. Sure they show human emotion, but... isn't that why we'd be there anyway?

Click to enter Anders Oinonen's website and view more of his rad paintings.

And I'll proudly stand up next to her

2010-06-24T17:30:00.000-07:00

In my lifetime there are only been a handful of times that I was really "allowed" to say "I'm proud to be an American": the Persian Gulf, September 11th, Obama's Inauguration and this futbol goal.

I'm just so happy that it happened a week and a half from my fav holiday, 4th of July. I can't wait to wear my stars and stripes bikini!

i h e A R T

2010-06-24T12:22:00.000-07:00

I strongly believe that nothing gives life to a room like colorful and surprising artwork. Here's some paintings by Alejandra Knoll that I would love to hang in my fantasy home or office.

found via booooooom!

I love team spirit.

2010-06-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Wow, I wish I were at this party. Aren't the colors in this video gorgeous? I especially love that thing in Shakira's hair. The song title reminds me a bit of Fozzie Bear...wocka wocka wocka!

Errr Sure's got the beat

2010-06-18T12:17:00.000-07:00

Man! It has been a long 5 years since the summer of 2005 when Usher and his abs dominated the charts and my mind. I have often stopped short in my tracks over the past few years and wondered: "Um, Where is Usher?"

Well, he's back! The world is right once more.

Ok, so today is June 18th and Usher already has two hits: 1) OMG and 2) Someone to Love. How many hits do you want to guess he'll have before the summer's up? Four? Six?? Hot damn, a girl can dream.

Not only is Usher back with the hits, but he's also brought us The Bieb. So thank you, Usher Raymond, for discovering Justin Bieber on Youtube. I mean, who hasn't belted out all of Usher's singles? How come Justin got so lucky?

Before:

After:

Oh, and while we're at it:

This is gonna be a good summer.

crap, I missed "Bloomsday"...

2010-06-17T12:09:00.001-07:00

Have you ever read "Ulysses" by James Joyce? Wow, it is an incredible, daunting, confusing and inspiring book. I took an entire seminar dedicated to reading and digesting this piece of literature. I love it. Joyce's novel takes place in a single day and loosely follows the structure of The Odyssey (as far as I can explain it).

June 16, the day the novel takes place, is traditionally celebrated as "Bloomsday". In honor of the day, authors of the graphic novel "Ulysses Seen" wanted it released as a free iPad app, as Apple had agreed. Well there was a censorship issue about some nude cartoons and the comic got edited. This caused an uproar, but really, this is the kinda controversy Ulysses was made for.

My point is that you have to check out the comic. It is gorgeous and painstakingly detailed. I really want to have a copy so I can actually wrap my mind around the book. But I'm afraid it only exists in an online format.

You know, I am continually inspired by obsessive and creative people. I just can't get over the fact that someone has taken the time to complete this project. Good for them!

more like sea NICE!

2010-06-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

Last week I wrote a letter to Greg who is currently in Naval Officer training. This is his first big step in becoming a Naval Pilot. In my letter I gave him some bullet point updates on my life this summer:

-I'm afraid of the sun.
-I'm busy doing my Practicum in Community Mental Health, which is a saucer-eyed experience to say the least...
-I've become a surfer.

If anyone would read that last statement and not doubt me or laugh at me, it would be Greg. Actually, I know for a fact that Greg would say something very fatherly such as,

"Well Ruthie, I knew you had it in you! You're making me proud."

Thanks Greg. Tonight (at roughly 10:25pm when Oceana sends out their fleet for late night practice over VB) I will salute you.

(I read this Vogue Editorial with Blake Lively ironically while I was sitting in the waiting room at the dermatologist. This little tshirt-bikini bottom combo really stuck with me. If Blake can surf and wear SPF 100, so can I. Except I would never wear Merino wool in the ocean. That sounds just as bad as when I got sea lice stuck in my one piece in the 5th grade. Yeah, "sea lice" are just as horrific as they sound.)

Oh, one more thing. If you are a lady and want to go surfing with me, let's go. Yes, it is intimidating and yes, the lifeguards are judging you. But I had forgotten how much fun it is to actually play in the ocean.

a great moment on my twitter thingy:

2010-06-16T18:22:00.000-07:00

1) click to enlarge
2) read to from bottom to top
3) understand that this round robin went on for a few pages, but I don't have enough hands (or right-click option) to capture the entire convo in a single screen shot.

BTW, Twitter has just gotten so much better since @cbadanes started to chime in a couple times a work day.

babies, puppies and polaroids.

2010-06-10T06:58:00.001-07:00

Foo and Bobito

Addie and I

Just a couple of freaks at Tyler's wedding

Check out my new favorite iPhone App creatively titled "Shakeit". Turns a regular photo phone pic into a polaroid. And the world questions once more why they shut down that instant film factory.

I love this song.

2010-06-10T06:43:00.000-07:00

I've loved this song, "The Curse" by Josh Ritter, since the first time I heard it. I just discovered this music video made by his drummer Liam Hurley who is also a puppeteer.

The Hunger Games

2010-06-08T19:19:00.002-07:00

Do you know anything about obsessions? The Weigleins do.

Memorial Day Weekend was plain awesome. We went to Jacksonville, FL to celebrate Davis and Kelly's wedding. We also shacked up 9 deep in a hotel suite on this great resort. We were fed watermelon poolside by tennis shoe wearing attendants. Pregnant Noof wore a maternity bathing suit. I had a great time with some of my favorite people.

But I was distracted. Every chance I got a stole off by myself to read this book:

Tommy read the first 2 books in the Hunger Games series in two days. He ran to Borders (literally, remember we live next door to it) to buy the third, only to find it doesn't come out till August. Ahh!

To pass the time I am looking up trailers for the upcoming movie. By the looks of the comments, these videos are fan-made. WHAT? I love how crazed people are already! I haven't seen this kind of dedication since my freshman roommate wrote her own Harry Potter novel where Hermine and Snape were secret lovers and had a child together.

Wow... in watching this again I realize that it is a bunch of shots from other movies spliced together. Did I not see a bloody Bella and Edward in there? Oh man oh man, even better baby.

So, have you read it?

Academia and Modernity

2010-06-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

Man, all my professors love Incorporating Youtube in The Classroom. Well, done and done. I have to do a presentation in my Social and Cultural Issues in Counseling and Education class next week on Latin Americans. Can't wait to open the discussion on discomfort and stereotypes with this clip.

Are we still coming of age?

2010-06-04T05:59:00.000-07:00

Like students of literature, counseling students are taught to pick up on themes. During my first week at my practicum I heard multiple young adult clients says that they felt that somehow along the way, everyone else grew up and they got left behind. Two different clients in their early 20s said they still feel 14 or 15. "I don't know how to act, I don't know how to be an adult" they both said in different sessions.

Well, sure. Welcome to your twenties. Haven't we all felt something along those lines at some point?

I loved that line from my friend Will's poem the first time I heard it. It has become a question that I ask myself over and over again when I'm feeling inadequate: Am I still coming of age?

I use to think that being an adult was as simple as wearing a watch. That the watch itself was a signal you gave the rest of the adults that you were grown up, that you didn't keep time by a cell phone or Tamagatchi. I use to worry that I could never have children because I didn't know what to teach them to believe. But I was, and am, still coming of age: in my faith, in my identity, in my steadfastness.

It's cool though, I love youth and I love maturity. I will continue to teeter between the two until I quit getting carded. Or until my clients quit asking me, "How old are YOU? You better say older than 25." Aye dios...

video via booooooom

2010-06-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

I pledged to myself that I wouldn't worship the sun until after I had my first dermatologist appointment. This is a tough promise to keep since the other pledge I had made was to go to the beach every day. Well, that dermatologist yanked a handful of moles off of me last week and I have been whimpering ever since. For someone who placed her dream home on the sandy land, this experience has made the thought of moving to the New Suburbia of Pungo all the more appealing.

In other news, I'm looking for a poster to put on my laundry room door. I like this one by TheBigHarumph, although its not nearly as large as I would like it.

B E L I E V E

2010-05-19T19:08:00.000-07:00

dem bones, dem bones, dem dry NEPHILIM BONES!

The Dreamer and The Consultant

2010-05-18T20:14:00.000-07:00

I never realized how much of a dreamer I was/am until I married The Bone. I love playing this game I made up called "Vision Casting". It involves making grand declarations about the future. This causes tension in my marriage. It wasn't until recently that Tommy explained that, as a former consultant, the term "vision" invoked painful memories of him being tasked to fulfill clients' lofty and ill-thought out plans. So, in an effort to preserve our future, I changed the name of the game to "Salvation Oracles" which is a different (and yet identical) game that I also like to play.

Lucky (or so I think) for Tommy, he now plays a major role in my dreams. Such as:

Having twins with alliterative names
Living in Ghent
Living in the North End
Riding "The Tide" Light Rail from Hilltop to ODU
Living in Italy
Having my own office with bookshelves

As you can see, I have lots of dreams. Thanks to Carrie for helping me remember an oldie but a goodie, my ultimate end of life dream:

"For anyone who's ever wished they could experience the joy and comfort of being eaten by a stuffed shark, one designer has created a menacing-looking sleeping bag that will make short work of the sandman. Dubbed the ChumBuddy, the 7 foot long stuffed killing-machine is sure to delight all who become ensnared in the shark's plush, gapping mouth, or who nestle in its soft, fleece bowels."

A Shark-Attack Sleeping Bag. Brilliant.

I like your beard.

2010-05-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

My fav radio station, Hot 100.5 helps me feel hip by only playing 10 songs. I know them all by heart! The sad thing is that they play one of those 10 songs every 3rd song. *Cough "Rude Boy"* I love when I can time it so that my commute includes this one by Ke$ha at least once. It makes highway driving feel more like flying. I mean, if I'm in the HOV lane at the 64/264 Interchange.

Other reasons I like this song:

1) it looks like a mashup trends I have learned of on the fashion blogs I follow, even down to that wacky tiger mask and the animation.

2) Ke$ha is straight silly.

3) I love that glow in the dark trippy outfit.

What's your favorite song on the Hot 100.5 playlist?

big questions for a big world

2010-05-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

So, you know this story, right? An engineer at Apple goes out to celebrate his 27th birthday, happens to have too much fun and leaves the super secret model of the new iPhone that he was test-driving in the field on a bar stool. Next thing you know it's been sold for $5,000 to the guys at the tech blog, gizmodo.com. Apple finds out, writes a letter demanding the return of the secret phone and gizmodo gives it back.

A few days later, the police raid the blogger's house and confiscate all of his computers and equipment.

So, the question I've been turning over in my brain for the past few weeks is this:

If the new iPhone has a ceramic back then are iPhone cases a thing of the past? Because Tommy and I are those suckers who have spent cash money trying to find the right case. There are so many options!

I have often thought about how Apple created a market for iPhone cases by making the iPhone so pretty and yet so vulnerable (read: expensive to replace) at the same time. Those nerds on Etsy have jumped all over the opportunity.

I am a sucker!

eenie meenie minie HELLO SUMMAH!

2010-05-04T08:55:00.000-07:00

Well, I just emailed in my last exam and it's been 87 degrees in my apartment all week. Summer, welcome back. I'm gonna let this song set the tone for the season.

You better believe that I will be going to a bunch of MTV Middle School parties like this one this summer. Rocking the entire dELiA*s catalog. So, scrub your white platform flipflops with bleach and let's hit the beach.

Tender Beloved:

2010-03-30T18:39:00.001-07:00

Beth Moore is coming live via hologram to Spring Branch on April 24! I am all signed up and excited to be inspired. She is giving a one day conference entitled, "So Long, Insecurity!" Oh boy oh boy. Let me know if you want to come with me! Check it out.

Chatroulette + GAGA's telephone= freaky deakies need love too!

2010-03-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

I'm not gonna lie, I found this by checking out a Trending Topic retweeted twat by Perez Hilton. Does the fact that I discovered Chatroulette through NPR make me a total square?

I am too terrified to ever go on that website.

*** Also, someone please confirm. Is the first guy partner shown RUSTY CARTWRIGHT from ABC Family's "GREEK"??

the photos that launched a thousand emails

2010-03-26T06:38:00.001-07:00

Noof and Noel's wedding, August 1, 2009

I told Noof that I felt it was ironic that in the time it took her photographer to email her some pro pics of her wedding she and Noel defied BC and created new life. Noof told me she took it one step further and actually told the photag: "You know in the time it took you to finish these pics I grew a baby in my belly that's the size of a plum????"

Booyah. Great wedding, great couple. Can't wait to meet BabyPac!

Susie Salmon, KFC and Jofan

2010-03-21T19:30:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week:

Ruthie: I'm getting freaked out about taking Bobito out back to pee. He keeps finding these tiny chicken bones that he gobbles up before I can yank them out of his mouth. Visions of tiny x-rays and giant vet bills dance in my head.

Tommy: For real, it's sick. I have a theory about where all those chicken bones are coming from.

Ruthie: I do too! I think our neighbors eat chicken and toss the bones out of that hole they made in their window screen where they smoke through at night.

Tommy: Interesting... I think that the seagulls dig the bones out of the KFC dumpster and then sit on top of our roof chewing on them. I think they drop the bones in the gutter where they get flushed out to the grass when it rains.

Ruthie: Blah, you win.

Seriously though, so sick. After I'm done freaking out that the bones are gonna get stuck in Bobito's collapsing trachea, I start freaking out all over again that Bobito has found Susie Salmon's remains.

Isn't it wierd to think about seagulls sucking on chicken bones? Which makes me think about the book I'm trying to read, Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer. I mean, I love Jofan and will read anything he writes. But historically my two favorite foods are pot roast and bacon. Maybe even bacon-wrapped pot roast. I'm not planning to convert to vegetarianism.

But his opening argument has already got me squirming. He questions why we (Americans) are horrified at the thought of eating dogs. Why are dogs off limits but cows and chicken bones are a-ok? Don't look at me, I can't read past that paragraph for fear of what comes next.

While walking Bobito near the a fore mentioned KFC the other day this freak leaned out of his car and snarled at me, "I'm gonna eat your dog!". And my life came full circle once again.

this'll put color in your cheeks

2010-03-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

I've never really read Blue Like Jazz but I know it argues that you can fall in love with something just by watching someone else love it. If nothing else, I can rest assured knowing my legacy was to fill my friends' iPods with John Darnielle's ghosts.

Check out the concert. Thanks for sending, Greg.

well, well, well...

2010-03-16T21:31:00.001-07:00

Vienna, old Rutha is proud. Soak up the US Weekly cover stories while you can.

CBT or What Lies at the End of the Brussel's Metro Line

2010-03-16T20:15:00.000-07:00

In school we talk a lot about different theories of counseling and how, as a future professional therapists, it is important to align yourself to the theory that best suits your beliefs and style. This helps ground and guide you to be consistent in your practices.

Thus far in my education (half way done, baby!) I see myself gravitating toward Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The gist of which is that you have to change your thoughts in order to change your actions. Think forcing yourself to be hopeful about your day in order to get out of bed. Think putting yourself on a regular routine in order to avoid being stagnant. If you go to SBCC, think Henry Cloud.

Since I am exhaustively introspective, I have been thinking a lot about my life, my past, my future and my decisions. I have been thinking a lot about how I spend my time. I have been thinking about the summer I spent in Brussels.

Brussels kinda represents for a me a moment that I realized I could turn the old ship of my life in any damn direction I wanted. I had studied abroad through W&M in Italy the summer before and wanted so badly to return to Europa the next summer. So I figured out a way to do it and I did. While I was in Brussels I realized, hey, moving somewhere after college could be the same way. I could go anywhere. And one week while helping lead a service project at the very end of the Brussels Metro Line, I found that place.

It was the tiniest little town. Looked just like Busch Gardens, all Fest Haus-inspired. It was incredibly quaint and quiet. And it was a cobblestone walk to the metro station. I could totally isolate myself and be a train ride away from civilization. I could be distraction-free to write all the novels that I had stored away in my heart. It was totally possible.

I came home from that summer with a whole new attitude. I embraced my family and the Strickland Compound (aka Harbour Point) like every moment we shared and every conversation we had would be our last. I was secretly moving to Europe after I graduated. And besides, family is great fodder for fiction.

So,I stuck around after dinner at my Grandma's and talked to her for hours. I became friends with Aunt Sharon and Titi Teta. Most importantly, I became friends with Ana. Who knew when I would see these people again?

Well, my senior year started and moving to Europe became moving Seattle or NYC. It was becoming more and more possible. My senior year ended and moving became getting married. And living in Hilltop. But I was still turning my ship. I was just a little shocked to see where it landed.

I think about my decisions a lot. Other people quiz me on them. I mentally kick them in the shins. But one thing is becoming more and more clear to me: I am so happy I decided to change my mind about my family. I am a different person because of that decision. Ana is my kindred spirit. I spend hours with Baba discussing Tommy and I's family planning. We sit and play Chinese Checkers forevvvvver. I am learning more about who I am because of them. And most importantly, Tommy and I are supported on every side.

Life is funny. Make a plan to get out of bed. Better yet, go to pilates.

Jewel, this is for you. Curtain.

Is doppleganger week over yet?

2010-02-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

If I had $500 for every time someone told me I look like "that annoying girl on the Bachelor" I would have about $4,000 by now.

Someone cut a sister some slack and tell her what she really wants to hear:
"Ruthie you look like that freak-a-leak with the red stuff on her face!"

Bingo.

say hello to DON DRAAAAAPERRRR!

2010-02-16T20:10:00.000-08:00

Don Draper, 30 Rock suits you. And so does Lesbian Citrus Fruit.

LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Yeah, I'd do this on Wii Fit

2010-02-16T19:57:00.000-08:00

Snowboard Cross. Nutso.

Go USA!

look what I found!

2010-02-10T19:34:00.000-08:00

Artifacts from a Delightful Evening. I had almost forgotten this night. Great earrings, Katie.

I love this sun.

2010-02-10T18:59:00.000-08:00

I can't wait until I'm someone's boss. And when that day comes, I will remember how this kind sun fed his employees breakfast and how his employees twirled around him in response.

Also, someone left a comment on this youtube video that said "Does anyone relate Jimmy Dean with obesity in this commercial?"

HAHAHA

Ok, who wants to work for me? By the way, I run a cupcake bakery.

Contempo Fiction Fanatic!

2010-02-08T14:30:00.000-08:00

This book jump-started my fiction frenzy. It is incredible. It is tender, well-crafted and most importantly- HILARIOUS. Jonathan Tropper writes a sentence of plot progression like a finely arranged line of poetry. Every word is perfectly chosen. Metaphors are short, inventive and well-packed. I borrowed the book and don't have it in front of me to offer an example, so go check it out. But listen, there are themes of adultery and a fair share of crassness (is that word?), if that sort of thing bugs you.

Remember Julie & Julia? Well, this is not that book or movie. Premise: The New American Dream turns sour when secretary turned blogger turned author of bestselling book turned movie lets fame and success get the best of her. Begins cheating on her husband, and as any narcissistic blogger must do, she capalizes on the juicy details to write her book. Also becomes a butcher in order to drag out a grotesque metaphor comparing slicing animal meat to severing the One Flesh bond of marriage. Not only is it a painful subject matter, but Julie insults me by spelling out the same illustrations in each paragraph. Get on with it already! I had to read Nicholas Sparks to detox from this book.

After seeing so many commercials for this movie the past few months I knew I had to read it. I was craving that experience of a Nick Sparks paperback--- getting sucked in, staying up all night reading it only to be crushed at the end. This book was truly what the doctor ordered. Ah, the highs and the lows of young love. Typical Nick Sparks themes, I won't even mention them. Tbone read this entire book in one snowy day. We'll see the movie when he gets back from The Nics.

I admire Elizabeth Gilbert for the way she harnesses her anxiety into curiosity, research and travel. But her anxiety makes me anxious. Regardless of the book's title, this book taught me that love is all about feeling good, not sacrifice or choosing someone over yourself. Sigh. I would rather read about someone who has learned to make sacrificing for those she loves feel good.

Well, I gave up on my mother and sister and walked to Borders in the snow to buy my own copy. Great decision, Rutha. I cried for Constantine and Skeeter's autographed copy. Don't you love to love characters? Noof, I'm bringing my copy to you on Friday.

A good friend of mine recently told me she has never had the experience of staying up all night finishing a book and then aching when it was over. I ache for her.

What should I read next?

2010-02-08T10:45:00.000-08:00

And always, there was the magic of learning things.

-A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

I am so thankful to be in graduate school!

2010-02-01T13:56:00.000-08:00

Like any reasonable and spendthrift young couple, we often threaten to cancel our cable. This great discovery is only making that ugly proposal more of a reality: The Netflix Streaming Roku Device. We pay $8.99 a month for the one DVD at a time Netflix subscription. This comes with access to Netflix On Demand. For an extra $70 I bought Tommy this tiny box for Christmas. It allows us to watch entire seasons of 30 Rock, Weeds, Tudors, and tons of movies. Therefore we don't leave the house. Rather, we moved our guest bed mattress to the living room floor. We've stopped sleeping in our room.